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.
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.
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.
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge San Francisco, CAShips at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, CA The iconic Transamerica Pyramid anchors this stunning San Francisco skyline viewTransamerica Pyramid San Francisco, CaliforniaSan 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.
A Postcard of mine of Broadway, San Diego, CA On Line of the San Diego & Arizona Eastern RailwayThe San Diego skyline truly shines at sunset over the baySan Diego’s skyline, with a naval ship San Diego Harbor San Diego Wild Animal Park San Pasqual Valley Escondido, CAUSS Midway Museum is located along the Embarcadero in San Diego California Tower and dome in Balboa Park“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
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.
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.
Trinity Baptist Church Abilene, TexasFirst Methodist Church Abilene, TexasChurch of Christ 5th and Grape St Abilene, TexasFirst Christian Church Abilene, TexasGalilee Baptist Church Abilene, TexasBethel Temple Christian Center 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 …
The Living Water Chapel at Westminster Park Rock Hill, South CarolinaMaranatha Church of God Gastonia, North CarolinaZion United Methodist Church (now Zion Methodist Church) Lancaster, South Carolina Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church Cramerton, North 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.
Back in 1970 Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was an incredible experience, it was a classic Disneyland attraction that was a great marvel for its time.
It first debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair as a highlight of the Illinois pavilion before Walt Disney himself decided it needed a permanent home at Disneyland in 1965. When we went as a family in June of 1970, the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln had only been at Disneyland for approximately five (5) years.
It was groundbreaking at the time because it featured one of Walt Disney’s first full-scale audio-animatronics figures, bringing President Lincoln to life with incredibly realistic movements and a powerful speech. The show combines a historical presentation with a speech delivered by the animatronic Lincoln, using recordings of his actual words. It aims to inspire guests with Lincoln’s legacy and the ideals of the United States.
Entering Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland June 1970
Entering the beautifully designed theater, often called the Main Street Opera House, the anticipation waiting for the show to begin was part of the “Disney” magic. Then, President Lincoln’s figure, so lifelike with its movements and expressions, would rise from his chair and begin to speak. We were amazed at how realistic he looked and sounded, delivering a powerful address compiled from his actual speeches, focusing on themes of liberty, union, and the importance of preserving the nation.
The building itself is a fantastic example of Disney’s immersive theming. It’s designed to look like a classic turn-of-the-century opera house, perfectly blending into the nostalgic atmosphere of Main Street, creating a sense that you’re stepping back in time. Architecturally, the facade you see, which houses the attraction, is a brilliant example of Disney’s Main Street, U.S.A. design philosophy. It’s crafted to evoke a grand, late 19th or early 20th-century opera house or theater. This style, often referred to as Victorian or Edwardian, features ornate details, classical proportions, and a sense of historical grandeur, all intended to transport guests to a romanticized turn-of-the-century American town. The prominent marquee, the arched windows, and the decorative elements all contribute to this immersive illusion, making it feel like a real historic landmark.
This attraction was one of the very first to showcase Walt Disney’s revolutionary innovation. Audio-Animatronics are essentially sophisticated robots, specifically designed to mimic human or animal movements, with their actions precisely synchronized to pre-recorded audio tracks. For the Mr. Lincoln figure, this meant intricate hydraulics and pneumatics controlled the movements of his head, eyes, mouth, arms, and even subtle shifts in his posture, making him appear incredibly lifelike as he delivered his speech. The audio was meticulously matched to these movements, creating a seamless and convincing performance. This was incredibly advanced for 1964 and 1970 giving audiences an unprecedented experience of history brought to life through robotics, far beyond simple static mannequins. It was truly a marvel of engineering and storytelling that we enjoyed watching every time we visited Disneyland.
[I’m not sure where I was at the time (probably standing near my dad who took the picture), but the three prominent figures (two looking this way, at the camera, and the lady in the red and white tank top) are my mom, my cousin, and my brother.
The plans to build the San Diego California Temple of the Church of Latter-day Saints was first announced in April of 1984. The LDS membership in the San Diego area at the time had exceeded 39,000 people. A Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Temple was held in February of 1988. The Temple building was completed in 1993 with approximately 720,000 touring it during its six-week open house.
San Diego California Temple Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Temple was closed in 2023 for extensive three-year renovation. The renovations to the San Diego California Temple focused on resolving heat damage, upgrading old infrastructure, and refreshing both the exterior and interior to improve the overall visitor experience.
The Structural and Exterior upgrades included the facilitation of glass repair to aging art glass windows which had suffered heat damage and were cracking. Installation of new modern insulated glass units which were redesigned and strategically positioned to Prevent Heat Buildup. To Restore the Facade the exterior “marble-crete” was carefully power washed to remove decades of car exhaust from I-5 and bio-growth in order to restore its bright, iconic sparkle. Crews fully upgraded the roof and completely replaced the internal heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems during their overhaul of its external infrastructure.
I could go on and on regarding the renovation process and accomplishments, but I won’t. You get the gist of the extensive repairs that had to be done and why it took so long to complete.
The San Diego California Temple opened up to visitors during an Open House which was held June 18, 2026 through July 11, 2026. It was expected that there would be greater than 350,000 visitors (according to local news reports) attending the Open House. Final counts have not been released as yet as the Open House recently closed on the 11th.
The Rededication of the San Diego California Temple will take place on August 23, 2026.
In 1978, my parents and I took a trip north on the I-5 and switching over to Highway 101. We went up the coast of California to a small Danish-inspired village called Solvang. Solvang is located approximately a half-hour north of Santa Barbara, California. Solvang is known as the “Danish Capital of America.”
Solvang, California
It was founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. The village is prominently known for its authentic half-timbered architecture, iconic windmills, and world-class Danish bakeries. It has a unique offering of a slice of Scandinavian culture blending with the Central California sunshine.
Location: Hume Lake Campground; Sequoia National Forest; Hume, Fresno, California, USA
God Bless. Be Gentle as the ‘Gentle Giant’. Be Passionate, with soft and nurturing words towards all. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
And for the Support of this Declarationwith a Firm Reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence WE Mutually Pledge our lives and fortunes AND OUR SACRED HONOR
Creative Artistry by California Artist Norm Daniels
God Bless. God Bless the USA! Hope you’ve enjoyed your Weekend. Have a wonderful week ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
A Look back to 1965 through the window of my dad’s slides of a past adventure at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. One can look out the window while riding the Monorail around the park.
Disneyland Monorail 1965
Have you ever had the opportunity to ride in a Monorail? The only one I remember riding in is this one at Disneyland.
Dan from No Facilities hosts the Fun Foto Challenge at and this week he is asking for our Something that Took You Higher. I have gone into my archives to see what I could locate to best represent this week’s theme. Approximately half of the images are within this decade, while the rest are more on the vintage side.
Here are my entries …
Buck Rock Lookout Campground in Hume, California ( My dad’s in the yellow shirt)Coleman being Lifted Higher by his mom’s feet Lake Wylie, SCColeman climbing higher and higher to reach a deer stand Lake Wylie, SCFerris Wheel Myrtle Beach, SCAmerican Eagle Flying High Charlotte, NCColeman swinging higher at T Jeffers Center & Park Gastonia, NCCarowinds Charlotte, NCSwinging Rope (my mom’s Swinging) Hume Lake Christian Campground Hume, CaliforniaLineberger Park Gastonia, NCSky Whirl Triple Ferris Wheel California’s Great America Santa Clara, CaliforniaCee’s Fun Foto Challenge Something that Took You Higher And Higher From Hereand Over Yonder
Location: Ports O’ Call Los Angeles; San Pedro, California, USA
God Bless. Have an adventurous week filled with love and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
When I think about Easter, I do not think about the Easter Bunny, Egg Hunts, or Easter Baskets. What do I think about? I think and reflect on the real reason for the Easter season.
Beginning with Good Friday, remembering the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot with a kiss. Reflecting and Remembering Jesus willingly took my place on the cross to die in my place. Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man, who knew no sin (no wrong) gave up his life so I might live abundantly.
Who else would ever be willing to trade their life for mine? No one comes to mind that would be willing to make that sacrifice.
I recall the trial of Jesus, the thrashings Jesus took, and his carrying his own cross. That must of been a hard agonizing experience. He would have already been in excruciating pain from his harsh treatment and exhausted. He never gave up. He willingly endured the heavy weight of the cross for over approximately seven hundred (700) yards all the way to Golgotha. His Enduring the crowds and the people mocking him the entire way.
I remember Jesus’ Resurrection, sorrow turning to joy. He is Risen! I remember reading about Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb where Jesus was laid. I recall the Angels reassuring Mary Magdalene and the other women at the tomb to not be afraid. The angels saying “He is not here; He has Risen.”
When we/I celebrate Easter, I celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. I believe Jesus lives. I do not celebrate the Easter Bunny (even though many do). I do allow participation in Easter Egg hunts (they are fun activities for children), but I also try to explain about Jesus and his sacrifice as the real reason Easter is celebrated.
I also recall early morning sunrise services at the cross. For 109 years, Mt. Helix Park in La Mesa, California (located within San Diego County) has held an Easter Sunrise Service beginning at 6 am.
The Memorial Cross atop Mt. Helix in La Mesa, California
The sunrise service atop Mt. Helix began in 1917, long before the amphitheater was ever built. The amphitheater was created around 1924-1925 by the Yawkey and Fletcher families. The first sunrise service to be held in the amphitheater in Mt Helix Park was in 1925. The Mt. Helix Sunrise Easter service is the second longest-running Sunrise Easter service in the United States of America. The service is an historic celebration and also has an awe-inspiring beauty as you face the rising sun and the panoramic views of the city, the mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
The Memorial Cross is situated directly above the amphitheater on the summit. The Cross is made out of stone and is thirty-five (35) feet in height. It is Mt. Helix Park’s most prominent landmark and is visible from the amphitheater seats. I have never been to another sunrise service that ever came close to the experience of an Easter Sunrise Service atop Mt. Helix Park.
God Bless. Happy Easter! Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 