LAPC #337 – BOLD

This week’s Lens-Artist Challenge is hosted by Sofia Alves with the blog PHOTOGRAPHIAS. She has chosen a theme of BOLD for this week.

Being Bold is not always easy especially if you’re timid or introverted, however being Bold in your photography is well worth it if you’re able to capture that thrilling moment, that “perfect shot.”

“Your life is your canvas, and you are the masterpiece. There are a million ways to be kind, amazing, fabulous, creative, bold, and interesting.”

Kerli

“Be original;
don’t be scared
of being bold!”

Ed Sheeran

Sofia’s Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #337 – BOLD

Cee’s Flower of the Day

RDP Tuesday! Masterpiece!

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Goat Island Park and Greenway; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Cosmic Photo Challenge – At the River shoreline

The closest Shorelines we have near us are t hr e banks of the Catawba River, therefore I have chosen to show y’all what Coleman and I have seen recently on the Shoreline of the South Fork Catawba River. The first few photos are taken on the banks of the South Fork Catawba River at the Goat Island Park and Greenway.

On both days the weather was Tepid which was a delightful experience and quite a contrast to our recent freezing weather of snow and freezing rain. The Tepid weather was just perfect, not too hit and not too cold.

This next set of images were taken on Monday of the South Fork Catawba River’s Shoreline from the Riverside Park and Greenway mainly featuring Coleman playing on the Shoreline banks.

Cosmic Photo Challenge: At the shoreline.

RDP Monday – TEPID

Photo Credit: ©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved

Cameras: Images 1-4 & 6-11) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; Image 5) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Location: 1st set of Images) Shoreline of the South Fork Catawba River, Goat Island Park and Greenway; 2nd set) Shoreline of the South Fork Catawba River, Riverside Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature’s beauty. Relax and have some fun. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Wordless Wednesday: February 26

Sunbathing Turtles

Pseudemys concinna concinna
Eastern River Cooter

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Location: South Fork Catawba River; Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) — Blue and ??

Dan Antion with No Facilities blog is the host for CFFC. Dan has chosen a theme this week of Blue and ? with Blue being the dominant Color in the image.

Here are my entries for Dan’s CFFC challenge this week.

Dan’s CFFC-Blue and ?

Jude’s Bench Challenge

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2025-Week 8

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Cee’s FOTD: February 25

Cosmos bipinnatus

Aka Garden Cosmos,
Mexican Aster

Cee’s Flower of the Day

Photo Credit:©️2022 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Location: Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Stop and Smell the Flowers. Enjoy the beauty in Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 OWS: Floral Displays ready for Spring

After days of freezing cold temperatures and wintery weather, it was a delightful afternoon with a high of 56° and a feels like in the low 60°’s.

After wandering around the trail at Goat Island, it was wonderful to see the floral display at the Center in downtown Cramerton.

Ceramic Flower pots filled with new floral life …

… Could Spring be on the way? Or is the Weather fooling us? Only time will tell. I’ll enjoy the beautiful floral displays and the warmth of the Sun while I can.

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-Floral

Cee’s Flower of the Day

Photo Credit: ©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location; The Center; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a wonderfully delightful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Looking Inside Out at Snow

Kitty by a Window – 2 — AI creation by PR

Taking a peek outside through the bedroom window blinds at the Snow ❄️ falling down from above before deciding to allow Coleman to go outside and “play” in the freezing cold 🥶 weather.

Coleman’s bedroom window

The Snowfall is beautiful to look 👀 from the inside out, but it’s freezing 🥶 to be outside while the Snowfall is falling down upon us.

Monday Window

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Bedroom Window; Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Monday Portrait: 02.24

Coleman’s Snow Day

This past week Coleman was out of school for Two days due to winter weather advisory reporting impending snow and possible hazardous road conditions. Since We only get snow in our area every two-three years, I decided to bundle Coleman up to protect him from the elements and allowed him to run around outside while it was snowing. He had fun even though there wasn’t enough snow to adequately play with … no snowmanno snowballs … just light fluffy snow falling lightly to the ground.

Monday Portrait

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: 1-5) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens with Altura UV filter attachment; 6) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Location: Home; Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Take Care. Stay Warm. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Cell Pic Sunday: February 23

Can You Help Me Out Here?

Northern Mockingbird

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16Pro Max

Location: View from Front Porch; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a marvellous day. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Silent Sunday: February 23

Snow Capped

Plant Life

Silent Sunday

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L.Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens

Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Take Care. Stay warm. Spread the Love of Friendship. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Cee’s FOTD: February 23

Semperflorens Begonias

Pink Wax Leaf Begonias

Also known as Bedding Begonia, Wax Begonia, and Wax Leaf Begonia

Pink Wax Begonias

Cee’s Flower of the Day

Photo Credit: ©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina

God Bless. Take Care. Share Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 RDP: February 22 — Friday! Beast!

Replica Ancient Beasts

The term beast is often referred to any non-human animal species, especially large four -footed mammals. However, the term Beast is determined upon by scientific and biblical interpretations. Biblically, the word “Beast” is referring to large, walking animals excluding humans, amphibians, and small animals. Beasts fall into several different categories including Mammals, Birds, Fish, Insects, Dinosaurs, and Giant Animals.

Birds, Fish, and insects aren’t normally thought of as beast by many people. Birds are descended from the theropod dinosaurs; some of which include the Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Velociraptor. People may think that Pterodactyls are dinosaurs, but they are actually an extinct clade (monophyletic group) of flying reptiles. In the Fish category, Sturgeons are sometimes referred to as “living dinosaurs” (even though they are not) due to their coexistence with dinosaurs and have a prehistoric appearance. Dinosaurs didn’t live in water like  ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, mosasaurs which are not dinosaurs, but are prehistoric marine reptiles. In the Insect category, the wheel bug (Arilus cristatus) and the Aethiocarenus burmanicus are described as resembling dinosaurs. Some think the wheel bug may resemble a stegosaurus or a triceratops.

Here are some typical dinosaur replicas which have been on display at one time or another. Children especially are enthusiastically captivated by seeing dinosaurs (like my grandson, Coleman).

The term “Beast” can also be used to apply to a person or thing that is unpleasant, difficult, or powerful. It can refer to a person’s physical appearance or their behaviour such as annoying, cruel, or uncivilized. It can also refer to something that is unpleasant, and/or difficult.

I might think Coleman is being difficult and annoying at times, however, he is no beast.

Coleman, a dinosaur loving kid.

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Friday! Beast!

Public Art:Dinosaurs

Photo Credit:©️2017-2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: Apple iPhone XR, 11 Pro Max, 14 Pro Max, and Canon EOS Rebel T3i

Locations: The Discovery Center; Abilene, Texas; Carowinds; Charlotte, North Carolina; The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Get Outdoors. Discover Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Footprints in the ≠ “Sand”but Snow

Deuteronomy 1:31 (NLT)

Six Word Saturday

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Back Porch; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Weekend Sky(Watch) Friday

❄️ Snow ❄️ — Not Enough? Or Too Much?

For the past few days we have had intermittent grey cloudy skies and freezing temperatures and light snowfall showers off and on throughout the day and night. Not enough Snow? There was not enough Snow for Coleman to really play in and definitely not enough Snow to build a snowman.

Too much Snow? Why do I ask? Let me tell you, I’m partial to warmer sunnier weather like in Spring and Summer. I’m not too keen on winter freezing temperatures or having to wait at bus stops for Coleman’s school bus (which tends to run late lately). Maybe I should plan on moving to a warmer climate location? If I did or when we move; if I wanted to see Snow then I could drive to the mountains. I believe I (we) could have a delightful great time without driving into the mountains during the freezing cold winter Snowy season.

If you love Snow, enjoy.

Lightly Snowing in Southwestern North Carolina

Skywatch Friday

Weekend Sky

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: 1) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens; 2-5+Video) Apple 16 Pro Max

Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Stay Warm. Take care of yourself and each other. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Which Way Challenge (CWWC): February Week 3 — Any Which Way with Roads with vehicles and or traffic 

E. Garrison Blvd;
Gastonia, North Carolina
I-85
Charlotte, North Carolina
Cramer Mountain Road;
Cramerton, North Carolina
Dump Truck on S. Main Street;
Cramerton, North Carolina

With much appreciation for those who entered this past week, click on the links below to check out their Which Ways.

GERIATRI’X’ FOTOGALLERY’s WHICH WAY IN THE CASTLE OF COUNT DRACULA

Deb’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC)

Photo Credit: ©️2024-2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: 1-6) Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max; 7) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

God Bless. I’d love to see your Which Ways. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 RDP: Thursday —Chopper

In the Air Force

… On the Ground

Helicopter Flying over
Gastonia, North Carolina

Harley-Davidson “Chopper” Motorcycle
North Carolina Transportation Museum
Spencer, North Carolina

Ragtag Daily Prompt Thursday-Chopper

Photo Credit: 1)©️2023; 2)©️2021 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: 1) Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max; 2) Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

Location: 1) Gastonia, North Carolina; 2) NC Transportation Museum; Spencer, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Seeking Hands — Helping Hands

Loving Hands

While I focused a few of my images specifically on the Hands, others I chose to capture the whole experience of Coleman using and/or displaying his Hands.

Here are my entries for week’s Monochrome Madness hosted by the Blog Stupidity Hole.

Undelible (indelible) Bond of Love

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #28 -Hands

Stupidity Hole’s Monochrome Madness-Hands

God Bless. Take Care of Yourself and Each Other. Help one another. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

3 + 3 Horses X 3

Thursday Trios

Three Przewalski’s Horses
( aka “the Last Wild Horse”)
San Diego Wild Animal Park
(Currently Known as Safari Park)

Three Horses
approaching the Stables
at Anne Springs Close Greenway

Three Horses
Munching on Hay
in the Pasture at
Anne Springs Close Greenway

Carol’s Thursday Trios 

Photo Credit: 1) ©️1978 Nornal H. Waters; 2)©️2021 Deb L. Waters; 3) ©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: 1) Minolta XG-7 35 mm; 2) Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max; 3) Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Locations: 1) San Diego Wild Animal Park (Aka San Diego Safari Park); Escondido, California; 2-3) Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a fantastic week and upcoming weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Catfish Corner — Walk through the (Thursday) Door

… Enjoy some

Delicious Catfish

While visiting my Aunt in Texas in 2020 I would take a walk around her neighbourhood several times a week. Mostly I would walk for the exercise, but also investigating the area around where she lived just to see what I could see. I would try to average around 10,000 steps each time I ventured out for one of my walkabouts.

On this particular walkabout, I had across seem interesting places with signage drawing my attention. This remarkable place, Catfish Corner, is a restaurant which unquestionably serves Catfish. However, they have a wide variety of other entrees to please any sophisticated palate. I believe regardless of what your preference is for food consumption, you’ll enjoy whatever you choose to order at the Catfish Corner.

780 S. Treadaway Blvd.
Abilene, Texas

Brighten the doorstep, all are welcome within …

Catfish Corner
Restaurant

Bring your friends along, y’all enjoy the food and fellowship together.

Dan’s Thursday Doors

Photo Credit:©️2020 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

Location: Catfish Corner; 780 S. Treadaway Blvd.; Abilene, Texas, USA

God Bless. Take a Walk. Enjoy the Outdoors. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 LAPC #336 — One and Only One Picture

Greenwood Memorial

Park and Cemetery

My earliest memory of gathering here with family was in May of 1968. We were gathered together to pay our respects and say a final goodbye to my maternal grandfather, Harvey Martin Watson. I wasn’t able to see him before he passed on while he was in the hospital suffering the effects of a heart attack. He was hospitalized at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. At this time, children were not allowed to visit (I was only eleven (11)).

This place is a connection between generations and between family who were once very close. One can gain valuable insight and knowledge into the history behind the people who reside here. They have a connection to the past, to me, to an array of family members stretching from the west coast to the east coast. Knowledge is power, growth and resilience. It can hopefully learn from their lives and experiences and acknowledge to strive to become better in our own lives.

My mom’s eldest brother preceded my grandfather in this resting place here on earth by three years. I, however, do not recall being here for his service even though I probably would have been. He was only forty-three (43) years when he became a resident in this destination.

Family and most likely friends as well would gather here and then family would return to the family home for further consolation and nourishment.

I have visited here off and on throughout the years. Not so much as late, but will again one day soon in the future. When I return I’ll be laying flowers on my parents and grandparents graves as a sign of respect and remembrance.

I remember gathering here with family members when my maternal grandmother, Myrtle Melvina (Tebo) Watson was laid to rest in 1986. This occasion was the first time my eldest son experienced the formality of a loved one being lowered to earth’s humble abode. You get through the difficult times this place brings you here and move on, but forgetting what brought you here still lingers in the recesses of your heart and mind to be recalled and remembered from time to time.

The last time I came here for a short, but necessary, visit (in 1996) was to honour my father after he left his earthy home to become a resident (in body) here near my maternal grandparents gravesites. This was the hardest visit ever in my lifetime. He and I were very close and at times I wish he was still here.

My mom’s ashes are buried with my father after she passed on in 2019. The family held a celebration of life service for her in Plano, Texas where she was residing at the end of her time here on earth. My brother later traveled to San Diego, California to have her ashes entombed with my father. I have yet to back it back to this location to once again pay my respects to family long gone. Plans are in the works for the near future (within the next year) to once again travel to this destination and converse with family even if they can only communicate in spirit.

Lens-Artists Challenge # 336 – Only One Picture

Location: Greenwood Memorial Park and Cemetery; Imperial Avenue; San Diego, California, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 CFFC: February 18 — Red and ??

Red Flowers and Whatnot

Here are my entries for Dan’s CFFC and Judy’s Numbers Game. I’m also linking up with Cee’s Flower of the Day challenge.

I decided to also link to Natalie’s Public Art Challenge and Jude’s Bench Challenge .

Dan’s CFFC-Red

Judy’s Numbers Game #61-182

Cee’s Flower of the Day

Natalie’s Public Art

Jude’s Bench Challenge

Terri’s Sunday Stills: Monthly Color Challenge-Rosy Red

God Bless. Enjoy the rest of your week. Stay Warm. Take Care. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Wordless Wednesday: February 19

Branta canadensis

Branta canadensis,
Canada Geese

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm lens.

Location: Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 OWS: February 16 — Cross

Southern Cross of Honor

At the End of Life a Cross Signifies a life of service and dedication … The Southern Cross of Honor is placed on the graves of Confederate Veterans who served honourably during the American Civil War. For further information about the Southern Cross of Honor click here.

This Southern Cross of Honor is placed on my paternal 2X Great Grandfather’s grave. My 2X Great Grandfather John Thomas Waters ( Gravemarker reads THO’S WATERS) served honourably during the Civil War as a soldier of the Lucas Guards, a South Carolina unit of the Confederate Army.

[This is a part of my ancestral history and is not up for discussion. Like most soldiers regardless of who what unit or side of any war they served in, he and his comrades believed in what they were fighting for during their time period in history.]

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-Cross

Fandango’s One-Word Challenge-End

Throwback Thursday

Photo Credit:©️2016 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens.

Location: Brannon Family Cemetery; Bethune, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Cee’s FOTD: February 18

Cercis canadensis v. texensis

Texas Redbud

Photo Credit:©️2020 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Telelphoto Camera

Location: S. Seventh Street; Abilene, Texas, USA

God Bless. Take Care. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 CPC: February 17 — Old Buildings

From Hither and Thither and Yon

From Hither and Thither and Yon I have traveled back and forth across the United States from the California to the Carolinas.

Hither and Thither and Yon, I traveled on and on Seeking adventure with family and friends.

Hither and Thither and Yon to a land used once long ago. From San Francisco to Alcatraz, Hither and Thither and Yon we traveled on and on.

The Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary 
or United States Penitentiary,
 Alcatraz Island, off the coast of San Francisco, California, USA,
which operated from 1934 to 1963.

Hither and Thither and Yon we venture on and on. We wander to this land and that land stopping to see what’s near and far. From Northern California to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Hither and Thither and Yon we wondered how the Hopi Native Americans lived and how long it took them to build the Hopi House.

Hither and Thither and Yon the architectural design built in 1904 by local Hopi artisans. It was designed to resemble a traditional Hopi pueblo.

Hopi House is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, within Grand Canyon National Park in the U.S. state of Arizona.

Hither and Thither and Yon we journey on and on for a long adventure to the Carolinas in the southeastern portion of the United States. Over hills and mountains and through the wide plains and plateaus of Texas onward and upwards to the Carolinas we travel on and on.

Hither and Thither and Yon we roam the vast acreage of Anne Springs Close Greenway and are amazed by the moving and reconstructing of the Graham Cabin.

Graham Cabin located in the grounds of Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The cabin is more than two hundred (200) years old. According to an early 1800’s census the Reverend Billy Graham’s grandfather, Archibald Graham, born in this cabin and lived there for a time.

Hither and Thither and Yon how I wonder why we roam Hither and Thither and Yon. Hither and Thither and Yon we seek the vast lands of America taking in its rich history and absorb the knowledge left behind by those who came before us.

Hither and Thither and Yon we travel south from the Graham Cabin to see the Mebane Grammer School in the town where my father grew up. Hither and Thither and Yon I wonder why I travel on and on seeking whatever’s in the vast beyond.

Mebane Grammer School (Original Great Falls Grammar School) was built in 1924 in Great Falls, South Carolina. It was named for the Mebane family who were officers with Republic Mills. [The company that ran the mills in Great Falls. My paternal grandfather worked in the Republic ‘s #3 mill]. The school burned down in 1976.

Hither and Thither and Yon maybe it’s time to be close to family once again. Hither and Thither and Yon to the Old Watson Homestead we travel on and on. Hither and Thither and Yon It’s time to relax and feel at home on the Old Homestead with family close by.

Jeramiah (Jerry) Watson Family Home place. This is the homestead place of my maternal Great Grandparents (my mother’s father’s parents) near Deep Gap, North Carolina. It was a place known for the family to gather together and share good times and fellowship with one another.

Hither and Thither and Yon I wish all your dreams and desires come to fulfilment. Hither and Thither and Yon You are loved. Enjoy those close at hand. Hither and Thither and Yon.

Cosmic Photo Challenge-Old Buildings

Throwback Thursday

God Bless. Thank you for taking the time to visit. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Monday Window: February 17

Kitty by a Window
– 2 — AI creation by PR

Construction Windows

Construction Windows

Another of the many new home constructions in our area. This is the view of the windows on the side of the house under construction.

Monday Window

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion Camera

Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Monday Portrait: February 17

Lovruary

Love & Affection
between a
Horse & a boy
(aka Coleman)

Monday Portrait

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Wide Camera (taken 2/14/23)

Location: Greenway Stables; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a week full of love and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Cell Pic Sunday: February 16

Northern Mockingbird

Bird Watching on a Cold Rainy Day

Northern Mockingbird watching 👀.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16Pro Max

Location: View from Front Porch; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a marvellous day. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Silent Sunday: February 16

Relaxing Reflective Reflections

Catawba River
Landsford Canal State Park
Catawba, South Carolina

Silent Sunday

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

Photo Credit:©️2022 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Location: Catawba River; Landsford Canal State Park; Catawba, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Looking forward to Spring and the Spider Lilies. Have a terrific day. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 SYD: February 15

Clare from Clare’s Cosmos invites everyone to join her in Sharing Your Desktop (SYD). Below are her suggestions for participating in the Share Your Desktop Challenge 

  1. To do so, simply share the photo* you have set as your wallpaper;
  2. Provide as little or as much detail as you wish;
  3. Use a pingback, or post a link here so I know you have joined in on the fun;
  4. Then finally, share the fun around.

I am sharing my Wallpaper from both my Laptop and my Smartphone. I enjoy looking at different images each month. Most of which revolve around Coleman (my grandson) and nature.

Here are my Desktop Wallpaper and Screensaver for my Laptop:

Desktop Wallpaper:

Coleman
sitting on a tree branch
at Goat Island Park and Greenway.

Also My Smartphone Hiking Focus

Desktop Screensaver:

Coleman
playing with his Brio Train set
& his MagnaTiles on his Road mat.

Smartphone Wallpapers:

Personal Focus

Coleman
Swinging on a rope
at Goat Island Park and Greenway

Reading Focus

Coleman
playing at the
CLT Airport Overlook

Share Your Desktop-2025 February

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: 1) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens; 2) Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max; 3-4) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

God Bless. Play Along. Share Your Desktops with Clare’s Share Your Desktop Challenge. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Cee’s Weekend FOTD: February 15/16

Agraulis vanillae on Zinnia elegans

Gulf fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) on a Red Zinnia Elegans (Zinnia elegans)

Cee’s Weekend FOTD

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens

Location: Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a wonderful weekend. Smell the Flowers. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Think Rope Swinging’s in the Blood

Top Image: Coleman’s Uncle John (My eldest)
Bottom Image: Coleman Swinging on a rope
at Goat Island Park and Greenway

Six Word Saturday

Throwback Thursday

Photo Credit:©️1990 & 2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Locations: 1) Corona, California, USA; 2) Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a Swinging Good Time. Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Up in the Air in Monochrome

Above the Trees

I’m learning to use the Fusion camera’s Monochrome features in my new iPhone 16 Pro Max. While Coleman was playing out back on one of our rare warm winter days, I looked up into the sky and saw a small group of black birds flying through the air. I pointed my iPhone towards the sky in hopes of capturing shots of the birds as they flew overhead of us. Cease the Moments. Enjoy the World around you. Capture the Memories each day.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness-February 12, 2025

Skywatch Friday-February 14

Weekend Sky #144– February 14

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Backyard; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Which Way Challenge (CWWC): February Week 2 — Which way with the colors of brown or black

I’m combining this week’s CWWC with Dan’s CFFC Black and…? — CFFC. For the Which Way Challenge I have selected Any Which Way with the Colours Brown &/or Black. To me, this ties in nicely with Dan’s Black and ? Challenge for this week. Let’s have fun and see what we can all achieve together.

Here are my entries for this week’s challenge:

These were taken back in February of 2023 when Coleman and I convinced my daughter and granddaughter to Tag-along on one of our hiking adventures. For this hike, we chose to visit the Baxter Village Trail which begins near the Library in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Hiking along on the trail we encounter plenty of Brown and a bit of Black as well as some other colours.

The Baxter Village Trail is a part of the Carolina Thread Trail network of trails within North and South Carolina. It is also a part of a 9-mile network of trails within the Baxter Village Community. This particular trail is a 3.3-mile segment of the Thread Trail trail is moderately hilly and features several streams along its length.

Baxter Trail Map

The trail consisted of natural surfaces, boardwalks, and some pavement. The rating for the trail is moderate, but for Coleman and I it was rather easy. As you can see we wound through a forest of trees and through tunnel and for my grandchildren over the tunnel as well.

To take a look at other Which Ways from this past week check out the links below:

LinsArt: Friday Catch Up – 7th February 2025

Woolly Muses: WhichWayChallenge25-0207-Paved-Roads-Sidewalks

GERIATRI’X’ FOTOGALLERY: STAIRS WITH PEOPLE

Judy Dykstra-Brown: Walk This Way! (For the Which Way Challenge) Feb 9, 2025

______________________________________________

Which Way Challenge: With the Colours Brown and/or Black

Dan’s CFFC: Black and?

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S15-55mm lens.

Location: Baxter Village Trail; Baxter Village Community; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a wonderfully fabulous rest of your week. Enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Pull Up a Seat by a Wall Mural (PPAC) & (Thursday) Door

As Coleman and I were walking around Downtown Cramerton on the way back from Goat Island we walked through the backside of the businesses that run along Center Street. What we noticed were the Mural that were painted on the businesses back walls covering a good portion of the wall including the doors. The Mural pictured in the photos on the left are from the Skillet Southern Bistro’s back patio and outside dining area with plenty of room to enjoy the evening.

The Mural pictured on the right are from the outside back wall of Confluence South Fork. Confluence is a place to gather for young and old alike. It is run by the Catawba Riverkeepers. It offers beer for adults, sells artwork created by a local artist and souvenirs. It holds concerts for all to enjoy some specifically designed for children. It offers the ability for visitors to rent disc golf discs, cornhole bags, and ping pong paddles to ball at Goat Island Park and Greenway located across the road from its location.

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2025-Week 6

Photographing Public Art Challenge (PPAC)

Thursday Doors

RDP Monday: ROOM

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion Camera

Location: Backside of Center Street; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Cee’s FOTD: February 12

Rose ‘Livin La Vida’ PP

(Rosa hybrid)

Garden Rose
Garden Rose

Cee’s Flower of the Day

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens

Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. There’s a Time for Rain, a Time for Sunshine, and a Time to Stop and Smell the Roses. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Wordless Wednesday: February 12

Stairs to Tracks

Coleman
at the top
of the Stairs

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Railroad Track Stairs; Downtown Cramerton; Town of Cramerton; Cramerton North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Numbers Game #60 — 181

February 10, 2025

Judy Dykstra-Brown hosts The Numbers Game challenge each week. This week is Game #60 and the number is 181.

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 that include that number and  post a link to your blog in my 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.This prompt will repeat each Monday with a new number. If you want to play along, please put a link to your blog in comments below. Here are my contributions to the album.

This week I am choosing to use a theme of Playground focusing on the CLT Airport Overlook playground in Charlotte, North Carolina. Coleman enjoyed playing in CLT Charlotte Douglas International) Airport Overlook’s Playground. He kept zipping to and fro checking out all the various playground equipment and all the unique places to Pull Up a Seat.

Judy’s Numbers Game #60-181

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2025-Week 6

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: CLT Airport Overlook Playground; CLT Airport Overlook; Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Enjoy your day. Have a fabulous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Floral Macro Monday: 02.11

Antirrhinum majus

Pink Snapdragon

Macro Monday

Cee’s Flower of the Day

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens

Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Breathe. Stop and Smell the Flowers. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Monochrome Monday Portrait

My Friend, My Buddy-boy,

My Grandson, My Heart ❤️,

Coleman

I have recently upgraded my smartphone from the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. It has features which the iPhone 14 Pro Max did not have.

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has in addition to the main camera, ultra-wide camera, and the telephoto camera it also has a Fusion camera. The Fusion camera has ten (10) different modes to choose from ranging from standard to Dramatic to Mute or Stark Black and White with several different options in between. In the Fusion Square you can slide between lighter or darker and control the amount of light desired for an image.

This Fusion Camera feature is all new and different to me. I have only had my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max since last Monday and have not figured out all its new “bells and whistles” (new upgraded features). Today it was in the high 70’s here, warm enough to allow Coleman to play outside. Instead of going on a hike like we’d normally do, I decided to let him try out his T-ball set up. He will be playing T-Ball through our local Recreational Center and figured it wouldn’t hurt to let him try to practice hitting a ball.

The first eight (8) of these photos were taken using the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Mac’s Fusion camera with the Mute Black and White setting. The last seven (7) were taken using its Stark Black and White settings.

Monochrome Monday

Monday Portrait

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Sunday – Friend

Monochrome Madness

Cosmic Photo Challenge: Black and White

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Backyard; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Cell Pic Sunday: 02.09

US Air Flight

1016 Memorial

The U.S. Air Flight 1016 Memorial honors the people who died on board the flight from Columbia, S.C. to Charlotte on July 2, 1994. The Memorial includes a plaque in memory of those who died or were injured and those who helped rescue efforts. The Memorial is located in a section of the CLT (Charlotte Douglas International) Airport Overlook in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The U.S. Air Flight 1016 crashed in Charlotte 30 1/2 years ago. During that horrific crash in 1994 thirty-seven (37) of the fifty-seven (57) people on board died. The people in Charlotte and the surrounding areas have not forgotten.

On July 2, 1994, the flight encountered heavy thunderstorms and microburst-induced windshear while attempting to land, and crashed into heavy trees and a private residence near the airport. The crash and ensuing Fire caused 37 fatalities and seriously injured 20 people.

The New CLT Airport Overlook Memorial was designed to represent Morse Code for CAE (Columbia) and CLT, the origin and destination airports for the flight. It includes a plaque in memory of those who died or were injured and those who helped rescue efforts.

This past Tuesday Coleman, my daughter Trisha, and I paid a visit to the CLT Airport Overlook to allow Coleman to play in the Overlook’s new playground. While there we also visited the U.S. Air Flight 1016 Memorial. The reverse side of the pillar about U.S. Air Flight 1016 lists the names of the thirty-seven (37) people who died in the crash.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16Pro Max

Location: CLT Airport Overlook; Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Silent Sunday: February 9

Coleman on a
mock airplane in the
CLT Airport Overlook Playground

Silent Sunday

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: CLT Airport Overlook Playground; Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a marvelous day. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Bloganuary Daily Prompt – January 24 (Posting on 02/09)

Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.

U. S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina has the largest the world’s largest manmade whitewater river and has outdoor activities all year long. Besides the Whitewater River area, the Center also has 1,300 acres of protected woodlands along the Catawba River. No matter your preference, the Whitewater Center offers a wide range of recreational opportunities to intrigue your interest for a
fantabulous experience in the great outdoors.

I have not done many water sports since my younger more limber and flexible days of my youth. What does perk my interests in visiting the U.S. National Whitewater Center are the forty (40) miles of trails designed for mountain biking and trail racing. You don’t have to ride a mountain bike or race on the trails to enjoy them. The 40+ miles of trails are a great opportunity for hikers as well. The trails are shared by hikers, runners, and bikers at all times.

 The trails are natural surface and wind across the 1,300 acre woods of the Center.  The trails run along the Catawba River and through hardwood and pine forests. The use of the trails are free not requiring an access pass, however, the Whitewater Center does charge $12 for a day parking pass and $40 for an annual parking pass.

I think Coleman and I would enjoy hikers some of the various trails at the Whitewater Center given the opportunity for warmer weather, costs and transportation to and from the Center.

For more information about the U.S. National Whitewater Center and what it has to offer click here .

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 LAPC #334 – Cats and Dogs

Tina from Travels and Trifles is this week host for the Lens-Artist Challenge. She has chosen a theme of Cats and Dogs.

At this present point in time we do not have any cats or dogs. The only cats that have been around in places we lived were feral cats that would roam the neighborhood. Sometimes female cats would have their litter under our home and their would stick around for awhile.

Here are some photos of those cats

Here are a few pix of my Aunt Irene’s Dog plus one of a Dog Statue at Andrew Jackson State Park in Lancaster, South Carolina.

Tina’s Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #334-Cats and Dogs

LAPC

Photo Credit:©️2017-2020 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: Various iPhones from 7+ to X to XR to 14 Pro Max

Locations: Lancaster, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Take Care. Enjoy the Outdoors. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Weekend FOTD: February 8/9

Early New Life Planted

Getting Spring Ready

Cee’s Weekend FOTD

Cee’s Flower of the Day

Photo Credit:©️Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Centennial Center; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Spring is Coming. Maybe not soon enough for some. Let the Sonshine/Sunshine shine through everyday. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Floral Friday: 02.07 —Colouring Flowers #53 (5th for 2025)

“Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.”

– Victor Hugo
Zen Color App

“The color of springtime is flowers; the color of winter is in our imagination.” 

– Terri Guillemets

“Flowers are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values all the utilities in the world.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Floral Friday

Cee’s Flower of the Day 

God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Take time to Smell the Flowers. I am Grateful for each and every one of y’all. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 CFFC: Nursery Rhyme

One, Two,

Buckle My Shoe …

Nineteen, twenty,

MyPlate’s Empty.

Dan from no facilities has chosen a them of Nursery Rhyme for this week’s CFFC Challenge. There are many variation, but that’s not too important. Look at the rhyme as written and use any or all of the bold words as prompts. If the words are numbers, use them the way you used them earlier. Otherwise, use the words themselves. This should give you lots of opportunities to choose a photo. New or archive photos are acceptable.

  • One, twobuckle my shoe;
  • Three, four, knock(er) at the (Thursday) door;
  • Five, six, pick up sticks;
  • Seven, eight, lay them straight;
  • Nine, ten, a big fat hen;
  • Eleven, twelve, dig and delve;
  • Thirteen, fourteen, maids a-courting;
  • Fifteen, sixteen, maids in the kitchen;
  • Seventeen, eighteen, maids in waiting;
  • Nineteen, twenty, my plate‘s empty.

[Source: Wikipedia.org]

Here are my One, Two Buckle My Shoe Nursery Rhyme photo selections:

Coleman digging in sand
Alona playing with her Kitchen
Empty Plates

Dan’s CFFC-Nursery Rhyme

Dan’s Thursday Doors

Photo Credit:©️Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Skywatch Friday/ Weekend Sky — 2025 February 7

Beautiful Orange Sunrise

Skywatch Friday-February 7

Weekend Sky #143 – February 7

Photo Credit: ©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA 

God Bless. Stay Warm. Stay Safe. Take Care. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Which Way Challenge (CWWC): February Week 1 — Any Which Way with Paved Pathways or Sidewalks

Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (CWWC), I’m so glad you are enjoying this challenge. For this week I have chosen the theme of (CWWC): Any Which Way with Paved Pathways or Sidewalks. Remember to be sure your Which Ways are clearly defined. Remember signs are always welcome in your Which Ways.

Here are my Which Ways for this week:

On Tuesday my daughter had a day off of work and decided to give Coleman a surprise. After he got off the school bus in the afternoon, she drove us to the Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) Airport Overlook.

In 2024 the CLT Airport Overlook underwent a major overhaul. This overhaul project cost a whopping $8 million. This is the fifth overlook for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport since 1937.

This New CLT Airport Overlook has two (2) age-specific playgrounds with shaded areas. Of course, being at the airport, the playgrounds have an airport theme including runway, a cargo transport vehicle, and a mini air traffic control tower.

The CLT Overlook also has a covered space with ten (10) covered picnic tables plus uncovered picnic tables and benches with LED lighting for pedestrian and parking areas. There are a couple of other features which I will discuss in an upcoming future post.

Which Way Challenge (CWWC)

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) Airport Overlook also; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’al very much.

2025 Thursday Trios: 02.06

Benches in a Park

Two Park Benches &
a Picnic Table with Benches

Thursday Trios 

Jude’s Bench Challenge

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2025-Week 5

Photo Credit: ©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Be Observant. Show Gratitude. Love to all. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.