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.

Monday Window – 2026 February 16

Kitty by a Window
– 2 — AI
creation by PR

Amber Jack

Reflective Windows

Yesterday, I shared some unique benches inside Amber Jack Seafood & Steak Restaurant. Today, I am letting you have a glimpse of the Windows we viewed from our table.

I loved seeing the reflections in the window from across the room.

This is a vertical window reflecting what was showing on the TV screen in another portion of the room.

Click on each image to enlarge. 

Monday Window 

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Amber Jack Seafood & Steak Restaurant; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA  

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

Macro Monday — 16 February 2026

Echinacea KISMET® ‘Yellow’

Sunny, Butter-Yellow Coneflowers

Click on image to enlarge. 

Macro Monday (MM)

Terri’s The Flower Hour 

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Ultra Wide

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

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

Jude’s Bench Challenge — 2026 February 15

Wagon Wheel Benches

Dining at Amber Jack Seafood & Steak Restaurant we noticed these unique benches in the foyer. The sign attached to the benches state “Please Do Not Sit.”

They may look inviting, but the owner insists on you refraining from sitting on the benches. Admire only.

Jude’s Bench Challenge

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Amber Jack Seafood & Steak Restaurant; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

2026 #OWS: 15 February

Red

Red Rose 🌹 for Valentines Weekend

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-2026.15.02

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: C.B. Huss Recreation Center; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. May you be filled with love, joy, and peace today and throughout the week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Skywatch Friday/Weekend Sky — 2026 February 15

Also Posting for Silent Sunday

Sky by Railroad Tracks

Silent Sunday

Skywatch Friday-2026.02.15

Hammad’s Weekend Sky

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: S. Main Street; Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

2026 Cell Pic Sunday: 15 February

South Fork Catawba River

South Fork Catawba River
Goat Island Park and Greenway

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.002.15

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16Pro Max

Location: South Fork Catawba River; Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, 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.

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.

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.

Monochrome Madness — 2026.02.11

Circles

and things that are Circular

Good Day y’all! This week Dawn from The Day After is the host for Monochrome Madness. She has chosen a theme of Circles. One may find circles or circular objects just about anywhere you look. Circles are all around us, from wheels, to bubbles, to water ripples, you name it circles are everywhere.

Here are a few circles of circulars I have found …

Click on each image to enlarge. 

Dawn’s Monochrome Madness-Circles

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness-2026.02.11

Photo Credit:©️2018-2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

God Bless. Stay Warm. Stay safe. Take Care of yourself. 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.

2026 CFFC: Inventions Throughout Time

Dan Antion from No Facilities the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) has chosen to start a new series of related themes dealing with Inventions and Gizmos. He is starting the new series for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge with Inventions.

Here is what I have discovered …

Beginning back in my timeline of inventions …

1956 Videocassette recorder
invented by Ampex

Let’s look back a bit before my time …

NCR Mechanical Cash Register

The National Cash Register Company (NRC) was founded by John H. Patterson in 1884 in Dayton, Ohio. He pioneered the mechanical cash register to stop employee theft.

And even further back …

Letterpress on the
USS North Carolina

The letterpress printing machine was invented way back around 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany. The letterpress printing machine enabled mass production of books, revolutionizing the spread of information. It was a dominant printing method for over 500 years.

Quote by Charles Kettering

On to other inventions seen at various museums …

Robots anyone?

Early Robots as seen in The Discovery Center in Abilene, Texas in March of 2020.

The Joe Steinlauf Bed Bike

The Joe Steinlauf Bike, often referred to as the Bed Bike, is on display (at least it was in August of 2021) at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina. The Bed Bike is an unconventional contraption designed by using a metal headboard.

“One rule of invention;
before you can invent it,
you have to imagine it.
By James Gunn
Olympia typewriter

The Olympia Typewriters were produced by the German company Olympia-Werke AG (founded 1903 in Wilhelmshaven). This typewriter was donated to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum (St Simons, Georgia) in 1970 by Eileen Humphlett. It was one used by the author Eugenia Price.

Click on each image to enlarge.

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

God Bless. Stay Safe. Take Care. Have an adventurous week. 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.

2026 Cell Pic Sunday: 08 February

Mallards in

Lake Haigler

Mallards enjoying
a mildly sunny afternoon
in Lake Haigler at
Anne Springs Close Greenway

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.002.08

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

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

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

Or maybe even today …

We have had a few weeks of freezing weather producing Ice and Snow storms with little sight of the Sun.

Sunrise 7:21am

So far when the Sun has tried to peeked through the rain clouds have covered it up.

Hopefully the Sun will bring a little warmth to our area. However, even though 45°F is warmer than our freezing 9°F lows it is still not what I consider a warm day.

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.02.07

Skywatch Friday – 07 February 2026

Hammad’s Weekend Sky-02.07.2026

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

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

God Bless. Here’s praying for warmer days, brighter tomorrows, and love & peace for y’all. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 LAPC #383 – Looking Back to Shapes & Designs (#174)

Tina of Travels and Trifles is this week’s host for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. She has chosen to Look Back at #174 and asking us to display images showing Shapes and Designs.

Here are my contributions taken from my latest jaunt out in the freezing cold … and some from our recent mini vacay at the beach.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Tina’s Lens-Artist Challenge #383-Shapes & Designs

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

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

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 Monday Portrait #5 —02 February

Green Iguana

Iguana iguana

Click Image to Enlarge

Monday Portrait

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

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.

2026 #OWS: 01 February

Inside Out

My daughter is house/dog sitting for the week while Coleman and I remain at home. This is her view in Mt. Holly, North Carolina.

Looking Out a Window
From my daughter’s phone

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-2026.02.01

Photo Credit:©️2026 Trisha L. Wilson … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Plus Fusion

Location: Mt. Holly, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a warm (or cool if you’d rather) day and week. 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.

Burrr … It is super Coooold Outside!

Snow … Snow … Snow

Click on image to enlarge.

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.01.31

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. Stay Warm (or cool) as your need arises. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Pull Up a Seat (Indoor Dining)

The Smoke Pit

The Smoke Pit is a casual contemporary barbecue restaurant that is known for its massive proportions and slow-smoked meats. [We enjoyed their smoked turkey and their pulled barbecue chicken (I don’t eat beef).] We were flabbergasted at how large our proportions were and we needed to bring part of our dinners home to eat later.

Counter Seating

The Smoke Pit is highly renowned for its Texas-style beef offerings and generous side dishes. We went in the late afternoon (before the dinner rush) when prices are slightly discounted. They offer a trio combination where you can choose three different types of meat as well as two or three side options.

Table Seating

The Smoke Pit offers nine different flavours of barbecue sauce to satisfy your taste buds. The flavours range from Southern Sweet to Sizzling Hot. Coleman prefers a honey barbecue sauce, but decided to try the Southern Sweet and was satisfied with its taste. Myself, I chose the Southern Sweet Carolina-style Mustard barbecue sauce on my barbecued pulled chicken.

The Smoke Pit

We highly recommend The Smoke Pit for anyone near one. The food is delicious, the portions are enormous, and you won’t leave hungry. You’ll be well pleased with the quality of the food and the customer service.

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2026-Week 5

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion 

Location: The Smoke Pit; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 

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

2026 Skywatch Friday/Weekend Sky: 01.30

Pre-Storm

Winter Skies

This evening’s winter storm skies look snarly

Early Evening
Sun Trying to Peek Through
Winter Storm Gianna
is Coming Soon

Skywatch Friday-2026.01.30

Hammad’s Weekend Sky

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Thursday-Snarl

Terri’s Sunday Stills-Storm

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. Stay Safe. Stay Warm. Have a fantastic 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 (Your Choice) [01.30.2026]

Welcome back to the Which Way ChallengeThis Week’s Which Way Challenge are theme is Any Which Way (Your Choice). 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.

This week we have been inundated with below freezing temperatures and extreme winter weather inhibiting our ability (too cold for us to go walking about outside) to adventure on an enjoyably beautiful hike. (Sorry, not sorry, below 20° or slightly above with the feel like temperatures even lower is not my cup of tea). These are from what we saw from Winter Storm Fern

Here are my contributions …

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.

Geriatri’x’ FOTOGALLERY’s Stairs With Snow

Cath’s Camera’s Which Way… {A Step Up} Part 2

Majka’s Historical walk trough Veliko Tarnovo

Dawn’s Just a Country Road in the Snow bnw

Marianne Villanueva’s Which Way Challenge 2026: Hallways, Pathways, Sidewalks, or Stairs

Deb’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC)

God Bless. Stay Warm. Stay safe. Have a wonderful weekend. 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 Any Which Way with Winter or Summer Which Ways. Let’s see what you’re experiencing and enjoying this season.

The #Flower Hour #15 —

Reminiscing

Seven Years Ago

In Memory of
Doyce Eileen (Watson) Waters
October 11, 1931-January 18, 2019

Terri’s The #Flower Hour

Also Remembering …

Bren’s Floral Friday

Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge (FOTD)

Photo Credit:©️2019 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone XR Rear Camera

Location: Hunters Glen Baptist Church; Hunters Glen, Plano, Texas, USA

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

2026 Monday Portrait #4 —26 January

Winter Visitor

“In the heart of winter, the cardinal warms the soul.”

Northern Cardinal

“In the heart of winter, the cardinal warms the soul.”

Monday Portrait

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Backyard; Old Town; Riverside Community; 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.

Monday Window – 2026 January 26

View From

Inside Out

Kitty by a Window
– 2 — AI

creation by PR
The Schiele Museum
of Natural History

Click on each image to enlarge. 

Monday Window 

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

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

Precious “Sweet Girl”

For

One Word

Sunday

Sophia Ruthann
Winter Bundled

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-Sweet

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Safe & Warm at Home; Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Stay Warm, Safe, & Sweet. 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.

Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way with Hallways, Pathways, Sidewalks, and or Stairs — Week 2 _January 23

CWWC
Cee’s Which Way Challenge

Welcome back to the Which Way ChallengeThis Friday’s Which Way Challenge we are continuing with the theme of Any Which Way with Hallways, Pathways, Sidewalks, and or Stairs. Your Which Ways can be Any Which Way on any Road, Pathways, Walkways, Sidewalks, Stairs, etc. as long as your Which Ways are clearly visible. As always signs are welcome anytime.

Here are my contributions …

Pathways to the Beach …

From Captain’s Quarters Resort …

The Long Way Down to the First Floor …

Coleman on the Stairs
from the Ninth Floor

The Sidewalk back to our hotel after missing our pathway from the Beach. It was truly the longest walk back to our resort hotel.

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… {A Step Up}

Suzette’s For Deb’s Any Which Way CWWC Hallways, Pathways

IN PRIMO PIANO’s salita serbelloni

Dawn’s Just My Snow Covered Steps in BnW

Geriatri’x’ Fotogallery’s Old Stairs

Deb’s Which Way Challenge

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: S. Ocean Boulevard; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Dreaming of Warmer Temperatures, Calming Weather. Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

The #Flower Hour #14 — A Friendly Amaryllis —January 23, 2026

Zephyranthes atamasca

Our area is currently under a Winter Storm Watch, probability is more likely for a severe ice storm rather than receiving much in the form of snow even though some is possible. Hence, I have chosen to share from my archives. Dreaming of Spring and the warmer weather it will bring and the blooming of Spring flowers.

These are from a hike in April of 2022 at Landsford Canal State Park. I captured these on the way to a spectacular lookout point for Spider Lilies.

The scientific name for this species was originally placed, by Carl Linnaeus, in the genus Amaryllis using the epithet “Atamasca” in 1753. In the second edition of Species Plantarum, Linnaeus changed the spelling to “Atamasco,” the Native American name for the species. The most recognized name for these flowers is Zephyranthes atamasca.

Zephyranthes atamasca

The Zephyranthes atamasca is native to the Southern United States of America. It tends to grow in swampy forests, and coastal prairies. Its blooming season begins in March or April. The blooms pictured grow along the shores of the Catawba River in Landsford Canal State Park. They can be seen while hiking along the Canal Trail.

Click on image to enlarge.

Terri’s The Flower Hour #14 – 2026.01.23

Also posting in remembrance of … 

Bren’s Floral Friday 

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

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: 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.

Monday Window – 2026 January 21

View from across

the Courtyard

Kitty by a Window – 2 
— AI creation by PR

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. 

Camera: 1-2) Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Captain’s Quarters Resort; S. Ocean Blvd.; 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.

Wordless Wednesday — 2026.01.21

Evening Sky
Myrtle Beach, SC

Click on image to enlarge.

Wordless Wednesday

Whatsoever is Lovely Challenge-2026 Week 3

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

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.

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.

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.