Grandkids

Papa’s World – a little place to eat on the river!

/ Tom / Leave a comment
MERROIR

Not sure just how you say this name –

I think it is French!

And it sits on what I think is still the Rappahannock River

or one of the many inland bays of the Chesapeake Bay.

My son in law had eaten here before.

But – where ever it is – I want to go back

As I had the best AHI TUNA I have ever eaten!

AHI TUNA

It must of been the seasoning – and it was done just right!

We had gone off the resort of The Tides –

because the day we arrived – their dining room was closed.

And Marcus and Tammy had been here before.

Not many people at all – we almost had the whole outside to ourselves!

And you could not sit inside.

SHRIMP & LOBSTER ROLL!

The little ones all had the shrimp and lobster roll along with Sherry.

She said it was very good!

Tammy and Marcus had the oysters as a appetizer

Now – I have never had a feeling to eat oysters

and I think that goes way back to my father

every Friday night – he had oyster soup!

And it just did not look good to me!

Bode almost made it

Bode wanted to try one –

but at the last moment gave it up to Taylor

and she ate it and gave it a THUMBS UP!

The view from our table

I think there were three other people there

but they also were doing a good take out business.

You could walk over and look into the kitchen from three sides.

And two ladies were busy cooking in there!

I recommend this place!

Sherry taking the three little ones to look into the bay where they saw a dolphin up close!
On the other side was a marina with tons of docked boats
Bode Taylor Cassidy

I would imagine this being a very busy place

if it were not for the pandemic

Marcus and Tammy said when they were there last year

it was packed.

I hope it stays – I most likely will never get back there

BUT MERRIOR on the bay – remember that

and if you have a chance – stop in –

The pan seared AHI TUNA was out of this world!

And the sunsets weren’t bad either!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – The life of a grand parent!

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Times have changed – today it is IPAD – SMART PHONE

and they can do it better than I can!

In this picture there is Sherry and all six grandkids.

Soon – in a little over three weeks – we will be leaving.

Going South – for FIVE MONTHS

trying to think out our possibilities

Do we rent – buy – house – apartment – condo!

And WHERE?

Until then – next week – the three little ones start virtual classes.

Now – I can show them how to butter bread –

cut a piece of pie or cake

even use this as a screwdriver or the other end as a hammer

but – I know nothing when it comes to being a techie!

They all know more than I do!

It will be hard for them in not going to school.

Having interaction with other kids

and with the teacher face to face.

Not to mention – the parents who work.

Where this all ends – I do not know.

We are going to help them get all set up at home.

We will be here for the start up.

Being grandparents can be hard in this new age.

And now – the new norm for the time being.

In a little over three weeks – our new adventure begins

we have already rented and paid for five months.

Watching them last night when they came home

rushing down the stairs to see us

all three talking at the same time

It will be hard on them also

Life as a grandparent can be hard

life as a grandchild can be harder

life now as we know it –

well – we shall live that life one day at a time

For that we are grateful –

that is why I write – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

Going to miss them all.

Papa’s World – looking back – time and memories.

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GIGI Maddy Sarah Ella Cassidy Taylor
GIGI WHERE IT ALL STARTED
Sherry’s mother

We have always been family – getting together –

That comes from the close bond Sherry had with her parents.

Even though she left to go to college

and never moving back home

she always made it a point and time to go back.

Sherry Bonnie Debby
Barb Bill
Back row Tammy Kristie Natalia Nathan
front row Debby Barb Nigel Bill Bethany
Debby and Tammy

And she passed that thought onto her daughters – my step daughters

and almost 39 years later – they have passed it onto their children.

Barb ( GIGI) Debby (L) Tammy (R) and Sherry

When we moved to NVA 21 years ago – it was not long before both girls and their family followed and settled near us.

Debby’s Sarah Ella Maddy

Mike and Debby eventually settled in Lake Holiday – North of Winchester.

Cassidy and Taylor the twins of Tammy and Marcus

Tammy and Marcus have always lived within a few miles of us

Marcus has a residential and commercial carpet cleaning business.

Cassidy BODE Taylor

Now there is BODE – the only boy with five girls.

Sarah and her best friend Justin who lives next door to them
Maddy and Ella

Maddy is now in her second year at the University of Lynchburg

An Academic All American in her freshman year –

she plays college soccer.

Ella is now a senior – plays soccer on the Blue ridge travel team

and on the High School team of James Wood.

Maddy earned MVP on her HS team and in the same year

Ella was named MVP on her team.

Taylor now rides horses
Taylor loves horses
Cassidy and Ella and Sarah are our artists Ella now stands 5′ 8 1/2 ” almost as tall as Sherry and Sarah is catching up – Taylor will also and Bode!
BODE is all boy – trucks – bikes – balls – running
Taylor Maddy Cassidy

Cassidy just drew a picture of Maddy in her soccer uniform

and wrote her a letter to send to her in college

such a sweet thoughtful little girl

and she is our gymnastic and tennis player

Sarah is our dancer and going to NYC girl!

Ella is a extremely good artist and plans on playing soccer in college.

She has plans to become a PHYS ED teacher just like her father.

Taylor at one year old & her horses
Family has always been important to all of us
Maddy graduating from 6th. grade
Taylor Maddy Debby Cassidy
Cassidy and Taylor our favorite place to get together THE BEACH!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

LOOKING BACK TIME AND MEMORIES!

GIGI WHERE IT ALL STARTED with little Cassidy

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – growing up the grand daughters!

/ Tom / Leave a comment
Sherry Ella Sarah

She had hoped they would choose to come with us!

The oldest – Maddy – decided to stay home and work.

She starts her second year of college

at the University of Lynchburg in August.

Sherry Ella Sarah

They have been a main part of our lives since they were born.

Maddy will soon turn twenty –

Ella just turned 17 and Sarah will be 14.

Ella Sarah Sherry

Sherry is tall at 5′ 9″ and Ella has nearly caught her!

Ella & Sherry

Ella now stands at 5′ 8 1/2 ”

and I do not know if she is done growing

it seems in the last year she has gained 4 inches!

Sarah

Now Sarah is growing fast – she already has reached her Mother’s height.

At 5′ 6 ” she I think will be as tall or taller than Ella!

Which means they both are almost Sherry’s Height!

Sherry Sarah Ella Papa

And then there is Taylor – one of the twin girls

for our other daughter Tammy.

Taylor looks to me that she will end up taller than all of them!

She loves horses and horse back riding and at 9 years old

Is already almost 5′ tall!

Sherry and Ella

But for now – it is Sherry and Ella.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – The house and quiet solitude!

/ Tom / Leave a comment
The first sun rise of a new day!
Our room King bed
Ella and Sarah’s room
Our bathroom we shared with the grand kids!

We were on the bottom floor – no climbing stairs with bags!

A small kitchen and game room on this floor and one other master bedroom
This floor went right out to the pool and bar!
The pool was large with the deep part right in the middle!

Our floor was so that we could walk right out to the pool or beach.

We also were a five minute slow walk to the stores

and places to eat!

The beach looking North toward Va. Beach
The beach looking South toward N.C.

There were hardly any people at where we were at.

The local beach was sevral blocks North of us-

And even there – people set up 15 to 20 feet from each other.

I saw a few masks but the breeze and open air

we were and felt safe.

The nearest people set up to us!

This for the time being – will be our vacation life

as we continue into the pandemic.

Selecting spots that are quiet – social distance

and friends and family who also took safe measures before coming.

Storm brewing!

Toes in the sand – drink in hand – life is grand!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – always a home here – vagabonds!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This home is full of HEALTH – NUTRITION –

and our three oldest grand daughters –

Maddy – Ella and Sarah!

Sarah Maddy Ella

Until recently – Maddy was the tallest – at 5’6!

Now Ella stands 5 ‘ 8 1/2 and Sarah is going to catch her!

Sarah at 13 – is 5′ 6!

Sherry – my wife and their grandmother – is 5′ 9!

The Swedish DNA is coming out and up!

These two are very close –

BUT – Maddy eats almost no meat!

Where Ella does.

All three have been on Juice Plus for almost 14 years

and Sarah is a Juice Plus baby!

Sarah with I think Maddy

Their parents Mike and Debby –

practice whole food eating – no dairy or gluten

and always reading labels –

all must be organic and no harmful additives.

Every year for the past 18 to 20 years

they have taken a vacation to Raquet Lake in upstate New York!

Where there is no wify or internet

unless you can search and find it!

Being unconnected as they call it.

Back to nature – canoeing – hiking the mountains.

And the girls love it!

We have been spending time with them since we sold our house.

Here in the Blue Ridge mountains of NVA

outside of Winchester Va.

At Lake Holiday.

Maddy will return for her Sophomore year

at the University of Lynchburg – playing soccer!

She was named as a Freshman

To the All – American Academic awards

with a 3.85 GPA!

And as a Freshman played in every game!

Ella is on the Blue Ridge United Travel Soccer team

and also the Varsity team at James Woods H.S. in Winchester Va.

Sarah is our dancer and a film & producer of small videos.

She wants to go to NYC!

And Sherry is going to take her!

Ella Debby Mike Sarah Maddy

We are blessed to be able to stay here

and interact with them all.

Soon – in the next day –

We are taking – Ella and Sarah with us –

To the beach in Sandbridge Va.

Maddy wants to stay and work –

as she will be leaving for college in early August!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papas World – “AS EASY AS 1-2-3-!” The little ones!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We are now living in the basement of our daughters house!

But basement doe not quite describe it!

We have a bedroom – a full bathroom – two living rooms with chairs and sectionals!

And a storage room where we have put excess items!

We are very comfortable and even another entrance if we choose.

But the one thing I have noticed is how close these three are.

Yes – tyey argue and Bode seems to be the agitator to his sisters.

Yet – they protect him as well!

He will snuggle up with either one and they also will do the same with him.

It all depends on who is watching what on the IPADS!

And they are allowed select time on them –

the rest is play time outside – riding their bikes to neighbors house

or playing in the back yard.

Each girl will retreat to their own rooms –

while Bode tends to play with his toys by himself.

Yesterday – the two girls got up and went outside

here laid Bode – on the back of the couch

he had fallen asleep!

Bode fell asleep on the back of the couch

I tried to get a picture of him – but Taylor going out the door woke him up!

Bode age 5 The twins – Taylor & Cassidy age 9

Our time here for me will be remembered as the song goes

“1 – 2 – 3 ” !

AS EASY AS!!!!!

Cassidy and Bode are much more alike –

yet each one has the traits of the others.

Papa and Bode

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papas World – the angels of my life – looking down.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

I am the only one left now –

First was my brother Mike who left us way too early –

I do not have many pictures of him – but I have his image –

for as long as I live in my mind.

Curly headed little red head – always smiling –

giggling – I can still hear him.

And what a golfer he became –

the first one to hit that ball 300 yards or more.

On the old number one at Smethport Pa.

The one that runs along the highway – I was with him when he did it.

He drove past the green and into the yard behind the green!

That had to be 350 yards and a little grade uphill!

He was mostly a par golfer and had he been able to putt –

Well Gene Fazio once told me –

“IF I HAD HIS LONG GAME AND MY SHORT GAME – I”D TURN PRO”!

Gene was one of the finest golfers in our area and there were a lot of them.

My sister Donna – me – my brother in law Bill – my brother Roger and our mother Mary

One by one they passed away – first Donna –

my sister who was 15 years older than me-

Who rasied me until she she was married to Bill and moved out.

She was the most kind and considerate person I have ever known.

She always could see both sides and I never heard her say a cross word.

Bill – was second to go – a Korean War vet – a truck driver and Police chief

A Mayor and a wise brother in law – always funny –

he had nicknames for almost all the kids

but he simply called me Tommy or Tom.

We were more friends than brother in laws-

Then it was my Mom – who outlived all her friends –

two children and all her brothers and sisters – cousins –

She was almost 98 years old when she passed.

She was small – always a smile – and very kind.

She was a true baker – she could bake without following a recipe.

Cakes – Pies Homemade bread and rolls –

she did it all and everyone in town knew her.

She would sit on her front porch and they would honk

and holler “HELLO MARY”!

People would pull over and stop and come over and talk with her.

She was Mary – the kind lady – but she also was tough as nails.

She ruled the roost so to speak.

I always listened to her – I did not want to hurt her.

Roger

The last to pass in this picture was my brother Roger –

who as I grew up was my idol.

He was ten years older – but in the last ten years of his life

we became very close.

He always lived far away and I lived for any information from him

I would ask my Mom – “DID YOU HEAR FROM ROGER”?

He too played golf – although not as well as Mike –

he was always a little over Par – but always under 40.

He was very smart – having been named “WHO’S WHO”

while in college.

He was a ladies man – he knew how to be a gentlemen –

he was “IT” when it came to the ladies.

Now I am the last – my dad passed from cancer when I was just 19.

I have my two sons –

My sons Troy and Shawn

I have a niece Kelli and another Jen –

I have two great nieces and they have children.

And I have two grandsons from Shawn.

Ryan and Dylan

And I have my soulmate – Sherry – my wife.

Our extended family here whom I love dearly.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

“THE ANGELS OF MY LIFE – LOOKING DOWN ON ME”!

Papas World – a little bit of peace and quiet!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We are now gone from our home –

and have set up a base camp

at our youngest daughters & husbands home!

It is a rather large neighborhood – with large homesites

and really spread out!

Lots and lots of flowers – landscaped -fenced in.

Beautiful sunrise and no one out and about!

My spot now to sip my coffee in the morning – the Sun rises from the rear

The gate to the back yard – kids playing – riding bikes – scooters

A happy place this is – also very quiet outside

you hear and see lots of birds and from behind the woods – Cows!

My coffee and my new spot to sip and watch – but – watching is difficult

as you very seldom see anyone!

The back yard patio and gazebo – two fire pits and PURPLE MARTINS!

The neighbor has a birdhouse for PURPLE MARTINS!

And you watch them fly – dive and swoop around – chasing insects!

A rainbow – with no rain – rabbits and beyond the tree line –

pasture & cows and tractor working the fields.

Peaceful noises in early evenings.

Every yard of every house is fenced in – some like these

and some with the black wrought iron fence.

All yards manicured – a couple they mow their own –

but I see landscapers here daily mowing lawns.

We have moved on –

to a quiet place with the grand kids & their parents.

Laughter and love – peace of mind

peace in the heart

and peace in the soul!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

and the grand kids – well they capture my heart.

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papas World – The home base with the 3 little ones!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We have sold the house and moved in with our daughter

and family.

These are our youngest grand children –

The twins – Taylor – the tallest – Cassidy the short one.

And our grand son Bode.

Bode and Cassidy are two peas in a pod!

Being the only boy with five grand daughters

he has become my little buddy!

We are here as sort of a home base –

and will also stay with our other daughter Debby

in Cross Junction Va. at Lake Holiday.

In Lake Holiday with Debby

The three oldest are Maddy – Ella and Sarah.

We will spend time with them but the older two work.

We have been welcomed with open arms –

But our plan is not to infringe – we will travel –

help out when we can and see where we end up.

But for now – I am in a warm fuzzy place

Watching and enjoying each and every moment.

The innocence – the watching them grow up.

And the quiet time of a IPAD –

With all three so quiet and focused.

We have landed in the right place-

Home base with the three little ones

and every so often with the three big ones.

Life is good and we are blessed.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog