“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
Hebrews 11:3 ESV
A September Morn with a little fog to start the day. Neil Diamond might declare in his song about a September Morning that they “danced until the night became a brand new day”, but I assure you we haven’t done that lately. Maybe now that September has arrived, we might plan to do that, but I’ve not mentioned it to Pam just yet! We had triple digit temps last week so nighttime is a little cooler!
Pam and I were out at the picnic table when she mentioned to me that even though the heat and drought had taken toll on the garden, there were still some nice changes taking place. She told me to have a look up the hill, and when I did, I decided to make this photo. I saw beginnings of the “fallish look”.
Some of our smallest pots with the least amount of soil have somehow fared well in spite of the fact that September is here and most of the garden has given up. Everyday living consists of everyday watering!
We enjoy butterflies, but along with that comes caterpillars, and they love to munch on the flowers instead of sampling a little nectar here and there. And, Pam says they are not as pretty as butterflies!
I occasionally hike through one of our neighbor’s pastures, but hadn’t done so since spring. I headed over last week and I was shocked to find that it was absolutely thick with hogwort. I couldn’t walk through it very easy and gave up after a bit. What is strange about this is that they run cattle on these acres and hogwort is supposedly toxic to cattle. Maybe that is why there’s a hundred acres of hogwort, smart cows don’t eat it!
Ironweed is always my purple reminder that late summer is here, and along with goldenrod, signals that autumn will arrive soon, regardless of the current weather. It never fails to happen!
EK is taking piano lessons. PJ is giving piano lessons. I understand the first two sessions have gone very well. The girls are having such fun, and that’s the main thing!
This time of the year I like to use this side road after leaving the house because it takes me by a lot of crop land. I enjoy seeing what is growing and what the farmers might be harvesting. It’s one of my “country roads”.
Upon heading “Back Home Again”, in the direction of Lookout Mountain, I often let this country road take me there. With the world (soccer) singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads” all summer, the song definitely had a huge revival…and I am enjoying taking this route even more!
Richardson Land Works was contracted to do some clearing on a large parcel of land that is only 3 or 4 miles from where we live. I was amazed to discover a 30 acre lake nestled in the ridges at the base of Lookout Mountain, completely hidden from roads and with limited access. I had no idea this existed, so I rode over on the Ranger to watch the guys do some of the work. And since I am fascinated by reflections, I had to have a photo of this secluded, calm, reflective, nearby mountain lake!
That newly found lake gave me the urge to look back through my photos of favorite reflections. I decided to post a few of them…I guess you could say I decided to reflect on reflections! This is Gibbs Gardens in north Georgia.
Pam and I hiked quite a distance from here to get a closer view of Colorado’s Maroon Bells and Crater Lake. This stunning view and reflection is at Maroon Lake near the trailhead. This is a very popular hike near Aspen. One of our most memorable reflections and hikes no doubt!
This spot is one of the Grand Teton’s most popular viewing locations and it is easy to see why. We had seen similar photos displayed in books, ads, in magazines, and on calendars, but to visit Schwahbacher’s Landing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in person was breathtaking. And what about that reflection!!
Perhaps one of the most photographed places anywhere, we were at Oxbow Bend on the Snake River on a picture perfect day a few years ago. Lord willing, we plan to visit this iconic spot again in a few weeks. I wonder if it is even possible to have a repeat of such a sight…Mt. Moran and golden aspens reflecting in the smooth waters of the river.
On top of reflecting on reflections from the past, I also found some nice reflections last week not far from home. It was late afternoon but still 100 degrees when I ventured along the wildlife park trail on Friday. Henrietta was content to remain near the shore. I think it was even too hot to fish.
Button bush and one water hyacinth were hanging out together, taking advantage of the final days of this growing season. They almost look as if they are growing from the clouds. I had a day of reflection along the trail, in more ways than one!
The blooming water hyacinth in the previous photo, being the only one I saw, and probably my final observation of this beautiful aquatic for the season…made me think it deserved a closer look!
The skies are changing as the sun is now over one third of the way on its journey south. Our location for viewing a sunset from our place without obstruction along the horizon changes a lot as the days move along. Without moving about a quarter mile and to a small hill past the barn, trees and terrain would obstruct this view.
Stay cool, calm, and collected this week if at all possible!
“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! I didn’t have to worry about watering a lot of my flowers because the rabbits ate them. This has never happened in the fenced part of our property, guess the rabbits have moved in for protection from foxes etc. My husband is going to have his first piano lesson today. I will be his teacher, hopefully he will be as good a pupil as EK! We are having Fall teaser weather here for a few days. God bless and have a great week.
Thank you Maryann. No hint of fall here just yet but that will probably happen soon. Hope those piano lessons go well for both of you. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful reflections. Hope the aspens are turning on your upcoming trip. We’ve been to Jackson Hole and the Tetons several times, but not in the fall.
Thank you Rachel. Timing on the turning of leaves can surely change from year to year and place to place but it should be a good time for the aspens. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Your lake reflections series of photos could seriously be a gallery show! Gorgeous. Those could be award winners in a competition.
Thank you Carole. I tell Pam the only reflection I don’t like is when I look in a mirror. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
So enjoyed all of your reflection on reflections photos! We camped at Colter Bay last week and it’s beauty still takes our breath away. Jackson Lake is very, very low now though…
And still…many were waiting for that glorious sunrise at Oxbow Bend…be still my heart, it never fails to pull at the heartstrings. As we were leaving the park we were seeing some golden color on the tips of trees. Hopefully the Aspens will be beautiful as they greet you!
EK is so darling! How special to set at the piano with Pam and learn to play. We too have two grown grandchildren with that beautiful red hair that love music, but I have found memories of them setting at their mother’s piano somewhat like your dear EK.
Hoping you, the still beautiful flowers, and colorful catapillers have a wonderful week.
Thank you Sue. Sounds like you had a great camping trip, got us fired up and primed about coming that way. If all goes as planned we will be floating on the Snake 3 weeks from today. EK’s piano teacher offers food and other activities. My piano lessons didn’t consist of such or I might have stuck with it longer. Hope you enjoy a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
What a beautiful collection of water reflections….thank you for sharing. I don’t know if there is a prettier place than Jackson Hole or the Tetons. Have you ever eaten at the Gun Barrel Steak & Game House in Jackson Hole? The Captain always orders the Mixed Game Grill because it is a sampling of all things ‘Game’! Of course, I stick to the Beef Prime Rib, because once I find a favorite on any menu, I feel if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. LOL But the food is good and the atmosphere even better.
I love that Pam is teaching EK to. play the piano. Is EM interested? I feel sure your musical family has more than a few talented musicians.🤗 I also have to admit every time I heard the ‘soccer boys’ and fans sing “Country Roads, I thought of you Butch….you have always reminded me of John Denver as Pam can attest. I don’t know if I ever shared this, but our large family reunions were not just about good food but also good music. After tummies were filled, we would sit around with fiddles, banjos, guitars, accordion (me) and melodious voices singing the older tunes, with a few new ones thrown in. If we couldn’t play it by ear, we just sang louder. Sometimes our shelter house in the park would draw a crowd, especially when the last song of the evening was usually “Amazing Grace”… Sad to say, we haven’t done that in years and years and years… as most of the older than me relatives are all gone….and many of the younger ones aren’t interested in playing anything but the radio..😔 But what wonderful memories I have! I am so Blessed.
Enjoy the creeping tilt of the earth as Summer moves reluctantly into Fall. “We may never pass this way again.”
Thank you Kari. I’m like you about something on the menu that’s good, I just keep ordering it. Not familiar with the Gun Barrel but always looking for those great eating places. We like your music memories as we have a lot of those. “Music makes pictures and often tells stories”, maybe you are familiar with that John Denver line. No touch of autumn here yet or in the forecast even but it will come. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Oh yes…”The Music is You”. 🥰
Such a lovely array of reflections! That one from Gibbs Gardens is gorgeous.
Oooooo, you may get to see some leaves changing in the Tetons, etc. I look forward to your pictures. Our leaves are dropping a lot earlier than usual. And they are still green. We have had a lot of rain in these parts.
I have never seen a blooming water hyacinth. It is quite pretty!
EK taking piano lessons must be fun for Pam and the student! I love it.
Good luck and enjoy, EK! 😊
Enjoy the rest of your long weekend.
Thank you Nancy. We are losing a lot of leaves to stress, lack of water plus heat. Maybe we will see some color in the Tetons. There’s only 2 or 3 days difference in the date of this trip and the last time we were there but so many factors come into play that makes it different from year to year I imagine. The piano girls are having fun. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Labor Day weekend! This is one summer I am not sorry to see over, the heat has been something! My very favorite place is on my screen porch with a good book and glass of sweet tea. I literally have gone out there only to water the plants all of July and August. But the leaves are coming down (the ugly ones that just turn shriveled up brown!) and the days are getting shorter. I love the hidden lake you discovered, what a find! And I loved EK at the piano. How marvelous her PJ is giving the lessons! Between ballet and piano, she is really showing an artistic bent (must be in her genes!). Enjoy your week ahead!
Thank you Roxanne. I think our leaves are like yours, stress from a long summer is bringing them down. We may hit 100 again today but tomorrow is cooling down to 90. We are thinking more iced tea is needed. I will venture out into the heat and water what plants are hanging on, hoping to have a few things for monarchs when they pass by…it’s looking doubtful this year. Have a great Labor Day and week!
Butch and Pam
I always love Fall sunsets, and your reflection photos are gorgeous. Yes, I have a favorite country road, that winds past a ‘turtle’ pond a horse pasture, and side-trips into a Forest Preserve, which has the best spot for viewing a late Fall sunset. My favorite time of year, today is the first day of under 80 temps…and so enjoyed it! Sandi
Thank you Sandi. Enjoy those nicer temps on this Labor Day weekend. Sounds like you have a hint of autumn and a very good country road to travel, especially in the late afternoon. Our 10 day forecast has every day 90 or above but change should come soon. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Aww I loved seeing the piano playing granddaughter practicing!
I enjoyed the word reflections and the photography refections. My late beloved and I went to Jackson Hole and hiked in the Grand Tetons.
Have a beautiful week ! xo
Thank you Kitty. Glad you have that hiking memory. We may take a few short hikes but will probably see most sights driving from place to place. Hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Ek taking piano lessons is so sweet. I bet that makes your heart sing that she is taking an interest in the piano. All the pictures and stories are beautiful as always. Happy Labor Day Weekend. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. I think the girls are enjoying their time at the piano and all that goes with that, food and other fun too. We hope you have a great Labor Day and an enjoyable week!
Butch and Pam
From dancing all night to country roads take me home to a 30 acre lake that you hadn’t discover even with your drone, you had a wide variety today but maybe EK practicing piano was my favorite. I love memories to think back to and EK having her grandmother teach her how to play will be a precious memory.Lowell and I hiked to that very same view of maroon bells and I remembered what I was wearing. Pray for the hurricanes heading for Hawaii to turn away. It’s even named after my sweetie.
Thank you Alice. With limits on how high I can fly the drone, I guess that lake remained hidden behind the steep ridges. I think whether piano becomes something EK does in the future or not, the student and teacher thing will be a definite memory. Hoping that you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Your words and photos perfectly capture the harmony of family and nature. The imagery of your granddaughter practicing the piano and the floral beauty surrounding your home feels so peaceful. Your mountain reflections add such a lovely depth to it all. It’s a nice reminder to slow down and find the music in everyday moments!
Thank you Mary. I am fond of the song lyrics that speak of “singing skies and dancing waters”. Slowing down is good advice and I need to do that more. Wishing you a very enjoyable week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Labor Day, pray it’s a good one! I love mountains and water and been to a lot of those places in the past so, I really enjoyed seeing this post and that cutie whose learning to play the piano. Thanks so much.
Thank you Marlene. For now the piano lesson is scheduled for every Thursday and I do think both teacher and student have additional motives since the event seems to last several hours. Hope your Labor Day and week go well!
Butch and Pam
Well, thank you for taking me away to these beautiful spots. Oh, Maroon Bells! I fondly remember summer hikes with Monnie during our summer CO vacations. Also love seeing that darling red head at the piano. How wonderful the grands are taking piano lessons. Your posts add joy and comfort to my day. Thank you!
Thank you Sarah. Sweet fond memories are precious to us all. I’m thinking the piano lessons, even if nothing else, are creating something memorable. Have a delightful week!
Butch and Pam
For some reason, the water hyacinth reminded me of my dear Mom and also heaven. How beautiful it must be! And the flowers bloom all the time, not just in short seasons of time. I love seeing your photos so much!
Thank you Cheryl. We love your thoughts. The water hyacinth is really a gorgeous bloom and could be described as heavenly. Hope you had a good Labor Day!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful photos Butch and those reflection ones are magazine worthy – they should be on the cover of a travel magazine! So glad that EK has shown an interest in piano and I’m sure Pam will be a fabulous teacher.,, such a wonderful picture. Love John Denver’s Country Roads – you may know this already but a while back, a group of country artists (Artists of then, now, & forever – forever country) did a remake of the song, sort of a medley, but really nice and toe-tapping for sure. It ends with Dolly Parton singing (sniff). Love the sunset photo. Have a wonderful week you two!
Thank you Kim. We have watched the video of Country Roads you mentioned a number of times. It is amazing, creative, and so well done. And yes, Dolly at the end. I think you’ve prompted us to view that again tonight. My piano girls are having a great time every week with those lessons. We hope your week is wonderful as well!
Butch and Pam
I enjoy everything water too Butch, calm & choppy, narrow or wide, still or flowing as I think they all have their own beauty. The reflections you captured are magnificent!
Your Ironweed looks similar to our Paterson’s curse here in Australia which is a weed that plays havoc with livestock & a real pain to all livestock farmers as it’s prolific & hard to eradicate. Although very pretty when a hillside is in purple bloom!
Blessings to both you & Pam for the coming week, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. The ironweed has a very tough stem hence the “iron” name. It doesn’t spread like that one called hogwort. I think cows won’t eat the live hogwort but it’s toxic and bad if it gets baled in the hay. I will check out the weed you mentioned. I like to always be learning something new, even if I do forget what I learn and need refreshing quite often. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful garden and scenice views. My gardens were all eaten by deer this summer. The lomg drought here made them seek out anything green to eat.
I love the reflection you found of Marron Bells Mountains here in Colorado! When we visited them one early October it began to snow!
Thanks so much, Pat. I am so sorry that the deer ate your garden. Gardening is a lot of work for that to happen. We love the views from Maroon Bells!
Hi, Butch and Pam.
The reflection pictures are beautiful! Have you ever enlarged one of them to place on a living room for family room wall?
I read your ‘About Butch & Pam’ page. Yes, I do believe in miracles! Your story was very interesting to read. I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing!
I invite you to share your site’s posts with Life Captured. Hope you visit!
All the best.