While visiting my Aunt in Texas in 2020 I would take a walk around her neighbourhood several times a week. Mostly I would walk for the exercise, but also investigating the area around where she lived just to see what I could see. I would try to average around 10,000 steps each time I ventured out for one of my walkabouts.
On this particular walkabout, I had across seem interesting places with signage drawing my attention. This remarkable place, Catfish Corner, is a restaurant which unquestionably serves Catfish. However, they have a wide variety of other entrees to please any sophisticated palate. I believe regardless of what your preference is for food consumption, you’ll enjoy whatever you choose to order at the Catfish Corner.
780 S. Treadaway Blvd. Abilene, Texas
Brighten the doorstep, all are welcome within …
Catfish Corner Restaurant
… Bring your friends along, y’all enjoy the food and fellowship together.
My earliest memory of gathering here with family was in May of 1968. We were gathered together to pay our respects and say a final goodbye to my maternal grandfather, Harvey Martin Watson. I wasn’t able to see him before he passed on while he was in the hospital suffering the effects of a heart attack. He was hospitalized at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. At this time, children were not allowed to visit (I was only eleven (11)).
This place is a connection between generations and between family who were once very close. One can gain valuable insight and knowledge into the history behind the people who reside here. They have a connection to the past, to me, to an array of family members stretching from the west coast to the east coast. Knowledge is power, growth and resilience. It can hopefully learn from their lives and experiences and acknowledge to strive to become better in our own lives.
My mom’s eldest brother preceded my grandfather in this resting place here on earth by three years. I, however, do not recall being here for his service even though I probably would have been. He was only forty-three (43) years when he became a resident in this destination.
Family and most likely friends as well would gather here and then family would return to the family home for further consolation and nourishment.
I have visited here off and on throughout the years. Not so much as late, but will again one day soon in the future. When I return I’ll be laying flowers on my parents and grandparents graves as a sign of respect and remembrance.
I remember gathering here with family members when my maternal grandmother, Myrtle Melvina (Tebo) Watson was laid to rest in 1986. This occasion was the first time my eldest son experienced the formality of a loved one being lowered to earth’s humble abode. You get through the difficult times this place brings you here and move on, but forgetting what brought you here still lingers in the recesses of your heart and mind to be recalled and remembered from time to time.
The last time I came here for a short, but necessary, visit (in 1996) was to honour my father after he left his earthy home to become a resident (in body) here near my maternal grandparents gravesites. This was the hardest visit ever in my lifetime. He and I were very close and at times I wish he was still here.
My mom’s ashes are buried with my father after she passed on in 2019. The family held a celebration of life service for her in Plano, Texas where she was residing at the end of her time here on earth. My brother later traveled to San Diego, California to have her ashes entombed with my father. I have yet to back it back to this location to once again pay my respects to family long gone. Plans are in the works for the near future (within the next year) to once again travel to this destination and converse with family even if they can only communicate in spirit.
At the End of Life a Cross Signifies a life of service and dedication … The Southern Cross of Honor is placed on the graves of Confederate Veterans who served honourably during the American Civil War. For further information about the Southern Cross of Honor click here.
This Southern Cross of Honor is placed on my paternal 2X Great Grandfather’s grave. My 2X Great Grandfather John Thomas Waters ( Gravemarker reads THO’S WATERS) served honourably during the Civil War as a soldier of the Lucas Guards, a South Carolina unit of the Confederate Army.
[This is a part of my ancestral history and is not up for discussion. Like most soldiers regardless of who what unit or side of any war they served in, he and his comrades believed in what they were fighting for during their time period in history.]
These were taken back in February of 2023 when Coleman and I convinced my daughter and granddaughter to Tag-along on one of our hiking adventures. For this hike, we chose to visit the Baxter Village Trail which begins near the Library in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Hiking along on the trail we encounter plenty of Brown and a bit of Black as well as some other colours.
The Baxter Village Trail is a part of the Carolina Thread Trail network of trails within North and South Carolina. It is also a part of a 9-mile network of trails within the Baxter Village Community. This particular trail is a 3.3-mile segment of the Thread Trail trail is moderately hilly and features several streams along its length.
Baxter Trail Map
The trail consisted of natural surfaces, boardwalks, and some pavement. The rating for the trail is moderate, but for Coleman and I it was rather easy. As you can see we wound through a forest of trees and through tunnel and for my grandchildren over the tunnel as well.
To take a look at other Which Ways from this past week check out the links below:
Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S15-55mm lens.
Location: Baxter Village Trail; Baxter Village Community; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderfully fabulous rest of your week. Enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan from no facilities has chosen a them of Nursery Rhyme for this week’s CFFC Challenge. There are many variation, but that’s not too important. Look at the rhyme as written and use any or all of the bold words as prompts. If the words are numbers, use them the way you used them earlier. Otherwise, use the words themselves. This should give you lots of opportunities to choose a photo. New or archive photos are acceptable.
Today (yes, I know I’m behind in getting this posted) is World Cancer Day. Cancer has affected millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that about Twenty (20) million new cancer cases occur and close to 9.7 million cancer related deaths each year. Even though the number of Cancer related cases and death are outrageous, that is not my main focus for discussing World Cancer Day.
Like it or not the majority of us have been affected by Cancer. Some suffering or are currently experiencing Cancer, while others have friends and/or relatives battling cancer’s effects and treatment side effects.
My mom, in January 2019, laying in a hospital bed afflicted by the debilitating effects of Cancer with my niece holding her hand.
I’ve known and currently know way too many family and friends who have suffered in one manner or another with the debilitating and devastating effects of the horrendous numbers of Cancer diseases which affect too many people to even consider imagining. It is mind boggling.
My dad died from Cancer on December 31, 1996. He had prostate cancer, cancer in his lymph nodes, kidney cancer, and lastly bone cancer. He suffered for several years and through the prescribed treatments, surgeries, and medications and yet cancer after cancer continuously infected his body. He never let himself get defeated. He never wavered in his faith in the Lord.
My mom died on January 18, 2019 from Cancer. She too suffered through various types of Cancers, including the cancer related surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. After having taken care of my dad and watch him suffer through the endless treatments and debilitating side effects; she chose not to undergo any more treatments when she was diagnosed with cancer, once again, in 2018. Through it all my mom learned to Trust in God. She stated that Trust meant to
Total
Reliance
Under
Stressand
Trial
This meaning of Trust could be applied regardless of our circumstances. God is faithful to Not allow us to go through anything He won’t be right there beside us comforting us, strengthening us, and guiding us every single day of our lives.
My former spouse died of Cancer on June 15, 2018, his younger brother died of cancer this past year.
I have numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as too many friends to count who have suffered from Cancer, some still managing through the effects of Cancer and others who are no longer with us in body, but will always be with us in spirit.
World Cancer Day’s theme for 2025-2027 is “United by Unique.” It places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference. This theme highlights the importance of personalized care and treatments to cater to each individual’s unique needs.
World Cancer Day aims to
Raise Awareness Globally of
The Importance of Prevention
Early Detection
Available Treatments
Promoting Prevention and Early Detection
Significance of Prevention through Lifestyle Changes
Screening and Early Detection
Prioritize Cancer Prevention
Supporting Those Affected by Cancer
Support Provided to those currently fighting Cancer
Provides a sense of Community and Solidarity
Need for Improved Access to Cancer Care
Advocating for Better Treatment and Funding
Advocating for increased investment in Cancer Research
Amplifies Demand for Better Health Care infrastructure
Push for International collaboration
Uniting the Global Community
Uniting People Across Borders
Cancer knows no boundaries
Impact is felt by millions — geographically, socially, and economically
Tackling Cancer is Global issue
Requires Collaboration
Build a Global Movement for Change
You and I may not be personally suffering with Cancer, but we can be there for someone we know who might (or is currently) experiencing fighting Cancer. How can we be there for someone? What can we do?
There actually are many different ways that we (you and I) can offer and/or provide help to someone with Cancer. We can provide practical support, offer emotional support, and by simply being a good listener.
Practical support includes running errands, providing a meal, assisting with household chores, caring for children or whatever means would best benefit the person you choose to support.
Emotional support includes being a good listener, no judgements and being aware of their thoughts and feelings. Letting a person know you’re willing to listen if and when they are ready to talk. Sometimes a hug will mean a great deal to someone in need. Let people know you care, whether telling them face to face or sending them a card or message. And no matter what a person situation or circumstance might be, always remember to Pray for them.
Let’s not forget that not just the afflicted need our support, but also the families and caregivers also. Pray for all those affected by Cancer; the patient, their families, their caregivers, and their doctors. Prayers are a tremendous gift one can offer to someone in need, to someone fighting this Cancer battle on a daily basis.
God Bless. Thank you for listening. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
First Baptist Church of Abilene, TexasFirst San Diego school & where my mom went to high school. Seven Seas Marine Life ParkColeman First Day Hike at Anne Springs Close Greenway Coleman First Day Hike 1/01/2023First Baptist Church of Cramerton The Eleventh President of the United States of America
Judy from Life Lessons Blog hosts The Numbers Game Challenge and invites us all to play along with her. This week’s number is 179.
To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in myNumbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.This prompt will repeat each Monday with a new number. If you want to play along, please put a link to your blog in comments below. Here are my contributions to the album.
The Ragtag Daily Prompt for today has prompted a look back to Reunions in years past. In my younger days we had a few Family reunions with members of my maternal grandfather’s side of the family. So far, I have not located any of the photos my dad or other relatives would have taken of those get togethers. Some were held at my maternal grandparents home and others at my maternal grandfather’s sister’s daughter’s home. The memories of those Reunions are sporadic and fragmented, but do somewhat remain in the crevices of my mind.
After my maternal grandfather passed away the family reunions seemed to fade away. I hadn’t gone to a reunion in years until after we moved back to the Carolinas and made family connections through AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, and Facebook. It was with those connections that I found out about the Greer/Watson/Trivette Reunions and the Watson Family Reunions in and surrounding Deep Gap, North Carolina. [My maternal grandfather was born in the Deep Gap area in 1890.]
Here are a few photos from those Reunions …
Watson Family Reunions
2015
Greer/Watson/Trivette ReunionWatson Family Family Reunion Yadkin Valley Community Park Lenoir, North Carolina
2016
Greer/Watson/Trivette Reunion Greer/Watson/Trivette Family Family Reunion Yadkin Valley Community Park Lenoir, North Carolina
2017
Watson Family Reunion David Watson X TwoWatson Family Deep Gap, North Carolina
The Bridge over the Mississippi River in Vicksburg, Mississippi as seen at night while traveling back from Texas to the Carolinas in 2019. The architectural design is fascinating viewing all the angles, lines, triangles, and squares that were used to construct the bridge. The lighting helps the bridges features stand out in the evening’s darkness.
Ritva is this week’s host for the Lens-Artist Challenge and she has chosen a theme of Shoot From Above. I do not always shoot from above, however, on occasion I have a fantastic opportunity to do just that.
Here is remembering one of those occasions …
A Look from Mount Jefferson State Natural Area West Jefferson, Ashe County, North Carolina
More Shots from above at The Peak at Mountain Jefferson State Park …
These were taken in August of 2017 when my eldest son and I drove the Blue Ridge Parkway and visited Mount Jefferson, North Carolina. I was in the area for a family reunion in Deep Gap, North Carolina. While in the area, we decided to do some sightseeing and a little hiking. It was a fun weekend of one on one time together.
God Bless. Take a Hike. Get Outdoors. Enjoy the Beauty all Around. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: It’s a Small World; Disneyland; Anaheim, California, USA
God Bless. Be Observant. Geometric shapes are all around us. Stay Warm. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
In Memory Doyce Eileen (Watson) Waters, aka my mom
Six years ago January 18, I received some devastating news, yet expected news. I was at work when my manager called me into his office saying I had a phone call. [Mind you now, I do not normally receive calls while I’m working and especially not on a work phone.]
What news did I receive, you ask? The phone call was from my brother in Texas. He called to let me know our mom had passed during the early morning hours. Yes, that is devastating news to receive and even more so while you are working. Needless to say, my work day ended after that phone call. I had arrangements I needed to make. Arrangements for my daughter and myself to travel to Texas for her memorial service and help my brother with the arrangements. Most of her arrangements were already preplanned.
Notice I said in the beginning the news was expected, just not the when. Why was it expected, you may wonder or might not? You see, my mom was dying from cancer. The type of cancer doesn’t matter. By this time in her life she had had several different types of cancers. She had received the chemotherapy, the radiation, and whatever was decided by her doctors for her previous cancers. This time around she made the decision that she wasn’t going to go through all of those treatments again. She had previously watched how the treatments affected my dad when he received the treatments when he was diagnosed and treated for cancer. (As of December 31st, it has been 28 years since my dad passed from cancer.) After receiving her diagnosis of cancer this last time, I believe she was ready to join her husband, loved ones, and friends in heaven.
Her passing affected me even though we were not close in my adult life. I loved my mom, don’t doubt that and I know she loved me. However, I truly felt that she did not like me or anything about me. To me, (my opinion only) she favored my brother and his family over me and my family. Now if you asked him, he’d probably disagree with my opinion. That doesn’t matter, that’s how I felt.
When she passed in January of 2019, I had not seen my mother since 2010 when she along with my brother came out to watch my daughter graduate from high school. Even then, she only spent a few hours with my daughter and myself the whole time she was in the Carolinas. They stayed with my dad’s sister, we saw them the for an hour the Thursday before my daughter’s graduation, at her graduation, and then for an hour at her graduation/birthday party the Sunday after her graduation. To me, it felt like very little time. Especially since afterwords, she moved from her home in San Diego to Plano, Texas to be near my brother and his family. Back then, I felt hurt and probably resented that she was closer to my brother.
Nowadays, I think I should have reached out to her more instead of just living my life struggling to provide for my family. It is sad that we didn’t have the kind of relationship that I now wish we had. The saying is true, you never know what you have or could have had until it is gone. I still think of my mom at times. Especially this time of year and in October around her birthday.
I do not mean to sound frustrating, angry, or like I’m having a “pity party.” Sometimes, you just need to let go of things, pour your heart out, and try to remember the good times.
Here is a few photos of my mom …
Remember you may click on each photo for larger enhanced viewing.
These Throwback images are from my maternal grandfather’s collection of photos I was given from my maternal grandmother after his passing back in 1968. The photo images were originally on personal post cards.
Old Coal Trucks in early 1900’s.
Not sure, but I think this is my maternal grandfather next to the truck.
Original image
I have always thought these were taken in Deep Gap, North Carolina, but I am not one hundred percent (100%) sure. My maternal grandfather did work for a time for a coal mining company.
Remember for enhanced viewing click on each image.
Judy invites us to join in with her to play “The Numbers Game #56.”Today’s number is 177. To play along, she suggests you go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in herNumbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.This prompt will repeat each Monday with a new number. If you want to play along, please put a link to your blog in comments below.
Here are my contributions to The Numbers Game Challenge:
Judy invites us to join in with her to play “The Numbers Game #55.”Today’s number is 176. To play along, she suggests you go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in herNumbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.This prompt will repeat each Monday with a new number. If you want to play along, please put a link to your blog in comments below.
Here are my contributions to The Numbers Game Challenge:
This week has been pretty cold ( low’s in the low 20’s), I know that’s not as cold as some of y’all see but it’s freezing for us. Therefore, I chose to go through my archive file of doors. Look out all the lines, angles, squares, and rectangles. Can you spot other Geometric patterns/shapes? Hopefully you’ll enjoy viewing Coleman’s antics as I fondly remember them. I am also linking up with GeometricJanuary and Throwback Thursday.
Coleman trying to open Refrigerator Door when he was two (2).
In this last photo (animation) we had a “lock” on the Refrigerator Door to try to keep him from getting into it. As you can see it didn’t keep him from trying.
God Bless. I’m Grateful for being allowed to watch Coleman grow up with all his antics, experiences, and expressions. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Charlotte-Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Good Bless. Take time to be Grateful. Appreciate your Blessings. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Judy from Life Lessons’ invites us to play along with her in her Numbers Game Challenge. Her instructions are simple, just go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day.
Nornal Hule & Doyce Eileen Waters Taken in 1976 for their 25th Anniversary If they were alive today, it’d be their 73rd. Love lasts a lifetime and into eternity.
May God’s hope, peace, joy, and love surround you this Advent season.
Location: Allied Gardens Community; San Diego, California, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. Have a wonderful week and enjoy nature. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
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.
Thank you once again Dan for taking on the Fun Foto Challenge. I know this is a huge relief for Cee. It is also wonderful for those of us who have been previously enjoying participating in this challenge. I for one will look forward to all you have to bring in this CFFChallenge.
Now on to show you may take on Commercial Buildings or Store Fronts. I have dug into my archives for this week’s challenge; some much older than others, however, I hope you enjoy them all.
Shell Service Station Gastonia, NCThe Blue Dolphin Port O Call Los Angeles, CAPresident James K. Polk Birthplace Visitor Center-Museum Charlotte, NCBedazzled Bridal & Formal Gastonia, NCHarris Teeter Charlotte, NCHobby Barn West Jefferson, NCOld Hotel-Antiques-Tavern West Jefferson, NCMy Maternal Grandfather’s Old Store before 1940 Coshocton, OhioCatfish Corner Restaurant Abilene, TXThe Shop Antiques•Refinishing Abilene, TXPalone Barber Shop Coffeyville, Kansas
Judy invites us all to play along with her each week for her Numbers Game. To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in myNumbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.
God Bless. Take time for yourself. Walk around a Park or Greenway. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Coleman and I had the privilege of attending a Veterans Day Celebration at the Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church on Eighth Avenue in Cramerton, North Carolina on Monday,November 11th at 11:11 Am. The service was hosted by The Cramerton Community Committee and Cramerton Historical Society.
Coleman was anxious to leave the house, so we left early and walked to the church from Seventh Street south of the railroad tracks to uptown along Eighth Avenue for approximately 0.5 miles down hill and up hill until we reached our destination of the church location.
Coleman actually sat quietly waiting and watching for the service to begin. (I had already explained to him that the service was to honour the Veterans, the men and women who served in the military, like his Pawpaw had served.) [FYI – the patches on Coleman’s shirt were his Pawpaw’s patches from when he served in the U. S. Army.]
The service began with the presentation of colours by the Cramerton Police Honour Guard. Next, was the singing of the National Anthem, prayer, introduction and recognition of dignitaries, veteran remembrances, and closing comments with taps.
Flower & Flag in a Vase Table Decorations
After the service was concluded those hosting the service led everyone downstairs for an appreciation meal. The meal was catered by Georgio’s Restaurant to give veterans and their families an opportunity to eat afterward. (I wasn’t sure about attending the meal, but as the spouse and grandson of a Vietnam Veteran we were invited to participate in the meal.) It was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all who attended the service.
My Dad, Nornal H. Waters, U.S. Navy Korean Veteran and My Spouse, Sgt. Terry L. Wilson. U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran A Sampling of My Military Family who served in various Wars from the Civil War to World War I, to Korean War, and Afghanistan. My Military Family Sgt Terry Leon Wilson My husband, Terry Leon Wilson SP4 US Army Vietnam Buried in Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, Nevada
To All Veterans, Thank you for your Service!
God Bless. Thank a Veteran! Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
For Judy’s “The Numbers Game #46” Game she invites all to play along. Here are her ideas on how to play along in this challenge. This week’s number is 167. To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.
God Bless. Take Care. Don’t be Upset and Angry about Political Results; Remember God is in Control. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find under that number and include a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.
All my photography this week has been done with my Apple iPhone as we have been in transition, moving from one place to another and having to stay at another place in between locations further a week. Therefore, I am choosing a theme of Coleman in the Greenway fur this week.
“The Numbers Game #43”.Today’s number is 164. To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find under that number and include a link to your blog in myNumbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.
This prompt will repeat each Monday with a new number. If you want to play along, please put a link to your blog in comments below. Instead of using the number #164 I am using a theme of Looking Back and linking it with the Lens-Artist Challenge.
For this week I decided to take a Look Back at a place we visited on our way back from Texas in January of 2019. On our way back to South Carolina my daughter and I stopped at the Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia.
BabyLand General Hospital located in the North Georgia Mountains. It is a Southern Style home filled with Cabbage Patch Kids which will capture the imagination of your entire family.
Cabbage Patch Kids came on the scene in the early 1980’s and were extremely popular with children (and their parents). They were so popular, they became a popular collectible. Cabbage Patch were all the rage for little girls and boys. My eldest son had a boy Cabbage Patch and my daughter had a girl Cabbage Patch doll. There were nine years apart, so when she was little she got to play with his Cabbage Patch as well as her own. For more information about the BabyLand General Hospital click here.
Below are my contributions to the Challenges:
These are some of the photos we took while visiting the BabyLand General Hospital of the many Cabbage Patch Kids and accessories.
God Bless. Share your desktops, I’m looking forward to seeing them. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Five years ago I received an expected yet saddening phone call from my brother. I was working when I received the call that my mother had passed.
My mom and I were not close after I became an adult and was on my own. I was felt she favored my brother and his family. I harbored ill feelings for the longest time towards my mother. I guess you could say I was jealous of the close relationship I felt she had with my brother and his family. I felt she spent much more time with his family and only gave me and my family a few minutes of her time. To me it seemed she cared more about them and even my dad’s sister’s family more than she cared about me.
Regardless of how I felt about her as an adult, she was still my mother. She is here any longer, I can’t let her know how I felt. I was never open with her about my thoughts and feelings. Sometimes I wish I had felt like I could have been open with her and closer. You can never get back the time lost with loved ones. Regrets can never be taken back once loved ones are no longer with us. I still think about my mom, especially on her birthday.
CHERISH EVERY MOMENT AND EVERY PERSON IN YOUR LIFE, BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE THE LAST TIME YOU SEE SOMEONE.
quoteslife101.net
Cherish Your Loved Ones
Cherish your family each and every day Life is unbelievably unpredictable Enjoy the people in your life, Invest in forgiveness Stop wasting precious time And be thankful for what you have Cherish your loved ones. You never know when God will call them home.
This is my Fifteenth & Final installment of my combination of Thursday Doors & Monday Window featuring Antique Automobiles.
My dad loved cars shows, history, and anything to do with FORD. He started working for a FORD dealership while in high school in Great Falls, South Carolina. He worked there until he joined the United States Navy in 1948. After leaving the Navy, he again went to work for a FORD dealership. This time he worked of Pearson Ford in San Diego, California and continued working for FORD until he retired.
This week I’ll be showing three Antique Automobiles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana.
1910 Haynes Runabout
The Haynes Automobile Company, better known as Haynes, was an American automotive manufacturer that was established in 1905. The company produced a range of cars that included open and closed top offerings such as the Light Six and Light Twelve. Haynes was operational until 1924, when the company declared bankruptcy, before being entirely dissolved in 1925.
1909 Oakland Model 40 Touring
The Oakland Motor Car Company located out of Pontiac, Michigan was an American automobile manufacturer and a division of General Motors. The company was named for Oakland County, Michigan where it was based.The first Oakland used a vertical two-cylinder engine that rotated counterclockwise. The Oakland’s were first produced in 1908 with a production of 278 vehicles. General Motors acquired the rights to the Oakland just one year later in 1909. GM continued production of the Oakland automobiles until 1931.
1909 ALCO 40HP Runabout
The American Locomotive Company (ALCO) was found in 1901. The company was successful in manufacturing locomotives which included massive steam trains that traversed America. Having succeeded in producing locomotives, the company began to build automobiles in 1905. They boasted that their vehicles were so well built that each one took 19 months to complete. In 1909 and 1910, ALCO won the Vanderbilt Cup, and it competed in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911.
This car is one of 12 surviving Alcos and one of still fewer propelled by a 487 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine with dual-chain drive to the rear wheels. It resided at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum from 1961 through 2011, when it was purchased by its current owner.
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with us. Thank sharing your time and thoughts with us. Have a wonderful weekend. I appreciate y’all very much.
When I think about Wall I don’t think about any ordinary wall. I think about the Vietnam Veterans Walls I have been fortunate to visit. When I have visited Vietnam Veterans Walls, I think about the sacrifices that men and women have made to ensure our freedoms. I think about the tremendous ultimate sacrifices made by too many. I think about the lifetime suffering our Vietnam Veterans endured due to the effects Agent Orange that were forced upon our soldiers during their service to the United States of America.
The above depicts the Veterans Wall in the Veterans Garden at Glencairn Gardens in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The Veterans Garden was created by the City of Rock Hill in partnership with the American Legion Post 34 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2889. It honors women and men from the past, present, and future who served in the United States armed forces.
I look back with Nostalgic whenever I reflect on the time I traveled to Jacksonville, North Carolina visiting sons. The time spent with my eldest sightseeing various sites in the area including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Lejeune Memorial Gardens.
It is dedicated to all men and women who served during the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a recognition for the nearly ten million Veterans of the five branches of the Armed Forces who served active duty during the Vietnam era. This memorial remembers the 303,704 service members who were wounded in Vietnam, the many POW/MIAs who are still unaccounted for, and the 58,229 men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Upon entering the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you’ll encounter an entry wall with medallions and flags representing all branches of the military, a walkway and bridge with French design, and a glass wall etched with names of those MIA, POW or dead.
One Wall I truly Want to visit one day is the Memorial Wall which is apart of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D. C.. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a U.S. National memorial in Washington D. C.. It honors service members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam War. The two-acre site is dominated by two black granite walls engraved with the names of those service members who died or remain missing as a result of their service in Vietnam and South East Asia during the war.
The United States fully entered the Vietnam War on March 8, 1965 when 3,500 United States Marines came ashore at Da Nang as the first wave of U.S. combat troops into South Vietnam. The U. S. had already been in Vietnam with 25,000 U.S. military advisers at that time period. The United States involvement in the War lasted until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. The last combat units left Vietnam in 1973. However, it took years to bring home those who had died during the conflict and those who were held in prison camps (POW’s) or listed as Missing in Action (MIA).
Why is the Vietnam War Memorial Wall so important to me? Even though I did not loose family in Vietnam, I did have family members who served during the Vietnam War (Conflict). My brother enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1973. My husband and both his brothers served during this time period. I have many friends who were drafted or enlisted in the early 1970’s. My husband & many of my friends were on the ground during the height of the conflict in Vietnam Nam. Quite a number have or are still affected by the results of the spraying of Agent Orange over the area. Many have had lasting PTSD, as others in other wars have also suffered. Our Vietnam Veterans were not given a welcome home as in previous wars or actually any welcome home except from their families. This was a war very real and personal in my growing up years and one I will always remember. If anyone reads this who served during the Vietnam Nam War era, Welcome Home!
Comparing the Doc Watson “Man of the People” Statue from 2016 to 2024. The first photo was taken when I was in Boone, North Carolina for a family reunion. [Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson is my fourth cousin].
The Statue was dedicated on June 24, 2011. It commemorates the Grammy Award-winning artist and Watauga County (Deep Gap) native Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson. The depiction of “Doc” Watson sitting on a bench playing a model of his favorite guitar, customized Gallagher was created Alexander M. Hallmark, a local Blowing Rock, NC, Sculptor. The inscription on the statue reads Doc Watson / “Just one of the People.”
The bronze statue of Doc Watson is located at the Northeast corner of North Depot and West King streets in downtown Boone, North Carolina.
This is my Fourteenth installment of my combination of Thursday Doors & Monday Window featuring Antique Automobiles.
My dad loved cars shows, history, and anything to do with FORD. He started working for a FORD dealership while in high school in Great Falls, South Carolina. He worked there until he joined the United States Navy in 1948. After leaving the Navy, he again went to work for a FORD dealership. This time he worked of Pearson Ford in San Diego, California and continued working for FORD until he retired.
This week I’ll be showing five Automobiles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with us. Thank sharing your time and thoughts with us. Have a wonderful weekend. I appreciate y’all very much.
1. Did your parental home have a ‘parlour’ or front room reserved only for when you had visitors?
The home I live in beginning in junior high did have a front room, however, visitors were always welcomed into the family room for visits. The front room was just a passageway to the dining room or family room.
2. Did you ever go to stay with relatives during the school holidays?
I often stayed with my maternal grandparents when school was out. I would ride the city bus with my grandmother to go to church or shopping. Sometimes when we were at the house we would snap beans getting them ready to cook. Times with my maternal grandmother were good times I’ll always remember and treasure.
3. Did relatives (cousins, grandparents) come to stay with your family in the holidays?
Relatives never stayed at our house growing up. We usually always gathered at my maternal grandparents home for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and for extended family gatherings.
4. What do you remember from the 1960s.
What I remember from the sixties is the carefree life, the playing outside till the street lights came on, the skateboards we made ourselves using old shoe skates, riding my bicycle all over the neighbourhood without a helmet (never knew we needed one back then) and the ease of walking the streets never being afraid of anything or anyone.
I remember the music, the cabinet television (only one in the home) with having to go to it to change a channel, its signing off at midnight (they didn’t use to plays shows all night long).
I remember a lot about the sixties, it was a great time to be a kid. The joys we found in the simplest things. Things are so simple anymore, life changes and we adapt.
Gratitude:
“Life is one big, continuous circle of giving and receiving energy. Be thankful for who and what’s in your life, instead of complaining about what you don’t have. If you focus on gratitude, you’ll start to attract prosperity and abundance.”
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 