We left our rental on Friday – the 28th at 8:45 AM.
But one last stop and picture
one of our walks we took almost everyday!
There was a blocks long park with a walking path right across the street from us. Either direction we went – trees – oak – palm and these yellow flowered trees! Everything was blooming and so green!
We decided that we would avoid the major four lanes
and drive the roads less traveled
even though it would take us through towns
red lights – and maybe a little longer!
We would end up at Jacksonville beach
for two nights for Sherry to attend a regional conference
for her Juice Plus Company – and our room –
was Ocean front – with a balcony!
Flagler Beach
The roads were straight – mostly four lane
speed limit 60 and hardly any traffic!
It was just peaceful and full of wonderful views!
And we made great time and were at 1A1 –
the highway that runs alongside the Atlantic Coast!
The first beach we came to was Flagler Beach-
very narrow but really a blue color to the water!
Hard to see the color but it was not the typical Atlantic color you see up and down the coast!Very narrow beach going in both directions no houses on the beach side all across the road!I do not know what it would be like in a storm not much space on the beach!
We then headed North and our next stop was at the
first Marine land!
I had no idea this was here And it was the location where they shot the old TV series SEA HUNT which I watched as a child! I actually met Lloyd Bridges and his wife at a airport as they were waiting for their flight. Somewhere I have a picture of them!
Many famous people have been here and at one time
it says there were more Dolphins than people!
This beach was much wider and the boardwalk and restrooms were very nice.At first I thought these boulders were put here but the sign says they are 100’s of thousands years old made from sand and other substanceA very nice boardwalk along the beach
And you can see where sand has either blown in
or washed in?
Not sure – but in the next picture – there was a lot of sand
There is a small community in North Western Pa. Just a few short miles from the New York State Border Situated in what are called THE ENCHANTED MOUNTAINS of The Alleghany Mountain Chain
Rolling green hills now -once as large as the Rockies
millions and millions of yearsago
now considered as just “Foothills”
Back in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s
The small community is well
a place where every one knew your name
you parents and exactly where you lived!
Coming into town on North Main Street from the border of NYS sits a junction known locally as The Kendall Bridge The Alleghany river runs beneath it as does the Rail road tracks and trains A span comes off it and a road runs under it.The Kendall Bridge looking Northward to the foothills of the mountains and New York State
The age to drink was 21 in Pa.
But 18 in NYS!
Traveled this road many times
to legally have a beer! LOL
And believe me – the adults knew!
Main Street Eldred Pa. and one of the reasons we moved South SNOW !!!!!
The post office to the left – the old red fire hall
to the right as I grew up.
And the building up farther in brick
The doctors office & the dental office
and also the Masonic Lodge!
I spent a lot of time there
Dental and Doctor!
Today the leading business of incoming funds The Historic World War ll Museum
A full size tank bursting through the wall
a Museum that also encompasses the next large building
Tour buses stop every day!
It is a quality sight to behold!
This little town had many WWll heros
Purple hearts -medal of honors
And I knew everyone of them!
King Street my stomping ground when we slept outside after curfew at 10 PM. Running and hiding raiding gardens Just growing up!The park where I played baseball tackle football and flag football Softball And everyday rode my bike to!The park below the tracks where in my 20’s we all chipped in and helped to get it started and mowed and tuned into a softball field! Playing our home games here and holding many tournamentsThe Catholic church I attended as a small child confirmed inAnother small church on King street
My older sister Donna on the right and my cousin Patty
Donna helped raise me
as she was 15 years older
and lived right down the street
and later on next door!
My best friend Bobby Goodman’s house spent many a night there on the porch sleeping out and he at mine we did not want to sleep inside!
My sister Donna -caught us one night
we had gotten into my parents whiskey!
And she came outside and there we sat on the curb in front
of her house and mine.
After so many questions
I had her almost convinced we were not drinking
Bobby not saying a word!
A car came down the street and we were in its headlights
And that is when Bobby got sick
and threw up in front of her!
Later she laughed and laughed
and always reminded me we did not fool her!
My brother in law Bill – was the police chief
and always took care of me and my friends
as long as we did not get into trouble or do anything bad.
Back after the war Eldred had a top notch soft ball team made up of many who came back from the war. My best friend Bobby’s father is at the bottom right I knew almost all these men later in life! They almost were all my fathers friends!Most of us joined The Explorer’s when we were 16 and took many a trip to Pro games here we took a three day canoe trip down the river which when I was in my mid 30’s I – along with our pastor took a youth group down the same river Bobby – far left and then meOak hill cemeteryWhere in winter we would ride our sleds down the hill between and around the tombstones!The high school where I graduated in 1967 Known then as it is today OTTO – ELDRED H.S. Home of the TERROR’SOur team on the varsity Bobby is number 83 and I sit to his left number 65 Those were the best of years.
each Winter – before they relocate to another one!
Sherry and Paul it wasn’t until we were half way back to Winter Haven that I realized I had not taken a picture of Janet or the four of us! OLD AGE HAS IT’S DRAW BACKS!
We spent hours talking at their fifth wheel camper
34 feet long and really nice
with a large awning and a comfortable seating
beneath the large old Oak trees!
They then took us on a tour of Winter Garden
a new upscale section of stores – shops
and places to eat!
It was here that I saw the beauty
Lake Apopka – a very large lake perserve
for hundreds of birds – and a nursery for baby gators!
Small gators do not know where the mother gator was!Big birds small birds ducks and turtles abound
The birds were loud – almost to the point it was hard to listen
to each other talk
but I loved it!
The beauty of the foliage and this was full of birds and ducks!Looking for gators and we found three!It is in these reeds where the gators reside small ones that we could seeA view of the water front and a trail that follows the shore!
We decided to attend this celebration at Lake Wales.
We love a parade – and they threw in the floats!
One of about a dozen floats and some were as big as this and others half this size but all were throwing beads! MADRE GRAS at Lake Wales , Florida!And we placed our chairs right on the curb in the grass and had a front row seat! The BEADS just came our direction and WE DID NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING to get them! LOL !!!!!Each float had a different theme and each float blasted their own music and each float parked side by side in the park each blasting their music! PARTY TIME!!!!!There was music there was laughter there were dancers there were cops there was booze OH I LOVED THIS PARADE Just sing it to Toby Keith! LOLA lot of work went into this on all of these floats!And of course for my wife a Float of a viking ship! Don’t know how the Swedes fit into all of this but there they were!The Grand Marshall I think!Lake Wales MADRE GRAS!They also had a stage with live bands and all the while in the park the floats had their own music and parties going on!The lake and pierThe entrance to the party by the lake before the parade after – we could barely make our way through here! Thousands of people converged and we managed to sit up our chairs to the left rear of the stage!A look back from the pier to the party like tents from Lake Wales.
Saturday night – 10-25-14 Blue Fin – Memphis Tenn. Daughter & Mother – connecting from the 50’s to Present !
How many of you out there have the pleasure of spending time with you children , bringing back the past into the future ?
How many bond in such a way that you are excited to be with one another and share that experience ?
That has taken place many times over the last eight years. Although our youngest daughter Tammy, was unable to be with us as she is having a baby and unable to travel , Debby is right by her mother’s side – sharing the moment and dressing up in 50’s outfit just as her mother is.
Now the normal questions are asked – what did they wear -how was their hair – do you have pictures – what shoes do we have – what about makeup – they were endless – but – in the end – they were adorable and so much alike.
Rock and Roll introduced us to the music of today – and before that the blues – but time has a funny way of bringing the Past to the Future – you could swap one for the other in time – and they would be the same.
Loving – caring – sharing – teaching – from one generation to the next – now I await a few years and see what Debby does with her three daughters and how she answers their questions – You wore your hair up like what? Do you have any pictures ?
YES WE DO – that is what Grand Parents do- they keep the pictures so grand children can some day immolate their parents!
ROCK AND ROLL – FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE – ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT!
View from our front entrance facing toward the Old Town of Winter Haven Fla.
We could walk a block and we were
in a redeveloped park – with benches and lots of shade!
This section has all been upgraded
pastel brick painted
bright colors
The old buildings made of brick painted and trimmed out full of different storesOne of four different streets with the coffee shop and library at the end of the street
In this picture – the park is at the left
and in total runs a good four blocks
At the end of the park in the direction left is a lake where every third Saturday is a ski show put on by Cypress Gardens!A ski jump in the lake for the showPart of the area for the ski show
And YES – there are gators in these lakes!
However – we never saw any here!
I would not go swimming or wading here they say go to the middle of the lakes to swim or water ski but I will pass!
However – the views are awesome!
And we walked here often!
The trees are green with flowers almost all of themThis was laying on the ground and was really soft
In the opposite direction
we often walked more
simply because all the stores
bars and restaurants
saloons and barber shops
a lot of either one
and the smells of lunch – dinner
and music!
The entrance to the library to the right and our favorite coffee shop to the left Where Ella would have a chocolate chip cookie!
We would stop every evening
for a small coffee and ice tea
and just sit and watch the sunset
One of the many fountains in the park
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After our daily walk back to the confines of our rental and looking forward to our next walk!
Our vacation rental in the historic district of Winter Haven Florida! The entrance gate – some 20 feet high and locked – each time we leave the entire structure is block and stucco painted white like a fortress!
We rented this place through VRBO sight unseen
except in pictures and reviews
That is the chance you take
But – we took it and are happy with it!
As you enter – you are greeted by a long narrow hallway and a set of stairs to the second floor bedrooms full bathrooms and a small laundry room
You turn left into the dining room
with another narrow hallway leading past the kitchen
straight to the living room
with a half bath off this hallway to the right
The dinning room where I set up my office
and when we had company – ate our meals!
Off the dining room a narrow hallway with a half bath on the right and a doorway on the left to the galley kitchen straight a head is the cozy living room and beyond that a entirely closed in patio with 20 plus foot high walls!
The galley kitchen is narrow but has everything we needed!
View back toward the dinning roomView of the galley kitchen from the dinning room toward the living room
Although it was narrow – and not really a place for more than one
to work unless you were at opposite ends
it functioned well and we just got use to it!
The living room – very cozy with a log burning fireplace to the right which we used – buying those burning logs from the store the ones you just light and it burned for a good four hours! Ella – our grand daughter laughed at it saying it was a fake log but it did put off heat! And beyond – a enclosed patio with walls going up past the window on the second floor!
We were very comfortable in this room.
The furniture was white leather and very comfortable You can see in the other picture the enclosed back patio the walls went up above the second story bedroom window! We never used either patio it was too cool when we first arrived or we would get back home too late and after darkThe living room fireplaceThe front patio again with walls that went above the second floorAt the top of the stairs on the second floor the laundry room to the right and straight a head the guest bedroom and bath where Ella and later Sherry’s sister Debbie stayed.The spare guest room very comfortable as were all the bedsHuge closets that ran the whole length of the wall with lots of storage!The guest bathroom with a over head sky light that you did not need lights on during daylight!
The whole guest area was very comfortable and was entirely away
from the master bedroom!
The doors in the place were solid and very thick!
Even the doors to the stacked washer and dryer were solid and very thick All the door casings were made out of 2 x 12’s with 2×6 and 2×4 trimmed pieces! I have never seen this done before and all seemed to be rough cut!The master bedroom was large with a king sized bed and two very large closetsAnd also its own wood burning fireplace
Our bedroom was the biggest room in the entire house!
With its own TV and when the door was shut
you could hardly hear anything!
Master bath
Well – this was our home away from home!
And they told us that the next rental would be the last
through VRBO!
They were going to lease it by the year!
It was in a great spot as we walked almost everywhere
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The stairway down to the front door notice the hand rail all the casings and trim were like this!
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Front door to the gate and then the car parked right in front!
FIVE HOURS LATER – we hugged and said our goodbyes!
Friends for over 40 years Tom Sherry Lynda Fred
Fred and I graduated HS together – along with another good buddy
we had a lot of very great memories
and we rehashed a lot of them!
We met up at Crabby Bill’s in St. Cloud Florida!
We got there at 10 am. and we walked around
it was beautiful sitting on a very large lake!
With a boat marina
and launch – very windy out!
Fred Sherry Lynda
The ride to and from was not on major highways
and I enjoyed that – the major routes –
well they come to a stand still with backups
every day in both directions!
We have always shared like thoughts
Standing on the break wall Lynda and Sherry watching a wind sail trying to catch a breeze and get up out of the water We shared many a laugh just like old days somethings just never get old!Strolling the path talking and just enjoying the company
We had a lot of catching up to do
for it must of been a good ten years
we had come down then and spent a few days with them
We decided to sit talk – drink tea and coffee and true to form Fred spilled his! LOLLynda and Fred on the outside deck of Crabby Bill’s in St. Cloud Fla.
It got warm enough while sitting outside to shed jackets
and we sat there for three hours –
our waiter named Murph –
was fantastic and never once urged us to leave!
We ordered small finger food and shared
soups – tenders – avocado cream cheese things
one crab cake grilled
and lots of coffee – ice water and unsweetened ice tea
and desert – two types of cheese cake
of which I ate almost none!
Proud of myself!!!!
We then got up and decided to walk around
We were full
and it was still windy – but in the mid 70’s!
And then we laughed and laughed!
A captured one of those laughs I wish I could of gotten them all old times were remembered and it was as if no time had ever come between us!
Our buddy who is wintering in Az.
suggested to me that maybe next year
we can all do the same
close to where Fred and Lynda live
which is Little Palm Bay
on the Indian river
near Melbourne!
Sherry and I thought that to be a great idea.
Lynda is going to do some checking for us on rentals
I will reach out to Bob next month
and hoping we can pull this all together!
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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!
We have friends and we are blessed sharing my life one day at a time
To a state park where there was a almost three mile
nature walking path –
Named Panther Paw point park –
because they spotted a panther there
sometime in the past!
” LIONS – TIGERS and BEARS OH MY” !
The loop ran trough the woods and then around this lake and the trail around the lake in some spots got very narrow with brush and reeds on either side!We read this before starting out and notice the pictures of all we might observe while walking we did see a lot of areas dug up like giant moles had been there my thought “WILD BOARS”!Here is a picture map of the several loops you can make This also is a place where people come to ride horses there were a half dozen horse trailers in the lot!Debbie and Tom the path leading into the woodsAs you can see stay on the path its a jungle out there!After walking through the woods you break out and start following the lakeThe first GATOR we saw just over the bank and right near the water I would estimate 15 to 20 feet from me! He was big – but not as big as the next one we saw still I was nervous standing there!Just down from the gator about 30 feet away that gator would of been one half the distance
The path itself was 10 to 12 feet wide
with the lake and reeds and bushes and trees on one side
the other side sometimes a fence with pasture
other times just marsh and a lot of bushes
I keep my eyes on the lake side!
And I never saw the gators until I was maybe 25 feet away!
Now- I never saw this fellow Sherry was following and she said here is a snake I had walked right by it! It was maybe 6 to 8 feet away She saw it – it raised up and she backed away and then she took this picture when I went back it was slithering away I told her it looked like a black snake but still I never saw it! I would say it was 4 or 5 feet long!Avery big hawk sitting on a gate this was pasture land on the right side away from the lake however there were sections that you could not see through and the path narrowed down to maybe 6 or 7 feet wide making me very nervous!This guy was huge! I would say 10 to 12 feet long those are the hind legs and the tail was maybe another four foot long He was really big around and almost black! This one was maybe 15 feet over the side of the bank – out of the water and in the bushes and reeds there was a trail down to him and I assume that is where he went back and forth!
This gator was really big – never moved – I learned later
at that time of day – they are not that active – plus the water
is only around 60 degrees –
They are night hunters and during the day -they warm up in the sun
and heat of the day and digest their food
from the night before!
This one was maybe 200 yards from the other one
which makes me think this was his territory!
It was a beautiful walk nervous at times hot in the sun a half dozen horse riders passed us I WOULD NOT WALK THIS AT TWILIGHT!The birds and ducks huddle together in the middle of the lake we have been told several times that gators do not attack in deep water That is why people swim in the middle of the lakes and water skiers are in the water in these lakes BUT I DO NOT TRUST THAT! That’s like telling me BEARS don’t bite in the woods! LOL
I hope you liked this little adventure It was a spur of the moment lark that we went on! SAW TWO GATORS AND A BLACK SNAKE! along with birds horses – riders – and where Wild boars ( pigs) dug up the ground or some very GIANT MOLES!
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Karen Lars ( from Sweden) Debbie ( Sherry’s sister) Sherry and Papa
We had planned this when her sister came
as she also grew up knowing them
They have wintered down here the last 12 years or so!
We decided to go and eat lunch at BOK TOWER!
A place the they took us to four years ago!
Entrance to the gardens
If you have not been – it is a rare treat!
Full of plants and flowers the lower garden before the walk up through the plants trees and water to the very tall Tower Flowers outside where we had lunch!Walking up the hill on the paths to the Bok TowerThe base of Bok TowerBOK TOWERSherry and Debbie on the grounds around Bok TowerSherry and Debbie walking back down the hill from BOK TOWERLeaving such a peaceful spot after listening to the Bells and organ and the green growth and mountain views of the surrounding country side!Outside the Cafe
We were invited to spend the day in Sarasota Florida.
And – we were scheduled to see the Botanical Gardens
I did not know what to expect
and was quite surprised at what unfolded
as we spent over two hours walking
a paradise of green lush gardens!
A tunnel of mangroves! Every corner we rounded brought something unexpected!A eye ball with a waterfall represented a exhibit by SALVADORE DALI along with EGGS and BUTTERFLIES!Huge trees with roots expanded outward to better balance the tree as there is nothing but sandAnther SALVADORE DALI tribute LIPS!A quiet water fall just the sound calming and lush with vegetationA piano in the pondA piano in the tree!
As we walked – I was amazed at just how everything just blended
into nature – how calming it was – and so shaded!
SALVADORE DALI HATCHING FROM A EGG!A building full of originals some not seen in 15 years!Ginger our friend Sherry and her sister Debbie
You would never know you were in the middle of Sarasota!
And you would find yourself gazing out over the water!
Sarasota BayBenches at the end of a path sit and lookout over the bay
I found myself in a calm state of mind
Hug a tree with the one you admireSeek shelterSpread your wings as a butterfly!
It was a thing I had never considered to do
and now thankful I did!
Peace – love and happiness!
Glass ” WATER”Sherry Debbie Ginger
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Elephant or Butterfly!
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Marie Selby BOTANICAL GARDENS SARASOTA FLORIDA !!!!
Then – a friend invited us “OVER” from Winter Haven
where we had booked a AirBNB for a month!
So – we made the nearly two and one half hour drive
AND I WANT TO GO BACK !!!!!
Lido Beach Very wide white sand beach
I was so mesmerized by the city itself –
that I did not take pictures until we walked the beach!
Right at the end of the main street which the locals call the circle
We walked the main street – full of shops
both sides of the street
and all the places to sit down either outside
or inside and have breakfast – lunch and dinner!
Shorts – colorful shirts – music filled the air.
The vibe is what I noticed – and we could walk!
Right to the entrance of LIDO BEACH!
Sherry and her sister Debbie with part of Sarasota in the back ground
The sand – does not burn your feet for some reason!
And is like powder in some spots
and a mixture of crushed shells in others.
The waves – hardly any at all –
Big expanse of sand bar –
with tidal pools that were warm from the sun!
Just gentle waves and very easy to walkThe wide expanse of white sand beach
I found myself just calmed – no worries-
and wondering “HOW DO I GET BACK HERE”?
Birds taking a bath they were not concerned about us and they would just duck under the gentle waves and wash themselves so calming!Sherry walking the beach looking for shells which she found big ones!
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If you want – put this one on your bucket list
A must see and do
SARASOTA LIDO BEACH a walk in the sandThe bay in Sarasota
her one birthday wish was to swim with the Manatee’s!
Since we were going to be in Florida
We made that wish come true!
Now – the second oldest last summer turned 16.
And her one wish was to see STAR WARS!
Ella our grand daughter who is a big STAR WARS FAN!!!!
So – we again were going to be in Florida
So we took her with us for a week!
In a State far – far away – the adventure begins!
Sherry and Ella in a Star Wars store at Hollywood Studios
Our trip was eventful – we spent a Monday – early to after closing
in the Hollywood Studios of Star Wars –
Riding almost all the rides – and seeing almost all the shows!
TEN IN ALL!
At the INDIANA JONES STUNT SHOW! Ella and SherryElla and Sherry about to ride the twirling saucers
It was a very long day – but so worth it
You can see it in her eyes and smile!
Then on Tuesday – Sunday we had done a giant Flea Market
We took her to our old stomping grounds
The Villages – where with my brother we spent three winters
before he passed away.
At Brownwood in the villages
We toured all three town centers
showing her everything we could
Ending up in Sumter Landing and listening to the live band and music
Watching all the old people like us
dance the night away!
I told Sherry I really miss it down here!
Ella and Sherry At Big Bend Power Park
On Wednesday – we took her to Big Bend Power Plant Park
To see the hundreds of Manatee’s
and then on to Clear Water beach and Sand Key Park to see the gulf waters
It was too cold to go into the water – although people were in the water
But she got to walk the white sand beaches
and see the Gulf!
Sherry and Ella seeing the sting rays at Big Bend park
Thursday was a down day – pick up groceries
and she watched the first two Indiana Jones movies
as she had never seen them
and after being at the stunt show
we decided to see them on Netflex!
Friday and Saturday – we spent both days until dark
exploring 7 or 8 Disney resorts!
Animal Kingdom lodgePolynesian ResortThe Dolphin ResortThe Grand FloridianThe finding Nemo resortSherry and Ella on the new Sky liner at Disney resorts
We parked for free – and rode the Mono Rail to four different stops
And the second day we went to Board Walk resort
next to Epcot
And rode the new SKY LINER
to Four more resorts!
We parked for free – and neither the boats
the Monorail or the Sky liner
cost anything!
Sherry Tom Ella
We spent all Saturday after noon at Disney Springs –
Again – no cost!
Ella and Sherry at Disney Springs
They had so much fun together – making memories.
BUZZ LIGHT YEAR with Sherry and Ella
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Ella and Sherry
And Oh by the way – Ella loves to shop
And that fit right into Sherry’s purpose of life! LOL
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Sadly – we say goodbye as she flies back home.
By the way – her return fight ticket – her one suitcase
The last regular game of the season – soccer – girls – both J.V. and Varsity.
Seven seniors – four have played together for 10 plus years.
Our granddaughters – Maddy Meyers – varsity – & Ella Myers J.V. – both play for James Wood H.S. in Winchester Va.
The J.V. team – Ella is the starting Midfielder – finished the season 10 wins 2 losses 3 ties .
The Varsity – Maddy is the starting Midfielder – finished the season 12 wins 3 losses & 1 tie – having defeated the teams they lost to and tied.
Seven Seniors
We have watched – traveled all over the East Coast – stayed in hotels – packed food – eaten out – made friends with other parents and grand parents – for over eight years.
NUMBER 9 – MADDY MYERS
And sadly – it is about to come to a end – well – almost – as Ella will be playing the next two years !
Maddy – who is district all conference – will attend the University of Lynchburg Va. on a letter of intent – starting this Summer as all incoming Freshmen report for a week of camp for Soccer.
Debby and Mike being escorted onto the field by Ella.
Now – the district playoffs begin – James Wood is the number two seed – it was a four way race – the tie kept them out of first place – as that team ended up in first with one more win.
Debby – Maddy – Mike
Very proud on what she has accomplished – as a Freshman – she started Varsity – she also opted on her own – to move from the Winchester travel team – to Loudoun County soccer travel – the RED TEAM – D.C. area – higher competition – traveling the entire East Coast for weekend tournaments – driving 60 miles each way three times a week for practice – ( her mother Freshman – Sophomore and Junior years driving ) winning the ESPN tournament if Orlando Fla. when she was a junior.
All the while maintaining a 4 . 10 GPA – taking college courses – very – very proud of this young lady.
She selected the college from a list of 4 or 5 – and is now ready to move on – with a lot of emotional tears from her parents.
NUMBER NINE MADDY
It will be different next year as number NINE moves on – to be filled by number TEN as Ella moves up.
A host of records were set this year by the team – and Maddy and Katie P ( # 13 ) – who have played together for over 10 years – she is attending DeSales University in Pa. – with Maddy playing Midfielder and Katie forward – Katie broke the school record in scoring 74 goals and assists. They play so well together.
Maddy shot on goal.
Soon – graduation is right around the corner – but first there are the State playoffs. I do not know how far they will go – but I do know how far they have come – from little girls playing co-ed – to grown ladies – playing the best competition they could on the East coast.
Maddy taking a header in the middle toward the goal
So today we move on – Friday is the playoff game – hoping they place to move on for states – our little grand daughter all grown up.
Sherry – Maddy – Tom
The next step- University of Lynchburg HORNETS – going to be some awesome road trips !
I hope you enjoy my tribute to one we have loved for 18 years –
one who I remember picking up from the babysitter –
The years went by so quickly – fourteen to be exact. When she was four – she started playing soccer. It was at that time – the ball seemed to be almost as big as she was !
Our Grand daughter – Madison ( Maddy ) last week signed her letter of intent to play college soccer at the University Of Lynchburg in central Va.
We took the 60 mile journey to Winchester Va. to James Wood H.S. where she is in her last year – for a celebration by the school – and the other part of this story is that her friend and playmate for the last fourteen years – ” Katie P ” also signed her letter of intent to play at the University DeSales in Pa. !
They both had played as four year old’s all the way through H.S. including travel teams in Winchester and the last three years traveling 65 miles one way – three times a week for practice with the Loudoun County Red team.
Maddy has had this goal in mind for a very long time and with all this she still has maintained a 4 . 10 GPA ! Katie also has done the same.
Her college team is going to be a three hour drive for us – which in my mind is ” ROAD TRIP ” something we both enjoy.
Very proud of the young lady she has become – from being the smallest on the field to a strong midfielder who has become defined by her coaches as the ” FULL PACKAGE ” , everything comes through her on the field.
And as you can see – she has grown into the part – taking after my wife who with Swedish heritage – is 5 ‘ 9″-
Maddy certainly has those genes. Another day in PAPA’S WORLD – living healthy and life to the plus !
This is so true I remember my mother buying me what was then called “Blue Jeans” They were so baggy and the “IN” style then was skin tight black or red socks and high top black and white tennis sneakers!
So – I signed up for my site
and began writing short daily happenings
I called them ” JUST ANOTHER DAY IN MY LIFE”
And numbered them from the day I started in sequence!
This is true in our oldest daughters house open a cupboard and there are all these containers with no lids!
I started to accumulate “Friends” outside my old friends.
And they were from all over the Country
and some from the World!
Most I did not know personally
But through our “Home Business”
I was too much for some people but I wrote about my life and the lives of my loved ones and the lives of my closest and dearest friends.
I determined that from reading the daily paper
and watching the news
That I would bring POSITIVE – FUNNY
and GOOD thoughts to my site.
There fore I very seldom do anything Political.
I keep it pretty much as I stated
Which is getting hard to do with
everything going on.
I so believe this and hope one day that we all can be nice to each other
Then – my wife found a site that will publish
your face book writings for certain time periods
and publish them in a book form.
My one desire is to write a book on memories I have.
She choose a six month period and had it printed
It is so cool – with my picture on the front –
However – I had written so much –
That if I had them all printed –
there would be TEN full books!
I most likely in my younger years could of truthfully stated this! LOL
And she said this would be too expensive
You need to write and put it down
where we can all read it!
So , I did , eight years ago –
I started a blog – I wrote a lot but then for some reason
I quit and believe it or not – I LOST IT somewhere
IN THE CLOUD!
I could not find it again and had never written down the site!
All those things were gone but she told me she had met a friend through networking named Belinda who could get me started again on a new site and a new blog! A BIG HUG TO BELINDA
So – we met – and she was talking me through the startup!
When lo and behold – we found one of the two old sites!
Yes – I had two sites and we stumbled over one of them.
It had 4 blogs and I was on my way!
That was last April – and today –
I have written over 200 blogs
and have accumulated 180 FOLLOWERS!
From all over the WORLD!
I have finally found my passion writing – family – friends and sharing my life
The main thing is –
When I am gone – my memories will linger on.
I have no one left that I grew up with as family
except two niece’s – three great niece – and great – great niece and nephews.
My two sons – but the rest are gone.
No one remembers that life of or came before!
Today I am the eldest the one whom they call when they want to know about family Today I am all that is left to remember to put it all down
So – I write – everyday – I put down thoughts
I put down memories
I put down current events and family
THIS IS MY BOOK !
Sherry and Tom 2019 70 years old
I have lived a good life – ups and downs –
Almost gone
but still here.
I record trying to stay true to my beliefs
FAMILY- CHURCH- GOD – FRIENDS – COUNTRY
” DO THE RIGHT THING”
” DO ALL THE LITTLE THINGS RIGHT – AND THE BIG THINGS –
WILL TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES”
That is how I have lived my life.
Yep – this would be me!
I leave you with a quote –
“It’s not for me to question why? But for me to do or die”
When you get married – I think you both need to think about this!
I 