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.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens and Altura Wide Angle Fisheye lens attachment.
Settings: f/9 • 1/80s • 24mm • ISO100
Location: Baxter Village Trail; Baxter Village; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Grateful for all of y’all for following, commenting, liking, and sharing your photos and stories with us. 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 219. 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.
Location: McDowell Nature Preserve; Charlotte, North Carolina, 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.
Dan Antion our host for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge has chosen a theme of Libraries and Bookstores for the challenge. I’m including Little Libraries as well as a few Libraries.
Here are my entries …
Castle Hearst Library Billy Graham Library Little Library Anne Springs Close Greenway Baxter Village Library Fort Mill, SC Baxter Village Library Fort Mill, SCHalloween Library Display Fort Mill, SCLittle Library Anne Springs Close GreenwayLittle Library at the South Fork Trail McAdenville, NCLittle Library Rankin Lake Park Gastonia, NCGaston County Library Gastonia, NCLibrary in the Schiele Museum Gastonia, NCThe Schiele Museum Early Explorers Gastonia, NCThe Schiele Museum Early Explorers Gastonia, NC
God Bless. Have a fantastic rest of your week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Noteworthy News: This week’s Which Way Challenge on Friday, November 7th, we’ll be joining Dan Antionfrom No Facilities(https://noFacilities.com) and Marshafrom (https://alwayswrite.blog/), to post Black and White photos to remember Cee on her birthday. For the Which Way Challenge they can be Any Which Way in Black & White in memory of Cee’s Black and White Challenge (CBWC). It would be fantastic if you could include Bridges and/or Old Barns as Cee loved photographing them. If you desire include a thought or memory about Cee or your experiences with her challenges. You may also include flowers in your Which Way for this challenge.
Dan Antion our host for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge has chosen a theme of Cultural Venues for the challenge.
Here are some of my intakes on Cultural Venues we have enjoyed at one time or another. Some venues are close by while others are further away, but all are in my opinion interesting Cultural Venues.
Here are my entries …
Let’s first take a look at some Cultural Venues in our surrounding area …
The Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia, NC
The Daniel Stowe Conservancy Belmont, NC
Charlotte Symphony in the Comporium Amphitheater at Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, SC
President James K. Polk Birthplace Visitor Center-Museum Pineville, NC
The Billy Graham Library Charlotte, NC
Now let’s wander a bit further out and a few other Cultural Venues of interest around the country.
Flat Top Manor Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Blowing Rock, North Carolina on the Blue Ridge Parkway
New Braunfels Railroad Museum New Braunfels, Texas
Hall of Presidents Colorado Springs, Colorado It Once was a Wax Museum featuring Wax Figures of the Presidents of the United States. The Museum was opened in 1969 and closed in 1996
God Bless. Hope you enjoyed the tour. Have a fantastic rest of your week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: This week’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC) will be focusing on Any Which Ways in Monochrome ( Monochrome doesn’t need to be strictly Black and White).
The Museum of Us in San Diego was formally called the Museum of Man. The name was changed in 2020 to be more inclusive and reflect the museum’s commitment to equity, anti-racism, and decolonization.
The large Tower to the left is known as the California Tower. It is a soaring, intricately detailed, portion of the CaliforniaBuilding and is an icon of San Diego which can be seen from miles and miles around. The California Building houses the Museum of Us (aka Museum of Man).
Growing up in San Diego, the Museum of Man in Balboa was a favourite and fascinating place to visit. The entire time I lived in San Diego the Museum was called the Museum of Man. [I’ll probably always remember it as the Museum of Man as that is what it was called in the special time I recall in my memories.]
The Museum of Us(Man) traces its starting point to the Panama–California Exposition, which opened in 1915 on the occasion of the inauguration of the Panama Canal. The central exhibit of the exposition, “The Story of Man through the Ages,” was assembled under the direction of archaeologist Dr. Edgar Lee Hewett of the School of American Archaeology (later renamed the School of American Research and since 2007 the School for Advanced Research).
Between 1935 and 1936, the museum’s name briefly changed to the Palace of Science to correspond with the California-Pacific International Exposition. During this exposition, the museum housed special exhibitions from a variety of sources, such as the Monte Alban exhibit, which featured many artifacts on loan from the Mexican government.
In 1942, the museum underwent a name change to the Museum of Man, reflecting its commitment to anthropological pursuits. The addition of “San Diego” occurred in 1978. The museum is housed in four original buildings from the 1915 Exposition. These include the California Quadrangle, which was designed for the Exposition by American architect Bertram G. Goodhue, and the California Tower, one of the key landmarks in San Diego. The main museum is housed in the California Building with its landmark tower.
The museum’s cultural resources and permanent exhibits focus on the pre-Columbian history of the western Americas, with materials drawn from Native American cultures of the Southern California region, and Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Maya.
The San Diego Museum of Us is one of the best anthropological style institutions in the United States. It is centrally located in Balboa Park, at 1350 El Prado. Besides being a popular attraction for tourists that come to visit the city, it is also a wonderful historic landmark. It is a must visit if you ever get to visit the San Diego area.
Open Food Market in Germany Bakery in San Francisco, CABirkholm’s Bakery & Cafe Solvang, CAJack’s Grocery Julian, CAAshe County Cheese West Jefferson, NCJim’s Produce Deep Gap, NCHarris Teeter Charlotte, NCColeman in Harris Teeter Gastonia, NCAunt Sophrona in front of Deep Gap Cash Store Deep Gap, NCMy Grandpa Harvey Watson & eldest son Marvin Watson Corner Store Coshocton, Ohio
Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game. This week’s number is 216. 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 …
Catawba River Rock Hill, SCAnne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, SCThe Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia, NCWeikersheim, Germany 1979Disneyland 1970 Anaheim, California Viola cornuta Abilene, TexasLineberger Park Gastonia, NCWeikersheim, Germany 1979Coleman hiking Rocky Branch Trail Belmont, NCLeopard Greenville Zoo Greenville, SCAndrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, SCSouth Fork Catawba River Riverside Park & Greenway Cramerton, NCAlona 2014Coleman 2022 in Miracle Park Rock Hill, SCCatawba River Piedmont Medical Center Trail Rock Hill, SCColeman Riverside Park & Greenway Cramerton, NCColeman Riverside Park & Greenway Cramerton, NCColeman 2020 Lake Wylie, SCColeman 2025 Cramerton, NCJudy’s Numbers Game
Dan from No Facilities hosts Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge each week beginning on Mondays with a new theme each week. This week Dan is beginning a new series of challenges with “Places People Spend Time and/or Money.” This week the focus for CFFC is on Bars and Restaurants.
Here are my entries …
Inside dining in Cracker Barrel Rock Hill, SCCracker Barrel Gastonia, NCWhataburger Gastonia, NCSkillet Southern Bistro Restaurant Cramerton, NCEntryway to Floyd & Blackies Cramerton, NCInside Sign Floyd & Blackies Cramerton, NCSeating & Dining Area inside The Gateway Canteen Fort Mill, SCThe Catfish Corner Abilene, TxBamboo Room Restaurant Fairbanks, Alaska Señor Frog’s Restaurant Cozumel, Mexico Julian Pie Company Julian, California Julian Cafe & Bakery Julian, California Dining Room, called the Refectory Hearst Castle San Simeon, CACarnation Ice Cream San Diego, California Cee’s (Dan’s) Fun Foto Challenge
October 4th was World #Animal Day. This year’s theme is “Save Animals, Save the Planet.” The idea behind the theme is to highlight how protecting animal lives supports a healthier, sustainable planet. 2025 marks the 100th Anniversary of World Animal Day.
Many of us (speaking specifically for myself) do not see Safari, exotic, or any non domesticated animal species other than perhaps in one of the many Zoos around the world.
Here are a few photos I have captured of Animals living in a Zoo or Safari Park environment.
Lemur Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Columbia, South Carolina
Baboons Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Columbia, South Carolina
Giraffes Greenville Zoo Greenville, South Carolina
Chuma and Saied (2022) Greenville Zoo Greenville, South Carolina
Sadly, Saied, one of the African Lions who called the Greenville Zoo home since 2010 is no longer amongst us. Saied was a 15-year old African Lion who had a rapid and irreversible worsening of degenerative joint disease and spinal neurological issues. After much discussion, testing, and constant monitoring the Greenville Zoo staff had the hard decision to consult and come to an agreement on what was best for Saied. It was with a heavy heart that the consensus reached was to euthanize Saied and relief him once and for all of his suffering.
It is extremely important for us to recognize the value of the Animals which share our planet. They cannot speak for themselves, so we must speak for them. Each species which exist here on earth have unique ways in which they help to support life.
World #Animal Day is a reminder for us to maintain and continue protecting animals. Without the animals our very existence and survival would be nearly impossible and meaningless. When we protect the animals, we are essentially protecting ourselves.
God Bless. Remember we must protect the Animals to protect and preserve the earth and ourselves. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
If only I could hear some of the stories these windows could tell. I wish I could remember what it was like to gaze out these windows and watch the comings and goings of friends and family.
Great Falls, South Carolina
The above home is the first place I ever lived. If only I could know the stories those windows would tell if times long ago.
2912 1/2 ‘E’ Street San Diego, California
“Bless those who see life through a different window and those who understand their view.” — Unknown author
Through every Window in every home tells a chapter in the story of my journey through life.
The above home is the second home I lived in from the time I was two until the summer before I started kindergarten. That summer we moved to the home shown below. I loved looking through the windows and knew that excitement and adventure was awaiting me on the outside.
228 S. Meadowbrook Drive San Diego, California
“The window is where curiosities meet. Insiders are curious about the outside, and outsiders are curious about the inside”.
— Author Unknown
Peeking through the curtains, watching and waiting with anticipation … wondering who will be dropping by … curiosity beckons me to the window.
6441 Birchwood Street San Diego, California
“Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.”
— George Bernard Shaw
Grace Church San Diego Formerly Known as Scott Memorial Baptist Church 4637 Oregon Street San Diego, CA 92116
The many Windows in the church could tell a vast array of stories regarding the comings and goings of all who consider this like home and all its inhabitants like family. This church was almost like a second home spending every Sunday morning and evening, and every Wednesday night as well. Sometimes the rest of the week as well, in my youth many a day was spent with friends playing, connecting, conversing with each other like we couldn’t wait to hear the stories we knew these windows were hearing.
The Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. The discovery of gold from this mine gradually influenced gold mining to nearby counties and eventually into other southern states. During the gold mining peak years, it was second only to farming in the number of North Carolinians it employed. The estimated value of gold recovered reached over one million dollars a year. North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, when it was eclipsed by the great rush to California.
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site Reconstructed Building at President James K. Polk State Historic Site
The Reed Gold Mine is located in Midland, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and has been designated a National Historic Landmark because of its importance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At this location there is an underground mine that is open for self-guided tours, historic structures, a visitor center, trails, monuments, and outdoor exhibits.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens
Location: Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site; President James K. Polk State Historic Site; Pineville, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a fantastic weekend. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week the Which Ways will be your choice. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
We have had several thunderstorms this week, so therefore we haven’t been out and about much. Instead I’m reminiscing about a trip I took a few years ago with my oldest son for his birthday adventure. Since he wanted to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, I was more than happy to ride along with him.
My entries for this week’s challenge are views from just one of our stops we sidetracked on during his Mountain adventure.
Taken at 10:54 am (late morning) in 2017
Bluff Mountain Overlook is located at Milepost 243.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a popular destination along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Bluff Mountain is visible from the Bluff Mountain Overlook. It offers breathtakingly spectacular views.
Foggy Morning Mountain View
On a clear day, Bluff Mountain’s visibility is remarkably satisfying and amazingly delightful to gaze upon from the Overlook. At this point in our adventure clear visibility was not to be had, but that did not deter ills from looking around or venturing on a short hike along the Bluff Mountain Trail which is easily accessible from the Bluff Mountain Overlook.
Alligator Back
Bluff Mountain Trail passes through grassy meadows and includes a challenging switchback ascent called Alligator Back. Alligator Back is a short twenty (20) minute walk from Bluff Overlook.
The Predators
Until recently Predatory Birds and Mammals, those which preyed on other animals or were in conflict with humans, were termed “Varmints” and killed on sight. Fortunately, modern Ecology proves the vital interdependency of all wild plants and animals. Today Hawks and Owls, Black Bears, Bobcats, Foxes and Snakes continue to roam Parklands like this and help preserve the delicate balance of nature. [Informational notice on sign.]
Panoramic View from Bluff Mountain Overlook
We hiked all around the overlook investigating the Predator area scenic views. To the right in the photo above and in the picture below is my eldest son, John. He is not normally into hiking, but he accommodated me in my thrill to explore the sights and perspective landscapes available to observe, explore, and admire.
My eldest son, John
As we drove further along the Blue Ridge Parkway our visibility improved dramatically unlike when we parked here at this location and the Air Bellows Overlook.
Air Bellows Overlook Parkway Milepost 236.9
Looking forward to checking out all your Morning Scenes. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week we’ll be including Shadows in our Which Ways. Interested in finding more details about the Which Way challenge click here.
Cameras: Apple iPhones XS Max, 11 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 14 Pro Max, & 16 Pro Max
Locations Vary: 1-4 & 7-8) South Carolina; 5-6) North Carolina
God Bless. Coleman has my heart. Who has yours? Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Judy from Life lessons hosts The Numbers Game . She has chosen the number 204 for this week’s #82” Numbers Game challenge. To play along, go to your photos file folder and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title. This prompt repeats each Monday with a new number. If you want to play along, please put a link to your blog post here.
Here are my contributions to the album.
Germany Faires/Coltharp Cabin#SimplyRedNornal, Dalline, & Eddie WatersAlonaAlona & ColemanAtlantic Ocean Alex Marina Murrells Inlet, South CarolinaAmerican PekinDiscovery Center Creation Museum Abilene, TexasHylotelephium cauticolaAnne Springs Close Greenway Coleman McDowell Nature Preserve New Braunfels Railroad Museum Greenville ZooThe Schiele Museum of Natural History
Forage King Bale Wagons/Retrievers are used for efficiently moving and stacking hay bales. At the Greenway Stables Entrance where a vast number of horses are stabled and pasteurized a huge amount of hay is needed to feed the horses.
The Greenway grows its own feed for the horses and other farm animals living in the Greenway. The Bale Wagon/Retriever helps the staff to load and unload hay at various locations in the Greenway. They minimize manual handling of bales, saving time and labor.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 