Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens
Location: The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend. Enjoy the Spring Florals. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Love & Peace to y’all. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Ports O’ Call Los Angeles; San Pedro, California, USA
God Bless. Have an adventurous week filled with love and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Lower Trailhead; Stone Mountain State Park; Roaring Gap, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Capture the beauty all around you. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains; Wilson Hwy; Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Playing around with an old image from the 1960’s …
Original Digital scan of a photo ~ Approximately 1968 in San Diego, California
Adjusted contrast & slightly blurred background
Increased warmth of image
Adjusted lighting, contrast, and added color to the girl’s sweater
Enhanced image. Strengthen quality. Adjusted lighting and contrast. Also changed the background to one of my favourite places of my youth, Mission Beach.
This week PR from Flights of the Soulis the host for the Monochrome Madness Challenge. For information about the challenge check out Leanne’s Page about how to participate in Monochrome Madness by clicking here.
PR has chosen a theme of Minimalism for this week’s Monochrome Madness theme challenge.
God Bless. Have a funtastic week ahead. May your week be filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Catawba River; Landsford Canal State Park; Catawba, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Love & Peace to y’all. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
When I think about Easter, I do not think about the Easter Bunny, Egg Hunts, or Easter Baskets. What do I think about? I think and reflect on the real reason for the Easter season.
Beginning with Good Friday, remembering the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot with a kiss. Reflecting and Remembering Jesus willingly took my place on the cross to die in my place. Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man, who knew no sin (no wrong) gave up his life so I might live abundantly.
Who else would ever be willing to trade their life for mine? No one comes to mind that would be willing to make that sacrifice.
I recall the trial of Jesus, the thrashings Jesus took, and his carrying his own cross. That must of been a hard agonizing experience. He would have already been in excruciating pain from his harsh treatment and exhausted. He never gave up. He willingly endured the heavy weight of the cross for over approximately seven hundred (700) yards all the way to Golgotha. His Enduring the crowds and the people mocking him the entire way.
I remember Jesus’ Resurrection, sorrow turning to joy. He is Risen! I remember reading about Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb where Jesus was laid. I recall the Angels reassuring Mary Magdalene and the other women at the tomb to not be afraid. The angels saying “He is not here; He has Risen.”
When we/I celebrate Easter, I celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. I believe Jesus lives. I do not celebrate the Easter Bunny (even though many do). I do allow participation in Easter Egg hunts (they are fun activities for children), but I also try to explain about Jesus and his sacrifice as the real reason Easter is celebrated.
I also recall early morning sunrise services at the cross. For 109 years, Mt. Helix Park in La Mesa, California (located within San Diego County) has held an Easter Sunrise Service beginning at 6 am.
The Memorial Cross atop Mt. Helix in La Mesa, California
The sunrise service atop Mt. Helix began in 1917, long before the amphitheater was ever built. The amphitheater was created around 1924-1925 by the Yawkey and Fletcher families. The first sunrise service to be held in the amphitheater in Mt Helix Park was in 1925. The Mt. Helix Sunrise Easter service is the second longest-running Sunrise Easter service in the United States of America. The service is an historic celebration and also has an awe-inspiring beauty as you face the rising sun and the panoramic views of the city, the mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
The Memorial Cross is situated directly above the amphitheater on the summit. The Cross is made out of stone and is thirty-five (35) feet in height. It is Mt. Helix Park’s most prominent landmark and is visible from the amphitheater seats. I have never been to another sunrise service that ever came close to the experience of an Easter Sunrise Service atop Mt. Helix Park.
God Bless. Happy Easter! Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Get Outdoors. Have a fabulous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
First off, let me tell you I don’t do public transportation that often and when I do it is rare.
Let’s look at Past Public Transportation…
San Francisco Trolley (Not exactly a Bus, but still Public Transit)
Inside a Charter Bus
Looking at a Charter Bus from another Charter Bus
Now to see what can be seen from a Greyhound Bus …
Seen from a Greyhound Bus Passing through Louisiana
Moving on toward the Present …
Waiting Riding the Gastonia Public Transit
Coleman and I rode the Gastonia Transit Buses for approximately two (2) years before Gaston County disbanded the County Transit system and replaced it with Gaston Go Vans (which I still haven’t figured out how to arrange rides on them). The Buses were really convenient for Coleman and I to hop on and off (reduce fair for under 5 (under 3 was free) and seniors. We used to ride the buses all over Gastonia to various destinations such as: the library, The Schiele Museum of Natural History, Lineberger Park, Edwin Center, Warlick Family YMCA, Avon and Catawba Creek Greenways, and even to Walmart or Food Lion if we desired.
Last, but not least …
Coleman’s First Grade Class Edward Sadler Elementary Field Day Photo In front of Gaston County, North Carolina Public School Bus
Cameras: 1st Set: Minolta XG-7 35 mm; 2nd Set: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max; 3rd Set: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Can you spot Coleman in the last picture? Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Have a funtastic week. 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). This week we are continuing with thetheme – Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways [2nd Week — pm04.03.2026]) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any Dirt trail, road, pathway, sidewalk as long as the Which 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.
For my entries this week I am going way way back to April of 1979 when I visited Hearst Castle with friends and family …
Hearst Castle “La Cuesta Encantada” Built by William Randolph Hearst San Simeon, San Luis Obispo, California
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.
Location: Hearst Castle; San Simeon, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
God Bless. Blessings on Passover. Happy Easter! May you be blessed with Sunshine, Happiness, and Peace. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: Next Week’s Theme will be combined with Dan’s CFFC for a theme of – Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way with Views from a walk or hike.
This week being a free week I thought I’d take you on a virtual journey through Kings Mountain State Park not to be confused with Kings Mountain National Military Park both of which are located in Blacksburg, South Carolina. The two are located right next to each other. The State Park is different and offers many more opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, and picnicking.
These are from a hike Coleman and I undertook back in 2020 when he was 11 months old. He is a trooper, for sure and for certain. We hiked down to the Waterfall at Lake Crawford.
Lake Crawford Kings Mountain State Park Blacksburg, SC
The Waterfall is an enormous staircase waterfall which is the overflow spillway for Lake Crawford. Lake Crawford is just one of two lakes within Kings Mountain State Park. The other lake is named Lake York which we have not hiked around as of yet.
The Staircase Waterfall & Spillway Kings Mountain State Park Blacksburg, South Carolina
The State Park offers more than twenty (20) of hiking trails and an additional thirty (30) miles of equestrian only trails. It also has one hundred fifteen (115) campsites equipped with water and electricity plus fifteen (15) equestrian campsites.
Kings Mountain State Park and Spillway were built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It contains approximately nearly seven thousand (7,000) acres for the enjoyment of all who wish to visit.
The Otherside of the Waterfall & Spillway Kings Mountain State Park Blacksburg, SC
God Bless. Admire the Flowers 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 another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen for thetheme – Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways (Will Run for Two (2) Weeks [03.27-04.03.2026]) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any Dirt trail, road, pathway, sidewalk as long as the Which 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.
Here are my entries …
I’m starting off with a Springtime hike at Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. We entered Crowders Mountain State Park from the Boulders Access Point. After parking and gathering our backpacks with our water and snacks we checkered out the trail map.
We decided to hike the Ridgeline Trail. The Ridgeline Trail connects three parks, namely Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain State Park, and Kings Mountain National Military Park. The total length of the trail if you hike to all three is 15.1 miles with an elevation gain of 2,411 feet. The Crowders Mountain State Park section of the Ridgeline Trail is 6.2 miles long.
Coleman and I only hiked the Crowders Mountain State Park section of the Ridgeline Trail and then hiked back to the Boulders Access Point parking area.
Ridgeline Trail Boulders Access Point Crowders Mountain State Park Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Now that we’ve seen one of our Springtime hikes, let’s take a look at a variety of Spring Florals seen while hiking on various hiking trails.
Spring Florals on Trails
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.
God Bless. Enjoy a stroll in the vast outdoors. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: The theme for the next will be a continuation of CWWC: Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways ( Will Run for Two (2)Weeks [03.27-04.03.2026]
Brian from Bushboys Worldis this week’s host for the Monochrome Madness challenge. He is challenging us to depictblack and white images of what we see when we look upon Roofs/(rooftops).
Well, what do you know, there are lots of different kinds of things that you can see on Roofs if only you Look Up.
Here are a few examples of what I have seen on Roofs when I have chosen to Look Up …
Including … Cats
Cats 🐈 on Rooftops (no one said it had to be a building roof) Lancaster, South Carolina
… Gardens
Coleman checking out the Schiele Museum’s Rooftop Garden
These two Images are of the Garden on top of the Roof at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina. On one of our many visits Coleman wanted to go up in the elevator to see what it would lead. So, we went. They grow many succulents in their Rooftop Garden.
… Birds of all kinds
Birds love Perching on Roofs
… Raindrops and Vents
On the Roof of a portion of Captain’s Quarters Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
… Men on Rooftop
Roofers on Rooftop Repairing a Roof
… And now for a Goat
Goat on Roof (Hey, it’s a building roof) Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
God Bless. Look Up. Be Observant. Amazing and beautiful things to see all around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game.This week’s number is 239. Her instructions for playing along are listed below …
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 Judy’s 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.
Here are my contributions …
Please click on photos to enlarge.
From the Crazy Sister Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Live life to the fullest. Make lasting memories. Take Care. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
First I’m going to take y’all way back to 1974. We’ll be visiting the historic Queen Mary docked in Long Beach, California. (Dan, you didn’t say it had to be moving.) My family and I toured the Queen Mary the summer after my high school graduation. (Yep, that gives you a clue to how long I’ve been around.)
These are views from aboard the Queen Mary taken with my dad’s Minolta XG-7 35mm camera …
Aboard the Historic Queen Mary Long Beach, California
The next Views are from the Enchantment of the Seas Caribbean Cruise Ship taken with an Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max during a cruise in February of 2020.
Aboard the Enchantment of the Seas Caribbean Cruise Ship Gulf of Mexico (now Gulf of America)
Please click on photos to enlarge.
Hope you enjoyed our views from Ships on Water. Looking forward to seeing y’all’s.
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Scott Memorial Baptist Church Taken in February 14, 1976 San Diego, California
This image was brought up in my memories. It was taken at my friend’s wedding at the church we grew up in many years ago. Her and her husband have now been married for Fifty (50) years. Quite remarkable in this day and age. The church holds many memories for me, but the memories that are precious to me are the friendships that we made, the places we camped, the fellowships at Mission Beach & Mission Bay playing Volleyball. Those friendships have stood the test of time.
Location: Tunnel Trail; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy the Great Outdoors. Take a walk/hike in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens
Location: The Rooftop Garden; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: The Garden in the Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan from No Facilities hosts the Fun Foto Challenge at and this week he is asking for our Views from a Car. I have chosen to take you on an adventure of Looking Forward while Venturing backwards in time to Past Views from a Windshield.
Let’s begin with the Current 2026 …
The View to the Carolina Speedway Gastonia, North Carolina
2025 View in Charlotte, North Carolina …
Driving through downtown Charlotte
Now to the Past Views from a Car …
2017 …
Beautiful Views while driving the Blue Ridge Parkway (NC) (taken from the passenger seat).
2012 …
Views In Ohio’s Amish Country
Now to Traverse even Further Back in Time …
1979 …
Views while crossing San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in California, USA
1973 …
Fixing to stop at a Texas Toll Booth
1963 …
Approaching the Toll Booth, The Dallas/Fort Worth Turnpike in Texas.
Nowadays you don’t need to stop, due to the digital age they just capture your license plate & send you a bill.
God Bless. Take an adventure. See some beautiful sights. Capture the Memories. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Veterans Wall Glencairn Garden Rock Hill, South Carolina
Veterans Memorial Wall … Army … Navy … Air Force … Coast Guard … Marines … POW/MIA
Veterans Wall Glencairn Garden Rock Hill, South Carolina
The Glencairn Veterans Wall honors the men and women who served in the military. The City of Rock Hill, South Carolina holds an annual event as a Tribute to Veterans. The annual event is organized y the City of Rock Hill and the York County Veterans Advisory Council.
In Jacksonville’s Lejeune Memorial Gardens …
Beirut Memorial Wall Lejeune Memorial Gardens Jacksonville, North Carolina
Lejeune Memorial Gardens are located not far from Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. My eldest son and I visited the Memorial Gardens when I drove to visit him and my other son who was stationed at Camp Lejeune back in 2017.
Vietnam Memorial Wall Lejeune Memorial Gardens Jacksonville, North Carolina
Lejeune Memorial Gardens is a five (5) acre park which honors military service. The Gardens feature several memorials which include the Beirut Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial Beam, and the Corpsmen Memorial. We walked along the many walking trails as we were captivated be the various memorials. The memorials were tributes to significant events in United States history. To find out more about the Memorials and the Lejeune Memorial Gardens click here.
Bill J. Motes, of Newport, North Carolina converted a Mazda Wankel Rotary Engine to use in a Coot amphibian aircraft in which he received recognition by the experimental aircraft community. Bill was satisfied with the engine’s performance, however, due to his developing crippling arthritis he was unable to fly his Coot aircraft for any extended period.
Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Aircraft engine …
Twin Wasp Aircraft engine North Carolina Transportation Museum
The Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Engine is an American air-cooled radial aircraft engine with 14 cylinders aligned in two banks of seven. The design for the Pratt & Whitney engine dates back to 1929, however, production didn’t begin until 1932.
An Interesting Note: The Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Engine was used in eighty-nine (89) different types of commercial and military aircraft including B-24s, C-47s and the Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat, until it was phased out by Grumman.
Both of these Engines were engine’s Coleman and I saw during our visit to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in 2021.
Location: North Carolina Transportation Museum; Spencer, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have an adventure. Visit a museum. Take Care. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan Antion from No Facilities, the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)has chosen to start a new series of related themes dealing with Tools and Equipment. This is the fourth week of the new series for Cee’s Fun FotoChallenge with Inventions which has a feature of Tools and Equipment.
Here are my entries …
Ridgid RB40 Jobsite Toolbox seen along the Rocky Branch TrailDewalt DWE7491RS – Job Site Table Saw w/ Rolling Stand, 10″, CompactStorage of Fire Extinguishers & other equipment Construction Equipment hard at work by The Schiele Museum Construction Equipment at Anne Springs Close Greenway CATERPILLAR 349F Crawler ExcavatorsVancer CWX20 HI-RAIL EXCAVATORCee’s Fun Foto Challenge Tools and Equipment
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Make some funtastic memories. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Lost Hollow is a section in Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden specifically designed for children. It is also known as The Kimbrell Children’s Garden.
Trumpet pitcher Sarracenia
The garden incorporates nature-inspired play spaces that encourage exploration and interaction with the surrounding environment. The Lost Hollow features an amphitheater, sunken pond, Moonkeep, play spaces and more for the imagination. This garden has been expanded since we last visited. It now includes a 0.4 mile Adventure Trail and Prairie Castle Playground for children to explore and enjoy.
Sarracenia flava
Sarracenia (Trumpet pitchers) are carnivorous North American plants with hollow, trumpet-shaped leaves that trap and digest insects. They lure prey with nectar and bright colours by using slippery, downward-pointing hairs and digestive fluids to capture and absorb nutrients which helps to supplement their diet in low- nitrogen environments.
Yellow Trumpet
The Yellow Trumpets (Sarracenia flava) have tall yellow-green pitchers with red veins which can reach up to thirty (30) inches. Their colouring often changes from yellow-green to a bright yellow in the Springtime. These particular Yellow Trumpets grow near the pond in Lost Hollow.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens
Location: Lost Hollow; Kimbrell Children’s Garden; Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan Antion from No Facilities , the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)has chosen to start a new series of related themes dealing with Inventions and Gizmos. This is the third week of the new series for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge with Inventions which has a feature of Special Tools.
Here are my entries …
Hole Puncher on display on the USS North Carolina Battleship in Wilmington, North Carolina
Teletype Corp Model 15 New Braunfels Railroad Museum New Braunfels, Texas
The Teletype Corp Model 15 dates back prior to World War II and was utilized by Western Union for telegraph communications, news wire services AP) and business. This model was adopted by the U.S. military for its communications network.
Railroad Switch Stand
This type of Switch Stand contains Semaphore signals which were operated manually, with the position of the Red blade and the colour of the light indicating whether the track ahead was clear or occupied.
The Semaphore signals were crucial for communicating with train engineers regarding track conditions and movements, thus ensuring railway safety.
Specialized Tools on Display at Anne Springs Close Greenway …
Historic Small Hand Tools used throughout history on small farms and homesteads Blacksmith Tools Graham Cabin Anne Springs Close GreenwayCFFC – Special Tools
God Bless. Stay Safe. Take Care. Have an adventurous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Stay Safe. Take Care. Have an adventurous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
We are very much still in winter even though we haven’t had anymore snow as of yet. We have had many freezing temperatures in the evenings and early mornings. The past couple of days warmed up, however, chilly days and rainy days are still in the foreseeable forecast.
Since Spring has not yet sprung this year I decided to look back upon a delightfully sunny Spring day in 2022(spring ended on June 21st in 2022). On this spectacular Spring day, Coleman and I hiked along the Catawba River in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We hiked along the Founders Trail which runs parallel to the Catawba River. And before you ask, Coleman did enjoy some refreshing playtime in the River.
Look closely to see people tubing down the River.
Kayakers enjoying the Catawba River.
Coleman wading, playing, & watching the tubers floating down the Catawba River.
Location: Catawba River; Founders Trail; Carolina Thread Trail; Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Here’s wishing for Spring. Have a delightfully wonderful weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week Terri WebsterSchrandt of Second Wind Leisure Perspectivescombines her Sunday Stills Challenge with her Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge for a theme of Amethyst. She has also created her The #Flower Hour post using shades of Amethyst flowers.
Spring has not yet sprung in our area as of yet, therefore, I perused my photo archives to find appropriate images to use for all three challenges in one.
Here are my contributions …
Platycodon grandiflorus; a species of herbaceous, Aka balloon flowerPurple PansyHydrangeaSeaside PetuniasViola bertolonii aka Bertoloni’s pansy
God Bless. Have a lovely week. Take time to observe nature’s beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The National Cash Register Company (NRC) was founded by John H. Patterson in 1884 in Dayton, Ohio. He pioneered the mechanical cash register to stop employee theft.
And even further back …
Letterpress on the USS North Carolina
The letterpress printing machine was invented way back around 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany. The letterpress printing machine enabled mass production of books, revolutionizing the spread of information. It was a dominant printing method for over 500 years.
Quote by Charles Kettering
On to other inventions seen at various museums …
Robots anyone?
Early Robots as seen in The Discovery Center in Abilene, Texas in March of 2020.
The Joe Steinlauf Bed Bike
The Joe Steinlauf Bike, often referred to as the Bed Bike, is on display (at least it was in August of 2021) at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina. The Bed Bike is an unconventional contraption designed by using a metal headboard.
“One rule of invention; before you can invent it, you have to imagine it. By James GunnOlympia typewriter
The Olympia Typewriters were produced by the German company Olympia-Werke AG (founded 1903 in Wilhelmshaven). This typewriter was donated to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum (St Simons, Georgia) in 1970 by Eileen Humphlett. It was one used by the author Eugenia Price.
God Bless. Stay Safe. Take Care. Have an adventurous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan Antion from No Facilities , the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)has chosen to continue his themes dealing with this, that, or both. This week’s them is Old or New or Both. It is my opinion that regardless of whether something is Old or New they both can hold precious memories one might choose to hold for a lifetime.
I have gathered a selection of Old and New images that depict things that are Old (or seem to be old depending on one’s opinion) and some that are New and have formed New memories to treasure.
For example, the first picture of Der Weinerschnitzel sparks memories from my high school days. My high school was located right next door to a Der Weinerschnitzel and students were able to go there on their lunch breaks to get chewy delicious food like chili dogs, polish sausage sandwiches, or any type of hot dog and sides one desired. The food was quick, but also tasty and easy to get and devour in a short time span. The Der Weinerschnitzel near my high school still exists in the same location, but the sign has been “upgraded” to no longer contain the “Der” in front of Weinerschnitzel. The rest, hopefully are self explanatory for Old/New examples.
Old Der Weinerschnitzel Restaurant (Before 1974) – New Sign (No More Der)Old Growth /New Growth Same Ole Coleman-New Memories New Family Photo (01/01/2026)Newborn/Grandma (not too old, inMy opinion) New Family Photo (12/2025)Old Family Photo (1940’s)Old Family Photo (1960’s)
Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game.This week’s number is 226. Her instructions for playing along are listed below …
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 Judy’s 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.
Looking through my photos I ran across a bench from one of our hiking adventures I don’t think I’ve shared before, so I thought I would share it today.
First off, how about some Blue on Blue in the Gulf of Mexico (now called Gulf of America) from a cruise I took back in 2020. We were in the middle of the Gulf heading towards Cozumel, Mexico. It’s amazing how except for the other ships at sea, all one sees for miles and miles in practically Blue on Blue.
When the Water & Sky Meet Cobalt Blue
Now for some Winter Wonderland (this isn’t Solstice, but it is having some 🥶 Winter Wonderland Funtime.
Coleman and his mom enjoying some Funtime in the Winter Snow.
I know we are currently in December with today (the 21st) being Winter Solstice, but we don’t usually get Snow in our area until January and/or February. The top photo was take in February of 2020 & the Bottom picture was taken in January of 2022.
God Bless. Have a wonderful Winter Solstice and a fantastic week. Merry Christmas! Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Tina from travelsandtrifles is the host this week for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. Tina is giving us the opportunity for one Last Chance to share photos we have taken and loved throughout 2025 and hadn’t had an opportunity to share for one challenge or another.
Here are some of my favorites from this year that I believe I haven’t as yet shared with y’all …
Dan, the host for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is asking us to share photos of Winter, Summer or Both. Lately our weather has been so cold and extremely windy that it feels like winter. Yesterday morning our low was down to 14°, which for me, extremely freezing weather with the wind chill making it feel even colder. Our lowest temperatures of the day are when I need to wait with Coleman at the school bus stop. His bus always runs late, so I am always chilled to the bone by the time I get back to the house.
Enough talk about our current “Wintry” weather conditions and let’s move on to showing you some images from last Winter.
Here are my contributions for this week …
Northern Mockingbird February 2025Footprints in the Snow 02/2025Snow/ice covered plants 02/2025Deer eyeing me December 2024Christmas Lights December 2024Coleman enjoying the Snow ❄️ 02/2025Would you go barefoot in the Snow/ice? January 2025Coleman entering Goat Island 12/2024Coleman by the South Fork Catawba River December 2024Nativity Scene with extra figurine (aka Coleman) 12/2024CFFC – Looking Back Upon Winter
God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: You might want to take a look at this Friday’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC) (another one of Cee’s challenges) to see the new ideas for the new theme of Any Which Way with a Holiday theme. — Part 2 which will go live on Friday 12/19 just past midnight EST.
The Plunge in San Diego, California was originally called The Natatorium. It was constructed in 1925 as the centrepiece of Belmont Park, along with the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.
Closeup of The Plunge’s Front Door
Belmont Park is located at Mission Beach. It was once the world’s largest saltwater pool. In 1940, The Plunge’s pool was converted from a saltwater pool to a freshwater pool. After the conversion, it became Southern California’s largest heated indoor pool. However, in the 1970’s, the pool and the rest of Belmont Park fell into disrepair. [It was during the 70’s when I was able to spend many days, especially in the summer, at Mission Beach enjoying the rides, the ocean, and the pool within The Plunge.]
In 2014, The Plunge was closed due to structural issues. After undergoing a major restoration, it reopened in 2019 as a completely modern, heated facility with a retractable roof and new amenities including floor-to-ceiling windows, while still maintaining its historical character.
The Plunge Belmont Park San Diego. California
The renovation was done in coordination with San Diego’s Historical Resources Board and the Save Our Heritage Organization. Great efforts were made to restore and replicate historic architectural features, including the original-style archways and decorative tilework.
During the mid-twentieth century, The Plunge served as a community gathering spot for swim lessons, school meets, and summer outings. The Plunge has been and continues to be a beloved landmark for Mission Beach residents and the entire city of San Diego.
Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game.This week’s number is 222. Her instructions for playing along are listed below …
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 Judy’s 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.
Please click on photos to enlarge.
Here are my entries …
The Schiele Museum Cramerton Town ClockThe Cape Neddick Lighthouse Coleman The Billy Graham Library Roy Rogers & Trigger Wax Figures Alona Larry & meLake Haigler Anne Springs Close Greenway New Braunfels Railroad Museum Doyce Eileen Watson WatersDelia Green Maternal Great Grandmother Holmes County, Ohio
Dan, the host for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is asking us to share photos of Sporting Venues (actually I’m a week late), a specific type of Cultural Venue. Here are my contributions …
Typical Sporting Venues …
Stadiums …
Ohio State University Stadium Texas Rangers Stadium Old San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium
The top two (2) stadiums are ones my cousins and nieces attend to watch their local sporting events. The third (3rd) stadium in San Diego is the old stadium which served as a venue for both the San Diego Padres and the San Diego Chargers. I only attended Padre games here.
Non-typical Sporting Venues …
Racetracks …
Cajon Speedway El Cajon, California
My dad loved watching car races. He grew up watching NASCAR races. The Cajon Speedway was an oval racetrack near El Cajon, California. The racetrack was originally a 0.25 mile dirt oval track which opened in 1961. In 1964 the track was expanded to a 0.375 mile dirt track and then was paved. The track was located between Gillespie Field and the San Vicente Freeway. The track held many Stock Car races throughout the years. Some of the more notable events were USAC National Midget Series, NASCAR Winston West Series, NASCAR Southwest Series, and the USF2000.
The Cajon Speedway ceased operations after the 2004 season and was demolished sometime after the lease ended in 2005. At this time it is unsure if or when a new NASCAR short track will be built on the property.
Horse Shows …
Horse Shows
The top two (2) are from a horse show held on the grounds of the Lake Haigler Entrance for Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The third (3rd) is of a horse show held at the San Diego Wild Animal Park (now known as the San Diego Safari Park) in 1978.
Water Sport Venues …
Water Sport Competitions
The first two (2) are of my eldest son’s high school CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) swim finals competition held in 1998 in Long Beach, California. My son competed in the butterfly event and the 4 x 100 meter medley and the 4 x 400 meter medley relays. The third (3rd) is from a paddling competition at the Port O’ Call, San Pedro, California.
Youth Baseball/T-ball Venues …
Here we have Coleman at his T-ball practice and one of his games on the local T-ball field. The last is of our local high school’s baseball field.
Good Sunday Morning to y’all. This week Debbie from Travel with Intenthas chosen Steering Wheels for the theme for One Word Sunday (OWS). I’ve scoured my archives searching for a few Steering Wheels and I’ve managed come come across a few.
Here are my entries …
Coleman behind the Steering Wheel of a Fire Engine
Coleman testing out the Steering Wheel of a Tractor at The Farm at The Schiele Museum of Natural History.
These next two are located at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina.
Coleman Turning a Steering Wheel outside the main Museum building.
Here Coleman is checking out the Steering Wheel of a Train.
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