This post was originally drafted before Cee went into the hospital and was unable to continue with the challenge. I know I already submitted one post for this challenge, but since I found this post in my drafts I decided to go ahead and post this as a second CFFC post for this challenge.
Fairly modern is relative to one’s own personal experience or opinion of what they consider modern. Modern can be often used as referring to the 19th century. It could also refer to a contemporary and up-to-date home having the latest technological innovations. A modern home exudes a lived-in warmth; using natural materials such as wood, leather and/or stone in functional, minimalist designs and shapes.
Having said all that, bear in mind these are my personal thoughts on what I consider a modern home or apartment to be. They are also all places I have regarded as home at one time or another.
Apartment Complex in Gastonia, North Carolina
Tent Home
A tent home can be a modern home, especially if it your choice to live in whether for a weekend, a week, or even months as I have done from time to time.
A Duplex Home in Abilene, Texas
Double-wide Manufactured Home Lancaster, South Carolina
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. Please Pray for Hurricane Helene Victims, Relief Workers, & Volunteers during this difficult time. 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.
Columns and Vertical Line(s) can be found all around us if we only stop at observe the world wherever we may be.
You may find them near Ports of Call, in diners/restaurants, in the mountains, or in your neighbourhood. I chose to display my choices in monochrome to contrast the lines instead of the scenery.
Cameras: 1-5) Minolta XG-7 35 mm; 6)iPhone 14 Pro Max
Locations: 1-3) Ports of Call, San Pedro, California; 4) The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California; 5) Sequoia National Park, Tulare County, California; 6) Gastonia, North Carolina
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Cee’s Fun Foto Challengewas is a weekly themed challenge where Cee asks everyone to search through their photos and post photos they feel meet the criteria of the week’s current theme. This week Cee is challenging everyone to post photos of Locks, Keys, Knobs, and Handles.
My interpretation of this week’s challenge I know is different from what you might expect, but then again it is my insight for this challenge regarding Locks, Keys, Knobs, and Handles where I am focusing on Locks.
The Upper Lifting Locks Landsford Canal State Park
The land along the Catawba River, now apart of Landsford Canal State Park, played a vital integral role in the lives of the surrounding inhabitants for over a thousand years. It was used by the native people like the Catawba as a ford to cross the river, a long long time prior to Tomas Land acquiring the land in 1754.
The Ford’s importance as a river crossing was extremely significant during the American Revolution when it was used as a staging ground by Patriot general Thomas Sumter before the battle of Hanging Rock. The British Army under Lord Charles Cornwallis also used the ford as they withdrew from Charlotte after the Battle of Kings Mountain.
The Guardlock. Landsford Canal State Park
After the War of 1812, the Port of Charleston lost its significant importance to the Port of New Orleans. In an attempt to revitalize the port, projects were undertaken around the state to improve the ability of moving freight to and from the port and within the State of South Carolina.
One of those projects included constructing a series of four canal. The Landsford Canal construction was the last and northern most in the canal system. It was built under the supervision of Scotsman Robert Leckie by both Irish Masons and the local enslaved population. The Canal ran approximately two (2) miles along the Catawba River at its most treacherous point.
The Canal required a total of four lifting locks and a dread lock for the thirty-two feet of descent along its length. It was completed in 1823, was twelve feet wide, ten feet deep, and two miles long. Five locks raised and lowered barges through the thirty-two-foot fall of the river. Three bridges crossed the canal, and six storm culverts carried streams underneath it.
Today, Landsford Canal is the last of the Catawba River Canals and still accessible as well as one of the last in the entire state. The remains of the Canal still visible are the earthen walls of its upper side, four lifting locks and a dread lock. None of the bridges still remain, but the stone foundations are still intact. Ruins of stone culverts and retaining walls still stand in their original locations. The Canal Trail runs along the ruins of the old canal. Hiking the 1.5 mile length you can see the diversion dam in the Catawba River, The dead Lock upstream that let water into the canal, and the Lifting Locks near the south entrance. Along the way you can also see the ruins of much of the stone work and retaining walls. Interpretive signage points out major points of interest.
In Early May hundreds of visitors flock to Landsford Canal State Park. The majority of them are more interested in seeing the Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies. I have hiked the entire length of the nature trail and found the historical signage interesting and informative.
Sleet on Storm Door From Cousin Marsha HayesWaterfall Linville, North CarolinaLittle Glade MillPond Blue Ridge Parkway Glade Valley, North CarolinaWaterfallsBirds in WaterIn PondIn Aquarium Turtles Throwback Photo Disneyland Anaheim, California
Cameras: 1) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S 10-18mm lens; 2) iPhone 14 Pro Max; 3) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S 55-250 mm lens; 4-5) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens
Location: Holiday at The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting the Holiday at The Farm with us and for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
This is a hard one to decide which photos to choose, there are so many which hold precious memories and special moments that money could never buy. How to decide, that is the question?
From 1975:
Myself, My Maternal Grandmother, Melvina and my Brother, Larry [I don’t remember this being taken; however, it is the one of very few of me with my grandmother].
My Family from 1986 through 1999:
These represent happy memories in the beginning. The last photo was taken at my eldest son’s high school graduation & it was the last time we were together as a family. Everything changed from that point on, but I still loved him.
From 1994:
The Last Photo of my Immediate Family [Nornal, Larry, Debbie (me), & Eileen Waters] [My Dad passed from Cancer in December 1996].
From 2019:
Sad Reunion, My Mom’s Memorial Service [First Time I’d Seen my Mom’s Sister since 1984].
From 2019:
First Time I Held My Grandson, Coleman
From 2020:
These were taken in February of 2020 when I went on a Royal Caribbean Cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. I went with my sister-in-law’s sister, Monica, however, she tended to stay in the cabin more than wandering around. I chose to make the most of the tripenjoy myself, which I did. I had a fabulous time on and off the cruise ship.
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)— MasterCard – There are some things money can’t buy…
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.
Deep Pink & Middle Yellow Flowers vs. Black & White Purple & lone Yellow Flowers vs. Black & White Red & Yellow Flowers vs. Black & White Pink & Yellow Quilt Square vs. Black & White [Side Note: Quilt made by my Maternal Grandmother]
Night Lighting at Arkansas Visitor Center Outdoor String Lighting Anne Springs Close Greenway Park Lamps Goat Island GreenwayPark Lamps George Poston ParkFire 🔥 Lightning Andrew Jackson State ParkSun Light Glistening Fort Mill Dam
PigGoatAmerican Brahman American breed of indicine cattle
The Brahman is an American breed of zebuine-taurine hybrid beef cattle. Zebuine (Asian humped) cattle were present in the United States from 1849, when a single bull of Indian origin was imported from the United Kingdom to South Carolina. Cross-breeding of these with local taurine cows was the first step in the creation of the Brahman breed.
Not sure if these all fit the category of abstract or not, but these are my entries anyway. What do you think? Will they suffice? Hope you enjoy them regardless.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Ashe County Cheese is Carolina’s oldest cheese plant, producing quality cheese since 1930. We are located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains.
I found it fascinating to watch the process of cheese being made from the viewing area and I would recall a visit to Ashe County Cheese and gift shop if you are ever in the area of West Jefferson, North Carolina. They sell over 20 varieties of original Ashe County Cheese as well as their own county butter, homemade fudge and everyone’s favorite, fresh cheese curd. They also offer other fine cheeses, locally made wines and a variety of gifts, souvenirs and old fashioned snacks and candies. The cheeses are fabulous and make excellent gifts. My son loves the Jalapeño cheddar and Smoked Ghost Pepper. I , on the other hand, am partial to the lactose free cheeses like the Garden Vegetable. All very delicious and pleasing to the palate.
This week my choices for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge comes from the Midwestern United States, the West Coast, and Southward towards the Gulf of Mexico. Hopefully you’ll enjoy my selections as I enjoyed the memories while selecting them.
The Big Basket Longaberger Basket Building 🧺
Longaberger, founded by Dave Longaberger in 1973, is an American home and collectibles brand known for artisanal handcrafted and home décor products. For generations, the family has handwoven maplewood baskets in Dresden, OH.
The Big Basket, which opened in 1997, is a scaled-up version of Longaberger’s signature Medium Market Basket. Most of the cherry wood used in the Big Basket came from the grounds of the Longaberger Golf Club in Hanover.
The Big Basket also boasts two enormous handles, heated during the winter to thaw ice. “The basket is a symbol of overcoming adversity, of what you can achieve.”
Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas Cruise Ship
The Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas Cruise Ship sails out of Galveston, Texas. This is the cruise ship I was on in late February of 2020. I sailed with my sister-in-law’s sister, Monica. She was not much for social interaction, however that did not prevent me from enjoying myself. Her peculiar intricacies were beyond my realm of understanding. I went because she wanted someone to share her cabin on the cruise. I thought we would be doing things together, but she preferred to stay in the cabin most of the time.
I, myself, chose to partake of my meals in the dining room, watch the live entertainment, walk around the ship and not stay cooped up in the room. The ship docked in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. I visited the shops while on shore. Not knowing if my cabin mate would come ashore or not, I didn’t wander very far. I did enjoy the parts I visited though.
Coronado-San Diego Bay Bridge
Even though there were several earlier proposals, one was not approved until 1964. The proposal to build a bridge was approved by the Pentagon with assistance from the California State Division of Highways. Groundbreaking began in 1967 taking two years to complete the construction.
The bridge opened with a special ceremony held on August 2, 1969. Apart of the opening ceremonies was a parade of Vintage cars.
Prior to the building of the Coronado Bridge, as it is referred to by locals, the only way to travel from San Diego to Coronado was by ferry. You could drive you vehicle onto the ferry (or walk, if one chose) and the ferry would take you across to the other side. Either transporting you from San Diego to Coronado or from Coronado to San Diego.
This spectacular bridge is a beautiful sparkling blue and more than two miles in length. It has a visually dramatic 90-degree shift at mid-point. The bend makes the bridge famous and unique. The elegant structure of the bridge is high enough for the tallest Navy ships to pass under and is artfully supported by arches with side panels of just 34 inches to allow for spectacular views while traveling across the bay.
I have been fortunate enough to have traveled to Coronado via ferry and across the Coronado Bridge. While going across by ferry was amazing at one time, the views you see while crossing the Bridge by car are incredibly beautiful.
Mt.Soledad National Veterans Memorial San Diego, California
The very tip of Mt. Soledad, located in La Jolla, bears a cross that can be seen from many miles away. The Mt. Soledad Cross was first built in 1913 and was later dedicated as the Mt. Soledad Easter Cross in 1954.
The cross on top of Mt. Soledad was always amazing to gaze upon while growing up. I remember there were special sunrise services held there early on Easter Sunday mornings. People from all walks of faith would gather to worship at the foot of the cross to celebrate the risen Christ.
The cross was challenged in court in the 1980’s and was then designated as a Korean War memorial. It has always been a source of great controversy, clearly displaying a religious symbol on government property.
In July 2015, a group called the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association bought the half-acre of land under the cross from the Department of Defense. This officially no longer put the cross on government property.
The views are spectacular. Mt. Soledad offers a stunning panoramic glimpse of San Diego. If you’re ever in the area be sure to bring your camera. You won’t want to miss capturing the views.
You can find small things just about anywhere if you slow down, open your eyes, and are observant about your surroundings. These are a smidgen of the small things I’ve observed over the years.
Small Kitten Small Melanoplus (Grasshopper)Small Flowers Ranunculus californicus commonly known as the California buttercupSmall Home (AKA Tent)Small Island in Lake at Andrew Jackson State Park Small Child
Hopefully this will be okay. These are old photos taken in nature of a close family member taken a long time ago by a maternal family member and given to me by my maternal grandmother.
I’m not sure if my grandmother took this photos or another family member. To me it does not matter so much as it does who is in the photos. The first four were taken prior to 1940 in Coshocton, Ohio. This last photo was taken in Florida when they went to find work picking fruit most likely during one winter when work was hard to come by in Ohio.
So, these might not be what you normally think of when you think of things found in nature, but why not display people in various settings out in nature. Pictures tell a story, better than a thousand words. What relation do you think the family member is to me? These were all taken before the family member turned nine. The experiences and stories left untold except for in the photos leaving the recipient to wonder what life was really like back then.
New Holland TractorTractor Massey Ferguson 135 (front loader, bucket & trolley) – 1969Military Tank Location: March Air Field Museum Riverside County, California M8 Greyhound US Military Tank San Diego, California Fieldcrest Cannon Fire Services of Kannapolis, NC “Former Engine 503” 1966 Ford C/American LaFrance North Carolina Transportation Museum Spencer, North Carolina 1950 Dodge Luxury Liner Deluxe Sedan Christopher Beltz Standing by car are: My mom, Doyce Eileen Watson on right in back Her brother Jerry Alexander Watson and Her sister, Erma Irene Watsonin front. San Diego, California 1916 Ford Model T North Carolina Transportation Museum Spencer, North Carolina Dual Horse and Buggy driven by my maternal grandfather, Harvey Martin Watson Deep Gap, North Carolina
Coleman checking out the tractor (to him it’s something to play with)Coleman playing with a rakeRiding a horse is Funtime Coleman playing on the complex playground equipment Coleman’s uncle playing on chin up bars many years agoColeman playing in a Kayak
Feet 👣 Andrew Jackson State ParkShadow Legs Anne Springs Close GreenwayYoung Legs & Feet 👣 Anne Springs Close Greenway Feet 👣 in Crocs Anne Springs Close Greenway
God Bless. May He cover you with His Feathers, shelter you with His wings providing you with His Protection. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Not exactly a Holiday Color, but a Holiday picture
Coleman in his new RED Flag shirtGreen stands aboveHoliday Lights Southern California Christmas Tree. Photo Credit: Julee VaughanWHITE Cabbage Patch OrnamentsNutcracker decked out in Holiday ColorsSILVER BellHappy New Year Dayspring.com
Fort Mill Red Caboose with Coleman wearing a Red shirtZinnia elegans Lobelia cardinalis Common Name: cardinal flower is a species of flowering plant in the bellflower familyRubus occidentalis Common Name: Black RaspberryViburnum opulus
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 