Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge Cee’s Which Way Challenge
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge. This Week’s Which Way Challengeare theme is Any Which Way on Dirt Trails, dirt pathways, or dirt stairways in Monochrome. They can be Any Which Way on any Dirt Trails, dirt Pathways, or dirt Stairway, as long as your Which Ways are clearly visible. As always signs are welcome anytime.
Here are my entries …
Sauntering through
Crowders Mountain State Park
Coleman and I enjoy hiking whenever and wherever possible as long as it’s not too cold and windy. We saunter around parks and along trails at our own pace leisurely observing nature’s beautiful scenery. As usual, Coleman is up ahead of me as I keep on sauntering along snapping pictures here, there, and yonder. Come saunter along with us through Crowders Mountain State Park.
Which Way Challenge (CWWC) Dirt Trails, Dirt pathways, or Dirt stairways in Black & White Monochrome
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.
This week Leanne is hosting the Monochrome Madness challenge. She has chosen a theme of Movementto spark our interest and inspire our creativity.
Here are my selections for the challenge …
We arrive at the Town’s concert early not just to obtain our choice seats, but also to allow Coleman to run around with friends and burn off excess excitement and energy prior to the start of the concert events.
Coleman Rolling on the Grass SS 1/800s
Coleman enjoys rolling down the slight hill in our Centennial Center Park.
Coleman hopping on One Foot SS 1/320s
He was challenging a friend to hop on one foot and she was trying to show him how to do cartwheels. They had a fun time playing together last Friday evening.
SS 1/250sSS 1/1100sColeman and his friend Running around before the Concert SS 1070s
Before long it was time for the Rick Hubbard’s Kazoobie Kazoo Kids Show. Rick was an outstanding guest musician entertaining the audience and involving the kids in attendance in his show. Here he is playing both a banjo and a Kazoo while entertaining everyone in attendance.
Rick Hubbard Kazoobie Kazoo Kids Show SS 1/320s
The second event for the evening was a Concert by the Caleb Davis Band. Prior to any show the band warms up making sure their sound system is working properly and their instruments are properly tuned and ready for the show.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV filter attachment.
Location: Centennial Center; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Capture the beauty all around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Greenway Farm and Stables Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have Fun. Enjoy Nature’s beauty in the great outdoors. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
A few of our neighbours have been having construction or landscaping work down on their properties to improve their home and gardens. This truck was near the corner where I wait for Coleman’s bus to arrive bringing him back home.
Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion Camera Muted B/W
Location: Corner of South Main & 7th Street; Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. What’s new or unusual in your neighbourhood? Have a great weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
As I was sitting on the swing on the front porch keeping an eye on Coleman playing in the yard, I noticed the picturesque skyline filled with amazing cloudscapes. I grabbed my iPhone, changed the settings to muted black and white using the camera’s fusion mode I captured the view I was seeing .
The last Friday of the month from March through September the Town of Cramerton holds a Concert Event in the Park. The Concerts will feature artists (singers, bands, musicians) from different genres each month. With a different Genre each Concert the Town hopes to please the musical interests of practically every member of the community.
March’s Concert’s main feature was a band entitled Small Town Sunday. Small Town Sunday performed a mixture of Country music, Christian music, and Christian Country music. The group featured a trio of singers; Matt Branch, Holly Branch and Stephen Robertson plus a drummer, a keyboard musician, and guitarist. The music was fantastic, Coleman and I really enjoyed their music. A couple of song titles they performed are “THE DAYS HE CAN BELIEVE” (written in honor of Matt Branch’s father) and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”
Here are a few photos I captured during the concert from my iPhone in Black and White.
Matt & Holly Branch and Stephen RobertsonMatt & Holly Branch and Stephen RobertsonMatt & Holly Branch and Stephen RobertsonMatt & Holly Branch and Stephen RobertsonMatt & Holly Branch and Stephen RobertsonMatt & Holly Branch and Stephen RobertsonHolly BranchHolly BranchMatt & Holly Branch and Stephen RobertsonMatt & Holly Branch and Stephen RobertsonHolly BranchMatt & Holly Branch and Stephen RobertsonHolly Branch & Stephen RobertsonMatt & Holly BranchMatt & Holly Branch and Stephen RobertsonMatt BranchMatt Branch & Stephen RobertsonStephen Robertson with Holly Branch & Guitarist Matt Branch & Stephen Robertson (singing)Stephen Robertson
To find out more about the musical band, Small Town Sunday click here.
These Throwback images are from my maternal grandfather’s collection of photos I was given from my maternal grandmother after his passing back in 1968. The photo images were originally on personal post cards.
Old Coal Trucks in early 1900’s.
Not sure, but I think this is my maternal grandfather next to the truck.
Original image
I have always thought these were taken in Deep Gap, North Carolina, but I am not one hundred percent (100%) sure. My maternal grandfather did work for a time for a coal mining company.
Remember for enhanced viewing click on each image.
Let’s first take a look at a couple of image comparisons between an original color versus the converted black and white version of photo imageries of clouds.
The first three black and white photos in the left-hand column are from my archives and the other four phots are from my outlook in Apple iPhone’s Silverstone black and white feature of today’s cloudy skies.
I’ve missed Cee so much and know this is a difficult time for her and Chris. Praying for strength and comfort for them both. I’ve been trying to keep up with the Which Way Challenge even though Cee is unable to do so. I encourage everyone who wishes to show Cee our Which Ways by posting your Stairs, Steps, and/or Ramps this week. . Just post any Which Way you desire and link up to Cee’s Which Way Challenge.
This week I am again posting a Which Way My Wayshowing Which Ways one might use by venturing up or down Stairs, Steps, and or Ramps. This week I chose to post my Stairs, Steps, and Ramp in Monochrome. You may use Monochrome, but not necessary. You may choose any format you desire if you choose to participate.
We begin our Which Way by walking down our front Steps …
Our Front Steps
Journeying on our way Coleman decides to climb the Steps at Cramer United Methodist Church …
Steps at Cramer United Methodist Church
Next, we explore the KayakRamp and Stairs at Goat Island Park and Greenway …
Kayak Ramp & Stairs Goat Island Park and Greenway
Coleman and I continue our wandering around Cramerton, the next day, after he walks down the School Bus 98 Steps …
School Bus 98 Steps
After Coleman exits the school bus, we drop off his school backpack and grab his hiking backpack with snacks and drinks. Then, we head on down to Riverside Park and Greenway for a relaxing afternoon noon of hiking and exploring.
While hiking the trail, we come upon the Stairs to one of several Fishing Piers at the Greenway …
Catawba Riverkeepers Water Recommended Flow Sign by the Fishing Pier Staircase
Lastly, we see interesting Halloween Decorations on each side of a neighbouring house Front Porch Steps …
House #89 Decorations and Front Porch Steps
Hope you enjoyed visiting our Which Ways this Week. I would love to see y’all’s Which Ways. Remember to click on each photo for larger enhanced viewing.
Location: Goat Island Park and Greenway; Plus Riverside Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy the Outdoors. Take a Hike. Relax in a Park. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Ragtag Prompt of Seesaw fits right into some of the pictures of Coleman I took this past weekend at Goat Island Park and Greenway. The Goat Island Park’s Playground only opened back up this past weekend after having been closed for renovations to repair damage generated by the strong winds and storms which caused flooding to the Greenway’s Playground and a majority of the rest of the Greenway.
When we went to the playground Coleman was hoping to be able to not only play on the playground’s equipment, but also with other children. However, that is not exactly how it worked out. Yes, he was able to play on the various playground equipment including the Seesaw, but not with other children. Other parents or grandparents kept their children at a distance from other children playing in the playground. Thus the many facial expressions displayed by Coleman. He found it difficult to enjoy playing on the Seesaw especially when no other child would get on the Seesaw with him. I tried getting on the Seesaw with him, however, that didn’t work so we. My end sank all the way to the ground and he was stuck up in the air until I could manage to extend my legs for my end to go up. (Actually I ended up having to get off for his end to come down.) Here are photos of Coleman Pulling Up a Seat on the Seesaw.
Location: Goat Island Playground; Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting the Playground with us. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. Have a wonderfully funtastic day. I appreciate y’all very much.
Sorghum is a cereal grain plant that belongs to the grass family Poaceae. It is thought to be native to Africa and is widely grown in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Sorghum has numerous varieties, including grain sorghums, used for food; grass sorghums, grown for hay and fodder; and broomcorn, used in making brooms. Sorghum grain is a nutritious food rich in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals.
For human consumption, the gluten-free grain is usually ground into a meal that is made into porridge, flatbreads, and cakes. The characteristic strong flavour can be reduced by processing. The grain is also used in making edible oil, starch, dextrose (a sugar), paste, and alcoholic beverages.
The Sorghum plants pictured here are located in The Farm at The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Gastonia, North Carolina. These plants as well as other plants grown in the Garden are grown and given to the animals for feed.
Yesterday, October 11, I thought I was going to take photos with my Canon, however, that was not possible. Why? I goofed and forgot to change out the battery for a fully charged one and somehow the camera got put away in the on position. Therefore, the battery was dead and I was unable to use my Canon for my photography. Lesson learned, always check battery before leaving the house.
Luckily I always have my iPhone on me and sometimes use both while out and about around town or on a hiking trail. Instead of just using the normal mode I switched the iPhone settings to monochrome and proceeded to snap shots at the Schiele Museum’s Block Party, Dinosaur Theatre, And The Farm.
Book Presentation Gaston County Library Gastonia, North Carolina Amish Romance & Mystery Fiction Books for SaleGenealogical Books about My Maternal Ancestors Homeland & Family Written by My Cousin, John Lane Idol Jr. My brother’s home Library Coleman Visiting a Little Library Book Stop Gastonia, North Carolina
Coleman Fort Mill Dam Fort Mill, South Carolina North Carolina Transportation Museum
From 2022
Coleman overlooking Lake Haigler from the Kayak DockRipples in the Water 💦Coleman Fishing Pier Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, South Carolina
From 2023:
Coleman Avon Creek Greenway Gastonia, North Carolina Coleman Green Trail Warlick YMCA Gastonia, North Carolina Trisha (Coleman’s Mom) Playscape Schiele Museum Gastonia, North Carolina Coleman & his Shades Warlick YMCA Gastonia, North Carolina Coleman Playscape Schiele Museum Gastonia, North Carolina
Deep Pink & Middle Yellow Flowers vs. Black & White Purple & lone Yellow Flowers vs. Black & White Red & Yellow Flowers vs. Black & White Pink & Yellow Quilt Square vs. Black & White [Side Note: Quilt made by my Maternal Grandmother]
Early Log House Catawba Indian Village Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia, North Carolina
A Look Inside an Early Log House:
Sleeping Area Eating Area
Hand Woven Basket Fireplace Wooden Chair and TableHand Woven Baskets on Floor
Outside an Early Log House:
Coleman Looking Inside the Door Coleman thinking about Shutting the Door
Weakened by diseases. broken treaties , and the loss of tribal lands to European settlers, many Catawba people moved westward into the North Carolina Mountains where they were greatly influenced by their Cherokee neighbors, This cabin known as a Log House (ca. 1860) contains European-style fumiture, crockery, and other items that reflect the time period. It reflects the continued assimilation of the Catawba People into European settler culture and is similar to many 19th century homes found in non-native seftlements of the mountains and piedmont.
These photos of an Early Log House and its contents are examples of how the Catawba Indians lived and how European culture influenced their everyday existence.
Coleman expressions on the busColeman having fun at the YColeman playing in the SandColeman going Round and Round in the MazeColeman in shades on his 4th Birthday 07/25/23
Black Kitten born under a manufactured home searching for food The rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) These birds migrate to the eastern and southeastern United States, into parts of the Grain Belt, sometimes straying into Mexico. Black Horse Stalled at Anne Springs Close Greenway Black Train Norfolk Southern Railroad near Glencairn Gardens
Thatched Hut Catawba Indian Village The Schiller Museum Gastonia, North Carolina Growing Plants Firewood Animal Hide& Skeletal Remains Woven Basket
Located in the Catawba Indian Village at The Schiele Museum of Natural History’s Nature Trail in Gastonia, North Carolina. This was the first time I stepped inside the hut to see the interior space. I was surprised and delighted to see the exhibits located in its interior.
Sometimes People Don’t Follow the Rules Leave No TraceDiscarded Box 📦 & Chain Link Fencing Trash Left Behind Forgotten Animal CrackersLost or Left Behind Hiking 🥾 Stick
1939 Home on Water Street in Coshocton, Ohio1940 Home [My Mom at 8 yrs old on Porch] And Vintage Horse 🐎 Trailer Coshocton, Ohio1940 Rental Home [ My Mom & Her Brother, Jerry] Ocean Beach, California 1941 Home [My Mom & Jerry] 2912 E Street San Diego, California
Aquarium in The Schiele Museum Great EgretGrizzly Bear in San Diego ZooU. S. Naval Vessel during World War I Coleman In Kayak at Andrew Jackson State Park Coleman in Small Pool
My any kind of seating involves any seating that Coleman deems acceptable for a place for him to sit. His choices of seating are not always what I would choose, but hey, if he’s happy with his choice of seating who am I to say it’s not his kind of seating.
Seating at the Greenway An Adirondack Chair & a Picnic Table with benches Anne Springs Close Greenway Coleman’s Seating on an Adult Exercise Equipment at Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway Coleman’s Seating on another piece of Adult Exercise Equipment at Avon and Catawba Creeks GreenwayColeman’s version of Seating along the Green Trail at the Warlick YMCA ( A Rock 🪨 for Seating)Coleman’s Seating On a Bar on Exercise Equipment on the Power Loop of the Styz Trail System at the Warlick YMCAColor Pop Close-Up of Coleman Sitting on the Exercise Bar Warlick YMCA SYTZ Trail System
In Silvertone Another Silvertone setting In Monochrome In Noir
Coleman & I went hiking along the Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway and spotted the sand and water underneath the bridge. He loves looking at the water and sand fascinates him. He would have loved to go down and play in it.
While he was watching the movement of the water, I decided to play around the the different black and white settings on my iPhone. The above photos are the results.
Steps Landsford Canal State Park Catawba, South CarolinaLadders Lake Haigler Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina Coleman on Steps Lake Haigler Loop Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South CarolinaColeman on Ladder Lake Wylie, South Carolina John Thomas Waters And Mary Alma Waters on Back Steps 14 Walnut Street Great Falls, South Carolina Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge Steps or Ladders
In Germany Photo Credit: Nornal H. WatersAt Harris Teeter In Charlotte, NCIn Gastonia, NCAt Crowders Mountain Kings Mountain, MCAt Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens In Belmont, NCTaken from Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas In Costa Maya, MexicoCee’s Black & White Photo Challenge
First up is a Water Fountain located at Glencairn Gardens. It was taken when I took my Aunt Irene there for a visit to see the spring flowers in May of 2019.
Fountain @ Glencairn Gardens Rock Hill, South Carolina
Next is a Coca Cola water Fountain located inside Carowinds taken back in August of 2018 when my granddaughter, Alona and I paid a visited.
Fountain ⛲️ @ Carowinds Charlotte, North Carolina
Then we see Coleman observing the water spraying out of the Fort Mill Dam. This was taken when we visited in May of 2021.
Fort Mill Dam Fort Mill, South Carolina
The last photo is I shot I captured of Coleman playing with the Water hose . I loved how the water was sprinkling up towards him. It was taken where we lived at the time in Clover, South Carolina in September of 2021.
It has been raining here quite a bit lately, so I haven’t been able to get out as much with my camera as I’d like. Therefore, I have chosen to dig into my archives this week for Cee’s Black and White Challenge.
First, we go to Germany for one of my mom’s photos of a German storefront, Lowenbrau Munchen.
Lowenbrau Munchen Lehrbucher Munich, Germany
My mom and dad went to Germany during the Christmas Holiday season back in 1975 when my brother was stationed there as a part of his U. S. Air Force service. My parents flew over to spend Christmas with my brother and his family. This shopping area was just one of the many areas they visited while they were there.
Next, we travel back to the United States for a variety of locations throughout the midwestern and southern regions, from Ohio to the Carolinas and on to Texas and Oklahoma.
Miller’s Bakery Millersburg, Ohio
We visited Cousins in Ohio back in 2012 and had a personal tour of the area. Miller’s Bakery maintain’s an excellent selection of fresh baked bread & pastries.
Lehman’s Hardware Store Kidron, Ohio
Lehman’s Hardware Store has a wide range of selections to meet the needs of all range of customers whether you use electricity or choose to live off the grid.
Harris Teeter Grocery Store Oscar Mayer Weinermobile Ballantyne, Charlotte, North Carolina
Harris Teeter is a grocery store chain based out of North Carolina with locations within seven South Atlantic States which include North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Maryland and also in the District of Columbia. It was founded by William Thomas Harris and Willis L. Teeter. Harris and Teeter started their separate businesses during the Great Depression in Charlotte, North Carolina. They later merged their two ventures into one and combined their names to what is now known as Harris Teeter. [As a side note, I worked for Harris Teeter for almost ten years. First, as a cashier and later as a personal shopper.]
The Pump House Restaurant Rock Hill, South Carolina
The Pump House began as part of the Celanese Celriver Plant. The plant manufactured synthetic fibers from cellulose acetate. Construction began in 1946 and the plant was opened in 1948. The five pumps supplied approximately 4.7 million gallons of water from the Catawba River on a daily basis. The plant closedown in 2005, the buildings demolished and the Pump House was abandoned. It was sold in 2014 and extensive renovations began soon afterwards. On March 17, 2016, the Pump House opened as a destination restaurant. It features hand-crafted signature cocktails, a southern-inspired chophouse menu; focusing on using the very best local provisions and preparing them to ultimate perfection. [ I have hiked along the Catawba River surrounding the Pump House, but have never eaten there to date. It is a little over my price range for eating establishments.]
Sonic Restaurant Abilene, Texas
I discovered this Sonic location while on one of my walks around Abilene. I was there in 2020 visiting my Aunt Erma Watson ( my mom’s sister, who I knew growing up as Irene). We had planned to take a trip to Kansas together, however, Covid-19 prevented our trip due to everything being shut down. ( I was really disappointed) Anyway, while there, I would take long walks around where my Aunt lived mainly for the exercise, but also to investigate what there was to see in the surrounding areas. The Sonic was one of the few restaurants that was familiar to me.
Palone Barber Shop South Coffeville, Oklahoma
This photo was sent to me by my maternal cousin, Karen Palone. This barbershop 💈 was run by her husband’s grandfather. I reversed the photo so it could be read. The actual photo was taken from the inside looking outward and the lettering appeared backwards.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 