Papa’s World – Memories revisited!

This is our Cameron Woods Community Center under construction!

I think this was late 2020 or early 2021!

Today – it is in my opinion-

One of the nicest Community Centers in these developments!

Two pickleball courts.

A fully stocked workout room. Two large bathrooms – women’s and men’s.

A fully usable kitchen –

A large screened-in room with a half dozen teak tables and chairs.

A six person dinning room table and a countertop off the kitchen with two high-back chairs.

Two sitting areas with comfy chairs – couch and fireplace with tv over the mantle.

A small library in the sitting room.

Two entrances from the main building out to the pool, with a third from the screened-in room.

The pool area is completely fenced in –

Two outdoor showers – and a circular step down into the water with shallow water before setting down into the pool.

The deepest part is about five feet.

A large parking lot with numerous mailboxes and a large manicured lawn.

It is a big draw for resales of houses.

MEMORIES REVISTED!

Sherry is pointing at her golf ball with the green and flag behind her!

People are putting out on the green!

This was her drive!!!!!

Her ball hit the cart path and continued all along it before bouncing out to the fairway!

This is a par four, and it ended up over 300 yards!

Excitement at a once-in-a-lifetime experience of playing golf!

MEMORIES REVISITED!

Marcus – Tammy – Debby – Mike and Sherry.

The kids had a going-away party for us before we left for S.C. and N.C.

The grandkids at the going-away party!

A last hike before we left-

Saying goodbye was hard to do!

MEMORIES REVISITED!

Building our IMMUNE SYSTEMS for over twenty years, one day at a time.

FOR INFORMATION – go to: www.https://sfitzsimmonsjuiceplus.com

NO OBLIGATION – just information!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – MEMORIES REVISITED!

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Papa’s World – As a SENIOR – AGING!

AGING – Where have all the years gone?

With that being said, I feel blessed!

I am happy with my life- everything I have done and how I lived.

Now – in our SENIOR years-

We have settled in at Cameron Woods Community –

And in a few months, five years have passed!

We have made this home “OUR HOME” in our Senior years!

We enjoy golfing –

Not very good at it –

But – just being outside-

And the chance for a par, or if lucky, a birdie.

I am just happy not to lose my ball! LOL

We live near so many golf courses.

And I purchased a card called “THE TRAIL CARD”!

That gives me a discount on a great number of courses and as a guest-

Sherry also gets a discount!

Today, we are at the age of just being satisfied playing nine holes-

Then going out to dinner as we prefer to play around 2pm.

We have lifelong friends with whom we play or just get together-

Movie – dinner or a show!

Buck and Cindy were our neighbors back in WNY!

Today, we live 38 miles from them in OIB.

We now have a lot of friends who moved to NC and SC, and we meet up with them!

LIFE AS A SENIOR IS GETTING BETTER!


Our Community entrance!

We selected this community because of all the land and trees that are protected and will remain here.

Yet, we are but a few miles from the beaches, shopping, and entertainment.

SOUTH CAROLINA – the border is but 7 miles away.

Our community is quiet, yet we know many people.

My grade school buddy – Bob and his wife Pam-

Have leased a home nearby after 61/2 years of RVING all over the country!

They are testing it out to see if they like it here and yet still be a day’s drive from families!

Our neighborhood friends –

A friendly Steelers vs. Bills get-together!

Another football game watch!

At a open air concerts at the park in OIB!

Debby – Papa and Sherry –

On one of our many trips to the JUICE PLUS CONVENTION!

Being a SENIOR requires us to age as healthily as we can.

For me, making choices for my health in what I eat!

For Sherry – my go-to – helps me in making those choices!

She is a CERTIFIED HEALTH CONSULTANT!

She has guided me since my HEART ATTACK back in 2013.

I LISTEN!

Research and proven!

FORTY STUDIES – PUBLISHED – RESEARCH FROM MAJOR UNIVERSITIES –

ALL OVER THE WORLD!

NOW SOLD IN OVER TWENTY COUNTRIES –

AND IN BUSINESS FOR FORTY YEARS!

AND THE DRINKS ARE SO GOOD!

For information – no obligation – you can find email – phone number inside or just put into cart to order –

NO OBLIGATION – THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

www.https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

PAPA’S WORLD – AS A SENIOR – AGING!

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – Life in NC at Cameron woods!

At the entrance to Cameron Woods Community at Thanksgiving!

For the fourth year in a row-

The community gathered and walked to the entrance to do a “TURKEY TROT”!

They meet at the community center and walk together to the front, and then those who want-

Continue to walk the different side streets!

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY –

The “WHY” we chose to build our home and live here.

A previous year of meeting to walk.

The group has gotten larger each year.

Our front porch in Cameron Woods Community!

This is the one thing I wanted –

A FRONT PORCH!

Covered from rain and shaded from the hot Carolina sun!

I sit here and say hello to those who walk by or wave to those riding by.

You can say it is my little place of heaven as a senior!

Our journey brought us here as seniors.

Today, we have no plans to sell and move on!

This is our final home.

WE ARE BLESSED to have been able to do this!

FRIENDS – FAMILY have all shared our home here.

That is why we designed it to do just that!

Health – well-being – senior living!

All factors into this.

Every year, we reset our healthy living!

We maintain a healthy lifestyle so we can stay in our home.

Life is short-

A healthy life prolongs that life.

For over TWENTY years, we have been building our IMMUNE systems to stay active and healthy!

We believe in this supplement –

It has been a factor in our health for all these years.

If you wish to read and fact-check –

It has been around for forty years!

It is sold in over TWENTY COUNTRIES and has over 40 published research studies!

Sherry is a distributor –

And here is her website at no obligation!

www.https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Email and Phone number are here, or you can place items in a cart and purchase!

Thank you for reading my blogs!

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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PAPA’S WORLD – LIFE IN CAROLINA AT CAMERON WOODS!

Papa’s World – Sunshine – blue skies – beach life!

A view of Ocean Isle Beach from the “GROIN” area looking SW.

The area behind the “GROIN” pictured here –

It is eroding fast!

The dunes are almost gone, along with the trees and vegetation.

The surf comes in and pulls the sand out.

The “Groin” was put here to stop that from happening where the houses are.

A beach replenishing pumped acres of sand in from dredging operations.

First and second avenues had disappeared, and third avenue was in danger of vanishing!

At high tide,

The ocean water actually was almost under the white house-

But for huge sandbags –

Surrounding it!

Those bags remained there, and sand blew in over them.

Such is beach life –

We chose to stay on the mainland –

And commute to here when we want to!

SUNSHINE – BLUE SKIES and BEACH LIFE!

This is the OIB public park on the island.

Open-air concerts are held here from mid-May to the beginning of October.

After October, there are festivals held here!

It is one of the perks we knew of when we decided to build our home in –

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY!

SUNSHINE – BLUE SKIES and BEACH LIFE!

Our home –

The driveway looking toward the sunrise in the East.

This part of the coastline faces almost due South-

Because of the curvature from Charleston to the Outer Banks.

The storms tend to come up the coast and veer out, but sometimes –

They hit.

We have had one Category One storm.

It was scary, and not sure if we will stay for the stronger ones.

We are back some two to three miles from the coastline.

It is the wind I worry about and the protected nature trees we have here.

We have protected wildlife areas here and large trees behind the house.

But – the wind seems to come sideways, and the trees move in that direction-

And not toward the house.

The beauty of all the trees is one reason we chose this community-

Instead of all the clear-cut ones.

And in the picture, you can see a little part of all the trees!

SUNSHINE – BLUE SKIES and the BEACH LIFE!

Our way for more than twenty years to get the nutrients of 30 –

FRUITS – VEGETABLES and BERRIES directly into our bloodstreams.

For information and no obligation-

GO TO: www.https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

2024- on the beach celebrating our 75th birthdays with family!

We have now going on five years-

Being in our current house.

We are living our best senior years here.

My website: PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – SUNSHINE – BLUE SKIES and BEACH LIFE!

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Papa’s World – OIB – BEACH LIFE!

Growing up in NWPA and WNY-

Vacation time was almost always a week at the beach!

In the early years –

It was in New Jersey –

Simply – the closest and easiest to get to from WNY!

Then – it was the Outer Banks!

Always – I had that internal feeling-

Someday – I hope to have this as an everyday part of my life!

Today, we have that opportunity –

We have moved to Cameron Woods Community-

In normal traffic –

A ten to twelve-minute drive to the beach from the mainland.

Above – Sherry and I –

We volunteer for the Protection of Sea Turtles!

From mid-May to mid-October –

We are on the beach almost every day!

Our dream of living near the beach has come true!

Our happy place-

On the beach – chairs- and shade from the hot sun.

I have to be careful – sunscreen is a must for me.

I visit the dermatologist every four months.

My Irish heritage is susceptible to pre-cancerous skin cancer from the sun.

So – I enjoy the sun, sand, and surf –

But I am also aware of the hot sun!

We have walked to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox a half dozen times!

And we have walked with family and friends!

It is a quiet walk –

No houses – just sand, surf, and dunes!

The pier at OIB-

Oftentimes, we go here to sit in the shade and watch the surfers!

When there are strong storms out to sea –

The waves here are a surfer’s paradise.

In 2024, we celebrated our 75th birthdays –

On a family beach vacation on OIB!

In our move to NC-

We wanted it to be a day’s drive- 6 to 8 hours for the family to visit!

And they all have been here numerous times,

Even though busy life- jobs and school limits-

Their time here.

We, in turn, travel back-

So every few months we reconnect!

Today – our home –

This is more than likely –

The last time we moved!

We have either built – or bought –

SIX homes!

This is the sixth!

Our BEACH DREAM IS HERE!

In our case –

“DREAMS COME TRUE”!

PAPA’S WORLD –

OIB- BEACH LIFE!

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FOR MORE INFORMATION –

https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Entertainment – living near the borders!

The Greg Rowles Legacy Theater is only thirty minutes from our home in Cameron Woods!

While we live just across the border in N.C. –

There is a ton of Entertainment in S.C.

In the North Myrtle Beach area and Myrtle Beach.

Barefoot landing – House of Blues and The Alabama Theater!

And in Broadway on the Beach – shows and rides, and a huge boardwalk.

Carolina Opera is just down from the above, and there are other venues in between.

On Ocean Isle Beach –

for five months- May to September-

Open-air free concerts for the public.

Named Carolina Beach Bands!

Sunset Beach – Callabash – Shalotte-

Also have concerts-

Free to the public.

There are festivals all year round-

In the warmer weather.

I love music –

And I love BEACH MUSIC-

I listen to 94.9 THE SURF every day!

North Myrtle Beach –

For over 80 years –

Has become what is called “THE SHAG DANCE” –

It is famous and on their water tower –

A couple dancing to the “SHAG” is pictured.

Every four months,

They have a two-week festival,

And the whole town participates.

North Myrtle Beach celebrates every year on St. Patrick’s Day with a parade and festival.

My ancestors go way back to County Tyrone in Ireland!

The Fourth of July day parade!

On Ocean Isle Beach –

They have several parades each year.

Along with the above –

Memorial Day – Christmas – and other celebrations.

We also celebrate a healthy lifestyle!

INFORMATION: https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa and our oldest granddaughter – MADDY-

At the NMB Saint Patrick’s Day parade.

ENTERTAINMENT WHERE WE LIVE!

Family – at the concert – OIB!

Thanks for reading-

PAPA’S WORLD –

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Papa’s World – Community and Beach!

Good morning from Papa’s World and the entrance to our COMMUNITY!

Pictured here – (Sherry – middle right) – is the Cameron Woods Community-

Annual TURKEY WALK for Thanksgiving!

This was the fourth walk – every year since we moved in!

While I could not walk this year-

It was a good turnout, as it has grown every year from six to what you see here.

Also note – no children – that is because there are only a few in the entire neighborhood!’

We are mostly retired or soon to be!

Sunset between the trees in our backyard!

We have beautiful early morning sunrises and sunsets here.

One of the two reasons we selected this location –

I wanted a front porch to sit on –

And ours is in the shade almost the whole day!

I can sit out there most of the day if I want to.

The other reason is that Sherry wanted an office, and we got one!

Sitting on the front porch – seeing the sunrise –

Sitting on the back patio – seeing the sunsets!

The front porch I wanted!

The glider where I sit!

Protected, as you can see from the wet sidewalk from the rain!

Early morning sunrise from the front porch!

The beach – The pier and surf, and sand!

We always dreamed of beach living!

While we are on the mainland –

Ten minutes without traffic and we can stand here!

This is the life we have chosen.

We are blessed!

This is OCEAN ISLE BEACH with the causeway bridge we cross every day if we want to.

We are living the dream.

Never did we think this would come to be!

Our lives has changed!

FAMILY AND FRIENDS are still important to us.

And we built a home to accommodate both.

FAMILY – JULY 2024 – CELEBRATION ON THE BEACH FOR BOTH OF OUR 75th. BIRTHDAYS!

We also celebrate our health!

Twenty years ago, we chose this supplement!

Research and cost led us to this.

If this interests you –

Sherry became a distributor and has her own website!

Sold in over twenty countries worldwide.

The website: https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – Life – Family and Friends!

Sherry serving Communion at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

This was part of our LIFE in NVA. from 1999 to 2020 –

When the Pandemic hit –

And we decided to sell our home and move South!

Christmas at our home in Brambleton, VA.

For fourteen and a half years we lived here!

This was to be our forever home in retirement.

But LIFE goes on.

Opportunity came in the value of the home going up –

The 401K is going down!

TIME TO SELL AND MOVE ON – LIFE!

FAMILY – our four oldest granddaughters!

On the street in front of our new home in Cameron Woods Community!

As the sunsets on this day –

They enjoyed running down the hill –

LIFE is good!

FAMILY is priceless!

The youngest grandchildren and their parents.

Moving South meant that we lived 6 to 8 hours away.

This allowed us to drive back –

And FAMILY to come on down and still be a part of our lives!

FAMILY IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES!

SMILES – HUMOR and LAUGHTER- START YOUR DAY – LOL!

FRIENDS have always been a major part of our married life together!

At National Harbor- Washington, DC.

Maintaining friendships and expanding to new friends!

In our new Cameron Woods Community –

NEIGHBORS and NEW FRIENDS –

Play an important segment of our life together!

This is just how we are wired!

Longtime FRIENDS – NEW FRIENDS-

Keeping in touch.

Our home is a welcome place for us to keep these friendships alive!

FRIENDS ARE OUR LIFE CYCLE!

Our friends span generations-

Mothers and daughters!

LIFE IS GOOD!

FRIENDS!

Along with FAMILY – FRIENDS and OUR LIFE-

HEALTH IS ALSO IMPORTANT!

Our supplement of choice for over twenty years!

For more information –

Email and phone number,

And to order-

Just go to this website: https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

LIFE – HAPPINESS and FAMILY!

Thank you for reading my blog:

PAPA’S WORLD: LIFE- FAMILY and FRIENDS!

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

THE GOOD WITCH- SHERRY and JUST PAPA!

Papa’s World – Sitting on the front porch!

One of my main reasons to sit on the front porch –

Is waving or saying “HELLO” to folks passing by!

Our home has that porch –

It was the one thing I wanted when we picked out the location!

It would be in shade most of the daylight hours!

And – if it rained – if the wind wasn’t blowing-

You could just sit there and enjoy the storm.

Our home in Cameron Woods Community-

Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

Here you can see the wet sidewalk, grass,

And decorative stones-

Which are all wet after a rain shower!

The glider with the two pillows is where I sit!

And you can see it is dry!

Hot days with a breeze-

The shade makes it bearable to sit!

In the evenings, you can observe the fantastic sunsets we have here!

The same for the sunrises-

YES- I am up before dawn every day!

The dawn of another day at our house!

Front-porch sitting, I have done all my life.

Sherry’s bucket list for the new house-

Was an “OFFICE” that we could close off-

With floor space to put down a –

Queen-size mattress for company (mostly family)!

With the extra bedrooms and queen-size pull-out couch –

A love seat that pulls out to a single-

Along with the office-

We can sleep –

ELEVEN PEOPLE!

The only regret we have is either another full bathroom-

Or a half bath!

Another beginning of a day from the front of the house!

We are just two miles from the beach as the crow flies!

Of course, the ICW is also between us and the ocean.

We also have an enclosed sunroom – Lanai –

In the rear, which houses many plants –

And is fully ready with a fan and a small heater –

To sit there for the four seasons!

Papa and Sherry are walking on the beach.

Neither one of us swims in the ocean anymore!

But we walk on the surf and sit in the shade on the beach!

Thank you for reading my blogs!

You can find them in –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – From the past to the present!

Papa and Sherry –

On the beach on OAHU!

We really would like to return to the Big Island!

This is a past memory!

Cindy and Sherry are on our trip to Northern California.

We toured Lake Tahoe-

San Francisco –

And the wine country.

With stops at the giant Redwoods and Reno!

A cherished past memory!

The house we had built and lived in for 14 1/2 years –

In Brambleton, Va.

COVID and the Pandemic hit –

The 401K took a huge loss-

But this house gained so much that we decided to cash in!

We sold almost everything inside –

Packed up what remained into storage.

Then, for four months stayed back and forth with the families.

End of September 2020 –

We moved to North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

We searched and could not find a house we liked or an area we wanted to live in.

By chance, we stumbled upon Cameron Woods Community in OIB – mainland.

We bought a lot and in nine months total – moved in!

Today we live here –

Our home is completed –

And our journey ended happily for us.

FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT!

The date: June 25th. 1982.

Our wedding day.

Combining two sets of children.

One family and a journey begins.

July 2024 – our 75th birthday celebrations-

From the past to the present-

Still together – still best friends.

And still for twenty years –

The health supplement we chose to take.

For information –

Go to https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Sisters –

SHERRY – BONNIE and DEBBIE!

Parents Barb and Bill.

The past and now the present –

The parents are forever in their minds.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

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Papa’s World – Life in Cameron Woods.

This is the view early after we moved into our home.

You can still see the irrigation they set up to water the neighbor’s lawn.

Later, they removed it!

A lot of truth in this.

We chose Cameron Woods because it seemed to be centrally located among all the amenities we wanted.

Shopping – Golfing- Beaches –

Gas stations, groceries, parks, and entertainment.

And a brand new community with a community building with pool – workout room –

Bathrooms – Pickle Ball courts-

Quick access to highways North- South –

And six to eight hours’ drives to family!

We get to spend time on the beaches!

Neither one of us is into swimming in the ocean!

But walking the surf –

Relaxing in the shade of umbrellas-

Knowing we can do this every day!

Several friends from back in NVA have already built houses and moved down here.

Our old friends have lived here since the 1990s.

Here – pictured are Bob and Pam, and they are leasing for a year to see if they like it!

Debby – Sherry and Tammy –

They have visited often, along with the grandkids.

CAMERON WOODS HAS BECOME A DESTINATION, along with her sister, who moved nearby!

We also brought with us Sherry’s Internet business on Health and Nutrition.

This is what we sell and have taken for over twenty years!

Her website is complete with information – how to order and, if needed-

Her EMAIL and PHONE NUMBER!

Just go to https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Today, this is our home –

We had a dream, and it came true five years ago.

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY –

OCEAN ISLE BEACH!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – Living near the border!

After searching –

And moving to the border of N.C and S.C.-

We have found our happiness!

The big drop in the 401K in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic-

Caused us to rethink about living in NVA!

The housing market expanded and increased values –

Led us to sell the home we built and move South!

We wanted to be within a day’s drive of the Families –

But be out of the Ice, Snow, and Cold!

We both dislike snow and Ice.

It was time to move and be seniors –

Enjoy what years we have left.

We miss the families, but we go back often, and they come down.

For nine months, we had this view from the fourth floor of a condo –

In Ocean Keyes, North Myrtle Beach.

We walked to the beach one half mile every day!

Nine months here, and then we moved into our newly built home-

In Cameron Woods Community in Ocean Isle Beach –

On the mainland side of the ICW!

The new home we moved into –

We chose to be in the middle of shopping-

Golf courses –

and close to two beaches!

We are about seven miles from the border of S.C.

We are just a couple of miles from the ICW!

Our church is about five miles away.

Shopping within seven miles in either direction.

Most of the time, no snow or ice!

Just once in five years, we had a couple of inches of snow!

Within days, it was all gone and back into the mid-50s!

These past five years have gone by so fast!

But it is what we want!

We are still after twenty years –

Maintaining our healthy lifestyle!

Our choice was and still is after twenty years!

INFORMATION – EMAIL and PHONE NUMBER!

website: https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Today, if we choose –

We can see this every day!

This is our WHY, living near the beaches and borders!

Thank you for reading my blogs.

PAPA’S WORLD –

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUBSCRIBE – IT IS FREE!

FOR HEALTH AND NUTRITION –

Website: https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Living life in the South!

We spent the first 50 years of our lives in NWPA and WNY!

Here – from left to right –

My friends and neighbors!

Jimmy – from the same town I grew up in, NWPA!

We played softball together and worked together!

Mike – our next-door neighbor in WNY in Portville!

We played many funny tricks on each other, and he and his wife still live in WNY!

Buck – another neighbor in Portville – who was the first to leave and go South to N.C.

He and Cindy – his wife –

Have traveled the world with us!

Today, they live but 38 miles from us.

They are the main reason we came to N.C.

Some HUMOR for today!

Here is where we came in 2020 after selling our home in Brambleton, VA.

This is a three-bedroom, two-bath condo on the fourth floor with two elevators right outside this door.

The view through those glass sliding doors –

Overlooks a large lake with fountains and is a half mile long, and a walk to the beach entrance-

In Ocean Keyes – North Myrtle Beach.

Where those glass sliding doors are – to the right is another set off the master bedroom –

And is a completely screened-in lanai with fantastic views.

We were very happy here and once thought of buying here!

But – no garage and limited storage space.

Here we are on the beach in Winter on a warm day!

Our WHY for moving South-

Hardly any snow and ice!

The heat does not bother us so much-

You can walk the beach in summer, and the surf and breezes are all we need!

We spent nine months here –

At first, searching for houses for sale.

But soon found out that anything we could afford also needed updating!

So – we found a community just North across the border into N.C.

We could build cheaper and get everything we wanted!

So, we signed and spent the rest of the nine months here enjoying NMB and the area!

Our new home shortly after we moved in.

Eight miles to the border of S.C.

Shopping – entertainment all around us.

38 miles from our close friends, the McBrides!

Three beaches, 10 to 20 minutes from us!

In the middle of about 30 golf courses.

A brand new community and loads of new friends.

In the years since-

Old friends from NVA have moved down here, and we meet every so often.

My H.S. buddy and wife-

is here now, nine miles away, for a one-year lease to see if they like the area year-round-

After the past six plus years of RV living up and down the coast and out West!

The younger grandkids and family love it here and visit often!

The oldest grandkids and parents also love coming here!

We now volunteer for the protection of Sea Turtles on OIB! PERMIT 25st02!

We choose to live here –

Aging during our SENIOR YEARS –

And for the past twenty-plus years –

Taking a supplement to help us age as HEALTHILY as we can.

Now, a drink that provides 30 fruits and vegetables to absorb directly into the bloodstream.

Nationally recognized in the health and nutrition industry –

It has been sold in the USA and 27 countries and has been in business for almost FORTY years!

Our HEALTH SUPPLEMENT OF CHOICE FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS!

For more information –

A website with an email and phone number for Sherry.

https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Our 75th birthdays are in 2024!

We have not looked back from our move to the South.

Enjoying our retirement and Senior Years!

Thank you for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

PAPA’S WORLD – LIVING LIFE IN THE SOUTH!

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Papa’s World – Some humor and looking to the past!

Today – she has graduated from college-

A degree in Environmental Science-

Working for a large Environmental nationwide firm.

She has her own apartment –

But I still remember the little girl –

On her tricycle – with her “PIGGY” in the basket.

Maddy has grown up –

But this little girl will remain with me for the rest of my life!

A little humor to start your day!

Now if it were craft BEER –

I would be into it! LOL

When we moved South in 2020 –

During the COVID-19 pandemic-

We stayed in North Myrtle Beach at Ocean Keyes-

The beach was a half-mile walk from our condo!

We loved it here, but could not find a place to live that met our lifestyle!

NINE MONTHS was the period of time we lived here.

Fantastic memories,

And we still travel the sixteen miles back to visit!

CHERISHED MEMORIES!

My oldest son, Troy.

He still lives back where he grew up in Pa.

Looking forward to his next visit!

CHERISHED MEMORIES!

The time we moved into our new home-

In Cameron Woods Community!

Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

Sitting on the front porch sipping my coffee!

LIFE IS GOOD!

TRUE! LOL!!!!

LOL LOL LOL!!!!

Sitting on the sand for our 75th birthday celebration – July 2024!

AGING HEALTHY INTO OUR SENIOR YEARS FOR TWENTY-PLUS YEARS!

WE CHOSE THIS SUPPLEMENT –

In the twenty-plus years, I HAVE NEVER MISSED A DAY!

For more info and email –

and phone number-

GO TO: www.https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

LOL- PAPA’S WORLD:

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Papa’s World – When dreams come true!

After the Pandemic and the 401K collapse –

We decided to sell our “Forever Home” in Brambleton, VA. –

And go to a warmer climate!

We stayed for nine months in Ocean Keyes, NMB- S.C.

During those nine months, we visited many homes for sale.

Anything in our price range involved updating and months of work.

By chance, seeing a billboard –

We visited a new Community site under construction.

We found where we wanted to live and decided to BUILD our next home.

The total cost was equivalent to what we would spend on purchasing one to update.

The plus side was that we would have everything new and be where we wanted to be.

This picture shows our new home under construction –

1900 plus square Feet –

Plus an enclosed screened-in lanai!

Our wish list was met by upgrading almost everything we could!

The beaches –

10 to 13 minutes away for both of them.

Gas station – Post Office-

Two miles away.

Shopping – 12 minutes in either direction-

And big box stores – 8 to 16 miles away.

Entertainment – thirty minutes away, sometimes closer.

Numerous friends live nearby.

We play golf on over thirty golf courses nearby!

We volunteer for three organizations.

And we live in a climate that suits us year-round!

This is our dream come true!

We left behind family, but they visit often.

And we also often go back!

We are retired and in our senior years!

July 2024 – on the beach celebrating both of our 75th. birthdays!

Over twenty plus years ago –

We did the research and read the published research( 40 now published)

and decided to age as healthily as we could into our Senior years!

After much thought and reading, we selected JUICE PLUS –

THIRTY FRUITS – VEGETABLES – BERRIES AND OMEGAS –

Once taken go immediately into the bloodstream.

USA OLYMPIC TEAMS, BOTH WINTER AND SUMMER – TAKE THIS.

IT IS NSA APPROVED FOR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES!

We are aging in our senior years –

Getting the required fruits and vegetables with nutrients that go directly into your bloodstream.

Sherry decided over twenty years ago to become a partner in the health establishment.

She has her own website: www.https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

This is sold worldwide in over twenty COUNTRIES.

Her email and phone number are on this site to answer questions.

It can be ordered from the USA or other countries through this website.

The company is over 35 years old.

CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH AND OWNER OF THE WEBSITE!

AGING INTO AND DURING OUR SENIOR YEARS AS HEALTHY AS WE CAN!

PAPA’S WORLD – WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE!

THANKS FOR READING! PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – A look at the past!

Although we did not have a wooden screen door-

We had a porch where we could sit and watch the world go by on our main street house.

Our little town is called Eldred.

Had a main highway for a main street, and it went right by my front bedroom.

Often at night –

I would fall asleep with the window opened and one of those sliding screens in place.

The traffic would slow down after dark –

But it still was the main way to come-

From NYS to PA. and beyond.

My mother, after she was older –

And lost her second husband to heart problems-

My own father died of cancer when I was nineteen –

She would sit on that porch every day in good weather.

Folks would drive by and honk their horns –

And yell a “HELLO MARY” as they went by after rolling down their car windows!

That front porch –

I had countless times of sleeping out with friends –

I had an old Korean War sleeping bag that belonged to my brother-in-law Bill.

It was not warm and had no padding!

Pa., back there was cool in the evenings-

A dense fog would roll up and over the railroad tracks from the Alleghany River!

The grass was always wet in the mornings,

And the sleeping bag was damp with moisture.

We had and still do a 10 o’clock curfew –

All kids off the streets.

Part of sleeping out was raiding the many gardens all over town.

Eating apples from the trees.

Upon the hill, across the street from our house-

Was a hill covered in blueberries!

Summertimes – we would take broken down large cardboard boxes and slide down that hill!

That porch has held its secret for countless years of the conversations that were said there.

Now today –

A new front porch of our own.

A place I go to sit and wave or greet neighbors going by.

No screen door – no childhood memories here.

No curfew – no sleeping out at night.

Still, a bedroom for guests sits right there.

Now we have Deer alerts with motion detectors.

They go off when the deer approach the flowers.

They also go off if it is windy or if someone is walking by on the road in the dark. LOL

This front porch is what I wanted when we selected the model for our home.

I guess it might reflect back to my youth.

All those years ago –

And now today aging to our 80s.

Both were raised in small towns with COUNTRY all around.

For me, today is having that place where I am comfortable-

Waving and saying hello to those passing by.

FRONT PORCHES have a way of doing that to me.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

FOR TWENTY-PLUS YEARS –

AGING AS HEALTHY AS WE CAN INTO OUR SENIOR YEARS!

CHECK IT OUT at: http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – More pictures of great memories!

We sold our home in 2020 –

During the Pandemic.

For three and a half months-

We stayed with our daughters and their families.

Splitting time between Lake Holiday and Leesburg, VA.

Then we packed up – we had a storage unit –

That remained as we loaded up the car and headed South-

To friends who lived just outside Leland, N.C.

Here we spent some time – golfing and being together.

On October 1st. 2020 –

We moved into an Ocean Keyes condo on North Myrtle Beach!

View from the lanai at the condo on the fourth floor.

After six weeks of searching for a resale home –

We gave up because whatever we bought in our price range-

It would need to be remodeled to our taste.

At this point in time, by accident, we saw a billboard-

Advertising Cameron Woods Community on the mainland side of OIB!

This was in NC near –

About seven miles to the border of SC.

We visited the model and decided this is what we wanted and would be less expensive-

Then, buying a resale –

And it would be brand new.

Plus, for that price, we could pick all the upgrades!

The first picture is the house that we built near the end of construction.

Today, we have this view of sunrise from the front lawn.

These are more GREAT PICTURES OF MEMORIES!

We visit Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach –

We walk around getting our steps in!

One of our favorite places to sit, watch, and have a light lunch-

Is CROOKED HAMMOCK!

We actually watched them build this place during our Pandemic stay at Ocean Keyes!

MORE GREAT PICTURES OF MEMORIES!

Our granddaughter Sarah –

When she was a senior in High School –

Designed this mural as part of the 75th. anniversary celebration-

Of James Wood H.S.

Here she is pointing up at the mural, which was painted at two different locations.

The school on the left is the original from 1950!

And today it is used as a middle school.

The middle and right drawings are the 2025 H.S.

Today she is a student in college-

MORE GREAT PICTURES OF MEMORIES!

Her second drawing was chosen to be the cover of the graduation commencement.

The left side is 1950, with students whom she knows inserted in the picture.

The same theme as the mural.

The right side is 2025 with students that she knows-

And her car and her father’s car are in the picture.

She is truly gifted!

MORE GREAT PICTURES OF MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

For twenty-plus years –

AGING AS HEALTHY AS CAN!

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Living in Cameron Woods Community!

Our community center in Cameron Woods is beautiful.

It contains a kitchen-workout room with machines.

A fireplace and a TV-

With couches and chairs.

A dining room table –

Two bathrooms.

A really large screened-in toom with ceiling fans and teak wood tables and chairs!

A large pool that has an entry-level flat area and steps down into deeper water.

At its deepest point is five feet.

Decorated and set up for a Kentucky Derby party.

Around 40 to 50 neighbors showed up for a bring-a-dish – dessert –

Lots of fun and excitement.

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY CENTER!

A bright spot in our community –

The pool opens late April and goes to maybe the end of October.

Sunrise on our street from our front porch.

Sunset on our street from our front driveway.

Late Fall – Solo Stove campfire from our back patio with the Sunset!

Most of our community is retired –

Or working from home.

A great many –

This is their second home.

We are close to the beaches –

And shopping, and golf.

There are a few resale homes –

Mostly one level-

Three bedrooms-

And two baths.

Two-car garages and lots of protected areas.

Normally around 1700 to 2000 SF.

We found our little piece of paradise by accident.

And we are so blessed –

To be here.

CAMERON WOOD COMMUNITY –

So close to OCEAN ISLE BEACH and toes in the sand.

Thanks for reading my blog!

PAPA’S WORLD-

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS – AGING HEALTHY AS SENIORS!

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Memorable times – PICTURES!

Start your day –

My blog is a journal of times – pictures of family – friends.

Memories captured for the next generations.

Have a brew – and enjoy!

This picture is the EAST END of OCEAN ISLE BEACH!

While beautiful –

I look at it and think about how vulnerable it is to storms and hurricanes.

This huge rock wall was put in a few years ago to stop the erosion of the beach.

It is referred to as
“THE GROIN”!

Looking at the picture, to the left on the beach –

Following the line of houses –

You can tell that FIRST and SECOND streets have already been washed away in previous years.

The street to the right is Third Street.

That whole expanse of beach was dredged up from the channel and blown in to make the beach!

The water was high tide up and under those houses.

Huge sand-filled bags lined the edges of the houses to protect them.

Since this was done –

The erosion now is on the East side of the rocks.

We have walked the East end, and the eroded banks are higher than my head.

Dead trees now lie in the surf.

The entire area has changed for the worse.

I fear a major storm will wipe it out and allow the surf to roll across to the ICW!

The main bridge over the ICW is called the causeway bridge by the locals.

This is the center of the town and the island.

Here are the shops, the park, and the pier.

Restaurants and bars.

It is a beautiful place by the ocean –

And about a ten-minute drive without traffic for us.

We are on the mainland side –

The ICW is between us and the island.

About two miles of mainland separates us from the ICW!

Our street looks WEST in the first picture and EAST in the second picture.

Because of the curvature of the coastline –

From Charleston to Wilmington –

Our back of the house faces South, and the front faces North.

We are also close to two other beaches – Holden Beach to the EAST and Sunset Beach to the West.

Oak Island is about 30 miles away.

We are close to North Myrtle Beach – 16 miles- Myrtle Beach – about 30 miles.

And Southport, Shallotte, and Wilmington to the North.

Calabash and Little River are about six to eight miles away.

We have four grocery stores close by –

Two Food Lions, a Publix, and a Lowe’s.

Big BOX STORES are within 15 to 30 minutes, and Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Our church, Saint Luke’s Lutheran, is about ten minutes away.

We selected this area because of the golf, beaches, shopping, entertainment, and gas stations.

Our community is not as clear-cut as others around us.

We have protected areas.

If you look at the previous pictures of EAST and WEST on our street –

You can see the trees!

We have very tall pine trees and live oaks all around us.

It is a quiet community –

Neighbors are out and about walking by the front porch.

We know way more people here than where we moved from-

Which we called a GARAGE DOOR COMMUNITY!

The door goes up – people leave – it goes down.

And the opposite, when they return, and you seldom see them.

Thank you for reading –

Relaxing on OIB!

AGING TOWARD THE UPPER 70s!

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

AGING INTO AND LIVING OUR SENIOR YEARS AS HEALTHY AS WE CAN.

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Fun times in pictures!

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 – Our home THEN and NOW!

In 2020, we signed a contract to build a house in Cameron Woods Community!

The build went to July 1st. -2021 – and we closed the next day after a walk-through!

In this picture –

We went a couple of times a week to see the progress.

We were leasing a condo in Ocean Keyes in North Myrtle Beach.

Sixteen miles away in S.C.,

The view we had from the full across the front lanai –

Fourth-floor condo overlooking a huge lake with six water fountains.

From here we had a half-mile walk within Ocean Keyes-

To reach the back entrance and walk two blocks to the beach entrance!

At a time in the past, this was a golf course-

Called “THE OLD GATOR HOLE”!

Now it has six pools, tennis courts, a workout area –

And 780 condos!

If there were garages –

We might have considered retiring here!

But- we chose our current location across the border in OIB, NC.

As an upgrade, we had irrigation installed.

We chose many upgrades and ended up one level –

Three bedrooms and two baths.

A two-car garage, a patio out back, and an enclosed lanai.

A separate laundry room and an office.

Our lot backed onto a protected wildlife zone!

We now live a few miles from this beach – OIB- across the causeway bridge and the ICW!

I wanted a front porch to sit on in the shade!

Sherry wanted an enclosed office!

My favorite spot to sit and converse with neighbors walking by!

We now watch the sunrise from that porch and the sunsets!

We have had all the landscaping done –

Including planting of Crepe Myrtles and Palm Trees in the back yard and front yard.

Off the back patio –

The family enjoys the Solo Stove fire.

Sunset with the Solo Stove and family!

Thanks for reading my blog.

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUBSCRIBE – IT IS FREE!

For over twenty years –

Eating and aging healthy –

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

My happy place – Cameron Woods Community –

New house and front porch!

Papa’s World – Humor and Good Thoughts!

Good day, everyone!

Sharing some good thoughts and humor today!

And yes- HAPPY HOUR ON THE BEACH!

To play golf, in my opinion –

You just have to have a sense of humor!

At least I do!

Of course, easier said than done.

Frustrations can and do come out!

But I try not to let it get to me!

Everyone has their day –
bogies – pars and once in a while a birdie.

And then, we head to the beach after that round of golf!

Time to reflect while toes in the sand and the sound of the surf!

“I did hit that great shot – I made it out of the sand trap-

And I one putted”!

I look at the beach – the folks there are on vacation!

Then, I planned to go back again and attempt to play golf.

Knowing it will be both a pleasure and a frustration.

But this is why we choose to live among the golf courses and near the two beaches!

The sun sets on another day of golf –

Another day at the beach-

And our life in the Carolinas is complete-

We are not on vacation –

We live here and have a second chance to swing that club-

Maybe a boggie – a par or a birdie.

In golf as in life-

FRIENDS for decades and decades!

WASH – RINSE and REPEAT!

Friends sharing special moments.

Keep thinking positive thoughts when that shot does not go as you thought!

Today, I blog on HUMOR and THOUGHTS – Good thoughts!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Stay healthy –

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Family – moments – good thoughts!

Good morning and welcome to my blog!

My journey of blogging has been ongoing for several years.

Encouraged by my wife to write it all down –

And have a place where it is saved for generations to read.

This is about our families –

Friends – events and who we are.

Thanks for reading!

My spot on the front porch –

In the shade, where I sit and say hello or wave to the neighbors.

It is peaceful, and I can watch the storms come in from the SW!

This view is to the NE –

And the sunrise.

We can see both the sunrise and sunset from our front view.

And – the porch is shaded most of the time.

Living life here as a senior –

The climate is ideal for us.

We have a golf course nearby and two beaches.

Shopping is within 30 minutes in both directions.

We have made new friends –

Neighbors and a community to our liking!

Senior living in the Carolinas!

Family is important to us –

And they come to visit.

Here we are at sunset on OIB!

A day well spent, and looking forward to the next day!

A sense of humor for me when I golf!

Back where I began on the front porch.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD!

LIVING HEALTHY –

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – Family and Friends – good vibes.

From the little tiny girl with a name tag on her shirt-

To a college grad teacher in Phys Ed with the names of her students who signed –

A scarf and given to her –

Ella has transformed into an Elementary Phys Ed teacher.

A GOOD VIBE!

FRIENDS – decades and decades of friendships.

Creating lasting memories of times gone by.

A GOOD VIBE!

My blogs are published every day.

I share family, friends, and events in a journal of my daily life.

Bringing GOOD VIBES to this page.

A condo with a fantastic view of a lake and fountains.

We spent nine months here at this condo in Ocean Keyes.

Located in North Myrtle Beach –

We lived here while our home –

was in Cameron Woods Community-

In Ocean Isle Beach –

was being built.

A huge community here in this picture with 780 condos.

We were on the fourth floor, and this lanai was across the entire back of the condo.

Ducks, geese, birds, and swans were in our view daily.

From up high, we could see-

Very big fish swimming.

This, for nine months,

gave us GOOD VIBES every day!

Papa is standing on our new home in Cameron Woods Community –

Ocean Isle Beach.

We left the condo and moved some 16 miles away.

We still travel to NMB –

And visit that area.

GOOD VIBES are being created where we now live.

A view of the sunset from our driveway in Cameron Woods Community.

Another blog –

GOOD VIBES!

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

PAPA’S WORLD –

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – The Kentucky Derby Party!

Thirty-plus people came –

The food was delish –

The company was excellent,

and we all got to meet one another.

The ladies and some of the men wore straw hats – NOT ME!

All the names of the horses were put into a container –

And you bought a name.

You then reached in and withdrew your horse for the race.

We were all glued to the TV over the mantle.

The three winners – middle first place, left second place, and right third place(Sherry)!

Kentucky Derby ladies and their hats!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUBSCRIBE – IT IS FREE!

Live healthy –

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

PAPA’S WORLD – THE KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY!

Papa’s World – Decorating for Kentucky Derby party.

Our little community came together for a party!

KENTUCKY DERBY!

Kathy – Diane and Sherry did the main decorating.

Kathy – Sherry and Diane.

It was Kathy’s idea,

And they jumped in and helped!

The women all wore hats –

Dresses and the men some had straw hats –

and various forms of dress!

Diane purchased this at a thrift store and did the decorating.

For fun – everyone who wanted to –

Bought a horse out of a jar named.

That would be your horse for the race,

and the first three places paid.

The room was all decorated.

We have a beautiful community center –

And on the website,

It was announced several times with the date and time.

A bunch of tables for food and desserts –

Everyone brought something to eat.

You supplied your own drinks.

Chairs were arranged to watch the race on the TV.

We had so many people that a lot stood and watched.

They had seating for 25, but had more than that.

Here is the seating,

And in the far left back is the bar and kitchen with additional seats.

Paper plates, cups, napkins,

and utensils were donated and provided.

They made the decorations on the fireplace –

A fun time was had by all.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.blog

For more blogs –

SUBSCRIBE TO MY SITE –

IT’S FREE!

PAPA’S WORLD – DECORATING FOR THE KENTUCKY DERBY.

SHERRY – KATHY and DIANE!

Papa’s World – Great times in pictures!

Sherry, Maddy, and Papa.

Here we celebrate Maddy signing a letter of intent-

To play soccer at the University of Lynchburg.

She would go on to play as a Freshman –

Third team all-conference as a Sophomore,

Second team all-conference as a Junior,

And team captain as a senior, winning the conference championship.

In two of the four years, the team made the NCAA playoffs!

From the smallest one on the co-ed soccer team –

To a successful college career-

Today, she is an Environmental Scientist working for one of the largest firms in the country.

Creating for this blog –

GREAT TIMES IN PICTURES!

Nearby, where we call home-

Cameron Woods Community –

Ocean Isle Beach.

Here you see the sunset over the marsh next to the causeway bridge.

This is behind the non-domination church.

We often take the family here to view the sunset and take pictures.

GIVING GREAT TIMES IN PICTURES!

Marcus and Bode-

The little guy is playing golf now –

And they are going to get him lessons.

Today, he drove the ball really well.

He loves flag football and plays soccer.

He is a natural, and someday I hope to see him compete!

ANOTHER GREAT TIME IN PICTURES!

On Sherry’s bucket list –

It was going to EPCOT to see the FLOWERS SHOW!

Here we traveled to Florida and joined up with Cindy and Buck.

Her dream came true as we spent the day wandering among all the displays of brilliant flowers!

We have traveled the world with them and added this to our adventures.

ANOTHER GREAT TIME IN PICTURES!

To play golf, I have to have humor! LOL!

In Cameron Woods Community –

We have a beautiful community center –

And a pool behind it.

Here, Taylor and Bode enjoyed the almost empty pool.

This was mid-April, and the water temperature was still only 68 degrees!

But they didn’t care!

ANOTHER GREAT TIME IN PICTURES!

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY CENTER!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Good thoughts – the COLORS of flowers! DEER!

In our daily lives –

FLOWERS bring joy with our own eyesight!
Sherry and I – try as we might – display flowers.

These are not ours –

But in our new home near OIB-

It is a constant struggle with DEER!

Wherever we visit –

We both take many pictures of flower gardens.

The problem with DEER –

Is in our complete neighborhood!

They even come onto porches and eat the flowers!

So when we see flower arrangements in gardens –

There is a sort of envy because we just can not do that!

I have tried all sorts of sprays –

Different flowers that they won’t eat ( they still do)!

I once posted this problem on my social media page-

They gave me some ideas and said if that doesn’t work, then –

“EAT THEM”!!!! LOL

No – I will not hurt them –

So we do not plant –

As we normally would!

However,

I capture the places we have been –

Such as here at Epcot –

Wonderful displays of gardens with flowers!

Sherry in Winter Garden-

Our wishful thinking is captured now in memories with pictures!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Special pictures in memories!

We are very fortunate to have this building and pool –

As our Community Center!

And – it is but a short walk from our home –

Also, you can not see –

Our mailboxes are to the right, with a lane for parking!

Inside is a large meeting area with TVs, chairs, couch, dining room table,

and chairs.

Enough room and seating to hold a large group of people.

A propane fireplace –

A screened in room with six tables – teak wood- chairs and seating for about 30 folks.

Also – a work out room with machines – weights –

And full, clear windows overlooking this parking lot!

We have two pickleball courts –

And a large step-down pool with the deep end about five feet.

The area around the pool is fenced in, and entrance is with a card-

Each person who resides in the home – ADULT- has a card to swipe.

This card can also be swiped to gain entrance to the building.

The pool area is surrounded by tables with umbrellas and chairs.

Our community center is a source of pride, and inside is also a free lending book library.

O have donated many books to it.

SPECIAL PICTURES IN MEMORIES!

A very young TAYLOR with her mother –

First, learning to ride horses.

Her mother had to stand with her so she would not fall off.

Today, her love for horses has led to her riding each week.

On days she can not ride, she works in the stables.

Cleaning stalls and grooming the horses.

It is how she wants to spend her spare time-

No matter how cold or rainy it is!

From that little girl who could barely sit astride a horse –

To a young lady adapt at riding –

Taking care of them –

Leading out to pasture and back before dark

Cleaning the stalls and grooming them.

Taylor – doing what she loves – creating a lifetime –

SPECIAL PICTURES IN MEMORIES!

After showering and dressing –

The first thing I do every morning –

Is that one cup of coffee enough to get my day started?

Later in the mornings –

I may have one cup of Tea.

But it is that lone cup of coffee in the morning-

that I look forward to each day.

A CUP OF JAVA GETS ME ON TRACK FOR A SENIOR DAY OF RETIREMENT!

Proud of this young man – my youngest son – SHAWN.

Owner of his own insulation and auditing business for the State of Pa.

For major energy companies that provide energy for heating for the elderly.

He has contracts with both the State and those Energy companies.

In addition to his own companies-

He is a world-ranked pool player.

Winning many tournaments in both singles and team competion.

Many – Many times he has won his way to Las Vegas –

to compete amongst the best players in the country.

SPECIAL PICTURES IN MEMORIES!

Here is my oldest son, Troy,

on the left and Shawn.

Troy can and has built houses from the ground up

He can do it all!

My own father was the same way!

So very proud of him-

In great demand back in NWPA.

Hoping they can come down once again for a visit.

SPECIAL PICTURES IN MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading.

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – A time in pictures!

One of my favorite things to do –

Is going shopping with Sherry –

At the “OUTLETS” –

in Myrtl Beach, S.C.

Here, I purchase a Starbucks coffee-

And find a place to sit in the sun-

Sip my coffee –

While people watching –

Until she finishes a certain area for shopping-

And then we move on to another area!

That way, I get to do what I want to do-

And she can shop to her heart’s content! LOL!

HERE ANOTHER TIME IN A PICTURE!

Cindy and Sherry –

Went to an antiques vendor fair in Myrtle Beach.

Just to see if anything caught their eyes!

It didn’t!

But they had a great day together while Buck and I watched TV at home.

Here, they took a picture together –

Another TIME IN A PICTURE!

MY GOOD THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!

This picture was drawn by Cassidy when she was 11 years old.

When they were staying here for a week in Summer-

She just sat down at the kitchen island and drew this!

I had to frame it!

HERE ANOTHER TIME IN A PICTURE-PICTURE!

If you are ever in North Myrtle Beach –

A bucket list item to see –

Walk through the “JUKE BOX” doors –

Into the WORLD OF SHAG DANCING!

This area is known as the “SHAG DANCING” capital of the world.

And has been for almost 80 years!

The dance is famous all over the world –

Just Google it and watch them dance!

FAT HEARLDS BEACH CLUB- NMB –

ANOTHER TIME IN A PICTURE!

Many memories of our close friends –

JIM, DOTTIE, CIDNY, BUCK, and us.

ANOTHER TIME IN PICTURES!

WHERE WE LIVE!

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD!

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Friendship memories!

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 – Memories in pictures.

Less than five miles from our home in Cameron Woods Community –

Is COASTAL POINT –

A seniors home that has memory care and assisted living quarters.

We volunteer each month –

Sherry – pictured above –

along with other volunteers –

set up and operate a “STORE” for residents to shop!

Almost all of the items are donated –

anything from jewelry to games to clothes.

The residents earn vouchers during the month and use the vouchers to buy items.

This gives them a sense of still being able to live a normal life.

They come in wheelchairs – canes – walkers or walking.

The items are surprisingly nice!

They have an hour and a half to shop and then everything is taken off the racks and tables-

and stored away for the next month – all done by the volunteers.

I – in the meantime – go to the library and organize it after a month of use,

Replacing books – completed puzzles – sorting through books and discarding them as –

relatives continually donate more books.

I place chairs back where they are moved from –

and make it as easy as I can for them to look through different sections of the library.

THIS CREATES MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Sherry and I are on the North Shore of Ohau!

We went here on a trip with our close friends THE MCBRIDE-

We spent almost two weeks in an air BNB –

A perfect base to explore the whole island which we did.

From our lanai, we could observe parachute jumping and hang gliding –

from a nearby airport.

We spent every day taking in as much as we could!

We both want to return and explore the other islands.

THIS CREATES MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

We have seen this cat several times in the last two years.

He or She lives in and around the Community Center on Ocean Isle Beach.

One time we talked to a lady who said she fed it –

Place a tin of cat food, wait for it to finish, and then remove it.

I am not sure where it sleeps as there are many foxes and people have seen coyotes.

This time it followed us on the boardwalk from the center to the steps to the beach.

THIS CREATES MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Many memories of my youth growing up in Eldred, Pa.

When the Myers family comes to visit in the summertime.

Sherry – Debby – Maddy – Ella – Sarah and Mike are behind them.

All summer long until late September –

We have open-air music concerts at the park in OIB.

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

The park also has a huge playground with a basketball-pickle ball court.

There are bathrooms and a bocce court.

A splash pad and an open grass field with a covered concert stage.

The entire area is fenced in and many events are held here-

plus a weekly market-vendor – sales!

THIS CREATES MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Midterms – every two years and the general election every four years.

We have voted in places we have lived-

Pa. – NYS. – Va. and N.C.

Expressing our right to vote.

We have done mail-in votes when we were traveling.

It is a right that we take seriously!

THIS CREATES MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

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LOL PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUNSET IN CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. HGD!

Papa’s World – Memorable moments in pictures!

Here is Sherry with her oldest daughter – Debby – celebrating her birthday –

at the beach in the summer of 2024.

And this is Tammy – Sherry’s younger daughter – on the beach –

celebrating her birthday in the summer of 2024.

We had the whole family – grandkids and all –

to help celebrate her and my birthdays that summer on the beach.

This was the first beach vacation since the 2020 pandemic, and we were able to be together.

So many times in the past before the Pandemic –

We had gone to beaches for family vacations.

The shirts were designed and made by Ella – our granddaughter.

Hopefully we can do this again in our senior years.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN PICTURES!

Wow – years ago – family vacation when the twins were not even walking yet!

This picture also shows GIGI –

Sherry’s mother who after her husband passed away –

Spent winters and family vacations with us.

She sold her home and bought another next to her church –

In Mount Jewett, Pa.

Because it was so cold up there in the wintertime-

We would travel back there and bring her back with us.

She loved the beach vacations with her extended family.

And little Cassidy – being held by Marcus –

As soon as she was able to walk –

would grab GIGI’s hand and walk with her.

Another MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES!

Christmas decorations of our home in Cameron Woods Community.

When we bought our plans for the house and started building-

We wanted a porch we could sit on during the hot sunny weather-

and it to be shaded.

Also – we did not want stairs to climb up and down in our senior years.

We also needed room for the family to come and stay –

All of them at the same time.

Sherry wanted an office with doors.

We had a one-story home with all of the above in a neighborhood –

Situated close to the beaches – shopping – entertainment –

and golf available –

A home that had the atmosphere of being country – Trees – green lawn –

And neighbors you see walking every day.

Being able to put up lights while being a senior –

This is our home today!

Another MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES!

In a ten to fifteen minutes drive – we can access two beaches-

Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach.

Both are barrier islands and both have large causeway bridges over the ICW!

We spend many days walking the beaches –

sand – surf and music are available in summer.

We never tire of this – “Hey – do you want to drive over to the beach”?

This has been a dream for years with us.

To be retired and have this is a dream come true.

This is but one example of our life which has created-

ANOTHER MEMORABLE PICTURE!

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Papa’s World – Something memorable to us!

Good grief says Papa!

Here it is after four years – “SNOW”!

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

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

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

The Panhandle had snow – the beaches there had snow!

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

But inland they didn’t!

Climate Change?

I do not know but it was weird.

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

I will still take our winter here –

SUNSHINE most days and all day!

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

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

Here are the two teams we follow –

I lean a little bit more toward the Washington Commanders –

And Sherry leans a bit more toward the Buffalo Bills!

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

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

And I said if they both make it –

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

But this will go down as SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

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

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

a once in a lifetime event!

Thus it becomes SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

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

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

It is a dream we had and now a reality.

Thus it becomes SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

This is something we both live by each day-

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

And also SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US each day!

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

This blog details that each and every day –

I want to thank you all for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

PAPA’S WORLD – SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

Papa’s World – Thoughts in pictures!

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

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

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

Everyone else stayed in Pa.

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

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

Time moves on – things happen –

2020 the pandemic and recession hit.

Parents pass away – and then a recession hits –

401K takes a dive and the housing market expands.

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

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

Her children had already moved out from NVA.

Our families stayed in NVA and of course,

the Pa. families still lived there.

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

we would have to travel.

And hoping the families would come and see us.

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

To where we would choose to live.

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

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

By fate,

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

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

It would give us time to house hunt –

so we made the move.

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

So – we switched thoughts –

We would check out a billboard –

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

Except we did not have to update.

We could extend our lease month to month –

And get everything we wanted

in a new home

and an area we would be happy with.

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

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

We have made new friends

and have now other old friends living nearby.

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

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

The older ones have come to visit us.

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

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

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

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good times in pictures!

We have two NFL teams we follow –

The Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Bills!

Before we moved to NVA –

we lived in WNY – BILLS COUNTRY.

We were there for all four Super Bowls.

When we moved to NVA –

It was all Redskins –

To watch the Bills –

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

That trip because of traffic –

took an hour and a half.

That lasted one season for me

as it became a Sunday trip lasting about eight hours.

So – we slowly began to watch the Redskins

and on our final move to another house-

We lived about five miles from their headquarters

and practice fields and facilities!

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

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

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

And we have two flags we fly during NFL season.

The Commanders and the Bills.

I lean a little more toward the Commanders

and Sherry toward the Bills!

This year as of this writing –

They both gained the AFL and the NFL championship games.

This has provided us GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

One of the places we volunteer is Coastal Point Living-

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

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

Weeding out books to make room for new ones –

Keeping puzzle boxes in like stacks –

Putting books away where they are cataloged.

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

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

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

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

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

THIS HAS PROVIDED A GOOD TIME IN MEMORIES!

We cherish our life together –

and our lives with family and friends!

Living in the South –

near the beach

and shopping and entertainment in our golden years.

The opportunity to live this life –

is a blessing and we are so grateful

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

The dawn of another day in our neighborhood!

We chose this place to live

as it is central to what we want to do.

Beach – shopping – entertainment – friends and golf.

CREATING GOOD TIMES IN MEMORIES!

As we look forward –

2025 is ahead –

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

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

CREATING GOOD TIMES IN MEMORIES!

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Papa’s World – The good life.

We have had numerous blessings –

Through our 43-plus years of being together.

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

Sherry was raised in the Lutheran faith –

And asked me to convert –

I did and have never looked back.

This was and is the first blessing we shared together.

They are very similar but different.

I did not fully embrace the Catholic faith –

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

Today, we belong to our third church –

all Lutheran and in three states.

This more than likely will be our last home church.

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

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

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

Close to where the survivor can visit.

We have traveled the World –

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

Travel by ourselves –

or with family and our friends – The McBrides –

has led us to the different continents and many memories.

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

Our senior years have brought us South –

Warmer temperatures – water – surf and sand.

We did not plan this as such –

But a door opened and we went through a window.

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

All – because of a turndown in the economy –

A major loss in our retirement 401K –

but a huge increase in the value of our home-

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

brought us to NMB for nine months during the Pandemic.

A billboard with Cameron Woods Homes in OIB –

Led us to a sales office model –

And that day a woman had withdrawn her deposit –

on the lot we visited and decided –

this was it!

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

Here is a picture of Sherry and I –

with our close friends Cindy and Buck –

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

seated next to me.

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

Was an idol to me.

Everything I did was based on him who I adored.

He left for college when I was eight years old –

and seldom came back home again.

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

He was married after graduation –

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

Over the years I only saw him rarely –

But kept in touch by letters.

It was only later in life –

just before his wife passed away and I was retired –

We began spending the Winters with him –

in The Villages in Florida.

He wanted us to move down with him –

but we had young grandchildren –

and our home in Brambleton, Va.-

was going to be our retirement home.

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

And he also came up to visit us.

To this day I look up to him –

and still consider him to be my idol.

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

Where seldom is snow or ice.

Most of the time it is warm –

blue skies and beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets.

We are ten and fifteen minutes from two beaches.

We volunteer for the Coastal Carolina Senior Center –

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

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

Five to Forty minutes drive from us.

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

We now play golf as often as we can –

we are right in the middle of 30 gold courses.

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

or North Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach.

Shopping is also close by

This is now our home.

WE ARE BLESSED!

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

Thanks for reading –

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HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Papa’s World – That one special weekend!

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

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

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

That would be the middle to late 50’s!

The years of the Stith brothers and Whitey Martin.

I grew up a Bonnies fan.

Later – we would go down to SLAVIN’S –

The local hang-out bar and grill.

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

It seemed like all the townsmen were there –

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

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

Home of the Bona’s team and faithful.

Those were my introduction to Saint Bonaventure Mens Basketball games.

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

I will always remember those special times with my father-

and his influence on my being a BONNIE for life!

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

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

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

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

Then the four straight Super Bowl runs.

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

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

I still cheer them on –

but 25 years ago – we transferred to NVA!

I could not watch them anymore.

Everything there was REDSKINS!

And they slowly found a place in my heart.

JAYDEN DANIELS – a kid as cool as a cucumber –

A number two pick and a franchise quarterback.

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

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

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

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

They were protected!

WHAT A IDIOT!

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

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

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

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

I now had THREE teams in my heart –

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

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

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

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

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

1800 hundred plus on a good year –

Taking on National Opponents and winning –

They won’t come to Olean, In WNY –

So he plays them in NYC or Buffalo-

or Rochester or in tournaments elsewhere!

YEP – I have three teams –

and toss in the Nationals and Caps.

Thanks for reading my blog!

PAPA’S WORLD –

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Papa’s World – A look back and around!

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

which we had built together.

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

We really liked it there.

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

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

We had three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

A dining area and a kitchen – washer and dryer –

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

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

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

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

past six swimming pools – a large tennis court-

A community workout area.

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

Very few people lived there full-time.

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

The downside was we had no garage and storage.

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

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

There were times in the nine months we were there –

That we could hear live music from that street –

Slowly the Pandemic was loosening its grip.

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

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

Security was excellent.

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

We started searching!

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

Where over 30 golf courses were available.

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

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

“What could she show us”?

One after another we visited – some were okay –

most needed upgrades – they were dated.

We were not having any luck –

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

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

but the pictures of the rooms were deceiving!

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

It was cut up into small rooms.

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

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

Too much work needed to be done.

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

This would be where our longtime friends lived.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We were well into our senior years of life –

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

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

They were less than two years into building this community.

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

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

That would be built on soon!

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

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

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

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

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

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

We both got that in the model we chose.

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

Buck and Cindy McBride at Magnolia Greens.

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

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

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

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

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

We were in our third house that we had built-

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

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

Our senior retirement home in Cameron Woods Community –

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

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

This phase is almost complete –

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

Cameron Woods Pines.

All the trees have been harvested –

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

and pond at Cameron Woods Community.

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

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

We are home.

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

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 – Life with us – retired!

LIFE WITH US – RETIRED!

We wanted someplace warm in the fall –

winter and spring!

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

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

I do not mow anymore-

but I still weed and trim bushes and trees!

This past Christmas –

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

Climbing that narrow drop-down ladder –

on my hands and knees passing items down

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

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

got rid of “STUFF”!

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

Sherry even gave a plastic container to Habitat –

Someone else can enjoy those decorations!

This is what being a Senior retired person –

must do when their years are quietly slipping past!

But – we look forward to the golf course –

with friends or by ourselves.

After all –

within 30 to 45 minutes-

are over thirty courses – some with 27 holes!

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

We wanted to be near the ocean and beach.

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

We are near two beaches –

OIB and SUNSET BEACH –

Two other beaches –

Holden Beach and Oak Island are within 45 minutes.

North Myrtle Beach is thirty minutes.

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

We are in a very quiet community.

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

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

and more than that in pickleball courts.

A basketball court and a dog park.

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

A place we now call home –

Friends and neighbors –

A community pool and center.

Walking roads – ponds and wildlife –

sunrises and sunsets.

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY-

Where house values are rising –

Resells now are happening –

as people move in and out.

Some – go back North where their families are –

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

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

LIFE WITH US RETIRED!

This is but a glimpse of our retirement –

Here in N.C. – S.C. border area –

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

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Happenings over the years!

When they were little – Tammy – Marcus – Ella and Sarah with the twins and Bode!

We were at a resort in Pa. –

A complete family reunion of sorts –

There was a large pond and we somehow had this golf cart.

Bode is now ten years old and Ella will graduate from college and Sarah from H.S.

HAPPENINGS OVER THE YEARS!

One of our many excursions with Buck and Cindy –

I think this was the Sierra Nevada Brewery just outside Ashville, N.C.

We explored the city and the Biltmore!

This was Halloween time on the front porch of our “FOREVER” home in Brambleton, Va.

We built this 3100 SF. home with the thoughts of retiring here.

But then – the PANDEMIC came along –

Our 401K took a major hit!

But – the housing market went up and we decided to cash in!

The window to the left was the formal dining room and the windows to the right was the front formal living room.

You can just see the balcony at the top and this came off the spare bedroom.

A beautiful home –

the second home we had built!

LOL – better than a Skunk!

Sherry – nice easy swing and straight down the fairway!

We golf when we can –

either with friends or by ourselves.

Oftentimes in afternoons when most people are finishing up!

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

Family – friends – neighbors –

Church – Volunteers –

Giving – helping and caring!

Our Tower Garden we had inside our garage during winter.

Grow lights allowed us to eat fresh greens all year!

JUST MORE LIFE HAPPENINGS!

THANKS FOR READING PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

OUR HOME TODAY!

Papa’s World – A look at life in the Carolinas!

It is Christmas season – blue skies – white fluffy clouds – warm sunshine –

It’s where we wanted to be –

No snow – a little chilly until the sun is noon high –

No ice and a slight breeze.

We can also walk the beaches –

Robins are in the yards –

A lot of birds at the feeders.

Best of all –

I GAVE MY SNOW SHOVEL AWAY TO THE MOVERS FROM NVA!

Walking the beach with friends –

Long sleeves but shorts on –

A light jacket but sandals!

Later that day – GOLFING!

This is living in THE CAROLINAS!

When friends visit in October –

You walk the paths –

You see the colors of fall –

But – a lot of this GREEN is year-round!

Warm days are much like cool summer days back North.

We choose to live here near the border of N.C. and S.C.

Beaches – golf courses and shopping!

We can go to entertainment venues in Myrtle Beach or Wilmington!

LIVING IN THE CAROLINAS!

Our community is full of retirees-

Mostly from the North.

Some still work remotely from their homes.

We volunteer in many different ways.

From May to October –

You can find us at the beach –

THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES!

Other times it is the FOOD PANTRY.

The Coastal Living for the Elderly.

We gathered donations for WNC and the hurricane that devastated that area.

Living here has offered us many different ways to live in retirement.

This is some of the “WHY” we moved to the Carolinas.

A Christmas present from a close friend and neighbor Daine and Steve.

They actually still have a cottage on Rushford Lake in WNY-

Close to where we lived and raised the kids.

Now – they are here in the late fall and into late spring –

Then back to WNY –

They know all the places that we frequented when we lived there!

A small world as they live but three houses from us now.

We now live in the present –

Cherish each day as it passes and look forward to the coming day.

Our calendar is full – We like it that way.

Living as healthy as we can –

Aging healthy –

Living life one day at a time-

and Living LIFE to the plus each and every day!

A salute to you that read my blogs!

Writing positively –

Good vibes –

Life experience-

And for the family and future generations to come.

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Penny – my first dog.

She was brown and black – a mutt – but she was my mutt!

She was not a house dog – why I do not know – from my first memory of her –

she was on a chain in the back yard with her own dog house – full of hay and straw.

The chain was about twenty feet long so she had a wide area to run around in.

The dog house sat by the corner of the very old red barn next to the railroad tracks.

My father had at one time dug out the foundation to jack it up and put supports under it.

He had found a very old sword in the ground – still in its sheath and that was all pitted and rusted away.

We guessed it had fallen off a train and was maybe the Spanish American War or Civil War.

Penny was the only dog we had as I was growing up – funny – I do not remember her passing on.

But I do remember her always wagging her whole body when I came down to see her.

She was never loose as they said she would run and would not obey –

they were afraid she would get hit by a car on the main street in front of the house.

I never had another dog while living at home but my sister who lived next door did.

Pedro was my favorite – small – blonde – and he was a house dog.

I had dogs after that when I was on my own.

After I left and my dad passed away my mom got a very little dog named Sparky.

He was a house dog and very small.

But penny was the first dog I remembered – I liked her –

Thanks for reading Papa’s World.

PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Part one – The gardens of James Wood estate – Winchester, Va.

The James Wood estate – founder of Winchester, Va.

The mid-1700s found James Wood laying out the boundaries of Winchester, Va.

Sub-divided into lots with streets – and this estate for himself.

Three springs lay on this property and the land had many natural rock formations and loose rocks.

The rocks were used for boundary lines like fences and the others for foundation work.

One of the many springs in the area – this one for the Old Town.
Natural rock formations with fresh spring water.
The beauty of the estate is how they used the natural landscape for the design of the gardens.
A look over the natural spring waters of the James Wood estate.
Sherry on one section of natural rock.

Note the stone wall behind her – most likely picked up off the ground and used in the construction.

The James Wood estate is now part of The Museum Of The Shenandoah Valley
Thanks for reading – part two will be the – estate – lawns and gardens.
PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – GOOD TIMES and MEMORIES!

Marcus and the twins – Cassidy and Taylor –

memories of good times!

Our very good friends and neighbors –

Steve and Diane –

Who would have thought we had close neighbors –

who also are from WNY-

and have a house on Rushford Lake!

This is close to where we raised our families!

They have the same memories of that area as we do!

Little Cassidy –

what a spark plug she was –

always squirming to be let down-

when you held her!

Always climbing and hiding –

Today she is 14 years old!

Granddaughter Sarah –

and next-door neighbor – Justin.

Today they are seniors in the same H.S.

GOOD MEMORIES FROM THE PAST!

Taylor – the quiet one –

she is always reading books-

She covers her head –

so no one disturbs her!

Such a Horse rider –

Spending all her spare time-

at the stables!

MEMORIES OF GOOD TIMES!

As she was when young –

and is to this day –

A FASHION DIVA!

Now a Senior in H.S.

A very hard worker –

Full of laughs –

always helpful-

SARAH – GOOD MEMORIES FROM THE PAST!

Another chapter in our life closed-

at the start of the Pandemic in 2020.

Here is the back of our home –

in Brambleton, Va.

Everything you see here –

we planted –

We have always prided our landscapes-

and today we continue here –

in Cameron Woods Community!

Thanks for reading:

PAPA’S WORLD:

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A year in review!

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 – A look around – see what I see!

I love colors –

chimes and flowers!

The wind provides a calming effect when this chime –

which we purchased at a vendor fair near our residence-

It is a glass bottle –

decorated with a wooden round wheel –

as it swings from the wind – a musical sound –

and in the silence of sitting on the front porch –

it brings music to one’s ears.

The red bird bobs up and down and swivels around –

We also have on the other side of the house –

another set of the above although both are different in colors and wind chimes.

Made by different folks for sale –

A way to break the SOUNDS OF SILENCE –

while sitting on the porch in the glider!

The front porch –

a favorite of mine – I sit here daily –

saying hello to those who walk past-

Waving to friendly neighbors who pass in their cars.

Watching birds flying above – even eagles!

Sights – sounds – neighbors –

warm weather –

and even light rain with no wind!

A LOOK AROUND – SEE WHAT I SEE!

The dawn of a new day –

rising in the East – from the front driveway –

A hint or splash of color to come!

And then it is there – SUNRISE – the beginning of a new day –

In Cameron Woods Community –

Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

We choose our lot for this reason –

A place to sit on a covered porch-

and a place to see both SUNRISE and-

SUNSET off to the WEST from our front driveway.

Just walk out the front door-

and look to the EAST – SUNRISE –

And as here to the WEST –

and the SUNSET!

We love the weather –

having lived in the Snowbelt for fifty years –

And another 21 years in moderate temperature in NVA-

It is here –

that I finally call home!

Sun – Sand and Surf are just minutes away.

A LOOK AROUND – SEE WHAT I SEE!

Tammy – mother to Taylor and Cassidy –

twins – all share the same birthday.

The doctor said it was time to be born –

and it just so happened to be Tammy’s birthday –

They were premature –

not quite two pounds a piece –

but healthy.

Today – Taylor is 5’8″ and Cassidy is almost 5’6″ –

The Swedish genes being passed down from their MORMOR –

Sherry who is 5’10” –

is Tammy’s mother.

MORMOR-

with the grandkids and Tammy.

Today we try to get home-

as often as we can.

And they in turn come down to spend time.

FAMILY – MORMOR and grandkids!

A LOOK AROUND – SEE WHAT I SEE!

MORMOR –

Family – daughters and grandkids –

Celebrating her 75th. birthday this past summer.

Tammy – Mormor and Debby –

daughters and their mother.

The three oldest granddaughters –

Sarah – 18 – Ella – 21 and Maddy – 24 –

MORMOR and daughter Debby –

Mother to Maddy – Ella and Sarah

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

A LOOK AROUND – SEE WHAT I SEE!

Papa’s World – Our life in the Carolinas!

In 2020 –

we moved from NVA to the border of N.C. and S.C.-

Although we live on the N.C. side.

We can be in North Myrtle Beach –

and all the tourist attractions in thirty minutes!

We wanted that avenue to choose if we decided to see –

the shows – attractions yet be near the beach.

It was not as expensive 16 miles away in N.C.

We could build a new home for what it costs without renovations in the NMB area!

This is the house we had built in Camero Woods Community –

in Ocean Isle Beach.

1910 SF. One level – three bedrooms – two baths –

an office with French doors.

A dining area and a kitchen –

living room – a sunroom – a laundry –

An enclosed lanai and an outdoor patio.

And a covered-shaded front porch-

with a two-car garage and finished-off storage space above the garage!

A brand new neighborhood –

with a community center – pool and pickleball courts.

Here – we are two miles to gas –

four miles to two grocery stores and a third another two miles.

Two beaches – one four miles-

and the second six miles.

Big box store shopping – eight miles.

Scores of waterfront dining!

We have a SOLO STOVE firepit in the backyard!

We can walk the beaches – watching storms come in!

Walking the beach in the moonlight!

Our life here is far different than anywhere we have lived.

We have close friends –

within five to forty minutes.

And we can golf –

select from thirty close courses or dozens farther away.

Sherry above

we both wanted to be able to afford golf and here we are-

with the FIRST TEE GOLF CARD or just LOCAL RATES!

Living in the Carolinas –

I never thought this would become a reality –

However – 401K went down-

but the house went up –

SO WE SOLD – almost everything –

and moved to a warmer climate for our senior years.

CAROLINA FRONT PORCH LIVING!

All year –

no snow – ice –

some cooler weather which I can dress for.

This is the WHY we moved here –

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

OUR LIFE IN THE CAROLINAS!

Papa’s World – From our front porch-Creating Memories!

Our home on the left -we moved into the brand new build in July – 2021!

We each had one thing we most wanted in this home –
Sherry wanted a separate space for an office –

One side for her-

and one side for me –

and a double set of French Doors to close it off!

This new build had that!

The one thing I wanted was a front porch-

that I could sit on in the shade.

This home sits with the front-facing North –

And the rear-facing South –

This put the sun going almost directly over the side to side –

Thus giving me the shaded front porch!

Our new home was a place to start many new CREATING MEMORIES!

We also created the landscaping –

with rocks replacing the pine straw-

Pine straw-

I was told is a place snakes like to hide in!

It and mulch tend to harbor insects!

What worked for us and very little weeding –

This is what you see here and this continues around the whole house!

I would give this much thought – stay true to your convictions.

We also wanted a home –

where we could see both the Sunrise and Sunset from our front lawn.

Star gazing at night and the feeling of country!

We have all of that –

We have seen Turkey – Bear – Deer – Red Wolves –

squirrels – lots of bids-

The ponds hold alligators and we have seen all kinds of snakes-

The SNAKES bother me the most –

the others tend to stay away.

The DEER eats the flowers and bushes and the bird seed.

But in this quiet community –

2/3 of a mile off the main road –

offers views such as this in the early morning!

We are surrounded by protected wetlands –

Tall pine trees and oak trees.

Everyone seems to walk past our home-

and the front porch.

COMMUNITY – is what we wanted –

and we found it here.

New friends – greeting each other.

CREATING MEMORIES!

And then at night after a ten-minute drive,

we arrive at this –

THE BEACH at sunset on OIB!

This also was on our list of where we wanted to live.

We have the best of both worlds –

A quiet place to live-

and a beach to go to

All within minutes of driving!

Full Moon rising on OIB –

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

FROM OUR FRONT PORCH – PAPA’S WORLD – CREATING MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – A home with memories!

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!

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Papa’s World – More memories in time!

The KINZUA via duct – constructed in the 1800s –

to ship coal –

across the valley.

It stood over 300 feet from the valley floor.

Then – years ago – a Tornado ripped through the valley –

And took half the via duct down!

The state made this a state park –

with a state-of-the-art viewing center.

The half-bridge was saved –

and a platform at the end with a “WINDOW” floor –

You can look straight down over 300 feet-

to the floor of the valley.

The crumpled other half remains –

where it toppled over.

Today the bridge remains –

as a testament to days long ago!

This valley was part of the SENECA INDIAN NATIONS –

hunting grounds.

The reservation today stands some miles to the North in NYS!

A large CASINO was built on their lands and supports the Nation.

MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

Two summers ago –

my sons with their partners –

came to visit and spend a week with us.

Shawn and Trisha have returned –

and next summer Troy and Andrea are trying to visit again!

The boys remained in NWPA-

and live there today.

Looking forward to seeing them once again.

MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

This picture was taken in the early morning –

near the front entrance of our community!

This was what we thought to be a Coyote!

However –

it was later identified as an endangered “RED WOLF”!

We found out they are extinct in N.C. –

and the Wildlife Commission –

has released several back into the wild-

with tracking devices on them.

This one has been seen numerous times –

and we have seen it ourselves.

One person up the street –

spotted it with a black squirrel in its mouth heading into the woods.

It seems to stay away from people –

although we saw it one time from the car and it just stared at us!

MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

LOL, I LIKE A SENSE OF HUMOR!

What has become a somewhat Thanksgiving tradition –

A stroll through the neighborhood –

by the folks who call this home.

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY –

this was the third year!

MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

Sherry on a trip to ASHVILLE, N.C. –

with our friends the McBrides.

We love exploring – seeing the sights –

and we have traveled the world to do this!

MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

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MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!

Papa’s World – Early years – memories!

6-25-1982 –

the day we were married –

Looking back – we combined two families –

her two daughters and my two sons.

My sons – we would have on weekends –

the rest of the time they lived with their mother.

Her daughters would go every second weekend-

to their father.

Long weekends were our “VACATIONS” back then.

We had a twelve-passenger second-hand van.

Packing picnic lunches and dinners –

going to state parks –

visiting family –

rarely overnights –

Camping – her father had a fifth wheel!

Money – well – we had none.

We did what we did –

and what we could afford –

It was a memorable time –

Many memories – fun times –

and we were together.

EARLY YEARS – MEMORIES!

Sherry – Bonnie and Debbie –

sisters!

Barb and Bill –

Mother and Father.

We spent a lot of time at their country house.

Her father had a workshop –

and he taught me a lot about finishing.

He was a union carpenter –

who made many – many fine furnishings.

we still have the hutch he made for Sherry –

and he made each of her sisters one.

They had a fifth-wheel camper –

we had tents for us and the kids.

We would meet them at the campground –

And their camper became home base for cooking –

and getting out of the rain.

Many fond memories of back in that time!

EARLY YEARS – MEMORIES!

This is so true –

the innocence of a child!

College soccer – first Maddy-

and now Ella who has completed her soccer senior year in college.

Travel teams for both granddaughters –

H.S. teams –

Journey to Lynchburg to watch both play-

Maddy – University of Lynchburg –

And Ella – Randolf College –

where as a Freshman –

She became the first to start and play all games as a freshman.

EARLY YEARS – MEMORIES!

Living life in our new neighborhood –

making new friends and neighbors.

We choose Cameron Woods Community –

Being close to two beaches –

and over 30 golf courses.

But – we have found new friends –

a plus of moving here –

and one couple has a cottage-

back where we lived in WNY!

Small world –

good friends and good neighbors.

EARLY YEARS – MEMORIES!

Our home here in N.C. –

No snow or ice –

cold – yes but the Sun warms it up!

Living in the South after the first 50 years in N.Y. and Pa.

We have found our new home after all these years.

EARLY YEARS – MEMORIES!

Taylor and Cassidy –

when they first lived with us-

as they were waiting to move into their new home.

Now – fourteen years old –

and in the eighth grade.

If only we could go back in time!

THE EARLY YEARS – MEMORIES!

Papa – Taylor and Cassidy –

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THE EARLY YEARS – MEMORIES!

COME BACK OFTEN – IT IS FREE!

Papa’s World – Time to look toward Winter!

Summer and Fall have gone and arrived!

Winter is just around the corner.

Looking back on why we moved here –

and forward to why I now love Winter!

A view of OIB from the Causeway Bridge over the ICW!

We can gaze at this view every day if we wish.

A generous ten-minute drive from our home to here!

Being this close –

and also just another five minutes to Sunset Beach –

offers walking the beach in Winter –

except when the wind blows and the sand stings!

Other than that –

a jacket and scarf is all I need –

NO SNOW – NO ICE and COLD THAT I CAN BEAR!

Summers can be hot – but the beach always has a breeze!

Here – we walked a little bit chilly to start with –

but with the Sun – the windbreakers soon came off!

Summer is fun –

family – friends and cruising the ICW!

Sherry won first prize in a raffle –

this pontoon boat for 8 hours on the ICW!

We also rented one when our close friends came for a visit

and we cruised the ICW –

spotting Dolphins and just general good fun.

Fall – Summer and Spring are beautiful here –

at least I believe so.

Golfing which we do year-round –

here I hit one of those shots that bring you back –

The ball carried the lake –

and ended up just off the green on the edge –

where we putt for birdie –

but made par!

I have always said –

it is the one shot that keeps my hopes up-

and playing another round!

In the heart of winter –

we will once again bundle up –

and walk the beach!

But – as I said – no snow or ice –

a little breezy –

but no blowing sand –

I can and do handle this!

Cameron Woods Community –

Fits my lifestyle of four seasons of living!

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Papa’sWorld – Carolina blue skies – and then some!

CAROLINA BLUE – a phrase I had heard over the years – and I must say – now living here –

almost every day our sky is bright with sunshine with a backdrop of clear blue sky!

The clouds do roll in and out at times – mostly from the North and West –

so it makes for walking in winter – chilly but warmed by the sun.

The above picture is a sunrise I took from the driveway early one morning –

and the saying RED SKY IN THE MORNING – SAILOR TAKE WARNING turned out to be true!

Here we are on a typical day – walking around Barefoot Landing –

a few white clouds but the CAROLINA FAMOUS BLUE SKY!

Temps in the mid-50s – but warmer from the bright sun!

And then at sunset by the ocean at SUNSET BEACH almost every night –

the clouds roll in off the ocean and you get this beautiful sunset!

CAROLINA BLUE has turned into CAROLINA GOLD at sunset.

Golden rays of sun over the marsh – the blue has turned to gold!

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PAPA’S WORLD – CAROLINA BLUE SKIES AND THEN SOME!!!!!

Papa’s World – Cameron Woods Community!

We chose this Community after –

we had gone house hunting with a realtor –

We had viewed several houses – condos in the OIB area –

and had not found anything that didn’t require changes inside the homes!

We had instructed her to start looking toward the Leland area –

and then after she left –

I said to Sherry that I had seen a big sign promoting –

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY =

and it was close by!

So – we drove a couple miles –

and turned into this sign you see above –

And the model was right there.

We went inside-

and introduced ourselves to the agent on duty.

We started looking –

and Sherry whispered to me “I LOVE THIS”!

And we asked what was available-

and she told us a woman had come in that morning –

and had withdrawn her down payment –

and a lot had just become available to be built on!

Today – this is the view from our driveway looking NE –

none of these houses were here.

That day we went and walked the lot –

She wanted an office-

and I wanted a front porch to sit on –

The office had to have doors and walls-

the front porch needed to be shaded-

and protected from rain.

This lot provided what we needed –

We had found what we wanted –

to put the deposit down –

and make selections!

The start of a nine-month journey.

A view to the NW from our driveway –

the first house to the right-

and straight across from it –

and the street continuing up –

were there – most not occupied.

They were in the final stages of being built.

The entire build was less than half built out –

it would take three years to build –

the last section near the front-

is just being readied as I write this.

Wildlife is abundant here –

Turkey – Deer – Aligators – Snakes – Bear – Squirrels – Rabbits –

Birds of all types –

and Coyote’s!

A Coyote was captured early in the morning walking the road.

We are watchful –

and learning to live with the wildlife.

We also have several groups of neighbors –

that form different engagement groups!

Groups getting together to socialize –

Group walking on the beach during wintertime!

Gatherings outside at local restaurants.

There also are many other groups for exercise –

playing board games or dice -dominos!

Neighborhood driveway get-together –

Parties and fire pits!

We are about a ten-minute drive to Ocean Isle Beach –

and fifteen minutes to Sunset Beach-

Here is a view of OIB from the Causeway Bridge-

going across to the island.

The beach entrance- bridge-

and the pier at Sunset Beach.

We choose wisely I think –

And now resales are beginning –

Most are for over $100,000 PLUS more-

then they paid just a couple years ago.

A wise investment –

But our future is here-

in our Golden Senior Years!

We are happy with our choice –

just three years ago,

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PAPA’S WORLD – CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C.

Papa’s World – walking the trails of the Museum of the Shenandoah – Winchester, Va.

The map of the trails – this whole area is in the City Limits of Winchester, Va.
When we go back to visit our family – we often come here to walk.

This preserve is acres and acres and is by the Shenandoah Museum.

It is full of sculptures and is part of the James Wood homestead.

He was the founder of Winchester in the mid-1700s.

There are sculptures throughout the trails.
There are planned wildflowers throughout the walk.
The property is full of natural springs.
Sherry and Ella – not sure just what this is – there was an explanation – but it was unique.
A lot of the trails wind up and down and through the forests!
The rocks and stones were used in the 1700s to make as natural an environment as they could – here is one of the springs.
Debby Ella and Sherry – walking the trails.

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WALKING THE TRAILS OF THE MUSEUM OF THE SHENANDOAH

Papa’s World – The solitude of morning coffee!

I arise early – earlier than most – this perhaps is my favorite time of the day!

The solitude of the morning from our front porch

This is my vantage point – sitting sipping my cup of coffee – it is 6:00 am.

No one is out and about – we have a multitude of birds –

Purple Martins flying and diving about catching the bugs!

Birds chirping – in the distance a woodpecker

A crow chasing a squirrel across the lawn and then onto the street.

That I have never seen before.

The coffee is hot – I put the cup down – and a very large white bird flies across the sky – silence!

My seat on the front porch – my solitude for early morning coffee.

It is a quiet time except for nature – but also a time to reflect – a time to think.

Guess I had better either get a refill or get ready for the day!

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PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – Times with friends and family!

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!

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PAPA’S WORLD – TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Papa’s World – About family – memories in time!

The family has always been a top priorty for the both of us –

bringing together two sets of children – her daughters and my sons.

Those early years were tough money-wise –

as we had none!

But – we made do – packing picnics and going to State Parks –

little side trips – doing what we could with the little we had.

But – it also was a time when we made many fond memories –

We purchased a large old van – twelve seater – so we could go as a family.

We kept it together and it was good for a couple years –

then we found one four years old but only had 15,000 miles on it.

Instead of seating twelve –

it seated eight!

Her father built a platform bed in the back row taking the third-row seat out –

with storage underneath – we could vacation.

By that time my oldest son had graduated and moved on.

Vacations to the beaches became our family time together and also with close friends!

Then grandkids started coming along – the two sets of kids were now on their own –

We were empty nesters and it was time to move on ourselves!

We transferred to NVA.

Life had changed – and the daughters followed us South – the sons remained in WPA!

Life had once again changed and we went along with it!

The three oldest grandkids were growing up –

And then there were SIX GRANDKIDS – and the only boy!

Life had changed – but in the next few years – it would once again change!

We would look around – the older ones were so busy –

And our 401K took a hit – 30% down – but the value of the house increased!

It was time to sell and move further South!

We would go but still be able to drive back in seven hours!

We wanted to be somewhere warm – no snow or ice and play golf year-round!

So – we selected the border area of N.C. and S.C. – OIB – Cameron Woods Community!

Our move to this area was smooth – as was the selling of the house.

We had enough money to build our new home.

We are near the beaches – golf and entertainment –

and have become the FAMILY VACATION HOME!

Today they are much older but still want to spend time with us!

We are happy here – this is where we will live out our lives together.

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PAPA’S WORLD – ABOUT FAMILY – MEMORIES IN TIME! livinglifedoingitmyway.blog