I keep putting these two days together because otherwise I'd probably never get either one of them done! Even when you don't think you have much going on, it seems like there is always something there to take up your time and keep you away from doing things you had hoped to be able to do! It's called life, and I am happy to have it, so I am not complaining...just trying to stay focused and on task. Some days it is a real challenge.
Like the other day, a cold front was moving in again, and so it rained most of the day. The temperatures were still warm until midnight that night, and then it plummeted down to 32 degrees by yesterday morning. But before that happened, I went outside and enjoyed the beauty of the rainy day...
I have this little pathway through the woods down to Still Waters Pond...kind of special little "sanctuary" along the shore where I can observe life on the pond without being seen. Kind of like what hunters would call a "blind"...
I have a nice view of the big island in the pond from there. There was a time when it was so dry that I could "almost" walk across the water there to the island, but I soon found out there was no walking on this pond no matter how dry it is. The bottom is pretty much just black muck, due to years of the decay of the lily pads and other organic matter that settles to the bottom and just continues to pile up year after year. Yeah, that experience was pretty yucky mucky! So now I will just settle for enjoying the beauty from the shore
While standing there in my little observation spot I couldn't help but notice the lovely raindrops dripping off of the pine needles. They look like diamonds sparkling in the woods...or little fairy lights.
If I had a better magnifying lens on my camera, you would be able to see the reflection of the world around us in these raindrops...such an amazing little microcosm of the natural beauty around us. Only a very creative and awesome Creator could design such wonders for us to behold!
I was mesmerized by these little droplets...
It's the little things that God provides and surprises us with that speak to my heart and help me to know that He is all around us, in everything we see...God's fingerprints are all over His creation!
Yes, I love a rainy day on Still Waters Pond probably just as much as a sunny day! It all has its own kind of beauty.
You know, even the rainy days in our lives have a way of bringing out a special kind of beauty as it washes away the cobwebs of our minds and helps us to see things more clearly...
I kept seeing something disturbing the water under these bushes, so I had to get nearer for a close up, thinking some kind of fish or turtle or something interesting was hiding there. But when I got up close, I realized it was just the raindrops dripping from the trees into the water and causing a ripple effect. Sometimes it's the little raindrops in life that can get our attention because of the ripples they send out...
Like these little yellow Carolina Jessamine flowers that are already blooming! I had no idea they were blooming already!
Like these interesting little mushrooms...tiny umbrellas for the little insects and maybe even a fairy or two to sit under and stay out of the rain...
No, I didn't see any fairies under the mushrooms...but still...that doesn't mean they aren't there...LOL.
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(This was the leftovers, ready to cover up and either put in the freezer or just save for dinner today...which is actually what we ended up doing. It was even better tonight than it was last night! And there's still enough left for lunch tomorrow!)
I literally danced with glee when I saw them opening up their sweet little blossoms in the rain!
Yeah, it's the little things that make me smile!
Psalm 147:7-11
7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
Sing praises on the harp to our God,
8 Who covers the heavens with clouds,
Who prepares rain for the earth,
Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.
9 He gives to the beast its food,
And to the young ravens that cry.
10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him,
In those who hope in His mercy.
So, the next morning we woke up to 32 degrees, but the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day even though it only reached 50! I know for most of you who are under so many inches of snow and freezing temperatures every day, that's nothing at all...but to us here in Florida, we feel every degree it drops below 65! LOL.
This was the sunrise yesterday morning...
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The Sand Hill Crane family were out there on the pond as usual...
And just like that they picked up their big wings and flew away for the day...maybe they went somewhere in search of some warmer weather! LOL.
But they were back in the evening just like clockwork and spent the night out there on the little island...
You can't see them in these pictures of the sunset last night, but they were out there...
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Psalm 147:12-14
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates;
He has blessed your children within you.
14 He makes peace in your borders,
And fills you with the finest wheat.
It was a beautiful end to a cold, but lovely day!
Oh, we did take a walk yesterday to check on the wild plum blossoms, to make sure the cold weather didn't hurt them...and it appears that even more blossoms have opened up and look quite happy to be 'alive' and well!
I take this as the promise of Spring...even though winter may be here for a little while yet, spring is on its way. We need to remember that when we feel like we are stuck in the frozen barrenness of winter's storms...spring will come...God is always, always with us, no matter what the weather, no matter what the season of our life...rainy, stormy, frozen and barren of hope...
Psalm 147: 15-18
15 He sends out His command to the earth;
His word runs very swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool;
He scatters the frost like ashes;
17 He casts out His hail like morsels;
Who can stand before His cold?
18 He sends out His word and melts them;
He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.
Now Here's the first part of Psalm 147 that I quoted above:
Psalm 147:1-6
1 Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars;
He calls them all by name.
5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;
His understanding is infinite.
6 The Lord lifts up the humble;
He casts the wicked down to the ground.
I find great peace and comfort in these verses. In the midst of a lot of turmoil in our world currently, it is comforting to know that God is always in control, and we do not need to fear what the future may hold.
I hope you enjoyed this little walkabout with me around Still Waters Pond and beyond.
Now, back inside, here's some other stuff that's been going on, so you know I'm not just outside running around sniffing flowers and looking for fairies under mushrooms...
Hubby wanted some cookies, so I baked some chocolate chip cookies with walnuts today:
And yesterday, while it was so cold outside, I was warming us up inside by making a pot of beef vegetable soup:
Now here's my funny "rant" for today...I received the next two items as gifts for Christmas...notice anything unusual about these items?
Now, I certainly mean no disrespect to anyone who may be "vegan". That is a personal decision each person should make for themselves based on whatever reasons seem important to them. But whoever heard of "vegan" shoes? Or "vegan" hand cream? I'm not sure exactly what that means...my shoes certainly aren't capable of eating meat or vegetables...so why should they declare they are "vegan"? And the hand cream...it's vegan also? It only eats vegetables? Then perhaps I shouldn't wear these items while I am eating my vegetable BEEF soup...or chomping on a big hamburger or bacon and eggs...I mean, seriously? I guess I don't need to worry that I will suddenly be eaten by my vegan shoes or my vegan hand cream, since I certainly am not a vegetable...I am quite "beefy" in all the wrong places! LOL. Inanimate, non-consumable items now have to be labelled whether or not they are "vegan"???? Again, I do not want to offend any of my vegan friends or family members (and yes, there are several in our extended family, and that's fine...it's their choice, and they have never tried to influence the rest of us either way, and we respect them for their choices as well.) But I do believe that labeling inanimate, non-food items as "vegan" is going a bit too far. It may even be an insult to the vegan community, as if they don't know what items are made with animal products or not. I may get some disagreement comments on this post, but I do hope they will also be respectful. I am not being critical of those who choose to be vegan...but it's more about this new trend we are seeing in marketing...catering to special groups when there really isn't a real need for it. Maybe I am just out of step with the times...but to be honest, this is the first time I've ever seen a pair of "Vegan" shoes and a tube of "vegan" hand cream in my life time. I have a feeling it won't be the last.
However, I think I need to share this verse for my own edification as well as for others:
"Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:2
Forgive me, Lord, if I have stepped out of line here or have offended anyone inadvertently. I pray they will forgive me and also realize that I just found this to be something very different and surprising, and wanted to share it because I found it kind of funny. No harm was intended. Amen.
Good Night my friends.
I pray you are safe and warm and healthy and happy, wherever you may be.
May the peace of God be with you always.
Todays photos are breathtaking. The raindrops on the ends of the pine needles is my favorite. (only if I had to choose.) The Swedish family I nannied for - their who house was vegan. Their sofas, the flooring - I raised their 3 children and had to cook vegan for the children. Some of it was pretty good but I prefer my meat and potatoes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for enjoying the photos! I loved the raindrops on the pine needles too! I guess I never realized how serious some people are about their vegan lifestyle. This was an eye opener for me. I don't get out much. LOL. Have a blessed day!
DeleteHi Pam. I, too, was initially confused by the Vegan labels, but a friend explained to me that it means no animal products were used in the making of those items. So, no leather in your shoes! Ha! I'm sure you know that, and I, like you, am a little put off by all these marketing tactics. - Karen
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. Yes, I guess I figured it out after I thought about it, but I guess I never realized there was such a demand for this kind of labeling...interesting development in our society. Thank you for visiting here today!
DeleteThis is such a beautiful post! It struck me while scrolling through the photos that God is a God of the large and the small. There are things that are so huge - like the Grand Canyon, huge mountains, waterfalls that we see God's majesty and artistry in. But then we see tiny things, like mushrooms and raindrops on pine needles - and we can see God at work again! Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts on Vegan... Shoes?
I got groceries today and was looking at frozen pizza. There was one that said it was a meat lovers. Then in small print it said - plant based meat.
I just think they are trying to sway people. It people want that, they can have it. But be truthful in the packaging!
Thank you, Mari. Yes, I love your thoughts about "God is a God of the large and the small..." I totally agree! That's what I was feeling as I captured these pictures. I am glad you felt it too! Interesting about the "Meat lovers pizza" that really wasn't meat. That would be a bit confusing...
DeleteThese are for people like I am. Since 1992, have not eaten animals or worn products from animals…I did this for health reasons…the food…then decided to avoid the leather products… have lived longer than anyone in my family. I appreciate the labels. I do not use products made from animals…I do not ever try to influence anyone else. Brenda
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brenda. I appreciate your input and thoughts on this. I guess I was just totally taken by surprise with these labels...I've never seen them before, and thought the use of the term "vegan" on shoes was unusual because I've only thought of the word "vegan" as a description of a person who chooses not to eat or use any animal products, etc., but I had never seen it used to describe the products themselves. That's what was confusing and just hit me as being kind of funny. I guess I am still learning as I navigate this big old world. And I appreciate you and your explanation of how this is helpful for you. Thank you!
DeleteNo big deal…in 1992, my mother lived 90 days in the hospital. I lived with her. She died age 60…cancer with couple hundred spots. None in lungs despite smoking…the oncologist and I discussed my precarious health situation…bone diseases…strokes…etc…I weighed about 100 pounds at the time because I was small..now a chubby little old women lol…anyway, we decided with the history, since I didn’t drink, smoke…ate healthy…walked…active…I would have one option left to try. I became a strict vegetarian…I have not missed anything. I eat what others eat with no meat…I love veggie burgers and make yummy ones…now, after so long, even if not for health reasons, I could not eat animals…as I said, I do not presume to convince anyone to do this…I have lived longer… icy much longer than anyone in my family…perhaps it is the diet…perhaps the extensive walking…perhaps it is he Lord watching over me…or all three…I do not bother about others eating meat around me…this others should not presume to bother about those of us who choose this way of life…your article was fine…I just wanted your readers to k ow that there are those who,choose this way of life for health reasons…later, I became adamant about caring leather purses and wearing real leather shoes…most people do not know that about me…no reason they should…thank you for one of my favorite blogs…you are a darling lady…prayers brenda
DeleteThank you, Brenda. I am sorry about your mother and how she must have suffered. Cancer is a horrible disease and affects so many, regardless of their lifestyle. My sweet and precious son died at age 41 from cancer...never smoked or did any other kind of bad diet/choices in life. He lived a very clean and Godly life. But cancer still attacked his body and he fought it bravely for 4 years, and when God was ready for him, he went home to heaven, leaving behind his wife and dear son, who was only 14 at the time. Thankfully I know where he is now, and he is no longer suffering and has a healthy heavenly body. I look forward to our reunion in heaven someday. Yes, we must all make choices that we feel are in our own best interest regarding health/diet/lifestyle choices. Not everyone will always agree with our decisions, but it should be a matter between ourselves and God and as long as it doesn't adversely affect people around us and is not an issue of morals, then we should live according to our own conscience. Thank you for sharing your story with us. May God continue to bless you with good health and much peace and joy.
DeleteBrenda explained the 'vegan' labeling well. As she said, it simply means no animal products in the lotion or the shoes. I am mostly vegan, for health reasons-- to keep my cholesterol levels down without medications.
DeleteI am sad to hear about your son.
Thank you, Willow. I appreciate your kind thoughts and also your extra insight regarding the "vegan" labelling. I guess I was just taken aback because I did not expect to see it on non-food items. And I do appreciate your desire to keep your cholesterol levels down w/o medications. That is what I am trying to do, but I haven't gone the route of no meat or dairy products as of yet. I have an ongoing battle with my Dr. about taking statins. Even though they help with the cholesterol levels, they have other side effects that are bothersome for me so I am trying to figure out a happy solution.
DeleteRegarding our son, it will be ten years this May since he passed away. Not a day goes by that we don't think of him in some way. He was a very special and wonderful person. Apparently God needed him more in the heavenly kingdom than He needed him down here on earth. We don't always understand these things, but someday we will see "the big picture" that only God sees now. Thank you for your kind words. Have a blessed and wonderful weekend.
Lovely photos as always my friend. I got a giggle out of the shoes and the hand cream. You can't make too much soup.. not ever. My Mother used to put cabbage in her veggie soup and corn. She was such a good cook. I have been wanting to make some cream of potato soup with leeks. Since the cranes come, there must be lots of fish in the pond and the over growth of lilies would give the fish protection. As a crazy pond person I would love to thin out the lilies (impossible), put in a sandy beach and waterfall. Wouldn't that be one heck of an undertaking:?: What in the world is wrong with me??? LOL
ReplyDeleteI normally do add cabbage to my vegetable soup too, but my tummy has been having some issues and I decided to leave the cabbage out this time. However, I do love it and probably will add it next time! Oh, I love cream of potato soup! That sounds good now too, on this wintry days! Regarding the pond, I've also thought about thinning out the lilies and putting in some sand, at least along the shore where I could see the bottom of the pond a bit. But I really don't care about having a sandy beach here. The pond is not swimmable (too shallow and mucky), and we enjoy it because it is such a natural bird paradise. Yes, there are fish in there, and turtles too. Thankfully we have not seen or heard any alligators and I pray it stays that way. We are also thankful that it is too small for any boaters to be interested in coming there. There are plenty of other sandy beaches and bigger lakes around here for the boaters and swimmers. I'm quite content with this just as it is. Hey, is your bathroom fixed yet? Hope it will be soon!!
DeleteLooks like a nice walk near you lake. It looks nice with raindrops falling from trees, etc. I remember seeing beyond burger which makes it vegan!! Really? Not a burger for sure! My husband ate one when we were out eating in a restaurant. He said it was ok but not what he expected it to taste like! It is warmer here but still a bit chilly this afternoon with wind and some rain. Thanks for sharing the scripture verses as they are good to read! God bless and have a good weekend!==Becky
ReplyDeleteThank you, Becky. I know a lot of restaurants are offering the vegan burgers, etc., which is fine for those who prefer them. But when I want a burger, I want a real burger, not a substitute. One time my hubby ordered a mushroom burger at a restaurant, thinking it would be a burger with mushrooms on top. Turned out it was a large portabella mushroom, no burger at all! He was in shock over that...and when he told the server about his confusion, they gladly replaced it with a "real mushroom burger". Now he always asks before ordering! LOL. God bless you and yours and I hope you have a blessed weekend as well.
DeleteI have a pair of shoes like those but mine have laces. I do understand the term and I am okay with it for those who are animal lovers. I love meat and your soup looks yummy! I love the pictures you took. We are getting rain this weekend. We sure need it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. I do love the shoes. I was just confused that the term "vegan" would be used to describe objects. I thought it only applied to the person who chooses to be have a "vegan" lifestyle, not the non-food items themselves. But now I understand. Thank you for liking the pictures and the soup! It was good! I always watch for stew beef to go on sale so I can make a pot of beef vegetable soup or beef stew. It's a rare treat these days as beef prices are always so high. Oh, I hope you have some good rain there! We've been getting quite a bit for this time of year. But that is a good thing for this area also. Have a blessed and wonderful weekend.
DeleteThose are nice photos. The one's with the dew or rain dripping off the ends of pine needles is especially artistic. Could be on a poster. Our wild plum won't start blooming until late next month or March. The bees love those blooms! And they are lovely. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteLove & Blessings xx
Thank you, Sparky. I'm glad you enjoyed this. I was surprised to see our wild plum blooming already, but when I look back at my previous years' pictures, I see that it is right on time for this area. I love seeing them along the roads and in the woods! I would love to have one planted on our property somewhere. I may have to go dig one up in the woods somewhere. I hope you have a lovely day too!!
DeleteTotally love this post. The photos are beautiful as always. The raindrops and spider web are so really cool. So were the flowers that are blooming so early...gorgeous! Cute little mushrooms and I hope there are some fairies under them. No comment on the vegan stuff, cause I have no idea what to even say. Hope you have a wonderful weekend Pamela.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy. Glad you enjoyed the beauty of God's creation around us. This is winter in Florida! And sometimes it's better not to say anything when we aren't sure what to say. Maybe that's what I should have done, but well, it just struck me so funny at first...but I do realize it is serious stuff for some and so I should be more aware of that...
DeleteSeeing the rain droplets on the pine needles added such joy and wonder to my day, Pamela - wow! I'm so happy that your cold snap didn't harm those beautiful plum blossoms - I was truly worried about their fate.
ReplyDeleteLet's suffice it to say, you're photos have been so inspiring, I'm glad I dropped by for a visit. Blessings!
I am so glad you stopped by also. And yes, I checked on the plum blossoms again today and there are more and more opening every day. We do have another freeze warning for Sunday morning, but hopefully it will be short lived enough for the blossoms to survive.
DeleteExquisite photography, Pam! That spider web in particular is mesmerizing!
ReplyDeleteYour pot roast/veggie soup looks so good! I may have to re-think my plans for this weekend's dinner.
Blame it on my wonky sense of humor, but those 'vegan' products would have me going, "Whaaat?" Guess I'm too old and set in my ways.
Thank you, Myra. I am glad you enjoyed the photos! That was the main purpose of this post. The vegan story was just funny to me, but I understand that to some it is something they appreciate knowing about. However, I tend to agree with you...it just really kind of blew my mind for a spell. LOL.
DeletePam: I love the pictures of the pine needles with the rain drops. I think the advertising industry has gone overboard in trying to reach the biggest consumer market available. I have the habit of muting my television when ALL commercials come on. I saw one just last night that I expect to have a short life. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteyes, we also mute our TV for commercials. So many are so obnoxious, you wonder who they are paying to come up with these things! LOL. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. That's what this was really all about!!
DeleteI love all your photos. They encourage me in the midst of all the cold cold cold and snow. Spring will come here too...some day. I look forward to spring flowers!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine you do look forward to the spring flowers! I remember winters in Ohio, and when the spring flowers came, it was a time to celebrate!! In the meantime, enjoy what you can about the wintry landscape, and try to stay warm and cozy!
DeletePam, the rain droplets on those pine needles have me just mesmerized and amazed at the beauty!! All of your photos are wonderful but those are beyond beautiful. God is such a good artist!! I love that the cranes keep returning to your pond. They make me happy, as they do you!! Wishing you a blessed weekend!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Terri. I am glad you enjoyed the photos! It was a very special time and place to be able to capture all those pictures. I was a "happy camper", rejoicing in the beauty of it all. God is so amazing! I hope you have a blessed and wonderful weekend too!!
DeleteI really love your photos; you have a good eye for capturing things of interest and beauty .Funny I have tennis shoes like that but I didnt know if they were vegan or not lol.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheryl. I love it when God directs my attention to those little details. It's always a beautiful time spent with Him. Re: the shoes: I was just surprised to discover that the "vegan" label is being used for non-food items. I've never seen it before, and now suddenly it seems to be popping up everywhere. It just struck me funny. We are living in a new day...
DeleteI love your photos Pamela, especially the raindrops and jessamine.
ReplyDeletePsalm 147 has been part of my reading for this week, l wonder what God is trying to tell me?
Oh, it is so good to hear from you again! I am glad you enjoyed the photos, and also sharing Psalm 147 with me. I know God is trying to get out attention in many ways these days...there is so much going on in our world. I pray you and yours are safe and doing well. I guess it must be summer or fall there where you are? Take care and God bless you!!
DeleteI haven't a clue on what that word vegan means? I just love the shoes though...and oh my gosh, hitting my head, I forgot to call/text Benton. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
ReplyDeleteLOL. I told him your phone was broken. He's been so busy he's not worried about it, but does want to take care of it as soon as it is convenient for you and them. One day at a time.
DeleteI love seeing your pond and those water droplets! It sure feels cold today but I want to hike today....or tomorrow! At least we have sunshine today! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a happy birthday weekend!!! Thank you for your comments. It is now 29 degrees here this morning at 6:21 a.m.!!!
DeleteThose photos are all lovely but those droplets are amazing! The cookies and soup look delicious. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debby. I hope you have had a lovely weekend too. Happy Birthday to your son again!!
DeleteI really like your photos, especially the droplets and mushrooms. And those vegan shoes you're rocking? Totally feel the vibes! Your humor about it all is just spot-on.
ReplyDeletePeople choose vegan shoes because they want to steer clear of animal products, and many are worried about how the leather industry affects the environment. They go for alternatives that are seen as more eco-friendly.
But, here's the down-to-earth part: Making synthetic materials, like for vegan shoes, can sometimes be bad for the environment, especially when they're getting stuff out of the ground and turning it into plastics. Some of these synthetics might not break down as easily as natural materials.
Big love for your vegan shoes! 🌱💚
Thank you for your kind comments, and also about the insight regarding the synthetic materials, etc. I feel the same way about that. We are turning into a very synthetic world...and that is where the carcinogens really come from...not from natural materials. But that is another subject and again, something for each person to educate themselves about and make their own personal decisions based on their convictions. All that being said, I do love the shoes, but I also love good leather shoes that breathe better on my feet.
DeleteI hope you have a wonderful day!! It's always so refreshing to hear from you!!
I like those cookies. Save some for me; and the soup.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Come on over! I'll bake some fresh cookies and soup if you do!!
DeleteMany thanx. Pity it is so far away ... everything is so far away from here.
DeleteGod bless.
I enjoyed your message. And peace, what a beautiful word. 😊
ReplyDeleteI see you note below. Still, "Peace" is a beautiful word. I totally agree!
Deletesorry last comment is for another blog....
ReplyDeleteLOL. I understand. Peace to you today!
DeleteThank you friend. Regine
ReplyDelete