”fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Low clouds and fog lingered one morning but finally gave way to clearing and sunshine. It turned out to be a nice spring day here in our Appalachian foothills. The old dead tree is the result of too much water, flooding provided by beavers. About half the time I pass here, there’s a hawk sitting on top of the tallest limb. Not this day. He missed his chance to be a part of this post!
I was unable to do much roaming last week, but fortunately ventured about Sunday and Monday. Pam and I have the flu and have been sidelined since Tuesday. I topped a hill in this pasture across the creek to discover white narcissus scattered all over the place. This is the same area where I found groups of yellow daffodils a few weeks ago. The white ones bloom somewhat later than the yellow.
Most of these have 2 flowers per stem. I suppose we could call these jonquils? I do think it is acceptable to call them all daffodils, after all, they are both of the genus narcissus.
I discovered this on the ground under some oaks near the house. It was about the size of a lime and looked a little like one. We don’t grow limes or lemons in north Alabama. It was thin skinned and very light weight. Have you heard of the Oak Gall wasp?
Strong winds some days ago apparently brought this gall to the ground. The Gall wasp has secretions that cause the gall to form around the eggs, in this case, from an oak leaf. I went back Tuesday before the flu bug dealt a major blow, and found that the gall had dried, turned brown, and the young had seemingly gnawed their way to the outside, part of the circle of life.
I opened up the gall to see what life would’ve been like for larval development on the inside. There are quite a variety of these insects (1,300 species) and the life cycle is complicated, interesting, and amazing. Creation is astounding, so what does that indicate about the Creator! Indescribable!
I made great effort to discourage mockingbirds from building their nest in a bush in the garden near the Sunshine Cottage. I had placed a scarecrow of sorts on the bush thinking that would do the trick. I thought this was a successful deterrent until I saw birds going in and out, as if making fun of my scary device. I decided to investigate and found I was much too late for discouragement. In fact, I was basically attacked by a mockingbird mom before I could take a quick photo and leave. This was the day the birds were hatching. I was not welcome!
The seasons first peony, and fortunately, just outside our back door! It is known as Festiva Maxima.
I mentioned last week that we like old barns and churches. Many of you also relate, based on comments. Today’s throwback is from 2018, Grand Teton National Park, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming…the most photographed barn in the world.
When we have snow here in Alabama, it is likely to come from spent snowball blooms from the snowball viburnum in April. I am pleased to say that after three and a half years of not having any sense of smell (thank you COVID), a few weeks ago I noticed that I was beginning to detect smells and fragrances. It came back out of nowhere, just like it went away. Not as acute yet as before, but I am very grateful. I mention this because these spent blooms actually “stink”, and I am delighted to smell even something stinky!
I’m not sure why this poppy chose to fold its petals down in this manner. I noticed a few of the orange ones did the same thing. I don’t remember seeing this in the past and we’ve had these growing before in the wildflower garden.
Pam didn’t think much of this pic but when you’ve been unexpectedly ailing and unable to get out as much as normal, you use what you have. This is everyday living. I actually liked this photo of large yellow vetch. I found it growing in a ditch near the narcissus the other day. It is a vine in the pea family.
The fringe trees are usually in full bloom by mid April. They make a statement in the woods where they grow wild but a lot of people have them in their yard.
We experienced a lot of clouds and some rain last week. Just when I thought the clouds would win out and the sun be left to try again another day, el sol was not to be defeated!
Wishing you a wonderful week!
”May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.“
Psalm 67:1-2 (ESV)
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda