“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy”
Psalm 96:11-12 ESV
I believe we have now entered the “dog days” of summer. I noticed that temps across the country have been super hot, even in places where we might not expect it. While it is hot here, I don’t feel it is above average for us, but it appears many of you may be seeing temperatures that are above normal! We’ve had blustery skies at times and small showers popping up on occasion. “Small” is the key word as far as precipitation is concerned!
The blueberry crop is better than ever, and those small showers seem to have been welcomed by the berries. I have been amazed by how much variety there is in the way the berries ripen, side by side along the same stem!
You would think that all of these would ripen together, but nope, they will not. It sure would make picking them easier if they would!
While picking blueberries I turned to see this group playing their usual “follow the leader”. I see this small group of turkeys a lot and for some reason they most often pass by in a line.
Those pop up showers are welcome, bringing only a little relief, but sometimes they do leave us with a nice parting reminder of God’s goodness!
I didn’t think I was doing a very good job watering the new little (they are supposed to stay small) quick fire hydrangeas that we placed in pots this spring. However, based on what I found growing underneath on Wednesday, maybe there has been plenty of moisture? And I thought the mushrooms were a good color and architecturally fit in well with the setting. It was 95 the next day and they dried up!
Our local meteorologist calls this phenomenon a sun dog. We don’t see them often, especially in the summer. I read that it is caused by the sun being filtered through high altitude ice crystals. There was no icy feeling at my location when I made the photo!
I hope to show more when these blooms mature, but the small tree in the foreground is a peanut butter tree. The leaves smell like, you guessed it, peanut butter. This was given to us by a friend and it was a twig that lived in a small pot through one winter before I set it out. Our friends have a large tree and the blooms are beautiful and attract hummers and butterflies big time. We were pleased our little tree survived and now it is blooming for the first time.
Pam came by and thought “old Rusty” looked good surrounded by Lantana and that he deserved a spot on the blog, since he’s been around here for years. I name most everything because the grands love the idea of everything having a name. This is Rusty, and he sometimes holds a small plant or vine, but not this year. He deserves time off.
The Giant Marigolds we get from Johnny’s Seeds have done great each year we have planted them. They provide many days of color without much attention. Once they become spent however, and deadheading is necessary, there is a fair amount of work to keep them providing new blooms!
We have a small section where I sow a wildflower mix and just leave it alone and see what happens. The spot hasn’t offered much so far, a few coreopsis and cornflowers, but mostly weeds. But out from the weeds these tall stems shot up almost overnight and started blooming. We’ve not had this growing before that I recall, but the Scarlet Sage gave some life to the overgrown area! Strangely, I didn’t think this bloomed until autumn? Maybe some of you are familiar with it?
I must apologize for continuing to bring you the little yellow birds, but they are present in our garden in significant numbers. I tried to count, which wasn’t easy as they move around so much, but I think we had about 10 at one time on the sunflowers…
…and this nice couple, guy on the right, girl on the left, were seen out dining together. I think they are an item!
Does anyone see a little girl with curly hair? She looks like an angel peering from the clouds.
The close of another summer week! Time moves on. We alway feel like once we pass the fourth of July that autumn seems just around the corner!
We hope everyone was able to view today’s post without difficulty. I stopped a little short of what was planned as we have been experiencing technical problems with hosting and being able to access the website to create and edit new posts!
Summer is still alive and well however. Enjoy your week!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 ESV
Linking with:
Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Today one of the cloud pictures are angry looking and the one that you see a curly haired girl I see an old man with a long nose. I’m thankful that you’ve been getting showers and your rainbow is the first i’ve seen this year. The mushrooms are a different color and they were getting moister from some source, probably your watering hose. All of your flowers are so pretty and don’t seem to be hurt by the heat. Blueberries are indeed not fun to pick. It has to be one and a time and it’s tempting to grab a handful. The turkeys are letting Pam know that Autumn, her favorite season, isn’t far behind.,
Thank you Alice. You are correct, the blueberries are often a one at a time because of the way they ripen. But for an occasional cobbler it’s worth it. We had two more rainbows at different times yesterday so maybe I can show those next week. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I have never heard of a peanut butter tree. Your zinnias and marigolds are beautiful and the goldfinches too. We only see goldfinches at our feeders during the winter when they are not very colorful. Sorry, but I could not “see” anything in the cloud picture. Maybe we’ll both get more rain this week; hoping and praying!
Thank you Rachel. Maybe our summer gold finches winter with you. We weren’t familiar with the peanut butter tree either but friends had one and dug a small one up that had sprouted underneath and gave it to us. We really didn’t think it would survive. Supposed to rain today but nothing yet. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful flowers! Yes, I see the little girl in profile in the clouds, too. We have a flock of goldfinches that live here year round, but had to take our feeder down because of the bear. I still see them in their bright yellow summer frocks in the trees.
Thank you Carole. We don’t have the gold finches except in summer. So far bears have not been in our immediate area but there are some not too many miles away. Like other wildlife we never had but do now, it’s probably only a matter of time. We hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning Butch and Pam, when I saw your yellow birds the old Yellow Bird song immediately popped into my head! I have no idea what recess of my brain that had been filed away! My battle with the honey bees and my hummingbird feeders continues. I have finally brought in my bottle feeders and ordered some saucer types that are supposedly less bee friendly. The bees are extremely docile, but they are definitely blocking the hummers. What a a great call on the curly headed girl in the cloud! To all the folks who say “I can’t wait for summer”…well here we are! Personally, I’m counting the days til pumpkin time!
Thank you Roxanne. A brief version of the yellow bird song was performed by Pam when I called them yellow birds because I couldn’t think of the word “ finch” (that’s another story) so you aren’t the only one. I didn’t realize bees would take over the feeders. Pumpkin time is a favorite around here too. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Good Morning to you and Pam. I do see the sweet little girl in the clouds. All your flowers are beautiful. Love the Peanut Butter Tree. I have never heard of that kind of tree. Very cool. Have a great week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. Glad you saw the cloud girl and that I’m not completely imagining things. We know the peanut butter tree is not native and hope it doesn’t become invasive. We hope you have a great week as well!
Butch and Pam
No issues today reading and enjoying your summer observations in this post! I do see the little girl in the clouds. In our former landscape I enjoyed the goldfinches so much and taking photos that I actually had melamine plates made from a few garden shots through Shutterfly. I never tire of seeing them among the flowers. Your zinnias and giant marigolds look so strong. Do you use flower netting or otherwise stake those? They are gorgeous!
Have a great new week, Butch and Pam!
Thank you Rita. Glad everyone seems to be seeing the post. We experienced a lot of trouble with the site hosting for a couple of days and I left off a few things I might’ve included. I don’t use netting as such but build some wooden frames and also use twine in ways to attempt to support the marigolds and some of the zinnias as well. The melamine plates are a great idea. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
The angel looking girl popped out as soon as I looked at the picture. Do you plant any vegetables? We are waiting for our heirloom tomatoes to turn red. The eggplant and peppers are doing good, and a couple of cucumbers so far. I am looking for Fall!
Thank you Jillian. We don’t plant vegetables any more but did at one time. It all became so much work and we have nearby local farmers that we can get vegetables from, and my sister as well. She keeps us supplied in tomatoes, although not heirloom. We hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
The goldfinches are so cute and seeing them is always fun. I’m always amazed at how tiny they are. I do see the little girl in the clouds. We have had extreme humidity and lots of rain here recently. It would be hot here regardless, so we’re thankful for the rain in July as it can be really dry some years. Your flowers and trees are exploding in beautiful, colorful blooms. Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. The goldfinches are small birds. We have more around than I ever remember. We’ve had to do a lot of watering but predictions are for rain today and tomorrow, but none so far. The natural watering is so much better, but as you mentioned, July can be very dry. We wish you a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Yes! the curly headed little girl is so prominent and her hair is ‘flowing” behind her in the breeze. Great photo as are all your photos. I never tire of the goldfinches…luv ’em and BTW, the turkeys usually travel from one bedding place or to forage in single file. Your marigolds are gorgeous as are your zinnias. I have not heard of the beautiful scarlet sage nor the peanut butter tree,…now I want peanut butter cookies! I like ole’ Rusty…good choice Pam for a photo. We are in our monsoon season down here and so have been seeing lots of rainbows and they always make me smile and say a thank you prayer.
I, too have been having IT issues with my blog. I can’t get into it or edit comments…very frustrating, but I have been assured that by Monday, “they” should have it all ‘figured out’. Meanwhile, I think I have ‘figured out’ it is time to get a new host/domain. LOL
Have a great & glorious week my friends. Hugs and blessings.🥰🇺🇸🌸🌷🧚♂️
Thank you Kari. Our hosting is with bluehost and a lot of people aren’t fond of it. We’ve been with them so long I guess we haven’t had the wherewithal to go through transitioning and learning and dealing with something new (especially at my age). Scarlet sage is a native to the southeast but I can’t say that I see it anywhere. I don’t think it should be blooming yet and the blooms faded quickly. We had two rainbows yesterday at different times. We always love to see them. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Adorable post as ever… We have had beautiful sunny winter days but today isn’t one of them… Gorgeous birds and flowers. That beautiful sky is unique. Blessings, dear friends.
Thank you Maristella. The sky seems to be a much deeper blue on our sunny winter days than the more hazy days of summer. Maybe you will have another one of those days tomorrow or soon. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Oh my, the peanut butter tree sounds intriguing! I’ve never seen one, but how wonderful that it grew from just a twig. I love seeing all the goldfinches in your garden! I do not see a curly haired little girl, but I’ll take your word for it. Enjoy the dog days of summer. Ours are getting very oppressive, but before you know it, Fall will be here. 😊
Thank you Kitty. The little girl I see is on the left edge of the clouds looking up and out into the open sky. Fall will arrive and I guess we will be glad yet that’s rushing and wishing life away. Grandmother always claimed wounds were much slower to heal during dog days. I don’t think that was scientific but she may be right. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
That was so interesting about the sun dogs & dog days Butch never seen or heard of a sun dog before.
And couldn’t see the girl in the cloud this time but I do love those yellow birds, so bright & cute!
May you & Pam have hopefully a cooler week. It’s freezing here with snow in plenty on our highest peaks in the South.
Blessings, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. I guess dog days too is a northern hemisphere thing associated with the rising of the brightest star, Sirius, the Dog Star. It rises with the sun during these days. Look for the girl on the left edge of the clouds facing into the open space. It’s fascinating to read about your winter cold and snow. We do live on an amazing planet. Stay warm and have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you & that’s so interesting! 😊
Yes, to sweet summer days and wild blooming ways! Mother Nature’s bounty in full bloom – enjoy!
Thank you Mary. We are enjoying the blooms, knowing the heat and becoming root bound will soon make everything hard to sustain. Happens every year. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
How beautiful everything looks! I’m especially impressed by the blueberry photos as my own are failing. How wonderful to eat a blueberry fresh from the bush.
Amalia
xo
Thank you Amalia. Sorry your blueberries aren’t doing well. We have a lot of plants struggling but the blueberries have been the exception. We hope you enjoy a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
The Dog Days of summer have hit us as well. We are Hot, Hot, Hot!
I saw the little girl in the clouds. She most definitely is an angel.
I have never heard of a Peanut Butter Tree. How fun is that! I enjoyed seeing your goldfinches. We have them here, too. They like eating my thistle upside down at times.
I enjoyed seeing your sun dog. I have seen them before and forgot what they were called. Thanks for a beautiful stroll. I am always a day late, but we had another busy weekend. Our grandson turned 2!
Have a good week!
Thank you Nancy. I’ve also seen the goldfinches hanging upside down on stems to get a bite of what they were after, amazing. We actually ended up with a temp well below normal today because of all clouds and rain nearby, no rain here. We’ve had 4 grands here all afternoon so we absolutely understand busy with a 2 year old birthday. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I love blueberries. What a fun crop to have. And those little mushrooms in the hydrangeas are perfect. What a fun surprise!
Thank you Jeanie. WL was here today and picking berries off the bushes and eating. My downfall is I love them too, but mainly in a cobbler and with ice cream. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I can see the little girl in the clouds and (call me crazy) to the left of her, it looks like the head with two round ears and the upper chest of a cow lol. The blueberries are interesting in their varying ripening times and I can definitely see how they would be challenging to pick. The marigolds are marvelous and so are the finches. I’m sorry to hear about your IT issues – if you are using Wordpress as platform and Blue Host as host (as I am, and if not, you can ignore the rest of this comment lol), my issues have often been related to the plugins and/or their updates. The two plugins that give me the most grief are the Classic Editor and Disable Gutenberg. I keep them both deactivated and I finally disabled all the plugin auto-updates and I have fewer issues but the site has never worked as well as it has in the past. I wish they would just leave things alone lol. I hope you are successful in your fixes and wishing you both a wonderful week ahead!
Thank you Kim. We are Wordpress and bluehost as you are. Thanks for sharing. We are like you, wishing most of the time they would leave things alone. “Improvements” are usually not really improvements. For now things are working smoother. I will attempt to put up a post for Pam for tomorrow so we’ll see how that goes. I’ll have a look for that cow. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I love seeing all the little yellow birds. Townhouse living is so different from the country life we lived for so many years, and I miss all the birds that were drawn in by the birdfeeders Kevin put out in our yard. It is always such a joy to visit your blog!