Author: Tom

Papa’s World – Attending Easter Sunrise Service!

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While this picture is from our home in the driveway looking East – we journey to Sunset Beach –

in the dark – to be present at the SUNRISE EASTER SERVICE at SUNSET BEACH!

Here Sherry takes a selfie of her sister and her family – standing on the beach after the service.

There were a few hundred souls in attendance –

standing – sitting in chairs –

a speaker system had been set up and a man with a guitar played and led the group in song.

The symbol of the Sun rising – as the service ended –

Hope – Peace – Love and belief in the son of God.

This is our fourth Easter Service since we moved here in 2020.

The second service we attended on the beach.

The other two in churches.

Many people scattered after the service – many headed toward the surf to capture the reflection of the water of the Sunrise.

Family – captured as the Sun rises –

This was the first of three services to be held here-

each a different denomination.

HE IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SHERRY – ATTENDING EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE – “HE IS RISEN”!

Papa’s World – In pictures – our life – memories!

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This is so true – that is me!

While I am up by 5am. – I am in bed by 8:30 PM.

That is just my natural clock – when I am tired – I go to bed –

And every morning – I wake up –

Have been that way all my life! LOL

We chose to move here in 2020 – the Pandemic made this place look almost deserted and it was.

We often came here to walk around and no one was here!

The stores were open – I felt so bad for them.

Today – it is different – and those stores that survived – are doing well.

Just one part of our life – living life to the plus!

Sherry has been twice – me once to Ohau –

I would like to add the BIG ISLAND to my bucket list and so would she!

Travel the world since we have been married.

Me – my niece and my brother – sad – I am the only one left – But I have memories of both!

On this day – 6-25-1982 – Sherry and I were married – the second time for both of us.

I had two sons and she had two daughters –

My sons – I had on weekends –

I raised her daughters –

Today – my sons are still back in Pa. while her daughters remain in NVA.

We have created many memories with all of them!

We choose to make our life-giving when possible- helping and being there for whoever needs us!

Steve and Diane – neighbors in our community – and we found out they are from WNY as we are –

and they have a summer cottage on Rushford Lake –

They go to Olean – Cuba and Portville –

All the places we lived and raised our family!

SMALL WORLD!

As we head into the sunset of our life together – we have created many memories and plan to create more!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – IN PICTURES – LIFE AND MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Feeling good – smiling – laughing!

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I saw this and laughed – both Sherry and myself – are going to the Senior Center –

Tuesday and Thursday – doing what is called GERIFIT!

It costs nothing – and anywhere from 40 to 50 Seniors are there –

It is 45 minutes of continuous exercise structured for Seniors.

You use a chair – weights – and a stretch band tied to the back of the chair.

All the muscle groups are used and no pressure – you do what you can.

At 75 years old – along with walking – this will hopefully keep us limber and fit.

This picture keeps me happy whenever I walk by it –

it so reminds me of something –

In my mind it is a “HALLMARK CARD” –

Why is it special and makes me smile?

Because it was drawn by Cassidy when she was maybe six or seven!

Its simple – but shows me “HER” as a little girl – and I smile when I see it!

Church is a big thing in our lives-

ever since we were married.

In the years we have been married –

we have been members of three different churches-

One in WNY – one in NVA and the latest and we think the last – in OIB. N.C.

All have special memories in our hearts.

In our time in N.C. and S.C. –

which is only 8 miles from us –

with North Myrtle Beach another 8 miles-

We have attended the Saint Patrick’s Day parade four times!

The first time was in the Pandemic and not official –

It brings happy thoughts to us and memories of family and friends who have gone with us!

A happy thought full of smiles for us!

Hanging on the wall in the front bedroom –

Is a drawing of our home in Brambleton, Va.

This is special for us and framed because our granddaughter –

“ELLA” drew it for us!

Again – when I see this –

it brings smiles and a memory of our home in NVA!

Today – I hope I have started your day with a smile –

a good thought and a happy day!

My way of doing that to you.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – FEELING GOOD – SMILING – LAUGHING!!!!

Papa’s World – Sherry and I landscape the treeline!

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LOL – but this little project was like working out – heavy lifting – raking – spreading – and digging!

It took us two years of just looking at it and then deciding it was time –

let the work begin!

Anything behind the mulch and toward the trees and bushes – is protected wetlands –

so we can not do anything beyond what you see here –

there is a drainage ditch and until it gets hot – will have water in it.

Beyond this treeline are several ponds – a catchment system to contain runoff and rain.

We have added a birdbath – a white bobbing bird – and an Oleander bush in the foreground.

This is the downward end – water flows this way and out to the ponds.

We have planted perennials here to come back each year.

The upper end has our birdfeeders which attract many birds throughout the day!

Note the yellow flowers – they were eaten down to the mulch by a deer!

Here you can see the bush I planted last spring – and has grown really big.

Forest “FACES” look back at us in our backyard!

23 Bags of mulch I carried from the front – and opened and dumped for Sherry to spread –

we had to first dig out all the weeds – rake and level the ground –

It was labor – a workout for two seniors almost 75 years old!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – SHERRY AND I – LANDSCAPE THE TREELINE!

Papa’s World – Through my eyes – Living life – Senior living!

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Spending the day watching Ella play college soccer – Senior living at our best!

Next Fall will be her Senior year – how the time has gone by –

She will graduate with two majors –

Her plan is to be an elementary Phys Ed. teacher-

Which is right up her alley as she is so good with children!

We try to live these words – caring – helping when we can – Senior living – one day at a time!

Time has passed since this retirement party for Sherry –

but we still maintain a healthy lifestyle –

walking – now doing physical exercises at the SENIOR CENTER – 45-minute sessions of non-stop exercise for seniors!

Living life to the plus one day at a time.

Being helpful to family – friends and neighbors – caring –

Visiting – reaching out –

volunteering at the Memory Care facility near our home –

Organizing the Library –

Living our lives and still helping others.

Staying in contact with our dear friends who now live 32 miles from us.

From back in WNY to now N.C. – playing golf maybe every two weeks.

This is what friendship is like in our senior years!

Part of living and part now of being a senior – but still maintaining a healthy lifestyle!

Papa – senior class picture – 1967 – a long time ago – now living another senior life!

Debby – Papa and Sherry – going to a JP event – living life to the plus!

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – THROUGH MY EYES – LIVING LIFE – SENIOR LIVING!

Papa’s World – my maternal grandparents from my mother’s side – Nora and David Aiken.

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During my early youth – my grandma raised me as my parents both worked.

I remember sitting on her lap and asking when I could go to school to see a first grader

walking down the street – who was two years older than I!

I think this puts me at about four years old!

She was everything to me and I am sad that my memories are not more there about her.

Nora and David Aiken

These were my mother’s parents and he passed away before I was born – my middle name is after him.

Granma was 85 years old when she passed away and had 11 children!

She was PA. DUTCH – Maiden name of Schick,

and followed the lumber camps around –

cooking meals for all the lumberjacks in Pa.

She met my grandfather during that time.

He was Irish and English – a big man – some say 6’3″ –

They were both what we called down homers in Pa.

The Brookville – Corsica area below Dubois.

My grandfather was a farmer and produced his own flower – pork – beef – milk and vegetables.

It was said during the Great Depression – he would walk and carry food to the neighbors

to keep them from starving – never asking for anything in return –

as they had 11 children of their own to feed.

He passed from a heart attack as he was pulling a hog up to butcher.

I think he was much this way.

Just a little family history to pass on to my kids – as there is not many left of my generation.

Thanks for reading – PAPA’S WORLD MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA – PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – Dueling Banjo’s – Deliverance – over 150 Movie’s – Hanging out with Movie star – Ronny Cox

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I did not know he was a Folk singer – song writer and a teller –

that is a teller of STORIES –

A writer – a musician –

and a over all good dude !

Ronny Cox – actor – star – FOLK singer

His early years started out on Arena Stage in Washington D.C.

As a builder of sets !

We talked for about 45 minutes before his performance

his wife Mary –

How she graduated from Georgetown University –

How they lived in a little basement apartment

Poor – no money – humid and damp –

books on the floor would mold

Ronny Cox ” FOLK SINGER”
writer of his own songs

The sheets to the bed would be damp

But he had his ” MARY”

She was 15 – he was 18 when they started dating.

She was extremely smart – in the top 5% – all over the country !

She later would do graduate work at Sloan – Kettering in N.Y.C.

on Cancer research !

Singing and writing

Then after many jobs in the industry

while living just outside NY City

He got the break of a lifetime

A staring role as ” DREW” in DELIVERANCE

with Burt Reynolds – Ned Beatty & Jon Voight

and as the guitar player in DUELING BANJO’S !

Sherry in our kitchen
conversations with Ronny Cox
and Rad

The rest is Hollywood history –

over 150 movies –

Multitude TV roles and series

Playing music before huge crowds and small venues

He likes the small venues where he greets and talks to everyone.

He lives in LA now –

in a small log cabin on his property

He tore out the tennis court so he could build it

And his daughter and family moved into the house

100 feet away !

Tom (me ) Ronny – Sherry and Rad

His grand daughter Katherine – his buddy – they do everything together

Taking her twice to Ireland for several gigs

Dropping her off and picking her up from school

and now – in a short while – she will go to college

a short hour drive away –

always close –

always family.

Rad – Sherry and Ronny Cox

He asked me how long we had lived here

saying it was a beautiful house

Thirteen years I replied –

” 2006 ‘ he replied .

” The year my Mary passed away” !

Ronny Cox

Mary was his World –

the only one he ever dated –

Never remarried –

or dated so he says.

I have a feeling that void was filled by his daughter

family

and his buddy “Katherine” !

His best friend became that from the movie Deliverance

Ned Beatty and remains so to this day.

The stories this could tell

Today – he does not do much acting

his last series was Nashville –

as Deacons father

In 2018 –

he hit the jackpot once again with his writing and music

” Bus to Baltimore ”

he wrote – produced and sang

A classic among Folk Music

He won Best American Roots Song

at the RoundGlass Awards.

And today that song is the theme song for the Alzheimers Foundation !

Sherry and Ronny Cox

It was a opportunity of a lifetime to spend a evening and morning

with Radoslav Lorkovic ( Rad) and Ronny Cox

WE ARE BLESSED

Although we never met Mary –

I feel we have through his music

and the haunting sounds from the accordion from Rad

The guitar and the stories from Ronny

and to know the story of his life

I am forever grateful for that chance

PAPA’S WORLD – HANGING OUT WITH RONNY COX

RONNY COX

If you would like to read more blogs

Just type in livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

my email fitztdf@aol.com

Sherry Certified Health Coach

For HEALTH & NUTRITION

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

Thank you for reading

Papa’s World where friends and family meet

Papa’s World – A pictorial on family memories!

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On the West end of Sunset Beach – Bird Island – sits a MAILBOX –

On the outside are the LETTERS – KINDRED SPIRIT – and inside are a pen and journal.

This is a 1 1/4 mile walk from the last beach entrance –

and no houses – just dunes – sand and surf.

Put your imagination to a test – this must be what it looked like hundreds of years ago.

This mailbox – or one just like it – was put here over 40 years ago by a hippie and his girlfriend.

It was a favorite spot up on the dunes – where one can see in the distance Cherry Point.

The journal is collected by volunteers and turned over to I believe a University –

where they have been stored all these years – and all the paragraphs are written all these years by thousands of visitors.

A tribute to two people who have passed on – a couple benches to sit on –

a large piece of driftwood sits on top of the sand dune with a plaque –

as well as plaques on the bench.

“THE KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX” A walking destination of SUNSET BEACH-BIRD ISLAND”!

Sherry on OHAU – an unforgettable trip –

We have both said we want to go back and the next time take in the BIG ISLAND!

We traveled all over OHAU –

Exploring the whole island and staying at an AIRBNB on the North Shore.

A time in a picture bringing back unforgettable memories!

BETSY – our neighbor’s SWEET DOG – her whole body would wag as they came toward you.

Leaning against your leg you scratched behind her ears.

SWEET BETSY passed away – always to be remembered in our minds and pictures.

She would lay in the yard in the sun or shade –

never leaving and seldom barking –

She made little guttural sounds of joy when you petted her or we would watch her

while they were gone –

Waiting at the door and rubbing against us – so happy to see us.

RIP SWEET BETSY!

Pam and Bob – my grade school best friend and still friends after all these years.

So many stories I could tell her in those early years of growing up –

in a little town in NWPA in the Allegheny Mountains near the NYS border –

where in NYS – the drinking age was 18 vs 21 in Pa.

Camping out – roaming the streets – playing sports –

Canoe trips down the river for overnight camping.

A picture for me brings back all those memories –

FRIENDS FOR LIFE – now if we could just play golf! LOL!

A perfect picture on a very snowy day across the street at the park-sled riding hill –

at our house in Brambleton, Va.

Tammy and Marcus and Taylor and Cassidy –

they had sold their home and stayed with us until they moved into their new home.

I feel this picture is like a HALLMARK PICTURE!

The twins are now teenagers but here is a reminder of when they were young!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – A PICTORIAL OF FAMILY MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Who am I?

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Papa – my niece Terri and my younger brother Mike.

I was born across the border in Olean, N.Y. at the Saint Francis Hospital –

To an Irish Catholic mother –

Mary (Aiken) Fitzsimmons and an Irish Protestant father Clarence (Bob) Fitzsimmons.

As you can tell – there were many dynamics in my family.

I had one sister – Donna – who was 15 years older than me –

A sister who died at birth –

and a brother – Roger – who was 10 years older than me.

Then there was me for over four years and then Mike came along.

We lived in Pa. – on the main street in a very small town called Eldred.

My father was a supervisor in the oil fields for South Penn-Pennzoil.

My mother retired from Alcas – which today is known as CUTCO –

A world leader in the manufacture of KNIVES.

My sister married and lived next door to my parent’s house – and my brother-in-law-

Bill – was both Mayor – Police Chief and drove a semi-tractor trailer for Ethan Allen.

Growing up I always had a dream of one day living on or near a beach!

Today – we have realized that dream – living in N.C. in OIB – Cameron Woods Community!

My mother Mary – my father passed away at age 59 from cancer – he was a heavy smoker –

my mother was almost 98 when she passed on.

Our home on North Main Street in Eldred – was a beacon to all my friends –

my two brothers’ friends and my sister’s friends.

Even after we had left and moved away – Mary had an open door to any and all of them.

I grew up there – when a senior was in a car accident not knowing if I would walk again –

I got married at 17 with my first son on the way in a wheelchair.

After I graduated from H.S. – with a child – no college for me – I had a family to support –

I started work at AMERICAN OLEAN TILE CO. – in Olean, N.Y.

For the next 32 years – I had another son – divorced – work many jobs in the plant –

and remarried to Sherry on 6-5-1982!

Above is our wedding picture we lived just outside Portville, N.Y. in the country.

We combined two families – her two girls and on weekends my two sons.

On our wedding day in 1982 – the boys had gone home. Debby holding her cousin and Tammy with her arms around her cousin.

We stayed in the Portville area until 1999 – when we both transferred within the company –

Sherry also worked for AOTC – which became DAL-TILE –

Our close friends Elaine and Steve during those years in Portville, N.Y. – to this day.

We golfed – played competitive Volleyball – took vacations together and raised families.

My two sons – Troy and Shawn – still live back in Pa. not far from where I grew up.

They have been down to N.C. and hoping they come back although it is a 16b hour drive!

1982 – our wedding day – growing up in Pa. and N.Y.S. –

beautiful in the spring – Summer and Fall – brutal in the Winter

as I am not a snow-cold and ice person.

We both retired from AOTC-DAL TILE – ARMSTRONG – MOHAWK –

With a combined 79 1/2 years!

Sherry and Papa – living our dreams at the beach –

Thank you for reading and as always HGD! My Site: PAPA’S WORLD: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – WHO AM I? SENIOR LIVING TO THE PLUS – ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Papa’s World – Family time when they were young!

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Maddy holding Cassidy – Maddy is now 23 and Cassidy is 13 – seems like only yesterday!

The grands are getting older and so are we –

Both of us will turn 75 in a few months –

But the important part of all of this is we still see them all –

As often as we can – either going back to NVA or them visiting us here in N.C.

Yes – we were part of that age group so many years ago –

long hair – peace and working to make a living.

Cassidy and Taylor – now 13 – Taylor rides horses and Cassidy acts in plays-

both play Violin –

Little now big – Taylor catching up with Sherry and Cassidy going through a growth spurt-

catching up with Taylor.

Remembering when they were young.

Last fall – at the Myers house at Lake Holiday –

All six Grands –

We try to see them as often as we can and while we still can.

Life comes at you and passes you by –

but family is where it is at-

living life one day at a time to the fullest.

They were little now they are older and bigger –

but these memories are always in the back of my mind-

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoinitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – FAMILY TIME WHEN THEY WERE YOUNG!

Papa’s World – Mary and Fitz- Donna and Roger – my mom and dad – sister and brother.

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Good day everyone – the beginnings of a new day.

I am guessing this picture I am about to show you were taken some 81 or 82 years ago!

My brother was some ten years older than I and my sister some fifteen years older.

I will soon be 73 years old!

In this picture are my mother Mary and my dad “Bob” Fitz.

Mary holding Roger with Donna standing in front of my dad Bob. He was over six feet tall.

Today if my brother had lived he would have been 83 years old

and my sister Donna would have been 88 years old.

My father passed when he was 59 years old and I was 19 years old.

He passed from lung cancer.

His full name was Clarence Russel Fitzsimmons –

everyone for some reason called him “Bob”!

FITZ was his nickname.

He was a supervisor for the South Penn Oil Company and many a time I remember him taking me to work with him.

Later after he retired from there he was part owner of the local Western Auto.

He actually graduated from H.S. when he was a Sophomore – but his father – who was a teacher –

made him take his junior and senior years over as he was too young to go find a job.

He played basketball and baseball and later would manage the local baseball town team.

He was an avid golfer and bowler – a mechanic and carpenter.

He loved fishing and would spend every summer two weeks –

deep into the far northern Canadian wilderness.

Mary my mother was Pa. Dutch from her mother’s side and Irish Catholic from her father’s side.

My dad was Irish Protestant and that made for quite the dynamics in the house.

There were many fun times in that house!

Dad’s ancestors came straight from County Tyrone in Ireland.

But mom ruled the house so to speak – she was not that big but she was a little spitfire.

She once thumped him on top of the head with a frying pan!

She taught me this.

She lived to be almost 98 years old and everyone loved her.

She would sit on her front porch on the main street in little Eldred, Pa.

Cars would go by and honk their horns and windows rolled down, “HELLO MARY”!

She baked pies – cakes – homemade and rolls and bread.

They both taught me this.

My sister was 15 years older than I and my brother 10 years older than I.

So when I came along it was more or less a second family for them.

Then my younger brother was four years later.

They are all gone now but not forgotten.

I am the last of that family – I have two sons to pass the name on.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World – a little about my family –

MY BLOG SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA ELLA SHERRY – PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – Thoughts – younger years!

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My mother’s name was Mary – she was Irish Catholic – my father’s name was –

Clarence -Russell – Everyone called him Bob.

I grew up on North Main Street in a little town called Eldred – in Pa. near the NYS border.

Bradford, Pa. was 14 miles as was Olean, N.Y.

Bradford was known for OIL – Pennsoil – Kendall –

Olean for Saint Bonaventure – BONNIES BASETBALL!

My father introduced me to those years of BONAS basketball – sitting at the kitchen table –

with a small radio – a sheet of lined white paper – and he would write the names of each basketball starter

for Saint Bonaventure down and those of subs.

It was the age of ROCK and ROLL – for my brother – turned collar – slicked back hair.

He was ten years older.

I would sit with my dad, listening as he did and watching him put down an X for a score.

At the foul line, it was a ZERO, and if made a line on a slant drawn through it!

I must say I went with him when he bowled – yes our small town had a bowling alley!

He taught me how to keep score often saying –

“ADD TEN – THEN SUBTRACT 3 IN YOUR HEAD TO GET THE CORRECT SCORE”

depending on what number you were using to add and subtract.

My dad, you did not cross the line but was also very dedicated to his family.

It was sitting with him during those games at our kitchen table –

in the mid to late 50s- that I became a BONNIE fan.

Then – we would drive down the street to the local watering hole – “SLAVINS”!

A bar- grill and all the men would meet there as RUSS was a huge BONNIE fan.

He had a radio for the bar and everyone leaned in to listen while sipping beer.

Our seats were just by the entrance as the bar top bends around so your back was toward the door.

That went on for several years and then he somehow got a hold of one season ticket at the OLD OLEAN ARMORY!

Now this place was crowded and tickets were so hard to come by

hundreds of fans around the whole court so that you could touch the players sitting on the bench or throwing the ball in !

IN OTHER WORDS – A LOUD PIT OF SCREAMING LOYAL BONAS HOMETOWN FANS!

I had to stay home with the radio at the kitchen table and that is when I took up keeping the scores with Xs and O’S with slanted lines.

He wanted to take me but there were no tickets.

Later in life – after the RILEY CENTER was built on campus – I got my own tickets.

Later – before we moved to NVA – Sherry and I had season tickets along with

a golf membership across from the University at their golf course.

To this day I follow the “BONNIES” – checking news stories – recruiting and transfers –

I no longer keep score – but I remember my times with my dad –

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

AND MARY – SHE RULED THE HOUSE – IRISH CATHOLIC – my dad – IRISH PROTESTANT-

That my friends is a whole other blog to come! LOL

Papa’s World – Our life – one picture at a time!

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All girls and one boy – Bode – a picture back in time with “GIGI”!

Sherry’s side of the family had all granddaughters until the first boy – Bode came along.

Here – Grandmother – daughter – her daughters – their daughters and grandson!

Mother and two daughters – as the generations continue – a picture for future generations!

I write this blog and others like it – to have for future generations to see who we were and how we lived.

Pictures of events – times – family and friends – stored here so there is a pictorial and written memories

to be here so they can read and see their family and friends!

Friends since the 70s – all living near one another – growing up – vacations – good times.

We have had the good fortune to remain friends after all these years –

many beach vacations – trips around the world –

And – later in life – still friends and golfing – “GUYS vs GIRLS” giving strokes and they “WIN”!

My sons – wife, and partner – are always in my heart although far away –

they have visited once since we moved to NC – loved it and look forward to the next visit!

SONS and WIFE and PARTNER – ever in our minds – always loved – there but not forgotten!

Always loved his music – ONE LOVE speaks for our life and the way we feel.

Life long best friend since grade school – playing sports – camping out and canoeing –

having a few beers – sleeping out – roaming the streets after curfew-

That’s what friends are for and now the four of us get along so well!

While we are in our SENIOR years – we hope to see many more sunsets-

Today is about family and friends –

history recorded for future families to read and see.

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog OUR LIFE – ONE PICTURE AT A TIME!

Papa’s World – More unique memories!

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Andrea – Troy’s partner – on the beach at sunrise with Sherry – A UNIQUE MEMORY FOR ALL OF US!

Our oldest granddaughter Maddy on the day of her graduation –

She received a diploma in ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE –

and now works for a large environmental firm as a SCIENTIST – GEOLOGIST-

A UNIQUE MEMORY FOR US!

Friends for years and years – Dottie – Sherry and Cindy – A UNIQUE MEMORY FOR US!

It is not a UNIQUE MEMORY FOR US! LOL!

Before Bode – all granddaughters at our patio in Brambleton – A UNIQUE MEMORY FOR US!

Two of my oldest friends – Buck and Jimmy – A UNIQUE MEMORY!

A WHY WE MOVED HERE – A UNIQUE MEMORY FOR US!

Debby – Papa and Sherry – at the ELTONS for JUICE PLUS – A UNIQUE MEMORY FOR US!

Our grandson Ryan and bride – A UNIQUE MEMORY FOR US!

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD – MEMORIES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SHERRY and PAPA – ON THE ICW – A UNIQUE MEMORY FOR US!

Papa’s World – Ever changing life – Ocean Keyes – North Myrtle Beach – friendships

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Papa – walking from the beach to main street of North Myrtle Beach!

Along the way – we have friends – who after social distancing – come to visit!

And – we walk the gated community – through he gate –

and onto the beach!

The gentle surf of the beach – water and sand!

Our friendships go back years and years.

We all lived by one another – then we all moved away

but that friendship has endured time and distance.

Always from afar – but close when we make plans to get together.

Cindy – Sherry and Dottie
Jim and Buck – Jim and I played softball together in the mid to late ’70’s Buck and Cindy were our neighbors and they also knew Jim and Dottie!

We plan golf – card games and word games!

We drink a little beer – sing a few songs – do a shot – and laugh!

We would set up a get together every 4 to 6 months –

We lived near DC – Jim and Dottie Va. Beach and Cindy and Buck – Wilmington N.C.

Now we have moved further South

about 50 miles from Buck and Cindy.

It is easy for us to get together and golf every weekend.

Jim and Dottie are now the Northerners!

We all have taken up a new game – Pickle Ball!

This last time – we got together at our condo – played two days of golf –

and Pickleball has now become another game we shall play!

We all practice good health – Sherry – who is a certified Health Coach – leads the way!

She has her own website and for 15 years has been the one who encourages all of us!

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com HEALTH AND NUTRITION AT IT’S BEST!

We all come from WNY and SWPA area and are big Buffalo Bills fans!

Distance may separate us – but friendship is but a zoom call away.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World – Ever changing life – Ocean Keyes – North Myrtle Beach – friendships!

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

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Papa’s World – Precious Memories!

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My son Shawn – is a ranked pool player and has traveled to Las Vegas multiple times over the years

to compete.

PRECIOUS MEMORIES!

We have known each other since the late 70s – friends from the same town and area.

Getting together often has created –

PRECIOUS MEMORIES!

Sherry’s mother Barb (GIGI) – is gone now but always part of our lives.

PRECIOUS MEMORIES!

No more – we have moved South –

so we play golf year around –

This is not a PRECIOUS MEMORY! LOL

Oldest son Troy – paying tribute to his best friend who passed away on this spot while in an ATV accident.

PRECIOUS MEMORIES!

On a recent conference trip with team members and mentors – Sue and Bob- and Sari-

PRECIOUS MEMORIES!

Sunset with SOLO STOVE in our backyard patio –

PRECIOUS MEMORIES!

Cassidy – when very young helping to bag leaves at our home in Brambleton –

PRECIOUS MEMORIES!

Taylor with her big cousin Ella at a vacation house on Oak Island-

PRECIOUS MEMORIES!

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With friends Bill and Marcea at FAT HAROLDS in NMB –

PRECIOUS MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – What matters most!

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FAMILY – TRISHA and SHAWN – daughter-in-law and son.

We have always considered family ties to matter the most –

even though they are 14 hours away – they are close to our hearts.

Troy and Andrea – son and partner –

long distance – but only a call away –

wish they were much nearer –

but hearts are close.

Grandkids – they are growing up so fast –

but we still travel back seven hours to see them-

fondness of heart –

Families – close yet so far away –

visits – both ways –

growing old – but always creating new memories-

WHAT MATTERS MOST – FAMILIES!

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ONE LOVE – PAPA’S WORLD – WHAT MATTERS THE MOST.

Papa’s World – Memories in pictures – PRICELESS!

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Trisha and Shawn – daughter-in-law and son – hoping they come back down this year!

Owns his own ENERGY-AUDITING business for the state and large corp.

A PRICELESS MEMORY FOR ME!

My mother – Mary – who was almost 98 when she passed – retired from CUTCO ( ALCAS) knives!

Always sat on the front porch in warm weather – people all the time would honk their horns –

and yell out the window- “HELLO MARY”!

All my brothers and sister’ friends would stop and see her even though we were long gone.

She baked for everyone – always a smile –

Gentle yet feisty when need be –

MARY – MY MOTHER!

We live within minutes to two beaches – I said the other day to Sherry-

“I LOVE OUR LIFE”! While crossing the Causeway to deliver homemade sourdough bread to a friend!

Andrea and Troy – partner to my son Troy – missing them – hope they return this year!

He can and does build anything –

A memory that is Priceless to me.

Granddaughters and one grandson –

they all have been to visit –

Making PRICELESS MEMORIES!

YES, IT IS and WE ARE THERE OFTEN – making our PRICELESS MEMORIES!

Barb – (GIGI) to the grandkids – Sherry’s mother who lived with us in winters –

Always smiling – always loving her family-

A PRICELESS MEMORY IN PAST TIMES!

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PAPA and SHERRY with our oldest granddaughter at her college graduation – MADDY!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES – PRICELESS!!!!!

Papas World – Family and friends in pictures of memories!

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When FAMILY visited – a tour of the canals – OIB – memory in a picture!

Elaine and Steve – friends from back home in WNY – a picture of a memory!

A fun trip to a JP conference – picture of a memory.

Friends who visited – one from my growing up in Eldred – best buddy – picture of a memory.

Neighbors and friends at a beach club in NMB – a memory in a picture!

An evening at SUNSET BEACH overlooking the marsh – a memory in a picture!

Family memory – plus Marley – a memory in a picture!

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

For years and years – two of my best friends.

PAPA’S WORLD – FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN PICTURES OF MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Swans – they come and go – and bring joy and smiles for us!

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We never know when the Swans will show up – first there were three – now there are two – you look outside and there they are.

I have seen them fly in one time – I have seen them take off and fly to the other end.

But I have never seen them fly off and leave!

But – when they are here – I find myself often glancing out of the lanai

searching for them cruising around –

or up on the bank – at the foot of the next condo!

I wonder to myself – what happened to the third one?

When they first appeared – there were three – and the big one would lead the other two around.

Then one day two disappeared and the one would just sort of hang out by itself

in the area all three would be.

After a week – I watched as the two flew in –

right outside the lanai – so close I felt like I could touch them.

And they landed just short of the fountain you see here.

The third hurried over to them!

Here they are right below the lanai

The last several times – they all left and only two have returned.

I believe they are a pair – the third – I do not know – but it was as if –

it was always leading and protecting them.

Back when all three were here – the one to the left would chase the geese away!

Now – we only ever see the two!

But – we enjoy them all the same!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

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Papa’s World – A TIME FOR PICTURES AND MEMORIES!

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TRISHA and SHAWN – my youngest son and his wife.

Shawns son and my grandson Ryan – memories in time.

Granddaughters – Maddy and Sarah – memories in time!

Granddaughters – Sarah and Taylor – who will be as tall as Sarah and Ella! Memories!

Troy and Andrea – my oldest son and his partner! Memories!

Sherry – first-time visit to Charlotte- Memories!

Our open-air stage and park at Ocean Isle Beach – Memories – free concerts from May to October.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

A TIME FOR PICTURES AND MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Family heads to SUNSET BEACH!

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They went to the beach to observe the Sunset – this area is noted for brilliant skies at dusk!

Ella – Sarah and their mother Debby – standing at the end of the long walkway to the beach.

Both granddaughters are very tall – their mother is 5’6″!

Looking out over the marsh as they walk to the beach from the walkway.

A slight fog begins to roll across –

The sky is turning gold and orange!

The sun sets over the marsh and they continue along the walkway to the beach entrance!

At the end of the very long walkway – the handicapped ramp down to the sand –

and a couple people along the surf –

the sun is setting here at SUNSET BEACH –

Always a family trip to observe –

Back home we have a fire in the SOLO STOVE –

We also observe sunsets from here –

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FAMILY HEADS TO SUNSET BEACH!!!

Papa’s World – SMORES WITH GRANDDAUGHTERS!

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It was next to the last night they would be here before they left to go back to NVA!

I had started the SOLO STOVE firepit we had in the backyard.

It was around 60 degrees out and the stars would be bright in the night sky.

Time to bring out the marshmallow prongs – and make candy smores!

PEEPS and REECES PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE!

The fire would settle down in a few minutes – but first, enjoy the warmth.

Gaze up at the sky and see it full of stars!

Sarah preparing her SMORE to go inside the graham cracker!

It was warm enough by the fire to be in shirt sleeves.

A look before the sun went down – beautiful sunset.

We live minutes away from Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach in N.C.

So – it is beached in the daytime and SOLO STOVE FIREPIT AT NIGHT.

Ella – Sarah – Sherry and Debby wading in the surf of Sunset Beach.

Here it is – Marshmellow – Peep – Reeces Peanut Butter Chocolate on Grahm Cracker –

A nice way to end up a perfect March day at the beach and at home in the evening with the firepit.

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PAPA’S WORLD – SMORES WITH GRANDDAUGHTERS!!!!!!

Papa’s World – where we live

/ Tom / 1 Comment

We moved to NVA in 1999 – June to be exact – transferring within the company –

both of us – taking our years – pension- 401 K – vacations and knowledge –

after 32 years for me and 20 plus years for Sherry.

GOOD MORNING

We bought two houses –

moved twice – in 6 1/2 years in Fairfax Va.

Then – we found our home – in Brambleton Va. almost thirteen years ago.

Our new library in the town center

We moved into our home – in August – 2006 –

and have watched our little community grow and grow.

They actually built a new town called Brambleton –

and now are finishing the THIRD High School set to open in September!

Main street – Brambleton Va.

Watching all of this – being a part of it – is amazing !

We are a community that sits in the middle of the country –

once you arrive home –

you do not have to go back out into the crazy traffic of NVA.

And in two years or less – the METRO – Silver line – will be 3 1/2 miles away !

The construction of SEVEN more stops is 80 % done –

and will open a brand new line here !

We can hop on – go into D.C. or right to the airports –

everything will be connected !

View of half of Brambleton Town center

New four story town homes just completed –

and recently we have been walking the new trails around a huge lake – man made –

Of the new –

OVER 55 community being built just a half mile from our house.

That community is going to have it’s own retail center along with it’s own HOA !

OUR NEW COUNTY LIBRARY

The new four story library just opened a few months ago –

with a huge teen section where you see the windows on the second floor!

HANSON RECREATION PARK

Yesterday – it was announced that what is known as HANSON FARM –

Has been turned over to the county –

and next month – development will start on a 257 ACRE preserve !

Soccer fields ( grass)10 of them – 2 pro turf fields –

4 ball diamonds – 1 cricket field – multiple tennis and basketball courts.

FIVE LAKES – pavilion’s -picnic areas and tables and grills.

A park lodge – rest rooms – and the list goes on –

all to be completed in two years.

The farm house and outbuildings will be preserved as a historic site.

Tom and Sherry

This is but a glimpse of where we choose to live 13 years ago.

In the end of the development –

there will be an additional 5 to 10 miles of trails to the already 15 miles we have now.

We were very fortunate – we love our home –

(not the cold Winter )

Our roots are now here for the time being.

I hope this provides a look into the Country living in NVA!

Just another day in my life !

GOOD NIGHT

#homeagain #livinglifetotheplus

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Papa’s World – A lot of pictures of memories.

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Sarah looking for seashells – on Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

One of our favorite things to do – golf with friends!

The grandkids – when they were small.

Sherry and some of her team members of TEAM GENERATIONS – 18 years and still going strong.

Tammy – Sherry and Debby – mother and daughters.

Sunset at our home in Cameron Woods Community!

Our wedding day – 6-25-1982.

Before Bode – when they were little!

Our view from the condo we lived in for nine months at Ocean Keyes in North Myrtle Beach.

Where we built our house and now live.

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PAPA’S WORLD – A LOT OF PICTURES OF MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Kayaking the canals with family!

/ Tom / 1 Comment

For Ella’s Spring break – Debby – Ella and Sarah came for a visit – we have a friend who lives on the island –

His house sits on one of the canals and he has two docks.

He borrowed two Kayaks from the neighbors – plus the two he owns –

So Sherry, Debby, Sarah, and Ella went out just for about an hour in the canals.

Here they get ready to depart – the getting in and out was the difficult part –

Once in – they had an easy time of paddling.

On their way – the canal or channel is one of many before you go out on the ICW-

We told them not to go out on the ICW – because the rough water from large boats

could be dangerous.

They had an excellent time while my friend Jim and I – had a cold beer and sat and talked.

After nearly one hour they returned.

The return of four very happy ladies after their tour of the channels.

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PAPA’S WORLD – KAYAKING THE CANALS WITH THE FAMILY!!!!

Papa’s World – Collecting Sea Shells for decorations!

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Our granddaughter Ella combed the beach in search of Sea Shells to paint and decorate.

She and her sister – Sarah and her mother Debby – spent her Spring Break with us.

Here is Sarah – the youngest granddaughter of the Myers family – looking for Sea Shells to paint!

Her mother Debby is behind her also looking for shells, it was around 60 degrees –

and later in the week moved into the 70s.

All three on the edge of the water – later in the week – Ella took a COLD PLUNGE in the water!

Ella’s shells were decorated – and she added a few more after this.

The above two pictures are Sarah’s shells – note the intricate designs!

DEBBY WALKING THE SURF AT OCEAN ISLE BEACH –

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COLLECTING SEA SHELLS FOR DECORATING!

Papa’s World – SOLO STOVE and FAMILY!

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On a recent Spring Break – Debby – Sarah and Ella – came to visit – and we had a campfire a couple of times!

We have a SOLO STOVE firepit!

It is set up in the backyard just off the patio.

We have a view of the treeline ( protected) lighted windows in the distance beyond the treeline-

And a sky full of stars!

The treeline and the beginning of a sunset – the grass is dormant this time of year!

At this time of year – early March – we were in the low 60s at sunset and down to the mid-50s!

Shorts – sweatshirts and warmth from the SOLO STOVE!

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PAPA’S WORLD – SOLO STOVE AND FAMILY!!!!!

Papa’s World – MERMAID CLUB – DO NOT ENTER

/ Tom / 4 Comments

You see – they have this club – the little ones that is –

called “THE MERMAIDS” – you must believe in order to enter !

The CLUB rules

It’s a rare club – only those ( the girls ) are allowed in – but little Bode – is a guest – but not a Mermaid !

Bode – a guest – just how can you keep him out !!!

The club was formed a few years ago – there was a planning session – at a Soccer game ( Maddy’s) and they convened – making it hush – hush !

Looking up club rules for the MERMAID CLUB

RULE # ONE – you must believe – you must recite the chant – and like water!

Maddy and Ella

Even though you like water – you can not belong if you do not believe – just ask Maddy and Ella – who were left out !

THE CLUB

The club ‘ s picture was drawn just before we checked out on the turn around – declaring the member’s.

The main three

As the years go by – and they continue to grow up –

“THE MERMAID CLUB ” will always be a part of it –

imagination – the remembering their youth – innocence –

three little girls and one boy.

ON THE BEACH – ALL SIX GRAND KIDS

My memory shall be not only the MERMAID CLUB –

but sharing a week – smiling – watching – seeing them come together –

and one little boy in awe of his sisters and cousins – looking at them !

Tom & Sherry – PAPA & MORMOR

This blog is about family memories –

a time that I have put down in writing – and photo’s –

to share but foremost –

a place to look back on and reflect on just another day in my life.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do –

memories are a test of time

Having a place to read and see them is priceless !

Thank you !

#livinglifetotheplus #homeagain #HGD #JP #just http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Family and Friends in Pictures!

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A group picture on our 40th. anniversary – and of course with MARLEY!

Sherry with a few TEAM GENERATION MEMBERS!

A long time ago with the granddaughters!

My two sons – Troy and Shawn.

Two of my best buddies through decades!

Shawns oldest son – my grandson and his wife.

Our friends who we have traveled the World with.

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In Washington, D.C. with friends!

PAPA’S WORLD – FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN PICTURES!

Papa’s World – New Memories!

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Playing Winter golf – while it was almost 60 degrees – it was gray and cloudy –

Still – we had a good day and went for dinner after.

A new memory – good friends and fun playing golf.

Having all six grandkids on the beach for vacation –

a past occurrence forming a new memory in time!

After we sold our home and before we left for North Myrtle Beach –

a last hike with family through the forest –

A lasting memory for us!

When friends come to visit – we go to the marsh and do shots! LOL

A lasting memory!

Our 40th anniversary with a group family picture –

A priceless memory!

A Sunset at our home and the next day beginning a new memory!

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Papa’s World – Old pictures form new Memories!

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On one of our many seasonal trips to Florida – Sherry at a very old tree – OLD MEMORY!

Winter golfing with friends Cindy and Buck. We try to golf every couple of weeks – one of the reasons we moved to the South!

No snow or ice – a little chill in the air – good friends and “SHOTS” to sip on! LOL

The last time we were all together for a beach vacation – OLD PICTURE for a NEW MEMORY FOUND!

One of our many trips to National Park to watch a ballgame.

OLD PICTURE FORMS A NEW MEMORY!

When we moved South and found our new home and Community-

In the country but close to beaches and action – CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY!

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LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS ONE DAY AT A TIME: PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Lets take a Metro Ride – to the WHARF

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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!

#livinglifetotheplus http://www.sf.juiceplus.com #homeagain #HGD #JP #just

Papa’s World – Memories in Pictures of Life.

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A view of a sunset from our front yard – and turn around and you see the sunrise.

Our lot is positioned to see both – and behind – to the South –

is a line of trees and this is protected wetlands.

Soon – the construction of the development will cease –

except for the warranty work –

At the main entrance off Old Georgetown road-

Two story condos with garages will start in a few months –

Infrastructure is now being put in.

MEMORIES IN PICTURES OF LIFE!

Where we lived for nine months waiting for our house to be built was Ocean Keyes –

North Myrtle Beach – we would see these two swans daily on the lake.

We were a half-mile walk to the main street –

Also the beach – a nine-month stay that I will always cherish!

Before our grandson Bode was born – we had five granddaughters – cousins –

The twins – Cassidy and Taylor with their cousins Maddy – Sarah and Ella.

A lifetime picture for our memories.

Now – there’s Bode with his sisters and cousins – along with Sherry – MORMOR – Grandma –

All have gotten older but we have this as a lifetime memory picture!

On one of our excursions to Southport – we bought a raffle ticket –

Needless to say – we do not own a boat! LOL

But this picture and memory stay with us.

Best friends and buddies for years and years – Papa – Buck and Jimmy.

Jimmy and I played softball together in the mid-70s –

going back in time to the present-

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PAPA’S WORLD – MEMORIES IN PICTURES OF LIFE!

Papa’s World – Capturing Memories!

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When they were young we were at the museum in Winchester, Va.

Again – Cassidy protecting her younger brother!

A family outing with baby Bode and Sherry’s mother Barb( GIGI) creates lifetime memories!

FIVE GRANDDAUGHTERS ON A BRIDGE – creating lifetime memory!

A favorite place of ours is sitting on the channel off the ICW and on OIB!

Creating lifetime memory!

From the pier – a view of Sunset Beach and in the distance by the tall building – OIB!

We love walking Sunset Beach as it is easier to walk for us.

This was our dream to be near a beach and now we are near two beaches!

Our other dream was to be able to golf and here we can choose from over 30 golf courses near us.

FUN – SUN – SAND -SURF and GOLF!

We feel as though we are on vacation year-round!

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PAPA and SHERRY – boating the ICW – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Family Memories with Pictures!

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June 25th. 1982 – we had dated a year and one half – then we combined two sets of children –

Sherry’s two daughters and my two sons –

The girls lived with us and the boys came on weekends and special events.

We lived in the country – between Olean and Portville, N.Y.

Our driveway was 1/10th of a mile long and we were in the Snowbelt in the hills-

Lots of sled riding and that first year I mowed everything by hand –

it would take four days rest one day and start over again.

FAMILY MEMORIES WITH PICTURES!

Before Bode with five granddaughters at our enclosed patio in Brambleton, Va.

We lived here for 14 1/2 years – thinking this would be our forever retirement home.

Then the downturn – 401K dropped over 30 % – but the housing market climbed.

Time to cash out – kids were older –

we could see them every month or two –

“LETS HEAD SOUTH – NEAR A BEACH and WAMER WEATHER”!

GOLFING – SUN – SAND led us to Cameron Woods Community in N.C.

We would be 7 hours away.

FAMILY MEMORIES WITH PICTURES!

Family picture a couple years before we moved South.

Bode is here now – he was in Kindergarten – the Pandemic had started – we helped out as best we could-

We stayed with them for three months – helping all the little ones in their from-home school.

It was a special three months –

FAMILY MEMORIES WITH PICTURES!

During those early years of their growing up – we did family vacations to the beach.

This picture holds so much joy in my heart – note on the end how protective of Bode

Cassidy is – still to this day she is like that to him –

And even at that time note how close Taylor is to Sarah.

FAMILY MEMORIES WITH PICTURES.

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BODE – FAMILY MEMORIES WITH PICTURES!

PAPA’S WORLD: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Past relived through pictures.

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When they were young –

today – Maddy is 23 – Cassidy is 13 – Sarah is 17 – Taylor is 13 and Ella is 20.

It seems like yesterday we took this picture –

PAST RELIVED THROUGH A PICTURE!

Three generations – Debby – Barb(GIGI) Sherry – Tammy.

Sherry’s mother Barb –

Debby and Tammy daughters of Sherry –

PAST RELIVED THROUGH A PICTURE!

Dottie – Cindy and Sherry in our front yard in Brambleton –

friends for years and years.

A glass of wine – a beer and a vodka and tonic –

PAST RELIVED THROUGH A PICTURE!

Sand – Sun – Ocean and six grandchildren – and what has been always – Cassidy protecting her little brother –

Maddy – Ella – Sarah – Taylor – Cassidy and Bode-

PASR RELIVED THROUGH A PICTURE!

My two sons – Troy and Shawn –

while they live far away –

they are always in our hearts-

PAST RELIVED THROUGH A PICTURE!

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PAST RELIVED THROUGH PICTURES!

Papa’s World – Years of Memories!

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Near us on Sunset Beach – Bird Island – sits the “KINDRED SPIRIT” mailbox –

a 2 1/2 mile walk from the pier South toward the sanctuary of dunes and marshland.

A HIPPIE and his girlfriend carried a mailbox and pole down the beach some 40 or 50 years ago.

Here – up on a dune above the tide line – they dug a hole and inserted the pole and the mailbox

and named THE KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX with a ledger and pen or pencil inside –

people would hike the deserted beach and leave their thoughts written down on the ledger.

Now all these years later and many new mailboxes and posts later –

two benches have been added – a large piece of driftwood sits on top of the sand dune with a metal plaque honoring both of these people.

And to this day – me included – I have sat there and put a note in the current notebook journal.

I was told that those journals have been collected and donated to a museum –

All these years – THE KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX represents the hopes and dreams

all started by a HIPPIE and GIRLFRIEND!

A mother ( Sherry ) and her two daughters (Debby and Tammy) are so alike – generations –

Sherry – from Mount Jewett, Pa. – A Swedish community settled in the 1800’s.

Both daughters followed us to NVA from NYS – and remained in NVA with their families.

Both helped their mother form TEAM GENERATIONS – which is her Juice Plus Team –

For over 18 years teaching health and nutrition through healthy eating.

Now passing that down through the six grandchildren –

thus forming “TEAM GENERATIONS” for future families to come.

Our final home – this being the third one we have built and now in Ocean Isle Beach –

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY –

Situated on the mainland side of the ICW –

We are four miles to OIB and six miles to Sunset Beach.

Eight miles to the border of N.C. and S.C.

A thirty minute drive to North Myrtle Beach and a fifthteen minute drive to Shallotte and Calabash.

We also are in the middle of over 30 golfcourse within 1/2 hour drive.

Our dream has come true!

Before Sarah – Maddy and Ella – now 23 and 20 years old.

Ella is in her Junior year of college –

Playing soccer all three years and captain this past year.

Maddy played all four years and captain her senior year.

Ella will have two degrees when finished –

Maddy graduated with a Enviomental Science degree and is now employed in one of the largest environment firms in the country as a Gelogist-Scientist!

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PAPA’S WORLD – YEARS OF MEMORIES.

Papa’s World – One of the many group gatherings – “BUNCO” – Cameron Woods Community!

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It has been almost three years since we moved into our home in OIB – Cameron Woods Community!

In that time – numerous community gatherings have occurred.

“BUNCO” is but one of them!

There is daytime Bunco and nighttime Bunco –

People sign up as alternatives to fill in as needed.

On days when special days are celebrated – this one day was Valentine’s Day –

little treats are provided to each member –

all put together by the members themselves!

The members remain constant and if they can not make it – they will get in touch with a fill in and that person will show up to play “BUNCO”!

Our community has grown and soon the single-family homes will be completed

and then at the main entrance – attached condos will be built and Camero Woods will be completed

provided Lenar finished out the empty lots by the entrance showroom house.

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DAYTIME BUNCO PLAYERS!

PAPA’S WORLD – ONE OF THE MANY GROUP GATHERINGS AT CAMERON WOOD COMMUNITY –

“BUNCO”!

Papa’s World – Almost 12 years passed – Sherry’s retirement party!

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It seems like it was yesterday –

after 32 years with American Olean Tile- Dal Tile Company-

OWED BY – National Gypsum – Private – Armstrong and finally Mohawk Industries –

Sherry retired!

She had worked in the Olean, N.Y. plant –

Transferred to Chantilly, Va. – Fairfax – two different locations – manager –

and in her last years as an Outside Sales Rep covering NVA and W.V.

Recognition from her peers associates and family members-

It was time to step aside – enjoy life and pursue her dream of health and nutrition.

Becoming a Certified Health Coach for the Juice Plus Company.

And an SSC for THE JUICE PLUS COMPANY and RETIREMENT INCOME.

Debby to the bottom left – in the above picture and then this one of Tammy and Marcus.

Her career spanned many years and different job categories –

When she accepted the transfer to NVA –

at the time she was Logistics Manager for American Olean-Dal Tile

at the manufacturing facility in Olean, N.Y.

Sherry – Craig and Debbie – a final farewell for a job well done –

Taking the Chantilly operation from ONE MILLION per year in sales to over SIX MILLION in yearly sales –

then accepting the OUTSIDE SALES REP job for the NVA and WV area.

Holding a Business degree from Houghton College –

numerous inplant positions –

After 32 years – it was time and her colleagues recognized her!

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PAPA’S WORLD – ALMOST 12 YEARS HAVE PASSED –

and she has barely changed –

HEALTH and NUTRITION CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH is working –

http://www.SFitzsimmons.JuicePlus.com for information

SHERRY’S RETIREMENT PARTY!

Papas World – six years and one day ago – 4 by passes.

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I remember standing in front of the fire place –

the night before I was to leave –

I had to be there at 7:00 AM.

I looked around and wondered if

I would ever stand here again?

I was scared – I did not want to do this.

Six years later

I had a routine I had to do before I went to bed –

Instructions to prepare for major surgery

I kept looking around – in the mirror at my chest

Knowing in less that 24 hours – it would be changed

for the rest of my life – if I lived.

It is hard to describe how one feels when in 24 hours

You may not be alive.

That next morning I had to finish the instructions

and then the 45 to 60 minute drive to the hospital.

All the way there – I sat in the back seat –

looking in the dark at the lighted buildings we passed.

Tammy and Sherry were in the front.

Things run through your mind – do I back out?

Then a calm comes as you pull into the parking lot.

You are there – you start walking – and then like a second breath

It becomes real and you just want to get started

and not think anymore.

You have the most important person in the World by your side

They prep you and put in the ports

You say goodbye and they wheel you down

but first they inject what they said was a mild calming effect.

They came to the doors and I remember seeing everything seemed

to be black and white – and then nothing – I was out!

I awoke 3 1/2 hours after they finished – they had started at 10 am.

At 2:00 pm.

I was closed up and by 6:30 pm.

I was standing.

I recovered really fast – less than 48 hours later I was discharged

And once again standing in our living room in front of that same fireplace.

This time – smiling and thinking I am alive and here I stand – 62 hours later!

Sherry & Tom
almost six years later

I owe my health to my wife – who has steered me in the right direction

both in what I do and do not eat.

What supplements I do and do not take.

SIX YEARS AND ONE DAY AGO –

I HAD A MAJOR OPERATION

A OPEN HEART OPERATION

WITH FOUR BY PASSES

I AM ALIVE

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Where friends meet the family

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Papa’s World – Barefoot Landing – visited again.

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When we moved to Ocean Keyes in North Myrtle Beach at the beginning of the Pandemic –

One area we loved to go to and walk was Barefoot Landing – NMB!

During this time it was almost deserted – hardly any people although a lot of the stores remained open.

A ghost town with water – boardwalks – stores and only “US”!

From the open walkway across the lake – a view of LULU’S – a favorite place of ours to just go and have a drink while people-watching at the bar.

Today – it is still with only a few people in the off-season – yet all the restaurants are open and mostly full of people.

We still go there to just walk – getting in our steps.

A bunch of turtles huddled together by the shore –

There are gators here – although I seldom see them.

During this off-season they have done a lot of work replacing rails – floorboards along the entire Barefoot Landing – that decks look fantastic!

It can be a bit windy walking these walkways across the water-

but it also provides the wildlife you see!

The outdoor covered bar area of CROOKED HAMMOCK provides views of the water

while sitting in BAR SWINGS!

This day was chilly and not open to the public.

It was during that first year of 2020 that in October

we began our nine-month lease of a condo

in Ocean Keyes that during our walks here –

We saw this enterprise being built –

now when we visit –

it is here that we most often come for food and drinks!

CROOKED HAMMOCK has their own onsite Brewery and tasting room along

with large indoor and outdoor seating.

Firepit and a large stone fireplace.

A lot of games to be played and a big area for children to play.

In this picture, the Brewery and tasting room is to the left and the restaurant is to the right.

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PAPA’S WORLD – BAREFOOT LANDING – VISITED AGAIN!

Papa’s World – A new mulch-covered trail – pond!

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Good day everyone – in our Cameron Woods Community – the last single-family homes are almost complete –

And at the end of a cul-de-sac – on common space – a trail leading to two ponds –

one almost a small lake –

It was covered in mulch and led to the bigger pond-lake –

The other pond was sodded with grass and will be mowed.

The path to the large pond will have a bridge – this day only wooden pallets served as stepping

path to cross the ditch!

You can see the mulch path on the other house side of the ditch –

and the pallets on which you stand to cross the ditch.

All the homes you see on the other side are just being completed and some have occupants

This pond lake is the biggest of all the ponds we have.

We walked the first big pond on the other end of Cameron Woods – and came here and walked this neighborhood –

And that walk alone was just two miles!

I would say if we walked all the neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs –

we would be close to seven miles!

Including all the ponds that are walkable.

This is the view to the left after crossing over on the pallets.

The path goes to the right and leads to the far side of the water.

It continues following the pond out of sight of the water and into the woods on the far upper side.

The pond then continues through the trees at the bend of the water to the left.

The path is about 10 or 12 feet wide-

Large enough to allow maintenance trucks if needed.

Yes – we have seen small gators in here and if there are small ones –

well the mother must also be here.

Now – later in the Sring and Summer – bugs will be out –

so the spray will be used!

But on this day – the woods were full of birds singing –

and as always I am watchful for snakes in here.

Have not seen any but I am more vigilant –

They are more present in my mind than the gators in the water.

Here is the view after walking to the right and around the pond and through the woods from the left

side of the pond.

The walk was level – saw no gators or snakes!!!! LOL

We now have the ponds to walk along with the roads and cul-de-sacs!

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PAPA’S WORLD – A NEW MULCH-COVERED TRAIL AROUND ANOTHER POND!

Papa’s World – More Memories in Pictures!

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Bode with Jim on his boat driving the ICW!

The little guy loved his time at the wheel – thank you, Jim!

At the conference before dinner – Sherry – Debby and Papa.

Many memories of times spent learning health and nutrition!

In MUIRS forest of Redwoods – with our friends – seeing the country – living life to the plus!

At a neighborhood “SOUP BOWL” day before “SUPER BOWL” !

Creating new memories.

Our life is now on the border of N.C. and S.C. along the ICW and the Marshes.

GOLFING – FRIENDS – NO SNOW – NO ICE – PRICELESS!

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PAPA’S WORLD – MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Papa’s World – If I could turn back time – MEMORIES!

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On one of our many trips into DC with the young grandkids – at a restaurant!

Riding the Metro – walking the streets of the capital –

the common area – watching people play softball –

A MEMORY IN TIME WITH A PICTURE!

Twice a year – a trip to conference – on the East Coast and the West Coast –

18 plus years – living life to the plus – JUICE PLUS!

MEMORY IN PICTURE – OUR LIFE.

A trip to California – to see the giant redwoods with our friends –

whom we have traveled the world-

MEMORY IN TIME WITH A PICTURE!

On one of our many excursions into Washington, D.C.

Standing in the Lincoln Memorial –

MEMORY IN TIME WITH A PICTURE!

Celebrating the RAINBOW OF LIFE in RESTON TOWN CENTER –

MEMORY OF LIFE ON A PICTURE!

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PAPA’S WORLD – IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME – MEMORIES – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Old pictures for memories.

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To the left – Sherry’s father Bill – her mother Barb – her sister Debbie – Sherry – Papa and Debby holding Maddy.

This was shortly before her father had a valve replaced and did not survive.

Maddy is now 23.

Old friends from back in our WNY and NWPA era.

Still staying in touch and occasionally playing golf together.

Sherry – Buck – Papa – Janet – Paul – Elaine – Steve – Jim – Dottie and Cindy.

My grandson and his wife were at their wedding in Nashville.

Taylor – Sarah and Cassidy – when they were younger.

A card written by Cassidy to Santa and Niki – the Elf one Christmas when she was young.

Love it and how she spelled different words –

The innocence of a child!

Maddy in High School playing soccer – later went on and played four years at the University of Lynchburg –

Captain in her senior year –

Sherry and the twins Taylor and Cassidy.

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Papa – my grandson Ryan – Sherry –

OLD PICTURES FOR MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – sometimes – in a storm – you take shelter- other times – you just ride it out – we look upward and beyond.

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Storm clouds – we keep the faith

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 !

#livinglifetotheplus #homeagain #HGD #JP #just

Papa’s World – Memories of family – friends in pictures!

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Good day – everyone – A little humor to start the day!

A very long time ago with Sherry’s mother and father.

Debby in front – Tammy with her arm around Bill.

We are at Rolling Thunder in DC with Nathan and Auntie.

Playing golf with friends!

Friends visiting from Tucson – in a walking tour of D.C.

Bode when he was young – today he is 9 going on 10!

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Maddy – Ella – Sarah – Taylor – Cassidy and Bode!

MEMORIES OF FAMILY – FRIENDS in PICTURES!

Papa’s World – “SOUP and DESERT” Community!

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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!

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PAPA’S WORLD – “SOUP AND DESERT – COMMUNITY – NEIGHBORS!”

Papa’s World – A walk on the beach in the wind!

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Our friends – Jayson and Ginger – just built a house some 40 miles from us –

On this day – he was back for work in NVA – and she came down for a visit and saw our two beaches!

Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach.

It was sunny – but also very windy!

So – we stopped at both beaches and Sherry and Ginger took short walks while I stayed at the

entrance to both beaches. Too windy for me! LOL

The beach at OIB – start of low tide – blue sky and a few white clouds – beach deserted!

At Sunset Beach on the West end – the marsh where there are fantastic sunsets –

this also is where the transition of Sunset Beach goes to Bird Island –

This area for the next 21/2 miles is all protected and where the “KINDRED SPIRIT” mailbox is!

A bird in the protected area.

Walking the beach on a very windy day is challenging at the best –

Me – I just wanted to stand and gaze at the beach and then head back to the parked car! LOL

But Ginger and Sherry braved the wind – took short walks and came back to the car.

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GINGER AND SHERRY – A SHORT WALK ON THE BEACH ON A WINDY DAY! livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – FAMILY – FRIENDS – PICTURES!

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Bode – Cassidy and Taylor – hated to leave them behind when we moved to N.C. –

Now we look forward to their visits and us going back to NVA!

We had a list of reasons why we selected the border area of N.C. and S.C. –

and one of those reasons was to golf with friends –

They live 38 miles from us and getting together is easy as we live near 30 golf courses!

Golfing with lifelong friends!

We have been around the World – here we are in OHAU –

Someday I would like to go back to the BIG ISLAND!

So true for both of us – it sinks out of sight in the rough and in the trees! LOL

When friends visit – sometimes it calls for SHOTS!!!!  LOL

Cassidy hiding – on vacation years ago on Oak Island!

Cassidy found by Sarah – love these MEMORIES!

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PAPA’S WORLD – FAMILY – FRIENDS – PICTURES!

Papa’s World – Sharing pictures of family and friends!

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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!

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PAPA’S WORLD – SHARING PICTURES OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Papas World – with trees comes shade and “LEAVES”

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We have beautiful trees- three Red maples

and one I do not know what it is!

They provide lots of shade along the side

and in front of the house.

We also have three evergreen trees-

one large pine and three crepe myrtles!

BUT – THIS TIME OF YEAR – ” LEAVES”!

The Sunrise
and all those trees alongside the house

So – we decided to blow them into a pile along the sidewalk.

And then we would pick them up and stuff into bags.

It was chilly – around 38 degrees – but the Sun was out –

blue skies – white puffy clouds –

a good day to rake and stuff!

Here I am with my stocking hat on
stuffing leaves into the paper bags

I had my blower and pushed the leaves onto the sidewalk

Note: This same sidewalk we have to shovel snow when we have it!

It runs in front of the house and along side about 150 feet!

Did I tell you I really do not like snow and ice! LOL

Plus no cold – snow or ice please!

It took us about one hour and we filled up SIX stuffed bags!

I had already done THREE bags a week ago!

Stuffed – ready to set out
on Tuesday
that is the day
they pick up lawn waste

The yard was green once again –

I had mowed the second leaf fall early last week

I do this to mulch them up and put nutrients

back into the ground!

It is all part of living
in a four season’s
part of the country

Now – to the present – Christmas lights are up

All three trees are decorated

All the mangers set up and the little lighted churches placed

The inside decorations are done

the storage tubs back in place in the garage

And for twenty four hours it rained!

I went out front to gather up the paper

and there it was –

” ON TOP OF MORE LEAVES “

The rain had brought down more leaves!

Sherry – Certified Health Coach
( looking great at 70! )
http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

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The leaves are all wet from the rain –

There are still leaves( about 20 % ) on the trees.

We will have to wait to blow them but I also am thinking

I will once again mow and mulch them!

I am not a TECHIE

We still have time – being retired – you have choices

Bundle up – go outside

mow or rake or gather

or just stay in – turn the fireplace on

turn on the lights on the trees ( NO LEAVES THERE)

grab a book and just relax

That is what I call

LIVING LIFE DOING IT MY WAY . BLOG!!!!!

Thank you for reading!

With trees comes shade and “LEAVES”!

Papa’s World – LIFE – PICTURES – MEMORIES!

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Before we moved to N.C. – we had many day trips to Washington, D.C as a family.

Often times we would just take the metro – other times we would drive in and park and walk around.

Many fond memories and here is one for a photo in front of the capital!

On one of our many vacations – here Papa – Sherry – Buck and Cindy pose with Lake Tahoe in the background!

We toured California and drove around the lake.

We would go and visit Shala and Roger – my brother and his wife – in the Villages –

After Shala passed away – we spent a couple months each winter with him.

He was by himself and we always had a good time with him.

My oldest son and Andrea – his partner – when they visited us during one summer.

Hoping they come back again.

My oldest son along with my youngest son Shawn – brothers – love them both.

Ella with Taylor on vacation at Oak Island – she adores Ella!

Our neighbors back in Ridgetop Commons in Fairfax – Brandy and Riz and their family.

Before we sold the house and moved they came and paid a visit to us in Brambleton.

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PAPA’S WORLD – LIFE PICTURES – MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Life in pictures past memories!

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A long – long time ago – Sherry – Maddy and Papa – when she was playing youth soccer travel team for Winchester United!

When she was a Junior – she decided she wanted to compete against the best competition –

so she would drive herself 65 miles to Loudoun County – to play against DC area travel teams.

Three times a week for practice and games on weekends.

She was recruited and selected by The University of Lynchburg womens soccer team –

She played for four years – All conference third team as a Sophomore –

All Conference second team as a Junior-

And Captain in her Senior year –

NCAA playoffs in two of the four years -

Conference champions in her Senior year!

Remember – she was just 16 when she started driving 65 miles one way to practice.

And she maintained honors both in H.S. and College!

Here she is at graduating from college – with an environmental Science degree –

and today she is working at one of the largest Environmental firms in the Country –

As a Scientist- Geologist! 

Our oldest granddaughter – Madison Margo Myers –

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“MADDY”  LIFE IN PICTURES – PAST MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – A memory of past times in pictures!

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Back when their parents sold their home and before they moved into another one – they stayed with us –

Here they – the twins – Cassidy and Taylor – in their hiding place as I played hide and seek with them –

PRICELESS MEMORY IN PICTURE FORM!

We called her “TINY” when she was little – today – she is 5’10” tall!

She would come to me and sit on my lap – or when smaller – crawl over and tug on my pant leg to be picked up!

ANOTHER PICTURE OF MEMORY PAST!

Taylor – Tammy and Cassidy – all share one thing in common –

Thier birthdays!

Born on their mother’s birthday – the TWINS!

MEMORY OF PAST TIMES IN A PICTURE!

Cindy and Buck – Sherry and Papa – back in NWPA for a visit –

this is the Kinzua Bridge State Park – near Mount Jewett where Sherry was raised.

The other three were raised some 40 miles away.

We all came here when young!

A MOMENT IN TIME WITH A MEMORY IN A PICTURE!

In the Alleghany Mountains in NWPA – a trip back to our roots to play golf at Smethport – CC.

All four of us lived in the area –

MEMORIES IN A PICTURE!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – A MEMORY OF PAST TIMES IN A PICTURE!

Papa’s World – Some more memories in time.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Before our first grandson came along – five granddaughters –

SOME MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

Long time bestie – Jimmy and me – and I can not sing!

SOME MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

One of the early in their lives birthday party – the twins – Cassidy and Taylor and their dad Marcus.

SOME MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

A winter snowstorm at our townhouse at Ridgetop Commons in Fairfax, Va.

Here is Maddy helping Papa – she is now 23 years old!

SOME MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

My mother Mary – she passed away almost 98 years old –

SOME MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

My two sons – Troy and Shawn-

SOME MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

Sherry and Papa – thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SOME MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

Papa’s World – A birthday party for Bill – 60!!!!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

PAPA’S WORLD – A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR BILL – 60!

Papa’s World – What shall I do?

/ Tom / 3 Comments

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

Papa’s World – “Swing Low Sweet Chariot – Betsy went home”

/ Tom / Leave a comment

I am writing this blog today with much sorrow.

A long time ago – we had to put down Samatha – our dog for almost 14 years.

Yesterday – our neighbors and dear friends – Diane and Steve Zimmerman –

Lost their beloved “BETSY” – a small black lab.

The day before when we found out she had gotten ill – we went to see her.

She always would walk up to us and wag her whole back end and tail – gently leaning against our legs-

And remain there for minutes at a time.

Going from Sherry to me over and over again.

This time she was on her bed on the floor – not moving much but she did move her head so I could scratch under her snout –

Her eyes never left mine – she knew we were there –

but she was so ill she could not greet us.

When we would DOGGY SIT – she would meet us at the door with her funny little guttering sounds –

not a whine and not a bark – but a low sound emitting from deep within her throat.

Steve and Diane – close friends and neighbors –

we have in common all of being from the same WNY area –

they still maintain a summer cottage on Rushford Lake –

and visit many of the same spots we did in Olean when we lived there.

I do not know where dogs go when they pass on – I would like to believe they go to heaven.

My faith – my want to believe it to be possible – makes me feel that we shall see them again.

dog paw trail in the sky clouds

Betsy was a favorite of all our kids and grandkids –

they would go up the street to see her if she was outside.

She would lay in the yard for hours – you could trust her – in the hot sun and then the shade.

She rarely barked – yet when you approached her she would stand and start wiggleing.

She would not run into the street and stay in the yard until you reached her.

She was black, not white – but this is how she lay in the yard.

Betsy was a gentle soul – all the neighbors knew her and would stop and talk to her.

We are going to miss her – it will be strange not seeing her in that yard as we walk by.

And even stranger when we walk with BETSY and DIANE –

Or see her in the truck with Steve –

She always had a ribbon attached to her collar.

She was the most gentle of dogs and our three younger grandkids always wanted to walk up and see her.

Today is a sad day as Betsy left yesterday – I will always remember my last visit with her

and those eyes looking into mine.

“SWING LOW SWEET CHARIOT – BETSY WENT HOME:

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog