This year our neighborhood is not adorned with very many Christmas Lights or Festive Decorations. I did, however, manage to capture a few Christmas Lights and decorations within our walking pathways.
Last week we visited the CLT Airport Overlook in Charlotte, North Carolina. While watching for Airplanes to take off or come in for a landing, Coleman noticed an Excavator and went over to the fence to take a closer look at it working in the construction area just a short distance from the playground area.
CAT 349F
The CAT 349F Excavator is built with a powerful, 49-ton hydraulic excavator known for heavy-duty digging and earthmoving tasks. Its features a CAT C13 ACERT engine with advanced hydraulic systems for efficiency and precision.
Coleman watching the CAT 349 Excavator at Work.
The CAT 349F has a spacious and ergonomic cab which is designed to be quiet and comfortable. It features air suspension seats and intuitive controls to reduce operator fatigue during long shifts.
For Monday Window this week I am taking you to the Bob Evans Restaurant in Huntersville, North Carolina. It has been awhile since we’ve been out to eat at a Bob Evans, the one closest to us closed & the building was demolished.
We decided to go out to eat on Thanksgiving first a Turkey Dinner (Our oven quit working & cooking a Turkey on the stovetop was highly impractical and improbable.) The closest Bob Evans near us was in downtown Charlotte or up a little further in Huntersville. We chose to go to the one in Huntersville and then go somewhere for a little holiday hiking.
Here are a few shots of the Bob Evans Restaurant; its doors, windows, and seating.
The Plunge in San Diego, California was originally called The Natatorium. It was constructed in 1925 as the centrepiece of Belmont Park, along with the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.
Closeup of The Plunge’s Front Door
Belmont Park is located at Mission Beach. It was once the world’s largest saltwater pool. In 1940, The Plunge’s pool was converted from a saltwater pool to a freshwater pool. After the conversion, it became Southern California’s largest heated indoor pool. However, in the 1970’s, the pool and the rest of Belmont Park fell into disrepair. [It was during the 70’s when I was able to spend many days, especially in the summer, at Mission Beach enjoying the rides, the ocean, and the pool within The Plunge.]
In 2014, The Plunge was closed due to structural issues. After undergoing a major restoration, it reopened in 2019 as a completely modern, heated facility with a retractable roof and new amenities including floor-to-ceiling windows, while still maintaining its historical character.
The Plunge Belmont Park San Diego. California
The renovation was done in coordination with San Diego’s Historical Resources Board and the Save Our Heritage Organization. Great efforts were made to restore and replicate historic architectural features, including the original-style archways and decorative tilework.
During the mid-twentieth century, The Plunge served as a community gathering spot for swim lessons, school meets, and summer outings. The Plunge has been and continues to be a beloved landmark for Mission Beach residents and the entire city of San Diego.
The 2025 Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup truck which has a distinctive stainless steel, wedge-shaped design. [When Coleman and I saw this Tesla Cybertruck near the Post Office in Downtown Cramerton it reminded me of the “Back to the Future’s” car. I know the “Back to the Future’s DeLorean DMC-12 does not exactly look like the new Tesla Cybertruck, but it to me back to memories of watching the “Back to the Future” movies with Michael J. Fox.]
Driver’s Side View
The Tesla Cybertruck is available in two main trims: 1) the Dual-motor all wheel drive; and 2) the tri-motor “Cyberbeast”. Cybertruck is available with Full Self-Driving (Supervised), a suite of advanced driver-assistance features designed to provide more active guidance and assisted driving under your active supervision. [I’m not sure if I’m ready for a Self-Driving car. Are you?]
It also features Blind Spot Monitoring which uses illuminated warning lights and on-screen visualizations to help you safely check your surroundings.
Passenger Side View
The Cybertruck features a range of up to 325 miles, a 123kWh battery on the all-wheel drive model, and a 600 horsepower output for the dual-motor version.
The Tesla Cybertruck is designed to be the safest truck on the road. It has a low center of gravity, impact-absorbing castings and the lowest probability of rollover for any truck tested by NHTSA.
I’m not sure who in town owns this Tesla Cybertruck, but it was interesting to see in our small town. Would you drive one?
The other week we had a rare occasion to eat out. Normally, I do all the cooking at home, but on this day after my daughter’s and grandson’s doctors appointments we decided to stop for a bite to eat before going home.
Emergency Exit Only Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
We were all hungry (Coleman tends to be hungry all the time right now). We decided to stop at Olive Garden, a rare treat for us.
Trisha Pulled Up a Seat by the Emergency Exit Doors
Trisha (my daughter & Coleman’s mom) doesn’t like her pictures taken as you might can tell from her facial expression.
Coleman
Sometimes Coleman loves his picture being taken and at other times not. He does love looking at himself in pictures though.
Location: Olive Garden Italian Restaurant; Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take Care. Treat yourself to an amazing meal or outing. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Coleman and I haven’t been feeling well, so we haven’t been out and about hiking and enjoying the outdoors this past week. We did manage to get him to see a doctor (When did doctors to charging a fortune for a short visit — no tests?). While at the medical plaza waiting for him and his mom’s doctors’ appointments, I managed to capture a few doors with my iPhone.
Here are a couple of Inside Doors …
A couple of decorative doors seen from a patient room.
Doors and windows of the downstairs lobby.
And now to view the Doors scene from the Outside …
Earlier this month I shared this same New Home Construction featuring its windows. ( You may check it outhere. This week I am featuring the progress on my friend’s New Home Constructionand some of its doors on the interior as well as the exterior.
My friends are so excited, their house passed final inspection and they’ll be moving into their new home soon. The brick has been painted white. All the doors are hung as well as the ceiling fans. Everything is new, exciting, and welcoming for my friends to make it homey.
M Judson Booksellers is located in downtown Greenville’s historic downtown courthouse building. They are a local independent bookstore offering bestsellers, classics, local specialty items, cards, gifts, and novelties for book lovers.
M Judson Booksellers + Camilla Kitchen
M Judson Booksellers is not your ordinary bookstore, they believe that stories don’t just come wrapped in book jackets. They believe that they sometimes come bottled in a wine, roasted in a bean, baked in a bread, woven into a tea towel, or created in a moment.
M Judson Booksellers baristas love coffee and as much as they love books. Booksellers believes everyone loves stories and they have a philosophy of Read first, Recommend second.
The building it is housed in has an amazing history. All of their authors, vendors, readers, books and gifts have stories that made them who they are. At M. Judson Booksellers their job is to weave those together.
Location: M. Judson Booksellers; Greenville, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Relaxing with a good book is a fantastic way to unwind and spend an afternoon. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Lime Kiln Light is a functioning navigational aid located on Lime Kiln Point overlooking Dead Man’s Bay on the western side of San Juan Island, San Juan County, Washington, in the United States. The Lime Kiln Light was established in 1914 when acetylene lights were placed on Lime Kiln Point.
The lighthouse at Lime Kiln Point was one of the last major navigational aids to be constructed on the shores of the Salish Sea. Architect Carl Leick was engaged to design the lighthouse, keepers’ quarters and fog signal building. Leick’s design motto was “Build ‘em stout, and make ‘em last.” The buildings were all built with reinforced concrete, an early use of that building technique. The light was commissioned on June 30, 1919.
Lime Kiln Lighthouse Lime Kiln Point State Park Friday Harbor, San Juan County, Washington, USA
Due to the difficulty of supplying electricity to the site through the rugged terrain of the west side of San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Lighthouse continued using IOV lamps long after other locations had switched to electricity. The lamps were replaced with electric lights after World War II. The operation of the light was automated in 1962. The Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Location: Lime Kiln Lighthouse; Lime Kiln State Park; Friday Harbor, Washington, USA
God Bless. Have a fantastic weekend. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week the Which Ways will be CWWC: Any Which Way (Your Choice). Have fun and Remember signs are always welcome. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
From Hearts 2 Home Carolinas is a nonprofit organization in Gaston County, North Carolina. It is dedicated to transforming lives.
Hearts 2 Home breathes life into empty spaces, for those who need it the most. They support underserved seniors, veterans, individuals and families transitioning from homelessness, helping them create a stable, welcoming home.
Location: Centennial Center; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a fantastic weekend. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week the Which Ways will be CWWC: Any Which Way with Tunnels and/or Underpasses (Ways under Bridges or Trestles). Have fun and Remember signs are always welcome. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
I had planned a different post for this week’s Thursday Doors, but then I realized this Thursday is 09.11. I therefore, decided to delay that post until next week and chose instead to Remember our Fallen Heroes from that fateful day on 09.11.2001.
I will never forget that horribly tragically devastating day of loss when 2,977 innocent lives were taken at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Remembering the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, 8 paramedics, and thousands of civilians, each one someone’s parent, sibling, friend, or child.
I Remember the Lives Lost.
I Remember the Sacrifices Made.
I Remember the Heroes Who Answered the Call.
I Will Never Forget.
North 321
Volunteer
Fire Department
I am thankful for our Firefighters, Police Officers, Paramedics, and the many Volunteers that serve to keep our communities safe. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to serve. Thank you for the kindness you demonstrate to everyone, especially the kindness shown to my grandson by several firefighters and police officers.
These were taken at North 321 Volunteer Fire Department in Lincolnton, North Carolina.
North 321 Vol. Fire Dept.
Coleman being shown the ins and outs of the Fire Engine
Coleman allowed to sit inside the Brush 100
Coleman delighted to see the inner workings of the Fire Department Vehicle
When taking a hike along The Schiele Museum’s Nature Trail, one of the areas you come across is the Catawba Indian Village. A part of the Village are different types of dwellings including a couple of Early Log Cabins.
Coleman opens Door
Curious as Coleman is naturally he likes to enter and investigate anything and everything he possibly can.
Coleman walking through the Door
This is the view you first see of the cabin when entering the Catawba Indian Village.
Location: Catawba Indian Village; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a fantastic weekend. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week the Which Ways will be CWWC: Any Which With Stairs, Steps, and/or Ladders. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Cramerton Police Department operates many different types of vehicles to maintain order in the Cramerton area. Besides Police cars, SUV’s and a Police boat; it also operates a Polaris Government and Defense vehicle which delivers performance and reliability for mission-driven demands regardless of what the need or terrain might be.
The Polaris off-road defense vehicle helps our Cramerton Police Department to protect our town and its residents safe. It is fully equipped with sirens, emergency lighting, and a PA system. The Polaris Police Off-Road vehicle is able to go places where a regular police cruiser wouldn’t be able to and is an excellent addition to our Police Department, especially in a town surrounded by the South Fork Catawba River and several Greenways out trails.
Cramerton Police Officer Demonstrates the Cramerton’s Police Polaris Off-Road Law Enforcement Vehicle prior to the Town Concert
The Police and the Polaris Police vehicle presence was highly visible out our Town Concert last weekend. The Policeman was kind enough to give some young curious Concert attendees a demonstration of the Polaris Police Off-Road vehicle and even allowed them to sit in the vehicle while he demonstrated all the vehicles amazing features. For his kindness I am eternally grateful. (If you look closely, Coleman is seated in the driver’s side of the vehicle.)
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV filter attachment.
Location: Centennial Center; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a fantastic weekend. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week the Which Ways will be CWWC: Which ways on a cloudy or stormy day. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Sofia Alvesis the host for this week’s Lens-Artist Challenge. The basis for her theme this week is Looking Back to the past #20-Doors and Doorways hosted by Tina.
I have chosen to Look Back to past doors I’ve photographed in 2023 at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy. These are Artistic Doors painted by various local artists displayed with the Stowe Gardens.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina
The Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. The discovery of gold from this mine gradually influenced gold mining to nearby counties and eventually into other southern states. During the gold mining peak years, it was second only to farming in the number of North Carolinians it employed. The estimated value of gold recovered reached over one million dollars a year. North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, when it was eclipsed by the great rush to California.
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site Reconstructed Building at President James K. Polk State Historic Site
The Reed Gold Mine is located in Midland, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and has been designated a National Historic Landmark because of its importance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At this location there is an underground mine that is open for self-guided tours, historic structures, a visitor center, trails, monuments, and outdoor exhibits.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens
Location: Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site; President James K. Polk State Historic Site; Pineville, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a fantastic weekend. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week the Which Ways will be your choice. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Moses Cone Carriage House is a significant historical structure located within the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and just a short hike from the Cone Manor.
The Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and the Moses Cone Carriage House is located near Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Moses Cone Carriage House
The Cone Carriage House was part of the expansive Flat Top Manor estate, built by textile magnate Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha at the turn of the 20th century.
The estate included the manor house, about 500 acres of farmland, Flat Top Mountain, Rich Mountain, and a vast system of carriage trails.
Carriage House
The Carriage House housed carriages and other equipment used to maintain the estate’s approximately 25 miles of carriage trails. The Carriage House has been preserved as a historical structure within the park, it might possibly be used for maintenance or interpretive exhibits related to the estate’s history.
Front of Carriage House
The Carriage House may not be a prominent visitor attraction on its own, however, it contributes to the overall historical and natural experience of the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, which also includes the Flat Top Manor (the Cone’s former residence), orchards, lakes, and extensive carriage trails.
Note: This section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is open for the public.
Location: Moses Cone Carriage House; Moses H. Cone Memorial Park; Milepost 294; Blue Ridge Parkway; Watauga County, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Get Outdoors and enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Located on the property of Anne Springs Close Greenway is the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill. The Garrison-Webb Grist Mill was established in 1780 and operated for approximately one hundred (100) years.
Garrison-Webb Grist Mill Sign
The mill was located along the banks of Steele Creek by Isaac Garrison and Theodoric Webb, who bought the land from Thomas Spratt. The mill was located near the first of four sanctuaries of Unity Presbyterian Church, a log structure built in 1788. This small collection of homes and other structures was named “Little York.”
The Garrison-Webb Grist Mill
In 1830, it was decided to name the town Fort Mill referencing the Indian Fort near the Catawba River and the mill, referring to the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill along Steele Creek.
The Rear of the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill
After extensive research archaeological evidence of the gristmill was found in the northwest section of the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Over the 100 years the mill was operational its ownership passed through to several owners, including John Springs and William E. White. The original mill burned down in 1889, and it is unclear if it was ever rebuilt.
The Spinning Water Wheel of the Grist Mill
In 2008, the Anne Springs Close Greenway began efforts to recreate the mill in its original setting. The mill was designed to have a moving water wheel, but the wheel was not attached to any gears and was never intended to actually grind grain. The Greenway was mainly intended as a learning opportunity and to honor the history of the industry in the region.
Visitors to the Anne Springs Close Greenway may visit the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill by hiking the Blue Star Trail beginning at the Blue Star Entrance to the Greenway. Once on the Blue Star Trail you’ll cross foot bridges and Steele Street (a paved public road) and continue down a hill to the mill, which was constructed in 1780.
Location: Garrison-Webb Grist Mill; Blue Star Trail; Blue Star Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Get Outdoors and enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Cramerton Fire Department; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Smile. You are loved. Take Care. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Hiking along the trail with Coleman we pass by this barn where horses are tended to by loving caring Greenway Stables staff. Here you see the view we see from the trail.
Anne Springs Close Greenway Barn Greenway Stables Entrance
Below is a closer look at one of the barn doors.
Barn Quilt & Barn Door
And lastly, let’s get an enhanced view of the Red, White, and Blue Barn Quilt for one of two Squares for Becky’s #SimplyRED!
Red, White, and Blue Barn Quilt
Now for a child’s Barn “built” by Coleman. This Little Tike Barn & Farm set once belonged to his Uncle John who is pictured in yesterday’s #SimplyRED!
Cameras: 1-3) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm lens; 4) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Locations: 1-3) Greenway Stables Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina; 4) Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
One of my favourite places to visit for hiking and camping is Andrew Jackson State Park (AJSP) in Lancaster, South Carolina. It is considered a small State Park when compared to some others, however, it is beautiful, inviting, picturesque, and a wonderful peaceful environment to relax and explore nature.
When you arrive in the upper parking lot one of the first things you’ll do if you are planning to camp is to check in at the Office to confirm your reservation and your campsite is ready for you.
AJSP Office & Museum
Later, after you settle into your campsite or if you’re visiting for just the day you’ll want to be sure and check out the Museum and the School. They both are filled with historical relics and information about President Andrew Jackson and his history within the Carolinas.
One Room School House Lancaster, SC
The Meeting House (Aka the Community Building or Chapel) is styled after the churches or “kirks” of the Scotch-Irish in the late 18th-century. It is ideal for groups of up to 60 people and includes a kitchenette.
Chapel/Meeting House
Besides the history and historical artifacts located within the Museum and School, the AJSP has an historical garden. The Park holds two living history programs
#SimplyRED Coleman hanging out at the Playground Canada Geese at AJSP LakePanoramic View of AJSP Lake & Fishing PierAndrew Jackson State Park
Visiting Andrew Jackson State Park is a family friendly experience waiting to happen. Be sure to visit during the Andrew Jackson Birthday Celebration in March and/or the Life of the Waxhaws Lantern Tour in November.
Camera: Apple iPhones X, XR, 11 Pro Max, 13 Pro, & 14 Pro Max
Location: Andrew Jackson State Park (AJSP); Lancaster, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy the Outdoors. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 