What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Busy Days and Stunning Revelations!

Hello Friends! The past few days have been rather busy for us.  Seems like we can go for days and weeks with nothing much happening of interest, and then things come in bunches and you find yourself running from here to there and back again all at once!
But thankfully, these last few days have been all good things, so we are very thankful for that.

Yesterday we took a little ride down through the forest to the other side to meet up with my hubby's family to celebrate his brother's birthday, which actually isn't until tomorrow (4th), but this was the best time for us to get together. They live about 2+ hours away from us, so we try to meet in the middle when we can.

Here's the brothers Billy and John. Can you tell they are brothers?

And here we are together, with Billy's wife Peggy and their son Nicholaus. Their daughter Shannon had to work so couldn't come.

And here's Billy with our good friend Paula, whom we have known for many many years and she is one of those friends who is actually more like "family" to us all.

The Mason Jar is a great country restaurant, with good old southern cooking. I enjoyed a vegetable plate of Collard Greens, Lima Beans cooked with a little ham, Stewed Tomatoes, and Candied Yams and Cornbread.  It sure was good! Beats a hamburger any day!

Over the weekend we had some much needed tree work done in our yard.  I am always amazed at the abilities of these people who can get themselves out on a limb and cut it off...of course without being on the wrong end of the limb...

This fellow was up in our big giant oak trees in the front yard, cleaning up a lot of heavy and/or weak branches that were starting to hang down too low.  With August and September upon us, we are just entering our major hurricane season of the year, and trees can become our worst nightmare in a bad storm.




After cleaning up the front yard trees, they moved to the back side yard, where we have a lot of dense overgrowth of trees that were in bad shape and potentially dangerous to our neighbor's house.

So they started cleaning up a lot of little trees as well as the big ones, trying to let more light in the area so the good trees can grow stronger and healthier.


Sadly, they had to remove a few of my sheltering trees in the Secret Memorial Garden area, and I was not really very happy about that. I tend to be a bit of a "tree-hugger", and I would preserve every single tree if I could. But these "arborists" convinced me that the trees would be healthier if there weren't so many competing for the sunshine. 

I will be doing some revamping of this area once everything is completely cleaned up. Just may have to rearrange where we put the swing, etc. but it will still be fine.

Here they are preparing to cut down the remaining big dead pine tree that was the "twin" to other big pine that fell down a few weeks ago.
It was very dead and weak, and already starting to lean in the wrong direction.

This is a video that I took as the tree came down:




And below is looking at the space where it was above the trees in the middle after it was gone.


And here is why you can see it needed to come down. It was very diseased.


Next came the clean up. Because these were actually neighbors of ours doing the work, who are qualified tree experts but working over the weekend on their own time, they did not have the equipment available for removal of the debris. However, one of the men's teenaged sons and his friend wanted to earn some money and were willing to finish cutting up and loading and carrying the debris to a nearby disposal site, using their own pick up truck. Let me just say that these two young men earned every dime we gave them and then some, making numerous trips back and forth with loads of tree debris, working until dark...and never once complained or slacked off on the job. I was so impressed with them that I would recommend them for any job any time. 


Just two country boys with a truck, working hard and showing great respect in the process. Helped to restore my faith in the young people of today.


Now, here's a scoop! One of the tree trimmers (the boy's father) came back later to check on their progress, and also asked if it would be okay if he took out the kayak and paddled around Still Waters Pond.  He wanted to do a little exploring. That was fine with us. I haven't been out there all year, and I was happy for someone else to check it out.


Well, he came back quite excited to tell us that he spotted on the other side of the pond what appeared to be a "very large gator"..."perhaps nine feet long or more", and he could see where he had a trail going up on the shore over there.  I was incredulous, stating that we have never seen any evidence of a gator in this pond, but he was quite sure, and I know he knows what he's talking about, being a country boy "who grew up in the swamps around here" (his words, not mine).  
I tell  you, that's a stunning revelation, and one that will keep me from going out in the kayak probably ever again...I told my husband that here I was feeling sorry for myself that because of my neck issues I hadn't been able to paddle around the pond in so long...and now I believe that God was protecting me from perhaps coming upon Mr. Gator face to face, 


and I know I would have probably panicked and done something very foolish in trying to escape said gator...Yes, I believe God was definitely protecting me from dying of fright, even if the gator had no interest in me at all!




I think I'll stick to playing with Lily Grace from now on.

(This picture was taken on our outing with our blogging friends Terri and Barbara. You can see that someone was giving Lily Grace a sip of a cold drink because it was so hot. I love what good sports everyone is regarding this sweet little friend of ours!)


Now I will close this post, (which has taken all day to write because of other interruptions!) with a view of the sunset over Still Waters Pond the other evening. No sign of Mr. Gator out there...

I like what this passage says:

"You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You."
Isaiah 26:3

When we put our trust in God, we need not fear what any beast or storm or man can do to us. 
I also like this promise found in Isaiah:

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord."
Isaiah 54:17


Thank You, Lord, for Your protection and blessings, no matter what comes our way.





 

35 comments:

  1. Yeah, I would say that it was time for the tree to come down. Good move on y'all's part. So pretty there. And I hope your neck is better soon, just stay away from the gators! They don't play nice. LOL
    Blessings. xx

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    1. Thank you, Sparky. We are very thankful to have the tree work done before any bad storms come this way. Aug/Sept. are usually the worst months for the hurricanes. Hopefully being prepared will keep them away! And you can be assured I am staying clear of Mr. Gator! I still haven't seen hide nor hair of him, but I will trust what our friend said that he is there and not go exploring on my own. Very thankful that God has protected us from such a shocking revelation! Have a blessed day.

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  2. It is wonderful to see how God uses everything in our lives for our good and His glory.

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    1. Oh yes, isn't that true? I am SO thankful, even if I did have a lot of pain in my neck, that's a lot better than running into an alligator face to face and perhaps surprising him and he me...yes, God is so good to protect me in that way. I am very thankful indeed.

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  3. How nice to be able to meet up and celebrate the birthday! Glad you got your tree trimmed. We've been calling some tree services but no on is returning our calls. Definitely stay out of the water. Alligators scare me so much!!!

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    1. We did have a wonderful celebration with our family. Very thankful that we can do that. And I hope you can find some tree trimmers to take care of your trees. Here in Florida it is big business because of the hurricanes, etc. We were blessed that these guys are neighbors and are also qualified, and were able to take care of us during their "off time". One of the perks of living in a small town/country life. And yes, I will definitely not being going in the water or anywhere near Mr. Gator. And I hope he stays on his side of the pond. If he doesn't, I will be calling the law on him! LOL. Have a blessed day.

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  4. You guys find the best restaurants! What's not to like about someplace called the Mason Jar?! We had a couple of 'good old boys' out last week -- clearing the shrubbery, and cutting rogue tree limbs. They wanted to fell a huge old pine (that I fear has died) but hadn't a lift/necessary gear. Thanks, but no thanks, guys.
    I'm so thankful you didn't take the kayak out on Still Waters pond and encounter that creature! Can he/she be removed by authorities, I wonder?

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    1. Oh yes, and the Mason Jar lives up to its name. It's a great little country place with fun decor and good food. As far as felling the pine tree, these boys did it with a chain saw and some ropes and a pick up truck pulling the ropes. But they knew what they were doing and thankfully they had plenty of space to let it fall toward the pond where it wouldn't hit anything else. All's well that ends well. As far as Mr. Gator goes, I may call the Fish and Wildlife dept. and see what they say. It hasn't been a "nuisance" to anyone yet that I know of, so they may not be too concerned. This is Florida, afterall, and gators abound wherever this is water. I guess my kayaking days are over...

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  5. Glad the trees were brought down safely. Now you won’t have to worry about them in storm season. Gator!! No way I could go out there either. I think I might even be afraid to walk around there. 😳😳. Please keep your eyes open.

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    1. Thank you, Cathy. We are thankful to have the trees taken care of...and yes, I am on high alert now concerning Mr. Gator. We've never seen him over here on our side of the pond, and I pray he doesn't get too adventuresome and wander over here. I guess my kayaking days are over, at least until I know for sure he is gone, which may be never! Have a blessed and wonderful week.

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  6. Oh dear, I bet he is right and there is a gator lurking out there. There was one spotted one year in our bayou after some one of the hurricanes. I didn't get on my paddleboard at all after that. I don't trust what I would do in a panic either. The view is often enough:) We had our oaks in the front trimmed two years ago and I feel like they grew more. The pines on the back that lurk over my deck are on the neighbor's property. They have no interest in trimming them. They don't live here for one thing and it is a rental. I do a lot of praying during storms that if they fall they will go in a swirl out into the water. Sometimes it is all you can do, but leave it up to our Heavenly Father.

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    1. Yes, there are many things we cannot control, but the things that we can do something about, we need to do the best we can. We were very thankful for these fellows who trimmed our trees at a very reasonable cost since they were doing it on their own time and not company time. We hope and pray we don't have any bad storms this year, but you never know and it is better to be safe than sorry. And as far as Mr. Gator goes, well, I guess my kayaking days are over. I will enjoy the view from here and be thankful that God protected me from what could have been a very scary encounter! I hope you are having a good week with the new baby, Tucker, and Lindsay. Praying for all of you!

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  7. Wow to the trees coming down AND to the gator in the pond! Whew! Great photos and I enjoyed the video, too! It was so fun getting together in Micanopy and meeting Lily Grace in person! Have a blessed Wednesday!! xo

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    1. Thank you, Terri! It was an exciting weekend! The highlight was seeing you and Barbara and getting to give you both real hugs. That was a real blessing...and Lily Grace sends her love to you and Barbara. She really and truly enjoyed meeting you both!

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  8. Those boney hands giving Lily Grace a sip are mine!

    What an interesting post, Pam, and that gator!!!! Yes, by all means, stay ashore and play with Miss Lily Grace!!!

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    1. Lily Grace sends you a kiss for sharing your drink with her. It was such a hot day and she was SO thirsty after having to sit in the hot car while we shopped. I'm not a very good mommie I guess! And yes, we are very watchful and careful now about that gator. No more wandering around the pond for me. I am kind of sad about that, but I know it is best that I stay right here in my own yard. Very thankful that we found out about Mr. Gator before he introduced himself to us!

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  9. You know, I had wondered about the gators, having lived with them for many years. I was surprised that your pond didn't have at least a small gator in it. I had feared one had got the baby geese. I know they must live and that they are God's creatures, too, but I am very anti-gator and scared to death of them. I am so glad you did not go out in the kayak. If you call the state or county, will they wrangle the gator and place him somewheres else? Those tree trimmers did a great job. How they got the pine to fall just right is beyond me.

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    1. I do believe the fellow who said he saw this gator, but we have never seen it floating by or sunning itself on the shore. I hope that he is just "passing through" on his way to bigger lakes beyond. I may check into the Fish and Wildlife department and see what they say about him. It makes me a bit nervous knowing he is out there somewhere, but he hasn't bothered us or anyone else that I know of, so I don't know if they will be all that concerned about him. And yes, these tree trimmers knew their business and got that tree to fall just in the right place. Praise God! It wasn't on top of ME! :) Have a blessed day.

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  10. Wow! A gator in your pond! 😳 Is there any way that it can be relocated?

    Yes, indeed—brothers! And if your hubby would put on a pair of glasses, that would totally cinch it.

    Always good to get tree work done. I have a tree leaning my way and, though I have asked my neighbor (his tree) if I can have it removed (I'll pay), he declines. Arghhh!

    I am not a tree hugger and would far prefer to open up the canopy for clearer views and more healthy forests.

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    1. You are correct about the healthier forests, etc., and clearing out the underbrush and dead trees makes for safer and healthier forests. I just hate to give up any shade because it is such a premium here in this heat, but I am learning to be more safety conscious as opposed to my own selfish interests. At least it sounds good. Ha Ha! Thanks for visiting. I hope your neighbor will relent before he has to repent!!

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  11. Your guys definitely look like brothers, handsome brothers. How nice the two young guys give you hope for the future of our country and world. Yes, God may have been protecting you from the alligator.

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    1. Thank you, Terra. Yes, they are "handsome brothers". I tell my hubby how handsome he is all the time, especially for a man of his "great age". LOL. And yes, it's good to see young people who aren't afraid to work! And yes again, I definitely believe the Lord was watching over me and keeping me from getting myself into a dangerous situation. So thankful indeed!!

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  12. So glad the trees are down safely. And mercy girl......LAWD have the mercy the Lord was looking out for you for sure. That is one of the main reasons I do not go fishing with my tribe at a nearby swap! Too many gators. And...I figure one of us needs to stay alive! LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Ha Ha! Of course we know that gators don't usually mess with us if we don't mess with them, unless of course they are mating, which would take two to tango, so unless there is another one hanging around, maybe that won't happen here, but I'm not taking any chances!!! Yes, the Lord was certainly watching over me!

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  13. Grinning...of course there is a Gator in there....and now I know what you sound like, bigger grins.

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    1. Oh gee, I sound terrible on recordings, at least to me. Now, let's hear your southern drawl... LOL.

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  14. All your photos are wonderful, Pamela, as always! I'm glad you were able to have those dangerous limbs, and the pine tree, taken down before hurricane season really sets in. And yes, I watched the video! Wow! It seems like we have to do tree trimming around here at least every other year.
    I meant to mention this before, but have you ever heard of Relief Factor? It's supposed to be an all-natural remedy that helps with pain. You might want to ask your doctor if you could take it in addition to the treatments you're already getting. BUT, ask the doc! :)
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you, Martha. Yes, we are glad we took care of the trees now, and I'm sure it won't be the last time. These trees tend to grow quickly here. I have seen the commercials for Relief Factor, but haven't actually known anyone who has used it. I am not really in that much pain now, and I pray that with proper PT I will be able to control this better as time goes by. But I will certainly take that option into consideration if I should need it. Thank you. And yes, I would definitely ask the doctor about it first.

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  15. Wonderful photos Pamela. It is so nice to know young people who are willing to do hard work and do it graciously. We have lots of tree debrs from the kids cutting down some of the huige branches on pine trees we have. Me and an alligator close up, I would be so fearful. I think they are best suited in boots and handbags. My SIL Roger grew up in Florida. We have never been. I keep telling him we need to go on a roadtrip across the country. It is good to see you here. I love your LilyGrace stories. Take care my friend

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    1. Thank you so much! Yes, it is wonderful to find young people willing to do hard work...and do it cheerfully! And you must come visit Florida sometime! Please let me know when you do! Would love to meet you in person! Thank you for visiting. And Lily Grace sends her love.

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  16. Wow, an alligator?! I definitely believe the Lord was protecting you! That's crazy! You have so many beautiful trees on your property, I bet it is hard to see any of them go away. But it's a good thing he found and took down that diseased tree. And those boys! What a great work ethic! If we lived closer I'd hire them for sure!

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    1. Yes, I do believe the Lord was protecting me too. I still haven't seen this alligator, and I hope he stays on his side of the pond...but I am not going looking for him, that's for sure! yes, we are happy to have the tree work done. Now to figure out how to redo my "secret memorial garden" area and take advantage of better views of the pond from there, but still be able to sit in some shade. It will take some time, but we will figure it out. It's just too hot to do much outside right now anyway, and rainy most every day...and the mosquitoes are bad now too. So that will be a fall project! Take care and have a blessed weekend.

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  17. hi there my dear sweet friend! I'm real glad y'all got the trees taken care of and well before "the windy season", LOL. We also did the same thing a year or so ago, I also enjoyed watching them work and how they do it so fearlessly and professionally!!--it was fun to see! And very glad we took care of it--glad y'all did too. Well, I've already talked with you about the gator earlier today and I know you'll be cautious and careful and stay safe. I loved the pictures of you and the other ladies that met up, sure looked fun!! I don't know them, but I will now go visit the blogs! Oh, and you look good in blue....not sure if that's a blue t-shirt or a blue dress or what, but blue is pretty on you. Lily Grace is adorable up there on the table!! What did y'all get to eat and did you do some shopping you said?---did you find anything neat?

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    1. good Morning! Thank you for writing, and also for Tracie's sweet letter to Lily Grace...and your post about the Scavenger Hunt! That was fun to see that you all finally did that together. I was thinking maybe we should come up with one especially for Fall, where we look for different things pertaining to fall decorations, etc. That would be fun to do! Yes, we had a great time visiting with our blogging friends Barbara and Terri. They enjoyed meeting Lily Grace and vice versa. Lily felt so grown up to be with the adult ladies! Thank you for your kind compliment. It was a blue t-shirt, and I guess blue is one of my best colors. We had chicken salad on croissants for lunch. It was very good. We did do a little shopping in some of the interesting shops there, but I went home after lunch as I was still kind of tired. I didn't buy anything...was too excited to be visiting with friends and couldn't focus on shopping! LOL. But we had a great time. Wish you could come down and visit sometime and bring "the girls"! Have a blessed weekend.

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  18. Pam: You have had a very interesting time with getting with John's family and those trees being taken out. I understand your feelings about trees. But when trees get so old they winds can cause them to wreak a lot of damage to surrounding structures. We have had to have two trees we planted taken out after a few years. It bothered me. One had been struck by lightening and half of it had to go. Later on, the rest of the tree had to be taken out. I miss the shade they provided but they could have done a lot of damage to our home. Peace and blessings to you and yours.

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