This week’sMonochrome Madness is hosted by Ritva from Ritva Sillanmäki Photography. She has chosen a theme of Low Light. I’ve gone through my archives searching and thinking about what imagesI could use for this challenge especially since Low Light isn’t particularly my focus when on a photography hiking adventure. I did find a Hodgepodge of images that out of the Generosity of my heart I’m looking forward to sharing with all of you.
A photo I received of my brother after my mom passed Walking through the underpass tunnel on the way home Deer passing just inside the fence in Cramerton My paternal grandfather Great Falls, SCLantern Tour Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, SCColeman standing on the railing Coleman sitting on the Railing Cramerton, NCStreaming water at Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, SCHearst Castle San Simeon, CAA deer in the early morning hours Inside Kings Mountain National Military Park’s Museum Domtar Forest PorchAnne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, SCCentennial Center Cramerton, NC
Click on images to enlarge.
I’m using my natural generosity to link up with the following challenges …
The Japanese Pagoda is in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot at Walt Disney World Resorts. It is a five (5)-story replica of the Horyuji Temple, a famous ancient Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. It is located between The American Adventure and Morocco pavilions. [The Horyuji Temple in Japan is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.]
Pagoda Doors
Epcot’s Japanese Pagoda stands over eighty (80) feet tall, its five (5) tiers represent the Buddhist elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and sky. In the area around the Pagoda you will find the Kabuki Cafe located at the base of the pagoda. It serves sweet Japanese shaved ice (kakigōri), sushi, and drinks like blood orange sake slushies. The Matsuriza, a traditional Japanese taiko drumming group that performs thunderous sets on giant drums right near the structure. And Peaceful Gardens which features quiet koi ponds, stone lanterns, bonsai trees, and walking paths.
Pagoda Japan Pavilion Epcot
The Japan Pavilion is one of the original World Showcase pavilions. Its planning began in the late 1970’s, and Disney worked closely with Japanese architects to ensure the accuracy of the buildings.
The Japan pavilion consists of buildings surrounding a courtyard. The entrance to the courtyard features the Japanese Pagoda (pictured above and in the featured photo). A torii gate, modelled after that of Itsukushima Shrine, decorates the water in front of the pavilion. The area is abounding with Japanese pools and gardens. Unfortunately, my daughters didn’t photos of the other features within the Japan Pavilion
The Japan Pavilion is designed to make you feel like you’re stepping into Japan, with its traditional gardens, shops like Mitsukoshi Department Store, and delicious restaurants such as Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining.
Location: Japanese Pagoda; Japan Pavilion; Disney’s Epcot; Walt Disney World Resorts; Bay Lake, Florida, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with w. I appreciate y’all very much.
Locations: Nature Trail; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. May you have a week filled of Love, laughter, Friendship, and Joy. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week Terri has given us an interesting challenge of coming up with images that depict Lava-like colours and the colour black for this month’s monthly colour challenge.
Here is what I’ve located in my archives …
Cramerton Fireworks Sky over the Railroad Tracks in Cramerton, NCB-52 bomber, often nicknamed the “BUFF” (Big Ugly Fat Fella) US Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, Colorado Meteorite image from the Schiele Museum Coleman Grand Canyon, Arizona Ripley’s Aquarium Broadway at the Beach Myrtle Beach, SCCampfire Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, SCSunday Stills Monthly Colour Challenge Lava and Black
God Bless. Hope you’re having a great weekend. Have a wonderful week ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan withNo Facilities, the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challengestarted a new theme series last week featuring Street Views. This new theme will run for approximately six (6) more weeks. This week Dan is looking for Street Views featuring Commercial Street Views.
Let’s take a look at some of the Commercial Street Views I’ve come across in my (or my family’s) neighbourhood and/or travels.
We visited the Julian Bakery and the surrounding area back in 1978.My cousins & mom visited this area in Alaska after my dad passed. Streets of Solvang, California where my parents & I visited in 1978. Downtown Lancaster, SC where my dad occupant time in his earliest years. Center Street where Coleman and I would hand out at Centennial Park or inside Confluence. Business District in Rock Hill, SC where we sometimes do business. My cousins & mom visited this area in Alaska. Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach, SC where Coleman and I walked during New Year’s weekend. Ashe County Cheese in West Jefferson, North Carolina. I visited here with my eldest son before we went hiking Mount Jefferson in Ashe County North Carolina. Across the street is their factory where we watched them making cheese. My brother & parents walked this street shopping & sightseeing in Germany Early Days of San Diego. During beginning era of my families life in San Diego. Pearson Ford on the Corner of Fairmont & ElCajon Blvd in San Diego, California. My dad worked here for over 35 years. A Postcard from my collection. I traveled on a bus with my grandmother down this street. Main Street Lancaster, SC where my daughter & I used to live. Julian, California where I spent time with family or friends. Uptown Charlotte where My daughter, Coleman & I went out to eat. This is the Ford dealership in Great Falls, SC where my dad worked at before he went in the US Navy.
Dale, the host of theCosmic Photo Challenge, has challenged us to post a few images of Repetition for this week’s challenge. For this week’s challenge I needed to scour through my archives to see what I could find on this week’s theme. When I read Dale’s words that images didn’t necessarily need to conform to recognisable patterns, symmetry, or tessellations, but could be photographs that contained more than one of something it made it more likely that I’d find a few images that I’d like to use. Thank you Dale for the challenge.
Here’s what I found to share …
Looking at Earth in a Planetarium’s show .,,
Multiple Images of Planet Earth
On to more down to Earth, a look at the sky over Murrells Inlet with flocks of European Starlings flying past a Daytime Moon …
European Starlings
The next image is a combination of two images sent from my daughter. The one image downloaded on my iPhone as a “negative” type image & I combined it with a regular photo image for this unique view of The St. Simons Island Lighthouse …
The St. Simons Island Lighthouse
Now to look at more personal images, first a view of Coleman’s creation using Learning Resources STEM Explorers Pixel Art Challenge …
Learning Resources STEM Explorers Pixel Art Challenge
And lastly, a blast from the past from my dad’s files and digitally uploaded to my computer files. This shows actual World War II fuel oil coupons (Form OPA R-1107 A). These coupons were explicitly issued for “Fuel Oil”, not gasoline for an automobile. They were used to buy oil for home heating furnaces, water heaters, and kerosene for cooking stoves.
There were strict controls for the use of these coupons; Each coupon allowed a family to purchase exactly one (1) gallon of heating oil. During the war, civilian homes had their heat strictly rationed to ensure the military had enough fuel. Families were told to lower their thermostats to 65 degrees during the day (and even lower at night) to stretch their coupons further.
World War II Fuel Oil Coupons belonging to my dad’s family.
I’m not sure why all of these were not used, however, possible reasons were my dad’s family practiced strict conservation to save money and stretch their supply. [The coupons were the maximum legal limit the family was allowed to buy, but they still had to pay real money for the actual fuel.] Fuel Oil and gasoline rationing ended almost immediately once World War II ended. At that time they no longer needed the coupons and many families stuck them in desk drawers.
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Be observant of all creatures large and small that call our Earth home. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Sunset Club Couture is a boutique located on Sunset Boulevard inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resorts my daughter visited while she was in Florida earlier this month.
Sunset Club Couture Disney’s Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Resorts
It opened in October of 1985. Its distinctive architecture and exterior design are inspired by the 1931 Oakland Floral Depot in California. It features classic old-Hollywood glamour and art deco styling.
The boutique specializes in trendy women’s and adult Disney themed clothing, such as stylish sundresses, seasonal shirts, shorts, sweaters, and pajamas. It also offers an assortment of fashion accessories including designer handbags, large beach tote bags, scarves, jewelry, watches, sandals, and character ear headbands.
Egídio of Through Brazilian Eyes is this week’s host for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. She has challenged us with the theme of Where Does it Lead? There are many ways to understand and interpret this theme, as some have shown literal, compositional, and/ or interpretive. There are also figurative/metaphorical approaches to interpreting the question “Where Does It Lead?
First, I will show a gallery of literal examples of expressing the concept of “Where Does It Lead?”
LAPC – Where Does It Lead?
Literal paths can make you wonder what’s around the corner, the next bend, or even what might be waiting at the what might be waiting at the edge of the trees , or possibly what adventures you might find when you walk through a tunnel or under a bridge to new horizons. Adventures come in many ways and they are not all achieved through literal pathways.
Where Does It Lead? When you read a book the story may Lead you on a wonderful or mysterious adventure. Following a character’s journey you might think Where Does this Dangerous Choice Lead them (or him/her)? Or What Future Does his/her decision Lead to? I love to read wholesome inspirational mysteries and in mysteries they share clues about the mystery that someone or a group is trying to solve. While reading, often times your curiosity gets the better of you and you try to guess (Where Does This Clue Lead?
This “Library” is from is from Magic Kingdom’s Swiss Family Treehouse
I do not know if any of you are interested in Ancestry/Family History and Research, but I’ve been reaching my family’s ancestors for many a years now. I’ve done my Ancestry DNA and every time I receive a new DNA match I ask myself “Where Does It Lead?” Does it Lead to known family connections or to family relationships, or countries beyond my wildest imagination. When I receive a new notice of a record, census, of photos; I think Where Does It Lead? Will it help me discover an unknown family member or branch? Will it lead to historical events my ancestors would have participated in? There are many different aspects of Ancestry Research where one might ask “Where Does It Lead?”.
Ancestral Origins
Another metaphorical example of “Where Does It Lead?” comes from seemingly ordinary events like Reunions. Regardless of whether it’s a school, military, or Family reunion; you can ask Where Does these Relationships Lead? Is there any future to these relationships? Sometimes people you meet at reunions are those you’ve had contact and connections with almost all your life. At other times like at family reunions, you might meet family members you’ve never met before and possibly have never even known about. Will it Lead to o regular communication? Will the connections at the reunion help to heal old wounds? Will it Lead to a new sense of belonging or possibly future annual traditions? Where Would a Reunion Lead You?
Watson/Greer/Trivette Family Reunion
Watson Family Reunion
Watson Reunion Descendants of Isham & Mary Hayes Watson
For further information about the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge and/or to participate click the link to Egidio’s post here.
God Bless. Be Happy. Be Cool. Be a Blessing to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Seeing a Parade through my daughter’s eyes 👀 … from Magic Kingdom Parkin Bay Lake, Florida.
Starlight Parade Magic Kingdom Park Walt Disney World Resorts
Did you enjoy the Parade? I enjoyed seeing my daughter’s photos of the Parade, but it would’ve been nice if Coleman and I could have enjoyed it with her in person instead.
There are many ways we can look at Stairs and Steps, every step we take helps us continue on our life’s journey. We take steps every day whether we are just walking on solid ground or climbing a few steps or up the stairs to new adventures.
“For a stairs to be safe, every step on that stairs has to be safe!”
Mehmet Murat ildan
Snow & Ice covered Stairs
In life we may stumble as we embrace struggles, however, with every difficult step we take we build resilience and character.
“To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.”
~ Author unknown
Nature’s steps & stairs of rock, dirt & wood
Every Step we take in life shapes who we become, our personal journeys are rarely straight or smooth paths; instead they are built on our actions, unexpected stumbles, and our quiet passes and reflections.
“Every lesson you take from your past immediately turns into a stairs to the light!”
— Mehmet Murat Ildan
Looking at the Light above the Stairs to the Railroad Tracks
Focus on each Step in front of you. Looking all the way up to a distant landing can feel overwhelming and draining. It’s best to focus on the single step directly in front of you, making the task manageable.
“It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs,”
spoken by Václav Havel.
Dog waiting at base of Stairs on an Historic building
Instead of looking at the stairs of life and contemplating the steps, just take action and climb the stairs. Stop worrying about where each step is taking you, relax clarity will will come as you actively begin your ascent and proceed on your way.
“The greatest adventures often come from taking the smallest steps.”
~ Author unknown
Coleman – is he going up or down?
Don’t fret. Every great adventure starts with small consistent actions rather than massive leaps. Remember, every adventure, every journey in life begins when we are brave enough to take our first step.
Good Bless. Pray for clear skies, wildfires to stop spreading. No more Smoky air clouding our atmosphere. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend. May it be filled with love, happiness, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
No matter where Coleman and I hike/walk you can guarantee he’ll find a place to Pull Up a Seat. Whenever he does you can most likely expect to see a variety of antics, expressions. He likes to have me take his picture, but sometimes he doesn’t.
During special evening events, this fire pit has a roaring fire 🔥 for visitors to enjoy and possibly roast a marshmallow or two.
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (previously hosted by Cee Neuner). This week our theme is CWWC 2026: Any Which Way with Paved Roads, Pathways or Sidewalks [10.16.2026]. Your Which Ways can be Outdoors, Paved or Unpaved, Dirt Trails or any natural surface as long as the Which Ways are clearly visible.
This week mine are taken from my daughter’s trip to Florida and Walt Disney World Resorts.
Here are my entries …
CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way Challenge
Click on images to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Location: Centennial Center; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Historic Cabin; The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Take a Walk/Hike. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Reel Vogue is a retail shop on Sunset Boulevard inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resorts.
Close-up of the store’s doors
The shop features a glamorous, 1930’s inspired Art Deco facade designed to mimic a classic golden-age cinema, which includes a marquee and dramatic architectural detailing.
The Reel Vogue store had once focused on varying themes, however, it currently serves as a major hub for Pixar and Toy Story merchandise.
The retail space originally opened in September of 1998 as Villains in Vogue. It specializedin Disney Villains and The Nightmare Before Christmas collectibles. In 2015 the storefront was completely rebranded and reimagined as Reel Vogue.
Location: Reel Vogue; Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Bay Lake, Florida, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with w. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week’sMonochrome Madness is a free week; I’ve decided to share some images of Epcot in monochrome. These are from my daughter’s visit recently to Walt Disney World Resorts.
Dan withNo Facilities, the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challengeis starting a new theme series this week featuring Street Views. This new theme will run for approximately seven (7) weeks. This week Dan is looking for Street Views featuring Residential Streets.
Here are my Residential Street Views …
The Street we lived on in Cramerton Looking downward from the bus stop The Street by the RR tracks Looking towards the mountain from the underpass Snow dusted Street Eighth Avenue Cramerton, NCVehicles moving towards & away from the underpass tunnel Roadwork on Linda Street in Gastonia, NCCorner of Standpipe Hill & South Main Street Springdale Road Lancaster, SCSchool bus coming down the street Gastonia, NCPolitical signs along E. Garrison Blvd. Gastonia, NCFiretruck with flashing lights Ambulance driving down the street CFFC Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Street Views-Residential
Dan with No Facilities, the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challengeis continuing with the theme of Where/What/Whenwe do various things. This is the last week for this series. Next week Dan will begin a new theme series focusing on Street Views. I’m expanding on the theme of Where, What, When We Grow, I attempting to show Where We Grow our Minds, Bodies/Souls, and Relationships.
“A growth mindset is about believing people can develop their abilities. It’s that simple.”
~ Carol Dweck
Where/What/When We Grow our Minds … by never stop learning, reading, listening at schools, libraries, and museums.
San Diego High School San Diego, CADaniel Stowe Conservancy Belmont. NCFort Mill Library Fort Mill, SCEpiscopal Church of the Heavenly Rest Abilene, TXWarlick YMCA Gastonia. NCHerbert Hoover High School San Diego, CASan Diego Air and Space Museum San Diego. CAThe Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia, NCCramerton Historical Society Museum Cramerton. NCGrowing our Minds
“To strengthen the body’s muscles, exercise; the mind’s muscles, read; the heart’s muscle’s, laugh; and the soul’s muscles, love.”
~ Matshona Dhliwayo
Where/What/When We Grow our Bodies … by staying active, participating in activities that keep our bodies moving while not forgetting to always get of proper rest and nutrition. Our Souls by embracing intentional habits of self-awareness, quiet reflection, spiritual connection, and compassionate living.
Growing our Bodies/Souls
“No one can live without relationship. You may withdraw into the mountains, become a monk, a sannyasi, wander off into the desert by yourself, but you are related. You cannot escape from that absolute fact. You cannot exist in isolation.”
~ Jiddu Krishnamurti
Where/What/When We Grow our Relationships… by making an effort to share honest and open communication, spending quality time together free from distractions, support individual growth, practice gratitude, keep a sense of humor, and absolutely navigate conflict constructively with understanding and apologizing whenever necessary.
Dale, the host of theCosmic Photo Challenge, has challenged us to post a few images of Patterns in Black & White for this week’s challenge. For this week’s challenge I needed to scour through my archives to see what I could find on this week’s theme. One can find Patterns in the ordinary, and sometimes not so ordinary.
Here is what I selected …
The simplicity of a chain link fence …
At the Greenville Zoo
Or a basic porch railing …
Front porch & Stair railing
Patterns and colours in a rooftop garden …
Rooftop garden
How about the varying shades and textures of brick walls …
Brick wall and alcove
And for a final image with a little added colour …
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Be observant of all creatures large and small that call our Earth home. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Woolly Mammoth statue & Coleman Gaston County Dino Trail The Schiele Museum of Natural History
I thought about telling you all about Woolly Mammoths, but then I remembered something else about this particular Woolly Mammoth Statue. What did I remember? This Woolly Mammoth statue is one (1) of twenty-one Prehistoric Dinosaur statues along the Gaston County Dino Trail. This Prehistoric journey across Gaston County is a way for the county to celebrate The Schiele Museum’s new Elizabeth Williams RobinsonHall of Dinosaurs.
Pick up a map for the Dino Trail at The Schiele Museum or any one of the participating businesses and attractions. At each location you may collect Dinosaur Trading Cards and discover prehistoric surprises.
Gaston County Dino Trail
The Dino Trail runs from September 1st through December 31st. To find out more information about the Dino Trail and/or The Hall of Dinosaurs click here.
The Rödertor is one of the impressive five (5) main medieval city gates of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. It faces east towards the local railway station. This gate was originally built around the 13th century as part of the town’s outer fortifications. The clock face adds to its well-preserved medieval architecture charm that makes Rothenburg ob der Tauber so famous.
The Rödertor is situated on Rödergasse and features two (2) 13th-century gabled houses that once served as historic custom offices. It also has a Bastion and a Röderturm (Watchtower). The Bastion includes an outer defensive Bastion which was added in 1615. The Watchtower was built between 1385 and 1390. For a small fee, it is climbable and offers panoramic view of the old town.
Salvia rosmarinus, Aka Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary, is one of several herbs grown in the Heritage Garden in The Farm at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina. Its needle-like leaves are incredibly aromatic and have been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. It is often used to flavour meats, vegetables, and bread. Cooking is not the only reason Rosemary is cherished, it is revered for its traditional medicinal properties. It is also occasionally associated with memory and remembrance.
A armored and dangerous dinosaur from the early Cretaceous period. It is a type of ankylosaur (which means “fused lizard,”) known for its formidable body armor and spikes.
The Gastonia
The “Gastonia,” although it shares the name with the City of Gastonia in North Carolina, was actually named after Robert Gaston, the paleontologist who discovered the dinosaur in eastern Utah.
Gastonia Dinosaur Signage
Unlike later Ankylosaurs, it relied on an intense array of body armour and shoulder spikes rather than a heavy tail club. Its tail ended in sharp lateral projections instead of a fused bony mallet. It measured about 15 feet (4.5–6 meters) long and weighed roughly 1 ton, making it much smaller and sleeker than a true Ankylosaurus.
Coleman looking at the “Gastonia.”
The “Gastonia” fossils were found in the same Utah quarries as Utahraptor. That fact meant that its spikes served as a defense against pack-hunting dromaeosaurs. It was a low-slung quadrupedal herbivore with a toothless beak which was specialized for cropping ferns and low-lying vegetation.
No matter where Coleman and I hike/walk you can guarantee he’ll find a place to Pull Up a Seat. Whenever he does you can most likely expect to see a variety of antics, expressions. He likes to have me take his picture, but sometimes he doesn’t. It is Autumn in an our area, so naturally the Schiele Museum has Autumn decor set out in The Farm. This year there is less hay to than in previous years (same affect on my allergies though). After waiting his turn inside the “Pumpkin”, he wasn’t really enthusiastic about my taking his picture as you might could tell.
Here are a few of what I managed to capture … of Coleman Pulling Up a Seat …
Last week my daughter was in Florida on vacation, however, it wasn’t a family vacation. She went with friends while Coleman and I were left play home. She spent the week visiting several of the Walt Disney World Resorts including Disney’s Epcot.
Disney’s Epcot France Pavilion’s Hedge Maze
This is one of several pictures she sent to me through her Phone. This was taken in Epcot’s France Pavilion. Do you think you could master the maze? I’m not sure if she went through the maze or not. It is an impressive and intriguing Hedge Maze, that’s for sure and for certain.
The Hedge Maze is designed to give Epcot’s visitors a taste of the formal, elegant gardens often found in French châteaux, like those at Versailles. Mazes like these were not intended for people to get lost, but rather for beautiful, structured walks that showcased horticulture artistry.
Location: EPCOT; Walt Disney World Resorts; Bay Lake, Florida, USA
God Bless. Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend. May it be filled with love, happiness, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Garden at the Schiele Museum of Natural History is ever changing with the seasons and years. The Gardens are maintained by museum staff, Community Volunteers and Interns, and the volunteer efforts of the Master Gardener Group of Gaston County.
This season we have plenty of Cosmos sulphureus, aka Sulfur cosmos; Zinnia peruviana, aka the Peruvian zinnia; Ornamental peppers, and Ipomoea coccinea aka Red Morning Glory. They are beautiful flowers to enjoy and admire, but not as many florals as in previous years.
Walking towards The Farm from the parking lot we first spot these lovely Cosmos sulphureus …
Cosmos sulphureus, aka sulfur cosmos
A Beautiful Cosmos Trio
Walking around inside The Farm’s enclosed area, after visiting the goats, we spot these lovely Zinnia peruviana flowers …
As we walk through the Garden area in The Farm we notice several Ornamental Pepper plants and then a few Red Morning Glories. The peppers are so pretty and colourful that you can’t help, but be drawn to their natural beauty. While the Red Morning Glories are so small you might miss them if you weren’t truly searching for the wonderful flowers within the garden.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: The Gardens; The Farm; Tge Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (previously hosted by Cee Neuner). This week our theme is Part Two (2) of the Which Way Challenge CWWC 2026: Any Which Way with Autumn Leaves [10.09.2026]. Your Which Ways can be Outdoors, Paved or Unpaved, Dirt Trails or any natural surface as long as they are in the displaying Autumn Leaves 🍂.
Mine are from November 2023 whilst Coleman and I hiked the Lake Haigler Loop Trail at Anne Springs Close Greenway. The leaves in our area still are not displaying their Autumn colours. Feel free to link to Dawn’s Festival of Leaves or other appropriate links.
Here are my entries …
#CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way Challenge 2026
Click on images to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
I have not eaten at a Del Taco in years and years. There was one in Rock Hill, South Carolina once which debut in 2010 and closed its doors in early 2014.
Del Taco is a California based fast-food chain serving both Mexican-inspired Tacos and classic American cheese burgers all under one roof.
Del Taco Kissimmee, Florida
The Del Taco chain was founded by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson, who opened the very first location. It was originally named Casa Del Taco and was located in Yermo, California opening on September 16, 1964. On their first day of business they made a whopping $169 in sales. I know, you’re thinking that’s not very much in the financial realm of business. You gotta remember that was in 1964. The original menu featured 19¢ Tacos and 24¢ cheeseburgers.
The Original location in Yermo was entirely in a desert area located right in the heart of the Mojave Desert, only thirteen (13) miles from Barstow, California. In 1966, Del Taco opened its fifth (5th) location in Corona, California. This location featured the chains first drive-thru window. [The Corona location is the location I frequented after I was first married and later when we moved back to California after being away for almost five (5) years.]
Del Taco 7531 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, Florida
The Casa was officially dropped from its name in 1973, becoming Del Taco, Inc.. By 1978 the chain had grown to 100 restaurants reaching a tremendous milestone. After achieving this major milestone, the company began expanding outside of California, including Texas, Oklahoma, and eventually Florida during the 1980’s.
Fast forward to this week, my daughter was thrilled to find a Del Taco near was she was staying in Kissimmee, Florida. She texted that the food was as good as she remembered.
Location: Del Taco; 7531 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy; Kissimmee, Florida, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with w. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week’sMonochrome Madnessishostedby Brian from Bushboys World. He has chosen a theme of Boats. I’ve gone through my archives searching and thinking about what Boats I would use for this challenge especially since Boats has been a theme in the past for one or two challenges.
Thinking of family, I decided I would take us on a cruise to the past, clear back to the 1970’s and beyond. These are ships/boats that at least one person in the family has been on. Sometimes it was just to tour and other times it was to take a ride and enjoy the scenery. Ready to begin our cruise?
Our first stop is at the Port of Los Angeles off the coast of California on August 10, 1979 …
Vacant C’s Port of Los Angeles at 100 Swinford Street, San Pedro, California
This is a sailboat my dad took a photo of with his 35mm camera while he and my mom toured the Port of San Pedro. For you information, the “Port of San Pedro” is the main section of the Port of Los Angeles, called “America’s Port.” The Port of Los Angeles is one of the busiest and most significant seaports in the United States of America.
Cruisin’ on (actually not cruisin yet) to August 9, 1979 we Showboat paddleboat loading up with passengers to experience an afternoon on San Pedro Bay. It is docked at the Ports O Call Los Angeles in between tourist runs.
Showboat Port O Call Los Angeles
I’m not sure if my parents took the cruise or not, but I imagine they did embark upon the Showboat and had a lovely time cruisin’ around San Pedro Bay.
Cruisin’ on to January 1, 1979, my parents took a trip to Germany to visit my brother and his family. During their visit, being the dutiful host, my brother showed him all the fascinating places to see and do in his area where he was stationed in the United States Air Force.
“Schloss Heidelberg,” a river cruise boat Heidelberg, Germany
The River Cruise Boat is a passenger vessel specifically designed to give scenic tours on rivers such as the Neckar in Heidelberg. It allows passengers (like my parents, my brother and his family) to enjoy the views of historic landmarks from the water.
After all that cruisin’ we go back a few more years when we boarded a boat/ship together. Taking a look at July 1, 1974, my parents and I drive up to Long Beach, California to tour The Historic Queen Mary. Yes, I actually got to tag along on this trip. I had just graduated high school at The Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park in San Diego, California.
The Historic Queen Mary Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary is a historic British ocean liner. It is permanently docked as a floating hotel, museum, and tourist destination attraction. The Queen Mary officially retired from the ocean and made its final voyage in 1967. It arrived at its permanent location in Long Beach, California on December 9, 1967. The ship is rather large and impressive. By the time we toured her she had already undergone massive renovations. During its renovation, the engines were removed and the space was converted. She opened for public tours in 1971. It didn’t begin welcoming overnight guests until 1972. After major expansions including the Grand Hotel, 1974 marked the true official celebration of its opening operating as the Queen Mary Hyatt Hotel.
Cruisin’ on back another couple of years we come to July 1, 1972. This time we leave the west coast on vacation to drive the southern route cross country from San Diego, California to the Carolinas. After meeting up with my dad’s father, his sister and here family, we caravanned down to Stone Mountain, Georgia. Why go all the way to the Carolinas before traveling back down to Georgia? Why to spend time with family, of course. Actually, we all needed a rest from all the miles and miles of traveling before sightseeing with everybody.
Scarlet O’Hara Paddle boat Riverboat Marina Complex Stone Mountain Park Stone Mountain, Georgia
The trip to Stone Mountain Park included my parents (2), my brother and myself (2 more), my Aunt & Uncle (+2), their four children (+4), and my paternal grandfather (+1). Did you get all that? Add them all up and you get 11, 5 adults and 6 children all bombarding upon the Stone Mountain Park attraction.
Inside Stone Mountain Park is Stone Mountain Lake where visitors could board a classic paddlewheel Boat. At this time there were two (2) large commercial paddlewheel boats in operation. One was named the Henry W. Grady and the other one pictured here named Scarlett O’Hara Riverboat. The commercial paddle boats ceased operation around 2017-2018. They were officially retired due to their advancing age, the immense amount of maintenance required, and growing safety concerns.
Fun times were to be had make in the day cruisin’ on lakes, rivers, and oceans. Today’s cruises may seem to appear a little bit different, but actually not much has changed besides the type of boat/ship one chooses for a cruise.
I will leave you with one last final ship, one that brought my maternal grandfather home from France after World War I. Possibly the USS George Washington, or one similar to it.
The Ship that brought my maternal grandfather home
The USS George Washington was originally a German ocean liner which was seized by the United States during World War I. It was converted into a crucial troop transport vessel. After the Armistice, it played an incredibly important role in bringing hundreds of thousands of American soldiers home from France, just like my maternal grandfather.
This image is from a picture postcard that belonged to my maternal grandfather and later given to me to add to my post card collection. When it was first given to me in the late 1960’s I didn’t realize the significance of this photo and the ship that was portrayed in it. Now, I treasure it always.
The end of our Cruisin’ on Boats from the past has come to an end. Hope you enjoyed cruisin with me.
Location: Entrance to the New Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Love & Peace to y’all. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Mickey’s of Hollywood is located on Hollywood Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a part of Walt Disney World Resorts in Bay Lake/Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is in a prominent location for visitors to pick up souvenirs and gifts to take home.
The building has a charming Mediterranean Revival architecture style. The red awnings and ornate balconies help to transport tourists back in time to the golden age of cinema.
Dale, the host of theCosmic Photo Challenge, has challenged us to post a few images of Moss, Ferns, and Fungus for this week’s challenge. For this week’s challenge I needed to scour through my archives to see what I could find on this week’s theme.
Here is what I discovered …
Moss …
This Moss is growing on a tree branch at Riverside Park and Greenway in Cramerton, North Carolina.
Coleman is walking on Moss that has grown on rocks along the Nature Trail at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Fungi …
Gilled Mushrooms, part of a vast network of fungi that are essential “recyclers” in nature. The Schiele Museum Gastonia, North Carolina
Russula, aka Brittle gills They have a unique, crumbly texture South Fork River Park McAdenville. Gaston, North Carolina
Ferns …
Athyrium filix-femina, Aka the lady fern or common lady-fern Kings Mountain State Park Blacksburg, North Carolina
Now to add a few non-typical Ferns …
Fern Forest, a loop trail at Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Fern Trail It is considered an easy short trail that connects to other trails. Crowders Mountain State Park Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Fern is the mother of this baby colt. (No longer a baby, born in 2022).
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Be observant of all creatures large and small that call our Earth home. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Coleus plants pictured here are located near the Turkey enclosure in The Farm at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina. It is a tropical perennial grown for its brightly coloured, velvety leaves which come in various shades of red, pink, yellow, green, and deep burgundy.
Coleus scutellarioides
Coleus scutellarioides
The Coleus plant is linked with the mint family (Lamiaceae). They are primarily cultivated for their incredibly diverse and colorful foliage instead of their flowers. Besides the colours listed above you may occasionally find them in black. Their intricate design patterns and margins on their leaves make them quite attractive and intriguing to observe.
This week my daughter has been spending time in Florida with friends while Coleman and I remain at home. These wooden carved bears are located near the Disney Vacation Club kiosk area of in Walt Disney’s Epcot Canada Pavilion.
The Bear Statues feature rustic chainsaw-style carvings of a mother Bear standing upright alongside a smaller cub. This is a quiet charming photo spot located near the pathway and seating elements close to Disney’s Vacay club information center. They are intended to highlight Canada’s rugged wilderness and wildlife, matching the rocky landscape, pine trees of the pavilion’s back gardens.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura IV Filter attachment; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
God Bless. Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Paroon Shark-Catfish at Disney’y Animal Kingdom is known affectionately as Mr. Catfish. He has been a consistent fixture, with his presence, on the Tree of Life circuit for approximately half a decade or longer.
Paroon Shark Catfish aka Pangasius sanitwongsei
For a long time he didn’t receive many visitors. Why do you ask? No one really knew he existed. He lives under a bridge constantly swimming in and out with rarely anyone looking down to notice him.
Signage for Paroon Shark Catfish Disney’s Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Resort
People are looking downward and visibly seeing him nowadays, like my daughter saw him recently. Why is he just now getting noticed? He never had any signage to let people know he was there and what he was. Now he does as seen in the above image. Ever since the signage was put in place people are constantly stopping on the bridge, starring down at his swishy, enormous, cuddly tail. He captures people’s attention with his back-and-forth pattern.
Click on each image to enlarge. (By enlarging the image of the sign you should be able to read more about the Paroon Shark Catfish.
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Resort; 2901 Osceola Parkway; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
God Bless. Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend. May it be filled with love, happiness, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (previously hosted by Cee Neuner). This week our theme is Which Way Challenge CWWC 2026: Any Which Way with Autumn Leaves [10.02.2026-10.09.2026]. It will run for two (2) weeks. Your Which Ways can be Outdoors, Paved or Unpaved, Dirt Trails or any natural surface as long as they are in the displaying Autumn Leaves 🍂.
Mine are from 2021 and 2022 as the leaves in our area have not as yet displayed their Autumn colours. These were taken at the Fort Mill Access to the Catawba River and the Fort Mill Dam. Feel free to link to Dawn’s Festival of Leaves or other appropriate links.
Here are my entries …
CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way with Autumn Leaves
Click on images to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
This week Terri, our host for The Flower Houris focusing on Floral ABC’s concentrating on WXYZ. This is the last week for the Floral ABC’s as we’ve come to the conclusion of the alphabet. Let’s have some fun. Here are my WXYZ Florals for this week’s challenge. It wasn’t too hard to locate flowers beginning with W or Y and Z but X was impossible to locate, henceforth, I didn’t find any Xflowers amongst my photo files.
Here’s looking at the W’s …
Wisteria sinensis
Wisteria sinensis, aka Chinese Wisteria Gastonia, North Carolina
Windowbox Woodsorrel
Aka Oxalis articulata, pink-sorrel, pink wood sorrel, windowbox wood-sorrel, sourgrass Gardner Park, Gastonia, North Carolina
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Disney Springs; Disney World; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Take a Walk/Hike. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Brian from Bushboys Worldhosts a monthly challenge called Last On the Card. His rules are simple to follow if you’re interested in participating.
Here are The rules: 1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 30th or whenever your last photo was taken. 2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate. 3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do 4. Create a Pingback to this post or link in the comments 5. Use the tags The Last Photo and #LastOnTheCard
Here are my contributions …
From my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Sophia Ruthann attempting to stand without holding on in her new shoes.
No, I’m not near a Buc-cee’s. My daughter took a trip with a coworker and Coleman and are left at home on our own. She gets the trip and all I get is a few pictures to share.
Buc-Cee’s #63 – BRUNSWICK, GA
This is the Buc-cee’s convenience store they stopped at in Brunswick, Georgia on their way down to Orlando’s Walt Disney World.
Location: Buc-cee’s #63; 6900 Hwy 99; Brunswick, Georgia, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with w. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Bar; Disney Springs; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Love & Peace to y’all. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
![CWWC 2026: Any Which Way with Paved Roads, Pathways or Sidewalks [10.16.2026]](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-2.jpg?w=900)
![CWWC 2026: Any Which Way with Autumn Leaves – Week 2 [10.09.2026].](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/untitled-august-02-2026-at-16.34.18.jpg?w=393)
![CWWC 2026: Any Which Way with Autumn Leaves [10.02.2026-10.09.2026].](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/image-1-1.jpg?w=489)
