I’ve been missing Cee’s posts. I pray she is doing alright. This week I am again posting a Which Way My Wayshowing Which Ways in My New Neighbourhoodand Town. My grandson, Coleman and I are beginning to roam around our new neighborhood and town investigating what interesting things and places we can find in the area. Here are a few shots from our walk through our new town.
Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) is a duck native to the Americas. Small wild and feral breeding populations have also established themselves in the United States, particularly in Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, the Big Island of Hawaii, South Carolina, as well as in many other parts of North America, including southern Canada.
Black Muscovy Duck
Muscovy Ducks are large with the males growing to about 76 cm (30 in) long, and weighing up to 7 kg (15 lb). The females are relatively smaller, and only grow to approximately 3 kg (6.6 lb), roughly half the males’ size. They are predominantly black and white, with the back feathers being iridescent and glossy in males, while the females are more drab. The amount of white on their neck and head vary , as well as their bill. Their bill can be yellow, pink, black, or any mixture of these colors. (The Muscovy Ducks we saw all had a pinkish bill with one having a touch of black on the end.)
Black Male Muscovy Duck
The Muscovy Ducks are a non-migratory species normally inhabits forested swamps, lakes, streams and nearby grassland and farm crops, and often roosts in trees at night. ( The Muscovy Ducks we saw are located near Patterson Pond at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina.)
Male and Female Muscovy Ducks
Their diet consists of plant material ( such as the roots, stems, leaves, and seeds of aquatic plants and grasses, as well as terrestrial plants obtained by grazing or dabbling in shallow water for small fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, spiders, insects, millipedes, and worms.
Black Male Muscovy Duck
Muscovy Ducks, one of the oldest species of fowls domesticated in the world, have several spiritual meanings associated with them. They are associated with love and relationships in some cultures and with luck, prosperity, and even new life and fertility in others. The ducks also represent inner strength and courage. thethe Celtic culture that if you dream of a Muscovy duck or spot it while awake, it’s a sign to trust your intuition and strength and not give up in the face of challenges. According to Celtic culture if you dream of a Muscovy duck or spot it while awake, it is a sign to trust your intuition and strength and not give up in the face of challenges.
Black Muscovy Duck Flapping its wings after coming out of the water.
The Egyptians believe the Muscovy duck has healing powers and can resurrect the dead, making it a sacred animal. The Egyptian culture sees Muscovy ducks as a symbol of starting afresh. Therefore, seeing a Muscovy duck in your dream is interpreted as a sign of resurrection.
We enjoyed watching the Black Muscovy Ducks swimming in Patterson Pond, as well as them flapping their wings as they came out of the water, shaking the water off to dry themselves.
Location: Patterson Pond; Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm; Greenway Stables and Farm Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
For Judy’s “The Numbers Game #46” Game she invites all to play along. Here are her ideas on how to play along in this challenge. This week’s number is 167. To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.
God Bless. Take Care. Don’t be Upset and Angry about Political Results; Remember God is in Control. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thinking of Cee & Becky. Pray you’re feeling better. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
As Coleman and I were walking along the trail (and even a little off trail) around the Riverside Greenway, I noticed a marshy area where the flood waters were still surrounding many plants and vegetation. Other areas where the flood waters had recently receded were still mushy and difficult to walk through, but Coleman is a trooper and loves to explore everything. With all the devastation caused by the storm and strong winds, I was amazed to see signs of new plant life sprouting in amongst the tremendous amount of leaves near fallen trees. No matter how things may seem, God is in control. New life begins once again.
“The marsh did not confine them but defined them and, like any sacred ground, kept their secrets deep.”
From Where the Crawdads Sing. – Delia Owens
Marsh in Riverside Park and Greenway
“Every day is a fresh beginning; Every morn is the world made new.” – Sarah Chauncey Woolsey
New Growth after the Storms
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.”
– T.S. Eliot
New Life Beginning Anew
“Be a miracle that grows. Live deeply from the soul.”
I love capturing reflections, especially reflections in water. Coleman and I just happened to hike along a portion of the South Fork River on Saturday. It was a relaxing time walking along the (new to us) Riverside Greenway in Cramerton which runs alongside the South Fork River. We saw quite a few amazingly beautiful reflections in the river. Here an only a small portion of what I managed to capture with my iPhone.
We have recently moved to Cramerton, North Carolina. Wherever we are living, Coleman and I enjoy walking around the area seeing all the beautiful sights and interesting places we can discover.
On Friday after Coleman got off the school bus, we walked up the street; under a railroad overpass; past the post office, the fire department, the entrance to Goat Island Park and Greenway; continuing onward and upward until we reached the Community Center and playground. [The playground at Goat Island is temporarily closed for repairs due to Hurricane Helene damage from its wind and flooding.] The following are some of Cramerton’s Public Art displays around the town.
WWII Soldier And his Daughter Town Of Cramerton, North Carolina
Welcome to Cramerton Wall Mural
Genuine Cramerton Army Cloth Wall Mural
Metal Wind Spinner Cramerton Recreation Center
‘Goat in a boat’ greets Cramerton residents, visitors Wall Mural
Concrete Fireman Statue & Coleman Cramerton Fire Department
We hope you have enjoyed our walking tour of Cramerton’s Public Art.
I’ve been missing Cee’s posts. I pray she is doing alright. This week I am again posting a Which Way My Wayshowing Which Ways in My New Neighbourhood. My grandson, Coleman and I are beginning to roam around our new neighborhood investigating what interesting things and places we can find in the area. Here are a few shots from yesterday’s walk through the neighbourhood.
in primo piano – photos Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors photo
Hiking along Steele Creek Trail at Anne Springs Close Greenway, Coleman and I stopped to pay a visit to the Hobbit’s Homes before continuing on our way. If you’re not looking carefully you could miss seeing the Hobbit’s Homes hidden within the tree.
For the past few months, we have been in unrest. I live with my daughter and grandson whom I take care of while she works. Up until recently (like three months ago) her husband (who never liked my being there) was also in the home. He moved out leaving my daughter with a whole heap of debt and a rental amount she could not afford without his assistance. He really didn’t think he should contribute to the financial obligations before he moved out and definitely didn’t think so afterwards even though his name was also on the lease. this made it difficult for my daughter to find another place to live; one in which she would be able to afford. Thus, creating extreme hardship and high levels of stress and anxiety.
A Pile of Pumpkins Ready for Children’s Pickin’
After much searching and reaching out to anyone and everyone she finally found another place for us to move to. Just one catch, the landlord was still working on the house, and she didn’t have the financial resources to move in immediately. Therefore, we had additional expenses of staying in a motel for a week until everything could be completed to satisfaction. during this transitional period my grandson was missing several days of kindergarten and speech class.
So, what do you think I did? Since we couldn’t provide transportation to his school, I took him to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes, hiking. Coleman and I went hiking three days in a row to his delight. In the mist of trials, it was a blessing to enjoy being out in nature spending quality time with him. Our motel for the week was a short distance from his favorite hiking place, Anne Springs Close Greenway. Therefore, where else would I take him but to the Greenway, of course. These Pumpkins were seen on our fourth day of hiking. They were situated at the Lake Haigler entrance to the Anne Springs Close Greenway. The Greenway also had other fun Fall/Autumn activities set up for the children to enjoy. During this week we visited three of the five entrances to the Greenway. Each entrance offers different trails and activities for visitors to utilize and enjoy.
Who Wants a Pumpkin?
I am extremely grateful for my daughter and her strength and persistence in searching and locating a place for us to live and feel at peace. Home is the nicest word in our vocabulary right now. We are all thankful for having a home to live in. Thankful to be out of the motel. Thankful to be out of turmoil. Thankful to be relieved of a heavy load of stress and worry. I know, all our troubles and worries should be laid in the hands of God, our Heavenly Father. It is difficult sometimes to lay everything at his feet and not continue to worry.
We (mostly me) still have a tremendous amount of unpacking to do but alas, it will all get done in due time. I am still processing the fact that we have a home to live in. Understanding that we are all safe and can relax and enjoy our home (it is a rental, but it is our home for now). Coleman has his own little room, with his own bed (he had been having to share mine). He has a fairly good size yard to play in and we don’t have to worry about him not having enough space to run and pay. This home is a blessing, and I am truly thankful for being allowed to share it with my daughter and grandson.
To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find under that number and include a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.
All my photography this week has been done with my Apple iPhone as we have been in transition, moving from one place to another and having to stay at another place in between locations further a week. Therefore, I am choosing a theme of Coleman in the Greenway fur this week.
in primo piano – photos Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors photo
As Coleman and I were hiking toward Lake Haigler on Tuesday afternoon, we saw a work truck in the middle of one of the wider trails. We paused to speak with the men from the truck. They were there to repair the railings on a bridge damaged by Hurricane Helene. They stated that it took four days to cut and clear Seventy-Two trees which had fallen due to the strong winds and heavy rains from Hurricane Helene. The workers have a tremendous amount of work to still do to continue repairing the damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene here at the Anne Springs Close Greenway.
These Rustic Wooden Horses were in a fenced off area near the Children’s Schroering Forest Playground at the Lake Haigler Entrance of the Anne Springs Close Greenway.
I’ve been missing Cee’s posts this week. I pray she is doing alright. This week I am again posting a Which Way My Wayshowing Which Ways in Monochrome. My grandson, Coleman and I had the privilege of hiking in our favorite Greenway on Tuesday. I only had my smartphone with me; I chose to take some of our adventures in monochrome and silvertone via my smartphone features. I hope you’ll enjoy them.
Coleman Enjoying Lake Haigler Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Hurricane Storm damage is heard all over the news and online media. What you hear about are the most heavily affected areas communities and immediate surrounding areas. What you do not hear about is how the storms affected other areas within the outlying areas of the Hurricane’s path. Trails in the Piedmont region of the Carolinas are southeast of the majority of heavily damaged areas, but still affected at a lesser impact level.
The Trails still need maintenance and repairs even though they are not as horrific as those in Western North Carolina. South Carolina Trails still endure erosion and other damages caused by the strong winds and heavy rains that occurred during Hurricane Helene’s passing through the area. The photo above pictures just one of the hiking trails that suffered severe weather damage erosion in South Carolina not far from where I live.
God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Smell the Flowers. See the Beauty in Simplicity. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week Cee is allowing us to post any type of road, path, step, bridge or sign. I have chosen to post some paths, steps, dirt trails, and wooden paths and bridges along the Lake Nature Trail at Andrew Jackson State Park. I took these photos when was camping there the summer after my mom passed. It was a relaxing, peaceful, meditative experience of communing with nature.
“Trees exhale for us so that we can inhale them to stay alive. Can we ever forget that? Let us love trees with every breath we take until we perish.”
― Munia Khan
“When one plants a tree they plant themselves. Every root is an anchor, over which one rests with grateful interests, and becomes sufficiently calm to feel the joy of living.”
— John Muir
I feel right at home when I am walking through the forest of trees whether I am alone or out hiking with my grandson. Being in the woods has a calming effect on me. It is relaxing and uplifting at the same time; a time of reflection and communing with God, the Creator of all things on Earth and in Heaven. The Autumn hues of the leaves are beautiful and mesmerizing. Autumn is a great time for observing the changes in nature. I love to be out in the forest amongst the trees all year round. It is so much better than being cooped up in doors. Enjoy the views of the trees and nature I and my grandson love to roam and wander through on a regular period.
“In a forest of a hundred thousand trees, no two leaves are alike. And no two journeys along the same path are alike.”
— Paolo Coelho
“Together we can preserve the forest, securing this immense treasure for the future of all these our children.”
God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Have a walk amongst the Trees. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Cee is back and allowing us to post any type of road, path, step, bridge or sign this week for her Which Way Challenge. This week I have mixed it up with a little new with a little from my favourite place from my archives. Hope you enjoy!
Path to a small prayer garden Highway 200 leading from Lancaster to Great Falls, South Carolina closed due to Hurricane Helene.
Nature Trail Andrew Jackson State Park Coleman on the Trail at AJSP
Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from South Carolina to the Virginia Border and back down to Pisgah National Forest and then on into South Carolina once again was a trip I’ll always remember.
It has been seven years since I made that trip with my eldest son. We took the drive on his birthday weekend in October 2017. We stopped at various milestones along the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the beautiful views and tour a few different places along the route. We stopped at Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, North Carolina and hiked the Stone Mountain Loop Trail beginning at the Upper Trailhead. We continued driving the Blue Ridge Parkway once we left Stone Mountain State Park; we drove to Wilson, North Carolina (Wilson was my married name & the surname of my children.)
On the adventure South on the Parkway, we took a detour to my Cousin Jim’s Produce Market for some fresh produce & a break to stretch our legs. Before we arrived at Jim’s Produce, we stopped for a photo by the Doc and Merle Watson Highway sign ( Doc & Merle Watson are my fourth cousin & fourth cousin once removed respectively).
Venturing further south, we stopped at several more milestones to enjoy the beautiful scenery and views overlooking the valley. We stopped for supper at The Pisgah Inn’s restaurant. The food was delicious and the views were spectacular. The Pisgah Inn is located in the Pisgah National Forest amongst thesouthern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway (Blue Ridge Pkwy Milepost 408.6, Waynesville, NC).
It was a lovely and enjoyable trip, not just for the scenery, but always for the quality time spent with my son. Click on each photo for enhanced viewing. Have a wonderful day!
Location: Various locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway; North Carolina
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing in our adventure memories. If you have the opportunity I’d recommend driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll enjoy the scenery as much as we did. I appreciate y’all very much.
For this week in doing Cee’s Which Way My Way I’m choosing a theme of Any Which Way. Basically Any Which Way you choose; be sure we can see your Which Ways Clearly. And as always, signs are welcome anytime. I’d love for y’all to join me in posting your Which Ways you have Chosen to Share. Remember to link your Which Way posts to Cee’s Which Way hereor if you wish you can link to My Which Way here.
Road Trippin’ USA #6
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Pima Air & Space Museum
And Westward
In the Summer of 1985, my parents went Road Trippin’ across the United States of America. They began their Road Trip leaving from their home in San Diego, California. They always planned what or whom they wanted to visit ahead of time.
This week I’m continuing with their Road Trippin’ adventures for My Which Way of Cee’s Which Way Challenge in Tucson, Arizona at the Pima Air & Space Museum.
Last week we saw some of the sights my parents visited at the U.S. Air Force Academy. When they left Colorado behind to continue on their Road Trippin’ USA adventures, they drove south into New Mexico before continuing westward towards their home in San Diego, California.
On their way driving south to New Mexico, they stopped at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Montrose, Colorado.
Here are a couple of photos of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park they viewed from the North Rim of the Canyon. I’m sure besides enjoying the views, they were glad to stretch the legs before they proceeded driving again.
Chasm View on the North RimOak Flat Loop TrailBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Next stop for them was to visit the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Buildings at Carlsbad Caverns National ParkEntrance to Carlsbad Caverns Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Onward and Westward, they continued driving westward upon leaving Carlsbad, New Mexico with one final stop before finishing their Road Trippin’ USA adventure. Their next and final stop before arriving back home was to tour the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona.
Thank you for tagging along with me on my parents Road Trippin’ USA Adventures. Cee will be back soon (I think beginning in October). Please continue showing us your which way adventures. Have a fantastic weekend.
In the Summer of 1985 my parents went Road Trippin’ across the United States of America. They began their Road Trip leaving from their home in San Diego, California. They always planned what or whom they wanted to visit ahead of time.
This week I’m continue with their Road Trippin’ adventures for My Which Way of Cee’s Which Way Challenge at The Henry Ford – Museum Of American Innovation. Let’s take a look at some of the interesting displays they had the pleasure of seeing on their visit.
When they were finished touring The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, they drove to Indianapolis, Indiana for more sightseeing and tour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Next up on their Road Trippin’ USA Adventure was to begin driving southwest towards their next destination.
I once lived very close to Southern California beaches, but I have not lived there for many years. Pacific Beach, Mission Bay, Coronado Beach, and La Jolla Shores are some of my favourites and hold precious memories.
For years I have enjoyed the peacefulness of God near the shorelines of a couple different lakes. One of my all time favourites is the lake at Andrew Jackson State Park in Lancaster County, South Carolina.
Another lake my grandson and I have enjoyed relaxing, observing nature, having fun is Lake Haigler at the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
One last “lake” to share with y’all is one we visit and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the beautiful atmosphere is at Little Glade Millpond off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the North Carolina Mountains.
I could sit at the shore of a lake anytime anywhere. I dream of walking along the shores of the California coastline. I have fond memories of doing just that. Someday, I hope to take my grandson to see & play in the Pacific Ocean. What shoreline do you wish you could walk along everyday? Click one of the links below to join the challenge & link your own adventures along Shorelines.
Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata) AKA Black-winged Damselfly June 2017 on Canon EOS Rebel T3i Sesquicentennial State Park Columbia, South Carolina
Dos (Two, 2):
Acanthocephala Declivis Giant Leaf-footed Bug Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Tres (Three, 3):
Argiope aurantia AKAyellow garden spider, Black and Yellow Garden Spider Apple iPhone 13 Pro Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Cuatro (Four, 4):
Melanoplus differentialis Differential grasshopper Apple iPhone 13 Pro Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Cinco (Five, 5):
Libellula luctuosa Widow skimmer Species of dragonfly July (7) 2023 Canon EOS Rebel T3i Lake Haigler Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Seis (Six, 6):
iPhone 14 Pro MaxCanon EOS Rebel T3iEastern Carpenter Bees The Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia, North Carolina
Siete (Seven, 7):
Scolia dubia AKA Two-spotted Scoliid Wasp or a Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp & Megachile montivaga Silver -tailed Petalcutter Bee Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Warlick Family YMCA Gastonia, North Carolina
The Anas platyrhynchos is commonly known as Mallard or wild duck. The males (also called drakes) have green heads, while the females (called hens) have mainly brown speckled plumage.
The Mallard is approximately 50-65 centimeters (20-26 inches) long, the body making up the majority (about two-thirds) of their length. They are oftentimes slightly more heavier than the most othe dabbling ducks, weighing 0.7-1.6 kilograms (1.5-3.5 pounds).
Mallards live in wetlands, eat water plants and small animals, and are social animals preferring to congregate in groups or flocks of varying sizes. The Mallards shown here are quite commonly seen at Rankin Lake and other local lakes and parks in the vicinity.
They are a very adaptable species in that they are able to live and thrive in urban areas which may have supported more localised, sensitive species of waterfowl before development.
The name Mallard originally referred to any wild drake, and sometimes it is still associated in this way.
Mallards tend to frequently interbreed with their closest relatives in the genus Anas, which for example might be the American black duck. They might possibly interbreed with other species, such as the northern pintail or various hybrids that could be fertile.
In North America, Mallards winter in the south to southern United States and Northern Mexico. [The Mallards here were shot on camera in January, mid-winter for the southern United States.]
In summer, a combination of hot temperatures and reduced water levels place mallards at an increased risk of contracting botulism. Outbreaks of botulism among mallard populations can lead to mass die-offs.
Location: Sequoia National Forest; Tulare County, California, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. Have a wonderful week and enjoy the nature. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Good Day y’all! For this week’s challenge I dug into my archives to see what Lime or Lemon colours I could find to fit the theme. Hope y’all enjoy the selections I found.
In the Summer of 1985 my parents went Road Trippin’ across the United States of America. They began their Road Trip leaving from their home in San Diego, California. They always planned what or whom they wanted to visit ahead of time.
On this Road Trip, their first stop was to visit my dad’s sister in Charlotte, North Carolina. That stop was a brief visit; a time of relaxation before continuing on their long journey they had planned for themselves.
Their first planned stop after leaving my Aunt and Uncle’s home was to visit the Petersburg National Battlefield in Petersburg, Virginia. These are a few of the sights they saw while walking around the battlefield grounds and trails.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 