The morning glory plants entwine themselves around structures, growing to a height of 2-3 m (6 ft 7 in – 9 ft 10 in) tall. Their leaves are heart-shaped and the stems are covered with brown hairs. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, predominantly blue to purple or white.
These Purple Morning Glories are located on the side of a small hill below railroad tracks up the street from our home. I found it interesting how they are entwined with the gravel as they climb the hill and how they rise up towards the sky in the mornings.
God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Smell the Flowers. See the Beauty in Simplicity. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thinking of Cee & Becky. Pray you’re feeling better. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Smell the Flowers. See the Beauty in Simplicity. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Smell the Flowers. See the Beauty in Simplicity. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
in primo piano – photos Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors photo
Hiking along Steele Creek Trail at Anne Springs Close Greenway, Coleman and I stopped to pay a visit to the Hobbit’s Homes before continuing on our way. If you’re not looking carefully you could miss seeing the Hobbit’s Homes hidden within the tree.
For Tina’s Lens-Artist Challenge this week I chose to show a recent neighbourhood belonging to a friend which we meandered around to check out the area. Our friend’s neighbourhood is in southern Lancaster County in South Carolina.
We enjoyed our stroll through the neighbourhood; hope you enjoyed sharing our walk.
One (maybe two) Penguins One Penguin Two Penguins Two (maybe Three) Penguins
1(or 2) + 1 + 2 + 2 (or 3) = 7 (or 7)
While visiting the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina we were able to observe the King Penguins. King Penguins have a mobile nest – right on top of their feet! Who would have guessed? The female will lay one egg and both parents will take turns incubating the egg by balancing it on top of their feet under a warm fold of skin.
King Penguin nest sites are on sub-antarctic islands surrounding Antarctica. They spend long stretches of time at sea. [Except those found in zoos like the Riverbanks Zoo.) They eat fish, krill, crustaceans, and squid.
RiverbanksZoo supports penguins of all species by encouraging sustainable seafood consumption through Seafood Watch. Riverbanks’ Satch Krantz Conservation Fund and Field Conservation Associates have also supported sustainable guano harvest in Peru and chick bolstering and rehabilitation in South Africa.
Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from South Carolina to the Virginia Border and back down to Pisgah National Forest and then on into South Carolina once again was a trip I’ll always remember.
It has been seven years since I made that trip with my eldest son. We took the drive on his birthday weekend in October 2017. We stopped at various milestones along the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the beautiful views and tour a few different places along the route. We stopped at Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, North Carolina and hiked the Stone Mountain Loop Trail beginning at the Upper Trailhead. We continued driving the Blue Ridge Parkway once we left Stone Mountain State Park; we drove to Wilson, North Carolina (Wilson was my married name & the surname of my children.)
On the adventure South on the Parkway, we took a detour to my Cousin Jim’s Produce Market for some fresh produce & a break to stretch our legs. Before we arrived at Jim’s Produce, we stopped for a photo by the Doc and Merle Watson Highway sign ( Doc & Merle Watson are my fourth cousin & fourth cousin once removed respectively).
Venturing further south, we stopped at several more milestones to enjoy the beautiful scenery and views overlooking the valley. We stopped for supper at The Pisgah Inn’s restaurant. The food was delicious and the views were spectacular. The Pisgah Inn is located in the Pisgah National Forest amongst thesouthern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway (Blue Ridge Pkwy Milepost 408.6, Waynesville, NC).
It was a lovely and enjoyable trip, not just for the scenery, but always for the quality time spent with my son. Click on each photo for enhanced viewing. Have a wonderful day!
Location: Various locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway; North Carolina
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing in our adventure memories. If you have the opportunity I’d recommend driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll enjoy the scenery as much as we did. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week Cee is chosen to post a theme of diagonal line(s) for her Fun Foto Challenge. I went searching through my photos to see what diagonal lines I could find. Below are the diagonal line(s) I managed to select from my fotos.
As you might have noticed, I selected various different versions of diagonal line(s) for you to observe. From diagonals on a fire engine to power towers, to an airplane at a diagonal angle inline with a diagonal wire and even diagonal shadows. What interesting diagonal line(s) will you decide to share with all of us? Be sure to link your posts to Cee’s blog here.
Looking back to Seven years to 2017, I know I have been blessed to have listened to Ivan Parker and his son, Josh perform together in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Ivan Parker & Josh Parker on guitar
Ivan Parker is an American Southern Gospel Singer who has been performing Southern Gospel music since 1982. In 1982 he began performing with the Singing Americans. He has performed with several Southern Gospel groups before he began his solo career in 1994. He has received several awards for his lead vocalist talents, including the Dove Award, Favorite Lead Vocalist by the Singing News, Favorite Male Vocalist from 1989-1995 & 1997. In 1993, Ivan Parker was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
Ivan Parker performs Southern Gospel music all across the United States and on occasion his son, Josh performs right along by his side. His music may be listened to on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Pandora and probably other outlets as well.
Ivan Parker and Josh Parker perform at Mt. Gallant Church of God along with the Heritage Quartet in December 2017. They performed an array of Southern Gospel music for a packed audience. Listen to Ivan sing here.
Taken at 4:27pm Lancaster, South Carolina Aka Flatweed, False Dandelion, and Catsear
Hypochaeris radicata is a perennial, low-lying edible herb often found in lawns. Interestingly all parts of the catsear plants are edible even though the leaves and roots are the parts most often harvested. The leaves have a bland taste, but can be eaten raw in salads, steamed or used in stir-fries. If you care to try roasting and grounding the roots, they may be used as a coffee substitute.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Columbia, South Carolina
I visited the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina with my daughter, Trisha and granddaughter, Alona back in August of 2017 [Seven (7) years ago]. We were able to enjoy the various zoo animals and the entertaining antics of Sundance, the Sunshine Bear.
Sadly, Sundance passed away on April 30, 2022 due to declining health. He came to the Riverbanks Zoo along with his brother, Butch, at the young age of only nine (9) months old. Sundance had a gentle disposition, kind eyes, and loved to interact with his zookeepers. He was known as the Sunshine Bear, always bringing a bit of sunshine to those who came to see him.
Memory from Seven years ago for Becky’s Squares — #Seven for September.
Squared Close-Up of American’s Creed
The American’s Creed
I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.
~ William Tyler Page
Original Image September 5, 2017
The American’s Creed was written in 1917 by William Tyler Page as an entry he submitted into a Patriotic contest. It is the national creed of the United States of America. It was adopted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918.
Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata) AKA Black-winged Damselfly June 2017 on Canon EOS Rebel T3i Sesquicentennial State Park Columbia, South Carolina
Dos (Two, 2):
Acanthocephala Declivis Giant Leaf-footed Bug Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Tres (Three, 3):
Argiope aurantia AKAyellow garden spider, Black and Yellow Garden Spider Apple iPhone 13 Pro Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Cuatro (Four, 4):
Melanoplus differentialis Differential grasshopper Apple iPhone 13 Pro Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Cinco (Five, 5):
Libellula luctuosa Widow skimmer Species of dragonfly July (7) 2023 Canon EOS Rebel T3i Lake Haigler Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Seis (Six, 6):
iPhone 14 Pro MaxCanon EOS Rebel T3iEastern Carpenter Bees The Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia, North Carolina
Siete (Seven, 7):
Scolia dubia AKA Two-spotted Scoliid Wasp or a Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp & Megachile montivaga Silver -tailed Petalcutter Bee Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Warlick Family YMCA Gastonia, North Carolina
Looking back to a trip I took seven years ago to Jacksonville, North Carolina; I visited with my sons. My eldest son, John and I toured the Lejeune Memorial Gardens on February 2017. The Lejeune Memorial Gardens honors those who serve our country and is a place to gather to remember those who have given the greatest sacrifice for our freedom. It is home to the Beirut Memorial, the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, and 9/11 Memorial Beam from the World Trade Center.
Beirut Memorial Taken at 3:47pm in February 2017 (Also was the 7th photo I took at the Gardens)Eagle, Globe and Anchor Sculpture at Lejeune Memorial Gardens Taken at 3:27pm in February 2017.
Whenever I visit Veterans Memorial Gardens I reflect on the men and women in my family who have served in the United States Armed Services. I thank God for their services and sacrifices they made to ensure the Freedom I am so freely able to enjoy today.
Becky has resumed her Square Challenge for September with the theme of Seven for September. It has been Seven (7) years since the first Squaring Challenge Adventures began, thus remembering the good times of Squaring for Seven.
I have not been Squaring for Seven years, however, I have enjoyed being apart of Becky’s Square Challenge. I will do my best with this new theme of Seven for September.
As Becky so cordially reminded us that September was originally the Seventh month of the year in the Roman calendar; it is fitting to see what everyone decides to post for Seven for September. September comes from the Latin word septem which means, you guessed it, seven.
Location:Huntersville, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a Sunny Square September Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious day. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Zebu (Bos indicus or Bos taurus indicus), sometimes known in the plural as indicine cattle, Camel cow or humped cattle, is a species or subspecies of domestic cattle originating in South Asia.
Zebu cattle are well known for being resistant to really high temperatures with high humidity concentrations (like we have here in the Carolinas.) They also have a greater resistance to parasites such as ticks, and have maternal behavior that allows them to take care of their offspring from possible predators, however, they are also docile if they are frequently handled.
Brahman are a breed of Zebu. This breed of Zebu is developed in the United States from cattle imported from India and Brazil. There are two distinct types of Brahman cattle; the Red Brahman and the Grey Brahman.
We begin our journey in n July of 1972, having made it from California to Georgia we stop for a bit of fun. We were glad to pull into the park and finally be able to get out of the car and stretch our legs. After traveling cross country for days we were more than ready to enjoy some fun and excitement.
Driving into Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, Georgia
We enjoyed a time of Sun, Sand. and Water Fun relaxing on the beach.
Sun, Sand. and Water Fun
Next, we moved forward to wait our turn for a ride on one of the Paddle-boats. The paddle-boats are large Riverboats which give tourists and guests a thirty minute ride out on Stone Mountain Park Lake. [From what I have discovered, the Riverboats no longer operate on Stone Mountain Park Lake.]
Riverboat Marina Complex Area to wait for a Riverboat Cruise 🚢 ride.
Moving forward out into the lake aboard the Scarlet O’Hara, we had an opportunity to see a uniquely captivating side of the park. The Scarlet O’Hara was one of two (2) paddle boats in the Stone Mountain Fleet that once cruised the lake delighting guests with the beautiful scenic views. It was a side wheeler which could carry up to One Hundred Fifty (150) passengers on board.
Scarlet O’Hara
The Henry W. Grady was the name of the other Stone Mountain paddle boat. It was designed to carry approximately three hundred (300) passengers. Its sole purpose was to be used for private party charters.
The Riverboats departed the Riverboat Marina Complex approximately every half hour moving forward into the lake giving guests a chance to enjoy the waterways, and the beauty surrounding Stone Mountain. The short cruise lasted about twenty (20) to thirty (30) minutes. While out on the lake on one of the paddle-boats you might have noticed the sunken remains of the very first riverboat, the Robert E. Lee, seen at the bottom of the lake.
Location: Stone Mountain Park Lake; Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing in our memories of cruising on a Riverboat. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Stone Mountain Stone Mountain State Park Roaring Gap, North Carolina
Stone Mountain State Park is located in Alleghany and Wilkes counties 60 miles northwest of Winston-Salem. Within the Park lies a 600-foot granite dome which has been designated as a National Natural Landmark, and the historic Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th-century farm situated at the mountain base.
Lower Falls Stone Mountain State Park Roaring Gap, North Carolina
Stone Mountain State Park offers nearly all types of outdoor activity to experience a high country landscape adorned with beautiful waterfalls, winding creeks, and bountiful trout streams. A portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail runs through the park near the backcountry campsites.
Stone Mountain Park (GA)
At the bottom of the trail leading up to the mountain is an American flag and four Confederate flags for all to see.
Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most visited attraction. Its more than three thousand two hundred (3,200) makes the park a unique destination for guests and families to experience and enjoy an exciting variety of attractions, entertainment, and recreational activities.
At the center of the park is the largest confederate symbol in the country: a nine story etched carving of Jefferson Davis, Stonewall Jackson, and Robert E. Lee.
Stone Mountain in Georgia is a quartz monzonite dome monadnock ( an isolated rock hill, knob, ridge, or small mountain) and is the location of Stone Mountain Park. It is located approximately sixteen (16) miles east of Atlanta, Georgia. The Park is owned by the state of Georgia. It is most famous for its artwork on the north face. An enormous relief sculpture carved on the stone itself depicting Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson, three (3) of the Confederate Leaders.
In comparing the two Stone Mountains one can realize that Stone Mountain, Georgia is larger and is not engaged in a series of ridges like its cousin in North Carolina. The one in Georgia is bordered by an actual city named Stone Mountain. It is also a fully developed park with a wide range of attractions to enjoy. The North Carolina Stone Mountain is a more traditional state park, with limited hours and access. Both Stone Mountains have a variety of hiking trails. The Georgia one has a Summit Skyride for easier access to the top. In North Carolina one would hike the Stone Mountain Loop Trail to access an area with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I visited Stone Mountain Park in Georgia with my family and extended family during the summer of 1972. I do not recall everything we did at the park, however, viewing & reconstructing my dad’s old slides does help to enable some of those memories. In October of 2017, my eldest son & I visited Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, North Carolina. One of his wishes that year was to drive the majority of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stone Mountain State Park was just one of many places we visited on that trip.
Please I encourage everyone to be polite and I desire no controversy over this post or regarding Stone Mountain Park itself.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting the two (2) Stone Mountains with me. Thank you for joining me in viewing my memories of my dad’s reconstructed slides of our visit to Georgia. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Moving Forward into the Gulf Stream for some Deep Sea Fishing…
The South Wind pulls alongside the pier … excited fishermen watching “patiently” for their turn to go out on the boat.
Young Fisherman with his catch
This was a trip my dad made with my paternal uncle (my dad’s sister’s husband.) Not sure if anyone else went along or not, I do not recall. My dad & Shorty ( my uncle) decided to go deep sea fishing 🎣 and drove the three (3) hours to Murrells Inlet to go out on a charter fishing boat for the day.
Captain Alex’s Marina once stood along the creek front of Murrells Inlet and was first established in the early 1950’s. Murrells Inlet is a fantastic destination just thirty (30) short miles south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is considered to be the “seafood capital of South Carolina.”
The land around Murrells Inlet has an historical record of human settlement that goes back thousands of years, before written history. The history includes English colonial settlements and plantations which raised various crops from indigo to rice. An interesting note is that the fishing village of Murrells Inlet was once the lair of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Today, it’s an outdoorsman’s dream.
A tribute to Captain Alex who ran The Alex Marina and took many on tours or fishing excursions in Murrells Inlet and other areas can be read by clicking here.
Location: Alex Marina; Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for Moving Forward with us as I continue to Reconstruct my dad’s slides and the memories of his adventures. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Simpson’s grass pink and it is in the Orchid family (Orchidaceae) grasspink (Calopogon tuberosus var. simpsonii).
The genus name “Calopogon” is Greek and means “beautiful beard.” It refers to the hairlike structures on the upper petal. It has a bulb-like corm that resembles a tuber, hence the name “tuberosus.” The slender grass-like leaves give rise to the name “grass pink.” It is a stunning wildflower.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens.
Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take time to renew your body, mind, and spirit. Like the Garden we also need to renew ourselves to further our growth. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 