The World Mourns: RIP Your Majesty!

This has been an amazing opportunity to watch live the funeral procession and other events honoring and remembering Queen Elizabeth II. Many of you may have watch some of the live coverage of the various events occurring of the past several days to celebrate the life of Her Majesty, the Queen. May she rest in peace. I was not able to watch every coverage of the lying-in state, the processional with Princess Anne accompanying her beloved mother back to London from the Queen’s Balmoral Castle in Scotland, but I was able to watch parts of the proceedings over the past week including the funeral procession today.

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in London, United Kingdom and passed onto her home in Heaven joining her beloved husband on September 8, 2022. [As a side note, she was born three short years before my father]. She had been the reigning monarch for my entire life. I felt as if I knew her even though I did not really know her. In this modern age of television, her live and reign as the Queen of England, The United Kingdon, and The Commonwealth her live as been on display for the entire world to see. That being said, it is no wonder why she is being mourned by the world, the United Kingdom, The Commonwealth, as well as her family.

Watching the funeral procession, Monday, September 19th, the long trek from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey and on to St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, Britain was an honor, sad, and extremely heartfelt. She was the first to be televised throughout her reign, and the first Monarch to have her funeral and processions televised across multiple media site for the whole world to watch and mourn. I know for myself there were times throughout the processional and funeral that I was almost brought to tears. If I had been there, I know I would have shed some tears for Queen Elizabeth, beloved by most everyone.

The slideshow pictures above are screenshot pictures from watching the processional via YouTube. I was amazed about the thought process and the intricate details of the entire arrangements for Queen Elizabeth. They were well thought out and carried out with great finesse. It was wonderful to see differences put aside for the greater good of honoring and remembering of Her Majesty, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother. Prince William and Prince Harry side by side carrying out their roles and duties together for the sake and benefit of their beloved Grandmother.

President Biden and his wife were amongst the 2,000 guests in attendance bidding farewell to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. Hundreds of thousands of mourners lined the streets and parks to get a glimpse of Her Majesty’s coffin as it was driven throughout London. There were 500 world leaders and foreign dignitaries present for the funeral in addition to The Queen’s closest family members which included Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte.

This is a sad time for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, but also a time for new beginnings. King Charles III has already ascended to the throne as Britain’s new monarch. Let us not be disrespectful of any members of the royal family. They are in mourning and will be for some time even after the official mourning time has passed. Let us remember the family of Queen Elizabeth in our prayers. May the Lord comfort and strengthen them in the coming days.

REST IN PEACE your Majesty

God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.

Mid-Week Monochrome: #106 – 9/22/2022

Greenway monochrome shots: Tracks, Tables, Tree Shrooms.

Railroad Tracks
Campsite Table/Stand
Built by Ian Burke
2021 Eagle Scout
Troop 422
Picnic Tables
Tree Shrooms

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Wordless Wednesday: 9/21

Winter
December 2010
Lancaster, South Carolina
Farm Barn
Lancaster, SC

God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

FOTD: 9/20/2022

Flowers from my hike with my grandson taken at Anne Springs Close Greenway. Posting these photos for Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge.

God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.

Monday Portrait: Horse Loving

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Silent Sunday: Flowing Water

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

This year National POW/MIA Recognition Day is on September 16, 2022. The day designated to recognize POW/MIA Day is on the third Friday in September. It has been recognized on the third Friday in September since 1979. Before that time, there was not an official day to recognize the POW’s and MIA. The resolution passed by Congress and the President made it official. However, it took the families of more than 2,500 Vietnam War POW/MIAs to push for their full accountability.

POW/MIA Recognition Day
Veterans.com

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is a time to remember the sacrifices that were made by the prisoners of war (POW) and the many servicemembers who are still missing in action (MIA). The first observance of POW/MIA Day took place at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C… It included a remembrance ceremony. Since that time, the official observance by the Department of Defense is located at the Pentagon. Other ceremonies to recognize POW/MIA Day occur at various military installations across the nation.

The need for a symbol of POW/MIAs was first recognized by Mrs. Michael Hoff, an MIA wife in 1970. She set the wheels in motion to have a flag designed to represent America’s missing soldiers. The POW/MIA Flag is the only flag ever displayed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. It is also the only other flag besides the American flag to fly over the White House.

“On this National POW/MIA Recognition Day, let’s take a moment to think about the soldiers who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing, as well as their families.”

GIFQuotes.com

You Are Not Forgotten; the central phrase behind the POW/MIA remembrance movement. This movement has been going on since the days of my youth. I remember wearing, as many others wore, copper bracelets with the name of a POW or MIA soldier imprinted on it. It was an ever-present reminder to remember America’s prisoners of war and those who were (and still are) missing in action. During my time in high school, we were honored and proud to wear those bracelets and to remember our POW/MIAs.

As we recognize POW/MIA Day, let us take a look at the immense importance of this movement to remember those soldiers who have been listed as POW/MIAs.

American POW Numbers:

The following statistics are according to a Congressional Research Service report on POWs.

  • 130,201 World War II service members were imprisoned; 14,072 of them died.
  • 7,140 Korean War service members were imprisoned; 2,701 of them died.
  • 725 Vietnam War service members were imprisoned; 64 of them died.
  • 37 service members were imprisoned during conflicts since 1991, including both Gulf wars; none is still in captivity.

American MIA Numbers:

The MIA Numbers are according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency 83,114 Americans who fought in those wars are still missing. The list includes the following:

  • 73,515, from World War II (an approximate number due to limited or conflicting data)
  • 7,841 from the Korean War
  • 1,626 from Vietnam
  • 126 from the Cold War
  • 6 from conflicts since 1991.

These numbers are devastating. The POW/MIAs will never be forgotten. There are constant continuous efforts being made to find those soldiers (Men and women), to identify them and to bring them home. [As a side note, I am very fortunate that my family members who served in the various wars came home alive. My maternal grandfather came home from France during World War I; he was wounded during the war, but thankfully he came home. My father and his brother came home from the Korean Warl; my uncle was wounded during the conflict. My husband (deceased in 2018) and his older brother came home alive from the Vietnam War. I know my husband suffered from PTSD due to the effects of what he went through during the conflict. My younger son suffers from PTSD from his time served in Afghanistan; but he came home alive unlike many others.]

I urge everyone to take a moment to remember the extreme sacrifices which were made by our POW/MIAs and the pact America made to them. That we will take care of them, and no matter how much time passes they will make it home. Let us Never forget our POW/MIAs. Their sacrifices insured our Freedom.

Medina County Veterans Service Office

God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.

FOTD: 9/17

This photo is from my walking out my back door and to the end of our complex with my grandson to spot what we could see on a short walk. Not many flowers were spotted, but we we lucky to spot a couple to brighten our day.

Cee’s FOTD Challenge:

Hydrangea paniculata

God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Monday Windows: Rustic

Rustic Window
Historic Graham Cabin
Side view: Door 🚪 and Windows 🪟

God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Mid-Week Monochrome: #103


Main Hospital Soldiers Home
Dayton, Ohio

This is actually one of my maternal grandfather’s photos I inherited after his passing when I was 12. It is very precious to me. On the back of the photo, he wrote what the name of the place. My maternal grandfather, Harvey Martin Watson, stayed on the fifth floor of the building on the right side of the photo. While he was there he received treatment for a wound he received during World War I. I not only gained a photo, but a piece of his history as well. That in itself means a great deal to me. It is extremely precious and definitely appreciated.

God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Wordless Wednesday: 9/14

Columbus Zoo
Columbus, Ohio

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

FOTD: 9/14

My entry for Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge come from my archives. It was taken back in April of 2013 with my Minolta XG7 35 mm camera.

False Garlic, NOTHOSCORDUM BIVALVE Lancaster, South Carolina

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Share Your Desktop: September 2022

These are my entries for Clare’s at Clare’s Cosmo Blog’s monthly challenge, Share Your Desktop. One is actually my screensaver and the other is my background.

Remembering 9/11
WTVP.com
Coleman Horse Loving

God Bless. Thank You. I appreciate y’all.

Monday Portrait: September 11

Anglo-Nubian
Goat

God Bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.

Remembering 9/11: Never Forget

WTVP.org

Today is the 21st Remembrance of 9.11.2001. A day most of us will never forget. A day we cannot erase from our memories. It was an extremely devasting time in American history. It seems like the event occurred just yesterday instead of twenty-one years ago today.

UponThisRock.com

What was this horrendous event? it was an extremely well planned out terrorist attack against America. This is the day we remember the loss of both of the Twin Towers and the devastating loss of nearly three thousand (3,0000) people. A good percentage of us were working our normal day when the tragic news of the hijacked airplanes colliding into the Twin Towers occurred.

QuotesGram.com

What, I think, A lot of people remember about 9/11 is the tragedy that occurred in New York and the collapse of The Twin Towers. Let us not forget that on that day two other targets were targeted as well. American Airlines Flight 77 was one of two other Airplanes that were hijacked. It was hijacked by five Saudi men affiliated with al-Qaeda. The plane was deliberately crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, near Washington D.C… All Sixty-four (64) people on board (six crew and themselves included) and an additional One Hundred Twenty-Five (125) who were in the building.

RichQuotes.com

Let us not forget there was still another airplane that was hijacked on that tragic day, 9/11. United Airlines Flight 93 was hijacked by four al-Qaeda terrorists on board as a preplanned part of the September 11 attacks. The difference with this particular Flight is that the brave crew and passengers fought back. Flight 93 was destined to fly into the Capitol building. Due to the heroic efforts of those on board that did not happen. Instead, it was crashed into an open field located near a wooded area in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. All Forty-four (44) people on board including crew and the hijackers were killed. Let us never forget the brave heroes that sacrificed their lives to save many more on the ground.

Have we learned anything from the events of this horrific day? Hopefully we have. Our country has become a stronger nation. The terrorists wanted to destroy the United State of America. Quess what, they didn’t succeed. We are a united people, who all love this country and unite together whenever there is a need.

I hope you were able to take time out of your busy day to remember the tragic events that occurred on 9/11 twenty-one (21) years ago. Strive to Never Forget those we lost, the survivors whose lives were forever changed, and the courage demonstrated by the many first responders as well as the everyday heroes. I will never forget the horrendous events of 9/11. Watching on live television as the airplanes collided into the Twin Towers. I will never forget the lives that were lost on that fateful day. Remember Always and Never Ever Forget.

TilVahallaProject.com

God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.

Silent Sunday: Railroad Trestle

Railroad Trestle
Over the
Catawba River

God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.

Backyard Nature:

American
Green
Tree
Frog

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Flower of the Day (FOTD): September 9

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD) challenge is always a pleasure to join.

God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.

Midweek Monochrome: Swinging, Hiking, & Kayaking — Pleasurable Activities to Enjoy

Good day and welcome to my blog. Today my photos have a multi-purpose. One purpose if for Brashley’s Mid-week Monochrome (MWM) Photography Challenge, next is Cee’s Black and White Photo Challenge (CBWC), and lastly, Travel with Intent blog’s One Word Sunday Challenge – Curve. I’m a little behind on posting the Sunday Challenge, hope y’all do not mind.

Swinging in Riverwalk Greenway: My grandson, Coleman loves taking a break from our hiking on the swings in the Greenway.

When hiking, we encounter various #curves along the trails.

Kayaking is a blueway activity that is enjoyed by many in the Carolinas. One can see Kayakers on the Catawba River at Riverwalk and several other locations along the river.

God Bless. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you’ve enjoyed and will visit again. I appreciate y’all.

Wordless Wednesday: Soaring – Air and Trail

Soaring in the Air:

Hidden
Emerging
Soaring High

Soaring on the Trail:

Hidden
Emerging
Soaring Low

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Silent Sunday: Great Blue Heron

God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.

FOTD: September 5th

A couple of potted plants for Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge.

Potted Petunias

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Pull Up A Seat: ASCG Seating

This is my first time participating in XingfuMama’s Pull Up a Seat Photo Challenge. I hope y’all will enjoy my entries.

Seating
outside the
Gibson House
Seating
by the
Farm Animals
Picnic
SEATING
by
Lake Haigler
Seating
with a
Beautiful View
Coleman
chose a
Log
for
HIS SEATING
place

God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

#The Last Photo: August 2022

Brian from Bushboy’s World challenges all to post The Last Photo on the Card or on their phones for August 2022. The rules are simple and are as follows.

The rules are simple:
1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 31st January (use current month).
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 Brian’s post here
5. Tag “The Last Photo”

From my iPhone 13 Pro:

@Anne Springs Close Greenway

From my Canon EOS Rebel T3i:

My Grandson approaching Lake Crandall
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Canon EOS Rebel T3i
f/5.6 • 1/80 • 55mm
Canon EF -S55-250mm
f/4-5.6 IS II • ISO125

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

FOTD: September 2

Flowers from my hike along North Steele Creek at Anne Springs Close Greenway is my entry for Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge .

Gypsophila paniculata
Look
👀
Closer
Baby’s Breath
has a
Visitor

God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.

Catawba River: Westminster Park Area

Catawba
River
Westminster
Park
Bobby
Adams
Trail
Rock Hill,
South Carolina
View from Bridge
Catawba River

God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.

Wordless Wednesday: 8/31 – Green Anole: AKA Carolina Anole

Anolis carolinensis

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Have A Seat: Relax & Reflect

Bench
@ Andrew Jackson State Park

A bench is a wonderful place to sit and catch your breath. A place you can enjoy the view. A place you can read. A place you can relax. A place you can reflect on life, On what God has done for you.

This particular bench is one I take advantage of when visiting Andrew Jackson State Park. I love the views from here of the lake. I thank God for His beautiful creations and the delight it brings me.

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Plants and Trees: Bougainvillea

Taken in San Diego County
On the Left:
Parana’ Pine
Center:
Bougainvillea
`San Diego Red’
And
on the Right:
California Fan Palm
Washingtonia filifera

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Do Not Worry: Pray Instead

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:34 NIV (New International Version)
https://www.restore-ministries.net

Saying do not worry is a lot easier than actually not worrying. When you worry, you allow yourself to dwell on the negative, the difficulties, the troubles in your life. Worry doesn’t help anything, it doesn’t prevent troubles from coming your way. So what does worry do? It can lead to feelings of high anxiety and possibly cause you to become physically ill. It is natural to worry about our problems, our situation in life, however, it never resolves anything.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4: 6-7 ESV (English Standard Version)
Worry
about Nothing
Pray
about Everything
Philippians 4:6

God already knows our thoughts, our troubles, our concerns so why not talk to Him about what is on our minds? Pray about your troubles and concerns. Pray about what causes you to be anxious and worry. Do not lose sleep over your troubles. Give them all over to God through prayer instead. God cares about every detail of your life. Do not suppress your emotions, it is better to pour your heart out and lay your thoughts and concerns at the feet of Jesus.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

John 14:1-3 KJV (King James Version)

Why should you pray? There are many healthful benefits of praying. God instructs us to pray. The following are a few reasons why we should prayer.

  • Prayer reduces stress. When you prayer your heart rate and blood pressure decreases, and your breathing regulates...
  • Prayer reduces empathy…Pray for others, not just yourself
  • Prayer Builds Relationships…strengthens your relationship with God and others. You do not have to prayer alone.
  • Prayer is Spiritual Exercise…Helps keep your soul in shape. Prayer exercises the mind.
  • Prayer improves your Emotional Health…It gives you a connection to someone greater than yourself. It gives you a greater sense of purpose, betters your mood, and helps you to cope and overcome difficulties.

“Casting all your anxieties on him. because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7 ESV (English Standard Version)

“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”

Psalm 34:17 ESV (English Standard Verion)

God takes care of you always. He has in the past, he is now in the present, and he will continue to take care of you in the future. Even though it is hard not to worry, giving your troubles over to God is for your betterment. God will not fail you. God loves you and only wants the best for you. Lean on Him. Let God be your strength in difficult times.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
lordsguidance.com

God Bless. I pray the Lord strengthens you, guides your every move, protects you from harm, and grants you the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for listening. I appreciate y’all.

FOTD: 8/25

My Flower of the Day (FOTD) is one I took in August 2021. I hope you enjoy it.

Scientific name: Commelina communis
Asiatic Dayflower

God Bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.

Rainbow Baby: What does it mean? Why are they celebrated?

Yesterday, August 22nd, was National Rainbow Baby Day. Have you ever experienced a Rainbow Baby? Do you know what is meant by a Rainbow Baby? I do and remember every year.

A Rainbow Baby is a baby born subsequent to a miscarriage, stillbirth, or death of an infant from natural causes. I actually have three Rainbow babies. Each of my three living children were born within a year of a miscarriage or stillbirth. I have not and will now ever forget the babies I lost. I treasure the babies, now grown, which God graciously allowed me to have.

The Rainbow represents beauty after a dark time. It is sad that nearly one in four pregnancies ends in loss. That loss could be due to miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or blighted ovum. My maternal grandmother lost a baby girl after fourteen days of her birth. I had two miscarriages and one stillbirth. The loss is one which is never forgotten, even though you go on with life. The majority of people would never know the experience you went through.

The term Rainbow Baby began to be used approximately around 2008. Before that time things like that weren’t really discussed. The term Rainbow Baby has gained popularity through social media and on blogs. The term has come to symbolize hope and healing.

On August 22nd, families throughout the country commemorate the lives of the infants they lost while also celebrating motherhood. I, myself, commemorate all three of the infants I lost and am very grateful for my three living children. Those of us that have experienced the loss of a baby welcome and celebrate our Rainbow Babies with joy, reflection, healing, and a deep set of mixed emotions. When one carries a Rainbow Baby after a previous loss, one can feel anxiety as well as joy. You grieve the one you lost while celebrating the new life growing inside of you. The feelings of anxiety come from not knowing if the new baby will survive, if you’ll lose it as well. You pray that the Rainbow baby will be healthy and that you’ll be able to hold him or her in your arms.

God Bless. Thank you for listening. Rainbow babies are very dear to my heart. Mine bring me joy, but I will never forget the ones I lost. I, truly believe I will see my babies I lost again one day. I appreciate y’all.

Wordless Wednesday: 8/24

God Bless. Have a funtastic day. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.

Flower of the Day Challenge

These entries are from my hike along the Catawba River. The flowers I notice along the river are not always the same. Different ones catch my eye at different times. The wildflowers are beautiful to observe and enjoy .

My entries for Cee’s FOTD Challenge from 8/22. Hope y’all enjoy.

Cardinal Flower
Purple Passionflower

©️DebbieLWaters

God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Coleman Meets his Paternal Great Grandmother

My grandson turned three on July 25th and had never met the majority of his paternal relatives including his paternal great grandmother. His paternal great grandmother lives in Japan and hasn’t been in this country, at least not for a very long time. She recently got on a plane in Japan and flew to South Carolina. She is here because her daughter, my grandson, Coleman’s paternal grandmother, is extremely ill. She doesn’t seem to know where she is, hasn’t been eating for weeks before she was taken to the hospital. Her lack of substance and her alcoholism has destroyed a lot of the normal bodily functions, like walking, her organs, and her breathing to name a few. At this time, she has not been given a sufficient diagnosis and was sent to a rehabilitation facility. This does not make since to several people, but the only person who has any say in her treatment is her husband. She is on oxygen, is unable to walk, even for short distances like to the bathroom. Prayers would be appreciated on her behalf.

Coleman
&
his paternal
great grandmother

Most people that cross Coleman’s path on the trail or out and about know he is not usually shy, but very friendly and says hi to everyone. That was not the case today when he met his paternal great grandmother for the very first time. He backed away, hid behind me and didn’t say anything for a long time. I’ve never known Coleman to be shy. Coleman’s dad, David picked her up from his dad’s home and brought her to our home. The meeting was in familiar surroundings, but a strange person in his home seemed to baffle him. It took some coaxing to get him to sit next to her.

Coleman’s
paternal
great grandmother
trying to
get him
to talk

Since Coleman has a very strong attachment to me, I left the room to try to help him not to cling to me, but to allow him an opportunity to get acquainted with his paternal great grandmother. I feel gratitude that Coleman was given this opportunity to meet her. Thankfully she does speak a little English as her primary language is Japanese. My grandson’s father does not speak Japanese, it was not taught to him when he was growing up.

Thankful for the short time Coleman had to spend with his paternal great grandmother. Maybe she can come again to visit him while she is in the United States.

God bless. Thank you. I appreciate each and every one of y’all.

Cell Pic Sunday: Lake Haigler

Here’s my entry for John’s Cellpic Sunday

Lake Haigler
View
from
Timberline Trail
Lake Haigler.
View
from bench
east of dock
Lake Haigler

God bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.

Desktop Photo: August 2022

Coleman playing in Lake Haigler

God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.

Mushrooms: Fungi kind of Day

Today as Coleman and I hiked along Timberline Trail at Anne Springs Close Greenway we saw several groups of Mushrooms. Several of the hikers in the hiking club enjoy taking photos of mushrooms. Some refer to them as shrooms.

A Mushroom or toadstool is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruity body of a fungus. They are typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food source. Most mushrooms have a stalk (aka a stem), and a cap, which is usually disc shaped.

The mushroom helps the tree extract minerals and water from the soil. In exchange, the tree supplies the mushroom with sugar compounds. An interesting fact is that mushrooms are genetically closer to humans than plants. You might wonder how that can even be possible. Well, I wonder that too. It is something I never knew before. It is always beneficial to keep learning new things. Below is a list of amazing facts regarding mushrooms.

  • Fungi breath oxygen and exhale co2.
  • More than 80% of the earth under your feet is mycelium.
  • The mushroom is the tip of the iceberg & is the fruity body of the mycelium.
  • The fruity body makes up less than 5% of the organism.
  • Mushrooms spores can survive the vacuum and radiation of space.
  • Death Cap is one of the most deadliest organisms on the earth.
  • psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms) are being researched at John Hopkins University to treat depression, addiction, and many other psychological problems.
  • Mushrooms taste good and are free.

I try my best to make sure that Coleman, my grandson, does not touch any mushrooms we see out on the trails. One question to ask: “Is it okay to Touch a mushroom?” There are many common mushrooms which contain toxins, so one needs to be cautious about touching them. It is important not to touch mushrooms growing in the wild. Why you might ask? They may be rare species which should not be damaged. It is difficult to tell if a mushroom is toxic, so it is pertinent to instruct your children to not touch or play with mushrooms. Mushrooms are typically fragile; therefore, it is best to leave them untouched. Touching them may damage or discolor them dye to the oils that are present naturally on our skin.

God Bless. If you come across wild mushrooms, think twice before touching them. You never know the harm that touching them might cause. Thank You for stopping by. I appreciate y’all.

FOTD – August 19 – Tea Rose Hybrid

My entry today for Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge (FOTD). A, I think, beautiful Tea Rose Hybrid.

Tea
Rose 🌹
Hybrid

I originally took this photo of a rose from my garden back in September of 2013. I loved having a small garden back then, but unfortunately I am unable to have one at present.

God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.

Mid-Week Monochrome Challenge: MWM #101 – A Blast from the Past

Brashley Photography blog Mid-Week Monochrome challenge. This week I decided to post Monochrome pictures from my past.

Deep Gap,
North Carolina
Watson Cemetery
Deep Gap,
North Carolina
Headstone
for
Henrietta Walters
(aka Waters)
My Great Grandmother
Bethune,
South Carolina

I love to research my ancestry and visit my ancestral cemeteries when possible. It is fun for me to look back and enjoy the memories.

God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.

All photos ©️gfpacificbee. Photo Credit: Debbie L Waters

Wordless Wednesday: Painted Rocks

God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.

Flower of the Day Challenge (FOTD)8/16

My entries for Cee’s FOTD Challenge. I hope you enjoy them.

Cardinal Flower
Eastern Bumble Bee
Feasting on a
False Sunflower
Trumpet Vine
Pomegranate,
anar (Punica granatum)
flowers
Butterflies
enjoying the nectar
from a
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Commonly known as
Buttonbush

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Flowing River Water 💦 💧 💦

Catawba River

The sound of flowing water is calming to the soul. It can calm you spirit, help you to relax, and improve your sleep quality. I enjoy being near the flowing waters at the river and lakes. Do you? My grandson loves to be near any outdoor body of water. He enjoys watching the water flow, but he loves playing in it more. He loves to jump in water or throw things like rocks, tree limbs, or whatever he can find and watch them make the water splash.

The Bible often speaks about water. It uses water as a symbol for faith, salvation, and provision. Water is used as an example of our relationship with God.

  • Spring of Water from God leads to Eternal Life. John 4:14
  • Thirsting for God is illustrated through the deer panting for streams of water. Psalm 42:1
  • God uses Water as a guide Isaiah 49:10
  • The Living Water – Jesus is the living water. John 7:37-38
  • God will be our Constant Guide through the storms of life. He will walk through them with us.

When I see the river or lake waters flowing, I am amazed at the wonders of God’s creation. The natural calming effect the sounds of the flowing waters have upon me. It is truly miraculous how it all flows together for our benefit.

Take the time to enjoy nature and if possible watch the waters flowing from a lake, river, or stream and let me know how you are affected by them.

God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.

Cell Pic Sunday: 8/14

Catawba River
Catawba River
Coleman
Catawba River
Overlook
Coleman

Couldn’t pick just one. Catawba River and Coleman. Love ❤️ them both.

God Bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.