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.
Note the stone wall behind her – most likely picked up off the ground and used in the construction.
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
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
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
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my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
A LOOK AROUND – SEE WHAT I SEE!
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 –
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my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
OUR LIFE IN THE CAROLINAS!
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 –
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my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
FROM OUR FRONT PORCH – PAPA’S WORLD – CREATING 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!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –
my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
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!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-
my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MORE MEMORIES IN TIME!
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!
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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my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
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!!!!!
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,
PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
PAPA’S WORLD – CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C.
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.
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I arise early – earlier than most – this perhaps is my favorite time of the day!
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!
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!
It is a quiet time except for nature – but also a time to reflect – a time to think.
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The family arrived –
all except Maddy and Ella who came a few days later.
Here – we are in our community pool at Cameron Woods Community.
We would the next day move into the beach house we rented on OIB.
But – for this one day –
it was relaxing after a day of driving to get here –
and – we had the entire pool to ourselves!
The water was lukewarm but refreshing –
and later at the Ocean – it was warmer!
This was our first family vacation since before the Pandemic.
It also was to celebrate both Sherry and me turning 75 –
and our wedding anniversary of 42 years.
Being all together brings back so many fond memories of past vacations.
TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
We have all been friends for years and years-
often getting together every 4 to 6 months-
At each other’s house for long weekends –
and playing golf.
Seeing movies – singing Karaoke –
just having Friends time together.
Now – we are all retired –
living our lives out in different parts of N.C.
Friendships that go way back for years –
PRICELESS!
TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
It has been a long journey of 42-plus years –
but really –
how did that go by so fast!!!!!
We have given –
but we have received so much more from Family and Friends!
PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
PAPA’S WORLD – TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
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.
Thanks for reading my blog- PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
PAPA’S WORLD – ABOUT FAMILY – MEMORIES IN TIME! livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
When I was growing up – this was Fisbees Insurance and the Electric Company in the Cellar –
and right next to it was Slavin’s Furniture store and gas station.
I would roller skate down to the bays and Jack would sometimes buy me a glass coke out of the machine that stood there between the bays.
I do not remember his last name – but he was a really nice man and lived in Bullis Mills.
We also would come down here and ask for old cardboard boxes –
they all had a heavy layer of wax on them and were perfect for grass riding down the hill opposite of our front porch.
Today – both buildings are joined and form this fantastic museum – dedicated to WWII
and the munitions plant that made explosives for the war.
It has a full-size ARMY TANK that looks like it is busting right out the wall of the side of the building!
My stepfather – John Soules – who was decorated FIVE times with Purple Hearts and Bronze Stars
Once gave me a revolver he was given permission to bring back to the states
He had all the signed documents from the government –
Before he passed away – he asked for it back so he could donate it here!
A few years ago – I walked down and asked to see it once again.
They had it in a safe – and was told it was worth 30 to 40 thousand dollars!
He took that handheld automatic machine pistol off a NAZI OFFICER he had captured who was dressed as a civilian trying to escape.
I was told this pistol was not from WWII but from WWI and was very rare –
one of the first automatic machine guns ever manufactured by the Germans for WWI!
I got to once again hold it!
As you walk through you come upon room after room of scenes such as this.
This MUSEUM is like something you would find in Washinton DC. yet it is here in the very small town
of ELDRED PA. in the mountains of the ALLEGHANY FOREST in WPA!
I do not know the full story of why it is here – but I do know before the PANDEMIC
regular busloads of people would stop every day.
It sits on North Main Street right across from the old fire hall.
A must-see!
Memories of my life growing up in a small town in NWPA called ELDRED!
WHERE EVERYONE KNEW YOUR NAME – the ’50’s ’60’s and ’70’s.
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
Family and friends have always been very important to us as we live our lives.
New neighbors bring new friends – Diane and Steve who is driving their boat here on the ICW –
small world as they have a cottage in WNY near where we lived before we transferred to NVA!
They now live three houses away from us!
I am so lucky – in our home-based business – we travel to conferences every six months or so –
I am just about the only man who attends from our team –
But I do not mind! LOL
Maintain a sense of humor – laughing – smiling and looking for positives!
TEAM GENERATIONS started with a mother and two daughters – here is one – Debby – a toast to everyone
on their team!
Attending the awards for JP at the Eltons – Debby – Papa and Sherry.
Three couples – golfing – friends for years and years – life is good! Living life to the plus one day at a time.
New friends that we have because we moved to Cameron Woods Community –
Marcea – Bill – Diane and Papa.
Good times – get together – loving life in our new community.
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A HOST OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS MEMORIES!!!!! PAPA’S WORLD!
A look toward the East at Sunset from our driveway –
a slight reflection of the clouds shows a hint of pink as the Sun sets in the West!
Our skies here have great Sunrises and Sunsets as we face North in the front –
and South in the back.
Because the coastline curves from Charleston to the Outer Banks –
our beaches face almost South!
Not the normal East as most beaches do!
Looking East from the road – gray cloud cover –
It is warm out at Sunset – no storms although it looks like it could rain!
Being this close to the Atlantic Ocean – clouds move fast in and out!
And then – I turn around and face West!
This is from the backyard – the house blocks the view –
so I step out front again –
The Western sky brightens up –
Here we are in all its glory of a sunset from the road in front of the house!
Our house on the left – and the sky from the West –
SUNRISES and SUNSETS from CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – in OIB, N.C.
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This area is growing so fast – a lot of new development is happening –
I guess we have been discovered –
Living the dream – Sunrises – Sunsets and Beach and Golf life!
PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
The home we built to retire in – Brambleton, Va. – just behind the Dulles Airport!
It has been over twelve years for Sherry ( she retired early ) and ten years for me!
We had thought that we would retire in this community in Loudoun County –
But a few things happened.
Our youngest daughter and her family who lived a mile from us – MOVED – not far –
some 16 miles away – but you have to understand – we picked up the granddaughters
every day after school – and there were days we had Bode when he did not have pre-school.
We would walk to their home and they would ride bikes with their parents to our house.
Overnight stays were common – trips to the community pools –
We were involved daily and that changed.
You might say – Well we could drive there – but when you are a senior – TRAFFIC bothers you!
And NVA has traffic – and they are just crazy!
We did not like having to drive that distance after being able to walk to their home.
I know – that is selfish of us – and we loved their new home and they loved being in a single-family home with neighbor kids and country living!
Once there – it was so nice – and to be truthful – our neighborhood was what I call a –
“GARAGE DOOR NEIGHBORHOOD”
It goes up when they leave for work – closes and opens again
when they return and closes again.
that’s it!
Outside of a couple neighbors – we had no close friends – it was always in transition.
A beautiful place – a growing community – four High Schools and only one when we moved there.
Our home was beautiful – we walked the fifteen miles of trails daily.
I would sit daily in retirement on the front porch and see dozens of people walking or biking by –
But I knew none of them!
I spent my time grooming the yard – we planted flowers that came back each year –
I hand-dug and planted three Crepe Myrtles and three green-type trees that went straight up
by the fence – I had a wild strawberry patch that the twins would sit down and eat one by one.
Cassidy would tell me how soft the grass was on her bare feet and how cool it felt in the shade.
Living here in retirement was our goal when we built it – we watched as the neighborhood
grew and grew – expanding – schools being built –
a complete town was built with a bank – markets – stores – theater – library and multiple restaurants.
A fifteen-acre park with basketball courts – tennis courts – playgrounds at different sites –
a large pond and huge boulders with waterfalls.
Three community pools were opened.
A sports complex – ball fields soccer fields and cricket fields were submitted and the over 200-acre park with all this was completed after we left!
Brambleton was and is now a destination point for people who work in D.C.
And the Metro came after we moved!
The Washington Commander’s headquarters was five miles away.
We could have driven three miles – hopped on the Metro and went into D.C. or got off at the Dulles International Airport to fly out!
After a short one-half-hour drive we were in the famous “HORSE COUNTRY” of Middleburg –
Where Jackie Kennedy rode horses and Christopher Reeves fell and became Paralyzed.
Then the second reason happened in our retirement – the bottom fell out of the stock market –
The 401K dropped like a lead balloon – it burst!
We lost and we lost big time – 33% disappeared overnight!
We still had our pensions – small as they are – our lifeline Social Security –
which after 79 1/2 years between us we paid into instead of wages and benefits – AND EARNED!
And we had Sherry’s home-based business going on 19 years –
with a monthly income – The Juice Plus Company has been very good for us!
We could survive but it was very expensive – where we lived –
the highest per income in the country!
BUT – the housing market took off and we gained what we lost in the 401K back in the house.
TIME TO SELL AND MOVE!
We would leave our families – but only be a seven-hour drive away –
and go to warmer weather!
The area we had always liked was the area of Wilmington, N.C.
and South of that!
I started to google and found a condo in Ocean Keyes , North Myrtle Beach – S.C.
That would give us time to research and find a place to live!
This was the two reasons we decided to sell and move South – leaving family and friends.
Our journey into retirement had its dreams and pitfalls – but we found our end of the rainbow-
I hope this gives inspiration to those who go into retirement and have to make changes.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
THE YEARS OF RETIREMENT HAVE GONE BY REALLY FAST!
PAPA’S WORLD – RETIREMENT – GOING REALLY FAST!
CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – OCEAN ISLE BEACH – NORTH CAROLINA!
Our “FOREVER” house in Brambleton, Va. sits on a corner lot – with 3200 SF. on two levels!
This was the second home we had built –
and we thought would be the home we would stay retired in!
After retirement – I spent many a morning sitting here on the front porch until the afternoon hot sun moved me onto the patio.
It was from here that Sherry and I took our first of 10,000 daily steps.
When we finally moved out in 2020 – there were over FIFTHTEEN MILES of walking trails!
We could walk all week and never walk twice on one trail!
We planted all that you see to come back each year.
We put in three Crepe Myrtles – and I mowed and trimmed this by myself after my heart attack!
Here is the side and rear of the horse shoe-shaped house –
the middle was the enclosed courtyard – we had slate put down –
and this area was four hundred and forty square feet.
No one could see in and there were two entrances from the house.
We had two tower gardens here and a BBQ and table and chairs.
Also a glider and two comfy chairs!
The enclosed patio with slate floor – this would be in the shade almost the entire day from the trees planted by the developer.
The gate opened up on the side yard where we had yearly wild strawberries growing!
The twin girls would sit out there and pick and eat!
I really miss this and Sherry chose to sit here instead of on the front porch!
The view looking back from the fence to the kitchen door straight ahead and to the right –
the door which we did not use – leading into the family room.
You could find shade out here all day long!
The door out to the patio off the kitchen – we had granite everywhere.
Many grandkids sat here to snack or craft!
Where the lights hang down – I put them in – is the breakfast table.
There were 34 windows in total in the entire house!
We ate most of our meals here but we also had a formal dining room!
Beyond the hanging lights is the family room with a fireplace.
Many winter days I sat by the warm fireplace.
The family room – to the right is the entrance to the side patio which I put in -not the door but the
patio itself. We also had a Tower Garden here on this side of the house which got the morning sun!
The fireplace and chair that I sat in winter time!
Looking at the breakfast table and the kitchen – beyond is the staircase and the way to the second floor.
We sold over 95 % of the furnishings to the people who purchased the house!
The wood floors were all Bamboo!
Another view of the family room – my watching TV spot was to the far right of the leather couch!
You could sit five here and have room – all the little ones could sit here with us to watch a movie!
The front door and beyond the front porch where I would sit and say hello to the walkers
and bikes going by each day.
To the left is the formal living room – all windows on two sides –
one to the front porch and the other looking out over the enclosed patio.
We would open Christmas packages sometimes here with the families!
The dining room had large double windows looking out toward the street –
and many family dinner were held there, a lot of memories over the fourteen and one-half years!
This is the landing at the top of the stairs – it is here that Sherry had her office which you see on the left.
There also was a TV up here – and three bedrooms and two bathrooms
and a sitting room off the Master that we put a single bed in that was Ella’s when she came to visit.
Maddy had her own room – Sarah could have had her own room but wanted to sleep on a made-up floor bed-
In our room – and when all three little ones came to visit – they also had made-up beds on the master’s floor!
This was supposed to be the “FOREVER” home we would spend retirement in.
Then came the PANDEMIC in 2020 – we were without family ties – restricted –
and to top that off – our 401K took a 33% hit in the downturn – our retirement was being wiped out!
We still had S.S. and some pensions and her Juice Plus monthly income –
But – Loudoun County – which has the highest per-capital income in the USA –
was becoming not affordable to live in with the high cost of taxes and cost of living there!
Then the bright side of all this – the housing market took off – the price of our house was high –
After much discussion – we decided it was time to SELL – and leave our “FOREVER” home!
Selling and moving South to the border of N.C and S.C. – sun – fun and beach and golf time!
We were in and we sold our home – and most of the furniture – made dozens of trips
to the Salvation Army – yard sales and curb-side free to anyone who wanted it!
We downsides to 1900 SF. and now reside in Cameron Woods, OIB. in North Carolina near the border of S.C.
Near the beaches and year-round golf!
Our home here has become most likely our “LAST home.
We enjoyed the fourteen and one-half years in our “FOREVER” home-
but now are comfortable here with new friends and neighbors.
I hope you enjoyed the look back on our life in NVA.
Never to be forgotten –
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OUR “FOREVER” HOME IN BRAMBLETON, VA.
I love flowers – planting and feeding them the water for life.
But – I also love making friendships – greeting people with a smile and a hello.
Life is too short – and we are now in the sunset of our own lives.
Our life is a mixture of planting gardens in others’ lives.
Being friends – walking – laughing – sharing thoughts.
The beauty of those plantings is it last and last through time.
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Oh – okay – it is not that bad! LOL! But a little humor is needed in day-by-day life!
In raising our family – to us, vacation meant “BEACH” – Sun – Sand and Ocean!
I always said while at the beach – “I WANT TO RETIRE AND SELL HOTDOGS ON THE BEACH”!
Well – we retired – all be it in NVA – and that was going to be it – UNTIL ——
Our lifeline was slipping away after the 401K took a hit – over 30% DOWN.
The UPSIDE – the housing market took off – real estate was booming –
IT WAS TIME TO LIST AND SELL OUR DREAM RETIREMENT HOUSE –
and move out of the costly NVA-Loundon County area.
SO WE SOLD – moved in with family for four months –
And then loaded up and went South – to S.C.
To be exact – North Myrtle Beach – and started a search just where we wanted to settle down!
But – the big BUT – in our price range we could not find anything that did not require updating!
In giving – unexpected returns come back – by chance – we stumbled into a new development –
We have always shared what we have – volunteering our services –
Giving what we can – not expecting anything in return –
But – this opportunity came to us – a woman that day had asked for a return of her deposit –
on a lot eight miles from the border of N.C. and S.C. – in Cameron Woods Community –
Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
As soon as Sherry walked into the model – she loved it – and as soon as we visited the lot –
We put a deposit on it – we had found our new home to be built –
And it was going to cost us less than if we were to buy one already built!
We now had that dream I had of beach living without the hotdogs – being close to two beaches –
and our other dream was to be able to golf – at reasonable prices!
We could purchase what is called FIRST TEE CARDS –
Which give reduce rates on over 50 courses –
a majority of them within 15 to 30 minutes of where we were to build!
This is our story on how we got here – call it luck – good fortune – I call it BLESSED!
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PAPA’s WORLD – AFTER ALL THOSEYEARS – DREAMS – THE GOOD LIFE!
Our wedding day – June 25th. 1982 – a second marriage for both of us – the start of a new life!
We combined her two daughters with my two sons – although my sons lived with their mother-
Almost every weekend they were with us in the country between Olean and Portville in N.Y.
We tried to have mini long weekends – traveling in our 12-passenger van.
Packing food – eating picnic style – providing what we could afford –
It was an unforgettable time in those early years.
We lived there for 5 1/2 years before moving to the other side of Portville – closer to my sons and still in the same school district for the girls.
A new neighborhood in Pleasant Acres Drive which would be home for 12 1/2 years.
From here both girls graduated from H.S. and the boys graduated from H.S. in nearby Pa.
We were now empty nesters –
In 1999 we applied for a transfer for both of us to NVA. staying within the company!
When we retired – we had 79 1/2 years of service between us.
In Northern Va., we became Washinton Nationals Baseball fans and are still that way to this day!
We bought our first condo in Fairfax, Va. – then sold and built another one also in Fairfax – a couple miles
from George Mason and the NRA building.
We sold again and built a house in Brambleton, Va. behind the Dulles Airport.
Here we lived for 14 1/2 years – the stock market went way down but the housing went way up – SELL!
We lived in NMB for nine months while building our current home in OIB!
Cameron Woods Community is now our home in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
We live near two beaches and a lot of golf courses.
We are 45 minutes from Wilmington, N.C.
And 30 minutes to North Myrtle Beach.
Today we are living our dream where it is warm – near the beach and golf –
We have made new friends and old friends visit us.
Family comes here and we go there.
Life is good!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
PAPA’S WORLD – THROUGH THE YEARS LIFE!
While our roses are doing really well – the lawn needs some care –
So – I have been every two weeks – doing a little ‘WEED and FEED”!
The centipede grass is slowly coming out of its Winter brown state!
But this year we have a lot of new weeds that seem to have made their presence known!
Above are the Swedish Pink Roses on this side of the house!
After spreading the Weed and Feed – it was TIME to run the irrigation system –
Giving the lawn a good soaking!
We are at the side of the enclosed lanai and the palm tree!
We have had all the landscaping done in the past 2 1/2 years and are done!
This is the backyard and we have six zones for irrigation!
The Crepe Myrtles were also placed in our landscaping.
The tree line is a protected area and will not be cleared.
We sold all of our lawn equipment when we moved here to N.C. –
Now that I am 75 years old – mowing is not at the top of my list –
So we hire a young man to mow – and trim –
He does lawn maintenance with fertilizer and pre-emptive growth-
but for some reason this year we have some weed!
We have had so much rain and really heavy at times –
this area gets like a small stream running through it and down to the woods.
It washes the sand out from underneath –
Trying to come up with a solution to remedy this!
But – this is the backyard with the trees put in place.
The outdoor patio with our Tower Garden is also here!
Finally the other side yard with the red roses at the top –
The lawn will come back – it will take time –
I now have the irrigation system on automatic.
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WEED AND FEED – THEN IRRIGATION! PAPA’S WORLD!!!!!!
Tammy holding Bode with Marcus – on this day – Sherry had her first grandson –
He has since been all boy – playing golf – soccer – ice skating and flag football.
Soon he will turn ten years old – and he sent us a text message –
“He was trying out for Travel Soccer” !
He later sent another message –
“Today at my travel tryouts – I scored Three goals and blocked Five goals – I think I’ll make it in travel!”
Almost soon to be ten years old – he is following in the footsteps of his cousins –
They also played travel – Maddy and Ella and then on to college where they also played!
PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!
On one of our many times to visit our NYS friends at Lake Chautauqua – Sherry rode the bow on a trip around the lake with Buck and Cindy.
Cindy and I had just gone riding a tube –
Many fond memories back in WNY!
PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!
Sherry tees off on a par three – one of our wishes was to move here to afford to play golf!
We purchased a first tee card that gives us discounts on over 50 courses-
Most are a short drive from our home in Cameron Woods Community!
Retirement in the South – beaches – sun – surf and golf!
PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!
Easter sunrise service on Ocean Isle Beach – since we moved South –
numerous times we have attended these services at sunrise!
PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!
When family visits for Spring Break – gather on the canal at a friend’s house on OIB to Kayak!
Many memories of hiking – exploring and sand and surf!
PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!
Boating the ICW with friends and family.
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PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!
This one was taken right after our little Bode was born – the first grandson on this side of the family.
It was also the same time I got a haircut – scalping from a lady – before I could stop her – she just started to lop it off.
I had not had my haircut that short since my father cut it while I was young!
It was a themed red dress-up for Christmas – we always spend Christmas together at one or another’s home.
And that still is the case even though we are far away – we travel back to their homes.
Living life to the plus – family – always tight – always sharing memories.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – FAMILY PICTURES AND MEMORIES – FAMILY IMPORTANCE
Sherry received a homewarming present from two very dear friends – Dottie and Cindy –
“SWEDISH PINK ROSES” in memory of her mother whose own mother was born in Sweden!
Dottie – Cindy and Sherry – the three of them have been friends for years and years.
When Sherry’s mother – Barb (GIGI) passed away –
the two of them had “SWEDISH PINK ROSE PLANTS” delivered to her in Brambleton, Va.
We planted them right outside under the dining room window so we could see them every day.
Sadly – they remained with the house when we sold it and moved to N.C.
But – another two plants arrived after we moved into our new home in Cameron Woods Community!
They were planted to the left of the garage on the side of the house!
The left side is just before you get to the SWEDISH PINK ROSES!
Here they are in the early morning sunshine – facing toward the East.
They come and go all Sring – Summer and Fall – reminding us of her mother and her mother’s mother
(MORMOR) homeland-
SWEDEN – the Swede runs strong in the family – tall beautiful granddaughters and another going-to-be tall grandson.
And on the opposite side of the house – we have planted Knock out RED ROSES!
These face the West and get the afternoon full sun!
“ROSES ARE RED MY LOVE – “PINK” IS FOR SHERRY”
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“SWEDISH PINK ROSES – IN MEMORY OF GIGI – “BARB” PINK IS FOR HER!
Good morning people – Spring is a time of planting – trimming – and seeing perennials come to fruit!
We have planted them so that they come back each year.
We also have potted flowers – and these I will try to save for next year!
Hanging baskets are also one of our favorites in the front!
We will add more as we get closer to the end of Spring!
We have always had flowers at each home we have owned.
But – this time we have a “WALL OF ROSES”!!!!
Here on the SW side of the house are these roses that bloom in the Spring and come back mid-summer!
On the opposite side of the house – they are pink – but this side blooms first!
Our “WALL OF RED ROSES”
Thanks for reading and later I will blog on what we add!
PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
The backyard bordering the treeline with my tree people looking back! LOL
There are now three new ponds in Cameron Woods Community and a small pool of water behind our home!
Above is the pond that the pool of water flows into from the wetland!
These ponds are collection ponds for surface water.
This mulch-covered path comes from the cul-de-sac – between the common area and two houses –
To the new ponds and toward the new bridge.
In the middle of the treeline on the far side is our home which you can not see.
This treeline is protected wetlands and is right behind our property-
one of the reasons we chose this is for that barrier.
At the end of that walkway-covered mulch path –
is a new bridge going over a drainage ditch to what I believe to be the largest of all ponds in Cameron Woods.
There is another large pond to the right of the bridge but the walking path does not lead to it – instead, you would have to walk common ground in the rear of a couple lots!
After crossing the bridge you look back at the lots and houses on the cul-de-sac.
This is the last of the building inside of Cameron Woods Community!
This is the view of the large older pond that was here when we had our home built-
I do not know if it was here to begin with or was a catch pond for runoff!
Looking down the water to a corner and the pond goes beyond that –
a nice walk and covered with mulch –
I wish it was gravel like the other pond!
We saw one gator and it left the bank as we walked –
that is a good sign as they are afraid of us as we walk.
We are careful and on the look – out for gators and snakes!
Sherry walks back after we saw the gator and did not finish walking around the pond –
later we came back and walked all the way around –
and saw the gator in the middle of the pond!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
PAPA’S WORLD – A NEW BRIDGE – A NEW POND AND A NEW PATH!!!!!
Marcus and Taylor – Tammy and Cassidy – across the street from our home in Brambleton, Va.
This was known in the neighborhood as “THE SLED RIDING HILL”!
During a snowstorm – they went over so we could get a photo!
They had sold their home and came to stay with us until they moved into their new home.
The twins were 2 and 1/2 years old –
One day – I heard them behind the closed door in our downstairs half bath.
Giggling – so I opened the door and there they were –
they had their dolls and were playing in the half bath.
That is a memory I shall always have as I see this picture!
It was our 40th. anniversary – so we returned to NVA. and the family gathered at a winery.
Even “MARLEY” – the dog of the younger grandkids!
It was a beautiful day – full of laughter –
and a day we all were together –
This picture reminds me of all the good times and family times back in NVA!
Sherry – grandma and mormor to all her grandchildren – MORMOR is Swedish for MOTHERSMOTHER!
Bode is the only boy with five granddaughters.
This picture reminds me of all the things we did as they were growing up!
We love to golf and here is Dottie – Sherry and Cindy – BESTIES for years and years-
Whenever we get together – maybe every four months –
usually, golf is involved – guys vs gals and a few strokes given!
This picture reminds me how they can and have beaten us –
and I keep saying “NO STROKES” LOL!
Sherry – sunrise at SUNSET BEACH – so well known for its SUNSETS!
Here she walks in the surf –
this picture reminds me of how she is always drawn to the edge of the waters!
Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
PAPA’S WORLD – MEMORIES – WHAT DO THEY TELL?
ONE OF THE REASONS WE MOVED HERE IN CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY!!!
During my early youth – my grandma raised me as my parents both worked.
I remember sitting on her lap and asking when I could go to school to see a first grader
walking down the street – who was two years older than I!
I think this puts me at about four years old!
She was everything to me and I am sad that my memories are not more there about her.
These were my mother’s parents and he passed away before I was born – my middle name is after him.
Granma was 85 years old when she passed away and had 11 children!
She was PA. DUTCH – Maiden name of Schick,
and followed the lumber camps around –
cooking meals for all the lumberjacks in Pa.
She met my grandfather during that time.
He was Irish and English – a big man – some say 6’3″ –
They were both what we called down homers in Pa.
The Brookville – Corsica area below Dubois.
My grandfather was a farmer and produced his own flower – pork – beef – milk and vegetables.
It was said during the Great Depression – he would walk and carry food to the neighbors
to keep them from starving – never asking for anything in return –
as they had 11 children of their own to feed.
He passed from a heart attack as he was pulling a hog up to butcher.
Just a little family history to pass on to my kids – as there is not many left of my generation.
Thanks for reading – PAPA’S WORLD MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Papa – my niece Terri and my younger brother Mike.
I was born across the border in Olean, N.Y. at the Saint Francis Hospital –
To an Irish Catholic mother –
Mary (Aiken) Fitzsimmons and an Irish Protestant father Clarence (Bob) Fitzsimmons.
As you can tell – there were many dynamics in my family.
I had one sister – Donna – who was 15 years older than me –
A sister who died at birth –
and a brother – Roger – who was 10 years older than me.
Then there was me for over four years and then Mike came along.
We lived in Pa. – on the main street in a very small town called Eldred.
My father was a supervisor in the oil fields for South Penn-Pennzoil.
My mother retired from Alcas – which today is known as CUTCO –
A world leader in the manufacture of KNIVES.
My sister married and lived next door to my parent’s house – and my brother-in-law-
Bill – was both Mayor – Police Chief and drove a semi-tractor trailer for Ethan Allen.
Growing up I always had a dream of one day living on or near a beach!
Today – we have realized that dream – living in N.C. in OIB – Cameron Woods Community!
My mother Mary – my father passed away at age 59 from cancer – he was a heavy smoker –
my mother was almost 98 when she passed on.
Our home on North Main Street in Eldred – was a beacon to all my friends –
my two brothers’ friends and my sister’s friends.
Even after we had left and moved away – Mary had an open door to any and all of them.
I grew up there – when a senior was in a car accident not knowing if I would walk again –
I got married at 17 with my first son on the way in a wheelchair.
After I graduated from H.S. – with a child – no college for me – I had a family to support –
I started work at AMERICAN OLEAN TILE CO. – in Olean, N.Y.
For the next 32 years – I had another son – divorced – work many jobs in the plant –
and remarried to Sherry on 6-5-1982!
Above is our wedding picture we lived just outside Portville, N.Y. in the country.
We combined two families – her two girls and on weekends my two sons.
On our wedding day in 1982 – the boys had gone home. Debby holding her cousin and Tammy with her arms around her cousin.
We stayed in the Portville area until 1999 – when we both transferred within the company –
Sherry also worked for AOTC – which became DAL-TILE –
Our close friends Elaine and Steve during those years in Portville, N.Y. – to this day.
We golfed – played competitive Volleyball – took vacations together and raised families.
My two sons – Troy and Shawn – still live back in Pa. not far from where I grew up.
They have been down to N.C. and hoping they come back although it is a 16b hour drive!
1982 – our wedding day – growing up in Pa. and N.Y.S. –
beautiful in the spring – Summer and Fall – brutal in the Winter
as I am not a snow-cold and ice person.
We both retired from AOTC-DAL TILE – ARMSTRONG – MOHAWK –
With a combined 79 1/2 years!
Sherry and Papa – living our dreams at the beach –
Thank you for reading and as always HGD! My Site: PAPA’S WORLD: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
PAPA’S WORLD – WHO AM I? SENIOR LIVING TO THE PLUS – ONE DAY AT A TIME!
I am guessing this picture I am about to show you were taken some 81 or 82 years ago!
My brother was some ten years older than I and my sister some fifteen years older.
I will soon be 73 years old!
In this picture are my mother Mary and my dad “Bob” Fitz.
Today if my brother had lived he would have been 83 years old
and my sister Donna would have been 88 years old.
My father passed when he was 59 years old and I was 19 years old.
He passed from lung cancer.
His full name was Clarence Russel Fitzsimmons –
everyone for some reason called him “Bob”!
FITZ was his nickname.
He was a supervisor for the South Penn Oil Company and many a time I remember him taking me to work with him.
Later after he retired from there he was part owner of the local Western Auto.
made him take his junior and senior years over as he was too young to go find a job.
He played basketball and baseball and later would manage the local baseball town team.
He was an avid golfer and bowler – a mechanic and carpenter.
He loved fishing and would spend every summer two weeks –
deep into the far northern Canadian wilderness.
Mary my mother was Pa. Dutch from her mother’s side and Irish Catholic from her father’s side.
My dad was Irish Protestant and that made for quite the dynamics in the house.
There were many fun times in that house!
Dad’s ancestors came straight from County Tyrone in Ireland.
But mom ruled the house so to speak – she was not that big but she was a little spitfire.
She once thumped him on top of the head with a frying pan!
She lived to be almost 98 years old and everyone loved her.
She would sit on her front porch on the main street in little Eldred, Pa.
Cars would go by and honk their horns and windows rolled down, “HELLO MARY”!
She baked pies – cakes – homemade and rolls and bread.
My sister was 15 years older than I and my brother 10 years older than I.
So when I came along it was more or less a second family for them.
Then my younger brother was four years later.
They are all gone now but not forgotten.
Thank you for reading Papa’s World – a little about my family –
MY BLOG SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
It was next to the last night they would be here before they left to go back to NVA!
I had started the SOLO STOVE firepit we had in the backyard.
It was around 60 degrees out and the stars would be bright in the night sky.
Time to bring out the marshmallow prongs – and make candy smores!
PEEPS and REECES PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE!
The fire would settle down in a few minutes – but first, enjoy the warmth.
Gaze up at the sky and see it full of stars!
Sarah preparing her SMORE to go inside the graham cracker!
It was warm enough by the fire to be in shirt sleeves.
A look before the sun went down – beautiful sunset.
We live minutes away from Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach in N.C.
So – it is beached in the daytime and SOLO STOVE FIREPIT AT NIGHT.
Ella – Sarah – Sherry and Debby wading in the surf of Sunset Beach.
Here it is – Marshmellow – Peep – Reeces Peanut Butter Chocolate on Grahm Cracker –
A nice way to end up a perfect March day at the beach and at home in the evening with the firepit.
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PAPA’S WORLD – SMORES WITH GRANDDAUGHTERS!!!!!!
Sarah looking for seashells – on Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
One of our favorite things to do – golf with friends!
The grandkids – when they were small.
Sherry and some of her team members of TEAM GENERATIONS – 18 years and still going strong.
Tammy – Sherry and Debby – mother and daughters.
Sunset at our home in Cameron Woods Community!
Our wedding day – 6-25-1982.
Before Bode – when they were little!
Our view from the condo we lived in for nine months at Ocean Keyes in North Myrtle Beach.
Where we built our house and now live.
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PAPA’S WORLD – A LOT OF PICTURES OF MEMORIES!
On one of our many seasonal trips to Florida – Sherry at a very old tree – OLD MEMORY!
Winter golfing with friends Cindy and Buck. We try to golf every couple of weeks – one of the reasons we moved to the South!
No snow or ice – a little chill in the air – good friends and “SHOTS” to sip on! LOL
The last time we were all together for a beach vacation – OLD PICTURE for a NEW MEMORY FOUND!
One of our many trips to National Park to watch a ballgame.
OLD PICTURE FORMS A NEW MEMORY!
When we moved South and found our new home and Community-
In the country but close to beaches and action – CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY!
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LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS ONE DAY AT A TIME: PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
A view of a sunset from our front yard – and turn around and you see the sunrise.
Our lot is positioned to see both – and behind – to the South –
is a line of trees and this is protected wetlands.
Soon – the construction of the development will cease –
except for the warranty work –
At the main entrance off Old Georgetown road-
Two story condos with garages will start in a few months –
Infrastructure is now being put in.
MEMORIES IN PICTURES OF LIFE!
Where we lived for nine months waiting for our house to be built was Ocean Keyes –
North Myrtle Beach – we would see these two swans daily on the lake.
We were a half-mile walk to the main street –
Also the beach – a nine-month stay that I will always cherish!
Before our grandson Bode was born – we had five granddaughters – cousins –
The twins – Cassidy and Taylor with their cousins Maddy – Sarah and Ella.
A lifetime picture for our memories.
Now – there’s Bode with his sisters and cousins – along with Sherry – MORMOR – Grandma –
All have gotten older but we have this as a lifetime memory picture!
On one of our excursions to Southport – we bought a raffle ticket –
Needless to say – we do not own a boat! LOL
But this picture and memory stay with us.
Best friends and buddies for years and years – Papa – Buck and Jimmy.
Jimmy and I played softball together in the mid-70s –
going back in time to the present-
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PAPA’S WORLD – MEMORIES IN PICTURES OF LIFE!
It has been almost three years since we moved into our home in OIB – Cameron Woods Community!
In that time – numerous community gatherings have occurred.
“BUNCO” is but one of them!
There is daytime Bunco and nighttime Bunco –
People sign up as alternatives to fill in as needed.
On days when special days are celebrated – this one day was Valentine’s Day –
little treats are provided to each member –
all put together by the members themselves!
The members remain constant and if they can not make it – they will get in touch with a fill in and that person will show up to play “BUNCO”!
Our community has grown and soon the single-family homes will be completed
and then at the main entrance – attached condos will be built and Camero Woods will be completed
provided Lenar finished out the empty lots by the entrance showroom house.
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DAYTIME BUNCO PLAYERS!
PAPA’S WORLD – ONE OF THE MANY GROUP GATHERINGS AT CAMERON WOOD COMMUNITY –
“BUNCO”!
Good day everyone – in our Cameron Woods Community – the last single-family homes are almost complete –
And at the end of a cul-de-sac – on common space – a trail leading to two ponds –
one almost a small lake –
It was covered in mulch and led to the bigger pond-lake –
The other pond was sodded with grass and will be mowed.
The path to the large pond will have a bridge – this day only wooden pallets served as stepping
path to cross the ditch!
You can see the mulch path on the other house side of the ditch –
and the pallets on which you stand to cross the ditch.
All the homes you see on the other side are just being completed and some have occupants
This pond lake is the biggest of all the ponds we have.
We walked the first big pond on the other end of Cameron Woods – and came here and walked this neighborhood –
And that walk alone was just two miles!
I would say if we walked all the neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs –
we would be close to seven miles!
Including all the ponds that are walkable.
This is the view to the left after crossing over on the pallets.
The path goes to the right and leads to the far side of the water.
It continues following the pond out of sight of the water and into the woods on the far upper side.
The pond then continues through the trees at the bend of the water to the left.
The path is about 10 or 12 feet wide-
Large enough to allow maintenance trucks if needed.
Yes – we have seen small gators in here and if there are small ones –
well the mother must also be here.
Now – later in the Sring and Summer – bugs will be out –
so the spray will be used!
But on this day – the woods were full of birds singing –
and as always I am watchful for snakes in here.
Have not seen any but I am more vigilant –
They are more present in my mind than the gators in the water.
Here is the view after walking to the right and around the pond and through the woods from the left
side of the pond.
The walk was level – saw no gators or snakes!!!! LOL
We now have the ponds to walk along with the roads and cul-de-sacs!
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PAPA’S WORLD – A NEW MULCH-COVERED TRAIL AROUND ANOTHER POND!
A COMMUNITY EVENT – a coming together of the neighborhood – where SOUP and DESERT –
was held as a way to promote neighborhood bonding together.
Some 30-plus neighbors brought SOUPS and DESSERTS for people to try.
Food – conversations and meeting new neighbors – although some people do not do social media – we have to find an outlet so everyone knows in advance –
This time in addition to Facebook -and our Community page- it was by word of mouth that some knew it was happening!
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PAPA’S WORLD – “SOUP AND DESERT – COMMUNITY – NEIGHBORS!”
I am writing this blog today with much sorrow.
A long time ago – we had to put down Samatha – our dog for almost 14 years.
Yesterday – our neighbors and dear friends – Diane and Steve Zimmerman –
Lost their beloved “BETSY” – a small black lab.
The day before when we found out she had gotten ill – we went to see her.
She always would walk up to us and wag her whole back end and tail – gently leaning against our legs-
And remain there for minutes at a time.
Going from Sherry to me over and over again.
This time she was on her bed on the floor – not moving much but she did move her head so I could scratch under her snout –
Her eyes never left mine – she knew we were there –
but she was so ill she could not greet us.
When we would DOGGY SIT – she would meet us at the door with her funny little guttering sounds –
not a whine and not a bark – but a low sound emitting from deep within her throat.
Steve and Diane – close friends and neighbors –
we have in common all of being from the same WNY area –
they still maintain a summer cottage on Rushford Lake –
and visit many of the same spots we did in Olean when we lived there.
I do not know where dogs go when they pass on – I would like to believe they go to heaven.
My faith – my want to believe it to be possible – makes me feel that we shall see them again.
Betsy was a favorite of all our kids and grandkids –
they would go up the street to see her if she was outside.
She would lay in the yard for hours – you could trust her – in the hot sun and then the shade.
She rarely barked – yet when you approached her she would stand and start wiggleing.
She would not run into the street and stay in the yard until you reached her.
She was black, not white – but this is how she lay in the yard.
Betsy was a gentle soul – all the neighbors knew her and would stop and talk to her.
We are going to miss her – it will be strange not seeing her in that yard as we walk by.
And even stranger when we walk with BETSY and DIANE –
Or see her in the truck with Steve –
She always had a ribbon attached to her collar.
She was the most gentle of dogs and our three younger grandkids always wanted to walk up and see her.
Today is a sad day as Betsy left yesterday – I will always remember my last visit with her
and those eyes looking into mine.
“SWING LOW SWEET CHARIOT – BETSY WENT HOME:
PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Seventy-plus degrees at 1pm. Buck, Cindy, Sherry, and I teed it up – let golfing begin!
Ocean Ridge is right across the street from Cameron Woods Community –
in fact, part of Ocean Ridges homes are in our community!
Ocean Ridge is home to what in the golfing world are “THE BIG CATS” golf courses.
There are three 18-hole courses – LIONS PAW – LEOPARDS CHASE – and TIGERS EYE!
When we golf together – we either play gals vs. guys or do a four-way scramble.
Here we are hitting our second shot on a par five – all of us were close to this spot in the middle.
Cindy and Sherry close to 5pm. on the last hole – it dropped down to the mid-60s – but we still had sun.
A fun course and we only had one golfer come up behind us and we let him play through!
The ladies tee box and Sherry and Cindy getting ready to tee off!
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PAPA’S WORLD – OCEAN RIDGE – GOLF AT LIONS PAW!!!!!
It was a game where Pittsburg played Buffalo in a playoff game – it also was where four neighbors came together – two households were Steeler fans and two households were Bills fans –
And all four houses were close to one another – PARTY TIME making new memories!
So it goes in our Cameron Woods Community neighborhood – NFL playoffs – team spirit!
The gathering before the game – fun – shots – a few drinks and BUFFALO WINGS AND BUFFALO DIP!
Lots of food and snacks – TERRIBLE TOWELS were shaking –
Golf cart decked out – jerseys came out of closets –
and a good time had by all!
In the end – the Bills moved on – but the neighbors remained – good friends!
When the ladies of the Steelers and the Bills come together –
Making new MEMORIES –
REVISITING PAST ONES – PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
An open invitation to the neighborhood to meet and exchange homemade cookies was well-received –
Approximately 20 plus neighbors were there and the extra cookies were taken to the firehouse – senior living and assisted living places.
A fun time meeting new neighbors was had by all.
Little groups got together to get to know one another.
A fun time and a way to get to know one another.
When neighbors get together during Holidays to meet and exchange cookies in Cameron Woods Community.
PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Because of time constraints – the gift exchange was moved from the clubhouse to our home!
We had 18 ladies and 4 husbands who came to the house and all brought delicious treats!
Christmas music – everyone brought their own drinks – and stories of their times here in the neighborhood.
There was a gift exchange by drawing numbers and if you saw another – you could exchange on the first draw.
Much excitement and stealing another’s gift!
All in fun and everyone went home happy!
For a spur of the moment, moving the party to our house worked out just fine.
Thanks for reading – just another great experience living in Cameron Woods.
PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
We decorated the outside of the house – not a lot but enough to enjoy the Holiday spirit!
We have all the lights set to come on at dusk and go off six hours later!
This is where I like to sit and drink my coffee – it is in the shade all day!
The flowers are still blooming – comfortable and cozy!
The view from the glider looking out to the street!
The wreath on the front door that lights up at dusk!
Holiday decorations for Christmas – thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
PAPA’S WORLD – CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS OUTSIDE – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
From the end of our driveway looking North – gray skies – welcome the Sunrise!
Turn around and look at our house and beyond is the South!
Because of the shape of the shoreline – CRESENT SHAPE – the beaches face South in our area.
And now from our driveway, we turn once again away from the Sunrise and face the gray skies of the West!
We get beautiful sunsets in this direction!
We selected this lot as the house sets so that the front porch is in the shade – where I love to sit!
Living here we get to see the sunsets and also the sunrise!
The dawn and beginning of a new day in Cameron Woods Community in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
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GREETINGS FROM THE NORTH – SOUTH and WEST FROM OUR FRONT DRIVEWAY – PAPA’S WORLD!
Today is Christmas day – celebrated worldwide – and once again we are with family.
The joy of family-giving – comforts of home – warmth and yuletide greetings!
Today I wish all of you JOY – thank you for being a part of my life in the BLOG WORLD!
Today I give thanks to family – both near and far – thoughts – words and memories –
always cherishing – always thinking and always praying for memories to be made.
Today we partake in a meal – today we laugh – today we smile and today we make yet another memory!
From the both of us – to all of you – HAVE A JOYOUS MERRY CHRISTMAS – BLESSED ARE WE TO HAVE YOU!
PAPA’S WORLD – “MERRY CHRISTMAS” my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Good day everyone – just a little humor to get some smiles going!
Our Community has had a Thanksgiving Day turkey-trot – Walk for the third time!
This time some twenty souls walked some 2.3 miles on a chilly morning – 9am.
But – with the sun it warmed up throughout the walk!
On our first walk had six people – each year it has added more people.
I hope that from year to year we keep this going adding people each year!
Families – friends and residents made up this year’s Cameron Woods Community walk.
Our neighborhood has expanded – up at the end of this road another 124 homes are almost completed.
When done we will have around 250 homes and garden homes.
A nice quiet neighborhood set off the highway –
Lots of trees – ponds, and roads for walking
A community center – pickleball courts and swimming pool.
Thanks for reading and from us to you – a Community we are proud of!
OUR THIRD ANNUAL TURKEY – TROT – WALK – CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY –
PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
We are content – a new home – friendly neighbors – walking roads and paths -Cameron Woods Community!
We try to walk daily – sometimes in the neighborhood – sometimes on the beach and sometimes in the park across the road.
But – it is “HOME” we come back to each time!
One of my favorite places is the front porch – sipping coffee or a nutrition drink.
Watching neighbors drive by – saying hello to those who walk by!
My “COMFORT PLACE” even in the rain if not blowing in – this porch has shade all day long!
The shrubs and flowers – we picked this lot for a couple reasons – Surnrise to the right and Sunset to the left of the driveway!
We have protected trees behind us – and some wetlands – birds – yes – some snakes but I have only seen two in the backyard since we have been here.
I put snake be gone down and it seems to work.
I have seen deer and turkey back there.
Our ever bloom roses – we have weather where they are here almost all year!
The long grass-like plants have purple – pink ends.
Coming home after our walk – we have no regrets about moving here!
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One of three palm trees we have planted –
PAPA’S WORLD – AFTER WALKING THE NEIGHBORHOOD – WE CAME HOME – CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY!
The Pandemic came – everything shut down – we could only see our grandkids from a distance –
imagine the driveway – a tarp on the grass and us standing inside the garage some 30 feet from them!
Or ZOOM calls with family – alone we were and 401K going down – down –
but the silver lining – the housing market exploded!
It was time to move on –
sell the house and contents – move SOUTH –
to warmer weather – sun – sand – and surf – OCEAN ISLE BEACH – near the border of N.C. and S.C.
Here we are on Sunset Beach and in the upper right – the tall building – Ocean Isle Beach – just minutes from our home in Cameron Woods Community!
Our view to the SW from our driveway – toward Sunset Beach.
We live near golf – 30 courses – entertainment – Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
Big box stores within 30 minutes.
Our dream home – single-story living – trees in the back yard – walking all over the neighborhoods –
a large park right across the road with tennis and pickleball courts – ball fields and track and basketball courts – a park for dogs – restrooms, etc.
Golfing with close friends – seeing shows and exploring different towns and beaches.
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PAPA’S WORLD – LIVING THE GOOD LIFE – OCEAN ISLE BEACH – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Since we have moved to the border of S.C. and N.C. – we are 400 to 500 miles away from the family back in NVA!
We told them we were coming back for graduation and they made plans for a winery –
that we all could meet at for an afternoon including Marley – the Goldendoodle.
Living in the South – near beaches – SUNSET BEACH and OCEAN ISLE BEACH – warm – sun and sand!
We are living our dream – and all the family has been here to visit.
SUNSET BEACH and in the distance – the tall building – OCEAN ISLE BEACH – within 20 minutes both beaches!
I had always wanted to live in the warm – sun and sand of the South.
Even in the Fall – we still have vibrant flowers and bushes – almost no ice – snow – it does get cold but within a couple days – it is back to the 50 and 60’s!
And of course when a grade-school friend comes to visit – you sit and talk – creating more memories.
Papa – sitting beneath Papa’s General Store in my blog PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
FRIENDS COME TO VISIT YEARLY – MEMORIES – CELEBRATION OF OUR LIVES!
LIFE – HAPPINESS – LOVING FRIENDS OF YEARS AND YEARS – ONE OF OUR WHYS – GOLFING!
CAROLINA NIGHTS – SUNSETS – LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS – ONE DAY AT A TIME!
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PAPA’S WORLD – REFLECTIONS OF OUR LIFE – WISHES DO COME TRUE – YES – FAMILY – THERE IS A SANTA CLAUSE!!!!
One of the main reasons we moved further South – Cold – Ice and Snow –
now we have Warmth – Sand and Sun!
We walk daily except when the wind is blowing and the wind chill goes down – but still
no ice and snow. The Sun is warm – it is just at my age – I do not like the cold!
A Fall day in October – back in WNY – it was not uncommon to have snow for Halloween!
We hope to keep these alive for as long as we can – covering them if it drops below freezing!
We have flowers everywhere – most come back year to year!
We chose to replace mulch with stone – fewer bugs and pine straw was not my idea of mulch!
Everything here will come back next Spring or if mild will stay.
We are starting year number three on this plant of flowers – saving them each year from frost.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – FALL AT OCEAN ISLE BEACH – CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY!
MY HEART IS STILL WITH THE BILLS ONLY IN THE SOUTH!!!!!!!
My Site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
We traveled back to NVA for two weeks to spend time with family.
Little Cassidy would zoom often and give her MORMOR the countdown in days and sleeps!
We gathered the day of Christmas to all celebrate together – dinner – presents – games.
A celebration with Marcus’s family – dinner and gift opening – white elephant gift!
I thought two weeks would be a long time – but it went by really quick – family time!
Her father made one for family members – we also have one at our house.
We brought the pine combs with us picking them off the ground in Cameron Woods –
the three little ones decorated them into small Christmas trees!
Our family is into health – nutrition – exercising – walking running – for the past sixteen years!
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In life – my life – I have found that you never – ever take it for granted!
Each day is a bonus – each hour is something to cherish.
Have fun – have friends – and have a blast – enjoy life – enjoy freedom – JUST ENJOY!
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Sherry – Pam – Papa – Bobby – Bob and I went all the way from grade school to High School!
We played sports together – stayed at each other’s house – drank beer –
Hung around and grew up in a little town in the Alleghany foothills called Eldred in Pa.
While they reside in New Hampshire – they have been RVing for the past four-plus years –
leasing out their condo – they are on their way to Florida after spending last winter out West!
Their little dog Bo has been with them for over a year now – here we are walking around one of our ponds!
Walking the neighborhood – and looking at new builds – they will reevaluate after this winter – bringing to a close five years of life on the road to see if they want to put down roots or continue the Nomad life.
PAPA’S WORLD – WHEN OLD FRIENDS VISIT – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
For the first fifty years of our lives – we lived in NWPA and WNY – in the snow belts!
The summers were great growing up – and you truly had four seasons!
But – neither one of us liked the cold – snow and ice!
We would always head to the sun and sand for vacations – mostly in the South.
Our honeymoon was in the Dominican Republic –
Island breezes – sun – surf and warm water.
So it is now living in the N.C. – S.C. border area – what is Fall back in WNY – seems like what Summers were back there to us!
Seventy-five to eighty in the daytime – sixty to sixty-five at night –
Sunshine – white clouds in blue sky and walking the beach.
A reminder of the summer weather back North!
Nights you can still walk in shorts and shirtsleeves! Star-filled skies – birds and butterflies.
Living here – we love – no snow – ice (rarely) some cold but when the Sun comes out –
a jacket soon unzips and you walk in comfort.
We chose this area because we are comfortable living here – it does get hot – but we are a couple who likes that type of weather.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
FALL IN N.C. – S.C. SEEMS LIKE SUMMER – PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
In our journey of life together – we have lived in WNY – NVA – S.C. and now in N.C. –
on the border with S.C.
We have found our dream house – and our Cameron Woods Community –
We are 4 and 6 miles away from two beaches.
Eight miles to shopping in big box stores and three large grocery stores within four miles.
We can choose professional entertainment within twenty to forty minutes.
Within minutes we can dine on the ICW or the Ocean!
We have good neighbors – always waving or stopping to talk.
We can walk nearly six miles without leaving the neighborhood.
Soon all the construction on homes being built here will be done.
We have thirty golf courses to pick from within thirty minutes!
We believe in equal rights for everyone – we believe in law and order and a strong military.
We believe in the constitution and free government of the people and by the people.
We believe in peaceful protest and the election by the people –
We believe in God and church – we believe in family.
This is who we are.
PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livnglifedoingitmyway.blog
BLESSED WITH THE GOOD LIFE IN THE SOUTH – PAPA’S WORLD – thanks for reading!
