Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography
This blog is for my insights on life, the Bible, hiking adventures with my grandson and whatever is important to me
Ragtag Daily Prompt: Sunday – Colorful
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS T3i
Lens: Canon EF 75-300mm f5.6 ISO 125 250mm 1/400s
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Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Ludwigs Monday Windows
Photo Credit: Trisha L. Wilson, my daughter.
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Damselflies, like dragonflies, are members of an order of carnivorous insects called odonates.
Dragonflies are one of nature’s most intriguing and fascinating insects. The dragonfly darts around going about its business as usual, blissfully unaware and oblivious to the interest it has generated in us.
Denzil’s Nature Photo Challenge #10 – Dragonflies
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Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.
WHATSOEVER IS LOVELY CHALLENGE-2023 WEEK 17
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max Panorama
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Let’s walk the Nature Trail together. Coleman leads the way around the farm through a log house and later onto the trail.
Posting for Alive & Trekking’s Which Way Photo Challenge.
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Photos shot on a iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for sharing in our adventures. I appreciate y’all.
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
It has been raining here quite a bit lately, so I haven’t been able to get out as much with my camera as I’d like. Therefore, I have chosen to dig into my archives this week for Cee’s Black and White Challenge.
First, we go to Germany for one of my mom’s photos of a German storefront, Lowenbrau Munchen.
My mom and dad went to Germany during the Christmas Holiday season back in 1975 when my brother was stationed there as a part of his U. S. Air Force service. My parents flew over to spend Christmas with my brother and his family. This shopping area was just one of the many areas they visited while they were there.
Next, we travel back to the United States for a variety of locations throughout the midwestern and southern regions, from Ohio to the Carolinas and on to Texas and Oklahoma.
We visited Cousins in Ohio back in 2012 and had a personal tour of the area. Miller’s Bakery maintain’s an excellent selection of fresh baked bread & pastries.
Lehman’s Hardware Store has a wide range of selections to meet the needs of all range of customers whether you use electricity or choose to live off the grid.
Harris Teeter is a grocery store chain based out of North Carolina with locations within seven South Atlantic States which include North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Maryland and also in the District of Columbia. It was founded by William Thomas Harris and Willis L. Teeter. Harris and Teeter started their separate businesses during the Great Depression in Charlotte, North Carolina. They later merged their two ventures into one and combined their names to what is now known as Harris Teeter. [As a side note, I worked for Harris Teeter for almost ten years. First, as a cashier and later as a personal shopper.]
The Pump House began as part of the Celanese Celriver Plant. The plant manufactured synthetic fibers from cellulose acetate. Construction began in 1946 and the plant was opened in 1948. The five pumps supplied approximately 4.7 million gallons of water from the Catawba River on a daily basis. The plant closedown in 2005, the buildings demolished and the Pump House was abandoned. It was sold in 2014 and extensive renovations began soon afterwards. On March 17, 2016, the Pump House opened as a destination restaurant. It features hand-crafted signature cocktails, a southern-inspired chophouse menu; focusing on using the very best local provisions and preparing them to ultimate perfection. [ I have hiked along the Catawba River surrounding the Pump House, but have never eaten there to date. It is a little over my price range for eating establishments.]
I discovered this Sonic location while on one of my walks around Abilene. I was there in 2020 visiting my Aunt Erma Watson ( my mom’s sister, who I knew growing up as Irene). We had planned to take a trip to Kansas together, however, Covid-19 prevented our trip due to everything being shut down. ( I was really disappointed) Anyway, while there, I would take long walks around where my Aunt lived mainly for the exercise, but also to investigate what there was to see in the surrounding areas. The Sonic was one of the few restaurants that was familiar to me.
This photo was sent to me by my maternal cousin, Karen Palone. This barbershop 💈 was run by her husband’s grandfather. I reversed the photo so it could be read. The actual photo was taken from the inside looking outward and the lettering appeared backwards.
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If you noticed me, you guessed I’m a turtle. I love to swim in the pond here at Schiele Museum of Natural History. You can spot me in the pond if you look closely. The pond is located along the Nature Trail.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History is located just a short distance of where we live in Gastonia, North Carolina. If you’re ever in the area, I’d encourage you to stop by & visit the Museum and take a walk around the nature trail.
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
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These Lavender & Sage plants and flowers are within the Memorial Garden which you can find along the Nature Trail at The Schiele Museum located in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
God Bless. I trust you’ll enjoy these lavender & sage flowers for your Friday. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
My selections for Cee’s April CMMC were all shot at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina when I took my grandson, Coleman there this week.
Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting the Farm at The Schiele Museum with me. I appreciate y’all.
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Bren’s Mid-Week Monochrome
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Copyright: ©️2023@gfpacificbeeintrospection.com… All Rights Reserved.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time. I appreciate y’all.
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: Deb L.Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Debbie’s, Travel With Intent blog, One Word Sunday Challenge
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Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
This month our apartment complex decided to replace all the windows in all of the apartments in the complex. [I saw no problem with the old ones, except they were painted shut so we couldn’t open them.] Today, (Friday, 2023 April 21), is our day for the new replacement windows to be installed. My grandson & the dog do not like the loud noise & the confusion.
This whole process of replacing all the windows in our three-bedroom townhome rook approximately 3 1/2 hours. Two men at a time worked on each window. First, chiseling and hammering all around the old wooden windows to loosen them up in order for them to be able to be taken out. One crew of two men worked on the downstairs windows, while a different pair worked on the upstairs windows. The old wooden windows were replaced with new vinyl windows. At this point, I am not sure if they will be better energy efficient wise or not. One good thing about the new windows is the ability to open them if we so desire. The old windows were painted shut and we were not able to open them. It will be good to have a breeze coming through the windows instead of using air conditioning so much. Especially during the upcoming summer months. The new windows can also be tiled inward for easier access to cleaning.
Our dog had to be shut up in a cage during this whole process which he definitely did not like. Whenever the workers were making the loud noises (which went on throughout the whole process) he would bark. He would bark even more so when they were working on the windows out back where he was located. I felt for him, but there was nothing I could do while the workmen were working. I couldn’t let him out of the cage. He did have plenty of food and water and area of shade.
As stated earlier, my grandson, Coleman, didn’t care for the loud noises either. He hated it so much he would cover his ears with his little hands.
Gotta love his facial and eye expressions. I wish I could have blocked put the loud noise as well. I know we were all ecstatic with joy when they were all done replacing our windows and we could relax and enjoy some much-deserved peace and quiet.
Ludwig’s Monday Window
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Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
All photos were taken at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i
Lenses: Canon EF 18-55mm, Canon EF 74-300mm, Altura Macro Fisheye Lens for Canon
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time in the Gardens with me. I appreciate y’all.
John’s Cellpic Sunday
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Hammad Rias’s Weekend Sky Challenge.
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This week’s features are from a neighbourhood creek we saw while taking a long walk. The Duharts Creek is located in the Gastonia – New Hope Acres area.
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
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The only long-legged Birds I’ve seen in my area are in surrounding zoos. The Great Blue Heron in our local waterways are not really long-legged and my only shots of the are in the water. Therefore, I hope y’all enjoy my selections for Denzil’s Nature Photo Challenge.
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
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Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
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These Artistic Doors 🚪 are displayed in various locations around the gardens at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. They are painted by local artists. Each door has a tag listing the artist who painted it.
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This was an interesting challenge to ponder what to select to post. The following is what I selected.
Cee’s Black and White Challenge
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Camp Snoopy is a Peanuts-themed area for children at several Cedar Fair amusement parks. Camp Snoopy was first introduced at Knott’s Berry Farm in 1983. This was the first amusement park with a section dedicated to children under 12 years old.
On March 20, 2018 Carowinds opened its gates to its youngest guests as the stars. Carowinds has transformed its kids’ area into the new Camp Snoopy.
Camp Snoopy has a variety of attractions. In addition to the kid-sized rides, there are shows featuring the characters from Peanuts, and the Camp Depot, where you can shop and dine.
These photos were taken on August 1, 2018 when I took my granddaughter to Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina about a half hour from where we lived. This was the year Carowinds introduced the Pre-K pass. The Pre-K pass allows children between the ages of three to five to visit the park for free with an accompanying paid adult.
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Bren’s Mid-Week Monochrome
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
This week my choices for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge comes from the Midwestern United States, the West Coast, and Southward towards the Gulf of Mexico. Hopefully you’ll enjoy my selections as I enjoyed the memories while selecting them.
Longaberger, founded by Dave Longaberger in 1973, is an American home and collectibles brand known for artisanal handcrafted and home décor products. For generations, the family has handwoven maplewood baskets in Dresden, OH.
The Big Basket, which opened in 1997, is a scaled-up version of Longaberger’s signature Medium Market Basket. Most of the cherry wood used in the Big Basket came from the grounds of the Longaberger Golf Club in Hanover.
The Big Basket also boasts two enormous handles, heated during the winter to thaw ice. “The basket is a symbol of overcoming adversity, of what you can achieve.”
The Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas Cruise Ship sails out of Galveston, Texas. This is the cruise ship I was on in late February of 2020. I sailed with my sister-in-law’s sister, Monica. She was not much for social interaction, however that did not prevent me from enjoying myself. Her peculiar intricacies were beyond my realm of understanding. I went because she wanted someone to share her cabin on the cruise. I thought we would be doing things together, but she preferred to stay in the cabin most of the time.
I, myself, chose to partake of my meals in the dining room, watch the live entertainment, walk around the ship and not stay cooped up in the room. The ship docked in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. I visited the shops while on shore. Not knowing if my cabin mate would come ashore or not, I didn’t wander very far. I did enjoy the parts I visited though.
Even though there were several earlier proposals, one was not approved until 1964. The proposal to build a bridge was approved by the Pentagon with assistance from the California State Division of Highways. Groundbreaking began in 1967 taking two years to complete the construction.
The bridge opened with a special ceremony held on August 2, 1969. Apart of the opening ceremonies was a parade of Vintage cars.
Prior to the building of the Coronado Bridge, as it is referred to by locals, the only way to travel from San Diego to Coronado was by ferry. You could drive you vehicle onto the ferry (or walk, if one chose) and the ferry would take you across to the other side. Either transporting you from San Diego to Coronado or from Coronado to San Diego.
This spectacular bridge is a beautiful sparkling blue and more than two miles in length. It has a visually dramatic 90-degree shift at mid-point. The bend makes the bridge famous and unique. The elegant structure of the bridge is high enough for the tallest Navy ships to pass under and is artfully supported by arches with side panels of just 34 inches to allow for spectacular views while traveling across the bay.
I have been fortunate enough to have traveled to Coronado via ferry and across the Coronado Bridge. While going across by ferry was amazing at one time, the views you see while crossing the Bridge by car are incredibly beautiful.
The very tip of Mt. Soledad, located in La Jolla, bears a cross that can be seen from many miles away. The Mt. Soledad Cross was first built in 1913 and was later dedicated as the Mt. Soledad Easter Cross in 1954.
The cross on top of Mt. Soledad was always amazing to gaze upon while growing up. I remember there were special sunrise services held there early on Easter Sunday mornings. People from all walks of faith would gather to worship at the foot of the cross to celebrate the risen Christ.
The cross was challenged in court in the 1980’s and was then designated as a Korean War memorial. It has always been a source of great controversy, clearly displaying a religious symbol on government property.
In July 2015, a group called the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association bought the half-acre of land under the cross from the Department of Defense. This officially no longer put the cross on government property.
The views are spectacular. Mt. Soledad offers a stunning panoramic glimpse of San Diego. If you’re ever in the area be sure to bring your camera. You won’t want to miss capturing the views.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all viewing my blog.
I’m a little behind in posting for this challenge. Hope y’all don’t object that I go ahead and post it now. we don’t usually get birds flying or landing so close for a really good close up to be taken and i usually only have my cell phone handy when they do soar through the area this close to watch and observe.
I took these shots with my iPhone 14 Pro Max through our kitchen window, I didn’t want to scare them off by opening the back door.
There were a few of these flying back and forth though our small back patio. These birds are called Great-Tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus). When one first looks at the Grackle one might assume it was a never type of black bird, however, the subtle iridescent purple of the head, neck, back, and underparts stand out against the black wings and lower body. The tail on males is long and is often described to be diamond-shaped. Females are typically dark brown on the head, neck, back, and underparts instead of the iridescence that males possess. The bright yellow eyes are especially noticeable on the darker males.
Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – The Birds
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Odontocidium, is the nothogenus comprising intergeneric hybrids of the two orchid genera Odontoglossum and Oncidium. Some refer to this orchid as a “Bacon Orchid.” The petals look similar to hanging bacon.
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: (c)2023 Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS T3i with a Canon 75-300mm lens
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I’m a little behind for this particular challenge, but that’s okay, better late than not at all. This one took a bit more time and thought into what I would post. I decided to post my dad’s cameras as he is the reason behind my love and enjoyment of photography.
I do not have a picture of my dad holding his camera, however, when my mom passed ( 23 years after my dad) my brother gave me my dad’s camera case which included his camera, lenses, and flash. This meant a lot to me because my dad and I were close. Having a small portion of what meant a lot to him brings some joy.
My dad started taking pictures way being I was thought of. I remember him taking pictures with this camera whenever we went on family vacations, during birthdays, holidays and extended family gatherings. Most of his pictures he took using 35mm film he had developed onto slides. When I was in high school I won a moped & sold it so I could buy my own camera just like my dad’s.
Just by looking at the camera, one can tell he got a tremendous amount of use out of it. This camera is one he bought after I was out of the house. The one I remember the most is the Minolta XG-7. He never went on a trip without his camera. I am thankful I also have my dad’s slides which I have slowly been attempting to digitize. It is still a very slow work in progress.
Cee’s Black and White Challenge – Cameras or Photographers
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Bren’s Mid-Week Monochrome
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
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Denzil’s Nature Photo Challenge #8: Fascinating Fungi
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L Waters
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My bedroom window’s reflection as seen through my laptop screen. My grandson had to sneak a peek at captured my attention.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing my view. I appreciate y’all.
This month my Desktop switches between three photos.
Clare’s Share Your Desktop
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max for first two photos.
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Cee’s Black and White Challenge – Crooked, Squiggly & Curved Lines
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
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My dad always enjoyed attending car shows. He worked for Pearson Ford for over 35 years. He would watch NASCAR races whenever my mom wasn’t watching other sporting events. All of my dad’s life, he owned nothing but FORD cars. Growing up we all went to the cars shows together. My very first car I own was one my family owned. It was a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 White 2 Door Select-a-Shift with Blue interior. I’ve never owned another car like it again. It was a great car that lasted me for a good 20 years.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Copyright: ©️2023@gfpacificbeeintrospection.com… All Rights Reserved.
God Bless. Pull Up a Seat and share the adventure. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
WHATSOEVER IS LOVELY CHALLENGE-2023 WEEK 15
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
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Photo Credit: Deb L Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max 24mm f1.78 ISO64
God Bless. Thank you for sharing in our adventures. I appreciate y’all.
Denzil Nature: NPC #7: Tulips and Magnolias
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
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Glencairn Gardens is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was started by David & Hazel Bigger in their backyard. It is now an 11 acre paradise located in the heart of Rock Hill. It is beautifully landscaped with walkways, lawns, fountains, as well as various plants and flowers. Mrs. Bigger deeded the garden to the city of Rock Hill after her husband’s passing in 1958.
The Garden was the original inspiration for Rock Hill’s annual Come See Me Festival. The festival has developed into a ten day event which is held each spring at Glencairn Gardens and various other sites throughout Rock Hill.
The Garden boasts a variety of blooms year round. They vary from Dogwoods and Wisteria to Azaleas and Camellias along with a variety of hardwood trees to be adorned by visitors strolling throughout the Gardens.
The peak blooming season is from late March to early April. With such a small window to observe and admire the various spectacular colors & the many different types of flowers in bloom — you wouldn’t want to miss visiting it. Don’t worry if you can’t make it during peak season, there is always something special to see year round. Some of which are the Crepe Myrtles and Day Lilies during the Summer, the changing of leave’s colors in Autumn. And lest you forget, there’s the daffodils and camellias, and the smell of honeysuckle to entice your senses throughout the winter.
Within Glencairn Gardens is also a Veterans Garden. The American Legion Post 34 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2889 partnered with the City of Rock Hill to create this hard that honors men and women from the past, present, and future who serve in the armed forces of the United States of America.
Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge: Gardens
Cee‘s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
An old one room school house where my ancestors went to school. The school house was also used for community event gatherings back in its hey day.
This house was an intricate part of family gatherings once upon a time. My grandfather would have gathered here with his family for special occasions or just to visit and play with his cousins. Family get togethers we’re a regular happening during those times.
Photos are from my collection of my maternal grandfather’s photos.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing in my memories. I appreciate y’all.
You can find small things just about anywhere if you slow down, open your eyes, and are observant about your surroundings. These are a smidgen of the small things I’ve observed over the years.
Photo Credit: Deb L Waters
God Bless. What small things can you find this week? Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
It wasn’t hard to find logs while my grandson and I went walking through the backwoods of our neighborhood. The following is what we discovered.
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
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Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Bren’s Mid-Week Monochrome #129
Photo Credit: Deb L Waters
Copyright: ©️2023@gfpacificbeeintrospection.com … All Rights Reserved.
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters
Copyright: ©️2023@gfpacificbeeintrospection.com … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i with Canon EF 75-300mm lens.
God Bless. Many blessings to you this Orthodox Holy Week. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 