“For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!”
Psalm 108:4-5 ESV
Sunrises are infinite and beyond regarding the manner in which they greet us daily, no two ever alike. A thick fog rolled in just before daybreak one morning mid-week and there was nothing to do but wait. The cool of the early hours felt good since our daytime temps have been summer-like. Our favorite meteorologist said that last Friday should be our last flirt with 90’s this year…and followed up by saying, “but no guarantees”.
Even though our late planting of zinnias and sunflowers was mostly a lost cause, we have enjoyed the faithful few that came forth. The butterflies and bees have been happy too. You can’t see them, hidden beneath leaves, but two stalks produced 12 sunflowers at one time in what I am calling my late season “sunflower cluster”!
A sign of the times, something is stirring, change will come. Our forecast next week looks absolutely gorgeous, as October as it gets. Nights mostly in the 40’s, days in the 70’s…even near 40 tonight maybe? Ha…we will be freezing. Running AC through Friday and heat by Sunday morning!
I was finally able to get back to some of my trails around home and capture more reflections, not the Tetons, but a beautiful spot nonetheless! I couldn’t tell if the egret across the way was Henry or Henrietta.
I couldn’t pass up the reflections or my thoughts on my Thursday morning walk. The water is rarely totally calm and slick as glass, but I found pools that were like mirrors. More often there are at least ripples and sometimes choppy waves. Isn’t that just like everyday living, there are ripples and those big waves too, days that are as slick as glass are rare…but the reflections are still there, just harder to see beneath the turmoil.
This muddy cove brought more thoughts. Not always, but sometimes a scene like this will trigger an inward reflection. This old tree has finished what it was placed here to do, and although dead now, cast a reflection that makes it seem twice the tree it was when alive and standing tall. I pray that I might leave such reflections, that even in muddy waters, others, especially the grands, might see and remember things that bring joy, hope, and encouragement!
We can’t get away from the fact that our everyday living involves food. Truth is, we do not attempt to get away from this daily habit. Every meal however, does not include stuffed peppers with goat cheese, sultanas, pine nuts, and capers…one of Pam’s favorite starters at Bottega Cafe.
I made certain all summer that I avoided mowing and trimming one small group of plants growing against the fence behind the picnic table. I recognized early on that these were goldenrods, and I’m glad I did. Many goldenrods are in full array while others are fading. October is goldenrod’s best month!
I wanted to talk about orange butterflies that drop by our place. We can usually count on monarchs, like this girl, to stop by in October. Such was the case last week. The chaste tree is a favorite.
But monarchs like this pretty one aren’t the only orange visitor. You all probably know that monarchs do not taste good to birds and can even make birds sick if they eat them. And birds know this, so they leave them alone. Creation is staggering to my little finite brain. This bad taste is helpful to another orange butterfly which can be mistaken by humans, and birds, to be a monarch, thus the mimic can be a life saver for…
…an orange butterfly known as a viceroy. Pam saw this one and made the photo at the kitchen window while washing dishes. Honestly, the viceroy is not seen often at our house and I think this is the first photo we’ve ever had of one.
This is our more common orange butterfly which stays with us all season, remaining very plentiful in October and also a lover of the chaste tree. This gulf fritillary does lack the deeper color and black lines of the monarch and viceroy.
While we don’t have numerous blooms, the late planting zinnias have kept butterflies and bees coming, and provided cut flowers for Pam for several arrangements.
An all white field of cotton can look like this in a very brief time as the picker breezes through and then the stalks are cut. October is a busy month, maybe the busiest for picking cotton around this area.
I was able to sneak into the garden one afternoon last week to hear sounds and get glimpses of what turned out to be a tea party. I was able to slip away without being detected. I wanted to know more about the festivities, but when I inquired, I was told to be patient and visit the blog on Tuesday for all the details. I suppose I will do just that! This quick photo peeping around the corner will have to suffice until day after tomorrow.
While clearing a tract about 50 miles from us, Richardson Landworks made an interesting discovery on an adjacent property. He thinks this old tractor is probably a Farmall A series, late 30’s or early 40’s. I guess this is the place where it pulled the final plow. If wheels could talk! Those tires have held up quite well. Farmall was a tremendous asset for family farm agriculture, the first models being mass produced starting in 1925! I noticed on this one the seat was offset to the right and the engine to the left. A farmer could look straight down the row ahead without obstruction.
Last Sunday we had late afternoon clearing after the weekend storm finally moved on. I looked out just before dark and through the trees to the west the scene looked like a raging wildfire. Of course we knew that wasn’t the case, but I wanted to get a better view of the horizon while there was still light. It took a few minutes to make my way around our woods trails and light had faded some…
…but the sky was still ablaze! Orange definitely fits the season.
Praying you all have a safe and pleasant week!
“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
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! Otange is, indeed, the color of October. We had upper 30s at the mountaintop airport this morning, but 42° here by the river. Our week is forecast to be much like yours. Let’s savor and enjoy!
Thank you Rita. We had 42 here this morning also. 70’s and 40’s forecast for the next 10 days. These kind of days get by too quickly. Have an enjoyable week!
Butch and Pam
Thirty four degrees here this morning and I can’t say that it makes me sad, just the opposite! Kassie our Husky told us she is happy the heat is gone! Things are orange around here also, the zinnias and floss flowers are still hanging on. Beautiful pictures as always. Have a blessed week.
Thank you Maryann. I’m sure your Husky is glad the heat has moved on. Summer grass will slow down now with cool nights but without frost we should have a few flowers hanging on a little longer. We do expect 40 tonight I think. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
October…a wonderful month full of crispy colorful change; and as chance to take such beautiful photos! Your blog always has a way of showcasing our Creator through the wonders of His Creation. Thanks for sharing. 🍁🍂🥮
Thank you Vivian. October is simply the best but it seems it is here and gone before we can take it all in. It’s a favorite month to a lot of folks. Enjoy your week!
Butch and Pam
Love the fall and the beautiful rich colors. The sunset through the trees is beautiful. It does look like a forest fire. I am home from the hospital and doing well. So nice to be home and in my own bed. Happy New Week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. No place like home and we are glad you are there. Praying for a quicker than expected recovery. May this be a great week and one of much healing!
Butch and Pam
Gorgeous skies and amazing photos! God bless you and yours. Hugs.
Thank you Maristella. We hope you are doing well. May God bless you with a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Your thoughts on reflection caused me to tear up. You have a way with words and a book should be in your future. A fire was
Indeed what I thought the first moment I saw the picture of an orange background as fire. PraiseGod not every orange thing in October is a pumpkin or a raging fire! I don’t know the name of one butterfly from the other but I do love them and I don’t see them at my house. I enlarged each of the butterfly photos and did see the difference. Loved the little girl butterfly in her frilly gown. Looking forward to Tuesdays party,
Thank you Alice. We had a breezy and cool day yesterday and the butterflies were not to be found. With all sun and mid to upper 70’s coming this week we figure they will be back out visiting the remaining flowers. It was hot on tea party day and if I had attended I would’ve chosen sweet iced tea. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
The sunset photos are fabulous! Orange and October has finally arrived and we’re loving it. We’re enjoying the magnificent weather! Looking forward to the Tea on Tuesday. Enjoy your week. Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. This weather is great so we will do our best to enjoy it while it’s here. Orange and yellow, although not exclusive, seem to be the dominant colors for fall and especially October. We hope you enjoy a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Definitely the season for orange! One would have thought a memo had gone out to all our church members because almost all the ladies were in various shades of orange, brown, yellow and rust! Perhaps the cooler temps this morning triggered the changes from pastel summer to vibrant Autumn. The fog photo makes me shiver a bit while Pam’s peppers make me salivate! Yummy. You do have a way with words Butch…and reflections do just what they are intended to do…allow one to reflect. Thanks for sharing and have a great and Blessed week-end.🍁🌻🎃🏈🍂
Thank you Kari. As the natural world around us changes its wardrobe I believe it signals it’s time to change ours. Of course up our way this morning it was 42 so that prompted a change also, not just in colors, but in weight/layers. But since I believe we sorta complained about the heat we think we will wait a while before complaining about the cold. We hope you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Greetings Butch and Pam! Delicious 37 this morning here. I was the greeter at church and loved standing outside in the cool and sunshine instead of 90+. Everyone who walked up was in a such great mood too. I am surprised Richardson Landworks did not haul that tractor home! What an incredible shot of the fiery sky after the storm. God’s paintbrush, for sure.
Thank you Roxanne. The first time it’s 20 degrees and windy Pam and I are going to just say, this isn’t cold, only delicious. I think the tractor was on another property but I had a friend in Georgia who would’ve been up there in a minute trying to buy it but he passed away recently. Some collector would probably love to haul it home. Looks like a nice week ahead, enjoy!
Butch and Pam
Butch~I really enjoyed this beautiful article and stunning photographs! From sunrise to the gorgeous October sunset. From the interesting butterfly, historic tractor, and the “peek” at the party! I understand about the reflective thoughts in the muddy waters and tree limbs! I have no doubt your grands will remember the finest things! You and Pam have created legacies of love for family, one another, love of nature, and CHRIST!
We can relate to the air conditioning on a Friday to heat on a Sunday morning. After setting record temps these last two months, I’m so happy to have beautiful days ahead.
For Pam–on Friday, I had 3 infusions as my platelets are still fairly low (in the 50,000’s but much better than 20’s!). I’m getting better from the virus and can help my parents more tomorrow. Sending tons of love, hugs, and prayers!
I’ll make it to the tea party–even if I’m late!
Thank you both for making our world more beautiful! God bless you all! ❤️🍂🍁🙏🏻
Thank you Karla. I was given a peek at the party and also some left over goodies. If I hang around and look sad long enough I’ve found the partygoers will usually save me a few treats. We did change over to heat this morning but mostly to be sure it would come on and work properly. Thankfully it did. Join the tea party when you can. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Karla, this is Pam. You have been through so much. I pray that you will regain your strength after the virus. I know you want to help your parents. When you feel up to it, let’s schedule a call. Love and prayers always❤️🙏🏻
You’re welcome! Those sad looks can help with treats! Tee hee! I think we’re going to have some heat later this week, too!
Butch, your photography is a feast for the eyes. The monarchs are awesome creatures. The migration trip they make is something difficult to imagine. They are such delicate small things, yet they traverse this great distance through all kinds of weather. Totally amazing!
Your sunsets are totally awesome as well!
Thank you Sarah. We were kinda wondering if after the storm and now a cold front if we would see another monarch. We will keep an eye out to see if they’ve all moved on. Some upper 70’s coming this week so maybe there will be some stragglers. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Your inward reflection of;
“This old tree has finished what it was placed here to do, and although dead now, cast a reflection that makes it seem twice the tree it was when alive and standing tall.” How poignant Butch!
As I looked at that photo I saw that the old tree actually has a new purpose now, that of a sunny resting place for the turtle.
May we leave a legacy for those who have come after us that they find a resting place in the true Son, Jesus our Saviour.
Blessings to you & Pam, Jennifer
Thank, you Jennifer. The turtle has found temporary rest in the sun. Your thoughts are so true and point us to the only One where permanent rest is found. What a meaningful analogy. Thanks again and have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Ahhh such beautiful reflections in the water and yet of life, too! The butterflies are so incredibly stunning, aren’t they? God is the Master Artist and Creator. I always enjoy seeing food pictures that you share. When k saw the sun setting behind the trees, it really did look like a blazing fire!! I’ll be back Tuesday for the tea party, but in the meantime, have a beautiful week of October.
Thank you Kitty. If I keep indulging in the food that we share in pictures I may soon not like my reflection in the mirror. It’s a hard time of year coming up, but we do enjoy good food. I hope the tea party still has some leftovers to share. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Hello Friends! What lovely pictures with reflections. Some on the water and some from Butch. I always enjoy those reflections. Gorgeous orange skies are perfect for October. That one did look like a forest fire.
We are having “sweater weather” here in Pennsylvania with sunny skies until next week! We are loving it.
Thank you for a lovely stroll around your parts. Happy New Week!
Thank you Nancy. I probably fare better in very hot than in very cold but this October sweater weather is just right. Wish we could keep it around a bit longer. Sounds like your week will be about the same as ours. So, enjoy this October week!
Butch and Pam
Your world is so very beautiful right now. I never knew abut the viceroy/monarch difference or the fact that they taste terrible to birds. Good for them! Shame on them, for not inviting you to the tea party! Here’s to a wonderful new week.
Thank you Jeanie. I’m getting tea party leftovers so I’ll hopefully be content with that. Things change later here than at your place but every place has its own beauty and time. Our leaves usually don’t peak until early November. Hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful pictures of the area around you. I use to live on an acre of land that had beautiful scenery like this but when I moved to live closer to my sons I live in town now. Since I live by myself it’s probably best. For a little while when reading these posts I can enjoy your beautiful area, thanks and have a blessed day.
Thank you Marlene. Some day we know we won’t be able to maintain the garden and acreage but we feel extremely blessed to be here and do it as long as God allows. We hope you have a blessed day and a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful pictures Butch, and the reflection ones are quite stunning. The monarch and all his/her mimics are so pretty – monarchs are a rare sighting in Calgary as apparently we are too far north and west of their typical migration corridors. I’m glad your temps are easing out of the 90s to more moderate (and enjoyable) weather. We’ve had a very mild October here probably because of the super El Nino but you will hear no complaints from me lol. When I saw the first picture of the orange sun between the tree, the first thing that crossed my mind was a forest fire. So glad it wasn’t. Beautiful orange sky shot and can’t wait to see what Pam is up to tomorrow. Have a great and wonderful week!
Thank you Kim. We wonder what the super El Niño will mean for the next few months, if anything. Glad you are having a mild October, enjoy while you can. Maybe the monarchs don’t quite get that far. I thought I saw another one here today but didn’t get a good look so not sure. Maybe I will get some leftovers at tomorrow’s tea party! Have an enjoyable week!
Butch and Pam
Autumn is looking good at your house and community!
Thank you Mary. Autumn has been slow but finally coming around. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Lovely thoughts, Butch… I like October for the slowing down in the garden, the slowing of the work of summer (we just finished rebuilding our home’s soffits with cement board all around), and its time to rest.
The sunset you’ve shared is sooo beautiful! Love the “fire” coming through the trees… Interesting how the viceroy mimics the monarch. Monarchs are coming to our butterfly bushes as they pass on their way southward. Love this time of year!
Happy October,
Barb 🙂
Thank you Barbara. The holidays can come around quickly and keep us very busy but all in all we agree, fall and winter gives more time to rest…and by October we are ready too. I’m still looking for any additional monarchs that might still come by but not positively identified one this week. We hope you enjoy these October days!
Butch and Pam
Wow! That photo really does look like a raging wildfire through the trees! Your photos are absolutely amazing!
Thank you Cheryl. We hope you are having a good week and that you enjoy a wonderful weekend!
Butch and Pam