Papa’s World – Fun times in pictures!

October 21, 2025June 11, 2025 / Tom / Leave a comment

Above – H.S. and Grade School buddy – Bob.

Pam is his wife, Sherry, and Diane is our neighbor.

They stopped by for a visit on their way North to N.H.

We see them at least once a year.

Here we are at INLET VIEW – for lunch/dinner!

FUN TIMES IN A PICTURE!

We were neighbors in Portville, New York, from the mid-80s to the mid-90s.

Cindy and Buck!

They sold their longtime home and moved to Wilmington, N.C.

Eventually, building homes in Magnoilia Greens, Leland, NC.

We stayed in touch and have traveled the world with them on vacations.

Today, we live about 38 miles from them-

and still get together.

This was taken at OIB FISH COMPANY on the ocean side of the causeway to OIB.

FUN TIMES IN A PICTURE!

A group of longtime friends.

On our way to Shakleford Island to see the wild horses.

I have known one couple – Jim and Dottie – in the middle –

Since before Sherry and I were married-

All three of us grew up in Eldred.

Craig and Debbie, we met through Jim and Dottie –

And Craig, seated next to Debbie on the left of the picture-

Grew up in Sheffield, Pa.-

Close to where Sherry was raised in Mount Jewett.

FUN TIMES IN A PICTURE!

We all travel –

and stay,

and play golf together.

And this is so true to all our games! LOL!

Troy and Shawn –

My two sons-

They still live back in Pa., where they were raised.

They have both been to visit us at OIB.

Looking forward to them coming again.

FUN TIMES IN A PICTURE!

Three couples who knew each other in the NVA!

Today, they live near us in OIB, NC.

The lasting friendships have now made their way to N.C.

Jim – Papa – Sherry – Ginger – Jason and Claudia.

FUN TIMES IN A PICTURE!

April and Brian, her husband-

Sherry and I worked with Brian back in Olean at Dal-Tile.

We left in 1999 and transferred to NVA.

The Olean plant closed in 2012, and Brian transferred to the Gettysburg plant.

We have seen them in our area and gotten together with them.

Soon, they will be retired and moving somewhere to a warmer climate.

FUN TIMES IN PICTURES!

When family visits –

Debby, Sarah, Ella, and Sherry.

I like to take them to visit “FAT HAROLDS” in North Myrtle Beach.

For almost 80 years –

The dance called “THE SHAG” has been the rage on the Carolina coast.

And “FAT HAROLDS” is in the center of it all.

Walk through the JUKEBOX door into the world of dancing.

North Myrtle Beach is the “SHAG CAPITAL” of the world.

FUN TIMES IN PICTURES!

Thanks to all of you who read my blogs-

FAMILY – FRIENDS and where we live in Cameron Woods Community-

Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

For over twenty years –

AGING AS HEALTHY AS WE CAN!

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Friendship memories!

July 8, 2025February 17, 2025 / Tom / Leave a comment

Reflections on the “WALL” in D.C. –

Paul – Sherry and Jo –

Paul graduated from the same H.S. that Sherry did –

And Jo graduated from the same H.S. I did.

We have visited their home in Tuscon –

and they visited our home in Brambleton, Va.

Here we are on one of our trips into D.C.-

We spent days walking the city.

Sherry and Jo to her left in front of the famous unfinished statue of great women.

It is unfinished until we have a woman President.

Great friends whom we visit when we can and they in return visit us.

FRIENDSHIP MEMORIES!

Jo – Sherry and Paul – “REFLECTIONS”!

Bob – Papa – Pam and Sherry.

This friendship goes back to grade school with Bob and Myself.

We played sports together – and stayed at each other’s houses.

Drank beer together – roamed the streets of Eldred after curfew.

Today, they stopped in for a week while they were RVING –

across the country.

FRIENDSHIP MEMORIES!

Jimmy – grew up in the same town as I did.

We played softball together –

He worked at the TILE PLANT the same as I did.

We both transferred to the South in the same company.

He to Va. Beach and me to NVA.

Dottie – taking the picture – married to Jim –

I attended their wedding before I met Sherry –

Also, Cindy was friends with Dottie and –

later we moved and became neighbors with her.

Sherry – Buck and Cindy – married – and Dottie –

Our longest and closest friends.

Blessed to have them in our lives.

We have traveled the World with Buck and Cindy.

FRIENDSHIP MEMORIES!

Our new friends we have met here-

in Cameron Woods Community.

Daine – Marcea – Bill – Ken – Mary Lou and Sherry.

We have been fortunate to meet people in this new location.

FRIENDSHIP MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – More memories – friends!

July 7, 2025February 16, 2025 / Tom / Leave a comment

amily

In what I believe to be Carolina Beach –

near Wilmington, N.C. –

Is a Buffalo Bills bar and grill called –

“THE LAZY PIRATE”!

We have a couple times gone there –

with our close friends –

The McBrides and The Browns.

All of us were BILLS fans before we moved to N.C.

The McBrides – we were neighbors back in WNY.

They moved first just outside Leland –

to Magnolia Greens

We often came down for visits –

and have traveled the World with them.

In this picture –

is Cindy and Jim Brown –

and behind them are –

Sherry and Dottie Brown.

The Browns – are from the town I grew up in –

Eldred, Pa.

I have known them since before-

Sherry and I were married.

All three couples try to get together-

3 or 4 times a year at each other’s homes.

Jim and Sherry –

watching the game at the Lazy Pirate.

This is a true BILLS MAFIA bar!

People gathering

and singing BILLS MAKE YOU WANT TO SHOUT!

And of course whenever we meet up –

GOLFING IS INVOLVED!

GALS vs GUYS!

Years and years of friendships –

Years and years of golfing!

MORE MEMORIES – FRIENDS!

PAPA’S WORLD-

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

May 29, 2025January 11, 2025 / Tom / Leave a comment

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 look back – thoughts and words!

May 13, 2025December 27, 2024 / 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!

May 12, 2025December 26, 2024 / 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!

May 10, 2025May 10, 2025 / 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 – Over 3/4 of a Century!

May 7, 2025December 22, 2024 / 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 – Happenings over the years!

May 2, 2025December 17, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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 – Our lifestyle in N.C.!

April 30, 2025December 16, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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 – Past – Present and into the Future!

April 26, 2025December 12, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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 – Past remembered – memories.

April 24, 2025December 11, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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 – Looking back – formed memories!

April 20, 2025December 9, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Here we are back in NVA –

Celebrating our 40th anniversary with family!

We are now nearly three years past this photo-

But are “LOOKING BACK – FORMED MEMORY”!

A few years ago –

celebrating Saint Patrick’s day in North Myrtle Beach –

with oldest granddaughter Maddy!

And that day she had her favorite fried dill pickles!

Here we are “BUT LOOKING BACK – FORMED MEMORIES”!

A day off the ICW in the marshes –

Sherry and I booked a trip, taking my longtime friend Bob and his wife Pam.

NOTE: take separate Kayaks –

as two people cannot steer at the same time!! LOL

HERE WE ARE ‘LOOKING BACK – FORMED MEMORIES”!

To be honest – if you use both of our hands –

We still cannot count those who have made our lives better!

The girl I fell in love with –

Here is Sherry during our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic-

In June – 1982!

HERE WE ARE “LOOKING BACK-FORMED MEMORIES”!

My mother is on the far left, and her parents, Nora and David Aiken, are in the center.

Then the rest of her brothers and sisters!

My grandfather died before I was born in 1949 –

But I have as a middle name – HIS!

HERE WE ARE “LOOKING BACK_FORMED MEMORIES”!

Walking the streets of Washington, D.C.-

With granddaughter Taylor and grandson Bode –

Sherry is in the middle.

HERE WE ARE “LOOKING BACK – FORMING MEMORIES”!

Cindy – Dottie and Sherry –

over four decades of friendships.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

HERE WE ARE “LOOKING BACK – FORMED MEMORIES”

Papa’s World – Years gone past!

April 17, 2025August 13, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Maddy – her first day on the bus for her first day of school!

Now – 23 years old and working as a Geologist-Scientist for a national environmental firm.

How this has changed in the years following!

The team I was part of for the protection of Sea Turtles – we sat this nest from 7pm. to 11pm.

each night until it hatched!

This was our first year – Sherry was on a previous nest.

My friend of many years – Buck and I at the COMEDY bus waiting for it to leave on our tour.

On a trip to Ashville, N.C.

Three oldest granddaughters – Ella – Maddy and Sarah during their vacation in Cameron Woods to see us.

My golfing buddies and friends for years and years – Buck and Jimmy!

The twins when they were young – playing hide and seek with me!

A memory from long ago!

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

Papa’s World – 1982 – the year we were married – YEARS GONE PAST!

Papa’s World – First visit to Captain Archies with friends!

April 14, 2025November 26, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We have seen this bar and grill every time we cross the Little River Bridge over the ICW into North Myrtle Beach – wondering what it was like – always seemed packed – we found out with friends!

MY LITTLE SMILE FOR THE DAY!

We had heard good things – music – drinks – happy hour and food!

There are boat slips here along with a marina – and all types of boat traffic on the ICW!

View of the slips and marina and the causeway bridge we travel over on our way to NMB!

Pam – Sherry – Papa and Bob – my grade-school – Jr. High and H.S. buddy from Eldred, Pa.

They were in a campground a couple miles from our home for almost two weeks –

we did a lot with them and this was our last night get-together.

This is only one half of Captain Archies – our food was very good and happy hour drink prices!

Pam and Sherry – we sat outside in the sun with views of the Marina and the bridge.

Palm trees – boats – great company – sorry to see them go – we played golf three times!

Bobby and Pam – we talked of maybe again in the Spring when they leave Florida!

Pam in oversized CAPTAIN ARCHIE CHAIR – fun times and lots of laughs!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – FIRST TIME VISITING CAPTAIN ARCHIES WITH FRIENDS – WE WILL GO BACK!

Papa’s World – Good thoughts – funny humor!

March 23, 2025November 22, 2024 / Tom / 2 Comments

Belief in yourself is your “WHY” for a better life and feeling!

Confident – loving – happy – caring –

All can be free to yourself.

Feel the moment – engage your life – be you!!!!

Greet the day as the first day of your positive life!

I find that I read to keep my news fresh-

I can tell if it is going to be positive or not!

I CHOOSE POSITIVE in my life.

I also live my life one day at a time.

I keep a calendar –

I write things down to remember –

and I write POSITIVE FAMILY – FRIENDS BLOGS!

We enjoy getting together with long-time friends –

golfing is a way of relaxing for all of us!

Friendships are important in our life together –

as it also is with family!

FAMILY from Pa. –

Back where we were married 42 plus years ago.

Family from back in NVA-

Where in 2020 –

we made our move to OIB in N.C.

Family from NVA –

My good thoughts to all the family!

Something to make you smile and has a little bit of truth! LOL!

Thanks for reading – here is a good thought and a smile for me!

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – High School buddy – golfing!

February 3, 2025October 13, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Is it rare that you remain friends for over 60 years?

Grade school and then H.S. and beyond!

Bobby and I go back a lot of years –

But we lived far apart –

and in the main part of all those years-

seldom saw each other except for HS reunions!

Then – six years ago that changed.

He and his wife became RV’ers –

Traveling became a way of life –

and they would stop once a year –

and we would rehash old times –

and catch each other up on our lives.

It has only been the last four years or so –

that we started golfing together!

The four of us would go out –

once during their visits –

and then Bob and I would play another round.

We had played golf together back in our HS years.

Now – we look forward to just relaxing-

and talking on the course!

Here we are on the JONES course-

in Sea Trails –

just a few miles from our home.

The entire Sea Trails-

which has three eighteen-hole courses-

Is undergoing extensive renovations!

They have shut down the BYRD Course –

and remake the whole thing!

After that is done-

they will start the next one!

New homes –

and lots of condos going in!

Along with a convention center( already renovated)

and a large hotel and a tiered driving range.

They are making this a destination –

And will be a major attraction-

in the Myrtle Beach area!

Abundant wildlife –

The starter said –

“IF YOU THINK YOU SEE A GATOR – IT MOST LIKELY IS”!

This bad boy was by the cart path and I snapped a picture of it!

Old grade school and High School friends –

many – many years –

getting together to play golf –

Keeping that friendship alive!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

HIGH SCHOOL BUDDY – GOLFING!

Papa’s World – Extended friends long weekend!

January 11, 2025September 26, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

FRIENDS – for decades –

getting together – playing golf – bantering –

and just generally enjoying each other’s company.

SIX of us are from WNY and NWPA –

all living within miles of each other –

three of us grew up in the same little town.

Four of us became friends in Va. Beach –

and now six of us all live in N.C.

Always it seems smiling –

But ready to put the dagger in on the golf course! LOL

They barter for “STROKES” and then beat us!

I keep telling JIMMY – NO STROKES!

But – this barter is all part of the fun-filled golfing for two days!

Warm weather, white clouds,

and good friends make for a fun weekend!

FRIENDS FOR AN EXTENDED WEEKEND GOLFING TRIP IN EDENTON, N.C.

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – EXTENDED WEEKEND OF GOLFING WITH FRIENDS!

Papa’s World – A year in review!

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 / Tom / Leave a comment

Tayor and Cassidy – first day of school – I believe first grade!

And in 2024 –

their first day of school is the 8th. grade – 14 years old!

Notice how Cassidy is slowly catching up to Taylor who is 5’8″!!!!

They are growing up way too fast.

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

This was our second full year volunteering for Sea Turtle Protection –

N.C. WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION – PERMIT – ST2402!

It was a mixed bag for us in 2024-

First I had two implants for my front teeth –

and then Sherry had one.

Then we think during golfing – she strained her L1 vertebrae resulting in a fracture.

This was followed by a blockage in the small intestine –

Then we both caught COVID!

This all limited us in our beach walking and nest sitting for 2024!

But we still did duties

and look forward to next this new year.

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

Finally –

after all the Pandemic years –

We were able to get the family all together-

for a beach vacation!

And we were able to celebrate both of ur 75th. birthdays!

Family Beach Vacation – 2024!

What a wonderful time –

renting two golf carts –

the grandkids loved that!

The older three drove them –

Being together once again –

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

My sons and their families.

While the oldest-

was not able to visit during 2024-

My youngest did!

Trisha and Shawn –

Hoping this year they all can make it down from NWPA!

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

Once again my grade school buddy-

and his wife paid us a visit.

This has become an annual visit for the last five or six years.

Bob and Pam –

who now tour the country as RVING –

Spending time on both coasts –

and in the South.

Life on the road – camping –

and warm weather either-

in Phoenix or The Villages in Florida –

Or summers in Maine and New Hampshire!

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

We have now enjoyed our new home for three-plus years.

As the sun rises on year number four –

We are happily living our dream –

of beach life and golf.

Shopping and exploring the area.

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

Our life still consists of old friends-

who have been a part of it for years!

Jim and Dottie – Cindy and Buck –

from back in NWPA and WNY.

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

Still friends for all these years!

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

I hope you enjoyed reading this –

as much as I do in remembering these events for 2024.

Here is to a new year – out with the old – in with the latest.

PAPA’S WORLD:

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – New Year’s Eve!

December 31, 2024September 16, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

As the last day of 2024 – draws near –

looking back on the past 12 months!

Sherry and I explore as much as we can.

We also volunteer –

and try to walk every day.

The outdoors is our world –

Our home is our dream.

Volunteering for the Protection of Sea Turtles –

N.C. Wildlife Resources – Permit ST2402.

Celebrating both our 75th. birthdays!

We see long-time friends-

and 2024 was no different.

Friends – both here and now and a long time.

Friends and family – 2024 – a year to remember.

It has been a blessed 2024 –

Family – celebrated our life together.

Finally – we all got together for a beach vacation-

cut short by the pandemic.

As we come to the end of 2024 –

it is time to reflect on the many blessings we share.

Our life here in the South has changed –

We golf –

walk the beach –

hop and look for entertainment.

We are tour guides-

for family and friends.

May we bring a positive outlook into the New Year.

Blessings – hope and kindness.

Love – peace and sharing.

Saying goodbye to the old –

and looking to the New Year –

From Sherry and myself – thanks for the memories –

Looking forward to a new year –

and new adventures.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – A YEAR IN REVIEW – celebrating another year and New Year’s Eve!

Papa’s World – A home with memories!

December 18, 2024September 5, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Before we even moved into our new home –

we purchased a SOLO STOVE fire pit!

Now – it is mostly for family and friends –

as I am not that much of a campfire person.

Growing up I experienced all of that –

But this fire pit is a little special.

Once you get it going –

it seems to be smokeless!

Unless you burn lumber scraps that have chemicals –

I learned not to do that!

I put in the four cement blocks-

in the middle of the back patio.

The family when they come like it –

and many s’mores are done here!

SOLO STOVE – if you are going this route –

I recommend this one!

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

LOL – THAT IS ME!!!!!!!

Marley –

belongs to the family Krohn in Leesburg, Va.

Such a gentle girl –

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

We consider her part of the family.

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

Stepping outside at dusk –

a view East from Cameron Woods Community!

If you look at a coastline map –

you will see from Charleston, S.C. –

To Wilmington, N.C. –

There is a coastline curve –

almost like a quarter moon –

This is unique-

in that, our beaches face SOUTH!

Our house sits North in the front –

and South in the back

The sun goes almost directly over the house giving our front porch –

almost full shade most of the day!

One of the reasons we came to this lot

in the early afternoon –

and saw that we would have shade-

in the front all day!

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

Sherry –

while volunteering as a nesting parent –

ST2402 – NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION PERMIT!

We volunteer to do this-

and also walk the East End Of OIB!

Looking for where a Sea Turtle has come ashore –

and made a nest.

This keeps us busy the whole summer months.

Did you know –

for every 1000 baby Sea Turtles that hatch –

ONLY ONE MAKES IT TO ADULTHOOD!

Today there are human footprints in trash –

predators in fox – birds – crabs – fish –

It is a wonder any make it at all!

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

We try to golf when we can –

with or without friends.

Living in this temperature allows us to golf year-round.

Buying the first tee card-

gives us a discount.

One of the reasons we selected this area to live in.

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

Bob and Pam –

his wife and my grade school friend –

once a year on their RV trips –

they stop in-

and see us for a week or so,

All these years-

and still good buddies!

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

Andrea and my son Troy-

when they visited.

They are trying to come back next summer.

Looking forward to seeing them.

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’sWorld – Golfing with friends!

November 16, 2024August 18, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

A good day at golf – friends – Priceless!

We moved here from NVA – but before that –

We lived in WNY and our neighbors were Cindy and Buck.

Then, they moved to Wilmington, N.C. for jobs.

and eventually to Leland, N.C., and Magnolia Greens!

This is a 27-hole golf course and my personal view –

One of the best courses we have played in N.C.

We try to get together once or twice a month to play.

Usually – we host dinner or they do or we just go out!

Every four or five months we get together with our other best friends –

And we play Gal vs. Guys – and a fourth couple joins us.

A lot of kidding around – bantering back and forth-

How many strokes are we giving them?

Well – we give them three strokes a side –

and sometimes they beat us by a couple strokes –

or we beat them by one stroke or a tie!

We live in the middle of about 30 golf courses and our friends –

Jim and Dorothy live on a golf course in Edenton, N.C.

About 3 1/2 hours away.

We visit each other every four months or so.

We have been friends ever since Sherry and I were married on 6-25-1982.
I played softball with Jimmy before that.

Other times Sherry and I go out by ourselves playing nine holes.

So many courses here and we get the “LOCALS RATE”!

We have 12 good months of golfing weather –

Winter it warms up by 11:00 am. and we can go.

On other days we watch for warmer weather and book tee times.

The Butterfly effect for me is –

Once during the round –

hitting that perfect shot and then it is “I WANT TO DO THIS MORE OFTEN”!

Until that next time –

“GOLFING WITH FRIENDS” a blog in PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Old-time Friends and Family!

October 3, 2024July 13, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Here I am – mid 70’s –

And looking in the mirror – seeing all the past – present and hoping the future holds more!

I see family vacations and remember that this now is what we did when we were younger-

with parents and older family members-

Beach vacations with young grandkids –

who now are the parents of our grandkids!

These same friends of today –

were our young friends of yesterday!

Going on 40 plus years for some and 37 years for others-

We have maintained that friendship and now –

our children and theirs have children.

The past does seem to repeat itself!

Our grandchildren of today –

It was only yesterday so it seems that we had a similar picture taken!

This is that picture taken so many years ago –

Life goes by –

but hearts remain the same –

PEACE – LOVE and HAPPINESS!

Today our dream of beach life –

Sun – Sand and Surf –

has been realized here on the mainland of Ocean Isle Beach.

Where once again – old friends and family gather –

to live on and share dreams.

Old friends from WNY 30-plus years ago –

Standing in the Sunset of our lives –

sharing our dreams while living their own many miles away!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Times with friends and family!

September 24, 2024July 3, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

The family arrived –

all except Maddy and Ella who came a few days later.

Here – we are in our community pool at Cameron Woods Community.

We would the next day move into the beach house we rented on OIB.

But – for this one day –

it was relaxing after a day of driving to get here –

and – we had the entire pool to ourselves!

The water was lukewarm but refreshing –

and later at the Ocean – it was warmer!

This was our first family vacation since before the Pandemic.

It also was to celebrate both Sherry and me turning 75 –

and our wedding anniversary of 42 years.

Being all together brings back so many fond memories of past vacations.

TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

We have all been friends for years and years-

often getting together every 4 to 6 months-

At each other’s house for long weekends –

and playing golf.

Seeing movies – singing Karaoke –

just having Friends time together.

Now – we are all retired –

living our lives out in different parts of N.C.

Friendships that go way back for years –

PRICELESS!

TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

It has been a long journey of 42-plus years –

but really –

how did that go by so fast!!!!!

We have given –

but we have received so much more from Family and Friends!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Papa’s World – thoughts – humor – kindness!

September 10, 2024June 21, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

This is Sherry and I am very proud of her –

always thinking of kind deeds and helping people!

She volunteers – time –

and resources

and asks for nothing in return.

Helping people and giving what we can –

“ALLOW KINDNESS TO SPREAD”!

Both of us love to golf –

and when we can – with friends -sometimes just ourselves!

It is always a risk-reward –

it is that one shot you can remember that brings us back!

In golf – I think you have to have humor –

because it can and does humble you!

When a bad shot or putt occurs –

just think there is always the next one to make you smile!

To us and our “WHY” of life –

Giving what we can and not expecting any returns!

Expressing “GOOD THOUGHTS” daily –

Living is a code to us in that we try as much as we can to make life easy for those in need!

“GOOD THOUGHTS” daily are my way to maintain a perspective in this time of anxiety!

Today I share I share GOOD THOUGHTS – HUMOR and KINDNESS –

being with friends is PRICELESS!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – THOUGHTS – HUMOR and KINDNESS!

Papa’s World – A host of friends and family memories!

September 8, 2024June 20, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Family and friends have always been very important to us as we live our lives.

New neighbors bring new friends – Diane and Steve who is driving their boat here on the ICW –

small world as they have a cottage in WNY near where we lived before we transferred to NVA!

They now live three houses away from us!

I am so lucky – in our home-based business – we travel to conferences every six months or so –

I am just about the only man who attends from our team –

But I do not mind! LOL

Maintain a sense of humor – laughing – smiling and looking for positives!

TEAM GENERATIONS started with a mother and two daughters – here is one – Debby – a toast to everyone

on their team!

Attending the awards for JP at the Eltons – Debby – Papa and Sherry.

Three couples – golfing – friends for years and years – life is good! Living life to the plus one day at a time.

New friends that we have because we moved to Cameron Woods Community –

Marcea – Bill – Diane and Papa.

Good times – get together – loving life in our new community.

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

A HOST OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS MEMORIES!!!!! PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – Golfing “THE MAPLES” at Sea Trails!

September 5, 2024June 17, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We have what is called in golfing circles – “THE FIRST TEE” card –

If you purchase around Christmas time – you save $10.00 and get it for $90.00 each!

This card has 52 courses in and around our area and some a few hour’s drive away!

It requires you to make tee times within a 48-hour time frame before the day and tee slot!

You just call the number of the course – and usually, you can not make a tee time before noon.

When calling I ask for a tee time after 1:00 PM. and tell them I have THE FIRST TEE card.

In the four years we have purchased the card – we have never been told “NO”!

Here we are playing a scramble – Buck – Cindy and Papa –

Sherry because of the compressed fracture of an L1 vertebra –

is the designated driver for Cindy.

This is Sea Trails and is “THE MAPLES” course – one of three 18-hole courses here.

We are in the middle of the fairway after my drive and taking our second shot at the green!

We made the gree but three putted! LOL

So – WHY the first Tee Card?

Because it supports young golfers all over the country in learning to play golf-

and helps them out in paying for the game itself!

With that being said – it also gives us – who have the card – a reduced rate on the fee of the course!

Here Cindy is taking the second shot to the green after her drive to this spot!

The reduced fee – we have come to price out – after four or five courses –

has saved enough money to pay for the card!

So it is beneficial to both us and the young golfers it helps out!

And the course gains players that might not golf there –

usually at that time in the afternoon – being hot – players are not playing!

Here is my drive off the tee on an extreme dogleg left – Cindy prepares to hit across the pond –

She did not make it – I was lucky I hit my drive to here –

but this shot is what I call “Will I make it across and to the green”!

Her shot came up short although Buck did get across but was far left!

I think it was 150 to carry the green!

Now it was my turn – I did not know how this would come out as I almost never do! LOL

But – I made it to the right apron of the green –

So we lay there in two and parred the hole!

Sea Trails is undergoing major upgrades – and has shut one course down –

hoping to reopen in September and then upgrade to another course.

Millions of dollars are being spent – new clubhouses –

Codos being built – a hotel – a multi-story driving range –

They have said this will rival Pinehurst in the future.

It is a huge area – and construction is everywhere.

We have golfed multiple times here on the three courses and look forward to the upgrades!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – GOLFING “THE MAPLES AT SEA TRAILS” with the FIRST TEE!

Papa’s World – LIFE IN GENERAL!

August 11, 2024May 29, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Here we are – 42 years later plus a few months – living in the South – both born and raised in Pa.

Although we lived a mere 40 miles from each other in the rural countryside – we never met.

Sherry did know one of my classmates – through Chorus – I found that out much later.

We attended competing H.S. – and both thought Olean, N.Y. was the big city while we were young.

Funny how life works out – we met when we were around 31 and married a year and a half later.

That was on June – 25th. 1982.

Life in general for the both of us began then.

We were divorced with children – her two daughters – four and nine – and me two sons – nine and fourteen.

We had no money – both working for American Olean Tile Co. in Olean, N.Y.

But we made the most of what we had – spending so much time with the kids – picnics –

day trips and weekend campfires where we lived.

Our friends changed from a few holdovers from our previous lives to a mix of both old and new.

But those old friends became lifelong friends to this day!

Dottie was there before we married for me and her husband Jim who I played softball with –

And less than five years after we were married – Cindy became our neighbor along with Buck –

her husband and we have traveled the world with them!

LIFE IN GENERAL would not be the same without them!

We have come a long way since that time in Pa. and WNY.

Via – Northern Va. – South Carolina and now North Carolina –

We all live in North Carolina now – Jim and Dottie are some five hours away –

and Buck and Cindy some 45 minutes away.

Any of the three places are great places to call home.

We still plan to get together and now all six of us are retired –

Sherry and I are the SENIOR retirees and we hope a lot of time remains –

but if it doesn’t – this journey of LIFE IN GENERAL has all the earmarkings of –

A LIFE WELL LIVED!

Here is to that well-traveled road – I wouldn’t change a thing and am blessed to have met and known all of these people –

and to my wife of 42-plus years –

Thanks for my and our LIFE IN GENERAL!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

HERE’S TO “LIFE IN GENERAL” and our old friends who have made it that way!

Papa’s World – More memories of our life!

July 30, 2024May 22, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Our life together began prior to our marriage on 6-25-1982!

We dated for 1 1/2 years – we each had two children.

Her two girls – Debby and Tammy – and my two sons Troy and Shawn.

She had custody of the girls and my boys stayed with their mother-

But – weekends were for adventures – not overly costly – but what we could provide.

Picnics – state parks – camping – campfires on our home to be in the country!

It was a time of adjustment – both for the children and for us!

We decided to get married after our divorces were final.

In the picture above are our oldest friends we have had as a couple.

I knew Jim and Dottie who in turn knew Cindy and Buck.

Then after five years of marriage – we sold the country house and moved closer to the school –

We were neighbors with Cindy and Buck – we had seen them at events with Jim and Dottie and we became fast friends!

In the mid-90s – they moved to N.C. – all six of us still remained friends –

We would vacation together with Jim and Dottie and their children

and would visit Cindy and Buck in N.C.

Then our children were all grown up and we were empty nesters.

We sought out transfers – eliminating some and applying for others.

We ended up in Northern Va. – within the company – and retained all of our service.

Some years later – Jim and Dottie transferred to Va. Beach – Jim with the same company as us –

and Dottie into the school system.

All the while – we all continued contact with one another and soon –

every four months or so-

would take turns to host!

We have maintained a friendship for over 40 years!

Now today at last we are all retired – and still we get together –

laughing – games – golfing – seeing shows and at each other’s homes.

Sherry and I moved from NVA to the border of N.C. and S.C. –

and Jim and Dottie from Va. Beach to Edenton, N.C.

Life has continued – friends have continued – and retirement is grand –

And new memories are being created –

MORE MEMORIES OF OUR LIFE – PAPA’S WORLD – LET THE GOLFING BEGIN!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Happy thoughts and Happy days!

July 26, 2024May 13, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Golfing to us is a day to just enjoy the outdoors – good friends – and that one good shot that brings us back again and again.

Here we have so many courses near us and we buy the first tee card that gives us reduced rates

on over 50 courses.

Do we play every week – no – about every two weeks –

Usually with our close friends who live 38 miles away.

It is easy as the courses they like to play are in our area –

but they live on Magnolia Greens and we also play there.

We have been friends ever since we moved to Pleasant Acres Drive in Portville, N.Y.

back in the late 1980s.

We started playing golf there in WNY before Sherry or Cindy ever picked up a golf club.

So many laughs back then and it continues to this day!

They even wore mittens because their hands were cold!

They moved in the mid-90s to N.C. and in 1999 we moved to NVA-

but we stayed in touch and would visit one another.

We have another couple who also are close friends and we would visit each other three times a year they lived in Va. Beach, Va.

The three of them are just so funny when together.

Sherry – Cindy and Dottie –

I have known Dottie and Jimmy since the mid to late 70s –

Jim and I played softball together in the town we both grew up in and Dottie lived there also.

Papa – Buck and Jimmy – so many memories of good times together!

When we are all together it is HAPPY THOUGHTS and HAPPY DAYS!

Now – we are all retired – still visiting each other – still playing golf –

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

PAPA’S WORLD – HAPPY THOUGHTS AND HAPPY DAYS!

Papa’s World – Golfing with friends!

July 17, 2024May 7, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

While not that serious – we do enjoy golfing –

and we have close friends who live 40 minutes away – but they love coming towards us to play all these courses!

They live at Magnolia Greens – home to 27 nice golf holes!

Sherry – Papa – Cindy and Buck –

They were our neighbors in the early to mid-90s in Portville, N.Y.

We played golf then and they moved to N.C.

We then moved in 1999 in a transfer for the company to Va.

But we stayed in contact and took many vacations together over the World!

Sherry – about to tee off on a par three –

We also would come down to their home to spend some time with them –

and they would come up to NVA and spend time with us.

Waiting for the group in front of us!

Cindy getting ready to tee off!

The course at Magnolia Greens was in such great shape.

Eyeing the green from the fairway –

A view of the fairway while the ladies tee off!

Here Cindy and I both reached the green in two – but we two putted for a par.

This day we only played nine holes – but we scored and shot a 37 – one over par – in a scramble!

Playing golf together and then going home to one another’s house for dinner!

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

The day before we played Brunswick Plantation –

GOLFING WITH FRIENDS – PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – “Roses are red my love- PINK is for Sherry”!

July 8, 2024April 30, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Sherry received a homewarming present from two very dear friends – Dottie and Cindy –

“SWEDISH PINK ROSES” in memory of her mother whose own mother was born in Sweden!

Dottie – Cindy and Sherry – the three of them have been friends for years and years.

When Sherry’s mother – Barb (GIGI) passed away –

the two of them had “SWEDISH PINK ROSE PLANTS” delivered to her in Brambleton, Va.

We planted them right outside under the dining room window so we could see them every day.

Sadly – they remained with the house when we sold it and moved to N.C.

But – another two plants arrived after we moved into our new home in Cameron Woods Community!

They were planted to the left of the garage on the side of the house!

The left side is just before you get to the SWEDISH PINK ROSES!

Here they are in the early morning sunshine – facing toward the East.

They come and go all Sring – Summer and Fall – reminding us of her mother and her mother’s mother

(MORMOR) homeland-

SWEDEN – the Swede runs strong in the family – tall beautiful granddaughters and another going-to-be tall grandson.

And on the opposite side of the house – we have planted Knock out RED ROSES!

These face the West and get the afternoon full sun!

“ROSES ARE RED MY LOVE – “PINK” IS FOR SHERRY”

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

“SWEDISH PINK ROSES – IN MEMORY OF GIGI – “BARB” PINK IS FOR HER!

Papa’s World – Good times with family and friends!

July 6, 2024April 28, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

LOL – it would not matter for me – it is not the equipment – but it is “ME”!

So many times we have golfed – and mostly with friends – both near and far!

Elaine and Steve from back in WNY –

Paul and Janet from back in WPA – (Janet Is the designated driver) –

Bob and Pam – when they stopped their RV for a week, we hit the links!

Jim and Dottie – and Buck and Cindy –

we try to get together with each other along with Craig and Debbie.

Just being together with friends – and sometimes just the two of us!

We now live close to each other – 35 35-minute drive and most times they come in our direction –

because of all the courses near us. BUCK and CINDY – our close friends!

And for years – the machine and Mike’s come out and they sing!

FRIENDS – BESTIES – living life to the plus – one song at a time!

Laughing – friendships – priceless!

Six grandchildren – they call Sherry “GRANDMA – MORMOR” and she loves it!

We try every so few months to travel back to NVA to see them –

and they also travel here to N.C. to see us.

Sarah – Ella and Debby with Sherry – Maddy had to work and could not visit.

Maddy has graduated with an environmental science degree and is now working –

as a Scientist – Geologist for a major national Environmental firm.

Today they are getting older – but our memories as growing grandchildren – PRICELESS!

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PAPA’S WORLD – GOOD TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Papa’s World – Golfing THE PEARL!

June 21, 2024April 16, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

The Pearl has 27 holes – and not a single house on any of them!

Situated just minutes from our home –

It is nestled among Sea Trails – three 18-hole courses – Thistle – 27 holes and Sandpiper – 27 holes!

Here from one of the fairways is the view of the back of the clubhouse!

Gator on the bank of one of the ponds!

Down here in N.C. close to the S.C. border – you have to be on the lookout for Gators and snakes!

Sherry teeing off on a par three – each nine holes had three par three’s and three par five’s!

On the cart path to the tee and fairway – water on the right – course was in great shape!

Another par three – Cindy is about to tee off!

Cindy watches Papa about to putt and sees the line while Sherry takes the picture!

Sherry watches Cindy after she already hit her tee shot!

Cindy in form while teeing off – we had a great time – lots of water – sand and blue skies!

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PAPA’S WORLD – GOLFING THE PEARL WITH CINDY AND BUCK!!! FRIENDS FOR YEARS AND YEARS!

Papa’s World – Friends times in PICTURES!

June 11, 2024April 9, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

For years and years – these three have been best friends – DOTTIE – CINDY and SHERRY!

The many times they have had a little too much wine – LOL – have resulted in cherished memories!

Today – when we get together – GOLF is involved – they get a couple strokes –

and are hard to beat – often times one stroke separates the GALS vs. the GUYS!

A lot of laughter results in crazy antics!

Get togethers are usually three times a year – at each other’s houses-

Today we live 32 miles from Buck and Cindy –

And Dottie and Jim just built a house in Edenton, N.C.

About 3 1/2 hours from Sherry and me in OIB-N.C.

Buck and Cindy live just outside Leland, N.C.

LOL – and again I say to Jimmy – “GIVE THEM NO STROKES”!

We are all retired except Dottie who is very close – JIM AND DOTTIE grew up in Eldred. Pa.

where I also grew up!

JIM – SHERRY and I all worked for the same company and retired from that company.

Buck and Cindy were our neighbors in Portville and knew Jim and Dottie from before that!

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PAPA – BUCK and JIM – BEST BUDDIES FOR YEARS AND YEARS!

PAPA’S WORLD – FRIENDS TIMES IN PICTURES!

Papa’s World – Living life to the PLUS!

June 7, 2024April 3, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Sunrises and sunsets – from the same beach – SUNSET BEACH, N.C.

When we moved here to OIB at Cameron Woods Community – it was near a beach –

we are fortunate to be near two beaches – the one mentioned above and also –

Ocean Isle Beach!

We did not want to live on either Island – instead, we opted to live on the mainland –

and a short distance away is the ICW –

that long intercoastal waterway runs North to South for many miles.

Our thoughts have always been on the coast – sand – surf, and sun.

Being from the North ( WNY and NWPA) – we wanted out of the snow- ice and freezing cold!

Living our life one day at a time and living our lives to the plus!

We are separated by hours and miles from our families –

but they all have been to visit and we have gone back to NVA!

Our other family in NWPA and WNY are still there but have come down –

and are invited to come and enjoy our dream.

We also decided to play more golf – we belonged to Saint Bonaventure Golf Course –

when we lived just outside of Olean, N.Y. before moving to NVA in 1999 –

transferring – both of us within the company we worked for.

What we found was the expense of golfing in NVA –

so we did not play for years and years!

Occasionally we would go back to WNY and NWPA and take our clubs –

and play the courses we loved to play before we moved while we vacationed back North.

Today – family and friends visit often and as was in the Washington, D.C. area –

we are the tour guides once again!

In addition – several friends from the NVA area have moved into the area –

and we already had close friends who lived back in WNY already here!

Our close friends from WNY moved years before we did.

Our life has changed here – we are no longer in the huge traffic of NVA and out of that rat race.

We loved Washington, D.C. – either driving in or taking the Metro.

But that is a past life – one we have many memories of.

Today – it is SUN-SURF – SAND – and GOLF!

Thanks for reading “LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS” PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUNSET ON SUNSET BEACH, N.C. – SUNRISES AND SUNSETS!

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

March 26, 2024February 7, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

PRICELESS MEMORY IN PICTURE FORM!

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

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

ANOTHER PICTURE OF MEMORY PAST!

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

Thier birthdays!

Born on their mother’s birthday – the TWINS!

MEMORY OF PAST TIMES IN A PICTURE!

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

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

The other three were raised some 40 miles away.

We all came here when young!

A MOMENT IN TIME WITH A MEMORY IN A PICTURE!

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

All four of us lived in the area –

MEMORIES IN A PICTURE!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

Papa’s World – Friends and Memories!

March 6, 2024January 24, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

The six of us have been friends for a very long time – three of us are from the same small town in NWPA.

The other three are from a small town very close to WNY.

Today – we have all moved to N.C. – within 3 1/2 hours of one couple and 40 minutes apart of the other two couples.

We try to get together every 3 to 6 months –

Saving friendships is priceless!

FRIENDS and MEMORIES!

New friends since we have moved to Cameron Woods Community – neighbors –

The time we have been here is where we want to be and friendships have developed.

Friendly contest of NFL teams – fire pits and generally good times.

FRIENDS and MEMORIES!

Again we have made friends with part-time neighbors -traveling to their home city to meet up –

sharing a lunch and brew –

all because we moved to Cameron Woods Community!

FRIENDS and MEMORIES!

Reconnecting with my best grade school – Jr. High and High School friend from all those years ago.

Today – whenever they travel – they stop and see us –

Staying at a campground and with us –

A lot of years have passed – but that friendship remains.

FRIENDS and MEMORIES!

In our SENIOR years – maintaining FRIENDS is a way to remain young at heart –

A way to form new MEMORIES and maintain OLD MEMORIES –

FRIENDS and MEMORIES!

Living life to the plus – PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

FRIENDS and MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Good times – Pictures – Memories!

February 29, 2024January 20, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

When lifelong friends get together – and golf- MEMORIES – GOOD TIMES in PICTURES!

Son of my youngest son – Ryan – my grandson –

GOOD TIMES – PICTURES – MEMORIES!

We lived in the snow belt in WNY and NWPA for 50 years –

yet the most snowfall we have ever experienced was in NVA next to the Dulles Airport – 48 inches!

Here is a picture and another foot fell after I took this!

GOOD TIMES – PICTURES and MEMORIES!

We called her “TINY” – today she is 5’10” taking after Sherry –

Little Ella – a junior in college –

GOOD TIMES – PICTURES and MEMORIES!

Halloween all those years ago – a PIRATE and a LADY!

Papa and Sherry –

GOOD TIMES – PICTURES and MEMORIES!

All from WNY and nearby Pa.

Friends for years and years.

Now we all live in N.C.

GOODTIMES – PICTURES and MEMORIES!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – GOODTIMES – PICTURES and MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Pictures in our lives!

February 16, 2024January 9, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We love to golf with friends – have laughter – and have good times – living our lives to the plus!

We have been friends for almost 40 years – getting together for golf – birthdays – vacations!

The smiles say it all – fun times!

PICTURES IN OUR LIFE!

This is true about our friendships!

PICTURES IN OUR LIVES!

Finding a golf ball – laughing – “GREAT SHOT”! LOL

Buddies for 40-plus years – life at its best!

LIFE IN OUR PICTURES!

SOMETIMES BEING WITH FRIENDS AND GOLFING IS ALL THE THERAPY YOU NEED!

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Papa’s World – LIFE IN MEMORIES!

February 12, 2024January 5, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Friendships that go back to the mid-70s until now – friends forever!

LIFE IN MEMORIES!

Friendships made in church – moved and still friends!

LIFETIME IN MEMORIES!

Far away family – loving from a distance!

LIFETIME IN MEMORIES!

New neighbors – new friends – creating new memories!

LIFETIME IN MEMORIES!

Old friends reunited – making new memories!

LIFETIME IN MEMORIES!

At a business conference – making old memories with new friends!

LIFETIME IN MEMORIES!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – Have a great day! ENJOY!

Papa’s World – Part VII – Memories in Pictures!

January 25, 2024December 18, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Tammy with the twins – Cassidy and Taylor – now are teenagers!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

During the Pandemic – we walked by this daily wondering why it was closed down and just what was inside!

We found out that COVID hit this place extremely hard and they closed the doors.

Since then it has reopened and we found that this is the PLACE OF THE SHAG DANCE

The dance has been here in North Myrtle Beach for 60-plus years and still going strong today.

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Back when we lived in NVA – Bode was maybe two years old – family picture!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Just a little humor! LOL!

Where we can walk daily – our dream – beach life!

New years with our best friends – For over 36 years!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Walking the beach at Sunrise with family – living our dream life!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

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

MEMORIES IN PICTURES – PART VII – PAPA’S WORLD!!!!!

Papa’s World – Part Six – MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

January 23, 2024December 18, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Our oldest granddaughter – Maddy – who graduated from the University Of Lynchburg – Environmental Sciences – has a job and is a Scientist/Geologist!

Her boyfriend has passed the entrance exam into the Secret Service – futures are bright for them both!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Mother Debby and daughter Maddy when she was young!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Oldest son Troy is on the left and the youngest son Shawn on right!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

My beliefs – also kindness – equality – law and order and Democracy.

When family visits – it creates lasting memories.

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Best friends – golfing – laughing – the best of times!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

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PAPA’S WORLD – PART SIX – MEMORIES IN PICTURES – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Our memories of being together.

January 12, 2024December 11, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Our lives together began while dating in 1980 – 81 – over forty years ago.

We were married on 6-25-1982 in Portville, N.Y.

Sherry from Mount Jewett, Pa., and myself from Eldred, Pa.

The combination of her girls and my boys.

The last of my family growing up in our house – my older brother Roger – is gone now but never forgotten.

He was the only hero I had – ten years my senior – thankfully we once again reunited the last ten years of his life – he graduated from H.S. and then College and the Navy.

He never came back home to live!

Sherry – Papa – Pam and Bobby – my grade-school – Jr. high and H.S. friend –

Now – after all these years we still get together!

Friends for life – now when here a golfing buddy!

Jimmy – Dottie – Sherry – Buck – Cindy and Papa –

close friends from back in WNY and Pa.

Visiting each other – vacations – golfing – neighbors and friends from my post-H.S. days.

To be continued – in MEMORIES OF OUR LIVES TOGETHER – PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Last day of golf with grade-school buddy – Sandpiper Golf Course.

November 7, 2023October 18, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

We had planned to golf while they camped in their RV near us – and we did – THREE TIMES!

We both grew up in a little town in the Alleghany foothills in NWPA called Eldred!

Gradeschool – Jr. H.S. and H.S. – playing sports – staying over at each others houses.

Now – we plan to see one another once a year – friends for life.

I had told him there were gators and he had not seen one until we saw two of them!

Gators and Snakes I said – I fear the snakes more because you do not see them until you are almost on them!

We had a nice day – low to mid 60s and some clouds and sunshine – perfect for golfing!

Sandpiper Golf Course – a really nice lay out and well maintained – greens were really fast!

It was a good afternoon – we just about had the course to ourselves – no one pushing us and lady foursome a hole ahead of us.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LAST DAY OF GOLFING WITH MY GRADE-SCHOOL BUDDY – SANDPIPER GOLF CLUB!

Papa’s World – Sunday afternoon golf with friends.

November 6, 2023October 17, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

One of my trials and tribulations – I am terrible at putting!

We got together on Sunday afternoon to golf at Colonial Charters Golf Course –

Which was our first time there.

It was a narrow but fun course and we golfed with our close friends – Buck and Cindy!

Cindy – Sherry and Buck – live at Magnolia Greens Golf Course in Leland, N.C.

about 33 miles from us.

We have been friends since the late 80’s.

Neighbors before they moved South some 6 or 7 years before we did.

Buck teeing off – we generally play a scramble – this day we shot a 38-40 – for a 78 – good for us.

Our first time playing this course and it was both challenging and fun.

We all have what is called THE FIRST TEE – which gives us a discount on 52 different courses!

Buck – Cindy – Papa and Sherry – golfing is our passion

Sherry on one of the holes before we went to Tee Off!

This is one of our dreams to move South – play golf – enjoy good friends – and live our dream!

Sherry teeing off – right down the middle – PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUNDAY AFTERNOON GOLF WITH FRIENDS! PAPA’S WORLD – LIVING OUR DREAMS!

Papa’s World – Golfing Sea Trails with childhood buddy!

October 29, 2023October 12, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

We had planned this since last year – when they came to a campground near us – we would play golf!

Bob and I lived in the same town growing up – grade school – Jr. High and then High School!

We both graduated from Otto-Eldred H.S.

Grade school – Eldred Elementary School – we went here for fifth and sixth grade!

Our first four grades were spent here in the old grades 1 through 12 High School!

Otto-Eldred H.S. where we played sports – and graduated in 1967 – a very long time ago!

We had stayed in contact through class reunions and then the past five or six years –

when they decided to tour the country in their RV.

Since then they have stopped and at times stayed with us or in a campground!

Sharing many old memories and creating new ones –

Best buddies for all these years!

Bob about to hit the green – we played a scramble – for two old duffers who can not putt-

we left about 5 strokes in putting on the first nine – we managed a 41!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – GOLFING SEA TRAILS WITH CHILDHOOD BUDDY! MEMORIES PAST AND PRESENT!

Papa’s World – FROM THEN TO NOW!

August 28, 2023August 12, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

My very early years were growing up in a little town in NWPA known as Eldred.

Not big – about 800 to 1000 in a good year!

My youth was spent roller skating – playing Kick the Can with neighborhood kids.

Throwing apples at the train cars as they sped past.

Smoking corn silk in a corncob pipe.

Playing in the sawdust hill up the street and sleeping out on the front porch in an old army bag of my brothers-in-law.

I had to walk from our home on North Main Street all the way across town to South Main Street and the High School – grades 1 through 12!

Often I would walk the tracks until the creek and then along the sidewalk.

One day – I was wearing my Davy Crockett Coon Skin hat – I stopped and put it on the bridge railing and then stuck my head through to look down at the water.

And there I was stuck!

My ears popped out and I could not pull my head back through.

Needless to say, the fire department came to the rescue – embarrassing my older brother by ten years who was in H.S. then.

Pictured here is the OLD HIGH SCHOOL where I attended until the end of grade four!

They built a brand new Elementary school for grades K thru 6 –

And combined three communities – Eldred – Duke Center and Rixford and Eldred Township.

The front windows were first grade – taught by Mrs. Shields.

It was a grand old building – I think built in the late 1800s.

In the winter we would sled ride down the hill to the right which also was a large cemetery.

Eldred, Pa. was before the movie “STAND BY ME”!

What you saw in that movie was exactly as it was in our little town where everyone knew your name –

and if you did anything wrong – your parents knew all about it before you got home!

Today – we live in the South – near the border of N.C. and S.C. – by the beaches!

My childhood memories have followed me here along with contact with friends I grew up with.

I do not get back there often – staying in touch with the few relatives I have left.

My family I grew up with are all gone and are in the cemetery up in Barden Brook.

We are 12 to 15 hours away – a long drive and no close airport other than Buffalo which still requires over a two-hour drive and a rental car.

Sherry – Papa – Pam – wife of my childhood buddy – grade school until graduation – Bobby!

We had many adventures that I can not put on here and today see each other about once a year.

We played sports together all those years – and now we have memories we talk about!

We are seniors in our sunset years yet living life to the plus – they RVing and us living our dream of the Salt Life.

My other best buddy along with Bobby – Jimmy – played years and years of softball and now golf!

Staying in touch – sharing good times in the NOW of my life!

Jimmy is also from that same little town!

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

The “THEN” of the start of our life together – 6-25-1982!

The “NOW” of our life together – on the ICW off OIB in N.C. living life to the plus one day at a time!

PAPA’S WORLD – FROM THEN TO NOW!

Papa’s World – Sherry’s and our friends and her girlfriends!

August 18, 2023July 31, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

I have known Bob since grade school – all these years and still friends!

PJ is his second wife and Sherry is my second wife – we have been married for over 41 years!

Here was last fall when they visited in their RV and we went on a Kayak tour of the marsh along the ICW!

Best buddies since middle school and Senior H.S.

What can I say – for 35 to over 40 years we have been friends thick and thin – from family vacations on the beach to travel over the world – to golfing and to parties –

Friends the entire time – and get-togethers a couple times a year –

to now living 35 minutes away from one couple to soon one other couple 3 hours away.

FRIENDS FOR ALWAYS!

Three very good friends – always laughing – singing – sipping wine and beer – doing shots –

but just being friends!

Watching BILLS games together – we are all from the WNY and NWPA area – BILLS COUNTRY!

Time and time again – the three ladies – smiling – laughing – FRIENDS!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SHERRY AND OUR FRIENDS AND HER GIRLFRIENDS!

Papa’s World – Our early years! 6-25-82

July 17, 2023June 23, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Our wedding day – June 25th. 1982 – starting out together after dating for 1 1/2 years!

It seems like only yesterday yet it is over 41 years ago and longer since we first started dating.

Both divorced – both had two children – her two daughters – my two sons –

We planned vacations on a budget – packing food to stop and have lunch on our way to a destination.

We had an old 12-passenger van – but fun trip.

We lived in the country – our driveway was 1/10 of a mile long – ice in winter –

It took me days to push and mow the lawn.

The early years – Sherry and her sisters. We were close to her family – often spending weekends with her parents!

Camping – tents and fifth-wheel and tag-along camper.

Our dream back then was warm weather – beach – surf and sand – vacations – wanting to stay!

We explored our states and country – sometimes by ourselves – mostly with kids –

providing what we could – money was tight.

But – we were happy – and we both worked for AOTC and DAL-TILE.

Along the way was National Gypsum, Private, Armstrong, and Mohawk.

The early years – Sherry and her sisters. In the mountains of the Kinzua Valley – Mount Jewett – Pa.

Our family was aging – the kids were gone to college and work.

We were thinking of transferring to within the company.

Several openings came up – but not what we wanted.

Then in 1999 – we applied for transfers and moved to NVA – still with Dal-Tile –

along the way we remained close to our friends for many years – one couple left for Wilmington, N.C. a few years before we went to NVA, and later the other couple transferred to Va.Beach.

We stayed in touch and in June of this year they all came to our new home to play golf –

FRIENDS FOREVER!

Our early years have now transformed into our senior years – now retired – and our dream came true!

We found our beach – sand – surf and warm weather – now our families come to visit.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog OUR EARLY YEARS 6-25-82!

LIVING OUR DREAM TO THE PLUS ONE DAY AT A TIME – 2023 – OUR SENIOR YEARS BEGIN!

Papa’s World – My “WHY” – my family and my friend!

July 3, 2023June 11, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

My blog is based on family – friends and our life in general.

Recording daily activities to show what our lives together are like.

Memories are mostly what I have left as my immediate family I grew up with are all gone except a few.

I have very few pictures and the ‘WHY” to that is another memory to tell later.

My oldest son Troy – a builder of homes from the ground up,

My two sons Troy and Shawn – Shawn is a ranked 8 ball player and finished 33rd to 48th out of 800 shooters Worldwide.

His team won the 8-ball World Team Championship!

Papa and Ella – who now is about to be in her Junior year of college,

A starter for her first two years as a women’s soccer player.

“TINY” as we called her is now almost 5’10 inches tall and plays midfield.

One of my best friends Buck – my golf partner – and his wife Cindy and my wife Sherry are also best friends.

We have traveled the World on adventures and now live 40 minutes from them in N.C.

Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Learn to laugh when playing golf -have a good time – and just enjoy the moment!

Papa’s World – Memories from our Past!

June 27, 2023June 4, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Friends all these years – Dottie – Cindy – Sherry – from back to our roots – WNY and WPA!

Dottie and Jim came to our wedding some 41 years ago!

We met Cindy and Buck through Dottie and Jim.

We ended up being neighbors to Cindy and Buck before they moved to Wilmington, N.C.

Dottie and Jim later moved to Va. Beach – Jim – Sherry and I all worked for Dal-Tile!

Papa – Buck – Jim – Jim and I played softball together in the mid-70s and worked together at American Olean Tile in Olean, N.Y. Now Dal-Tile.

Jim introduced me to Buck some 38 years ago!

Friends all these years and we all still get together every 4 to 6 months!

Now Sherry and I live 32 miles from Buck and Cindy.

We now live near two beaches – four and six miles away.

Our view every day if we choose to! Living the SALTY LIFE and our dream life one day at a time!

Our view from our front yard looking to the West! Thanks for reading and HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

MEMORIES FROM OUR PAST!

Papa’s World – Little things create big memories.

June 5, 2023May 11, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

TAYLOR “NOW’ our horse-loving granddaughter – growing up!

TAYLOR AND HER MOTHER – “THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE – LIFETIME MEMORIES!”

We gather memories in thought and pictures – lifetime events that seemed small back then but turn into LIFE!

Life is full of little thoughts – but practice in life turns into positive happenings!

Many years ago – the four of us – friends – neighbors – decided to golf – fun times – laughter and friendships!

Today – living a mere 35 minutes away – we try to get together once a week or two – golfing in our senior years!

We were neighbors – back in WNY – and we decided to try and get the girls into golfing – they wore gloves because their hands were cold – laughing at us as we washed our balls –

Now – we are senior golfers – playing mostly scrambles guys vs. gals and they mostly win!

A LITTLE THING SUCH AS GOLFING HAS TURNED INTO A BIG THING FOR US TO WITH ONE ANOTHER!

A “LITTLE” bit of humor to bring a “BIG” SMILE! HGD!

A LITTLE TRIP AND A LUNCH – BEING TOGETHER IS PART OF OUR BIG SALT LIFE!

Thanks for reading “LITTLE THINGS BRING BIG MEMORIES”!

PAPA’S WORLD – my sit: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog HGD!

Papa’s World – life with family and friends!

April 20, 2023March 15, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Willie is so right in this – music has always brought good vibes to us – and with friends – singing songs!

Friends for years and years – always laughs and tears – singing – playing cards and games and golfing!

We play a scramble – gals vs. guys and after 18 holes – on the last hole – we beat them by one stroke!

Family is very important to us – creating memories – having good times and now they visit us – beach time !!!!!!

My youngest son Shawn and wife Trisha!

Hoping for another visit in the future!

My oldest son Troy and partner Andrea – hoping they come back for a visit!

PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoinitmyway.blog LIFE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Papa’s World – Memories through the years – our life!

April 18, 2023March 13, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

When friends visit – we have shots while Kayaking – on the marsh of the ICW! OIB!

While living just outside Washington, D.C – taking in a Nationals game!

Papa being set up for the spike – late 80’s Corporate Cup competition for American Olean Tile Co.

Debby – Papa – Sherry – Elton awards for the Juice Plus Company – I do clean up! Two beautiful ladies!

Friends – Dottie – Cindy – Sherry before our wine tour – all these years and still getting together!

In our backyard – Solo Stove fire pit! Thanks for reading Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – MEMORIES THROUGH THE YEARS – OUR LIFE TOGETHER!!!!

Papa’s World – Our life – family and friends.

March 9, 2023February 7, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Papa and Sherry and friends golfing New Years Day – living life to the plus one day at a time! MEMORIES!

Now this would be ME! As I absolutely do like the cold. Bundle up is my way of coping with the winter chill here!

Family is and always has been so important for us – they all have at one time or another come and stayed with us in OIB, N.C.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog – OUR LIFE-FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Papa’s World – Visiting the historic Caviler hotel in Va. Beach.

February 25, 2023January 31, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

The view from the veranda of the Caviler Hotel toward the ocean in Va. Beach – the hotel is about 100 years old.

This is an exquisite hotel – full of historical detail – where the rich and famous once played.

We came here for lunch after the retirement dinner the night before for our friend Jim.

Jim – Dottie – Katie ( daughter) Sherry – Papa – Paul – Craig – Debbie – we celebrated the night before and today had lunch.

Good times with good friends – I never have been here and it was very elegant.

Make your life what it is – only you can do that! Have faith – goodwill – love!

Thanks for reading Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Sherry and Dottie at the CAVILER HOTEL – having lunch with friends – memories.

Papa’s World – We attended a retirement party for our friend.

February 23, 2023January 30, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

A cake and a drawing – almost 46 years working for the same company – the same that Sherry and I worked for!

Between the THREE of us – we had a total of 125 years and when you add in his brother – Paul – 158 years!

A bunch of balloons – and a room full of co-workers – on a very rainy night – a farewell to all those years – memories and priceless.

Now – when we play – he can join me at the senior tees! LOL It will be fun and the start of many years to come.

Happy retirement my friend – Jim Brown – and thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – WE ATTENDED A RETIREMENT PARTY FOR OUR FRIEND – JIMMY!

Papa’s World – Random thoughts and memories from the past!

February 20, 2023January 28, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Years ago we made a trip to Washinton, D.C. with a group of friends from our church – Community Lutheran Church in Sterling, Va. to see Les Miserables on stage.

What a performance and good times with friends. MEMORIES!

Before Bode came along – and her mother was staying with us – a trip to Sweet Frog in Brambleton Town Center with FIVE granddaughters and an afternoon treat.

Now – Maddy is a senior in college and Ella a sophomore in college.

Sarah is a Sophomore in H.S. and the twins are twelve years old! MEMORIES!

A random thought – SMILE!

Friends – Sherry – Cindy – Dottie – when friends come together – we sing! MEMORIES!

Me in PINK SHORTS – Playing Volleyball in our Corporate Cup competition – we had about 40 members on the team in track and field and other sporting events.and competed against the other industries in the area. MEMORIES! Sherry on the left in the white top – we played volleyball in a league for years before we retired and took up golfing!

MEMORIES – a long ago times in the past – thanks for reading Papa’s World. HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog contact: fitztdf@aol.com

Papa’s World – Happy times in North Carolina with friends.

February 17, 2023January 25, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

The six of us have been friends for about forty-plus years. Living as neighbors to Cindy and Buck and Jim and Dottie grew up in the same little town in NWPA called Eldred in the Alleghany mountains as I did.

Jim – Sherry and I all worked for Dal-Tile – (American Olean Tile) in Olean, N.Y.

And of course, being and working in WNY – we all were Buffalo Bills fans – and we watch them whenever we can by going to

Buffalo Bills sports bars in our areas.

Cindy and Buck live 30 miles from us and we get together often to play a round of golf – have dinner and just enjoy our friendships.

Papa – Dottie – Cindy – Sherry – Buck and Jim – Dottie and Jim live in Va. Beach and in the coming years will build on a piece of property in Northern North Carolina.

They will be about three-plus hours from us when they retire.

Sherry – Cindy – Dottie – Forty-plus years of being friends. When we all get together – it comes down to Gals vs. Guys in a golf scramble.

The last time we gave them two strokes – they missed a four-foot putt on the last hole for the WIN!

So we tied 37 to 37!

Sherry and Cindy – both into walking miles and miles – I try to keep up!

Thanks for reading Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Playing golf at Magnolia Greens in Leland, N.C. where Buck and Cindy live. Living life one day at a time!

Sherry – Sunset Beach, N.C. PAPA’S WORLD – HAPPY TIMES in NORTH CAROLINA WITH FRIENDS!

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