Papa’s Word – Memories of Rocket Launch – Cape Canaveral. Florida.

January 5, 2022December 9, 2021 / Tom / Leave a comment

Memory – warm – sunshine and daytime rocket launch – our first and only time!

Sherry – with the launch site in the background at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Across the bay was the launch site – wondering what it would be like and if we could see it!

MEMORIES – watching from afar yet it seemed so close!

The rocket is on its way into space orbit!

MEMORIES of the only time we have watched a rocket launch.

Life is full of wonders and we witnessed one of them.

MEMORIES of times gone past – living life to the plus – one day at a time!

PAPA’S WORLD – Cruise ships – Cape Canaveral, Fla.

MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

THANKS FOR READING – peace be with you – live life one day at a time to its fullest!

Papa’s World – Tonight – graduation – Tears – Thoughts

November 6, 2021October 20, 2021 / Tom / Leave a comment

Eighteen years have passed – so many memories of the little one

There was a time – I would pick her up from the babysitter after work –

I would be done at 2:30 PM.

Her parents both worked –

and she would come running to me and leap-

Her arms encircling my neck as I knelt down –

” PACA” she would shout !

( that is how she said PAPA )

There was the time –

she was in the back in her car seat –

I heard a “SOB”

and I looked in the mirror –

She made eye contact

and held up her little hand –

TEARS were streaming down her cheeks –

not making a sound !

She had twisted a hair tie around her little finger –

It had almost turned a deep blue – black !

I pulled off the road to the side

and got out – quickly – I got it off –

I rubbed her little finger –

it hurt her so bad .

” PACA – PACA – ” she kept saying.

TEARS and her nose was running –

I cleaned her up –

all the time rubbing her finger.

Then – the years passed –

they had moved to the other side of Winchester –

She was almost 11 years old –

so cute – so classy –

She was the student body president !

She was going to MIDDLE SCHOOL –

She had already played soccer for SEVEN YEARS !

She joined Track –

and ran the mile –

running a 5:48 –

The high school coach wanted her on the track team !

But “SOCCER ” –

it was at the same time – her love –

Soccer won out –

she was on the Travel Team – H.S. team –

and as a Sophomore –

she tried out and made the Loudoun County RED TEAM

Traveling 60 miles – three times a week – one way – to practice !

The time went by – track fell behind – soccer bloomed !

She has always loved MANATEE’S – so – at six teen – for her birthday –

We took a trip to Florida – and her mother and her flew down one way.

She went to Crystal River – Springs –

and there – her dream came true-

She SWAM WITH THE MANATEE’S !

Now – the DAY

has finally come -but first – AWARDS !

Ella helped her with her awards – she earned –

last day –

schools out for her

She is all grown up now –

she doesn’t remember the word “PACA”

But – I shall always remember her saying it.

I will remember the songs we sang-

The little voice from her car seat in the rear-

The hugs – the little arms around my neck-

PARTY ON – LOVE LIFE – REMEMBER WHAT YOU CAN –

Tonight – we watch her walk that final step of High School –

Tonight is the end of a time well spent –

Tonight – she will look not back –

Tonight she will look forward to a new beginning –

One – that she has already begun –

for she has a new schedule –

A new training schedule

which she already has started –

A training schedule for the UNIVERSITY OF LYNCHBUG –

Her new team – ” THE HORNETS ” –

COLLEGE SOCCER – starts now.

Thank you for reading –

eighteen years – a little memory for me

Please feel free to read my other blogs –

To find me just type in

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email fitztdf@aol.com

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PAPA’S WORLD

a daily blog – one day at a time

Papas World – a special kind of friend – my hero.

September 20, 2021August 28, 2021 / Tom / Leave a comment

When you are growing up – at least in my case – you look up to someone.

That person to me was my older brother – by ten years.

My sister was 15 years older – and I really do not remember –

much of her being home – although she took care of me

those first three years of my life along with my grandma

as both my parents were working.

I was sort of the second coming of the family –

and then almost four years later – my younger brother Mike.

But the thing I remember is my older brother Roger.

He was “COOL” as they said back then –

and quite the ladies man – his nickname I later found out –

across the upper portion of his H.S. varsity jacket –

was ” Anyface” !

I was told many a story about him from his friends

and I would hang out on the fringes – when they were all around.

He had a club in our basement – in the backroom –

and he had drawn pictures of Disney cartoons on the wall

and painted them – Chip and Dale – Mickey Mouse – Donald Duck.

And they were really lifelike.

I do not know why and I think they are still there.

He would put boxing gloves on me –

and I would wail away at him or his friends

they – the gloves – were bigger than me

back then I was skinny – so much so –

my Mom would not let me take my shirt off

as she said people would think she was starving me!

Somewhere – he is looking down – that smile on his face-

When he went away to college – I moved into his front of the house room.

This was Rogers room I would think – and I was excited

for he was MY HERO!

I would ask Mom – did you get a letter? Is he going to call?

Will he be coming home?

I could not wait to see him.

And that continued even after I grew up and moved on.

I would always ask those questions of her.

When he did come back home – it was a occasion.

A celebration – dinners – laughing and story telling.

And then – the last twelve years of his life –

once again we became close – very close.

We talked at least once a week and we would go and see him.

Once he came here – and a couple times back home in Eldred Pa.

When my mom and sister were still alive.

He was my Hero in early life and continued to the day he passed.

I regret that we could not spend more time together

he wanted us to move to Florida and live with him.

But – life gets in the way.

I feel good because the last four years of his life

we spent 9 weeks each Winter with him

In The Villages – Florida – doing some golf -sipping some brews –

laughing and remembering –

those were the best of times I shall always cherish

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

My brother was my hero growing up

and to the day he was gone – still was

and today I think of him often

Hero’s are rare – once in a lifetime

I was fortunate to have had him.

Thank you Roger for all the good times.

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Star Wars – Hollywood Studio – Disney – a dream come true!

July 3, 2021June 16, 2021 / Tom / Leave a comment

Outside the entrance to Hollywood studio’s – where we took Ella for her 16th. birthday present.

She opened the envelope at her birthday party in July!

There was a picture of Star Wars and the attraction in Florida at Disney World.

“You will spend one week with grandma and grandpa in Florida!

You will ride down with them at the end of Jan.

and go to Holly Wood studios to see Star Wars

and at the end of the week – for the first time ever

They will put you on a plane and you will FLY back home!

Bode – who his World is Ella – and she is so good to him.

We had done something special for Maddy when she turned 16.

Her wish was to be able to swim with the Manatee’s!

So – in the winter – she and her mom flew down –

and she did just that – and then we all drove back home!

Ella – her little buddy is Bode

He follows her everywhere and she just laughs!

She is so good to him and when she goes to college next year

She wants to become a Phys Ed teacher to the little ones!

She will be excellent – so kind – so much of a good heart.

And a very good soccer player.

We spent the time touring with her also – showing her where my brother lived

and the three town centers of The Villages!

We went to see the Manatees and the beach on the West coast

We toured the town where we were staying – and stopped in the coffee shop

to get her a chocolate chip cookie each time – she loved that!

Standing in line as we all watched – her forst time and she handled it like a pro.

Tears welled in my eyes –

my little Ella ( tiny) is what we called her

all grown up and out on her own.

Now – be careful – don’t mix with strange people I worried.

When she was small – she would always come to me – clutch my leg –

climb up into my lap.

I cherish those memories – “IS HE OKAY” she said to her mother

when I had my heart attack.

YES I HAD A LUMP IN MY THROAT

as I went from vantage point to vantage point watching her in the long line.

Ella and Sherry – a trip she will always remember.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

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Papas World – we have discussed this for 6 years!

June 19, 2020June 5, 2020 / Tom / Leave a comment

Two months ago – we called a friend –

She sells houses – and we wanted to hear what she had to say!

First – how is the market – ” STRONG SHE SAID”!

Only 8 homes listed in your price range

and 28 people looking!

Then – she looked around – at all the upgrades!

And gave us a quote – estimate –

So – we decided to start cleaning out – “STUFF”!

Even if we were to stay – we had to get rid of “STUFF”!

Three weeks ago – we decided now or never!

WE LOVE OUR HOUSE – OUR LOCATION!

Her parents had said the same thing all those years ago.

But – then it was too late – her father passed in 2001

and their dream never became real.

We called the lady – we will be ready in three weeks.

How is the market?

Still strong and the estimate went up!

We notified our friends and they were happy.

Come – live by us!

I called my sons and told them.

Sherry told the girls and grand kids!

We set the wheels in motion.

Trip after trip – Salvation army – Project Hope

Secure a storage locker

Start selling items on THE BRAMBLETON MARKET PLACE!

Pictures of the outside already taken

Now tonight – at 6PM.

They come to take pictures of the inside

The sign has been ordered

We told a few neighbors

everything is downsized as far as we can go now.

We want to sell as much as we can

And then – stay with the kids

until we find a furnished place to rent

We will not buy right away

We plan the Winter to be somewhere in Florida

But – we have options

We are going to take our time

WE WILL MISS OUR HOME OF ALMOST 14 YEARS!

IT IS TIME

I WANNA GET LOST IN YOUR ROCK AND ROLL

AND DRIFT AWAY

Welcome to Papa’s World

GIVE ME THE BEAT BOYS

AND FREE MY SOUL

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

where ever we are!

Papa’s World – SWEET 16 our grand daughter ELLA !

May 21, 2020May 8, 2020 / Tom / Leave a comment

I remember the day all those years ago –

when her mother turned the SWEET 16.

Yesterday – it was Ella – our second to oldest grand daughter !

When she was little – barely walking – she would run to me –

climb into my lap – or around company – hide behind my legs.

We almost lost her when she was really young –

She got something from a turtle –

and she spent almost a week in the ICU and hospital –

so small and so afraid.

A drawing of a Turtle eating a Strawberry
in Pencil drawn by Ella Myers

Now today – she has a roomful of turtles – pictures – memento’s

drawings – who would of guessed !

Through the years – from broken foot – to sprained wrist –

To another broken bone in her foot –

She was stepped on in soccer ( her love)

To coming down the wrong way on it –

Sitting out two years of playing soccer –

to coming named as MVP on her JV team –

as a Sophomore –

Now she is once again ready for travel soccer !

TINY no more.
Almost as tall as Sherry who is 5 ‘ 9 “

Turning 16 – drivers permit

about to start her Junior year –

and after TWO YEARS of sitting out travel soccer

She tried out and made the team as a Midfielder!

And – like her sister – can run !

Without practice – she can run a sub 6 minute mile !

In the picture above – a box of LEGO’S – special box –

And a letter from the both of us

She loves Star Wars – and this is a Star wars lego.

The note reads – you are going to Hollywood Studios in Florida.

You will board a airplane – fly down – stay a week with us –

And spend the day in the new STAR WARS AMUSEMENT PARK –

A Taco holder made to look like a dinosaur

Ella – like Maddy when she turned 16 ( she swam with the Manatee’s )

will celebrate in Florida with us –

a memory they will both remember for a long time.

Today – her and her friends will tube down a river

Soon – in a few weeks – travel soccer practice will begin.

Her older sister will leave for college to begin her college soccer practice.

But – for one day – as it was those many – many years ago for her mother

SWEET 16 !!!!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

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Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD

Papas World – exploring Saint Augustine – Florida

April 2, 2020March 9, 2020 / Tom / Leave a comment

After stopping in South Saint Augustine

we decided to park just a block from the historic OLD TOWN!

The harbor at Saint Augustine
We parked and walked the seawall

We had been here maybe four years ago

but decided this time to just take a walk around

and end up at the old fort!

The air was warm – at least to us in the sun!

We walked the old streets and I thought just how commercial

this has all become.

It seemed like every other building was a ICE CREAM STORE!

And although the old buildings were still there

they were mostly shops and places to eat!

I was somewhat disappointed in that I wanted history –

and sadly – it just is not there like I expected!

However – with all these shops
they had provided a place for ME!!!!!

We still walked the old street and made our way to the OLD FORT!

Now that was still like it was all those years ago!

So we walked the sea wall
and straight ahead
is the Fort
with walls jutting out
to make a enclosed little harbor

The fort had walls that looked to me

were built so that a small rowboat

could disembark from a ship

row through a opening

and people could then step onto the steps

leading up to the area outside the fort walls.

We managed to be there at the right time!

As we stood beneath the wall

where the steps from the enclosed harbor were

we were just in time to witness the firing of the cannon!

It was loud and must of been a couple hundred people watching!

I still am amazed that this was built
all those years ago
when this country was so young!

The town itself is impressive when you consider

that there was no place to BUY materials to build it!

They had to shape all these huge boulders

and life them into place!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World!

The streets of OLD TOWN
Saint Augustine
almost all commercial now!

Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

My Blog Site

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papas World – A walk in Panther Paw point park!

March 13, 2020February 14, 2020 / Tom / Leave a comment

We decided to drive seven miles away –

To a state park where there was a almost three mile

nature walking path –

Named Panther Paw point park –

because they spotted a panther there

sometime in the past!

” LIONS – TIGERS and BEARS OH MY” !

The loop ran trough the woods and then around this lake
and the trail around the lake
in some spots
got very narrow
with brush and reeds on either side!

We read this before starting out
and notice the pictures of all
we might observe while walking
we did see a lot of areas dug up
like giant moles had been there
my thought “WILD BOARS”!

Here is a picture map
of the several loops
you can make
This also is a place
where people come to ride horses
there were a half dozen
horse trailers in the lot!

Debbie and Tom
the path leading into the woods

As you can see
stay on the path
its a jungle out there!

After walking through the woods
you break out and start following the lake

The first GATOR we saw
just over the bank
and right near the water
I would estimate 15 to 20
feet from me!
He was big – but not as big
as the next one we saw
still I was nervous
standing there!

Just down from the gator
about 30 feet away
that gator would of been one half the distance

The path itself was 10 to 12 feet wide

with the lake and reeds and bushes and trees on one side

the other side sometimes a fence with pasture

other times just marsh and a lot of bushes

I keep my eyes on the lake side!

And I never saw the gators until I was maybe 25 feet away!

Now- I never saw this fellow
Sherry was following
and she said here is a snake
I had walked right by it!
It was maybe 6 to 8 feet away
She saw it – it raised up
and she backed away
and then she took this picture
when I went back it was slithering away
I told her it looked like a black snake
but still I never saw it!
I would say it was 4 or 5 feet long!

Avery big hawk sitting on a gate
this was pasture land on the right side
away from the lake
however
there were sections that you could not see through
and the path narrowed down
to maybe 6 or 7 feet wide
making me very nervous!

This guy was huge!
I would say 10 to 12 feet long
those are the hind legs
and the tail was maybe another four foot long
He was really big around and almost black!
This one was maybe 15 feet over the side
of the bank – out of the water
and in the bushes and reeds
there was a trail down to him
and I assume that is where he went
back and forth!

This gator was really big – never moved – I learned later

at that time of day – they are not that active – plus the water

is only around 60 degrees –

They are night hunters and during the day -they warm up in the sun

and heat of the day and digest their food

from the night before!

This one was maybe 200 yards from the other one

which makes me think this was his territory!

It was a beautiful walk
nervous at times
hot in the sun
a half dozen horse riders passed us
I WOULD NOT WALK THIS AT TWILIGHT!

The birds and ducks
huddle together
in the middle of the lake
we have been told several times
that gators do not attack in deep water
That is why people swim in the middle of the lakes
and water skiers
are in the water in these lakes
BUT I DO NOT TRUST THAT!
That’s like telling me BEARS don’t bite in the woods! LOL

I hope you liked this little adventure
It was a spur of the moment
lark that we went on!
SAW TWO GATORS AND A BLACK SNAKE!
along with birds horses – riders – and where
Wild boars ( pigs) dug up the ground
or some very GIANT MOLES!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

PAPA – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY !
THANK YOU!

Papas World – a little visit to Bok Towers with friends!

March 12, 2020February 13, 2020 / Tom / Leave a comment

We visited our friends from Sherry’s hometown

of Mount Jewett Pa

Karen and Lars

who were friends with her mother and father!

Karen Lars ( from Sweden)
Debbie ( Sherry’s sister)
Sherry and Papa

We had planned this when her sister came

as she also grew up knowing them

They have wintered down here the last 12 years or so!

We decided to go and eat lunch at BOK TOWER!

A place the they took us to four years ago!

If you have not been – it is a rare treat!

Full of plants
and flowers
the lower garden
before the walk
up through the plants
trees and water
to the very tall Tower

Walking up the hill
on the paths
to the Bok Tower

Sherry and Debbie
on the grounds around
Bok Tower

Sherry and Debbie
walking back down the hill
from BOK TOWER

Leaving such a peaceful spot
after listening to the Bells
and organ
and the green growth
and mountain views
of the surrounding country side!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

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PAPA’S WORLD !!!

Papas World ” RIGHT – GO RIGHT – GO RIGHT” !!!

February 26, 2020March 19, 2020 / Tom / Leave a comment

It all happened so fast – Ella was sleeping in the back!

It had been raining since we left Savannah Ga.

Our exit for Rte. 4 was here – to Orlando

We were getting off of 95! Thank goodness –

Those people are crazy zig zagging in and out!

Sherry was driving and I was watching the map quest –

Everyone was going fast regardless of the rain –

But we had stayed in the right lane and about 10 MPH

under the speed limit and our turn was next.

She eased over into the turn lane

There was a big pick up truck in front of us

We could not see beyond him!

All of a sudden his brake lights came on –

Sherry slammed on the brakes

we were not going that fast

we started to slide on the wet pavement

Then there was a boom and I watched as pieces

of his front end started flying out!

He had slammed into the car in front of him –

and we were sliding –

I yelled – ” RIGHT – RIGHT – GO TO THE RIGHT”!

And Sherry did- cutting the wheel –

We slid to the right into the grass

and came to a stop.

We had missed the rear corner of the truck bed

by a matter of feet and inches!

Thank God – it was over in seconds

When he had hit the back end of a Toyota Avalon

He had also gone to his right

Leaving us no way of going around him

So – by going right -we were now facing the side of the highway

and his back end was 4 or 5 feet from

our rear door!

We were very fortunate- it all could of ended right there!

That is as close as you can get!

Thinking back on it – she told me all she could hear is me saying

“RIGHT – GO RIGHT – GO RIGHT “!

And she swung it that way.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

We made it

And we are blessed

Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papas World -packing up – going to Florida – Ella

January 31, 2020January 29, 2020 / Tom / Leave a comment

She turned 16 last July.

For her present – she would ride with us to Florida

and then fly back home –

You see – she is a huge Star Wars fan.

So – we will take her to Universal’s Star Wars!

When Maddy turned 16 –

we took her to Florida to swim with the Manatee’s!

We are going anyways to spend a warm month in Florida

and the opportunity was there for us to do this.

We also have plans to see friends who live down there

and to meet up with other friends

who travel South for the Winter.

We will take in both coasts – staying in the middle

South of Orlando.

Some have been years and years since we have seen them

although we stay in touch through face book.

Social media is a great place to inter act.

Going to Florida with one grand daughter

making her birthday wish come true

Getting some warm weather – play some golf –

meet up with friends

But – not going to ride anything that goes way up and down

or around very fast

My life in the fast lane is WATCHING! LOL

Thank you for reading Papas World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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