“It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.”
Jeremiah 10:12 ESV
As the mornings turn colder it may become harder to convince myself to get out of bed and take a walk before sunrise. We experienced several nice mornings last week, like this one, which makes it easier to head out early. However, knowing that there is always a chance that something this breathtaking could greet me certainly makes me more apt to get outside regardless of the weather. I do not like cold, but I sure do love God’s magnificent art work and the fact that He shares it with us every day!
“A tale of two seasons”
We made a short trip to Little River Canyon National Preserve, thinking the timing should be perfect for fall color. The route takes us by a favorite country church. Pam must stop and get new photos every year. It is a fond memory for her as she remembers passing the church many times when she was a little girl headed to her grandparents house. Pam’s mom was raised only a few miles north of here. PJ made this photo while I was making my way up the hill into the church cemetery…of the many she made, I chose this pic because of the vapor trail!
In the cemetery I discovered one of the largest beech trees I think I’ve ever seen. The structure, growth, and shape of the limbs is an absolute architectural wonder, Creator made!
Our plan to see maximum color at the falls and canyon did not work out. We were surprised to find many leaves had dropped and others were simply brown or dull, not typical for these mountains. I do think the hot, dry summer season may be one reason, or maybe we were a week late? Still no complaints…there was beauty all around and it was 3 hours well spent together!
The pine in the middle of the photo has grown right out of the rocks for several years which amazes me. It doesn’t seem to get much bigger and I figure the roots are limited as to where they can grow, like a root bound potted plant. But what about the colorful little jewel below also growing from the rocks!! A sweet gum tree I believe and our prize winner for color at this particular stop off.
Pam’s birthday dinner of grilled fresh Gulf flounder with polenta, greens, and olives. I suggested we celebrate birthdays more often, but without adding years or discussing that “age thing”!
There was some nice color in the valley area at the foot of the mountain in front of our house. I’m kidding, I’m kidding!!! You knew better anyway. The willow flats with Jackson Lake and Mt Moran in the background was an autumn portrait, an oil on canvas type scene when we were there a few weeks back. This is a photo from the Grand Teton National Park we did not include in our Jackson Hole/Tetons posts, but perhaps should have!
There will soon be falling leaves outside our window (actually there are many on the ground now)! Everything will change, well, all but One!
Often called the winter rose, it is Camellia time. We only have one Camellia and through the years it has always bloomed, but has been limited as far as numbers of blooms. Since the removal of a large tree that was a short distance away, more sun and more soil nutrients becoming available have made a big difference.
The Camellia is our state flower. Our lone bush has a lot of flowers and hundreds of buds, more than we’ve ever seen on it. It is nice to have around since most everything that flowers is gone or fading fast with below freezing temps this weekend!
I recently passed a downtown spot where I had previously made photos of a nice mural and featured it on a blog post, probably last year. I was amazed to find that a new work of art was underway and the artist was on the scene (no pun intended) and at work. Being late for an appointment, I couldn’t stop, but planned to return later and introduce myself and ask a few questions…you know I like a story. It appears that the mural, when completed, will reflect a section of downtown as it was in days gone by. I was fascinated by the work and have returned several times hoping to find the artist at work. Pam and I dropped by on Friday, and while much has been done, it is still a work in progress and we have yet to meet the one responsible for such a charming display, reflecting on the “good ole days” I would say!
Even though the mural is not complete, we just had to stop in and make photos. As we drove by, the scene amazingly looked 3-D, and does somewhat even in photos. We do hope to meet the artist, get pics of the finished work, and maybe come away with an interesting story. I believe driving along this street will be part of our route when in town in hopes of meeting the illusive painter!
Fall color is not quite peak in some nearby places, and not bright and dynamic in other nearby places; however, there are some trees that refuse to be denied the opportunity for autumn attention…
…and deservedly so! Have you noticed that there are always those that kinda stand out in a crowd?
A few minutes before a November sunset on the lake. Only 10 minutes from home, we do enjoy an occasional late afternoon ride to a couple of choice locations on Weiss Lake!
A beautiful sky one afternoon on what was likely our final day of temperatures near 80 until next year!
We pray you have a blessed and beautiful 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
I never tire of seeing the majestic Grand Tetons. Such gorgeous views. I can see why Pam always wants to stop and take pictures of the beautiful country church. The only fall color we have seen so far are on the invasive tallow trees, the only time of year I somewhat tolerate them. Your fall color, even if only a few standout trees, is breathtaking. I, too, am thankful to know the One who never changes.