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

October 10, 2024July 18, 2024 / 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!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS – Debby – Sherry – and Tammy!

Papa’s World – Memories of family vacation.

October 6, 2024July 15, 2024 / 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.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

Papa’s World – Family Vacation!

September 28, 2024July 8, 2024 / 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 – Making Memories July 4th.

September 27, 2024July 7, 2024 / Tom / 1 Comment

We took the family-

who were here the week of July 4th.-

to the golf cart parade –

on the main street of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

Thousands of people lined the streets =

to watch as they came by for over an hour!

Our friend – Jim –

who lives on Second Street on a corner with the canal behind his house –

invited Sherry and myself and our family –

to come over early

and use his side lot to park and set up our chairs on the curb front.

Here are the chairs with Tammy –

and behind them is Jim talking with Debby –

You can see the lot with a parking area and grass –

he bought this lot for what he calls –

“SOCIAL DISTANCING” –

To keep it open so no one builds there!

Bode – Sherry – Taylor and Tammy stand by the chairs on the curb front –

The large multi-storied yellow house is where Jim lives.

He lost his wife two years ago to dementia –

And we became friends –

when we met him on the Protection for Sea Turtles Team.

He actually let Bode drive his boat on the ICW last year –

He has two full-sized docks on the canal –

behind his house and last Spring –

Debby – Ella – Sarah and Sherry came over –

and Kayacked while Jim and I sipped a beer!

Sarah and Cassidy walk from the lot where we parked to the curb with the chairs!

A few of the family stayed in the shade until the parade started!

For such a small community –

they came up big as a unit after the unit came by all decorated!

Here is most of the family –

the parade has started –

We had a wonderful time –

and could not believe so many carts all decorated –

and other cars – trucks – bikes-

and people who marched along the parade route.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – MAKING MEMORIES JULY 4TH.

Special note: Maddy is 5’61/2″ –

Ella is almost 5’10 “

as is Sarah –

Taylor at 13 is 5’8″ –

Cassidy is 5’51/2″and has gained one inch on Taylor in the last year

and Bode is going to be taller than all of them!

He is 9 years old.

The Swedish genes flow from Sherry through the grandkids!

Papa’s World – Then and now – family beach time!

September 25, 2024July 6, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Many years ago – we did a family vacation when all six grandchildren were little –

here is a picture of back THEN!

Now Maddy will soon turn 24 – Ella 21- Sarah 18 – Taylor and Cassidy will be 14

and Bode will be 10!

It seems like only yesterday we were here –

and now – years later –

we did another picture of the grandkids

on the OIB !

Maddy – Ella – Sarah – Taylor – Cassidy and Bode – 2024 – OIB!

We had a great beach week –

lots of Sun and they swam every day!

The water was warm –

calm in the morning –

windy all day to cool you off.

A storm came in Monday early afternoon

and everyone got off the beach –

rain – lightning – thunder –

and the temperature dropped 20 degrees and the humidity went away

for a couple days.

We sat on the beach after dinner every night-

And saw the golf cart parade

and fireworks on the Fourth of July!

Celebrated Sherry’s birthday on the 5th.

Welcomed her sister –

and the Jones family during the week.

A shout-out to our friend Jim Moore –

who invited us to watch the parade from in front of his house

and also gave us a place to park two cars-

and two golf carts!

The two families rented golf carts for the week and we went everywhere in them.

Family group picture with GIGI – Sherry’s mother –

who is in heaven smiling down –

on her great-grandkids!

We have always done family outings-

but Covid came along!

This is our first family vacation since before the Pandemic.

Celebrating Sherry’s 75th. birthday – with oldest daughter Debby!

Debby – Sherry and Tammy!

Ella – designed and MADE all the shirts herself!!!!!

Tammy – Sherry and Debby –

on the beach close to sunset –

Mother and daughters!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Celebrating 75 years –

thanks to the kids for doing this-

and Ella for making all the shirts!

PAPA’S WORLD – THEN AND NOW – FAMILY BEACH TIME!!!!!

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

November 10, 2023October 12, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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.

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 !

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

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

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE !

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

If you would like to read more blogs – just type in the following –

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

for my email

fitztdf@aol.com

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 – neighbors get together to celebrate July 4th.

July 30, 2023July 8, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

A group of neighbors met at the clubhouse to celebrate the 4th. of July.

A couple neighbors precooked hot dogs while others brought dishes to pass –

the screened room off the pool offered shade –

Everyone pitched in and a good time was had by all.

Tables and food and decorations – and following are pictures of the neighborhood get-together.

A little music and some fun dancing.

65 to 70 neighbors came to enjoy one another company – name tags so we could all get to know one another.

We do have a few children in the community – and of course, they went into the pool to cool off!

Bringing the neighborhood together.

Thanks to everyone who came to meet other neighbors and celebrate the 4th. of July!

PAPA’S WORLD my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SHERRY AND PAPA – NEIGHBORS GET TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY! HGD!!!!!

Papa’s World – My wife and soulmate – HAPPY BIRTHDAY

November 5, 2021October 20, 2021 / Tom / Leave a comment

The coincidence of birthdays –

HERS – 7 – 5 – 49

MINE – 5 – 7 – 49

MEANT TO BE – WIFE & SOULMATE

She is a 4 th. of July baby – we always celebrate with family –

As the Holiday – it seems we all can get together.

They all respect her – they all love her – honesty is her essential being

Ask either one who they admire – ask either one who they emulate

Ask either one WHY they followed her South –

They call her MOR MOR – Swede for Mother’s Mother –

There never is a time when you do not hear “MOR – MOR”

with the little ones

They follow her lead out of love and respect –

inspired by her –

Her compassion – her knowledge –

and leadership – passed down

” GRANDMA” !!!

Then the laughter and giggles –

always from the three oldest .

She is a true leader to many –

she is a inspiration to all –

She is a builder of dreams –

she is a builder of teams

She is known by all as ” MAMA BIRD ”

gathering her chicks under her wings.

Some of her TEAM & THEIR DREAMS
MAMA BIRD

Beautiful inside and outside – she leads –

Her MOTTO to family – friends – and team.

Leader she is – mother she is – soulmate –

all to me.

She is the oldest –

so much like her father –

Her laugh – her smile – her insight – her knowledge

Now the Patriarch of the family –

respected by all.

She brings forth a sense of humor –

A compassion for all

never a bad thought.

Always caring for others

That is her

That is my reason WHY !

For 32 plus years – friends –

get together’s – fun – laughter – singing

A celebration of life

For as long as we live

We live to celebrate life.

For years it has been getting together –

sharing memories –

Friend – that is who we are

Friendship – love – laughs – good times – through the years.

THOSE SPECIAL TIMES TO LAUGH TOGETHER
FRIENDS

WISHING YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY

SHERRY LYNN OVERBECK FITZSIMMONS

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMEN I KNOW BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

7 – 5 – 19 Not another fourth of July birthday – but her special day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE

I hope you like my blog –

If you would like to read more

just type in the following

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

for my email

fitztdf@aol.com

For HEALTH ( Sherry is a certified HEALTH COACH )

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

Her email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

WELCOME TO PAPA’S WORLD THANK YOU !

Papa’s World – Smile a little- Happy July 4 th.

July 4, 2019June 27, 2019 / Tom / Leave a comment

Every once in a while – you just have to sit back and see the funny side!

As we prepare to celebrate our NATIONS BIRTH – have a cup of brew –

Take a sip and relax – read the paper or better yet – some funny stuff !

Political ” STUFF ” is just that –

sometimes go to the back page and smile

At all the advertisements –

Release your inner self – look at the funnies !

See what is in front of you and be creative –

Smile for it could make your day !

Sometimes – you just have to know – you are smarter than them !

Look in the mirror – you own it – make the best of it – and make the change.

Don’t fool yourself – it is a waste of time –

Be proud of who you are –

There is only one of you !

No matter what – either one works !

It all comes down to the ” SPACE” between your ears !

You be the judge – you determine –

after all – it’s your mind – it’s owned by you

Your dreams are your escape – your memories are yours –

Think back to your childhood – the good moments –

They belong to only you !

Look at the bright side – at least you have one –

You decide –

But feel good – look positive – emotions play a big part of this !

Surround yourself with TRUE FRIENDS and FAMILY –

They believe in you !

Take this day and recharge yourself – family – friends –

But always remember – there is a funny side out there –

You just have to look for it !

You just can’t make up this reality into fiction !

I hope this brings a smile to you –

A good vibe –

A HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY !

From us to you

HAVE A GOOD FUN DAY !

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD

For more reading just type in the following

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

For my email

fitztdf@aol.com

For HEALTH ( Sherry is a certified Health Coach )

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

For her email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

PAPA’S WORLD Thank you !

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