For the first time since moving to our current neighbourhood (back in March), I heard the Caw Caw sound of our first visitor in a long while. I happened to have been sitting on the porch with my granddaughter waiting for Coleman to arrive on the school bus. When I heard the cawing I stood up to see where it was perched. It was being watchful (scoping out the surroundings) atop a weathered sun-bleached utility pole.
What did I see when I looked up? The gleaming black feathers of an AmericanCrow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). American Crows are quite common here and throughout North Carolina. They can be seen from our coastal areas and on into our mountains. They are incredibly adaptable, thriving in urban areas, farmlands, forests, as well as in our coastal regions.
Let’s take a look at some interesting fun facts about the American Crow.
They are Master Problem Solvers: They can solve puzzles and use tools to get food for example, they can bend a wire to hook something out of a tube.
They have Excellent Memory: Crows are known for remembering faces, especially those who have been kind or unkind to them. They pass information about “dangerous” humans through their flock.
They have Complex Communication: They have a wide range of calls, more than just a simple “caw.” It is believed that they have different call for danger, for finding food, or even to distinguish individual crows within their group.
They are Social Creatures: Crows live in tight-knit family units. Their young often stay with their parents for several years. While they remain with their parents they help to raise their younger siblings (much like in a human family).
They have “Crow Funerals”: Who would have ever guessed? Whenever a crow dies, other crows often gather around it, sometimes ever for extended periods of time. This maybe a way for them to learn about potential dangers within their environment and it gives them an opportunity to mourn.
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina, 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 another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). I trust everyone has had a good week and able to spend some time to take a walk or hike in the vast outdoors. This week’s theme is CWWC: Any Which Way with Paved Walkways, Pathways, and/or sidewalks (not roads). The Which Way can be any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as thereare vehicles on theWhich Way and the way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome.
For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
This week I am thinking about all the lives lost on 9/11. May they never be forgotten.
Remember the families of those killed in the 9/11 tragedy. Pray for them as they gather and remember on this 25th anniversary of 9/11. May they receive peace and comfort during this difficult time period.
Now on to this week’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC). I am venturing back in time to 2017 to a trip I made to Jacksonville, North Carolina to see my sons who lived there at the time. While my younger sign was on duty as a Marine at Camp Lejeune, my eldest son took me to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina. To find out more about the Lejeune Memorial Gardens feel free to click here.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial and others like it have special meaning to us. My husband and his brothers as well as my brother all served in the military during the Vietnam War.
There are memorials at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens, I believe, for every war the United States Military ever participated in.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial155mm M114 Howitzer, powerful tribute to military personnel, especially those connected to Camp LejeuneBeirut MemorialFlags proudly representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the POW/MIA cause.155mm M114 Howitzer‘Our Fallen Brothers,’ featuring the insignias of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Marine Divisions.Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Reflection PoolVietnam Veterans MemorialBeirut MemorialVietnam Veterans MemorialMontford Point Marine MemorialMontford Point Marine MemorialVietnam Veterans MemorialVietnam Veterans MemorialBeirut MemorialBeirut MemorialLejeune Memorial Gardens Jacksonville, North Carolina
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.
These sunflowers are not the type of flower you’d normally picture if someone said Sunflower, however, they are still beautiful in their own unique way.
Tithonia rotundifolia
The Mexican Sunflower is a plant in the Asteraceae family whose native origins range from Mexico to Central America.
Red Sunflower
They’re beloved by gardeners for their bright, fiery orange or red-orange petals and yellow centers, which resemble small sunflowers.
Mexican sunflower
They thrive in full sun and warm weather, which is typical for Gastonia’s weather. They are attractive to pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds which absolutely adore them, making them a fantastic addition to any garden looking to support local wildlife.
Tithonia rotundifolia, the Red sunflower or Mexican sunflower
The Tithonia rotundifolia, aka Mexican sunflower is not actually a true sunflower from the Helianthus family. However, their daisy-like blooms give off a similar sunny vibe. They are quite resilient and easy to grow. These flowers are surrounding my neighbours mailbox giving colour and beauty to the neighbourhood.
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Stop and smell the flowers. Admire them and the beauty found in nature. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week the Monochrome Madness hostis none other than our beloved host LeanneCole. She does a terrific job coordinating all the hosts and themes for this amazing challenge. She has decided to challenge us with the theme of Urban Landscapes. She has shown some wonderful examples of Urban Landscaping.
I’m starting off with a couple of images my dad took ages ago when he and my mom visited Washington D.C.
The National Mall, often called ‘ America’s Front Yard,’
We had visited D.C. years before this as a family, but this was a trip for just the two of them after my brother and I had left home. This view of the National Mall stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol encompasses many museums, monuments, and open green spaces making the National Mall more than just a Park. Capturing this view with a 35mm camera back in the mid-eighties is something astonishing.
Aerial view of Washington D. C.
I’m not sure how my dad managed this shot, but it looks good to me. It is a n aerial view of Washington D. C. highlighting the White House and the Washington Monument.
This next gallery of images are from our trip to San Francisco, California in the Spring of 1979.
The iconic Transamerica Pyramid anchors this stunning San Francisco skyline viewShips at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, CA San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge San Francisco, CATransamerica Pyramid San Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco, California
Moving further along California’s coast driving Hwy 1 we come home to San Diego. The city I called home for many years growing up with many happy and memorable funtastic times with friends and family. From the beaches along the coast to the various inland attractions there’s always much to see and do in beautiful San Diego.
“Unconditional Surrender” is a 25-foot sculpture replicating the embrace of a sailor and nurse at the end of World War II in Times Square. Embarcadero, San Diego, CAA Postcard of mine of Broadway, San Diego, CA On Line of the San Diego & Arizona Eastern RailwayThe San Diego skyline truly shines at sunset over the bayCalifornia Tower and dome in Balboa ParkSan Diego Harbor San Diego’s skyline, with a naval ship San Diego Wild Animal Park San Pasqual Valley Escondido, CAUSS Midway Museum is located along the Embarcadero in San Diego San Diego, California
Dan with No Facilities, the host ofCee’s Fun Foto Challenge is continuing with the theme of Where/What/When we do various things. This week’s focus is on Where/What/When We Listen. This new series will continue for approximately four (4) more weeks. We are currently in the third week of the Where/What/When CFFC series.
Where/What/WhenWe Listen is as unique as our own individual personalities, perspectives, experiences, and conceptions. We may listen to nature, concerts in a park or in a building, or we may listen at a worship service whether indoors or outdoors is to our own preference and opportunities. We may enjoy listening to plays or other theatrical performances or we may just sit and listen to one another. We are all unique individuals with our own unique expectations or individual conceptions of what we prefer to listen to, where we prefer to listen, and when we prefer to listen.
I have gathered a few images of What/Where/When I’ve Listened to various music, plays, and/or performances that suited by desires and interests at one time or another.
To Listen to a First Grade end of year performance at Sadler Elementary To Watch & Listen to Mickey & Minnie Mouse in Disney on IceTo a Entertaining Performance at the Land of OzTo Listen to Worship Songs in an Outdoor Amphitheater To Watch a Live Children’s Production of Charlie Brown Christmas To Watch & Listen to the 1979 live stage production titled “Bugs Bunny’s Life Story” Starring Bugs Bunny & Wiley E CoyoteTo a Pastor present a message from the Bible To Watch & Listen to a Performance of Disney on IceTo Nature while camping at Andrew Jackson State Park To Listen to Christian Music Artist outdoors in Lancaster, SCTo a Basketball game from high up in the balcony seatingTo a Play in the Bundy Auditorium at University of South Carolina at Lancaster Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s CFFC Where/What/When We Listen
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
John from Journeys with Johnbois this week’s host for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. He is asking us to look at water a little differently to focus on the landscapes, structures, and stories that they might tell. John commented on my Cell Pic Sunday photo and suggested I could use it for this challenge. I opted to use it as my header image. It shows the landscape of trees surrounding Lake Haigler at Anne Springs Close Greenway.
I searched through my photos to determine which photos I wanted to use for this challenge. Let’s take a look at my selections.
The Blue Mesa Reservoir Curecanti National Recreation Area Gunnison County, Colorado
In May of this year my daughter flew out west to see her dad’s grave in Boulder City, Nevada. After meeting with her uncle (her dad’s brother) at the cemetery, she drove east into Colorado where she hoped to get a transfer (that didn’t work out for various reasons). She drove north on the I-15 leaving Nevada into Utah and transferred to the I-70 East and on towards Colorado. While driving she was kind enough to oblige me with stopping at a few site seeing spots along the route. One of those sites was The Blue Mesa Reservoir. It is a part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. It is the largest body of water in Colorado and a crucial part of the Wayne N. Aspinall Storage Unit. This reservoir was formed by the Blue Mesa Dam on the Gunnison River. It is a focal point for recreational activities like fishing and boating. In addition, it plays a vital role in providing water and power to the region.
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Going backwards through the calendar year, my family and I took a mini-vacation for New Year’s weekend. We drove down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and stayed for almost a week. Having not been to the beach in years and the kids first time to the beach, we took in some “touristy” activities. One of our first activities was to drive down to Murrells Inlet and go on a Dolphin Excursion via the Crazy Sister Marina. Pictured here is a portion of the boat dock to the left of the Crazy Sister’s boats. That was a fun adventure, one Coleman really enjoyed.
Lake Norman, Ramsey Creek Park Cornelius, North Carolina
Heading back another month to November of 2025, we went to Charlotte to try out a pizza place that served a specialty pizza known in some entices to induce labour. In my daughter’s case it didn’t have the expected outcome she was hoping for. The pizza was delicious despite that fact. After leaving Charlotte we decided to stop at Ramsey Creek Park to walk off our lunch and give Coleman time to run around and burn some excess energy. (He always has an abundance of energy). Ramsey Creek Park is a beautiful spot along the shores of Lake Norman in Cornelius, North Carolina. Lake Norman is North Carolina’s largest man-made lake. It is often referred to as “the Inland Sea” due to its vast size. While there Coleman and I walked along the lake shore and along the trail. (He loves to hike.) My daughter didn’t do as much walking (being about 36 weeks, she wasn’t up to much walking). It was a fun outing and a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the afternoon.
South Fork Catawba River Goat Island Park & Greenway Cramerton, North Carolina
In October, Coleman and I walked to Goat Island Park and Greenway for a bit of hiking and Funtime on the playground. This shot was taken from the Goat Island bridge looking back towards town. Once on the Greenway, Coleman hiked along the trail spotting the Autumn colours of the leaves and enjoying spending time together. Now of course, after a hike a boy still needs to burn off even more energy, so a stop at the playground was a must.
Coleman walking along the edge of Robinwood Lake Warlick Family YMCA Gastonia, North Carolina
Back in early 2024 the Gastonia Transit system still ran. In February, Coleman and I rode the city bus to the Warlick Family YMCA. The Warlick Family YMCA has three different hiking trails; Blue, Yellow, and Green. On this day, if my recollection is correct, Coleman and I hiked the Green Trail. The trails start near Robinwood Lake (pictured above). Robinwood Lake is a scenic 34-acre freshwater lake which the YMCA allows kayaking, paddleboarding, bank fishing (largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish). In order to fish in Robinwood Lake, you’dneed to purchase a North Carolina inland fishing license for anyone age 16 or older to fish. Coleman and I live to walk along the lake shores and enjoy its natural beauty.
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USS Consolation US Naval Port
This final image is of the USS Consolation. It is not a ship I have seen or visited other than in my dad’s photo album. Why is it so special to me? It is special because this is the hospital ship my dad was stationed on during his Korean War service in the United States Navy. I’m not sure which Naval port it was taken at, possibly in San Francisco, but really could be any U.S. Naval port. I like the visibility of the mountains behind the U.S. Naval ship.
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.
The Tymco SM74C is a popular model for municipal and contractor street sweepings. It is known for its regenerative air system which uses a high-velocity air blast to dislodge debris and then vacuums it into the hopper, making it very efficient at keeping our curbs and streets clean without the need for water unlike other sweeper type models.
Azaleas differ from other Rhododendrons by only having five (5) stamens per flower instead of the typical ten (10) or more on other Rhododendrons. They are popular ornamental plants, known for their showy blooms in a wide variety of colours.
Their colours range from vibrant pink to white, purple, and red. I normally see the pink and red varieties in the gardens around town. They are always available to be seen in the Garden in The Farm at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina.
This weekend in the United States is Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, some people still have to work on Labor Day (which is celebrated on Monday). Who really wants to work on a holiday during the Summer or for that matter any other long weekend.
Impressive catch of freshwater Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill
I am remembering a Summer in 1963 (not in September, but in July) when I was vacationing in Great Falls, South Carolina with my family. We drove out from San Diego, California to visit my paternal grandparents and my dad’s brother and sister.
Pictured from left to right: My Brother, Larry; my Uncle Eddie, and my dad.
On this particular weekend the men and boys went fishing 🎣 along the Catawba River in Great Falls, South Carolina. Why is it that the majority of times (at least back then) they never asked the girls or women to go fishing? However, they expected the women to cook up whatever fish they caught and brought home.
My brother with his River Catch
The Catawba River is just a short drive from my grandparents home. The “men“ landed an impressive catch of freshwater fish including Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill.
My dad and brother displaying their catch of the day.
I do not recall which one actually caught the most fish or if this was my brother’s first time fishing or not. I do know they definitely made sure to capture their catch with a camera for prosperity or probably to remember the funtastic time they had spending the day together.
My Uncle and brother holding up a string of freshwater fish.
Regardless of who caught what, or who caught the most, what mattered most was the quality time they had together. You better believe we had us a feast of fried catfish and other freshwater panfish for supper that night.
How do you like to spend a long holiday weekend? Do you get together with friends and family? Stay home and barbecue on the grill? Or just enjoy a relaxing weekend at home?
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.
Whenever Coleman and I visit The Schiele Museum of Natural History we almost always visit The Farm (we only miss it if we arrive too late and it’s already closed). Walking around the Farm we visit the animals (the goats, the sheep, and Mike & Lucky, aka the cows) and admire the Flowers (at least I do anyway). Coleman likes to climb on the red tractor and other interesting things. What other things would interest a rambunctious little boy? An old wagon with a hay bale, of course. Yep, that’s right, he climbed up on the wagon and made himself at home by #PullingUpaSeat on a Hay Bale.
Here’s my contributions of Coleman Pulling Up a Seat on a Wagon’s Haystack …
#PullUpaSeat Coleman Style on a Haystack at The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). I trust everyone has had a good week and able to spend some time to take a walk or hike in the vast outdoors. This week’s theme is CWWC: Any Which Way with Vehicles. The Which Way can be any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as thereare vehicles on theWhich Way and the way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome.
For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
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.
Liriope muscari is a species of flowering plant from the region of Easr Asia. It is also known as Big Blue Lilyturf, Lilyturf, Border Grass, and Monkey Grass.
A Trio of Liriope muscari
Lilyturf is highly valued for its beautiful striped leaves and its purple flower spikes. It is an evergreen perennial, meaning its foliage stays green year round. Gardeners tend to favourite as a border plant, ground cover (as it usually used here), or as a means to help prevent erosion. It spreads nicely and creates a dense mat.
Liriope muscari, Big Blue Lilyturf
Liriope muscari usually blooms in late summer to early Autumn/Fall. Coleman first notice the purple spike flowers a little over a week ago and insisted I take pictures with my phone. As the days progressed more and more of the lilac-purple flower spikes began popping up bringing colour to the garden.
God Bless. Stop and smell the flowers. Admire them and the beauty found in nature. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Portraits in Monochrome throughout the years of Coleman (beginning at age two (2)) in all his antics and expressions are what’s on display for this free week of Leanne’s Monochrome Madness.
WordPress is one of my favourite and most used apps, but not the one I use the most during the day. The ones I use the most every single day are those that store books that I read. I used to read “hard copies”/ actual books, however, since my eyesight is not what it used to be I use digital apps where I am able to download digital books to read.
Why do I use digital book apps? The main reason is the ability to change the font, size of text, and the layout enabling easier readability.
Let me list them for you …
Kindle – I use this app to read ebooks & epub that I select for free or at discounted prices for books from authors I enjoy reading.
iBooks – I also have ebooks in this app. Some I get for free & others I buy. I always get notifications when a ebook in my want to read list becomes available for a reduced rate.
Glose – This app is for ebooks I purchase from Harlequin and Love Inspired through Harlequin.
Libby – This is a very useful app in which I borrow ebooks from my local library and read them through this particular library app.
Jetpack (WordPress) – Who doesn’t like WordPress? Sometimes we get frustrated with all the adjustments and nuisances that WordPress (and especially the Jetpack) likes to do in their updates. It does give me an outlet to write, share my thoughts, and my photography. It enables me to connect with people from around the world, some of which I consider my friends.
Of course, there are other apps I use but not as often as these five. I currently read four different books at one time, one through each of my ebooks readers. I love to read and these enable me to enjoy reading while it became increasingly difficult to read regular print books. The convenience of being able to adjust the font and size of the print is a feature I enjoy tremendously.
#DailyPrompts-2872
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Historic Great Falls High School in Great Falls, South Carolina was built in 1928. It’s a beautiful example of early 20th-century school architecture, with its distinctive brick facade, large windows, and prominent central entrance. This was the building where my went to high school.. He was in the Class of 1947.
Location: Great Falls High School; Great Falls, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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:
Lagerstroemia indica, aka Crepe-myrtle Gastonia, North Carolina
From my Canon EOS T7 (2000D):
Angora Goats Walk-thru Petting Area Lazy 5 Ranch Mooresville, 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.
Dan with No Facilities, the host ofCee’s Fun Foto Challenge is continuing with the theme of Where/What/When we do various things. This week’s focus is on Where/What/We/They Worship. This new series will continue for approximately five (5) more weeks. We are currently in the third week of the Where/What/When CFFC series.
Where/What/When I worshipped didn’t always happen inside the walls of a church building. There were times in my youth when we worshipped at Mission Bay (a beach) in San Diego; usually on Friday nights during the summer. There were types I went to camp during the Summer with my church youth group and we would worship around a roaring campfire. Then when I went to college I was one of many students who worshipped together in the school’s chapel (required attendance). At other times we met in one home or another, on Sunday evenings, where we worshipped together in song and Bible study. However, I don’t currently have any photos of those occasions during my youth.
For lack of those images, I will show you some of the churches I been to or seen whilst working around town.
The church of my childhood, Scott Memorial Baptist Church (now called Grace Church San Diego) in San Diego, California.
Scott Memorial Baptist Church San Diego, California
I spent many a Sunday and Wednesday fellowshipping and worshipping here in and outside of the building. I still am friends with many of those I grew up with in this church.
Let’s pause for a moment of worship in song by Russ Adair and the Revelators.
Russ Adair and The Revelators
Here we have Stony Fork Baptist Church In Deep Gap, North Carolina. This is one of the churches that my maternal ancestors attended including my maternal grandfather and grandmother. I have visited this church and its cemetery when I’ve been in the area visiting with family (mostly cousins).
Stony Fork Baptist Church Deep Gap, Watauga County, North Carolina
In 2020 I spent several months in Texas including a couple in Abilene, Texas. The following are a few of the churches I saw while walking around my aunt’s neighborhood.
Church of Christ 5th and Grape St Abilene, TexasBethel Temple Christian Center Abilene, TexasGalilee Baptist Church Abilene, TexasFirst Methodist Church Abilene, TexasTrinity Baptist Church Abilene, TexasFirst Christian Church Abilene, TexasCFFC Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge
Time for more worship in song, this time from a group I enjoying listening to and attending their concerts when I’m able. The quartet is called “Kings Cause.” Hope you will enjoy listening to them as much as I do.
Kings Cause
Now to look at a few closer to home …
The Living Water Chapel at Westminster Park Rock Hill, South CarolinaCramerton Independent Presbyterian Church Cramerton, North Carolina Zion United Methodist Church (now Zion Methodist Church) Lancaster, South Carolina Maranatha Church of God Gastonia, North CarolinaChurches in North & South Carolina Dan’s CFFC
And before you leave if you’re still with me, join me in listening to another worship song. This one is performed by Ivan Parker & his son Josh.
I do not visit the beach as often as I did in my youth, however, I do have memories of being at the beach with family and friends over the years.
Going back in time to see A vintage family day with my Aunt and Uncle at Springmaid Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Aunt Dalline & Uncle Shorty fishing at the beach.
In 2010, My “children” and I ventured down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to celebrate my daughter’s high school graduation.
In the foreground is my daughter, my sons are behind the wave waiting for the next one.
Moving forward in time to 2017, we (my eldest son and I) take a drive to North Topsail Beach from Jacksonville, North Carolina for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront.
My eldest son, John and myself at North Topsail Beach, North Carolina.
Let’s take a sidetrack from the East Coast Carolina beaches to visit west coast beaches in San Diego County, California.
Sea Lions on the beach at La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California
Coronado Beach, Coronado, San Diego County, California
Now back to the East coast and our adventures at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Parks Recreation Sports Tourism Truck on Myrtle Beach Ring-billed GullsColeman having a splashing good time. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with my daughter and grandchildren (Coleman & Sophia)
Well, that’s all folks. Till next time have a splendid week filled with love, happiness, and laughter. God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Goats don’t like the heat any more than humans do. We arrived at The Farm just after 3 in the afternoon. It was still in the high 80’s and even the Goats didn’t feel up to playing around or greeting their visitors.
Trying to Stay Cool
Normally, on a nice day the would come to the fence and greet us. Not today they said, “The humid midday air completely drained our energy.”
Nubian Goat
Ah, this spot in the shade feels just right, maybe a nice nap is exactly what we need.
Boer Goat
Maybe it’ll be cooler tomorrow, we can dream can’t we?
Following Terri’s and Brian’s lead on Sunflowers, I went in search of Sunflowers amongst my archives. I found some common sunflowers and some uncommon ones as well.
Here are my entries …
Carpenter Bee enjoying the Sunflower’s pollen Common Sunflower Common Sunflower Common Sunflower Common Sunflower Wild Sunflowers Helianthus angustifolius, aka Narrowleaf Sunflower Swamp SunflowersTerri’s The Flower Hour Cee’s Flower of the Day
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.
This week Monochrome Madness is hosted by Dawn from The Day After. She has selected to challenge us with the theme of Horizons. There are many different ways we may illustrate Horizons through our photography. When we think of Horizons we normally think of a visible line off into the distance where the earth and sky seem to meet each other. We might select land and sky or water and sky, or we might offer a little of both. Which way we interpret or see the Horizon depends our own unique view and style.
Here are my selections …
San Rafael Swell Emery County, UtahCaptain’s Quarters Resort Myrtle Beach, SC“Layers of Dusk” View from Pisgah Inn Blue Ridge MountainsGulf of Mexico (now America)Craggy Gardens Blue Ridge ParkwayDawn’s Monochrome Madness Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Embrace the adventure with CWWC 2026: Any Which Way – Your Choice! Whether you’re exploring nature trails, navigating indoor staircases, or venturing onto paved paths, there’s a route for everyone. Sign up now and discover your unique Which Way!
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (previously hosted by Cee Neuner). This week our theme is CWWC (2026): Any Which Way —Your Choice. Your Which Ways can be Outdoors, Indoors, Paved or Unpaved, Dirt Trails or any natural surface. Your Choice is exactly that, Whichever Way you choose. As always Signs are always welcome.
My choices for this week’s Which Way Challengeare naturalized surfaces on The Schiele Museum’s Nature Trail.
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.
At Andrew Jackson State Park stands an Historic Schoolhouse which was reconstructed for the site. It vividly represents the kind of simple, one-room schoolhouses that would have been typical during Jackson’s youth in the late eighteenth (18th) century.
Historic Schoolhouse Door
Andrew Jackson State Park’s replica Schoolhouse is open from med-March to November on Saturdays from 1pm to 5 pm and on Sundays from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Historic Schoolhouse at Andrew Jackson State Park
Tours of the one-room schoolhouse at Andrew Jackson State Park are actively hosted and led by the members of the Retired Educators of Lancaster County. While specific tour schedules can vary, the park generally offers interpretive experiences for visitors to learn about early 19th-century education.
Historic Schoolhouse Lancaster, South Carolina
You can also explore the schoolhouse interior on a self-guided basis, with informational signs providing context about the period and what school life was like.
Location: Historic Schoolhouse; Andrew Jackson State Park; Lancaster, South Carolina, 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: The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan with No Facilities, the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is continuing with the theme of Where/What/When we do various things. This week’s focus is on Where/What/When We Watch. This new series will continue for approximately six (6) more weeks.
I’ve scoured my photo files to figure out which images would best represent the theme for this week. The following is what I’ve gathered to share with y’all. My featured photo is with Coleman waiting for a symphony concert to begin at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
What: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra; Where: Comporium Amphitheater; When: September 2022What: Early Explorers Storytime; Where: The Schiele Museum; When: October 2023What: Concert in the Park; Where: Hendersonville, NC; When: August 2019Where: Cajon Speedway in ElCajon, California; What: Stock car Races; When: September 1970What: Watching an Equestrian Show; Where: San Diego Wild Animal Park; When: May 1978What: Rooted Rhythm Concert; Where: Anne Springs Close Greenway; When: May-July 2026What: All about Dinosaurs; Where: Donosaferi Theaten, The Schiele Museum; When: October 2023What: Symphony Concert; Where: Comporium Amphitheater; When: September 2022What: Rick Hubbard’s Kazoobie Kazoo Show; Where: Centennial Park; When: August 2025What: Watching Airplanes take off; Where: Charlotte-Douglas International Airport; When: October 2024What: Movies in the Park; Where: Cane Creek Park, Waxhaw, NC; When: June 2018What: Revolutionary War Reenactment (I’m in it); Where: Andrew Jackson State Park; When: November 2019What: Summer Concert Series; Where: Anne Springs Close Greenway; When: Days listed on BannerWhat: Kids Concert; Where: Confluence, Cramerton, NC; When: November 2024What: Watching a Killer Whale Show; Where: Seven Seas Marine Life Park; When: August 1972What Monster Jam Truck Wars; Where: Carolina Speedway, Gastonia, NC; When: February 2026What: Watching Airplanes Land; Where: Charlotte Airport; When: October 2024What: Watching Fireworks; Where: Centennial Park, Cramerton, NC; When: June 28, 2025Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s CFFC Where/What/When We Watch
God Bless. Have a lovely week. Enjoy a walk/hike if possible. Keep Cool. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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.
The museum at Andrew Jackson State Park has these Revolutionary War uniforms on display. Andrew Jackson State Park is located in Van Wyck, Lancaster County, South Carolina. It is his boyhood home place. Andrew Jackson was the Seventh U.S. President and played a keep part in the American Revolution.
On the left in the photo, is a meticulously recreated uniform of a British Redcoat from the Revolutionary War era. It is easily identified by its distinctive red jacket and white breeches. These soldiers were part of the regular British army.
On the right, is the more practical homespun attire likely representing a Patriot militiaman or frontiersman. This simpler clothing, often made of linen or buckskin, was common for American colonists fighting for independence. The canteen, powder horn, and axe are noticeable for visitors to see. They were essential gear for survival and combat during that time.
These American Revolutionary War uniforms offer a fascinating glimpse into the American Revolutionary War. The uniform on the left, with its distinct blue coat, red facings, and white breeches, is very characteristic of the Continental Army. Blue became the standard color for their coats, influenced by the French military, and was meant to project an image of a professional fighting force. The white cross belts held the bayonet scabbard and cartridge box.
The uniform on the right, in a darker, greenish-blue with gold trim, possibly represents a state militia, an earlier war uniform, or even a unit with different affiliations. Uniforms varied widely, especially early in the conflict, as states and individual units often supplied their own.
In the center of this photo is a tricorn hat. Tricorn hats were common military headwear of the era for both sides of the Revolutionary War. Also pictured is an antique dagger, representing a type of weapon used during the War.
Andrew Jackson State Park is a tribute to the seventh U.S. President, Andrew Jackson, who was born nearby in the Waxhaws region on the North Carolina-South Carolina border. As a young boy, he served as a courier for the Patriots and was captured by the British, enduring hardship that shaped his strong anti-British sentiments later in life.
Terri has recently started a new theme for the Sunday Stills challenge called Animal of the Month. This month she is challenging us to share images of insects. Insects include a wide variety of animal species. Common examples of Insects are Bees, ants, wasps; Beetles, ladybugs, fireflies; Butterflies and Moths; True Bugs (Cicadas and aphids); as well as Dragonflies and Damselflies.
In this second Sunday Stills Animal of the Month post I am beginning with the European Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) located in The Farm at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina.
The Beehives The Farm The Schiele Museum
North Carolina’s European honey bees are a highly social insect species native to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The Schiele’s Honeybees
They are the world’s primary pollinator for agriculture. The Honey Bees at The Schiele Museum’s Farm pollinate the wide variety of plants and flowers grown in the Garden.
European honey bees
The European honey bee was first introduced to the Americas by European colonists in March of 1622. The English colonists shipped the first hives to Jamestown, Virginia.
Foraging to the Colony
The Schiele Museum of Natural History has four live apiaries located on The Farm. [The Farm is an outdoor exhibit showcasing Piedmont agricultural history alongside live farm animals.]
Returning to the Hive
Visitors to The Schiele Museum’s Farm are capable of safely look into an observation hive during the Annual Bug Day. During this special day visitors can watch honey bees crawl across honeycomb structures through an indoor -facing window housing a working observation hive.
The museum integrates their apiaries into seasonal student programming, including specialized “Buzz about bees” summer camps and hands-on pollination lab experiments.
European Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)
Enough about Honey Bees, shall we take a look at a gallery of other insects/bugs?
Acanthocephala declivis, aka the giant leaf-footed bugCommon Blue Mud DauberBrood XIX cicadaPapilio glaucus, aka the eastern tiger swallowtailEremnophila aureonotata, aka gold-marked thread-waisted waspEastern Boxelder bugTrigonopeltastes delta, aka delta flower scarabMonarch butterflies Sunday Stills Animal of the Month
Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Telephoto; Gallery various cameras.
Location: The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA ; Gallery various locations.
God Bless. Enjoy your week. Have a wonderful good and safe week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Terri has recently started a new theme for the Sunday Stills challenge called Animal of the Month. I’m not sure if my animal fits this week’s animal of the month theme or not since I write mine in advance, but hopefully it’ll be alright.
See the Pig Eyeing the Pool
With our extreme heat wave we’ve been experiencing, I found it fascinating that even the Pigs in The Farm area at The Schiele Museum of Natural History thought it was too hot.
Pig slowly approaching pool
Coleman and I stood watching this Pig for a while enjoying its antics and Wallowing.
Pig’s by the pool. What’s he gonna do?
With it being so hot and humid what else should the Pig do but get in the pool and cool off.
Pig is in the pool.
Turn, turn, turn …
Round and round goes the Pig …
Pig says it’s time to wallow.
And keep wallowing till it’s completely cooled down …
Turn, turn, turn
Maybe I’ll just take one more spin wallowing in the pool before I get out and mingle.
Location: The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy your week. Have a wonderful good and safe week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
My favourite TV show as a kid, that was a long time ago to remember one specific show. My brother and I used to watch the “Star Trek” television show. I can remember watching “The Wonderful World of Disney” on Sunday evening. Growing up us kids didn’t get much opportunity to select shows to watch, that was mostly decided my our mom.
2. Do you have a favourite ‘tipple’? (alcoholic drink, or something when you are out for a meal etc)
I mostly drink unsweetened tea whether I’m home or out to dinner (which isn’t too often).
3. Is there a movie you can watch again and again and still enjoy?
There are a few movies I watch over and over again. The shows I mostly watch many times are mainly my Christmas favourites, like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “White Christmas”, and currently rewatch the “Christmas in Evergreen” Christmas movies. I occasionally rewatch the “Back to the Future”, “Die Hard”, “Airbud”, and “E.T.”
4. Did you have a favourite toy as a child? Or perhaps one you wanted and never got?
This is the only toy I still have from my childhood. It is a Vintage Red and white monkey with a rubber face a yellow banana that was molded directly into its vinyl hand. I know I played with Barbie’s, but played more games like marbles, tag, and sports with my brother and our neighbours.
Gratitude:
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
God Bless. Stay Strong, Spread Cheer, Love, and Happiness. 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). Last week we explored Outdoor Steps or Stairs. This week we are looking at Indoor Steps, Stairs, and/or Escalators. Anytime you walk into a multiple story building you might have a choice to use the stairs, an escalator, or an elevator. We are only looking at showcasing Steps, Stairs, and/or Escalators for this week’s Which Way Challenge.
Here are my entries …
Inside Historic Cabin The Schiele Museum In the Planetarium The Schiele MuseumThe Schiele Museum of Natural History Atrium Health Charlotte, NCStaircase inside the Martinique Hotel NYCBilly Graham Library Coleman on Stairs at Captain’s Quarters Resort Myrtle Beach, SCColeman on Escalator at Charlotte Airport 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.
God Bless. May you have a Delightfulday filled with Love, Friendship, and Joy. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Today’s Prompt for the Ragtag Daily Prompt is Cone. Cones, Cones, Cones, let me see how many ways and types of cones I might be able to find. We have orange street cones, Pinecones, maybe ice cream cones; some on the ground, and some in a hand. Cones on roads, some on trails, and even on signs. Coleman likes to bring Pinecones home (but his mom not). What kind of cones do you like?
This is a free week for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness. I decided to show you images of a Grist Mill in black and white monochrome tones this week. This Grist Mill can be seen along the Nature Trail at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina.
The Grist Mill Nature Trail The Schiele Museum of Natural History Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Today was a little boring with nobody around home but me, myself, and I. I started exploring photos I’d taken several years ago and played around experimenting in a couple of editing apps to see how various effects would impact a particular photo of a place that is very relaxing to me.
Here are the different effects used during this experimentation …
Original Photo excerpt from a live iPhone video
Vintage effect via Pixlr
Watercolour effect Via Pixlr
Unicoloured effects Via Pixlr
Black and White Effect Via Pixlr
Transform into rich oil masterpiece Via Google Photo Editor
Location: By the Lake; Andrew Jackson State Park; Lancaster, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Spread love, peace, joy, and happiness. Have a wonderful rest of your week. 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 Walkways, Pathways, and/or sidewalks (not roads). [09.11.2026]](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/untitled-august-02-2026-at-16.34.18.jpg?w=393)
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