Location: Our Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Happy Passover and Easter! Enjoy your weekend. 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 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 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 …
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen for thetheme – Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways (Will Run for Two (2) Weeks [03.27-04.03.2026]) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any Dirt trail, road, pathway, sidewalk 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 …
I’m starting off with a Springtime hike at Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. We entered Crowders Mountain State Park from the Boulders Access Point. After parking and gathering our backpacks with our water and snacks we checkered out the trail map.
We decided to hike the Ridgeline Trail. The Ridgeline Trail connects three parks, namely Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain State Park, and Kings Mountain National Military Park. The total length of the trail if you hike to all three is 15.1 miles with an elevation gain of 2,411 feet. The Crowders Mountain State Park section of the Ridgeline Trail is 6.2 miles long.
Coleman and I only hiked the Crowders Mountain State Park section of the Ridgeline Trail and then hiked back to the Boulders Access Point parking area.
Ridgeline Trail Boulders Access Point Crowders Mountain State Park Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Now that we’ve seen one of our Springtime hikes, let’s take a look at a variety of Spring Florals seen while hiking on various hiking trails.
Spring Florals on Trails
Click on each image to enlarge.
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.
God Bless. Enjoy a stroll in the vast outdoors. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: The theme for the next will be a continuation of CWWC: Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways ( Will Run for Two (2)Weeks [03.27-04.03.2026]
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen for the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way with Paved Roads, Pathways or Sidewalks for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any paved road, pathway sidewalk 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.
It’s great to get outdoors and enjoy a stroll. It doesn’t matter whether you stroll through your neighbourhood, a park, the beach, or whether you stroll via your car, bicycle, motorcycle, or on foot. It is refreshing to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the wonders of nature, or the calmness a stroll can bring.
Here are some images of areas we have explored strolling about here and there …
Evening in the Neighborhood Taking A Stroll waiting for momOh look, an Amazon Van Strolling down the road. Gastonia, NCTaking a Stroll through Kings Mountain T. Jeffers Center Gastonia, NCA Stroll around the Parking lot. T. Jeffers Center & Park Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Myrtle Beach, SCStrolling to T. Jeffers Center Kings Mountain National Military Park Strolling through our Which Ways
Click on each image to enlarge.
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.
God Bless. Enjoy a stroll in the vast outdoors. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: The theme for the next Two Weeks will be CWWC: Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways ( Will Run for Two (2)Weeks [03.27-04.03.2026]
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.
Coleman playing Hide-N-Seek … Behind the Monument Peek-a-Boo Coleman On This Site President Hoover Addressed An Audience of 75,000 At The Celebration Of The Sesqui Centennial Of The Battle Of Kings Mountain October 7, 1930
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: The Battlefield Trail; Kings Mountain National Military Park; Blacksburg, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Take a hike and enjoy nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Our new neighbours have chickens in their backyard. Sometimes they fly over the fence and wander around our backyard. While visiting with the neighbours, Coleman chased the chickens in between jumping on their trampoline. As you can see after several tries, Coleman caught one of the chickens. This one is a Silkie chicken; they are known for their fluffy, silk-like plumage. They are flightless, but they sure can run when being chased by a little boy.
Location: Neighbours Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take Care. Be Peaceful, Mindful, and Kind. Have a wonderful week. 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.
On Saturday, we went to the Carolina Speedway to watch the Monster Truck Wars, America’s Wildest Monster Truck Show. Coleman didn’t know he was going until we arrived at the dirt track that he was going to be able to see the Monster trucks live and in person instead of on the television. (He loves Monster trucks and Dinosaurs, so this was a big win for him.)
Preston Collins (Shark Attack Driver) and Coleman
After the show Coleman was able to meet a couple of the Monster Truck drivers; including Preston Collins, the driver for Shark Attack. Preston Collins, 24 years old, is a monster truck driver out of Liberty City, Texas. He has driven several monster trucks which include:
His Monster Truck driving career began in January of 2023. He currently co-drives Shark Attack with Kayley Engstrom. They share full duties of driving Shark Attack regular version. Shark Attack is a custom Shark monster truck owned by Michael Harper.
Now that you’ve seen Preston Collins and Coleman and found out a little bit about him, let’s show you some of his actions while driving Shark Attack.
Shark Attack driven by Preston Collins Monster Truck Wars Gastonia, North Carolina February 28, 2026
You may have noticed all the smoke coming out of Shark Attack, he was allowed to show off his freestyle skills before the final face-off. Shark Attack was loosing momentum and engine power. By the end of his run his engine blew and he was not able to continue to compete in the final round of the competition. (Coleman thoroughly enjoyed watching all the monster trucks, but was enthralled with Shark Attacks actions, jumps, and spin-wheeling.)
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Carolina Speedway; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy the thrill. Get Outdoors and have some adventures. 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.
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.
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge. This Week’s Which Way Challengeare theme is Any Which Way Capturing People Unaware. They can be Any Which Way on any Road, Pathways, Walkways, Sidewalks, Stairs, Trail or Dirt Path etc. as long as your Which Ways are clearly visible. As always signs are welcome anytime.
Here are my entries for this week …
CWWC Capturing People Unaware
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.
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Take time to relax and enjoy nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge. This Week’s Which Way Challengeare theme is Any Which Way Displaying Winter or Summer. They can be Any Which Way on any Road, Pathways, Walkways, Sidewalks, Stairs, Trail or Dirt Path etc. as long as your Which Ways are clearly visible. As always signs are welcome anytime.
In our neck of the woods, we are in the midst of ongoing back to back winter storms. North of the I-40 usually gets hit with Snow ❄️during the winter months, but south of the I-40 rarely receives more than a sprinkling or trace of Snow accumulation on the ground. This year we have been hit with an extreme Winter Ice Storm followed by an extreme Arctic Winter Snow Storm and winter is not over so there is opportunity for chances of more ice, sleet, or snow before the season is over.
This past weekend the Snow was packed on top of the ice that hadn’t had a chance to melt yet. This made the road (the one next to the railroad tracks) an excellent place for some neighborhood fun. Two of the neighbour families had sleds they brought out and invited Coleman to sledding with them. So naturally, I bundled him best I could (he didn’t have any snow pants, overalls, or any kind of snowsuit) and we met the neighbours at the corner by the tracks.
Here are a few examples of the Funtime Coleman enjoyed playing in the Snow ❄️ …
Coleman walking up to the cornerColeman checking to make sure I’m coming. The Sledding HillColeman When you play in the Street, you have to watch out for cars. Coleman Ms. Brenda pulling Coleman Ms. Brenda, Coleman, & RileyRiley & Coleman Riley & ColemanRiley & ColemanRiley & ColemanRiley & ColemanRiley up top & Coleman at the bottom. Coleman sledding solo Coleman sledding soloColeman sledding soloColeman sledding soloCee’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC) Winter 2026 — Winter or Summer
This was Coleman’s very first time to go sledding. (Pull Up a Seat on a Sled) In between runs the boys enjoyed throwing snowballs at the adults and Riley’s older sister. A wonderful good time was had by all.
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.
What we saw as we walked out of our hotel room and walked onto the beach to observe the Atlantic Ocean was different and unique to our surroundings. It was the first time for Coleman to visit the beach and step into the Atlantic Ocean. I hadn’t been to this beach since 2010 or any other beach since 2020.
Here are a few interesting finds seen on our walk the day after New Year’s Day.
Our first sighting after walking out of the hotel …
The outdoor pool area with plenty of places to Pull Up a Seat.
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the outdoor pool areas were closed for the season (unheated & closed).
The Pirate Shipwreck Lagoon Kids’ Waterpark
The outdoor pools and kids shipwreck area would not be comfortable to get into without any heat during the wintertime. Moving away from the pools here’s what we discover next …
Coleman checks out the “Dolphin,” a unique design for a trash receptacle.
The next thing Coleman spots is the beach access, and away he goes …
Coleman headed out to the beach
Once out onto the sandy beach, Coleman turns left to see what he might discover.
Naturally, Coleman is anxious to discover what he might find. Maybe some Seashells?
Mostly broken, but a few whole Seashells
We walked quite a ways down the beach before turning around. Coleman was enthralled with watching the Ring-Billed Gulls (just known to him as Seagulls). Here are a few of our Gulls sightings …
Atlantic Ocean Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
And how can we not watch the waves rolling in and out of the Atlantic Ocean, you can’t go to the beach and not . Can you?
Our Walk along the Seashore of the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
We hope y’all enjoyed walking along Myrtle Beach’s Seashore with us.
Clarefrom Clare’s Cosmosinvites everyone to join her in Sharing Your Desktop (SYD). Below are her suggestions for participating in the Share Your Desktop Challenge. [Clare is taking a break from WP, so this maybe the last Share Your Desktop Challenge for awhile. I will miss her and pray she’ll one day return. All the best to you Clare. Take Care.]
To do so, simply share the photo (not a screenshot) you have set as your wallpaper; Provide as little or as much detail as you wish; Use a pingback, or post a link here so I know you have joined in on the fun; Then finally, share the fun around.
I am sharing my Wallpaper from both my Laptop and my Smartphone. I enjoy looking at different images each month. Most of which revolve around Coleman (my grandson) and nature.
Here are my Desktop Wallpaper and Screensaver for my Laptop:
From My HP Laptop:
Desktop Background Wallpaper
Ring-Billed Gulls at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Desktop Screensaver
Coleman walking along the wet & sandy seashore looking for seashells at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
From My Apple iPhone 16 Pro:
Personal Focus
Coleman holding his baby sister, Sophia Ruthann
Reading Focus
Coleman on the sandy seashore at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Hiking Focus
Coleman walking on the seashore at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; Canon EOS 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
God Bless. You are & will be missed Clare. Take Care of yourself. You are Valued & appreciated. Having a Wonderful Week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Good Day my friends! This week we are taking you on a Dino adventure at Dino Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Some images you might need to look carefully to see a door/doorway and others will be clearly discernible. Enjoy the adventure.
Entering Dino Park …
Dino Park Myrtle Beach, SC
Dino Park is a family-friendly attraction at Broadway at the Beach which features over twenty (20) life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs in a Jurassic-themed setting. It offers an interactive and educational experience with such activities as fossil dig pit, a large ball pit, and dinosaur rides for younger children.
Notice the dinosaurs on the building, that’s the indication that you’re fixing to enter Dino Park. The first thing you see when you enter the building is a couple of “Dinosaurs” children can ride. Don’t worry about pulling out coins for the children to ride, they are free.
Coleman riding the Dinosaurs
I know you’re not seeing doors while Coleman is riding the dinosaurs. We’ll get to them. But first, let’s look at a different type of “door” or rather an opening …
Coleman popping out of “Dinosaur Eggs
Now let’s walk through the Dino Park to check out the fascinating Dinosaurs on display …
Coleman had fun checking out all the Dinosaurs.
There is a fee to enter Dino Park, however, our entry fees were covered in our resort package. Some hotels and/or resorts in Myrtle Beach offer entertainment/attraction packages to add on to your stay.
Did you spot the Doorways? If not, look again carefully.
Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens
Location: Dino Park; Broadway at the Beach; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take Care. Take an adventure. Capture the wonders around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Happy Friday! We’re already nine (9) days into 2026. Does it feel any different? We started off the new year at the beach, which was new, especially for Coleman. His first week back to school is almost over (today’s last for week). (He had wanted to stay longer at the beach, but that wasn’t possible.)
On Tuesday, we went on a Dolphins Sightseeing Tour Cruise in Murrells Inlet. We checked in and then it was time to hurry up and wait. Always best to arrive early, after that all you can do is Pull up a Seat and wait. Coleman got a little restless waiting and waiting. No matter how short the wait time is, it seems like forever. Included below are a variety of Pull up a Seat options while waiting for the cruise and a few on the boat waiting for the cruise to get out of the inlet and the dolphins to appear.
Crazy Sister Marina Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens
Location: Crazy Sister Marina; Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. I hope all y’all’s holidays were wonderful and filled with love and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Happy 2026 Everyone! This week I’m allowing y’all to make your own choices for the Which Ways Challenge. I’d love to see your first Which Ways for 2026. I’ll be sharing our very first 2026 images this week.
First 2026 image taken at 12:05 am
The next images were taken while walking along the beach with their first steps into the Atlantic Ocean.
Coleman, Sophia, & their mom Walking along the beach Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.
We a well into the beginning of 2026. Coleman started back to school today, so now I have a few minutes to reflect on the past couple of weeks.
Hopefully y’all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s Day. Ours was truly an eventful Christmas holiday extravaganza. Of course it was exciting to watch Coleman receive his Gifts on Christmas Day, which he totally enjoyed. We kept telling him beforehand that he had to listen and behave or “Santa” wouldn’t bring any toys. You know what? “Santa” brought a few toys anyway. Coleman mostly received new clothes, which he was just as excited to get especially his new shoes.
Pre-Opening of Gifts Opening of Gifts beginColeman’s excitement Coleman’s new Cowboy Boots
Setting aside the Gifts, we decided to not let 2025 Dwindle away being bored at home. Instead, we chose to leave our little town and go on an amazing Adventure.
Where did we go on our big Adventure? Coleman’s mom was thinking about going to the mountains. Coleman wanted to go to the Beach. So, where do you think we went on our little Adventure? Yep, you’re right, we went to the Beach.
As 2025 was Dwindling away, we packed our bags, loaded up the car and headed out of town for our mini vacay Adventure. Sorry, we didn’t get any pictures of the car all loaded up, but we (I mean I) began snapping plenty of photos from the moment we arrived, all through our many Adventurous activities, and all throughout our entire mini vacation.
Arriving, Checking in, & Checking out our surroundings.
After checking in and bringing everything (and I mean everything) into our room for the week (actually six days), Coleman and I decided to head down to the Beach. We did not want to Dwindle our time away inside the room for one minute longer. Instead, we wanted to begin enjoying the Gift of Adventure immediately.
Coleman’s very first time at a Beach. First time seeing the Atlantic Ocean. First time his feet touched the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel 2000D.
Locations: 1st 4) Cramerton, North Carolina; Rest, 5-8) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. It’s been an Amazing Adventurous beginning to 2026. We didn’t let 2025 Dwindle away. We enjoyed the Gift of Time away together. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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.
The Pull Up a Seat Challenge is hosted on Friday’s by XingfuMama at XingfuMama.blog. This will be my first Pull Up a Seat post for 2026. You may find out more about the Pull Up a Seat Challenge by clicking here.
A & W Restaurant
Pull Up a Seat with Rooty
This A & W had an area set up where you could take a photo with “Rooty, The Great Root Bear.”
Coleman with Rooty
Coleman had to kneel on a high stool chair to reach the hole to stick his head out into Rooty’s face.
God Bless. Happy 2026! Happy New Year! Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This Christmas was the very first Christmas for Sophia Ruthann Wilson; she entered into our family on December 9, 2025 at 2:47 am. Coleman is a proud big brother as can be seen from some of the photos.
Here are a “few” shots I captured to remember her First Christmas … (Sharing with my daughter’s permission).
Sophia Ruthann Wilson Very First Christmas December 24/25, 2025
“Welcome in! Let the warmth of the season fill your heart.”
On Christmas Eve, we opted to treat ourselves to dining out at a restaurant we hadn’t tried before, but had heard fantastic things about it. Where did we go? We chose to eat our Dinner (at noontime) at Amber Jack Seafood & Steaks Restaurant. It turned outwe weren’t the only ones who decided that it would be a perfect time for a delicious meal.
The first thing we see as we approach the restaurant’s front doors are a couple of WelcomingChristmas Wreaths. The entrance to the restaurant was also decorated with strings of white lights, Christmas garland, and a small Christmas tree right beside the front doors.
Not only was the restaurant’s outdoor are all decked out for the holidays, but the inside was as well. The Christmas decor helped to make the environment extremely welcoming and inviting us to Pull Up a Seat and enjoy a relaxingly pleasant dining experience.
Amber Jack Seafood & Steaks Restaurant
My daughter chose to have the Sirloin Tips Over Rice, Coleman had Chicken Tenders (but ended up not wanting to eat them), and I treated myself to a plate of Broiled Mahi-Mahi filet with fried okra and fried squash. They started us off with a delicious bowl of minestrone soup (it was tasty & I devoured both mine and Coleman’s since he didn’t want to eat it.) They also served us a basket of fried hush puppies, which also were pleasing to the appetite.
The food and service were exceptional. It was well worth the price the food ( especially mine) was very flavourful and mouthwatering scrumptiously delicious. I would highly recommend Amber Jack Seafood & Steaks Restaurant to anyone and everyone who lives or is ever near one to go on in and delight yourselves with the tremendously appetizing food.
“Like these evergreens, may our hospitality offer strength and renewal to all who gather here.”
Location: Amber Jack Seafood & Steaks Restaurant; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Hope y’all had a wonderful Holiday and have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Tina from travelsandtrifles is the host this week for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. Tina is giving us the opportunity for one Last Chance to share photos we have taken and loved throughout 2025 and hadn’t had an opportunity to share for one challenge or another.
Here are some of my favorites from this year that I believe I haven’t as yet shared with y’all …
To do so, simply share the photo (not a screenshot) you have set as your wallpaper; Provide as little or as much detail as you wish; Use a pingback, or post a link here so I know you have joined in on the fun; Then finally, share the fun around.
I am sharing my Wallpaper from both my Laptop and my Smartphone. I enjoy looking at different images each month. Most of which revolve around Coleman (my grandson) and nature.
I will only be sharing a small portion of my Desktop/Wallpaper images that I am seeing. The reason being I have been required to not post any pictures on any form of social media at this time of our newest family member, aka my new granddaughter.
Here are my Desktop Wallpaper and Screensaver for my Laptop:
From My HP Laptop:
Desktop Background Wallpaper
Coleman at Anne Springs Close Greenway Horse Stables
Desktop Screensaver
Muscovy Ducks in Patterson Pond Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
From My Apple iPhone 16 Pro:
I have two images alternating on my Hiking Focus for my iPhone …
Coleman petting a rider’s horse Anne Springs Close Greenway
Dan, the host for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is asking us to share photos of Winter, Summer or Both. Lately our weather has been so cold and extremely windy that it feels like winter. Yesterday morning our low was down to 14°, which for me, extremely freezing weather with the wind chill making it feel even colder. Our lowest temperatures of the day are when I need to wait with Coleman at the school bus stop. His bus always runs late, so I am always chilled to the bone by the time I get back to the house.
Enough talk about our current “Wintry” weather conditions and let’s move on to showing you some images from last Winter.
Here are my contributions for this week …
Northern Mockingbird February 2025Footprints in the Snow 02/2025Snow/ice covered plants 02/2025Deer eyeing me December 2024Christmas Lights December 2024Coleman enjoying the Snow ❄️ 02/2025Would you go barefoot in the Snow/ice? January 2025Coleman entering Goat Island 12/2024Coleman by the South Fork Catawba River December 2024Nativity Scene with extra figurine (aka Coleman) 12/2024CFFC – Looking Back Upon Winter
God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: You might want to take a look at this Friday’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC) (another one of Cee’s challenges) to see the new ideas for the new theme of Any Which Way with a Holiday theme. — Part 2 which will go live on Friday 12/19 just past midnight EST.
On Monday evening I received a message from my daughter to meet her at the Atrium Health Hospital in Pineville, North Carolina. We previously arranged, when necessary, for Coleman to spend the night with one of our neighbors whom Coleman adores.
On Wednesday evening, Coleman was brought to the hospital to see his mom. He was not told in advance what he would be seeing when he arrived in her room.
Here he is Pulling Up a Seat on her hospital bed …
Coleman Monster Big Brother
At this time, I’m not allowed to post any pictures of whom he was able to meet for the first time (More about that in a future post). Let’s just say, Coleman is a Monster Big Brother now.
Location: Atrium Health Pineville Hospital; Pineville, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Rejoice in God’s wonderful blessings and new life. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week’s host for Monochrome Madness is Stupidity Holewith a theme of The Space Between. Looking forward to exploring the various interpretations on The Space Between.
Monochrome Madness
Here are a few I came up with for this week’s challenge …
The Road Between leading to Hearst Castle
The Boy (Coleman) Between the Railings on the Bridge at Anne Springs Close Greenway
The Feathers Between Coleman’s Fingers
The South Fork Catawba River Between the Grounds of Goat Island
Dan, the host for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is asking us to share photos of Autumn or Spring — or Both. It may still be officially Autumn, however, lately our weather has been so cold and extremely windy that it feels more like winter. Therefore I rummaged through my archives to add to my few Autumn 🍂images that I hadn’t already used for one post or another.
God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: You might want to take a look at this Friday’s (Today’s) Which Way Challenge (CWWC) (another one of Cee’s challenges) to see the new ideas for the new theme of Any Which Way with a Holiday theme. — Part 1 which Will run for two (2) weeks.
This week I am sharing our hike along the dirt trail at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius, North Carolina. Here are my entries …
Dirt Trail at Ramsey Creek Park Cornelius, North Carolina
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.
• NOTE: For the next two (2) weeks the theme for the Which Way Challenge will be CWWC: Any Which Way with a Holiday theme. (Will run for two (2) weeks).
Last week we visited the CLT Airport Overlook in Charlotte, North Carolina. While watching for Airplanes to take off or come in for a landing, Coleman noticed an Excavator and went over to the fence to take a closer look at it working in the construction area just a short distance from the playground area.
CAT 349F
The CAT 349F Excavator is built with a powerful, 49-ton hydraulic excavator known for heavy-duty digging and earthmoving tasks. Its features a CAT C13 ACERT engine with advanced hydraulic systems for efficiency and precision.
Coleman watching the CAT 349 Excavator at Work.
The CAT 349F has a spacious and ergonomic cab which is designed to be quiet and comfortable. It features air suspension seats and intuitive controls to reduce operator fatigue during long shifts.
For Monday Window this week I am taking you to the Bob Evans Restaurant in Huntersville, North Carolina. It has been awhile since we’ve been out to eat at a Bob Evans, the one closest to us closed & the building was demolished.
We decided to go out to eat on Thanksgiving first a Turkey Dinner (Our oven quit working & cooking a Turkey on the stovetop was highly impractical and improbable.) The closest Bob Evans near us was in downtown Charlotte or up a little further in Huntersville. We chose to go to the one in Huntersville and then go somewhere for a little holiday hiking.
Here are a few shots of the Bob Evans Restaurant; its doors, windows, and seating.
You may be wondering about my title of Will It, Won’t It, Maybe Not especially when you see the image of a pizza. Let me tell you this is no ordinary pizza.
Hawthorne’s NY Pizza & Bar makes a specialty pizza many Pregnant women from all over Charlotte and the surrounding areas are coming to get. Why are they coming to Hawthorne’s from all over to get this specialty? That is an excellent question. What is this specialty pizza that is attracting pregnant women?
Pregnant women from all over Charlotte and the surrounding areas are determined to come to Hawthorne’s for their Buffalo Wing specialty pizza. It is layered with chicken, mozzarella cheese, and our very own Hawthorne’s in-house, SPECIAL medium-hot buffalo sauce. People are referring to the Buffalo Wing pizza as “The Inducer.”
Now, mind you, that there is no scientific proof that any certain foods (like the Buffalo Wing pizza) can induce labor, however, it is not stopping expectant mothers from enjoying and sharing the speedy power of Hawthorne’s Buffalo Wing Pizza. Even though many pregnant women have reported to giving birth within forty-eight hours or less from the time that they ate The Inducer” pizza, that is not true for every pregnant woman who ate Hawthorne’s “Inducer” pizza.
Coleman’s mom going to Hawthorne’s to get her “Inducer” pizzaOutdoor seating Signature Specialty Menu Coleman drawing on kids menuColeman (aka indoor seating)Coleman Additional Outdoor Seating Pizza with Family & Friends Makes Everything Possible Peace Love PizzaAdditional Indoor Seating at the Bar
With all this discussion regarding “The Inducer” pizza; my daughter eating “The Inducer” pizza is pizza; what do y’all think the outcome was? Did “The Inducer” pizza do the job with its expected success? Did it not work? Or will it eventually work, but take longer than expected?
Location: Hawthorne’s NY Pizza & Bar; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a terrific weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Answer to the questions … so far the expected results have not happened. Still waiting … and waiting. ( She ate it “The Inducer” on Wednesday afternoon around Two (2) pm. And we are still waiting for Baby Sophia to arrive.)
Location: Ramsey Creek Park; Lake Norman/Cornelius, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Hope y’all having wonderfully pleasant Thanksgiving weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge. I trust y’all had a lovely Thanksgiving week so far. I know we certainly did. Now we didn’t spend the day cooking over a hot stove or oven, but we did enjoy a delicious turkey dinner courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurant. Let me tell you they were doing a pretty good business on this (yesterday’s) Thanksgiving. I’ll tell y’all more about Bob Evans Restaurant during a future post.
We also didn’t stay home bored to death thinking there was anything to do. We might not have had any family or friends to gather with and enjoy the day together, but we (at least I think) enjoyed a tremendous afternoon together (my daughter, my grandson, and myself) visiting a park we had not been to previously and did a wee bit of hiking.
If you’ve read my posts before, you’ll understand my grandson loves to hike and spend as much time as possible in the outdoors among nature. After devouring our delicious turkey meal (Coleman only ate the vegetables (he doesn’t like meat) at Bob Evans in Huntersville, we (actually my daughter) drove to Ramsey Creek Park which is along Lake Norman in North Carolina.
This being a holiday weekend I decided to make this Friday’s Which Way Challenge theme; Any Which Way (Your Choice). Your Which Ways can be Any Which Way on any Road, Pathways, Walkways, Sidewalks, Stairs, etc. as long as your Which Ways are clearly visible.
Here are my entries for this week … from our Thanksgiving Day Hike …
Ramsey Creek Park Cornelius/Lake Norman, North Carolina
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.
Location: Charlotte-Douglas International Airport Overlook; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Happy Thanksgiving! Have a fantastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Good Sunday Morning to y’all. This week Debbie from Travel with Intenthas chosen Steering Wheels for the theme for One Word Sunday (OWS). I’ve scoured my archives searching for a few Steering Wheels and I’ve managed come come across a few.
Here are my entries …
Coleman behind the Steering Wheel of a Fire Engine
Coleman testing out the Steering Wheel of a Tractor at The Farm at The Schiele Museum of Natural History.
These next two are located at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina.
Coleman Turning a Steering Wheel outside the main Museum building.
Here Coleman is checking out the Steering Wheel of a Train.
Every Winter The Schiele Museum of Natural History converts the Block Party room into a Winter Holiday Themed Sock Skating area for kids of all ages, however, primarily for preschoolers and elementary age children.
The first time Coleman visited the Sock Skating area “rink” he was hesitant about “skating” across the “rink.”
![Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026 — Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways (Will Run for Two (2) Weeks [03.27-04.03.2026])](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_1225-1.png?w=506)
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