Location: Dairy Barn Entrance; Lake Haigler; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God’s Blessings to y’all this Beautiful Easter Sunday. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
When visiting The Schiele Museum yesterday Coleman and I walked down a different staircase than we’ve taken before. Part way down the stairs in between floors was a swiveling chair which Coleman proceeded to climb upon. His antics and expressions can be viewed in these slideshow photos.
Cee asks everyone to post photos of Words that contain the Alphabet letters A or E. My selections for this week come from mine and Coleman’s recent visit to Gastonia’s Erwin Center Park and Recreation. As per usual Coleman (notice the Name A & E) is in several of my photos.
Gastonia Erwin Center Parks and Recreation Sign with Coleman Basketball Court Gastonia Erwin Center Park and Recreation Ball Field used for Soccer and Baseball Gastonia Erwin Center Park and Recreation Coleman in the Children’s PlaygroundColeman sliding on the Playground Equipment Slide
On one of our recent hikes we noticed the water streaming down the creek. Coleman laid down on the bridge above and stretched his single stick downward towards the creek trying to stretch it into the water below.
This next shot is not so clear, however, it depicts his lone stick floating in the water. He had lost his grip and it wasn’t within his reach to retrieve it. He was disappointed, but not for long (he always finds sticks along trails.)
I do not get mine done very frequently. The last time I took myself anywhere to get anything done to my hair was in before 2014. When I did go I often went to my cousin to get a haircut, a perm or sometimes even dying my hair. There was no better beautician in my book other than my cousin, Carol. [Actually she was my first cousin once removed’s wife, but why get technical.]
Why talk about haircuts anyway?
Hair Health —-
It is healthy to get your hair, at least, trimmed periodically to remove damaged ends, prevent split ends, and help with hair breakage.
Hair Growth —-
Haircuts can promote hair growth and make your hair look healthier and fuller.
Scalp Health —-
Haircuts can improve scalp circulation, which stimulates healthier hair growth. They can also minimize dandruff and dry scalp.
Styling —-
Haircuts cuts can maintain a well-groomed appearance and allow for versatility in styling.
Self-Care —-
Haircuts can be a form of self-care. Visits to hair salons can be a way to take a break from your normal routine and relieve daily stress and anxieties. It can also help you feel better and more confident, more free; like the weight just sort of rolled off your shoulders.
You might be wondering why I chose to discuss haircuts. This week I decided it was long overdue for me to get my hair, at least trimmed if not a complete haircut. Lately, my hair has been tangling up quite a bit, especially if I slide on brushing daily or twice a day. It had gotten so long that when I would lend over to clean my hair would fall into whatever I was cleaning. (Not a good thing if it is the commode one is cleaning.) Yuck.
My grandson, Coleman enjoys getting his haircut. When his hair starts hanging down in his face, he’ll hold his hair up and make cutting gestures with his fingers.
So, between yesterday and this afternoon noon, he and I both got our haircuts taken care of. I went and had my haircut done yesterday. It is a little shorter than I anticipated, but it will grow and is a lot lighter on my head. No more hair falling into places we prefer them not to be.
Top: My Before Photo Bottom: My After Photo
This afternoon while running errands, I gave in and we took Coleman to “his barber” in “his barbershop” for his haircut. Yes, he does have a favorite barber and he’ll tell you how to get to “his” barbershop. He was so ecstatic to be getting his haircut. He was smiling from ear to ear during the whole haircut.
Top & Left: Coleman’s hair being cut Bottom Right: His Before Photo
God Bless. Treat yourself to a haircut, make-over, or whatever to help yourself look and feel better. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Greetings, Christmas Day maybe over , but not necessarily the celebrations and we still have the new year a coming. Since we’ve been sick and not out much I’m choosing to make my selections from the last time I was able to get out ( this respiratory infection, RSV, doesn’t seem like it was to disappear.)
I’m taking you on a walk through The Farm ( one of Coleman’s favorite places) at The Schiele Museum of Natural History.
Entering The Farm …
Shapes, sign, green, lines
Turning Right past the farm you enter the Nature Trail. This directional sign points the way.
Poles, Signs, Green, Black, shapes, bushes (and trees in background)
Now let’s enter The Farm and have a look around…
Fences, Gates, Green, Lines, Signs (& Coleman)
Let’s take a look to see what we can find growing in the garden …
Beautiful Yellow and Green Flowers (a bit or orange too, but that doesn’t count here.) Lines and shapes as well.
Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge-December Pick a Topic from my Photo
I actually have a different wallpaper for three different focus pages:
Coleman Collage Coleman on Engine 4 Gastonia Fire Department Station 4 Gastonia, North Carolina, USA Terry Leon Wilson 1954-2018 Vietnam Veteran
On my Laptop:
Lake Haigler Lake Haigler Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA Coleman laying on the grass after sliding down the “Slide” Lake Haigler Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. Looking forward to seeing y’all’s Last on the Card photos. I appreciate y’all very much.
Honda Goldwing North Carolina Transportation Museum Spencer, North Carolina, USA
This Honda Goldwing Coleman’s checking out is similar to one his maternal Pawpaw and I had back in the mid-1980’s shortly after we were married. His Pawpaw mostly road it to work, but we also rode it together when we could get his parents to watch our eldest son [he was four (Coleman’s age now) at the time]. We enjoyed riding it, however, we sold it when we moved from California to Arkansas. It’s too bad that Coleman won’t ever get the opportunity to go riding with his Pawpaw like his Uncles did so long ago.
When Coleman and I go hiking we rarely see animals along the trails. Sometimes they are to the side of the trail, in the water, or on the other side of a fenced off area. We have managed to see some Geese trying to cross the pathway…
Coleman’s mom’s dog, Chewy, along for the hike…
And a couple of Horses on and off the trail…
I have not seen any cows in the road for quite awhile now, my old landlord’s cow would get out of the pasture occasionally and wander along the roadway.
The next selections are from the Anne Springs Close Greenway’s Lake Haigler Entrance which we visited on the same day as the Gastonia Municipal Airport.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens.
Locations: 1,2) Gastonia Municipal Airport; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 3-6) Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Hope you enjoy the visit. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all very much.
What or who makes me laugh? The answer to that is easy to answer. It is hands down, my grandson, Coleman. He has been my joy and inspiration since he came into my world four years ago. I have had the privilege of watching him grow and develop into an awesome little boy. Yes, at times he annoys and frustrates me when he doesn’t listen or follow given instructions, but then he’ll want a hug and says, “I love you”! You have to listen carefully; he talks with a lisp, so it is sometimes difficult to understand what he is saying. Even though some people have a difficult time, most of the time I can understand him and when he tells me he loves me; it brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.
Coleman makes me Smile 😊
The joys and laughter Coleman brings throughout his life …
This past Sunday, November 5th was the end of Daylight Saving Time for this year. The time is set at 2 am, so the major people try to remember to set their clocks backwards before they go to sleep at night. Most of the time I forget and just change clocks ( the oven & microwave clocks) whenever I get around to it. Smartphone and other Smart technology devices automatically change their times alleviating our need to do so.
Is Changing Clocks backwards and forwards to compensate for Daylight Saving Time beneficial? Yes or No? In 1974 President Richard M. Nixon argued that it would Save Energy when he signed into law the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act during a fuel crisis.
Other benefits to Daylight Saving Time include:
Longer Daylight hours Promotes Safety
Daylight in the Evening makes it safer for joggers
It’s safer for those walking their dogs after work
It’s safer for children playing outside
Greater visibility reduces criminal activity
Reduce the Nation’s Energy Consumption
It promotes active lifestyles
What are some disadvantages to Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time is bad for your health
Changing sleep patterns has negative consequences for our health
Increase in headaches after fall time changes
Increase in auto and work place accidents the day after time changes
Daylight Saving Time drops productivity
The Monday after is one of the most sleep-deprived days of the year
Increased “Cyber loafing” (wasting time browsing the internet)
Decreased quality of life
Increased susceptibility to illness
Increase in tiredness
Note: Till Roenneberg, a German scientist observed that the human circadian clock does not adjust to Daylight Saving Time.
I know for a fact that my grandson’s internal clock does not adjust to Daylight Saving Time. He will wake up on the same internal “time” schedule regardless of what the actual time is. Being on DST he wakes up around 8 am give or take a few minutes. Off of DST his body tells him to wake up around 7 am. If we did not change the time on clocks, he would be waking up at the same exact time year round.
For myself, I firmly believe that I do not adjust very well to DST. I am extremely more tired in the days and weeks immediately following when time changes occur. I do not have the desire to wake up when he does, however, I must as his 24/7 caretaker. I have less energy, especially after the fall time change. It is harder for me to be motivated and productive in my surroundings. I have less energy for hiking and outdoor activities which I know are beneficial for both Coleman and myself.
After a day hiking in the Greenway, Coleman’s mom surprised in by stopping at the local airport, Gastonia Municipal Airport. She was curious to see if it would be possible for him to tour the airplanes. Upon asking a couple of people she found out that not only was it possible, but that one of the pilots took us out and allowed him to sit in one of the airplanes. He was so thrilled, he grinned from ear to ear. He didn’t say much, lately he’s been getting shy around people. However, you could tell it by his facial expressions how happy and excited he was to be able to see the airplanes, to Pull Up a Seat in an airplane, and to watch an airplane take off.
Our first stop, always, when we arrive at the Greenway is to make a track to the restrooms. When we get hiking it could be an hour or more before we reach one again, therefore we want to be prepared.
The Ramp to the Gibson House porch and restrooms.
Next we gaze out upon the pond to the right of the Gibson House. Horses are often in view as are various birds at times. The beauty of the reflections in the lake are always amazing to see. The walkway around the pond is new and still under construction.
The Pond Horse Road Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway
After that short period, we venture towards one of several hiking trails. On this particular day we chose to hike the Dogwood Trail. Coleman is leading the way. In case you were wondering, he usually always leads the way as we hike along the trails.
Coleman leading the way to the Dogwood Trail
On this day and almost any day in the Fall, the trails are covered with leaves 🍁🍃🍁 of varying shades. Coleman pauses to wait for me to catch up. He goes a but fast for my pace.
Coleman standing on Dogwood Trail
Hiking Trail signs are posted at regular intervals along the Trail. This is one of the many signs hikers will encounter as they hike along the trail. It designates directions for you to decide which way you’d prefer to hike. It informs you of which trail you are hiking so you do not get lost or sidetracked from your desired route. If you scan the QR code, it will bring up an online map and other pertinent information about the trail.
52° May not seem extremely cold 🥶 to some, however, it truly does to me. My grandson, Coleman thinks he needs to play outside regardless of the freezing temperatures. We’ve had freeze warnings for the past couple of days. Tonight ( or should I say), by early morning it is only supposed to be around 30°. That is freezing 🥶 cold weather.
I am thankful we do not leave in the mountains ( I do love the mountains though). Our near by mountains are 37° for a high and a low of 22° and sunny.
Do you enjoy cold weather? What is your weather forecast for this time of year?
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.
When Coleman and I were near completion of our hike his mom met us along the trail. The first picture is of Coleman Pulling Up a Seat near his mom in front of the horse stables. The next two pictures of him choosing to Pull Up a Seat along the Dogwood Trail which we were hiking. For Coleman it does not better whether or not he has a chair, a log, or just decides to Pull Up a Seat upon the ground. He will Pull Up a Seat whenever and wherever he pleases.
Coleman and I hiked at Anne Springs Close Greenway on Friday. When we were there, we noticed a tremendous amount of construction work going on. They are making improvements to the Farm area, adding a Childrens Farm area, and adding additional animals to the Farm. Some of these improvements include adding buildings, bathrooms, and educational shelter areas with a wooden walkway to be able to observe the farm animals more effectively. Given the construction work is ongoing and is not estimated to be completed until approximately April 2024, the windows for these buildings are still under construction.
The new improvements will really enhance the Farm and Children’s Farm areas in the Greenway. I know my grandson; Coleman is super excited to be able to pet the animals and be able to better watch and pet them up close and personal. If you’re ever in the area I would encourage you to drop by the Greenway for a visit.
I’m fairly new to adding just a splash of colour to a photo, hence, I’m not too sure about the quality of these choices. I hope you enjoy them regardless.
Toy CAT truck A splash of Green on the trees Splash of PinkA Hint of Autumn Color Pop of Coleman
Take a Ride with Us on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
After a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is nice to take a stroll or a crawl down the Scarecrow Pathway in Millstone Park located in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Bonus for October: Any Halloween themed Which Way Photo:
I know they all feature my grandson, Coleman. I never tire of looking at his pictures on my iPhone or on my laptop. I also never tire of spending time with him out in nature. He makes me smile, makes me laugh, and amazes me in how much he is growing and learning.
I decided to go ahead and do a part two to my CWWC – Any Which Way with People Challenge post. These photos are all taken at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The hikers you see pictured here are all members of the Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club. Coleman and I participate in hikes with the hiking club whenever feasible. When it is not possible to join the hiking club for a hike Coleman and I go to the Greenway or various other hiking trails to hike. (Just an FYI, Coleman has been hiking the Greenway trails since he was approximately one and a half years old (1 1/2).
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.