This blog is for my insights on life, the Bible, hiking adventures with my grandson and whatever is important to me
Author: Deb L Waters
I am an avid reader. I read mostly Amish fiction but also read other novels. I enjoy romance, mystery, and Christian devotionals. I enjoy hiking in the outdoors, especially in Greenways and State or National Parks. I love my grandson. He is my favorite subject, so I'll post about him and his antics.
Being a cool early evening on Tuesday, Coleman and I spent some time
outside in the backyard. I relaxed while he played with his bat and balls. Take a look at some of his antics and expressions as you see trios of balls (not all are t-balls).
Thursday Trios Coleman’s Antics & Expressions Playing Ball in the Backyard
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Take a Walk/Hike. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Today was slightly cooler than it has been all summer, giving us the perfect opportunity to photograph the surrounding foliage.
Dale, the host of theCosmic Photo Challenge, has challenged us to post a few images of foliage for this week’s challenge. Today was actually slightly cooler than it has been all summer, therefore, Coleman and I spent a couple of weeks in the backyard. While he was running around and playing I snapped a few pictures of the foliage surrounding us. I changed it up after a few minutes and shot in black and white.
Here are some of the Foliage I captured …
In Colour …
#CosPhoChal Cosmic Photo Challenge Foliage in Colour
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Be observant of all creatures large and small that call our Earth home. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan with No Facilities, the host ofCee’s Fun Foto Challenge is continuing with the theme of Where/What/When we do various things. This week’s focus is on Where/What/When We Shop. This new series will continue for approximately three (3) more weeks. We are currently in the third week of the Where/What/When CFFC series. This theme was inspired by Dawn M. Miller.
I have gathered a few images of Where/What/When I’ve Shopped over the years. Most of my shopping these days are done online via Amazon, Walmart, and Harlequin. I do still get out for groceries and other necessary or essential various sundries.
Here are my contributions …
The Trailhead Store Daniel Stowe Conservancy Belmont, NCLehman’s Kidron, Ohio https://www.lehmans.com/Julian Pie Company Julian, CaliforniaThe Shop Antiques, Refinishing Abilene, TexasAmazon.comArtisan Open Market Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, SCHarris Teeter Charlotte, NCBaby General Hospital Cleveland, GeorgiaJim’s Produce Deep Gap, NCGeneral Store Coshocton, Ohio Deep Gap Cash Store Deep Gap, NCAshe County Cheese West Jefferson, NC https://www.ashecountycheese.com/Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s CFFC Where/What/When We Shop
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: Outside the General Store in Ohio, the man on the left is my maternal grandfather. Coleman is outside the door of The Trailhead Store. Outside the Deep Gap Cash Store are my Great Aunt Sophrona (called Aunt Sophie, she’s my grandfather’s sister) and her husband (my great uncle.
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Mark 6:31-32
The Roman Pool at Hearst Castle is astonishing with its incredible mosaic tiles which were designed to evoke the feeling of ancient Roman and Greek baths. It is covered from floor to ceiling with eight types of mosaic tiles. Some of those tiles included elaborate designs depicting marine creatures and mythological figures.
Roman Pool Hearst Castle San Simeon, California
The Pool was created using more than a million glass and gold tiles which creates a beautiful shimmering effect. It was built for William Randolph Hearst by architect Julia Morgan. The construction of the Roman Pool was primarily undertaken during the late 1920s and early 1930s, culminating in its completion in 1934.
It is a stunning sight to see and learn about all the intricate design details and the length of time it took before completion. It’s amazing to see the reflections of the windows and statues captured by my dad with a 35 mm camera back in 1979.
Beth from Wandering Dawgsis this week’s host for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. She is asking us to select our favourite Bridges to share. She states that they “ any kind of bridge: natural bridges, foot bridges, swinging bridges, highway bridges, stone bridges, railroad bridges, or any other kind of bridge you can think of.” I’ve gathered a selection of Highway Bridges, Foot Bridges, Trestles, and a Swinging Bridge that I hope y’all will enjoy.
Swinging Bridge at Anne Springs Close Greenway can be trip to cross or fun depending on your outlook.
Swinging Bridge Lake Haigler Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Foot Bridges oftenconstructed to accommodate crossing a creek or river to be easier and more accessible for animals, and humans. Coleman and I hike over these types of Bridges quite frequently.
Baxter Village Trail with Alona & Trisha Fort Mill, South Carolina
Glencairn Garden Rock Hill, South Carolina
Goat Island Park and Greenway crosses over South Fork Catawba River Cramerton, North Carolina
Trestle Bridges are made of many short spans supported by close frames. The purpose is usually to transport trains/train lines across a deep valley (like rivers and lakes) or ravines.
Showing both a Trestle and Highway Bridge Situated over the Catawba River Along the Piedmont Medical Center Trail from the Catawba River Trailhead Rock Hill, South Carolina
Other Trestles over the Catawba River …
Trestle Bridges Over the Catawba River Piedmont Medical Center Trail Rock Hill, South Carolina
Trestle Bridge over the Mississippi River …
Trestle Bridge viewed from the Tennessee Welcome Center after crossing the Mississippi River
Highway/Road Bridges are designed to a road and its traffic over an obstacle such as a river, a valley, or even another road. First, we’ll look at a Road Bridge that crosses over a creek and a trail. The trail is the Blue Star Trail, part of which runs parallel to Steele Creek and under a Road Bridge. The Blue Star Trail in one of 25 unique trails which allows hikers, bikers, and equestrian riders to explore over 40 miles within the Anne Springs Close Greenway.
Road Bridge over Steele Creek and Blue Star Trail
Now on to California Highway Bridges …
In the San Francisco-Oakland Area …
San Francisco Bay BridgeSan Francisco–Oakland Bay BridgeGolden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California San Francisco-Oakland Bay BridgeSan Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, a double suspension bridgeSan Francisco Bay BridgeGolden Gate Bridge, San FranciscoLAPC – Bridges California’s San Francisco Bay Bridges All taken in April 1979 by my dad.
And last, but not least, the amazing San Diego-Coronado Bridge which connects San Diego with the city of Coronado. Construction on the Bridge began in February of 1967 after years of debate over the need and logistics of a bridge being built to cross the bay. The Navy feared a bridge could collapse due to an attack or an earthquake thus trapping navy ships stationed at Naval Base San Diego. The Navy finally, in 1964, agreed to support a Bridge if there was a minimum of 200 feet (61 Meters) of 660 feet in the main span for sufficient clearance for the Navy ships operating out of Naval Base San Diego to pass underneath it. [Side Note: Before the Bridge was constructed the only way to Coronado from San Diego or vice-versa was by Ferry.]
San Diego-Coronado Bridge
The Bridge itself is 11,179-foot-long (3,407 m or 2.1 mi) and ascends from Coronado at a 4.67 percent grade before curving 80 degrees toward San Diego. The Bridge was finally completed and opened to the public on August 3, 1969. It opened during the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of San Diego. When it opened, a toll of 60¢ was charged in each direction. The toll charges were supposed to end when the bond was paid, but continued until 2002. This Bridge has five lanes, two eastbound, two westbound, and a reversible middle lane which could switch to correspond with traffic needs.
An interesting fact: Before its official opening to vehicular traffic on August 3, 1969, the Coronado Bridge had a special “Bridge Walk” on August 2, 1969. Thousands of people, including many bicyclists, participated in this dedication event, getting a unique chance to experience the bridge on foot and by bike before cars were allowed on it. I had many friends that road their bicycles across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge on that special day celebrating the bridge’s completion and opening.
God Bless. Be Happy. Be Cool. Be a Blessing to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The “Birth of Venus” (Naissance de Venus) sculpture
Back in 1974 my family toured Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. This trip was was approximately 5 1/2-6 hours long. The tour last around 60 to 75 minutes which doesn’t include the shuttle time from the visitors center to the hilltop. I’m not going to go into everything that is included in the tour for you to see. I’m only going to to tell you about the The “Birth of Venus” (Naissance de Venus) sculpture located in the Neptune Pool.
The “Birth of Venus” (Naissance de Venus) sculpture is a 20th-century Carrara marble work created around 1930 by French sculptor Charles-Georges Cassou. The sculpture was commissioned by William Randolph Hearst in 1927. Charles Cassou’s original marble group was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1930 prior to being installed on the lower terrace of the pool opposite the Roman temple façade.
The “Birth of Venus” (Naissance de Venus) sculpture depicts Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, emerging from seafoam while balancing on a scalloped shell. Cassou’s Birth of Venus serves as a focal centrepiece in its own fountain alcove against the hillside background. It is set apart from the Roman temple façade which features an older 17th-century relief of Neptune and two tritons.
For the first time since moving to our current neighbourhood (back in March), I heard the Caw Caw sound of our first visitor in a long while. I happened to have been sitting on the porch with my granddaughter waiting for Coleman to arrive on the school bus. When I heard the cawing I stood up to see where it was perched. It was being watchful (scoping out the surroundings) atop a weathered sun-bleached utility pole.
What did I see when I looked up? The gleaming black feathers of an AmericanCrow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). American Crows are quite common here and throughout North Carolina. They can be seen from our coastal areas and on into our mountains. They are incredibly adaptable, thriving in urban areas, farmlands, forests, as well as in our coastal regions.
Let’s take a look at some interesting fun facts about the American Crow.
They are Master Problem Solvers: They can solve puzzles and use tools to get food for example, they can bend a wire to hook something out of a tube.
They have Excellent Memory: Crows are known for remembering faces, especially those who have been kind or unkind to them. They pass information about “dangerous” humans through their flock.
They have Complex Communication: They have a wide range of calls, more than just a simple “caw.” It is believed that they have different call for danger, for finding food, or even to distinguish individual crows within their group.
They are Social Creatures: Crows live in tight-knit family units. Their young often stay with their parents for several years. While they remain with their parents they help to raise their younger siblings (much like in a human family).
They have “Crow Funerals”: Who would have ever guessed? Whenever a crow dies, other crows often gather around it, sometimes ever for extended periods of time. This maybe a way for them to learn about potential dangers within their environment and it gives them an opportunity to mourn.
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend. May it be filled with love, happiness, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). I trust everyone has had a good week and able to spend some time to take a walk or hike in the vast outdoors. This week’s theme is CWWC: Any Which Way with Paved Walkways, Pathways, and/or sidewalks (not roads). The Which Way can be any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as thereare vehicles on theWhich Way and the way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome.
For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
This week I am thinking about all the lives lost on 9/11. May they never be forgotten.
Remember the families of those killed in the 9/11 tragedy. Pray for them as they gather and remember on this 25th anniversary of 9/11. May they receive peace and comfort during this difficult time period.
Now on to this week’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC). I am venturing back in time to 2017 to a trip I made to Jacksonville, North Carolina to see my sons who lived there at the time. While my younger sign was on duty as a Marine at Camp Lejeune, my eldest son took me to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina. To find out more about the Lejeune Memorial Gardens feel free to click here.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial and others like it have special meaning to us. My husband and his brothers as well as my brother all served in the military during the Vietnam War.
There are memorials at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens, I believe, for every war the United States Military ever participated in.
155mm M114 HowitzerBeirut MemorialBeirut Memorial‘Our Fallen Brothers,’ featuring the insignias of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Marine Divisions.Vietnam Veterans MemorialVietnam Veterans MemorialBeirut MemorialBeirut MemorialEagle, Globe, and Anchor Reflection Pool155mm M114 Howitzer, powerful tribute to military personnel, especially those connected to Camp LejeuneVietnam Veterans MemorialVietnam Veterans MemorialMontford Point Marine MemorialMontford Point Marine MemorialFlags proudly representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the POW/MIA cause.Vietnam Veterans MemorialLejeune Memorial Gardens Jacksonville, North Carolina
Click on images to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
These sunflowers are not the type of flower you’d normally picture if someone said Sunflower, however, they are still beautiful in their own unique way.
Tithonia rotundifolia
The Mexican Sunflower is a plant in the Asteraceae family whose native origins range from Mexico to Central America.
Red Sunflower
They’re beloved by gardeners for their bright, fiery orange or red-orange petals and yellow centers, which resemble small sunflowers.
Mexican sunflower
They thrive in full sun and warm weather, which is typical for Gastonia’s weather. They are attractive to pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds which absolutely adore them, making them a fantastic addition to any garden looking to support local wildlife.
Tithonia rotundifolia, the Red sunflower or Mexican sunflower
The Tithonia rotundifolia, aka Mexican sunflower is not actually a true sunflower from the Helianthus family. However, their daisy-like blooms give off a similar sunny vibe. They are quite resilient and easy to grow. These flowers are surrounding my neighbours mailbox giving colour and beauty to the neighbourhood.
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Stop and smell the flowers. Admire them and the beauty found in nature. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week the Monochrome Madness hostis none other than our beloved host LeanneCole. She does a terrific job coordinating all the hosts and themes for this amazing challenge. She has decided to challenge us with the theme of Urban Landscapes. She has shown some wonderful examples of Urban Landscaping.
I’m starting off with a couple of images my dad took ages ago when he and my mom visited Washington D.C.
The National Mall, often called ‘ America’s Front Yard,’
We had visited D.C. years before this as a family, but this was a trip for just the two of them after my brother and I had left home. This view of the National Mall stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol encompasses many museums, monuments, and open green spaces making the National Mall more than just a Park. Capturing this view with a 35mm camera back in the mid-eighties is something astonishing.
Aerial view of Washington D. C.
I’m not sure how my dad managed this shot, but it looks good to me. It is a n aerial view of Washington D. C. highlighting the White House and the Washington Monument.
This next gallery of images are from our trip to San Francisco, California in the Spring of 1979.
The iconic Transamerica Pyramid anchors this stunning San Francisco skyline viewTransamerica Pyramid San Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge San Francisco, CAShips at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, CA San Francisco, California
Moving further along California’s coast driving Hwy 1 we come home to San Diego. The city I called home for many years growing up with many happy and memorable funtastic times with friends and family. From the beaches along the coast to the various inland attractions there’s always much to see and do in beautiful San Diego.
California Tower and dome in Balboa ParkA Postcard of mine of Broadway, San Diego, CA On Line of the San Diego & Arizona Eastern RailwaySan Diego Harbor The San Diego skyline truly shines at sunset over the bayUSS Midway Museum is located along the Embarcadero in San Diego San Diego’s skyline, with a naval ship San Diego Wild Animal Park San Pasqual Valley Escondido, CA“Unconditional Surrender” is a 25-foot sculpture replicating the embrace of a sailor and nurse at the end of World War II in Times Square. Embarcadero, San Diego, CASan Diego, California
Dan with No Facilities, the host ofCee’s Fun Foto Challenge is continuing with the theme of Where/What/When we do various things. This week’s focus is on Where/What/When We Listen. This new series will continue for approximately four (4) more weeks. We are currently in the third week of the Where/What/When CFFC series.
Where/What/WhenWe Listen is as unique as our own individual personalities, perspectives, experiences, and conceptions. We may listen to nature, concerts in a park or in a building, or we may listen at a worship service whether indoors or outdoors is to our own preference and opportunities. We may enjoy listening to plays or other theatrical performances or we may just sit and listen to one another. We are all unique individuals with our own unique expectations or individual conceptions of what we prefer to listen to, where we prefer to listen, and when we prefer to listen.
I have gathered a few images of What/Where/When I’ve Listened to various music, plays, and/or performances that suited by desires and interests at one time or another.
To Watch & Listen to Mickey & Minnie Mouse in Disney on IceTo a Play in the Bundy Auditorium at University of South Carolina at Lancaster To a Entertaining Performance at the Land of OzTo Watch a Live Children’s Production of Charlie Brown Christmas To Listen to Christian Music Artist outdoors in Lancaster, SCTo Nature while camping at Andrew Jackson State Park To Watch & Listen to the 1979 live stage production titled “Bugs Bunny’s Life Story” Starring Bugs Bunny & Wiley E CoyoteTo Listen to Worship Songs in an Outdoor Amphitheater To Watch & Listen to a Performance of Disney on IceTo Listen to a First Grade end of year performance at Sadler Elementary To a Basketball game from high up in the balcony seatingTo a Pastor present a message from the Bible Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s CFFC Where/What/When We Listen
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
John from Journeys with Johnbois this week’s host for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. He is asking us to look at water a little differently to focus on the landscapes, structures, and stories that they might tell. John commented on my Cell Pic Sunday photo and suggested I could use it for this challenge. I opted to use it as my header image. It shows the landscape of trees surrounding Lake Haigler at Anne Springs Close Greenway.
I searched through my photos to determine which photos I wanted to use for this challenge. Let’s take a look at my selections.
The Blue Mesa Reservoir Curecanti National Recreation Area Gunnison County, Colorado
In May of this year my daughter flew out west to see her dad’s grave in Boulder City, Nevada. After meeting with her uncle (her dad’s brother) at the cemetery, she drove east into Colorado where she hoped to get a transfer (that didn’t work out for various reasons). She drove north on the I-15 leaving Nevada into Utah and transferred to the I-70 East and on towards Colorado. While driving she was kind enough to oblige me with stopping at a few site seeing spots along the route. One of those sites was The Blue Mesa Reservoir. It is a part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. It is the largest body of water in Colorado and a crucial part of the Wayne N. Aspinall Storage Unit. This reservoir was formed by the Blue Mesa Dam on the Gunnison River. It is a focal point for recreational activities like fishing and boating. In addition, it plays a vital role in providing water and power to the region.
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Going backwards through the calendar year, my family and I took a mini-vacation for New Year’s weekend. We drove down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and stayed for almost a week. Having not been to the beach in years and the kids first time to the beach, we took in some “touristy” activities. One of our first activities was to drive down to Murrells Inlet and go on a Dolphin Excursion via the Crazy Sister Marina. Pictured here is a portion of the boat dock to the left of the Crazy Sister’s boats. That was a fun adventure, one Coleman really enjoyed.
Lake Norman, Ramsey Creek Park Cornelius, North Carolina
Heading back another month to November of 2025, we went to Charlotte to try out a pizza place that served a specialty pizza known in some entices to induce labour. In my daughter’s case it didn’t have the expected outcome she was hoping for. The pizza was delicious despite that fact. After leaving Charlotte we decided to stop at Ramsey Creek Park to walk off our lunch and give Coleman time to run around and burn some excess energy. (He always has an abundance of energy). Ramsey Creek Park is a beautiful spot along the shores of Lake Norman in Cornelius, North Carolina. Lake Norman is North Carolina’s largest man-made lake. It is often referred to as “the Inland Sea” due to its vast size. While there Coleman and I walked along the lake shore and along the trail. (He loves to hike.) My daughter didn’t do as much walking (being about 36 weeks, she wasn’t up to much walking). It was a fun outing and a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the afternoon.
South Fork Catawba River Goat Island Park & Greenway Cramerton, North Carolina
In October, Coleman and I walked to Goat Island Park and Greenway for a bit of hiking and Funtime on the playground. This shot was taken from the Goat Island bridge looking back towards town. Once on the Greenway, Coleman hiked along the trail spotting the Autumn colours of the leaves and enjoying spending time together. Now of course, after a hike a boy still needs to burn off even more energy, so a stop at the playground was a must.
Coleman walking along the edge of Robinwood Lake Warlick Family YMCA Gastonia, North Carolina
Back in early 2024 the Gastonia Transit system still ran. In February, Coleman and I rode the city bus to the Warlick Family YMCA. The Warlick Family YMCA has three different hiking trails; Blue, Yellow, and Green. On this day, if my recollection is correct, Coleman and I hiked the Green Trail. The trails start near Robinwood Lake (pictured above). Robinwood Lake is a scenic 34-acre freshwater lake which the YMCA allows kayaking, paddleboarding, bank fishing (largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish). In order to fish in Robinwood Lake, you’dneed to purchase a North Carolina inland fishing license for anyone age 16 or older to fish. Coleman and I live to walk along the lake shores and enjoy its natural beauty.
.
USS Consolation US Naval Port
This final image is of the USS Consolation. It is not a ship I have seen or visited other than in my dad’s photo album. Why is it so special to me? It is special because this is the hospital ship my dad was stationed on during his Korean War service in the United States Navy. I’m not sure which Naval port it was taken at, possibly in San Francisco, but really could be any U.S. Naval port. I like the visibility of the mountains behind the U.S. Naval ship.
God Bless. Be Happy. Be Cool. Be a Blessing to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Tymco SM74C is a popular model for municipal and contractor street sweepings. It is known for its regenerative air system which uses a high-velocity air blast to dislodge debris and then vacuums it into the hopper, making it very efficient at keeping our curbs and streets clean without the need for water unlike other sweeper type models.
Brahman cattle originally came from India and are a hybrid of four different Indian cattle breeds. They are well-suited for the hot climates like we’ve been experiencing this summer.
We saw this one and others like it at The Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, North Carolina. Their loose skin, short, sleek hair, and ability to sweat efficiently are the reasons they adapt so well to our hot and humid summer climates. Their distinctive hump on their shoulders is the key feature which helps store fat. They are known to be gentle temperament creatures.
Azaleas differ from other Rhododendrons by only having five (5) stamens per flower instead of the typical ten (10) or more on other Rhododendrons. They are popular ornamental plants, known for their showy blooms in a wide variety of colours.
Their colours range from vibrant pink to white, purple, and red. I normally see the pink and red varieties in the gardens around town. They are always available to be seen in the Garden in The Farm at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina.
This weekend in the United States is Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, some people still have to work on Labor Day (which is celebrated on Monday). Who really wants to work on a holiday during the Summer or for that matter any other long weekend.
Impressive catch of freshwater Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill
I am remembering a Summer in 1963 (not in September, but in July) when I was vacationing in Great Falls, South Carolina with my family. We drove out from San Diego, California to visit my paternal grandparents and my dad’s brother and sister.
Pictured from left to right: My Brother, Larry; my Uncle Eddie, and my dad.
On this particular weekend the men and boys went fishing 🎣 along the Catawba River in Great Falls, South Carolina. Why is it that the majority of times (at least back then) they never asked the girls or women to go fishing? However, they expected the women to cook up whatever fish they caught and brought home.
My brother with his River Catch
The Catawba River is just a short drive from my grandparents home. The “men“ landed an impressive catch of freshwater fish including Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill.
My dad and brother displaying their catch of the day.
I do not recall which one actually caught the most fish or if this was my brother’s first time fishing or not. I do know they definitely made sure to capture their catch with a camera for prosperity or probably to remember the funtastic time they had spending the day together.
My Uncle and brother holding up a string of freshwater fish.
Regardless of who caught what, or who caught the most, what mattered most was the quality time they had together. You better believe we had us a feast of fried catfish and other freshwater panfish for supper that night.
How do you like to spend a long holiday weekend? Do you get together with friends and family? Stay home and barbecue on the grill? Or just enjoy a relaxing weekend at home?
God Bless. Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend. May it be filled with love, happiness, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Whenever Coleman and I visit The Schiele Museum of Natural History we almost always visit The Farm (we only miss it if we arrive too late and it’s already closed). Walking around the Farm we visit the animals (the goats, the sheep, and Mike & Lucky, aka the cows) and admire the Flowers (at least I do anyway). Coleman likes to climb on the red tractor and other interesting things. What other things would interest a rambunctious little boy? An old wagon with a hay bale, of course. Yep, that’s right, he climbed up on the wagon and made himself at home by #PullingUpaSeat on a Hay Bale.
Here’s my contributions of Coleman Pulling Up a Seat on a Wagon’s Haystack …
#PullUpaSeat Coleman Style on a Haystack at The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). I trust everyone has had a good week and able to spend some time to take a walk or hike in the vast outdoors. This week’s theme is CWWC: Any Which Way with Vehicles. The Which Way can be any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as thereare vehicles on theWhich Way and the way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome.
For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way Challenge
Click on images to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Liriope muscari is a species of flowering plant from the region of Easr Asia. It is also known as Big Blue Lilyturf, Lilyturf, Border Grass, and Monkey Grass.
A Trio of Liriope muscari
Lilyturf is highly valued for its beautiful striped leaves and its purple flower spikes. It is an evergreen perennial, meaning its foliage stays green year round. Gardeners tend to favourite as a border plant, ground cover (as it usually used here), or as a means to help prevent erosion. It spreads nicely and creates a dense mat.
Liriope muscari, Big Blue Lilyturf
Liriope muscari usually blooms in late summer to early Autumn/Fall. Coleman first notice the purple spike flowers a little over a week ago and insisted I take pictures with my phone. As the days progressed more and more of the lilac-purple flower spikes began popping up bringing colour to the garden.
God Bless. Stop and smell the flowers. Admire them and the beauty found in nature. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Portraits in Monochrome throughout the years of Coleman (beginning at age two (2)) in all his antics and expressions are what’s on display for this free week of Leanne’s Monochrome Madness.
WordPress is one of my favourite and most used apps, but not the one I use the most during the day. The ones I use the most every single day are those that store books that I read. I used to read “hard copies”/ actual books, however, since my eyesight is not what it used to be I use digital apps where I am able to download digital books to read.
Why do I use digital book apps? The main reason is the ability to change the font, size of text, and the layout enabling easier readability.
Let me list them for you …
Kindle – I use this app to read ebooks & epub that I select for free or at discounted prices for books from authors I enjoy reading.
iBooks – I also have ebooks in this app. Some I get for free & others I buy. I always get notifications when a ebook in my want to read list becomes available for a reduced rate.
Glose – This app is for ebooks I purchase from Harlequin and Love Inspired through Harlequin.
Libby – This is a very useful app in which I borrow ebooks from my local library and read them through this particular library app.
Jetpack (WordPress) – Who doesn’t like WordPress? Sometimes we get frustrated with all the adjustments and nuisances that WordPress (and especially the Jetpack) likes to do in their updates. It does give me an outlet to write, share my thoughts, and my photography. It enables me to connect with people from around the world, some of which I consider my friends.
Of course, there are other apps I use but not as often as these five. I currently read four different books at one time, one through each of my ebooks readers. I love to read and these enable me to enjoy reading while it became increasingly difficult to read regular print books. The convenience of being able to adjust the font and size of the print is a feature I enjoy tremendously.
#DailyPrompts-2872
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Historic Great Falls High School in Great Falls, South Carolina was built in 1928. It’s a beautiful example of early 20th-century school architecture, with its distinctive brick facade, large windows, and prominent central entrance. This was the building where my went to high school.. He was in the Class of 1947.
Location: Great Falls High School; Great Falls, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Brian from Bushboys Worldhosts a monthly challenge called Last On the Card. His rules are simple to follow if you’re interested in participating.
Here are The rules: 1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 30th or whenever your last photo was taken. 2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate. 3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do 4. Create a Pingback to this post or link in the comments 5. Use the tags The Last Photo and #LastOnTheCard
Here are my contributions …
From my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Lagerstroemia indica, aka Crepe-myrtle Gastonia, North Carolina
From my Canon EOS T7 (2000D):
Angora Goats Walk-thru Petting Area Lazy 5 Ranch Mooresville, North Carolina
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan with No Facilities, the host ofCee’s Fun Foto Challenge is continuing with the theme of Where/What/When we do various things. This week’s focus is on Where/What/We/They Worship. This new series will continue for approximately five (5) more weeks. We are currently in the third week of the Where/What/When CFFC series.
Where/What/When I worshipped didn’t always happen inside the walls of a church building. There were times in my youth when we worshipped at Mission Bay (a beach) in San Diego; usually on Friday nights during the summer. There were types I went to camp during the Summer with my church youth group and we would worship around a roaring campfire. Then when I went to college I was one of many students who worshipped together in the school’s chapel (required attendance). At other times we met in one home or another, on Sunday evenings, where we worshipped together in song and Bible study. However, I don’t currently have any photos of those occasions during my youth.
For lack of those images, I will show you some of the churches I been to or seen whilst working around town.
The church of my childhood, Scott Memorial Baptist Church (now called Grace Church San Diego) in San Diego, California.
Scott Memorial Baptist Church San Diego, California
I spent many a Sunday and Wednesday fellowshipping and worshipping here in and outside of the building. I still am friends with many of those I grew up with in this church.
Let’s pause for a moment of worship in song by Russ Adair and the Revelators.
Russ Adair and The Revelators
Here we have Stony Fork Baptist Church In Deep Gap, North Carolina. This is one of the churches that my maternal ancestors attended including my maternal grandfather and grandmother. I have visited this church and its cemetery when I’ve been in the area visiting with family (mostly cousins).
Stony Fork Baptist Church Deep Gap, Watauga County, North Carolina
In 2020 I spent several months in Texas including a couple in Abilene, Texas. The following are a few of the churches I saw while walking around my aunt’s neighborhood.
Galilee Baptist Church Abilene, TexasTrinity Baptist Church Abilene, TexasBethel Temple Christian Center Abilene, TexasChurch of Christ 5th and Grape St Abilene, TexasFirst Christian Church Abilene, TexasFirst Methodist Church Abilene, TexasCFFC Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge
Time for more worship in song, this time from a group I enjoying listening to and attending their concerts when I’m able. The quartet is called “Kings Cause.” Hope you will enjoy listening to them as much as I do.
Kings Cause
Now to look at a few closer to home …
Maranatha Church of God Gastonia, North CarolinaThe Living Water Chapel at Westminster Park Rock Hill, South CarolinaCramerton Independent Presbyterian Church Cramerton, North Carolina Zion United Methodist Church (now Zion Methodist Church) Lancaster, South Carolina Churches in North & South Carolina Dan’s CFFC
And before you leave if you’re still with me, join me in listening to another worship song. This one is performed by Ivan Parker & his son Josh.
I do not visit the beach as often as I did in my youth, however, I do have memories of being at the beach with family and friends over the years.
Going back in time to see A vintage family day with my Aunt and Uncle at Springmaid Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Aunt Dalline & Uncle Shorty fishing at the beach.
In 2010, My “children” and I ventured down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to celebrate my daughter’s high school graduation.
In the foreground is my daughter, my sons are behind the wave waiting for the next one.
Moving forward in time to 2017, we (my eldest son and I) take a drive to North Topsail Beach from Jacksonville, North Carolina for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront.
My eldest son, John and myself at North Topsail Beach, North Carolina.
Let’s take a sidetrack from the East Coast Carolina beaches to visit west coast beaches in San Diego County, California.
Sea Lions on the beach at La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California
Coronado Beach, Coronado, San Diego County, California
Now back to the East coast and our adventures at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Parks Recreation Sports Tourism Truck on Myrtle Beach Ring-billed GullsColeman having a splashing good time. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with my daughter and grandchildren (Coleman & Sophia)
Well, that’s all folks. Till next time have a splendid week filled with love, happiness, and laughter. God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Sofia from Photographiasis thus week’s host for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. She is asking us to select images that might spark curiosity or confuse us into asking “What is it?” Let’ssee how I do, will you figure out what the images are or will I stump y’all?
Black and White image …
2. Unusual Angle …
3. Unusual angle plus light and dark
4. Abstract Editing with glitches …
5. Intentional Movement
6. Getting a Close-up View
Did you figure any of them out? What are they?
Key:
Black and White image – .
A Section of the Victory Garden at Kings Mountain National Military Park in Blacksburg, South Carolina.
Unusual Angle
Dinosaur vertebrae The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina
Unusual angle plus light and dark Shading
Axolotls, a type of Salamander seen at Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Abstract Editing with glitches
South Fork Catawba River Cramerton, North Carolina.
Intentional Movement
Norfolk Southern Railway zooming along the Railroad tracks in Cramerton, North Carolina.
Getting a Close-up View
Fungus on Goat Island trail in Cramerton, North Carolina.
If you guessed what they were, did you guess correctly?
To find out more about the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, please clickhere.
God Bless. Be Happy. Be Cool. Be a Blessing to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Goats don’t like the heat any more than humans do. We arrived at The Farm just after 3 in the afternoon. It was still in the high 80’s and even the Goats didn’t feel up to playing around or greeting their visitors.
Trying to Stay Cool
Normally, on a nice day the would come to the fence and greet us. Not today they said, “The humid midday air completely drained our energy.”
Nubian Goat
Ah, this spot in the shade feels just right, maybe a nice nap is exactly what we need.
Boer Goat
Maybe it’ll be cooler tomorrow, we can dream can’t we?
Following Terri’s and Brian’s lead on Sunflowers, I went in search of Sunflowers amongst my archives. I found some common sunflowers and some uncommon ones as well.
Here are my entries …
Swamp SunflowersCommon Sunflower Common Sunflower Common Sunflower Carpenter Bee enjoying the Sunflower’s pollen Helianthus angustifolius, aka Narrowleaf Sunflower Wild Sunflowers Common Sunflower Terri’s The Flower Hour Cee’s Flower of the Day
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week Monochrome Madness is hosted by Dawn from The Day After. She has selected to challenge us with the theme of Horizons. There are many different ways we may illustrate Horizons through our photography. When we think of Horizons we normally think of a visible line off into the distance where the earth and sky seem to meet each other. We might select land and sky or water and sky, or we might offer a little of both. Which way we interpret or see the Horizon depends our own unique view and style.
Here are my selections …
San Rafael Swell Emery County, UtahCraggy Gardens Blue Ridge ParkwayCaptain’s Quarters Resort Myrtle Beach, SCGulf of Mexico (now America)“Layers of Dusk” View from Pisgah Inn Blue Ridge MountainsDawn’s Monochrome Madness Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Embrace the adventure with CWWC 2026: Any Which Way – Your Choice! Whether you’re exploring nature trails, navigating indoor staircases, or venturing onto paved paths, there’s a route for everyone. Sign up now and discover your unique Which Way!
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (previously hosted by Cee Neuner). This week our theme is CWWC (2026): Any Which Way —Your Choice. Your Which Ways can be Outdoors, Indoors, Paved or Unpaved, Dirt Trails or any natural surface. Your Choice is exactly that, Whichever Way you choose. As always Signs are always welcome.
My choices for this week’s Which Way Challengeare naturalized surfaces on The Schiele Museum’s Nature Trail.
Here are my entries …
CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way Challenge
Click on images to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
At Andrew Jackson State Park stands an Historic Schoolhouse which was reconstructed for the site. It vividly represents the kind of simple, one-room schoolhouses that would have been typical during Jackson’s youth in the late eighteenth (18th) century.
Historic Schoolhouse Door
Andrew Jackson State Park’s replica Schoolhouse is open from med-March to November on Saturdays from 1pm to 5 pm and on Sundays from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Historic Schoolhouse at Andrew Jackson State Park
Tours of the one-room schoolhouse at Andrew Jackson State Park are actively hosted and led by the members of the Retired Educators of Lancaster County. While specific tour schedules can vary, the park generally offers interpretive experiences for visitors to learn about early 19th-century education.
Historic Schoolhouse Lancaster, South Carolina
You can also explore the schoolhouse interior on a self-guided basis, with informational signs providing context about the period and what school life was like.
Location: Historic Schoolhouse; Andrew Jackson State Park; Lancaster, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with w. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
![CWWC (2026): Any Which Way with Paved Walkways, Pathways, and/or sidewalks (not roads). [09.11.2026]](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/untitled-august-02-2026-at-16.34.18.jpg?w=393)
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 