God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your weekend. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Weekend Sky: 06.23
Category: #OptOutdoorsNC
2024 PULL Up a Seat – Week 25
Coleman’s Choices
This week’s Pull Up a Seat selections were determined by Coleman. We walked around the neighbourhood and after walking for several blocks he decided he wanted to Pull Up a Seat at the picnic table outside of the Walmart Neighborhood Market which is used mainly by employees.
We get up and continue on our walk where he sees a rock he figures would be a nice place to Pull Up a Seat. We hadn’t walked far when he chose to sit a spell, but I was fine with that since I had taken a tumble upon the uneven torn up asphalt.
After catching our breath, we continued walking ending up at the school playground. Coleman always finds places he can Pull Up a Seat in a playground.
Sometimes he chose the slide …
… Or at the top of a climbing structure …
… Or on a Swing.
It doesn’t seem to matter to him where he Pulls Up a Seat. He’s having fun, so it doesn’t matter to me either.
Photo Credit: ©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
God Bless. Thank you for walking with us. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Signs to Welcome your Presence
Everywhere you go there are signs to Welcome your presence. Welcome you to come into a store, Welcome you to a town, Welcome you to a Greenway, and even Welcoming children to a Playground.
Let’s start with our Welcome to a favourite store in Amish Country, Ohio called Lehman’s. Lehman’s provides products that Amish and Englishers alike desire to purchase and meets the needs of those desiring a simpler lifestyle.
Kidron, Ohio
Next up is a Greenway constructed in the last five years in Lancaster. The Lindsay Pettus Greenway was intentionally designed as a hard-surface trail to ensure that people of all mobility levels can smoothly access the trail. By doing so, everyone can connect to places of interest and engage with nature. This Greenway is a place where everyone can freely enjoy over two traffic-free miles of nature in the heart of Lancaster County.
The Lindsay Pettus Greenway
Lancaster, South Carolina
On one of our visits to the North Carolina mountains we stayed in West Jefferson while attending a family reunion in Deep Gap. After the reunion, we walked around the Historic Downtown area of West Jefferson and discovered many interesting places and sights including the Ashe County Cheese Factory. The Ashe County Cheese is just a short ways down a side street from this sign. There you may watch cheese being made & then go straight across the road and buy some freshly made cheese in any flavour that suits your palate.
Historic Downtown
West Jefferson
West Jefferson, North Carolina
Here we are in the city we currently reside. Welcome to our area of the world.
Gastonia
Main Avenue
Gastonia, North Carolina
One of the places my grandson, Coleman, likes me to take him to is the Playground at the local YMCA. Approaching the Playground we notice the sign Welcoming us (especially children) to the Playspace.
to Your
Playspace!
YMCA
Gastonia, North Carolina
Time for us to go home and relax. You are Welcome to visit our area anytime.
Debbie’s One Word Sunday-Welcome
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Silent Sunday: 06.23
Blue Ridge Mountains
Blue Ridge Mountains
Photo Credit:©️1972 Nornal H. Waters (my dad) … All Rights Reserved.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Weekend FOTD: 06.22/23
Hydrangea Nikko Blue
Photo Credit:©️Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Huntingtowne Neighbourhood; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
A Glance Thru the Swings
Watching Coleman at the Swings from various perspectives is something I do periodically. Therefore, it fits right into the Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge of Perspective.
The first perspective view is taken from the side of the Elementary School looking through the bars of the Swing-Set.
Another view from the same side of the Swing-set.
through the Swings
Here’s to watching Coleman from behind.
if he wants me
to push him.
The last two perspectives are from the opposite side of the Swing-Set …
Coleman decides to try a different Swing down the line from the first.
Having moved to the opposite side before coming to push him. This perspective I looked through the Swing-Set towards the School buildings.
Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge-Perspective
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Gardner Park Elementary School Playground; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Slow Streaming Over Stones
Upper Waterfalls
Stone Mountain State Park
Leanne’s hosting Monochrome Madness with the theme of Waterfalls this week. To join the challenge just post photos of waterfalls on your blog and tag Monochrome Madness or leave a pingback to Leanne’s Monochrome Madness post.
My eldest son and I took a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway back in the Fall of 2017 as a way to celebrate his birthday. During our drive we stopped at several overlooks prior to stopping at Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina. At Stone Mountain State Park there is the Upper and Lower Waterfalls you may hike towards.
We hiked along Stone Mountain Loop Trail to view the Upper Waterfalls. I took several photos along the route as we watched the Waterfall cascading down over Stone Mountain.
Enjoy the view, however, I would prefer you not to YAWN during the viewing. I would hope it would not bore you but rather enable you to dawn a smile instead.
Can you just visualize the water streaming down over the stones?
The Waterfall slowly increases its strength and speed as it continuously cascades down the Mountain.
Monochrome Madness-Waterfalls moving
Jez’s Water water Everywhere #224
Photo Credit:©️2017 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 7 Plus
Location: Stone Mountain State Park; Roaring Gap, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for viewing the Waterfalls at Stone Mountain State Park with us. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Floral Trio of Roses
Floribunda Rosa ‘Europeana’
Tried to create water droplets on petals.
This is the effect I received.
with a touch of splash
One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge-June 2024
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Huntingtowne Neighbourhood; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 OWS: June 16 — Green
Green in the Garden
Debbie’s One Word Sunday-Green
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Macro Monday: 06.17
Lantana camara
Wild-type Spanish flag
(Lantana camara)
Lantana camara, commonly known as lantana or shrub verbena, is native to Central and South America but has naturalized in much of the southeast United States.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Monday Portrait: 06.17
Coleman’s Water 💦
Antics and Expressions
Here you go Clare —- Coleman’s latest … May his antics and expressions bring a smile and a bit of laughter to your day.
Antics and Expressions
in the Water
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Backyard Turtle 🐢 Pool; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Playing the Numbers Game #25
The number for Judy’s Numbers Game this week is 146. Time to play.
(Erigeron strigosa)
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Schiele Museum
Schiele Museum
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Monday Portrait: 06.10
Hidden in the Grass
Hey, what’s that over there? Can you see it too?
Come on, let’s go take a closer look … That’s not a flower I see. What do you think it is?
Is that a baby deer? Oh, look over there … there’s another deer.
What do you think? Is this one looking for the baby deer? I think they’ll be just fine.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Weekend FOTD: 06.08/09
Brassica rapa
Brassica rapa
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens
Location: The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Cee, you are strong, you are appreciated, and we miss you. Get Better soon. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Sitting on the Sunny Side of Life
The weather has been hot and Sunny 🌞 during the day and stormy at night. Decided to switch out the sand in my grandson’s “Turtle” for Water 💧 to allow him to enjoy 😊 water playtime in the Warm Sunshine.
Playing on the
Sunny Side of Life.
The Tune Playing
is called “Sunny Side.”
Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2024-Week 23
Whatsoever is Lovely Challenge-2024 Week 22
Jez’s Water Water Everywhere #223
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Video created in Google Utilities -Highlight Video
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Weekend Sky #129 — 06.08
Photo Credit: ©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 CWWC: June – Week 1
Choose Your Way
to the Land of Oz
Cee, I pray you’re better and home soon. In the meanwhile I’m continuing with the CWWC – Any Which Way in my Way until you are back well and able choose a theme. Anyone care to join me, let’s let Cee know we’re thinking and caring about her.
Back in the day there were three (3) ways you could choose from to get to Land of Oz. One could choose the Hot Air Balloon ride, the Gondola Lift, or a shuttle bus to reach the Land of Oz location in Beech Mountain.
The Hot Air Balloon ride up to the Land of Oz offers a different perspective, a different and unique experience and yet similar in approach to the Gondola Lift. Both the Hot Air Balloons and the Gondola Lift operate similar to a ski resorts ski lift would operate.
They are both aerial lifts that uses a continuous cable loop to transport passengers up a mountain. The cable is driven by a bullwheel at each end of the lift, which is usually connected to an electric motor or engine. The cable runs through sheaves at towers that support the cabins, or carriers, as they travel up the mountain. The cabins are attached to the cable by detachable grips that allow for secure boarding and exiting at slow speeds.
Having chosen our method of reaching the top of Beech Mountain for our Land of Oz adventure, we are delighted we are on our way up.
Up, up, up we go … look at our amazing climb through the air. It seems as if I chose to ride in a Hot Air Balloon while others in the family chose to ride in one of the Gondolas.
The Gondolas continue throughout the day to carry visitors to the Land of Oz.
Once you’ve completed your ride, follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City and your adventure begins.
When your tiredness overwhelms you, take a breather from following the Yellow Brick Road and sit a spell and enjoy the show.
Magic Moment Show
The Magic Moment Show was staged every half hour. During the show Dorothy appeared with her friends to meet the Wizard and entertain the park’s guests.
Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2024-Week 22
Photo Credit:©️1972 Nornal H. Waters (my dad) … All Rights Reserved.
Location: Land of Oz; Beech Mountain, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for joining our visit to the Land of Oz. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Thursday Trios/ One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenges
Three Wizard of Oz Sculptures
The photo of these Wizard of Oz Sculptures were taken in the Summer of 1972 at The Land of Oz Museum at the Land of Oz Attraction in Beech Mountain, North Carolina.
One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge-June 2024
Photo Credit: ©️1972 Nornal H. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Processing done through Google Photos and Pixlr by Deb L. Waters
Location: Land of Oz Museum; Land of Oz; Beech Mountain, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 FOTD: 06.06 —
Hemerocallis ‘Cool Jazz’
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit:©️Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Huntingtowne Neighbourhood; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Birds of the Carolinas #9
Black-billed Magpie
One for sorrow
Two for joy
Three for a girl
Four for a boy
Five for silver
Six for gold
Seven for a secret never to be told.
This well-known rhyme has been around since the mid- nineteenth century when the number of magpies seen foraging together was regarded as forecaster of future events. Even though no bird is mentioned in this rhyme most people know it refers to the magpies.
Magpies are members of the Corvidse family. They are smart and clever birds which sometimes leads them into trouble, however, that doesn’t deter them since they are great problem solvers. The Pica hudsonia, the Black-billed Magpie’s scientific name, is also referred to as the American Magpie. It was once thought to be found only in the Western half of North America, However, its habitats may range into the far eastern parts of the United States including occasionally into the South despite the high temperatures and humidity.
Black-billed Magpies are black and white, with the wings and tail showing black areas and iridescent hints of blue and blue-green. It is a medium-sized bird that measures 45–60 centimeters (18–24 in) from tip to tail. It is largely black, with white scapulars, belly, and primaries, and the wings and tail are an iridescent blue-green.
Eurasian magpies are visually very similar to black-billed magpies; however, Eurasian magpies are slightly larger and have shorter tails and wings. They can also be distinguished based on their different vocalizations, as well as by their non-overlapping ranges.
Black-billed Magpies are known talkers. Their vocalizations consist of a number of calls variously described as tweets, coos, purrs, shrills and squawks, but the most common is an alarm call, called a chatter, that is described as a ka-ka-ka-ka, sometimes preceded with a skah-skah. They have the unique ability to mimic sounds from other birds and even from humans they are around. [Interestingly, I have heard them mimicking me as I whistle. Their ability is amazing to hear as they mimic my exact tunes.]
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Numbers Game #24: 06.03 — #145
This week’s number for Judy’s Number Game is 145. Come play along with us. You’ll never know what fun you’ll be missing if you don’t join in the game.
Rummaging through my photos I came up with a mixture of old and more recent photos for your viewing pleasure for this week’s challenge.
First up we have Farm Animals …
At Anne Springs Close Greenway’s Stables Entrance in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Bos taurus indicus
Next, We Head Up to the Mountains of North Carolina …
Sunrise Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway,
North Carolina
Mount Jefferson
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Ashe County, North Carolina
And Lastly for this Week we have a Couple of Miscellaneous Throwbacks …
Little White House Historic Site Museum
Warm Springs, Meriwether County, Georgia, USA
Movieland Wax Museum
Buena Park, California
Photo Credit: 1-4) ©️2017-2023 Deb L. Waters; 5-6)©️1972 Nornal H. Waters (my dad) … All Rights Reserved.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Words for Thought #21
Beech Mountain, North Carolina
Photo Credit: ©️1972 Nornal H. Waters (my dad) … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Minolta XG-7 35 mm
Location: Land of Oz; Beech Mountain, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 CosPhoChal: Beauty Thriving Down (Up) in the Meadows
Fabaceae Red clover
AKA the mower’s mushroom,
haymaker, haymaker’s panaeolus,
or brown hay mushroom
the Polyphemus moth,
is a North American member
of the family Saturniidae,
the giant silk moths.
Photo Credit: ©️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 me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Macro Monday: 06.03 —
Rubus occidentalis
is Blackberry Blackcap
Photo Credit:©️2024 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 RDP: Saturday – Boat
From Dock to Shining Sea
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, USA Throwback Photo
In the Caribbean Sea
off the Coast of
Cozumel, Mexico
February 2020 iPhone 11 Pro Max
Taken from
McDowell Nature Preserve
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
July 2020 iPhone 11 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Sitting in the Land of Oz
Land of Oz
Museum Display
Beech Mountain, North Carolina, USA
The Land of Oz theme park based on Frank Baum’s Land of Oz books originally opened in 1970. In 1975 the Carolina Caribbean Corporation, the company who developed Beech Mountain into a tourist destination and built Oz goes bankrupt due to failed investments. The park had closed and after construction of the Emerald City it reopened in 1976 and later closed once again in 1980. The theme park was closed afterwards for many years. Oz then laid abandoned, succumbing to the harsh weather conditions and vandals.
The Land of Oz is a park in North Carolina dedicated to the iconic film Wizard of Oz. It’s a walk-through attraction that was once closed and now opens for the special Autumn of Oz event in the fall each year. The Autumn of Oz festival is currently held in September and the Land of Oz is only open for three weekends a year.
Pull Up A Seat Photo Challenge Week 22
Photo Credit:©️1972 Nornal H. Waters (my dad) … All Rights Reserved.
Location: Land of Oz theme park; Beech Mountain, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting the Land of Oz with us. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. Have a wonderful weekend. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Monochrome Madness #9: 05.28 — Stone/s
A Tale of Two Stones
Stone Mountain State Park (NC)
Stone Mountain State Park
Roaring Gap, North Carolina
Stone Mountain State Park is located in Alleghany and Wilkes counties 60 miles northwest of Winston-Salem. Within the Park lies a 600-foot granite dome which has been designated as a National Natural Landmark, and the historic Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th-century farm situated at the mountain base.
Stone Mountain State Park
Roaring Gap, North Carolina
Stone Mountain State Park offers nearly all types of outdoor activity to experience a high country landscape adorned with beautiful waterfalls, winding creeks, and bountiful trout streams. A portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail runs through the park near the backcountry campsites.
Stone Mountain Park (GA)
Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most visited attraction. Its more than three thousand two hundred (3,200) makes the park a unique destination for guests and families to experience and enjoy an exciting variety of attractions, entertainment, and recreational activities.
Stone Mountain in Georgia is a quartz monzonite dome monadnock ( an isolated rock hill, knob, ridge, or small mountain) and is the location of Stone Mountain Park. It is located approximately sixteen (16) miles east of Atlanta, Georgia. The Park is owned by the state of Georgia. It is most famous for its artwork on the north face. An enormous relief sculpture carved on the stone itself depicting Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson, three (3) of the Confederate Leaders.
In comparing the two Stone Mountains one can realize that Stone Mountain, Georgia is larger and is not engaged in a series of ridges like its cousin in North Carolina. The one in Georgia is bordered by an actual city named Stone Mountain. It is also a fully developed park with a wide range of attractions to enjoy. The North Carolina Stone Mountain is a more traditional state park, with limited hours and access. Both Stone Mountains have a variety of hiking trails. The Georgia one has a Summit Skyride for easier access to the top. In North Carolina one would hike the Stone Mountain Loop Trail to access an area with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I visited Stone Mountain Park in Georgia with my family and extended family during the summer of 1972. I do not recall everything we did at the park, however, viewing & reconstructing my dad’s old slides does help to enable some of those memories. In October of 2017, my eldest son & I visited Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, North Carolina. One of his wishes that year was to drive the majority of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stone Mountain State Park was just one of many places we visited on that trip.
Please I encourage everyone to be polite and I desire no controversy over this post or regarding Stone Mountain Park itself.
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #9-Stone/s
Becky’s #SquareRenew-Reconstruct
Photo Credit: 1-2) ©️2017 Deb L. Waters; 3-4) ©️1972 Nornal H. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting the two (2) Stone Mountains with me. Thank you for joining me in viewing my memories of my dad’s reconstructed slides of our visit to Georgia. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 FOTD: 05.29
Calopogon tuberosus
Simpson’s grass pink and it is in the Orchid family (Orchidaceae) grasspink (Calopogon tuberosus var. simpsonii).
The genus name “Calopogon” is Greek and means “beautiful beard.” It refers to the hairlike structures on the upper petal. It has a bulb-like corm that resembles a tuber, hence the name “tuberosus.” The slender grass-like leaves give rise to the name “grass pink.” It is a stunning wildflower.
Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens.
Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take time to renew your body, mind, and spirit. Like the Garden we also need to renew ourselves to further our growth. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Numbers Game #23 — 144
Day Trippin’ with Coleman …
… At the YMCA
… At the Schiele Museum of Natural History
… At Anne Springs Close Greenway
Be sure to click on each photo for a larger view. Have a fabulous day!
Photo Credit:©️2022-2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm, Canon EF-S55-250mm, and Canon EF 75-300mm lenses.
Locations: 1)Warlick Family YMCA; 2-5) The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina; 6-11) Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for Day Trippin’ with us. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Weekend Sky: 05.25/6
Fluffy “Cottonball” Clouds
Photo Credit: ©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 RDP: Quilt
Barn Quilts & Such
Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio
Did you know that Barn Quilt Trails are located in 43 states of the United States of America and Canada has 3? Barn Quilts are believed to have originated in Pennsylvania almost 300 years ago when Europeans immigrated to America.
Have you ever wondered what a Barn Quilt is or their significance? A Barn Quilt is a large piece of wood painted to look like a quilt block and hung on the exterior of a barn, house, garage or other building. During the Revolutionary War, “Barn Quilts” were used to show American forces that an area was safe, secure, and supplies were available. Barn Quilts are a popular form of Americana folk art. They help to preserve the country’s quilting tradition and the regional heritage of various communities.
Barn Quilt Trails
The first Barn Quilt Trail was started by Donna Sue Groves. She came up with the idea while working for the Ohio Arts Council in the 1990s. Donna Sue shared her story in “Following the Barn Quilt Trail.” Soon barn quilts spread to other states, becoming driving tours, drawing in tourists and bringing the Appalachian way of life to the forefront. The Barn Quilts in the slideshow are located in the Ohio Barn Quilt Trails and the Appalachian Quilt Trail.
My Favorite Quilt
Even though this Quilt is not a Barn Quilt, it is extremely special to me. It was made by maternal grandmother with remnants of fabric used to make uniforms for me when I worked as a nursing assistant after high school. She lovingly made it with love to fit my bed. It was sewn on an old fashioned black Singer Sewing Machine to make each quilt top. She used colorful yarn to hand quilt and tie-off the quilt.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 CFFC: Alleys, Driveways, Parking Lots, Dirt Roads
For Cee’s CFFC this week I have dug Theo my archives and chose what I hope y’all will enjoy. Sorry, I don’t have any alleys, but I do have Driveways, Parking Lots, and as always Dirt Roads.
Driveways
Gastonia Fire Station #4
Gastonia, North Carolina
S. Meadowbrook Drive
San Diego, California
Parking Lots
Rankin Lake Park
Gastonia, North Carolina
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Charlotte, North Carolina
Consolidated Aircraft Corporation
San Diego, California
Dirt Roads
Carolina Thread Trail
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Belmont, North Carolina
Persimmon Trail
Carolina Thread Trail
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Belmont, North Carolina
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge-Alleys, Driveways, Parking Lots, Dirt Roads
Photo Credit:2)©️Nornal H. Waters (my dad); 4) ©️Trisha L. Wilson (my daughter); 5) Post Card from Harvey M. Watson (my maternal grandfather); All others ©️2017-2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Birds of the Carolinas #6
The Carib Grackle
(Quiscalus lugubris)
The Carib Grackle also referred to as the Common Grackle is a tropical blackbird which is taller and longer than the typical blackbird. The plumage of Grackles are entirely black, however it has a beautiful glossy iridescent body that may display violets, purples, blues, and greens when the sun is shining on them in just the right manner.
Grackles eat almost anything and everything they can find. They commonly eat insects, minnows, frogs, lizards, berries, grains, and even small birds and mice. They will confiscate food from other birds. And sometimes as these Grackles pictured here are exemplifying HOPE for a few morsels of bread crust or crumbs that may get dropped on the ground or scattered for other birds.
The Carib Grackle’s song is a mixture of harsh and melodic musical squeaks, croaks, and whistles which seem to sound anywhere from guttural to high-pitched clear whistles. Some people have compared their singing as sounding like a rusty gate.
Quiscalus lugubris in Monochrome
If you see them foraging around your yard or picnic table they are scavenging and are hoping you’ll share your food (or at least some bread crumbs) with them.
Lens-Artists Photography Challenge #299- Hopeful
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Huntingtowne Neighbourhood; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. May all your hopes, dreams, and prayers be fulfilled. Take care of yourselves and have a fantastic rest of your week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Cell Pic Sunday: 05.12
Tipula (Acutipula) luna
When we see an infiltration of these Tipulidae we know summer is approaching and we do not want a burgeoning of them like we’re having with the cicadas.
Crane flies are harmless to people but can cause damage to plants and your lawn. Plus, they can be really annoying if they make their way into your house!
Most species of crane flies have no mouth parts, and the ones that do only drink nectar. Crane flies don’t bite. They don’t sting, either. Though they may show up in large numbers and can be obnoxious, crane flies are harmless.
Crane Flies need a moist environment to survive and we have had more than our share of rain 🌧️ and thunderstorms ⛈️ practically daily as of late.
Becky’s Squares Renew – Burgeoning
Photo Credit: ©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.
Birds of the Carolinas #5
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) can be spotted around ponds and lakes. I normally see them around the smaller lakes and ponds in and around Anne Springs Close Greenway.
Great Blue Herons can hunt during the nighttime as well as during the day. Interestingly they have a high percentage of rodents-type photoreceptors in their eyes that improve their night vision. They congregate at fish hatcheries, creating potential problems for the fish farmers.
Great Blue Heron
Anne Springs Close Greenway
The Great Blue Heron is a majestic sight to behold. Its subtle blue-grey plumage frequently stands motionless as it scan for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a gopher. In flight, look for this widespread heron’s tucked-in neck and long legs trailing out behind.
includes
The Great Blue Heron
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Did you know that the Great Blue Heron is often seen as a symbol of patience? This I had not previously heard or known. Several Native American Tribes look at the heron as a symbol of patience and good luck. On the Northwest coast, people believe that if Native American fishermen spot a heron, it means good luck is with them, and they will have a successful fishing trip.
I have always considered the Great Blue Heron to be an amazing bird to observe. I did not ever realize that they were considered symbols or omens if you saw them. Evidently they are though.
In China, the Great Blue Heron represents strength, purity and long life. According to Native American tradition the heron symbolizes wisdom and good judgment. In ancient Egypt the heron was a symbol of creation while in Africa and Greece the heron was a messenger of the gods. Watching a heron fish also instructs us in patience.
Another interesting note regarding the Blue Heron is that it is believed to symbolize being calm, presence, being at peace, uniqueness, and balance. When seeing a Blue Heron one should take a moment to look inside yourself and consider nurture all aspects of yourself. Embrace who you are; your flaws (your weaknesses), your uniqueness, and ever your feelings of shame with self-love.
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
God Bless. May you have strength, purity, patience and long life. Take care of yourselves and have a fantastic rest of your week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Wordless Wednesday: 05.08
Be Wild
Be Square
Don’t Worry
Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L.Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Gardner Park Neighborhood; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Words for Thought #17
AKA Silverberry, Russian-olive
Photo Credit: (c) 2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens
Location: Gaston County Warlick Family YMCA; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Floral Renewal Macro Monday
Hybrid Sweetbriar Rose
(Rosa ‘Lady Penzance’)
Photo Credit: ©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max Ultra-wide Camera
Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Weekend FOTD: 04/.05
Burgeoning Wildflowers
Oxalis articulata
AKA Pink-sorrel
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Gardner Park Neighborhood; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. Have a fantastic weekend. I appreciate y’all very much.
Words for Thought #16
Photo Credit: (c) 2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens with Altura UV filter attachment.
Location: The Heritage Garden; The Farm; 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 very much.
2024 Macro Monday: 04.29
Pluteus cervinus
AKA deer-mushroom, fawn mushroom,
fawn-colored mushroom, deer shield
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max Ultra-Wide Camera
Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Weekend Sky: 04.28
“After every storm the sun will smile; for every problem there is a solution, and the soul’s indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer.”
William R. Alger
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
It’s about to start — Come on & Join me …
I’m in the Yellow Car
enjoying a Ride at Carowinds
Photo Credit:©️2018 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone X
Location: Carowinds; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you Brian at Busboys World for the idea. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 WWE #218
Some Murky, Some Reflections, Ripples, & Splashes
For Jez’s Water Water Everywhere this week I’m posting a variety of photos taken of Robinwood Lake.
Jez’s Water Water Everywhere #218
Photo Credit:©️ 2024 Deb L. Waters …. All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens and Altura UV & NP Filter attachments.
Location: Robinwood Lake; Warlick Family YMCA; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Birds of the Carolinas #3
American Robin — Eastern Robin
The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is one of the most familiar birds in South Carolina and Southern North Carolina. It is a migratory bird of the Turdidae thrush family. It is commonly spotted in forests, woodlands, suburban areas, gardens, and parks. They are known to build their nests on trees, and sometimes even on man-made structures such as porches and garages.
The American Robin is very energetic and spry. It flits about on the ground searching for food. They fly to and fro from the trees to electrical wires just outside our back patio. It is mostly active during the daytime and gathers in large flocks at night. We can hear their songs way before we can spot the in the sky, in the trees or on our electrical lines.
The American Robin’s diet generally consists mainly of such delicacies as earthworms, beetle grubs, caterpillars, and grasshoppers, and a large portion of wild and cultivated fruits and berries.
We continuously hear them singing throughout the afternoon as we sit out back and Coleman plays in his sand Turtle. They are often among the first songbirds to sing as dawn rises or hours before, and last as evening sets in. One fact I learned recently is that the American Robin sings when storms are approaching and again when the storms have passed.
Interesting Facts about the American Robin are that they are protected throughout the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They are considered a symbol of Spring. A noted Quebec superstition is whoever sees the first Robin of Spring will have good luck. It is believed by some that the first robin of spring means it is a promise of new beginnings and renewal similar to how plants begin to grow and bloom in springtime.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 CMMC: April —Alphabet a CK or CH in a word in Monochrome
My CK and CH seen while Coleman and I walked around the neighbourhood.
wearing a Backpack
walking to the Dump Truck
in Monochrome
of the Door
on a Dump Truck
Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge-April Alphabet_a CK or CH in a word
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: New Hope Road; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 CFFC: Things that are Rough
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge-Things that are Rough
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Cameras: 1) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens; 2) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF 75-300mm lens; 3) iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: 1-2) Warlick Family YMCA; Gastonia, North Carolina; 3) Patio; Gastonia, North Carolina
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge – Flow & WWE #218
Flowing Downstream
Here is my compilation for this week’s Weekly Prompt’s Weekend Challenge. I’m also applying it to Jez’s Water Water Everywhere Challenge.
These are just a few of the ways we see water flowing as we walk through the neighbourhood or as we hike among the trees in and around the Carolinas.
Gastonia, North Carolina
Fort Mill, South Carolina
The Schiele Museum’s Nature Trail Gastonia, North Carolina
Fort Mill, South Carolina
Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge – Flow
Jez’s Water Water Everywhere #218
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Cameras: 1-3) iPhone 14 Pro Max; 4) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
2024 Monday Portrait: 04.22
Bleating to Greet Y’all
Wait a Sec … I’ll Come Closer.
Can Y’all See Me Now?
Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF 75-300mm lens and Altura CPL filter attachment.
Location: The Farm; 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 Macro Monday: 04.22
Rhododendron japonicum
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens with Altura UV filter attachment.
Location: The Nature Trail; 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.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 