Coleman’s favourite things are Trains of any kind. He can play with or watch trains go by all day long if he could. When we are at the bus stop very early in the mornings we are able to watch the trains go down the track, not every day, but most mornings and quite often in the afternoons as well.
This morning Coleman noticed the Train was not moving …
… it was merely standing still …
… Not moving at all … Coleman decided there was something wrong …
… then he noticed a light shining on the train … The Railway workers were inspecting the Train.
Note: They got it rolling again before he arrived back after school.
Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; 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: The Garden; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Stop and smell the flowers. Admire their beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Sport according to the Cambridge dictionary it is defined as “all types of physical activity that people do to keep healthy or for enjoyment.” And according to Reverso dictionary it is described as “activity for pleasure or exercise.” (Hiking is a sport enjoyed by many.) Other dictionaries define it as “An activity involving physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often undertaken competitively.”
However, for me, I am using it in the context of physical activity done for enjoyment and to keep healthy which can be done individually or in a group.
Here are my contributions …
Cornhole ( considered a sport due to its competitive nature) …
Coleman playing Cornhole
Horseback Riding … ( a Sport due to requirements of significant physical exertion, mental skill, and discipline from the rider) …
Alona on horseback Coleman on horseback Horseback riding
Baseball (a competitive team sport) …
Coleman playing T-Ball
Disc Golf (an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which individuals compete for entertainment) …
Not exactly the way Disc Golf is played
Kayaking (a water sport that involves paddling a kayak, a small, narrow watercraft propelled by a double-bladed paddle and a seated position with legs extended forward.) …
Coleman in a Kayak (and no he didn’t go out alone)
Other Fun “Sports/Games …
HikingBicycling Exercising Coleman Following the LinesColeman playing Hopscotch Coleman playing Hopscotch
Hope y’all don’t mind I took a loose meaning to the term Sport and not the normal say people ordinarily think of it.
I am not often out at dusk anymore, my vision hinders me from seeing well in the dark. Therefore, I went searching through my photo archives to figure out what images might be appropriate to use for this week’s CFFC.
The selections I have chosen to use are from the Life in the Waxhaws Lantern Tour held at Andrew Jackson State Park in Lancaster, South Carolina. These are from the Lantern Tour held on November 11, 2017.
Andrew Jackson State Park holds the Life in the Waxhaws Lantern Tour in November every year. All the reenactment participants are volunteers as well as some being members of the Friends of Andrew Jackson State Park.
The Life in the Waxhaws Lantern Tour is a candlelight, living history program at Andrew Jackson State Park in Lancaster, South Carolina, that reenacts the daily lives and experiences of early settlers on the American frontier during the late 18th century. The reenactments give a glimpse into what Andrew Jackson experienced in his boyhood and how the events shaped the community. It also demonstrates how the Revolutionary War impacted community and insights into how the frontier setting prepared Andrew Jackson for his later life.
Life in the Waxhaws Lantern Tour Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, South Carolina
Click on each image to enlarge.
Note: Look carefully at the sixth image (the 3rd one down on the right hand side) behind and to the left of the fire. I am one of the reenactors for this Life in the Waxhaws event.
This year’s Life in the Waxhaws Lantern Tour will be held on November 22, 2025 between 7:00pm and 8:30pm at Andrew Jackson State Park. Click herefor further information regarding this year’s Lantern Tour.
Location: Riverside Park and Greenway; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy all of Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
I do not really care for early mornings, however, that is beside the point. We all must do what we must do even if that means getting up early when we would rather sleep in a tad bit longer.
A few years ago we lived in the countryside and we were blessed with seeing deer in the early mornings.
Good Morning, Hope you don’t mind our passing through so early. Just wanted to stop by to say Hello.
We currently live in a small town and when school is in session it is still pretty dark outside. These are some of what we see while we are waiting for the school bus to arrive.
Early Morning Skies, Early Morning Passenger Trains, and finally the yellow school bus.
God Bless. Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory (even though we crave sleep). Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Point Cabrillo Light Station is a California State Historic Park on the Mendocino coast in northern California. It is located between Point Arena and Cape Mendocino, just south of the community of Caspar.
Point Cabrillo Light
The Point Cabrillo Light Station features a fully restored lighthouse and its original Fresnel lens. It has been a federal aid to navigation since 1909. The grounds include restored keepers’ houses, a marine science exhibit, and vacation rentals.
Point Cabrillo Light Station A Collaborative Restoration Project Of: California State Coastal Conservancy California Department ofParks and Recreation Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association
Most of the original structures remain, but the barn is missing: in 1986 it was destroyed in a fire department exercise. The remaining lighthouse station is “one of the most complete light stations in the United States”.
The lighthouse was built to prevent shipwrecks in the area, a response to a clipper ship, the Frolic, that wrecked nearby in 1850. The effort to salvage goods from the wreck led to the discovery of the redwood forest. Construction on the lighthouse began in 1908, with its first illumination on June 10, 1909.
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Lighthouse museum, gift shop, and Marine Science Exhibit are open year-round from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. There is no fee to enter the park or tour the lighthouse museum. The main parking lot is a half-mile walk from the lighthouse, but there is accessible parking available closer to the buildings for vehicles with a disabled placard.
Early in the mornings and in the afternoons while waiting for the school bus to arrive we watch the trains go chugging along down the track. The speed at which it moves varies from time to time and sometimes we notice the graffiti artwork painted on different railway cars. These are a few examples of the artwork we’ve seen.
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen Which ways on a cloudy or stormy day for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Whether traveling by car or hiking on foot there are times we run across storms and/or clouds in our pathways/roadways. These are a few examples of what we have endured in our adventures.
US 321 Blowing Rock, NC October 9, 2017
US 321 Blowing Rock, NC October 9, 2017
NC State Hwy 74 Charlotte, NC September 16, 2024
W. Wilkinson Blvd Cramerton, NC September 26, 2024
Camera: Apple iPhones 7 Plus; 14 Pro Max; and 16 Pro Max
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Take a Hike/Walk. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: Next week we will be looking at Any Which Ways with People.
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.
The Cramerton Police Department operates many different types of vehicles to maintain order in the Cramerton area. Besides Police cars, SUV’s and a Police boat; it also operates a Polaris Government and Defense vehicle which delivers performance and reliability for mission-driven demands regardless of what the need or terrain might be.
The Polaris off-road defense vehicle helps our Cramerton Police Department to protect our town and its residents safe. It is fully equipped with sirens, emergency lighting, and a PA system. The Polaris Police Off-Road vehicle is able to go places where a regular police cruiser wouldn’t be able to and is an excellent addition to our Police Department, especially in a town surrounded by the South Fork Catawba River and several Greenways out trails.
Cramerton Police Officer Demonstrates the Cramerton’s Police Polaris Off-Road Law Enforcement Vehicle prior to the Town Concert
The Police and the Polaris Police vehicle presence was highly visible out our Town Concert last weekend. The Policeman was kind enough to give some young curious Concert attendees a demonstration of the Polaris Police Off-Road vehicle and even allowed them to sit in the vehicle while he demonstrated all the vehicles amazing features. For his kindness I am eternally grateful. (If you look closely, Coleman is seated in the driver’s side of the vehicle.)
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. Have a fantastic weekend. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week the Which Ways will be CWWC: Which ways on a cloudy or stormy day. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Sofia Alvesis the host for this week’s Lens-Artist Challenge. The basis for her theme this week is Looking Back to the past #20-Doors and Doorways hosted by Tina.
I have chosen to Look Back to past doors I’ve photographed in 2023 at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy. These are Artistic Doors painted by various local artists displayed with the Stowe Gardens.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina
Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy all of Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The selections I chose were all taken at a recent town concert from early evening to mid-evening in Cramerton, North Carolina. The Town held a Back to School Kids Show and Concert. I discussed the Kids Show in my Six Word Saturday post you can check out by clicking here.For this CFFC post I’m mainly sharing scenes from the Evening’s Concert featuring the Caleb Davis Band.
Pre-Concert Centennial CenterKAOS Kids Appearing on Stage Kazoobie Kids Show Middle School Honourees Cramerton Mayor Honours Middle Schoolers Cramerton Mayor Honours Middle SchoolersCaleb Davis BandCaleb Davis BandCaleb Davis BandColeman with Neighbours Cramerton Concert 6pm —
The Caleb Davis with the Caleb Davis Band has an impressive musical background and training. According to his Facebook profile Caleb plays a wide range of musical genres and toured as a sideman with numerous Country, Gospel, and R&B acts. Around 2009 he formed the Caleb Davis Band with his long-time friend Justin Morehead. They have been working to form their own signature sound and groove.
Coleman and I only managed to stay for the beginning portion of the Concert featuring the Caleb Davis Band. Even though their background information states that they play a wide range of genres, the music we heard the band playing lean more towards the heavy metal genre style of music. That style of music is definitely not what I consider my favourite genre of music. It was so loud and blaring Coleman was covering his ears, it was extremely difficult to listen. After leaving the concert, the volume was so loud we could still hear it from our house several blocks away. Their musical style may be fine for some who like that type of music, however, we will not be listening to it again.
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. Enjoy the rest of your week. Hope to see y’all on Friday with the Which Way Challenge (CWWC). We will be discovering Which ways on a cloudy or stormy day for this Friday’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC). 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. Take time to admire Nature’s Beauty. Smell the flowers. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This American Green Tree Frog paid us a visit and chose to hang around for a while. It was to our surprise when we opened the front door and saw him looking at us looking at him. To him, it was the most natural thing in the world for him to hang around on our front storm door.
Dryophytes cinereus aka American green tree frog
The American Green Tree Frog is a common adaptable amphibian found in the Southeastern United States. [We had previously seen them in our yard blended in with the grass, but not usually hanging on our front door.] They are known for their bright green colour, large toe pads, and ability to change color based on temperature and activity.
The American Green Tree Frogs are often found near water sources like ponds, lakes, and marshes. [I know we live near a river and frogs are quite frequently spotted in the area, but on our door was unexpected.] They play a role in controlling insect populations. [This is always a good thing.]
These frogs eat small insects and other invertebrates like crickets, moths and flies. They can often be found clinging to windows or walls, trying to feed on insects that are attracted to light. [We learn something new everyday. Now we now that it is normal behavior for the Green Tree Frog to cling onto our storm door especially since it is a glass door.]
Location: Our Home; Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Be kind. Love your Neighbour (even strange ones). Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
In the evening while observing the full moon in the sky I inadvertently captured the Neighbourhood windows across the street from us. It seemed like an amazingly picturesque scene.
Leave No Trace means to carry out what you bring in to nature. Minimize your impact on natural environments. Leave an area as pristine as possible (even better than you found it). The idea is to ensure that the next visitor would barely know anyone else had been there.
Not everyone practises Leave No Trace as is recommended. Too often when we go hiking on various trails, regardless of whether the trails are in Greenways, Local, State, or National Parks, people will leave Litter by the side of trails, amongst the trees, and around campsites.
Worrells Walk, Carolina Thread Trail; Seven Oaks Preserve; Belmont, North Carolina Carolina Thread Trail; Goat Island Park and Greenway
“Please Take Nothing But Pictures Leave Nothing But Footprints”
Quote Origin disputed – Chief Seattleor James Brewer, or National Geographic Society
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm and EF-S55-250mm lenses.
Location: As Stated in captions.
God Bless. Please be sure to Leave No Trace, no Litter left behind. Take only Pictures, kill nothing but time. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: AJSP Lake; Andrew Jackson State Park; Lancaster, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Get Outdoors. Take a Hike. Enjoy all of God’s Beautiful Creations. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Rick Hubbard’s Great American Kid Show was the pre-show for Friday night’s Concert Series in Cramerton, North Carolina on August 15th.
Rick Hubbard has performed nationwide in country, rock, folk, and jazz bands. He’s performed across the USA as a stand-up comedian in clubs, colleges, and cruise ships. His family entertainment show, “The Kazoobie Kazoo Show” has appeared at festivals, events, theaters, and resorts, including Disney World, The Seattle International Children’s Festival, and The Kennedy Center. In this show every kid gets a chance to be on stage, and for the grand finale, everyone gets a free kazoo and joins Rick’s marching kazoo band. It’s Kazoobie!
Kazoobie!
It’s Kazoobie!
Exceptional
Fun
Involving Everyone
Rick Hubbard puts on a show in Centennial Center entertaining kids and adults alike. He believes in KAOS. What does he mean by Kaos?
Kids
Appearing
On
Stage
Rick plays two guitars, a banjo, and a kazoo not all at the same time, but sometimes more than one at once. He is a talented entertainer who interacts effortlessly with his audience involving them in his show.
Cramerton’s kids being apart of his Great American Kids Show …
Coleman and other Cramerton kids following Rick’s instructions
While Rick is entertaining kids and adult audiences he is also educating them in word meanings, guiding them through his music about being friends and following directions.
Playing “Air guitars” and Maracas
In the last part of this Rick Hubbard’s Great American Kids Show he informs everyone about what a Kazoo is, where it is made, and how best to play a Kazoo.
Coleman and other Cramerton kids playing Kazoos on stage with Rick Hubbard.
Every kid in attendance received a free Kazoo they could keep after playing them as part of the show’s Grand Finale Kazoo Band.
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. Have a funtastic weekend. Enjoy the great outdoors. 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 I have chosen Any Which Way (Your Choice) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV & CPL filter attachments .
Locations: Disc Golf Trail; Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Take a Hike/Walk. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with e. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. The discovery of gold from this mine gradually influenced gold mining to nearby counties and eventually into other southern states. During the gold mining peak years, it was second only to farming in the number of North Carolinians it employed. The estimated value of gold recovered reached over one million dollars a year. North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, when it was eclipsed by the great rush to California.
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site Reconstructed Building at President James K. Polk State Historic Site
The Reed Gold Mine is located in Midland, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and has been designated a National Historic Landmark because of its importance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At this location there is an underground mine that is open for self-guided tours, historic structures, a visitor center, trails, monuments, and outdoor exhibits.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens
Location: Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site; President James K. Polk State Historic Site; Pineville, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a fantastic weekend. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week the Which Ways will be your choice. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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.
This morning a flatbed tractor trailer came to deliver a pallet of wood to the house across the road which is be renovated from the inside out. Coleman with his natural curiosity and helpful nature decided to investigate. When the truck driver was done with his delivery he began to toss straps across the flatbed trailer to tie down the rest of his load. As I stood watching, Coleman thought he needed some assistance and proceeded to cross the street and give his willing assistance in fastening the straps from the other side of the truck hooking them together as the driver instructed. The truck driver was polite and good natured willing to allow Coleman to assist him and show him kindness.
Original
Sepia toned
Black & White
Faded, color focused with a slight splash of colour
Colour focused with a splash of Blue, & rim of Smoke effect & a tweak of swirling
Guess I got carried away experimenting with a few effects for the image. I’m leaving y’all with a collage of Coleman being a good assistant.
Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy all of Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Who was Robert Palone and Why is the Palone Barber Shop in a Museum? Those are two excellent questions. Let me begin by telling you about the Palone Barber Shop in relation to Robert Palone.
Robert Palone owned a Barber Shop where he was a renowned barber for nearly sixty (60) years. [That’s a long time to successfully run a business and work in a field.] He was admired and respected by his customers and his community. Prior to owning and operating a barber shop, Robert served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War.
Nowata Museum Delaware, Oklahoma
Besides being a Barber and owning his own successful Barber Shop; Robert and his wife, Lorene (McKee) Palone owned and operated the Landers Brothers Grocery Store in Delaware, Oklahoma. Robert Palone and Lorene McKee were married on June 26, 1950. In 2020 they celebrated their seventieth (70) wedding anniversary, a milestone in and of itself. Robert passed away just two shirt months after their 70th anniversary. [Side Note: I was supposed to be able to meet them in person and join the family in their celebration, however, with the COVID-19 lockdown that occurrence didn’t happen.]
Lorene McKee Palone lived another four years after his passing. After which the Palone family donated everything you see in the second image which was once owned by Robert & Lorene and was used and contained within the Palone Barber Shop to the Nowata Museum. The Nowata Museum is run by the Nowata County Historical Society in Delaware, Oklahoma. Everything that was furnished by the Palone family was used to construct a new exhibit depicting a mid century barber shop.
Robert Palone Robert & Lorene Palone (my cousins)
Let’s now move on to who Robert Palone and his significance to me personally. Robert connects to me through his wife Lorene’s mother’s side of the family. Lorene’s mother was my maternal grandmother’s sister. Therefore, Lorene is my maternal cousin making us family and hence, making Robert my family as well. Do you understand now who Robert Palone is and his story’s importance to me?
Let’s start off today by admiring our Sunday Afternoon Weekend Sky …
It was wonderful to enjoy an amazing afternoon with beautiful Skies after so many rainy days and with more rain expected.
Now on to capturing Coleman’s many antics and expressions as he meanders here and there through Goat Island Park and Greenway.
Coleman’s Meandering in Goat Island Park and Greenway
There is more to share of our adventurous Sunny Sunday afternoon, however, I’ll wait for Friday’s Which Way Challenge to share them. This Friday I am allowing y’all to choose your own Which Ways you’d like to share with us.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV & CPL Filter attachments.
Location: Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Get Outdoors and enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Good friends of our are having their dream home built from scratch, the ground up.
The front of the home
They have been monitoring the construction progress from the beginning being observant and taking note to ensure everything is being done to their satisfaction.
The Back of the House
It won’t be much longer, barring complications or inspection delays, before they’ll be able to move in and add their own finishing touches the inside of their new home.
As Coleman and I walked through the woods and around the newly renovated playground at Goat Island Park and Greenway, I noticed all the lines and patterns in the equipment along with all the shades of tan, beige, and every shade of light brown imaginable.
Tan, Beige?, & all sorts of shades of light brown
The slide on this playground was once green, and very much broken after Hurricane Helene. It took months and months of waiting for a new slide to arrive and installation to be complete. The months and months of waiting due to delays upon delays was difficult and disappointing for the children (you know how impatient children of all ages can be). It doesn’t matter whether you call the new slide tan or beige or whatever floats your boat, it only matters that the children once again have a slide to play on.
Coleman excited to be able to slide down the new slide.
Looking carefully at the slide and playground equipment one may notice all the curvy lines all forming patterns in various aspects of the equipment.
Coleman having a grand time with every single asset within the playground equipment
Leavingthe playground for a short walk we encounter more tan, beige, & light brown as well as some interesting lines and patterns.
Coleman hiking along the Disc Golf Trail
Can you see all the lines, patterns, and various shades of beige, tan, and light brown? This afternoon was a pleasant and delightful afternoon spent with Coleman and his exuberance.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV & CPL Filter attachments.
Location: Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Get Outside and enjoy the beauty in Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Remembering a fun family trip with my daughter and granddaughter to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. This upcoming week my granddaughter will turn twelve (12). These are memories from when she was four (4).
Alona on an elephant sculpture
Her mom and I took her down to Columbia, South Carolina to visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. It was a special time and memories I will always cherish. [She currently lives with her father & he does not allow her to visit with us even though there is a shared custody agreement.]
Alona petting an Anglo-Nubian goat
Alona enjoyed being able to pet the goats and other animals in the children’s petting area.
Alona riding a Giraffe on the Merry-Go-Round
As well as the merry-go-round and all the amazing animals located within the Zoo.
Alona on a Gorilla sculpture
Every time we came near any of the animal sculptures she thought she had to go up and climb on them. It made for some interesting poses (or lack of posing).
Alona on Happy the Tiger in the Riverbanks main plaza
After a long tiring day, we stopped at the entrance/exit area for one final photo opportunity before traveling back home through Great Falls, Lancaster, and finally to get home in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Columbia, South Carolina with Alona
Location: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden; Columbia, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Memories are precious. Treasure your memories. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Looking back to a trip my daughter and I took to visit (meet in person) cousins from my mother’s side of the family in Coshocton, Ohio.
Memorial Garden Roscoe Village Coshocton, Ohio
There is an area in Coshocton known as the Historic Roscoe Village. The Historic Roscoe Village is an 1830 Restored Canal Town. Roscoe Village began as a small port town in 1816 after a bankrupt merchant bet that rural farmers would rather do business there than have to shell out 25 cents for the ferryboat to Coshocton.
Today, the restored Roscoe Village stands as a testament to Ohio’s bygone Canal era.
My daughter relaxing on a Welcoming Garden Bench
The Frances Montgomery Memorial Garden is one of nine gardens in Roscoe Village and is located near the Visitors’s Center. This Garden is dedicated to honor Mrs. Frances Montgomery and her passion for gardening. The Gardens are planted throughout this restored 1800’s canal town.
The flower beds were created in the early 1970’s by Frances Montgomery out of her love for gardening. Many of the gardens have historical significance and assist in the education mission of Roscoe Village.
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Commune with Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Moses Cone Carriage House is a significant historical structure located within the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and just a short hike from the Cone Manor.
The Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and the Moses Cone Carriage House is located near Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Moses Cone Carriage House
The Cone Carriage House was part of the expansive Flat Top Manor estate, built by textile magnate Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha at the turn of the 20th century.
The estate included the manor house, about 500 acres of farmland, Flat Top Mountain, Rich Mountain, and a vast system of carriage trails.
Carriage House
The Carriage House housed carriages and other equipment used to maintain the estate’s approximately 25 miles of carriage trails. The Carriage House has been preserved as a historical structure within the park, it might possibly be used for maintenance or interpretive exhibits related to the estate’s history.
Front of Carriage House
The Carriage House may not be a prominent visitor attraction on its own, however, it contributes to the overall historical and natural experience of the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, which also includes the Flat Top Manor (the Cone’s former residence), orchards, lakes, and extensive carriage trails.
Note: This section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is open for the public.
Location: Moses Cone Carriage House; Moses H. Cone Memorial Park; Milepost 294; Blue Ridge Parkway; Watauga County, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Get Outdoors and enjoy Nature. 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 I have chosen Any Which Way with Shadows and/or silhouettesfor this week’s theme. Shadows can be on any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Here are my entries …
Coleman’s Shadows/Silhouettes
Coleman
Taken at Goat Island Park and Greenway at the end of the Riverlink Greenway Trail located in Cramerton, North Carolina.
Coleman’s arm over his Shadow/Silhouette
Trees and their Leaves Shadows
Coleman hiking down to the Spillway amongst many Shadows
The above Shadows were captured at the Lake Haigler Entrance of the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
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.
Cameras: 1-2) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV & CPL filter attachments; 3-7) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Locations: As Stated Above
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy a hike/walk in Nature. Admire Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Look all around, there’s Brown everywhere you look out in nature. From the ground, to boardwalks, and even to the varying kinds of animals which roam around in the woods, in farms, and even in many greenways. Here are a few examples of Brown I have discovered.
Tree & Pinecones at ASCGBoardwalk at AJSPBench in the Sand at Riverside Park & Greenway Single Leaf on a limb at Goat Island Park & Greenway Single Leaf on a limb at Goat Island Park & GreenwayNorthern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) aka Bobwhite quailAnolis carolinensisASCG HorsesGiraffes at the Greenville ZooColeman on a log surrounded by Brown leaves
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Explore Nature. Capture its Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Andrew Jackson State Park, Lancaster, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy all of Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game. This week’s number is 206. 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.
We have had several thunderstorms this week, so therefore we haven’t been out and about much. Instead I’m reminiscing about a trip I took a few years ago with my oldest son for his birthday adventure. Since he wanted to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, I was more than happy to ride along with him.
My entries for this week’s challenge are views from just one of our stops we sidetracked on during his Mountain adventure.
Taken at 10:54 am (late morning) in 2017
Bluff Mountain Overlook is located at Milepost 243.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a popular destination along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Bluff Mountain is visible from the Bluff Mountain Overlook. It offers breathtakingly spectacular views.
Foggy Morning Mountain View
On a clear day, Bluff Mountain’s visibility is remarkably satisfying and amazingly delightful to gaze upon from the Overlook. At this point in our adventure clear visibility was not to be had, but that did not deter ills from looking around or venturing on a short hike along the Bluff Mountain Trail which is easily accessible from the Bluff Mountain Overlook.
Alligator Back
Bluff Mountain Trail passes through grassy meadows and includes a challenging switchback ascent called Alligator Back. Alligator Back is a short twenty (20) minute walk from Bluff Overlook.
The Predators
Until recently Predatory Birds and Mammals, those which preyed on other animals or were in conflict with humans, were termed “Varmints” and killed on sight. Fortunately, modern Ecology proves the vital interdependency of all wild plants and animals. Today Hawks and Owls, Black Bears, Bobcats, Foxes and Snakes continue to roam Parklands like this and help preserve the delicate balance of nature. [Informational notice on sign.]
Panoramic View from Bluff Mountain Overlook
We hiked all around the overlook investigating the Predator area scenic views. To the right in the photo above and in the picture below is my eldest son, John. He is not normally into hiking, but he accommodated me in my thrill to explore the sights and perspective landscapes available to observe, explore, and admire.
My eldest son, John
As we drove further along the Blue Ridge Parkway our visibility improved dramatically unlike when we parked here at this location and the Air Bellows Overlook.
Air Bellows Overlook Parkway Milepost 236.9
Looking forward to checking out all your Morning Scenes. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week we’ll be including Shadows in our Which Ways. Interested in finding more details about the Which Way challenge click here.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 