The photo was taken at the Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park, California back in 1966 by my dad when we visited. These are wax figures of Roy Rogers and Trigger. The sign in front of the display (not pictured here) states CO. REPUBLIC 1945; “DON’T FENCE ME IN”; ROY ROGERS; DIR. ENGLISH; PROD. DONALD H. BROWN; SCENE N. 20; TAKE NO; EXT: STABLE.
The photos have been reconstructed by digitizing them via Wolverine digital converter to create a renewed version for save keeping for future generations.
Today we are going backwards in time Reconstructing my dad’s slides to reminisce family journeys from 1963. These are from one of our vacations traveling from San Diego, California to Great Falls, South Carolina and back home again.We progressed along the interstate Moving Forward Eastbound and Down loaded up and truckin’ heading to see my paternal grandparents for the first time in five years.
Coming or Going Somewhere in Texas
The Six Flags can be seen from Interstate 20 nearing the Arlington, Texas. They signify being close to the Six Flags over Texas amusement theme park.
Which way are we going? From the photo I’m not sure if we were headed east or going back west at this point in time as I can barely remember the trip.
Stop 🛑 and Pay 💰 Toll Texas Toll Booths
Nowadays, there are over 50 toll roads in Texas. All drivers are required to pay the toll (fee) regardless of where you live. The first major toll road in Texas, which opened in 1957, was a 30-mile, six-lane stretch of highway between Dallas and Fort Worth. A drive from one end to the other cost 50 cents.
Passing through El Paso, Texas
After a long tiring vacation visiting family in the Carolinas, we are passing forward through El Paso heading home to San Diego. At this point of our trip we are excited to be almost home (over half way back across country.
I’ve been working on preserving and digitizing my dad’s old slides and thought these might fit the theme for Debbie’s OWS-Red Challenge.
3-speed GM Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission in 1969Pirate Ship at Disneyland in 1965The Little Train by Lois LenskiLarry Dean Waters (my brother) and Debbie Lynn Waters (myself) in 1963
A Rainbow burgeoning across the sky captured many years ago by my dad as we were traveling to parts unknown (at least to me nowadays) somewhere in the USA.
I reconstructed my dad’s slides by Digitizing them via a Wolverine Titan 8-in-1 High Resolution Digital Converter renewing them for viewing for years to come.
We can’t go back to being young again, but that doesn’t stop us from feeling young once again. When we reminisce we remember how we felt when we were young, the excitement of getting on a bus for a week of adventure with friends.
Youth group loading onto the church bus for a time of fun and adventure in the desert. Children from an Orphanage in Tecate, Baja California.
We remember the fun times of venturing into Baja California ( or a place we’d never been to before), of sharing our time and helping others. We remember the dreams and ideas we had, the places we wanted to see, the things we wanted to do.
A Young Family resting a spell by the church’s Chuck Wagon
We remember sharing our love,passion, enthusiasm, and experiences with children and families. We remember how it was when we were young and smile at all our happy memories.
Done with reminiscing for a while; we share our memories, our stories, our experiences with the young of today … our grandchildren. Just maybe they will find joy and excitement in doing some of the same things we enjoyed doing when we were young.
Come on along for the ride, we’re just gonna meander around through the desert here in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Growing up in San Diego, California my church youth group would practically make annual camping trips out to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Several church families would bring their dune buggies, dirt bikes and give rides to the enthusiastic youth.
Ever since that time period, I have loved to go camping and hiking. I love being out in nature and my grandson, Coleman is learning to love and enjoy it as well.
Pictured here are actually two separate church camping trips; one in May of 1968 and the other in June of 1969. Those were the good old days my friends.
A Beautiful Sunset Pumpkin and Mushroom Counter Display Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USAOrange Chrysanthemums Calendula officinalis, common marigoldOrange Life Jackets on my Spouse & Daughter in 1995 at Lake Fort Smith; Lake Fort Smith State Park; Mountainburg, Crawford County, Arkansas, USA
Renew may mean something different for each one of us whether it be being new again, being refreshed, or becoming strong once again. We all see and experience being renewed and refreshed every single year, every month, every day, and possibly every single minute.
Let’s take time to relax, refresh and renew ourselves at Glen Ivy Hot Springs.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs is a resort in Riverside County, California that has been in existence since 1860. That’s 164 years of history that has attracted many visitors to visit their mineral springs. People come seeking the benefits of nature, water and exercise. It is a pleasurable experience enjoying time of relaxation, renewal, and a deep sense of wellbeing which the hot springs can bring.
Close-up of the turtles and fishes in the Pond
Glen Ivy Hot Springs Resort offers many options for you to relax, renew, and restore your body. Those options include experiencing the Mineral Springs, the Grotto, and Club Mud.
The Mineral Bath entails spending 15 minutes soaking in the 104 degree geothermal waters. The sulfur-rich springs ease joint pain and soften the skin. These waters have powerful healing effects on the body and soul.
The Grotto experience is the resort’s Subterranean Treatment. It is a part of your skin softening, sensuous and subterranean journey. For this subterranean journey you descend into their secret cave and are painted neck-to-toe with a warm aloe vera, coconut oil, eucalyptus, shea butter and lavender masque. Your body is warmed in this gently heated cavern while your skin soaks in the silky formula as your body heats and your pores open.
Club Mud combines the detoxifying benefits of our geothermal mineral water with local red clay mud. The mud blends into a silky soft paste with our mineral water. Let the mud dry by baking in the sun or in our warm ‘Wafa’ cave. When the dried mud becomes loose and flaky, you simply wash it off noticing a baby-soft feeling on your skin.
A day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs is a unique experience. Who doesn’t need a little pampering once in a while. Be prepared though, the pampering at Glen Ivy doesn’t come cheap. They do offer many different options and plans to choose from. Everyone can find an affordable option to participate in this unique experience. Reservations are required.
If you’re coming from out of the area you might choose to stay just a short distance ( 2 minute drive or 10 minute walk) away in the Glen Ivy RV Park. Staying in the RV park is an opportunity to be close to nature and is a relaxing opportunity as well. If you’re inclined to visit Southern California, Glen Ivy Hot Springs is a fantastic and unique experience not to be overlooked. This is an experience and memory from the mid- nineteen eighties, when I lived in the Riverside County area of Southern California.
Cee’s Fun Foto Challengewas is a weekly themed challenge where Cee asks everyone to search through their photos and post photos they feel meet the criteria of the week’s current theme. This week Cee is challenging everyone to post photos of Locks, Keys, Knobs, and Handles.
My interpretation of this week’s challenge I know is different from what you might expect, but then again it is my insight for this challenge regarding Locks, Keys, Knobs, and Handles where I am focusing on Locks.
The Upper Lifting Locks Landsford Canal State Park
The land along the Catawba River, now apart of Landsford Canal State Park, played a vital integral role in the lives of the surrounding inhabitants for over a thousand years. It was used by the native people like the Catawba as a ford to cross the river, a long long time prior to Tomas Land acquiring the land in 1754.
The Ford’s importance as a river crossing was extremely significant during the American Revolution when it was used as a staging ground by Patriot general Thomas Sumter before the battle of Hanging Rock. The British Army under Lord Charles Cornwallis also used the ford as they withdrew from Charlotte after the Battle of Kings Mountain.
The Guardlock. Landsford Canal State Park
After the War of 1812, the Port of Charleston lost its significant importance to the Port of New Orleans. In an attempt to revitalize the port, projects were undertaken around the state to improve the ability of moving freight to and from the port and within the State of South Carolina.
One of those projects included constructing a series of four canal. The Landsford Canal construction was the last and northern most in the canal system. It was built under the supervision of Scotsman Robert Leckie by both Irish Masons and the local enslaved population. The Canal ran approximately two (2) miles along the Catawba River at its most treacherous point.
The Canal required a total of four lifting locks and a dread lock for the thirty-two feet of descent along its length. It was completed in 1823, was twelve feet wide, ten feet deep, and two miles long. Five locks raised and lowered barges through the thirty-two-foot fall of the river. Three bridges crossed the canal, and six storm culverts carried streams underneath it.
Today, Landsford Canal is the last of the Catawba River Canals and still accessible as well as one of the last in the entire state. The remains of the Canal still visible are the earthen walls of its upper side, four lifting locks and a dread lock. None of the bridges still remain, but the stone foundations are still intact. Ruins of stone culverts and retaining walls still stand in their original locations. The Canal Trail runs along the ruins of the old canal. Hiking the 1.5 mile length you can see the diversion dam in the Catawba River, The dead Lock upstream that let water into the canal, and the Lifting Locks near the south entrance. Along the way you can also see the ruins of much of the stone work and retaining walls. Interpretive signage points out major points of interest.
In Early May hundreds of visitors flock to Landsford Canal State Park. The majority of them are more interested in seeing the Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies. I have hiked the entire length of the nature trail and found the historical signage interesting and informative.
Union Church (Baptist) was originally constituted in August of 1866 in the Mountain Union Baptist Association. Some of the charter members were some of my paternal ancestors on my Waters ancestral line.
The Union Church has undergone several changes over the years and has existed for One Hundred Sixteen (116) years. More information about the early churches and the history of Ashe County may be found on the Ashe County Historical Society’s Facebook or Website.
Let’s take a trip back in time ( only to 2011) not too far back. A time when traffic was less hectic and travel was at a much much slower pace.
Amish Horse-drawn Buggy
Don’t worry about the slowness of the drive, we are not in a hurry anyway. We out joy riding and sightseeing the beautiful countryside. We’ll stop wherever we have a hankering to stop, maybe buy a souvenir or two. Hey, this place looks interesting. Let’s stop and have a look around.
Guggisberg Cheese Factory Charm, Ohio
I’m glad we stopped there. The cuckoo clock tower was very interesting. I loved all the cheese we were able to sample. They even have lactose free cheese and cheeses made from goats milk. I also enjoyed watching them making the cheese. It is a fascinating and impressive process that they use to make the variety of cheeses.
Back in the car, we cruise more of the countryside. Looking out our windows we observe Amish Buggies clip clopping down the road, Amish ladies strolling along a sidewalk, and young Amish boys/men cruising on their bicycles.
Amish Countryside in Holmes County, Ohio
As we continue our leisurely afternoon drive we continue observing the beautiful surrounding landscape. We spot horses, alluring us to stop for a closer look.
Of course my daughter ventures past the DO NOT ENTER sign to get closer to the horses.
As we carry on with our adventurous afternoon scenic drive, we find it extremely relaxing to slow down, enjoy ourselves, and not give a care or worry about hurrying back home.
After passing a barn quilt and road signs giving directions on which way to go, we decide to make one more stop before calling it a day.
Barn QuiltRoad Signs Pearl Valley Cheese Fresno, Coshocton County, Ohio
Pearl Valley Cheese, Inc factory and retail stores) manufacturer 30 types of cheese. One is bound to discover a flavour or variety of cheese you’d love to take home with you. They also allow visitors to observe their cheese making process. The best times to watch are between 8AM – noon on Monday- Friday.
God Bless. Thank you for traveling along with us through Amish Country in Ohio. We really enjoyed ourselves and we hope you did as well. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
1. Regardless of whether you had them or not, can you remember three popular toys from when you were a child?
Three popular toys from my childhood were:
1. Barbies
2. Skateboards
3. Zippy, the Howdy Doody Monkey
Other popular toys from my childhood were:
• Hula Hoop
• Slinky
• Mr. Potato Head
• Lincoln Logs
• Lionel Toy Trains
• Duncan Yo Yo
• Sting Ray Bicycle
2. Did you ever want something specific as a child, but never had it?
I had bicycles growing up, but the type I really wanted was a Schwinn Sting-Ray. No other bicycle compared to the Sting-Ray even though other companies like Huffy tried to compete and were more affordable.
Definitely wasn’t a Sting-Ray
3. Do you still have any toys or games from your childhood?
The only toy I still have is Zippy, the Howdy Doody Monkey.
Coleman holding my Zippy Monkey
4. I think I’ve asked this before, but what was your favourite toy as a child?
I am not sure if I had a favourite toy as a child. Growing up I had Barbie dolls, loved playing marbles, baseball, freeze tag, riding my homemade skateboard ( steel roller skate wheels attached to a piece of wood), card and board games. This being said I do not recall favouring one particular toy over any other toys.
My father, Nornal Hule Waters (often spelled Norman in military paperwork.) joined the U. S. Navy on September 24, 1948. He enlisted in South Carolina and had his training in San Diego, California. He attended the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps School and is listed as graduating from the School on July 4, 1950. These photos were scanned from his graduation ceremony program. [My dad saved everything.]
Close-up of the U. S. Naval Hospital U. S. Naval Hospital and Hospital Corps School Taken from the Program U. S. Naval Hospital and Hospital Corps School San Diego, California
Colo was born in captivity at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and lived at the Zoo for her entire life. At the time of her death in 2017, she was the oldest known gorilla in the world living in captivity. She lived to the age of 60 years and 26 days.
She was named Colo after the Columbus Zoo.She was rejected at birth by her mother and was hand-raised by Zookeepers.
Interesting Fact:
Colo was a mother to three, a grandmother to 16, a great-grandmother to 12, and a great-great-grandmother to three.
My daughter and I visited Colo in April of 2012 when we visited cousins and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio during Easter vacation.
Sleet on Storm Door From Cousin Marsha HayesWaterfall Linville, North CarolinaLittle Glade MillPond Blue Ridge Parkway Glade Valley, North CarolinaWaterfallsBirds in WaterIn PondIn Aquarium Turtles Throwback Photo Disneyland Anaheim, California
Maternal Great Grandfather & Great Uncle Riding in the 2-Seat Horse-Drawn Carriage
Family Members with early Work Trucks
From Left to Right: Doyce Eileen Watson, Harvey Martin Watson, Jerry Alexander Watson (in My Maternal Grandfather’s Arms) Marvin Houston Watson Beside the Family Car
Great Aunt Flora Alice (My Grandfather’s Sister) & Husband with their Car
I’m grateful for the treasure of memorable photos I have in my possession from my family and ancestors. What are you thankful for this Lent season?
For this week I selected photos which were handed down to me by my maternal grandmother after my maternal grandfather passed. The last selection was one of my father’s photos I received after he passed.
I am so thankful for the many photos that I have received and will treasure them always. Each one tells a little piece of my families history.
Jeramiah Watson Family My Maternal Great Grandfather & Family (My Grandfather, Harvey Martin, is second from left)Family of Jeramiah Watson My Maternal Great Grandfather ( Pictured with his Second Wife and Children)Doyce Eileen Watson First Grade– 1938 Coshocton, Ohio School Class (My Mom’s Class Picture)John Thomas Waters ( My Paternal Grandfather) & Nornal Hule Waters ( My Father)
Heidelberg PalaceHEIDELBERG CASTLEHortus Palatinus Garden of Heidelberg castleOld Bridge Heidelberg
These photos were taken back in the mid 1970’s (probably around 1975 or 1975) by my father when my parents travelled to Germany to visit my brother & his family which were stationed at the Air Force Wiesbaden, Germany. They were most likely taken with my dad’s Minolta XG-7 35 mm camera (which I now own).
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.
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.
Burial Place for Asa and Irene (Watson) Watson [Not an error… Watson married Watson.]Gragg Cemetery Sands, Watauga County, North Carolina
The Gragg Cemetery is one of several burial sites for my maternal paternal (my mother’s father’s) ancestors. Asa and Irene Watson are my second great aunt and uncle on my mother father’s side of the family. I have not been to visit the cemetery since before the shut down in 2020. This photo was taken when I visited the Watauga County, North Carolina area back in March of 2012. I have been limited recently in my transportation resources, but I hope to visit the area soon (probably not until spring … I do not want to drive in snowy conditions.)
1. Do you use an air freshener in your home? If so, do you prefer a solid gel, spray, timed release, potpourri or something else?
I use air fresheners in my home in the form of sprays and plug-ins. I prefer the apple cinnamon scents; however, I do occasionally use other scents just no flowery scents due to allergies.
2. When good weather permits, do you open your windows to let in the fresh air?
When the weather permits, usually in the spring, summer, and early autumn I enjoy having the windows open to allow fresh air to fill the rooms.
3. With the extreme variants in weather these days, do you feel the cold in the Winter months?
The apartment we are living in does not have very good insulation or airtight doors and windows, therefore, we feel the extreme cold this winter. In other places we have lived we didn’t feel it so much in the home only when we went outdoors.
4. Which would you prefer…to curl up in front of a log fire or log burner, turn the heating up, or go to bed early with extra blankets.
I would love to curl up in front of t of a log fire 🔥 or log burner, but since I don’t live in a home that has a fireplace I contend with going to bed under a pile of thick warm quilts. I prefer to conserve energy thereby reducing heating costs, so therefore I do not turn the heat up on the thermostat.
Gratitude:
“Grumbling and gratitude are, for the child of God, in conflict. Be grateful and you won’t grumble. Grumble and you won’t be grateful.”
Harvey Martin, Doyce Eileen, and Myrtle Melvina Watson Coshocton, Ohio, USA
This is a portrait of my mom when she was about four (4) years old standing on the foot rail of a car between her mom and dad (my maternal grandparents) in front of their home on Water Street in Coshocton, Ohio.
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.
With all our cold and rainy days of late, I am reflecting on a warmer Sunny Sunday when I relished the beauty of God’s handiwork in nature. I have fond memories recalling the beautiful reflections and the enjoyment I had observing the lovely Canada Geese.
Lake at Andrew Jackson State Park
Black Geese AKA Branta canadensis, the Canada Goose
The Year is 1956, a leap year of the Gregorian Calendar. It was a time for Rock and Roll and Elvis Presley’s hit song “Heartbreak Hotel.”
Besides Elvis and Rick and Roll, 1956 was a year for nine pop culture inventions. These inventions included:
Certs — Breath mint or candy?
Dove Bar — chocolate Dove candies introduced on the south side of Chicago
Elvis Presley — Heartbreak Hotel debuted in January for RCA and in September he made history on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Play-Doh — modeling clay introduced by a soap manufacturer in Cincinnati. [What I didn’t know is that it was originally meant to be a wallpaper cleaner.]
The Price is Right — Hosted by Bill Cullen ran in both daytime and prime time television.
Robby the Robot — a sci-fi bot built by Robert Kinoshita. He later crafted the Robot for Lost in Space.
The Shopping Mall — The Southdale Shopping Center in Edina, Minnesota opened its doors beginning with the 1956 holiday season. It was the world’s first enclosed climate-controlled shopping mall.
Ski Soda — A citrus soda created by the Double Cola Company of Tennessee five years prior to Sprite.
Yahtzee — First marketed as Yahtzee in 1956 by Edwin S. Lowe. Fifty millions copies of the game are sold each year.
The Cost of Living was vastly different than it is today. The cost of everything was lower, however, the wages were also much lower than today’s standards. Was it easier and less stressful in 1956? Maybe, maybe not. When incomes go up so does the cost of living, therefore the same struggles continue. Here’s a look at the 1956 Cost of Living percentages:
Yearly Inflation Rate — USA 1.52%
Yearly Inflation Rate — UK 4.7%
Average Cost of a new house — $11,700.00
Average wages per year — $4,450.00
Minimum Hourly Rate — $1.00
AverageMonthly Rent — $88.00 per month
Average Cost of a new car — $2,050.00
Gallon of Gas— 22 cents
Ground Coffee per pound — 85 cents
On a more personal note, for the year 1956, my parents were living in Great Falls, South Carolina just up the road from my paternal grandparents. My dad was working for the Ford Dealership in town. Even though he owned a car, the town is small enough he could have walked to work. My mom was pregnant with me through the first five months of the year, choosing to give birth to me in the city of Chester, South Carolina. The town of Great Falls did not (and still doesn’t) have a hospital. My brother turned three a couple of weeks after I was born.
The town of Great Falls. South Carolina in 2020 had a population of 1,951 and the population was that much more in 1956. The town was originally known as Catawba Falls in the early 1900’s and was a great trade route. It was originally established to generate power from the nearby waterfalls. It was a booming mill town at one point and in 1956 my paternal grandfather was working in the #3 mill for the Republic Textile Company. Great Falls is located fourteen miles southwest of the city of Lancaster, South Carolina.
From 1956 through 1958, my family spent much of the time with my paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles. They would fish in the nearby Catawba River near the Great Falls Dam, picnic in the town park, and attend church meetings and other activities.
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.
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.
No matter where you are or who you’re with, sometimes you just need to sit a spell and have a bit of a REST.
Taking a REST Cozumel, Mexico February 24, 2020 Apple iPhone 11 Pro MaxColeman Claiming a spot to Rest Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
1. Do you enjoy or get frustrated with the run up to the festive holidays?
The older I get the holiday festivities are not important. I do not do a lot of extensive shopping or engage in any festivities anymore. My family no longer congregates together for holidays. I wish it was different, but it’s not, so no point in getting frustrated over it.
2. Do you like family gatherings on a regular basis?
When I was growing up family gatherings happened often with extended family, however, that seemed to end after my maternal grandfather passed. Nowadays, each part of the family unit tends to do their own thing and are not interested in gathering for large family get togethers. I miss them, but I don’t stress over them.
3. What is your favourite family memory?
I’m not sure I have a favorite family memory. I treasure the memories I spent with my dad, sharing a common interest in stamp collecting and photography. We took a class through adult education on the local high school in photography where we learned how to develop 35mm film. The time we spent together was what was memorable.
4. Do you prefer to be a host or visitor for a special occasions?
I would have to select visitor. I have never had a suitable place to host a special occasion.
Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was my fourth cousin, but more importantly than that he was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, folk, and gospel music. He won the Grammy Awards seven times as well as earning the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Doc Watson was born in Deep Gap, North Carolina on March 3, 1923, and passed from this life into the next on May 29, 2012, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the age of 89. Doc was blind from infancy. He grew up on a farm and was encouraged at an early age, by his father, to learn to play the guitar, banjo, and harmonica. He often picked out tunes he heard on the radio or on old records. He introduced a flat-picking style which elevated the acoustic guitar from a rhythmically strummed background instrument to a leading role in bluegrass, country, folk, and rock music.
Doc’s Appalachian culture and roots enabled him to be presented to become the region’s unofficial ambassador to the world stage. He made appearances all across the country and recorded his first solo album in 1964. Je also recorded an album with his son, Merle in 1965. In 1973, Arthel “Doc” Watson received his first honorary doctorate. He continued to perform his musical talents until 2012, when he made his final appearance at MerleFest. MerleFest was started in 2009 in honor of Doc’s son Merle who passed on in 1985.
Doc Watson recorded over 40 albums; been awarded eight Grammys; held honorary doctorates from University of North Carolina Asheville and Berklee College of Music as well as Appalachian State University at the time of his death. He also received the North Carolina Award, the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award, a National Heritage Fellowship, and the National Medal of the Arts; been inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor; and was honored with a life-size statue on King Street in Boone, North Carolina.
The day Pearl Harbor, a U. S. Naval Base in Hawaii was attacked in a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. This attack devastated Pearl Harbor enormously. The United States lost 2,403 Americans, and 1,178 others were seriously wounded. This strike also produced significant naval and military asset losses some of which included battleships and aircraft. The attack on Pearl Harbor was the major factor that impelled the United States to enter World War II.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 7, 2023 (twitter.com)
President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared that this day would live in ‘infamy.’ This day also noted a significant shift in the global conflict and was a pivotal moment in the History of the United States of America.
Every year on December 7, Pearl Harbor Survivors, veterans, and visitors from all around the world unite together to honour and remember those 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
It was on August 23, 1994 that the United States Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Each year events are held in remembrance at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, concluding with a commemoration ceremony on December 7.
This year marks the 82nd Commemoration of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Events were held at the USS Utah, USS Oklahoma, USS Arizona (the Pearl Harbor National Memorial) as well as many other locations around the country.
Many here as well as myself were not alive yet when this attack took place, however its significance still impacts people tremendously.
As a personal note, a friend I knew in the church I grew up in was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. His name is Stuart Hedley. He was my church’s Sunday School Superintendent, an usher, a much loved father, friend, business man, and a much honoured U.S. Navy Veteran having served during World War II, Korean War, and a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and participated in many Veteran ceremonies including Pearl Harbor National Remembrance Day ceremonies. He amongst the many survivors and those who lost their lives that day will forever be remembered in infamy.
Stuart Hedley Pearl Harbor Survivor World War I Veteran
For more information on Stuart Hedley and is remembrance of Pearl Harbor click here.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Honda Goldwing North Carolina Transportation Museum Spencer, North Carolina, USA
This Honda Goldwing Coleman’s checking out is similar to one his maternal Pawpaw and I had back in the mid-1980’s shortly after we were married. His Pawpaw mostly road it to work, but we also rode it together when we could get his parents to watch our eldest son [he was four (Coleman’s age now) at the time]. We enjoyed riding it, however, we sold it when we moved from California to Arkansas. It’s too bad that Coleman won’t ever get the opportunity to go riding with his Pawpaw like his Uncles did so long ago.
Lancaster County, South Carolina does not get snow ❄️ and/or icy weather every winter. I remember when we came back here in 1999, my Uncle Eddie saying that hadn’t had snow ❄️ it almost fifteen years. Guess what? We had a good snowstorm that winter. Lancaster and Chester Counties in South Carolina usually only get snow if the snowstorm is approaching from the south. And it rarely happens before February, so it is an oddity when it occurs. My daughter, having been born in California, had rarely lived through a snowy winter. Where we lived in California we had to drive to the mountains to see and play in the snow. She enjoyed playing in the snow that first winter in the Carolinas.
For this week’s challenge I went off script a little using throwback photos of my mom depicting various types of transportation used way back when. Not quite sure the pathway that were used are clearly detectable or not. I might need to do an additional post that would be more accurately depict the trail, road, or paths used for traveling.
I chose these particular photos in remembrance of my mom. She would have been 92 on Wednesday. We were not close after I became an adult, but that didn’t mean I didn’t care or think about her. No matter what she was still my mom and I did love her.
Military tanks the way to travel … Care to hop aboard Maybe you’d prefer to travel … in a pony cart… Or climb on up and ride bareback Then again, you might prefer … to take a walk
Ultimate driving machines in the air and on the ground Present & Past.
American Airlines Aircraft (who says “an ultimate driving machine needs to be on the ground). 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Coupe 2014 Lenoir Car Show; Lenoir, North Carolina, USA2005 Pontiac GTO Lancaster, South Carolina, USA1974 Ford LTD Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas
Amish Buggy Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio, USA
WWII M8 Greyhound Military Vehicle San Diego, California, USA1950 Chevy Deluxe Coupe Taken in 1956 Great Falls, South Carolina, USA
How do you get on with your in-laws/partner’s family? Unfortunately, they are no longer around, and neither is my spouse. when were we first married, we got along well with one another but after we moved to a different state we drifted apart.
What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you?I am not sure what the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. While I was working, I was always told I was dependable. Since I’ve been retired no one says much at all except for What’s for supper? Even so, I think the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me was “I love you!”
What was your favourite ride/stall at a fun fair?It has been an extremely long time since I attended a fun fair. In fact, I do not think I have visited one since I was in my late teens. In the 1960’s my dad entered his model cars for display. He had some first-place ribbons for his model car displays. I do not ever remember going on any of the rides, only going through the exhibition halls looking over all the many various exhibits.
Would you like to be a child growing up in today’s world?No, I would not like to be a child growing up in today’s world. Growing up without technology, being free to roam the neighborhoods without fear of violence was a wonderful time period in my life. It was a life of enjoying the outdoors and not glued to a phone, a computer, or anything. Loved riding my bike of handmade skateboard outside (No helmet necessary back then).
My favorite time of year is Springtime. I love to watch everything come back to life; the flowers beginning to bloom, the leaves 🍃 appearing all green and glowing, the birds returning singing their beautiful songs, the bees 🐝 feasting on flowers everywhere (except I don’t like them on me, I’m allergic to them). Autumn isn’t bad with all the fall colors as the leaves are turning red, orange and yellow. The fall colors make for beautiful landscape begging to be photographed.
2. What is your happiest memory?
I have many happy memories; not sure which memory I would select to be my happiest memory. I have happy memories of family vacations, visiting my dad’s family in the Carolinas (We lived in San Diego and would travel by car every three to five years to visit them.) Fun times at church summer camps; spending time at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park (It is now called San Diego Zoo Safari Park). Giving birth to my children; the list could go on and on. How can I choose just one to be my happiest memory? I am sorry, I just cannot.
3. If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?
If I could change something about myself; what’s the point I know I could never change anything about myself. Not really, only the Lord Jesus Christ can change me from within. He has the power to make be a more compassionate, understanding, and loving person from within allowing His spirit to shine through me.
4. Are you a tidy person (ie. everything in its place), or do you prefer a bit of clutter?
I would not consider myself to prefer clutter, but then again everything isn’t spotless and super neat. I know where everything is, and everything is in its rightful place (at least according to me).
Gratitude:
This week let’s focus on the kindness skill of gratitude. I am grateful to be able to share kindness with you. I am grateful.
For this week’s challenge I dug into my archives to share some throwback photos of things one might choose to “Just Do It.”
Just Ride a Monorail 🚝 Throwback Photo – Mid 70’sJust Fly an Elephant Disneyland Mid 70’sJust Fly an Airplane Camp Snoopy Carowinds May 2018Just take a Drive Along the Blue Ridge Parkway October 2017
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 