fireworks

Papa’s World – PHOTO’S – family beach vacation.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

At long last –

we managed to all meet in one place –

at OIB – for a family vacation.

We had not done this since before the Pandemic!

We moved to the borders of N.C. and S.C. in 2020 –

leaving our domain of 21-plus years in NVA –

and the two families of grandkids.

We knew we wanted to only be 7 plus hours away-

and we managed that!

We do go back every few months-

and they also come to visit a couple times a year.

But – to spend time together for a week near the Sun – Sand and Surf –

well, that is what we used to do so long ago!

It was time and the plans were made – BEACH VACATION!

At our dear friend Jim’s house on the canals of OIB –

For the Fourth of July golf cart parade!

He invited us and our family to come and view it from in front of his home!

It lasted for over an hour and the family was excited.

We had front-row seats and thank you Jim for inviting us!

That night we went to the beach –

set up chairs and watched the fireworks!

Sherry’s birthday was the next day!

We celebrated her birthday along with mine-

which had been two months prior!

My birthday is 5-7-1949 and hers is 7-5-1949 –

numbers that we have in common!

Our two sons-in-law – Mike on the left and Marcus on the right.

Finding time to be all together takes a lot of effort.

But the rewards of family time far overcome all of that!

Out of six grandkids – five are girls –

and Bode is the only boy!

Sometimes leaving him out of the loop of all girls.

But – Ella especially bonds with him.

Here Ella to the far right stands next to Bode –

He attends her soccer games –

and is one of her biggest cheerleaders!

Our three oldest granddaughters –

Sarah – a senior in H.S. this year!

Ella – a senior in college this year!

And Maddy – a year after graduating from college!

The three youngest on top –

Bode -top –

Cassidy and Taylor are in the middle.

FAMILY VACATION!

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PAPA’S WORLD – PHOTOS – FAMILY BEACH VACATION!!!!!!

MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS – Debby – Sherry – and Tammy!

Papa’s World – Memories of family vacation.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We all gathered the week of the Fourth of July on OIB –

For a family get-together –

a birthday and a family vacation.

Something we had not done since before the Pandemic.

We had wanted to do this for a long time –

and it was Sherry’s birthday that week!

Cassidy hand-made this card for her MORMOR!

She is the one who calls her all the time.

She wrote a beautiful letter to her on the inside.

She is so artistic – we have several of her drawings and a painting she made – framed!

It turned out to be a perfect week – it rained on the Monday for a couple of hours –

but that brought the humidity way down

and it was beautiful the rest of the week!

Here is the house we rented – about 135 yards to the sand.

We had direct beach access right at the end of the street.

Ella and Maddy – the oldest grandkids.

The water was warm in the ocean.

They were in there constantly all week long!

We were to the West of the pier.

OIB is only 6 miles from our home on the mainland.

After dinner,

we went onto the beach –

and set our chairs up to watch the fireworks!

They shot them off on the pier at the top of the picture.

When they finally started – the beach was packed.

It was awesome sitting here watching the fireworks.

After – we all sat in our chairs-

and let the crowd thin out as it was dark without a flashlight.

But – we all headed back to the house,

and five grandkids had sparklers in the driveway.

This is at the front of the driveway and across the street is a neighbor’s house.

It was a wonderful moment –

hoping we can do this again next year.

We had a birthday party for Sherry who turned 75 and I had turned 75 two months before.

Ella – our granddaughter – designed and handmade every one of these shirts!

Our three oldest granddaughters – Sarah – Ella and Maddy!

It was a wonderful week – full of family time.

All six grandkids and MorMor and Papa.

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PAPA’S WORLD – both 75 years old and living life to the plus – one day at a time!

Papa’s World – Family Vacation!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

What could be more rewarding than spending time with all SIX grandkids?

A FAMILY VACATION!!!!

We have not done this-

since before the Pandemic in 2020!

At one point in time when they were all young –

we would take beach vacations together!

Now – the three oldest are –

one graduated from college –

One has one year left in college-

and one has one year left in H.S.

Two are going into eighth grade –

and the youngest is going to be ten years old.

This year – Sherry and I –

celebrated our 75th. birthday –

and her birthday is one day after the fourth of July!

A perfect way to gather the family together –

so they can celebrate their mother’s birthday together!

This year we also hit another milestone –

42 years of marriage!

We moved South for warmer weather –

while it is hot and muggy in the Summer –

But we both do not like snow- ice and being cold!

So – we decided to find a place close to the beaches –

so that when they visit –

either family by family – individuals or all together –

They would want to return time after time!

When they all leave-

and go back North –

Our dream life is-

“WE STILL ARE ON VACATION”!

We took a ride back to the vacation house-

to see if anyone had rented it?

And all the memories came back –

sitting on the deck in the shade –

Music playing softly –

rocking chairs and laughter.

Drinks – snacks and children both old –

and young enjoying their time together!

Golf carts sitting under the house-

clothes drying on the clothes-line-

Shoes – chairs and boards leaning against the walls.

This is what we envisioned when we moved South!

That time is now four years after the Pandemic.

And – already there is –

“WE HAVE TO DO THIS NEXT YEAR”!

YES – WE DO!

FAMILY VACATION HAPPENED ONCE MORE – THE FUTURE HOLDS MORE – GOD WILLING!

We shall return next year –

at least that is our thoughts –

after we moved South –

But this vacation time –

we all moved into a house together.

That in my mind –

“PRICELESS”!

Thanks for reading my sharing of my thoughts –

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Our FAMILY VIEW of the Fourth of July fireworks –

sitting on OIB –

in the sand –

listening to the sound of the Surf and booms of fireworks.

PAPA’S WORLD – FAMILY VACATION!

Papa’s World – Tomorrow is the birthday – HAPPY 4 TH.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Each year we celebrate – we pause for reflection – and give thanks !

GOOD MORNING – SMELL THE COFFEE

A special day is almost here –

I remember many of them in the past –

One time we were at a park in SWNY state –

and we had SNOW FLURRIES !

That was weird !

We often spent time back then with friends – picnics –

But then had to go back to work –

Today – we are retired –

And mostly –

we spend it with family – or on vacation with them.

OUR NATION – LOVE FOR ALL

My wife’s birthday falls the day after –

So – we try to separate the two –

But that is easier said than done !

This year – we are traveling to our daughters house in Lake Holiday , Va.

But there have been a few times we spent this time on the lawn –

Of the Capital in D.C.

Watching the free performance –

And – the fireworks display.

Always gives me chills when we do that.

Our church and belief is big in our lives –

We give with no expectations of return.

This is just who we are.

Together as one.

CHANGE THE WORLD – MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE !

WHAT WE SEE – IS WHAT WE FEEL

Tomorrow we celebrate – we pray – we give – we love – we embrace

THIS IS WHO WE ARE

“OUR COUNTRY TIS OF THEE – GREAT LAND OF LIBERTY “

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE !

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for my email

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For HEALTH ( SHERRY IS A CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH )

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

her email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

Welcome to PAPA’S WORLD BLOG

Papa’s World – Ocean Isle Beach fireworks with grandkids.

/ Tom / Leave a comment
The moon shining over OIB before the start of fireworks.

It was a warm evening – and the kids were excited – we made our way onto the island and found a spot to park right across the street from the pier – we carried our chairs to a grassy area next to the roadway – we were about to have front row seats!

To our left is the traffic circle and it seemed like hundreds of cars and golf carts were still streaming in and around the circle – most going past in front of us.

Papa and the crew – this was in the other direction from the circle – and there was a constant stream of cars – I have no idea where they went because that end is the end of the island some three miles away.
The opening of the fireworks continued for a one-half hour!
The view – palm trees – and parking lot of the pier – and then the ocean.
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Ocean Isle Beach fireworks with the grandkids!

Papas World – staying with our daughter – 4th of July

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I am glad I had my HIPPIE YEARS all those years ago! YIKES!

All those years later – we have sold our home

and are spending time back and forth between our daughters homes.

Here – we are at Debby and Mikes at Lake Holiday – Cross Junction.

We have come for the 4th. of July – and the fireworks on the lake

at a friends of theirs dock!

Sarah

We have been coming here for the past 14 years to be with them

The three oldest grand daughters!

The friends boat and dock
Debby with the girls out in the water
Debby and Sherry
We all are a family of healthy eating

Sherry is a senior sales cordinator

and Debby a Qualified National Marking Director.

Both for the same company –

The Juice Plus Company

and both certified health coaches.

The peaceful setting – ducks on the water – speed boats –

and pontoon boats pulling tubes and skiers.

fire works at dusk
all the boaters gathered at the marina

We had a excellent view – and had watched the boats headed to the marina.

Observing is my nature – I like to watch – listen –

and I as I get older – I am learning –

looking and feeling the vibes of others.

Ella relaxing
the moon casting light for the boats to navigate
Sarah
Fireworks on Lake Holiday

I found this funny – but wife may not agree! Lol

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

Life with Debby and Mikes family
Lake Holiday – Cross Junction Va.
The three oldest grand daughters
The Myers
Thank You!

Papa’s World – Family time- Lake Holiday – Va.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Walking to the dam to see the fire works –

Decorations for the 4 th.

Celebrating Sherry’s birthday –

FAMILY TIME !

GOOD MORNING

For the next three and one half days –

we will be at our daughters house in Lake Holiday – Cross Junction , Va.

By the time you read this – a week has passed –

As I have LEARNED how to write and schedule !!!!

THREE GENERATIONS
Debby – Sarah – Maddy – Sherry and Ella

First night here – walk to the Dam of the Lake Holiday –

Where one car and chairs were placed around NOON !

You have to do this because hundreds of cars and twice as many people

Park here to watch the fireworks at dusk !

And a lot more than that are at the beaches and club house !

The water around the point – is crowded by 50 to 100 Boats !

MOR MOR

” LOOK AT ALL THOSE DECKS ” on that house she exclaims !

Five or six decks!

Sherry has the field glasses –

and bringing into view the houses with all the decks !

DECKS

When we arrived – Mike and I drove the second car down –

The area had become almost full

Cars and chairs everywhere.

The reflection off the water –

A few kids swimming –

Our view sitting on the dam
Ella and Maddy

Getting excited as the darkness sets in.

Maddy and Ella
all those years ago

Conversing with neighbors –

Watching the boats –

Wishful thinking on buying a Pontoon Boat !

Sarah sitting on the rocks
Sarah in the bottom middle

The rest of the family joined us later-

Celebrating Sherry’s birthday –

Waiting

And then the first burst – that long waited moment has arrived!

And now it begins
REFLECTIONS

A small celebration of the Birth of a Nation –

Caught through the lens of a camera –

Family Time

Three generations –

Swedish decent

Mother

Daughter

Grand Daughters

FAMILY TIME FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY 2019.

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1982

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

For my email

fitztdf@aol.com

Sherry certified Health Coach
Dr. Sears& Dr. Pam Popper

For HEALTH

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

Her email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

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