“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”
Psalm 115:1 ESV
Welcoming a new day as February winds down, knowing March is just around the corner (and has now arrived). We are expecting upper 70’s today with a warm week ahead, but many are no doubt still in the grips of winter. We wish not to boast by mentioning temps and showing hints of spring, but hopefully these are signs and encouragements to all of us that the thaw has always come and will come again!
After more than 3 months, I made my way into the wildlife park/bird trail for a one mile walk. The landscape in this view is definitely one that says “winter”, yet the clouds and sky seem to say “spring”. As bare as things might look on the surface, a close examination revealed new beginnings all along the way. It was nice to be back out there again, especially on this 70 degree day!
Speaking of new beginnings, the candy corn spirea popped out brightly almost overnight. I forgot that it takes on the colors of autumn in the spring and fall. Candy corn is a fitting name!
Our Japanese magnolia (tulip tree) doesn’t show much from a distance except of how it has looked all winter. But eye-to-eye, a few inches from the tree brings on a different story. This was Wednesday. I think by the time of this post it will be very adorned with open blooms. I had never realized how much it looks like velvet!
Left behind? Hundreds of robins graced the yard daily in the week before, but suddenly all vanished. I imagine it was caused by the brief, but very cold snap that hit last Sunday. However, one loner chose to stay with us this past week and often ventured close to where other birds (doves, cardinals, wrens) were feeding on wild bird seed. He observed the others, but did not join them.
The nutcracker was thought to be guardian and protector and had a bright future near our summer garden. But this was the final straw. Because he is well liked by the grands, he might survive a little longer, but he must be reassigned! I removed my camera since there is now enough evidence that he is not cut out for this job.
Just seeing this triggered me into thinking about blueberry cobbler. If what I see already on our bushes is any indication, it should be another good season for blueberries. I know harvest is quite far off, but I used the excuse of needing to make room for fresh berries to suggest those left in the freezer need to be placed in a cobbler right away.
The Lady Banks rose thins but maintains some leaves all winter. A close exam however, shows new growth is abundant. Glad to see this as the Lady Banks covers our arbor and can be quite a show of yellow, usually by early April. Strange weather can certainly alter the norm!
A strange photo that needs explanation. After taking photos of a sunrise, I returned to the patio but looked up to see a flock of birds flying in a “V” formation. Not looking like geese or ducks I grabbed the long lens and attempted to zoom in and focus so maybe I could identify later. They were quite a distance away and I struggled to get them in view and focus. I saw 2 large, close by, out of focus birds pass across the viewfinder and was only able to take one photo. I kept trying to focus again with no success. I did look away once to see what appeared to be an eagle through the trees flying away at a distance. When I checked later, a large out of focus bird was in the middle of my only photo. Any guesses as to the identity of the big bird? I think I know, but I am still not sure about the flock!
Getting behind and under things like chairs and tables and peeping from the hideout with a smile was something Daniel’s daddy did often, about 39 years ago. We had such a sweet time with Daniel last week. He reminded us so much of his daddy, we had to dig out those 35-40 year old photos and videos (movies I guess they were called)!
Let the games begin! I understand the Olympics have concluded but the spring nesting games have definitely begun. Geese mate for life, and with not another goose anywhere in sight, I’d say these two are an item!
I normally do not take photos through my truck windshield while in the pharmacy drive-thru line. But in keeping with my thoughts that “the nesting games have begun”, I just had to do it. There are several nests currently being built among the pharmacy sign letters. I determined that waiting in this line would be a good place to get my already soiled windshield somewhat more soiled…if you know what I mean!
This is the first alligator I’ve ever seen in our county. Those eyes, peering just above the water, were looking me over. Alright I know, I still haven’t seen a real alligator in our county but it was fun pretending for a brief moment. I did zoom in for this photo, but from a distance I did honestly do a double take when I first saw this through some brush!
I believe this egret was at the same spot last fall when I passed here. Maybe it is the same one? Most of them fly away the second I pause my walk, but not this guy. Kinda wintry looking where he is standing, but on this nice day he is only interested in going fishing!
It has been relatively dry, but after 2 inches of rain the previous night, some areas were back to a more normal water level, even a bit high. This looks sort of “yucky” but there are new beginnings floating here. This shallow area along the lake’s edge is always home to water hyacinths, one of the prettiest of blooms. Don’t judge a book by its cover would apply!
Our cottage garden daffodils are now all in full display. The sun was behind this bloom and I thought the petals were glowing like they created their own light. A solar powered daffodil!
We have experienced some gorgeous, breathtaking evening skies over the past few days as February, 2026 is now history. Happy March and welcome meteorological spring!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 ESV
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
First and last photos are especially magnificent!
Thank you Ruthie. Hope you have a blessed first day of March and a good week!
Butch and Pam
Happy meteorological spring, indeed! You almost had me fooled with the alligator. 😉
Thank you Rita. Honestly looking through limbs the “alligator “ got me at first. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Daniel is so cute. Do I spy red hair like his great grandpa and sister, EK? The large bird in the other picture looks like an eagle. We saw one last week catch a medium size bass from our neighbor’s large pond. I’m not sure what type of birds are flying in th V formation. They almost look like some type of night hawk.Happy March 1st. Spring is here already in SE Texas.
Thank you Rachel. Yes, you do spy red hair. I think the bird that streaked across my view was definitely an eagle but I’m still undecided about the others. More cold will come but this week here looks very much like spring. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
That is the cutest picture of Daniel! He’s just all smiles! I’m enjoying the daffodils blooming and our tulip magnolia buds looks like dark purple velvet against a blue sky. I’m hoping we are done with freezing weather so it doesn’t harm the blooms. Your walk produced some great pics! That log does look just like an alligator! I had to do a double take! The candy corn spirea is ablaze with color. The blurry bird does look like an eagle. Enjoy your day. It was quite nice yesterday here, around 77 degrees! Today will be the upper 60’s still so no complaints here! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. We enjoyed almost 80 today and it surely was nice. It’s a bit early to think we won’t have more cold but we are closer to that day with every passing nice day. I was hoping I wasn’t losing it, thinking at first I was seeing an alligator. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
So glad to see you are walking the old paths to the Tune of a mile! That early morning sky picture is wonderful. And the earth is waking up per your findings. And I know my part of the earth will be right behind you as the tips of the tulips have broken through this hard packed earth. But my favorite picture is the one of Daniel playing under the stool. What a precious little boy. HAPPY MARCH❣️
Thank you Alice. Daniel is such fun and brings back memories for us in the ways he does things like his daddy did. Things are waking up and the pace may pick up as I see we have a warm week ahead with some days in the low 80’s down the line. Too warm really, gives us thoughts of tornadoes. Have a blessed week.
Butch and Pam
Good Morning. Happy Sunday. Ohhhhh that tree limb in the water did look like an alligator peering above the water. You are so lucky to see spring starting. We have a few more months before that will happen here. So happy to see March begin. Little Daniel is adorable. Have a beautiful week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. Wish we could fan the warm air your direction, be glad to share it with you. I’m glad to be hearing from folks that I wasn’t the only one who thought that log sort of looked like a gator. Or maybe everyone is just being nice, not wanting to hurt my feelings or my imagination. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Your beautiful and fun photos are always such a treat! Enjoyed your photos and learning you are walking a mile, that’s marvelous! We’ve been having rain and discovered tulips popping up in the front yard, where they have sunshine most of the day and the heat from the bricks on the house…we were delighted!!
May you and your sweet family enjoy more Spring filled adventures this week…thanks for sharing all the joy!
Thank you Sue. We notice how rock walls or brick on the house absorbs heat and the ground temp nearby must be a little warmer as things pop out a bit sooner in those areas. We know the tulips greeting you are a welcome sight. We had hoped to view the lunar eclipse Tuesday morning but predictions are for clouds. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I so look forward to your Sunday post. You have different flowers and trees, that I would never see if you did not share them.
Spring is such a beautiful tome as all comes back to life.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Nonie. Glad you enjoy the different things that don’t grow where you are but you have so many beautiful plants and trees in your area that we don’t have. Every place has its unique beauty, surrounded by our wonderful creation. We wish you a pleasant first week of March!
Butch and Pam
Your nature images are a gentle reminder that Mother Nature is beginning to wake up! Your grandson is such a sweet one! Best Sunday wishes!
Thank you Mary. Some things are yawning and trying to wake while others seem to leap out just daring winter to return. Hope you’ve had a good Sunday and have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I can’t believe I am actually getting here to your beautiful post a lot quicker than usual! It is such a joy to visit with you and read about your lives. Little Daniel is SO precious! All four of your grands are. God has blessed you! It must be a sweet feeling to think of Daniel doing things his Daddy did 39 years ago. Wow! May God continue to bless you and your family!
Thank you Cheryl. We could never have imagined that grandchildren could bring such joy. And it is such a precious thing to kind of get to relive memories that you thought were so far away but kinda come back through grandchildren. Have a pleasant first week of March!
Butch and Pam
Three cheers on your walk! Doesn’t it feel good, especially the first time to go farther than before and still feel good about it! Cheers! And Daniel is a darling!
Thank you Jeanie. It sure does feel good to get out there and to challenge myself to go a little further. Daniel is such fun but is hard for us to keep up with. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
That is the cutest photo of Daniel smiling behind the stool! Love the flora and fauna, I thought for a minute the log was an alligator too. Happy Sunday ♥
Thank you Mary. So glad you saw the alligator, keeps me and Pam from thinking I’ve lost it. Daniel does a lot of smiling these days. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful Spring photos are a delight Butch…and so glad you are venturing out a little further each day. Soon you will be back to your old walking habits and I say jolly for you. I can see why one would think of alligator when viewing through the trees. But from one who lives among the alligators in Florida, and who has peered at almost every creature and limb at almost every angle, we learn to know what isn’t and what is. LOL. I can remember a dusky evening when visiting relatives screamed ALLIGATOR IN YOUR POOL…only to find a very large Royal Palm Frond casting dark shadows at the pool bottom….so I had to smile at your photo entry. Have a great and wonderful week…warmer weather is on the way…they say. 🥰🙏🏻
Thank you Kari. Love your alligator/pool story. We do have a few gators in north Alabama but I think most are seen in the Tennessee Valley area south of Huntsville and a few river systems west of us. They are slowly moving north. I’m glad a real gator person can see why I might think of an alligator. That makes me feel better about it. We hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Oh my, so many signs of Spring are emerging! Thank you for sharing all the new beginnings. When I saw Daniel’s sweet face, it just made me smile. Aren’t little ones the best in bringing such joy? Have a wonderful week exploring and hopefully eating some blueberry cobbler.
P. S. I thought that really was an alligator!
Thank you Kitty. The little ones are all so different but all do bring such joy. I’ve gained a few pounds while not being able to be active so I’m hearing I cannot have any cobbler until possibly my birthday, and that’s in April. I guess I’ll work to lose 5 pounds and then enjoy some cobbler. And thanks for another imagined gator verification. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Happy March,dear friends! Daniel is adorable! Gorgeous photos. Have a lovely week ahead.
Thank you Maristella and happy March to you. Daniel is a joy and sure bringing back a lot of memories for us. We wish for you a lovely week as well!
Butch and Pam
I thought for sure that was an alligator! I enjoyed your signs of spring.
The egret reminds me of my sister’s egret. She has one come to visit her back pond every day. Year after year!
Your sunsets are incredible. God loves to paint!
Enjoy this new week.
Thank you Nancy. God’s painting can certainly be breathtaking, nothing can compare. Animals are creatures of habit and I see an egret in that spot all the time, figured it could very well be the same one. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Happy March Butch and Pam! You cannot give up on that nutcracker, he is attaining celebrity status! Who knew he had such a magnetic personality! Daniel is just precious with that big smile, what a happy little guy. Are you sure that wasn’t an alligator?!? Nesting is starting here too. We have 4 ducks that only show up to nest, then disappear every year. Butch, you are doing SO great. Your surgery timing was great. I was at my ortho last week, he is a big strapping ex-football player in his 50s. He had a knee replacement and an 8.5 hour back surgery himself. I guess we are all being held together by nuts and bolts! Total lunar eclipse on March 3 (between 6-7 am EST here), so get your camera ready!
Thank you Roxanne. The nutcracker is now in the bucket of my John Deere tractor awaiting a final decision on reassignment. I am seeing that it may be cloudy here tonight and in the morning hours tomorrow. We can only rise and check to see, they don’t always get the forecast exactly right. I don’t guess there’s a perfect time to have nuts and bolts installed but I didn’t want it during the holidays and I hoped to be at least partially recovered by spring mowing and gardening. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I love the sunset Butch & how lovely that Spring has finally sprung there. Autumn has now begun here & we all sigh a sigh of relief. As I write this it’s raining outside & our garden is looking rather happy about that!
A little bit of trivia for you:
Talking about Alligators, we don’t have any here in Australia. But we do have Crocodile’s which normally reside up at the topend of our nation where it’s tropical. We have both fresh water & salt water Crocs (as we call them).
But recently a news article highlitghted that a fresh water Croc had been spotted in a creek behind Bunnings in the suburbs! A Croc this far south is unheard of, we presume it has been an illegal pet & released there illegally.
However wildlife officers will catch it & take it to a Zoo, as it won’t survive this far south in the colder weather without a heated enclosure.
Blessings to you both, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. I’ve read about those crocodiles through the years and seen documentaries about them. They are big and dangerous. The only place we have them in the US is the southern tip of Florida. That’s the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. Glad you are getting a bit of weather relief. I think some of the supposed alligators in our region are just what you say about the croc being so far south, people have them as pets and release them or they escape. Alligators can live as far north as we are since they aren’t quite as sensitive to the cold I guess as crocodiles. Have a pleasant week and hopefully autumn like weather will continue for you!
Butch and Pam
I’m so glad that spring has sprung for you in your neck of the woods – all the buds and nest-building is marvelous! Love the shot of the drive through pharmacy with the nests. Daniel is so precious. The daffodils are gorgeous and I hope the nutcracker finds the perfect reassignment spot. I had to look twice at the crocodile lol. Happy March and happy spring!
Thank you Kim. March seems to have arrived so quickly. We hope you begin to experience spring soon. We typically have some occasional frosty mornings on into April and usually don’t plant most things until mid-April. Still trying to find a place for poor ole nutcracker. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam