She came downstairs – and said to me ” What do you plan to do today “?
“Mow the lawn ” I replied !
Wait – we have to walk – 10000 steps !
So – that is when she said –
let’s take the Metro –
and go into the WATERFRONT to the WHARF !!!!
The WATERFRONT and the WHARF – Washington D.C.
It had been years since we had gone to the FISH MARKET on the waterfront. And – the whole city line had changed –
to a beautiful waterfront plaza – with many eatery’s and bars – music and venues for top of the line entertainment nation wide.
Harbor view on one side of the Wharf – other side has even bigger boats
The transformation is stunning – and construction is everywhere. Huge buildings – grand boardwalk and tons of people.
What looked to me to be a Lynx was a breed of cat
You see everything – and there are electric scooters all over – you just put your credit card in –
ride it to where you want to go – get off and leave it for the next person !
On both sides of the boardwalk are places to eat and drink and be social with the harbor and boats.
Me walking into what is left of the OLD FISH MARKET
Part of the OLD FISH MARKET
There are vendors with huge piles of fish – shrimp – lobsters- clams and oysters –
all freshly caught and brought in from the East Coast.
You can buy just about anything and even have it cooked right there!
The smells of cooked fish – shrimp – lobster – were everywhere !
Late lunch sitting on the board walk
We selected a place to eat in the shade but on the waterfront – public restrooms were available and very clean.
It could be a little pricey – so come prepared.
A lonely Catamaran sits in anchor
We decided to continue our 10000 steps and walk the the harbor way to the ball fields about a mile away.
Along the way we saw dozens of hikers in full packs – hats and outfits – I asked what they were doing as they had some sort of GPS – phone like instruments – they were on a 50 mile challenge – one women told me !
It reminded me of The Amazing race ! And they were all in a hurry !
Tree lined street – going by a Army Base
Really nice flowers along the paths
We walked where we had never been before – in all the years we have walked D.C.
Audi Field -new home of DC UNITED SOCCER
We came first to Audi Field –
the brand new home to DC UNITED SOCCER TEAM.
And within a 1/4 mile to the NATIONALS PARK – baseball field !
WASHINGTON NATIONALS BASEBALL PARK
We have been to the baseball park a lot of times – but this was a first for the soccer field as it just opened this Spring.
Main entrance to NAT’S PARK
We were there at 4:00 PM.and fans were already arriving for the 7:00 PM. game.
We crossed the street – and it was right out of a movie set – every table outside – and there were dozens of them – six to eight people a table –
were packed full of thirty something young people – all dressed like well dressed college students – sitting – drinking and talking.
Everywhere I looked including the outside bar and inside was the same – as if hundreds of them decided to descend upon the scene at the same time !
We went inside to get into air condition as it was hot in the Sun – each having a drink before we found our way to the Metro stop !
We can actually leave home – drive 15 or 20 minutes – park and ride the Metro right to the gates of the park.
Flowers on our 10000 step walk
A over six hour journey – ( ended up with over 12,000 steps )
was a perfect way to spend a Saturday mid morning – getting back home around 6:00 PM.
Just in time to settle in and watch the NAT’S on TV playing the Cubs !
Always take a picture of where you park
Hint of the day – we always take pictures of where we park in whatever venue we leave from –
makes it much easier to find your car ! LOL
I hope you like this little journey – living healthy – walking –
And sometimes on a whim –
change it up and adventure into something new –
YOU MIGHT EVEN SEE A CAT ON A LEASH THAT LOOKS LIKE A LYNX!
Our oldest daughter – Debby and her family – Sarah – Ella – Maddy and daddy Mike.
We gathered at 9:15 am. on Saturday – May 11th. 2019 at the parking lot on top of the mountain on route 7. We were going to celebrate Mother’s day with them as a family – with a hike – they are outdoor’s family and hiking is a way of life for them. Sherry and I – we do it – but not alone – falling would at our age – be a disaster – as cell service almost does not exist in the mountains up there.
The trail – which is part of the Appalachain trail – was wet and muddy from all the rain we have had. The landscape along her is very rocky – and this part of the trail is known as the “ROLLERCOASTER”
It was very rocky and I had to watch my step – as it was slippery – and I did not want to fall nor twist a ankle.
Sherry was always ahead of me as I tended to bring up the rear -and you can see the rocks – I wanted to watch them and be ready if anyone ( Sherry) slipped. Picture time – posing – the hike was about 1.20 miles in each direction – coming down we made it in less that 30 minutes – which was not bad for it being so wet.
All the trails we hiked up on was a little over a mile – but it was up and down and in and around – with rocks the whole way.
Mike and Ella standing on top of the BEAR’S DEN over view. You can see route 7 in the background and father away – the Shenandoah river.
And then we were at the top- and by the way – we passed dozens of hikers going both ways – and they passed us – mostly going up – we saw a lot of hikers doing just what we were – but also solo – hikers with big back packs who were actually hiking the main trail – which is over 2200 miles long.
Debby – Mike and Maddy looking out over the Shenandoah river and valley along route 7 in Va.
The view at the top – you look out over the valley and see both the river and route 7 which heads to Winchester Va.
The path into the Bear’s Den.
Ella and Maddy – looking into some of the caves.
The rock formations at the top – you can see these from the highway as you travel East on route 7 – a lot of overhangs and shear drops.
Maddy – standing in front of the Bear’s Den behind her left leg as she faces you – you could get 3 or 4 people inside and be completely dry in a storm.
This almost looks to me as if in the ancient past – someone made a seat just outside the cave to her right – this actually is like a crawl space to the overlook above. Maddy sitting on the chair !
Sherry and Debby – mother and daughter – standing on the over view ledge.
The hike up was worth it – climbing – some places you had to find a hand hold so not to lose your balance – but it was quiet – except when people were passing – even saw one young man hiking BAREFOOT ! All in all – it was a very tranquil day – spent as a day with mom – both mom’s – for Mother’s Day!
Looking at both the wonders from afar and near.
Taken from the cave entrance up to mother and daughters looking out over the valley – wondering how many over a thousand years have done this !
MORMOR and her tree oldest gran daughters. MORMOR is Swedish for ” MOTHER’S MOTHER “
I hope this hike in pictures for today’s blog – you enjoyed as much as we did in being with the kids and sharing a memory for time to come. At the top is a stone lodge built in the ’30 ‘s as a summer home fora doctor from Washington D.C. It later was converted into a lodge – hostel and campground for hikers on the Applalachain Trail. This stone wall is the entrance on the driveway into the lodge.
Tom & Sherry
Spending the day with grand kids and their parents for Mother’s day –
hiking the Appalachain trail in the Shaenandoah’s to the Bear’s Den outside of Bluemont Va. – “PRICELESS ” .
In 1999 – we took a chance – and we both transferred from SWNY state to NVA with the company we had worked for – taking all of our time and benefits with us. It was to us a Leap Of Faith – leaving behind security and friends and family.
The storm was brewing – we steadied our life
But – excitement also was in the air – we left our little church behind – put our faith in God’s hands – and ventured South – from rural farm – country – to city life – right smack in the middle of Alexandria Va. A town of less than a thousand to a city of more than a million. ( D.C. ) area.
Our new home – after 8 years of searching – Community Lutheran Church
We searched for eight years – almost every Lutheran church in the area – finally finding Community Lutheran Church in Sterling Va. This was the church our daughter – Tammy – married Marcus in and was his home church and that of his family. We had found a home.
It has now been twelve plus years – and even though the storm has ceased – we find comfort in walking through those doors – open arms and friends. Truly a Community !
Today our faith in humanity rests with in these walls.
In today’s World – our faith provides us with comfort – and also the outreach in the community. We saw this 12 years ago – and it is us. When we left – we did not know where we would worship – but it is here – all are welcome – service to the community and other religions – all faiths – we found a home among the brewing clouds – just as today the clouds are around – we maintain our faith and our church.
Passing it on to the next generation
And we are able to share that with the next generation – after all – that is but one facet of life – the here and now – #livinglifetotheplus – kids are free – free to see the community of church.
Family
Family – friends – storms may brew – but life together forms a bond – one that comes together in our new life so far away from back home – we found a new home – Community Lutheran Church – Sterling Va.
I hope this gives insight into dramatic moves – ones that up root your lives – ones that cause you to search and find your new roots – God Bless !
A COMMUNITY EVENT – a coming together of the neighborhood – where SOUP and DESERT –
was held as a way to promote neighborhood bonding together.
Some 30-plus neighbors brought SOUPS and DESSERTS for people to try.
Food – conversations and meeting new neighbors – although some people do not do social media – we have to find an outlet so everyone knows in advance –
This time in addition to Facebook -and our Community page- it was by word of mouth that some knew it was happening!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
PAPA’S WORLD – “SOUP AND DESERT – COMMUNITY – NEIGHBORS!”
Back in Brambleton before we sold the house – six grandkids – five granddaughters and one grandson.
PICTURE OF A MEMORY GONE PAST!
Celebrating a neighbor and friend’s birthday – CHEERS – SHOTS and GOOD TIMES!
A very long-time friend – grew up in the same town – played softball together – and yes – we drank some beers together – this might of been one of those times! LOL
When friends visit from AZ. A day trip into DC. exploring – walking and taking in the sights and sounds!
Our friends from back in WNY – Portville – Kurt and Carol – still friends after all these years!
At our home in Brambleton – Cassidy and Taylor – now 13 and Sarah – now 17 – MEMORIES – PRICELESS!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
PAPA’S WORLD – SHARING PICTURES OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
Here is BILL – checkered blue shirt – talking to George – we went to Local on the Water –
Marcea – to the left – married to Bill – invited us neighbors to help Bill celebrate!
LOCAL ON THE WATER is in North Myrtle Beach and was the first place three years ago –
Sherry and I found to go to with live music – this was 2020 and during the Pandemic.
At that time – live music was rare but we could see in the future it would be a place to go to!
A salute of SHOTS for the birthday man – HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY BILL!
A selfie of the group – live music inside is quite loud – we will be back when the music is outside on the stage – but the band was good and we danced.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Living life to the plus – not being political – but observing fundamental lapses of common sense all around me!
We have both believed in grace – love and forgiveness.
We have different leanings on a political scale yet we listen and see other points of view.
Recently – she posted to what I saw as common sense – a “CUTTING” of what some people call “ENTITLEMENTS”!
A few people choose to discredit this post as not being the “TRUTH”!
My answer is that for 48 1/2 years – I worked and paid for those benefits.
Those were and are a lifeline to exist after retirement.
During that time of my work life – the “COMPANY” also paid into the “ENTITLEMENT” and was considered part of my “BENEFITS” package.
I “EARNED” that “BENEFIT” after many years of toiling in the work field.
The POLITICIANS who want to end this “ENTITLEMENT” as far as I can describe –
are wealthy and more than likely never to claim this “ENTITLEMENT” –
yet to the vast majority of seniors living out their lives to the plus – it is a survivor reality.
Without it – we could not live to any old age – and most likely depend on children.
Now – to get back to the “TRUTH”!
I researched what was said – via the written word and what was said on the tape.
The key word of that sentence was the word”AND” –
The sentence is taken word for word.
“THERE IS A LOT YOU CAN DO IN TERMS OF CUTTING “AND” ALSO THE THEFT AND THE BAD MANAGEMENT OF ENTITLEMENT – THERE ARE TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF THINGS AND NUMBERS OF THINGS YOU CAN DO!”
The question asked?
ASKED – “WHETHER HE HAD CHANGED HIS OUTLOOK ON HOW TO HANDLE ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY – MEDICARE – MEDICAID IN ORDER TO TACKLE THE NATIONAL DEBT”?
Now – a few people commented on her posting – saying you need to quit watching CNN and all how they twist the words!
These words are not twisted – exactly what was said.
I have no POLITICAL AGENDA – I HAVE NO PARTY – I BELIEVE IN LAW AND ORDER –
I BELIEVE IN THE CONSTITUTION AND THE DEMOCRATIC ARTICLES AND LAWS OF THE LAND!
Also, one person began to berate her about the evil crime family – money – etc.
Challenging her to debate offline – or espousing the far-right Maga rhetoric of looney tunes!
When I presented the WORD FOR WORD – and you can read it above – there was a sense that
we – as SENIORS – are being targeted for our “ENTITLEMENTS” – even all our working lives we
“PAID” our own money and that of the people we worked for – into these programs.
Being a “SENIOR” looking down the road not knowing how we shall survive after one of us is gone?
So in concluding this blog – “WHAT SHALL I DO”?
I WILL EXERCISE MY VOTE – as an INDEPENDENT – NOT FOR “PARTY” BUT WHAT IS COMMON SENSE-
And for those who criticized her for posting the truth –
well – as far as I can determine –
you are what you are – my belief is in the poster from above-
Living life to the plus – “ONE LOVE – CHANGE THE WORLD” one VOTE at a time!
Thanks for reading and HGD!
PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
It was in the ’80’s – I believe ’83 or ’84 – we gathered a group of us – my sister and her husband Bill – My brother – my friend Jim and wife Dorothy. And – John Murphy and a few more.
We rented this house at the Outer Banks of N.C. Now – Sherry and I had gone in ’82 – with a whole load of my brother’s friends. And we went back to the same house as it was right across the road from the beach.
Cindy – ( Not there) Jim ( there) Sherry ( there) Dorothy ( there)
We had no children with us – just adults – and a few brews ! The week was friends and family – and it started off with a volleyball game in the sand at the rear of the house. Then – on the second day – we got the news flash – a storm was coming – a big storm – could be a HURRICANE !
Winter in Pa.
Now – we all are from the North – Penna. – N.W. – in the snow belt – where if you mention storm – it most likely is SNOW and or BLIZZARD ! We very seldom get the HURRICANE effect except in ’72 – Agnes !
In NWPA – you live with snow every day – and this was all new to us. We went to the fire department – got a chart – yes – we were going to chart it – when it got close we would leave !
GRAB A BEER – head to the beach – Sun – warm breeze – surf – what else could you want !
As the week went on – the notice got worse – voluntary evacuation – you have to understand –
we had been planning this for a year – it was our vacation – a time where you only got two weeks vacation a year !
RED SKY IN THE MORNING – SAILOR TAKE WARNING
Our chart was up to date – we had the radio on tuned to a station 24 hours a day – the TV also – it was kind of fun plotting the course – seeing the path as it came up from the Gulf.
But we were some 800 miles away from it ! And the weather was beautiful – never mind that NONE of us had unpacked – we were living day to day out of our suitcases !
Then – it changed – to the good – it had turned and was going out to sea – we were saved – no worries – celebrate – it was Tuesday – had the next four days – Sun – brews- unpack – head to the beach.
We turned the radio off – packed the chart up – and got up Wednesday morning to a beautiful RED SKY !
Something was up – turned radio back on – it had turned and was heading right off the coast to where we were. The wind picked up – the roads closed and we were stuck. We could not get out !
There it sat 150 miles due East -the waves were getting bigger – the wind – well some shutters blew off – yes it was scary –
but we hunkered down and then it was over. The beach across the road – part of it was gone with a good five foot drop off.
LESSON LEARNED – DON’T DRINK AND CHART A HURRICANE
Well – it was over – we still had a couple days left – we learned that these things can and are dangerous – we thought we were all right – but they change in a instant.
That was my first and last time with a HURRICANE – today – we still go to the beach – but we always check the weather – and if it seems to be coming – we do not go.
Some have passed on – the rest – we are still friends from all those years ago. We still get together every 4 to 6 months – and last September we were at the beach.
I would much rather go through a blizzard than a Hurricane and or major storm on the beach !
Just another story in the course of my life –
Papa’s World – it came – it left – and it came back !
I 