Coleman’s Home Haircut — Mom’s the “Barber”

Click on each image to enlarge.

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.04.11

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Our Front Porch; 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 Thursday Doors: April 09

Temple Baptist Church

Dan Antion hosts the Thursday Doors challenge every Thursday. All you need to do to participate is post a picture(s) of a door(s) and leave a link to your post on his current post.

Coleman and I are still on our search for a church we’d like to attend that is in walking distance from our current residence. We have visited three (3) churches so far and none of the services are even close to want we would like in a church service. Some have been welcoming and others have not. What they all have in common, including the church we’d first last Sunday, is they all seem to think they need to have the sound system turned up full blast. That to me is a huge turn off. I do not care to attend any church that thinks they need to blow my eardrums out.

This past Sunday, Coleman and I attended Temple Baptist Church in Gastonia, North Carolina about a 27 minute walk from our house. A few people greeted us, but once they sound system was turned on and the band (I’m not a fan of bands in churches, especially not loud blaring bands) started playing I tried to listen. I really tried to enjoy the music, but I couldn’t not with it blasting so loud it hurt my eardrums. I tried plugging my ears, still extremely too loud. We even walked outside, the sound system was still blasting so loud (to me) it was ridiculous.

Here is a gallery of the doors we saw at the church …

Coleman and I tried sitting in the foyer to listen to the worship service, but it seemed as if the preacher was yelling into the microphone which added to the volume of the sound system that appeared to be turned up all the way as far as it could go. It was still too loud for my liking. Needless to say, we will not be going back.

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2026.04.09

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Temple Baptist Church; 701 Littlejohn Street; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Note: This Friday’s CWWC is combined with Dan’s CFFC – Any Which Way with Views from a walk or hike. Let us all show what we see on our walks or hikes. Be sure to include your Which Ways in your post. Thank you.

The Macro #Flower Hour #25 — 2026 April 07


Rhododendron japonicum

Aka Japanese azalea

Click on each image to enlarge.

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #25-2026.04.07

Macro Monday (MM)

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Cee’s FOTD

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: N. Myrtle School Road; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Monday Window – 2026 April 06

Kitty by a Window 
– 2 — 
AI creation by PR
Stained Glass Window

Temple Baptist Church

Gastonia, North Carolina

A Trio of Stained Glass Windows

Monday Window-2026.04.06

Carol’s Thursday Trios

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Temple Baptist Church; 701 Littlejohn Street; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Hope you’ve enjoyed had an amazing Easter/Passover. Enjoy your week ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

RDP Sunday 2026 April 5

Daffodil

Daffodils

Click on image to enlarge.

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) Sunday-Daffodil

Terri’s The Flower Hour #24

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

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

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

Cell Pic Sunday: 2026 April 05

Going Through

the Car Wash

Getting Clean

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s CellPic Sunday-2026.04.05

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Sam’s Car Wash; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 

God Bless. Happy Easter! May you remember it’s not about the Bunny. It’s about the Cross. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Beautiful Sunny Day to be Outside

In the Backyard

Absorbing Fresh Air

and Sunshine

A Gallery of Friday Portraits and Photos …

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.04.03

Tina’s Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #391-Phone Photography

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Our Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Skywatch Friday/Weekend Sky — 2026 April 3

Colourful Sunset

The Sky can be a mighty canvas with “Paints” stretching across the clouds like fiery reds or orange, or they can be an array of pastel shades like pink. The Sky’s colours can change spontaneously from one moment to another.

The following images range during a time span from 7:46 pm until 7:53 pm taken from our front porch of Wednesday evening.

Skywatch Friday-2026.04.03

Hammad’s Weekend Sky-2026.04.03

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Beautiful Sunny Afternoon for Being Outside

3:44 pm Friday,
March 27, 2026
81°F

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.03.28

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Our Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Floral Friday/The #Flower Hour/Spring Festival — 2026 April 03

Cornus florida

On our walk this afternoon Coleman and I saw several flowering trees on our way to the T Jeffers Center. One stood out on the corner across from T. Jeffers Park.

Aka Flowering Dogwood
Aka American dogwood

Click on each image to enlarge.

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #24

Dawn’s Spring Festival 2026-Week 3

Becca’s Sunday Trees – 631

Also posting in remembrance of … 

Bren’s Floral Friday 

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Near T. Jeffers Center; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Stop and admire Nature’s Beauty. Take a walk Enjoy the Outdoors. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 CFFC: View from Public Transportation (Mar 30th)

Dan from No Facilities hosts the Fun Foto Challenge at and this week he is asking for our View from Public Transportation. I have gone into my archives for this one to past adventures on buses past and present.

First off, let me tell you I don’t do public transportation that often and when I do it is rare.

Let’s look at Past Public Transportation…

San Francisco Trolley
(Not exactly a Bus,
but still Public Transit)
Inside a Charter Bus
Looking at a Charter Bus
from another Charter Bus

Now to see what can be seen from a Greyhound Bus

Moving on toward the Present …

Coleman and I rode the Gastonia Transit Buses for approximately two (2) years before Gaston County disbanded the County Transit system and replaced it with Gaston Go Vans (which I still haven’t figured out how to arrange rides on them). The Buses were really convenient for Coleman and I to hop on and off (reduce fair for under 5 (under 3 was free) and seniors. We used to ride the buses all over Gastonia to various destinations such as: the library, The Schiele Museum of Natural History, Lineberger Park, Edwin Center, Warlick Family YMCA, Avon and Catawba Creek Greenways, and even to Walmart or Food Lion if we desired.

Last, but not least …

Coleman’s First Grade Class
Edward Sadler Elementary
Field Day Photo
In front of
Gaston County, North Carolina
Public School Bus

Please click on photos to enlarge.

Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)-View from Public Transportation  

Photo Credit: First Three: ©️1974-80 Nornal H. Waters (my dad) … All Rights Reserved; Second Set: ©️2020 Deb L. Waters … All Rights reserved; Third Set: ©️2023-2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: 1st Set: Minolta XG-7 35 mm; 2nd Set: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max; 3rd Set: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

God Bless. Can you spot Coleman in the last picture? 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.

2026 Monday Portrait #11 —30 March

Anas platyrhynchos domesticus

Birds of the Week CLX

The Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, also known as the domestic duck. The ones pictured here are Indian Runner Ducks or referred to as Runner Duck.

The duck to the right,
the white and fawn duck
is the Indian Runner Duck.

The Indian Runner Ducks are unique in that they stand upright similar to penguins with a long slender body. Unlike the majority of ducks which waddle when they walk, the Indian Runner Ducks run. Runners have a straight-backed gait and move with a quick, running pace.

Don’t let the Indian name fool you, they actually originated from Southeast Asia. The Indian Runner Ducks were brought over from the Indonesian islands of Lombok, Java, and Bali to Europe and the Americas in the 19th century.

The Indian Runner Ducks ability to run and forage. Historically, they were herded into rice paddies to forage snails, slugs, and insects using them as natural pest controls. Having the runner Ducks in the rice paddies provided farmers with additional income and the Ducks provided natural manure beneficial to the rice crops, reducing the need for fertilizer.

The Indian Runner Ducks may be known as fast runners, however, they were not fast enough to stop Coleman from catching them. They are also known to be prolific egg layers, producing white, hen-sized eggs. The females are able to produce approximately 150 to possibly over 300 eggs per year. (Too bad these don’t fly over the fence between our yards. If they did I wouldn’t need to buy so many eggs.)

Monday Portrait-2026.03.30

Birds of the Week CLX

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Neighbours Backyard; Gastonia, 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.

Cell Pic Sunday: 2026 March 29

Framed by Limbs

Coleman on a trampoline

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s CellPic Sunday-2026.03.29

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Neighbours Trampoline; From our Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. May the Lord God bring a ray of Sunshine into your lives and Sonshine into your souls. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Silent Sunday: 2026.03.29

Bird on a Wire

American Robin

Click on image to enlarge.

Silent Sunday-2026.03.29

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 

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

2026 Thursday Trios: March 28

One Duck,

Two Ducks,

Three Ducks

One, Two, Three Ducks running away from Coleman. Now that we live next door to chickens and ducks 🦆, Coleman has a penchant for pursuing and chasing our neighbours chickens and ducks.

Here are the Ducks he was chasing …

Carol’s Thursday Trios-2026.03.28

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Neighbours Backyard; 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.

2026 Pull Up a Seat —(Backyard Seating)

Coleman’s Choices

One never knows when Coleman will #PullUpaSeat or where he will #PullUpaSeat or what he’ll choose to #PullUpaSeat upon. It could be a chair, an outdoor fire pit, a Little Tyke Big Rig, or possibly a trampoline. Whenever he feels like Pulling Up a Seat, you can be one hundred per cent confident he’ll find something, somewhere to Pull Up a Seat.

This Friday (yesterday) was no exception. Here are Coleman’s choices …

XingfuMama’s Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2026-Week 13

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Backyards; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

2026 Thursday Doors: March 26

Second Baptist Church

Iglesia Pentecostés

“El Gran Yo Soy,”

Coleman and I have been visiting various churches in our area. According to Google the church at 2700 Crescent Lane in Gastonia, North Carolina is named Second Baptist Church. Google AI describes the church as “a community cornerstone that blends traditional and modern architecture to provide a welcoming atmosphere for its congregation.”

Welcome
Pentecostal Church
“The Great I Am”

We decided since it was in walking distance that we would visit and see if it would possibly be a church we would like to attend. Lo and behold, when we approached the church it did not seem to be as advertised or as stated by Google.

Iglesia Pentecostés
“El Gran Yo Soy,”

The building no longer served as a place for worship by Second Baptist Church. The church is now called Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy,” a Spanish Pentecostal Church.

Pentecostal Church
“The Great I AM.”

Discovering that it was a Spanish speaking church I asked Coleman if he wanted to go back home. He said, “No, he wanted to go inside and attend the service.” So, we went inside. We arrived at 11am, the time when most of the churches in the area begin their services. Turns out Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy,” doesn’t begin their services until 12 pm. The church is open before then for anyone to come inside and pray.

Guess what. Coleman and I approached the front door and were graciously welcomed to go inside and worship with them. So we did, we went inside and took a seat near the back (not sure if we’d manage to stay for the whole service.) We were greeted (in English) by several people making us feel welcome.

Turns out waiting an hour for a service to begin isn’t that easy especially for an energetic six year old (let alone his grandma). Not everyone who went up from to front to pray prayed quietly as this gentleman was doing. After a while Coleman decided he had to use the restroom so we walked out to the foyer to locate one. He then informed me he didn’t understand the words they were singing or speaking. He understands a little Spanish but a a slower pace than what was being used. Because of that he decided he’d rather go back home than stay for the rest of the time.

Dan’s Thursday Doors

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Second Baptist Church; Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy”; 2700 Crescent Lane; 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.

Silent Sunday: 2026.03.22

A Spring Visitor

An American Robin Came to Visit

Silent Sunday-2026.03.22

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Floral Friday/The #Flower Hour — 2026 March 20

Phedimus kamtschaticus

Click on images to enlarge. 

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #22

Also posting in remembrance of … 

Bren’s Floral Friday 

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

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

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

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

God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Thursday Doors: March 19

Plumber Van

We recently moved into a different house (on 2027.03.01) and already had to inform our landlady of a plumbing leak with the kitchen sink. It was leaking from the spray hose, the pipe joints under the sink, & the sink basket on the right side was rusted so terribly bad that it was leaking from it as well.

Our Landlady called a guy she knew of that lived done the street, however, that particular guy didn’t show up the next day after the initial meeting with landlady. We informed her that he didn’t show up to repair the leak. She calls back a couple days later informing us a different person would be coming out to “repair” the leak.

Rear Doors of a
Brothers Plumbing Vehicle

Lo and behold, what we thought was going to be a simple “repair” of a kitchen faucet/sink leak turned out to become a huge problem with more issues than we ever expected or imagined. (Don’t worry, I’m getting to the Brothers Plumber in just a little bit.)

Turned out the piping was cracked, the previous sealant wasn’t applied or was improperly applied to the joints for the pipes. The “sink basket, basket strainer, strainer, etc. were all rusted, corroded, and the “plumber” (2nd person called) couldn’t get the sink basket strainer assembly off without removing the entire sink and pipes.

Are you understanding my meaning by saying it turned out not to be a simple “repair?) When this person tried to turn off the water valve under the kitchen sink it broke, so therefore, he called a “plumber” from BrothersAir (Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing). Guess what? The man from Brothers didn’t do any better than the 2nd person. Oh, he replaced the water shut off valve alright, but he wasn’t much assistance when the entire sink was replaced. Now, let me back up a minute. The 2nd man went to Lowe’s and purchased a whole new sink, faucet and kitchen drain assembly with basket strainer and returned and installed it before the 3rd man (the Brothers Plumber) arrived. He stopped working on the repair after he broke the water shut off valve until the Brothers Plumber replaced the valve.

Side view of
Brothers Van & doors.

When all the “new” pipes, sink, faucet, and entire drain assembly were attached, do you think that was the end of our problems? Yeah, you’re right it was not. Part of the pipes and connecting joint connectors were put on crooked and not fastened properly together which then meant we STILL had a leakage problem. Not only that, but then the 2nd person & the Brothers Plumber discovered a leak with the water meter (of course it was on the side for the property & not the city to fix.

Now you’re probably wondering what else could go wrong. With all these problems, the 2nd person was in communication with our landlady and her being frustrated (remind you a “simple” repair turned in a major repair) gave my daughter and ear full as if we were the source and cause for the leak the major issues with the repair after.

Now onto the next day. The 2nd man returned with yet another Plumber (4th man). You keeping all this straight? Kinda like the old saying “How many electricians does it take to change a light bulb?” except it’s “How many Plumbers does it take to repair a leak?” Well, with the addition of the 4th Plumber the pipes have been straightened, the joints (hopefully) properly sealed, and (hopefully) no more leak. [Note: the 3rd Plumber (the Brothers Plumber) charged the 2nd man $500 to replace the water supply (shutoff) valve & that’s about all he did other than help discover the leak at the water meter.

The 4th Plumber corrected the mistakes made by the other “Plumbers”, flushed out the drain/sewage system informing us the “Flushable” wipes are NOT really flushable or biodegradable as some brands claim. Turns out that Flushable wipes do not have consistent standards or regulations of the products. This 4th Plumber will return tomorrow (aka today, Thursday). He said he will double check that the sealant has properly sealed the pipes and no additional sealant needed (but if needed he’ll add additional). He said also that he will repair the leak at the water meter.

By my count it has taken Four Plumbers to repair a a leak with the kitchen sink. It has also cost a tremendous amount more dollars than it should have cost. The 2nd Plumber says he’ll take care of our first water bill (the water is still leaking at the meter (hopefully not after tomorrow.)

How could we be source of this problem when we’ve barely been in the house? Beyond our comprehension currently.

Do you think we would recommend this particular BrothersAir to anyone for any kind of service or repair? I absolutely think not.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2026.03.19

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Our Residence; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Take Care. Stay Warm (We’re back to freezing low temperatures). Be Grateful. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

The #Flower Hour #22— 2026 March 18

Red and Yellow Zinnias

Zinnias
at The Farm
The Schiele Museum
of Natural History
Gastonia, North Carolina

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #22-2026.03.28

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Cee’s FOTD

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: The Garden in the Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 

God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Macro Monday — 16 March 2026


Megachile xylocopoides

feasting on a

Echinacea anguvstifolia

A Megachile xylocopoides,
aka leafcutter bee
delights on the nectar
of the Echinacea angustifolia,
Aka narrow-leaved purple coneflower.

Click on image to enlarge. 

Macro Monday (MM)

Terri’s The Flower Hour 

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: The Gardens in the Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, 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.

Silent One Word Sunday: 2026 March 15 — Speed

ATV Racing —

Who has the Speed?

Silent Sunday

Debbie’s One Word Sunday (#OWS)-2026.03.15-Speed

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

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

Location: Carolina Speedway; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Cell Pic Sunday: 2026 March 15

City of David

City of David Church
Gastonia, North Carolina

John’s CellPic Sunday-2026.03.15

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Sidewalk in Front; City of David; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. May the Lord God bring a ray of Sunshine into your lives and Sonshine into your souls. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

A Baby’s Trust — A Mother’s Bond

Sophia Ruthann Wilson

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.03.14

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Neighbour’s Trampoline; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Spread some love and kindness to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Springing Up New Life Out of Old

First signs of Spring are slowly sprouting up out of the old dry branches of the hydrangea bush in front of the house. It’s odd to see old and new life together, but it’s also wonderful and beautiful. It reminds me that God has made me a new creation …

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

2 Corinthians 5:17
New King James Version

“And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.’”

Revelation 21:5
New Living Translation

God said it, and I believe it. He makes everything new, even the plants, flowers, … when He said everything, He meant absolutely everything is made new.

Dale’s The Cosmic Photo Challenge-First Signs of Spring

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #21-2026.03.10

Carol’s Thursday Trios-2026.03.10 (I know it’s not Thursday, better later than not at all.)

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #386-Juxtaposition (Yes, I know I’m a week late.)

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Home Garden; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. May you be blessed with new adventures, new friendships, and an abundance of happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Monday Portrait #10 —09 March

Rhode Island Red

Bird of the Week CLVIII

Our neighbours have several breeds of chickens in their backyard. They don’t always stay in his yard, sometimes they come a visiting. He has two or three Rhode Island Reds like this one and they tend to fly short distances until they are able to “jump” over the wire fence. When they do they are more than likely going to be caught by Coleman.

Our Neighbours Rhode Island Red

The Rhode Island Red is a popular, hardy American chicken breed (a friend in Texas as some as well). They are known to be excellent producers of large brown eggs (approximately 6-7 eggs per week). Even though most individual chicken owners raise them for their eggs, they are also an excellent source of high-quality meat. It is said that the Rhode Island Red Roosters could be aggressive and not ideal for small children or neighbours. (I think our neighbours Rhode Island Reds must be hens, since hens are more friendly and they haven’t pecked Coleman yet.)

Monday Portrait-2026.3.09

Bird of the Week CLVIII

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Telephoto

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Keep your eyes open for interesting photography opportunities. They maybe lurking about in the least likely places. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Cell Pic Sunday: March 08

Coleman’s Catch

of the Day

Coleman
and the neighbours
Silkie Chicken

Our new neighbours have chickens in their backyard. Sometimes they fly over the fence and wander around our backyard. While visiting with the neighbours, Coleman chased the chickens in between jumping on their trampoline. As you can see after several tries, Coleman caught one of the chickens. This one is a Silkie chicken; they are known for their fluffy, silk-like plumage. They are flightless, but they sure can run when being chased by a little boy.

Click on image to enlarge. 

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.03.08

Photo Credit:©️2026 Trisha L. Wilson (my daughter & Coleman’s mom)… All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Plus  

Location: Neighbours Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 

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

Where in the Playground is Coleman?

For Debbie’s

Six Word Saturday

We visited a new playground for Coleman … The T. Jeffers Center in Gastonia 1 mile away (3 minutes by car or 21 minutes walking) away from our new home.

T. Jeffers Center & Park

He ran around from here, there, and yonder so quickly it was hard to keep visual tracking of his whereabouts.

Playground at T. Jeffers Center & Park

Where in the Playground is Coleman? Can you spot him? If so, let me know where you see him.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.03.07

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: The T. Jeffers Center and Park; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Take time to enjoy a few adventures. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much. 

Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way (Your Choice)

Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen Any Which Way (Your Choice) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome. For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.

Here are my entries …

Entering the Carolina Speedway …

This next grouping of Which Ways I am combining with Mama Cormier’s Thursday Trios.

In between the regular Monster Truck Wars competitions the event held a Power Wheels Truck race featuring the littlest and youngest “Monster Truck” drivers. These images are from the Power Wheels Truck race.

Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us. 

For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.

Geriatri’x’ FOTOGALLERY’s Steps In Black And White

Suzette’s Dirt Road For Deb’s Any Which Way— CWWC

In Primo Piano’s Malibu

Cath’s Camera’s Which Way… {Getting There in Monochrome}

Dawn’s Winter on a Gravel Road at Sunrise bnw

Deb’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC)-Any Which Way on Dirt Trails, pathways, or stairs in Monochrome/(Black & White)

Carol’s Thursday Trios-2026.03.06

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

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

Camera: 1-4) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; 5-12) Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EG-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Location: Carolina Speedway; 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.

**Note: For Friday, 2026 March 13 the theme for the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: will be Any Which Way on a Nature Trail (Dirt or Paved).**

2026 Thursday Doors: March 05

Edward D. Sadler Jr.

Elementary School

Edward D. Sadler Jr Elementary School

Monday was Coleman’s first day at his new school, Edward D. Sadler Jr Elementary. The school is named after Dr. Edward DeWitt Sadler, Jr. (1947–2018). He served as the first African-American Superintendent of Gaston County schools. He believed ‘All Children Can Learn.’

The school’s mascot is the Gators. The school celebrates diversity through their international teachers, who share their cultures and languages with students.

Coleman’s new school

This year the entire school is reading ‘The One and Only Ivan’ by Katherine Applegate. The school is encouraging families to read and discuss the book together as a family. The students will also discuss in their classrooms at school. Sadler Elementary encourages students to dream big, work hard, and celebrate what makes them unique.

After only a couple of days of Coleman being at the new school, we can already see an improvement in his attitude towards school, the encouragement from his teachers, and his confidence for learning has increased.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2026.03.04

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Edward D. Sadler Jr. Elementary School; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Monochrome Madness: 2026 March 04

Spying the

New Neighbourhood

Looking this Way …

And that Way …

Facing our “new” home …

Looking around the New Neighbourhood …

Waiting for the school bus with Coleman …

Happy Hump Day! Click on each image to enlarge.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness-2026.03.04

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion & Telephoto

Location: Our “New” Home; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Wordless Wednesday — 2026.03.04

Half Staff

Half-Staff to Honor
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
and
NC Master Trooper Stien Davis Jr.

Click on image to enlarge. 

Wordless Wednesday

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday 

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Edward D. Sadler Jr. Elementary School; Gastonia, North 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.

The Flower #Hour #20— 2026 March 03

In a Vase on Monday —-

Yellow Anastasia Spider Mums

Aka Yellow Chrysanthemum flowers

In a Vase on Monday (a day late in posting)

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #20-2026.03.03

Macro Monday (MM)

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Inside Chick-Fil-A; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Stop and smell the Flowers. Bring a Ray of Sunshine’s Beauty inside. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Monday Portrait #9 —02 March

Preston Collins

& Shark Attack

On Saturday, we went to the Carolina Speedway to watch the Monster Truck Wars, America’s Wildest Monster Truck Show. Coleman didn’t know he was going until we arrived at the dirt track that he was going to be able to see the Monster trucks live and in person instead of on the television. (He loves Monster trucks and Dinosaurs, so this was a big win for him.)

Preston Collins
(Shark Attack Driver)
and Coleman

After the show Coleman was able to meet a couple of the Monster Truck drivers; including Preston Collins, the driver for Shark Attack. Preston Collins, 24 years old, is a monster truck driver out of Liberty City, Texas. He has driven several monster trucks which include:

His Monster Truck driving career began in January of 2023. He currently co-drives Shark Attack with  Kayley Engstrom. They share full duties of driving Shark Attack regular version. Shark Attack is a custom Shark monster truck owned by Michael Harper.

Now that you’ve seen Preston Collins and Coleman and found out a little bit about him, let’s show you some of his actions while driving Shark Attack.

You may have noticed all the smoke coming out of Shark Attack, he was allowed to show off his freestyle skills before the final face-off. Shark Attack was loosing momentum and engine power. By the end of his run his engine blew and he was not able to continue to compete in the final round of the competition. (Coleman thoroughly enjoyed watching all the monster trucks, but was enthralled with Shark Attacks actions, jumps, and spin-wheeling.)

Monday Portrait-2026.03.02

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: Carolina Speedway; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Enjoy the thrill. Get Outdoors and have some adventures. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Last on the Card – February 28th

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):

T-Rex Driver
Monster Jam 2026
Carolina Speedway

From my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:

Coleman not to thrilled
to meet his
Grand Uncle Larry
(aka my brother)
at CLT Airport

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.

Monday Window – 2026 March 2nd

Kitty by a Window 
– 2 — 
AI creation by PR

Carolina Speedway

Carolina Speedway
Windows of the
Carolina Speedway
Press Box

We stood to the left and below, if facing the press box, to watch The 2026 Monster Jam Wars.

Monday Window-2026.03.02

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Carolina Speedway; Gastonia, 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 Cell Pic Sunday: March 01

Carolina Speedway

Ready for Monster Jam

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.03.01

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Carolina Speedway; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Moving — Looking Forward to New Adventures

Today we moved part of our stuff into a “new to us” house across the county approximately 9.1 miles away from where we were living for the past couple of years.

Moving Totes

This means a new school for Coleman, a need to find a new church home, and new adventures roaming the neighbourhood and surrounding areas. Also new neighbours, new friendships to build.

Our (Coleman & mine)
Entertainment for the Evening

However, with packing and moving tensions between family heightens and misunderstandings occur. Even with all that, Coleman and I are looking forward to new adventures the new neighbourhood and city can bring us.

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.02.28

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: “New Home”; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Take time to enjoy a few adventures. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

The Flower #Hour #19— 2026 February 24

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

For the Lenten Season which began on February 18th, I decided what better selection than the Narcissus pseudonarcissus to post. The Narcissus pseudonarcissus, is commonly referred to as the wild daffodil or Lent Lily.

Lent Lily

I captured this Lent Lily with my iPhone in February of 2024 (during the Lenten season) at The Schiele Museum of Natural History. It was growing in The Farm area near one of the historic cabins.

Terri’s The Flower Hour #19-2026.02.24

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

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

God Bless. Take time to observe the Flowers and nature’s beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Monday Window – 2026 February 23

Kitty by a Window
– 2 —
AI creation by PR

U.S. Postal Service

United States Postal Service
Gastonia, NC

Coming out of the U.S. Postal Service building what caught my eye was not the building itself, but what was displayed in the corner of the landscaping in front of the building.

U. S. Flag (not in image)
and a POW * MIA Flag

From my sidewalk view … left of the flagpole stood a military cannon. [I didn’t expect to see the cannon on display at the post office.]

Military style cannon
U.S. Postal Service property
Gastonia, NC

Monday Window-2026.02.23

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

Dan’s Thursday Doors

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: United States Postal Service; Gastonia, 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 Cell Pic Sunday

Parasaurolophus

Parasaurolophus is a large,
herbivorous, duck-billed dinosaur
from the Late Cretaceous period.

The Parasaurolophus is a North American dinosaur which could walk on either two or all four legs. It grazed on plants like pine needles and leaves. Its name means “lizard crest”, (A Crest is a hollow, bony tube extending from the back of its skull.) it uses its crest for producing low, trumpet-like sounds to communicate, attract mates, or warn of danger. 

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.02.22

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

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

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

Schiele’s Nature Trail Benches (Outdoor Seating)

No matter if you’re hiking the Nature Trail, having a group meeting, or just need a short break; there’s a bench for you to Pull Up a Seat and rest a spell.

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2026-Week 8

Jude’s Bench Challenge

Mama Cormier’s Thursday Trios-2026.02.21

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

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

God Bless. Have a terrific weekend. 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.

Wordless Wednesday — 2026.02.18

Magnificent Sky

Click on image to enlarge. 

Wordless Wednesday

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday 

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion 

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

2026 Monday Portrait #7 —16 February

Crotalus adamanteus

While visiting The Schiele Museum of Natural History, we paused to check out the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake .

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is also known by Crotalus adamanteus (its Binomial name).

It is a species of pit vipers belonging to the family Viperidae. They are indigenous to the Southeastern United States of America.

It is the largest rattlesnake species and one of the more heavily venomous snakes in the Americas.

This Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is safely encased behind a large glass window and is accessible by the staff. The staff do occasionally bring out various snakes and other animals for educational purposes.

Click Image to Enlarge. 

Monday Portrait 

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

Tree Seating for Two (in Playscape)

Sophia Ruthann

and her Mom

My daughter has occasionally sat or hung from a tree since she was a teenager. When visiting the Playscape at The Schiele Museum of Natural History a she decided to try to sit in the tree with Sophia.

Here are a few of her Pulling Up a Seat in a tree …

XingfuMama’s Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2026-Week 7

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.02.14

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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.

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.

Wordless Wednesday — 2026.02.11

Icy Pond

The Pond
on the Nature Trail
at The Schiele Museum
of Natural History

Click on image to enlarge. 

Wordless Wednesday

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday 

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

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