“The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
Proverbs 16:23-24 ESV
Happy final Sunday of April! It was 9 years ago this week that we made our first trip to The Swag in North Carolina. It has become an absolute favorite. We have visited a total of 6 times, and when I pulled out this throwback from that initial visit, thoughts of going again prompted some serious discussion!
It has been so dry that the clematis vine started looking like a dead bunch of twigs before I took notice. I started watering daily and I would say we have had a revival of sorts…the clematis cluster!
A spring breeze provided a viburnum snowfall, as Queen EM strolled by, adding grace and beauty to what would otherwise be an unremarkable scene with petals finding their resting place in the grass!
Beavers are opportunistic and don’t mind building right beside the highway. A creek that is spring fed has been helpful to the beaver clan in what has been a very dry March/April. The problem the beavers may have is that this backs water up into the drain area of a storm water retention pond which is part of the highway drainage. If and when it starts raining in normal fashion, the Highway Department may notice and see this little construction project as posing a problem.
This is WL’s birthday week. Last week we had a day of shopping, eating, and spending the night at our house, a tradition we started with each grand. Wyatt got to choose where he wanted to eat, and as usual, Chick-fil-A was his choice. Afterward, he wanted donuts, so Krispy Kreme was our next stop. We had so much fun with this little man! Daniel is too young now, but we pray that we can hang around and someday be able to do this in February (Daniel), March (Emma), April (Wyatt), and May (Ella Mae)!
I was on a walk at the wildlife park when I looked ahead to see something orange moving up a tree trunk. I had read that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were the number one selling candy, but I had no idea that squirrels loved them too. Finding a comfortable spot on the limb of a cottonwood tree, this guy was not in the least disturbed by my presence…and I was close!
Don’t plant a River Birch near your house. A large tree leaning out over the roofline is not the best of situations, but an invasive root system that can damage a foundation is also a definite problem. After cutting the tree, Richardson Land Works met the challenge of digging up the remains. And “challenge” is an understatement. The roots were so extensive that all the plants and shrubbery in this section had to be removed, the only exception being a lone camellia bush! Everything you see are roots, with the under side of the main root ball in the foreground!
Crimson clover once covered a large part of our back pasture in the spring, but for several years has not shown itself. I planted a section last fall with a mix of wheat, oats and clover and we are seeing crimson clover once again.
If a situation arose whereby the only means of escaping immediate danger was to climb the nearest tree and this was that tree, a dire situation it would indeed be. This is the largest honey locust that I am aware of around the house and the thorns are unbelievably numerous, growing directly out of the trunk as well along limbs. The thorns extending from the trunk are as low as chest high, being a danger even to a passerby!
I was reasonably sure that the bristly locust just down the trail would be in bloom last week, and it proved true to the normal mid-to-late April timing. Such a beautiful bloom…
…but it is still a “look but don’t touch”. Not long thorns like honey locusts, but bristly is no doubt an appropriate name!
We have watered daily for a while which is not normal for April. This led to my discovery of a second, lonely, forgotten, and unfound Easter egg. On Easter I was the primary egg hider with a little assistance from the grand’s daddy. Now I ask you, which of these two “egg hiders” is more likely to place an egg so well hidden and underneath a thorny rose bush? One of us is more prone to make things easier for little eyes and little hands than the other…it is the very natural way of things!
With the egg discovery comes another interesting matter. We did not have great success with growing apricot drift roses, with limited nice blooms and foliage that was less than attractive…this after fertilizing and other measures to help the plants. After a few seasons, I removed the plants by digging them up. However, roots apparently remained, and now we have rose bushes once again. But the latter are doing so much better than the former?? So once again, we are tending to the roses, as well as finding lost Easter eggs.
Apologies for what appears to be a dull black and white photo of junk from long ago. This is the top of a cell tower about five miles from home on an overcast afternoon on Friday. Among all the wires and such, take note of a large bundle of twigs and vines resting atop all the paraphernalia. This tower stands near the highway that we travel regularly. I had seen what appeared to be an Osprey flying near the tower one afternoon on my way home.
A nest is well camouflaged among all the panels and wires and I doubt very many people are aware that it exists. It is very difficult to see, and who spends time attempting to observe the beauty of a cell tower, especially the stuff at the top? Because of private property and the height of the tower itself, I couldn’t get as close as I wanted but decided to hang out at the tower gate and watch and wait. I saw a little movement and knew a bird was on the nest, Shortly an Osprey circled and landed. After a moment the bird on the nest departed, carrying a fish that had apparently been provided by the other bird. If you look closely you can see the bird on the nest, and on the left, the other bird is taking leave, carrying a fish. You can see the fish and especially the tail fin. I think one future parent just brought lunch to his or her mate!
After making a circle and soaring below to a platform on the tower, I did get verification, with a closer look of the bird and lunch! I had to drive out a side road and back onto the shoulder of the main highway to get this shot. The river is close and a couple of small nearby lakes provide good fishing.
The sky over Lookout Mountain behind the barn sometimes looks like oil on canvas.
Have a colorful and delightful week! We will celebrate another birthday later this week, so that means more cake!
“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
Wishing you and the grands a great birthday week. We’ve gotten a little rain this week with more predicted for the coming week. Praying you get rain as well.
Thank you Rachel. We did get only a small shower yesterday but it does appear a couple of days this week might be promising for a little needed rain. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
What a lovely scripture and walk with you all this morning…so many interesting notes and photos…I always learn a new fact or ten!
Enjoy another celebration of your beautiful grands…and more cake too! Hoping there’s a trip to your favorite, the Swag, in the near future!
Thank you Sue. We do seem to have a lot of celebrations in the spring and all require cake. We have talked a little about making a trip out west somewhere this year but no actual vacation plans have been made. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Birthday to Wyatt! I love how the grands are spoiled during their birthday week. I hope you get a chance to visit your favorite Swag vacation spot again. Have a beautiful week and thank you for the ending photo and beautiful verses.
Thank you Kitty. We need to get busy planning a vacation somewhere or we won’t be able to get a reservation anywhere. I guess grands are made for spoiling so we are trying. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
There is some much to comment on this mining that it could take up most of the space. WL is so beautiful with his gorgeous eyes and perfect smile (not suppose to say that about boys?) and I’d say the parents of such did a good job of planning! No one’s birthday 🎂 encroached on another’s day.,
The Osprey is another creature that shows us how to take care of each other. Good job Butch. The rose bush that dared to grow after being attacked by your shovel is showing off. The thorns on the trunk of the tree is different. No person and few creatures would attempt to climb it. Don’t you know all Queens get to walk through a shower of blossoms. She is growing so fast. Watch out Miss America! I haven’t seen crimson clover in many years. Gods designs are amazing. Enjoyed being with you this morning Butch.
Thank you Alice. I’m glad you viewed the Osprey as a good example of looking out for each other, well said. Pam did get a sweet candid photo of EM as she was strolling by the snowball bush. There truly is so much wonder in the creation that surrounds us. Have an awesome week!
Butch and Pam
Timing is everything and that fabulous photo of Ella Mae and the floating blossom petals is perfection! Happy weekend and new week!
Thank you Jeanie. I must give credit to Pam on the photo of Ella Mae. Candid unplanned photos are often the best and it certainly is about the timing. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Love the EM shot! WL is a cute little boy! We hope you make it back to The Swag; you both seem to enjoy the trip. Your clematis is beautiful! Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. We can’t make up our minds on where to travel. If we don’t decide soon we will find ourselves staying home…and that would be fine too. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Hi Pam and Butch. That picture with EM is stunning. What a beautiful capture. Everything looks so pretty. Have a great week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. Pam did capture EM at the perfect place and perfect time…doing a little dance through the petals. We hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Aren’t the grands fun? Your photos are so special of EM and the floating petals and of course sweet little Wyatt. I love his beautiful eyes…one can almost read his every thought and intention. Interesting view of the osprey nests…makes me think of a turtle dove pair building a nest behind our outdoor TV in our courtyard. He works so hard fetching branches, and she diligently places them in the right place. He sometimes stands on her back to deposit his “finds” and I am sure she is saying ‘must you stand on my back while I work to arrange this bed I will be living in for the next month sitting and hatching your young??’ LOL. You don’t have to say it…I know I have a weird imagination. How tempting is the visit to the Swag again? Enjoy your week dear ones. hugs and blessings always.
Thank you Kari. We are right there with you on your imagination. Mr blue eyes is a charmer for sure. Most people wouldn’t sit for an hour to hope to get distant photos of birds, so my actions are kinda weird to a lot of people I imagine. The Swag is wonderful and not too far away so we probably need to get going. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Birthday week to Wyatt, such a cutie! Love the photo of Queen Ella Mae strolling through shower of petals. We see osprey nesting on everything from power lines, shoal markers, dock roofs and even chimneys of homes on the water. I know the power and cell companies are less then thrilled at the potential for equipment failure. Happy Sunday❤️
Thank you Mary. I knew by your location that ospreys were likely common. I was fascinated to watch and realize what they were doing. I’m thinking that these companies would definitely wish they would nest other places but I guess there’s not much they can do about it once they build. Pam did get a great candid shot of EM. WL is excited about Wednesday coming up. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Oh my gosh, that photo of EM is just gorgeous! And Wyatt is a beautiful blue-eyed boy. Happy Birthday to him! Butch, was that river birch on your property or Seth’s? Either way, smart to have taken it out, and lucky for you to be able to have it done so well, even if it does temporarily disrupt the landscape. The beaver dam, the osprey nest – those both look to be big trouble at some point in the near future. Hopefully your DNR will remove them when the time comes. I know osprey are protected, but not sure about beavers??
Our entire 2026 has been short on precipitation for us, and we’ve had lots of wind, which I’m certain exacerbates it. My water bill shows my efforts to try and keep things properly hydrated. Ugh.
Have a great new week. Thanks for all the outdoor photos!
Thank you Rita. The birch was on our property and was planted by a friend who was doing some things for us while I was in rehab after my accident. It was small and that was 19 years ago. It definitely needed to go. I think the beaver dam can go if need be for drainage purposes but the osprey nest is an entirely different matter. We received 1/4 inch of rain yesterday but it’s better than zero. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
The roots picture. I knew roots were big, and your picture shows just how large! That’s wild. All your pictures are lovely. Thank you for sharing, and glad I found your blog.
All the best.
Thank you Debra. We are also very glad you found us. That root system had entangled everything growing in that area and was taking the water and nutrients from all the other plants. We couldn’t even save the other plants. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Wow, that photo of EM is beautiful & what fun with little Wyatt for his birthday!
We don’t have beavers here in Australia Butch so I find them fascinating in how they build dams. Apparently those dams are very important for the ecosystems that they’re built in, going from a UK documentary I watched a while back.
Such pretty roses. Hope you both have a great week.
Blessings to you both, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. We didn’t realize there were no beavers in Australia. They are amazing little workers creating good but often flooding areas where excess water isn’t so welcome. Pam captured the moment with EM as she was dancing through the petals. Wyatt’s birthday is Wednesday so we will celebrate again. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Life is so delicate with EM dancing in the petals – great image! The birthday boy is growing up so quickly how fun to spoil him with his favorite eats!
Thank you Mary. They all grow up much too fast. I think our job description says spoil them as much as we can so we are doing our best. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Yes, spoiling is near the top in the grandparents’ job description!
Hi Butch and Pam! I think you all deserve a trip to The Swag to reward yourself for the hard work you put into your recovery and to reward Pam for taking such good care of you! That picture of EM is so graceful, all the ballet lessons paid off! Excellent choice on the birthday food too!! I hope you can give us updates on the osprey family. I’m down in Charleston at my darling sister’s, and the drought here is awful too.
Thank you Roxanne. We received a whopping quarter inch of rain yesterday but glad to get it. I think your reward idea is a winner. The sheriff drove by and gave me a look while I was parked watching for the osprey. I hope they don’t think I’m trying to sabotage the cell tower. My red truck may draw suspicion. Enjoy Charleston and have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Birthday fun and CAKE! 🥳 Yahoooooo!
Happy Birthday WL!🥳
That picture of EM walking amongst the soft petals needs to be framed. How Gorgeous!
I chuckled at the squirrel enjoying the leftovers of peanut butter in the Reese’s wrapper. Too funny!
And just last month, we saw Tommy James and the Shondells sing the 1968 famous hit Crimson and Clover… over and over! So when I saw your Crimson Clover, I had to mention it.
Your sunset is a painting.
Thank you always for your Sunday Strolls. And I enjoy your Bible verses as well.
Enjoy the last of April, and I pray for rain for you.
Thank you Nancy. I heard Crimson and Clover recently but it was only on the 60’s Sirius XM channel. Oh yes, more cake and fun on Wednesday. Tommy James hosts a radio show on the weekends. I don’t hear him much unless I’m driving somewhere but he does a really good job, tells stories etc about those early days. I guess he’s still out there doing it then. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Queen EM is most definitely a picture of grace and beauty and happy upcoming birthday to WL! Such a wonderful birthday tradition with the grands. That root ball is something else and so glad that you were able to extract it with little damage to anything else. The osprey are very creative in choosing their nest building sites – it’s probably pretty safe up there. I’m sorry about your dry conditions and I would gladly send you all our moisture here if I could, although I suspect you would prefer rain and not snow (as would we lol). I hope you are able to get away to Swag mountain this summer – it looks beautiful. The sunset picture is gorgeous. Have a wonderful week ahead!
Thank you Kim. I guess the snow might be quite a shock for us at this point. Hopefully it ends soon for you. I think the osprey is safe and off limits for any immediate disturbance. I wonder if after the birds finish nesting this season if the cell tower people are allowed to remove it if it was causing damage? Not sure about that. Birthdays for WL this week and EM in a couple weeks will cause me to need to be on a strict diet. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Thanks for the warning about River Birch trees. Goodness–that’s a LOT of root material! Next to a river is indeed where such trees belong, where it can deter soil erosion. Queen Em is a lovely young lady, looking the part of a fairy with those delicate blooms drifting nearby. WL is adorable too!
Thank you Nancy. I think the birch was trying to send roots to the river. A lot of work left to do but we are glad it’s gone. WL is excited about tomorrow and turning 5. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
That photo of the squirrel and the Reese’s wrapper is downright hilarious and had me laughing out loud! The photo of EM walking under the falling petals is so sweet. What perfect timing for a photo! I so enjoy your posts and the humor you add to my day. God bless you all!
Thank you Cheryl. Whether petals blowing in the wind or a crazy acting squirrel it’s all about timing. If I’m able to get out enough and pay attention it’s amazing what turns up at times. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam