Tina of Travels and Triflesis this week’s host for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. She has chosen to Look Back at #174 and asking us to display images showing Shapes and Designs.
Here are my contributions taken from my latest jaunt out in the freezing cold … and some from our recent mini vacay at the beach.
Lens-Artist Photo Challenge (LAPC) Shapes and Designs
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):
Photobombed by Coleman Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
God Bless. Enjoy your Winter/Summer 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.
Eating small quantities of clean, fresh, white snow is generally considered low-risk for the majority of healthy individuals. Be cautious if you choose to eat fresh white snow or snow cream.
I chose to allow Coleman to eat safely obtained fresh white snow following recommended safety guidelines.
Here is a list of Safety Guidelines recommended to follow before Eating Snow.
Prioritize Fresh Snow:
Eat only Snow that has just fallen (it is preferable to wait a few hours after a snowfall begins, after initial air scrubbing.)
Ensure it’s White:
Only eat pristine, white snow. Avoid any snow that is yellow, red, green, gray, or black, as this indicates contamination by urine, algae, or pollutants.
Avoid Ground Contact:
Scoop snow from the top layer or collect it in a clean bowl placed outside as it falls. This is to prevent any and all contact with ground contaminates, dirt, or animal waste.
Avoid Disturbed Areas:
Never ever eat snow from roadsides, driveways, sidewalks, or areas with heavy foot traffic. These areas often have high contaminations of chemicals and pollutants.
I assure you we collect fresh snow from a clean container we placed outside long past when the snowfall had begun (especially considering it began when we were still sleeping).
God Bless. Have a warm (or cool if you’d rather) day and week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
What a difference a year makes in our view, weather, and our activities.
Our view from our porch 2025
January 31, 2025
This time last year Coleman were hiking in Goat Island Park and Greenway. He was playing in the playground having a wonderful good time. Our high was 54°F, not too hot but also not extremely cold either. Our low was 32°F during a time when we were home. What was this time last year like you y’all?
Coleman swinging at Goat Island Playground January 31, 2025
January 31, 2026
This year we are having an extremely cold winter storm with a mixture of Snow and Sleet alternating off and on all day and night. Our high today was 21°F below normal with a freezing temperature of 29°F and a feel like temperature of 14°F. [I don’t know about y’all, but to me, that is extremely freezing cold.] Our low was 17°F with a feel like of 2°F.
Coleman doesn’t like being cooped up inside any time of the day. He is a hyperactive person who prefers to be out in nature. With today’s extreme cold temperatures and dangerous weather conditions he has had to find other options to keep himself occupied and entertained. Luckily, he has several options to play with like his new Hot Wheels City play-sets and additional orange track.
Coleman with his new Hot Wheels City Play-sets safe at home. January 31, 2026
What’s it like for y’all in your area right now? Are you experiencing extreme cold winter conditions? Or are you experiencing the hot summer days?
Oops, sorry forgot to be silent. Forgive me for being vocal, I’ll remember it’s a Silent Sunday next week.
Camera: 1) Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max; 2) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens; 3-4) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion
God Bless. Have a wonderful week filled with love, laughter and a warm sense of peace. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Smoke Pit is a casual contemporary barbecue restaurant that is known for its massive proportions and slow-smoked meats. [We enjoyed their smoked turkey and their pulled barbecue chicken (I don’t eat beef).] We were flabbergasted at how large our proportions were and we needed to bring part of our dinners home to eat later.
Counter Seating
The Smoke Pit is highly renowned for its Texas-style beef offerings and generous side dishes. We went in the late afternoon (before the dinner rush) when prices are slightly discounted. They offer a trio combination where you can choose three different types of meat as well as two or three side options.
Table Seating
The Smoke Pit offers nine different flavours of barbecue sauce to satisfy your taste buds. The flavours range from Southern Sweet to Sizzling Hot. Coleman prefers a honey barbecue sauce, but decided to try the Southern Sweet and was satisfied with its taste. Myself, I chose the Southern Sweet Carolina-style Mustard barbecue sauce on my barbecued pulled chicken.
The Smoke Pit
We highly recommend The Smoke Pit for anyone near one. The food is delicious, the portions are enormous, and you won’t leave hungry. You’ll be well pleased with the quality of the food and the customer service.
Location: The Smoke Pit; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Get Outdoors and Enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Stay Safe. Stay Warm. Have a fantastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Sidewalk back to our hotel after missing our pathway from the Beach. It was truly the longest walk back to our resort hotel.
S. Ocean Blvd Near 6th Ave. 1600 Block of S. Ocean Blvd. Wave Rider Resort Overpass Walkway 1600 S. Ocean Blvd. Approaching The Palace Resort 1605 S. Ocean Blvd.,Which Way Challenge (CWWC) Sidewalks & Overpass Walkway
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: S. Ocean Boulevard; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Dreaming of Warmer Temperatures, Calming Weather. Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Our area is currently under a Winter Storm Watch, probability is more likely for a severe ice storm rather than receiving much in the form of snow even though some is possible. Hence, I have chosen to share from my archives. Dreaming of Spring and the warmer weather it will bring and the blooming of Spring flowers.
These are from a hike in April of 2022 at Landsford Canal State Park. I captured these on the way to a spectacular lookout point for Spider Lilies.
The scientific name for this species was originally placed, by Carl Linnaeus, in the genus Amaryllis using the epithet “Atamasca” in 1753. In the second edition of Species Plantarum, Linnaeuschanged the spelling to “Atamasco,” the Native American name for the species. The most recognized name for these flowers is Zephyranthes atamasca.
Zephyranthes atamasca
The Zephyranthes atamasca is native to the Southern United States of America. It tends to grow in swampy forests, and coastal prairies. Its blooming season begins in March or April. The blooms pictured grow along the shores of the Catawba River in Landsford Canal State Park. They can be seen while hiking along the Canal Trail.
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.
Buc-ee’s opened its first South Carolina location on May 16, 2022. On the way back home from our mini-vacay in Myrtle Beach we had our first opportunity to visit South Carolina’s Buc-ee’s in Florence, South Carolina off Interstate 95, Exit 170. This location is enormous inside and out.
Buc-ee’s is a comprehensive travel stop offering 120 fueling positions, exceptionally clean restrooms, with twenty-four (24) hour service. It has a wide variety of merchandise including Buc-ee’s branded clothing, toys, home decor and a wide range of snacks and drinks. It not only has prepackaged food options, but also offers freshly prepared items made in-house, such as Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, and a large selection of jerky and pastries.
This was not a food or gas stop for us, however, it was much needed for stretching our legs and restroom break before continuing on the road. I enjoyed looking around to check out what all this location had to offer. [I had previously been in Buc-ee’s when I was visiting in Texas in 2020.]
Buc-ee’s Florence, South Carolina
Click on each image to enlarge.
Coleman was amazed at the vastness of the store. He met “Buc-ee” and of course, I took his picture next to Buc-ee and the Buc-ee’s General Motors Truck which was loaded with Buc-ee’s branded merchandise.
If you ever have the opportunity to stop at a Buc-ee’s location, you’ll be surprised and amazed at its size and the tremendous diversity of items it offers.
Location: Buc-ee’s Travel Center; Florence, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take an Adventure. Capture the Beauty, the Ordinary, or whatever captures your eye. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
According to WP, I have been consistently posting on here for a 3 years, 5 months, and 24 days. In other words, my consistency streak is 1,270 days straight of posting one or more posts. So let’s not upset my consistency streak and go ahead and make my 1,271 consistent days post.
Looking through my photos for Dan’s Sturdy or ShakyI have found a few I’m sharing with y’all today.
From 2022 …
Coleman, at almost 3, walking on the Shaky Swinging Bridge as if it were Sturdy and not Shaky.
From 2023 …
Alona & Coleman standing on the middle rail of a Sturdy wooden bridge.
Now for two (2) from 2025 …
Coleman shakily hopping on one foot in Centennial Center.
Coleman Standing Sturdily on our Porch railing. I’m pretty sure his mom wouldn’t appreciate him standing on the railing even though it is quite Sturdy.
Im not sure if all these are purely minimalistic or not, but these are what I have added recently in my photography journal. Most of these images are portraits I have recently taken of my newest granddaughter, Sophia Ruthann. In part of them I am holding her while taking her photo with my iPhone.
Sophia Ruthann
Here is a one at Myrtle Beach …
Trisha (Coleman & Sophia’s mom) with Coleman & Sophia Ruthann
And now for a couple of non-family images …
Ring-Billed Gulls soaring over the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
On Thursday, Courtesy of Duke Energy, The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium was free from 5 pm until 8pm. Being at the right price (free) and knowing Coleman was wanting to visit the museum again, we took him for the free Night at the Museum.
This free night given to the community by Duke Energy was filled with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) activities throughout the museum. Coleman was so excited to be back in the museum, we didn’t get to every activity. He did enjoy the STEM science activity; it had him cutting and crunching green leaves to create Chlorophyll.
Science STEM activity The Schiele Museum of Natural Science Gastonia, North Carolina
Coleman’s mom & baby Sophia joined us at the Museum. What section of the Museum do you think Coleman wanted to visit first? If you said the Dinosaur Exhibits you were correct.
The Dinosaur Exhibits The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Coleman enjoyed his free night at The Schiele Museum of Natural History. It is a terrific place to visit for all ages.
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.
Uniola paniculata, aka sea oats, seaside oats, araña, and arroz de costa, is a tall subtropical grass which is an important component of coastal sand dune and beach plant communities in the southeastern United States of America, eastern Mexico, and some Caribbean Islands. The Sea Oats help protect beaches and property from damage due to high winds, storm surges, and tides. Interestingly, it provides food and habitat for birds, small animals, and insects.
Sea Oats are a crucial component of the area’s hurricane defense strategy. They have helped to thwart damage from tropical storms. (Tropical storms and hurricanes typically hit the Myrtle Beach area before or more so than in our area of the Carolinas.)
Sea Oats are a protected grass in several states along the southeastern Atlantic coast. Think twice before picking or disturbing Sea Oats, that action is punishable by fine in Georgia, South Carolina, and Northern Carolina.
Cameras: 1) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; 2-3) Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens & Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: 1) Crazy Sister Marina; Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; 2-3) 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.
Crazy Sister Marina is a locally-owned boat tour company located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Their boat tours let you sit back and relax while appreciating the unbelievable views of the Grand Strand in Murrells Inlet. When you take one of their scenic cruises you might see dolphins, fish, birds, and/or sea turtles. ( The day we took our cruise, the dolphins were barely coming out of the water before diving back down below the surface.)
Crazy Sister Marina offers several different types of cruises to explore whatever your heart desires. Whether you what to take a fishing cruise, an incredible Eco cruise, or a Dolphin cruise they can assist you the most amazing and pleasurable experience ever. They also offer a variety of specialty cruises like 4th of July Firework Cruise, October Murrells Inlet ghost cruise, or celebration of life ceremonies and memorial services; they will provide the tour service that meet your needs or desires and provide you with the utmost respect and service beyond your expectations.
Dolphins 🐬Crazy Sister Murrells Inlet, South Carolina Crazy Sister Marina
Coleman thoroughly enjoyed the Dolphin tour cruise we went on and would definitely go again if and when he could.
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.
Good Day Everyone! I am a week late on my Nostalgia post, however, it was not Intentional to do so. I had intended to post about what brought Nostalgia to mind last week, but it fell by the wayside. Enjoying the last week of 2025 at the beach with family was more important.
While on our mini vacay at Myrtle Beach, we took an adventure south down to Murrells Inlet.Our Murrells Inlet adventure was Intentionally planned ahead and also sparked a bit of Nostalgia. You might wonder why Murrells Inlet would spark Nostalgia within me. You see, back in the early 1970’s my family took a trip down to Murrells Inlet with my dad’s sister and her family. We had some similarities, some differences between then and now. Memories are vague, but my dad’s old photographs (in my possession) bring those times back to life.
Alex Marina Murrells Inlet 1972
This past week we enjoyed Nature’s beauty on the water and on the beach. We had an amazing afternoon/early evening on the water on the Crazy Sister Marina’s boat. [Same pier, different boat]. I have pictures with my cousins and family on a Fishing boat for an afternoon of deep sea fishing. [Then a Fishing Boat, Now a Sightseeing Boat].
Back to the here and now, the Crazy Sister Marina was Full of boats, the sky was Full of birds, my view of the waters were Empty/Void of what we were supposed to be seeing. After all, we were on a Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise and I wasn’t able (nighttime visibility impairment) to see the Dolphins like Coleman and others were able to see.
Empty Boats Empty BoatsFull DockEmpty Inlet Empty BoatsEmpty BoatFull MarinaSky Full of Grackles Empty Inlet Waters Full MarinaMurrells Inlet, South Carolina
The afternoon enjoyment was Intentional and was not Empty, but Full of excitement, anticipation, and an Abundance of Amazement and Wonderful memories.
Cameras: 1-4) Minolta XG-7 35 mm; 5-14) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens & Altura CPL Filter attachment.
Location: 1-4) Alex Marina; 5-14) Crazy Sister Marina; Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take some time to be Adventurous. Enjoy time making memories with Family and friends. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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.
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.
On Monday afternoon, our first day of our mini vacay, we drove down to Murrells Inlet to go out on a sightseeing boat run by Crazy Sister Marina. We were supposed to be able to see some dolphins, however, my eyesight isn’t very good in the evenings, so I wasn’t able to see what others (including Coleman) was seeing (more on that at another time).
Instead I’ll show you a few of the Crazy Sister Marina windows, both on shore and on the boat.
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.
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.
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.
First off, Happy 2026 Everyone! Did you stay awake to bring in the New Year? Did you watch any Fireworks? My daughter and I somehow managed to barely stay awake till midnight to see the New Year arrive. The only fireworks we say were those on the television as the annual ball dropped from New York. We did hear them in our location prior to midnight, but did not venture out anywhere in the chilly night air to watch them being shot off over the ocean.
Here are my contributions … These are a continuation of Cramerton’s Christmas Parade.
CWWC-Any Which Way with People
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: Parade Route; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Happy New Year! Take Care. Stay Safe. Enjoy the Outdoors. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
• NOTE: For next week the theme will be CWWC: Any Which Way (Your Choice)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking through my photos I ran across a bench from one of our hiking adventures I don’t think I’ve shared before, so I thought I would share it today.
These Bald Cypress trees are resilient and have the ability to grow in very wet conditions, even standing in water. These are grown near the South Fork Catawba River in Riverside Park and Greenway.
The Cypress cones are the reproductive structures of Cypress trees that develop from the tree’s flowers. What you see here are the female cones, often called seed cones. The little red droplet on the bottom cone looks like resin which is characteristic from a cypress tree.
The Cluster of Bald Cypress cones you see is a perfect example of an infructescence. These cones are actually modified seed cones, and once they mature, they’ll release seeds. It’s interesting to learn how plants develop these unique structures to disperse their seeds. The mature cones contain seeds that are a very important food source for local wildlife, including squirrels, waterfowl, and other birds.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 