Tag: #Coleman

Terrible Two’s: Why? When will it end? Frustrations…..Help

It appears my grandson is in his “terrible two’s” phase. I sure wish it would end soon, but in all likelihood it is only the beginning.

You may wonder what the terrible two’s are, but if you’re a mom you’re fully aware of the terrible two’s. With some children you might hardly notice the phase and with others, like my grandson, you feel so frustrated you’d pull your hair out trying to cope.

What are the terrible two’s? Believe it or not the “terrible two’s” is a normal stage in a child’s development. It is a stage in which a toddler can regularly bounce between reliance on adults and a newly burgeoning desire for independence. The symptoms vary between children but can include frequent mood changes and temper tantrums.

Why do I think my grandson is in the “terrible two’s”? Take a look at the following picture and it’ll give you a small glimpse into his actions of late.

His destruction — I could hardly open my bedroom door
His mess he made —- all were in boxes packed in a larger box 📦.

And this isn’t everything he’s been getting into or doing lately. So just yesterday he managed to also get into everything in his mom’s room, spread them all over the place which included her tampons and drinking a small portion of a small bottle of mouthwash. Not only that but he also got a hold of an electric razor and shaved part of the dogs hair off.

What are the signs to look for of the “terrible two’s”?

  • Tantrums that consistently include:
    • Hitting
    • Kicking
    • Biting
    • Or other forms of physical violence toward parent or caregiver (in this instance, me)
    • Child tries to injure themselves
    • Frequent tantrums ( occur around 10-20 times per day)
    • Last longer than 25 minutes on average
    • Inability of child to ultimately calm themselves

The terrible two’s can sometimes roll into the terrible three’s. By the time a child reaches 4, they can usually express themselves through language and motor development.

Remember not all children are the same. Some will barely show signs of the terrible two’s while others may show more than the average. Children are trying to develop a sense of themselves and a bit of independence. Keeping to a schedule and maintaining routines can assist in avoiding meltdown triggers. Examples would include sticking the the same meal and bed times. It also helps to focus your attention on the child and not cellphones.

Love ❤️, Patience, and Kindness

How do I know my grandson is in the “terrible two’s”? The changes in his behavior clearly indicate it. How might you ask? His defiance, talking back, constantly saying no, hitting and/or biting himself or others. In his curiosity, he destroys items he is not even supposed to have. He gets into rooms he is not to be in without permission to explore. I know he is curious (like Curious George), but constantly redirecting gets frustrating. He will mimic anything I do, and he will stop his feet at me when he doesn’t get his way.

Expressions
of
defiance
Stomping
his
feet 🦶
Showing
he’s
upset

I try not to get frustrated and yell, but sometimes it’s difficult when I keep correcting or redirecting the same unwanted behavior. I don’t remember it being this frustrating with any of my three (now grown) children. I know his vocabulary is still limited and it’s not easy for him to communicate what he wants, but I also want him to learn what is acceptable and what is not.

Prayers 🙏🏼 would be very much appreciated. I need to be more patient, showing him my love and using kindness in my interactions with him. He is my heart ❤️ and I love him so much.

I love ❤️
the times
when he wants
to cuddle 🥰

Founders Trail: Along the Catawba River

Yesterday, Sunday, 05 June 2022 we decided to try a different trail that I was told about on Saturday whil I was participating in the National Trails Day 1,000 Mile Challenge. The information was given to me by Debbie Zinsky Kiggans, the leader of the Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club. She informed me about the Masons Ben Trail located in the Fort Mill area of South Carolina.

Following directions, we found the parking area to the Founders Trailhead, however, we did not locate the Masons Bend Trail. Afterwards, I looked at the trail map and it appears we did not hike far enough to venture off onto the Masons Bend Trail which appears to be a jaunt off of the Founders Trail.

Founders Trail
with my
hiking buddy,
Coleman

The Founders Trail is a 2.3-mile mostly natural surface trail provides connectivity between the Piedmont Medical Center Trail, (AKA Riverwalk), and the Masons Bend Trail. It follows a beautiful stretch of the free flowing Catawba River.

Coleman
taking a quick break,
on a bench
provided by Founders

From the North, users can utilize the trail parking at the end of Weir Court in the Masons Bend Neighborhood development. When you follow the trail southward, the trail runs along the River and provides a series of bridges and boardwalks. In various locations along the trail are strategically placed benches which allow hikers and other visitors to take a break and view the river. There is an overlook at the north end of the trail affording opportunities to be inspired by the marvelous views of the Catawba River. [We evidently did not go far enough along the trail, since we did not encounter the overlook.] The overlook area is stated to be around 1.9 miles into the trail. [We went 1.7 miles today before turning around to meet my daughter who just arrived at the trailhead.]

Views
of the
Catawba River

If one chooses to head north on the Founders Trail, it will connect directly into the Masons Bend Trail allowing the user to travel an additional one and a quarter mile along the river.

Views
of the
Catawba River
from Founders Trail

If one chooses to begin at the south end, trail users can utilize the trailhead of the Piedmont Medical Center Trail. Follow the trail north on Route 21. from there, the Founders Trail begins as a sidewalk along the Route 21 Bridge over the Catawba River. The sidewalk section runs for approximately 2000′ and transitions by making a “U-turn” to the right just after the guardrails and follows the old road back and travels underneath the Route 21 Bridge.

Views from the Founders Trail
Pump House and stairs
are across the river from our location

The Founders Trail consists of Natural surface, Gravel/stone, Boardwalk, Sidewalk, and Pavement. [ we never encountered the sidewalk or pavement on this hike.] The Trail is located both in the Rock Hill and the Fort Mill areas of South Carolina. The difficulty level of the Trail is designated as easy. [It was fairly easy for my two-year-old grandson.] Dogs are permitted on the trail with a 3-foot leash. If you choose to bring your dog, be sure to pick up after them. Remember to Leave No Trace, what you pack in, Pack out with you.

The Founders Trailhead has no restroom facilities, so it would be wise to plan ahead. The Trail is open from Dawn to Dusk. Parking is limited, only 15 spots available. [Parking was not crowded, and neither was the trail. So, if you which to practice social distancing that is not a problem along this trail.

Trail Map

I encourage you to find a local trail and get outdoors and enjoy nature. God bless. Thank you for visiting. Till next time, Remember I appreciate y’all.

Piedmont Medical Center Trail: Day Two – From the Pump House

Piedmont Medical Center Trail
Hiking with Coleman
View of
Catawba River
near the
Pump House
Piedmont
Medical
Center
Trail
Coleman
playing
in the
Catawba River
Catawba River ~ Riverwalk
Coleman
on the
Piedmont Medical
Center Trail
Catawba River
6-02-2022
My
hiking
🥾 buddy
~ Coleman
Catawba River
Beautiful Views
on a
Beautiful Day
Bridge
over
Catawba
River
Coleman
Playing
in the
Catawba River
Pump House
and
Views of
Catawba River
Riverwalk
Park
with
Coleman
Coleman
sliding
at
Riverwalk
Park

My grandson, Coleman, and I visited the Riverwalk area in Rock Hill, South Carolina for the second time today. We parked by the Pump House and hiked a portion of the Piedmont Medical Center Trail. We hiked at a leisurely pace, enjoying the views of the Catawba River. We took a slight detour off the asphalt pathway and onto a dirt and gravel trail which looped around back to the main pathway. Coleman enjoys hiking off the beaten path. We hiked 1.5 miles along the trail and turned around and went back the direction we came. Several spots along the way, Coleman ventured into the river for some fun time in the water. Once back at the car, we drove a short distance to the Riverwalk Park. There he enjoyed making “music”, swinging, and sliding.

God bless. Hope you enjoyed viewing our day. Make time to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Last Photo: Cell Phone Pic

Brian from Bushboy’s World is asking us to share the very last photo on our SD cards for May 2022 .

The rules are simple:
1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 31st of May.
2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate.
3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do
4. Create a Pingback to Brian’s post here
5. Tag “The Last Photo”

The Last Photo
on my
Cell Phone
is a collage
My Last Photo
that’s not
a collage
Coleman
expressions

God bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Riverwalk Greenway Trail: Piedmont Medical Center Trail

Coleman’s ready to go hiking

The Riverwalk Greenway Trail is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It is 2.25 miles of easy walking exercise. As you walk along the paved asphalt trail you can observe fabulous views of the Catawba River.

Riverwalk Trestle

The Riverwalk Trail has been recently renamed the Piedmont Medical Center Trail. The asphalt pathway is approximately 10-foot wide. It is located just minutes away from I-77. This trail is key segment of the Carolina Thread Trail. The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of trails and greenways spanning 15 counties across North and South Carolina.

Along the trail you’ll encounter various historical landmarks informing you of some of the local history that is contained within the pathway of the trail. They mention the Nation Ford trestle, the usage during the Civil War, the usage by the Catawba and Cherokee Indians, and was even crossed by President Jefferson Davis in 1865.

Coleman
resting a bit
before continuing
along the trail.

Mile markers are placed at intervals along the pathway to help you keep track of how far you have walked, hiked, ran, or cycled. You have to remember that regardless of which trailhead you park at, it is 2.25 miles up and back. If you need a short break to catch your breath along the way you’ll encounter several metal benches, sitting areas made from tree trunks, and also a few swings. My grandson really enjoyed taking breaks anytime he came upon one of the swings.

Coleman
enjoying himself
along the trail

The trail is accessible to anyone on foot, wheelchair, skateboard, or bicycle of any age and ability. Dogs are welcome to tag along, but must be on a 3-foot leash. And remember you must pick up after your dog. Leave no trace.

Located along the route are short dirt paths that you can venture on to enable you to have better views of the Catawba River. If you so choose from the north trailhead, you can launch a kayak, a tube, or raft and enjoy a leisurely trip down river.

Coleman
at mile
marker .75
Catawba River
Piedmont Medical Center Trail – Mountain Bike
Trail System
Kayaking
on the
Catawba River

Please note that the trail is located in a floodplain and during inclement weather you should use caution and avoid the trail during those times. All cyclists should observe the 10 mile per hour speed limit.

Views
Of the
Catawba River
Fun
at the
Catawba River
Riverwalk stairs
Coleman Climbing along the Piedmont Medical Center Trail

My grandson and I spent a couple hours leisurely walking along the trail and enjoying the fabulous views of the Catawba River. We went on Friday (1st day of a holiday weekend), and lots of people were out and about. The watering hole was crowded so he couldn’t get in the water, maybe he’ll be able to on another visit. We plan on going back on Wednesday. I’ve been informed that not so many people go there during the middle of the week. If you desire to avoid crowds, I’d suggest coming here on a weekday and avoiding the weekends.

Our adventure
via Relive.com

God Bless. Enjoy nature. Get outdoors. Walk. Bike. Hike. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Cell Pic Sunday: my Grandson petting a horse

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Coleman petting a horse
@ Anne Springs Close Greenway
Horse Stables

God bless. Thank you. Remember I appreciate y’all. Have fun sharing your Sunday Cell Pics.

Exhausted and Frustrated: My two-year-old grandson is not sleeping through the night…

My
Two-year-old
grandson,
Coleman

In a previous post entitled Recovering and Moving Adjustments, I discussed our moving and the adjustments being frustrating. For Coleman, it appears he is not adjusting too well yet to sleeping in a new place. He has the same bed, but has not been allowed, so far, on the top bunk. We/I have concerns about his safety on the top bunk. In his room in the new apartment, we now live in, there is a ceiling fan where the fan blades stretch across part of the top bunk.

Coleman is rambunctious and curious. He loves to climb, turn lights on and off, and investigate anything and everything he can get his hands on. I’ve already discovered him tuning on the fan from the top bunk after climbing up. I, myself, had difficulty turning it back off without getting hurt from the blades. So how can I allow him to sleep 💤 on the top bunk he enjoys being on when I’m concerned he’ll get hurt?

He’s been waking up after only a few hours of sleep, and exciting his room. After leaving his room, he proceeds to turn on every light in the kitchen, hallway, and living room. Then he rummages through the kitchen drawers and the boxes yet to be unpacked. When he gets bored with that he comes into my room. Thus, preventing me from sleeping. Hence, I am exhausted during the day from lack of sufficient sleep.

I want my energetic cooperative little boy back. The problem is I am not sure how to achieve his sleeping through the night again and staying in his own room all night to sleep. The rest of us, especially myself, would appreciate a full night of uninterrupted peaceful sleep.

Coleman
this morning
after being awake
half the night
(or more).

Can you understand my frustrations and my being exhausted? Pray for us that a solution can be found to remedy this problematic situation.

God bless. Thank you for listening. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Coleman Selfies: iPhone camera

My grandson, Coleman, loves to get ahold of my phone 📱 and snap multiple pictures. Just gotta love his expressions as he hams it up in front of the camera.

God Bless. Thanks for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Living With a Covid-19 Positive 2 Year Old: Update

Coleman
—- 6 Days after
Covid-19 positive diagnosis

Apologies for being absent from posting. Since last Monday night, I’ve been primary caregiver for my two year old grandson who was diagnosed with being Covid-19 positive. The first two days he was really really sick, upset stomach, vomiting, high fever, lack of ability to keep food or drink down, lack of energy and an overall feeling irritability. It had been difficult seeing him so miserable.

Last Tuesday we took him to the doctor at the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte where a Covid-19 test was run. We received notice of his being Covid-19 positive on Wednesday. Not much could be done besides giving him Motrin for his fever, and pushing fluids. Sometimes he didn’t want to drink, but had to keep trying.

Thursday and Friday were days of sleeping off and on. Rest he much needed to help him recover. Rest I also needed, having been up off and on all week, I was exhausted. Saturday, he wake up with more energy than he’d had all week. His fever gone. His appetite also started to improve.

Overall, I suppose you can call his case a mild one. It’s also high allergy season here and with a being driven to exhausted taking care of him, my sinuses have taken a toll on me. My allergy medication is working, however, I’m not up to par and he now has more energy than I do.

Coleman
—— six days after
Covid-19 positive diagnosis
Good to see a smile
Cheese

Thank y’all for praying for him and all of us throughout this experience. I pray we won’t have to go through it again. I pray y’all will be safe and healthy. God bless. May He watch over you and surround you with His love and protection.

Coleman
—- feeling better.
Thank you God!

Living With a Covid-19 Positive 2 Year Old:

Coleman is sick

Yesterday I posted that I’d appreciate prayers 🙏🏼 for my grandson who is really sick. His mom and I took him to Levine Children’s Hospital in downtown Charlotte to have a doctor check him out. You might ask; “What prompted that action?” Well, let me tell you.

Approximately around midnight the day before ( Monday evening) he woke up and came out of his room all irritable and making groaning noises. We didn’t think much of it at the time ( he has woken up in the middle of the night before). So we ( his mom and myself) comforted him, had him use the potty, gave him some milk and some yogurt. He seemed okay ( looking back, maybe 🤔 not fully). After some cuddle time we put him back to bed.

The next morning, Tuesday, he was lethargic, running a high fever, irritable, not able ( or interested in eating), barely drinking fluids. For him that’s extremely unusual. Normally, by 9:00 am he has drunk 2 cups of milk, had some cereal, and either French toast, waffles, or pancakes. The cereal is mainly to tide him over until I get his breakfast cooked. I do not use frozen breakfast items. He is allergic to dairy and soy, so any store bought items need to have the ingredients examined before purchasing to ensure they do not contain those ingredients.

Back to Coleman’s condition, he was not able to keep food or drink down and he was running a high fever. I tried to cool him down with a cold bath, however, that did nothing to bring his fever down. I had already given him children’s Tylenol. At that point I texted my daughter asking her to come out of her room. [She had been in bed not feeling well herself]. She had the thermometer with her which she brought out. His temperature was 102 °. At which time I asked her to call his doctor. His doctor’s office stated they could not get him in to be seen for 2 days. They suggested, if we wanted him seen sooner, we take him to Levine Children’s Hospital.

At the hospital, they took his vitals, his temp after we arrived was 103°. The children’s hospital is a little over a half hour, longer if there’s a lot of traffic. The nurse gave him Motrin and a anti-nausea medication. That seemed to temporarily make him feel a little better.

Once the doctor saw him he ordered a couple of tests, one of which was a test for Covid-19. By the time we got back home, he was back to running a fever and not feeling very good. Luckily ( for me anyway), he slept through the night. And so far no more vomiting, I’m am very glad. Yesterday he threw up all over me. Not the situation one exactly wants.

Coleman has Covid-19.

I will update as the week goes along. For now, my time is all taken up with caring for my grandson. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you!

Prayers would be appreciated:

I’d appreciate prayers. My daughter & grandson are sick. Both throwing up. Grandson is running a fever & very irritable. Not eating. Not sleeping hardly at all.

My grandson, Coleman

On way to Levine’s Children’s Hospital to have him checked out and probably given fluids. Thank you!

Portrait Mode: Coleman

Playing with his whisk
~ Gotta love his expressions
HEIF
Wide camera — 26mm f1.5
ISO320 1/60s Apple 13 Pro
Portrait Stage Light Mode
He loves the camera
He’s a ham
My grandson
—- Coleman

God Bless. Love ❤️ my family. Love your family. Appreciate them while you have them. Take care of each other. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Monday Meanderings: Short walk with Coleman

Today’s current forecast

Today was kind of dreary. It started out with a downpour of rain 🌧. Only in the low 40°’s in the morning. Coleman always loves to go outside, but since it was chilly, wet, and a little windy I managed to have him wait until the afternoon to go for a walk.

Plants
seen along
today’s
walk
Monday Meanderings
with Coleman
Deer stand
amongst
the trees

Kept the Monday Meanderings to a minimum today. It was still cool and a little windy in the afternoon, however, the rain 🌧 let up for our walk.

Hope y’all had a blessed Easter Sunday. I appreciate y’all. Encourage you to spend time outdoors. Thank God for his many blessings.

Thanks for visiting. Please feel free to like, comment, and follow.

Tuesday Hiking: Coleman Ramblings

Tuesday Ramblings with Coleman through the woods and across the meadows we went hiking and traversing through nature observing God’s beauty and marvelous creativity.

Coleman and his hiking stick exploring nature.
Various Trees observed today.
Tuesday Ramblings with Coleman.
Through the meadows we went
……Tuesday Ramblings
Coleman full of energy —
enjoying being in nature.
Spring Growth —
Plants in bloom

The following link is to a video of our Tuesday Rambling hike Coleman, and I enjoyed together.

http://www.relive.cc/view/v8qVBnmNd3q

God Bless. Enjoy nature. Get Outdoors. Go for a walk or a hike and spend time with a friend. Thank You! I appreciate y’all. Hope you enjoyed your visit and come again soon. 

Coleman: Selfies

Today while I was occupied with mundane housework my grandson, Coleman, confiscated my phone. While the phone was in his possession he opened the camera. Mind you the phone was in the locked position. That did not stop him from taking random pictures including pictures of himself.

Coleman selfie….
loves
the camera

Random shots …. I deleted the ones of the floor and his feet.

Say Cheese
Look 👀 maw …
my #ASCGreenwayshirt

He loves modeling his new clothes. He’s growing up so fast.

See Nana ….
I love my
new clothes ….
Thanks
I’m ready ….
Go ahead …
Take my picture
See Nana ….
I’m rockin
my new duds
Gotta
love ❤️
my grandson.
Love ❤️ U
Coleman!

Selfies are not new for Coleman. He constantly swipes my phone. I never no what pics are gonna turn up after I get the phone back from him. Even though I don’t like him taking my phone, I love ❤️ him so much. I would be lost without him.

God bless. Love y’all. Remember I appreciate y’all. Thank you for visiting with me and my grandson.

Bunk Beds: For Adults? For Kids?

When were they invented? What age range were they designed for? Have you ever used bunk beds? These are just a few of the tidbits I’ll be sharing with you.

Bunk Beds with stairs

A bit of History behind bunk beds they were invented way back around the 1400-1500. Did you know the bunk bed has been around for centuries? (I don’t know they existed that far back in time.) They we’re made too be able to save space in homes. They have also been used by the military too save space and accommodate more recruits/soldiers in barracks and in ships quarters.

Military Style Bunks

The invention of the bunk bed hasn’t been narrowed down to any particular person. It is believed, by some, that they originated from ancient Egypt. While others tend to believe the origin is possibly Scandinavian.

Besides in homes and use by the military, they’ve been used on Ranches and Farms to provide housing for Ranch and Farm hands.

Bunk Beds used on Farms

Bunk beds are two or more beds stacked one on top of the other. Most commonly there are two beds stacked together, although, on occasion you’ll see three beds stacked on top of one another.

Bunk beds are used by children and adults. However, it is not recommended for children under the age of six (6) to sleep on the top bunk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends bunk beds be used for children between the ages of 6 and 16. They also recommend for toddlers to outgrow their toddler bed before having them sleep on a bottom bunk.

Why do they suggest children under six not to sleep in a top bunk? The main reason for not allowing children younger than six to use the top bunk is a concern for safety. It is felt that younger children might roll off the top bunk while they sleep.

Approximately 36,000 bunk bed related injuries have received emergency treatment. Even though some injuries tend to be mild, there are others that are extremely serious with concussions and fractures. It is stated that half of these injuries occur to children younger than six years of age.

These suggestions are only guidelines. You must use your own judgment on whether your child or children are ready to sleep on bunk beds.

Coleman
on top
of stairs
to
top bunk.

Even though my grandson is younger than six, he is very comfortable climbing ladders and stairs. It wouldn’t matter if we put him to bed in the bottom bunk or not. He would be in the top bunk before morning. While we are comfortable with him sleeping in the top bunk, not everyone would be for their child.

God bless. Take care. Stay safe. Make wise choices. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Monday Meanderings: Love the Greenway

This is Love the Greenway month for the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Today, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time at the Greenway with my grandson, Coleman. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, with no rain in sight. It was truly a blessing to get ourselves outdoors to enjoy nature and do a little bit of hiking.

Coleman
— my hiking buddy

Anne Springs Close Greenway has 2,100 acres to enjoy and explore. It is a natural preserve that offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnics, and much more. They have 36 miles of hiking trails that can be used for hiking, biking, and /or horseback riding.

The Greenway also has a 28-acre lake. Lake Haigler has a fishing dock for those who like to fish. If you wish to fish at the lake, you must possess a South Carolina fishing license. The lake has beautiful views to enjoy, Geese swim freely upon the lake and occasionally come out of the water to greet you. You can observe turtles sunning on logs, or you can rent a kayak for an adventure of your own on the lake.

The top ten things to do at the Greenway for an enjoyable day with friends, family, or by yourself are as follows:

  • Eat at the Greenway Canteen – The canteen features a seasonal menu and offers local beer and wine for your dining pleasure. One can dine indoors or outdoors in the covered patio area. The canteen is located at the Lake Haigler entrance. The food is excellent, and I highly recommend it.
  • Live Music and Events (Seasonal) – Every Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9 pm feature Sunset Sessions with live music on the Greenway lawn. Bring a lawn chair or bring a blanket and sit on the grass and relax and enjoy listening to a variety of live music. The Greenway holds special events like the Blue Star Blitz and Earth Day Celebrations. A fun time can be had by one and all.
  • Yoga – Yoga is offered two to three days a week. The workouts are taken place at the Amphitheater. Sessions are $12 for non-members, and 50% off for members.
  • Hiking – 36 miles of hiking trails ensure you will not get bored hiking at the Greenway. The trails range from beginner to intermediate and there are various points of interest to see as you hike. There are a few swinging bridges along the trails. The most popular Swinging Bridge is located at the Lake Haigler Entrance. The Loop around the lake is the most popular trail for hikers and is easily maneuvered by the young and old alike. My two-year-old grandson manages it quite nicely.
  • Mountain Biking – There are mountain bike trails for every level of bikers. You can bike on your own, take a beginner clinic, or have a private lesson. Just grab your bike, come on down and get to riding the trails. All the mountain bike trails begin at the Adventure Road Entrance. To ride your bike on the trails you must be a member of the Greenway or pay a minimal fee at the trailhead kiosk.
  • Mary Warner Mack Dog Park – This park in the Greenway features 12 acres of enclosed natural space for dogs of all sizes to play and socialize. It is located at the Adventure Road Entrance and is open seven days a week. At this time, it is open to Greenway members only. Amenities include a Dog-washing station, Hydration stations, and a mile-long off the leash trail.
  • Kayaking & Paddle Boarding – Located at the Lake Haigler Entrance. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available on weekends beginning in June. The cost is $15 dollars (Prices subject to change) for non-members and 50% off for members. If you own your own kayak or paddleboard, you are more than welcome to bring it on down and spend some quality time on the lake. Please only non-motorized are allowed.
  • Fishing – Offered exclusively for Greenway members.
  • Horseback Riding – The Greenway offers equestrian summer camps, group riding lessons, guided trail rides, and lead line rides. We took my two-year-old grandson on a lead line ride just before he turned two. He thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to do it again.
  • History – Nations Ford Road, and The Graham Cabin both hold significant historical ties to the area. When you come to visit you can learn more about their history.

Our afternoon hiking in the Greenway took place at the Lake Haigler Entrance. We started our hike by the canteen and proceeded walking down to Lake Haigler. It was a beautiful sun shiny day. We walked part way around the lake, past the kayaks, and over to the spillway, traversing the Billy Walk and Wagon Loop trails. We took a short jaunt on Muscadine Trail and back to Wagon Loop and Billy Walk. Then we hiked over to the Swinging Bridge where my grandson ran back and forth across the bridge. The swinging didn’t faze him at all this trip. The first time he walked on it he was scared, but that was a year ago.

God Bless. Get outdoors. Stop by the Anne Springs Close Greenway if you get to the Fort Mill, South Carolina area. If you, do you won’t be sorry. You’ll have a fantastic time. Thank You for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

Miracle Park: Afternoon Funtime

Miracle Park is a fairly new city park located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The park is designed for all people is ALL ages and abilities to be able to play together, a place where everyone can feel like they belong.

Coleman checking
out the
playground equipment

Miracle Park is being developed in three phases. The first phase was completed, and the park opened to the public in September 2021. It is located between Cherry Road and Eden Terrace. The park has an inclusive playground, sensory wall, and the Miracle Ball Field.

My daughter, grandson, and I visited Miracle Park on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. This was my first time visiting the newly developed park. My grandson, Coleman, was fascinated by all the different aspects in the park where he could touch, climb, swing, and make music.

Only phase one of the park project is open at this time. It is One-of-a-kind inclusive Playground. It was developed so that no matter your age, your physical or mental ability this park is one you will surely enjoy. It has a music section, resistance equipment, an area for interactive games, sensory walls, and a pathway that addresses all five of the senses. The park also maintains a family restroom, Adult changing station, Concession area, One Miracle League Field, A Traditional Baseball field and plenty of unique universal design elements.

Pictured here is the hexagonal climbing apparatus. There is rope and metal areas for children to use to climb to the top as demonstrated by my grandson. Parts of it he had difficulty climbing on his own, so my daughter and I lent a helping hand.

Coleman is discovering how to make sound from the various equipment in the music area of the park. This area also has various sizes of pipes for the children to hit with attached mallets or drumsticks to make music. He really had a fantastic time playing and discovering the innumerable aspects that are a part of this well thought out, planned, and developed park.

My daughter and grandson are interacting on this modern designed Spinner or Merry-go-Round. Not exactly what it is called, but it is similar to a metal merry-go-round I played on as a child. As you can see it was designed for “kids” of all ages.

These swings are not your ordinary swings. They swing from one end to another and back again. The park also has regular swings, toddler and baby swings, as well as a heavy-duty disc swing. The swings were designed for adults and children of all ages and abilities to be able to enjoy and have tons of fun.

If you find yourself in the Rock Hill, South Carolina area and would like to visit Miracle Park, I encourage you to do so. The address is 1006 Eden Terrace, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730.

God bless. Enjoy the video. Take time to get outdoors and enjoy life. Visit your local, state, or national parks and discovery new and exciting things to do and be sure to include fun in your outings.

As always, I appreciate y’all and hop you’ll stop by and visit with me again. Remember to like, comment, and follow. Have a great day!

Andrew Jackson State Park: Camping 🏕, Hiking 🥾, Play

Andrew Jackson State Park is a wonderful place to spend outside whether it is for a day trip or for camping. It is one of 47 State Parks, Historic Sites, Resort Park, and Recreational area within the State of South Carolina. These areas are protected by the South Carolina State Park Service.

Statute of Andrew Jackson
The Boy of the Waxhaws
My grandson, Coleman, investigating

There are many interesting areas and fun activities to do in the State Park. From visiting an old schoolhouse similar to what Andrew Jackson would have attended, to various statues like the Boy of the Waxhaws. A museum is on site which includes the campground office and a small gift shop. There are 2 hiking trails with a length of one mile each. 1 trail begins at the meeting house and the other begins to the left of the fishing dock. The second trail is the one I use the most. It makes a loop around the lake with a moderate dirt path.

Map of Andrew Jackson State Park.
It shows the location of the trails and amenities. https://southcarolinaparks.com/andrew-jackson/trails#jump

Other activities that you could choose to do would be to go fishing, canoeing, row a boat on the lake, enjoy the gardens, and camp in one of the sites in the campground. There are 25 camp sites available to rent. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. When I visited on Saturday with my grandson only a few sites were open for rent. Reservations can be made online and there is a discount for seniors 65+. There is also a playground children can use to play. I know my grandson loves to play on the playground.

The State Park has two picnic shelters that can be rented out to groups or family gatherings. The Friends of Andrew Jackson along with the State Park host an annual Andrew Jackson Birthday Celebration. The celebration is free with park admission. It is a day filled with reenactments, living history demonstrations, and a chance to learn more about Andrew Jackson, our Seventh President of the United States. For the past two years the celebrations had to be cancelled due to CDC guidelines and the Covid-19 pandemic. In years past, I have helped with the various needs and planning which takes place to make the celebration a success. This year it is taking place on March 19, 2022, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

In November, Life in the Waxhaws Lantern tour is held in the evening usually beginning around 6:00 pm and lasting until approximately 7:30 pm. It is wise to bring flashlights with you if you plan to attend the tour. Tour groups are lead every 30 minutes. The Lantern Tour is designed so you can understand what life was like back in the 18th century. Each event gives you a glimpse of what it was like for Andrew Jackson and the events that helped shape the community.

While you walk or hike around the park you might have chance encounters with animals that roam the park. Bicycles are allowed on the paved roads throughout the park. Whatever your mode of transportation you choose, you’ll love getting around the park and enjoy the serene atmosphere of being in nature.

God Bless. Get outdoors and enjoy nature. Visit State Parks. Visit Andrew Jackson State Park whenever you travel through South Carolina. I know you’ll be glad you did. It is a wonderful experience.

I trust you enjoyed seeing my visit to Andrew Jackson State Park. Till next time, Stay safe. Stay Healthy. Enjoy Living.

Words and Photos are mine @gfpacificbee.