“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”
Psalm 27:4-5 ESV
Amazing, a week of June has almost passed and summer is settling upon us here in NE Alabama. Autumn goods are already on store shelves, which frustrates me. I’ll get over it. After a slow start, a few rain showers have aided in bringing relief. Green and growing is now taking over, yet there are bare spots in the yard that are still slow to fill in!
A lower pasture near the river was reclaimed last year and has not been grazed this season. I was on a hike with plans to top the hill and get a better view of Lookout Mountain and then proceed to head down to another spot on the river. The grass was chest high and not easy walking, besides the prospects of ticks and other unwanted encounters. It was breezy and I briefly imagined I was in a windy Kansas wheat field…and then I turned around. There had to be a better route!
It isn’t difficult to figure why I find the trails along the lake really inviting. This kind of scenery makes a long walk not feel like a dreaded exercise, but seem like a pleasant stroll!
Egglayseeus (no relation to Julio) the egret paid me a visit on the boardwalk last week. I decided to not pause, but attempt to walk by and see what happened. She allowed me within about 10 feet, but lost her nerve I guess! What’s with these herons lately?
Pam got a nice shot of a butterfly, along with some of our daylilies. The daylilies are in ‘full bloom mode’ right now. We have a variety. Pam’s camera identified the butterfly as a Monarch. Did you recognize what species it really is? It is a metal butterfly. Sometimes these smart apps and devices aren’t so smart!
Some unseasonably pleasant afternoons made eating outside seem like a perfect idea and WL agreed. After we polished off some chicken with mac & cheese, it was time for me and Mr. Blue Eyes to do some trail riding in the ranger. His mom and big sister were on an outing, daddy was working out of town, little brother decided on a nap, and Emma and PJ chose to hang out inside. So we boys were free to stay out until dark!
We found ourselves under close observation from the pasture behind the garden. The girls have put away their heavy, gray, winter attire and switched to a lighter weight, reddish brown outer wear for the summer.
Wyatt wanted to check out the river down by the picnic table, so of course we did. It was a good choice. I love reflections and the slight ripples on the water made this reflection appear as if it were on canvas.
These mushrooms had markings and carvings and immediately brought a memory to mind that will probably be strange to you, but came to me in an instant. Maybe it is one of those situations which requires personal experience to make sense; you know that, “you would’ve needed to have been there” kind of thing? I will let the next photo explain.
A throwback to a very interesting day I experienced a few years ago in a remote area of the high desert of New Mexico. A friend and I ran across a number of these type exhibits in the rocky hills that day, as well as finding many broken pieces of pottery/vessels and artifacts with similar markings. Of course, we left everything alone and in its place.
The bluebird version of DoorDash. Food delivery on demand, or maybe it’s a good parent doing what good parents do. I believe that’s it!
Recent rain showers made everything fresh and green after a very dry start to spring. The cows have found the new growth to be tasty and to their liking!
A little afternoon clearing brought beautiful skies and a reminder of a beautiful promise. We haven’t seen many rainbows this spring but it is always a thrill when we do. I never tire of witnessing a simple scene like this one!
I called Pam to the kitchen window. This visitor first came under the carport, studied the golf cart, and then proceeded out back. He or she was now a few feet from the garden fence. I mentioned it was a groundhog and Pam asked, “what do groundhogs eat”? My reply…gardens. It didn’t hang around when I went out, but we wonder if it was on a scouting mission and will return? We have groundhogs nearby and see them on occasion, but never in the yard by the garden. You know the saying, “if it isn’t one thing, it’s another”!
I heard that a group of classic car owners and organizers set a Guinness Book World Record recently for the “Largest Parade of Classic Cars” during Tulsa,Oklahoma’s “Route 66 Capital Cruise”. It occurred along a 5.5 mile stretch of the famous Route 66, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. Our city hosts a First Friday event, and among the many attractions is a huge gathering of classic and vintage car owners. We hadn’t dropped by in several years, but hearing the story of the Route 66 parade prompted me to say, “let’s go”!
As a one time mustang owner, I had to admire this beauty. The mustang is still my all time favorite car and how I wish I still had my first car, a blue 1967 mustang! Pam was visiting the shop seen behind the car. It is owned by a friend and a favorite of hers.
We had no idea how the First Friday event had grown since our last visit, especially the gathering of vintage vehicles. We walked through about 7 city blocks of cars, food vendors, entertainment, street dancing, and had conversations with friends we hadn’t seen in a while. I believe Peace and Love was the theme for this VW!
My mom and dad had a 1953 Ford that looked a lot like this one, only a different color. I’m not sure the model of this car, but early 50’s should do it. We didn’t set any records, but there were a few hundred vehicles in town. It was enjoyable. BTW…Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica and covers 2,448 miles. It officially opened on November 11, 1926. Can you imagine the traffic that the route will attract this year!
Yesterday’s sunset over the foothills was rewarding to the senses in spite of relentless mosquitos joining me for a sundown walk! Rain is in the forecast for today. May your day be a good one, rain or shine!
“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
Beautiful pictures as always. Glad we don’t have groundhogs. Squirrels are bad enough! My husband still drives his 1998 Mustang GT. Not many on the road anymore.
Thank you Rachel. Squirrels are also trouble for us at times. I’m sure your husband will hang on to that GT. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Love the wildlife photos, such a pretty egret taking flight. We have a groundhog too, I call him Wilson. They are cute. We have a meadow full of clover and he eats a lot of that. Fun car show!
Thank you Carole. The groundhog came again yesterday and headed for the garden so I had to chase it away. I like your name, maybe we should name ours. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I enjoyed your post today. It brought back memories of New England. Ground hogs in the garden (not good) and old car shows in the summer. And speaking of cars, I had a silver blue ’65 Mustang.
Thank you Karen. I would love to have a ‘65 silver blue mustang now. The groundhog showed up again yesterday so that is not good. Have an enjoyable week!
Butch and Pam
What fun! Love that you and your grandson have adventures together!
The white egret picture is so beautiful…not related to Julio made me laugh!
You had quite a number of classic cars! Great photos! I was a Firebird girl, myself. Good heavens…Route 66 is to be 100 years old this November, interesting fact for sure!
A few of our lillies are showing, but will be in full bloom a little later this month. Your lillies make such a lovely background for your butterfly, love Lilly photos…
We are having a few days of rain after some glorious days of sunshine here. Love rainbows and the promise too, your sunsets are always so glorious. Have a blessed week!
Thank you Sue. We are having a very rainy day today so maybe we will get another afternoon rainbow. We probably saw 200 cars Friday and I don’t remember seeing a Firebird, a couple of GTO’s though. We’ve traveled on parts of Route 66. I figure a lot of people will do some road trips and include 66 this year. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Good Morning and Happy Sunday. The egret in take off is a beautiful picture. Oh the memories you are making with WL spending the day discovery so many beautiful things and of course having a picnic is fun too. It is crazy how fall is already on the shelves when we just started Summer. Have a great week ahead. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. Wyatt asks a lot of questions so he keeps me busy. It is fun though, and making memories is what it’s about. That egret startled me a little when it took off suddenly right in front of me. Had my phone ready but wasn’t expecting it. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Route 66 at 100 years old. Goodness, our country is only 250 this year. Why I do believe my birth got into the beginning. 84 minus 250 equals 166. Is amazing that my country was only 166 years old when I was born. This country is very young. Dear WL might look back and think how young our country was when his granddad took a picture of him at the picnic table. He is a very handsome blue eyed man. Summer has arrived via very hot days. Being 5365 feet closer to the sun than where you are when the poppies opened yesterday they weren’t aware that temperatures in the 90’s would damage their blooms. And I wasn’t aware of mosquitos out thus they ran me into the house before I got to see what other damage the old sun had done. Spring has sprung into Summer. Have a blessed week Richardson’s.
Thank you Alice. You are ahead of us on the 90 degree days. That’s our June normal but it’s not happening, at least not yet. We aren’t complaining though. We have poppies in our wildflower garden and they are doing well so far. Those mosquitoes are no respecter of people or place, they seem to flourish everywhere. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning! What a fun afternoon with Wyatt. We love looking at classic cars too. The cars of our childhood are classic, so I guess we are too!
One of my best friends’ husband has been restoring a ‘67 Mustang since we met (in 1988!). You have the best rainbows. Tell Pam my “grand opening” is scheduled for June 29…there goes my summer.
Thank you Roxanne. I guess if I can’t be classy I would settle for classic, might like that better anyway. I wanted an old mustang for years and looked at a few but I’ve given up on the idea. Pam informed me about your grand opening so we pray that goes very well. Raining today so maybe another rainbow later. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Wow! Some beautiful pictures Butch…of course I am partial to Lil’ Blue eyes…He also has the sweetest smile. I can see him with his grandfather as he walks and learns from the ole’ folks. That is the best time I have had with my grands….when I am just talking to them and telling them stories of the good ole days. They love to hear it, in fact beg me for more. Perhaps it is because we live so far away, they are trying to catch up. LOL. You are so fortunate to have your grands within ‘riding distance’. The metal butterfly was so interesting. I don’t believe I have even heard of it. I thought the photo Pam shot made it look like metal with the separation of it’s wings. So pretty. Love the rainbow…makes me smile and thank God for not only His promises but His Love and all of His creation. I also love the aerial drone photo of your beautiful gardens…would love to see an aerial of all your land and home and the close proximity of Seth’s place too. Then when you or Pam talk of ‘riding over’, I can picture it all. I used to have a red and white 57 Chevy that I put clear vinyl seat covers on…isn’t that a hoot? (they were slick AND hot) and I better shut up now because I am dating myself. Have a great and Blessed week to you both.
Thank you Kari. We saw a lot of beautifully restored 57 Chevy’s Friday, probably more of those and mustangs than any other. I remember those clear vinyl seat covers. Wyatt asks me a lot of questions. He wanted to know why birds that sit on power lines don’t get shocked. Great question from a 5 year old. I’ll be looking for a rainbow later today since it’s a rainy one here. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Your little, blue-eyed grandson sure is a precious one! I’m loving the big, white bird, or should I say a ballerina in disguise!
Thank you Mary. Living close to the grandchildren allows us to have valuable time with them and for that we are grateful. Hope you have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
The turquoise 65 Mustang we had brings back fond memories except it had a black interior and no air conditioning! Needless to say the rest of our vehicles have had AC!
Thank you JoAnn. My 67 had no air and black interior also. When I traded for my ‘72 Mach I, AC was a must. Hope you have an enjoyable week!
Butch and Pam
Blue skies, blue eyes and cool cars! What joy – with an added groundhog.
Thank you Leslie Anne. What would we do without a newly added groundhog…which showed up again yesterday. Have an enjoyable week!
Butch and Pam
Wonderful views and adorable post! Those cars are stunning… Have a lovely week ahead!
Thank you Maristella. Collectors spend a great deal of time and money restoring those classic cars as evidenced by how sharp and detailed most of them are. Hope you enjoy a great week!
Butch and Pam
Such beautiful pictures. I loved seeing Blue Eyes. He is getting so big. He must love going places with Grandpa.
Keep the groundhog away. We have one, and I have to put chicken wire or cages around everything. They are just as bad as rabbits.
How about that Egret in flight? Gorgeous!
I could look at old classic cars all day. They have such beauty.
We have been on Route 66 in several different states. My favorite place was Standing on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona.
Enjoy that rain! We are now in need!
Thank you Nancy. It has rained most of the day with over an inch already. Yes, the groundhog is not good news. A friend finally trapped one that was eating his tomatoes. We have also stood on a corner in Winslow, Arizona. That’s a mighty fine place to be. The egret surprised me but I was ready in case she decided to leave. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Oh my that butterfly picture is truly so vibrant and amazing! Talk about amazing though, are little Wyatt’s blue eyes. How fun to have special time with him. You capture the prettiest sunsets of God’s creations.
Thank you Kitty. I had hoped for a rainbow or vivid sunset this afternoon but it has rained all day and continues now. The most rain we’ve had in a single day in a long time. Hope your week will be a great one!
Butch and Pam
Wonderful images as always. But oh my! Your egret beginning to take off. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!
Thank you Jeanie. I thought the egret was going to allow me to walk right by but it startled me with a quick takeoff, but my phone was up and ready. Hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Love following you on your hikes, excursions, and “adventures” with the grandchildren. No wonder you’ve nicknamed WL, Blue Eyes. You’d think he was wearing tinted contacts! / Those old cars sure bring back memories. Another person told me they wished they still had their Mustang–just this week!
Thank you Nancy. Seems like old cars and old songs are 2 things that really trigger our memories. Hope you’re having a good day and have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
The Egglayseeus image was a really good shot. The blue eyed boy was an adorable picture. The lake view with fluffy clouds was really good- looked 3D. Rainbow was good. Sunset was good.
Heck, not a bad shot anywhere.
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PS- The butterfly picture was the best ☺
Your area looks so peaceful, except maybe for the groundhog looking for food in your garden! The ancient petroglyphs you saw in NM were amazing in detail. I have seen some here in Colorado, but they are very faint and weathered from the elements.
Thank you Pat. Maybe the high desert dry climate helped preserve the petroglyphs? Haven’t seen the groundhog in a while but today we were visited by a skunk. Always a challenge. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Such an interesting post, as always! I loved seeing the photos of the classic cars. Wyatt is getting so big! It’s hard to believe how quickly they grow! God bless you all!
Thank you, Cheryl!