Sherry – Troy – Papa – it is hard to believe that the years have gone by so fast – here he is another year older – the man who builds houses from the ground up – everything – he is like my father – who as a young little boy – called him “FRITZ”!
Proud Papa – today he has hung up the house building and runs the insulation and energy side of Shawn’s business. Working on becoming able to also do the audits and be certified by the state.
Kindness – patience – loving – he got all of this from my mother – who, when he was young would go and stay with her as she was alone.
Today he and Andrea live together and do everything as one – hoping they both will come back and visit us!
In this picture, the eyes and smile so remind me of my older brother!
Before he went into the business of my younger son – a fireplace he built in a house he built!
My son – happy birthday and many more to come – love dad.
Troy – Papa – Shawn – oldest and youngest – love dad.
Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog To my oldest son Troy – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Our happy place awaits you to come back to – love Dad!
He had red curly hair – a smile a mile wide and a laugh and giggle that you knew right away who it was.
He was my younger brother – we were like a second family for my parents –
Donna and Roger were 15 and 10 years older.
We had a sister who died at birth in between the two sets of kids.
We fought like cats and dogs do – but we also were close.
He instigated a lot of it and would scream bloody murder as loud as he could when I had enough.
I was the one who into trouble but mom always knew as she later told me.
He was just o darn likable with that hair and giggle.
MOM ( Mary) Sue ( Susan) his wife and Mike ( we look alike here I think.)
We played all the time together – cowboys and Indian’s – running the neighborhood –
He was always hurting himself – one time he climbed up on top of a attached shed at a neighbors house.
He was going to ambush me but I saw him and pretended to shoot him.
I saw what he was going to do and I yelled STOP – but he did it anyway –
always acting real life he sort of collapsed and rolled off the shed to the ground as if dead.
But there was a stone bird bath under the shed roof and when he came down he hit his elbow on it!
Off to the doctors office we went and then in the ambulance to the hospital to have surgery on the elbow!
He had to have a pin put in and that elbow was off to the side -making his arm seem crooked.
Mom ( Mary) talking to Mike’s daughter Jennifer at the kitchen table.
A few years later – we were on the front porch – and he had climbed up onto the porch railing – I told him he had better get down before he fell.
Well – as always – he gave me that silly laugh and giggle – and I could not help but smile until he did fall.
At the end of the porch beneath that railing – a 2 x 10 stuck out – he came down and hit that board with his other elbow and we repeated the same thing all over again with another surgery – now he had two elbows exactly the same!
But -it seemed like it was a perfect solution for him as it perfected his golf swing and he had a lot of power and strength in those arms – one time I was with him – and this was way before anyone was hitting the ball 300 yards.
We were playing the old number one hole at Smethport – he was a Freshman – me just beginning my senior year –
He hit that ball and because of how his elbows were now shaped – he hit it straight with power. That hole was a gradual uphill some 305 yards!
His ball ended up past the hole and into the yard behind it! Some 50 or 60 yards past! Uphill!
If I had not been there to see it – I would not believe it!
Gene Fazio – who was a card member of the PGA and a premier golfer in the Pa. and NYS area –
told me – “IF I HAD MY SHORT GAME AND MIKE’S DRIVING – I WOULD GO ON THE PGA TOUR”!
Mike was a scratch golfer even with those elbows.
Mike later with a red beard and that red curly hair!
Mike ended up bigger than me – he was as tall as my father who was a little over six foot tall.
The brother’s – Roger – Mike and I got our curly hair from my dad – my grandfather was bald.
Mike ended up around 215 pounds and played football – but he could kick that ball just like he hit golf balls.
Far and straight – he became a field goal kicker way before that was common in H.S.
His kick offs were always through the end zone and he went on to college at Mansfield University of Pa.
Where he became the kicker for the college football team.
He graduated in Criminal Justice.
My step dad John – Sue and Mike.
As I said before he was always doing something and getting hurt!
He was riding my bike one day and I told him to get off as he was not big enough to ride it!
His legs could barley touch the pedals – sure enough his foot slipped and he came down on the cross bar –
off to the hospital we went again – operation for a rupture!
My brother in law Bill nick named him JUICE!
I really do not know why other than he was like electric – energy running through him – always a live wire!
Then one day Bill and I were sitting on the front porch –
and he said “HERE COMES JUICE”!
And then Bill said “JESUS CHRIST”!
And Bill hollered at him – “JUICE- PUT THE ROPE DOWN”!
But too late!
Mike was walking up the street twirling a dog rope with a clasp on the end of it over his head like a cowboy!
He got it too low just after Bill yelled to put it down and it started to wind around his head lower and lower.
It came around and smacked him right on the mouth –
“KNOCKING OUT HIS FRONT TOOTH”!
Off to the dentist office we went – oral surgery to extract what remained in his mouth of that tooth.
THAT IN A NUTSHELL WAS MY BROTHER MIKE!
Red hair – bearded – always smiling and that silly laugh – giggle.
I MISS HIM as he passed away when I was 35.
Sue Mike Jenifer
My brother MIKE – loved – close as brothers are – gone way too young – but never forgotten.
Family from WPA – far away but close to our hearts – MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
While they live far away – they are always near our hearts – love them and hope they come back down again!
Back in NVA – the little ones as I call them – MORMOR and PAPA we are to them – they always want us to come home! It was hard leaving them as they were with us constantly – but so far the three little ones have been down twice for a week to two weeks being with us – memories – fun times and “WHAT ARE WE DOING NEXT”?
Before there was Bode – now they are mostly grown up or about to be teenagers – memories – memories – not forgotten – loving
life.
Back just north of Winchester, Va. the oldest now – two in college – one in H.S. where has the time gone?
Two oldest played soccer in college – one her senior year this year – one a sophomore – the youngest a sophomore in H.S.
PAPA and SHERRY – family means a lot to us – memories of times gone past and memories of times to come!
CHRISTMAS DAY at our home – our first we have been here to celebrate – soon the young ones will come – MEMORIES!
CHRISTMAS – FAMILY – MEMORIES!
PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog – fitztdf@aol.com
We traveled back to NVA to have Thanksgiving with the Myers family – as we will not see them for Christmas.
We stopped and saw the Krohn family on our way north and spent a night and day with them as they will come down after Christmas for a few days and be with us.
Our three oldest granddaughters – Sarah – Maddy and Ella in the sunroom – working on some crafts and laughing!
Debby – Mike and Sherry getting the dinner ready. It was the best-tasting turkey I have had in a long time and the stuffing was even better!
The three granddaughters set the table – the Tower Garden in the background – growing year around indoors!
Chef Mike prepared the turkey and then cut it up! I do not know what he stuffed it with – but it was really juicy!
Ella – home from Randolph College – Sarah – A Sophomore in H.S. and Maddy – A Senior at The University of Lynchburg.
Debby lighting candles at the table for Thanksgiving dinner. Time for giving family thanks.
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PAPA’S WORLD – THANKSGIVING WITH FAMILY AT LAKE HOLIDAY, VA. THE MYERS FAMILY!
Our family from WPA came to visit – driving some 16 hours – a very long trip!
First time for my two sons and their families to make the trip South.
Troy the eldest – Papa and Shawn the youngest.
We tried to work as much into the seven days as we could –
sometimes letting them go off on their own as we had other commitments
but we did sunrises and sunsets all together – beach time and places to eat out together.
Visiting the area and nature walks along with mini golf!
Andrea and Troy – selfie!
Our time together was priceless and I encouraged them to fly next time to be able to spend
more time on vacation and less time driving!
When we moved south to NVA in 1999 – they stayed in WPA for their families and jobs.
Relaxing on the mainland side of Sunset Beach in the park.
Our garage became a favorite place to meet and talk during rain and hot sunshine while at the house.
Shawn and Troy
Shawn runs his own Energy Auditing business contracting with major energy companies for the states of Pa. and firms from NYS. Troy works for and runs the insulation side of the business for Shawn and government and state programs for the elderly.
In the morning they left to drive back to WPA – not saying goodbye but until we meet again.
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One is the oldest granddaughter while the second is the youngest granddaughter with her twin sister.
One is in her third year at University of Lynchburg – Enviromental Engineering major.
One is in the fifth grade – so caring she calls or zooms her grandmother almost every day.
One starts at the attack front position for the ranked lady soccer hornets soccer team.
And had played in 13 games as a freshmen – started her Sophomore year and again as a junior.
One moved to sit beside her older cousin at the soccer game.
Both are dear to our hearts!
Cassidy with MARLEY – the newest addition to her family!
Always smiling – always caring – always protective of her brother – just who she is. Cassidy
Maddy – a junior at the University of Lynchburg – Environmental Engineering – playing soccer and carrying above a 3.80 GPA! Next to Papa in the picture.
Number 13 – left front attacker – crossing a dribble with her left foot to get around a defender. On a top 25 team in the Division III national polls.
Granddaughters – oldest to youngest – youngest admires the oldest – both exceptional to us –
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY – FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!
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One of the reasons we moved to this area on the border of N.C. and S.C. is the golfing!
We have almost 25 courses within 30 minutes of our location and we love to golf.
Our friends also live down here and we try to golf once a week with them.
Sunset Beach – we wanted near the beach and we ended up near two of them – Sunset Beach and OIB!Ocean Isle Beach – both are within minutes of our home!
Papa on the course
Our community of Cameron Woods we chose because it was not clearcut –
a lot of old-growth is here and we love that!
A view of our street in Cameron Woods Community
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As the day begins at the condo – the build of our new home begins some six-teen miles away – in Cameron Woods at Ocean Isle Beach – N.C. We searched and searched – but all in vain as the cost to buy was equal or more than to build what we wanted!
Our view here I shall always remember – in all we will be here for nine months!
I captured this shot as a flock of geese were coming right at me before
rising up over the lanai and roof.
We decided to build – that way we would have everything we wanted
A single story – no stairs – covered front porch – screened in covered lanai.
Close to the beach ( four miles) in the country!
Close to golfing ( over 20 courses near by)
And with in 6 1/2 hours to travel back home
or family to travel here!
Materials for the new home – ground is ready – all utilities in and inspected – waiting for pour of concrete!Forms and moisture barrierSome view in one direction of neighborhood – I think in total maybe fifty homes will be here.When done – a two car garage with pull down stairs and finished storage overhead.
We will have around 1900 sf. of heated space –
in addition to a 140 sf covered and screened in lanai
and a open 10 x 14 concrete patio.
There will be a covered front porch
and views of the neighborhood.
The back will be woods with no one building there
as it will be a conservation area.
We will be four miles to Ocean Isle Beach and six miles to Sunset Beach
A thirty minute drive back to North Myrtle Beach
and a fifthteen minute drive to Calabash
and a fifthteen minute drive to Shallotte.
All this in the middle of some twenty golf courses we will be playing!
The concrete is poured – and rain is now slowing up everything!
But – all the inspections have been completed
and our contractor calls us every Monday to give updates
and answer any questions!
The forms are out – concrete is in – framing will be next!View of the garage and the woods behind the new build.
We drive over every Sunday – no one is working!
That way – if it is not raining – we can get out and look it over!
This will be our third house together building.
All three were unique and we have input on all of them.
Thank you for reading Papa’s World
WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY
FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!
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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.
The grandchildren all loved their GIGI – and today – the grandkids call Sherry – MORMOR – Swede for MOTHERS – MOTHER
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.
GIGI – holding Taylor – Maddy holding Cassidy – Sarah and Ella
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.
GIGI is ever there watching over us.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – where memories come alive and live on.
In the midst of the Alleghany hills – amongst the green and lush valleys – sits a little community-
Population – around 800 souls – and back then – I knew almost every one of them!
Eldred Pa.
The town sits on the Alleghany river which eventually flowed into Pittsburg – but – it flowed North first!
Yes – it left Pa. and flowed into NYS before flowing once again South through Pa.
It ends up in Pittsburg some three-plus hours away.
We would be considered the snow belt – some 80 miles south of Lake Erie and Buffalo N.Y.
I helped a friend of mine growing up with his paper route – his name was Brent – and we hung out.
He bought a go-cart with his money and he would let me ride on it.
He was two years older than I and eventually married my cousin.
Funny how that worked out – he graduated and I lost track of him.
The town nestled in the hills.
I would ride my bike everywhere – I had to be home each night for dinner and before the street
lights came on. Every night at 10 o’clock sharp – the siren from the firehouse would blow-
You could hear it all over the town – that was “CURFEW” for the streets –
I think no one under 18 could be out and about!
My first friend I can remember is the girl next door – her name was Sharon – and she had a big brother whom everyone called Sonny “KING” – and he dressed in a black leather motorcycle jacket and slicked his hair back like Elvis!
Sharon and I were like brother and sister – we would watch Lassie together – play on the front porch –
sneak a corncob pipe and gather silk from the corn and smoke –
puff it – in the big red barn behind the house.
We would walk to school together – and our route always was behind the main street along the tracks.
Behind the Eldred Garage and then on the tracks themselves.
Just before the creek – Lynches lived and behind their house was a tree –
like a little island raised up on a piece of land.
We would sit there and play our Kazoo’s together –
“THREE BLIND MICE”
That was all I knew how to play! LOL
She moved away and my sister and her husband moved in right next door!
Bill Luce – on the left – my brother-in-law.
Over his shoulder is the greenhouse I grew up in – my bedroom was the two windows on the second floor –
after my older brother Roger left for college.
Every morning I would wake up to the birds singing in the tree outside that window –
the Sunlight would come streaming in –
There was the main street – highway right out front –
and I would sleep and hear the sound of cars – trucks rolling by –
and then – the accidents that happen right there –
crashes would hit the cars parked there.
Some – I sept right through – others – would jolt me right out of bed.
That curb was where my best friend and I were sitting one early morning after midnight –
he was sleeping over and my parents had gone somewhere –
we got into the hootch under the sink.
My sister came out and grilled us –
“ARE YOU GUYS DRUNK”?
No I said and right at that time a car came
and the lights showed right on my friend – and he got sick –
and threw up all over the place!
” HE IS,” I said! LOL,
my sister always laughed at that and would tell the story many times over and over!
My friend and drinking buddy – lower right-hand corner!
We have reconnected about fifteen years ago at a class reunion –
he spent about a week here last October –
and we played golf once again – after some 55 years have gone by since we last played together!
My brother Roger and Sherry – a few years before he passed away – gone but not forgotten.
He was my hero growing up – ten years older than I –
named WHOS WHO in American colleges
OFFICERS TRAINING SCHOOL and a Lt. in the navy.
His bedroom became mine – when he came back I would sleep on the floor.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – to be continued in livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Side by side – over 40 years – making memories together.
The time has rushed by – youth to middle age to now autumn years – together as one.
Here we are today – but we were there 40 years ago – starting a journey – bound by love – together in spirit.
Spending time with family in those early years – continues today – although they are gone – memories still exist of the good times – the fun times and the love of each other. Sherry’s mother and father – Bill and Barb.
Today we have become what her parents were to our children and now us to their children.
All of the grandchildren – Christmas at our home in Brambleton, Va.
Past memories – past family gatherings – looking to the present and future of family times to come.
The present – doing what we love – golfing together.
Just the two of us during the week – afternoons – we are right in the middle of 20 plus golf courses.
The present also brings us to a small bar 1 1/2 miles from the house – watching the BILLS with friends.
A step outside of this small bar – to observe the sunset next to the small airport of OIB.
We are here now in OIB – making new friends – members of a church – exploring the area –
doctors are here now – life is going on – making new memories – but never forgetting the past ones.
We have managed to be 6 to 8 hours away from the family – but we have room for all of them.
Beaches – golfing – hiking – entertainments – venues – shopping – we are excited to share all of that.
Inviting fire on a chilly night
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We have been here a half dozen times since we first came down to S.C. – North Myrtle Beach.
We have taken company here also.
It is a park – nature – walk out across the march along the ICW.
Walkways over the marshes.
We did not know what it was so one day we just turned into the entrance and drove a mile or so toward the ICW – and came to a parking lot-bathroom area – park – with swings and gazebos.
A view over the marsh to the ICW
The ICW is full of boat traffic and the two big Casino boats in Little River come right past here.
Ella Sarah Sherry walking across the marsh on the boardwalk.
You can hike miles in here – a map shows all the trails.
The trail map – other trails cross back and forth – but this is the main trail
The hiking trail through the woods
While there – you come to a MAKE A WISH section!
Thousands of seashells hang from trees and bushes
You find a seashell – bring a marker and string – make a wish – write down your name
And then you find a spot and tie your shell to a branch – take a picture so you remember!
It is a little magical place – a place to sit and just gaze out over the ICW – maybe see an eagle.
Our grandchildren have done this.
We go back – sometimes we find the shells – storms seem to take them out.
But – when we do find them – memories of times spent with family and friends return.
Thank you for reading Papa’s World – VAREEN GARDENS – “MAKE A WISH ON A SHELL”
I have always been a history buff – ancient history – but also family history.
My sister and brother were fifteen and ten years older than me.
So when I came along I had missed the family fishing trips to Canada each year.
And my sister became the family photo taker and camera buff.
All the family history was passed down to my sister’s daughter and then suddenly she passed away.
Unknown to me – a friend of their family cleaned out everything and threw it away.
Everything was gone except the few pictures I had and my brother had.
I decided that what happened there would not happen for me and my family.
So – by being encouraged by my wife Sherry – we set up this blog – where all the family history and pictures can be in one place for all to see and read.
Sherry and Papa ( Tom)
She has encouraged me to write it down along with pictures for future generations to look back on.
Our family before Bode
I have two sons from a previous marriage – Troy and Shawn who still live back in NWPA.
Shawn runs an energy company contracting out to the state and large power companies.
Running state audits and working through state grants to insulate senior citizens’ homes from the harsh winters.
He covers the entire western part of Pa.
Troy – built homes from the ground up – anything you wanted he could do.
After years of doing this ( he was in high demand) Shawn talked him into coming to work for him –
His business has grown to almost seven days a week.
Troy runs the insulation and energy side while Shawn concentrates on the Audit side.
Troy is learning that side and taking tests and courses to also step in and help.
I am very proud of both these boys and trying to talk them into taking a break and coming down for a visit.
Shawn and Trisha ( our daughter-in-law)
Winterizing homes in Eastern USA for the elderly has become big business – conserving energy
on the power grid for major corporations in order to provide heat and electricity –
He has tapped into a business that for him is seven days a week.
He constantly is looking to hire people and train as auditors.
Troy started working for him a couple years ago.
If anyone is looking for a career out there – contact me – fitztdf@aol.com and I will put you in contact with him – he travels the whole western part of Pa. North to South.
Shawn ( young one ) and Troy – my sons back in NWPA!
For them I write – post pictures and give them memories that I still have in my head.
Ryan – our oldest grandson
Ryan lives in Tenn. and we have stayed in touch with him – he manages a hotel
and recently opened a bar – restaurant business with two other partners.
We attended his wedding a few years ago in Nashville, Tenn.
He has visited us once a few years ago – he served his country
and is like his father(Shawn) making his own way in the business world.
Dylan Shawns youngest son
He just spent four years in the service and is now out – living with his mother or in that area.
He reminds me so much of Shawn.
While we do not often get to see either one – both are in our memories and hearts.
Hoping they can come and stay with us in the future.
Bode – the youngest grandchild from Tammy – is the only boy with five granddaughters.
He is all boy – cars – trucks – bikes – and always without shoes and socks – even in winter! LOL
Bode’s parents and sisters and their puppy Marley.
Debby and Mike and their three daughters – Ella – Sarah and Maddy
This is my “WHY” for writing this blog – my memories put forth in words and pictures for all these grandkids and our children to read in the future.
Life in pictures in words – memories – past – present and future to come.
I want to thank my wife who is the driving force behind this blog.
SMILES – LAUGHTER – PEACE – HARMONY and POSITIVE THOUGHTS!
That is WHAT PAPA’S WORLD is all about.
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From that little one to an adult and a junior in college. Maddy was the first and now there are six.
TAYLOR and Papa.
Cassidy – TAYLOR – Bode
TAYLOR – today – who is going to be taller than all the rest – no longer my LITTLE ONE!
ELLA ( tiny) and Maddy
ELLA ( tiny) now a Freshman at Randolph College
We called her the nickname from her father – she always had a soccer ball or basketball in her hands.
Today – she is the starting midfielder for the college – playing almost every minute of the games.
Tiny now is taller than Sherry who is 5′ 9″.
CASSIDY and Taylor
CASSIDY – the caring little mother to Bode.
Today she is the smaller of the twins – with the biggest heart – always protecting Bode when not arguing with him! LOL, They should have been the twins they are so much alike!
She is the one who counts the days down to when she can see us – who zoom calls every week.
A little fireball with the biggest heart of them all.
SARAH and Ella
SARAH – Bode – Cassidy – Taylor and Ella.
Today – Sarah is almost as tall as Ella who is 5’10” – the fashion girl who wants to go to NYC!
The twins adore her and whenever we get together – they are three peas in a pod.
She is only a Freshman in H.S. – already was a contender for prom queen.
She is her own self – funny – outgoing – and just might have been a very good soccer player like her sisters.
Cassidy BODE Taylor
Taylor BODE Cassidy
So much like Cassidy that they should have been the twins – yet – he is growing –
and someday I think will be taller than Taylor who he is built just like at seven years old.
Full of energy – always on the go – wear no socks or shoes most of the time.
Or a jacket or gloves!
Out of the six grandchildren – the only boy.
Bode Ella Cassidy Taylor Maddy and Sarah
Here today at Christmas day for presents – memories from the past to the present.
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