I noticed this "Cooper's Hawk" Correction: * ( This is a Mississippi Kite) up in the top of the tall dead pine tree, surveying the lay of the land.
Meanwhile, we are preparing for whatever may come our way. This morning we were taking down our patio umbrellas from our tables on the deck. I was helping our son get one stubborn umbrella out of the weighted stand, 
Here he is getting ready to climb up a very tall pine tree to cut some dead limbs off that hang out over our shed area. The tree itself probably should be cut down, but it is so large and expensive to cut, we opted to just trim the bad stuff off for now, and he trimmed it so that the weight is more on the other side so if it does fall, it will fall in the pond and not on our house. Anyway, he's getting geared up and ready to climb:
It was fascinating to watch him climb and cut limbs and vines as he went. One of our big problems here are the vines that grow up and over all these trees, and they choke them out and kill the trees, so we have to find a way to manage the vines better before we lose more trees.
There she goes:
And once he was finished, down he came. I was happy when he was safely back on the ground. Makes my palms sweat just watching.
and somehow I managed to get my thumb under the stand when it shifted and slammed down on my poor widdle thumb.
I said, "owie". LOL. I promise, that is all I said.
In my previous post HERE, I told you that we were going to have some tree work done in preparation for this storm. Well, today was the day for "George of the Jungle" to come back and finish up the job he started the other day. Here he is loading up onto his trailer the cut pine trees that he cut before. The only bad part about this was he got his vehicle stuck in our sandy back yard and had to have someone come pull him out. But he kept right on working.
And there he goes:
So now we are as ready as we can be for this storm. We are praying it will just stay off shore and not come too far inland. It really isn't a very strong hurricane anyway, and we pray it doesn't get any stronger overnight.
We really don't have to worry, because are "Sheltered in the Arms of God"...
Sheltered in the Arms of God
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God
I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender
They're leading me in paths that I must trod
I'll have no fear 'cause Jesus walks beside me
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God
So let the storms rage high
The dark clouds rise
They won't worry me
For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God
He walks with me
And naught of earth shall harm me
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God
Soon I shall hear the call from Heaven's portals
"Come home, My child, it's the last mile you have trod."
I'll just fall asleep and wake up in God's new heaven
Forever sheltered in the arms of God
So let the storms rage high
The dark clouds rise
They won't worry me
For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God
Source: Musixmatch
I hope you also feel safe within the arms of God, no matter what "storms" may be coming your way. As long as we have Jesus with us, we need not fear any kind of storm. So thankful to have Jesus walking beside us. Amen? Have a blessed and safe evening, my friends.
Hi Pam, It looks like "George" had a clear day to trim the trees for you. I know you are thankful to have the work done before the storm. Praying for you and others in the path of the storm. I'm so sorry about your thumb. I pray you are not in a lot of discomfort. The colors of the sky reflected in your pond are so beautiful. I enjoyed the comforting lyrics in the video. I wish you a very pleasant evening. xo
ReplyDeleteYes, George arrived bright and early and worked really hard. Very thankful to have discovered him! My thumb sticks out like a sore thumb...and that hurts...but I will survive. It could have been worse! Thinking of you. Have a blessed and peaceful weekend.
DeleteI would have said more than you did if my thumb got smashed! It would have been more like oww, oww, oww, oww!!! I'm glad you got your trees cut! I remember seeing Darrell go up the trees like that! Luckily, I doubt you will feel much from this storm! I would just like to get some rain!
ReplyDeleteI put ice on it right away, and that hurt worse, so I'm just grinning and bearing it. But you know the saying, "sticks out like a sore thumb"?...Yeah, I know what that means. Yes, we hope to get some rain. We needed to do these tree things anyway, and the guy was right there and ready to go, so we decided to get it done. We still need to do more, but the big stuff will cost too much.
DeleteYour pictures of the sky are beautiful. The first one made me think of cotton candy. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got your trees trimmed and everything put away before the storm. My youngest daughter is right on the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I think she's far enough inland to miss a major impact but she may see some rain and wind.
A verse that has been going through my mind a lot lately is John 16:33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Knowing the Lord brings such peace of mind. Have a blessed day!
Very thankful for that verse. We certainly do have a lot of trouble in the world these days, but yes, Jesus has overcome the world, and through Him we are also overcomers!! Praise God!! Thank you.
DeleteOh! Your thumb! 🙁 ouch.
ReplyDeleteThe guys who climb up into trees like that are brave. Funny, I just saw one of those Six Million Dollar Man episodes from the 70's. Steve Austin climbed a tree and lobbed off a few branches really, really fast. He was wearing dress shoes. Ah...the 70's.
Ha Ha, but then again, he WAS the Six Million Dollar Man! He could do anything! LOL. That's funny.
DeleteIt (so far) looks like the storm won't bother us too much. Praying that it is so. Glad you got your trees taken care of ahead of this hurricane season! George of the Jungle looks like he knows what he is doing! Take care of that thumb!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I am sure praying the storm stays on course away from us! Yes, we were happy to find "George of the Jungle" up in our neighbor's tree. He was a very hard worker and did a good job. My thumb feels better this morning after a good night's sleep and some Ibuprofen! Have a blessed SONday!
DeleteI do pray that you will be spared during this storm. The words to that song are precious indeed.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruth. We are ready for the storm no matter what...but praying it stays off shore. Yes, I love that song. It has always been a favorite of mine. Have a blessed day dear friend.
DeleteGreat post, Pamela, and the words to the song are just such a blessing. It was fascinating watching George of the Jungle go about his work with such expertise.
ReplyDeleteThe sky photos were lovely and I hope the storm goes in a different direction. And your thumb, ouch! Many years ago when working in a sawmill, my hubby rolled an entire bundle of lumber over his thumb. He nearly fainted from the pain and his thumb has never been the same! Thankfully your injury, while painful, isn't likely to be as long lasting.
Thank you Mrs. T! That song, written by Dottie Rambo, has always been a favorite. And yes, we were happy to discover George of the Jungle literally up in the top of our neighbor's palm tree the other day! He was an answer to our prayers as we were trying to find someone competent to trim our trees before this storm or any others that may follow! We are praying this storm will stay off shore, but we are ready either way. Your hubby's thumb story certainly sounds painful. I know how much this little whack on the thumb hurt all day long, so I can imagine how terrible that must have been for him. I am sorry his injury caused permanent damage. That old adage, "sticks out like a sore thumb" is really true! Have a blessed Sunday today!
DeleteSheltered in the arms of God . . . there is no place I'd rather be. And I do think this most recent storm will leave you all unharmed for all intents and purposes, Pamela. God knows we all need a break right about now! May we all rejoice in that, and in giving thanks for all the beauty and splendor He places before us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
We are trusting this storm will not be too serious, but we are ready either way, praise God! And yes, we do all need a break from the "storms of life" that are going on in our nation. May God sweep over our land and bring healing and peace, in Jesus' Name. Amen!! Have a blessed Sunday today.
DeleteBeautiful photos as always. Glad your are ready for the storm and praying it doesn't amount to much. Be safe!
ReplyDeleteWe are getting some nice soft rain right now, and no winds to speak of. I hope it stays that way, but it is still working its way up the coast as I speak. We will be fine. Thank you!
DeleteYour photos are beautiful! I love the before the storm sky. Glad you were able to get everything taken care of ahead of the storm. Even seeing photos of George of the Jungle had me nervous! Looks like we won't have many problems with this little storm, but it is 2020 so don't let your guard down yet! Hope your thumb isn't too bad today. Have a blessed Sunday.
ReplyDeleteI know,2020 hasn't been what we hoped it would be at all! But it will certainly be something to remember. Yes, George of the Jungle made me a bit nervous too, but he was very confident and careful. He made it look simple. My thumb feels much better today, thank you. A good nights sleep and some ibuprofen seem to have taken care of the aching pain. I just have to be careful not to bump it too much, which of course, it sticks out like a sore thumb, so it is going to get bumped. Plus it is on my left hand, which I am left-handed...so there you go. But it could have been so much worse, and I am thankful. Have a blessed Sunday too!!
DeleteGeorge of the Jungle sure is brave, grin. Have a beautiful Sunday, Pamela.
ReplyDeleteYes he is. I am glad it was him and not me. My tree climbing days are long gone! LOL. I hope you are having a blessed and beautiful Sunday too. We are getting some soft rain right now. Praying it doesn't get much worse. Thank you!
DeleteYour pictures of "George of the Jungle" (you're so clever!) are interesting -- another prime example of how God gifts some people with the ability to do scary things fearlessly while others of us are called upon to keep our feet firmly planted on the ground and to pray!
ReplyDeleteSorry about the finger injury. I know you so I know your reaction was all good!
That is "George of the Jungle"'s real name for his business. And he seems to live up to his moniker. Yes, he was like a little monkey shinnying up that tree. Amazing to me to watch him! My finger is much better now, not throbbing anymore. I hope I don't end up losing the nail. I don't think I will because the hit was higher on the nail. We shall see. Thank you for popping in!
DeleteI'm enjoying your posts and wonderful photos tonight! And you got some beautiful shots of the Kite! You see so many birds and wildlife right there where you live. I love that little pond...and so does everyone else! Enjoy your evening!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank YOU, Diane, for discovering that Mississippi Kite. I had only seen the swallow tail kite before, so wasn't familiar with this one. I am happy to know I have another new bird to add to my list! I am so glad we can all enjoy the pond together here! Blessings...
DeletePam, thank you for this beautiful post--photos and words. To be sheltered in God's arms is the best place to be!
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Pam: RE: your thumb, did you cry. At one time, I would have.
ReplyDelete