Monday Window – 2026 March 9th

Kitty by a Window 
– 2 — 
AI creation by PR

Windows of

Kings Mountain

National Military Park

Coleman and I had the opportunity to hike Battlefield Trail (more on that later) on Saturday, March 7th. The day started out gloomy and overcast with the possibility of rain. Luckily the rain held off until we were back home. It ended up being around 76°F and humid. Not too bad for hiking weather except my glasses kept fogging up making it hard to see.

Below are the windows we saw as we were approaching the backside of the Visitor Center upon completing the 1.5 mile Battlefield Trail.

Windows on the
Backside of the
Visitor Center
Kings Mountain National Military Park
Visitor Center and Museum
National Park Service
Visitor Center
Kings Mountain National
Military Park & Museum

Monday Window-2026.03.09

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: 1-2) Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment; 3) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Kings Mountain National Military Park; Blacksburg, South Carolina, USA 

God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Monday Portrait #10 —09 March

Rhode Island Red

Bird of the Week CLVIII

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.)

Monday Portrait-2026.3.09

Bird of the Week CLVIII

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Telephoto

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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.

Silent Sunday: 2026.03.08

President Herbert

Hoover Monument

Kings Mountain National

Military Park

Click on each image to enlarge.

Silent Sunday-2026.03.08

Photo Credit: ©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

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.

2026 OWS: March 8th — In the Pink

Pink Hydrangea macrophylla

Click on image to enlarge.

Debbie’s One Word Sunday 2026.03.08-Pink

Terri’s The Flower Hour #20

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Photo Credit: ©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Cramerton Drugstore Landscape; Cramerton, North Carolina. USA

God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Cell Pic Sunday: March 08

Coleman’s Catch

of the Day

Coleman
and the neighbours
Silkie Chicken

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.

Click on image to enlarge. 

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.03.08

Photo Credit:©️2026 Trisha L. Wilson (my daughter & Coleman’s mom)… All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Plus  

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.

Where in the Playground is Coleman?

For Debbie’s

Six Word Saturday

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.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.03.07

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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. 

Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way (Your Choice)

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 …

This next grouping of Which Ways I am combining with Mama Cormier’s Thursday Trios.

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.

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.

Geriatri’x’ FOTOGALLERY’s Steps In Black And White

Suzette’s Dirt Road For Deb’s Any Which Way— CWWC

In Primo Piano’s Malibu

Cath’s Camera’s Which Way… {Getting There in Monochrome}

Dawn’s Winter on a Gravel Road at Sunrise bnw

Deb’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC)-Any Which Way on Dirt Trails, pathways, or stairs in Monochrome/(Black & White)

Carol’s Thursday Trios-2026.03.06

For further information about the Which Way Challenge check out the home page here.

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: 1-4) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; 5-12) Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EG-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Location: Carolina Speedway; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 CFFC: Tools and Equipment (Found Working & at Rest)

Dan Antion from No Facilities the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) has chosen to start a new series of related themes dealing with Tools and Equipment. This is the fourth week of the new series for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge with Inventions which has a feature of Tools and Equipment.

Here are my entries …

Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)-Tools and Equipment

Photo Credit:©️2023-2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

God Bless. Get Outdoors. Make some funtastic memories. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Thursday Doors: March 05

Edward D. Sadler Jr.

Elementary School

Edward D. Sadler Jr Elementary School

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.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2026.03.04

Photo Credit: ©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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.

Monochrome Madness: 2026 March 04

Spying the

New Neighbourhood

Looking this Way …

And that Way …

Facing our “new” home …

Looking around the New Neighbourhood …

Waiting for the school bus with Coleman …

Happy Hump Day! Click on each image to enlarge.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness-2026.03.04

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion & Telephoto

Location: Our “New” Home; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a fantastic week and weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Wordless Wednesday — 2026.03.04

Half Staff

Half-Staff to Honor
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
and
NC Master Trooper Stien Davis Jr.

Click on image to enlarge. 

Wordless Wednesday

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday 

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Edward D. Sadler Jr. Elementary School; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a terrific rest of your week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

The Flower #Hour #20— 2026 March 03

In a Vase on Monday —-

Yellow Anastasia Spider Mums

Aka Yellow Chrysanthemum flowers

In a Vase on Monday (a day late in posting)

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #20-2026.03.03

Macro Monday (MM)

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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.

2026 Monday Portrait #9 —02 March

Preston Collins

& Shark Attack

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.

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.)

Monday Portrait-2026.03.02

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

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.

2026 Last on the Card – February 28th

Brian from Bushboys World hosts a monthly challenge called Last On the CardHis 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):

T-Rex Driver
Monster Jam 2026
Carolina Speedway

From my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:

Coleman not to thrilled
to meet his
Grand Uncle Larry
(aka my brother)
at CLT Airport

Click on each image to enlarge. 

#Brian’s Last on the Card

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.

Monday Window – 2026 March 2nd

Kitty by a Window 
– 2 — 
AI creation by PR

Carolina Speedway

Carolina Speedway
Windows of the
Carolina Speedway
Press Box

We stood to the left and below, if facing the press box, to watch The 2026 Monster Jam Wars.

Monday Window-2026.03.02

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Carolina Speedway; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 OWS: March 1st — Surprise

Surprise, surprise, surprise!

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.)

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.

Click on each image to enlarge

Debbie’s One Word Sunday: 2026.03.01

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Charlotte-Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a surprisingly wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Cell Pic Sunday: March 01

Carolina Speedway

Ready for Monster Jam

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.03.01

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Carolina Speedway; 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.

Moving — Looking Forward to New Adventures

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.

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.02.28

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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.

Floral Friday/The #Flower Hour

Trumpet pitcher Sarracenia

Coleman in the Lost Hollow

Lost Hollow is a section in Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden specifically designed for children. It is also known as The Kimbrell Children’s Garden.

Trumpet pitcher Sarracenia

The garden incorporates nature-inspired play spaces that encourage exploration and interaction with the surrounding environment. The Lost Hollow features an amphitheater, sunken pond, Moonkeep, play spaces and more for the imagination. This garden has been expanded since we last visited. It now includes a 0.4 mile Adventure Trail and Prairie Castle Playground for children to explore and enjoy.

Sarracenia flava

Sarracenia (Trumpet pitchers) are carnivorous North American plants with hollow, trumpet-shaped leaves that trap and digest insects. They lure prey with nectar and bright colours by using slippery, downward-pointing hairs and digestive fluids to capture and absorb nutrients which helps to supplement their diet in low- nitrogen environments.

Yellow Trumpet

The Yellow Trumpets (Sarracenia flava) have tall yellow-green pitchers with red veins which can reach up to thirty (30) inches. Their colouring often changes from yellow-green to a bright yellow in the Springtime. These particular Yellow Trumpets grow near the pond in Lost Hollow.

Click on images to enlarge.

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #19

Also posting in remembrance of … 

Bren’s Floral Friday 

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens 

Location: Lost Hollow; Kimbrell Children’s Garden; Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA

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.

Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way on Dirt Trails, pathways, or stairs in Monochrome/(Black & White)

Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge
Cee’s Which Way Challenge

Welcome back to the Which Way ChallengeThis Week’s Which Way Challenge are theme is  Any Which Way on Dirt Trails, dirt pathways, or dirt stairways in Monochrome. They can be Any Which Way on any Dirt Trails, dirt Pathways, or dirt Stairway, as long as your Which Ways are clearly visible. As always signs are welcome anytime.

Here are my entries …

Sauntering through
Crowders Mountain State Park

Coleman and I enjoy hiking whenever and wherever possible as long as it’s not too cold and windy. We saunter around parks and along trails at our own pace leisurely observing nature’s beautiful scenery. As usual, Coleman is up ahead of me as I keep on sauntering along snapping pictures here, there, and yonder. Come saunter along with us through Crowders Mountain State Park.

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.

Dawn’s Which Way: Tiffany’s Staircase

Brian’s It’s (just down the hall)

Suzette’s For Deb’s Which Way CWWC; Indoors

In Primo Piano’s i’m home

Lisa’s CWWC: Indoor Pathway, Hallway, Corridor, Or Stairway

Marie’s CWWC (INDOORS)

tgeriatrix’s The Red Tower in Weinheim

For further information about the Which Way Challenge check out the home page here.

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Cameras: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens.

Location: Lake Loop Trail; Crowders Mountain State Park; Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Be Friendly. Be Courteous. Be Kind. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Next Week: Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way (Your Choice)

Monochrome Madness #54: 2026.02.26 — Sauntering here and there within close proximity to home

Sauntering within 10km or approximately 6.214 miles from home found us heading towards the underpass and around the downtown area of Cramerton.

Starting out what we first observe is the Norfolk Southern chugging down the track …

Let’s see how observant we can be as we begin our crazy adventure …

Coleman’s off sauntering
towards the underpass

In these crazy mixed up times; this church building has been closed since Covid-19.

Coleman climbing steps to investigate

Next we observe and admire the Veterans Memorial in Centennial Center …

Who’s the added
addition to the Statue?

And finally, stop and be observant of beautiful flowers … oh how the blossoms and brighten our crazy days.

Flowers in Centennial Center

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #54

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Monday-Saunter

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Tuesday!-Observant!

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Wednesday-Crazy

Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Within 10km (6.214miles) from home; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God bless. Be Observant of Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Thursday Doors: February 26

Historic Abilene

High School

Back in 2020, I stayed with my maternal aunt for a couple of months before returning to the Carolinas after a Caribbean cruise I had taken in late February. While visiting my aunt, I would periodically take long walks accumulating more than 10,000 steps per walk.

On this particular day I came across this old building that piqued my curiosity. Naturally, I used my phone to look up information on what the building had been used for in its heyday.

Abilene Eagles Nest

Turns out the building was originally Abilene High School in Taylor County, Texas. The school was constructed in the Late Gothic Revival style in 1923. There were four additions made to the building in 1927, 1928, and 1941. In 1955, a new high school was built and this building became Lincoln Junior High School. Later on, it became Lincoln Middle School. In 2007, the school was closed … no more rambunctious teenagers roaming the hallways … forever remembered as the Historic Abilene High School.

Historic Abilene High School

Click on each image to enlarge.

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2026.02.26

Photo Credit:©️2020 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

Location:Historic Abilene High School; Abilene, Texas, 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. 

Wordless Wednesday — 2026.02.25

Taken 2025 February 23

Click on image to enlarge. 

Wordless Wednesday

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday 

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens

Location: Goat Island Park and Greenway; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 

God Bless. Have a terrific rest of your week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 CFFC: Inventions Of Special Tools

Dan Antion from No Facilities the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) has chosen to start a new series of related themes dealing with Inventions and Gizmos. This is the third week of the new series for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge with Inventions which has a feature of Special Tools.

Here are my entries …

Hole Puncher
on display on the
USS North Carolina Battleship
in Wilmington, North Carolina
Teletype Corp Model 15
New Braunfels Railroad Museum
New Braunfels, Texas

The Teletype Corp Model 15 dates back prior to World War II and was utilized by Western Union for telegraph communications, news wire services AP) and business. This model was adopted by the U.S. military for its communications network.

Railroad Switch Stand

This type of Switch Stand contains Semaphore signals which were operated manually, with the position of the Red blade and the colour of the light indicating whether the track ahead was clear or occupied.

The Semaphore signals were crucial for communicating with train engineers regarding track conditions and movements, thus ensuring railway safety.

Specialized Tools on Display at Anne Springs Close Greenway

Click on each image to enlarge. 

Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge-Special Tools

Photo Credit: ©️2020-2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

God Bless. Stay Safe. Take Care. Have an adventurous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

The Flower #Hour #19— 2026 February 24

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

For the Lenten Season which began on February 18th, I decided what better selection than the Narcissus pseudonarcissus to post. The Narcissus pseudonarcissus, is commonly referred to as the wild daffodil or Lent Lily.

Lent Lily

I captured this Lent Lily with my iPhone in February of 2024 (during the Lenten season) at The Schiele Museum of Natural History. It was growing in The Farm area near one of the historic cabins.

Terri’s The Flower Hour #19-2026.02.24

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Take time to observe the Flowers and nature’s beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Monday Portrait #8 —23 February

Mike and Lucky

Aka Cows

Click Image to Enlarge. 

Monday Portrait 

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location:The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 

God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Monday Window – 2026 February 23

Kitty by a Window
– 2 —
AI creation by PR

U.S. Postal Service

United States Postal Service
Gastonia, NC

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

Monday Window-2026.02.23

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

Dan’s Thursday Doors

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: United States Postal Service; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA  

God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 OWS — Cramerton Blues

Come Together
Confluence
Cramerton, NC
Light Blue house
on Riverside Drive
Coleman wearing light blue jeans,
a blue camouflage backpack,
& a blue Food Lion tote
at Riverside Park and Greenway
in Cramerton, NC.
Pansy Viola wittrockiana
Inspire Plus ‘True Blue’
(Blue’s in its name)

Click on each image to enlarge.

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-Blue

Photo Credit: ©️2023-2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Silent Sunday: 2026 02.22

Quiet & Peaceful

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Click on image to enlarge.

Silent Sunday

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Location: Atlantic Coast; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Cell Pic Sunday

Parasaurolophus

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. 

Click on image to enlarge.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday-2026.02.22

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a wonderful week ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Schiele’s Nature Trail Benches (Outdoor Seating)

No matter if you’re hiking the Nature Trail, having a group meeting, or just need a short break; there’s a bench for you to Pull Up a Seat and rest a spell.

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2026-Week 8

Jude’s Bench Challenge

Mama Cormier’s Thursday Trios-2026.02.21

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Location: Nature Trail; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, 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.

Up, Down, and Balance the Teeter-Totter

Coleman’s Teeter-Totter Time

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.02.21

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) Saturday-Playful

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Telephoto

Location: Playscape; Nature Trail; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Floral Friday/The #Flower Hour

Japanese Camellia

Japanese Camellia
(Camellia japonica
‘Governor Mouton’)

Click on image to enlarge.

Terri’s The #Flower Hour

Also posting in remembrance of … 

Bren’s Floral Friday 

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Photo Credit:©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm lens

Location: Glencairn Garden; Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA

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.

Which Way Challenge 2026: CWWC: Any Indoor Pathway, Hallway, Corridor, Or Stairway. [02.20.2026]

Welcome back to the Which Way ChallengeThis Week’s Which Way Challenge are 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 …

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.

Cath’s Which Way… {Caught Unawares}

Brian’s I saw them (hard at work)

Geriatri’x’ Fotogallery’s Caminito Del Rey

Suzette’s For Deb’s Any Which Way-CWWC – People

Dawn’s Which Way: Way Walking Along the Canal

In Primo Piano’s Arch

For further information about the Which Way Challenge check out the home page here.

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Be Friendly. Be Courteous. Be Kind. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Note: Next week (Friday 02.28.2026) our theme be Any Which Way on Dirt Trails, pathways, or stairs in Monochrome.

2026 LAPC #385 – unusual crop

Can you imagine
what this was depicting?
Dinosaur Skeleton
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Sophia Ruthann
Some Bunny Loves Me
Sophia Ruthann
Time for lovin’ nourishing

Ritva’s Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #385–Unusual Crop

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

God Bless. Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Walking Down the Street …

Looking for Grandma …

I missed you so …

I’m running to give you a hug …

… I love you so very much.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a wonderful rest of your week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Wordless Wednesday — 2026.02.18

Magnificent Sky

Click on image to enlarge. 

Wordless Wednesday

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday 

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion 

Location: The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 

God Bless. Have a terrific rest of your week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 CFFC: Inventions Of Gadgets and Gizmos

Dan Antion from No Facilities the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) has chosen to start a new series of related themes dealing with Inventions and Gizmos. This is the second week of the new series for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge with Inventions starring Gadgets and Gizmos.

Here are a few examples of Gadgets and/or Gizmos I have found in our wanderings …

Click on each image to enlarge. 

Dan’s Fun Foto Challenge

Photo Credit: ©️2023-2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

God Bless. Stay Safe. Take Care. Have an adventurous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 Monday Portrait #7 —16 February

Crotalus adamanteus

While visiting The Schiele Museum of Natural History, we paused to check out the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake .

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is also known by Crotalus adamanteus (its Binomial name).

It is a species of pit vipers belonging to the family Viperidae. They are indigenous to the Southeastern United States of America.

It is the largest rattlesnake species and one of the more heavily venomous snakes in the Americas.

This Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is safely encased behind a large glass window and is accessible by the staff. The staff do occasionally bring out various snakes and other animals for educational purposes.

Click Image to Enlarge. 

Monday Portrait 

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location:The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 

God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Monday Window – 2026 February 16

Kitty by a Window
– 2 — AI
creation by PR

Amber Jack

Reflective Windows

Yesterday, I shared some unique benches inside Amber Jack Seafood & Steak Restaurant. Today, I am letting you have a glimpse of the Windows we viewed from our table.

I loved seeing the reflections in the window from across the room.

This is a vertical window reflecting what was showing on the TV screen in another portion of the room.

Click on each image to enlarge. 

Monday Window 

Monday Window

See Monday Window posts in Reader

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Amber Jack Seafood & Steak Restaurant; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA  

God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Macro Monday — 16 February 2026

Echinacea KISMET® ‘Yellow’

Sunny, Butter-Yellow Coneflowers

Click on image to enlarge. 

Macro Monday (MM)

Terri’s The Flower Hour 

Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD)

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Ultra Wide

Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA 

God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Jude’s Bench Challenge — 2026 February 15

Wagon Wheel Benches

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.

Jude’s Bench Challenge

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Amber Jack Seafood & Steak Restaurant; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2026 #OWS: 15 February

Red

Red Rose 🌹 for Valentines Weekend

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-2026.15.02

Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: C.B. Huss Recreation Center; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. May you be filled with love, joy, and peace today and throughout the week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Tree Seating for Two (in Playscape)

Sophia Ruthann

and her Mom

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 …

XingfuMama’s Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2026-Week 7

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday-2026.02.14

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Playscape; Nature Trail; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

FOWC/RDP — Spring has not yet Sprung

Spring Back

to the River

I’m combining Fandango’s One Word Challenge with the Ragtag Daily Prompt Challenge joining FOWC’s Spring with RDP’s River for this post.

We are very much still in winter even though we haven’t had anymore snow as of yet. We have had many freezing temperatures in the evenings and early mornings. The past couple of days warmed up, however, chilly days and rainy days are still in the foreseeable forecast.

Since Spring has not yet sprung this year I decided to look back upon a delightfully sunny Spring day in 2022 (spring ended on June 21st in 2022). On this spectacular Spring day, Coleman and I hiked along the Catawba River in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We hiked along the Founders Trail which runs parallel to the Catawba River. And before you ask, Coleman did enjoy some refreshing playtime in the River.

Look closely to
see people tubing
down the River.
Kayakers enjoying
the Catawba River.
Coleman wading, playing, & watching the tubers floating down the Catawba River.
Collage of the Catawba River

Click on each image to enlarge.

Fandango’s FOWC – Spring

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP): Thursday! River!

Photo Credit:©️2022 Deb L. Waters .., All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Wide Camera

Location: Catawba River; Founders Trail; Carolina Thread Trail; Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Here’s wishing for Spring. Have a delightfully wonderful weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Which Way Challenge 2026: CWWC: Any Which Way Capturing People Unaware

Welcome back to the Which Way ChallengeThis Week’s Which Way Challenge are 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 …

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.

Lily’s Corner’s CWWC: Any Which Way displaying Winter or Summer

Geriatri’x’ Fotogallery’s It Is Still Winter

Brian’s Let’s see who is at the beach

Suzette’s Summer – Deb’s Any Which Way Challenge: Winter or Summer

Dawn’s Any Which Way Through the Winter Ice

For further information about the Which Way Challenge check out the home page here.

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Be Friendly. Be Courteous. Be Kind. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Note: Next Week’s Theme will be Any Indoor Pathway, Hallway, Corridor, Or Stairway.

2026 Thursday Doors: February 12

2023 badge by Teresa

Doors within

the Museum

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.

Exit Door

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2026.02.12

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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.

Monochrome Madness — 2026.02.11

Circles

and things that are Circular

Good Day y’all! This week Dawn from The Day After is the host for Monochrome Madness. She has chosen a theme of Circles. One may find circles or circular objects just about anywhere you look. Circles are all around us, from wheels, to bubbles, to water ripples, you name it circles are everywhere.

Here are a few circles of circulars I have found …

Click on each image to enlarge. 

Dawn’s Monochrome Madness-Circles

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness-2026.02.11

Photo Credit:©️2018-2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

God Bless. Stay Warm. Stay safe. Take Care of yourself. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Sunday Stills/The #Flower Hour #17 — Amethyst – 2026 February 11

This week Terri Webster Schrandt of Second Wind Leisure Perspectives combines her Sunday Stills Challenge with her Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge for a theme of Amethyst. She has also created her The #Flower Hour post using shades of Amethyst flowers.

Spring has not yet sprung in our area as of yet, therefore, I perused my photo archives to find appropriate images to use for all three challenges in one.

Here are my contributions …

Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge-#Amethyst

Sunday Stills-2026.02.11

Terri’s The #Flower Hour #17

Also posting in Remembrance of Cee …

Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge (FOTD)

God Bless. Have a lovely week. Take time to observe nature’s beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Wordless Wednesday — 2026.02.11

Icy Pond

The Pond
on the Nature Trail
at The Schiele Museum
of Natural History

Click on image to enlarge. 

Wordless Wednesday

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday 

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: The Pond; Nature Trail; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a terrific rest of your week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.