'Summers End' October Is Upon Us ~

September 23, 2026

As with every year summer comes to an end. This summer, and I'm thrilled to say past, was a summer I could hardly wait for it to be over!  It met with all the challenges of most summers in a dry desert but in particular newer challenges seemed to be thrown into the pot.  And where does one begin to go when you seem to be stuck in a holding cell - metaphorically speaking - or should I say a pot that just continues to get stir with seemingly no real results; at least maybe none visible.

The past few summers had been pretty hot with this summer being particularly hot causing our little orchard to struggle. It started out looking like we would have a good amount of fruit, apricots, peaches and nectarines - there was nothing! It was struggling from the previous three summers - so was I, I'm sure some older folk heard the phrase, worn to a frazzle before. My dad hadn't been well, then had hip surgery at 92, I would joke and say his hobby is now my new hobby, I also seem to be on the run with 4-wheels as well .  .  .  Bottom line, I had neglected most of its care and worked hard just keeping the trees alive.  I am happy to say what did make it and has quite a bit of fruit is the Pomegranates. They do well over all in the desert and are tolerant in the climate we've been dealing with. I weighed one that split - needless to say was blown away with its size. The entire bush has a plethora of sizes growing but to my surprise this morning and as beautiful as the pomes have been looking, some nasty bird has been gutting them from behind and out of sight from how I was viewing. 

1-lb.3oz not to shabby, not quite ready on the right I got the day before.

                                   

This is what I found this morning with several I launched into the chicken yard with a few happy chicks waiting! As in most things - that aren't necessarily visible to us we tend to see a snippet of what is there unless it is revealed by taking a closer look, a better look.

Okay next day and around 6AM.  

Red Pome and White Pome below.

On a different note as I always look for a teaching moment, the truth can be in front of us but our perception can be off, God's perception is much larger; we see the snippet, sometimes by choice, my dad would tell me sometimes that he isn't very observant, in fact we see what we want to see for whatever reason. Not everyone, but some - I've heard many reasons over the course of my life as why they aren't seeing clearly with one I've thought of a lot, "I just can't be bothered," with the most recent, "I'm not sure I really care." I understand that not everyone is perceptive- or cares, or can see the anomaly in things as my friend and I have spoken off many times. I believe this to be a gift God gives through His Holy Spirit. But some food for thought here, for the believer in Christ as they grow daily in Him step back to look at the over-all picture and gain a better perspective and perception of what He is doing and wanting you to know or learn. 

All making me think of a song sung years ago by Amy Grant, "Fathers Eyes." A sweet friend sang that to me one Sunday in church when my boys were just babies, it was beautiful and I never forgot. But with our relationship that brings us closer we can hopefully start seeing through our Fathers eyes.  - Rambling Vik ~

Now moving right along with the close of summer in review, I was a bit sidetracked (okay a lot) trying to play catch- up ~

September 30,

We did get a couple decent rains with a little flash flooding over the property. I can't begin to express how happy this makes me. We have been walking in draught conditions for some time. Though had a couple decent rains; good downers with a little flooding which disappeared almost as fast as it came through.  For several years we have had small flooding issues since our little wash had some debris - flowed from the neighbors etcetera and across the property here, it happens. We are hopeful that the bit the county did and with help from the neighbor hiring a guy with backhoe, this recent storm (yesterday and today) wouldn't pose a problem and of this morning taking a good look it worked well. So, I'm happy and hopeful the rest of this day - throughout will be good.

Before the backhoe shots.

Being worn to a frazzle - is something you do not want to engage in. It happens though it can also build up overtime - boundaries are important and trusting the Lord for wisdom is valuable - you also may know what you are to do and don't, and feeling frazzled is also a phrase as well when you are seemingly stuck and complaining all while knowing God the Father is bring you through.  I count on this as a widow I trust Him and His word. Just as He promises.

Not my normal ramble - Though you might get something out of it! lol  Remember some things just aren't that important - -  prayers and blessings to all.

Shalom

I May Look Sixty,

but I'm older than that and should know better!

Last week, and it was pretty chilly, I took pity, as always, on the hummers. Several of these feisty little birds hang back throughout the winter. I really don't know why exactly since people mostly take all feeders in or just let them run out, not me, as well as it can be slim pickings in the bug department. This is the only place we've lived that I keep them going. So, when the temp drops below 30 degrees, depending, I bring in the feeders when dark and back out just before the sun comes up. The sugar water tends to separate when it starts to freeze and when it freezes hard the feeders can break.

I leave several out since the bees visit when its warmer in the day also woodpeckers enjoy hitting the feeders as well. Three of my feeders hang from the eves of the house in which I need something to stand on. Over the years I've use unused walkers - step stools - or grabbed someone taller. When I was at the Trading Post in hopes to find my grams tray or something close to it, as shared in my previous post, I found this, not what it's called, a stool with a seat that reminded me of one my gram had so I grabbed it. Of course, it was in much better condition than you see in the picture below being it's been left outside to the weather over the years. You could say it is overly weathered by our weather!

So, as I mentioned it was pretty chilly - cold in fact early last Tuesday morning when I went out to hang the feeders back. When placing the stool with a seat I needed to place it just right and as the aloe has been growing outward, I have been a bit further out myself causing me to stretch further for the hook. Not good. This particular morning, I got on the top and it move at the back corner (my right to how I was standing) ever so slightly. Yep, it was getting ready to go.  .  .  It was literally in slow motion. But not wanting to go forward and possibly hurting my hand or arm, I tilted back slightly hoping to keep from falling. Nope!

As you can see the picture above it fell as so but I went backwards. I was laying on top of it just as you see it there. My upper back was in the bottom where the legs are, my bottom on top where the bottom step and upper step is and my legs straight ahead angling at the tip of the seat. Nothing broken thank the Lord! And I am so thankful it could have turned out so bad. I did manage to get up without a problem and walked into the house. Oh, the feeder it went and when I picked it up the sugar water gone, and the feeder was toast!

This picture shows how it was angled and it is still holding up. "They don't make stuff that good anymore!" lol

One of the things I thought when getting into the house was my footing wasn't secure. I wasn't standing firmly or on the solid ground, you know no soft spots - not grounded properly. 

Bear with me - as my mind works this way 'footing wasn't secure.' 'Not grounded!' How many times I'll thought to myself when something happened, and I recognized I wasn’t grounded as I should have been. My footing wasn't secure where it needed to be. I wasn't thinking, or I was thinking and went for it anyway, when I should know - I do know better. Commonsense or foolishness. 

I have to say for the most part I think - commonsense. But I've also done the same thing the same way for so long it is second nature - but I am getting old and I'm not 40, 50, or even 60 anymore. What is that. LIFE DOES NOT STOP!  But physically I'm not as strong as I was, I'm going to work on that. If I were to look at this spiritually - I should always be working on that.

There is nothing more important than your footing strong and grounded in the LORD. I believe even the wisest of person can do something foolish. 

Have I learned a lesson here? Well, I still had to use the stool with the seat -lol- but I made certain it was grounded well and that I was securely footed.

In part:

And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] ground in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God's people) the width and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]:  Ephesians 3:17-18 AMP

A lot could be said but I'll stop here. I pray that you would be rooted and ground in the love of God - press into all He has this new year, be blessed to know Him as you walk with Him.

And be careful on stools with seats :)

January's awe

I took a drive the other day.

The weather was cool and crisp.

Upon returning, a blessed sight to see

Robin "redbreast" is he.

My January awe ~

to see this favorite bird. 

and, not just one, several,

a sight to behold!

Once believed a messenger from God.

A symbol of New Beginnings.

I just know a favorite from childhood,

Beautiful memories indeed.

I know every bird of the hills, and all that moves in the field is. Psalm 50:11 ESV

You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills; they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. Besides them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches. From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. Psalm 104:10-13 ESV

The American Robin - Audubon

American Robin Sounds - All About Birds

Winter ~

I could say it seems I'm back to the seasonal posting as my husband once said to me. They, [no one knows who they might be] say, that listening to Johann Sebastian Bach helps to calm and stable the mind to learn, good for studying. It is destressing soothing to the soul, so I say in my own words.

There are days when music is just noisy and overwhelming to listen to and it doesn't matter from who. I have listened to classical for years though standing on my belief as being an eclectic of music with not necessarily having a favorite would have to confess classical just might be it. Or quiet. Quiet is good.

This morning I was a bit stressed - unsettled more or less. Not a bad morning over all just unsettled and coming out of it. yay Anyway on with Bach! 

God uses music and why wouldn't He the Bible tells us He is the creator of all things.  For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or authorities; all were created by him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16,17 NIV 

Still, I was unsettled - then I heard a beautiful melody that only comes from His creation in nature. 

Thank you, Father, for the birds

that continue to sing

of your glory.

Even in the coldness of the winter

their song sweetly sings.

What a glorious sound

for all around.

God shines His light

in the dark world we live,

singing the song of 

hope ~

VLB 1/7/22 in the AM

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19 NIV

Through him all things were made: without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1: 3-5 NIV

Jesus is the light of the world, and He outshines everything that is dark and unsettling in our lives. Even Bach can be noisy and sitting quiet before the Lord is the thing. I hope you can sit before Him; in His presence are all good things. 

So, How Are You Doing?

It's hard for me not to think of how others are doing, I'm sure you are tired as I of everything that is going on and thinking about what isn't! Sometimes you just need something else to talk about. I'm ready! Having a real conversation would be nice though it doesn't seem like many are interested in it, especially if your view point differs. I believe there should be something you can agree with and go from there. Frankly, if kids can do this - adults should give it a try. 

People need to be able to share what they think and how they feel without being attacked or made to feel they have nothing to offer. How sad it is to think others can actually view and value people this way. There is no excuse for the lack of concern, lack of kindness, and lack of love that people need. It seems as though the pride of life and unwillingness to forgive has caused such hatred in persons today they can't see what is happening - the harm that it is causing - it is as if they will imploded within themselves with it. 

A few months ago, at this point maybe longer, I made a decision and within that decision I was seeking closure needing to move forward. I have sought God and wisdom from Him to get me through seasons of my life with this time no different; fully intending on trusting Him and leaving what I was seeking in His hands. I felt like a weight had been lifted. Not that I was purposely holding on to something wrong, I was working on something my husband started that I just could not any longer do. It was painful to relive his illness and death over the last few years - I needed it to stop. So when got my answer and though it wasn't what I hoped - I am good with my answer. It isn't always easy to make hard decisions but once you do you need to stick to it. With Gods help you have the strength needed.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NLT

In other words let it go. We need to trust Him who loves us, exercising our faith does not mean - going by how we feel or what we see. We do not make the best decisions based on emotions or how we believe we are seeing things. 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Sure God has given us a mind to use let's use it wisely and trust Him. :) 

If you have read my previous post I wrote of my new firsts this past year and firsts in a long while. .  . How about being more creative or getting back to creativity? Take your focus off this past year for a time and start to live again. Even if all you can muster is baby steps into the back yard and breathe, drive to a clearing and watch the sun rise or set, go out the front door and yell hello waving to someone who might be lonely too. God has not intended for us to be locked down and lifeless as if dead inside. God is ALIVE and LIVING! And, if you are His - you should be too! 

I'm a bit rusting with my camera -my lens aren't working well but I grabbed several shots they turned out ok considering many things that went wrong . .  . I loved being out and taking photo's of anything and everything that interested me over the years. My plan is to do so again and hopefully soon. 

 It was a cold morning here and we got a dusting on the mountain ~

I got carried away with the Quail and through my dirty kitchen window as they scatter easily. I enjoy watching them and this year I have so many! Though I couldn't get them all in back at least 50 and in the front as many or more.

Again through dirty kitchen window - I get quite a variety of birds this is just a few.

I stepped out front for this he was frozen but bravely guarding the feeder! I have several that hang back over the winter - feeders year round ~ Looking at the pictures I have a lot to improve on with being out of practice for so long! Argh ~

There are so many things that are beautiful and positive the Lord has graced us with and to enjoy I hope you take time to enjoy them.

So, how are you doing?

We are just stepping into a new year and I know carrying some baggage with us. Yes, it has been difficult times across the globe and people need to do something other than simply exist. I think there is at least one thing all of us can agree on even if it is saying goodbye to 2020 and be thankful not to see another one again. But, decisions need to be made, let's make them prayerfully - remembering to trust Him for the answer and stick to the decision made with that answer. We can no longer be a people that are living under fear! I do not live my life that way and don't intend to. Yes, sometimes I'm hit with a fearful thought but I chose not to stay there. Lay it down and walk away, you are responsible for your walk. Get to know God and want He wants for you. Let's walk into this new year moving forward and not stagnate in the same place or look back holding on to the once was. 

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT

Over the years I have been known to say I do not make resolutions for a new year. Mostly when we do so we are met with disappointment. I have been know to use this bit of scripture every year -

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 NIV 

For this "New Year" I have been thinking so much about closure and moving forward, you know time is short ~ and I do not want to waste anything of what God would have for me. I love to learn  - so never stop learning, I want more of the Lord - so desire to know Him more and His vision and love for you. 

As Enoch walked faithfully with God 365 years before he was taken up - snatched away with God as told in Genesis 5:23-24 and in Hebrews 11:5 my desire is to walk with Him 365 days this year, trusting for my life and that of my family whether they agree with my faith or not. To know the love of Christ and His purpose for all who believe and the hope of glory is well worth present day storms we find ourselves in.

Peace in Him and the Grace of the Lord Jesus be with you ~ VB

Reflecting ~

The Morning of April 25, 2019 AM

Yesterday my thoughts were this ~ as I was reflecting on this past Easter  Sunday, "Resurrection" Sunday.

The birds are all singing their pretty little songs.
Rejoicing on a new day before the morning dawn.
This past Resurrection Sunday a new song was heard.
An unfamiliar song from a happy little bird.  Just on that day -
And not any other had I heard and started to wonder.

Yes a time to remember.

So as I sit here waiting for the sun,
I delight in hearing all their songs, accept for one.
It's a new day that I'm thankful for and while I'm listening,
I think of that little bird.
Reflecting on what the Lord had done,
For me long ago on a Sunday.  VLB

Illustration complements of an upcoming artist and all around creative little man.  My grandson.

Hummers - Sept. 2010

I was looking through some pic's on my cell phone and found this.   I must say, I was pleasantly  surprised since I forgot I even had it.  I think at the time I had more time.  LOL  BTW - this was the third attempt to post the clip.  On my desk top its great and in my Vik's pics file.  From there to here it's another story.  I'll keep trying.  :/ (Just loaded it through You-tube crossing fingers lol)

We've had 3-4 hummers that stayed with us for two winters now.  This past winter it was mild but the  previous to last we did get into extremely cool temps even had deep freezing and the little hummers were in 18 degrees and less.  With the wild chills it was rough but these little birds are very tough.  In fact the Palo Verde trees  in the clip froze back so much we lost large portions of the tree.  Since then one has come back and we've planted a new tree.  The links are a great place for kids and adults to learn state symbols and identifying hummingbirds. 

We have been getting many back not as much as 2010 - I'm hoping :)  and of course we also have the orioles that share.  Hope you enjoy ~

More cool links:

Hummingbirds Species (you might not believe the list - amazing)
World of Hummingbirds
Exotic Hummingbirds

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,  yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Matthew 6:26-30 ESV

And Enjoyable Morning~

The day before my previous post we knew that we were in for a day of blowing dust.  "Blowing dust," a term also used by the NOAA  and a term NO ONE here looks forward to - that a day of blowing dust, as I don't have to imagine as we live through them - no one would.  LOL  But, it is/can be a more common occurrence here than some other places.   We had a slight reprieve you could say and nothing was show or "blowing" for that matter.  So I worked in the garden as shown in the previous post.  It was a beautiful day overall - nice temps etc.     And, "BD,"

It was just late!  Yep - showed up while we were trying to sleep - - and lasted ALL night long.  :(  NOAA also reported that we were to have rain for the next two days (it only last morning :(  ).  The morning after the "BD," I rose to a calmer, quieter, over-cast, spring showery kind of day.  It put a :) on my face!   I was also "BLESSED" with watching humming birds and orioles.  We have at least 2-3 different species of each, more on that later.   Any who I was able to catch a few short clips on my cell phone of a couple female hummers.  This is a first through a window.  The weather was perfect for this - all the birds seemed to be enjoying the shower - we sure were.

I would like to apologize for different background noises you my hear it wasn't a planned thing.  You can hear the hummers. :)

I couldn't decide on the videos I wanted to share so I uploaded those you see ~ 

Here is a really cool site I just found on Arizona: Beetles, Bugs, Birds and more . .
Also Birds found in Arizona here ~  I believe I have a possibility of three different Orioles; Scott's, Hooded and Bullock's.

Spring Outside My Window

Spring officially started March 20. But it doesn't always seem like Spring until you see its beauty and smell the freshness of outside after a light shower.

When you wake up to Robins singing and a warm breeze coming through your bedroom window. You then know Spring is really here. These are just a few of the pictures I took yesterday. While walking around our yard.

Robins Nest

Bradford Pear

This is also the first year of living here we're able to enjoy in its splendor. In previous years, the frost and snow even ice storms robbed us of seeing full blooms. And, for this length of time. I so longed to see it, finally here it is. Thank you, Lord.

Weeping Cherry

Chirping Sparrows Nest with 4 eggs.

Such a blessing it is.

On a funnier note. Spring isn't always Spring without all the doings of critters...Like your dog's getting skunked and raccoons hitting your feeders. With possums doing their thing, mostly being yucky strange or playing dead when bugged by one of the dogs; and squirrels... Yes, let's not forget the squirrels. These rodents with furry tails can truly be a handful and troublesome to all Jack Russell's. If you are one of the many who have such a dog - you know exactly what I mean. Our Miki is no exception to that fact. As I was out walking enjoying the beauty of it all, a squirrel was hiding on the deck. As I moved closer towards the deck and not seeing the squirrel; (our deck is fairly high off the ground) I heard the screen door slide open. When out like a rocket came Miki! (I could hear her running). I looked up just in time to duck out of the way from the squirrel sailing overhead. Spread eagle! That squirrel was just as surprised seeing me, still freaking from Miki to begin with.

How dull would life be if we didn't stop to enjoy the many blessings? Blessing that are woven in and out of life's unpleasantries. Blessing we often don't appreciate or even recognize. God's gifts to all of us.

~

Robin Red-Brest,
Sings his morning song.
A nest's been made,
Worms are dug.
Robin Red- Brest
Sings his evening song,
Well pleased with his day.

4-10-08 VLB

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV