In the midst of the Alleghany hills – amongst the green and lush valleys – sits a little community-
Population – around 800 souls – and back then – I knew almost every one of them!
Eldred Pa.
The town sits on the Alleghany river which eventually flowed into Pittsburg – but – it flowed North first!
Yes – it left Pa. and flowed into NYS before flowing once again South through Pa.
It ends up in Pittsburg some three-plus hours away.
We would be considered the snow belt – some 80 miles south of Lake Erie and Buffalo N.Y.
I helped a friend of mine growing up with his paper route – his name was Brent – and we hung out.
He bought a go-cart with his money and he would let me ride on it.
He was two years older than I and eventually married my cousin.
Funny how that worked out – he graduated and I lost track of him.
The town nestled in the hills.
I would ride my bike everywhere – I had to be home each night for dinner and before the street
lights came on. Every night at 10 o’clock sharp – the siren from the firehouse would blow-
You could hear it all over the town – that was “CURFEW” for the streets –
I think no one under 18 could be out and about!
My first friend I can remember is the girl next door – her name was Sharon – and she had a big brother whom everyone called Sonny “KING” – and he dressed in a black leather motorcycle jacket and slicked his hair back like Elvis!
Sharon and I were like brother and sister – we would watch Lassie together – play on the front porch –
sneak a corncob pipe and gather silk from the corn and smoke –
puff it – in the big red barn behind the house.
We would walk to school together – and our route always was behind the main street along the tracks.
Behind the Eldred Garage and then on the tracks themselves.
Just before the creek – Lynches lived and behind their house was a tree –
like a little island raised up on a piece of land.
We would sit there and play our Kazoo’s together –
“THREE BLIND MICE”
That was all I knew how to play! LOL
She moved away and my sister and her husband moved in right next door!
Bill Luce – on the left – my brother-in-law.
Over his shoulder is the greenhouse I grew up in – my bedroom was the two windows on the second floor –
after my older brother Roger left for college.
Every morning I would wake up to the birds singing in the tree outside that window –
the Sunlight would come streaming in –
There was the main street – highway right out front –
and I would sleep and hear the sound of cars – trucks rolling by –
and then – the accidents that happen right there –
crashes would hit the cars parked there.
Some – I sept right through – others – would jolt me right out of bed.
That curb was where my best friend and I were sitting one early morning after midnight –
he was sleeping over and my parents had gone somewhere –
we got into the hootch under the sink.
My sister came out and grilled us –
“ARE YOU GUYS DRUNK”?
No I said and right at that time a car came
and the lights showed right on my friend – and he got sick –
and threw up all over the place!
” HE IS,” I said! LOL,
my sister always laughed at that and would tell the story many times over and over!
My friend and drinking buddy – lower right-hand corner!
We have reconnected about fifteen years ago at a class reunion –
he spent about a week here last October –
and we played golf once again – after some 55 years have gone by since we last played together!
My brother Roger and Sherry – a few years before he passed away – gone but not forgotten.
He was my hero growing up – ten years older than I –
named WHOS WHO in American colleges
OFFICERS TRAINING SCHOOL and a Lt. in the navy.
His bedroom became mine – when he came back I would sleep on the floor.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – to be continued in livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Just a little over a month later from our New Years Eve beach gathering and toast to 2021
We once again were back to see the sunset – only it was windy and cold –
far from the 65 degrees of NYE!
The approaching sunset peeking through the trees!
Papa – Diane and Sherry
We first parked and walked to the end of the street – here the last of the end of the houses –
and this then begins Bird Island – marshland protected and wide-open beach.
Our neighbor Diane
The tide was going out!
Here you see the last of the houses on the marsh and bayside – with the tide going out – This is the end of Sunset Beach and the beginning of Bird Island.
Sun setting – time to go to the beach.
This is where we gathered for NYE and drank a toast to 2021!
The pier and people walking the beach.
Sherry – braving the wind chill – it was cold.
As we looked out on the ocean – to think we can do this every night if we want to –
and there still is Ocean Isle Beach – living our dream.
One final look before we returned home – Sunset at SUNSET BEACH, N.C.
We have been here a half dozen times since we first came down to S.C. – North Myrtle Beach.
We have taken company here also.
It is a park – nature – walk out across the march along the ICW.
Walkways over the marshes.
We did not know what it was so one day we just turned into the entrance and drove a mile or so toward the ICW – and came to a parking lot-bathroom area – park – with swings and gazebos.
A view over the marsh to the ICW
The ICW is full of boat traffic and the two big Casino boats in Little River come right past here.
Ella Sarah Sherry walking across the marsh on the boardwalk.
You can hike miles in here – a map shows all the trails.
The trail map – other trails cross back and forth – but this is the main trail
The hiking trail through the woods
While there – you come to a MAKE A WISH section!
Thousands of seashells hang from trees and bushes
You find a seashell – bring a marker and string – make a wish – write down your name
And then you find a spot and tie your shell to a branch – take a picture so you remember!
It is a little magical place – a place to sit and just gaze out over the ICW – maybe see an eagle.
Our grandchildren have done this.
We go back – sometimes we find the shells – storms seem to take them out.
But – when we do find them – memories of times spent with family and friends return.
Thank you for reading Papa’s World – VAREEN GARDENS – “MAKE A WISH ON A SHELL”
Bobby and I go back to grade school in the mid-’50s and then onto graduation.
Jimmy and I go back to the very early ’70s and the start of playing softball for ten years or more.
Both have been in my majority of life although separately – never meeting one another.
That all changed when they both came to visit and now today they are also friends.
Bobby hitting first across the water to the green – Jimmy watching and will hit next – we played a scramble.
Bob’s wife Pam and my wife Sherry – went away for an extended weekend to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tenn.
To Gatlinburg and a health conference with 12 other ladies!
We decided to do this and play some golf.
We went across the street from Cameron Woods – Ocean Isle Beach where we live and play one of the BIG CAT COURSES!
There are four of them over there and this one is called Panther’s Run.
Jimmy putting it on the green with the second shot
They hit it off right away – Jimmy is about eight years younger than us – Bob knew his family but was long gone from Eldred when Jim and I started playing softball together.
Bobby laughed at something Jimmy said.
Jimmy after making the approach shot to the green.
Time to contact the wife!
Another approach shot on the green.
Nothing but the truth here! LOL
And of course, we headed to a Tiki Bar at Jinks Creek to have a drink and dinner!
Thank you for reading Papa’d World – WHERE FRIENDS MEET OUR FAMILY – FAMILY MEETS OUR FRIENDS!
My two oldest friends – Bobby and Jimmy – never met and now are friends! This is how it goes in PAPA’S WORLD!
A view from inside to outside from our newly built house – our covered and closed in Lanai. Our Tower Garden – in less than five weeks – lush green with tomatoes and cucumbers coming – fresh lettuce’s and herbs – no pesticides and all grown here in dirtless – weedless enviorment with nutrients and natural minerals from the earth developed into a tonic. Just add water and tonic.
We sold our home in Va. when the stock market took a huge dive.
Our 401K went down – but two things also happened –
Her on line business stayed the same – providing income along with SS and the 401K and pensions –
and the home values shot up in our neighborhood – it was time to SELL!
In just 19 days we sold – completly moved out and had enough to finace this new house in N.C.
We came South after almost three months living with our daughters and their families.
For nine months in searching – and then committing – we built our new home.
Now – I must say – we took a big hit on the 401K ( it since has almost come all the way back)
But – our partime on-line business continued – and we just moved it from Va. to SC to NC –
never missing a beat – and in the process – when we sold the house – we also sold 98% of the furnishings!
WE WERE STARTING A NEW LIFE ALL TOGETHER IN THE SOUTH!
eWe left behind families – but these three – instead of a camp – both parents work – thir parents bought them plane tickets – Sherry flew up and came back with them for a week with us!
We have three older granddaughters – two now in college and both starting on their college soccer teams.
The third is a freshman in HS –
we want to get them and their parents down for a visit –
but schedules have to be cordinated.
Our daughter of this family – also is a CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH
and has surpassed her mother in the same on line business from her home .
Achieving QMD in the company – working together with her mother.
Next month – 8 or 9 team members will travel to the Smokey Mountains to a cabin in the mountains –
for a retreat to once again reconnect –
which has the pandemic keeping them apart.
Although everything is on line -they miss being social and miss seing one another.
Keeping in touch – zoom meetings – calls – life goes on – friends – partners – phones – voxes – business as usual.
We do have friends here in N.C. and have for the last 35 years.
We have been visiting them for 25 years after they left our neighborhood in NYS!
We came to really like the area and made it a place to look –
but then along came NMB –
and then Ocean Isle Beach –
so we choose to settle there.
We still are 40 to 45 minutes away – but they play golf in our area –
and have for years and years.
We try to see and play golf once a week –
and we all are fans of the Bills ( we also like Washington)
There are many theaters and concerts we attend together –
FRIENDS –
A new life with old friends – and making other friends along the way.
There is a rainbow for us after relocating!
While it is hard to say goodbyes –
it also is so rewarding to hug and say hello when they visit!
We have been fortunate – a passive income –
a family that understands –
and friends for years.
Moving South has been a new adventure –
and thank you for reading this.
Papa’s World is a continuation of my life seen through my own eyes daily.
My motto remains the same –
“WHERE FRIENDS MEET OUR FAMILY & FAMILY MEETS OUR FRIENDS”!
We had just made our first slow loop around the cove on the tube – Cindy and I.
The sky turned gray – and we could see the rain coming – so we got back on the boat – pulled the tube up on the rear walkway – and headed into the covered dock area.
I had tried tubing – even if it were a slow trip around – and I was ready to go back out again and speed things up!
It was a quick rain shower and we drove onto the boat lift which is covered.
There was no lightening – just a steady rain.
We talked and decided to once again go tubing – this time a little bit faster – as the first time was sort of boring!
The rain continued for about a half hour – and we could watch it from under the canopy. We had some munchies and drinks – and were dry – the boat has a really good radio so we listened to music and talked.
Cindy and I – life jackets on – the rain almost stopped – for the time being – we were dry!
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Next – after the rain – riding the tube and the waves – cross it off my bucket list.
Cindy – best friends – hitting another one over the trap – we have to bring our A game everytime – she has a traveling shot bag – biries and sometimes pars – just a sip – and then laugh and on our way!
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Our condo lease was up – our closing did not happen – so they took us in once again to their home –
on Magnolia Greens golf course just outside Leland, N.C.
Buck and Cindy are our friends – before we all moved – we were neighbors back in WNY.
We moved into a house next to them some 36 1/2 years ago and we knew them before that.
Sherry and Cindy
William ( Buck) McBride
I have always known him as BUCK – never called him Bill.
About 15 years ago – he developed non essential tremors – and had a brain operation – where electric probes were implanted – with out them and the control under his skin on his chest – he would not have any control on his right side – arm and leg. The downside to having this implanted – is with it turned on – he loses his clarity on speech –
and has problems with balance. But – he still can golf and handle himself well – I drive – watch his ball –
and we get a handicap flag that allows us to get near his ball so he does not get so tired out.
He is one of my two best friends – the other Jimmy who I played softball with back in the mid ’70’s.
We all are close friends and Dottie – Jim’s wife – I have known as long as Jim.
The three of us grew up in the same small town of Eldred Pa.
Cindy and Buck grew up in Portville N.Y. just across the border and Sherry grew up in Mount Jewett Pa. aboput 35 miles away.
Sherry spotting Cindy’s drive – Buck waiting – let me tell you – both ladies seldom get out of bounds or in the rough.
They are right down the middle and anywhere from 130 to 175 yards!
It makes them tough to beat – I golf from the senior tees – and when I get a good drive – it still is about even with them
as they have a advantage from the ladies tees.
Buck – because of his condition – golfs from the same tees as the ladies –
so a lot of the time we use his ball on the scramble –
He can still hit it almost as far as they can.
Buck teeing off and if you look close – right over his head in the tree line is his ball – going down the middle!
Sherry hitting another ball down the middle while Cindy watches.
We play even up – no strokes – and this time out – after 18 holes – Buck and I lost by one stroke!
Their second shots are like the drives – and close to the green – a chip and one putt for par or worse two putt.
Sherry and I just love to play – get out – fresh air – and a lot of laughs.
Cindy has a traveling shot bar!
If we make a birdie – it is shot time – since we make few of them – she switched it to pars! LOL
Playing Sherry’s drive from the last picture! Cindy was a little behind her on this hole.
They pared – we boggied – missed putt – and that was the difference in the 18 hole match!
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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY
FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!
Sherry and Tom (Papa)
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We made the trip back to NVA to see Ella play soccer for her senior recognition night and picked up the three little ones so they could cheer her on! Taylor – Cassidy and Bode.
Ella will continue on in college playing soccer for Randolph College in Lynchburg Va.
She lost two years with injuries to her feet breaking a bone in each one.
But – she was determined and it paid off.
Her team is now 8 – 0 – 2 and headed to states.
They have five players continuing onto the college level!
Ella number nine – entering the field to play final game of regular season at James Wood H.S. Winchester Va.
Olivia holding the picture of Ella as a little one – have gown up together as neighbors and best friends.
Proud parents – Mike and Debby
Being escorted by her parents and honored on the field.
All family – friends and neighbors who came out to support Ella and her being honored pregame.The only boy in the grandchildren with Ella’s Sister Maddy – they will compete against each other in college soccer!
They ended up in a double overtime tie for the game – 0 to 0!
They moved onto the districts –
But we were able to come home and watch four games.
Papa – Ella – Sherry proud grandparents – TINY as we called her – has grown up!
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Sherry and Pam – about to start our golf adventure – Pam could not golf – still recovering from a achilles surgery
On their last full day – Bob wanted to play golf – we last played together I would guess 1965 or 1966!
A very long time ago – and he had their clubs in the RV but had not used them all winter.
Pam – who was still recovering from surgery on her heel – would do the driving and Bob rode with me.
Bob and I went to school together from grade one to grade twelve.
They have wintered the last two seasons in their RV – this time it was in Florida.
They made it a point to stop here on their way to family in Nashville before heading home in N.H.
Sherry and Pam
Waiting to tee off – we like this course which sits right on Rte. 17 in Little River – S.C. It is a short course but fun to play. Sherry and I have golfed here alone and with friends.Now – she hits it on the fairway most times – and every once in a while – will hit it just right and bingo – it goes a long ways – here is a 298 yard hole for her – and this is her drive!
When you play a scramble and her and Cindy hit from the women’s tees – it is good to have them both on your team!
After a good day of golf – we scrambled to a 44 on both nines – we took them to Cherry Grove to one of our favorite places to eat – “SNOOKY’S” on the Beach.
This has become our go to place to take visitors – food is good – and you sit ocean front just yards off the sand.
We have many – many memories of growing up together in a small town in NWPA – called Eldred.
Many adventures of sleeping out under the stars – roaming the streets after curfew at 10:00 PM.
Nothing bad – raid a garden or two – sneak some beer – campfire – canoe trips down the river –
playing sports together – proms – dances – joining the exployer’s together-
driving – family – both his and mine.
Bob and Sherry checking out the beach where we walk every day!Pam and I a selfie while they discuss the beach!Ending our day together – walking to the cars. Pam and Bob!
Thank you for reading Papa’s World
WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY
FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!
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PAPA BOB PAM SHERRY Friends spending last full day together – golfing and SNOOKY’S!
SHERRY TAMMY DEBBY
SHERRY: CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH SSC THE JUICE PLUS COMPANY
Next to last day – Papa Bob Pam Sherry – near their campground and RV. A visit to Apache Pier!
We had so much to pack in so little time – touring – seeing the house – Mother’s day – catching up – FRIENDS!
Their RV and campground was down the beach about a mile and one half.
They could see this pier from their beach so we decided to drive to it and just take a look around.
Just beyond these tall buildings – 21 to 25 years ago – Sherry and I spent I think three different vacations here!
We would walk up the beach and past this pier to the campground.
So we knew what was here and have many fond memories of her parents – sister and my sister and brother in law here. We also spent vacation time here with friends Steve and Elaine. Our friends from back home in WNY!
Bob and Pam – Bob and I went to grade school – middle school and high school together – life long friends – and got back in touch after one of our H.S. reunions – he had moved to New Hampshire away from Pa. and NYS. Keeping in touch is like normal best buddies do when life comes along – only seeing them at special times – a lot of years in between but memories and laughs renewed!
Here we are at The Crooked Hammock Brewery in Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
We have come to really like this place and Sherry actually likes some of the beer!
Toasting to MOTHER’S DAY with good friends – Bob and Pam and Sherry! CHEERS!
We had planed this little get together for some time now.
They had been in Florida for the winter in their RV.
Moving around down there and then working their way back North.
They were in a campground eight miles from the condo’
So for three whole days – we gave them a tour – but the first day was Mother’s Day.
After their arrival we went down and joined them – sitting around – talking – and we stopped and brought them salads.
Then it was for a very quick walk on the beach where they were camping!
It was so WINDY – we took this picture and headed back to the campsite.
A lot of self control in not staying on the beach for a walk! LOLThe next day we picked them up – toured our new home and discovered the drywall had been installed!
Here – we are at Oyster Rock on the ICW in Calabash N.C. where we had reservations for dinner.
A walk along the boardwalk outside of Oyster Rock – here is where the fishing boats return with their catches!Charter and fishing boats – they provide fresh catch for these places – including Oyster Rock – on their menus.Fresh catch – Flounder – broiled!Fresh catch – Mahi-Mahi! Catch of the day!And of course – down here – HUSH PUPPIES!Pam Sherry Papa Bob – a wonderful Mother’s day dinner with good friends!
At Oyster Rock in Calabash N.C. on the ICW!
Thank you for reading Papa’s World
WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY
FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!
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A bright sun rise to a eventful full day of walking – getting ready – visiting the storage unit – and finally – teeing off!Buck on the first tee at 4:40 pm. We were golfing late – Cindy had a lot of stuff to do at work!
So – the plan was made – golf nine – eat dinner and then go home!
We could of stayed with them – but – lugging all the stuff I need – my sleep machine etc. just easier to drive the hour plus drive back to the condo – besides – plenty of more times exist in the future!
Sherry getting ready to tee off on the second hole!
We played our scramble format – Buck and me – they played best ball – WE LOST!
Cindy teeing off – Sherry spotting the ball!
Now – we lost two holes to them – one by one stroke and one by two strokes!
We play even up – and we tied the other seven holes.
But – on the hole we lost by one stroke – we parred – they birdied!
On the one we lost by two strokes – they parred and we four putted – just the way it goes!
Cindy – birdie putt – made it – we parred – they are so good!
We have played this format for years and years – we at one time played couples vs couple – then we played mixed couple vs. mixed couple – but the gals challenged us – the other ways split pretty even – this way – THEY WIN!
My buddy – my partner – golfing together – we did beat them a few weeks ago – but we had to shoot a 39 to beat them!
Thank you for reading Papa’s World – my drive – second shot coming up – we four putted – double bogie – LOST!Sherry teeing off – right down the middle – both are that way!
WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS PAPA’S WORLD living life to the fullest
Cindy and Sherry WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER – guys vs gals – the best is yet to come!
Today – I post some pictures – just random pictures – but ones I have close to my heart!
Taylor holding MorMor’s hand – in turn MorMor also holding Bode’s hand.
They adore Sherry – whom they call MorMor – Swede for Mothers Mother!
When we walk with all three – it usually is Taylor who loses out to the other two in holding her hands.
This time it was Cassidy – who with each passing day – is becoming more and more independent.
These two are coming closer and closer together as they grow up.
They are twins – but had to come early as Taylor was taking all the nutrients.
Taylor is going to be really tall – close to six foot while Cassidy will be like her mother 5’6″.
Taylor loves to ride horses – Cassidy has a variety of interests –
but will sit for hours drawing off her computer and is really good!
I thought this to be funny – it brought a smile to my face!
We moved south to find more time to golf – warmer weather and being close to our friends!
Sherry and Cindy – we have been friends with the McBrides for almost 35 years.
They moved about 25 or 26 years to the Wilmington N.C. area – and we would spend time with them once or twice a year.
Then we moved to NVA and they would do the same.
Now – we are building a new home about 40 miles away from them –
and if the weather is nice – we golf once a week with them –
always on a new course – could be on the weekend or a week day.
They can and do stay with us and we do the same with them.
If our new home is not done on time and we have to give up the condo – they have offered us a place to stay.
FRIENDS! GOOD TIMES! LAUGHS!
This is what we have wanted to do for a very long time – it was too expensive in NVA and down here so many courses to choose from.
We both have a love to golf – one of Sherry’s highlights in golfing came with the day she broke 50 –
and it was a day she was golfing with her father!
A memory she shall always carry with her on the course. Now – she beats me! LOL
The view we have almost every morning when we wake up – the master bedroom has a big glass sliding door on her side of the bed – where all she has to do each morning is open her eyes and see this.
I see it each morning also – but I always am up before the dawn – have been that way all my life.
My favorite time of the day – writing my blog – sipping my coffee and watching the sun rise –
listening to the sounds of nature and just enjoying morning time.
Now the sun shines – causing a rainbow in the mist of the water fountain!
A peaceful setting we shall miss when we leave – but we have had by the end – nine months.
A memory we shall carry forward into the new home.
You can hear the pounding surf a half mile away –
We walk there almost every day –
the water fowl – geese – ducks – mallards – swans – otter – turtles – snakes
and really huge fish we can see when we look down onto the water.
Storms blowing in and out – rain and wind – nature at its best.
It would of been nice to have lived to the left of the picture – single family homes!
But – they were way too expensive – and the condos here – not enough space and no garage.
We have a storage unit – not a lot – but enough so that it would not fit.
The town houses here besides the condo’s – were out of our price range –
plus the one we looked at – needed a lot of work.
This is a beautiful area – one I shall remember –
We were blessed to have spent time here – but it also was expensive!
Thank you for reading Papa’s World
WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY
FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!
PAPA and SHERRY MY SITE : PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway
EMAIL: fitztdf@aol.com
SHERRY CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH HOME BUSINESS The Juice Plus Company
I