“Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.”
Psalm 85:10-12 ESV
A nice morning welcome to a September day as we celebrated the final full week of summer. I used a photo that included the fire pit, thinking it could serve as a reminder that autumn arrives on Tuesday. We even have a small amount of wood already on hand. However, with temperatures remaining around 100 over the weekend and 90’s as we look into the forecast for the coming days, the fire pit will only be used by ants and lizards!
The final cutting of hay brings mixed thoughts as another season comes to a close. It is so dry, but our friend Billy is at least escaping the heat and dust inside the enclosed cab…
…but the hay rake is on another tractor which leaves him out in the elements. This is our back pasture, and because of the drought, we will likely see about one third less hay than the first cutting. Billy is the one guy I know who’s hearing is worse than mine. He lost 60% years ago from an explosive blast and deafening impact…Vietnam!
This was now ready to roll up and had the appearance of a lot of hay, but my prediction was accurate, the dry weather and lingering heat made a big dent in the overall crop for this round. Altogether though, it turned out to be a good year.
In June, after the first cutting, there would’ve been 4 or 5 rolls seen in a drone shot from this altitude/angle.
The upper part of our little creek is currently only a dry ditch, even though it is fed by a couple of springs that are north of us. Maybe I need to venture in the direction of what would normally be upstream and see if the springs have dried up!
Unlike the hay field or the dry creek bed, it appears that the cotton crop has fared well and the harvest may be very good. Cotton loves the hot weather and does well even in dry times because it puts down deep roots. Pam and I rode by a few of the fields near the house yesterday to see how things were going for the cotton farmers. We liked this view with the Appalachian Foothills and Lookout Mountain in the background.
While gathering a few acorns for Pam’s tea party table, I couldn’t help but observe how precise, skilled and well equipped the local rodents are when mealtime comes around. My, my, what sharp teeth and strong jaws they have been given by our Maker. Hickory nuts are very, very hard, but just another fast food drive thru for a hungry bunch of squirrels! BTW – it’s usually hickry nuts, or hickor nuts here in the south…maybe even shorter, the “c” not really being necessary! Or is it the “k” that’s not needed?
It is widely rumored that a lady of high standing once made a very unkind and demeaning statement about the people in the land where she was queen. I personally hope I’m not remembered for such a thing. Supposedly she said something like “let them eat cake”. I considered the statement and determined eating cake was great advice, an excellent idea, especially this pecan coconut cake…which I boldly ordered. This was at Bottega, but Pam has the recipe and makes it equally as good. Maybe I shall be remembered for “eating cake”, and that will be ok!
I mentioned this early Monarch visitor in a previous post. The poor guy looked kinda weary from the journey and I don’t think he will be one who makes it into the promised land. As mentioned earlier, my best photo was not so good, but this being the first and only one to visit so far in the late summer, I decided he deserved some notice. Strangely, I see Monarchs in September along the wildlife trail where I walk, which is only 12 miles from us…but we almost never see one in our garden passing through in the late season until well into October.
I planted quite a few sunflowers on into the summer after our first group had faded. I thought we might enjoy a second crop, but had to water the beds a lot. I planted two rows in one bed where the first “batch” had grown so well. Not one single plant ever came up. In a smaller spot where the wildflowers were spent, I planted a few more. For all that effort, we now have a sunflower in our garden. Yes, “a” sunflower, as in “one”. There is potential for a couple more, but we are perplexed as to why the sunflowers, as well as several rows of zinnias, did not emerge…and we watered these beds! A few new zinnias sprouted and are beginning to bloom.
Prolonging blooms and extending the life of the garden has been a real challenge this summer. We are down to a few remaining holdouts like this chaste tree which always blooms again if I take time to cut it back after the first blooming. This is the only spot the lone Monarch stopped during his brief visit.
This week we chose to mention and display the few remaining flowers we have in the garden, believing after this weekend it is time to move on with autumn. I told PJ, “I’m over it, let’s go find some pumpkins”! Then we passed by the dining room window Friday morning to make a discovery. This daylily finished blooming in June and should’ve been done for the year. It isn’t a plant I have even watered. Looking slightly above the bloom you might notice two more buds. We’ve long since stopped trying to figure this stuff out!
Most of you know we live a few miles from a large body of water known as Weiss Lake. I like to get by the lake periodically and post some shots of various sights, wildlife, and other interesting lake things. This week was busy and unusual for us and we did not have our normal time to roam or photograph. But, it so happens that Appalachian Media was doing videography and media work this past week and sent us a photo from the region where he was working. Seth said he actually took a break from work and went for a swim here…the Adriatic Sea. That’s a long way from Weiss Lake and a long way from his office!
I waited until late in the day when it was slightly cooler to remove all the spent zinnias from one of the beds. I was working out by the Sunshine Cottage when the sky quickly became golden, then in a very short time…
…orange. I happened to notice a jet passing through the scene so I zoomed in to get a closer look. Vapor trails can be neat in their own way. I guess it would be nice if humans didn’t clutter the skies, but we are up there, so maybe vapor trails add a little something?
Have a blessed week and happy beginning to official autumn. The harvest moon is coming!
“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
What a beautifully peaceful way to wrap up the season. Watching the haying process is always such a deeply grounding sight. I think it officially signals the shift into autumn. For sure the slice of pecan, coconut cake does!
Thank you Mary. The temperature hasn’t signaled autumn yet but other things are beginning to. The temps will soon follow. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Yay, fall is on the way! We woke up to temperatures in the 60’s yesterday. I hope we never have to endure another super El Nino summer. The heat and drought have been relentless. Like yours, my plants and flowers have struggled even with constant watering. I pulled up all of my remaining zinnias this week also. I still have plenty of celosia, salvia, and butterfly weeds (milkweed) if the monarchs show up. I haven’t seen a hickory nut in a long time. As kids, we would try to break them open with a hammer to no avail. We called them hickor nuts. We were country folks! Hope the cooler temperatures reach the Appalachian foothills in your area this week along with much needed rain.
Thank you Rachel. I guess it is the El Niño thing. Not sure what that means for the upcoming winter. I’ve tried to crack hickor nuts too and it’s a job best left to the squirrels. We left zinnias in one place but they really look terrible. We hope you have a great week!
Butch and
Your end of summer post is beautiful with the hay, monarch, the lone sunflower and daylily. How nice for Seth to take a swim in the Adriatic Sea. Have a blessed upcoming week.
Thank you Kitty. I think the kids are ready for their daddy to come home. Their mommy is probably ready too. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning. We are all certainly going into fall. Our temps have dropped in the low 60’s here in Illinois. Sweater weather for sure. Have a great week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. No sweaters needed here yet but it won’t be long. We are traveling in a few days to where we will need some additional clothing items, so we will get a break. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
There was a story on our local news this morning about the monarchs arriving here in the Asheville area. They will be coming to your area soon.
Those flowers and views of the farms are lovely.
Thank you Carole. Maybe we we can sustain a few plants long enough for the monarchs to arrive in the area, spot us, and come by. We wish you a wonderful week and happy autumn!
Butch and Pam
Your morning shot and evening shots are gorgeous! We’re slowly baking in this heat. When we get the high utility bills, I’m just thankful to still have A/C! I am hoping we do become a bit more normal in the next week or so. I’m going to put Halloween out soon and I would like for it to be below a 100 degrees at least. The cotton should do great here as we’ve had some short lived rain occasionally too. The hay has indeed suffered. Your cake looks delicious! I think I would like that recipe as pecans and coconut are favorites. Have a great week! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. I do believe Pam can get that recipe to you. We usually have pumpkins and stuff out by now but postponed because of the heat. I’m thinking later this week it’s gonna be a little better, so maybe we can get a few pumpkins before we go out of town for a few days. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Sunday Butch and Pam! It’s hard to believe fall is upon and this summer is over. Sure hoping the thermometer gets the message! Appalachian Media is a long way from home if Seth swimming in the Adriatic Sea. What a spectacular adventure! I haven’t seen any monarchs, but the hummingbirds are still draining the feeders almost daily. The Army Corps of Engineers has announced they are taking Lake Hartwell way below full pond for the next TEN years while they evaluate leaks in the Clemson dike. As you might imagine, there are a lot of unhappy people with lakefront property as well as the bass tournament folks. You always capture such beautiful sky views, such a lovely way to end your week of adventures.
Thank you Roxanne. Yes, the Adriatic is a long way and his family, especially the little people, are ready for him to be home. I wonder if some recent disasters with failures in dikes has prompted the Corp to evaluate or if there are things that are indicators that give them concern. I can see where that would greatly impact lake activity, property owners. You wouldn’t think it would take 10 years. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Wow, your firepit photo is beautiful…how lovely to sit by a fire with that view, hope there’s a break in the heat for you all soon as you welcome autumn in the south. So many pretty photos shared this week! Enjoyed every one…
What a great friend you have in Billy, a Vietnam Veteran AND a farmer…quite a guy!
All the best wishes for a great autumnal week!
Thank you Sue. Billy has a few years on me so we don’t know how long he will keep at it. Fire pit weather will arrive but until then I guess we will just travel to the Rockies to cool off. We hope you have a great first day of autumn and a delightful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful sunrises and sunsets always amaze me and to think they are free for the viewing. How wonderful is our creator….and a big thank you for the photos just in case we miss our own. It all depends on the location, doesn’t it? and you and Pam have splendid views. I know your summer garden is slipping away but I love how the red lily said…”wait! I’m not quite finished yet.” What a wonderful last hurrah! Soon the monarchs will be stopping by in a flurry as they head further south. I know you will be ready with your camera. Who knows? you may not have to seek out your hiding place for photos…they may only be interested in nourishment and “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!”
Oh, and if it is not a secret family recipe, perhaps you could convince the lady of the house to share her recipe for Coconut Pecan Cake…🥰
Enjoy the last whimper of Summer🧚♂️🌻☀️ and Welcome the crisp air and the quiet, magical whisper of Autumn. 🍁🍂🏈🔥
Thank you Kari. In fact, when the monarchs pass by in October they normally are easy to photograph. They seem to be interested in one thing and pay me no attention. The hummingbirds now even seem a little less wary too. I do believe that cake recipe will be passed on. It’s not a secret and I think in one of Pam’s a Bottega cookbooks. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I love the sun rise in the background of the firepit photo Butch. Droughts are not fun at all & are hard going for farmers.
We’re already seeing a ‘dry off’ here too on the east coast of Australia with winter grasses yellowing & this past weekend the first bushfire in our area raged but was bought under control by our Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, although it’s still smouldering as I write. We woke to smoke heavy in the air this morning. So it may be a rather concerning Summer & bushfire season ahead that the Bush Fire Service are predicting.
Hubby & I have given up trying to figure plants & their blooming seasons out too, we think God may enjoy keeping us guessing lol!
Blessings to both you & Pam, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. We too have decided not to worry ourselves with trying so to figure out certain things in nature…the Creator knows what He’s doing and so we are working to accept and fit into the plan. Sounds like you have a fire brigade that strictly deals with bush fires and that they are anticipating a busy season. Hopefully the predictions will be inaccurate and not as bad as it seems to be starting out. Have a wonderful week and we pray a pleasant smoke free spring!
Butch and Pam
Yes Butch as we’re a very large country with a small population we do indeed have two distinct services for firefighting.
We have Fire & Rescue (paid professional firefighters & police rescue units) which deal with all city & Urban emergencies.
Then every rural town & village have their own Volunteer Bushfire Brigade with their own trucks & stations.
Both come under the coordination of their individual State’s Emergency Services which supply all training & equipment, as well as highly specialised Fire fighting trucks for our challenging terrain here in Australia.
All Bushfire fighting in rural areas especially on the ground is done purely by trained Volunteers with air support if needed & available of specialised aircraft (water bombers) in hard to reach areas. 😊
Thank you Jennifer. I always enjoy learning about thing’s Australia. I may never get to visit but learning more of the everyday living is a nice thing.
Butch and Pam
I always look forward to seeing these and all the beauty the Lord has blessed us with. Today here in Oklahoma it is in the 70’s I even went for a walk around my area, my body wasn’t use to that at all,lol! I have a rose bush in the back that is blooming, what a surprise. Most everything is pretty much finished so that was a surprise. Thanks for sharing this wonderful walk with us.
Thank you Marlene. I think your cooler air may make it down our way by the weekend. Pam and I will be away but we are glad to see the long range forecast does bring relief. We gave up on most of the plants and bought pumpkins today, it’s time. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
The lone sunflower and red lily are both beautiful and may be saying goodbye to summer even though your temps are not. Such gorgeous sunrise and sunset shots. I’m sorry about the hay crops but glad that the cotton did well, especially with all the heat and lack of rain this summer. I hope the monarch makes it. And Seth swimming in the Adriatic is so cool – definitely a moment to remember. I put our annuals to “bed” (i.e., the composting) about a month ago – they were looking so bedraggled that I didn’t think there was any hope for them. And I think the super El Nino is already having an effect – we were 28 degrees C today where our average this time of year is about 19 degrees. Ha, I’ll take it. Happy first day of fall tomorrow and I hope your temps cool off for you.
Thank you Kim. My…You are well above average and people tell us El Niño is responsible. It’s strange that some predict we will have a cold snowy winter here in the southeast because of it. Not sure about any of these long range forecasters. Our annuals are almost finished and today we bought a few pumpkins so I think we are ready for a new season. Have a wonderful first day of autumn and a great week!
Butch and Pam
Hello Friends! I started reading this last evening after I got back from Texas, but I fell asleep. So here I am this morning. I always enjoy your commentary along with your pictures. The sunsets are gorgeous. Texas is in a drought, too. Nothing is green. How sad for you all. But your surprise lily is a sight to behold! God is Good!
Your second batch of sunflowers may need more sunlight. Meaning the shorter days mean less sunlight—just a guess on my part. But the one that bloomed is quite pretty.
The Adriatic Sea?! Wow! That is far away!
Happy New Week to You BOTH!
Thank you Nancy. I think you may be on to something regarding the length of daylight. I hadn’t considered that. That probably answers my questions about the late plant zinnias too. We have a few but most didn’t do anything. We actually had a hard 15 minute rain today. Not the best way to get it but we are thankful. Hope you have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Butch,
What amazing pictures to end our summer (like Pam, I’m “over it”, lol) but then the beauty is sometimes surprising! I’m all about eating cake, too! Yummy!
Seth’s view of the Adriatic Sea–stunning!
The firepit, sunflowers, sunset….all spectacular!
Happy Autumn to the Richardson family! You’re all in my prayers always!
Beautiful photos of your beginning of fall season and the harvest season. The cake slice looked very tempting! Our daytime temperatures are still a bit high but the evenings and nights are getting getting nice and cool.
We have a Lookout Mountain nearby in Golden, COlorado, and the grave of Buffalo Bill is located on the top of it along with a museum devoted to him. It also has a nice view of some of the Rocky Mountains towards the west.
Thanks so much, Pat! We love autumn when it kicks in for our Appalachian Foothills. It has been so dry we might not have as much fall color! We love visiting the Rocky Mountains! Enjoy your weekend!