Today was slightly cooler than it has been all summer, giving us the perfect opportunity to photograph the surrounding foliage.
Dale, the host of theCosmic Photo Challenge, has challenged us to post a few images of foliage for this week’s challenge. Today was actually slightly cooler than it has been all summer, therefore, Coleman and I spent a couple of weeks in the backyard. While he was running around and playing I snapped a few pictures of the foliage surrounding us. I changed it up after a few minutes and shot in black and white.
Here are some of the Foliage I captured …
In Colour …
#CosPhoChal Cosmic Photo Challenge Foliage in Colour
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
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.
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 Shop. This new series will continue for approximately three (3) more weeks. We are currently in the third week of the Where/What/When CFFC series. This theme was inspired by Dawn M. Miller.
I have gathered a few images of Where/What/When I’ve Shopped over the years. Most of my shopping these days are done online via Amazon, Walmart, and Harlequin. I do still get out for groceries and other necessary or essential various sundries.
Here are my contributions …
Ashe County Cheese West Jefferson, NC https://www.ashecountycheese.com/The Shop Antiques, Refinishing Abilene, TexasHarris Teeter Charlotte, NCGeneral Store Coshocton, Ohio Lehman’s Kidron, Ohio https://www.lehmans.com/Deep Gap Cash Store Deep Gap, NCJim’s Produce Deep Gap, NCThe Trailhead Store Daniel Stowe Conservancy Belmont, NCArtisan Open Market Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, SCAmazon.comBaby General Hospital Cleveland, GeorgiaJulian Pie Company Julian, CaliforniaCee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s CFFC Where/What/When We Shop
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: Outside the General Store in Ohio, the man on the left is my maternal grandfather. Coleman is outside the door of The Trailhead Store. Outside the Deep Gap Cash Store are my Great Aunt Sophrona (called Aunt Sophie, she’s my grandfather’s sister) and her husband (my great uncle.
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina
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.
Beth from Wandering Dawgsis this week’s host for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. She is asking us to select our favourite Bridges to share. She states that they “ any kind of bridge: natural bridges, foot bridges, swinging bridges, highway bridges, stone bridges, railroad bridges, or any other kind of bridge you can think of.” I’ve gathered a selection of Highway Bridges, Foot Bridges, Trestles, and a Swinging Bridge that I hope y’all will enjoy.
Swinging Bridge at Anne Springs Close Greenway can be trip to cross or fun depending on your outlook.
Swinging Bridge Lake Haigler Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Foot Bridges oftenconstructed to accommodate crossing a creek or river to be easier and more accessible for animals, and humans. Coleman and I hike over these types of Bridges quite frequently.
Baxter Village Trail with Alona & Trisha Fort Mill, South Carolina
Glencairn Garden Rock Hill, South Carolina
Goat Island Park and Greenway crosses over South Fork Catawba River Cramerton, North Carolina
Trestle Bridges are made of many short spans supported by close frames. The purpose is usually to transport trains/train lines across a deep valley (like rivers and lakes) or ravines.
Showing both a Trestle and Highway Bridge Situated over the Catawba River Along the Piedmont Medical Center Trail from the Catawba River Trailhead Rock Hill, South Carolina
Other Trestles over the Catawba River …
Trestle Bridges Over the Catawba River Piedmont Medical Center Trail Rock Hill, South Carolina
Trestle Bridge over the Mississippi River …
Trestle Bridge viewed from the Tennessee Welcome Center after crossing the Mississippi River
Highway/Road Bridges are designed to a road and its traffic over an obstacle such as a river, a valley, or even another road. First, we’ll look at a Road Bridge that crosses over a creek and a trail. The trail is the Blue Star Trail, part of which runs parallel to Steele Creek and under a Road Bridge. The Blue Star Trail in one of 25 unique trails which allows hikers, bikers, and equestrian riders to explore over 40 miles within the Anne Springs Close Greenway.
Road Bridge over Steele Creek and Blue Star Trail
Now on to California Highway Bridges …
In the San Francisco-Oakland Area …
Golden Gate Bridge, San FranciscoGolden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, a double suspension bridgeSan Francisco-Oakland Bay BridgeSan Francisco–Oakland Bay BridgeSan Francisco Bay BridgeSan Francisco Bay BridgeLAPC – Bridges California’s San Francisco Bay Bridges All taken in April 1979 by my dad.
And last, but not least, the amazing San Diego-Coronado Bridge which connects San Diego with the city of Coronado. Construction on the Bridge began in February of 1967 after years of debate over the need and logistics of a bridge being built to cross the bay. The Navy feared a bridge could collapse due to an attack or an earthquake thus trapping navy ships stationed at Naval Base San Diego. The Navy finally, in 1964, agreed to support a Bridge if there was a minimum of 200 feet (61 Meters) of 660 feet in the main span for sufficient clearance for the Navy ships operating out of Naval Base San Diego to pass underneath it. [Side Note: Before the Bridge was constructed the only way to Coronado from San Diego or vice-versa was by Ferry.]
San Diego-Coronado Bridge
The Bridge itself is 11,179-foot-long (3,407 m or 2.1 mi) and ascends from Coronado at a 4.67 percent grade before curving 80 degrees toward San Diego. The Bridge was finally completed and opened to the public on August 3, 1969. It opened during the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of San Diego. When it opened, a toll of 60¢ was charged in each direction. The toll charges were supposed to end when the bond was paid, but continued until 2002. This Bridge has five lanes, two eastbound, two westbound, and a reversible middle lane which could switch to correspond with traffic needs.
An interesting fact: Before its official opening to vehicular traffic on August 3, 1969, the Coronado Bridge had a special “Bridge Walk” on August 2, 1969. Thousands of people, including many bicyclists, participated in this dedication event, getting a unique chance to experience the bridge on foot and by bike before cars were allowed on it. I had many friends that road their bicycles across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge on that special day celebrating the bridge’s completion and opening.
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.
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 MemorialBeirut MemorialMontford Point Marine Memorial155mm M114 HowitzerVietnam Veterans MemorialVietnam Veterans MemorialMontford Point Marine MemorialBeirut MemorialBeirut MemorialVietnam Veterans MemorialFlags proudly representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the POW/MIA cause.Vietnam Veterans Memorial‘Our Fallen Brothers,’ featuring the insignias of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Marine Divisions.Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Reflection PoolLejeune 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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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 …
Gulf of Mexico (now America)San Rafael Swell Emery County, Utah“Layers of Dusk” View from Pisgah Inn Blue Ridge MountainsCaptain’s Quarters Resort Myrtle Beach, SCCraggy 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: All about Dinosaurs; Where: Donosaferi Theaten, The Schiele Museum; When: October 2023What: Kids Concert; Where: Confluence, Cramerton, NC; When: November 2024What: Symphony Concert; Where: Comporium Amphitheater; When: September 2022What: Concert in the Park; Where: Hendersonville, NC; When: August 2019What Monster Jam Truck Wars; Where: Carolina Speedway, Gastonia, NC; When: February 2026What: Summer Concert Series; Where: Anne Springs Close Greenway; When: Days listed on BannerWhat: Watching Airplanes take off; Where: Charlotte-Douglas International Airport; When: October 2024What: Watching a Killer Whale Show; Where: Seven Seas Marine Life Park; When: August 1972What: Watching an Equestrian Show; Where: San Diego Wild Animal Park; When: May 1978What: 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: Rick Hubbard’s Kazoobie Kazoo Show; Where: Centennial Park; When: August 2025Where: Cajon Speedway in ElCajon, California; What: Stock car Races; When: September 1970What: Early Explorers Storytime; Where: The Schiele Museum; When: October 2023What: Watching Fireworks; Where: Centennial Park, Cramerton, NC; When: June 28, 2025What: Rooted Rhythm Concert; Where: Anne Springs Close Greenway; When: May-July 2026What: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra; Where: Comporium Amphitheater; When: September 2022What: Watching Airplanes Land; Where: Charlotte Airport; When: October 2024Cee’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?
Eastern Boxelder bugMonarch butterflies Brood XIX cicadaCommon Blue Mud DauberEremnophila aureonotata, aka gold-marked thread-waisted waspTrigonopeltastes delta, aka delta flower scarabAcanthocephala declivis, aka the giant leaf-footed bugPapilio glaucus, aka the eastern tiger swallowtailSunday 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Location: The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take time to enjoy nature. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Coleman looking over a Native American Exhibit in the Henry Hall of the American Indian at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina.
It has been extremely hot and humid in our area causing havoc on gardens and flowers to wither and fade away. Currently, There are not many left in bloom. However, I did manage to find a few.
These are from The Garden in The Farm at The Schiele Museum of Natural History…
A Pair of Yellow Zinnias …
Zinnias
A Look at a Couple of Rhododendron indicum, aka Azalea indica L. …
Pink Azalea
Rhododendron indicum, aka Southern Indian azalea, has showy, vibrant funnel-shaped red, scarlet, or pink flowers that bloom in mid to late spring and occasionally again in the fall. ]These are both from the same Rhododendron (Azalea) Shrub.]
Rhododendron indicum, aka Satsuki azalea or Southern Indian azalea.
Now before we leave let’s take a look at an array of Sulfur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) …
Sulfur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) The #Flower Hour Cee’s Flower of the Day Bren’s Floral Friday
That’s all I have for y’all today. Till next time, have a fabulously fun and productive weekend filled with love, laughter, and happiness.
Location: The Garden; The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; 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.
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (previously hosted by Cee Neuner). This week we are exploring Outdoor Steps or Stairs. You may not ordinarily think about photographing Outdoor Steps or Stairs, I usually do. So many places Coleman and I hike have Outdoor Steps or Stairs along trails which we climb to get to our intended destination before completing our journey.
These are some of the Outdoor Steps or Stairs we have climbed … at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina.
CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way Challenge
Click on each image 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.
Photo Credit: 2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Location: The Farm and Nature Trail; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Happy Adventures. Enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Next Week we will be moving from Outside/Outdoor to Inside/Indoors for a theme of: CWWC 2026: Any Which Way with Indoor Steps and/or Stairs [08.21.2026]
![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)
![CWWC 2026: Any Which Way with Outdoor Steps or Stairs. [08.14.2026]](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-2.jpg?w=900)
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