Ragtag Daily Prompt

Gift of Adventure (at the Beach)

Ragtag Daily Prompts

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.

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.***

And thus our Gift of Adventures begins …

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) Wednesday-Dwindle

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) Thursday-Gift

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP): Tuesday! Adventure!

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.

Tumultuous Skies (at the beach)

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Tumultuous

RDP Monday: Tumultuous

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

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.

RDP: Evanescent Sea and Sky

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Evanescent

Jez’s Water Water Everywhere

Hammad’s Weekend Sky

Skywatch Friday-Last for 2025

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

Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Happy New Year! Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 RDP: Tuesday —Present!

“Silver and Gold have I none, but such as I have I give unto thee …” (Acts 3:6)

You might not think this would apply to this time of year, however, I think it very much applies to. Presents, I do not need; but your Presence would be greatly welcomed and appreciated.

When Jesus was born, the Magi (also referred to as Wise Men) brought gifts (Presents) of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They came not just with their Presents, but also with their Presence. The Wise Men came to show their respect by being Present and giving Presents with significant meaning and importance.

The gift of Gold was honourable and symbolically respectful of Jesus’ Kingship and royalty. The gift of Frankincense signified their worship of the newborn king, honouring Jesus’ divinity and priesthood. The gift of Myrrh was a foretelling of Jesus’ mortality, suffering, and impending death. The Presents, from the Magi, acknowledged Jesus as King, God, and Savior. They also served practical purposes for Joseph and Mary to help meet their needs.

Yes, we all like to receive Presents during this holiday season, but Presents are not as important to me as having your Presence here with me. Now I know children (aka Coleman) does not understand that our Presence together is more meaningful than receiving Presents. One day, he may learn and appreciate our Presence together, but for now he should would enjoy receiving Presents for Christmas.

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Tuesday! Present! — 12.23.2025

God Bless. Merry Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas! Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 RDP: Sunday —Infructescence

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.

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) – infructescence

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location; Riverside Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 RDP: Friday! — Mountaintop View

Ragtag Daily Prompt- Friday!Mountain!

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

Location: Mount Jefferson State Natural Area; 1481 Mt Jefferson Rd, West Jefferson, North Carolina, USA

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

Let’s Explore Squaring with Nuts

#NovemberShadows#5

Coleman enjoys Exploring along the banks …

… of the South Fork Catawba River searching for Nuts.

He often finds Acorns …

which are true botanical Nuts from Oak trees.

He thinks the squirrels will eat them, however, …

the squirrels near us tend to enjoy …

swiping the bird seeds from our feeder.

As you can see he has gathered a handful of Acorns (Nuts).

RDP Tuesday! Explore!

Becky’s November #Shadows

Debbie’s One Word Sunday-N

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion & Ultra Wide Cameras

Location: South Fork Catawba River; Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Get Outdoors and Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. 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.

Shining Bright in the Evening Sky

Maybe not exactly street lamps, but maybe close enough??

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Thursday_Street Lamp

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

2025 RDP: Tuesday! Reptilian!

Anolis carolinensis

The Anolis carolinensis (Green Anole) is a tree-dwelling species of anole lizards native to the Southeastern United States. It is small to medium-sized a trunk-crowned ecomorph green anole which can change its colour to several shades from brown to green. It is sometimes referred to as American chameleon due to its colour-changing ability, but it is not a true chameleon.

The dewlap is usually pink for Anolis carolinensis and is very rarely present in females. The color of the dewlap is variable and different from the lizard eye to the human eye. Green anoles are thought to be capable of seeing a larger range of the UV spectrum, and that the dewlap reflects ultraviolet light to attract mates.

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) — Tuesday! Reptilian!

Cameras: 1) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens; 2) Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Telephoto

Locations: 1) Seven Oaks Preserve Trail, Belmont, North Carolina; 2) Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

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

2025 RDP: Saturday — Sandwich

Click on image to enlarge.

Ragtag Daily Prompt:Saturday-Sandwich

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Ultra Wide Camera

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

Not Pulling the Wool over You

Honestly, I would just like to show you some lovely Lanose creatures which can be seen at The Farm at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina.

My friends **Lanose**
are different shades than mine.

*Mine is lighter, more fluffier than theirs* ↖️.

*Bet you’d love*
*to run your fingers*
*through my Lanose.*

You know what? I’m not gonna come close enough for you to even try. You may look 👀 all you want, but you’re not gonna touch.

Ragtag Daily Prompt

#RDP-Lanose

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T3i

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

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

Thunder, Lightning — Wait it’s a Downpour

In the Morning …

In the Evening …

It went from that to this …

Lightening, Thunderstorms
, and Downpours

The Weather can Change quickly from one minute to the next. One needs to prepare for all Weather Changes possible in a day or night.

Hammad’s Weekend Sky

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

Skywatch Friday-2025.09.05

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP)-Downpour

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Change!

Hopefully you are able to see what we saw. It was an amazingly awesome sight to watch.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

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

Let’s Venture Down the Corridor

… to the Planetarium

Ragtag Daily Prompt

#RDP

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Thursday-Corridor

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

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

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

Rocky Shores of the Catawba

Greetings my friends and fellow bloggers. We’ve had some days where the weather’s been a bit warmer, but do not be fooled. Some cooler days are still gonna be hanging around reminding us that Winter is in no way over yet.

Sitting here enjoying the peace and quiet of the evening’s (Coleman’s asleep) fleeting moments; I’m reflecting and remembering a Spring hiking adventure Coleman and I took to the Fort Mill Dam. My memories fade from time to time, however, the wonderful feeling my memories of time past spending time together will always remain with me (and hope with Coleman as well.)

On this day in 2021 (Coleman was only one year and ten months old), Coleman and I decided to visit the Fort Mill Dam while his mom was working. We dropped his mom off at work and then using directions she gave me (keyed into GPS) we proceeded to locate the entrance to the parking lot for the Fort Mill Dam.

As usual, for us, we walked down to the water to look around. However, we are never satisfied until we hike around the entire area. Therefore, we wandered past the main access to the Catawba River and ventured downstream to get a closer look at the Dam. The area closest to the dam is rather Rocky according to my memory and these photo images I snapped on the particular day.

The vast amount of rocky shoreline did not prevent Coleman from investigating the area surrounding the Dam. He climbed up and down and all around the rocks. We saw quite a number of Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) on the rocks and in the water. Coleman had an amazing time visiting the Fort Mill Dam and hiking around the river. He loved watching the various species of birds flying to and fro over the water as well as swimming in the river. Oh, it’s good to reflect and recall memories we are forging together.

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Rocky

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Memory

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

Location: Catawba River Access; Fort Mill Dam; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Be Grateful for the Memories and the loved ones you share with them. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 RDP: February 22 — Friday! Beast!

Replica Ancient Beasts

The term beast is often referred to any non-human animal species, especially large four -footed mammals. However, the term Beast is determined upon by scientific and biblical interpretations. Biblically, the word “Beast” is referring to large, walking animals excluding humans, amphibians, and small animals. Beasts fall into several different categories including Mammals, Birds, Fish, Insects, Dinosaurs, and Giant Animals.

Birds, Fish, and insects aren’t normally thought of as beast by many people. Birds are descended from the theropod dinosaurs; some of which include the Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Velociraptor. People may think that Pterodactyls are dinosaurs, but they are actually an extinct clade (monophyletic group) of flying reptiles. In the Fish category, Sturgeons are sometimes referred to as “living dinosaurs” (even though they are not) due to their coexistence with dinosaurs and have a prehistoric appearance. Dinosaurs didn’t live in water like ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, mosasaurs which are not dinosaurs, but are prehistoric marine reptiles. In the Insect category, the wheel bug (Arilus cristatus) and the Aethiocarenus burmanicus are described as resembling dinosaurs. Some think the wheel bug may resemble a stegosaurus or a triceratops.

Here are some typical dinosaur replicas which have been on display at one time or another. Children especially are enthusiastically captivated by seeing dinosaurs (like my grandson, Coleman).

The term “Beast” can also be used to apply to a person or thing that is unpleasant, difficult, or powerful. It can refer to a person’s physical appearance or their behaviour such as annoying, cruel, or uncivilized. It can also refer to something that is unpleasant, and/or difficult.

I might think Coleman is being difficult and annoying at times, however, he is no beast.

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Friday! Beast!

Public Art:Dinosaurs

Cameras: Apple iPhone XR, 11 Pro Max, 14 Pro Max, and Canon EOS Rebel T3i

Locations: The Discovery Center; Abilene, Texas; Carowinds; Charlotte, North Carolina; The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

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

2025 RDP Tuesday Reunion!

Looking Back

at Past Reunions

The Ragtag Daily Prompt for today has prompted a look back to Reunions in years past. In my younger days we had a few Family reunions with members of my maternal grandfather’s side of the family. So far, I have not located any of the photos my dad or other relatives would have taken of those get togethers. Some were held at my maternal grandparents home and others at my maternal grandfather’s sister’s daughter’s home. The memories of those Reunions are sporadic and fragmented, but do somewhat remain in the crevices of my mind.

After my maternal grandfather passed away the family reunions seemed to fade away. I hadn’t gone to a reunion in years until after we moved back to the Carolinas and made family connections through AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, and Facebook. It was with those connections that I found out about the Greer/Watson/Trivette Reunions and the Watson Family Reunions in and surrounding Deep Gap, North Carolina. [My maternal grandfather was born in the Deep Gap area in 1890.]

Here are a few photos from those Reunions …

Watson Family Reunions

2015

2016

2017

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Tuesday! Reunion !

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

Locations: 2015-2016) Yadkin Valley Community Park; Lenoir, North Carolina; 2017) Deep Gap Fire Department; Deep Gap, North Carolina

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

Weather Forecast is a Conundrum

Winter Weather Advisory predictions are for Snow to hit our area tonight.

Apple’s Weather app shows advisory, but conveys no Snow.

I’m Content to watch the Weather from indoors …

The Weather Channel’s app is in a Conundrum … it’s flip flopping to and fro.

Snow … Only Cloudy and Freezing Cold … Snow … Cold Wind Chills as low as 5° below zero … Snow

I Look outside … I see light Snow flurries

I’m Content to Remain where it’s Warm …

It is a conundrum wondering why “Weatherman” can’t figure it out.

A Conundrum wondering why Weather apps cannot agree …

Channel 9 News most accurate … Light Snow Flurries in the Piedmont, Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.

Stepping Outside … What do I See?

Light Snow Flurries … Snow on porch railings … patch of Snow on car.

I’m Content with enjoying Snow from afar …

No conundrum in my mind any longer …

I believe what I see and feel …

I’m Content with Snow or no Snow

Weather predictions are not always accurate.

Snow is Snow no matter how you define it.

And on into the night … the weather conundrum continues …

I am Content to Stay curled up snug and warm …

How about you? Are you in a Conundrum? Or are you Content?

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Tuesday! Conundrum!

JusJoJan25–

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

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

God Bless. Let’s not be in a Conundrum. Let’s be Content. God is in Control. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 RDP: Tuesday! — Goat!

*Goat at*
*Confluence South Fork*
*Town of Cramerton*

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Tuesday! Goat!

Becky’s GeometricJanuary

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Outside Confluence South Fork; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Be Kind. Love One Another as Yourself. Don’t let anything get your Goat. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2024 RDP: Tuesday 12.17 — Darkness

Out of the Darkness and into the early Dawn as Coleman walked out the back door for us to head to the bus stop, he said look Grandma and pointed towards the back fence. He wanted me to see what he was seeing.

Here’s what he was seeing …

These were taken in the early dawn when it was still dark outside. I have cataracts and cannot see out of my left eye, it is difficult for me to see in the dark. Thus, these are not as clear as I would prefer but will still give you an idea of what Coleman was seeing coming out of the darkness.

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Tuesday! Darkness!

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Our Backyard; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Come out of the Darkness and Dwell in the Light of Jesus. Hallelujah! Christ’s birth is the Reason we celebrate Christmas. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

RDP: Friday – Thankful/SATURDAY — PUMPKIN

Out of Hardship

Comes Blessings

For the past few months, we have been in unrest. I live with my daughter and grandson whom I take care of while she works. Up until recently (like three months ago) her husband (who never liked my being there) was also in the home. He moved out leaving my daughter with a whole heap of debt and a rental amount she could not afford without his assistance. He really didn’t think he should contribute to the financial obligations before he moved out and definitely didn’t think so afterwards even though his name was also on the lease. this made it difficult for my daughter to find another place to live; one in which she would be able to afford. Thus, creating extreme hardship and high levels of stress and anxiety.

***A Pile of Pumpkins***
***Ready for Children’s Pickin’***

After much searching and reaching out to anyone and everyone she finally found another place for us to move to. Just one catch, the landlord was still working on the house, and she didn’t have the financial resources to move in immediately. Therefore, we had additional expenses of staying in a motel for a week until everything could be completed to satisfaction. during this transitional period my grandson was missing several days of kindergarten and speech class.

So, what do you think I did? Since we couldn’t provide transportation to his school, I took him to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes, hiking. Coleman and I went hiking three days in a row to his delight. In the mist of trials, it was a blessing to enjoy being out in nature spending quality time with him. Our motel for the week was a short distance from his favorite hiking place, Anne Springs Close Greenway. Therefore, where else would I take him but to the Greenway, of course. These Pumpkins were seen on our fourth day of hiking. They were situated at the Lake Haigler entrance to the Anne Springs Close Greenway. The Greenway also had other fun Fall/Autumn activities set up for the children to enjoy. During this week we visited three of the five entrances to the Greenway. Each entrance offers different trails and activities for visitors to utilize and enjoy.

I am extremely grateful for my daughter and her strength and persistence in searching and locating a place for us to live and feel at peace. Home is the nicest word in our vocabulary right now. We are all thankful for having a home to live in. Thankful to be out of the motel. Thankful to be out of turmoil. Thankful to be relieved of a heavy load of stress and worry. I know, all our troubles and worries should be laid in the hands of God, our Heavenly Father. It is difficult sometimes to lay everything at his feet and not continue to worry.

We (mostly me) still have a tremendous amount of unpacking to do but alas, it will all get done in due time. I am still processing the fact that we have a home to live in. Understanding that we are all safe and can relax and enjoy our home (it is a rental, but it is our home for now). Coleman has his own little room, with his own bed (he had been having to share mine). He has a fairly good size yard to play in and we don’t have to worry about him not having enough space to run and pay. This home is a blessing, and I am truly thankful for being allowed to share it with my daughter and grandson.

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Saturday_Pumpkin

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Friday_Thankful

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Pumpkins) Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA; Home) Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting with us. Thank you for sharing your time ana thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

A Pair of Trumpet(ers) Delight Your Weekend

***Trumpeter Swan***
***(Cygnus buccinator)***

Ragtag Daily Prompt Saturday-Trumpet

Six Word Saturday

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Location: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium; Powell, Ohio

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.

Taking Flight in Gastonia

Coleman
watching an Airplane
becoming Airborne

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Monday – Airborne

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

2024 RDP: Tuesday — Ink

Ink Art — Tattoos

Continue to Live
I Got Your Back
22 Too Many

***In Memory***
&
***Cancer Awareness***
***for Grandmother & Dad***
***( My Daughter’s Tatoo)***

***A Tattoo***
***on my Husband’s Arm***

These tattoos all have meanings behind them. I do not remember my husband, Terry’s meaning for his tattoo. Regrettably I do not have a better quality photo of it. May he continue to Rest in Peace.

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Ink

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all.

2024 RDP: 02.11 — Affection

Horses Love and Show Affection

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Affection

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Greenway Stables; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

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

Ragtag Daily Prompts

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Anolis carolinensis

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… to the Planetarium

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