Papa’s World – Memories are pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This white church sits on a hill –

called Mount Nebo –

And that is the name of this Lutheran church in Mount Jewett, Pa.

This is the original Swedish Lutheran Church in that town-

and where Sherry’s parents are buried along with many other family members.

Although we have a lot there –

we will not be interred there –

We have purchased a vault –

in a Columbarium at Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church –

less than six miles from our home in OIB.

We will be cremated and interred there –

So that the survivor can come and visit.

The above church was built

by the Swedish immigrants –

of the community in the 1800’s.

And is replicated from

an existing church in Sweden.

Unique in that it is an EIGHT-SIDED BUILDING!

Several pews inside are accessed from the ends only –

as a support beam comes down from the ceiling-

to the floor-making-

it is all but impossible

to either slide through or walk through.

Services are held here on certain dates throughout the year-

and this is considered a historical building.

The cemetery completely surrounds the church-

except for the driveway up the hill

and around the church.

We have attended many services here

and some have been in Swedish.

This is a picture of a memory

from Sherry’s hometown of Mount Jewett, Pa.

This is the walkway from the community center on Ocean Isle Beach

by the sand volleyball court!

We have seen this cat numerous times in the past three or more years.

It lives somewhere near this building!

Looking back the walkway to the Community Center of Ocean Isle Beach!

We know people come here

and feed this cat as we have been here

when they put the food out.

As you can tell – it looks well-fed.

I did not even know it was around

until Sherry looked back to the center

and said the cat was following us.

It continued past us and down a few steps

and sat down where I took the picture.

This also is where other people have fed it.

Sherry continued down to the surf

and I stayed up on the walkway by the cat.

It was a somewhat mild late January day –

overcast in the late afternoon –

Hardly anyone on the beach –

mid-50s

after some harsh cold days

after the snow and ice storm had melted.

The cat started to meow

as I stood there

and soon disappeared over to the left

and the top of this dune.

I looked away and when I looked back –

it was gone.

There are many feral cats –

we have some at Cameron Woods Community.

This one seems to enjoy the beach life.

I’ve looked to see where it might live –

but who knows –

there are many foxes around

so I imagine it to be somewhere high-

so as not to be in danger.

Thank you for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Papa’s World – Events in our lives – Memorable!

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When they were young –

Taylor – Sarah ( now 18) and Cassidy – the twins are now almost 15!

These three bonded right away in their youth.

They even formed a Mermaid Club one year when we went on vacation.

Here they dressed up at our patio in Brambleton, Va.

In between houses –

they came along –

with their parents to live with us until their new home

was ready!

I would play hide and seek with them!

Here they are when I found them –

hiding in plain sight-

They were so cute back then-

when they wore identical outfits.

Giggling when I found them –

I wish we could go back in time to these days-

But – the pictures allow us to have-

EVENTS IN OUR LIVES – THAT ARE MEMORABLE!

For almost twenty years –

Sherry has been a leader-

(TEAM GENERATIONS) –

in the world of-

HEALTH and NUTRITION!

Here – she is at a conference giving a speech –

She is a CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH-

from the renowned Dr. Willaim Sears –

A top doctor in the country for children’s health

and author of dozens of children’s health books.

Her many years of service for the industry of Juice Plus –

has been recognized –

at Conferences across the nation.

As we now are in our Golden Senior Years –

Our commitment has never wavered –

Our goal set Twenty Years ago was to –

AGE HEALTHY –

into our Golden Years which is what we have done.

Continuing this path

has left a path for Generations

of our family to follow.

Thus creating –

EVENTS IN OUR LIVES THAT ARE MEMORABLE!

For over a dozen years we have been harvesting our own homegrown vegetables –

Here is Sherry with daughters Debby and Tammy –

Who have followed their mother and helped in forming –

TEAM GENERATIONS those many years ago.

This TEAM is all up and down the East Coast and spread into other parts of the country.

Using The TOWER GARDEN from Juice Plus.

No pesticides are used –

Grown with just water and nutrients that were developed to use on the Space Station-

In Outer Space.

Being now in a warmer climate –

We grow twelve months of the year.

We continue to harvest all year!

We know what we are eating –

and it is so convenient –

To just walk out the back door

and select what we want to eat.

Here is the bounty of one of our Tower Gardens

we used to harvest vegetables and greens.

Do we need “GREEN THUMBS”?

No – we just harvest –

add water and Nutrients –

and trim it back every so often –
Creating –

EVENTS IN OUR LIVES THAT MEMORABLE!

Thanks for reading my blog-

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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LOL LOL LOL – HGD!

Papa’s World – Memorable events!

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Place: Kinzua State Park Bridge – Marcus – Tammy 0 Cassidy and Taylor – Jennie- Maddy and Sherry.

Where: Mount Jewett, Pa.

This railroad via- -duct was constructed in the 1800s-

to transport coal to Erie and I believe Pittsburg.

At that time it was the highest RR bridge in the country.

Over 300 feet straight down to the valley floor.

Several years ago – a tornado came through the valley

and half the iron bridge toppled down.

Today – they remain where they came to rest on the valley floor.

Sherry grew up just a couple miles from here.

The remaining bridge was reinforced and a see-through floor was installed on the remaining

end of the structure.

The bridge then became a state park-

with a fantastic museum and teaching center on history

of the area and the bridge.

This bridge when constructed spanned almost a mile across the valley floor.

The remaining bridge was converted into a walkway-

with a viewing platform at the very end.

You can walk out there ( I do not as I am afraid of heights) and look through a safety glass floor-

straight down 300-plus feet to the floor of the valley.

As in the picture above you can see the iron grid supports where they came down –

that day when the Tornado came through.

It is a spot where an episode of FINDING BIGFOOT was filmed years ago!

Today – if you are in NWPA near Bradford –

It is a bucket list state park to visit-

in the valleys where the Seneca Indians once roamed.

Thus it would become a MEMORABLE MEMORY!

Sherry with her sister Bonnie and Maddy in front –

On the main street of Mount Jewett, Pa.-

During the yearly SWEDISH FESTIVAL EVENT held in August of every year

for the past nearly 50 years!

The mural is a section of the Swedish community of immigrants who settled in the town in the 1800s.

The heritage of the Vikings is celebrated every year during the festival.

Maddy in the breakfast-lunch dinner that is excellent in homemade food!

Also is full of Swedish memorable items on that heritage-

Sherry and Maddy at the Mount Jewett Swedish Festival information booth in town.

Before Sherry’s mother passed away –

this was a yearly trip we made back

to Mount Jewett to her mother’s house.

All the grandkids grew up knowing this town –

and home to GIGI – Sherry’s mother-

who lived here all her life.

Her own mother was born in Sweden and they relocated here-

And it became a large Swedish immigrant community.

In GIGIs living room –

Maddy sits with Taylor on the left –

and Cassidy on the right – see just how Cassidy adores her cousin.

Wrapping up this blog –

late friends sit to the left – they passed away a few years ago.

my son Troy in yellow –

and then Papa.

This was at the parade that has become a must-see –

and dozens of communities

participate – the parade is like the grand final before the carnival and Firehall

Chicken BBQ and games of chance begin!

Thus it now comes to a close to a this blog-

MEMORABLE EVENTS!

Papa and Sherry – thanks for reading-

PAPA’S WORLD –

my blog: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – through our eyes – living life!

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Watching our granddaughters grow up – here are the twins at 13 years old and Marley!

Our three oldest granddaughters – Ella – Maddy and Sarah – have watched them grow into beautiful young ladies!

Our grandson Bode who is nine years old – going to another soccer player in the family!

View S.W. from our front driveway – sunset here and you turn around and sunrise!

Our life tending to our health and nutrition – for 18 years – aging as best we can healthy!

Sharing our lives with friends – in this case my grade school best friend and wife!!!! LOVE THEM!

After 41 years of marriage – must be able to laugh – smile and move on!!!!!! LOL

PAPA’S WORLD – THROUGH OUR EYES – LIVING THE LIFE AND OUR DREAMS –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Something memorable to us!

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Good grief says Papa!

Here it is after four years – “SNOW”!

You up North – it is yours and I do not want it! LOL

But – I must say all the snow and ice was gone in five days!

Now – to be fair – this was a freak storm that went all the way down to Florida –

The Panhandle had snow – the beaches there had snow!

The East Coast or the Carolinas and Ga. and Va. had snow.

But inland they didn’t!

Climate Change?

I do not know but it was weird.

And it all turned to an ice crust and ice on the roads!

I will still take our winter here –

SUNSHINE most days and all day!

Walking in the sun – it is enough to take the chill away!

But – this will go down as SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

Here are the two teams we follow –

I lean a little bit more toward the Washington Commanders –

And Sherry leans a bit more toward the Buffalo Bills!

So – it came down that both made it to one game to go to the Super Bowl.

Neither one made it, but we were happy they got there!

And I said if they both make it –

I FEEL THAT I CAN’T LOSE NO MATTER HOW IT ENDS UP!

But this will go down as SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

Golfing in the mountains of OHAU – this was a dream come true.

We might never be able to do this again and most likely –

a once in a lifetime event!

Thus it becomes SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

We moved to the borders of N.C. and S.C. and to two beaches!

Most of the time we can walk year round on either one of them.

It is a dream we had and now a reality.

Thus it becomes SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

This is something we both live by each day-

So it has become LIVE LIFE TO THE PLUS ONE DAY AT A TIME!

And also SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US each day!

Each and every day in our lives together becomes SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

This blog details that each and every day –

I want to thank you all for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

PAPA’S WORLD – SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

Papa’s World – Some more good times in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This picture not only shows Cassidy – Sarah and Taylor

when they were younger –

But was taken in Sherry’s mother’s backyard.

Every spring time this bush bloomed with purple flowers.

Looking out the breakfast room window off the kitchen –

You could see this huge bush-like tree.

Back in NWPA in the Swedish settlement of Mount Jewett –

a place we would return to often after moving to NVA!

This town was settled by immigrants from Sweden in the 1800s.

Her mother lived in this house after Sherry’s father passed away.

The house was right behind the Lutheran church

and Barb would walk out of her side door

and fifty feet at the side entrance to the church.

It is a small town –

today –

most all the store Fronts are vacant.

But – we have so many good memories of the town –

the house and her mother’s presence there.

MORE GOOD MEMORIES!

Sherry hits the golf ball –

you can see the flight it takes –

look at two o’clock from her head-

As the flight takes it to the center of the fairway.

What makes this a good memory for us –

Is this in OHAU –

on a course in the mountains?

Part of this course is in the rainforest –

it actually was raining on that part-

the other part not raining.

Those mountains were quite high

and the cliffs

were where tribal battles were fought among the different islands.

The tribe from OHAU was forced to retreat there

and eventually forced over the cliff

to their deaths.

We saw wild pigs –

mongooses – exotic birds.

Many of the holes –

I just took a stroke and went to the other side of the ravine-

It was a 200-plus-yard carry over the ravine!

You can see how lush the course is.

We can now say we played golf

in the middle of the ocean on OHAU!

ANOTHER GOOD MEMORY!

Back in Olean at DAL-TILE –

formerly American Olean Tile Co.-

We worked with artist Eric Jones

who was in the design department –

which made ceramic murals

out of the small tiles we manufactured –

You can submit a picture

and he would make it real with the tiles.

Today he runs his own business back in WNY –

Every winter he does snow sculptures –

The Buffalo Bills come to mind!

Here is one he did that portrays the mascot-

of the SAINT BONAVENTURE BASKETBALL TEAM!

His snow sculptures are in demand

from corporations and he also has been on TV-

Where he carved pumpkins and won the challenge.

A very gifted artist who also does caricatures.

This is another GOOD MEMORY!

Our life together spans some 43-plus years –

a second marriage for both of us –

two sets of children –

her two girls and my two sons.

Our journey together-

has taken us through six different houses –

and one condo.

Three of the houses we had built.

We span four states –

five if you count the state we were raised in.

We have many friends –

some closer than others.

We worked a combined 79 1/2 years for the same company

and retired from that company.

We worked in NYS and NVA.

Today we are in OIB – N.C.

near the border of S.C.

We enjoy exploring – entertainment in NMB –

and Wilmington.

We travel back and forth to NVA

where most of the family and grandkids are.

We golf – go to the beach

and volunteer for the Protection of Sea Turtles –

Coastal living for seniors –

helping out at the store and library.

And through our church –

the Brunswick County Food Pantry.

Living a Meaningful Senior Life –

provides MORE GOOD MEMORIES!

On OHAU – traveling together

and making GOOD MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good times in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

On one of our GOOD TIMES together – Sherry and Cindy.

We were neighbors in WNY in the mid to late 80s and mid-90s.

They moved to the Wilmington, N.C. area and we would visit.

Over all these years – we often time planned vacations together taking us all over the world.

Buck – Cindy’s husband and I –

We golfed together when they lived as our neighbors back in WNY.

It was there that the gals decided to golf –

making for many laughs as often they would make fun of us for things we did golfing.

Like washing the golf balls off –

Not wearing mittens in cold weather –

Later they came to be good or better than us.

Today – we still laugh at all of the above.

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

The very first couple we met when we moved to Cameron Woods Community –

Is Diane and Steve.

We found out that they not only are our neighbors here –

But that they lived near us back in WNY –

And knew many of the places we did and still had a cottage on Rushford Lake.

Now – they spend their summers back in WNY while we watch their home.

Then for the rest of the year,

they are here and we do many things together.

All four of us are Bills fans!

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Two of my best friends – Buck and Jim.

Many laugh together over the years.

Jim and I grew up in the same little town in NWPA – ELDRED!

We played softball together and both worked for American Olean Tile in Olean, N.Y.

First – after 32 years –

I transferred to NVA –

And a few years later – he transferred to the Va. Beach area.

Buck had already moved to the Wilmington, N.C. area.

Today – Jim – Sherry and I all retired from Dal-Tile,

which was the former American Olean Tile and is now owned by MOHAWK INDUSTRIES.

We have maintained this friendship all these years.

Decades and decades of get-togethers and so many laughs.

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Getting together – here is Dottie – married to Jim – and also from ELDRED, PA.

Friends for all this time and still having fun together –

All are now retired and enjoying life to the plus.

Dottie who works and prepares so hard for our get-togethers

LOVE HER!

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Enjoying our life here in the Carolinas – what we dreamed of has become a reality.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – Times in pictures forms memories!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

For almost twenty years –

We have run our internet business from home –

The business almost runs itself –

Sherry more or less guides the customers-

And they make the decision themselves.

Ship dates –

Add or subtract from the orders.

We started this as a way

to maintain aging healthy

as much as we can.

I certainly do not consume

the recommended fruits, vegetables, and berries every day-

mostly in uncooked form.

And the Omegas –

which you get from FISH oil –

Well, you have to worry about Mercury –

These Omegas –

Are made from Algae

which is grown on company farms-

Algae is what the fish eat to get the Omega-3s.

There is no Mercury in the Algae farms.

So, of course,

You might wonder –

“How do we know we are getting the nutrients from their fruits, vegetables, and berries”?

Well –

JP is the most researched whole food product of all time.

Over FORTY studies have been done

and published

in Journals proving it does what it says it does.

Rest assured, I did not read all of them –

But enough to know what it does

and from my own experience –

I believe it!

Now it is NSA-approved –

which means Professional Athletes –

Can use this every day

and not be expelled from their sports.

The Olympic teams take it –

Both summer and Winter.

I will always take it every day –

And I get my blood tested every six months

And I am good!

If you are interested, click on http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

In the first picture –

Sherry and Debby were recognized

at a conference at Elton’s dinner.

Sort of an awards show

for those who excel.

As I stated at the beginning –

I am going on TWENTY YEARS

of taking this supplement every day.

Although I can not stop aging –

I try to age as healthily

as I can in my SENIOR YEARS.

We are both in our mid to late 70s

LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS –

ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Thanks for reading –

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD –

TIMES IN PICTURES FORM MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Memorable moments!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

When we lived in Brambleton, Va. –

we were only one mile away from Tammy – Marcus – the twins and Bode.

He was too young for school and the twins were at the middle school less than a block away.

So – for the most part – he spent his days with MORMOR and PAPA.

We had a cupboard that all the kid’s toys would fit into.

All of the grandkids played with these same toys!

Hours and hours!

The carpet on the floor – the fireplace on for the cold and snow outside.

The only time he quit was to eat!

I would sit and watch and sometimes join in!

The FARM SET was his favorite.

I miss these times but also have MEMORABLE MOMENTS in pictures of those times!

Along with shopping and him riding in the cart!

Now he is older – soon to be eleven years old –

Now he asks MORMOR to bake cookies so he can help!

This is now creating more MEMORABLE MOMENTS in time for us as seniors.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – Senior life – one day at a time.

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In our senior life together – I try to capture moments in time – to look back upon.

These moments all have a special place in my heart.

Here is Bode – maybe one year old – and Cassidy together on the couch.

Taylor and Cassidy are the twins – not identical but fraternal.

I can tell you right now – these two should have been the twins!

They are two peas in a pod!

They look alike – act alike and sound alike.

And – they are like oil and water!

You would not know that from this picture –

but it forms a picture that in my senior years –

I can reflect back on the early years!

Bode is much closer to Taylor and I asked him who he would ride with

when they both start to drive. TAYLOR!!!! LOL!

Taylor and Marley – the family dog who she has trained to do so many things!

While you can not tell from this picture – she is very tall – almost as tall as Sherry.

And Marley is a big golden doodle!

Taylor loves animals and has been riding horses since she was four years old.

She spends all her free time at “THE BARN” where she rides.

And hours there cleaning stalls – rubbing down horses –

Her dream is to one day own a horse!

Watching her clean their hooves –

Does not matter if it rains – or snows – she is there.

This picture is a special memory for me as she grows up!

A senior picture in time.

A memory from back in time when we vacationed on OAHU – THE NORTH SHORE!

It was a special time and I would love to go back and also see the other islands.

The time there spent with our close friends the McBrides.

We explored almost every inch –

and had such a good time.

This is a Senior moment in time!

Our friends the McBrides who we have known since they were our neighbors back in the late 80s.

We have traveled the world with them –

and the country.

We now live 38 miles away and get together often.

Always a good time and friends for life.

A senior moment in time.

A SENIOR MOMENT WHICH I AM SURE WE ALL HAVE!!! LOL

At this moment in time is the McBrides – Sherry and perhaps our oldest friends – the Browns.

Dottie and Jimmy.

I was at their wedding and Jim and I played softball together.

The three of us grew up in a little town in NWPA called Eldred.

We took our families on vacations together to the beach.

We watched as the kids all grew up and now we all have grandchildren.

Truly a senior moment in time – Priceless.

Our oldest daughter Debby and her husband Mike –

And the three oldest granddaughters –

Next to Debby and in order oldest to youngest –

Maddy – graduated from college – Ella – soon to graduate from college – and Sarah – soon to graduate H.S.

Here at the open-air music concert on OIB Park.

During the season – May through September – every Friday night – is free music by very good bands.

We tried to go each week and when they visited on vacation – we took them.

A senior moment in time.

This is true each way! LOL

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – Thoughts in pictures!

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Our living life to the plus is not for everyone – but it suits us!

We left family twice – once in 1999 when we transferred to NVA –

Leaving all family behind – then Sherry’s two daughters followed us to NVA.

Everyone else stayed in Pa.

Soon – other family members from Sherry’s side moved into NVA –

We had many get-togethers while also traveling back to Pa. to see family.

Time moves on – things happen –

2020 the pandemic and recession hit.

Parents pass away – and then a recession hits –

401K takes a dive and the housing market expands.

Time to sell – and tell family we are heading to a warmer climate.

This time they all stay except her sister – who had moved before us to N.C.

Her children had already moved out from NVA.

Our families stayed in NVA and of course,

the Pa. families still lived there.

We knew going in that in order for us to see the families –

we would have to travel.

And hoping the families would come and see us.

So – we decided to make it a seven to eight-hour drive from NVA –

To where we would choose to live.

We had friends who had moved to the Wilmington, N.C. area –

and we visited and loved the whole N.C. and S.C. border region.

By fate,

I found a condo to rent that had a direct view of a long lake –

situated in North Myrtle Beach and a half mile from the beach.

It would give us time to house hunt –

so we made the move.

We had found our area but the housing market did not have anything that didn’t require a remodel.

So – we switched thoughts –

We would check out a billboard –

A new community had what we wanted in a new build for the same price we would buy –

Except we did not have to update.

We could extend our lease month to month –

And get everything we wanted

in a new home

and an area we would be happy with.

In the long run – it worked out better than we could have imagined.

We have a nice house – close to beaches and golfing.

We have made new friends

and have now other old friends living nearby.

Our families from both NVA and Pa. have visited often.

We make trips back to NVA – to see the youngest in the many endeavors they do.

The older ones have come to visit us.

We live our lives – we believe in what we did.

Our senior years are the best we imagined we could have.

Living life to the plus and living life one day at a time as healthy aging as we can.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good times in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We have two NFL teams we follow –

The Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Bills!

Before we moved to NVA –

we lived in WNY – BILLS COUNTRY.

We were there for all four Super Bowls.

When we moved to NVA –

It was all Redskins –

To watch the Bills –

We had to travel to Alexandria to a bar above a pizza joint!

That trip because of traffic –

took an hour and a half.

That lasted one season for me

as it became a Sunday trip lasting about eight hours.

So – we slowly began to watch the Redskins

and on our final move to another house-

We lived about five miles from their headquarters

and practice fields and facilities!

Many times I would take a half-day vacation and go and watch them.

Soon – we both had two teams to cheer on – when we could watch the Bills.

Today – we live on the border of N.C. and S.C.

And we have two flags we fly during NFL season.

The Commanders and the Bills.

I lean a little more toward the Commanders

and Sherry toward the Bills!

This year as of this writing –

They both gained the AFL and the NFL championship games.

This has provided us GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

One of the places we volunteer is Coastal Point Living-

A senior living facility that also has a memory care unit and assisted living.

My work is in the library – where I go in and organize it once a month.

Weeding out books to make room for new ones –

Keeping puzzle boxes in like stacks –

Putting books away where they are cataloged.

Sherry helps out with the store that the residents get about once a month.

They earn vouchers during the month and spend them at the store.

They set it up as much as they can to simulate shopping in a store.

The residents come in wheelchairs – walkers – canes or walk if they can.

They love to be able once again to spend their vouchers and the feel of shopping!

THIS HAS PROVIDED A GOOD TIME IN MEMORIES!

We cherish our life together –

and our lives with family and friends!

Living in the South –

near the beach

and shopping and entertainment in our golden years.

The opportunity to live this life –

is a blessing and we are so grateful

LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME CREATES GOOD TIMES IN MEMORIES!

The dawn of another day in our neighborhood!

We chose this place to live

as it is central to what we want to do.

Beach – shopping – entertainment – friends and golf.

CREATING GOOD TIMES IN MEMORIES!

As we look forward –

2025 is ahead –

hoping all these above are a major part of this year.

Family – church – friends and health are our main goals.

CREATING GOOD TIMES IN MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading my blog: PAPA’S WORLD

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – Pictures and Good Thoughts!

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Bode – after five granddaughters – first grandson – now nine years old.

PICTURES and GOOD THOUGHTS!

Bode – nine years old – no longer the small one!

PICTURES and GOOD THOUGHTS!

Sarah – Maddy and Ella when they were small.

PICTURES and GOOD THOUGHTS!

Today – far right Maddy – to the left of her – Ella and to the right of Sherry – Sarah –

From left – Bode – Cassidy and Taylor.

PICTURES and GOOD THOUGHTS!

Cassidy at one year old.

GOOD THOUGHTS and PICTURES!

Cassidy at thirteen – always calls or messages Sherry (MORMOR)

Taylor on the left and Cassidy on the right.

Now – Taylor on the left and Cassidy on the right!

GOOD THOUGHTS and PICTURES!

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PAPA’S WORLD – PICTURES AND GOOD THOGHTS!

Papa’s World – POLAR PLUNGE – 94.9 The Surf!

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On a very cold – January day –

on the beach at North Myrtle Beach –

at what is called THE ARCH-

Radio station 94.9 THE SURF –

sponsored a POLAR PLUNGE!

On NMB –

flag waving and the crowd watches two DJs

and a couple dozen souls

about to run into the Surf!

We moved down to NMB –

during the Pandemic in 2020!

We just happened to come across a condo on a lake

1/2 mile from the main street and the radio station!

I had never heard of this station

but it has been here for decades and decades!

So I decided to listen

and what I found was

“CLASSICS” from the 50s through the present –

AND Beach Music!

Carolina Beach Music started right here in the 40s.

Alabama had a hit song “DANCING ON THE BLVD” which is right here.

I was hooked on listening to Motown –

Classic Rock

and present-day music from all the Carolina Bands

up and down the two coasts.

Two of the DJs –

with back to the picture in yellow and white shorts –

Jim Quick

the 11 to 3 timeslot –

and of his Coast Liners Band

and the tall man to the right –

DJ-HEAVY –

afternoon show 3 to 7.

These two men organized the POLAR PLUNGE

for donations to the HUMANE SOCIETY.

It might have reached 50 degrees in the full sun –

But the wind chill took it way below that!

There they go –

maybe two dozen – walking

and running into the cold surf.

Search and rescues were on hand –

Jet ski and men with life-throwing lines –

they also were in the water with wet suits on.

This whole thing was broadcast live from the radio station

which is right beside the beach entrance

and maybe a hundred yards from where they ran into the water.

Large speakers were set on the beach

and a couple hundred people showed up to watch and cheer them on.

Now they went in and all of them went under the water

and then they came back out!

We watched thinking glad it is them and not us!

It was fun to watch –

but glad it was not me!

After we walked a block down the beach

to “BOUYS on the WATER”-

A local hangout we visited often

while we lived but a half mile away-

Here we split a cheeseburger and fries.

I had the BOUYS brewed by CROOKED HAMMOCK draft beer –

It was warm in there

and I was glad

I had not done anything as crazy as the “POLAR PLUNGE”!

Thanks for reading and it was fun being back in the old hood!

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Papa’s World – Moving on to lifetime memories!

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The days come and go –

kids grow up before your eyes –

It seems like this picture was only a few days ago –

yet in reality –

this little boy – BODE –

will be ELEVEN on his next birthday!

On this day we had him while his sisters were in school and we went to Harris Teeter-

In Brambleton, Va.

Looking back – blond hair – blue eyes –

Wishing we could once again have these times back-

But we are now moving on to form new lifetime memories!

Reflections of the past.

Today that little bond hair – blue-eyed baby –

is now a young boy

who loves decorating Christmas cookies with his “MORMOR”

Swedish for “MOTHERSMOTHER”!

He loves his “MORMOR”

and asks all the time when we will be back home.

We cherish these moments-

because they grow out of this stage –

Thus it will one day become –

MOVING ONTO A LIFETIME MEMORY!

A long-lasting friendship-

from the past –

Fred and Linda –

Who lives in Florida now –

Fred was one of my best friends –

growing up after sixth grade.

Today we have contact in Social Media –

because of where they live and where we live.

But lasting memories of the good times we have had –

Is MOVING into a LIFETIME MEMORY!

Our Senior years are upon us –

and we are enjoying our lives in the Carolinas.

We have now lived in five different states-

since we were married on 6-25-1982.

In all that time we have sold FIVE HOUSES –

THREE of which we had built.

We retired with a combined 79 1/2 years –

working for DAL-TILE.

We now volunteer for different organizations.

We still are excited to get out –

and explore our surroundings!

We are constantly creating LIFETIME MEMORIES –

And I blog –

each and every day recording them

LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME and LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS!

Thank you for being a part of my blog –

and a part of our life together.

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PAPA’S WORLD – MOVING ONTO LIFETIME MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – My first day of work at American Olean Tile co.

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It was June 5th. 1967 – I was to report to Human Resources at 8AM.

My ride was a 1957 Chevy Bel-Air –

Aqua and White.

I had just graduated from H.S. –

and the previous 8 months – I had spent 51 days in the hospital –

In traction in bed with a Catheter for 41 of those days.

There were days that I did not know if I would ever walk again.

I was in a car accident –

I am lucky to be alive.

I came home in a wheelchair and then the rehab began.

I went to crutches and then to a cane.

I had been an athlete – and now I was learning to walk all over again.

I had a broken pelvis and a torn Urethea tube.

But – I had a wonderful support group.

I arrived 15 minutes early – parked my car and walked around the front of the “TILE PLANT”-

To the front entrance – down the stairs and reported to the lady at the window –

Who I was and what I was doing there.

I had a paper bag for lunch.

She told me to take a seat and soon two other guys came in.

They were Bonas students and were there for Summer Work.

We talked and then the HR man – named Jim – came and said hello –

Told us to wait and the foreman named Jim would be right there.

I remembered being in awe of all the surroundings.

Not knowing what to expect and then Jim was there –

said to follow him and we went down the stairs – turned left down the hall –

And through double swinging doors to the sights and sounds of PLANT LIFE!

It was HOT as we walked right down beside the old number one kiln.

The noise – I shall never forget and the fork trucks – the people working –

Ear plugs were expected to be worn and safety glasses which they had given us.

It got hotter as we walked down toward what I later found out was the mounting room –

and turned left at the lab.

Jim kept walking and turned left at the lab and we proceeded through a large doorway that had a metal fire door – IN CASE OF FIRE?

What had I got myself involved in?

The first stop was the men’s locker room and we were assigned lockers – mine was number 10!

There was a place to take a shower with three shower heads.

Benches attached to the floor were in front of the metal lockers – all a tan color with numbers on them

Through another doorway were the urinals and stalls and a closet-

With a large piece of cardboard on the floor –

Here is where FRIDAY sleeps for his lunch break Jim says!

Then it was back out and turn right and walk down a slight ramp.

This he said was the SERVICE and BODY PREP departments.

Around the corner to the left was the time clock –

Punch in there – put your card in the rack and don’t punch in late or punch out early!

WELCOME TO THE TILE PLANT!

Herb was the supervisor of the Body Prep Department and Jim was the supervisor of the Service Dept.

There was no office – they both had stand-up metal desks side by side.

It was noisy and dust in the air-

here is where they mixed the clay bodies together and it went up four stories!

Next – he said since I would be there the longest and the other two just the summer-

I would be trained in Body Prep – as an extra and used as needed.

I then met the other workers in Body Prep –

and started training as can man.

Then onto weighmaster and compactor operator.

Then the Forty Cubic and soon Stain – making the colors for the tile before mixing/

That went on for three months and I knew every job in the department.

Someone named Samuel was fired and the opening was on the second shift-

No one bid on it and I was assigned the job.

I worked as a weighmaster on the second shift for 6 1/2 years –

TEN HOUR DAYS – 3pm. to 1 am. – no breaks – eat on the fly – 2 hours OT every day!

My starting pay back then in 1967 – was $1.72 an hour plus OT!

There were four of us on the second shift and at that time the rest of the plant was all done and gone-

by 11PM.

It was a dirty dusty job – but also no one bothered you.

My job was to weigh up 1200-pound batches that looked like Talcum powder on stainless steel scales.

I had three systems North – South and East.

I added the stain of the color we were running –

I had a large control panel that showed me the entire system and what step the batch was in.

I had a chair next to the panel and it took 12 minutes to run out before I weighed the next batch.

So I took that time to READ – whatever I could get my hands on.

The whole time while watching the power panel.

The only time I was not doing that – we had color changes and we had to clean up the entire process-

start to finish

They gave us two hours for a wash job and one hour for a brush job.

Usually one or two a night.

meanwhile, you had to keep the other systems running.

No one was there in management to bother me – I was up on the third level

It was noisy with the hum of the units running.

One other worker was there with me on the other side and two men on the ground level.

That was my first job at AOTC – and I lasted 47 1/2 years.

I held many jobs in those years

I ended up running the two departments I started in.

I was in management the last 12 years we were there before we both transferred to NVA!

Down in NVA – I worked in seven different locations –

The beginning was just the tip of the bottle in the different hats I wore for what-

would become DAL-TILE – part of MOHAWK INDUSTRIES!

Sherry and I met there and were married on June 25th. 1982 –

We both retired from DAL-TILE – AMERICAN OLEAN TILE CO. after 791/2 years of total service.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – My reference – desktop calender!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

How do you keep track of your commitments and daily activities as a senior?

Above picture – Sherry and I volunteer at Coastal Living –

An assisted care unit and memory for seniors living here in the South.

We go maybe once a month or as needed.

This visit was for the “Store” for the seniors who get vouchers and go shopping!

Most items are donated and put on racks and tables-

just like a store would be.

It gives them the sense of still being able to function –

even thou they are wheelchair bound-

or with walkers.

But for us –

we have each calenders on our office desks.

Entered are appointments – trips or visits by family and friends.

My memory is good but not so good that I can remember all that need to be remembered!

That is why I blog every day – to keep my writing skills good and also my memory.

Writing down what is upcoming every month –

and then comparing both of our calendars –

allows us to schedule a month out!

Planning ahead – doctor appointments –

I drive us most of the time.

I also write little notes to remind me of upcoming events –

meetings and social gatherings.

Being a senior – I find this to be a way to organize time –

And a way to keep track of days and dates!

Yes – being a senior –

you no longer know what day it is unless you have a place to look! LOL

I know Wednesday is garbage pick-up day –

and that I go around the house on Tuesday and empty

all the little garbage cans and that main one in the kitchen.

That is my job as the laundry is hers –

Simply because I may not do it right! LOL

When we meet up with friends or neighbors –

I get asked,

“What have you been up to or what did you do today”?

My answer –

“I DON’T KNOW BUT IT TOOK ME ALL DAY TO DO IT”! LOL

We are in our SENIOR YEARS –

living life one day at a time & living life to the plus!

Calendars are a big part of daily life!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Giving good thoughts and smiles!

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In today’s hectic life – news is front and center every day – most of it dividing families – friends –

neighbors and people in general –

Today – this blog – I try to bring a different perspective –

GOOD THOUGHTS – SOME SMILES –

My blog is about life – family – friends and places –

I hope today gives a little of all to you!

In our backyard – I placed these faces on the tree facing our home – each time I look outback –

I see them looking back and smiling – even at night as I have a solar light shining on them.

It gives me a sense that not all the news is alarming – there is still a little humor out there!

LOL – and in my case – a lot of the above brings a great salad – always a perfect shot to bring me back!

A picture says a thousand words – NORTH MYRTLE BEACH –

SHAGGING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD-

Dancing to the beach music for the past 80-plus years!

Generations – grandparents – parents and grandchildren fill the dance floors.

Competitions – junior shaggers –

Sidewalks are full of granite-dated names of past shaggers all around the town.

A little music – dancers in clubs and good times –

and a water tower with a couple dancing the night away – brings joy –

A good thought for the day!

This picture was drawn by our granddaughter when she was just 11 years old at our home in OIB!

She is so talented – she plays the violin – sits down at the keyboard and plays a Billie Eilish song

without a music sheet –

Bring joy to my heart –

Another generation to carry on happiness.

Cassidy when she was maybe three – or about to be.

A feeling of pride in my heart!

Both of us have always loved the sand – surf and warm days at the beach.

Now – in our last home – we are but minutes away –

from two beaches and our time is spent walking the sand and surf – whenever we want to.

A calming influence in the turmoil that seems to be in the news daily.

OUR WHY WE ARE HERE IN OCEAN ISLE BEACH!

As the sun sets on another day in our place in the world – love – kindness – sharing and helping.

We are but a small voice in a large sky – but hopefully – others join us.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – GIVING GOOD THOUGHTS AND SMILES!

Papa’s World – Many moments in time!

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We were neighbors back in the late 80s in Pleasant Acres Drive – Portville, N.Y.

William ( Buck ) McBride –

today we live about 38 miles from them in N.C.

Often times we get together – be it golf – dinner –

shows or just talking.

Here – we are on the ICW riding a boat for a memory in time.

Sherry and Cindy –

she and Buck were our neighbors in the mid to late 80’s –

back in Pleasant Acres Drive in Portville, N.Y.

Today they live some 38 miles from us in N.C.

We have stayed in touch all these years

and have traveled the world with them.

Today – dinners – golf – shows or

just visiting still brings our friendships –

to more memories in time.

Our three oldest granddaughters

way back then waiting for their parents to get up –

On Christmas morning.

Sitting at the top of the stairs –

smiling – giggling –

A memory from the past

is a memory in time that shall be with me until I am no longer here!

The three youngest grandkids –

the twins and the first boy –

today they have grown so much

since this picture was taken years ago.

Cassidy still dresses

to her own tune today!

Taylor is a horse lover

and works at a stable and rides.

Bode will be eleven years old

and plays soccer – flag football and golf!

Today this is another moment in time’s memory!

Our oldest friends as a couple

and then we married.

Jim and Dottie –

who also grew up in Eldred, Pa. as I did.

They are my oldest friends as a couple.

Many adventures –

family vacations

and raising children.

A moment in time as a memory!

Debby – Papa and Sherry

at an awards event for the Eltons at a Juice Plus Conference.

We now are going on TWENTY YEARS

of our home-based business on the Internet –

for the Juice Plus Company

on eating healthy – aging as healthy as we can –

Getting over thirty Fruits – Veggies and Berries

into our bloodstream every day!

Our goal is and has been from the start

to have a residual monthly income

and stay healthy-

now in our mid-70s –

We have retained both objectives

for almost TWENTY YEARS!

A MEMORY CAPTURED IN A MOMENT IN TIME!

A sketch of our home

was given to us

by Diane and Steve – our neighbors.

They also are from WNY –

close to where we raised our family

before we transferred to NVA.

It is a small world

and are thankful we met them.

They still have a cottage on Rushford Lake back in WNY!

A MEMORY IN TIME WE SHALL ALWAYS CHERISH FROM CLOSE FRIENDS!

On a recent walk in Vareen Gardens –

Sherry and I

aging as healthy as we can

while maintaining

a SENIOR LIFESTYLE INTO OUR MID-SEVENTIES!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – The good life.

/ Tom / 1 Comment

We have had numerous blessings –

Through our 43-plus years of being together.

When we were married – I converted to Lutheran from Catholic.

Sherry was raised in the Lutheran faith –

And asked me to convert –

I did and have never looked back.

This was and is the first blessing we shared together.

They are very similar but different.

I did not fully embrace the Catholic faith –

But I did and always have believed in a greater being.

Today, we belong to our third church –

all Lutheran and in three states.

This more than likely will be our last home church.

This will be our final resting spot as we have a spot –

in a Columbarium right out behind Saint Lukes Lutheran Church in Shallotte, N.C.

Just five miles from our home in Cameron Woods Community- OIB – N.C.

Close to where the survivor can visit.

We have traveled the World –

here we are on the North Shore of Oahu- Hawaii.

Travel by ourselves –

or with family and our friends – The McBrides –

has led us to the different continents and many memories.

Sharing our love for that with family – friends and each other.

Our senior years have brought us South –

Warmer temperatures – water – surf and sand.

We did not plan this as such –

But a door opened and we went through a window.

A window that we would spend our senior years living a good life.

All – because of a turndown in the economy –

A major loss in our retirement 401K –

but a huge increase in the value of our home-

And a chance Google search showed a condo in North Myrtle Beach –

brought us to NMB for nine months during the Pandemic.

A billboard with Cameron Woods Homes in OIB –

Led us to a sales office model –

And that day a woman had withdrawn her deposit –

on the lot we visited and decided –

this was it!

I consider this to be another blessing in our lives together.

Here is a picture of Sherry and I –

with our close friends Cindy and Buck –

Who came to The Villages to visit us while we were staying with my older brother Roger-

seated next to me.

Growing up – Roger who was ten years older than me –

Was an idol to me.

Everything I did was based on him who I adored.

He left for college when I was eight years old –

and seldom came back home again.

He was nominated and made WHO’S WHO in collegiate circles –

He was married after graduation –

and went into the Navy as an officer during the Vietnam War.

Over the years I only saw him rarely –

But kept in touch by letters.

It was only later in life –

just before his wife passed away and I was retired –

We began spending the Winters with him –

in The Villages in Florida.

He wanted us to move down with him –

but we had young grandchildren –

and our home in Brambleton, Va.-

was going to be our retirement home.

We were blessed that we spent the last 7 years of his life visiting him –

And he also came up to visit us.

To this day I look up to him –

and still consider him to be my idol.

Today we live our senior moments here in N.C.

Where seldom is snow or ice.

Most of the time it is warm –

blue skies and beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets.

We are ten and fifteen minutes from two beaches.

We volunteer for the Coastal Carolina Senior Center –

The Protection of Sea Turtles and the Brunswick County Food Pantry.

We love our church – we have close friends – three couples –

Five to Forty minutes drive from us.

And – the possibility of one more couple moving somewhere close by.

We now play golf as often as we can –

we are right in the middle of 30 gold courses.

We are close to entertainment either in Wilmington, N.C. –

or North Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach.

Shopping is also close by

This is now our home.

WE ARE BLESSED!

On the North Shore – loving life and blessed to be together,

Thanks for reading –

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HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Papa’s World – That one special weekend!

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From my early years of growing up – sitting in the kitchen with my father – a small radio on the table-

He with a slip of paper and a pencil in hand –

Listening ever so intently to The Saint Bonaventure men’s basketball game broadcast!

That would be the middle to late 50’s!

The years of the Stith brothers and Whitey Martin.

I grew up a Bonnies fan.

Later – we would go down to SLAVIN’S –

The local hang-out bar and grill.

I would crawl up on the bar stool next to him and the bar would be full.

It seemed like all the townsmen were there –

Russ would have the radio turned up and we would listen to the BONA’S game!

Even later he managed to secure a season ticket for the Olean Armory –

Home of the Bona’s team and faithful.

Those were my introduction to Saint Bonaventure Mens Basketball games.

Today – I still follow them – we had season tickets before we moved to NVA!

I will always remember those special times with my father-

and his influence on my being a BONNIE for life!

This sculpture is by a fellow co-worker at American Olean Tile – Eric Jones.

BILLS MAFIA – SNOW – COLD – ICE and the faithful who sit through it all at the stadium in Orchard Park

Growing up for some reason – ( JIM BROWN – WARFIELD and others ) I was a browns fan.

That changed later in life with Kemp and Cookie and then OJ.

Then the four straight Super Bowl runs.

Kelly – Reed – Smith Thomas and Bennet – Norwood – Tasker.

What a run – and now ALLEN – ALLEN – and ALLEN and COOK!

I still cheer them on –

but 25 years ago – we transferred to NVA!

I could not watch them anymore.

Everything there was REDSKINS!

And they slowly found a place in my heart.

JAYDEN DANIELS – a kid as cool as a cucumber –

A number two pick and a franchise quarterback.

He will be the one over the next decade as long as he does not get hurt.

All the turmoil with the owner – even poaching Smith and Reed from the Bills.

Losing one after another with his idiocy meddling into a once proud franchise.

He even cut trees down on the Potomac River so he would have a view –

They were protected!

WHAT A IDIOT!

Finally, a sexual harassment case brought by dozens of female employees –

He was forced to sell the team – 6/12 BILLION DOLLARS!

He packed up and moved to London – goodbye DANNY BOY!

But in all that time I also became a fan of this team.

I now had THREE teams in my heart –

BONA’S – REDSKINS (COMMANDERS) and THE BILLS!

JAYDEN DANIELS – cool as ice – a rookie – unflustered and breaking the norms

JOSH ALLEN – a one-man wrecking machine. Always a chance with him and his arm and legs.

And the BONNIES – Coach Schmidt – my opinion – a great college basketball coach.

A University that has one of the smallest enrollments in Division I-

1800 hundred plus on a good year –

Taking on National Opponents and winning –

They won’t come to Olean, In WNY –

So he plays them in NYC or Buffalo-

or Rochester or in tournaments elsewhere!

YEP – I have three teams –

and toss in the Nationals and Caps.

Thanks for reading my blog!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Our life – volunteering!

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Today we are in our “SENIOR” years.

Moving to a warm climate- almost no snow or ice.

Is it “HOT” in the summer? “YES”!

But I would rather live in that than the cold of “WINTER”!

So – you might ask – “What do you do being retired”?

Many things – when asked that question –

I sometimes reply ” I DON’T KNOW – BUT IT TOOK ME ALL DAY TO DO IT”!

In my case – keeping track of what day it is –

I know when the garbage day is – Wednesday – so there for on Tuesday late afternoon –

I put the garbage can to the curb!

Other days I look at my watch and then my calendar on my desk!

Isn’t that wonderful?

I know when Sunday is because it is “GO TO CHURCH DAY”!

Speaking of church – we recently have volunteered for the county FOOD PANTRY!

The second Saturday of every month is when our church volunteers to operate the FOOD PANTRY!

Everything is so well organized –

You know ahead of time what your assignment is.

Sherry is a “SHOPPER”!

I have been “TRAFFIC CONTROL” and “LOADER”!

She gets a form and a cart and inside the building – she goes from station to station-

And shops for what is on the list – much like you see in food stores with employees with a cart!

She then takes the cart out to the front and here is where cars are waiting –

They have a number that corresponds with the “SHOPPERS” cart.

Here is a loader – they ask the person in the car where their number is –

And compare it to the SHOPPERS paperwork.

The loader then asks where to load the food.

The person in the car does not have to get out.

As soon as they are loaded – they can pull out and leave and the next three cars are then

told to move up.

When the cars first come in – they are given a number to be put on the dash.

Then you ask them if they can walk to the table.

Where registration is.

If not –

they are given a colored sticker and someone will come to their car and talk to them and they can sign in.

They are told where to park and to back in.

They must register to receive food from the food bank.

Other people are food stockers –

making sure each station is stocked and the bags with food in them are there.

People at the table outside record all the information on how many families are served-

How many individuals or seniors are served.

In 2022 – 4142 Families and 13701 Individuals were served from just this food pantry.

In 2023 – 5160 Families & 17100 Individuals were served.

In 2024 – 6819 Families & 23,477 Individuals were served.

Total volunteer hours – 8121 – or 203 40-hour work weeks!

You can see the need to feed people is increasing yearly!

It is something we intend to commit to as long as we can do it.

Inside the pantry are volunteers who record everything and enter it into a database.

People are in charge at the table in front to weigh all donations –

People are in charge of buying food from a huge wholesale food bank in Wilmington.

Other people go to local grocery stores to pick up donations.

It is well run and our church – Saint Luke Lutheran Church has the second Saturday of each month.

We also volunteer at Coastal Living for seniors.

I maintain the library while Sherry helps with the monthly “SHOPPING” for residents.

These are shopping set up by donations for residents to spend their vouchers

and give them the feeling of once again some control in their daily living.

Life as a senior – while we still can help others less fortunate than ourselves.

Thank you for reading my daily blog PAPA’S WORLD!

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – OUR LIFE – VOLUNTEERING!

Papa’s World – A world full of memories.

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If you look straight from Sherry – in between the two shadows – you can see the ball after she hit it!

Going straight down the fairway over the cart path!

She has good form and a nice easy swing.

Most of her hits are like this –

Not as far as she would like –

But straight which I wish I could say for myself.

One time she hit just like this and the ball continued to bounce forward –

On the cart path, she ended up just short of a 300-yard fairway and green! LOL

A WORLD FULL OF MEMORIES!

In my senior years – I battle endlessly with weight –

For the last three and on behalf years –

I have been slowly losing that extra pounds.

To date, I am down some 13 to 14 pounds –

and weigh in at one and one-half pounds less than I did when I graduated in 1967!

IT IS NOT EASY and I am a type 2 diabetic.

On my journey for these last years –

I have dramatically reduced my BEER-SUGAR and depend mostly on WATER.

Also – I have stuck for 19 going on 20 years with my supplements of FRIUT – VEGGIES and BERRIES!

I also take OMEGAS that are made from ALGAE instead of FISH OIL –

That may or not contain MERCURY from FISH!

I watch what I eat and when out try to stick to salads and fish or chicken.

And I get tested every four to six months –

My latest cholesterol was 100!!!!!!

I dress warm for the weather as I get cold easily.

It is not easy and I have brought my A1C down from 7.0 to 6.5!

So yes – the above is funny but I know I have to stay doing what has worked for me!

A WORLD FULL OF MEMORIES!

Sherry’s two daughters and my stepdaughters.

We have been together since they were small.

I would do whatever I can to help them.

The Swedish genes run deep –

Sherry’s grandmother was born in Sweden.

The girls are close to both of us and to each other.

We stay with them when we travel back to NVA!

Debby has two daughters who have graduated from college –

and the youngest H.S. this year

Tammy has two almost 15-year-old twin girls and an almost 11-year-old son.

EVERYONE HAS given us A WORLD FULL OF MEMORIES!

My youngest son Shawn and wife Trisha.

Who still lives in NWPA where he was raised.

Today they own and operate a business that provides insulation for the elderly to conserve energy-

Through the State and Energy Companies.

One side is insulation and the other side is inspections to see if they qualify through AUDITS!

Shawn also is a ranked pool player in the USA and CANADA –

Winning many tournaments and yearly trips to Las Vegas.

They both have brought A WORLD FULL OF MEMORIES to us.

We all are from WNY and NWPA and have been friends for over four decades.

We try to get together every four months and we all now live in the state of N.C.

We are all retired and living our dreams –

Fun – laughter – and singing are but a few of the things we enjoy together.

Thus bringing A WORLD FULL F MEMORIES into all of our lives.

My oldest son Troy and partner Andrea –

along with the rest of the family.

He builds houses from the ground up – EVERYTHING!

He gets that from my own father –

who could do the same.

He still lives in NWPA where he was raised.

He has been down once-

and hoping he can make it this year once again.

Proud father of this man –

They bring A WORLD FULL OF MEMORIES to us.

It all began here on 6-25-1982 for our WORLD FULL OF MEMORIES.

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A WORLD FULL OF MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Fun times with family and friends.

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Above is my son – Troy and then me – he is in the yellow shirt and I am next to him-

We are in front of the Lutheran Church on the main street in Mount Jewett, PA.

This is where Sherry went to church growing up.

We were here visiting her mother and watching the parade for the Swedish Festival.

It is both a happy memory and a sad one looking back.

The couple to the left – I graduated with her; her husband was a Pa. State trooper.

Sadly they both have passed away – gone but not forgotten.

The Swedish Festival is a week-long event held yearly for the past 50 years.

Vendors – music events and parade and carnival.

We have not attended since her mother passed away.

A memory from the past.

In the cart is Buck and standing is Jimmy.

My two oldest longtime friends other than the ones I graduated with.

Buck and I were neighbors back in Pleasant Acres Drive in Portville, N.Y.

Jim grew up in Eldred, Pa. the same as I did.

We worked together at the TILE PLANT and played softball together.

Today we all live in the state of N.C.

We reunite every four or so months with our wives –

playing golf – laughing and having good times for memories.

Many years ago this was taken of the grandkids.

Bode is now ten years old.

Maddy graduated from college and Ella will this Spring graduate from college.

Sarah will graduate this year from H.S.

Fun times with grandkids growing up.

Inspiration for this blog!

Sherry and Cindy – friendship goes way back to the late 80s when we moved to Pleasant Acres Dr.

Just outside Portville, N.Y. when we became neighbors of the McBrides.

Today – that friendship continues here in N.C. as we live about 38 miles South of them.

Today we get together for music – plays – dinner and golf.

Friends are forever.

Sherry with Bode – Cassidy and Taylor years ago.

When we moved – it was hard leaving them behind as we spent a lot of time with them.

Today we go back and forth to see family.

And they in turn come down here.

But we have so many memories and are making new memories since we moved.

Pictures bring it all back.

While we are in the sunset of our senior years –

remaining as healthy as we can –

volunteering for many organizations –

We remain in our dream life living here in the South.

Warm – sand – surf and entertainment.

OIB – thank you for reading my blog –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A recent walk in Vareen Gardens!

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Vareen Gardens sits right on the border of S.C. and N.C. across from the rest area for S.C. –

On route 17!

Little River!

Coming across this shell hanging from a tree –

You see thousands of sea shells with notations on them –

Hanging high and low and in between.

Names – dates – poems and sayings.

We have hung the same as have our family and friends.

The path to and from the ICW beach area is woods – marsh and channels of water.

A wooden walkway traverses across the marsh for hundreds of yards!

You can stop and see the wonders of the marsh you are walking over –

both high and low tides.

Sherry on one of the walkways from island to island.

Across the marsh you see a golf course-

The path also goes on land through the trees winding in and out.

This was a staple back in my early years along with quart bottles of COLT 45!

There also is a large fishing pier at the end of one of the trails that sit right on the ICW!

Also – you can step out on the shell-covered shore of the ICW and watch the boat traffic race up and down the channel!

You can sit on a bank of shells – 10,000 or thousands of them.

Across from this shoreline – sometimes Eagles can be seen.

Sherry – with granddaughter on one of our many visits – sits on the bank of shells –

hunting for that perfect one to write on and then hang from a tree branch.

Vareen Gardens is an excellent way to spend time with family and friends.

The cost is ZERO although there is a donation box.

Thanks for reading Papa’s World –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

A RECENT WALK IN VAREEN GARDENS!

Papa’s World – The Ocean – Both beautiful & Angry.

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It was in early January –

we had a storm come up the coast and from the West – it collided –

And as we stepped out the back door onto the patio-

The sound of the surf carried the couple miles over the land to us –

Standing there listening.

We decided both at the same time –

Let’s take a drive to the beach-

and see what is going on!

The tide was low and the sky had cleared up in spots!

We crossed the Causeway Bridge and saw this!

We were parked at the OIB Community Center –

Gazing out at the partly white and gray skies!

But to the West – a golden hue –

and a breeze that made it colder than what the temperature was.

I think it to be around 53 degrees –

But the wind chill made for gloves – long sleeves and a vest.

You can see the angry waves crashing into the pier and then the shore.

Whitecaps – mist spraying –

as it hits both the pier and the shoreline.

A golden glow frames the pier against the sky.

A reflection of the pier in the water on the shore.

And yet to the east –

a break in the clouds is a forecast to come.

The sky would break up and turn blue.

The front would move out to sea –

leaving a golden glow to the West!

Yes – the Ocean was both angry and beautiful at the same time.

We made a good choice to drive over the causeway and to the beach.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

LOL – THE OCEAN – BOTH BEAUTIFUL & ANGRY!

Papa’s World – Good vibes – thoughts and laughs!

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Smile – laugh – I hope this starts your day with humor!!

Cassidy when little – smiling – brings good thoughts to me – forever young in my mind and heart.

Look around – and up at the sky – how great it is and how fortunate we are to live here!

Today I share with you on these blogs – our lives – hopes and dreams.

These blogs are journals of our family – and friends and happenings in our lives.

Shared and stored here for future generations to look at – read and know who we were.

My hope is in the future – the next generations will see this – know – love who we are.

This is PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Free to join – free to read share and comment.

618 members worldwide –

I would love to have you added!

Papa and Sherry – living life to the fullest one day at a time with family and friends!

PAPA’S WORLD – GOOD VIBES – THOUGHTS – and HUMOR!!!!!!

Papa’s World – Ferry Landing – OIB – Completed!

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Several years ago – a severe storm damaged the Ferry Landing pier and picnic area.

At one point in time many years ago –

A Ferry was operating here on the East end of OIB!

Then – it ceased – I do not know why –

but it became a local spot for pier fishing on the ICW!

The storm damage changed all of that and it became a hazard.

Early this year we visited the landing –

As the reconstruction and repairs had been completed!

Standing on the new deck and looking back at the gazebo and picnic area of Ferry Landing.

The flags at the time this picture was taken were half-mast – for President Jimmy Carter.

At the opposite end of this street is an entrance to the beach and a short walk to the long-installed

rock wall called THE GROIN –

Constructed several years ago to stop beach erosion.

Standing at the deck of the fishing pier –

Looking back at the gazebo and all the parking spaces leading up to the deck walkway.

This all sits right on the ICW!

The view is across the ICW to Brick Landing Golf Course and clubhouse.

Not seen in this picture but to the right –

It is the Brick Landing boat launch.

Also – further to the right is a campground where our friends camped for a couple nights.

We have also watched the Christmas boat parade from the fairway of the golf course.

This just might be a new place we can come to watch from the island!

Across the ICW sits the campground.

In the distance is Holden Beach –

I said to Sherry –

Now that this is complete – it just might be a change of pace place to bring our chairs-

Sit and watch the boat traffic on the ICW during spring – summer, and fall!

There also is a small beach here and plenty of room to fish from the deck and off the shore!

LOL – Laugh – smile and have funny thoughts!

Thanks for reading –

The Ferry Landing will be a place we take guests to see –

A peaceful experience on OIB.

And then walk to the other end and observe the ocean!

PAPA’S WORLD –

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Papa’s World – What I saw!

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Throughout my time here on Earth – I have seen many sights and though how it could be a story!

So – I constantly look for things in my life –

Here is a pile of shoes –

Not just any shoes –

And notice – The pair on the far right –

Both facing in the same direction –

And a pair of socks!

These belong to our young grandson Bode –

And this picture was taken back in our home in Brambleton, Va.

We sold this home in 2020 – during the pandemic and moved South –

To North Myrtle Beach before we built our house in Cameron Woods Community!

I found this shoe placement to be interesting.

They would come for a visit and rule number one –

Remove your shoes! (Bode also chose to remove his socks!) LOL

Now the first pair to the left is Cassidy’s -And the Middle pair is Taylor’s!

Taylor has always been the bigger of the twins.

But what caught my eye was how they took them off and placed them!!!!

Being twins – they are exactly placed alike!

I found this to be interesting so I took the picture.

They are both alike and different.

but in this one instance –

More alike than different!

WHAT I SAW!

Here is Buck in the cart and Jimmy standing.

These two are besides grade school friends –

My oldest friends.

Jimmy and I are from Eldred, Pa.

While I am older by 9 Years –

We played softball together and worked at the American Olean Tile Plant together.

We went on family vacations together –

Raise our children and go to each other’s weddings!

We go back to the mid-70s.

Buck actually knew Jimmy before he knew me.

But – when we sold our first home we moved to Pleasant Acres Drive and became neighbors –

Buck and Cindy McBride became close friends and golfing partners-

all those years ago in the 80s.

Then they moved South to the Wilmington, N.C. area.

On vacations, we would visit and at that time we both loved the area.

We have traveled the World with Buck and Cindy.

And now live 38 miles from them –

They are in Magnolia Greens Gplf Plantation outside of Leland –

Still close to Wilmington, N.C.

Friends for life – WHAT I SAW!

Sherry – Buck and Cindy at Vanish back in NVA near Leesburg, Va. –

While visiting our family.

These are times gone past but remain as memories and times to come.

McBrides and Sherry and me.

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

Jimmy and Dottie – Julie – Cindy’s sister – Cindy – Buck and Sherry –

WHAT I SAW – is forever friends!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Looking back in time.

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Brambleton, Va. Where we lived for 14 1/2 Years.

At the time we built this home – our second one – we had planned on staying here for retirement.

It was a big house on two floors- almost 3200 SF.

Sitting on a corner lot – it was a mixed community –

made up mostly of commuters in government or state jobs –

into D.C. via the Metro.

One of our neighbors shortly before we sold was –

The Director of the Counterintelligence Division of the FBI.Worldwide.

One day I was sitting on my front porch when I observed a car pull up into the intersection –

And he – the driver-

angled kitty’s corner and rolled his window down.

He then proceeded to take a camera –

and take pictures of the Directors house.

In a few moments, he made a turn and sped away.

It all happened so fast that I did not even think to get the plate number.

Later that day in the early evening –

I walked across the street and greeted the Director.

We talked and then I told him what happened.

He asked several questions –

and told me about his wife observing a black SUV pull up

and park across the street.

She wrote down the plate number –

and phoned her husband.

He had the plate number run-

and it did not exist.

He then took out his wallet –

and gave me his personal card-

I have that card today.

He told me that he had been testifying before Congress –

on the Chinese Gov’t-

He did not go into details-

but said to keep an eye out –

and try to get the plate number-

If anything strange happens again.

His wife then bought a gun –

and took lessons and had a permit to carry.

About two years before we sold our home –

he retired from his post –

they sold their home –

and he became a security director-

for a major worldwide company.

We still are in contact-

and they now live in Texas.

Looking at the front of our home –

I was sitting to the right of the center of the porch.

Their home would have been to the far right-

across the intersection on the corner.

The road in front of the house is where I first saw the man in the car.

That was something I shall always remember-

as I can see it in my mind today.

Today that house has once again been sold –

for $220,000.00 more than we sold it for!

It was to be our forever home –

but times change.

We have moved on –

But this one memory is still present in my mind.

Thanks for reading –

and I blog to keep my mind sharp –

and my memory is strong!

I do not want to be picked up in the trash! LOL

This is about the time all that happened from my front porch!

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PAPA’S WORLD –

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Papa’s World – Good Times in Pictures!

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Long time friends and HS classmate – Fred and Lynda – in Florida!

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Papa – second from left and my best friend to my right – Bobby – on a canoe trip down the Alleghany River in my sophomore to Junior year.

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

All these years later – from my HS canoe trip – Bobby and his wife Pam with Sherry –

STILL PADDLEING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS – GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

When they were little – the twins – Taylor and Cassidy!

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Time spent with neighbors and friends – Diane and Steve with Sherry and Papa-

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

At the AIRBNB on the North Shore of Oahu – with our friends Cindy and Buck – on the covered lanai.

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

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MOUNT NEBO – SWEDISH LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MOUNT JEWETT, PA – where Sherry grew up!

PAPA’S WORLD – GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Some thoughts and some pictures.

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Here I am at the American Pickers store in Nashville, Tenn.

For those of you who do not know,

in the mid-70s,

I started to ride motorcycles.

Yes – I had long hair (curly)

And I rode for six years –

I was involved in an accident –

A new young driver was driving a VW-

from one red light to another.

I was behind her in Amherst, N.Y.

I was just going from second gear to third –

when all of a sudden she was stopped with no brake lights!

She had stalled the VW –

and not put her foot on the brake peddle.

At that point –

all I could do was lay the bike on its side and skid up to her bumper.

She was sorry – I was scraped up –

The windshield was broken but the crash guards saved the bike.

I rode for another year –

but the memory was still there –

and I decided to quit riding.

But – in Nashville –

this bike brought all those memories of riding back!

A part of my life that was free in the wind –

A part of my life that long hair – leather and boots –

Was something I shall always cherish.

Sherry and me –

at my grandson’s wedding outside Nashville, Tenn.

Ryan is the oldest grandchild –

and lives near Nashville.

We occasionally see him-

and stay in touch.

He is a part owner of a restaurant and bar –

and looking in the future of opening a second one.

I talked to him several months ago-

and he is thinking of coming for a visit.

They had a photo booth at the wedding –

and we took some pictures!

Hoping he can come – some memories of the past.

This was at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

Here is Sherry serving wine as a communion assistant.

We loved our time in NVA –

despite the traffic –

The Metro allowed us to travel in and out –

without the Hassle of all the traffic.

Memories of times gone by.

LOL – well – it might be true – “NOT”!

A day trip into D.C. –

to the MGM at the National Harbor!

Often we would take these day trips onto the streets of D.C.

This one we had to drive –

And if you know me – I hate to drive!

But – in the end,

it was worth the Hassel.

Today – it is but one more memory of the 21 Year’s we lived near here.

MGM at National Habor –

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LOL – LOL – LOL!!!!!

Papa’s World – Visiting the past!

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We had our friends at our home for New Year’s Eve and day three years ago.

Here – we gather on the beach with our neighbors and new friends –

Diane and Steve –

Who just happens to be from WNY and still has a Rushford Lake cottage.

This Olean-Portville area is where we lived and raised our family.

Also present is our next-door neighbor Kathy –

We gathered on the beach close to sunset on New Year’s Eve.

A bottle of spirits and glasses helped us view the sunset and set the stage for our get-together –

back at the house!

Sherry is about to open the bottle and Jimmy hoping it does not flow out to him! (it didn’t)

Diane and Steve – from WNY – are now our neighbors in Cameron Community.

It is a small world as they also visit all the places we left behind in Portville-Olean, N.Y.

Jim and Dottie and Buck and Cindy are also from the same area –

and we have known for over Forty Years!

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Papa’s World – One door closes and a window opens!

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Many times in our being together – a door has closed –

We found another, opened it, and proceeded to the next step.

We always accepted the facts and moved on –

To a better life with friends – family –

Now – in our Senior years –

It seems like it has become a Window instead of a door!

Here is Sherry with her two daughters.

Debby – Tammy and Sherry.

While it was sad to leave them behind in NVA-

They had established their own families.

Their roots were now there –

Kids in schools – college and a life that they flourished in.

We in turn – in our senior years – wanted to be near the beaches – sun – sand,

and warmth.

We want to enjoy life as long as we are able.

Living the Southern lifestyle –

Going golfing with friends-

So – this was not a door opening – but a WINDOW we chose to open!

The WINDOW is the SENIOR TIME FRAME OF OUR LIVES!

Our friends of over four decades are now all retired.

But – Sherry and I are the oldest.

We volunteer – at the Food Pantry – Assisted living – and Sea Turtle Protection.

We often go back to NVA to see the families and the grandchildren.

That too someday shall become less and less as we age.

Our thoughts are to age as healthy as we can.

We find interesting venues to attend – most are free!

Here is the Fort Fisher Kite Festival –

Which for us involves a Ferry ride from Southport to Fort Fisher.

Also, the Aquarium is there –

And sometimes TV film crews for several series!

All things considered – the WINDOW we opened and went through –

has been an adventure that we both wanted and have been blessed to have.

Growing into our Senior Years – as healthy as we can be.

For 19 going on 20 years –

Have never missed a day –

Skin – nails grow fast as does my hair.

I feel good – I test every 4 to 6 months on my vital stats!

This window opened for us –

The only regret I have is –

I did not know about this-

for the first 13 years, it has been around!

Today we are living in the SENIOR LIFE of an open WINDOW.

Thanks for reading –

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Papa’s World – BLOGGING – WORLDWIDE!

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LOL – My life has not changed all that much over the years regarding sleeping habits!

I go to bed when I am tired – usually between 8 and 9pm.

If I stay up – I seem to get a second wind and then I am awake into the early hours of the evening!

Since childhood, I would wake up at 5 to 6 am.

This was the time my parents were up and getting ready to go to work –

My mother worked at “ALCAS” later to be “CUTCO” maker of great knives –

dinner knives are known to replace or sharpen them at no cost.

My father was a supervisor on the oil fields for South Penn or PENNSOIL.

This meant that my brother and I had to get up early

and my mom would walk us down the street to my sister’s and brother-in-law’s apartment.

We would wait there and have breakfast and then walk to school.

My wife encouraged me to start a blog – as I was writing on Facebook every day and then it was gone!

This blog was a way to preserve my writings!

Neatly kept in a site controlled by me.

Little did I know that there were people out there that I did not know –

who enjoyed reading my blog on family – friends and our life in general!

I wanted this blog to be my journal – a way for future generations to know us!

We were married on 6-25-1982 – a second marriage for both of us – Sherry had two daughters –

and I had two sons.

On weekends – we were all one family.

Sherry on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.

She is the main reason I write the blog and along with a friend – helped me set it up!

Little by little people from all over World – joined my site!

Six people I knew also joined my site.

Today – 618 folks have joined – from all over the World!

Here is an early morning screen-shot – my post goes live at Midnight!

Throughout the day – more and more people read the blog and some comment.

Every morning at sunrise – I am up no later and showered by 6am. –

I look at my stats –

Showing me the previous day’s numbers on who visited.

My goal so to speak is to leave all these blogs to our own future generations to come to read-

and see the pictures of just who we were.

I want to thank you all for supporting my blog and my writings!

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PAPA’S WORLD – BLOGGING – WORLDWIDE!

Papa’s World – Retirement – family and friends!

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In Cameron Woods Community –

We have made new friends!

Marcea and Bill –

Ken and Marylou-

Diane and Steve ( who are from where we lived in WNY)

Fun times and looking forward to more of the same!

Where we chose to live –

Near the beaches –

On the border of N.C. and S.C.

In the winter – we can survive with no snow or ice- most of the time.

And – we can walk the beach anytime we choose.

We are close to old friends – three couples!

Our enclosed Lanai is a haven for our plants and flowers!

We could not do thus BACK in NVA!

This plant belonged to Sherry’s mother – Barb – and reminds us of her every day – GIGI!

Our lemon tree – who would have thought!!!!

Small things make us happy!

Now – we get to spend time with two couples who have been our close friends for over forty years!

Golfing – singing – lifting a few drinks and laughing!

So many times we have been together that it ends up like this!

Now – we all live in the state of N.C.

and we all are from back in WNY and close to NWPA!

Friends are forever and more!

My oldest buddy from grade school – Bob and his wife Pam

We now see them every year – past six years –

when they stop with their RV in their sixth year of retirement.

Friends are special parts of our life together.

Family from back in NVA-

While we left them to move South –

They come down and we go back to NVA!

Family from back where we grew up in NWPA!

Now that her mother has passed away – we do not get there as often as we would like!

But – they have been down a couple times and we hope for them to be here this summer.

Sherry and her sisters!

Bonnie on the left –

Still lives next door to where they were raised.

Debby on the right lives one mile from us in Cameron Woods Community.

Family – hoping that Bonnie can sometime in the future make it down.

When we do go back to NWPA-

We will see her and her family and my sons and their wife-partner!

Sunset Beach and in the upper far right corner – Ocean Isle Beach.

We are here because of choice.

We are happy in retirement –

With family – friends and our life here.

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Papa’s World – A look back and around!

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It was only by chance that we found the entrance to what would be our third home,

which we had built together.

We lived in a top-floor condo at Ocean Keyes in North Myrtle Beach.

We really liked it there.

We had a wonderful view of a lake with fountains in it.

Swans – geese – ducks – a lot of big fish we could look down at from our Lanai which was screened in.

We had three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

A dining area and a kitchen – washer and dryer –

The living room had huge glass sliding doors as did the Master Bedroom –

All went out to an enclosed-screened Lanai that went the full width of the condo.

We were on the top floor – the fourth floor with two elevators right outside of our front door.

We would walk the streets inside the gate – along the lake –

past six swimming pools – a large tennis court-

A community workout area.

750 condos were here and most were second homes for out-of-state owners.

Very few people lived there full-time.

This was the Pandemic in 2020 and we almost had it all to ourselves.

The downside was we had no garage and storage.

After we went out the back gate – two blocks and we were standing on the sand of the beach.

The same for the town – we would be on the main street – all the bars – grills and shopping were there.

There were times in the nine months we were there –

That we could hear live music from that street –

Slowly the Pandemic was loosening its grip.

We pondered living here – there were units available for sale –

The HOA fee was very high – $470.00 a month.

Security was excellent.

The location was great – but we were so close to the beach and storms.

We started searching!

So – we ventured across the border into N.C. –

Where over 30 golf courses were available.

We purchased the First Tee Card – and we could play at reduced rates on these courses.

It was then we hired a realtor and told her we liked that area –

“What could she show us”?

One after another we visited – some were okay –

most needed upgrades – they were dated.

We were not having any luck –

The last one we looked at was a Condo and a house in Sea Trails.

The condo was first floor – on a fairway – a nice big Lanai –

but the pictures of the rooms were deceiving!

They were small – 12 by 12 living room and even smaller kitchen

It was cut up into small rooms.

It would not do and the single-story house we looked at –

The floor was spongy – the woodwork was all marked up.

Too much work needed to be done.

That is when we told her – to give us some options back toward Leland and Magnolia Greens.

This would be where our longtime friends lived.

After she left – I said to Sherry – I had seen a billboard advertisement –

Brand New to build homes in Cameron Woods Community by Real Star.

This was a little bit higher than what we planned on spending but would be considered our high price range.

And we had options – we could get what we wanted –

Be in the area of 30 golf courses – and ten minutes to two beaches.

And it was five minutes from Sea Trails where we were looking.

We were well into our senior years of life –

We wanted a warm climate – no snow – no ice and the ability to walk the beach as long as we could.

We turned right out of Sea Trails drove five minutes and were at Cameron Woods Community.

They were less than two years into building this community.

We went through the gate and into the parking lot of the model.
Not knowing anything about RealStar – Sherry immediately loved the model and how it was built!

The realtor told us that morning a customer had withdrawn their downpayment and a lot was available-

That would be built on soon!

We went to see it and soon saw that the Sun traveled east To West over it –

The house would face North and the rear would face South toward the ocean.

This Beach area is unique in that it faces the Ocean toward the South –

Because of the way the coast curves from Charleston to Wilmington!

That means the front porch would be shaded most of the day.

I wanted a front porch to sit on and Sherry wanted an office.

We both got that in the model we chose.

We would be 40 miles from our long-time friends –

Buck and Cindy McBride at Magnolia Greens.

That would mean golfing – dinner and shows as they liked our area to golf in –

And there are dinner theaters and shows in the NMB area as well as in Wilmington!

We decided then and there to put the money down – contacted our realtor and told her –

We still required her services and told the RealStar agent that.

In a little over nine months from moving into the condo –

We were in our third house that we had built-

1910 SF. Exactly the upgrades we wanted (that changed when RealStar sold out to Lennar)

Papa on the front porch he wanted to be able to sit on in the sun.

Our senior retirement home in Cameron Woods Community –

Today the major portion is all built out and resales happening,

Out front on Old Georgetown road – two-story townhomes with garages are being built and sold.

This phase is almost complete –

However another sister community is being built next to ours called-

Cameron Woods Pines.

All the trees have been harvested –

learned out – an emergency access road is being installed with a gate just behind the dog park-

and pond at Cameron Woods Community.

A walking trail will give access to both communities for walking.

Looking at the setting sun from our home in OIB- Cameron Woods Community.

We are home.

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Making memories with grandkids.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

The memories we make – the times we spend together –

the moments in time captured by the camera!

MORMOR ( Sherry ) Cassidy to the left and Taylor to the right.

Generations continuing –

Making memories.

How is it possible he is now ten years old?

It seems only yesterday he was crawling. BODE!

Bode – before he could walk!

Memories in the making – life goes on – and as of now- we are part of it!

The time has gone by –

but we remain part of their lives even though we moved to OIB!

Now – they spend breaks and vacations in the OIB & SUNSET BEACH area!

Today she is close to graduating from H.S.

It seems only yesterday this smile lit up everyone around her!

She is graceful – elegant –

Very funny and full of laughter.

Below – Sarah on Sherry’s lap!

SARAH – has grown up!

For the longest time, we called her “TINY” –

when she was little.

Now – she will graduate from college with two degrees!

And follow in her father’s footsteps –

Of being a PHYS ED teacher to little children.

A heart of gold –

A leader for the “LITTLE ONES”!

Ella when we took her to Florida to see STAR WARS!

Ella – college soccer is now finished.

Memories for a lifetime and more to be made!

MADDY – Sherry and Ella!

She adored her grandmother.

Today – she has graduated from college and four years of soccer-

to a degree in Environmental Science.

From often being the smallest player on the pitch –

To being captain in her senior year –

and twice all-conference-

Today she works for a major environmental company nationwide.

When they all were younger!

Today – the World awaits them!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livnglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – building the – BRAIN one Omega at a time

/ Tom / Leave a comment

For the last year plus –

I have been taking a OMEGA –

To try and keep my memory intact !

I have been told –

OMEGA’S are good for this !

In fact – I have been taking multiple OMEGA’S !

Omega’s 3-5-6-7-& 9

This is the newest product –

by Juice Plus –

And the big story here it is NOT made from fish oil –

But from ALGAE –

which is where the fish get it from !

And – secondly –

Juice Plus has its own ALGAE FARMS !

So – you do not have to worry about MERCURY

or the fishy taste !

It tastes like a ORANGE CREAMSISCLE !!!!

JUICE PLUS OMEGAS

This has become part of my road to good health –

( I actually take double – four capsules a day ! )

BUT YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER

Memory plays a big role in my life-

Writing a blog every day –

Thinking back to times gone by –

Seeing in my mind the Past –

So – I try as hard as I can to maintain that edge!

I do not want to go to the store to buy a fish –

Nor do I want to come home with a Rabbit –

I want the ability to WRITE ABOUT IT –

not live it !

It works for us –

It provides a insurance for us in what we do not eat –

I hope this helps you out there –

We have believed for 13 years !

Thank you for reading –

thank you for coming into Papa’s World

If you would like to read more – type in the following for more blogs

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

for email

fitztdf@aol.com

for HEALTH – ( Sherry is a certified HEALTH coach )

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

for email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

Papa’s World

Papa’s World – A look back – thoughts and words!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

On our last Florida trip just before the Pandemic made travel almost impossible-

We were at one of the Disney resorts –

A couple saw us trying to do a selfie and asked if we would like them to take the picture.

Here are the results –

Whomever you were – a big thank you!

A couple of years ago – Bob and Pam were camping at Myrtle Beach in their RV.

We made the trip down to see them and walked out on the WINDY BEACH!

You can tell that we were only a moment before we retreated to the other side of the sand dunes!

Another picture of a moment in time!

Four decades plus of best friends –

The McBrides – who were our neighbors in Pleasant Acres Drive in Portville, N.Y.

The Browns whom I knew back in my hometown of Eldred, Pa.

Today – we all live in the state of N.C.

We are further South in OIB-

While Cindy and Buck are outside of Wilmington –

And Jim and Dottie are near Edenton –

We still travel to one another’s homes for visits and golf!

When the husbands are designated drivers! LOL

You never know what these three ladies will do!

It’s all about smiles – laughter and besties getting together!

Oh, the times they have been together –

Through the years – BESTIES ALL THE TIME!

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

A LOOK BACK – THOUGHTS AND WORDS- BESTIES!

Papa’s World – All things past!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Sherry and I are at our breakfast table – going over paperwork!

I believe it to be getting ready to sell the house.

This was a big moment for us as this was supposed to be our retirement home.

Things changed – during the Pandemic – kids moved and 401K went South.

But the housing market went way up

TIME TO MOVE ON FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE!

Just before the Pandemic hit –

We spent a month in Florida at an Airbnb.

While out exploring –

We found this unique British Pub!

Everything British – food -music-

A memory from the past!

After we sold the house in NVA-

We moved South to North Myrtle Beach.

This was right in the middle of the Pandemic.

As you can see – in the middle of the day –

We were the only people out and about.

These stores were still all open.

I felt so bad for them!

A MEMORY FROM THE PAST-

I SHALL ALWAYS HAVE AS A MEMORY!

In Florida – we attended a Madre Gras festival near our stay.

Warm weather and lots of beads and memories!

Our past memories serve as a reminder of all things in our lives.

Looking forward to making new memories.

Friends – family and new people to meet.

New to our involvement is the Protection of Sea Turtles.

From mid-May to mid-October –

We spend time almost every day on the beach-

either walking to find Sea Turtle nests or sitting by a nest waiting for them to hatch.

Memories of both past and present.

Cindy and Sherry at Niagra Falls on one of our many trips together inside the country and overseas!

Making memories for almost forty years –

Friends for a lifetime-

Ready to make new memories –

Thanks for reading Papa’s World –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Memories from the past – FRIENDS!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We are at the beginning of the Pandemic in Reston Town Center – NVA!

We had come to have lunch with Jason and Ginger before we moved South –

To North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

We would say goodbye outdoors in the open air.

We often spent time in this town center-

In winter the ice skating rink.

Today – they have also moved south –

Near Wilmington, N.C. – Leland – Brunswick Forest!

Now we are 40 minutes away and get together often.

Ginger and Sherry on the golf course.

When we moved from Portville, N.Y. in 1999 –

We left behind close friends Steve and Elaine.

We raised our kids as they raised theirs in Portville, N.Y.

We often played golf –

Visiting each other’s homes –

And spending time together as families.

In the very beginning of this friendship –

We were on the same Volleyball Team –

Which was called “THE BEACH CLUB”!

We played in the mid 80’s to mid 90’s –

Before we all took up golf.

We won the one-year championship – 1989!

And to this day we still stay in touch and they have visited once in Camero Woods Community.

We are now all grandparents!

Freddy and I went to school together –

Linda and Fred were my friends before Sherry and I were married on 6-25-1982.

They now live in Florida and have stayed in touch.

We have visited them once and one other time met up with them.

Friendships for a lifetime.

What can I say – Buck and Cindy – Jimmy and Dottie and Sherry and I –

The besties for four-plus decades.

We took our families on beach vacations with Jim and Dottie –

I played softball with Jim back in the late 70’s.

We have traveled the world with Buck and Cindy –

and to this day we still gather 2 to 3 times a year at each other’s homes!

So many fun times – golfing – scrambles – giving strokes and completing!

The years have passed –

but the friendship has continued!

Oh, the laughter and smiles and fun times when these three get together!

Jimmy with Cindy and Sherry –

Outside the guys I graduated with –

Jimmy is my oldest friend –

We played softball together back in the mid 70’s.

I went to his wedding and he to mine when Sherry and I were married.

We worked together in Olean Tile Plant!

FRIENDS FOR YEARS AND YEARS!

Sherry – Pam – Papa and Bobby.

We went to grade school together –

Played sports and stayed at each other’s houses.

I rode to school in his father’s car.

We slept out and roamed the streets.

Made beer runs to NYS at it was 18 back then and 21 in Pa.

That friendship continues to this day.

They now are in their 6th, year of RVing –

And each year stop for a week and see us in Cameron Woods Community.

Many adventures have passed and hopefully, new ones to continue!

The last visit before they left for winter camp in Florida.

They like where we are in N.C. –

And maybe someday will make this area a base camp.

And now we are making new friends in our community-

Here – Marcea – Bill – Diane and Papa.

Neighborhood friends –

Friendly competition between Bills and Steelers fans.

Sherry – Jack Lisa – Bill and Marcea and Diane and Steve.

Friends have been and always will be a prime source in our lives together.

Diane and Sherry –

new friends – but her and Steve are from back in WNY –

close to where we lived and raised our children.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – ALL THINGS in our senior life.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Looking for humor in our senior years – laughing – good thoughts and smiles!

The family came to visit from NWPA – a very long drive – maybe again next summer?

This was the view from my front curb-sidewalk of where I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s –

A small town in the Allegheny foothills called Eldred.

Many a time I roller-skated this sidewalk down to the service station called Slavins – later a furniture store.

The sidewalks are uneven – later after I got my bike – I rode all over town.

Papa – somewhere in there is a smile – LOL!

Getting old – but still going strong – living the SALT LIFE!

SMILING – LAUGHING – HUMOR IS FREE!

Taking one day at a time – living life to the plus each and every day!

Sherry and our family – still grandma and MorMor – ( MOTHERSMOTHER – SWEDISH)

my two sons – living far away but near my heart!

ALL THINGS IN OUR SENIOR LIFE – PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Visiting back home in NVA!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

The twins – Cassidy on the left and Taylor on the right-

This is a Christmas concert at Community Lutheran Church.

It was three different choirs –

A complete orchrestra-

And they – the twins – had a duet to start the program off!

A fine time to be home and witness them up front and singing!

Years ago we took all three along with their mother Tammy –

Into Washington, D.C. –

to see the lights – the nation’s Christmas tree-

and celebrations all over the city.

Walking the streets of the Nation’s Capital – WASHINGTON, D.C.

On the METRO’S SILVER LINE –

A first for Bode who was only three years old!

At the platform on the Metro Silver Line.

Here is Taylor – Bode and Cassidy –

This was seven years ago!

This is Taylor today with Marley!

She has trained her to do everything.

She has such a way with animals.

She treats horses the same way!

She would live in the barn with them if she could!

Bode today – next birthday he will be eleven years old!

Into all sports –

Loves the Commanders and the Capitals and the Nationals.

Plays soccer and flag football and golf!

Cassidy – Cheerleading – Gymnastics –

both girls are honor students.

She is the neatest one –

her room is always neat and the bed is made.

She is a fashion queen-

much like her cousin – Sarah!

Here Taylor is training Marley –

not to eat the treat until she says so!

And Marley does just that with the treat on her nose! LOL

All three love making Christmas cookies!

This is a small part of traveling back to Leesburg –

seeing the little ones and Marley!

Marley – such a gentle Golden Doodle-

She is so accommodating.

They dress her up and she just goes along with it!

This is but the first part of going home for the holidays.

Later we go to Lake Holiday to see the rest of the family!

At Lake Holiday with Debby – to be continued!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Year two – Cassidy is Santa’s Helper!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Last year was her first year helping Santa at a HOA Community outreach party!

She dresses up in her Santa Helper red dress and black leggings!

Cassidy – invited by her friend –

Attended the HOA event –

Handing out candy canes to all the children in line to sit and talk to Santa!

It seems like only yesterday –

Cassidy would have been one of those little children!

Here are Taylor and Cassidy in their neighborhood when Santa came on the firetruck.

The look of wonder from Taylor –

and the look of amazement from Cassidy.

Tugs at my heart that those times are long past!

I kind of identify with this! LOL!

She does this because –

she has a true heart of gold!

She is growing up so fast –

and I miss that little girl.

Here are the five granddaughters –

Three are now adults –

one has graduated from college-

A second will be shortly and the third will graduate from HS.

The twins will be 15 years old on their next birthday!

But for now,

I shall keep this image in my mind –

until she grows up even more!

Santa’s Little Helper Growing Up –

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Over 3/4 of a Century!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

It is hard to believe it went by that fast!

It seems only yesterday I stood here in this picture – 6-25-1982 – 33 years old!

And now today I am 76 years old!

Here is my grade school – High School friend – Bobby –

Both are now 76 years Young!

Still staying in touch for all those years!

We grew up together in a little town in NWPA – called Eldred!

Sleeping out – under the stars – playing sports-

on our porch and in the yard in the back of the house.

No ground cloth – just sleeping bags –

Mine was a hand-me-down from my brother-in-law Bill!

It was his olive green Korean War one!

I really do not know how they stayed warm in those!

It was just a wool blanket inside a canvas bag!

Two of my oldest friends – on the left – Dottie and Jimmy – whom I have known since they graduated from H.S. in little Eldred, Pa.

I was at their wedding and they were at Sherry and my wedding!

My wife Sherry on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic –

We have been side by side since the day we were married and a year and one-half before that!

We have traveled the world – raised two sets of children –

We have sold and bought SIX HOUSES in that time –

and three of them we had built!

We had a combined 79 1/2 years of service with one company –

American Olean Tile – Dal Tile –

And at retirement had gone through FOUR acquisitions

The final one is MOHAWK!

We both transferred from Olean in 1999!

To Northern Va. – Alexandria for me and Dulles for her.

In the end – she went from being an SSC manager – gathering numerous awards along the way –

to an outside sales rep for NVA and parts of WVA!

In 2020 – both of us being retired – the pandemic hit and the 401K went South!

But – what was a surprise –

The values of our RETIREMENT HOME FOR LIFE –

Increased so much –

We decided to sell and move to a warmer climate.

Sunset Beach, N.C., and in the distance Ocean Isle Beach. N.C.

Golf – sand – ocean and warm weather in the Carolinas!

We were eight miles to the border of N.C. and S.C.

We left behind families – both in Pa. and NVA.

But we moved forty miles from our dear friends Buck and Cindy –

who was for years our next-door neighbors in Portville, N.Y. –

In Pleasant Acres Drive!

They had moved South a few years before we did to the Wilmington- Leland, N.C.

We often Ed visited them and decided we liked it in this general area.

Today – we often get together to golf – dinner and trips!

We have traveled the World with them!

We have made new friends in our neighborhood –

Here is Diane along with her husband Steve –

are from WNY –

and still to this day spend summers at their cottage house at Rushford Lake –

A few miles from where we lived in Portville, N.Y.

Today – they live but three doors up from us in Cameron Woods Community!

For almost nineteen years we have run an internet business from our home base-

Juice Plus – Fruits – Vegetables – Berries and Omegas in powdered and liquid form –

In capsules with over 40 scientific researches done-

by Major institutions all over the World-

to prove what it does.

Not only have I never missed a day –

at 76 years old – and having tests conducted every four to six months-

I am convinced of what the research proves –

That I will take this for the rest of my life.

And what it has done for our economy –

is provides us with 19 years of residual income-

from our own website in our home!

A big thank you for reading my blog on what is today year number 76 in my life.

You can follow me for free by joining my blog –

over 650 folks worldwide now follow my daily blog.

I owe my health to Sherry –

who is an SSC with the company.

and a certified health coordinator

PAPA’S WORLD –

my blog: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Life with us – retired!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

LIFE WITH US – RETIRED!

We wanted someplace warm in the fall –

winter and spring!

I gave my snow shovel away to the movers at my storage shed!

We sold almost all our lawn
STUFF” when we sold the house.

I do not mow anymore-

but I still weed and trim bushes and trees!

This past Christmas –

I decided that would be the last year that I stored everything over the garage.

Climbing that narrow drop-down ladder –

on my hands and knees passing items down

to Sherry who sometimes had to stand on the bottom rung of that drop-down ladder.

So – I cleared space on the shelves in the garage –

got rid of “STUFF”!

And now I have a place to store the Christmas boxes-

Sherry even gave a plastic container to Habitat –

Someone else can enjoy those decorations!

This is what being a Senior retired person –

must do when their years are quietly slipping past!

But – we look forward to the golf course –

with friends or by ourselves.

After all –

within 30 to 45 minutes-

are over thirty courses – some with 27 holes!

This was part of our wish list in moving here to OIB! N.C.

We wanted to be near the ocean and beach.

We are on the mainland the other side of the ICW!

We are near two beaches –

OIB and SUNSET BEACH –

Two other beaches –

Holden Beach and Oak Island are within 45 minutes.

North Myrtle Beach is thirty minutes.

This also was on our wish list of where to live.

We are in a very quiet community.

Almost a mile to the front road – Old Georgetown Road.

There is a park with four ball diamonds – a half dozen tennis courts-

and more than that in pickleball courts.

A basketball court and a dog park.

A paved track and soccer practice fields just across the road.

A place we now call home –

Friends and neighbors –

A community pool and center.

Walking roads – ponds and wildlife –

sunrises and sunsets.

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY-

Where house values are rising –

Resells now are happening –

as people move in and out.

Some – go back North where their families are –

We remain here and often make the trip back to NVA –

While all of the family has been down at one time or another.

LIFE WITH US RETIRED!

This is but a glimpse of our retirement –

Here in N.C. – S.C. border area –

Sun – and – Ocean – golf – friends and neighbors.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Life to the Plus!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We decided to move further South – all the way down to the border of N.C. and S.C. – OIB!

We are eight miles to the border – and in the other direction – 8 miles to big box shopping!

And – we hear in that area – a Costco is coming!

We are close to two beaches – OIB and Sunset Beach and several others.

North Myrtle Beach is thirty minutes away – and Wilmington is forty-five minutes!

A view from the pier at Sunset Beach and in the distance the tall building is Ocean Isle Beach.

In ten minutes we are on OIB and fifteen minutes Sunset Beach.

We are in the middle of 30 golf courses and with our FIRST TEE card we can play most of them at a big discounted rate.

Neither one of us likes the cold – ice and snow and down here we get very little of any of it!

It does get cold with windchill – but when the sun is out – it feels warm.

We own no snow shovels!

We grow our Tower Garden all twelve months – and now are growing Cucumbers and Lettuce.

Allowing us to eat our own pest-free produce!

This flower has just completed its second year of growing – and we will continue through the winter months – covering it when necessary.

We are from WNY and NVA and follow the Bills and the Commanders.

I love sports and I still am a big Saint Bonaventure Basketball fan and follow them year to year.

LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS one day at a time – PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Life goes on!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Some veggies and greens from our Tower Garden that we had in Brambleton, Va.

When we moved to Cameron Woods Community-

We brought a long one of the Tower Gardens –

having sold the other three!

We found that one was more than enough for the two of us.

We were giving the produce away in Va.-

Today – we grow it year-round on our back patio in the corner.

It gets almost full sun all day long there.

The only time we stop is to take it apart clean it and start over again.

We wash it off with white vinegar water and sponges!

With this Tower Garden –

LIFE GOES ON!

This is the Tower Garden we took with us and is set up on the back patio.

We store the lights as we do not need them now.

The LOOK OF WONDER was back in Brambleton as Santa made a stop on the corner by our home.

Taylor and Cassidy.

I miss those days –

Elf on the Shelf-

Santa’s cookies –

Little feet in the morning –

Smiles of wonder –

Santa had come overnight and took a bite of the cookie and a sip of milk!

LIFE GOES ON!

Christmas with Sherry’s mother Barb and the family in Brambleton.

Sadly she is no longer with us –

But past memories and pictures –

Keeps her always in our minds.

LIFE GOES ON.

Bode when he was small at our home in Brambleton.

Today he is getting so tall at ten years old.

The little blond-blue-eyed boy is growing up!

LIFE GOES ON!

My little smile for the day!

Cassidy –

She makes me smile.

LIFE GOES ON!

The day we were married – 6-25-1982 –

LIFE GOES ON!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A list of pictures with memories!

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Over the years we have gone to many JP HEALTH CONFERENCES!

Here we are on our way into what is called THE ELTONS-

A celebration of achievement for the company.

Debby who was being honored for achieving QMND – And Sherry for achieving SSC.

At this particular event – the entertainment was LONESTAR –

The country-western icon band.

For 19-plus years we have been on the path to health and our internet business.

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Our three oldest granddaughters when they were young!

It is hard to think that they are adults now –

One graduated from college –

One about to graduate from college –

and one soon to graduate from High School!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Here is Sherry with Cassidy ( hat ) Bode – who couldn’t walk at that time – and Taylor –

All three call her MORMOR –

Which in Swedish is MOTHERS MOTHER!

Sherry’s grandmother was born in Sweden.

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Bode – Cassidy and Taylor – a few years later.

Today – the twins are 14 years old and Bode is 10 years old!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

A couple years ago – The Swedish genes ran deep!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

One of the rules of life we live by!

We often visit the different areas by the water –

Here is the ICW and we stopped for a quick lunch!

Our dream life – living in the South!

Here is Taylor years ago –

She has always loved horses –

today she rides and works in the stalls in the barn.

Spending as much free time as she can!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

A quote that we live by!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Happenings over the years!

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When they were little – Tammy – Marcus – Ella and Sarah with the twins and Bode!

We were at a resort in Pa. –

A complete family reunion of sorts –

There was a large pond and we somehow had this golf cart.

Bode is now ten years old and Ella will graduate from college and Sarah from H.S.

HAPPENINGS OVER THE YEARS!

One of our many excursions with Buck and Cindy –

I think this was the Sierra Nevada Brewery just outside Ashville, N.C.

We explored the city and the Biltmore!

This was Halloween time on the front porch of our “FOREVER” home in Brambleton, Va.

We built this 3100 SF. home with the thoughts of retiring here.

But then – the PANDEMIC came along –

Our 401K took a major hit!

But – the housing market went up and we decided to cash in!

The window to the left was the formal dining room and the windows to the right was the front formal living room.

You can just see the balcony at the top and this came off the spare bedroom.

A beautiful home –

the second home we had built!

LOL – better than a Skunk!

Sherry – nice easy swing and straight down the fairway!

We golf when we can –

either with friends or by ourselves.

Oftentimes in afternoons when most people are finishing up!

One of the reasons we selected our area to live in.

Family – friends – neighbors –

Church – Volunteers –

Giving – helping and caring!

Our Tower Garden we had inside our garage during winter.

Grow lights allowed us to eat fresh greens all year!

JUST MORE LIFE HAPPENINGS!

THANKS FOR READING PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

OUR HOME TODAY!

Papa’s World – A look around at what’s going on!

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A trip to Niagra Falls with our friends the McBrides several years ago.

We now live about 40 miles from them –

They are in Magnolia Greens just outside Leland, N.C.

over the years we have traveled the World with them.

Our last trip was to Ashville, N.C.

In between we go out to dinner or shows and occasional golf.

Just a wee look into what goes on in our life!

Before the Pandemic and our move to Cameron Woods Community-

Back in NVA – Sherry was a runner –

Taking a first place in her age group –

Here we went back to our roots in WNY for a race where Tammy joined her.

Both daughters followed in her footsteps and ran races with her.

Even the Cherry Blossom ten-mile race in DC.-

When they crossed the finish line all three holding hands!

Great memories and her inspiration to others to be healthy and age that way!

Here nine years ago – is Cassidy and Taylor and little Bode!

Sitting under the Swedish Maypole on the church lawn in Mount Jewett!

Here is where Sherry was raised and went to church.

Once a year the town puts on what is called THE SWEDISH FESTIVAL!

This little community situated in the Alleghany Mountains –

Has a proud heritage of Swedish immigrants.

Her mother’s mother ( MORMOR) was born in Sweden.

The three youngest grandkids all call Sherry – MORMOR!

A week-long festivities of Swedish heritage takes place and this pole is one of the events!

A look back at her hometown and grandkids.

A good vibe for the day!

Our day begins with a SUNRISE on OIB –

We are blessed that we can be on the beach in minutes –

To see this every day if we wish!

A look at our lives in N.C.

A look at Sherry training members of her TEAM GENERATIONS in NVA before we left.

Teaching health and nutrition all up and down the East Coast!

Our very long-time friends from WNY who still live back there-

Steve and Elaine-

So far they have traveled down once to be with us and we are hoping that happens again!

Thank you for reading-

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Our lifestyle in N.C.!

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Diane and Sherry – it is indeed a small world!

Diane and her husband Steve are from WNY –

close to where we raised our family.

They still maintain a cottage on Rushford Lake.

They visit all the sites we did living there.

And – when we moved in –

They were there to greet us –

living but three houses from our new home!

Thus – our life in N.C. became a bit friendlier-

Having them as new friends!

Today we have another couple as friends that lived near us in NVA!

Ginger and Jason have built a house in Brunswick Forest –

Across the street from Magnolia Greens ( where our long time friends the McBrides have lived for years)

They are here during the winter months and in warm weather go North to Maine –

where they have a summer cottage.

Friends from back home!

Our life has changed from our first “RETIREMENT” home in NVA-

to our new “RETIREMENT” home in N.C.

Mainly because of the Pandemic and the partial recession that followed

Our 401K took a hard hit-

while our “RETIREMENT” home gained a large increase in value –

So we sold and sought out a warmer climate.

That is how we ended up in our new home close to the border of S.C. and N.C.

After all these years – over four decades –

We still have our close friends whom we get together every four months!

And now our oldest friends and us all live in the state of N.C.

Making it even more possible to plan get-togethers!

We are now all mostly retired-

All living our dreams –

Retirement in the warm South.

And the area is growing by leaps and bounds!

Making a housing shortage while property values increase-

making our new “RETIREMENT” home more valuable!

But – we are staying put and enjoying our lives to the plus every day!

Thank you for reading –

Papa’s World –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

PAPA’S WORLD – OUR LIFESTYLE IN NORTH CAROLINA!

Papa’s World – He can build a house from the ground up – my son TROY!

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My father was this way – he could and did build anything!

He set up Tripods and pulled engines from cars.

He tore the roof and rafters off the big red barn –

And installed a lower roof by himself.

He renovated and built the house I was raised in.

All this did not pass on to me-

It skipped a generation and fell to my oldest son TROY!

Troy on a visit to our home and at Inlet View!

The patience required ( I have none)

When he was small – he would always take things apart and put them back together!

He got the love of the outdoors – fishing – and hunting from my father.

While Troy has no children of his own – during the years –

he has other boys and girls who look up to him as a father figure!

Even walking one down the aisle at her marriage.

He is kind – gentle and giving and helping others.

I rode the motorcycle back in the mid-70s –

He also rides –

though not as often as he did.

Anything Pittsburg sports –

he is a big fan of it.

Today – he has a partner – Andrea –

And I hope they can come back down this summer or whenever they choose.

Andrea and Troy at Barefoot Landing at Crooked Hammock.

They still live back in NWPA-

Just outside the little town of Eldred – Where we both grew up!

We are proud of this son who grew into this man.

Thanks for reading!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Who are we?

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This quote from Harry S. Truman –

Pretty much says who we are!

We believe in the Constitution of the USA!

The equality of men and women.

Free speech and the right to vote.

Family – church and country.

We volunteer-

We gather family and friends into our home.

We love our country – friends – neighbors –

WE ARE US!

Grandma – MORMOR ( Swedish for mothers mother)

Adored by grandchildren.

Over the years –

leading by example-

For the generations now –

and the generations to come-

An example of loving – caring – wisdom and patriarch of this family.

THIS IS HER!

Grandchildren are a beloved asset of family life.

Joy – laughter – and kindness are always in our minds.

THIS IS US!

Memories of times gone by –

Wishing they would still be little –

but cherishing times we spent together-

But knowing generations to come –

Will be able to LOOK back –

And know the love we had –

THIS IS US!

We are aging as healthy as we can –

living our dream –

and Living our lives one day at a time.

Healthy supplement for going on 20 years.

Maintaining our independence –

Today we continue on this path and family has followed us.

THIS IS US!

Sharing life –

exploring avenues and paths to our future.

Active – serving community.

THIS IS US!

Another sunrise on our life together –

now going on 43-plus years.

THIS IS US!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A look at life in the Carolinas!

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It is Christmas season – blue skies – white fluffy clouds – warm sunshine –

It’s where we wanted to be –

No snow – a little chilly until the sun is noon high –

No ice and a slight breeze.

We can also walk the beaches –

Robins are in the yards –

A lot of birds at the feeders.

Best of all –

I GAVE MY SNOW SHOVEL AWAY TO THE MOVERS FROM NVA!

Walking the beach with friends –

Long sleeves but shorts on –

A light jacket but sandals!

Later that day – GOLFING!

This is living in THE CAROLINAS!

When friends visit in October –

You walk the paths –

You see the colors of fall –

But – a lot of this GREEN is year-round!

Warm days are much like cool summer days back North.

We choose to live here near the border of N.C. and S.C.

Beaches – golf courses and shopping!

We can go to entertainment venues in Myrtle Beach or Wilmington!

LIVING IN THE CAROLINAS!

Our community is full of retirees-

Mostly from the North.

Some still work remotely from their homes.

We volunteer in many different ways.

From May to October –

You can find us at the beach –

THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES!

Other times it is the FOOD PANTRY.

The Coastal Living for the Elderly.

We gathered donations for WNC and the hurricane that devastated that area.

Living here has offered us many different ways to live in retirement.

This is some of the “WHY” we moved to the Carolinas.

A Christmas present from a close friend and neighbor Daine and Steve.

They actually still have a cottage on Rushford Lake in WNY-

Close to where we lived and raised the kids.

Now – they are here in the late fall and into late spring –

Then back to WNY –

They know all the places that we frequented when we lived there!

A small world as they live but three houses from us now.

We now live in the present –

Cherish each day as it passes and look forward to the coming day.

Our calendar is full – We like it that way.

Living as healthy as we can –

Aging healthy –

Living life one day at a time-

and Living LIFE to the plus each and every day!

A salute to you that read my blogs!

Writing positively –

Good vibes –

Life experience-

And for the family and future generations to come.

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Past – Present and into the Future!

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The PAST – Here we are with Pam and Bob on a kayak adventure off the marshes on the ICW –

at OIB – in N.C.

They were on a six-year RV excursion –

And each year would stop near us in an RV campground –

And we would spend a week –

doing exciting things – exploring the area

( they are interested in making this area a home base)

Bob and I grew up together in a little town called Eldred –

In the NW of Pa.

Here – we do shots of FIREBALL –

Which one of the groups had a whole bag of little bottles?

Standing on a sand bar at low tide –

Little crabs were all over the place.

We stopped once to get out and stretch our legs.

I believe we had 15 or 16 Kayaks!

It was a fun time that lasted about three hours.

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

This past Fall –

Bob and Pam once again traveled here –

We spent another week exploring-

Looking at different developments –

Before they went on to Fla. for their winter stay just outside the Villages.

Time will tell if they decide to pull the trigger and find a place to call a home base-

Or – continue with their present home in N.H.

A NEW LOOK AT THE PRESENT!

Sherry and I are on one of our ICW pontoon boat trips!

She had won a day on the water on a pontoon boat –

And we went with family and friends.

Here – I am steering the boat and Sherry is co-pilot.

Before we retired –

our roles were reversed.

I hated driving anything!

She would navigate us through the DC and NVA traffic!

Now – in retirement –

I do most of the driving and she takes care of mapping and directions –

Along with the GPS!

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

Today – we walk the beach when we can!

Together –

This has become our routine.

Our dream – our life together –

and often say to one another –

“WE LOVE OUR LIFE”!

A NEW LOOK AT THE PRESENT!

Cindy – Dottie and Sherry-

THE THREE AMIGOS!

Here are over forty years of friendships.

To this day, it is still going strong!

many trips –

all over the Country and overseas.

Friends that see each other often at each other’s houses!

Now – all of us live in N.C.

But in the past –

We all lived near each other on the border between PA and NYS!

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

Today – we still get together with them and Debbie –

meeting up and playing golf for long weekends.

Extending friendships for the present and into the future!

A NEW LOOK AT THE PRESENT!

Who is to say what the FUTURE HOLDS?

Our lives still revolve around those past and present friendships!

Where one walks –

The others are soon to follow!

This is not a SUNSET-

But a SUNRISE on what is to come in the future.

LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME-

and LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS!

Looking back to the PAST-

Living in the PRESENT-

And hope the FUTURE repeats from the PAST and PRESENT!

Thanks for reading –

and as always – HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Early December walking Sunset Beach!

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Good day everyone – we have a group of walkers that live in the neighborhood of Cameron Woods Community – and it differs each time we walk depending on the weather – and the activities each one has.

We usually meet somewhere at 9am. to walk – so far – it has been decent – 45 to 50 degrees out – sun and hardly any wind.

The beach is wide at low tide and Sunset Beach is flatter than OIB – making it easier to walk on.

This is Sunset Beach and in the far right corner – the tall building is Ocean Isle Beach – with a channel separating the two islands.

This morning’s walk was beside a calmer ocean – lots of sea shells and tracks of birds and footprints of previous walkers.

This is but one “WHY” we moved here to the border of S.C. and N.C. – any day we want can be a beach day!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – EARLY DECEMBER WALKING SUNSET BEACH!!!!!!

Papa’s World – Past remembered – memories.

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Here we are – Papa is on the left, and Sherry is next to him.

This year, we won the summer league group two championship in Volleyball!

1989 – and we had been playing for four or five years!

Sixteen teams in the summer league –

Playoffs and this trophy!

CO-ED – but – you had to be ready or you would get smashed in the face with a spike!

I think we played into the early 90s before hanging it up 43 years old –

to both of us taking up GOLF!

PASR REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

Sherry with her two sisters – Debbie and Bonnie-

Sherry is the oldest –

They were raised just outside Mount Jewett, Pa.

Bonnie still lives next door to where they were raised –

And Debbie lives about a mile from us in Cameron Woods Garden Homes!

PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

Here we are with decades and decades gone by with our friends!

Dottie – was not here but Jim was.

We all play or try to play golf.

We get together every four months.

PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

The cemetery outside of the little town where I grew up –

Eldred, Pa.

Here is where all my family is resting.

Both on the left side and the right side.

I will not be here as we have a place here in OIB-

PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

My youngest son Shawn and wife – Trisha.

They live back in NWPA-

Twice they have made that long trip South to visit.

PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

Taylor – Bode and Cassidy –

Back when we lived but a mile away.

In their kitchen –

They always wanted our JP COMPLETE CHOCOLATE healthy drink.

MORMOR – can you make us a drink they would say –

and even baby Bode loved it!

To this day when they visit –

CAN WE HAVE A CHOCOLATE DRINK? they ask!

PASR REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

This is the JP CONFERENCE held in Charlotte, N.C.

19 plus years we have been attending these workshops.

19 plus years we have attempted to age as healthy as we can with this product.

I have never missed a day and will continue as long as I can.

PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

Today I share PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

Papa’s World – happiness – kindness – believe in yourself!

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Change happens – embrace it and make it work.

This happens to me – so I word to associate the names!

Smile while passing people – exchange words and greetings – make a difference in your life and those you do not know.

Family is important – stay in touch – meet often.

Distance and life keep us apart – but love and hearts keep us close.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD