California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Swim Meet
To Qualify to swim in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Swim Meet, a high school athlete must have met a qualifying time in a previous high school swim meet to be Qualified. Fortunately, my eldest son did Qualify to attend the CIF swim meet held in Long Beach California during his senior year of high school in 1999. My other two children and I were lucky enough to be able to attend the swim meet to watch him compete.
My son, John, is in the middle lane pictured here. He is swimming the Butterfly stroke.
Did someone say Cheese 🧀? A Cheese factory is a good place to observe Cheese being processed. In West Jefferson, North Carolina is just such a place, Ashe County Cheese.
Ashe County Cheese is North Carolina’s oldest cheese plant. It has been operating continuously since 1930. Visitors, like my eldest son and myself, can watch the cheese-making process from a year-round viewing room or shop at the adjacent Ashe County Cheese.
Ashe County Cheese Fandango’s One Word Challenge
Interesting History:
In 1930, The Kraft Corporation established the factory by consolidating several small community dairy and cheese plants in the region to produce traditional cheddar daisy wheels. Then in 1975, Kraft sold the facility to Chesley Hazlewood. Later on, Jerry Glick and Doug Rudersdorf purchased the business. They added a public viewing room (in which we were able to watch the cheese being prepared. The viewing room turned the plant into a regional tourist attraction.
Between 1986 and 1991 the Cheese factory company changed ownership through Finevest Services Inc. (1986) and Interlaken Capital (1991). Then again in 1994, Newburg Corners Cheese Inc., led by Mike Everhart and Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Tom Torkelson, bought the business.
In 2004, the company divided into two (2) distinct entities:
The Ashe County Cheese Company, the manufacturing plant managed by Everhart and Torkelson.
The Ashe County Cheese Store, the retail side of the business which is run by the Everhart family.
We visited both the manufacturing plant and the retail store which are located across the street from each other in West Jefferson. By the way, the cheese is fantastically delicious. They even sell goat cheese and other things. They sell many different flavours and varieties of cheeses.
Location: Movieland Wax Museum; Buena Park, California, 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.
Let’s take a look at some of the Distractions on Street I’ve Viewed over the years …
Beautiful Autumn Colours Dog wandering in roads Road Work Sign in Western North Carolina (Road Work is still ongoing after Helene). Squirrel Dinosaur in Cramerton Christmas Parade 2025Bicyclist & Pedestrian activities Orang Cones Blocking Road, Must turnaround. Raindrops keep falling distracting my viewFirst time Seeing Houston Astrodome Approaching Toll Booths in TexasCaution Signs can be distracting especially when they’re funny. Railroad parallel to street Lombard Street’s distinct hairpin turns and beautiful landscaping. San Francisco, CARainbow in the SkyNorthern Cardinal on edge of road. Cute, but wouldn’t want to run it over. Sedona’s iconic red rock formations Sedona, Arizona Approaching Blowing Rock, NC Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s CFFC Street Views with Distractions
Bat, Bats, … T-Ball Bats … Toy Bats and a story about Flying Black Bats. Which kind of Bats do you prefer? The following on the Bats I have on file …
Coleman & T-Ball Bats Cramerton, NC
From 1991, My dad showing my younger son how to hold a bat. Corona, CA
Enough with playing with balls & Bats, it’s time for story time at the library. The story is “Halloween at the Zoo” written by George White, Engineered by Bruce Foster, and Illustrated by Jason O’Malley. It is about a magical night of Trick-or-Treating at the Zoo with exotic animals including Bats.
Story Time at the Library. “It’s Halloween at the Zoo” Gastonia, NC
Even animals like to have fun. Did you have a funtastic Halloween?
God Bless. Hope you had a peaceful and fabulous weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with w. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week I went back in time through my dad’s slides to find the photo(s) I was seeking to use for Monday Portrait. It is of a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix we had when I was in junior & senior high school in San Diego.
Our Chihuahua-Dachshund
My dad with my niece, Sherry and our Chihuahua-Dachshund.
God Bless. Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend. May it be filled with love, happiness, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week’sMonochrome Madness is hosted by Ritva from Ritva Sillanmäki Photography. She has chosen a theme of Low Light. I’ve gone through my archives searching and thinking about what imagesI could use for this challenge especially since Low Light isn’t particularly my focus when on a photography hiking adventure. I did find a Hodgepodge of images that out of the Generosity of my heart I’m looking forward to sharing with all of you.
A deer in the early morning hours Hearst Castle San Simeon, CAInside Kings Mountain National Military Park’s Museum Domtar Forest PorchAnne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, SCStreaming water at Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, SCColeman standing on the railing Walking through the underpass tunnel on the way home A photo I received of my brother after my mom passed My paternal grandfather Great Falls, SCColeman sitting on the Railing Cramerton, NCLantern Tour Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, SCDeer passing just inside the fence in Cramerton Centennial Center Cramerton, NC
Click on images to enlarge.
I’m using my natural generosity to link up with the following challenges …
Location: Sleeping Beauty Castle; Main Street U.S.A.; Disneyland; Anaheim, California, 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.
Dan withNo Facilities, the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challengestarted a new theme series last week featuring Street Views. This new theme will run for approximately six (6) more weeks. This week Dan is looking for Street Views featuring Commercial Street Views.
Let’s take a look at some of the Commercial Street Views I’ve come across in my (or my family’s) neighbourhood and/or travels.
Business District in Rock Hill, SC where we sometimes do business. Streets of Solvang, California where my parents & I visited in 1978. Main Street Lancaster, SC where my daughter & I used to live. Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach, SC where Coleman and I walked during New Year’s weekend. Julian, California where I spent time with family or friends. Uptown Charlotte where My daughter, Coleman & I went out to eat. We visited the Julian Bakery and the surrounding area back in 1978.Ashe County Cheese in West Jefferson, North Carolina. I visited here with my eldest son before we went hiking Mount Jefferson in Ashe County North Carolina. Across the street is their factory where we watched them making cheese. Pearson Ford on the Corner of Fairmont & ElCajon Blvd in San Diego, California. My dad worked here for over 35 years. Downtown Lancaster, SC where my dad occupant time in his earliest years. My cousins & mom visited this area in Alaska after my dad passed. Early Days of San Diego. During beginning era of my families life in San Diego. Center Street where Coleman and I would hand out at Centennial Park or inside Confluence. My brother & parents walked this street shopping & sightseeing in Germany A Postcard from my collection. I traveled on a bus with my grandmother down this street. This is the Ford dealership in Great Falls, SC where my dad worked at before he went in the US Navy. My cousins & mom visited this area in Alaska.
God Bless. Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend. May it be filled with love, happiness, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Rödertor is one of the impressive five (5) main medieval city gates of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. It faces east towards the local railway station. This gate was originally built around the 13th century as part of the town’s outer fortifications. The clock face adds to its well-preserved medieval architecture charm that makes Rothenburg ob der Tauber so famous.
The Rödertor is situated on Rödergasse and features two (2) 13th-century gabled houses that once served as historic custom offices. It also has a Bastion and a Röderturm (Watchtower). The Bastion includes an outer defensive Bastion which was added in 1615. The Watchtower was built between 1385 and 1390. For a small fee, it is climbable and offers panoramic view of the old town.
This week’sMonochrome Madnessishostedby Brian from Bushboys World. He has chosen a theme of Boats. I’ve gone through my archives searching and thinking about what Boats I would use for this challenge especially since Boats has been a theme in the past for one or two challenges.
Thinking of family, I decided I would take us on a cruise to the past, clear back to the 1970’s and beyond. These are ships/boats that at least one person in the family has been on. Sometimes it was just to tour and other times it was to take a ride and enjoy the scenery. Ready to begin our cruise?
Our first stop is at the Port of Los Angeles off the coast of California on August 10, 1979 …
Vacant C’s Port of Los Angeles at 100 Swinford Street, San Pedro, California
This is a sailboat my dad took a photo of with his 35mm camera while he and my mom toured the Port of San Pedro. For you information, the “Port of San Pedro” is the main section of the Port of Los Angeles, called “America’s Port.” The Port of Los Angeles is one of the busiest and most significant seaports in the United States of America.
Cruisin’ on (actually not cruisin yet) to August 9, 1979 we Showboat paddleboat loading up with passengers to experience an afternoon on San Pedro Bay. It is docked at the Ports O Call Los Angeles in between tourist runs.
Showboat Port O Call Los Angeles
I’m not sure if my parents took the cruise or not, but I imagine they did embark upon the Showboat and had a lovely time cruisin’ around San Pedro Bay.
Cruisin’ on to January 1, 1979, my parents took a trip to Germany to visit my brother and his family. During their visit, being the dutiful host, my brother showed him all the fascinating places to see and do in his area where he was stationed in the United States Air Force.
“Schloss Heidelberg,” a river cruise boat Heidelberg, Germany
The River Cruise Boat is a passenger vessel specifically designed to give scenic tours on rivers such as the Neckar in Heidelberg. It allows passengers (like my parents, my brother and his family) to enjoy the views of historic landmarks from the water.
After all that cruisin’ we go back a few more years when we boarded a boat/ship together. Taking a look at July 1, 1974, my parents and I drive up to Long Beach, California to tour The Historic Queen Mary. Yes, I actually got to tag along on this trip. I had just graduated high school at The Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park in San Diego, California.
The Historic Queen Mary Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary is a historic British ocean liner. It is permanently docked as a floating hotel, museum, and tourist destination attraction. The Queen Mary officially retired from the ocean and made its final voyage in 1967. It arrived at its permanent location in Long Beach, California on December 9, 1967. The ship is rather large and impressive. By the time we toured her she had already undergone massive renovations. During its renovation, the engines were removed and the space was converted. She opened for public tours in 1971. It didn’t begin welcoming overnight guests until 1972. After major expansions including the Grand Hotel, 1974 marked the true official celebration of its opening operating as the Queen Mary Hyatt Hotel.
Cruisin’ on back another couple of years we come to July 1, 1972. This time we leave the west coast on vacation to drive the southern route cross country from San Diego, California to the Carolinas. After meeting up with my dad’s father, his sister and here family, we caravanned down to Stone Mountain, Georgia. Why go all the way to the Carolinas before traveling back down to Georgia? Why to spend time with family, of course. Actually, we all needed a rest from all the miles and miles of traveling before sightseeing with everybody.
Scarlet O’Hara Paddle boat Riverboat Marina Complex Stone Mountain Park Stone Mountain, Georgia
The trip to Stone Mountain Park included my parents (2), my brother and myself (2 more), my Aunt & Uncle (+2), their four children (+4), and my paternal grandfather (+1). Did you get all that? Add them all up and you get 11, 5 adults and 6 children all bombarding upon the Stone Mountain Park attraction.
Inside Stone Mountain Park is Stone Mountain Lake where visitors could board a classic paddlewheel Boat. At this time there were two (2) large commercial paddlewheel boats in operation. One was named the Henry W. Grady and the other one pictured here named Scarlett O’Hara Riverboat. The commercial paddle boats ceased operation around 2017-2018. They were officially retired due to their advancing age, the immense amount of maintenance required, and growing safety concerns.
Fun times were to be had make in the day cruisin’ on lakes, rivers, and oceans. Today’s cruises may seem to appear a little bit different, but actually not much has changed besides the type of boat/ship one chooses for a cruise.
I will leave you with one last final ship, one that brought my maternal grandfather home from France after World War I. Possibly the USS George Washington, or one similar to it.
The Ship that brought my maternal grandfather home
The USS George Washington was originally a German ocean liner which was seized by the United States during World War I. It was converted into a crucial troop transport vessel. After the Armistice, it played an incredibly important role in bringing hundreds of thousands of American soldiers home from France, just like my maternal grandfather.
This image is from a picture postcard that belonged to my maternal grandfather and later given to me to add to my post card collection. When it was first given to me in the late 1960’s I didn’t realize the significance of this photo and the ship that was portrayed in it. Now, I treasure it always.
The end of our Cruisin’ on Boats from the past has come to an end. Hope you enjoyed cruisin with me.
Location: Central Ohio Technical College (COTC); Newark, Ohio, USA
God Bless. Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend. May it be filled with love, happiness, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Three Graces is a popular subject in classical art. The Three Graces have roots in Greek mythology, where they were known as the Charites. The Charites (known in Roman mythology as the Graces) were three goddesses who personified the ideas of beauty, grace, festivity, and joyous life in Greek mythology. They are often depicted embracing, as seen here, representing the unity and cyclical nature of giving and receiving.
The Three Graces Hearst Castle San Simeon, California
Antonio Canova, the renowned Neoclassical sculptor, created his famous version between 1813 and 1817. His interpretation is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and the way it conveys emotion and movement in the figures. There are two versions of Canova’s “The Three Graces”; one of which is at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the other is at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
The Three Graces
This version of the “The Three Graces” located at Hearst Castle is a beautiful reproduction. It was selected by William Randolph Hearst to adorn his magnificent estate, tying into the classical grandeur he had desired to achieve.
Close-up of “The Three Graces”
William Randolph Hearst was an avid collector of art and antiquities, as well as classical sculptures like this one were a cornerstone of his collection, adorning the many gardens and grand rooms of his estate. It is truly a remarkable piece of sculpture to see as you tour the grounds of the Hearst Castle estate.
Location: Hearst Castle; San Simeon, California, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Take a Walk/Hike. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan with No Facilities, the host ofCee’s Fun Foto Challenge is continuing with the theme of Where/What/When we do various things. This week’s focus is on Where/What/When We Vacation. This new series will continue for approximately two (2) more weeks. We are currently in the sixth week of the Where/What/When CFFC series. This theme was inspired by Dawn M. Miller.
I have scoured my archives and gathered a few images of Where/What/When I’ve Vacationed over the years. Let’s see where all these images will take us on this Vacation Memory Journey.
Solvang, California ‘The Danish Capital of America.’Cozumel Yucatán Peninsula Caribbean Sea Quintana Roo, MexicoLake Fort Smith State Park Mountainburg, ArkansasAndrew Jackson State Park Campground Lancaster, South Carolina Hume Lake Christian Camps Hume, Fresno County, CaliforniaStone Mountain Park DeKalb County, GeorgiaMile High Swinging Bridge Grandfather Mountain Banner Elk, North CarolinaThe San Diego Wild Animal Park Escondido, California Hocking Hills KOA Campground Logan, Hocking County, OhioHotel del Coronado Coronado, California Land of Oz Park Beech Mountain, North CarolinaGuggisberg Cheese Millersburg, Holmes County, OhioCosta Maya Cruise Port, MexicoKnotts Berry Farm Buena Park, CaliforniaColumbus Zoo and Aquarium Powell, OhioCarlsbad Caverns National Park Carlsbad, New MexicoCFFC Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge Where/What/When We Vacation
The Goethe House is famous as the birthplace and childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He is one of Germany’s most famous writers. His most famous masterpiece literary work was Faust, a tragic play written in rhyme verse and split into two-part parts; it is about a brilliant scholar who makes a pact with the devil.
The Goethe House Frankfurt, Germany (colorized)
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in this house in 1749 and continued to live there for the first twenty-six (26) years of his life. The Goethe House has had an interesting journey through history. The original house was largely destroyed during World War II. It was meticulously rebuilt between 1947and 1951. The rebuilding was based on the original plans, drawings, and furnishings that had been carefully preserved.
Original after digitization
Today, The Goethe House is a museum offering a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century life and Goethe’s early years. It is complete with period furniture, his writing desk , and other personal belongings. The reconstruction ensures visitors will be able to experience the authentic atmosphere of Goethe’s childhood home.
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (previously hosted by Cee Neuner). This week our theme is CWWC (2026): Any Which Way —Your Choice. Your Which Ways can be Outdoors, Indoors, Paved or Unpaved, Dirt Trails or any natural surface. Your Choice is exactly that, Whichever Way you choose. As always Signs are always welcome.
My choices for this week’s Which Way Challengeare a throwback in time to a trip cross country with my family in 1963. Back then we traveled by car in a 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 2-Door. These images were taken by my dad and originally developed into slides and were digitized after he passed. These were from our return trip to California after visiting family in the Carolinas.
Here are my entries …
CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way Challenge Road Trip East to West
Click on images to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Dan with No Facilities, the host ofCee’s Fun Foto Challenge is continuing with the theme of Where/What/When we do various things. This week’s focus is on Where/What/When We Shop. This new series will continue for approximately three (3) more weeks. We are currently in the third week of the Where/What/When CFFC series. This theme was inspired by Dawn M. Miller.
I have gathered a few images of Where/What/When I’ve Shopped over the years. Most of my shopping these days are done online via Amazon, Walmart, and Harlequin. I do still get out for groceries and other necessary or essential various sundries.
Here are my contributions …
Harris Teeter Charlotte, NCBaby General Hospital Cleveland, GeorgiaArtisan Open Market Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, SCThe Shop Antiques, Refinishing Abilene, TexasAmazon.comJim’s Produce Deep Gap, NCDeep Gap Cash Store Deep Gap, NCJulian Pie Company Julian, CaliforniaGeneral Store Coshocton, Ohio The Trailhead Store Daniel Stowe Conservancy Belmont, NCAshe County Cheese West Jefferson, NC https://www.ashecountycheese.com/Lehman’s Kidron, Ohio https://www.lehmans.com/Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s CFFC Where/What/When We Shop
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: Outside the General Store in Ohio, the man on the left is my maternal grandfather. Coleman is outside the door of The Trailhead Store. Outside the Deep Gap Cash Store are my Great Aunt Sophrona (called Aunt Sophie, she’s my grandfather’s sister) and her husband (my great uncle.
Dan with No Facilities, the host ofCee’s Fun Foto Challenge is continuing with the theme of Where/What/When we do various things. This week’s focus is on Where/What/When We Listen. This new series will continue for approximately four (4) more weeks. We are currently in the third week of the Where/What/When CFFC series.
Where/What/WhenWe Listen is as unique as our own individual personalities, perspectives, experiences, and conceptions. We may listen to nature, concerts in a park or in a building, or we may listen at a worship service whether indoors or outdoors is to our own preference and opportunities. We may enjoy listening to plays or other theatrical performances or we may just sit and listen to one another. We are all unique individuals with our own unique expectations or individual conceptions of what we prefer to listen to, where we prefer to listen, and when we prefer to listen.
I have gathered a few images of What/Where/When I’ve Listened to various music, plays, and/or performances that suited by desires and interests at one time or another.
To Watch & Listen to Mickey & Minnie Mouse in Disney on IceTo Listen to a First Grade end of year performance at Sadler Elementary To a Pastor present a message from the Bible To Watch a Live Children’s Production of Charlie Brown Christmas To Nature while camping at Andrew Jackson State Park To Listen to Christian Music Artist outdoors in Lancaster, SCTo Watch & Listen to the 1979 live stage production titled “Bugs Bunny’s Life Story” Starring Bugs Bunny & Wiley E CoyoteTo Watch & Listen to a Performance of Disney on IceTo Listen to Worship Songs in an Outdoor Amphitheater To a Basketball game from high up in the balcony seatingTo a Entertaining Performance at the Land of OzTo a Play in the Bundy Auditorium at University of South Carolina at Lancaster Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s CFFC Where/What/When We Listen
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This weekend in the United States is Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, some people still have to work on Labor Day (which is celebrated on Monday). Who really wants to work on a holiday during the Summer or for that matter any other long weekend.
Impressive catch of freshwater Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill
I am remembering a Summer in 1963 (not in September, but in July) when I was vacationing in Great Falls, South Carolina with my family. We drove out from San Diego, California to visit my paternal grandparents and my dad’s brother and sister.
Pictured from left to right: My Brother, Larry; my Uncle Eddie, and my dad.
On this particular weekend the men and boys went fishing 🎣 along the Catawba River in Great Falls, South Carolina. Why is it that the majority of times (at least back then) they never asked the girls or women to go fishing? However, they expected the women to cook up whatever fish they caught and brought home.
My brother with his River Catch
The Catawba River is just a short drive from my grandparents home. The “men“ landed an impressive catch of freshwater fish including Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill.
My dad and brother displaying their catch of the day.
I do not recall which one actually caught the most fish or if this was my brother’s first time fishing or not. I do know they definitely made sure to capture their catch with a camera for prosperity or probably to remember the funtastic time they had spending the day together.
My Uncle and brother holding up a string of freshwater fish.
Regardless of who caught what, or who caught the most, what mattered most was the quality time they had together. You better believe we had us a feast of fried catfish and other freshwater panfish for supper that night.
How do you like to spend a long holiday weekend? Do you get together with friends and family? Stay home and barbecue on the grill? Or just enjoy a relaxing weekend at home?
God Bless. Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend. May it be filled with love, happiness, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Historic Great Falls High School in Great Falls, South Carolina was built in 1928. It’s a beautiful example of early 20th-century school architecture, with its distinctive brick facade, large windows, and prominent central entrance. This was the building where my went to high school.. He was in the Class of 1947.
Location: Great Falls High School; Great Falls, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan with No Facilities, the host ofCee’s Fun Foto Challenge is continuing with the theme of Where/What/When we do various things. This week’s focus is on Where/What/We/They Worship. This new series will continue for approximately five (5) more weeks. We are currently in the third week of the Where/What/When CFFC series.
Where/What/When I worshipped didn’t always happen inside the walls of a church building. There were times in my youth when we worshipped at Mission Bay (a beach) in San Diego; usually on Friday nights during the summer. There were types I went to camp during the Summer with my church youth group and we would worship around a roaring campfire. Then when I went to college I was one of many students who worshipped together in the school’s chapel (required attendance). At other times we met in one home or another, on Sunday evenings, where we worshipped together in song and Bible study. However, I don’t currently have any photos of those occasions during my youth.
For lack of those images, I will show you some of the churches I been to or seen whilst working around town.
The church of my childhood, Scott Memorial Baptist Church (now called Grace Church San Diego) in San Diego, California.
Scott Memorial Baptist Church San Diego, California
I spent many a Sunday and Wednesday fellowshipping and worshipping here in and outside of the building. I still am friends with many of those I grew up with in this church.
Let’s pause for a moment of worship in song by Russ Adair and the Revelators.
Russ Adair and The Revelators
Here we have Stony Fork Baptist Church In Deep Gap, North Carolina. This is one of the churches that my maternal ancestors attended including my maternal grandfather and grandmother. I have visited this church and its cemetery when I’ve been in the area visiting with family (mostly cousins).
Stony Fork Baptist Church Deep Gap, Watauga County, North Carolina
In 2020 I spent several months in Texas including a couple in Abilene, Texas. The following are a few of the churches I saw while walking around my aunt’s neighborhood.
Church of Christ 5th and Grape St Abilene, TexasFirst Christian Church Abilene, TexasTrinity Baptist Church Abilene, TexasFirst Methodist Church Abilene, TexasBethel Temple Christian Center Abilene, TexasGalilee Baptist Church Abilene, TexasCFFC Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge
Time for more worship in song, this time from a group I enjoying listening to and attending their concerts when I’m able. The quartet is called “Kings Cause.” Hope you will enjoy listening to them as much as I do.
Kings Cause
Now to look at a few closer to home …
Maranatha Church of God Gastonia, North CarolinaThe Living Water Chapel at Westminster Park Rock Hill, South CarolinaCramerton Independent Presbyterian Church Cramerton, North Carolina Zion United Methodist Church (now Zion Methodist Church) Lancaster, South Carolina Churches in North & South Carolina Dan’s CFFC
And before you leave if you’re still with me, join me in listening to another worship song. This one is performed by Ivan Parker & his son Josh.
Back in 1970 Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was an incredible experience, it was a classic Disneyland attraction that was a great marvel for its time.
It first debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair as a highlight of the Illinois pavilion before Walt Disney himself decided it needed a permanent home at Disneyland in 1965. When we went as a family in June of 1970, the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln had only been at Disneyland for approximately five (5) years.
It was groundbreaking at the time because it featured one of Walt Disney’s first full-scale audio-animatronics figures, bringing President Lincoln to life with incredibly realistic movements and a powerful speech. The show combines a historical presentation with a speech delivered by the animatronic Lincoln, using recordings of his actual words. It aims to inspire guests with Lincoln’s legacy and the ideals of the United States.
Entering Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland June 1970
Entering the beautifully designed theater, often called the Main Street Opera House, the anticipation waiting for the show to begin was part of the “Disney” magic. Then, President Lincoln’s figure, so lifelike with its movements and expressions, would rise from his chair and begin to speak. We were amazed at how realistic he looked and sounded, delivering a powerful address compiled from his actual speeches, focusing on themes of liberty, union, and the importance of preserving the nation.
The building itself is a fantastic example of Disney’s immersive theming. It’s designed to look like a classic turn-of-the-century opera house, perfectly blending into the nostalgic atmosphere of Main Street, creating a sense that you’re stepping back in time. Architecturally, the facade you see, which houses the attraction, is a brilliant example of Disney’s Main Street, U.S.A. design philosophy. It’s crafted to evoke a grand, late 19th or early 20th-century opera house or theater. This style, often referred to as Victorian or Edwardian, features ornate details, classical proportions, and a sense of historical grandeur, all intended to transport guests to a romanticized turn-of-the-century American town. The prominent marquee, the arched windows, and the decorative elements all contribute to this immersive illusion, making it feel like a real historic landmark.
This attraction was one of the very first to showcase Walt Disney’s revolutionary innovation. Audio-Animatronics are essentially sophisticated robots, specifically designed to mimic human or animal movements, with their actions precisely synchronized to pre-recorded audio tracks. For the Mr. Lincoln figure, this meant intricate hydraulics and pneumatics controlled the movements of his head, eyes, mouth, arms, and even subtle shifts in his posture, making him appear incredibly lifelike as he delivered his speech. The audio was meticulously matched to these movements, creating a seamless and convincing performance. This was incredibly advanced for 1964 and 1970 giving audiences an unprecedented experience of history brought to life through robotics, far beyond simple static mannequins. It was truly a marvel of engineering and storytelling that we enjoyed watching every time we visited Disneyland.
[I’m not sure where I was at the time (probably standing near my dad who took the picture), but the three prominent figures (two looking this way, at the camera, and the lady in the red and white tank top) are my mom, my cousin, and my brother.
According to Google, a Hummock is a small, low rounded hill, knoll, or a raised mound of earth. Today, I am sharing two different types of Hummock’s from my archives.
The first is a Burial Mound located at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Burial Mound
Many stone age peoples around the world buried their dead in mounds of earth or stone. This single-chambered tomb replicates mounds from the British Isles roughly 5,000 years ago. The interior chamber measures just over 7 ft. long and could fit either one individual or the cremated remains of an entire family or clan. It took over 16,000 pounds of earth to build this mound by hand.
The second is a small hill my ancestors was gathered and sat upon enjoying the afternoon and each other’s company.
A Hummock where my ancestors chose to relax and visit with one another.
Sometime when I open Google Photos it displays memories that it thinks I would be interested in seeing. That was the case this past weekend when it wanted me to see the black and white image shown in the second photograph.
Colorized version of a 1960’s photo
In seeing this photo it reminded me of my parents anniversary, they would have been married for seventy-five (75) years on Friday if they’d still been alive. They were married forty-five (45) years when my dad passed in 1996. My mom is also gone now and only memories remain alive.
Original image uploaded to files via Wolverine Digital Converter
This is the first house I can remember living in even though it wasn’t the first house my family called home. We moved into this house about 1961. The front window you see would have been the window in my parent’s bedroom. The bedrooms were all on the right side of the house. Mine was in the middle between their’s and my brother’s bedroom.
I lived in this house during my entire childhood elementary school days (Kindergarten through Sixth Grade). It holds so many memories, to many to share. When we walked past the windows behind my mom and dad we’d enter the living room. To me in was a large area we gathered to watch programs on our black and white console television. The kitchen and dining rooms were to the left of the entrance with a door in between that led to the garage. We always sat at the dining table as a family for our meals.
Even the windows of an ordinary house can bring fond memories of happy times of love, laughter, and togetherness.
Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game.This week’s number is 749. 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 …
Babyland General Hospital Cleveland, GeorgiaColeman AlonaPlaying Praying in the Mud Dinner TheatreLighting of the WaxhawsUncle ShortyMistyMallards New Braunfels Railroad MuseumLighting of the WaxhawsGreenway Horse Watching a PlayUncle MarvinWho’s behind the Lattice? Coleman on the TrailUncle Art & Aunt SophieJudy’s Numbers Game #132-749
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I look forward to seeing y’all’s pictures forJudy’s Numbers Game. I appreciate y’all very much.
In 1978, my parents and I took a trip north on the I-5 and switching over to Highway 101. We went up the coast of California to a small Danish-inspired village called Solvang. Solvang is located approximately a half-hour north of Santa Barbara, California. Solvang is known as the “Danish Capital of America.”
Solvang, California
It was founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. The village is prominently known for its authentic half-timbered architecture, iconic windmills, and world-class Danish bakeries. It has a unique offering of a slice of Scandinavian culture blending with the Central California sunshine.
Location: Walmart Supercenter Parking Lot; Lancaster, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Hope you’re having a great weekend. Have a wonderful week ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
And for the Support of this Declarationwith a Firm Reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence WE Mutually Pledge our lives and fortunes AND OUR SACRED HONOR
Creative Artistry by California Artist Norm Daniels
God Bless. God Bless the USA! Hope you’ve enjoyed your Weekend. Have a wonderful week ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
For this week I chose one of my maternal grandfather’s photos of his Ford Model T. After he passed, when I was only 12, my maternal grandmother gave me many of my grandfather’s picture post cards. The post cards were significant because the had pictures of family, his military service, the family cemetery, and of places they lived. Those post cards are apart of our family history and I’ll treasure them always.
Location: My Maternal Grandparents home; Stoney Fork, North Carolina, 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.
The Shining Star Fellowship Church is a Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) affiliated church whose focus is on equipping believers and leading community members to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Shining Star Fellowship Church 301 Palm Street Abilene, Texas
This church is located a few short blocks from my maternal aunt’s home where I visited in the Spring of 2020. This is one of many churches I saw as I walked about my aunt’s neighbourhood.
The Republic Textile Mills Company was founded in Great Falls, South Carolina around 1905-1910 by the Southern Power Company (later became known as Duke Power Company). It was founded to capitalize on Catawba River water power. The Republic Textile Mills Company expanded to three mills by 1923.
Republic Textile Mill #3
[My paternal grandfather worked in the #3 Mill located on Argonne Avenue kitty-corner from Walnut Street where my paternal grandparents lived. When he worked there the Mills were owned by J. P. Stevens and Company.]
J.P. Stevens Mill #3 (previously known as Republic Textile Mills Company)
The Republic Textile Mills Company operated as a major textile producer in the region, complete with a company town, before being sold to J. P. Stevens and Company in 1946. The #3 Mill opened in 1923. The company town included a company store, where workers could charge goods against their wages.
Republic Textile Mill #3 (Aka JP Stevens Mill #3)
The Mills ceased all operations due to the broader decline of the textile industry. The last of the Mills closed its doors around 1985.
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.
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.
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.
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]
![Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way (Your Choice) [09.18.2026]](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pict0097_september-1963_19-copy.jpg?w=900)
![Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026 — Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways [Second Week]](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/image-1-1.jpg?w=489)
![Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026 — Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways (Will Run for Two (2) Weeks [03.27-04.03.2026])](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_1225-1.png?w=506)
