Papa’s World – “RETIREMENT” going really FAST!

The home we built to retire in – Brambleton, Va. – just behind the Dulles Airport!

It has been over twelve years for Sherry ( she retired early ) and ten years for me!

We had thought that we would retire in this community in Loudoun County –

But a few things happened.

Our youngest daughter and her family who lived a mile from us – MOVED – not far –

some 16 miles away – but you have to understand – we picked up the granddaughters

every day after school – and there were days we had Bode when he did not have pre-school.

We would walk to their home and they would ride bikes with their parents to our house.

Overnight stays were common – trips to the community pools –

We were involved daily and that changed.

You might say – Well we could drive there – but when you are a senior – TRAFFIC bothers you!

And NVA has traffic – and they are just crazy!

We did not like having to drive that distance after being able to walk to their home.

I know – that is selfish of us – and we loved their new home and they loved being in a single-family home with neighbor kids and country living!

Once there – it was so nice – and to be truthful – our neighborhood was what I call a –

“GARAGE DOOR NEIGHBORHOOD”

It goes up when they leave for work – closes and opens again

when they return and closes again.
that’s it!

Outside of a couple neighbors – we had no close friends – it was always in transition.

A beautiful place – a growing community – four High Schools and only one when we moved there.

Our home was beautiful – we walked the fifteen miles of trails daily.

I would sit daily in retirement on the front porch and see dozens of people walking or biking by –

But I knew none of them!

I spent my time grooming the yard – we planted flowers that came back each year –

I hand-dug and planted three Crepe Myrtles and three green-type trees that went straight up

by the fence – I had a wild strawberry patch that the twins would sit down and eat one by one.

Cassidy would tell me how soft the grass was on her bare feet and how cool it felt in the shade.

Living here in retirement was our goal when we built it – we watched as the neighborhood

grew and grew – expanding – schools being built –

a complete town was built with a bank – markets – stores – theater – library and multiple restaurants.

A fifteen-acre park with basketball courts – tennis courts – playgrounds at different sites –

a large pond and huge boulders with waterfalls.

Three community pools were opened.

A sports complex – ball fields soccer fields and cricket fields were submitted and the over 200-acre park with all this was completed after we left!

Brambleton was and is now a destination point for people who work in D.C.

And the Metro came after we moved!

The Washington Commander’s headquarters was five miles away.

We could have driven three miles – hopped on the Metro and went into D.C. or got off at the Dulles International Airport to fly out!

After a short one-half-hour drive we were in the famous “HORSE COUNTRY” of Middleburg –

Where Jackie Kennedy rode horses and Christopher Reeves fell and became Paralyzed.

Then the second reason happened in our retirement – the bottom fell out of the stock market –

The 401K dropped like a lead balloon – it burst!

We lost and we lost big time – 33% disappeared overnight!

We still had our pensions – small as they are – our lifeline Social Security –

which after 79 1/2 years between us we paid into instead of wages and benefits – AND EARNED!

And we had Sherry’s home-based business going on 19 years –

with a monthly income – The Juice Plus Company has been very good for us!

We could survive but it was very expensive – where we lived –

the highest per income in the country!

BUT – the housing market took off and we gained what we lost in the 401K back in the house.

TIME TO SELL AND MOVE!

We would leave our families – but only be a seven-hour drive away –

and go to warmer weather!

The area we had always liked was the area of Wilmington, N.C.

and South of that!

I started to google and found a condo in Ocean Keyes , North Myrtle Beach – S.C.

That would give us time to research and find a place to live!

This was the two reasons we decided to sell and move South – leaving family and friends.

Our journey into retirement had its dreams and pitfalls – but we found our end of the rainbow-

I hope this gives inspiration to those who go into retirement and have to make changes.

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

THE YEARS OF RETIREMENT HAVE GONE BY REALLY FAST!

PAPA’S WORLD – RETIREMENT – GOING REALLY FAST!

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – OCEAN ISLE BEACH – NORTH CAROLINA!

Papa’s World – Our “FOREVER” house in Brambleton!

Our “FOREVER” house in Brambleton, Va. sits on a corner lot – with 3200 SF. on two levels!

This was the second home we had built –

and we thought would be the home we would stay retired in!

After retirement – I spent many a morning sitting here on the front porch until the afternoon hot sun moved me onto the patio.

It was from here that Sherry and I took our first of 10,000 daily steps.

When we finally moved out in 2020 – there were over FIFTHTEEN MILES of walking trails!

We could walk all week and never walk twice on one trail!

We planted all that you see to come back each year.

We put in three Crepe Myrtles – and I mowed and trimmed this by myself after my heart attack!

Here is the side and rear of the horse shoe-shaped house –

the middle was the enclosed courtyard – we had slate put down –

and this area was four hundred and forty square feet.

No one could see in and there were two entrances from the house.

We had two tower gardens here and a BBQ and table and chairs.

Also a glider and two comfy chairs!

The enclosed patio with slate floor – this would be in the shade almost the entire day from the trees planted by the developer.

The gate opened up on the side yard where we had yearly wild strawberries growing!

The twin girls would sit out there and pick and eat!

I really miss this and Sherry chose to sit here instead of on the front porch!

The view looking back from the fence to the kitchen door straight ahead and to the right –

the door which we did not use – leading into the family room.

You could find shade out here all day long!

The door out to the patio off the kitchen – we had granite everywhere.

Many grandkids sat here to snack or craft!

Where the lights hang down – I put them in – is the breakfast table.

There were 34 windows in total in the entire house!

We ate most of our meals here but we also had a formal dining room!

Beyond the hanging lights is the family room with a fireplace.

Many winter days I sat by the warm fireplace.

The family room – to the right is the entrance to the side patio which I put in -not the door but the

patio itself. We also had a Tower Garden here on this side of the house which got the morning sun!

The fireplace and chair that I sat in winter time!

Looking at the breakfast table and the kitchen – beyond is the staircase and the way to the second floor.

We sold over 95 % of the furnishings to the people who purchased the house!

The wood floors were all Bamboo!

Another view of the family room – my watching TV spot was to the far right of the leather couch!

You could sit five here and have room – all the little ones could sit here with us to watch a movie!

The front door and beyond the front porch where I would sit and say hello to the walkers

and bikes going by each day.

To the left is the formal living room – all windows on two sides –

one to the front porch and the other looking out over the enclosed patio.

We would open Christmas packages sometimes here with the families!

The dining room had large double windows looking out toward the street –

and many family dinner were held there, a lot of memories over the fourteen and one-half years!

This is the landing at the top of the stairs – it is here that Sherry had her office which you see on the left.

There also was a TV up here – and three bedrooms and two bathrooms

and a sitting room off the Master that we put a single bed in that was Ella’s when she came to visit.

Maddy had her own room – Sarah could have had her own room but wanted to sleep on a made-up floor bed-

In our room – and when all three little ones came to visit – they also had made-up beds on the master’s floor!

This was supposed to be the “FOREVER” home we would spend retirement in.

Then came the PANDEMIC in 2020 – we were without family ties – restricted –

and to top that off – our 401K took a 33% hit in the downturn – our retirement was being wiped out!

We still had S.S. and some pensions and her Juice Plus monthly income –

But – Loudoun County – which has the highest per-capital income in the USA –

was becoming not affordable to live in with the high cost of taxes and cost of living there!

Then the bright side of all this – the housing market took off – the price of our house was high –

After much discussion – we decided it was time to SELL – and leave our “FOREVER” home!

Selling and moving South to the border of N.C and S.C. – sun – fun and beach and golf time!

We were in and we sold our home – and most of the furniture – made dozens of trips

to the Salvation Army – yard sales and curb-side free to anyone who wanted it!

We downsides to 1900 SF. and now reside in Cameron Woods, OIB. in North Carolina near the border of S.C.

Near the beaches and year-round golf!

Our home here has become most likely our “LAST home.

We enjoyed the fourteen and one-half years in our “FOREVER” home-

but now are comfortable here with new friends and neighbors.

I hope you enjoyed the look back on our life in NVA.

Never to be forgotten –

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

OUR “FOREVER” HOME IN BRAMBLETON, VA.

Papa’s World – After all those years – dreams – the good life!

Oh – okay – it is not that bad! LOL! But a little humor is needed in day-by-day life!

In raising our family – to us, vacation meant “BEACH” – Sun – Sand and Ocean!

I always said while at the beach – “I WANT TO RETIRE AND SELL HOTDOGS ON THE BEACH”!

Well – we retired – all be it in NVA – and that was going to be it – UNTIL ——

Our lifeline was slipping away after the 401K took a hit – over 30% DOWN.

The UPSIDE – the housing market took off – real estate was booming –

IT WAS TIME TO LIST AND SELL OUR DREAM RETIREMENT HOUSE –

and move out of the costly NVA-Loundon County area.

SO WE SOLD – moved in with family for four months –

And then loaded up and went South – to S.C.

To be exact – North Myrtle Beach – and started a search just where we wanted to settle down!

But – the big BUT – in our price range we could not find anything that did not require updating!

In giving – unexpected returns come back – by chance – we stumbled into a new development –

We have always shared what we have – volunteering our services –

Giving what we can – not expecting anything in return –

But – this opportunity came to us – a woman that day had asked for a return of her deposit –

on a lot eight miles from the border of N.C. and S.C. – in Cameron Woods Community –

Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

As soon as Sherry walked into the model – she loved it – and as soon as we visited the lot –

We put a deposit on it – we had found our new home to be built –

And it was going to cost us less than if we were to buy one already built!

We now had that dream I had of beach living without the hotdogs – being close to two beaches –

and our other dream was to be able to golf – at reasonable prices!

We could purchase what is called FIRST TEE CARDS –

Which give reduce rates on over 50 courses –

a majority of them within 15 to 30 minutes of where we were to build!

This is our story on how we got here – call it luck – good fortune – I call it BLESSED!

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

PAPA’s WORLD – AFTER ALL THOSEYEARS – DREAMS – THE GOOD LIFE!

Papa’s World – just another day – be happy !

A GOOD DAY TO YOU ALL

Retirement can cause this –

“IT’S JUST ANOTHER DAY “

COFFEE

BUT – mine ALWAYS starts this way ” COFFEE ” !

Yes – that is me !

First thing I do is make that cup –

Usually with a flavored taste to it !

I AM FREE

My phone for the most part – stays in my pants pocket !

I mostly only use it for two things !

First one – ” TO ANSWER IT “

And that comes in a form of a text from my wife !

Second one – ” TO TAKE A PICTURE “

You see I really do not like my phone –

When it rings –

There is this happy – cheery voice –

THAT IS RECORDED !

Yes – you can !

And then that voice continues on with some nonsense –

I have learned to hit the turn off button rather quickly !

Last day of the week

To be honest though –

They all run together –

It use to be – “HURRY UP WEEKEND ” !

Now – it is “MAKE SURE I DO NOT FALL “

When trying to do this ! LOL

YEAH YOU KNOW

And as these days seem to all run together –

So does bed time –

The yawning starts around 8:00 PM.

Be honest now –

Then you start thinking –

What can I dream about to make me fall asleep ! LOL

Turn the AC a little bit colder

Warm blanket –

YEP – 9:00 PM. is the new MIDNIGHT !

Then you realize the weekend is gone –

Monday is here –

Unless you did SOMETHING over the weekend-

It all seems the same !

And even in retirement –

The most important thing you can remember –

“ONE DAY WE WILL DIE SNOOPY “

” YES – BUT EVERY OTHER DAY WE WILL LIVE “

THE AUTUMN OF OUR LIVES

Today is just another day –

Today – as in retirement –

Is a day in my life –

My hope is that each and every day –

I share a little part of it –

Thank you for reading Papa’s World –

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

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

For my email fitztdf@aol.com

FOR HEALTH

Sherry – certified Health Coach
http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

Her email ssherrylynn49@aol.com

Welcome to PAPA’S WORLD –

thanks for reading

Papa’s World – Life in the Carolinas!

Tough choice – made easier by the drop back in 2020 for our 401K –

but also the increase in the value of the housing market!

We decided to sell – our daughter and family had moved – not far away – about thirty minutes on a good day of traffic!

But – before they were a mile away – we would pick up the little ones from school and have the youngest sometimes also.

It was an easy walk to their home and we spent a lot of time with them.

But it was the 401K – losing 30 plus % – yet the house gained more than that!

Another door had opened – an adventure awaited – we disclosed our plans – and we said we would be within an easy days drive

6 to 8 hours – but someplace warm and near a beach!

We also wanted to golf – for far less expensive than it was in NVA!

After a couple months of searching – we found our beaches – Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach – one four miles and the other six miles away – we wanted to stay on the mainland – and not in a flood zone – we found Cameron Woods Community.

We built our home – six to eight hours from our NVA families – they have come to visit numerous times and we have been back the same.

We live right across the street from four 18-hole golf courses and are within 30 minutes of another twenty-five!

We have new friends and neighbors – and are close to dear friends we have had for 35 years.

Our life had changed – we went through that door – it was not easy –

now we are in the twilight of our years – but every day brings new adventures and experiences.

A new day begins – another day to explore and live the Carolina life – thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – OUR LIFE!

PAPA’S WORLD my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com OUR CAROLINA LIFE!

Papa's World -my memory lane – my soul – my life.

I am nearing the last part of my life

and I find it reasonable to just say no

to injustice – to unreal expectations

and yes

to to my integrity

my convictions

and my thoughts.

And I choose not become involved in a senseless argument

I select people who are like minded

I listen – I think –

and I make my intentions known

only when asked to do so.

I AM ME !

I am the one to the left

I am the one who thinks ahead

I am the one who organizes

I am the one who cares

I AM ME!

I am enjoying what time I have left

I am a planner

I look forward

and share my memories

I am much like a tree

I AM ME!

I see funny things

I smile with my thoughts

I shed private tears

I try to be good

I try to share

I TRY TO BE ME!

I AM ME !

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

my site

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog