Could you tell me what the meaning of (xxx) sentences is

1.Kevin started collecting found photos three years ago and has now amassed a collection of over a thousand. "I got the idea after reading a magazine article about it. Somebody had discovered an abandoned slide collection – literally thousands of slides of this one middle-aged woman on holiday in different parts of Spain. They had apparently been taken by her husband. There was no knowing who she was, but the photos had ( a haunting charm ). The couple seemed to have been so happy together. The photos were a kind of testament to a long, happy, although seemingly childless, marriage."

2.I found a little beachside café. I took a seat and a charming waiter took my order. The food was good and the weather was perfect, so ( I took my time) .

3.My grandmother is amazing. She ( took up ) water-skiing when she was 75.