2026 OWS — Cramerton Blues

Come Together
Confluence
Cramerton, NC
Light Blue house
on Riverside Drive
Coleman wearing light blue jeans,
a blue camouflage backpack,
& a blue Food Lion tote
at Riverside Park and Greenway
in Cramerton, NC.
Pansy Viola wittrockiana
Inspire Plus ‘True Blue’
(Blue’s in its name)

Click on each image to enlarge.

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-Blue

Photo Credit: ©️2023-2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

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

Up, Down, and Balance the Teeter-Totter

Coleman’s Teeter-Totter Time

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.02.21

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) Saturday-Playful

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Telephoto

Location: Playscape; Nature Trail; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, 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.

Which Way Challenge 2026: CWWC: Any Indoor Pathway, Hallway, Corridor, Or Stairway. [02.20.2026]

Welcome back to the Which Way ChallengeThis Week’s Which Way Challenge are theme is Any Indoor Pathway, Hallway, Corridor, Or Stairway. They can be Any Which Way on any Pathways, Hallways, Stairway, or Corridor as long as your Which Ways are clearly visible. As always signs are welcome anytime.

Walking the Hallways and Corridors

inside the

Schiele Museum of Natural History …

Here are my entries …

Click on each image to enlarge. 

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.

Cath’s Which Way… {Caught Unawares}

Brian’s I saw them (hard at work)

Geriatri’x’ Fotogallery’s Caminito Del Rey

Suzette’s For Deb’s Any Which Way-CWWC – People

Dawn’s Which Way: Way Walking Along the Canal

In Primo Piano’s Arch

For further information about the Which Way Challenge check out the home page here.

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Note: Next week (Friday 02.28.2026) our theme be Any Which Way on Dirt Trails, pathways, or stairs in Monochrome.

Walking Down the Street …

Looking for Grandma …

I missed you so …

I’m running to give you a hug …

… I love you so very much.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

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

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

FOWC/RDP — Spring has not yet Sprung

Spring Back

to the River

I’m combining Fandango’s One Word Challenge with the Ragtag Daily Prompt Challenge joining FOWC’s Spring with RDP’s River for this post.

We are very much still in winter even though we haven’t had anymore snow as of yet. We have had many freezing temperatures in the evenings and early mornings. The past couple of days warmed up, however, chilly days and rainy days are still in the foreseeable forecast.

Since Spring has not yet sprung this year I decided to look back upon a delightfully sunny Spring day in 2022 (spring ended on June 21st in 2022). On this spectacular Spring day, Coleman and I hiked along the Catawba River in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We hiked along the Founders Trail which runs parallel to the Catawba River. And before you ask, Coleman did enjoy some refreshing playtime in the River.

Look closely to
see people tubing
down the River.
Kayakers enjoying
the Catawba River.
Coleman wading, playing, & watching the tubers floating down the Catawba River.
Collage of the Catawba River

Click on each image to enlarge.

Fandango’s FOWC – Spring

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP): Thursday! River!

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Wide Camera

Location: Catawba River; Founders Trail; Carolina Thread Trail; Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA

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

Which Way Challenge 2026: CWWC: Any Which Way Capturing People Unaware

Welcome back to the Which Way ChallengeThis Week’s Which Way Challenge are theme is Any Which Way Capturing People Unaware. They can be Any Which Way on any Road, Pathways, Walkways, Sidewalks, Stairs, Trail or Dirt Path etc. as long as your Which Ways are clearly visible. As always signs are welcome anytime.

Here are my entries for this week …

Click on each image to enlarge. 

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.

Lily’s Corner’s CWWC: Any Which Way displaying Winter or Summer

Geriatri’x’ Fotogallery’s It Is Still Winter

Brian’s Let’s see who is at the beach

Suzette’s Summer – Deb’s Any Which Way Challenge: Winter or Summer

Dawn’s Any Which Way Through the Winter Ice

For further information about the Which Way Challenge check out the home page here.

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

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

Note: Next Week’s Theme will be Any Indoor Pathway, Hallway, Corridor, Or Stairway.

2026 Thursday Doors: February 12

2023 badge by Teresa

Doors within

the Museum

Tuesday was another free night at the Museum. Free nights are on the second (2nd) Tuesday each month curtesy of Duke Energy. I captured these doors with my iPhone as we walked through the museum.

Venus Flytrap Door Decor

We walked through every hallway and corridor viewing everything even though we’ve been there several times before.

Emergency exit door

Coleman zooms around every corner and nook and cranny faster than I can possibly imagine catching up with him.

Interpretation Division
Staff Only

Soaring past this doorway and that doorway all the way to the final door to exit the museum.

Exit Door

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2026.02.12

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Monday Window – 2026 February 09

Kitty by a Window
– 2 — AI
creation by PR

Also Posting for

Pull Up a Seat

and Thursday Doors

Taxco Mexican Grill

Over the weekend my daughter treated us out for supper at the Taxco Mexican Grill. This was a new (to us) location of the Mexican restaurant chain. Normally Coleman won’t eat meat except for vegetarian “meat.” However, he decided he wanted to try the grilled chicken strips off the kids menu and loved them.

Click on each image to enlarge. 

Monday Window 

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2026-Week 6

Dan’s Thursday Doors

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Taxco Mexican Restaurant; Belmont, 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.

2026 #OWS: 08 February

Outside In

Blast From the Past

Coleman
Looking In
From Outside

Click on Image to enlarge.

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-2026.02.08

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Wide Camera  

Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA

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

Which Way Challenge 2026 CWWC: Any Which Way displaying Winter or Summer

Welcome back to the Which Way ChallengeThis Week’s Which Way Challenge are theme is Any Which Way Displaying Winter or Summer. They can be Any Which Way on any Road, Pathways, Walkways, Sidewalks, Stairs, Trail or Dirt Path etc. as long as your Which Ways are clearly visible. As always signs are welcome anytime.

In our neck of the woods, we are in the midst of ongoing back to back winter storms. North of the I-40 usually gets hit with Snow ❄️ during the winter months, but south of the I-40 rarely receives more than a sprinkling or trace of Snow accumulation on the ground. This year we have been hit with an extreme Winter Ice Storm followed by an extreme Arctic Winter Snow Storm and winter is not over so there is opportunity for chances of more ice, sleet, or snow before the season is over.

This past weekend the Snow was packed on top of the ice that hadn’t had a chance to melt yet. This made the road (the one next to the railroad tracks) an excellent place for some neighborhood fun. Two of the neighbour families had sleds they brought out and invited Coleman to sledding with them. So naturally, I bundled him best I could (he didn’t have any snow pants, overalls, or any kind of snowsuit) and we met the neighbours at the corner by the tracks.

Here are a few examples of the Funtime Coleman enjoyed playing in the Snow ❄️ …

This was Coleman’s very first time to go sledding. (Pull Up a Seat on a Sled) In between runs the boys enjoyed throwing snowballs at the adults and Riley’s older sister. A wonderful good time was had by all.

Click on each image to enlarge. 

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.

Dawn’s After the Snow Before the Ice on my Street

Geriatri’x’ Fotogallery’s It Is Still Winter …

Suzette’s A Bridge – Deb’s CWWC Any Which Way— Your Choice

gwh photos2s Which Way Photo Challenge: January 30, 2026

In Primo Piano’s ski-lift

Deb’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC)

XingfuMama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge 2026 – Week 6

XingfuMama’s Whatsoever is Lovely Challenge-2026 Week 6

Photo Credit: ©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

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

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

Note: Next Week our theme will be —CWWC: Any Which Way Capturing People Unaware.

2026 CFFC: Detailed/Abstract or Both

Dan Antion from No Facilities the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) has chosen to continue his themes dealing with this, that, or both. This week’s them is Detailed or Abstract or Both to finish up the “This, that, or both” series.

Let’s go slipping and sliding into Details and Abstraction …

Ready, Set, … Go
Sledding

Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge-Detailed or Abstract or Both

Photo Credit: ©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: 1) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Telephoto; 2) Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Location: By the Railroad Tracks; S. Main St.; Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a warm day filled with sunshine, love, and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 RDP — Splendiferous Snow Sledding

Coleman & Riley

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Monday-Splendiferous

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Location: By the Railroad Tracks; Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

2026 Last on the Card – January 31st

Brian from Bushboys World hosts a monthly challenge called Last On the CardHis rules are simple to follow if you’re interested in participating. 

Here are The rules:
1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 30th or whenever your last photo was taken.
2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate.
3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do
4. Create a Pingback to this post or link in the comments
5. Use the tags The Last Photo and #LastOnTheCard

Here are my contributions …

From my Canon EOS T7 (2000D):

Photobombed by Coleman
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

From my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:

Winter Storm 2026 Icicles

Click on each image to enlarge. 

#Brian’s Last on the Card

God Bless. Enjoy your Winter/Summer days. Stay safe. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Cell Pic Sunday: 01 February

Fresh Snow

Would you eat fresh white snow?

Fresh Snow mixed
with Strawberry Syrup

Eating small quantities of clean, fresh, white snow is generally considered low-risk for the majority of healthy individuals. Be cautious if you choose to eat fresh white snow or snow cream.

I chose to allow Coleman to eat safely obtained fresh white snow following recommended safety guidelines.

Here is a list of Safety Guidelines recommended to follow before Eating Snow.

  • Prioritize Fresh Snow: 
    • Eat only Snow that has just fallen (it is preferable to wait a few hours after a snowfall begins, after initial air scrubbing.)
  • Ensure it’s White:
    • Only eat pristine, white snow. Avoid any snow that is yellow, red, green, gray, or black, as this indicates contamination by urine, algae, or pollutants.
  • Avoid Ground Contact: 
    • Scoop snow from the top layer or collect it in a clean bowl placed outside as it falls. This is to prevent any and all contact with ground contaminates, dirt, or animal waste.
  • Avoid Disturbed Areas:
    • Never ever eat snow from roadsides, driveways, sidewalks, or areas with heavy foot traffic. These areas often have high contaminations of chemicals and pollutants.

I assure you we collect fresh snow from a clean container we placed outside long past when the snowfall had begun (especially considering it began when we were still sleeping).

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.01.31

Photo Credit: ©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

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

Silent Sunday: 2026 02.01

2025/2026

Comparison

What a difference a year makes in our view, weather, and our activities.

Our view from our porch 2025

January 31, 2025

This time last year Coleman were hiking in Goat Island Park and Greenway. He was playing in the playground having a wonderful good time. Our high was 54°F, not too hot but also not extremely cold either. Our low was 32°F during a time when we were home. What was this time last year like you y’all?

Coleman swinging at
Goat Island Playground
January 31, 2025
January 31, 2026

This year we are having an extremely cold winter storm with a mixture of Snow and Sleet alternating off and on all day and night. Our high today was 21°F below normal with a freezing temperature of 29°F and a feel like temperature of 14°F. [I don’t know about y’all, but to me, that is extremely freezing cold.] Our low was 17°F with a feel like of 2°F.

Coleman doesn’t like being cooped up inside any time of the day. He is a hyperactive person who prefers to be out in nature. With today’s extreme cold temperatures and dangerous weather conditions he has had to find other options to keep himself occupied and entertained. Luckily, he has several options to play with like his new Hot Wheels City play-sets and additional orange track.

Coleman with his
new Hot Wheels City
Play-sets safe at home.
January 31, 2026

What’s it like for y’all in your area right now? Are you experiencing extreme cold winter conditions? Or are you experiencing the hot summer days?

Oops, sorry forgot to be silent. Forgive me for being vocal, I’ll remember it’s a Silent Sunday next week.

Silent Sunday-2026.02.01

Photo Credit: ©️2025-2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

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

God Bless. Have a wonderful week filled with love, laughter and a warm sense of peace. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Cell Pic Sunday: 25 January

Standing Near the Cross

Coleman
near a small cross
by the railroad tracks.

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.01.25

Photo Credit: ©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

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

Times Are A Changing … They’re Changing

Times are a changing, always changing. Before Christmas, during a special concert by our local high school choral ensemble, heard them sing an old Bob Dylan song called “The Times They Are A-Changing.” It got me to thinking about how our lives are a changing all the time. Bob Dylan wrote the song in the mid-1960’s as an anthem of change. To find out about the song’s lyrics and the meaning and cultural context click here.

Our lives, our world changes every single day; every decision we make changes our lives. Whether our decisions change where we work, where we live, who we associate and/or communicate with, these factors bring about change in our lives, in our world.

I’ve lived in four different states, from the east coast to the west coast, and in between. Each city, each state there is adaptation to the new environment, the new surroundings (home, work, people, etc.). Probably the first major decision that facilitates change in one’s life (I know mine) was the decision to go away to college. That definitely brought about change.

Then there’s decisions about marriage, children, where to work, where to live … decisions are constantly changing us. We always hop those changes will be for our betterment, but that not always the case.

Let’s not go off on tangents about this and that that had our lives changing. Today, I want to discuss the changes a new baby (aka Sophia Ruthann) has affected my life, my family (especially Coleman’s), and how Sophia is growing and changing on a daily basis.

As many of you read (but some of you may not have), my third grandchild, Sophia Ruthann, was born on December 9, 2025. My oh my, how that has changed our home life (especially Coleman’s, but that’s a discussion for another day). Sophia is common need of attention; feeding, changing diapers, changing clothes, changing possessions; always changing.

Sophia’s growth changes …

At Birth

  • Weight: 6lbs. 2 ozs.
  • Height/Length: 18.5 inches
  • Head Circumference: 13 inches

As of January 14, 2026

  • Age: 1.5 months
  • Weight: 8lbs. 13.4oz.
  • Height: 20.866 inches
  • Head Circumference: 14.271654 inches 

And those are the only changes she’s making in her growth development. Sophia is already teething (confirmed by her doctor), she scoots on her stomach across the room, and she is already rolling from her stomach onto her back. She enjoys facing outward when she’s in your lap, her attention and focus is drawn to the television when we are watching “Bones.”

Click on each image to enlarge.

Our lives, my life will never be the same since she came into my world. My focus and responsibility was solely on Coleman before she was born. Believe me, Coleman is extremely jealous of the attention Sophia receives (and not just from me). Coleman has been my whole world for six years and now changes are happening. Time and focus is split. Times are a changing, they’re changing our lives every moment of everyday.

What changes are occurring in your lives, in your world?

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

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

2026 Thursday Doors: January 22

Buc – ee’s

For Dan’s Thursday Doors

Buc-ee’s opened its first South Carolina location on May 16, 2022. On the way back home from our mini-vacay in Myrtle Beach we had our first opportunity to visit South Carolina’s Buc-ee’s in Florence, South Carolina off Interstate 95, Exit 170. This location is enormous inside and out.

Buc-ee’s is a comprehensive travel stop offering 120 fueling positions, exceptionally clean restrooms, with twenty-four (24) hour service. It has a wide variety of merchandise including Buc-ee’s branded clothing, toys, home decor and a wide range of snacks and drinks. It not only has prepackaged food options, but also offers freshly prepared items made in-house, such as Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, and a large selection of jerky and pastries.

This was not a food or gas stop for us, however, it was much needed for stretching our legs and restroom break before continuing on the road. I enjoyed looking around to check out what all this location had to offer. [I had previously been in Buc-ee’s when I was visiting in Texas in 2020.]

Click on each image to enlarge.

Coleman was amazed at the vastness of the store. He met “Buc-ee” and of course, I took his picture next to Buc-ee and the Buc-ee’s General Motors Truck which was loaded with Buc-ee’s branded merchandise.

If you ever have the opportunity to stop at a Buc-ee’s location, you’ll be surprised and amazed at its size and the tremendous diversity of items it offers.

Dan’s Thursday Doors – 2026.01.22

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Buc-ee’s Travel Center; Florence, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Take an Adventure. Capture the Beauty, the Ordinary, or whatever captures your eye. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 CFFC: 20.01 — Sturdy This/Shaky That

Dan Antion from No Facilities the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) has chosen to continue his themes dealing with this, that, or both. This week’s them is Sturdy or Shaky or BothHe is joining in with Linda’s Just Jot It January which has a theme of Consistency at the time of my writing.

According to WP, I have been consistently posting on here for a 3 years, 5 months, and 24 days. In other words, my consistency streak is 1,270 days straight of posting one or more posts. So let’s not upset my consistency streak and go ahead and make my 1,271 consistent days post.

Looking through my photos for Dan’s Sturdy or Shaky I have found a few I’m sharing with y’all today.

From 2022 …

Coleman, at almost 3,
walking on the
Shaky Swinging Bridge
as if it were
Sturdy and not Shaky.

From 2023 …

Alona & Coleman
standing on the middle rail
of a Sturdy wooden bridge.

Now for two (2) from 2025 …

Coleman
shakily hopping
on one foot
in Centennial Center.
Coleman Standing Sturdily
on our Porch railing.
I’m pretty sure his mom
wouldn’t appreciate him
standing on the railing
even though it is quite Sturdy.

That’s all Folks … till next time.

Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)-Sturdy or Shaky or Both

Photo Credit:©️2022-2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Locations: 1-2) Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina; 3-4) 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.

Minimalistic Portraits in Black and White

Ritva is the host this week for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge and she has chosen a theme of Minimalism in Black and White Photography.

Im not sure if all these are purely minimalistic or not, but these are what I have added recently in my photography journal. Most of these images are portraits I have recently taken of my newest granddaughter, Sophia Ruthann. In part of them I am holding her while taking her photo with my iPhone.

Here is a one at Myrtle Beach …

Trisha (Coleman & Sophia’s mom)
with Coleman & Sophia Ruthann

And now for a couple of non-family images …

Ring-Billed Gulls
soaring over the Atlantic Ocean
at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #381-Minimalism in Black-and-White Photography

Monday Portrait

Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge – Journal

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: 1-7) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; 8-9) Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Locations: 1-6) Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina; 7-9) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

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

2026 Cell Pic Sunday: 18 January

Native American Exhibit

Coleman Looking
at one of the
Native American Exhibits
in the Henry Hall of American Indians
at The Schiele Museum of Natural History

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.01.18

Photo Credit: ©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Henry Hall of American Indians; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

A Free Night at the Museum

On Thursday, Courtesy of Duke Energy, The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium was free from 5 pm until 8pm. Being at the right price (free) and knowing Coleman was wanting to visit the museum again, we took him for the free Night at the Museum.

This free night given to the community by Duke Energy was filled with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) activities throughout the museum. Coleman was so excited to be back in the museum, we didn’t get to every activity. He did enjoy the STEM science activity; it had him cutting and crunching green leaves to create Chlorophyll.

Coleman’s mom & baby Sophia joined us at the Museum. What section of the Museum do you think Coleman wanted to visit first? If you said the Dinosaur Exhibits you were correct.

Coleman enjoyed his free night at The Schiele Museum of Natural History. It is a terrific place to visit for all ages.

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.01.17

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

2026 LAPC #380 – Around the Corner (at the Beach)

What we saw as we walked out of our hotel room and walked onto the beach to observe the Atlantic Ocean was different and unique to our surroundings. It was the first time for Coleman to visit the beach and step into the Atlantic Ocean. I hadn’t been to this beach since 2010 or any other beach since 2020.

Here are a few interesting finds seen on our walk the day after New Year’s Day.

Our first sighting after walking out of the hotel …

The outdoor pool area
with plenty of places
to Pull Up a Seat.

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the outdoor pool areas were closed for the season (unheated & closed).

The Pirate Shipwreck
Lagoon Kids’ Waterpark

The outdoor pools and kids shipwreck area would not be comfortable to get into without any heat during the wintertime. Moving away from the pools here’s what we discover next …

Coleman checks
out the “Dolphin,”
a unique design
for a trash receptacle.

The next thing Coleman spots is the beach access, and away he goes …

Coleman headed
out to the beach

Once out onto the sandy beach, Coleman turns left to see what he might discover.

Naturally, Coleman
is anxious to discover
what he might find.
Maybe some Seashells?
Mostly broken,
but a few
whole Seashells

We walked quite a ways down the beach before turning around. Coleman was enthralled with watching the Ring-Billed Gulls (just known to him as Seagulls). Here are a few of our Gulls sightings …

And how can we not watch the waves rolling in and out of the Atlantic Ocean, you can’t go to the beach and not . Can you?

We hope y’all enjoyed walking along Myrtle Beach’s Seashore with us.

Anne’s Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #380

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2026-Week 3

Photo Credit: ©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Location: Atlantic Ocean; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

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

2025 SYD: 15 January

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 . [Clare is taking a break from WP, so this maybe the last Share Your Desktop Challenge for awhile. I will miss her and pray she’ll one day return. All the best to you Clare. Take Care.]

To do so, simply share the photo (not a screenshot) you have set as your wallpaper; Provide as little or as much detail as you wish; Use a pingback, or post a link here so I know you have joined in on the fun; 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:

From My HP Laptop:

Desktop Background Wallpaper

Ring-Billed Gulls
at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Desktop Screensaver

Coleman walking along
the wet & sandy seashore
looking for seashells at
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

From My Apple iPhone 16 Pro: 

Personal Focus

Coleman holding
his baby sister,
Sophia Ruthann

Reading Focus

Coleman on the
sandy seashore at
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Hiking Focus

Coleman walking
on the seashore at
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Click on each image for enlarged viewing. 

Clare’s Share Your Desktop-January 

Photo Credit:©️2025-2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; Canon EOS 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment. 

God Bless. You are & will be missed Clare. Take Care of yourself. You are Valued & appreciated. Having a Wonderful Week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Thursday Doors: January 15

Dino 🦕 Doors 🦖

Good Day my friends! This week we are taking you on a Dino adventure at Dino Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Some images you might need to look carefully to see a door/doorway and others will be clearly discernible. Enjoy the adventure.

Entering Dino Park

Dino Park is a family-friendly attraction at Broadway at the Beach which features over twenty (20) life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs in a Jurassic-themed setting. It offers an interactive and educational experience with such activities as fossil dig pit, a large ball pit, and dinosaur rides for younger children.

Notice the dinosaurs on the building, that’s the indication that you’re fixing to enter Dino Park. The first thing you see when you enter the building is a couple of “Dinosaurs” children can ride. Don’t worry about pulling out coins for the children to ride, they are free.

I know you’re not seeing doors while Coleman is riding the dinosaurs. We’ll get to them. But first, let’s look at a different type of “door” or rather an opening …

Now let’s walk through the Dino Park to check out the fascinating Dinosaurs on display …

There is a fee to enter Dino Park, however, our entry fees were covered in our resort package. Some hotels and/or resorts in Myrtle Beach offer entertainment/attraction packages to add on to your stay.

Did you spot the Doorways? If not, look again carefully.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Dan’s Thursday Doors

XingfuMama’s Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2026-Week 2

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

Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens

Location: Dino Park; Broadway at the Beach; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Take Care. Take an adventure. Capture the wonders around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Numbers Game 2026.01.13 — #107-229

Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game. This week’s number is 229. 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.

As stated in Judy’s rules for participating, I am choosing a theme of Ripley’s Aquarium instead of trying to find photos that match the number 229. We had a wonderful time visiting Ripley’s Aquarium during the winter break. We visited on December 31st, the second full day of our mini vacay in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Please click on photos to enlarge.

Please click on photos to enlarge.

Judy’s Numbers Game #107-229

The Cosmic Photo Challenge-Still Life

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

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens

Location: Ripley’s Aquarium; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Live life to the fullest. Make lasting memories. Take Care. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025/6 CFFC: Old and/or New

Dan Antion from No Facilities , the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) has chosen to continue his themes dealing with this, that, or both. This week’s them is Old or New or Both. It is my opinion that regardless of whether something is Old or New they both can hold precious memories one might choose to hold for a lifetime.

I have gathered a selection of Old and New images that depict things that are Old (or seem to be old depending on one’s opinion) and some that are New and have formed New memories to treasure.

For example, the first picture of Der Weinerschnitzel sparks memories from my high school days. My high school was located right next door to a Der Weinerschnitzel and students were able to go there on their lunch breaks to get chewy delicious food like chili dogs, polish sausage sandwiches, or any type of hot dog and sides one desired. The food was quick, but also tasty and easy to get and devour in a short time span. The Der Weinerschnitzel near my high school still exists in the same location, but the sign has been “upgraded” to no longer contain the “Der” in front of Weinerschnitzel. The rest, hopefully are self explanatory for Old/New examples.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)

CFFC-Old/New

JusJoJan26-Chewy

JusJoJan 26-Opinion

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

2026 Macro Monday: 12 January

Basalte Vacuolaire

Vesicular basalt

Coleman is holding a, Vesicular basalt, volcanic rock he found on the seashore in an area of the beach where he was finding seashells.

According to Google AI, Vesicular basalt is not naturally apart of Myrtle Beach’s local geological shoreline. It suggests that it could”be either Fossilized Peat or Coal (some found near the Grand Strand), “Beach Rot”or Fossilized Marls (Frequently seen near the 2nd Avenue Pier), or Piddock-Bored Rocks.

The Piddock-Bored Rocks appear vesicular since they are covered with small, circular holes. These holes are actually burrows made by piddock clams (rock-boring mollusks) in softer sedimentary rocks like limestone or siltstone. 

Therefore, considering our location along Myrtle Beach’s seashore (we were walking along the Grand Strand near the 2nd Avenue Pier, it could instead be any one of these three. I’m inclined to lean towards the Piddock-Bored Rock, the area is covered with clam shells.

Click on image to enlarge. 

Macro Monday (MM)

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment 

Location: Myrtle Beach, South 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.

2026 Cell Pic Sunday: 11 January

A Brother’s Devotion

Coleman & Sophia

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.01.11

Photo Credit: ©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

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

Murrells Inlet- Sit, Relax and Wait

Happy Friday! We’re already nine (9) days into 2026. Does it feel any different? We started off the new year at the beach, which was new, especially for Coleman. His first week back to school is almost over (today’s last for week). (He had wanted to stay longer at the beach, but that wasn’t possible.)

On Tuesday, we went on a Dolphins Sightseeing Tour Cruise in Murrells Inlet. We checked in and then it was time to hurry up and wait. Always best to arrive early, after that all you can do is Pull up a Seat and wait. Coleman got a little restless waiting and waiting. No matter how short the wait time is, it seems like forever. Included below are a variety of Pull up a Seat options while waiting for the cruise and a few on the boat waiting for the cruise to get out of the inlet and the dolphins to appear.

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.01.09

XingfuMama’s Pull Up a Seat 2026-Week 2

Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)-Full or Empty #2 (So many empty seats, I had to include CFFC.)

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

Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens

Location: Crazy Sister Marina; Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. I hope all y’all’s holidays were wonderful and filled with love and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Thursday Doors: January 08

Crazy Sister Marina

Crazy Sister Marina is a locally-owned boat tour company located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Their boat tours let you sit back and relax while appreciating the unbelievable views of the Grand Strand in Murrells Inlet. When you take one of their scenic cruises you might see dolphins, fish, birds, and/or sea turtles. ( The day we took our cruise, the dolphins were barely coming out of the water before diving back down below the surface.)

Crazy Sister Marina offers several different types of cruises to explore whatever your heart desires. Whether you what to take a fishing cruise, an incredible Eco cruise, or a Dolphin cruise they can assist you the most amazing and pleasurable experience ever. They also offer a variety of specialty cruises like 4th of July Firework Cruise, October Murrells Inlet ghost cruise, or celebration of life ceremonies and memorial services; they will provide the tour service that meet your needs or desires and provide you with the utmost respect and service beyond your expectations.

Coleman thoroughly enjoyed the Dolphin tour cruise we went on and would definitely go again if and when he could.

Click on images to enlarge. 

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2026.01.08

Dan’s Thursday Doors
Thursday Doors 

God Bless. Happy 2026! Happy New Year! Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025/6 CFFC: Full or Empty of Nostalgia

Good Day Everyone! I am a week late on my Nostalgia post, however, it was not Intentional to do so. I had intended to post about what brought Nostalgia to mind last week, but it fell by the wayside. Enjoying the last week of 2025 at the beach with family was more important.

While on our mini vacay at Myrtle Beach, we took an adventure south down to Murrells Inlet. Our Murrells Inlet adventure was Intentionally planned ahead and also sparked a bit of Nostalgia. You might wonder why Murrells Inlet would spark Nostalgia within me. You see, back in the early 1970’s my family took a trip down to Murrells Inlet with my dad’s sister and her family. We had some similarities, some differences between then and now. Memories are vague, but my dad’s old photographs (in my possession) bring those times back to life.

This past week we enjoyed Nature’s beauty on the water and on the beach. We had an amazing afternoon/early evening on the water on the Crazy Sister Marina’s boat. [Same pier, different boat]. I have pictures with my cousins and family on a Fishing boat for an afternoon of deep sea fishing. [Then a Fishing Boat, Now a Sightseeing Boat].

Back to the here and now, the Crazy Sister Marina was Full of boats, the sky was Full of birds, my view of the waters were Empty/Void of what we were supposed to be seeing. After all, we were on a Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise and I wasn’t able (nighttime visibility impairment) to see the Dolphins like Coleman and others were able to see.

The afternoon enjoyment was Intentional and was not Empty, but Full of excitement, anticipation, and an Abundance of Amazement and Wonderful memories.

Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)-Nostalgia

Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)-Full and/or Empty

JusJoJan26-Nature

#JusJoJan26-Intentional

Birds of the Week CL

Photo Credit: ©️1-4) 1972 Nornal H. Waters (my dad); 5-14) 2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: 1-4) Minolta XG-7 35 mm; 5-14) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens & Altura CPL Filter attachment.

Location: 1-4) Alex Marina; 5-14) Crazy Sister Marina; Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Take some time to be Adventurous. Enjoy time making memories with Family and friends. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Wordless Wednesday: 07 January

Coleman at Myrtle Beach, SC

Click on image to enlarge. 

Wordless Wednesday-2026.01.07

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

Whatsoever is Lovely Challenge-2026 Week 1

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Location: Atlantic Ocean; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

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

Gift of Adventure (at the Beach)

Ragtag Daily Prompts

We a well into the beginning of 2026. Coleman started back to school today, so now I have a few minutes to reflect on the past couple of weeks.

Hopefully y’all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s Day. Ours was truly an eventful Christmas holiday extravaganza. Of course it was exciting to watch Coleman receive his Gifts on Christmas Day, which he totally enjoyed. We kept telling him beforehand that he had to listen and behave or “Santa” wouldn’t bring any toys. You know what? “Santa” brought a few toys anyway. Coleman mostly received new clothes, which he was just as excited to get especially his new shoes.

Setting aside the Gifts, we decided to not let 2025 Dwindle away being bored at home. Instead, we chose to leave our little town and go on an amazing Adventure.

Where did we go on our big Adventure? Coleman’s mom was thinking about going to the mountains. Coleman wanted to go to the Beach. So, where do you think we went on our little Adventure? Yep, you’re right, we went to the Beach.

As 2025 was Dwindling away, we packed our bags, loaded up the car and headed out of town for our mini vacay Adventure. Sorry, we didn’t get any pictures of the car all loaded up, but we (I mean I) began snapping plenty of photos from the moment we arrived, all through our many Adventurous activities, and all throughout our entire mini vacation.

After checking in and bringing everything (and I mean everything) into our room for the week (actually six days), Coleman and I decided to head down to the Beach. We did not want to Dwindle our time away inside the room for one minute longer. Instead, we wanted to begin enjoying the Gift of Adventure immediately.

And thus our Gift of Adventures begins …

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) Wednesday-Dwindle

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) Thursday-Gift

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP): Tuesday! Adventure!

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

Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel 2000D.

Locations: 1st 4) Cramerton, North Carolina; Rest, 5-8) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. It’s been an Amazing Adventurous beginning to 2026. We didn’t let 2025 Dwindle away. We enjoyed the Gift of Time away together. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Monday Window: 2026.01.05

Kitty by a Window – 2 — AI creation by PR

Kitty by a Window – 2
— AI creation by PR

Crazy Sister Marina

On Monday afternoon, our first day of our mini vacay, we drove down to Murrells Inlet to go out on a sightseeing boat run by Crazy Sister Marina. We were supposed to be able to see some dolphins, however, my eyesight isn’t very good in the evenings, so I wasn’t able to see what others (including Coleman) was seeing (more on that at another time).

Instead I’ll show you a few of the Crazy Sister Marina windows, both on shore and on the boat.

On the shore …

Crazy Sister Marina
Ticket Office
Viewing the boats
through the windows

On the Boat …

Looking out on Murrells Inlet
Many Reflections
within the Boat’s Window

Click on each image to enlarge. 

Monday Window 

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

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

Cameras: 1-2) Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura CPL Filter attachment. 3-4) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Crazy Sister Marina; Murrells Inlet, South 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.

2026 Monday Portrait: 05 January

First Portrait for 2026

We are in our first week of 2026; what a week it has been. We spent the week in Myrtle Beach relaxing, “sightseeing,”visiting various attractions, and enjoying time on the beach. [More about those activities to come in future posts].

For the first Monday Portrait of 2026, let’s check out the Southern Stingrays At Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This was Coleman’s first trip to the beach, he was extremely excited about being at the beach, as well as seeing the many different species of “fish” at Ripley’s Aquarium.

Let’s take a look now at the fascinating Southern Stingrays …

Southern Stingrays

The Southern Stingray (Hypanus americanus) is a whiptail stingray which is typically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from as far north as New Jersey all the way down to southern Brazil.

Even though we didn’t actually see them in the Atlantic Ocean, we (especially Coleman) were thrilled to see & pet them at Ripley’s Aquarium.

Coleman viewing
the Southern Stingrays

It is adapted for life on the sea bed, as you can see here they swim very close to the bottom most of the time, but not always.

Southern Stingrays
lying on the sea bed

Southern Stingrays are nocturnal predators, they spray water from their mouths or flap their fins vigorously to disturb the surface in order to expose hidden prey.

A Southern Stingray
on the Aquarium sea bed.

Hypanus americanus exhibit wave-like locomotion using their pectoral fins. The wave-like locomotion allowed them to escape predators, forage efficiently, and generally maneuver quickly.

The Southern Stingrays were exciting and interesting to watch swimming and foraging in the aquarium at Ripley’s Aquarium.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Monday Portrait

Photo Credit:©️2025 (12.31) Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Ripley’s Aquarium; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA.

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

2026 Skywatch Friday/Weekend Sky: 01.03

Friday, a beautiful sunny afternoon was a perfect time for a walk along the beach. Observing the ocean, searching for Seashells, and enjoying the beautiful sky views.

Click on image to enlarge. 

2026 Skywatch Friday-01.03

Hammad’s Weekend Sky-2026.01.03

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion 

Location: Atlantic Ocean; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

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

Who’s that Boy in the Bubble?

Six Word Saturday

Coleman
in an
Aquarium Bubble
Coleman in
Ripley’s Aquarium

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-01.03.2026

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

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S18-55mm with Altura CPL Filter attachment.

Location: Ripley’s Aquarium; Myrtle Beach, South 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.

Pull Up a Seat 2026: Week 1 — Indoor Dining

A & W Restaurant

The Pull Up a Seat Challenge is hosted on Friday’s by XingfuMama at XingfuMama.blog. This will be my first Pull Up a Seat post for 2026. You may find out more about the Pull Up a Seat Challenge by clicking here.

A & W Restaurant
Pull Up a Seat with Rooty

This A & W had an area set up where you could take a photo with “Rooty, The Great Root Bear.”

Coleman with Rooty

Coleman had to kneel on a high stool chair to reach the hole to stick his head out into Rooty’s face.

Coleman in Rooty, the Root Bear

XingfuMama’s Pull up a Seat Challenge 2026 — Week 1

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion & Ultra Wide

Location: A & W Restaurant; 2270 Harry Byrd Hwy; Darlington, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Sharing happiness and love for 2026. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Thursday Doors: January 01 — Elevator Door

Click on images to enlarge. 

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2026.01.01

Dan’s Thursday Doors
Thursday Doors 

God Bless. Happy 2026! Happy New Year! Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Wordless Wednesday: 31 December

Coleman –
First Time at a Beach
Atlantic Ocean
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

Click on image to enlarge. 

Wordless Wednesday-2025.12.31

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max  

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

Sophia Ruthann’s First Christmas — December 25, 2025

This Christmas was the very first Christmas for Sophia Ruthann Wilson; she entered into our family on December 9, 2025 at 2:47 am. Coleman is a proud big brother as can be seen from some of the photos.

Here are a “few” shots I captured to remember her First Christmas … (Sharing with my daughter’s permission).

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

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

Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Plus; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; and Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens.

Location: Wilson/Waters Home; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Happy New Year! 2026 will soon be here. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Amber Jack’s Welcoming Wreaths

FOWC

“Welcome in! Let the warmth of the season fill your heart.”

On Christmas Eve, we opted to treat ourselves to dining out at a restaurant we hadn’t tried before, but had heard fantastic things about it. Where did we go? We chose to eat our Dinner (at noontime) at Amber Jack Seafood & Steaks Restaurant. It turned out we weren’t the only ones who decided that it would be a perfect time for a delicious meal.

The first thing we see as we approach the restaurant’s front doors are a couple of Welcoming Christmas Wreaths. The entrance to the restaurant was also decorated with strings of white lights, Christmas garland, and a small Christmas tree right beside the front doors.

Trisha (Coleman’s mom)
& Coleman approaching
Amber Jack’s Entry doors.
Welcoming Wreaths
hung on the front doors

Not only was the restaurant’s outdoor are all decked out for the holidays, but the inside was as well. The Christmas decor helped to make the environment extremely welcoming and inviting us to Pull Up a Seat and enjoy a relaxingly pleasant dining experience.

My daughter chose to have the Sirloin Tips Over Rice, Coleman had Chicken Tenders (but ended up not wanting to eat them), and I treated myself to a plate of Broiled Mahi-Mahi filet with fried okra and fried squash. They started us off with a delicious bowl of minestrone soup (it was tasty & I devoured both mine and Coleman’s since he didn’t want to eat it.) They also served us a basket of fried hush puppies, which also were pleasing to the appetite.

The food and service were exceptional. It was well worth the price the food ( especially mine) was very flavourful and mouthwatering scrumptiously delicious. I would highly recommend Amber Jack Seafood & Steaks Restaurant to anyone and everyone who lives or is ever near one to go on in and delight yourselves with the tremendously appetizing food.

“Like these evergreens, may our hospitality offer strength and renewal to all who gather here.”

Fandango’s One Word Challenge (FOWC)-Wreath

XingfuMama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge

Dan’s Thursday Doors

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Amber Jack Seafood & Steaks Restaurant; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Light of the World

Last night Coleman and I attended our church’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It was an evening to celebrate the Birth of Jesus through the singing of Carols, Lighting the final Advent Candle ( the White Candle), and partaking of Communion.

The Advent Wreath
with the four
outer Candles lit.

The White Candle in the Advent Wreath is placed in the center and is either lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The White Candle is called the Christ Candle. It is generally lit on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It symbolizes Christ’s purity, holiness, and his role as “The Light of the World” who overcomes the darkness, thus fulfilling the Hope and anticipation of the season.

The Advent Wreath
after the Center
White Candle
has been lit.

The outer four Advent Candles (3 purple, & 1 pink) mark the Sundays of Advent. They represent Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The White Candle signifies the arrival of Jesus Christ as the Pure, Sinless Saviour. All throughout Advent, the lighting of the Candles each week including the Center White Candle all point to the coming of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the World. The purpose in lighting the Advent Candles especially the White Candle is to remind Christians that Jesus is the fulfillment of Advent prophecies as well as the true light which brings Hope, Salvation, and Peace into the World.

Near the conclusion of the service, during Communion, all in attendance light their individual candles from the Advent Christ candle. The lighting of individual candles from the Christ candle symbolizes our individual roles as bearers of Christ’s “Light to the World.” It creates a powerful visual of the Gospel spreading to all the World.

An Individual Lit Candle

Happy Birthday Jesus! Feliz Navidad! Frohe Weihnachten! Feliz Natal! Merry Christmas to one and all.

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

2025 RDP: Tuesday —Present!

“Silver and Gold have I none, but such as I have I give unto thee …” (Acts 3:6)

You might not think this would apply to this time of year, however, I think it very much applies to. Presents, I do not need; but your Presence would be greatly welcomed and appreciated.

When Jesus was born, the Magi (also referred to as Wise Men) brought gifts (Presents) of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They came not just with their Presents, but also with their Presence. The Wise Men came to show their respect by being Present and giving Presents with significant meaning and importance.

The gift of Gold was honourable and symbolically respectful of Jesus’ Kingship and royalty. The gift of Frankincense signified their worship of the newborn king, honouring Jesus’ divinity and priesthood. The gift of Myrrh was a foretelling of Jesus’ mortality, suffering, and impending death. The Presents, from the Magi, acknowledged Jesus as King, God, and Savior. They also served practical purposes for Joseph and Mary to help meet their needs.

Yes, we all like to receive Presents during this holiday season, but Presents are not as important to me as having your Presence here with me. Now I know children (aka Coleman) does not understand that our Presence together is more meaningful than receiving Presents. One day, he may learn and appreciate our Presence together, but for now he should would enjoy receiving Presents for Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Tuesday! Present! — 12.23.2025

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