Category: Backyard

Day 1401: A Photo A Day

8/17/2022

Along our road at dusk-- Hope, NJ, August 2022
I find it difficult to capture the magnificence of clouds in photographs, but saw this on our way home last night.
My favorite 'light' of the day is the golden glow of dusk, and loved it reflected in these clouds.

"To every good,
to every flicker of stars along the pine shadows;
To every tussle with lucid dusk,
To every moonlit pledge,
to every turn made to outleap
silvery pollen,
I have desired to listen - to listen -
to the ripening of seasons..."
Obi Nwakanma

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Day 1398: A Photo A Day

6/1/2022

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First blooming peony in our garden

What a difference a day makes!

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Day 1397: A Photo A Day

5/21/2022

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"Lily of the Valley" was Mom's favorite perfume. We planted these at the end of last season and are thrilled to see them bloom!

I was searching for a poem about lilies of the valley and found this lovely one by
Lorraine @ Grateful Prayer | Thankful Heart

Lily of the Valley and Christ Is Poem
by Lorraine @ Grateful Prayer | Thankful Heart

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

To the ARTIST He is the One Altogether Lovely.
To the ARCHITECT He is the Chief Corner Stone.
To the BAKER He is the Living Bread.
To the BANKER He is the Hidden Treasure.
To the BIOLOGIST He is the Life.
To the BUILDER He is the Sure Foundation.
To the CARPENTER He is the Door.
To the DOCTOR He is the Great Physician.
To the EDUCATOR He is the Great Teacher.
To the ENGINEER He is the New and Living Way.
To the FLORIST He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
To the GEOLOGIST He is the Rock of Ages.
To the HORTICULTURIST He is the True Vine.
To the JUDGE He is the Righteous Judge, Judge of All Men.
To the JEWELER He is the Pearl of Great Price.
To the LAWYER He is the Counselor, the Lawgiver, the Advocate.
To the NEWS REPORTER He is the Good Tidings of Great Joy.
To the OCULIST He is the Light of the Eyes.
To the PHILANTHROPIST He is the Unspeakable Gift.
To the PHILOSOPHER He is the Wisdom of God.
To the PREACHER He is the Word of God.
To the SCULPTOR He is the Living Stone.
To the SERVANT He is the Good Master.
To the STATESMAN He is the Desire of All Nations.
To the STUDENT He is the Incarnate Truth.
To the THEOLOGIAN He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.
To the TOILER He is the Giver of Rest.
To the SINNER He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the World.
To the CHRISTIAN He is the Son of the Living God, the Savior, the Redeemer and the Lord!

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Day 1391: A Photo A Day

4/11/2022

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Evan recently found this broken-off hyacinth bud in our yard. It was light green, tightly closed, and looked ‘dead’. He encouraged me to put it into water and thought it might still bloom.
I was doubtful… and totally astonished when after about three days, it did! It made think about the power of water itself—a basic compound— essential for life, and wonder what areas could I experience transformation in by simply ‘watering’. I’m currently reading Soundtracks by Jon Acuff, and working on removing what the author brilliantly refers to as "lying, unhelpful, unkind thoughts" and replacing them with thoughts that are “true, helpful, and kind”. If I'm consistent, in time I’m hoping to see big changes. How about you? Any areas in your life that could use watering?

"Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose."
Proverbs 18:21 MSG

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Day 1382: A Photo A Day

1/6/2022

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Variations of frost on our walkway this morning... getting ready for tonight's snow!

"The frost makes a flower, the dew makes a star."
Sylvia Plath

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December 2021: Our Year in Photos, Part 1

12/23/2021

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In spite of the difficulties, stress and sometimes tragedies many of us experienced this past year, some unbelievably good things happened, too. Time spent with family, loved ones, and friends—whether in person or online—was a lifeline to joy. Maybe it took time apart to see how much we really need each other--different experiences, viewpoints, opinions, and everything... More than ever, I'm thankful for those who love us.
Here are some other highlights:

Evan recovering with his sidekick, Mac

FEBRUARY
As some of you know, on February 18th, Evan dislocated his knee several times that day after slipping on some ice that was hidden by snow. He has made incredible progress while still continuing in physical therapy. His knee continues to grow stronger and we're hopeful for a full recovery in 2022. Thank you for your prayers!

MAY
There's a swamp in our backyard and in May for the last several years Evan has seen turtle egg nests destroyed by scavengers (raccoons, etc.) We've never seen the turtles actually laying their eggs, but this year we did! (There are two laying eggs in the photo below.)

Evan decided he was going try to save the eggs this year. We did some research, and he set about building a 'fortress' to protect them while they incubated.

SEPTEMBER
After spending several days getting their protection just right, Evan started calling himself a "turtle farmer"! We read that it takes around 80 days for the eggs to hatch, so around August 14th we started checking the nests several times a day. Evan saw our first hatchling while checking the farm on the evening of Sept. 11 during a torrential storm. We couldn't believe that one was hatching, let alone during the middle of a storm! The next day several more hatched, which is when these photos and videos were taken.

These little guys have an internal drive that propels them to find the water

Just for point of reference, here's an adult (taken during the summer in our backyard)

Needless to say, we were thrilled. Evan's hard work really paid off! He has plans to continue the farm next year.

NOVEMBER
I was honored to be a bridesmaid in my good friend, Quazonia's wedding to Richard Scott in November. We met at church while I lived in Delaware back in the 1990s. It was just awesome to re-connect several days over the course of the month and be part of their special day! So happy for Quazonia and Richard!

So thrilled I got to wear flowers in my hair!

The newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Scott

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Christmas week and celebration of Jesus' birth. May you experience the wonders of His love! "Our Year In Photos, Part 2" coming soon. :-)

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