God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Scott Memorial Baptist Church Taken in February 14, 1976 San Diego, California
This image was brought up in my memories. It was taken at my friend’s wedding at the church we grew up in many years ago. Her and her husband have now been married for Fifty (50) years. Quite remarkable in this day and age. The church holds many memories for me, but the memories that are precious to me are the friendships that we made, the places we camped, the fellowships at Mission Beach & Mission Bay playing Volleyball. Those friendships have stood the test of time.
Location: Tunnel Trail; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy the Great Outdoors. Take a walk/hike in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Get Outdoors. Have a fabulous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Who laid the lone egg 🥚 in our backyard? Was it one of the Black hens? … one of the the Brown hens? … or a white or yellow hen? We may never know. Our neighbours chickens tend to “jump” the fence and visit our backyard everyday. Should I cook it? Eat it? Maybe I will or maybe I won’t.
Location: Our Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Spread some love and kindness to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens
Location: The Rooftop Garden; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, 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.
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 …
Taking a Stroll through Kings Mountain Myrtle Beach, South Carolina T. Jeffers Center Gastonia, NCA Stroll around the Parking lot. Myrtle Beach, SCTaking A Stroll waiting for momKings Mountain National Military Park Evening in the Neighborhood T. Jeffers Center & Park Oh look, an Amazon Van Strolling down the road. Strolling to T. Jeffers Center Gastonia, NCStrolling 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]
We recently moved into a different house (on 2027.03.01) and already had to inform our landlady of a plumbing leak with the kitchen sink. It was leaking from the spray hose, the pipe joints under the sink, & the sink basket on the right side was rusted so terribly bad that it was leaking from it as well.
Our Landlady called a guy she knew of that lived done the street, however, that particular guy didn’t show up the next day after the initial meeting with landlady. We informed her that he didn’t show up to repair the leak. She calls back a couple days later informing us a different person would be coming out to “repair” the leak.
Rear Doors of a Brothers Plumbing Vehicle
Lo and behold, what we thought was going to be a simple “repair” of a kitchen faucet/sink leak turned out to become a huge problem with more issues than we ever expected or imagined. (Don’t worry, I’m getting to the Brothers Plumber in just a little bit.)
Turned out the piping was cracked, the previous sealant wasn’t applied or was improperly applied to the joints for the pipes. The “sink basket, basket strainer, strainer, etc. were all rusted, corroded, and the “plumber” (2nd person called) couldn’t get the sink basket strainer assembly off without removing the entire sink and pipes.
Are you understanding my meaning by saying it turned out not to be a simple “repair?) When this person tried to turn off the water valve under the kitchen sink it broke, so therefore, he called a “plumber” from BrothersAir (Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing). Guess what? The man fromBrothers didn’t do any better than the 2nd person. Oh, he replaced the water shut off valve alright, but he wasn’t much assistance when the entire sink was replaced. Now, let me back up a minute. The 2nd man went to Lowe’s and purchased a whole new sink, faucet and kitchen drain assembly with basket strainer and returned and installed it before the 3rd man (the Brothers Plumber) arrived. He stopped working on the repair after he broke the water shut off valve until the Brothers Plumber replaced the valve.
Side view of Brothers Van & doors.
When all the “new” pipes, sink, faucet, and entire drain assembly were attached, do you think that was the end of our problems? Yeah, you’re right it was not. Part of the pipes and connecting joint connectors were put on crooked and not fastened properly together which then meant we STILL had a leakage problem. Not only that, but then the 2nd person & the Brothers Plumber discovered a leak with the water meter (of course it was on the side for the property & not the city to fix.
Now you’re probably wondering what else could go wrong. With all these problems, the 2nd person was in communication with our landlady and her being frustrated (remind you a “simple” repair turned in a major repair) gave my daughter and ear full as if we were the source and cause for the leak the major issues with the repair after.
Now onto the next day. The 2nd man returned with yet another Plumber (4th man). You keeping all this straight? Kinda like the old saying “How many electricians does it take to change a light bulb?” except it’s “How many Plumbers does it take to repair a leak?” Well, with the addition of the 4th Plumber the pipes have been straightened, the joints (hopefully) properly sealed, and (hopefully) no more leak. [Note: the 3rd Plumber (the Brothers Plumber) charged the 2nd man $500 to replace the water supply (shutoff) valve & that’s about all he did other than help discover the leak at the water meter.
The 4th Plumber corrected the mistakes made by the other “Plumbers”, flushed out the drain/sewage system informing us the “Flushable” wipes are NOT really flushable or biodegradable as some brands claim. Turns out that Flushable wipes do not have consistent standards or regulations of the products. This 4th Plumber will return tomorrow (aka today, Thursday). He said he will double check that the sealant has properly sealed the pipes and no additional sealant needed (but if needed he’ll add additional). He said also that he will repair the leak at the water meter.
By my count it has taken Four Plumbers to repair a a leak with the kitchen sink. It has also cost a tremendous amount more dollars than it should have cost. The 2nd Plumber says he’ll take care of our first water bill (the water is still leaking at the meter (hopefully not after tomorrow.)
How could we be source of this problem when we’ve barely been in the house? Beyond our comprehension currently.
Do you think we would recommend this particular BrothersAirto anyone for any kind of service or repair? I absolutely think not.
Location: Our Residence; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take Care. Stay Warm (We’re back to freezing low temperatures). Be Grateful. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: The Garden in the Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, 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.
Dan from No Facilities hosts the Fun Foto Challenge at and this week he is asking for our Views from a Car. I have chosen to take you on an adventure of Looking Forward while Venturing backwards in time to Past Views from a Windshield.
Let’s begin with the Current 2026 …
The View to the Carolina Speedway Gastonia, North Carolina
2025 View in Charlotte, North Carolina …
Driving through downtown Charlotte
Now to the Past Views from a Car …
2017 …
Beautiful Views while driving the Blue Ridge Parkway (NC) (taken from the passenger seat).
2012 …
Views In Ohio’s Amish Country
Now to Traverse even Further Back in Time …
1979 …
Views while crossing San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in California, USA
1973 …
Fixing to stop at a Texas Toll Booth
1963 …
Approaching the Toll Booth, The Dallas/Fort Worth Turnpike in Texas.
Nowadays you don’t need to stop, due to the digital age they just capture your license plate & send you a bill.
God Bless. Take an adventure. See some beautiful sights. Capture the Memories. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Veterans Wall Glencairn Garden Rock Hill, South Carolina
Veterans Memorial Wall … Army … Navy … Air Force … Coast Guard … Marines … POW/MIA
Veterans Wall Glencairn Garden Rock Hill, South Carolina
The Glencairn Veterans Wall honors the men and women who served in the military. The City of Rock Hill, South Carolina holds an annual event as a Tribute to Veterans. The annual event is organized y the City of Rock Hill and the York County Veterans Advisory Council.
In Jacksonville’s Lejeune Memorial Gardens …
Beirut Memorial Wall Lejeune Memorial Gardens Jacksonville, North Carolina
Lejeune Memorial Gardens are located not far from Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. My eldest son and I visited the Memorial Gardens when I drove to visit him and my other son who was stationed at Camp Lejeune back in 2017.
Vietnam Memorial Wall Lejeune Memorial Gardens Jacksonville, North Carolina
Lejeune Memorial Gardens is a five (5) acre park which honors military service. The Gardens feature several memorials which include the Beirut Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial Beam, and the Corpsmen Memorial. We walked along the many walking trails as we were captivated be the various memorials. The memorials were tributes to significant events in United States history. To find out more about the Memorials and the Lejeune Memorial Gardens click here.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7(2000D) with Canon EF-S55/250 mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Carolina Speedway; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Let God direct your life’s speed and journey. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Bill J. Motes, of Newport, North Carolina converted a Mazda Wankel Rotary Engine to use in a Coot amphibian aircraft in which he received recognition by the experimental aircraft community. Bill was satisfied with the engine’s performance, however, due to his developing crippling arthritis he was unable to fly his Coot aircraft for any extended period.
Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Aircraft engine …
Twin Wasp Aircraft engine North Carolina Transportation Museum
The Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Engine is an American air-cooled radial aircraft engine with 14 cylinders aligned in two banks of seven. The design for the Pratt & Whitney engine dates back to 1929, however, production didn’t begin until 1932.
An Interesting Note: The Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Engine was used in eighty-nine (89) different types of commercial and military aircraft including B-24s, C-47s and the Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat, until it was phased out by Grumman.
Both of these Engines were engine’s Coleman and I saw during our visit to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in 2021.
Location: North Carolina Transportation Museum; Spencer, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have an adventure. Visit a museum. Take Care. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Sidewalk in Front; City of David; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. May the Lord God bring a ray of Sunshine into your lives and Sonshine into your souls. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Neighbour’s Trampoline; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Spread some love and kindness to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen for the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way on a Nature Trail (Dirt or Paved) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any dirt or paved 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.
Coleman and I haven’t journeyed very far like some of y’all have, however, we do enjoy our adventurous journeys to Greenways, State Parks, and nearby National Parks. This past weekend we journeyed to Kings Mountain National Military Park for the sole purpose of hiking the Battlefield Trail.
The Battlefield Trail is a mere 1.5 miles long, but it seems a lot further when you’re hiking up hill on the trail, winding around the mountain, back and forth twisting this way and that way through the woods, hiking up and down continuously seems like you’re hiking forever.
The Battlefield Trail contains several story boards telling about the impact the Revolutionary War had on the Kings Mountain area and the Carolinas. It has monuments in various locations along the trail which have significant historical relevance to the Revolutionary War and the Soldiers who fought against the British. It is a semi-paved trail in natural surroundings.
After arriving at Kings Mountain National Military Park, Coleman and I checked out the museum prior to hitting the trail for our adventurous journey. Once we left the Museum/Visitor Center, we had to decide which way we wanted to go to begin our hike.
Do we go to the left or right?
We read the sign which indicated which way the Battlefield Trail was located. Therefore, we followed the signs directions and began hiking to the left. We ran across various signs along the way … some that instructed us on what not to do, some that told about a specific area, and a few that informed about park regulations or gave us hiking suggestions.
Battlefield Trail
Hiking along we see stone monuments dedicated to fallen soldiers, orange cones alerting us to dangerous areas, and Coleman discovers interesting places to Pull Up a Seat.
Sacred to the memoryof … Coleman Pulls Up a Seat on a logShoot Tree to TreeColeman Pulls Up a Seat on a Bench One of many Story BoardsBattlefield Trail
Hiking further up (and I mean uphill)along the trail we spot more monuments with information indicating their significance in history.
In Honor of the Three Known African-American Patriots…Coleman approaches the largest and tallest monument Coleman Pulls Up a Seat on a Monument This is a different monument Coleman is investigating In Honor of Lieutenant Colonel James Hawthorne …Coleman takes a break Pulling up a Seat on the TrailTo the Memory of Col. Patrick Ferguson …American Vanquished Battlefield Trail Directional SignThe end
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.
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.
First signs of Spring are slowly sprouting up out of the old dry branches of the hydrangea bush in front of the house. It’s odd to see old and new life together, but it’s also wonderful and beautiful. It reminds me that God has made me a new creation …
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
“And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.’”
God said it, and I believe it. He makes everything new, even the plants, flowers, … when He said everything, He meant absolutely everything is made new.
Location: Home Garden; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. May you be blessed with new adventures, new friendships, and an abundance of happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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 VisitorCenter 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
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.
Our neighbours have several breeds of chickens in their backyard. They don’t always stay in his yard, sometimes they come a visiting. He has two or three Rhode Island Reds like this one and they tend to fly short distances until they are able to “jump” over the wire fence. When they do they are more than likely going to be caught by Coleman.
Our Neighbours Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is a popular, hardy American chicken breed (a friend in Texas as some as well). They are known to be excellent producers of large brown eggs (approximately 6-7 eggs per week). Even though most individual chicken owners raise them for their eggs, they are also an excellent source of high-quality meat. It is said that the Rhode Island Red Roosters could be aggressive and not ideal for small children or neighbours. (I think our neighbours Rhode Island Reds must be hens, since hens are more friendly and they haven’t pecked Coleman yet.)
God Bless. Keep your eyes open for interesting photography opportunities. They maybe lurking about in the least likely places. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen Any Which Way (Your Choice) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome. For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Here are my entries …
Entering the Carolina Speedway …
Carolina Speedway SignThe long line to entering the parking area. Walking to the Seating area at the TrackWalking to the Seating area at the TrackCee’s Which Way Challenge Any Which Way (Your Choice)
In between the regular Monster Truck Wars competitions the event held a Power Wheels Truck race featuring the littlest and youngest “Monster Truck” drivers. These images are from the Power Wheels Truck race.
Enthusiastic young driverMini Grave Digger Truck & driver Slowly approaching starting lineLining up & waving to crowd (Trio of Power Wheels)Roaring and rolling They are off … One, Two, Three … (not final order)Nearing the finish lineThursday Trios & CWWC
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
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 FotoChallenge with Inventions which has a feature of Tools and Equipment.
Here are my entries …
Ridgid RB40 Jobsite Toolbox seen along the Rocky Branch TrailDewalt DWE7491RS – Job Site Table Saw w/ Rolling Stand, 10″, CompactStorage of Fire Extinguishers & other equipment Construction Equipment hard at work by The Schiele Museum Construction Equipment at Anne Springs Close Greenway CATERPILLAR 349F Crawler ExcavatorsVancer CWX20 HI-RAIL EXCAVATORCee’s Fun Foto Challenge Tools and Equipment
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.
Monday was Coleman’s first day at his new school, Edward D. Sadler Jr Elementary. The school is named after Dr. Edward DeWitt Sadler, Jr. (1947–2018). He served as the first African-American Superintendent of Gaston County schools. He believed ‘All Children Can Learn.’
The school’s mascot is the Gators. The school celebrates diversity through their international teachers, who share their cultures and languages with students.
Coleman’s new school
This year the entire school is reading ‘The One and Only Ivan’ by Katherine Applegate. The school is encouraging families to read and discuss the book together as a family. The students will also discuss in their classrooms at school. Sadler Elementary encourages students to dream big, work hard, and celebrate what makes them unique.
After only a couple of days of Coleman being at the new school, we can already see an improvement in his attitude towards school, the encouragement from his teachers, and his confidence for learning has increased.
Location: Edward D. Sadler Jr. Elementary School; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a great rest of your week and a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Inside Chick-Fil-A; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Stop and smell the Flowers. Bring a Ray of Sunshine’s Beauty inside. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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.
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):
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
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.
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.
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.
Today we moved part of our stuff into a “new to us” house across the county approximately 9.1 miles away from where we were living for the past couple of years.
Moving Totes
This means a new school for Coleman, a need to find a new church home, and new adventures roaming the neighbourhood and surrounding areas. Also new neighbours, new friendships to build.
Our (Coleman & mine) Entertainment for the Evening
However, with packing and moving tensions between family heightens and misunderstandings occur. Even with all that, Coleman and I are looking forward to new adventures the new neighbourhood and city can bring us.
Location: “New Home”; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take time to enjoy a few adventures. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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.
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.
Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge Cee’s Which Way Challenge
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge. This Week’s Which Way Challengeare 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.
Which Way Challenge (CWWC) Dirt Trails, Dirt pathways, or Dirt stairways in Black & White Monochrome
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.
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 AbileneHigh School.
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.
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 …
Historic Small Hand Tools used throughout history on small farms and homesteads Blacksmith Tools Graham Cabin Anne Springs Close GreenwayCFFC – Special Tools
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 