It was light rain all day – the kind that does the lawn and flowers just right.
Nature had painted the SUNSET – the rain still coming down and behind me was the Rainbow.
A fresh landscape – warm – wet – and the sky were painted white – gray blue and yellow.
It was the WHY we choose this home location.
This was the first time – shopping in Southport!
We came here for the market that was in the town park.
A lot of interesting vendors and local artists.
I bought a watercolor of the Kindred Spirit mailbox on Sunset Beach-Bird Island.
What drew me to this watercolor was the beauty and detail but also it was by a local artist named
V. Ryan Lauzon – who is 94 years old and still painting!
Her daughter showed me a picture of her and she is amazing!
I even met the man who started GOLF BALLS for WOUNDED WARRIORS – Bob Duke!
He cleans and packages thousands of donated golf balls –
displays them all over the county – and sells them for $5.00 and $10.00 a dozen –
and every penny goes to WOUNDED WARRIORS!
He has made $100,000.00 of dollars for the nationwide WOUNDED WARRIORS PROGRAM!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD
my blog site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
I have golfed here four times and never saw a gator until this time golfing with Jim – a neighbor.
He spotted them as I was driving the golf cart!
And – they were large – maybe ten feet!
Later – we saw a small one laying more on the fairway next to a pond.
I have become accustomed to seeing them here in the south and we have several in the ponds
in our Cameron Woods Community!
Here is one of two palm trees we had planted – and I make sure they have plenty of water.
I fill a five-gallon pail every two or three days and pour it over the middle.
The back yard is our quiet place – a solo stove – tower garden and seating along with the lanai.
MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
The day before my birthday – we celebrated by going golfing with our close friends.
Then – after dinner at the club – we drove off into a beautiful sunset.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
The day prior we went golfing with our friends the McBrides at Carolina National Golf Course.
Friends for a very long time – they live some 30 plus miles from us – and we play once a week when we can.
We were playing a Fred Couples signature course in Carolina National just outside Supply, N.C.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my next blog is the ride home – sunset and then the next day – my birthday was spent painting the floor of the front porch – and I loved it!
We have explored and traveled the World together and with close friends.
Even today – where we have settled into our home – we take the offbeat paths –
exploring – looking – finding small visual treasures!
When in NVA – we lived close to the nation’s capital –
often taking the metro in with the grandkids.
Walking and exploring – visiting the museums.
Twice a year we travel either the East Coast or the West Coast for the national conference.
Seeing old friends and meeting new ones – TEAM GENERATIONS was born of this.
Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my blog: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Somewhere in Denmark – Norway or Sweden – on our 1400-mile excursion – by bus – for 10 plus days.
It was a dream for everyone to go to where Barb’s mother and father were born.
We only twice stayed in a hotel for more than one day!
We saw so many beautiful things and places and even loaded the bus onto a huge ferry
and made our way down or up the fiords – with hundreds of other people.
The most exotic thing for me to eat was Reindeer!
The old buildings are hundreds of years old – the rune stones –
Sherry and I went off by ourselves and toured old town Stockholm and then the new city.
Eating big breakfasts is the major meal of the day!
A trip we have in memories and locked away in our minds.
A trip we made to visit our friend Ginger at her condo on the waterfront.
A place we considered retiring to but for the distance away – it was a possibility!
Someday we hope to return and explore more.
Before my brother passed away – we spent winters with him at his home in The Villages.
It was a unique time in our lives – riding the golf cart everywhere – playing golf with him.
A time that I shall always associate with Roger – my brother and how we were the only ones left.
The Villages – I also could have lived in – but HAPPY HOUR came too early and too long! LOL
MY BLOG SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
The day before my birthday – we celebrated with our close friends – Buck and Cindy –
She even baked chocolate chip cookies for me!
Carolina National – outside Supply, N.C. second time we have played here – a good course!
After we finished up at 6:30 pm. we headed into the clubhouse for dinner –
although they quite handily won the scramble – we always have fun
and will get together again to continue our years-old match of gals vs guys!
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com Living life to the plus one day at a time! HGD!
This blog site is a quiet place to think – ponder and believe in yourself.
Have faith – kindness and friends and family in your life.
To remove STRESS – live as you can and stay away from the TV news!
For health – find whole food nutrition like we have for sixteen years!
As my heart doctor has always told me “MOVE” – do not stay idle!
Live your life – enjoy and make new friends – life is short – live your dreams!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – PURPOSE OF BEING – MY BLOG – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
“I ordered a new rug for the lanai,” said my wife!
You see – we just had it inclosed as you can see in my previous blogs.
And – true to our concept of BEACH THEME – she nailed it!
So now with the new rug, we decided to move the waterproof mat outside on the open patio!
We are slowly getting it all in place – landscaping and such.
We are holding off on painting inside until after the one-year warranty.
Now we are experimenting with flowers and how they react to the warm summer weather.
The lawn is looking really good as I have fertilized it myself.
When we sold the last home – we sold all my outdoor lawn devices –
keeping a few to trim trees and bushes.
Shovel to dig with and a couple rakes.
Lawnmowing we have hired done every 14 or 15 days.
” IN WITH THE NEW – OUTSIDE WITH THE OLD”
We drive past Jinks Creek every time we cross the causeway and go to the beach –
Ocean Isle Beach that is.
Back in October a couple of my buddies were here and we golfed –
after, we came to the Tiki Bar on the top floor for dinner and drinks.
What a sight it was with the sunset – looking out over the water and marsh.
I had tried to get Sherry – my wife to stop in many times –
but she thought always it was too expensive.
Finally, she agreed – and after some beach time, we stopped just to have drinks.
She was impressed at what she experienced!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
PAPA’S WORLD Sherry and Papa – top deck Tiki Bar – JINKS CREEK – SUNSET – Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
They have been friends for going on 38 years or more –
one drives the cart – the other hangs on! LOL
They talk and talk and talk and then they laugh and laugh and laugh some more.
We – Buck and I – play them in golf and they give strokes!
They are tough to beat.
Talk of retirement for Cindy – golf – scrambles – laughter and shots – pars are shots! LOL
We were excited when we moved near the border of S.C. and N.C. – a ten-minute drive to the beach.
A lot of nights we just look at each other after cleaning up the kitchen and “LET’S GO”!
Ocean Isle Beach is a ten-minute drive over the causeway and to the sand.
However – we really like to drive the extra five minutes and go to Sunset Beach!
Here we drive to the far west end and park and walk the long boardwalk over the dunes.
Even at this time, the beach is busy with people – swimming – walking, or catching late rays from the sun.
The beach here is flatter than OIB and we like that!
Sunset Beach after dinner – one of the WHYS we moved here to Cameron Woods Community.
We live in a little community along the mainland of Ocean Isle Beach in N.C.
If you could walk to the beach straight East – it is two miles!
But since you can’t – driving is four miles and then over the causeway to OIB.
But with my coffee pouring, I step out the back door and view the sky to the South East.
And then I turn slightly to the left toward the East – and this view I have almost every day!
It is so quiet and you hear the multitude of birds every morning calling and chirping.
It is this scene of my WHY for a front porch and a place to sit and sip my morning brew.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World: MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
I love sunrises and sunsets – a good way to start and end your day!
The sky slowly turned into a creamsicle color as the sunset!
We have finished all the landscaping and are presently putting in flowers leaving open spaces.
All our trees are edged with stones around them.
At night – they are all lit up with solar lights.
Thanks for reading – Creamsicle skies and flowerbeds.
Good day everyone – do you have secret memories of your grandma?
Her name was Nora and by the time I came along – she was a widow –
Grandpa David Aiken was a big man – I am told 6′ 3″ and a farmer through and through.
That is where I get my middle name and grandma was living with us at the time I was born.
She is what I remember the most from my early childhood and she was a dedicated, TEA DRINKER!
But she had “SECRET TREATS” for me – depression-era treats!
The first was a bowl of broken up saltine crackers –
and straight from the farm MILK,
sprinkle on a little sugar
and you had “CRACKERS AND MILK”!
I thought that was the best thing!
The second “LITTLE SECRET” was what she called “COFFEE SOUP”!
Now keep in mind – these were family meals during the Great Depression
when she raised ELEVEN kids on the farm.
She would take a think slice of homemade white bread – warm!
Put it on a plate and poured black coffee over it
add a little farm milk and some sugar and a side of thick bacon or ham!
I have not ever had either one of these since childhood again.
But the memory remains with me to this day – it was a “SPECIAL TREAT”
from my grandma “NORA” a kind and gentle lady – who for the first four years of my life raised me.
GRANDMA gave me the “LITTLE SECRET MEMORIES” OF GROWING UP WITH HER!
When the project of saving the beach from erosion on OIB on the East end came to a close –
not only was there a new 900-foot wide new beach –
but it was full of dredged up seashells and of course, the little ones went searching!
These three – esp Bode and Cassidy – you have to have something planned out to do every day!
MORMOR is Swede for MOTHERSMOTHER!
All three just love her – Cassidy calls her every week or texts her often.
This summer we will travel North to their home and bring them back for a week with us.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
We moved farther south – all the way to the border of N.C and S.C.
We wanted it to be warm in the winter – four seasons without snow and ice.
We wanted to be close enough to the beach that we could drive and spend hours there or walk.
A place family and friends would visit – one floor – but enough room to have people stay.
It is a quiet place – room to walk –
friendly neighbors – we all are new here.
Our life has changed – we did like where we were – but times change – getting older
has a way of making those changes.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD
my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Sixteen gathered at a cabin located between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg –
They drove hours to get there – all up and down the East Coast.
You see – my wife Sherry is a Certified Health Coach –
and also a rep for The Juice Plus Company and has been for the last sixteen years.
My health is the reason I am here today and she has played a major role in that.
Every six months – a conference is held – one on the East Coast and one on the West Coast.
The title is JUICE PLUS + LIVE!
What started as a part-time hobby – became a retirement fun job.
In those sixteen years – we have traveled the country – met so many fine people
who all have one major thing in common –
HEALTH and NUTRITION and in our case FAMILY GENERATIONS!
Thus the TEAM GENERATIONS was born – led by a mother and daughter –
Today it has grown and grown and the leaders now gather –
For the last two years – the Pandemic has kept the gathering in one place down to a minimum
But in October – it will be back in full swing in Atlanta!
Eight thousand people, normally, we shall see, the Pandemic has kept them apart.
This time – arrive on Thursday – leave on Sunday – fun – learning – games – all part of bonding.
In October I’ll once again be going – driving Sherry and seeing old friends once again.
Education – seeing new sights and making new friends.
As soon as we said we are going to take a walk – They both jumped up and off we went!
They love their MORMOR – Swede for MOTHERSMOTHER!
They are really close to her – Cassidy always calling – texting – face time or zoom calls – every week.
Taylor joining in “HI MORMOR”!
“MORMOR – guess what”?
“MORMOR – I got a new book”!
“MORMOR – only 10 days until we see you”!
And so it goes week to week – MORMOR and the TWINS!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World, MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
She is kind – quiet – studious – and constantly reading Harry Potter novels.
She loves horses and is becoming an accomplished equestrian at age of eleven.
She is tall and I think will surpass her grandma who is almost 5’10”.
When walking she grabs your hand or when standing next to you – lays her head on your arm.
She is TAYLOR!
But – she has another side to her – a side that makes me smile.
She quietly – by herself – has an array of little stuffed animals she takes with her everywhere.
She treats them as her little family.
She has names for each and every one of them.
She smiles – she laughs – she is funny.
She is bright – reading at a Junior level.
She knows about brackish water – why there are tides –
She can explain climate change – she is beyond her years!
But she has that little secretive side to her –
The side that when she is not in the room – you see what she has done!
This is our Taylor Bear as Mommie calls her.
The quiet one – the reader and studier.
The one who grabs your hand to walk or lays her head on your shoulder.
THIS IS TAYLOR – one of our twin granddaughters.
I first saw him – slowly walking the beach near the surf line –
at first glance, I thought of him to be homeless.
He was pulling what looked like a wagon – but it was a beach wagon.
And it was piled high with things I could not make out from a distance.
As I watched a family near him also watched him as he slowly passed them.
Then I realized he had a suit and tie on – very well dressed –
“WHERE WAS HE GOING I THOUGHT”?
Struggling – he was struggling to pull that beach wagon.
Then I walked over to him thinking I might help him a bit.
That is when he told me a short story – a story about “THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE”!
“Hello he said – it is a beautiful day isn’t it”?
He continued to talk – not stopping – but then I asked him where he was going and what was in the wagon.
“I am going to go way down there” he pointed – some two miles away!
“I just came from the pier” some 1/2 to 1 mile back –
“This is harder than I thought”! he said. “The tires are too small”!
“But – I am here and I am going to do this for THE LOVE OF MY LIFE”!
You see – he had brought her here years ago – by themselves and had walked this very beach
together hand in hand so he said.
He said, ” She told me it was the best thing she ever had done in her life”!
She loved that day – no other day in her whole life compared to it.
Then – ten years ago she passed away and he was in a car accident.
He slowly walked once again – and that day he was going back –
pulling that wagon – he continued talking-
I have a generator in there that weighs 60 pounds and speakers!
I have two chairs and a small table – it is very heavy – but I will take a chair out and rest.
I wish I had different tires he said – bigger ones.
“I am going to set up that generator and speakers – my two chairs – one for her and one for me”!
” I have my smartphone with a playlist of all her favorite songs – I am going to blast it out there”
he said pointing to the ocean.
“I AM GOING TO PLAY THOSE SONGS FOR THE LOVE OF MY LIFE”!
“Yes sir – that is what I am going to do in the place that was the best day of her life”!
“Thank you for talking to me sir – God Bless you – I have to be on my way”! he said and turned away.
There goes love – true love – OLD MAN WALKING – FOR THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE!
On one of our trips across the World – we ventured to California.
We found some very large Redwoods in a place called MUIR’S FOREST!
It was very foggy that day and we had no idea what we would see for it was a drive through hills
a road that went up and down and around – steep sides to fall thousands of feet.
And then we came to a parking lot that seemed out in the middle of nowhere.
Our paved road was no longer – it was sand and dirt.
And it proved to be after the fog lifted – near the Ocean.
Houses were there but first, we had to walk that dirt path through the woods.
Magnificant woods they were – Ancient trees hundreds of feet tall and big enough around
you could lock arms with a dozen people and not have enough to encircle the base.
WE WERE IN MUIR’S REDWOOD FOREST!
We were off the paved highway and onto the dirt path – sometimes to see the beauty
you have to get your feet dirty and experience the wonder of nature.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Our family came to spend their spring break with us before Easter.
We spent a lot of time between beaches – and it was a warm week for water and sand.
Shelling – walking – boogie boards – blowing sand – no rain – warm sun and family time.
Taylor excels in horseback riding and grooming – riding lessons once a week.
She is very tall for her age and will be taller than her MORMOR Sherry –
who is almost 5’10”.
Ella has already matched Sherry and Sarah will soon.
These two are so much alike that they should have been the twins.
Bode will end up also being very tall.
Her warmth and caring – her love of her MORMOR whom she calls all the time.
Her use of YOUTUBE for art projects and drawings.
She is playing soccer as is Bode.
She is quick – fast and agile.
Thank you for reading Papa’s World my blog: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Not only do we live near each other – but we have bonds that go back to WNY!
They also lived back in NYS and know many of the places we know!
They had invited us to go boating on their second trip out after they had tried it out on their first outing.
It was a warm day off the water but the wind on THE ICW made it a bit chilly
and long sleeves were welcomed!
We spent almost four hours traveling down to Little River – just cruising slowly and returning!
THANKS FOR READING PAPA’S WORLD MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
In early August of last year, we signed the contract for the materials – it had to be manufactured –
and because of the Pandemic – everything was delayed!
They worked steadily – efficiently and seemed in no time they were almost done.
Everything was made to order and just what we wanted.
All that was left was for them to caulk everything inside and outside –
Which when done made it look all sealed and neat and clean lines.
The windows slide all the way down or all the way up – or we can take them out.
We waited a long time to do this and finally, it is done.
It will be dry and warm – in the winter we have a small heater if we are sitting out here.
A very wise investment and it looks really great!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Our lanai was great – but did not keep out the rain or the yellow pollen!
So – we inclosed it with screens and windows – so that it became a four-season room for us!
The only thing was because of Covid – it would take 30 to 40 weeks to have it all here in materials.
We got the call – the materials were in – they would start the next day!
Thanks for reading – PAPA’S WORLD livinglifedoingitmyuway.blog
The community center – pickleball courts and pool will be on our left at the top of the hill and our mailboxes will be on the right-hand side in a small cul-de-sac.
Inspections – material shortages – labor – One developer sold to another – numerous delays!
But when completed we can walk easily to it and it will be so nice –
the inside has been drywalled and painted in 80 % of the building –
the area to the right in the pictures has yet to be drywalled.
I have no idea why it was not done all the way through – but the drywall is sitting in there.
Inside are bathrooms – kitchen, meeting room, fireplace, workout area, lounging area, etc.
The main entrance – gated – is to the right.
Once back on Waterway road – it is straight back to the house –
or you can choose to do five other cul-de-sacs – some with houses most are vacant.
Or walk the road to the pond – to the end of the cul-de-sac or go to the new construction area and walk.
If you choose to walk everything in Cameron Woods plus the garden homes –
it would be close to seven or eight miles!
Thank you for reading Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Paul and Janet Brown are from Eldred Pa. and I have known them
as we all graduated from the same H.S. – Otto-Eldred.
Paul – Sherry and I and his brother Jim all worked for American Olean Tile in Olean, N.Y.
Paul – Jim and I all played softball together in the mid-’70s.
Paul and Janet have known Cindy and Buck McBride for years and years – we all are old friends.
After dinner – we found a place to take a group photo –
but the bright sun was brutal!
Finally – a very nice lady who was standing on the top deck –
said she would come down and take the picture.
She walked all the way down from the third floor – bless her!
We have a core group of friends that go back to the late ’70s –
We try to get together over the years – now we live only 35 minutes from Buck and Cindy
and we try to play golf once a week with them.
Jim and Dottie are in Va. Beach and Paul and Janet are still in Eldred
but now are retired and RV in Florida.
They were kind to find a place nearby and camp for two nights
allowing us all to get together – we miss you, Jim, and Dottie!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
This time it is Debby and Ella – the spring break is almost over –
and Debby has to drop her off on her way home at Randolph College in Lynchburg Va.
But we had a fantastic six whole days with them!
The weather was cool here the entire time as it was all up and down the East coast.
And the day they left it got almost to 80 degrees!
But – we had days and days of walking the beaches and Ella even went in one day!
Tears of joy in that we were able to spend the time together –
the laughs and new places to explore.
Next time their whole family will be here – and it will be warmer.
The surf and sand beckon – that is our WHY in moving down here.
NOT SAYING GOODBYE – BUT UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN – PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
We drove down to Myrtle Beach to Broadway on the beach – taking Ella and Debby.
Ella was on Spring break from college and her mother drove her down to see us.
While not busy as summer – it was getting there!
Sometimes – just to walk and do a day trip – we drive some forty minutes down here
and use this as our three-mile walk!
In winter – it is like a ghost town!
We had a late lunch – dinner while here before leaving and driving over to Carolina Opry
To see “Time Warp” a musical revue of classic songs from the 60-70 and ’80s!
We are hoping in June this entire family will come for a week!
We had very good seats and the acts were also good.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
In these trees are countless birds and sounds that I can not identify.
I smile when I look at them – and to me, that is all that counts!
But we have so much more back there.
We have SUNSETS that are to die for!
Soon we will add two more Palm trees back here!
All the family tends to end up on the back patio and lanai – with seating and a SOLO STOVE firepit.
We look for dead wood and pine combs to burn along with purchasing wood from the stores.
Once the fire gets going it is almost smokeless!
We choose this lot because of the woods and how it would be situated for SUNRISES and SUNSETS!
It does not disappoint!
Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD! MY BLOG: loivinglifedoingitmyway.blog
SUNSETS and SOLO STOVES in the BACKYARD!
Maddy wanted to walk the beach and see the ocean one last time before she went back to college.
The parade had been canceled the previous week because of the strong wind and rain.
So – this time our granddaughter Maddy was here but she had to leave in the afternoon –
So we drove to North Myrtle Beach so she could enjoy a few hours of just plain fun –
and take her last walk and see the ocean before she left.
Here Shery and Maddy walk out to the ocean at the main street entrance to NMB.
Hundreds of vendors were set up – food – drink – items for sale.
Coffee for our early morning walks around town viewing the vendors before the thousands of people show up.
We did not carry chairs – and we had front row seats sitting on a towel on the curb.
The parade lasted one hour – and was quite colorful in green and white and orange!
It was a great four-plus hour spending time with our granddaughter before driving back to the house.
Sad to pack her up to leave in the early afternoon – but we had her entire spring break with us.
We took Maddy – our granddaughter out for a late lunch – early dinner – all the while watching the boats!
This is one of our favorite places to take visitors!
This sits on the backside of Eastern Ocean Isle Beach – and to the left is Holen Beach.
Since Maddy has turned twenty-one last year – she now can order a drink with us.
Everyone seems to serve these like in the North – you get rolls!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog my contact: fitztdf@aol.com
This sits right on the river which the big casino boats use to go out onto the ocean.
There are thousands of shells hanging from all the trees and bushes.
We have taken all the grandkids here and they all have hung shells.
While here – she was out the door by 6:00 am. to go to SUNSET BEACH –
spread her towel out and get some fantastic pictures of the sunrise and the high tide.
And then – for her training for college soccer – ran four miles on the beach!
She then set up her camera and video-taped herself taking an icy plunge into the surf!
Love her spirit!
She chooses to spend her week-long Spring Break with us –
And was quite happy not to go off with friends.
BONDING WITH MADDY!
She – like her grandma – is drawn to the surf and ocean.
Environmental Science is her major with a minor in Photography.
She has an eye for taking nature photos!
When Maddy arrived – the next day we took her on one of our walks.
Diane – our neighbor went with us and it had just rained.
We walked our three-plus miles – showing where she could run her four miles
that she runs to keep in shape for soccer.
It was a beautiful day – after the downpour and the sun came out.
We had told her we had a couple gators in our pond –
although we have only ever seen one at a time.
We were standing along the trail and looking for the gator – after the rain, the water level was up.
The gator usually is in the middle on a raise of land and weeds.
We could not see it and all of a sudden in a very quiet voice –
MADDY says “It’s right there” pointing down the bank and to the water!
We had never seen it anyplace other than the middle!
As soon as I took the picture – it flipped over and into the water and started swimming away.
We were all surprised and jumped as it flipped into the water.
Maddy had her first sighting of a gator here in N.C. and a close one at that!
After our walk was over – we went home and on the back patio, I started a fire in the SOLO STOVE!
Maddy and her family always do campfires.
We have been picking up dead branches and pine combs to burn –
while also buying firewood bundles.
There is also a lot of throw-away construction pieces that we have gathered.
I only burn it on special occasions and this was one.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – livingmylifedoingitmyway.blog contact: fitztdf@aol.com
When I gaze at people – objects – pictures – I see something to write about.
I do not know if this is a common thing with others
but with me – when I write a blog – I have no idea what it will be until I look at a photo.
Then it just pops into my mind and I start.
She was a little spitfire – always running – but when smaller – if she wanted down –
she would start squirming in your arms and you get the feeling you would drop her.
Today – she is fast – and very talented – she makes things from watching YOUTUBE!
But here I see the kind heart – the one who calls her MORMOR to talk.
The one who knows exactly when you will arrive and when you will leave.
I see stories to be told about her – in my mind –
My greatest inspiration to write – was my wife – who encouraged me to write it all down.
So – today – you read what I write –
A journal of our lives – daily – so that those coming in the future know what and who we were.
Thank you for reading my blog: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
She drove herself five hours from Lynchburg Va. – her University – to spend her break with us!
She had a test in the morning of the day she started out – but she and Sherry wanted to see the beach.
It was cool out – a cold front had come in from Florida all the way North to N.E.
And the wind made for a chilly walk in the blowing sand.
Here you can see a deserted beach and how the sand blows across it – stinging your eyes.
It was worth the time to take her to both beaches – to relax after her five-hour drive –
the crazy world of college and tests – maintaining an almost 4.0!
And grandma had her eldest granddaughter once again in her home!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD, a place to just rest your thoughts and enjoy the day.
MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
She chooses to spend her Spring Break with us –
this will be the first time she has been to our new home in N.C.
She is 21 years old and a Junior at the University of Lynchburg – in Va.
Her major is Engineering Science.
GPA of almost 4.0.
She excels in soccer and has played all three years in college.
As a Sophomore, she was third-team all-conference –
As a Junior this year she was selected to the second-team all-conference.
This summer she will travel to Costa Rico to do humane work –
along with playing in three scrimmages with her team
against the Costa Rico National – World cup – Olympic team!
For a young lady who in H.S. for three years – in order to play better competition
Drove herself 65 miles each way for practice three days a week into
Loudoun County Va. just outside Washington DC.
She was recruited and ended up at the University of Lynchburg.
Thanks for reading – my blog about our oldest granddaughter
who selected to spend her Spring Break with us.
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
She is the firstborn granddaughter – now twenty-one years old – a Junior at the University of Lynchburg, Va.
She is going for a degree in Engineering Science – carrying a 3.80 GPA.
And of course, we are excited – she will be here a little over one week.
I remember picking her up after my work at the babysitter –
and we would sing Old McDonald had a farm.
Or the time when she just started to walk –
I had placed a blanket in the front yard –
and she would not go off the blanket because the grass was strange on her tiny feet.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – will continue her Spring-break with us in the next blog.
Maddy as we call her – has been with us all week for her Spring break –
this makes me smile as she chooses to spend it with us.
She has been named one of four captains for the fall soccer season
at the University of Lynchburg in Va.
She will be a senior and made the all-conference third team as a Sophomore
and second-team all-conference as a Junior.
This summer she will travel to Costa Rico with her team to play three scrimmages
one of which is against the National Olimpic – World cup team!
She was about ten years old in this picture –
today she carries a 3.80 GPA in Engineering Science!
We stayed with them for three months after we sold our home and moved to N.C. – S.C.
They are twins – not identical – and born early – three-plus pounds each!
Today they are 11 years old – and Taylor has shot up – almost as tall as her mother.
Cassidy plays soccer as does Bode – Taylor rides horses!
Cassidy makes things – really great things by watching UTUBE!
Taylor reads tons of books and her favorite is Harry Potter – she is at the 11th. grade reading level.
The innocence of youth in this picture!
They will all be coming down next month ( April) for Spring break
and trying to find a way for them to spend a week here in the summer.
It will all work out as they did last summer and they had such a good time!
We do miss these times but more than makeup for it when they come to visit.
Family is and has always been important to us.
As they all come to visit – smiles and hugs make the distance shorter.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
We became neighbors back in 1988 – but we knew them before that!
Cindy and Buck lived right across the street from us –
They were the first to move South – to the Wilmington – Leland area in N.C.
We would visit on vacations
and that is when we started to think in the future we would move to the area.
Today we live some 32 miles away from them –
we often get together to golf – see concerts or theaters.
A Sunday watching the bills
Boating or going out to dinner.
We have for years traveled the World together on vacations.
I have known both Jim and Dottie for 40 plus years.
They moved to Va. Beach
and we have celebrated birthdays and good times there with them.
Jimmy and I played softball together in the late ’70s
We are golfing buddies
and Jim – Sherry and I all worked for American Olean Tile – Dal-Tile
and Jim still works for them.
Hoping to retire soon.
We have been blessed to have them all in our BESTIES circle – a very long time!
Thanks for reading –
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
For sixteen years she is and has been a Certified Health Coach –
teaching the value of a plant-based diet.
She is an SSC for the Juice Plus Company –
And my inspiration to maintain a healthy living and aging style.
It has been a journey – one that is not easy to maintain with all the food that is out there –
but one that has become a way of life for their families –
and the concept of “TEAM GENERATIONS” that now has all the grandkids following.
Along with so many others all over the country and their own families.
TEACHING GOOD HEALTH THROUGH HEALTHY SELECTIONS – and continuing in N.C.
We continue to grow here in N.C. and our experiment of the twelve-month growing season
has been a success!
We decided to bring one Tower Garden with us and last August started our growing season.
We have continued all through the winter here –
experiencing SNOW – ICE – HIGH WINDS – temps into the TEENS!
It has survived all of that with a cover we brought with us from Va.
It allows the sun in and heats up during the day –
Metallic surface and everything survived regardless of our 1/4 inch ice storm.
I am not sure where we bought this covering but it was worth it as we had salads every night.
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
SHERRY L. FITZSIMMONS CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH
HER SITE: http://www.sf.juiceplus.com
HER EMAIL for information: ssherrylynn49@aol.com
Sherry has now a collection of seashells that she has made a place in a container in the living room.
It is a stand with an old fashion metal suitcase on it and coral and driftwood under it.
On the wall is a black cursive metal sign that says “HOME”!
We can get to all three beaches here in less than thirty minutes!
This one is the farthest away.
But – we chose this one to come to because we wanted to have lunch at the Provision Company!
They do not keep track – any kind of drink!
There is a soda fountain – a bar and a beer cooler.
You just grab what you want – or get a mixed drink – then when you check out –
you pay your lunch bill and TELL them what you had to drink!
The whole place is covered in license plates and dollar bills – with names on them.
You order as you come in and give them your name.
Then grab a drink and wait outside on the deck.
They already have your order and you grab a drink and when they call your name – the table.
Then you get your food within minutes of sitting down.
If you want another drink – just get up and in our cases – grab it out of the cooler.
When you go to leave – you stop at the cashier – tell them your name –
she asks what you had to drink – you tell her and then you pay for the drinks and meal!
Simple and on you HONOR! I LOVE IT!
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
The book club has grown – from two book readers to now around 7 or 8 when all attend!
Each month a different book is suggested and read.
The meeting place is determined month to month – this time it was OIB Surf & Java –
right next to Lowes food market in OIB!
While some could not make the short hour-long discussion –
and it was not only the book discussed – but get to know your neighbors!
This time I tagged along – I know this place has great coffee – and I just relaxed and read the paper.
I have belonged to another book club back in Va. – but my reading material differs from these.
I am more a Syfy or a good murder thriller reader.
But – I have collected some five books to help supply the future lending library!
This little library hopefully will be outside at the community center –
Where you can grab a book to read for free and if you have any – leave them there for others to read!
This coffee shop also has sort of upscale clothing –
sports (surf) equipment – shoes – men and women – and some are marked down.
Large screen TV and really comfy chairs.
The book club is young – and growing – and the next meeting will be moved to another coffee shop to be announced on the Cameron Woods Community Facebook site!
You can notify Diane or Sherry if you wish to come – to the site.
I will be going back again to just sit back – sip my coffee – read a paper –
and even maybe bring my own book to read!
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
I would guess the entire trail around the pond to be one-half mile – maybe a little bit more!
There is much wildlife here – otters- turtles – smallmouth bass – gators – Eagles – small and large birds!
Deer and Turkeys – some have seen Bobcat tracks – raccoons – opossums – coyotes –
a very diverse animal population.
Thanks for reading – CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY, Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
In my last blog – you could see “WOODIE” sunbathing!
The resident GATOR of our pond although people have seen two of them in there!
Now – we are walking into the woods full of Carolina Pine trees and Living Oak Trees!
This section is kind of scary even in the daylight!
When you get in there – the path is orange colored from all the pine needles.
Great cover for COPPERHEADS!
Although we have not seen any of the snakes – other people have – but we did see a large black snake!
And it was on the black gravel path just before the bend on the path straight ahead of Sherry.
She watches the trees and branches while I watch the ground and sides.
I have seen several deer back in here – never any snakes but this area has them!
This is all protected land and will not be clearcut.
And quiet also when you walk on a bed of pine needles!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – the next blog finishes up the walk around the pond.
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
When we walk – we can go in two directions – this walk is to the East – and the Pond.
Here we turn right and walk down the street – there are maybe six houses down here that are still in construction – and all are at the end of this road and then onto the cul-de-sac that winds around to the back of our house through the woods.
Here you see my wife Sherry starting on the path and the pond is to her right – and in the middle, some 100 feet away is a somewhat raised portion – almost like an old farm road.
This is where WOODIE – THE GATOR – likes to sunbathe!
Although I have only ever seen one gator in here – neighbors have seen TWO – both this size!
I would estimate it is 6 plus feet long!
Maybe seven feet!
The next blog will be “ENTERING THE WOODS” where I am on watch for snakes!
We have seen one rather large Black Snake laying on the path before you go into the woods –
so we just turned around and went back.
Sherry watches the trees and I watch the ground!
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
NEST BLOG: “INTO THE WOODS”
From the end of our driveway – we can see both the Sunrise and the Sunset!
As the fall comes on and summer has ended – the Sun starts to move each day –
and in this picture – the sunrise is more to the right – in the fall it has moved to the left.
We came to view this lot at around 2:00 pm. on a sunny afternoon a year ago last October.
And we could see how the Sun would go across the lot
and knew we would have views of Sunrise and Sunset – we were hooked and the trees would remain.
Our view every night – Sunset in Cameron Woods – Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – next blog – Sunrise and the Tower Garden.
MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
When completed – this huge granite rock break wall –
will allow the sand that is dredged from the channel
and pumped out and form a new beach to the left of the wall.
The first and second streets are no longer here
have eroded away.
These houses were in danger as high tide brought the ocean right up and underneath them.
You can see the very large sandbags that were placed to try and save the homes.
Water would run right up to them and underneath.
The beach will continue along the shore – and the sand will build up against the wall of granite rocks.
Each rock weighs in tons – three at a time are transported by forty-foot tractor truck and trailers.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
It was the start of a beautiful February day – warm sun – in the 70’s – clear skies!
We can see both the sunrise and sunset from the end of our driveway.
And yes – it does get somewhat cold and windy here – but then you get three or four days of
summertime back home weather!
In the high 60’s to mid 70’s – perfect days!
At the end of this street is a trail entrance that walks around the pond and through the woods.
I have only seen the one gator in here – but others have seen two and still other little ones.
It even has otters that have been seen and tons of turtles!
There seems to be an old raised farm road here – and the gator is always in this area.
I have seen long-legged birds stand here and it is not deep.
Weeds will grow up and out of the water.
The path is graded and is some 12 feet wide – it goes into the woods.
It is like black cinder stones and when you get into the woods –
is covered in orange pine needles!
I always watch for snakes and have only seen one large black snake on the path.
We turned around and went back the way we had come.
Now on the other end – it comes around the pond and there is marsh and water on the other side.
So – we watch both sides –
you can see where that gator or another one has come up and crossed the path!
This is just how it is living in this part of the South.
There were three deer there and one went into the bushes as I took the picture!
Those bushes and shrubs are thick and you could hear them as they went through.
I saw a picture someone took of a big buck coming out of the surf under the pier!
I have never seen them this close and they blend in really well with the landscape!
We also have seen a large flock of Turkeys back in Cameron Woods –
and I got pictures of them.
My car is a hybrid – so it makes very little noise when you are going slow.
I was able to get to about twenty feet from them!
Large birds and just disappeared into the trees.
It was a beautiful day – sun – wildlife – warm and a fine beach day for walks.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Times you feel down – life is heavy – walk forward – your future awaits!
We always wanted to live near the beach – sand and water – for us – years went by – but now we are here!
Dreaming – living – waiting – keep the faith – ours came to be – where are you and yours?
HOPE LOVE FAMILY FRIENDS ALWAYS KEEP YOUR DREAMS ALIVE LIVE LIFE TO THE PLUS!
We are blessed to have friends we have known for almost our entire marriage.
Friends whom we still to this day get together – laugh – sing – golf and tour the world with.
Here are some of those friendships in Papa’s World.
We try to get together 3 or 4 times a year at each other’s homes!
Our friends – our times together – priceless!
They all hold a special place in our hearts – blessed – years and years.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
We moved here – almost on the S.C. border – to have the weather we can walk in every day!
And we do that 90 % of the time – except when the wind is blowing!
YES – we are fair-weather walkers!
But then – it seems once a week – it is BEACH WEATHER!
Thanks for reading!
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
Many times when her father was alive – we would go on vacation with them –
then when he passed away – we continued taking GIGI with us where ever we went.
You see GIGI ( Barb) was Swede through and through – her mother was born in Sweden.
In Mount Jewett where they lived – was an early Swedish settlement from immigrants.
The men in 1886 built a replicant of an eight-sided Swedish church – and the one in Sweden still stands as does the one called Mount Nebo in Mount Jewett – in NWPA!
Every year in that little town in NWPA – a Swedish festival is held.
Both Barb and Bill at one time were the king and queen of that festival.
Memories of GIGI for the grandkids was she was always laughing – smiling – red cheeks –
Holding her hand as they walked or climbing up and sitting beside her.
Learning how to sing a song in Swedish and singing it to her.
Those are memories not lost – but retained in our minds.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – where memories come alive and live on.
We are blessed in that we can see both the sunrise and sunset from our patio and driveway!
Our house sets so that we face North and South –
So the sun rises from the right as you stand on the front porch – and sets to the left as you stand there.
We knew when we selected this lot – that this is what we would have as we stood in the road
before we put our down payment on the lot at 2:30 in the afternoon.
With the tree line in the back is protected and not cut down – this made shade for the back yard-
while the front porch all day long would have shade.
That is what I wanted most – a place to sit and talk to people as they walked by.
The day we visited the model – this lot became available after someone withdrew their downpayment.
It was just meant to be as we had no idea what this development looked like –
and we had just been to visit a condo some 4 miles away.
Five minutes into the tour of the model – Sherry was sold!
Thank you for reading Papa’s World and our new home in Cameron Woods, Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
Living in Ocean Isle Beach – Cameron Woods – 7 miles to the S.C. border –
the weather is what I like – yes – we have had that rare ice and snow –
but then you get days such as this where it is tee shirt – shorts and sandals!
We have seen tons of turtles in here – all types of birds hunting for fish and some have seen otters.
I think there are two gators in here and some babies although I have never seen the little ones or two gators at the same time.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
We were told that they have specials occasionally on Friday evenings –
but you MUST make reservations.
And it is buffet style for $25.00 and is themed.
This time it was Italian and it lived up to my expectations.
The meal includes deserts – ice tea – coffee.
There is also a bar if you want other drinks!
We are going to come back here and golf as it is only fifteen minutes from our home.
I am told three of the holes run along this waterway and then the course crosses the street.
They also said they shut down last year and redid all the greens!
They have two other themed buffet dinners that II know about –
Prime rib is one and Fish is the other.
We will go back again although neither one of us will be able to eat $25.00 worth –
but it was fun sitting there overlooking the course and waterways.
We got to pick and choose on the buffet and salad bar –
the help was very friendly and just getting out and to a scene such as this was worth it!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
We do seem to have sunrises and sunsets here just by walking outside –
go to the end of the driveway – look right – SUNRISE look left – SUNSET!
But the beauty of the two beaches is what has drawn us to Cameron Woods – Ocean Isle Beach!
Although OIB is closer – we prefer to walk on Sunset beach as it is more level!
And when we have grandkids – we bring them here as it is calmer.
What we noticed here in N.C and S.C at North Myrtle Beach – is just how wide the beaches are!
Even at high tide!
Not many people here this day during the week -but there were families enjoying the sand!
Another sun-filled day and a beach walk – why we moved here – dream come true.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World and our walk on Sunset Beach, N.C.
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
Our neighbor across the street told us that they were going to put in an inground pool!
The only problem was no room to go between houses to put it in the backyard!
THEY HAD TO LIFT IT OVER TWO HOUSES TO PLACE IT IN THE BACKYARD!
The house you see here is the one it had to be lifted up and over and placed in the backyard
of the house next door to the right!
Slowly moving to the back of the house.
From start to finish – 30 to 45 minutes!
And then they had all left and I got to see how they craned this very large pool into the backyard!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD!
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
I 