Brian from Bushboys Worldhosts 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 my contributions …
From my Canon EOS T7 (2000D):
Civil Air Patrol Cadets gather after hiking at Kings Mountain National Military Park
God Bless. Enjoy your Spring/Autumn days. Stay safe. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, also known as the domestic duck. The ones pictured here are Indian Runner Ducks or referred to as Runner Duck.
The duck to the right, the white and fawn duck is the Indian Runner Duck.
The Indian Runner Ducks are unique in that they stand upright similar to penguins with a long slender body. Unlike the majority of ducks which waddle when they walk, the Indian Runner Ducks run. Runners have a straight-backed gait and move with a quick, running pace.
Don’t let the Indian name fool you, they actually originated from Southeast Asia. The Indian Runner Ducks were brought over from the Indonesian islands of Lombok, Java, and Bali to Europe and the Americas in the 19th century.
The Indian Runner Ducks ability to run and forage. Historically, they were herded into rice paddies to forage snails, slugs, and insects using them as natural pest controls. Having the runner Ducks in the rice paddies provided farmers with additional income and the Ducks provided natural manure beneficial to the rice crops, reducing the need for fertilizer.
Indian Runner Ducks
The Indian Runner Ducks may be known as fast runners, however, they were not fast enough to stop Coleman from catching them. They are also known to be prolific egg layers, producing white, hen-sized eggs. The females are able to produce approximately 150 to possibly over 300 eggs per year. (Too bad these don’t fly over the fence between our yards. If they did I wouldn’t need to buy so many eggs.)
Location: Neighbours Trampoline; From our Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. May the Lord God bring a ray of Sunshine into your lives and Sonshine into your souls. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
One, Two, Three Ducks running away from Coleman. Now that we live next door to chickens and ducks 🦆, Colemanhas a penchant for pursuing and chasing our neighbours chickens and ducks.
One never knows when Coleman will #PullUpaSeat or where he will #PullUpaSeat or what he’ll choose to #PullUpaSeat upon. It could be a chair, an outdoor fire pit, a Little Tyke Big Rig, or possibly a trampoline. Whenever he feels like Pulling Up a Seat, you can be one hundred per cent confident he’ll find something, somewhere to Pull Up a Seat.
This Friday (yesterday) was no exception. Here are Coleman’s choices …
Coleman and I have been visiting various churches in our area. According to Google the church at 2700 Crescent Lane in Gastonia, North Carolina is named Second Baptist Church. Google AI describes the church as “a community cornerstone that blends traditional and modern architecture to provide a welcoming atmosphere for its congregation.”
Welcome Pentecostal Church “The Great I Am”
We decided since it was in walking distance that we would visit and see if it would possibly be a church we would like to attend. Lo and behold, when we approached the church it did not seem to be as advertised or as stated by Google.
Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy,”
The building no longer served as a place for worship by Second Baptist Church. The church is now called Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy,” a Spanish Pentecostal Church.
Pentecostal Church “The Great I AM.”
Discovering that it was a Spanish speaking church I asked Coleman if he wanted to go back home. He said, “No, he wanted to go inside and attend the service.” So, we went inside. We arrived at 11am, the time when most of the churches in the area begin their services. Turns out Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy,” doesn’t begin their services until 12 pm. The church is open before then for anyone to come inside and pray.
Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy,”
Guess what. Coleman and I approached the front door and were graciously welcomed to go inside and worship with them. So we did, we went inside and took a seat near the back (not sure if we’d manage to stay for the whole service.) We were greeted (in English) by several people making us feel welcome.
Turns out waiting an hour for a service to begin isn’t that easy especially for an energetic six year old (let alone his grandma). Not everyone who went up from to front to pray prayed quietly as this gentleman was doing. After a while Coleman decided he had to use the restroom so we walked out to the foyer to locate one. He then informed me he didn’t understand the words they were singing or speaking. He understands a little Spanish but a a slower pace than what was being used. Because of that he decided he’d rather go back home than stay for the rest of the time.
God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Get Outdoors. Have a fabulous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
We recently moved into a different house (on 2027.03.01) and already had to inform our landlady of a plumbing leak with the kitchen sink. It was leaking from the spray hose, the pipe joints under the sink, & the sink basket on the right side was rusted so terribly bad that it was leaking from it as well.
Our Landlady called a guy she knew of that lived done the street, however, that particular guy didn’t show up the next day after the initial meeting with landlady. We informed her that he didn’t show up to repair the leak. She calls back a couple days later informing us a different person would be coming out to “repair” the leak.
Rear Doors of a Brothers Plumbing Vehicle
Lo and behold, what we thought was going to be a simple “repair” of a kitchen faucet/sink leak turned out to become a huge problem with more issues than we ever expected or imagined. (Don’t worry, I’m getting to the Brothers Plumber in just a little bit.)
Turned out the piping was cracked, the previous sealant wasn’t applied or was improperly applied to the joints for the pipes. The “sink basket, basket strainer, strainer, etc. were all rusted, corroded, and the “plumber” (2nd person called) couldn’t get the sink basket strainer assembly off without removing the entire sink and pipes.
Are you understanding my meaning by saying it turned out not to be a simple “repair?) When this person tried to turn off the water valve under the kitchen sink it broke, so therefore, he called a “plumber” from BrothersAir (Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing). Guess what? The man fromBrothers didn’t do any better than the 2nd person. Oh, he replaced the water shut off valve alright, but he wasn’t much assistance when the entire sink was replaced. Now, let me back up a minute. The 2nd man went to Lowe’s and purchased a whole new sink, faucet and kitchen drain assembly with basket strainer and returned and installed it before the 3rd man (the Brothers Plumber) arrived. He stopped working on the repair after he broke the water shut off valve until the Brothers Plumber replaced the valve.
Side view of Brothers Van & doors.
When all the “new” pipes, sink, faucet, and entire drain assembly were attached, do you think that was the end of our problems? Yeah, you’re right it was not. Part of the pipes and connecting joint connectors were put on crooked and not fastened properly together which then meant we STILL had a leakage problem. Not only that, but then the 2nd person & the Brothers Plumber discovered a leak with the water meter (of course it was on the side for the property & not the city to fix.
Now you’re probably wondering what else could go wrong. With all these problems, the 2nd person was in communication with our landlady and her being frustrated (remind you a “simple” repair turned in a major repair) gave my daughter and ear full as if we were the source and cause for the leak the major issues with the repair after.
Now onto the next day. The 2nd man returned with yet another Plumber (4th man). You keeping all this straight? Kinda like the old saying “How many electricians does it take to change a light bulb?” except it’s “How many Plumbers does it take to repair a leak?” Well, with the addition of the 4th Plumber the pipes have been straightened, the joints (hopefully) properly sealed, and (hopefully) no more leak. [Note: the 3rd Plumber (the Brothers Plumber) charged the 2nd man $500 to replace the water supply (shutoff) valve & that’s about all he did other than help discover the leak at the water meter.
The 4th Plumber corrected the mistakes made by the other “Plumbers”, flushed out the drain/sewage system informing us the “Flushable” wipes are NOT really flushable or biodegradable as some brands claim. Turns out that Flushable wipes do not have consistent standards or regulations of the products. This 4th Plumber will return tomorrow (aka today, Thursday). He said he will double check that the sealant has properly sealed the pipes and no additional sealant needed (but if needed he’ll add additional). He said also that he will repair the leak at the water meter.
By my count it has taken Four Plumbers to repair a a leak with the kitchen sink. It has also cost a tremendous amount more dollars than it should have cost. The 2nd Plumber says he’ll take care of our first water bill (the water is still leaking at the meter (hopefully not after tomorrow.)
How could we be source of this problem when we’ve barely been in the house? Beyond our comprehension currently.
Do you think we would recommend this particular BrothersAirto anyone for any kind of service or repair? I absolutely think not.
Location: Our Residence; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take Care. Stay Warm (We’re back to freezing low temperatures). Be Grateful. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Sidewalk in Front; City of David; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. May the Lord God bring a ray of Sunshine into your lives and Sonshine into your souls. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Neighbour’s Trampoline; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Spread some love and kindness to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan Antion hosts theThursday Doorschallenge every Thursday. All you need to do to participate is post a picture(s) of a door(s) and leave a link to your post on his current post.
For this week I am posting images of Doors in and around the Kings Mountain National Military Park Visitor Center & Museum.
First, we begin at the entrance to the Visitor Center …
Entrance Doors to the Visitor Center and Museum
Now let’s look at a couple of doors inside the Museum.
Not sure what this door, that Coleman found, was used for. However, He opened it up to check it out anyway.
Emergency Exit Only
And lastly, let’s check out to see what door(s) Coleman found outside near a trail.
Location: Kings Mountain National Military Park; Blacksburg, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a great rest of your week and a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Our neighbours have several breeds of chickens in their backyard. They don’t always stay in his yard, sometimes they come a visiting. He has two or three Rhode Island Reds like this one and they tend to fly short distances until they are able to “jump” over the wire fence. When they do they are more than likely going to be caught by Coleman.
Our Neighbours Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is a popular, hardy American chicken breed (a friend in Texas as some as well). They are known to be excellent producers of large brown eggs (approximately 6-7 eggs per week). Even though most individual chicken owners raise them for their eggs, they are also an excellent source of high-quality meat. It is said that the Rhode Island Red Roosters could be aggressive and not ideal for small children or neighbours. (I think our neighbours Rhode Island Reds must be hens, since hens are more friendly and they haven’t pecked Coleman yet.)
God Bless. Keep your eyes open for interesting photography opportunities. They maybe lurking about in the least likely places. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
We visited a new playground for Coleman … The T. Jeffers Center in Gastonia 1 mile away (3 minutes by car or 21 minutes walking) away from our new home.
T. Jeffers Center & Park
He ran around from here, there, and yonder so quickly it was hard to keep visual tracking of his whereabouts.
Playground at T. Jeffers Center & Park
Where in the Playground is Coleman? Can you spot him? If so, let me know where you see him.
Location: The T. Jeffers Center and Park; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take time to enjoy a few adventures. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen Any Which Way (Your Choice) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome. For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Here are my entries …
Entering the Carolina Speedway …
Carolina Speedway SignThe long line to entering the parking area. Walking to the Seating area at the TrackWalking to the Seating area at the TrackCee’s Which Way Challenge Any Which Way (Your Choice)
In between the regular Monster Truck Wars competitions the event held a Power Wheels Truck race featuring the littlest and youngest “Monster Truck” drivers. These images are from the Power Wheels Truck race.
Enthusiastic young driverMini Grave Digger Truck & driver Slowly approaching starting lineLining up & waving to crowd (Trio of Power Wheels)Roaring and rolling They are off … One, Two, Three … (not final order)Nearing the finish lineThursday Trios & CWWC
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Monday was Coleman’s first day at his new school, Edward D. Sadler Jr Elementary. The school is named after Dr. Edward DeWitt Sadler, Jr. (1947–2018). He served as the first African-American Superintendent of Gaston County schools. He believed ‘All Children Can Learn.’
The school’s mascot is the Gators. The school celebrates diversity through their international teachers, who share their cultures and languages with students.
Coleman’s new school
This year the entire school is reading ‘The One and Only Ivan’ by Katherine Applegate. The school is encouraging families to read and discuss the book together as a family. The students will also discuss in their classrooms at school. Sadler Elementary encourages students to dream big, work hard, and celebrate what makes them unique.
After only a couple of days of Coleman being at the new school, we can already see an improvement in his attitude towards school, the encouragement from his teachers, and his confidence for learning has increased.
Location: Edward D. Sadler Jr. Elementary School; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a great rest of your week and a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Inside Chick-Fil-A; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Stop and smell the Flowers. Bring a Ray of Sunshine’s Beauty inside. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
I received a good morning text from my brother out of the blue this morning. However, that was not the surprise. The surprise was that he was out he my neck of the woods.
He flew in from Texas for my Aunt’s Dalline’s funeral. (I missed the funeral dye to a prior commitment that was scheduled at the same time.) I respond back with a “Good Morning,” but was wondering why he was texting me this morning. (Not something he would normally do except for birthdays and holidays.)
You see, I didn’t know he was flying out here for the funeral and he didn’t realize we had conflicting schedules and wouldn’t make it to the funeral. He texted and asked where he should send a sympathy card, so I thought he wasn’t coming. And he didn’t tell me he was here until shortly before his flight back home to Texas.
Hey sis, Surprise I’m in Charlotte. Then he tried to tell me there was no need to meet up. That didn’t sit well with me. My daughter (who works at CLT airport) wasn’t satisfied with that comment either.
Therefore, Surprise Larry. We’re coming to the airport to see you before your flight takes off. (That’s what my daughter told my brother.)
My brother, Larry Dean Waters @Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
How’d you like that for a Surprising day. What else was Surprising was Coleman’s reaction to seeing my brother. (You have to understand, normally Coleman doesn’t meet a stranger he won’t speak to and be friendly and courteous. Coleman normally is not shy around people. So, his reaction to meeting my brother was a major Surprise to me. For the longest time, he would try to hide behind me, wouldn’t say hi, or say anything to him. (He’d talk to other people all the time he didn’t know.) I had a hard time understanding why he was refusing to sp to my brother.
Before we left the airport, Coleman finally agreed to say hi and partake in a family hug. (He stood for the photo with me and my brother under protest.) After the family hug, the only thing he was interested in saying was bye Uncle Larry. Not how much he enjoyed the Monster Truck Jam, or how Shark Attack blew its motor, nothing until Bye. That was a big surprise to me.
Today we moved part of our stuff into a “new to us” house across the county approximately 9.1 miles away from where we were living for the past couple of years.
Moving Totes
This means a new school for Coleman, a need to find a new church home, and new adventures roaming the neighbourhood and surrounding areas. Also new neighbours, new friendships to build.
Our (Coleman & mine) Entertainment for the Evening
However, with packing and moving tensions between family heightens and misunderstandings occur. Even with all that, Coleman and I are looking forward to new adventures the new neighbourhood and city can bring us.
Location: “New Home”; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take time to enjoy a few adventures. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Coming out of the U.S. Postal Service building what caught my eye was not the building itself, but what was displayed in the corner of the landscaping in front of the building.
U. S. Flag (not in image) and a POW * MIA Flag
From my sidewalk view … left of the flagpole stood a military cannon. [I didn’t expect to see the cannon on display at the post office.]
Military style cannon U.S. Postal Service property Gastonia, NC
Parasaurolophus is a large, herbivorous, duck-billed dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period.
The Parasaurolophus is a North American dinosaur which could walk on either two or all four legs. It grazed on plants like pine needles and leaves. Its name means “lizard crest”, (A Crest is a hollow, bony tube extending from the back of its skull.) it uses its crest for producing low, trumpet-like sounds to communicate, attract mates, or warn of danger.
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge. This Week’s Which Way Challengeare theme is Any Indoor Pathway, Hallway, Corridor, Or Stairway. They can be Any Which Way on any Pathways, Hallways, Stairway, or Corridor as long as your Which Ways are clearly visible. As always signs are welcome anytime.
Walking the Hallways and Corridors
inside the
Schiele Museum of Natural History …
Here are my entries …
Coleman Walking the Hallways & Corridors of The Schiele Museum of Natural History. CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge
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.
Dining at Amber Jack Seafood & Steak Restaurant we noticed these unique benches in the foyer. The sign attached to the benches state “Please Do Not Sit.”
They may look inviting, but the owner insists on you refraining from sitting on the benches. Admire only.
My daughter has occasionally sat or hung from a tree since she was a teenager. When visiting the Playscape at The Schiele Museum of Natural History a she decided to try to sit in the tree with Sophia.
Here are a few of her Pulling Up a Seat in a tree …
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Tuesday was another free night at the Museum. Free nights are on the second (2nd) Tuesday each month curtesy of Duke Energy. I captured these doors with my iPhone as we walked through the museum.
Venus Flytrap Door Decor
We walked through every hallway and corridor viewing everything even though we’ve been there several times before.
Emergency exit door
Coleman zooms around every corner and nook and cranny faster than I can possibly imagine catching up with him.
Interpretation Division Staff Only
Soaring past this doorway and that doorway all the way to the final door to exit the museum.
Location: The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a fascinating weekend full of exciting adventures. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Over the weekend my daughter treated us out for supper at the Taxco Mexican Grill. This was a new (to us) location of the Mexican restaurant chain. Normally Coleman won’t eat meat except for vegetarian “meat.” However, he decided he wanted to try the grilled chicken strips off the kids menu and loved them.
Location: Ninth Floor; Captains Quarters; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Hoping you do not experience tumultuous times in the days ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
We are in our first week of 2026; what a week it has been. We spent the week in Myrtle Beach relaxing, “sightseeing,”visiting various attractions, and enjoying time on the beach. [More about those activities to come in future posts].
For the first Monday Portrait of 2026, let’s check out the Southern Stingrays At Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This was Coleman’s first trip to the beach, he was extremely excited about being at the beach, as well as seeing the many different species of “fish” at Ripley’s Aquarium.
Let’s take a look now at the fascinating Southern Stingrays …
Southern Stingrays
The Southern Stingray (Hypanus americanus) is a whiptail stingray which is typically foundin tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from as far north as New Jersey all the way down to southern Brazil.
Even though we didn’t actually see them in the Atlantic Ocean, we (especially Coleman) were thrilled to see & pet them at Ripley’s Aquarium.
Coleman viewing the Southern Stingrays
It is adapted for life on the sea bed, as you can see here they swim very close to the bottom most of the time, but not always.
Southern Stingrays lying on the sea bed
Southern Stingrays are nocturnal predators, they spray water from their mouths or flap their fins vigorously to disturb the surface in order to expose hidden prey.
A Southern Stingray on the Aquarium sea bed.
Hypanus americanus exhibit wave-like locomotion using their pectoral fins. The wave-like locomotion allowed them to escape predators, forage efficiently, and generally maneuver quickly.
The Southern Stingrays were exciting and interesting to watch swimming and foraging in the aquarium at Ripley’s Aquarium.
Location: Ripley’s Aquarium; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA.
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. May you have many exciting and memorable adventures. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Scyphozoa are exclusively marine class of the phylum Cnidaria. They are known to be referred to as true jellyfish. Currently, there are approximately 200 known species found in marine environments worldwide.
They are characterized by a cell-shaped body (Medusa) that lack a velum (a muscular membrane). Their bodies are mostly composed of a jelly-like substance, and lack a head, skeleton, and specialized respiratory or excretory organs.
Friday, a beautiful sunny afternoon was a perfect time for a walk along the beach. Observing the ocean, searching for Seashells, and enjoying the beautiful sky views.
Terri from Second Wind Leisure Perspective is the host for The #Flower Hour. I am posting my last 2025 Floral images (December 31,2025) as my first Flower Hour post for 2026.
Location: By Dinopark; Broadway at the Beach; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Wishing y’all the best life filled with love, peace, and joy in 2026. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Brian from Bushboys Worldhosts 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 December …
From my Canon EOS T7 (2000D):
Brachiosaurus Dinopark Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
From my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Sharkey’s Grouper Tacos These tacos bring together the rich flavors of grouper, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese. Served in a warm flour tortilla with lettuce, topped with house-made pico de gallo, and drizzled with Chipotle mayo sauce. Sharkey’s Oceanfront Restaurant Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
God Bless. Happy New Year! Happy 2026! Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 