2024 LAPC: 02.12 — Weather

Today was rainy again but we had some beautiful weather with clear blue skies over the weekend at the

Anne Springs Close Greenway.

Lens-Artists Challenge-Weather

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

Words for Thought #5 – 02.13.24

Think About It Tuesday

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

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max – Main Camera

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

God Bless. May you gain insight into your purpose and may your heart be blessed throughout life. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.

Windows Under Construction #4

School Construction — Slow Progress

The construction on the new school next to The Schiele Museum is making extremely slow progress. However, I think with spring being on the way the construction progress may increase as the weather starts to improve.

Ludwig’s Monday Window

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

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

Location: Shot from Parking Lot; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.

2024 Monday Portrait: 02.12

A Highland Cow

(bos taurus taurus)

Hey,
You Looking at Me?
Maybe You’d Like
a Frontal Snapshot?
Or Perhaps
I Should Come
a Little Closer?
Is This Close Enough?
Let’s Make a Deal,
I’ll Give You One More Shot …
This is My Final Pose!

Monday Portrait

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

Camera: 1) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens; 2-5) iPhone 14 Pro Max – Ultra wide Camera

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

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

2024 FOTD: 12 February

Wreaths Across America

Remember
Honor
Teach

Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge – 02.12.24

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

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Wreaths Across America Mobile Exhibition; Cabelas; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

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

2024 RDP: 02.11 — Affection

Horses Love and Show Affection

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Affection

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

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max

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

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

Silent Cell Pic Sunday: 02.11.24

Flags Flying
at
Wreaths Across America
Mobile Exhibition

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Silent Sunday

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

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Wreaths Across America Mobile Exhibition; Cabelas; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

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

2024: Pull Up a Seat —

Coleman Style

… on a “Horse”
Giddy Up Coleman
… on a Fence
… on a Rock

One never knows where Coleman will decide to Pull Up a Seat for a spell. The first two are of places he chose to Pull Up a Seat at the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia and the third one is of his selection in the Greenway.

XingfuMamas Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge: Week 6

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

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

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

2024 CFFC: Green

A Variety of Green Plants and Trees

Green Tree
with Lights at
The Farm
Green Collards
Green Plant
Green Trees
surrounding
the Creek

And I couldn’t resist throwing in a photo of Coleman with his Green eyes in his Green Camouflage Hoodie.

Coleman
wearing Green
Camo hoodie

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge -Green

Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge–Green

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

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

Words for Thought #4

We all need each other to better understand, communicate, and hone our skills as well as become better individuals.

Think About It Tuesday

Cee’s FOTD

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

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max

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

2024 OWS: Lines in Play

Coleman’s slide
Coleman’s
TYTAN Magnetic Tiles
Stacked Magnetic Tiles

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-Lines

Weekly Prompts Colour ChallengeGreen

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

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max — Main Camera

Location: Living Room; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

2024 Bloganuary 10

Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?

The item I am most attached to from my youth is a stuffed monkey. Yes, I said a stuffed monkey. It is not just any ordinary stuffed monkey. It is a vintage red and white Mr. Bim The Monkey rubber face plush toy. I’ve had him since I was about five years old, (I really do still have him.)

The Mr. Bim The Monkey was a plush toy made to resemble a real chimpanzee from the 1947 children’s show Howdy Doody. (As a sign note, I still have a 45rpm with the Howdy Doody song.) In the 1950’s the Rushton Toys Co. produced a chimpanzee plush named Zippy Zip, which became popular with children. Mr. Bim Monkey stands roughly 18 inches tall. The majority of the 1960’s Mr. Bim the Monkey plush toys were black and yellow with red suspenders with a yellow banana in its right hand. The red suspenders had bells attached on them.

Above shows Coleman holding my Red and White Mr. Bim The Monkey. He is over fifty (50) years old. His suspenders have broken due to lots of love and play. His bells have long since vanished and he is a little dirty from lack of cleaning. However, he’s been a faithful companion throughout the years.

Bloganuary

Monday Portrait

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us.

FOTD: 02.05.24 — Spring Flowers ’23

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Belmont, North Carolina, USA

Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge-02.05.24

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max — Telephoto camera

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

God Bless. Welcome back Cee! Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all very much.

Oh Happy Day, Coleman’s Glad … Spring’s on the Way

Coleman playing outside

Yesterday was the first warm dry day we’ve had in months. Coleman was so thankful it wasn’t raining and he could play outside without being cold.

Enjoy your weekend! Get outdoors and have some fun.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Silent Sunday-Almost

XingfuMama’s Whatever is Lovely Challenge: 2024-Week 4

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

2024 Weekend Sky: 02.03.24

Blue Skies/Cloudy Skies

Friday was the first day of 2024 without too many clouds or rainstorms. The first time since before winter that we could see the aircrafts flying over our area. Blue skies and semi-warm weather warms the body and the soul.

Weekend Sky

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

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max – Telephoto camera

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.

Cascading the Catawba River with Coleman

I was just thinking about the many times Coleman and I have enjoyed hiking together along the Catawba River when the RDP (Ragtag Daily Prompt) appeared showing the today’s prompt to be River. Our minds seem to be in sync on thinking about River.

We’ve had a tremendous amount of rainfall recently and so I’ve been remembering beautiful sunny days spent with Coleman at the Catawba River. I’ve had photos of the Catawba River come across in my Google photos app as memories.

These are some of the memory photos that I’ve enjoyed looking over this week.

Ragtag Daily Prompt-River

Six Word Saturday

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Location: Catawba River; Piedmont Medical Center Trail; Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA

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

2024 CWWC: Any Type of Road, Path, Step, Bridge or Sign.

Round Two

On the Way to & At the Museum

Steps, Path

Arriving at the Museum …

Along the Nature Trail …

Cee’s Which Way Challenge- Any Type of Road, Path, Sign, Step, or Bridge

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

Cameras: iPhone 14 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm and Canon EF-S55-250mm lenses.

Location: From Bus Stop on Stoneybrook Avenue; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

2024 Floral Friday: Colouring Flowers #4

Coloured by Deb
Via Zen Color App

Cee’s Flower of the Day

Floral Friday

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.

2024 Last on the Card — January

Last on my Canon EOS Rebel T3i:

Grist Mill
Gastonia, North Carolina

Last on my iPhone 14 Pro Max:

Coleman’s hand

Last on the Card

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

2024 Wordless Wednesday: 01.31.24__LDS Gastonia

Bright Skies & Shadows

Manicured Landscape

The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.

Words for Thought #3

May the LORD be your Guide …

Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
New International Version

Think About It Tuesday

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

Camera: Apple iPhone XR

Location: Glencairn Garden; Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.

Doughton Park Visitor Center and Store

National Park Service
Doughton Park Visitor Center

In front of the Doughton Park Visitor Center are welcoming chairs and a table to rest a bit and enjoy the view or perhaps to wait for the Park store to open if you are camping in one of their many campsites.

Doughton Park is located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 238.5 – 241. Besides the beautiful scenery surrounding this Park one may choose to explore The Brinegar Cabin, observe craft demonstrations, and talk a gander down one of several diverse hiking trails.

This area has one of the Parkway’s largest campgrounds, a popular picnic area, and more than thirty (30) miles of hiking trails where one may access forested slopes, streams, and backcountry in Basin Cove.

Doughton Park Legend

Originally called The Bluffs, 6,000 acre Doughton Park was created in the 1930s when the Blue Ridge Parkway was routed through this part of North Carolina. It was one of the first parts of the Parkway to be completed and remains its largest recreation area. In the 1950s, it was renamed for Robert Lee Doughton (1863-1954), a local landowner and politician, who was instrumental in getting the Parkway built. Mr. Doughton lived in the nearby Laurel Springs, North Carolina. [Note: the Laurel Springs area is also the area where my maternal grandfather grew up.]

The northern and western borders of Doughton Park are formed by the Parkway itself, which here follows the crest of the mountains, traveling at more than 3,000 feet above sea level through rolling highland meadow. The other borders of the Park are traced by steeply descending mountain ridges: Flat Rock Ridge along the southern side of the Park and Cedar Ridge along the eastern side. Within these borders is the rugged and remote watershed of two mountain streams, Basin Creek and Cove Creek. Together, the double valley – or double gorge – is known as Basin Cove.

In October of 2017 my eldest son and I took a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway meandering the scenic route enjoying the beautiful Autumn colours. I allowed him to drive as he had never previously driven the Parkway. We stopped at several mileposts along the way observing the beautiful landscape. At various mileposts including Milepost 238.5 – 241, we stopped, stretched our legs, and proceeded to hike along several of the many trails found along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I do not recall which trail we hiked at Doughton Park, however, I do know we visited The Brinegar Cabin. I encourage y’all if you are ever in the Western Part of the Carolinas to take a scenic drive along The Blue Ridge Parkway.

Ludwig’s Monday Window

Dan’s Thursday Doors

XingfuMamas Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge: 2024-Week 4

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 7 Plus — Wide Camera 28mm • screen f1.8 • 1/656s • ISO20

Location: Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 238.5 – 241

Doughton Park;

45338 Blue Ridge Parkway

Laurel Springs, NC 28644

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

2024 Monday Portrait: 01.29.24_Equus quagga

The plains zebra
(Equus quagga)
Riverbanks Zoo
Columbia, South Carolina

Monday Portrait

Photo Credit; ©️2017 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 7 Plus — Telephoto Camera. 226mmf2.8 • 1/215s • ISO20

Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden; Columbia, South Carolina, USA

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

2024 Macro Monday: 01.29.24

The luna moth
(Actias luna),
aka the American moon moth

Macro Monday

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 7 Plus — Telephoto Camera 284mmf2.8 • 1/60sISO20

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

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

My Weekend Sky — 01.27.24

We have been having a lot of rain throughout the year. This is today’s view of our rainy weather. I am thankful it is not as devastating here as for some of my friends in San Diego, California. I do long for a California visit to see old friends and acquaintances. It will have to wait for another time. In my dreams the weather is perfectly sunny ☀️, not too hot 🥵 , not too 🥶, but just right. No jacket or sweater necessary. A time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, take a hike in the desert or the mountains or possibly both. In my dreams, the days are filled with love and happiness surrounded my friends I care deeply about. Hopefully, one day it will come to pass.

Weekend Sky

Photo Credit: ©️2024 Deb L. Waters

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Silent Cell Pic Sunday: 2024 January 28 —–

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Silent Sunday

XingfuMama’s Whatever is Lovely Challenge: 2024-Week 3

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere #206-2024 #4

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

Location: Around the Lake; Andrew Jackson State Park

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

2024 Floral Friday: Colouring Flowers #3

Kingfisher Bird
on a Pink Flower
[Coloured by me
via Zen Color
iPhone app]

Cee’s Flower of the Day

Floral Friday

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.

Words for Thought #2

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters

Think About It Tuesday

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.

2024 Macro Monday: Irish Eyes Coneflower

Halictus ligatus ( sweat bee)
on a Echinacea purpurea
‘Green Eyes’ coneflower

Macro Monday

Cee’s Flower of the Day

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Main Camera — 24mm f/1.78 ISO64

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

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

2024 Monday Window: Looking Out into the Night

Looking out my
Grandson’s Bedroom Window
Looking through
the Blinds

Ludwig’s Monday Window

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.

Papantla Flyers in Costa Maya, México

Looking back in time to Sunday, February 23, 2020; I remember walking off the Enchantment of the Sea Caribbean cruise ship onto the docks of the Costa Maya Port and seeing an amazingly entertaining sight.

When I first saw the ritualistic performance, I didn’t realize exactly what I was watching, however, I later learned that I was observing four men dancing in the sky.

Would you SIT
on top of an
80 foot pole?

These four dancers are tied by their feet with long ropes; they descend to the ground as the ropes unwind and fly around the pole. There is a fifth dancer who remains at the top of the pole, playing the flute and drum. This ceremony is not just for mere entertainment to display bravery and courage, but it actually has a much deeper, more valuable meaning.

The Papantla Flyers are also known as the Voladores de Papantla or Birds from Earth. The Dance of the Voladores or Papantla Flyers is a pre-Hispanic ritual that originated in Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico. The Papantla Flyers is the most famous of the Totonac dances.  This ancient Mesoamerican ritual is used to ask the gods to end a drought and bring rain for crops during extended dry seasons. It is said that the brave men falling symbolizes the fall of raindrops from the sky in the search of earth’s fertility. The flute represents the singing of a bird, and the drum resembles the voice of the gods; similar (almost) to the sound of a thunderstorm. In the past, the ritual began by choosing and cutting the tree from which they would take the flying post.

As a tourist this traditional ritual of the Papantla Flyers was stunning yet seemed dangerous. To the locals, it is a normal common and ancient tradition. It was amazing to watch even though I doubt that I would ever climb that high on any pole. Rest assured that these men who perform the important ceremony have been trained since childhood to perform this ritual. The tourists, like me, in actuality only see the final part of the ceremony.

Six Word Saturday

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2024-Week 3

Ragtag Daily Prompt – Time

John’s Cellpic Sunday

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max – Telephoto Camera

Location: Costa Maya Port; Costa Maya, Mexico

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

Wonderful Cloud Formations

I was delighted to see the many layers of Stratospheric cloud formations among the beautiful blue skies.

A few hours later the skies were filled with massive grey thunderclouds with raindrops falling shortly afterwards.

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max using Main, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto Cameras.

Location: Backyard View; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA.

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.

2024 Monday Portrait: 01.15

Close-Up of a Horse
Coleman
petting a
Greenway Horse

Monday Portrait

Macro Monday

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

Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro – Wide Camera

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

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

2024 PPAC: 01.11 ——- New Braunfels Downtown Wall Mural

‘The Art of Entertainment’
Created by the
Historic Art Museum/N.B., Inc.
New Braunfels. Texas

Photographing Public Art Challenge

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

Camera: iPhone 11 Pro Max –Telephoto Camera Panoramic View

Location: Downtown; New Braunfels, Texas, USA

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

2024 Thursday Doors: “Snowman” Greeter

UPS Snowman
by front door
Thank
You

Dan’s Thursday Doors

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: UPS Store; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.

2024 Wordless Wednesday: 01.10

Interstate 10/US Highway 90
Westlake, Louisiana

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday

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

Camera: iPhone 11 Pro Max -Telephoto Camera

Location: Taken from a Greyhound Bus traveling on I10/US 90 in Westlake, Louisiana, USA

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.

A Child’s Fascination with Garbage Trucks

Why are children fascinated with Garbage Trucks? Where we live the Garbage Trucks ( also known as rubbish trucks or tippy lorry depending on where you live) come twice a week usually on Monday’s and Friday’s. Coleman has a habit of running outside to greet the driver whenever the Garbage Truck arrives ( actually when it is close by) carrying his toy Garbage Truck with him.

Coleman
is fascinated with
Garbage Trucks

Why is Coleman and children in general fascinated with Garbage Trucks? How long have they been fascinated by Garbage Trucks?

It seems that children have been fascinated by Garbage Trucks for decades. A few reasons for why they are is as follows:

  • Big Wheels
  • Loud Noises
  • Object permanence
  • Curiosity
  • Pretend Play
  • Bin Talking Trash
Coleman
talking with
Garbage Truck Driver

The size and unique design of garbage trucks can capture a child’s imagination. The loud noises and mechanical movements of the truck and its various functions, such as the lifting and dumping of bins, can be fascinating to watch. Additionally, the routine and predictability of garbage collection days can create a sense of anticipation and excitement for young children. It is the combination of sensory experiences, routine, and the truck’s purpose which can make garbage trucks exciting for young kids.

Do you know when Garbage Trucks first came into existence? You, like me, probably never even thought about the existence or history behind Garbage Trucks.

The earliest garbage “trucks” were introduced around 200 A.D. by the Romans, who created a sanitation force made up of teams of men who would walk along the streets picking up garbage and putting it into wagons that would then move the garbage to remote sites.

In 1932 a Scotland-based company by the name of George Dempster & Sons Ltd. invented the front loader garbage trucks. The Dempster-Dumpster system used large bins that garbage men would fill with trash, and that would then be loaded into body using machinery on the trucks. This system is the reason behind the garbage bins being referred to as dumpsters.

The mini garbage truck is Coleman’s first toy garbage truck. This is the truck he would carry out whenever the Garbage truck came around in front of our apartment building. For Christmas I bought Coleman the larger Little Tikes Garbage truck. Now he mostly carries the bigger garbage truck out to show the sanitation worker his garbage truck. He likes to show him he has one similar to what he’s driving. Sometimes he carries both of his garbage trucks outside when the garbage truck arrives.

Before the truck leaves, Coleman will pump his arm up and down wanting the worker to honk the horn. The driver always complies with his requests.

Ludwig’s Monday Window

Photo Credit: (c) 2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max

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

2024 CWWC: Which ways with snow or the color white

I have not seen any snow recently or in the past year, so I am going to let y’all see some of the WHITE which I have seen along the various trails that Coleman and I have hiked in 2023.

First up is a hike with the Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club where some of the hikers are wearing white. Everybody was not ready for the photo; I like to catch people unaware when I can. you may also notice the white in the Archers Loop sign and the white clouds in the sky. It was a beautiful, picturesque day.

Archers Loop
Adventure Road
Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

Next up is the white Riverwalk Bridge as seen from the Piedmont Medical Center Trail that we have hiked with the hiking club and on our own. Coleman loves to hike along the Catawba River whenever we get the opportunity.

Riverwalk Bridge
over the Catawba River
Riverwalk Trailhead
Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA

Below is capturing a hike we were able to do with Coleman’s mom and sister. It is near one of the locations his mom works at sometimes. Here we are on the Baxter Village Trail, a part of the Carolina Thread Trail System.

Baxter Village Trail
Carolina Thread Trail
Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
Baxter Village Trail
Carolina Thread Trail
Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

This next trail is one Coleman and I hiked on our own. I parked at the Boulder Access Parking lot, and we found the entrance to the trail. We hiked approximately two and a half miles before we turned around and headed back to the car. The trail goes on for miles crossing from North Carolina into South Carolina. We were not prepared to go that distance on this hike.

Boulders Overlook
Boulder Access Area
Crowders Mountain State Park
Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA

For another hike we stopped at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to hike and enjoy the many marvelous flowers grown there. This is the covered walkway leading into the gardens. Notice the vines growing around the white pillars and Coleman trying to balance on the brick edging along the walkway.

Coleman
at
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Belmont, North Carolina, USA

Lastly, I know you cannot see the trail, but I wanted to leave you with a beautiful white flower of Queen Anne’s Lace to enjoy.

Queen Anne’s Lace
(Daucas carota)
Lake Haigler Entrance
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

Cee’s Which Way Challenge-Which ways with snow or the color white

Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge

God Bless. Thank you for tagging along with us as we remembered our amazing hikes. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Monday Window —- Looking Up from the Trail …

2024 is a bright new year, hopefully more optimistic and positive than the past couple of years. I have been consistently blogging daily for the past five hundred twenty-one (521) days. To me, that is a tremendous achievement. This past year I broadened by blogging horizons by participating in several different challenges. Monday Window is just one of many I have tried to participate in on a regular or semi-regular basis. I hope to continue participating in the various blogging challenges and posting various activities with my grandson.

The first Monday Window for 2024 was taken along the Avon Catawba Creeks Greenway while hiking with my grandson, Coleman.

Apartment Complex Windows
Looking Up from the
Avon Catawba Creeks Greenway

Ludwig’s Monday Window

Photo Credit: (c) 2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Looking Up from the Avon Catawba Creeks Greenway; Icon on the Greenway Apartments; Gastonia, North Carolina , USA

God Bless. Have a Blessed New Year & Keep Photographing, Writing, and/or blogging sharing your thoughts and artistic talents with the world. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.

Last on the Card — December 2023

From My Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max:

Golden Hour Sunset

From My Canon EOS Rebel T3i:

Coleman Petting Goat
at The Holiday at The Farm
The Schiele Museum of Natural History;
Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

Last on the Card-December 2023

Photo Credit: ©️2023 Deb L. Waters

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. Looking forward to seeing y’all’s Last on the Card photos. I appreciate y’all very much.

Whatsoever is Lovely: Along the Catawba River

Aquilegia canadensis
Ranunculaceae
Wild Columbine
Eastern Red Columbine

John’s Cellpic Sunday

XingfuMama’s Whatever is Lovely Challenge: 2023 – Week 52

Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge

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

Camera: iPhone 13 Pro

Location: Landsford Canal State Park; Catawba, South Carolina

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

2023 FOTD: Perennial Garden

Cee’s Flower of the Day

Photo Credit: (c) 2022 Deb L. Waters

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

MWM: Coleman’s Christmas in Silvertone

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

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

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA.

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

2023 CFFC: Gold or Silver

When I think of Gold or Silver I think about a Scripture verse in the Holy Bible. It is actually the first portion of Acts chapter three verse six.

“Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: …”

Acts 3:6 NKJV

Gold, especially, was a symbol which stood for anything of great value. There are many things considered to be more valuable than gold or silver. The things to which I am referring to are not tangible, but still extremely important and valuable. These things are (in no particular order):

  • Friendship
  • Love
  • Faith
  • I/You are Valuable
  • Wisdom
  • The Word of God
  • Good Health

Y’all are precious to me. I value your friendship, kindness, wisdom, and encouragement. Below is my selections for this week’s challenge I choose to share with y’all on my insights for GOLD or SILVER.

Snowflake
LIghting of the Greenway
Lindsay Pettus Greenway
Lancaster, South Carolina, USA
LIghting of the Greenway
Lindsay Pettus Greenway
Lancaster, South Carolina, USA
Gold Star ⭐️ Mothers
Dedication Plaque
LeJune Memorial Gardens
Jacksonville, North Carolina, USA

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge-Gold or Silver

Photo Credit:©️ 2023 Deb L. Waters

God Bless. Thank you for following, liking, and/or commenting on my posts. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. They/You are valuable to me. I appreciate y’all very much.

2023 LAPC: Last Chance — Part II

2023 — A Year in Review — Second Chance/LastChance

July 2923:

Mimosa,
Shameplant or
Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) flowers;
Gaston County Warlick Family YMCA;
Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

August 2023:

Killdeer –
Charadrius vociferus;
Robinwood Lake;
Warlick Family YMCA;
Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

September 2023:

Coleman;
Aquarium Exhibits;
The Schiele Museum of Natural History;
Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

October 2023:

Coleman;
Horse Road Entrance;
Anne Springs Close Greenway;
Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

November 2023:

Nyssa sylvatica,
commonly known as tupelo,
black tupelo, black gum or sour gum;
Lake Haigler; Lake Haigler Entrance;
Anne Springs Close Greenway;
Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

December 2033:

Coleman;
Holiday at The Farm;
The Schiele Museum of Natural History;
Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge—Last Chance

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