The construction on the new school next to The Schiele Museum is making extremely slow progress. However, I think with spring being on the way the construction progress may increase as the weather starts to improve.
Hey, You Looking at Me?Maybe You’d Like a Frontal Snapshot?Or Perhaps I Should Come a Little Closer?Is This Close Enough? Let’s Make a Deal, I’ll Give You One More Shot … This is My Final Pose!
One never knows where Coleman will decide to Pull Up a Seatfor a spell. The first two are of places he chose to Pull Up a Seatat the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia and the third one is of his selection in the Greenway.
Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?
The item I am most attached to from my youth is a stuffed monkey. Yes, I said a stuffed monkey. It is not just any ordinary stuffed monkey. It is a vintage red and white Mr. Bim The Monkey rubber face plush toy. I’ve had him since I was about five years old, (I really do still have him.)
The Mr. Bim The Monkey was a plush toy made to resemble a real chimpanzee from the 1947 children’s show Howdy Doody. (As a sign note, I still have a 45rpm with the Howdy Doody song.) In the 1950’s the Rushton Toys Co. produced a chimpanzee plush named Zippy Zip, which became popular with children. Mr. Bim Monkey stands roughly 18 inches tall. The majority of the 1960’s Mr. Bim the Monkey plush toys were black and yellow with red suspenders with a yellow banana in its right hand. The red suspenders had bells attached on them.
Above shows Coleman holding my Red and White Mr. Bim The Monkey. He is over fifty (50) years old. His suspenders have broken due to lots of love and play. His bells have long since vanished and he is a little dirty from lack of cleaning. However, he’s been a faithful companion throughout the years.
Friday was the first day of 2024 without too many clouds or rainstorms. The first time since before winter that we could see the aircrafts flying over our area. Blue skies and semi-warm weather warms the body and the soul.
I was just thinking about the many times Coleman and I have enjoyed hiking together along the Catawba River when the RDP (Ragtag Daily Prompt) appeared showing the today’s prompt to be River. Our minds seem to be in sync on thinking about River.
We’ve had a tremendous amount of rainfall recently and so I’ve been remembering beautiful sunny days spent with Coleman at the Catawba River. I’ve had photos of the Catawba River come across in my Google photos app as memories.
These are some of the memory photos that I’ve enjoyed looking over this week.
National Park Service Doughton Park Visitor Center
In front of the Doughton Park Visitor Center are welcoming chairs and a table to rest a bit and enjoy the view or perhaps to wait for the Park store to open if you are camping in one of their many campsites.
Doughton Park is located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 238.5 – 241. Besides the beautiful scenery surrounding this Park one may choose to explore The Brinegar Cabin, observe craft demonstrations, and talk a gander down one of several diverse hiking trails.
This area has one of the Parkway’s largest campgrounds, a popular picnic area, and more than thirty (30) miles of hiking trails where one may access forested slopes, streams, and backcountry in Basin Cove.
Doughton Park Legend
Originally called The Bluffs, 6,000 acre Doughton Park was created in the 1930s when the Blue Ridge Parkway was routed through this part of North Carolina. It was one of the first parts of the Parkway to be completed and remains its largest recreation area. In the 1950s, it was renamed for Robert Lee Doughton (1863-1954), a local landowner and politician, who was instrumental in getting the Parkway built. Mr. Doughton lived in the nearby Laurel Springs, North Carolina. [Note: the Laurel Springs area is also the area where my maternal grandfather grew up.]
The northern and western borders of Doughton Park are formed by the Parkway itself, which here follows the crest of the mountains, traveling at more than 3,000 feet above sea level through rolling highland meadow. The other borders of the Park are traced by steeply descending mountain ridges: Flat Rock Ridge along the southern side of the Park and Cedar Ridge along the eastern side. Within these borders is the rugged and remote watershed of two mountain streams, Basin Creek and Cove Creek. Together, the double valley – or double gorge – is known as Basin Cove.
In October of 2017 my eldest son and I took a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway meandering the scenic route enjoying the beautiful Autumn colours. I allowed him to drive as he had never previously driven the Parkway. We stopped at several mileposts along the way observing the beautiful landscape. At various mileposts including Milepost 238.5 – 241, we stopped, stretched our legs, and proceeded to hike along several of the many trails found along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I do not recall which trail we hiked at Doughton Park, however, I do know we visited The Brinegar Cabin. I encourage y’all if you are ever in the Western Part of the Carolinas to take a scenic drive along The Blue Ridge Parkway.
Views from the Backyard (1-2) Views from the Front Yard (3-4)
We have been having a lot of rain throughout the year. This is today’s view of our rainy weather. I am thankful it is not as devastating here as for some of my friends in San Diego, California. I do long for a California visit to see old friends and acquaintances. It will have to wait for another time. In my dreams the weather is perfectly sunny ☀️, not too hot 🥵 , not too 🥶, but just right. No jacket or sweater necessary. A time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, take a hike in the desert or the mountains or possibly both. In my dreams, the days are filled with love and happiness surrounded my friends I care deeply about. Hopefully, one day it will come to pass.
Looking back in time to Sunday, February 23, 2020; I remember walking off the Enchantment of the Sea Caribbean cruise ship onto the docks of the Costa Maya Port and seeing an amazingly entertaining sight.
When I first saw the ritualistic performance, I didn’t realize exactly what I was watching, however, I later learned that I was observing four men dancing in the sky.
Would you SIT on top of an 80 foot pole?
These four dancers are tied by their feet with long ropes; they descend to the ground as the ropes unwind and fly around the pole. There is a fifth dancer who remains at the top of the pole, playing the flute and drum. This ceremony is not just for mere entertainment to display bravery and courage, but it actually has a much deeper, more valuable meaning.
The Papantla Flyers are also known as the Voladores de Papantla or Birds from Earth. The Dance of the Voladores or Papantla Flyers is a pre-Hispanic ritual that originated in Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico. The Papantla Flyers is the most famous of the Totonac dances. This ancient Mesoamerican ritual is used to ask the gods to end a drought and bring rain for crops during extended dry seasons. It is said that the brave men falling symbolizes the fall of raindrops from the sky in the search of earth’s fertility. The flute represents the singing of a bird, and the drum resembles the voice of the gods; similar (almost) to the sound of a thunderstorm. In the past, the ritual began by choosing and cutting the tree from which they would take the flying post.
As a tourist this traditional ritual of the Papantla Flyers was stunning yet seemed dangerous. To the locals, it is a normal common and ancient tradition. It was amazing to watch even though I doubt that I would ever climb that high on any pole. Rest assured that these men who perform the important ceremony have been trained since childhood to perform this ritual. The tourists, like me, in actuality only see the final part of the ceremony.
Why are children fascinated with Garbage Trucks? Where we live the Garbage Trucks ( also known as rubbish trucks or tippy lorry depending on where you live) come twice a week usually on Monday’s and Friday’s. Coleman has a habit of running outside to greet the driver whenever the Garbage Truck arrives ( actually when it is close by) carrying his toy Garbage Truck with him.
Coleman is fascinated with Garbage Trucks
Why is Coleman and children in general fascinated with Garbage Trucks? How long have they been fascinated by Garbage Trucks?
It seems that children have been fascinated by Garbage Trucks for decades. A few reasons for why they are is as follows:
Big Wheels
Loud Noises
Object permanence
Curiosity
Pretend Play
Bin Talking Trash
Coleman talking with Garbage Truck Driver
The size and unique design of garbage trucks can capture a child’s imagination. The loud noises and mechanical movements of the truck and its various functions, such as the lifting and dumping of bins, can be fascinating to watch. Additionally, the routine and predictability of garbage collection days can create a sense of anticipation and excitement for young children. It is the combination of sensory experiences, routine, and the truck’s purpose which can make garbage trucks exciting for young kids.
Do you know when Garbage Trucks first came into existence? You, like me, probably never even thought about the existence or history behind Garbage Trucks.
The earliest garbage “trucks” were introduced around 200 A.D. by the Romans, who created a sanitation force made up of teams of men who would walk along the streets picking up garbage and putting it into wagons that would then move the garbage to remote sites.
In 1932 a Scotland-based company by the name of George Dempster & Sons Ltd. invented the front loader garbage trucks. The Dempster-Dumpster system used large bins that garbage men would fill with trash, and that would then be loaded into body using machinery on the trucks. This system is the reason behind the garbage bins being referred to as dumpsters.
Little Tikes Mini Garbage Truck Little Tikes Dirt Diggers Garbage Truck Coleman’s Garbage Trucks
The mini garbage truck is Coleman’s first toy garbage truck. This is the truck he would carry out whenever the Garbage truck came around in front of our apartment building. For Christmas I bought Coleman the larger Little Tikes Garbage truck. Now he mostly carries the bigger garbage truck out to show the sanitation worker his garbage truck. He likes to show him he has one similar to what he’s driving. Sometimes he carries both of his garbage trucks outside when the garbage truck arrives.
Before the truck leaves, Coleman will pump his arm up and down wanting the worker to honk the horn. The driver always complies with his requests.
I have not seen any snow recently or in the past year, so I am going to let y’all see some of the WHITE which I have seen along the various trails that Coleman and I have hiked in 2023.
First up is a hike with the Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club where some of the hikers are wearing white. Everybody was not ready for the photo; I like to catch people unaware when I can. you may also notice the white in the Archers Loop sign and the white clouds in the sky. It was a beautiful, picturesque day.
Archers Loop Adventure Road Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
Next up is the white Riverwalk Bridge as seen from the Piedmont Medical Center Trail that we have hiked with the hiking club and on our own. Coleman loves to hike along the Catawba River whenever we get the opportunity.
Riverwalk Bridge over the Catawba River Riverwalk Trailhead Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA
Below is capturing a hike we were able to do with Coleman’s mom and sister. It is near one of the locations his mom works at sometimes. Here we are on the Baxter Village Trail, a part of the Carolina Thread Trail System.
Baxter Village Trail Carolina Thread Trail Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA Baxter Village Trail Carolina Thread Trail Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
This next trail is one Coleman and I hiked on our own. I parked at the Boulder Access Parking lot, and we found the entrance to the trail. We hiked approximately two and a half miles before we turned around and headed back to the car. The trail goes on for miles crossing from North Carolina into South Carolina. We were not prepared to go that distance on this hike.
Boulders Overlook Boulder Access Area Crowders Mountain State Park Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA
For another hike we stopped at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to hike and enjoy the many marvelous flowers grown there. This is the covered walkway leading into the gardens. Notice the vines growing around the white pillars and Coleman trying to balance on the brick edging along the walkway.
Coleman at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Belmont, North Carolina, USA
Lastly, I know you cannot see the trail, but I wanted to leave you with a beautiful white flower of Queen Anne’s Lace to enjoy.
Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucas carota) Lake Haigler Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for tagging along with us as we remembered our amazing hikes. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 is a bright new year, hopefully more optimistic and positive than the past couple of years. I have been consistently blogging daily for the past five hundred twenty-one (521) days. To me, that is a tremendous achievement. This past year I broadened by blogging horizons by participating in several different challenges. Monday Window is just one of many I have tried to participate in on a regular or semi-regular basis. I hope to continue participating in the various blogging challenges and posting various activities with my grandson.
The first Monday Window for 2024 was taken along the Avon Catawba Creeks Greenway while hiking with my grandson, Coleman.
Apartment Complex Windows Looking Up from the Avon Catawba Creeks Greenway
Photo Credit: (c) 2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Looking Up from the Avon Catawba Creeks Greenway; Icon on the Greenway Apartments; Gastonia, North Carolina , USA
God Bless. Have a Blessed New Year & Keep Photographing, Writing, and/or blogging sharing your thoughts and artistic talents with the world. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. Looking forward to seeing y’all’s Last on the Card photos. I appreciate y’all very much.
When I think of Gold or Silver I think about a Scripture verse in the Holy Bible. It is actually the first portion of Acts chapter three verse six.
“Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: …”
Acts 3:6 NKJV
Gold, especially, was a symbol which stood for anything of great value. There are many things considered to be more valuable than gold or silver. The things to which I am referring to are not tangible, but still extremely important and valuable. These things are (in no particular order):
Friendship
Love
Faith
I/You are Valuable
Wisdom
The Word of God
Good Health
Y’all are precious to me. I value your friendship, kindness, wisdom, and encouragement. Below is my selections for this week’s challenge I choose to share with y’all on my insights for GOLD or SILVER.
Snowflake LIghting of the Greenway Lindsay Pettus Greenway Lancaster, South Carolina, USALIghting of the Greenway Lindsay Pettus Greenway Lancaster, South Carolina, USAGold Star ⭐️ Mothers Dedication Plaque LeJune Memorial Gardens Jacksonville, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for following, liking, and/or commenting on my posts. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. They/You are valuable to me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2023 — A Year in Review — Second Chance/LastChance
July 2923:
Mimosa, Shameplant or Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) flowers; Gaston County Warlick Family YMCA; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
August 2023:
Killdeer – Charadrius vociferus; Robinwood Lake; Warlick Family YMCA; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
September 2023:
Coleman; Aquarium Exhibits; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
October 2023:
Coleman; Horse Road Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
November 2023:
Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as tupelo, black tupelo, black gum or sour gum; Lake Haigler; Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
December 2033:
Coleman; Holiday at The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
2023 — A Year in Review — Second Chance/LastChance
Posting a Year in Review is something I have never done or dreamed of doing before. It is, however, a chance to reflect on the past year and reflect on the choices I’ve made. Why was one picture chosen previously, but not this particular one? Isn’t this picture worthy of being shared as well? I have decided to divide this challenge into two parts. Part One will be covering the first six months of 2023 giving a second/last chance to a select chosen photo from each month. In Part Two, I will dedicate to the last six months (including this one) of 2023 breathing life into previously passed over photos.
January 2023:
Honoring All Veterans Veterans Wall Glencairn Gardens Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA
February 2023:
Coleman Climbing the Bridge South Fork River Park 4185 Mountainview St Gastonia, North Carolina 28056
March 2023:
Coleman In Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Belmont, North Carolina, USA
April 2023:
Coleman The Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
May 2023:
Yellow Daylily Gaston County Warlick Family YMCA Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
June 2033:
A Greenway Horse Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. May your New Year be Blessed, Be Prosperous, and Full of Happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all.
As we have been sick with a respiratory virus (not Covid)since Thanksgiving; we haven’t been out much due to rain and feeling under the weather. Therefore, I am pulling a few succulents I enjoy from my 2023 archives.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 