#iPhonePhotography – Page 3 – Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography

Amber Jack’s Welcoming Wreaths

FOWC

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

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

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

*Trisha (Coleman’s mom)*
*& Coleman approaching*
*Amber Jack’s Entry doors.*

Welcoming **Wreaths**
*hung on the front doors*

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

***Amber Jack Seafood***
**& Steaks Restaurant**

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

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

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

Fandango’s One Word Challenge (FOWC)-Wreath

XingfuMama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge

Dan’s Thursday Doors

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

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

2025 Which Way Challenge (CWWC): 12.26 — Any Which Way with Vehicles

Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge. This Friday’s Which Way Challenge theme is CWWC: Any Which Way with Vehicles. 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.

Here are my contributions …

***Cramerton Christmas Parade Vehicles***

Click on each image to enlarge.

Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.

Dawn’s Which Way in the Sleigh

Chava61’s 2025 Which Way Challenge With A Holiday Theme

Geriatri’x’ Fotogallery’s Looking for a Xmas Tree

gwh photos2’s CWWC Holiday Season – December 19, 2025

Suzette’s For Deb’s – Any Which Way —Holiday Theme Part 2

Deb’s Which Way Challenge

Dan’s Thursday Doors

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Parade Route; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

• NOTE: For next week the theme will be CWWC: Any Which Way with People.

2025 Skywatch Friday/Weekend Sky: 12.26

Skywatching at Goat Island Park and Greenway … The sky was beautiful and captivating amazingly drawing attention to the Creator of all that is, was, and will be.

Click on image to enlarge.

2025 Skywatch Friday

Hammad’s Weekend Sky-2025.12-19

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

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

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

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Light of the World

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

*The Advent Wreath*
*with the four*
*outer Candles lit.*

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025 RDP: Tuesday —Present!

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

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

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

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

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

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Tuesday! Present! — 12.23.2025

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

2025 Wordless Wednesday: 24 December

Merry Christmas Eve!

*With Love,*
*Deb, Coleman,*
*& Sophia Ruthann*

Click on image to enlarge.

Wordless Wednesday-2025.12.24

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

2025 CosPhoChal: A Combination of Winter Hikes

This week Dale has chosen a theme of A Winter’s Walk for this week’s Cosmic Photo Challenge. Instead of just one winter walk I decided to do a combination of several different Winter Hikes which Coleman and I have taken over the years.

Here are my contributions …

Click on each image to enlarge.

Dale’s Cosmic Photo Challenge – A Winter’sWalk

#CosPhoChal

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.

2025 Numbers Game 12.23 — #104-226

Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game. This week’s number is 226. Her instructions for playing along are listed below …

To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find under that number and include a link to your blog in Judy’s  Numbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.

Please click on photos to enlarge.

Here are my entries …

Please click on photos to enlarge.

Judy’s Numbers Game #104-226

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

Pull Up a Seat on a Jude’s Bench — ASCG Trekker Loop

Looking through my photos I ran across a bench from one of our hiking adventures I don’t think I’ve shared before, so I thought I would share it today.

*A lone Bench*
*by Lake Crandall*
*& Lake Frances*

Jude’s Bench Challenge-2025.12.22

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2025-Week 51

Pull Up a Seat Challenge — *Pull Up a Seat*

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: By Lake Crandall; Trekker Loop; Adventure Road Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a blessed Christmas Holiday Week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Monday Window: 2025.12.22

*House Windows*
*at Lake Norman*
*from across the lake.*

Click on each image to enlarge.

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

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

2025 RDP: Sunday —Infructescence

These Bald Cypress trees are resilient and have the ability to grow in very wet conditions, even standing in water. These are grown near the South Fork Catawba River in Riverside Park and Greenway.

The Cypress cones are the reproductive structures of Cypress trees that develop from the tree’s flowers. What you see here are the female cones, often called seed cones. The little red droplet on the bottom cone looks like resin which is characteristic from a cypress tree.

The Cluster of Bald Cypress cones you see is a perfect example of an infructescence. These cones are actually modified seed cones, and once they mature, they’ll release seeds. It’s interesting to learn how plants develop these unique structures to disperse their seeds. The mature cones contain seeds that are a very important food source for local wildlife, including squirrels, waterfowl, and other birds.

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) – infructescence

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location; Riverside Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 Sunday Stills – Winter Wonderland and Monthly Color Challenge: Cobalt Blue

Sunday Stills
Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge

This week I am combining Terri’s Sunday Stills with her Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge with the themes of Cobalt Blue and Winter Wonderland (Solstice).

First off, how about some Blue on Blue in the Gulf of Mexico (now called Gulf of America) from a cruise I took back in 2020. We were in the middle of the Gulf heading towards Cozumel, Mexico. It’s amazing how except for the other ships at sea, all one sees for miles and miles in practically Blue on Blue.

*When the Water & Sky Meet*
*Cobalt Blue*

Now for some Winter Wonderland (this isn’t Solstice, but it is having some 🥶 Winter Wonderland Funtime.

*Coleman and his mom*
*enjoying some Funtime*
*in the Winter Snow.*

I know we are currently in December with today (the 21st) being Winter Solstice, but we don’t usually get Snow in our area until January and/or February. The top photo was take in February of 2020 & the Bottom picture was taken in January of 2022.

Happy Winter Solstice to all of y’all.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Terri’s Sunday Stills – Winter Wonderland (Solstice)

Terri’s Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge – Cobalt Blue.

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

2025 OWS: 12.07 — Festive

Good Sunday Morning to y’all. This week Debbie from Travel with Intent has chosen Festive for the theme for One Word Sunday (OWS).

Here are my entries …

… From Cramerton’s Christmas Parade …

Snoopy riding on Carolinas Junk Removal Crane.

Debbie’s One Word Sunday – Festive

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Parade Route; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 Cell Pic Sunday: 21 December

Throwback to 2020

Stumpy Pond
Adventure Road Entrance
Anne Springs Close Greenway

Click image to enlarge.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Camera: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Wide Camera

Location: Prairie Loop; Adventure Road Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

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

2025 Which Way Challenge (CWWC): 12.19 — Any Which Way with a Holiday theme. — Part 2

Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge. This Friday’s Which Way Challenge theme is CWWC: Any Which Way with a Holiday theme. 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.

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.

Cath’s Which Way… {Cloudy or Stormy Day}

Geriatri’x’ Fotogallery’s Xmas Market Up And Down

Dawn’s Crossover Bridge at Shenandoah University with Christmas Lights

Suzette’s For Deb’s Any Which Way CWWC Holiday Theme – Part 1

CWWC: Any Which Way with a Holiday theme – Part 2 (Will run for two (2) weeks). [12.19.2025]

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Parade Route; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

• NOTE: For next week the theme will be CWWC: Any Which Way with vehicles.

2025 Skywatch Friday/Weekend Sky: 12.19

Click on image to enlarge.

2025 Skywatch Friday

Hammad’s Weekend Sky-2025.12-19

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

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

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

2025 CosPhoChal: Lights, Camera, Christmas around the Neighborhood

This year our neighborhood is not adorned with very many Christmas Lights or Festive Decorations. I did, however, manage to capture a few Christmas Lights and decorations within our walking pathways.

Here is what I found …

Click on each image to enlarge.

Dale’s Cosmic Photo Challenge-Lights, Camera, Christmas!

Dan’s Thursday Doors

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

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

2025 Wordless Wednesday: 17 December

Click on image to enlarge.

Wordless Wednesday-2025.12.17

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

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

2025 Cell Pic Sunday: 14 December

*Coleman petting*
*an Owner’s Horse*
*at Anne Springs Close Greenway*

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Ultra Wide Camera

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

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

2025 Pull Up a Seat on a Hospital Bed

On Monday evening I received a message from my daughter to meet her at the Atrium Health Hospital in Pineville, North Carolina. We previously arranged, when necessary, for Coleman to spend the night with one of our neighbors whom Coleman adores.

On Wednesday evening, Coleman was brought to the hospital to see his mom. He was not told in advance what he would be seeing when he arrived in her room.

Here he is Pulling Up a Seat on her hospital bed …

At this time, I’m not allowed to post any pictures of whom he was able to meet for the first time (More about that in a future post). Let’s just say, Coleman is a Monster Big Brother now.

Click on each image to enlarge.

XingfuMama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge 2025 – Week 50

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Atrium Health Pineville Hospital; Pineville, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Rejoice in God’s wonderful blessings and new life. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Observing What’s in the Space Between

This week’s host for Monochrome Madness is Stupidity Hole with a theme of The Space Between. Looking forward to exploring the various interpretations on The Space Between.

Monochrome Madness

Here are a few I came up with for this week’s challenge …

*The Road Between*
*leading to Hearst Castle*

*The Boy (Coleman) Between*
*the Railings on the Bridge*
*at Anne Springs Close Greenway*

*The Feathers Between*
*Coleman’s Fingers*

*The South Fork Catawba River*
**Between** the Grounds
*of Goat Island*

Click on each image to enlarge.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness-2025.12.13

Stupidity Hole’s Monochrome Madness-The Space Between

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

2025 The #Flower Hour #10 — Festive Holiday Florals and Decor

Reflecting on

National Poinsettia Day

Yesterday, on December 12th, people celebrated National Poinsettia Day. It is an annual celebration commemorating the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American diplomat that introduced the Poinsettia plant to the United States. It honours its deep ties to Christmas traditions, especially the Mexican legend of a poor girl whose humble gift of weeds bloomed into the beautiful “Flower of the Holy Night.”

Red Poinsettias

National Poinsettia Day is a day for spreading holiday cheer with the Red-leafed plants. Churches line them up in front of pulpits & many are donated by members in honor of loved ones no longer with us. Poinsettias are often given as gifts during the. Christmas holiday season.

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #10-Festive Holiday Florals and Decor

Also posting for:

Bren’s Floral Friday

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

God Bless. Have a very Merry Christmas Holiday Season. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Which Way Challenge (CWWC): 12.12 — Any Which Way with a Holiday theme. — Part 1 (Will run for two (2) weeks).

Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge. This Friday’s Which Way Challenge theme is CWWC: Any Which Way with a Holiday theme. 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.

Here are my contributions …

***2025 Cramerton Christmas***
**Parade – Part One**

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.

Suzette’s For Deb’s CWWC – Any Which Way – Your Choice

Dawn’s Through the Twinkling Lights of the Walking Mall

• NOTE: For next week we will continue the theme of CWWC: Any Which Way with a Holiday theme.

Deb’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC)

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Parade Route; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 Wordless Wednesday: 10 December

The Second Week of Advent

Candle Symbolism of PEACE

Aka “**Bethlehem Candle**”
or “Preparation Candle“

Click on image to enlarge.

Wordless Wednesday-2025.12.10

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Telephoto lens

Location: Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church; Cramerton, 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.

2025 CosPhoChal: 03 December — Abstract

Dale host the weekly challenge The Cosmic Photo Challenge with a different theme each week. This week’s theme is Abstract.

Here are a few Abstract images from around the Carolinas …

*The Schiele Museum*
*of Natural History*
*and Planetarium Show*
*Gastonia, NC*

*Sky-view*
*Riverside Park and Greenway*
*Cramerton, NC*

*AI Abstract of Mountains*
*from my dad’s slides.*

Dale’s Cosmic Photo Challenge-Abstract

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

2025 Weekly Prompts Colour challenge – Red

RED Poinsettias

Poinsettias decorating the various areas of Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church.

Poinsettias atop of the piano …

Poinsettias holiday displayed in the Fellowship Hall …

Poinsettias adorn the front of the church’s sanctuary.

Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge – RED

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #9 – Poinsettias

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion & Telephoto Lenses

Location: Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church; 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: 2025.12.08

Click on image to enlarge.

Monday Window

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Eighth Avenue; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 OWS: 12.07 — Pink

Good Sunday Morning to y’all. This week Debbie from Travel with Intent has chosen Pink for the theme for One Word Sunday (OWS).

Here are my entry …

A Pink onsie all ready for Sophia’s arrival, when she finally decides to make her appearance.

Debbie’s One Word Sunday (OWS)-Pink

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

2025 Silent Sunday: 12.07

Silent Night, Holy Night

Silent Sunday

Camera: Apple iPhone Pro Max

Event: Christmas in Cramerton presented by the Cramerton Historical Society and Performed by Stuart W Cramer Varsity Singers at Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church.

Location: Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church; 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.

2025 Cell Pic Sunday: 07 December

A La Nanita Nana

Click below to hear the song and watch the Stuart W Cramer Varsity Men Singers perform.

youtube.com/watch

To the nanita nana, nanita her, nanita her A la nanita nana, nanita ella, nanita ella

My girl is sleepy, bless her, bless her Mi niña tiene sueño, bendito sea, bendito sea

To the nanita nana, nanita her, nanita her A la nanita nana, nanita ella, nanita ellaMy girl is sleepy, bless her, bless her Mi niña tiene sueño, bendito sea, bendito sea

Little fountain that runs clear and loud Fuentecita que corre clara y sonora

Nightingale in the jungle, singing and crying Ruiseñor que en la selva, cantando y llora

Be silent while the cradle rocks Calla mientras la cuna, se balancea

Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: David N. Lawrence

A La Nanita Nana lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Camera : Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Location: Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

St. Nicholas Day — Why didn’t I know about it?

Growing up I had only known about Christmas and Santa Claus arrival on Christmas Day. I was never taught about St. Nicholas Day … Were you?

As I grew older I was taught about the reason we celebrate Christmas … the birth of the baby born in a manger, Jesus Christ.

Several of the Christmas movies would mention other names for Santa Claus including, Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas. However, I never knew that there was a specific day to celebrate St. Nicholas.

What is St. Nicholas Day? According to Google (yes, I had to look it up), it is a Christian observance and not a federal public holiday in the United States of America. Since it is not a federal holiday no businesses close to observe the day.

The traditions for St. Nicholas Day vary by country. They usually centered around generosity and give-giving. These traditions were influenced by the 4th-century bishop known for anonymously donating his wealth to the poor.

What are some of these traditions?

Leaving Out Shoes: It is a common tradition in Europe and some American communities for children to leave their shoes or boots outside their bedroom doors or by their fireplace on the evening of December 5th.
Gifts and Treats: Similar to Christmas, if the children have been good (aka on the nice list), then when they wake up in the morning on December 6th they will find their shoes (or boots outside) filled with small gifts (similar to Christmas stockings), candies, cookies, nuts, or fruits.
Feasts and Events: This Day is also known as the “Feast of St. Nicholas.” It is celebrated with special meals and community events like the Saint Nicholas Day Celebration at Philipse Manor Hall.
Focus on Giving: The central aspect of St. Nicholas Day is performing acts of kindness and helping individuals and families in need , mirroring St. Nicholas’s life of charity.

Celebrations vary by country. Have you (or do you) celebrated St. Nicholas Day? If so, how do you celebrate the day?

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

Invitingly Beautiful … Sorry, Beach is Closed

*Beach at Lake Norman*
*Ramsey Creek Park*

The day we visited Ramsey Creek Park may have been on the chillier side, but that wouldn’t have stopped Coleman from playing in the sand.

*One of several signs*
*near the Beach.*

The Beach area was blocked off with signs posted stating the Beach is Closed. We did find smaller areas he could access the sand for a little playtime. We also managed to walk along the edge of the waters of Lake Norman, still it would have been nice if the Beach would’ve been open.

*Beach at Lake Norman*
*barricaded off.*

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

2025 Skywatch Friday-12.06

Hammad’s Weekend Sky-2025.12.06

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Lake Norman; Ramsey Creek Park; Cornelius, 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

A Panicle or two … Maybe More

The Flower Hour #9

Winter’s Hydrangeas

Terri’s The Flower Hour #9

Also posting to Remember …

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Bren’s Floral Friday

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

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

God Bless. Take time to admire Nature’s beautiful bounty. Have a great weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

It’s Time to Pull Up a Seat on Santa’s Knee (or Lap)

Last evening our Town of Cramerton held its annual Christmas parade which we were able to enjoy as a family. The Town came out in droves to watch the Parade with the many cars, floats, marching bands, and cheer squads. Parades are fascinating and exciting for the children and adults alike to watch and anticipate. I bet you can guess which part of the parade everyone likes to see the most (especially the children). Yep, you guessed (I least I believe y’all did). Santa Claus arrival at the end of the parade on a shiny red fire engine (at least in our town that’s what he arrives on).

After the Parade is over the children and their families gather at Confluence to await once again for Santa’s arrival. Why do the children excitedly wait with anticipation for Santa at Confluence? Well, of course it for the opportunity to be photographed with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Here are a few shots of Coleman with Santa … more will come later when the Catawba Riverkeepers Foundation sends the link for our free photos. Until then you’ll need to. E satisfied with the ones I captured.

*Uh oh, it seems like Coleman’s*
*not sure where to sit.*

*Alright, this spot*
*might just be fine.*

*Hey Gramdma,*
*should I be looking at*
*you or the camera?*

*Grandma, did you get*
*my picture all right?*
*Am I done now?*

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2025-Week 49

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Confluence; Center Street; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 Which Way Challenge (CWWC): 12.05 — Any Which Way (Your Choice)

Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge. This Friday’s Which Way Challenge theme is Any Which Way (Your Choice). 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.

This week I am sharing our hike along the dirt trail at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius, North Carolina. Here are my entries …

Dirt Trail at
Ramsey Creek Park
Cornelius, North Carolina

Click on each image to enlarge.

Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.

Dawn’s Around the Tree in Gettysburg

Pepper’s The Road to Adventures in Maui

• NOTE: For the next two (2) weeks the theme for the Which Way Challenge will be CWWC: Any Which Way with a Holiday theme. (Will run for two (2) weeks).

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Ramsey Creek Park; Cornelius, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 Thursday Doors: 04 December

Caterpillar 349F Excavator

Last week we visited the CLT Airport Overlook in Charlotte, North Carolina. While watching for Airplanes to take off or come in for a landing, Coleman noticed an Excavator and went over to the fence to take a closer look at it working in the construction area just a short distance from the playground area.

The CAT 349F Excavator is built with a powerful, 49-ton hydraulic excavator known for heavy-duty digging and earthmoving tasks. Its features a CAT C13 ACERT engine with advanced hydraulic systems for efficiency and precision.

*Coleman*
*watching the*
*CAT 349 Excavator*
*at Work.*

The CAT 349F has a spacious and ergonomic cab which is designed to be quiet and comfortable. It features air suspension seats and intuitive controls to reduce operator fatigue during long shifts.

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2025.12.04

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Construction site by Charlotte-Douglas International Airport Overlook; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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

Peering Out Across the Pier

Monochrome Madness

*Can you see where*
*Coleman is standing?*

*Lake Norman*
*Cornelius, North Carolina*

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness-2025.12.03

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Lake Norman; Pier at Ramsey Creek Park; Ramsey Creek Park; Cornelius, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 LAPC #376 — Wings

Feathered or Not

Beth from Wandering Dawgs is this week’s host for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge . She is challenging us to show off Wings of any kind. I am displaying Non-Feathered Wings as well as Wings on a variety of Feathered Friends with Wings.

Let us first take a look at some of my Feathered Friends that grace my pathways.

*Female Northern Cardinal*
*grace my porch railing*
*enjoying a nice snack.*

*A Northern Mockingbird*
*stopped by for a visit.*

*A Lovely Mourning Dove*
*graces us with a beautiful song.*

*A Chipping Sparrow*
*(Spizella passerina)*
*graces our pathway*
*while on a hike.*

***A Gallery of Geese Flying Overhead***

Now to display a few Non-Feathered Wings Landing and Taking off from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

Beth’s Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #376-Wings

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Locations: Feathered Friends) Cramerton, North Carolina, USA; Non-Feathered Wings) Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 CosPhoChal: 03 December — Reflections

Dale host the weekly challenge The Cosmic Photo Challenge with a different theme each week. This week’s theme is Reflections.

“Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.”
– Ernest Holmes

Here are a few Reflections from around the Carolinas …

*Lake Crandall*
*Anne Springs*
*Close Greenway*

“Your life is a reflection of your thoughts. If you change your thinking, you change your life.”
– Brian Tracy

Dale’s Cosmic Photo Challenge-Reflections

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

2025 Wordless Wednesday: 03 December

***South Fork Catawba River***
***from Goat Island Bridge***

Click on image to enlarge.

Wordless Wednesday

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

2025 Last on the Card – November

Brian from Bushboys World hosts a monthly challenge called Last On the Card. His 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 mine for November …

From my Canon EOS T7 (2000D):

Coleman At Centennial Center
Cramerton, North Carolina

From my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:

*Playground at Ramsey Creek Park*
*Cornelius, North Carolina*

Click on each image to enlarge.

#LastontheCard

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

One Day Walking Through the Woods

One Day while hiking along a trail Coleman and I came across a section with textured wood that had seen better days.

*Trail near*
*Gardner Park Elementary*
*Gastonia, North Carolina*

One Day while hiking in Anne Springs Close Greenway we spotted a mysterious hole within a rotting tree stump that drew our attention.

*At Anne Springs Close Greenway*
*in Fort Mill, South Carolina.*

One Day we decided to take a break in the shade to catch our breath before contour hike. (Coleman was just under 2 at the time.) we found some interesting shadows and a Dragonfly.

*Chestnut Trail;*
*McDowell Nature Preserve*;
Charlotte, North Carolina

One Day during a hike to Coleman’s favourite sandpit in Riverside Park and Greenway we noticed some interesting texture of Hypnum cupressiforme, (the cypress-leaved plaitmoss or hypnum moss).

Textured hypnum moss growing on a tree Coleman enjoys climbing.

One Day at Riverside Park and Greenway I was trying to locate the log I usually sat on while Coleman played in the sand. It took some looking around before we spotted it. Someone had decomposed our log by using it as a fire log. (No fires are to be built in the park especially during the summer fire season.)

*Burnt Log destroyed by fire.*
*So much for my sitting on it.*

Terri’s Sunday Stills-Textures

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-Decay

Becky’s #NovemberShadows #30

Weekly Prompts The One Day Prompt-(19 )

Patti’s Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #375-Mysterious

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

2025 Monday Window: 01 December

Bob Evans Restaurant

Kitty by a Window – 2
— AI creation by PR

For Monday Window this week I am taking you to the Bob Evans Restaurant in Huntersville, North Carolina. It has been awhile since we’ve been out to eat at a Bob Evans, the one closest to us closed & the building was demolished.

We decided to go out to eat on Thanksgiving first a Turkey Dinner (Our oven quit working & cooking a Turkey on the stovetop was highly impractical and improbable.) The closest Bob Evans near us was in downtown Charlotte or up a little further in Huntersville. We chose to go to the one in Huntersville and then go somewhere for a little holiday hiking.

Here are a few shots of the Bob Evans Restaurant; its doors, windows, and seating.

Bob Evans Restaurant
Huntersville, North Carolina

Click on image to enlarge.

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

Dan’s Thursday Doors

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2025-Week 48

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

2025 Monday Portrait: 01 December

Northern Mockingbird

Monday Portrait

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Telephoto

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.

Pull Up a Seat on a Jude’s Bench or Two+

On Thanksgiving, my grandson, (Coleman) and I were joined by his mom for a lovely chilly afternoon. After devouring a delicious Turkey dinner (except for Coleman-He doesn’t like meat), my daughter (Trisha) drove us to a quaint park on the edge of Lake Norman called Ramsey Creek Park. At first, Coleman and I were not sure if his mom was going to join us hiking around the park.

Coleman and I started out walking by ourselves walking along the waters edges absorbing all the beautiful scenery. After a while, his mom joined us whilst he was picking up small seashells from the sandy seashore.

We noticed several Benches throughout our time walking around; from park benches to picnic tables and benches, they were scattered all around the park for visitors to relax and enjoy.

Here are some of the views and Benches we encountered …

***Ramsey Creek Park; Lake Norman; Cornelius, North Carolina***

Jude’s Bench Challenge -2025.11.30

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2025-Week 48

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Ramsey Creek Park; Cornelius, 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.

2025 November #Shadows #30

American Airlines

Shadows on the Runway

Becky’s #NovemberShadows

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Telephoto

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

God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Stay Safe. Stay Warm. Chill is in the Air. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Cell Pic Sunday: 30 November

*Trisha watching Coleman*
*watching a speedboat*

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2025.11.30

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max;

Location: Lake Norman; Ramsey Creek Park; Cornelius, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 Silent Sunday: 11.30

*Lake Norman*
*Ramsey Creek Park*
*Cornelius, North Carolina*

Click on image to enlarge.

Silent Sunday

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Lake Norman; Ramsey Creek Park; Cornelius, North Carolina, USA

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

Will It, Won’t It, Maybe Not

Hawthorne’s Inducer Pizza

*Hawthorne’s Buffalo Wing Pizza*
*Aka “The Inducer”*

You may be wondering about my title of Will It, Won’t It, Maybe Not especially when you see the image of a pizza. Let me tell you this is no ordinary pizza.

Hawthorne’s NY Pizza & Bar makes a specialty pizza many Pregnant women from all over Charlotte and the surrounding areas are coming to get. Why are they coming to Hawthorne’s from all over to get this specialty? That is an excellent question. What is this specialty pizza that is attracting pregnant women?

Pregnant women from all over Charlotte and the surrounding areas are determined to come to Hawthorne’s for their Buffalo Wing specialty pizza. It is layered with chicken, mozzarella cheese, and our very own Hawthorne’s in-house, SPECIAL medium-hot buffalo sauce. People are referring to the Buffalo Wing pizza as “The Inducer.”

Now, mind you, that there is no scientific proof that any certain foods (like the Buffalo Wing pizza) can induce labor, however, it is not stopping expectant mothers from enjoying and sharing the speedy power of Hawthorne’s Buffalo Wing Pizza. Even though many pregnant women have reported to giving birth within forty-eight hours or less from the time that they ate The Inducer” pizza, that is not true for every pregnant woman who ate Hawthorne’s “Inducer” pizza.

*Coleman’s mom going to Hawthorne’s to get her “Inducer” pizza*

With all this discussion regarding “The Inducer” pizza; my daughter eating “The Inducer” pizza is pizza; what do y’all think the outcome was? Did “The Inducer” pizza do the job with its expected success? Did it not work? Or will it eventually work, but take longer than expected?

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2025-Week 48

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Hawthorne’s NY Pizza & Bar; Charlotte, 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.

Answer to the questions … so far the expected results have not happened. Still waiting … and waiting. ( She ate it “The Inducer” on Wednesday afternoon around Two (2) pm. And we are still waiting for Baby Sophia to arrive.)

2025 Skywatch Friday/Weekend Sky: 11.27/28

Skywatching over

Lake Norman

2025 Skywatch Friday – Thanksgiving at Lake Norman/Ramsey Creek Park

Hammad’s Weekend Sky-2025.11.27

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

Whatsoever is Lovely Challenge-2025 Week 47

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Lake Norman; Ramsey Creek Park; Cornelius, North Carolina, USA

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

FOWC

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Light of the World

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Throwback to 2020

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Monochrome Madness

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Reflecting on

National Poinsettia Day

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The Second Week of Advent

Candle Symbolism of PEACE

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RED Poinsettias

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Silent Night, Holy Night

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A La Nanita Nana

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The Flower Hour #9

Winter’s Hydrangeas

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Caterpillar 349F Excavator

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Monochrome Madness

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Feathered or Not

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Bob Evans Restaurant

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Northern Mockingbird

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American Airlines

Shadows on the Runway

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Hawthorne’s Inducer Pizza

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Skywatching over

Lake Norman

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