living together

Papa’s World – More memorable moments.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Early morning – on the beach walking –

This is part of our volunteer work –

The Protection for Sea Turtles.

We sign up to walk the East end of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

This stretch of beach is all dunes – sand and no houses.

The other beach is patrolled by an ATV and two volunteers.

Here you walk to see if any “TURTLE CRAWLS” have occurred overnight.

You also observe the erosion and any high banks that have washed out.

We also take plastic bags to pick up garbage.

It is a quiet walk into the sunrise –

Sometimes you see Dolphins swimming up or down the beach.

Often times fishing boats come out of the channel and head for the open ocean.

Walking into the sunrise is a magical part of the life at the beach.

Creating more MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN PICTURES!

My youngest son Shawn – has visited us twice since we moved here in 2020.

He owns his own Auditing and Energy protection company in NWPA –

Contracting with the State and Energy companies for energy efficiency for the elderly.

He covers the state of Pa. and some of WNY.

We hope they can get back down this year again.

Another MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN PICTURES!

How often do you see the Sunset from our backyard with snow and ice on the ground?

In the going on five years for us –

This is a first.

This storm came up from the Gulf of Mexico –

and it snowed in Florida on the coast – Ga.- S.C. and up through the Eastern coast.

Inland – no snow or ice.

This is a very RARE event and I captured it from my patio in the back of the house.

Thus creating another MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES!

In this picture,

I had just returned home from the oral surgeon who had done TWO IMPLANTS-

In the front of my mouth.

This was something I did not want to do –

But to be honest –

It went so smoothly – they were excellent!

Both were crowns but they had to take what was left of the teeth

and extract them and then put them in the implants.

Glad that it is now past history and everything worked out!

But it was $$$$$$$$!!

ANOTHER MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES!

We have a “SOLO FIRE PIT” just off our back patio.

Now – I am not so much into campfires –

but our grandkids and their parents are.

So – often times when they visit –

I start it up and they enjoy the Sunset – the stars and the

“SOLO FIRE PIT”!

Creating ANOTHER MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES!

LOL – and in our backyard we have bird feeders!

So – this little funny picture –

It is almost true as the DEER eats the birdseed,

and the squirrels clean up afterward!

Thus we might have a MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES if I could catch them! LOL!

Finally – a picture was taken of us on the North Shore of Ohau –

A vacation we took with our friends the McBrides some years ago.

Someday – we would like to return and do the other islands –

thus we would be able to –

Make other MEMORABLE PICTURES IN MOMENTS!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUBSCRIBE – IT’S FREE!

Papa’s World – Events in pictures – remembered.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Remembering grandchildren when they were young!

Left to right –

Ella – Maddy – Sarah.

This was taken years ago –

Ella – Maddy and Sarah.

This was taken maybe two years ago!

Today – Ella and Maddy have graduated from college –

Sarah has graduated from H.S.

Young ladies out into the world.

We miss those early years –

but look forward to our senior years –

Of exciting moments to come!

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

We take our right to vote seriously!

Every two years going to the polls.

So far in our lives –

We have voted in Pa. NYS. Va. and N.C.

All states that we have resided in during our adult lives.

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

Here is Bode – before he could walk –

He was the first boy on Sherry’s side of the family.

It has been almost eleven years since this picture!

Today he is almost eleven years old –

into sports –

Soccer – flag football – golf.

The young boy is growing up fast and will be tall.

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

LOL LOL LOL!!!

Our dear friends Jim and Claudia from NVA –

Have sold their home in Reston, Va.

And built a new home four miles from us.

So far we have other friends who have moved near us-

and this is the cause for celebrating our times together.

Here we took them to Vareen Gardens in S.C.

Papa at Vareen Gardens –

We have taken many visitors here for the beauty and solitude.

Thus we have created –

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

Back when the twins were young –

about two years old –

Their parents had sold their home and were waiting for the new one to be completed.

They came to live with us –

here are their little backpacks hanging on the landing –

to go upstairs to the bedroom.

They had their little beds to sleep on in the spare bedroom while their parent had the other spare room.

This photo brings back those memories.

Thus creating –

EVENTS IN PICTURES – MEMORIES!

On OIB –

thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – 6-25-1982 – marriage!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Papa and Sherry the day we were married.

Front row – second from left standing behind Natalia – Tammy.

The tall girl next to Tammy – Sherry’s oldest Debby.

Next to me – Debbie – her sister and her two daughters – Kristy and Bethany next to Tammy and Debby.

Nathan is being held by Debby –

Next to Sherry is her mother Barb and her father Bill.

Next to Bill is Rusty – Barb’s brother and in front of him is Ceil – his wife.

This day was the second marriage for both of us.

We had dated the previous year and a half.

We had worked together at The American Olean Tile Company –

and by chance found out we were both in divorce proceedings.

Luck in a passing comment by other co-workers –

Brought us together in a conversation we had later.

All this seems like yesterday

her mother and father are now gone as is her Aunt and Uncle.

The kids – all of them – are grown and have children of their own.

For some unknown reason – my two boys are not in this picture although –

they were in other pictures.

The years passed – marriages and grandkids came.

Here to the left is Debby and Mike and their three daughters –

Maddy – Sarah and Ella.

To the right are Tammy and Marcus with the twins Cassidy and Taylor and the only boy – Bode.

We moved during the 2020 Pandemic – having sold our Brambleon, Va. home.

Mike and Debby still live at Lake Holiday –

on 522 between Berkly Springs and Winchester, Va.

Tammy and Marcus live in Selma Plantation –

just North of Leesburg, Va.

Many trips are now made back and forth between our home and their homes.

And they also make many trips back and forth.

The three oldest grandchildren – two are out of college –

the youngest is out of H.S.

The three youngest are still in school and into all kinds of activities –

The twins will soon be 15 and Bode to be 11.

Debby and Tammy are close to their mother.

Sherry on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic in 1982.

Papa – just after my heart attack and before my open heart surgery.

My oldest son Troy and his partner Andrea – still live in WPA where he grew up.

My youngest son Shawn and Trisha – married – still live in WPA – where he grew up.

Papa and Sherry – far left – seven years after we were married – and I had a few years before –

given up playing softball –

And we both played in a competitive volleyball league and weekend tournaments.

Today we are seniors both 75-plus years old –

living our dream life in warm climates near beaches-

and golf – close to longtime friends.

PAPA’S WORLD – 6-25-1982 – Marriage –

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ONE I LOVE –

6-25-2025!

Papa’s World – More memorable times!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Before we moved in 2020 to N.C. & S.C. ( nine months) –

Sherry was a runner – along with her daughters –

pictured here is the youngest – Tammy-

All three of the oldest grandkids also run!

Her best run was finishing first in the 60 to 64 age group.

Many memories are here!

All three ran the D.C. Cherry Blossom race! TEN MILES!

I was in charge of grandkids that day –

the three youngest were not born yet.

We went into D.C. with backpacks –

And we found a place to stand – sit near the finish line.

That was a day to remember as all three came across the line holding hands!

Two daughters and their mother!

Until we left to come South – they ran on occasion.

MORE MEMORABLE TIMES!

Debby – Sherry and Tammy-

The Swedish gene runs deep here!

Sherry’s grandmother was born in Sweden.

She still has distant relatives there.

We did take an extensive tour of Denmark – Sweden, and Norway with her mother and sister-

We were on a bus and traveled for 1400 miles –

only staying more than one night in the same place twice!

We saw from a distance her homeland of her grandmother.

That is a cherished memory.

MORE MEMORABLE TIMES!

Friends for years and years.

Sherry – Dottie and Cindy.

Dottie grew up in the same town I did and married Jim who I knew and played softball with.

Cindy was our neighbor but had known Dottie and Jim.

We all lived in WNY and WPA –

although the border separated us –

it was only ten miles or so.

We have vacationed together – raised the kids and traveled the World.

To this day every three to five months we get together.

All three now live in N.C. –

Cindy is 38 miles away and Dottie is about three and one-half hours away.

Over the years which go back to the early 80’s –

We have had many memorable moments.

Today I share this moment on the waterfront-

in Wilmington, N.C.

MORE MEMORABLE TIMES!

I know this to be very true! LOL

Jimmy and I have been best buds since we played softball together in the mid to late ’70s.

We also worked at A.O.T.C. – Dal Tile together.

I went to Dottie and Jim’s wedding before I met Sherry.

Friendship runs deep – The little town of Eldred, Pa. where we were raised –

still holds a lot of special memories for the both of us.

MORE MEMORABLE TIMES!

Close friends through time.

Buck – Dottie – Sherry – Cindy and Jim.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

SUBSCRIBE – IT’S FREE!

Papa’s World – Memories are pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This white church sits on a hill –

called Mount Nebo –

And that is the name of this Lutheran church in Mount Jewett, Pa.

This is the original Swedish Lutheran Church in that town-

and where Sherry’s parents are buried along with many other family members.

Although we have a lot there –

we will not be interred there –

We have purchased a vault –

in a Columbarium at Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church –

less than six miles from our home in OIB.

We will be cremated and interred there –

So that the survivor can come and visit.

The above church was built

by the Swedish immigrants –

of the community in the 1800’s.

And is replicated from

an existing church in Sweden.

Unique in that it is an EIGHT-SIDED BUILDING!

Several pews inside are accessed from the ends only –

as a support beam comes down from the ceiling-

to the floor-making-

it is all but impossible

to either slide through or walk through.

Services are held here on certain dates throughout the year-

and this is considered a historical building.

The cemetery completely surrounds the church-

except for the driveway up the hill

and around the church.

We have attended many services here

and some have been in Swedish.

This is a picture of a memory

from Sherry’s hometown of Mount Jewett, Pa.

This is the walkway from the community center on Ocean Isle Beach

by the sand volleyball court!

We have seen this cat numerous times in the past three or more years.

It lives somewhere near this building!

Looking back the walkway to the Community Center of Ocean Isle Beach!

We know people come here

and feed this cat as we have been here

when they put the food out.

As you can tell – it looks well-fed.

I did not even know it was around

until Sherry looked back to the center

and said the cat was following us.

It continued past us and down a few steps

and sat down where I took the picture.

This also is where other people have fed it.

Sherry continued down to the surf

and I stayed up on the walkway by the cat.

It was a somewhat mild late January day –

overcast in the late afternoon –

Hardly anyone on the beach –

mid-50s

after some harsh cold days

after the snow and ice storm had melted.

The cat started to meow

as I stood there

and soon disappeared over to the left

and the top of this dune.

I looked away and when I looked back –

it was gone.

There are many feral cats –

we have some at Cameron Woods Community.

This one seems to enjoy the beach life.

I’ve looked to see where it might live –

but who knows –

there are many foxes around

so I imagine it to be somewhere high-

so as not to be in danger.

Thank you for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Papa’s World – Something memorable to us!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Good grief says Papa!

Here it is after four years – “SNOW”!

You up North – it is yours and I do not want it! LOL

But – I must say all the snow and ice was gone in five days!

Now – to be fair – this was a freak storm that went all the way down to Florida –

The Panhandle had snow – the beaches there had snow!

The East Coast or the Carolinas and Ga. and Va. had snow.

But inland they didn’t!

Climate Change?

I do not know but it was weird.

And it all turned to an ice crust and ice on the roads!

I will still take our winter here –

SUNSHINE most days and all day!

Walking in the sun – it is enough to take the chill away!

But – this will go down as SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

Here are the two teams we follow –

I lean a little bit more toward the Washington Commanders –

And Sherry leans a bit more toward the Buffalo Bills!

So – it came down that both made it to one game to go to the Super Bowl.

Neither one made it, but we were happy they got there!

And I said if they both make it –

I FEEL THAT I CAN’T LOSE NO MATTER HOW IT ENDS UP!

But this will go down as SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

Golfing in the mountains of OHAU – this was a dream come true.

We might never be able to do this again and most likely –

a once in a lifetime event!

Thus it becomes SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

We moved to the borders of N.C. and S.C. and to two beaches!

Most of the time we can walk year round on either one of them.

It is a dream we had and now a reality.

Thus it becomes SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

This is something we both live by each day-

So it has become LIVE LIFE TO THE PLUS ONE DAY AT A TIME!

And also SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US each day!

Each and every day in our lives together becomes SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

This blog details that each and every day –

I want to thank you all for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

PAPA’S WORLD – SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

Papa’s World – Some more good times in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This picture not only shows Cassidy – Sarah and Taylor

when they were younger –

But was taken in Sherry’s mother’s backyard.

Every spring time this bush bloomed with purple flowers.

Looking out the breakfast room window off the kitchen –

You could see this huge bush-like tree.

Back in NWPA in the Swedish settlement of Mount Jewett –

a place we would return to often after moving to NVA!

This town was settled by immigrants from Sweden in the 1800s.

Her mother lived in this house after Sherry’s father passed away.

The house was right behind the Lutheran church

and Barb would walk out of her side door

and fifty feet at the side entrance to the church.

It is a small town –

today –

most all the store Fronts are vacant.

But – we have so many good memories of the town –

the house and her mother’s presence there.

MORE GOOD MEMORIES!

Sherry hits the golf ball –

you can see the flight it takes –

look at two o’clock from her head-

As the flight takes it to the center of the fairway.

What makes this a good memory for us –

Is this in OHAU –

on a course in the mountains?

Part of this course is in the rainforest –

it actually was raining on that part-

the other part not raining.

Those mountains were quite high

and the cliffs

were where tribal battles were fought among the different islands.

The tribe from OHAU was forced to retreat there

and eventually forced over the cliff

to their deaths.

We saw wild pigs –

mongooses – exotic birds.

Many of the holes –

I just took a stroke and went to the other side of the ravine-

It was a 200-plus-yard carry over the ravine!

You can see how lush the course is.

We can now say we played golf

in the middle of the ocean on OHAU!

ANOTHER GOOD MEMORY!

Back in Olean at DAL-TILE –

formerly American Olean Tile Co.-

We worked with artist Eric Jones

who was in the design department –

which made ceramic murals

out of the small tiles we manufactured –

You can submit a picture

and he would make it real with the tiles.

Today he runs his own business back in WNY –

Every winter he does snow sculptures –

The Buffalo Bills come to mind!

Here is one he did that portrays the mascot-

of the SAINT BONAVENTURE BASKETBALL TEAM!

His snow sculptures are in demand

from corporations and he also has been on TV-

Where he carved pumpkins and won the challenge.

A very gifted artist who also does caricatures.

This is another GOOD MEMORY!

Our life together spans some 43-plus years –

a second marriage for both of us –

two sets of children –

her two girls and my two sons.

Our journey together-

has taken us through six different houses –

and one condo.

Three of the houses we had built.

We span four states –

five if you count the state we were raised in.

We have many friends –

some closer than others.

We worked a combined 79 1/2 years for the same company

and retired from that company.

We worked in NYS and NVA.

Today we are in OIB – N.C.

near the border of S.C.

We enjoy exploring – entertainment in NMB –

and Wilmington.

We travel back and forth to NVA

where most of the family and grandkids are.

We golf – go to the beach

and volunteer for the Protection of Sea Turtles –

Coastal living for seniors –

helping out at the store and library.

And through our church –

the Brunswick County Food Pantry.

Living a Meaningful Senior Life –

provides MORE GOOD MEMORIES!

On OHAU – traveling together

and making GOOD MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good times in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

On one of our GOOD TIMES together – Sherry and Cindy.

We were neighbors in WNY in the mid to late 80s and mid-90s.

They moved to the Wilmington, N.C. area and we would visit.

Over all these years – we often time planned vacations together taking us all over the world.

Buck – Cindy’s husband and I –

We golfed together when they lived as our neighbors back in WNY.

It was there that the gals decided to golf –

making for many laughs as often they would make fun of us for things we did golfing.

Like washing the golf balls off –

Not wearing mittens in cold weather –

Later they came to be good or better than us.

Today – we still laugh at all of the above.

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

The very first couple we met when we moved to Cameron Woods Community –

Is Diane and Steve.

We found out that they not only are our neighbors here –

But that they lived near us back in WNY –

And knew many of the places we did and still had a cottage on Rushford Lake.

Now – they spend their summers back in WNY while we watch their home.

Then for the rest of the year,

they are here and we do many things together.

All four of us are Bills fans!

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Two of my best friends – Buck and Jim.

Many laugh together over the years.

Jim and I grew up in the same little town in NWPA – ELDRED!

We played softball together and both worked for American Olean Tile in Olean, N.Y.

First – after 32 years –

I transferred to NVA –

And a few years later – he transferred to the Va. Beach area.

Buck had already moved to the Wilmington, N.C. area.

Today – Jim – Sherry and I all retired from Dal-Tile,

which was the former American Olean Tile and is now owned by MOHAWK INDUSTRIES.

We have maintained this friendship all these years.

Decades and decades of get-togethers and so many laughs.

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Getting together – here is Dottie – married to Jim – and also from ELDRED, PA.

Friends for all this time and still having fun together –

All are now retired and enjoying life to the plus.

Dottie who works and prepares so hard for our get-togethers

LOVE HER!

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Enjoying our life here in the Carolinas – what we dreamed of has become a reality.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES – SUBSCRIBE – IT’S FREE!!!!!

Papa’s World – Times in pictures forms memories!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

For almost twenty years –

We have run our internet business from home –

The business almost runs itself –

Sherry more or less guides the customers-

And they make the decision themselves.

Ship dates –

Add or subtract from the orders.

We started this as a way

to maintain aging healthy

as much as we can.

I certainly do not consume

the recommended fruits, vegetables, and berries every day-

mostly in uncooked form.

And the Omegas –

which you get from FISH oil –

Well, you have to worry about Mercury –

These Omegas –

Are made from Algae

which is grown on company farms-

Algae is what the fish eat to get the Omega-3s.

There is no Mercury in the Algae farms.

So, of course,

You might wonder –

“How do we know we are getting the nutrients from their fruits, vegetables, and berries”?

Well –

JP is the most researched whole food product of all time.

Over FORTY studies have been done

and published

in Journals proving it does what it says it does.

Rest assured, I did not read all of them –

But enough to know what it does

and from my own experience –

I believe it!

Now it is NSA-approved –

which means Professional Athletes –

Can use this every day

and not be expelled from their sports.

The Olympic teams take it –

Both summer and Winter.

I will always take it every day –

And I get my blood tested every six months

And I am good!

If you are interested, click on http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

In the first picture –

Sherry and Debby were recognized

at a conference at Elton’s dinner.

Sort of an awards show

for those who excel.

As I stated at the beginning –

I am going on TWENTY YEARS

of taking this supplement every day.

Although I can not stop aging –

I try to age as healthily

as I can in my SENIOR YEARS.

We are both in our mid to late 70s

LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS –

ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Thanks for reading –

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD –

TIMES IN PICTURES FORM MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Memorable moments!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

When we lived in Brambleton, Va. –

we were only one mile away from Tammy – Marcus – the twins and Bode.

He was too young for school and the twins were at the middle school less than a block away.

So – for the most part – he spent his days with MORMOR and PAPA.

We had a cupboard that all the kid’s toys would fit into.

All of the grandkids played with these same toys!

Hours and hours!

The carpet on the floor – the fireplace on for the cold and snow outside.

The only time he quit was to eat!

I would sit and watch and sometimes join in!

The FARM SET was his favorite.

I miss these times but also have MEMORABLE MOMENTS in pictures of those times!

Along with shopping and him riding in the cart!

Now he is older – soon to be eleven years old –

Now he asks MORMOR to bake cookies so he can help!

This is now creating more MEMORABLE MOMENTS in time for us as seniors.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUBSCRIBE – IT’S FREE!!!!!

Papa’s World – Good times in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We have two NFL teams we follow –

The Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Bills!

Before we moved to NVA –

we lived in WNY – BILLS COUNTRY.

We were there for all four Super Bowls.

When we moved to NVA –

It was all Redskins –

To watch the Bills –

We had to travel to Alexandria to a bar above a pizza joint!

That trip because of traffic –

took an hour and a half.

That lasted one season for me

as it became a Sunday trip lasting about eight hours.

So – we slowly began to watch the Redskins

and on our final move to another house-

We lived about five miles from their headquarters

and practice fields and facilities!

Many times I would take a half-day vacation and go and watch them.

Soon – we both had two teams to cheer on – when we could watch the Bills.

Today – we live on the border of N.C. and S.C.

And we have two flags we fly during NFL season.

The Commanders and the Bills.

I lean a little more toward the Commanders

and Sherry toward the Bills!

This year as of this writing –

They both gained the AFL and the NFL championship games.

This has provided us GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

One of the places we volunteer is Coastal Point Living-

A senior living facility that also has a memory care unit and assisted living.

My work is in the library – where I go in and organize it once a month.

Weeding out books to make room for new ones –

Keeping puzzle boxes in like stacks –

Putting books away where they are cataloged.

Sherry helps out with the store that the residents get about once a month.

They earn vouchers during the month and spend them at the store.

They set it up as much as they can to simulate shopping in a store.

The residents come in wheelchairs – walkers – canes or walk if they can.

They love to be able once again to spend their vouchers and the feel of shopping!

THIS HAS PROVIDED A GOOD TIME IN MEMORIES!

We cherish our life together –

and our lives with family and friends!

Living in the South –

near the beach

and shopping and entertainment in our golden years.

The opportunity to live this life –

is a blessing and we are so grateful

LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME CREATES GOOD TIMES IN MEMORIES!

The dawn of another day in our neighborhood!

We chose this place to live

as it is central to what we want to do.

Beach – shopping – entertainment – friends and golf.

CREATING GOOD TIMES IN MEMORIES!

As we look forward –

2025 is ahead –

hoping all these above are a major part of this year.

Family – church – friends and health are our main goals.

CREATING GOOD TIMES IN MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading my blog: PAPA’S WORLD

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUBSCRIBE – ITS FREE!

Papa’s World – My reference – desktop calender!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

How do you keep track of your commitments and daily activities as a senior?

Above picture – Sherry and I volunteer at Coastal Living –

An assisted care unit and memory for seniors living here in the South.

We go maybe once a month or as needed.

This visit was for the “Store” for the seniors who get vouchers and go shopping!

Most items are donated and put on racks and tables-

just like a store would be.

It gives them the sense of still being able to function –

even thou they are wheelchair bound-

or with walkers.

But for us –

we have each calenders on our office desks.

Entered are appointments – trips or visits by family and friends.

My memory is good but not so good that I can remember all that need to be remembered!

That is why I blog every day – to keep my writing skills good and also my memory.

Writing down what is upcoming every month –

and then comparing both of our calendars –

allows us to schedule a month out!

Planning ahead – doctor appointments –

I drive us most of the time.

I also write little notes to remind me of upcoming events –

meetings and social gatherings.

Being a senior – I find this to be a way to organize time –

And a way to keep track of days and dates!

Yes – being a senior –

you no longer know what day it is unless you have a place to look! LOL

I know Wednesday is garbage pick-up day –

and that I go around the house on Tuesday and empty

all the little garbage cans and that main one in the kitchen.

That is my job as the laundry is hers –

Simply because I may not do it right! LOL

When we meet up with friends or neighbors –

I get asked,

“What have you been up to or what did you do today”?

My answer –

“I DON’T KNOW BUT IT TOOK ME ALL DAY TO DO IT”! LOL

We are in our SENIOR YEARS –

living life one day at a time & living life to the plus!

Calendars are a big part of daily life!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Giving good thoughts and smiles!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

In today’s hectic life – news is front and center every day – most of it dividing families – friends –

neighbors and people in general –

Today – this blog – I try to bring a different perspective –

GOOD THOUGHTS – SOME SMILES –

My blog is about life – family – friends and places –

I hope today gives a little of all to you!

In our backyard – I placed these faces on the tree facing our home – each time I look outback –

I see them looking back and smiling – even at night as I have a solar light shining on them.

It gives me a sense that not all the news is alarming – there is still a little humor out there!

LOL – and in my case – a lot of the above brings a great salad – always a perfect shot to bring me back!

A picture says a thousand words – NORTH MYRTLE BEACH –

SHAGGING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD-

Dancing to the beach music for the past 80-plus years!

Generations – grandparents – parents and grandchildren fill the dance floors.

Competitions – junior shaggers –

Sidewalks are full of granite-dated names of past shaggers all around the town.

A little music – dancers in clubs and good times –

and a water tower with a couple dancing the night away – brings joy –

A good thought for the day!

This picture was drawn by our granddaughter when she was just 11 years old at our home in OIB!

She is so talented – she plays the violin – sits down at the keyboard and plays a Billie Eilish song

without a music sheet –

Bring joy to my heart –

Another generation to carry on happiness.

Cassidy when she was maybe three – or about to be.

A feeling of pride in my heart!

Both of us have always loved the sand – surf and warm days at the beach.

Now – in our last home – we are but minutes away –

from two beaches and our time is spent walking the sand and surf – whenever we want to.

A calming influence in the turmoil that seems to be in the news daily.

OUR WHY WE ARE HERE IN OCEAN ISLE BEACH!

As the sun sets on another day in our place in the world – love – kindness – sharing and helping.

We are but a small voice in a large sky – but hopefully – others join us.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – GIVING GOOD THOUGHTS AND SMILES!

Papa’s World – Fun times with family and friends.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Above is my son – Troy and then me – he is in the yellow shirt and I am next to him-

We are in front of the Lutheran Church on the main street in Mount Jewett, PA.

This is where Sherry went to church growing up.

We were here visiting her mother and watching the parade for the Swedish Festival.

It is both a happy memory and a sad one looking back.

The couple to the left – I graduated with her; her husband was a Pa. State trooper.

Sadly they both have passed away – gone but not forgotten.

The Swedish Festival is a week-long event held yearly for the past 50 years.

Vendors – music events and parade and carnival.

We have not attended since her mother passed away.

A memory from the past.

In the cart is Buck and standing is Jimmy.

My two oldest longtime friends other than the ones I graduated with.

Buck and I were neighbors back in Pleasant Acres Drive in Portville, N.Y.

Jim grew up in Eldred, Pa. the same as I did.

We worked together at the TILE PLANT and played softball together.

Today we all live in the state of N.C.

We reunite every four or so months with our wives –

playing golf – laughing and having good times for memories.

Many years ago this was taken of the grandkids.

Bode is now ten years old.

Maddy graduated from college and Ella will this Spring graduate from college.

Sarah will graduate this year from H.S.

Fun times with grandkids growing up.

Inspiration for this blog!

Sherry and Cindy – friendship goes way back to the late 80s when we moved to Pleasant Acres Dr.

Just outside Portville, N.Y. when we became neighbors of the McBrides.

Today – that friendship continues here in N.C. as we live about 38 miles South of them.

Today we get together for music – plays – dinner and golf.

Friends are forever.

Sherry with Bode – Cassidy and Taylor years ago.

When we moved – it was hard leaving them behind as we spent a lot of time with them.

Today we go back and forth to see family.

And they in turn come down here.

But we have so many memories and are making new memories since we moved.

Pictures bring it all back.

While we are in the sunset of our senior years –

remaining as healthy as we can –

volunteering for many organizations –

We remain in our dream life living here in the South.

Warm – sand – surf and entertainment.

OIB – thank you for reading my blog –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good vibes – thoughts and laughs!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Smile – laugh – I hope this starts your day with humor!!

Cassidy when little – smiling – brings good thoughts to me – forever young in my mind and heart.

Look around – and up at the sky – how great it is and how fortunate we are to live here!

Today I share with you on these blogs – our lives – hopes and dreams.

These blogs are journals of our family – and friends and happenings in our lives.

Shared and stored here for future generations to look at – read and know who we were.

My hope is in the future – the next generations will see this – know – love who we are.

This is PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Free to join – free to read share and comment.

618 members worldwide –

I would love to have you added!

Papa and Sherry – living life to the fullest one day at a time with family and friends!

PAPA’S WORLD – GOOD VIBES – THOUGHTS – and HUMOR!!!!!!

Papa’s World – What I saw!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Throughout my time here on Earth – I have seen many sights and though how it could be a story!

So – I constantly look for things in my life –

Here is a pile of shoes –

Not just any shoes –

And notice – The pair on the far right –

Both facing in the same direction –

And a pair of socks!

These belong to our young grandson Bode –

And this picture was taken back in our home in Brambleton, Va.

We sold this home in 2020 – during the pandemic and moved South –

To North Myrtle Beach before we built our house in Cameron Woods Community!

I found this shoe placement to be interesting.

They would come for a visit and rule number one –

Remove your shoes! (Bode also chose to remove his socks!) LOL

Now the first pair to the left is Cassidy’s -And the Middle pair is Taylor’s!

Taylor has always been the bigger of the twins.

But what caught my eye was how they took them off and placed them!!!!

Being twins – they are exactly placed alike!

I found this to be interesting so I took the picture.

They are both alike and different.

but in this one instance –

More alike than different!

WHAT I SAW!

Here is Buck in the cart and Jimmy standing.

These two are besides grade school friends –

My oldest friends.

Jimmy and I are from Eldred, Pa.

While I am older by 9 Years –

We played softball together and worked at the American Olean Tile Plant together.

We went on family vacations together –

Raise our children and go to each other’s weddings!

We go back to the mid-70s.

Buck actually knew Jimmy before he knew me.

But – when we sold our first home we moved to Pleasant Acres Drive and became neighbors –

Buck and Cindy McBride became close friends and golfing partners-

all those years ago in the 80s.

Then they moved South to the Wilmington, N.C. area.

On vacations, we would visit and at that time we both loved the area.

We have traveled the World with Buck and Cindy.

And now live 38 miles from them –

They are in Magnolia Greens Gplf Plantation outside of Leland –

Still close to Wilmington, N.C.

Friends for life – WHAT I SAW!

Sherry – Buck and Cindy at Vanish back in NVA near Leesburg, Va. –

While visiting our family.

These are times gone past but remain as memories and times to come.

McBrides and Sherry and me.

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

Jimmy and Dottie – Julie – Cindy’s sister – Cindy – Buck and Sherry –

WHAT I SAW – is forever friends!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Looking back in time.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Brambleton, Va. Where we lived for 14 1/2 Years.

At the time we built this home – our second one – we had planned on staying here for retirement.

It was a big house on two floors- almost 3200 SF.

Sitting on a corner lot – it was a mixed community –

made up mostly of commuters in government or state jobs –

into D.C. via the Metro.

One of our neighbors shortly before we sold was –

The Director of the Counterintelligence Division of the FBI.Worldwide.

One day I was sitting on my front porch when I observed a car pull up into the intersection –

And he – the driver-

angled kitty’s corner and rolled his window down.

He then proceeded to take a camera –

and take pictures of the Directors house.

In a few moments, he made a turn and sped away.

It all happened so fast that I did not even think to get the plate number.

Later that day in the early evening –

I walked across the street and greeted the Director.

We talked and then I told him what happened.

He asked several questions –

and told me about his wife observing a black SUV pull up

and park across the street.

She wrote down the plate number –

and phoned her husband.

He had the plate number run-

and it did not exist.

He then took out his wallet –

and gave me his personal card-

I have that card today.

He told me that he had been testifying before Congress –

on the Chinese Gov’t-

He did not go into details-

but said to keep an eye out –

and try to get the plate number-

If anything strange happens again.

His wife then bought a gun –

and took lessons and had a permit to carry.

About two years before we sold our home –

he retired from his post –

they sold their home –

and he became a security director-

for a major worldwide company.

We still are in contact-

and they now live in Texas.

Looking at the front of our home –

I was sitting to the right of the center of the porch.

Their home would have been to the far right-

across the intersection on the corner.

The road in front of the house is where I first saw the man in the car.

That was something I shall always remember-

as I can see it in my mind today.

Today that house has once again been sold –

for $220,000.00 more than we sold it for!

It was to be our forever home –

but times change.

We have moved on –

But this one memory is still present in my mind.

Thanks for reading –

and I blog to keep my mind sharp –

and my memory is strong!

I do not want to be picked up in the trash! LOL

This is about the time all that happened from my front porch!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: PAPA’S WORLD livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Google search the above for hundreds of other memory blogs! IT’S FREE!

Papa’s World – Visiting the past!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We had our friends at our home for New Year’s Eve and day three years ago.

Here – we gather on the beach with our neighbors and new friends –

Diane and Steve –

Who just happens to be from WNY and still has a Rushford Lake cottage.

This Olean-Portville area is where we lived and raised our family.

Also present is our next-door neighbor Kathy –

We gathered on the beach close to sunset on New Year’s Eve.

A bottle of spirits and glasses helped us view the sunset and set the stage for our get-together –

back at the house!

Sherry is about to open the bottle and Jimmy hoping it does not flow out to him! (it didn’t)

Diane and Steve – from WNY – are now our neighbors in Cameron Community.

It is a small world as they also visit all the places we left behind in Portville-Olean, N.Y.

Jim and Dottie and Buck and Cindy are also from the same area –

and we have known for over Forty Years!

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD – VISITING THE PAST-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

JOIN FOR FREE!

Papa’s World – BLOGGING – WORLDWIDE!

/ Tom / 2 Comments

LOL – My life has not changed all that much over the years regarding sleeping habits!

I go to bed when I am tired – usually between 8 and 9pm.

If I stay up – I seem to get a second wind and then I am awake into the early hours of the evening!

Since childhood, I would wake up at 5 to 6 am.

This was the time my parents were up and getting ready to go to work –

My mother worked at “ALCAS” later to be “CUTCO” maker of great knives –

dinner knives are known to replace or sharpen them at no cost.

My father was a supervisor on the oil fields for South Penn or PENNSOIL.

This meant that my brother and I had to get up early

and my mom would walk us down the street to my sister’s and brother-in-law’s apartment.

We would wait there and have breakfast and then walk to school.

My wife encouraged me to start a blog – as I was writing on Facebook every day and then it was gone!

This blog was a way to preserve my writings!

Neatly kept in a site controlled by me.

Little did I know that there were people out there that I did not know –

who enjoyed reading my blog on family – friends and our life in general!

I wanted this blog to be my journal – a way for future generations to know us!

We were married on 6-25-1982 – a second marriage for both of us – Sherry had two daughters –

and I had two sons.

On weekends – we were all one family.

Sherry on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.

She is the main reason I write the blog and along with a friend – helped me set it up!

Little by little people from all over World – joined my site!

Six people I knew also joined my site.

Today – 618 folks have joined – from all over the World!

Here is an early morning screen-shot – my post goes live at Midnight!

Throughout the day – more and more people read the blog and some comment.

Every morning at sunrise – I am up no later and showered by 6am. –

I look at my stats –

Showing me the previous day’s numbers on who visited.

My goal so to speak is to leave all these blogs to our own future generations to come to read-

and see the pictures of just who we were.

I want to thank you all for supporting my blog and my writings!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog join it is FREE!

PAPA’S WORLD – BLOGGING – WORLDWIDE!

Papa’s World – All things past!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Sherry and I are at our breakfast table – going over paperwork!

I believe it to be getting ready to sell the house.

This was a big moment for us as this was supposed to be our retirement home.

Things changed – during the Pandemic – kids moved and 401K went South.

But the housing market went way up

TIME TO MOVE ON FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE!

Just before the Pandemic hit –

We spent a month in Florida at an Airbnb.

While out exploring –

We found this unique British Pub!

Everything British – food -music-

A memory from the past!

After we sold the house in NVA-

We moved South to North Myrtle Beach.

This was right in the middle of the Pandemic.

As you can see – in the middle of the day –

We were the only people out and about.

These stores were still all open.

I felt so bad for them!

A MEMORY FROM THE PAST-

I SHALL ALWAYS HAVE AS A MEMORY!

In Florida – we attended a Madre Gras festival near our stay.

Warm weather and lots of beads and memories!

Our past memories serve as a reminder of all things in our lives.

Looking forward to making new memories.

Friends – family and new people to meet.

New to our involvement is the Protection of Sea Turtles.

From mid-May to mid-October –

We spend time almost every day on the beach-

either walking to find Sea Turtle nests or sitting by a nest waiting for them to hatch.

Memories of both past and present.

Cindy and Sherry at Niagra Falls on one of our many trips together inside the country and overseas!

Making memories for almost forty years –

Friends for a lifetime-

Ready to make new memories –

Thanks for reading Papa’s World –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Memories from the past – FRIENDS!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We are at the beginning of the Pandemic in Reston Town Center – NVA!

We had come to have lunch with Jason and Ginger before we moved South –

To North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

We would say goodbye outdoors in the open air.

We often spent time in this town center-

In winter the ice skating rink.

Today – they have also moved south –

Near Wilmington, N.C. – Leland – Brunswick Forest!

Now we are 40 minutes away and get together often.

Ginger and Sherry on the golf course.

When we moved from Portville, N.Y. in 1999 –

We left behind close friends Steve and Elaine.

We raised our kids as they raised theirs in Portville, N.Y.

We often played golf –

Visiting each other’s homes –

And spending time together as families.

In the very beginning of this friendship –

We were on the same Volleyball Team –

Which was called “THE BEACH CLUB”!

We played in the mid 80’s to mid 90’s –

Before we all took up golf.

We won the one-year championship – 1989!

And to this day we still stay in touch and they have visited once in Camero Woods Community.

We are now all grandparents!

Freddy and I went to school together –

Linda and Fred were my friends before Sherry and I were married on 6-25-1982.

They now live in Florida and have stayed in touch.

We have visited them once and one other time met up with them.

Friendships for a lifetime.

What can I say – Buck and Cindy – Jimmy and Dottie and Sherry and I –

The besties for four-plus decades.

We took our families on beach vacations with Jim and Dottie –

I played softball with Jim back in the late 70’s.

We have traveled the world with Buck and Cindy –

and to this day we still gather 2 to 3 times a year at each other’s homes!

So many fun times – golfing – scrambles – giving strokes and completing!

The years have passed –

but the friendship has continued!

Oh, the laughter and smiles and fun times when these three get together!

Jimmy with Cindy and Sherry –

Outside the guys I graduated with –

Jimmy is my oldest friend –

We played softball together back in the mid 70’s.

I went to his wedding and he to mine when Sherry and I were married.

We worked together in Olean Tile Plant!

FRIENDS FOR YEARS AND YEARS!

Sherry – Pam – Papa and Bobby.

We went to grade school together –

Played sports and stayed at each other’s houses.

I rode to school in his father’s car.

We slept out and roamed the streets.

Made beer runs to NYS at it was 18 back then and 21 in Pa.

That friendship continues to this day.

They now are in their 6th, year of RVing –

And each year stop for a week and see us in Cameron Woods Community.

Many adventures have passed and hopefully, new ones to continue!

The last visit before they left for winter camp in Florida.

They like where we are in N.C. –

And maybe someday will make this area a base camp.

And now we are making new friends in our community-

Here – Marcea – Bill – Diane and Papa.

Neighborhood friends –

Friendly competition between Bills and Steelers fans.

Sherry – Jack Lisa – Bill and Marcea and Diane and Steve.

Friends have been and always will be a prime source in our lives together.

Diane and Sherry –

new friends – but her and Steve are from back in WNY –

close to where we lived and raised our children.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Visiting back home in NVA!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

The twins – Cassidy on the left and Taylor on the right-

This is a Christmas concert at Community Lutheran Church.

It was three different choirs –

A complete orchrestra-

And they – the twins – had a duet to start the program off!

A fine time to be home and witness them up front and singing!

Years ago we took all three along with their mother Tammy –

Into Washington, D.C. –

to see the lights – the nation’s Christmas tree-

and celebrations all over the city.

Walking the streets of the Nation’s Capital – WASHINGTON, D.C.

On the METRO’S SILVER LINE –

A first for Bode who was only three years old!

At the platform on the Metro Silver Line.

Here is Taylor – Bode and Cassidy –

This was seven years ago!

This is Taylor today with Marley!

She has trained her to do everything.

She has such a way with animals.

She treats horses the same way!

She would live in the barn with them if she could!

Bode today – next birthday he will be eleven years old!

Into all sports –

Loves the Commanders and the Capitals and the Nationals.

Plays soccer and flag football and golf!

Cassidy – Cheerleading – Gymnastics –

both girls are honor students.

She is the neatest one –

her room is always neat and the bed is made.

She is a fashion queen-

much like her cousin – Sarah!

Here Taylor is training Marley –

not to eat the treat until she says so!

And Marley does just that with the treat on her nose! LOL

All three love making Christmas cookies!

This is a small part of traveling back to Leesburg –

seeing the little ones and Marley!

Marley – such a gentle Golden Doodle-

She is so accommodating.

They dress her up and she just goes along with it!

This is but the first part of going home for the holidays.

Later we go to Lake Holiday to see the rest of the family!

At Lake Holiday with Debby – to be continued!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Year two – Cassidy is Santa’s Helper!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Last year was her first year helping Santa at a HOA Community outreach party!

She dresses up in her Santa Helper red dress and black leggings!

Cassidy – invited by her friend –

Attended the HOA event –

Handing out candy canes to all the children in line to sit and talk to Santa!

It seems like only yesterday –

Cassidy would have been one of those little children!

Here are Taylor and Cassidy in their neighborhood when Santa came on the firetruck.

The look of wonder from Taylor –

and the look of amazement from Cassidy.

Tugs at my heart that those times are long past!

I kind of identify with this! LOL!

She does this because –

she has a true heart of gold!

She is growing up so fast –

and I miss that little girl.

Here are the five granddaughters –

Three are now adults –

one has graduated from college-

A second will be shortly and the third will graduate from HS.

The twins will be 15 years old on their next birthday!

But for now,

I shall keep this image in my mind –

until she grows up even more!

Santa’s Little Helper Growing Up –

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Over 3/4 of a Century!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

It is hard to believe it went by that fast!

It seems only yesterday I stood here in this picture – 6-25-1982 – 33 years old!

And now today I am 76 years old!

Here is my grade school – High School friend – Bobby –

Both are now 76 years Young!

Still staying in touch for all those years!

We grew up together in a little town in NWPA – called Eldred!

Sleeping out – under the stars – playing sports-

on our porch and in the yard in the back of the house.

No ground cloth – just sleeping bags –

Mine was a hand-me-down from my brother-in-law Bill!

It was his olive green Korean War one!

I really do not know how they stayed warm in those!

It was just a wool blanket inside a canvas bag!

Two of my oldest friends – on the left – Dottie and Jimmy – whom I have known since they graduated from H.S. in little Eldred, Pa.

I was at their wedding and they were at Sherry and my wedding!

My wife Sherry on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic –

We have been side by side since the day we were married and a year and one-half before that!

We have traveled the world – raised two sets of children –

We have sold and bought SIX HOUSES in that time –

and three of them we had built!

We had a combined 79 1/2 years of service with one company –

American Olean Tile – Dal Tile –

And at retirement had gone through FOUR acquisitions

The final one is MOHAWK!

We both transferred from Olean in 1999!

To Northern Va. – Alexandria for me and Dulles for her.

In the end – she went from being an SSC manager – gathering numerous awards along the way –

to an outside sales rep for NVA and parts of WVA!

In 2020 – both of us being retired – the pandemic hit and the 401K went South!

But – what was a surprise –

The values of our RETIREMENT HOME FOR LIFE –

Increased so much –

We decided to sell and move to a warmer climate.

Sunset Beach, N.C., and in the distance Ocean Isle Beach. N.C.

Golf – sand – ocean and warm weather in the Carolinas!

We were eight miles to the border of N.C. and S.C.

We left behind families – both in Pa. and NVA.

But we moved forty miles from our dear friends Buck and Cindy –

who was for years our next-door neighbors in Portville, N.Y. –

In Pleasant Acres Drive!

They had moved South a few years before we did to the Wilmington- Leland, N.C.

We often Ed visited them and decided we liked it in this general area.

Today – we often get together to golf – dinner and trips!

We have traveled the World with them!

We have made new friends in our neighborhood –

Here is Diane along with her husband Steve –

are from WNY –

and still to this day spend summers at their cottage house at Rushford Lake –

A few miles from where we lived in Portville, N.Y.

Today – they live but three doors up from us in Cameron Woods Community!

For almost nineteen years we have run an internet business from our home base-

Juice Plus – Fruits – Vegetables – Berries and Omegas in powdered and liquid form –

In capsules with over 40 scientific researches done-

by Major institutions all over the World-

to prove what it does.

Not only have I never missed a day –

at 76 years old – and having tests conducted every four to six months-

I am convinced of what the research proves –

That I will take this for the rest of my life.

And what it has done for our economy –

is provides us with 19 years of residual income-

from our own website in our home!

A big thank you for reading my blog on what is today year number 76 in my life.

You can follow me for free by joining my blog –

over 650 folks worldwide now follow my daily blog.

I owe my health to Sherry –

who is an SSC with the company.

and a certified health coordinator

PAPA’S WORLD –

my blog: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Life to the Plus!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We decided to move further South – all the way down to the border of N.C. and S.C. – OIB!

We are eight miles to the border – and in the other direction – 8 miles to big box shopping!

And – we hear in that area – a Costco is coming!

We are close to two beaches – OIB and Sunset Beach and several others.

North Myrtle Beach is thirty minutes away – and Wilmington is forty-five minutes!

A view from the pier at Sunset Beach and in the distance the tall building is Ocean Isle Beach.

In ten minutes we are on OIB and fifteen minutes Sunset Beach.

We are in the middle of 30 golf courses and with our FIRST TEE card we can play most of them at a big discounted rate.

Neither one of us likes the cold – ice and snow and down here we get very little of any of it!

It does get cold with windchill – but when the sun is out – it feels warm.

We own no snow shovels!

We grow our Tower Garden all twelve months – and now are growing Cucumbers and Lettuce.

Allowing us to eat our own pest-free produce!

This flower has just completed its second year of growing – and we will continue through the winter months – covering it when necessary.

We are from WNY and NVA and follow the Bills and the Commanders.

I love sports and I still am a big Saint Bonaventure Basketball fan and follow them year to year.

LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS one day at a time – PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A list of pictures with memories!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Over the years we have gone to many JP HEALTH CONFERENCES!

Here we are on our way into what is called THE ELTONS-

A celebration of achievement for the company.

Debby who was being honored for achieving QMND – And Sherry for achieving SSC.

At this particular event – the entertainment was LONESTAR –

The country-western icon band.

For 19-plus years we have been on the path to health and our internet business.

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Our three oldest granddaughters when they were young!

It is hard to think that they are adults now –

One graduated from college –

One about to graduate from college –

and one soon to graduate from High School!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Here is Sherry with Cassidy ( hat ) Bode – who couldn’t walk at that time – and Taylor –

All three call her MORMOR –

Which in Swedish is MOTHERS MOTHER!

Sherry’s grandmother was born in Sweden.

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Bode – Cassidy and Taylor – a few years later.

Today – the twins are 14 years old and Bode is 10 years old!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

A couple years ago – The Swedish genes ran deep!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

One of the rules of life we live by!

We often visit the different areas by the water –

Here is the ICW and we stopped for a quick lunch!

Our dream life – living in the South!

Here is Taylor years ago –

She has always loved horses –

today she rides and works in the stalls in the barn.

Spending as much free time as she can!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

A quote that we live by!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A look around at what’s going on!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

A trip to Niagra Falls with our friends the McBrides several years ago.

We now live about 40 miles from them –

They are in Magnolia Greens just outside Leland, N.C.

over the years we have traveled the World with them.

Our last trip was to Ashville, N.C.

In between we go out to dinner or shows and occasional golf.

Just a wee look into what goes on in our life!

Before the Pandemic and our move to Cameron Woods Community-

Back in NVA – Sherry was a runner –

Taking a first place in her age group –

Here we went back to our roots in WNY for a race where Tammy joined her.

Both daughters followed in her footsteps and ran races with her.

Even the Cherry Blossom ten-mile race in DC.-

When they crossed the finish line all three holding hands!

Great memories and her inspiration to others to be healthy and age that way!

Here nine years ago – is Cassidy and Taylor and little Bode!

Sitting under the Swedish Maypole on the church lawn in Mount Jewett!

Here is where Sherry was raised and went to church.

Once a year the town puts on what is called THE SWEDISH FESTIVAL!

This little community situated in the Alleghany Mountains –

Has a proud heritage of Swedish immigrants.

Her mother’s mother ( MORMOR) was born in Sweden.

The three youngest grandkids all call Sherry – MORMOR!

A week-long festivities of Swedish heritage takes place and this pole is one of the events!

A look back at her hometown and grandkids.

A good vibe for the day!

Our day begins with a SUNRISE on OIB –

We are blessed that we can be on the beach in minutes –

To see this every day if we wish!

A look at our lives in N.C.

A look at Sherry training members of her TEAM GENERATIONS in NVA before we left.

Teaching health and nutrition all up and down the East Coast!

Our very long-time friends from WNY who still live back there-

Steve and Elaine-

So far they have traveled down once to be with us and we are hoping that happens again!

Thank you for reading-

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Our lifestyle in N.C.!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Diane and Sherry – it is indeed a small world!

Diane and her husband Steve are from WNY –

close to where we raised our family.

They still maintain a cottage on Rushford Lake.

They visit all the sites we did living there.

And – when we moved in –

They were there to greet us –

living but three houses from our new home!

Thus – our life in N.C. became a bit friendlier-

Having them as new friends!

Today we have another couple as friends that lived near us in NVA!

Ginger and Jason have built a house in Brunswick Forest –

Across the street from Magnolia Greens ( where our long time friends the McBrides have lived for years)

They are here during the winter months and in warm weather go North to Maine –

where they have a summer cottage.

Friends from back home!

Our life has changed from our first “RETIREMENT” home in NVA-

to our new “RETIREMENT” home in N.C.

Mainly because of the Pandemic and the partial recession that followed

Our 401K took a hard hit-

while our “RETIREMENT” home gained a large increase in value –

So we sold and sought out a warmer climate.

That is how we ended up in our new home close to the border of S.C. and N.C.

After all these years – over four decades –

We still have our close friends whom we get together every four months!

And now our oldest friends and us all live in the state of N.C.

Making it even more possible to plan get-togethers!

We are now all mostly retired-

All living our dreams –

Retirement in the warm South.

And the area is growing by leaps and bounds!

Making a housing shortage while property values increase-

making our new “RETIREMENT” home more valuable!

But – we are staying put and enjoying our lives to the plus every day!

Thank you for reading –

Papa’s World –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

PAPA’S WORLD – OUR LIFESTYLE IN NORTH CAROLINA!

Papa’s World – He can build a house from the ground up – my son TROY!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

My father was this way – he could and did build anything!

He set up Tripods and pulled engines from cars.

He tore the roof and rafters off the big red barn –

And installed a lower roof by himself.

He renovated and built the house I was raised in.

All this did not pass on to me-

It skipped a generation and fell to my oldest son TROY!

Troy on a visit to our home and at Inlet View!

The patience required ( I have none)

When he was small – he would always take things apart and put them back together!

He got the love of the outdoors – fishing – and hunting from my father.

While Troy has no children of his own – during the years –

he has other boys and girls who look up to him as a father figure!

Even walking one down the aisle at her marriage.

He is kind – gentle and giving and helping others.

I rode the motorcycle back in the mid-70s –

He also rides –

though not as often as he did.

Anything Pittsburg sports –

he is a big fan of it.

Today – he has a partner – Andrea –

And I hope they can come back down this summer or whenever they choose.

Andrea and Troy at Barefoot Landing at Crooked Hammock.

They still live back in NWPA-

Just outside the little town of Eldred – Where we both grew up!

We are proud of this son who grew into this man.

Thanks for reading!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Who are we?

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This quote from Harry S. Truman –

Pretty much says who we are!

We believe in the Constitution of the USA!

The equality of men and women.

Free speech and the right to vote.

Family – church and country.

We volunteer-

We gather family and friends into our home.

We love our country – friends – neighbors –

WE ARE US!

Grandma – MORMOR ( Swedish for mothers mother)

Adored by grandchildren.

Over the years –

leading by example-

For the generations now –

and the generations to come-

An example of loving – caring – wisdom and patriarch of this family.

THIS IS HER!

Grandchildren are a beloved asset of family life.

Joy – laughter – and kindness are always in our minds.

THIS IS US!

Memories of times gone by –

Wishing they would still be little –

but cherishing times we spent together-

But knowing generations to come –

Will be able to LOOK back –

And know the love we had –

THIS IS US!

We are aging as healthy as we can –

living our dream –

and Living our lives one day at a time.

Healthy supplement for going on 20 years.

Maintaining our independence –

Today we continue on this path and family has followed us.

THIS IS US!

Sharing life –

exploring avenues and paths to our future.

Active – serving community.

THIS IS US!

Another sunrise on our life together –

now going on 43-plus years.

THIS IS US!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Past remembered – memories.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Here we are – Papa is on the left, and Sherry is next to him.

This year, we won the summer league group two championship in Volleyball!

1989 – and we had been playing for four or five years!

Sixteen teams in the summer league –

Playoffs and this trophy!

CO-ED – but – you had to be ready or you would get smashed in the face with a spike!

I think we played into the early 90s before hanging it up 43 years old –

to both of us taking up GOLF!

PASR REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

Sherry with her two sisters – Debbie and Bonnie-

Sherry is the oldest –

They were raised just outside Mount Jewett, Pa.

Bonnie still lives next door to where they were raised –

And Debbie lives about a mile from us in Cameron Woods Garden Homes!

PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

Here we are with decades and decades gone by with our friends!

Dottie – was not here but Jim was.

We all play or try to play golf.

We get together every four months.

PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

The cemetery outside of the little town where I grew up –

Eldred, Pa.

Here is where all my family is resting.

Both on the left side and the right side.

I will not be here as we have a place here in OIB-

PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

My youngest son Shawn and wife – Trisha.

They live back in NWPA-

Twice they have made that long trip South to visit.

PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

Taylor – Bode and Cassidy –

Back when we lived but a mile away.

In their kitchen –

They always wanted our JP COMPLETE CHOCOLATE healthy drink.

MORMOR – can you make us a drink they would say –

and even baby Bode loved it!

To this day when they visit –

CAN WE HAVE A CHOCOLATE DRINK? they ask!

PASR REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

This is the JP CONFERENCE held in Charlotte, N.C.

19 plus years we have been attending these workshops.

19 plus years we have attempted to age as healthy as we can with this product.

I have never missed a day and will continue as long as I can.

PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

Today I share PAST REMEMBERED – MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

Papa’s World – happiness – kindness – believe in yourself!

/ Tom / Leave a comment
Change happens – embrace it and make it work.

This happens to me – so I word to associate the names!

Smile while passing people – exchange words and greetings – make a difference in your life and those you do not know.

Family is important – stay in touch – meet often.

Distance and life keep us apart – but love and hearts keep us close.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – Time – pictures – memories!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This past Christmas – decorations – lights and colors!

We had one tree outside on the covered porch –

One tree inside in the living room-

And one small tree in the enclosed Lanai!

Sherry does a fantastic decorating job!

I – do both trees that have decorations.

Just a picture for a memory of the holidays!

The same porch from the summer!

We always have flower pots –

but this year the deer have eaten everything we place outside!

I have used all types of sprays – none worked!

I ended up moving the pots inside the porch and near the walls.

That helped but it was always a pain to move in morning and night!

Just a picture of the past summer!

Posting positive thoughts – good vibes and sweet memories!

Papa’s World – for family – friends and a history of who and what we are!

Just a look at our life together.

A look back in time at a sweet memory!

All six grandkids are on the beach.

Memories to cherish –

A time in the past when they all were young!

Today – Maddy is 24 years old!

Just a picture of a time long past for a memorable memory!

A picture of the collapsed Kinzua Via Duct Bridge –

This bridge was built in the 1800s to ferry coal from the coal fields of Pa.

It also is where Sherry was raised a few miles away in Mount Jewett, Pa.

A tornado came through some years ago –

and took down half the bridge where it remains where it crashed to the ground!

Today – it is a Pa. State Park –

and has been converted into a walkway –

Where at the end is a viewing platform with a glass floor!

Here – you can stand on it and look over 300 feet straight down to the floor –

Of the Kinzua Valley where Native Americans once roamed!

Just a picture of Pa. – where Sherry is from!

Here is Maddy –

Taken two years ago at her senior year graduation from the University Of Lynchburg, Va.

She was the oldest in the beach picture of the grandkids!

Just a picture of how grandkids grow up!

A mother with her two daughters –

Debby – Sherry and Tammy!

Swedish genes run deep!

Just a picture of those I dearly love!

My blog each and every day represents to the future generations of us who came before them!

I want to thank everyone who reads these blogs worldwide!

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD!

WHERE THE PAST WILL MEET THE FUTURE!

Papa’s World – LIFE IN PICTURES!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Family Holiday gathering – life memories!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

Laughter, Smiles, Kindness, Caring, and affection are all FREE!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

The colors of nature – living life every day to the PLUS!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

Spending time with my boys!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

Years and years as friends – never a dull moment!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

My oldest son – family visit!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

Family pet – “MARLEY”!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

One of our favorite places to visit in North Myrtle Beach – “HOME OF THE SHAG DANCE”!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LIFE IN PICTURES!

Papa’s World – Years gone past!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Maddy – her first day on the bus for her first day of school!

Now – 23 years old and working as a Geologist-Scientist for a national environmental firm.

How this has changed in the years following!

The team I was part of for the protection of Sea Turtles – we sat this nest from 7pm. to 11pm.

each night until it hatched!

This was our first year – Sherry was on a previous nest.

My friend of many years – Buck and I at the COMEDY bus waiting for it to leave on our tour.

On a trip to Ashville, N.C.

Three oldest granddaughters – Ella – Maddy and Sarah during their vacation in Cameron Woods to see us.

My golfing buddies and friends for years and years – Buck and Jimmy!

The twins when they were young – playing hide and seek with me!

A memory from long ago!

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

Papa’s World – 1982 – the year we were married – YEARS GONE PAST!

Papa’s World – Living life in pictures of Memories!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

For us – it all started on 6-25-1982 –

The day we were married.

Combining two sets of children –

Sherry’s two daughters –

and my two sons who stayed with their mother.

Weekends were full of living out in the country –

Campfires – sled riding down the 1/10 mile driveway.

Taking weekend trips camping –

blending the two families while working full-time jobs.

Sherry and her two daughters – Debby on the left – and Tammy on the right.

Both girls married and between them –

five granddaughters and one grandson.

Debby’s three girls are all adults now.

Maddy graduated from college nearly two years ago.

Ella graduates from college this year.

Sarah graduates from H.S. this year.

Tammy had twin girls –

they both are 14 years old.

The first boy is Bode – who is ten years old.

My two boys are with their partners and family.

Troy – with the beard – is the oldest.

His partner is Andrea –

He has no children and still lives back in NWPA.

The man can build a house from the ground up – everything!

Shawn with his wife Trisha and her daughter Autumn.

He has his own business –

He partners with Power companies and the state –

In energy efficiency for the Elderly –

Both auditing and insulation sides to his company.

He has two sons – Ryan and Dillion –

Both live in other parts of the country.

Here we are with Pam and Bob-

Bob and I went to grade school and high school together.

For the past six years, they have been retired and on the road in an RV.

Stopping each year for a weekly visit-

rehashing old times – playing golf –

Decades and decades of life shared from little kids to now seniors!

The grandkids along with Maddy’s boyfriend – Kendrick.

Moving South in 2020 –

We left behind all the grandkids in NVA.

But – they all have been to see us numerous times and we go back to NVA-

Life moves on and with it creates memories!

Ginger and Sherry –

Became fast friends back in NVA.

Today – her husband Jason and her –

live just outside Leland, N.C. –

close to our other longtime friends Cindy and Buck.

We golf with both couples.

They moved from NVA in the past year.

We will be making more memories together!

While TIME is like a RIVER of WATER –

Creating memories in pictures and this blog –

allows for family – friends and future generations –

to read and see what our life together has garnered.

The beginning goes all the way back to 6-25-1982-

LIVING LIFE IN PICTURES OF MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading – PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good Thoughts – Some Humor!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

The day began when I took on the job of coloring the grout lines in the shower!

Both on the walls and the floor – think two-by-four-inch floor tile –

and twelve by twelve wall tile!

This required hands and knees bent low over the floor adding the grout coloring!

the walls were easier as I could stand or sit on a stool!

It took me two and one-half hours and I had to finish up the next day!

The above picture relates to what followed later that day!

In the afternoon – 2:30pm. to 4:00 pm. –

We volunteered to go to OUR COASTAL LIVING HOME –

For senior residents.

We volunteer here at least once a month.

Sherry helps with the resident’s monthly shopping –

A room is set up with donated items –

clothes – jewelry – knick-knacks –

displayed on racks and tables.

They use money credits they earn throughout the month and can shop for items.

They come in in wheelchairs – walkers and some are still able to walk.

Most are in their late 70’s to mid 90’s!

While she does this I attend the library –

organizing the books ( keeping them mostly on the top shelf so it is easier for them to see)

Separating the puzzles into the number of pieces.

But this day – we were there to help out for a Veterans Day ice cream social celebration!

Twenty residents showed up –

Many can not leave their rooms-

but they came in being pushed in wheelchairs –

Walkers or canes.

Two men were there and a celebration and a certificate read on their service as VETS!

I scooped ice cream while Sherry and one other volunteer put toppings on as asked and delivered to their seat at the tables.

Then – moved around to different tables to talk to them.

That was the best part as then they had other people to talk to!

While we volunteer our services –

We know that down the road –

someday this may be us sitting in a wheelchair –

We try as hard as we can to age healthy!

One woman was two years younger than either one of us.

This helps us think young –

keeping us active and still helping others as much as we can.

Thank you for reading my blog today –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good Vibes – Positine thoughts – laughs!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Maybe it is time to clean out my closet –

But I have favorites to wear –

Maybe – keep for just a while longer –

And enjoy in my old age!

Faith – love and being thankful –

A way of our lives together!

Humor – smiles and laughing –

Keeps me looking forward to each and every day!

And “YES” –

I groan each and every day! LOL!

“Kindness – is FREE” –

“Smiles are also Free”

Live life to the plus –

Give what you can –

And help others!

Our friends for years and years –

Brings joy into our lives.

“FRIENDS” – always close –

Brings joy into our lives.

My hope for today is to start your day off with kind thoughts-

Smiles and laughter –

And make every day count one day at a time!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Everyone – “HAVE A GREAT DAY”!

Papa’s World – Outside Mount Jewett – KINZUA BRIDGE!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Just outside the little Swe3dish Community of Mount Jewett, Pa. –

Sits on a railway bridge built in the 1800s –

That at the time was considered the highest bridge of its kind-

310 feet high trestle bridge over what is known as THE KINZUA VALLEY –

li NWPA!

A Native American name for the area!

This bridge was built to get coal to Erie and Pittsburg!

The valley was so steep that a railroad down and up the other side –

just did not make sense!

It is now a state park with a fantastic museum showing construction and what it looked like-

Before the Tornado came through and took half of it down!

The down construction still lies on the valley floor and up the steep hillside-

just as it was the day it came down.

Today there is a viewing platform at the standing end –

That you can stand on structured glass and peer straight down 310 feet!

Of course, I have been out once or twice and even across the whole thing before it came down.

At one time there was a steam locomotive still carrying passengers across!

Here is the glass floor you can stand on –

Of course, I no longer venture out there as my fear of heights kicks in! LOL

I sit on the benches before the walkway and watch my friends – family, and others make the trip out!

But – I will say – now that it is a State Park –

If you are ever in the area – it is worth the visit –

and the Museum is a class act –

Even showing a video of that fateful day it all came down from the tornado!

The valley floor and yes there is a trail you can hike down and up the other side –

if you are in shape to do it! LOL

Here you see the twisted steel beams from the 1800s lying twisted on the valley floor!

Papa and Sherry are on OIB!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Some past pictures and memories!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

A milestone in our life together – reaching the senior year being 75 years old!

We also have been married for 43 years and together a year and a half before that!

Living life to the plus and living life one day at a time!

We also have moved South for the warmer climate and close to two beaches!

A dream we both have had since we first started dating!

We tend to enjoy every moment we can in our life together.

We keep busy – volunteering!

We are volunteers for the Protection of Sea Turtles on OIB!

We also volunteer at Coastal Living –

An assisted living home for seniors.

There are other things we do in volunteering –

This is our life now and has been since we were married.

While we do not do it daily – walking the beach – here is Sunset Beach Pier.

We like to walk here as it is flatter.

We also walk OIB –

both are minutes away from or home!

The town I grew up in – Eldred, Pa.

In the Alleghany mountains – six miles to the border of NYS!

This was Indian territory before the white man came –

It was the land of THE SENACA INDIAN ATION!

We both believe in this –

when we were married I converted from Catholic to Lutheran –

Sherry was raised as a Lutheran.

Our life together has always included church wherever we have lived!

In our married lives together we have celebrated many New Year’s Day together!

Looking forward to many more to come!

We cherish our armed forces and the rule and order of law.

The free speech and equality of men and women.

We live in what we feel is the greatest country on Earth.

GOD – FAMILY and COUNTRY!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Writing a Positive Blog!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Every morning – six to seven AM.

I sit at my keyboard and write a blog –

This is a way for me to express myself without going Political!

It is a way to JOG my memory for family – friends and neighborhood –

and where are our senior years we have decided this is the place we shall stay in!

When I started this blog –

my whole effort was going to revolve around a day-to-day account of how we live our lives.

It also would become a daily journal for our future great-grandchildren and beyond to read someday!

You see – I have very few words and pictures from my side of the family except what I have as a memory!

This writing is for my sons from a previous marriage as well as my two stepdaughters!

Almost all the family I grew up with is now gone.

I have one great-niece and two great-nieces left plus their children.

Sherry and I had no children together –

But we have been married for almost 43 years –

and together a year and one half before that wedding day 6-25-1982!

Our whole wedding vows were based on THE CHURCH ON THE ROCK!

Our wedding vows were “ROCK SOLID”!

Those little things in life –

We both do them well-

and in turn –

It mostly takes care of the bigger things in life!

It comes naturally for both of us!

EQUALITY – my belief and hers also.

We share duties –

EXCEPTION – I AM TO STAY AWAY FROM THE WASHER AND DRYER! LOL

Dinner – lunch and breakfast we share –

Clean up and cleaning in general we both do.

Making the bed – both of us.

I do not like to dust so she does while I dust mop the floors.

In retirement now in OIB –

The lawn we pay to have mowed-

We both trim bushes and plant flowers.

Both of us have a deep understanding of this –

And I have always championed EQUALITY –

MEN AND WOMEN – WOMEN AND MEN –

BOTH EQUAL IN OUR MINDS!

The statue of the great women of our country –

It is not complete but a vacant spot left for the FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT!

That day in OUR MINDS will eventually come to be true!

I hope this POSITIVE BLOG brings good thoughts to you-

My intent is to provide humor – good thoughts –

To give future generations an idea of just who we are!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – WRITING A POSITIVE BLOG!

Papa’s World – Positive blogs and humor!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Our granddaughter – Ella – Has completed her Senior year of college and playing soccer.

Through the years she suffered serious injuries –

From fractured bones in her feet- Twice-

To a leg injury between her Sophomore year and her senior season.

This caused many pain-filled days and nights-

but she just soldiered on and continued playing!

Today she can take that positive attitude and think back –

She did and will be a good teacher to young students as she continues her teaching career!

A POSITIVE LOOK INTO POSITIVE THOUGHTS IN THIS BLOG!

Last summer – Hurricane Helena blasted Western North Carolina!

We started taking cash donations over our Facebook posts and word of mouth.

We reached out to friends – family, and neighbors and got a rewarding response.

We collected almost $4000.00 and that started our road to support organizations that collected supplies!

Along the way – some H.S. friends of Sherry contacted us as they saw what we were doing.

They lived in Hickory, N.C. –

about five miles to the airport that serviced the small helicopters that would fly in supplies!

This allowed us to pay for supplies they bought and either took to the airport or drove into the mountains-

to distribute them to needy families and communities!

This was a win-win for us and those people in need.

A POSITIVE ACTION TO HELP AND MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO DONATED AND HELPED!

A little HUMOR!

Sharing time with my youngest son Shawn –

who is a ranked pool player in both Canada and the USA.

A POSITIVE TIME FOR US IN VISITS FROM MY FAMILY WHO LIVE SO FAR AWAY!

Our friend Jo and Sherry –

Years ago we were in D.C.

This statue is left undone –

to be completed when the first woman is elected president!

The three that are finished are important women in history for equal rights for women.

MY POSITIVE THOUGHT FOR OUR COUNTRY!

My LITTLE SMILE for the day for all of you SENIORS!

Mother and Daughters –

MY POSITIVE THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

Thank you all for reading PAPA’S WORLD!

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Making a positive blog post!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

In today’s world of unrest –

My blogs are aimed at being POSITIVE!

A morning sunrise sets the tone for me!

I try to leave out all politics –

and focused on the positive side of life-

as we know it.

We volunteer –

we help out where and when we can.

We also are in our senior years –

both being 75 years old –

and living in the comfort –

of our own home-

And in a climate that feels good for both of us.

We golf –

mostly with friends-

but sometimes just by ourselves.

We are family –

having all of them visiting us at one time or another.

So – we choose to have a house where we can maintain it-

but big enough –

one level –

with sleeping arrangements for them to be comfortable.

Our family from NWPA –

they have been to see us a couple of times.

So –

it was important for us to be able to have them stay with us!

In our home –

we also entertain friends –

having room for all of them to stay!

Golfing – laughing –

and seeing movies and shows –

in the area of our new home!

Our family that we left back in NVA-

We can expect family –

to at least visit at different times –

two to three times a year!

Friends at least the same visits!

The world that we have made –

reflects what you see here!

This is our life –

trying to make a positive impact –

on those surrounding us!

Thank you for reading my blogs –

and I hope that I can make it today-

a POSITIVE DAY for you!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Some looking back and humor!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Our life together is a reflection of how we feel toward other people!

Loving – caring – respect –

Giving – donating – sharing what we can.

Family – relationships – friends –

Neighbors – laughing – humor –

This is us!

Healthy – being a senior and age as well as we can.

Sharing that knowledge –

Looking out for others and standing up for beliefs!

HUMOR – wish I liked wine –

I tend to drink a light beer every now and then!

For the most part –

one cup of coffee in the morning –

And water the rest of the day!

AAAAHHHHAAAAA!

A SENIOR MOMENT IN TIME! LOL

Sherry and her two sisters-

Debbie and Bonnie!

LOL – SO TRUE –

AGING HEALTHY AND WITH GRACE IS OUR GOAL!

This is Papa’s World –

This is us on the beach last fall.

Living life to the plus one day at a time!

Thank you for reading –

thank you for subscribing the world over.

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUBSCRIBE – IT IS FREE!

Papa’s World – Our grandson – Bode!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Ten years ago –

he was the first grandson to be born from Sherry’s two daughters!

Five granddaughters and then one grandson – Bode came along –

Today he is ten years old –

Plays soccer and flag football.

Is starting to golf with his father –

Marcus seen here in this picture!

His first trip to a barber shop!

Riding bikes – scooters –

Playing games on his laptop.

A big fan of the Commanders the Nationals and the Capitals.

Loves World Cup soccer!

Being the only boy –

and fitting in with the five granddaughters is a challenge for him.

Taylor and Cassidy are his twin sisters –

he is more like Cassidy than Taylor –

But when I asked him-

when they start driving –

who he would go with-

and “TAYLOR” was his answer!

Bode and Cassidy are so much alike that they should have been twins!

Taylor and Bode the day we took them on the Metro into D.C.

Cassidy did not want to go –

and had other things she was doing!

Here Taylor is 14 years old and almost 5’8″ –

Taking after her “MORMOR” –

Sherry who is almost 5’10”.

I think Bode will be taller than all of the grandkids!

Maddy on the far right is 5’6″ –

While Sarah – left- and Ella – center –

are almost 5’10”!

Cassidy – center – is now catching up – she is 5’6″ –

A gymnast and a cheerleader –

Who also sings and dances in plays!

The little boy is growing up fast –

here he is at his 10th. birthday!

Thanks for reading PAPA’s World-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

OUR GRANDSON BODE!

Papa’s World – My lifetime of memories!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We were on a dream vacation to OAHU!

We went with friends Buck and Cindy.

We rented an AIRBNB on the North Shore!

Always wanted to see the island –

and here we were!

This picture was taken by Cindy-

at lunch one day –

I guess you can see just how happy we were to be there!

A LIFETIME MEMORY! ( someday we would like to go back)!

The day our oldest grandson was married – RYAN!

He lives in Tenn. –

and although we see him seldom –

He has said he will come –

and visit us at OIB!

He always stays in touch –

and is very busy with his own life.

A LIFETIME MEMORY!

For almost 19 years-

we have had a network marketing business.

We have traveled the country.

We both believe in equality –

Loving – caring-

and helping those less fortunate.

A LIFETIME MEMORY!

Friends for years and years-

we get together every four months or so.

All are now retired.

Friends forever!

A LIFETIME MEMORY!

We were married June 25th- 1982 –

Back then I played softball –

but to participate together –

We both started playing Volleyball – CO-ED!

This was a tough league of 16 teams.

Not your backyard volleyball –

but protect yourself from getting smashed in the face.

We finally won after five years of playing-

but never quite getting there!

Top left side – Papa and Sherry.

A MEMORY OF A LIFETIME!

We called ourselves THE BEACH CLUB – our dream finally came true in 2021!

Taylor – but before this was-

She – Taylor loves horses –

and today would spend every free moment with them creating a –

MEMORY OF A LIFETIME!

Creating long-lasting memories in time –

Lake Chautauqua, N.Y.S.

With friends and here with Buck and Cindy.

A MEMORY OF A LIFETIME!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Life – come walk with me!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Tayor – one of the twins of Tammy and Marcus –

who would spend all her spare time in the barn and corral!

She loves riding – grooming and cleaning the stalls of horses!

This is her to the bone!

Cassidy – the other half of the twins on Tammy and Marcus-

She is full of life –

loves gymnastics and this year took up cheerleading!

So proud of her –

realizing her dream and being very competitive.

She will go far and smile all the way.

I can’t help but think this is so right!

We lived in the area for twenty years and made many trips to D.C.

We toured the White House before 911!

A memory I shall always cherish!

Oh if I could just turn back time!

Here is Bode and the twins –

Taylor and Cassidy –

they always came to the house in Brambleton and wanted –

Chocolate Juice Plus Complete shakes!

It was a ritual and to this day will ask for them!

Our close friends –

we see them every four months or so to get together.

It has been this way for the past 35 to 40 years!

Memories of fun times and our lives!

My father – second from the left-

I lost him in 1969 when I was 19 years old.

A bowler – golfer and sports-loving man.

I will always remember him!

Here is Bobby – his wife Pam and Sherry-

We – Bobby and I –

go back to grade school!

They have made it a routine for the past six years to drop by in their RV –

To spend a week and we get together and golf!

making memories in our senior years!

LOL – it is me to a tee!

My two sons – Troy to the left and Shawn to the right!

They have both been down to see us-

Shawn twice and Troy once –

but they promise to be here next summer!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – making positive thoughts for our lives!

Papa’s World – Taylors world of horses!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Taylor is at the barn getting a bit ready for her horse.

Ask her if she loves being in the barn and she says YES!

She rides once a week but any spare time she has –

She is at the barn – cleaning stalls – brushing down the horses!

Here she got the horse out of the stall, attached the bit, and brushed it down!

She loves this –

It doesn’t bother her with the smell or cleaning the stalls!

After placing the saddle on –

she walks the horse around the fenced-in yard.

She talks to the horse who has not been ridden in a couple weeks.

Soon – they trusted each other!

Now they walk as one – around and around the corral!

This went on for a good fifteen minutes!

Now it is the time she has been waiting for

The riding lesson –

walking and then trotting around and around and jumping!

Our granddaughter is a full-fledged horsewoman!

Taylor – her thoughts turn to the barn and the horses whenever she has free time!

Her first ride was when she was about four years old!

Someday she yearns to own her own horse!

Just another memory of PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Memories and times past!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

A trip with two of our grandchildren to Washington, D.C. –

A memory they will have and one to cherish for us!

All these years of watching Ella ( #10) play soccer, she is now done.

She will graduate from Randolph College with two degrees –

And will teach Elementary studies, Phys Ed.

A memory we shall have and one for her the rest of her life!

We live by this – helping others as we can – making lifetime Memories!

Fami;y time – visiting us – making memories to last!

Hoping for more in the future!

Taylor – our granddaughter – LOVES horses –

any free time she has is spent at the “BARN”!

Even though it only is to clean the stalls –

She will spend all day there!

Memories of her lifetime!

We have almost lifetime friends –

we get together every four months or so-

We create memories –

have fun – golf and laughs!

Making memories for life.

Two of my oldest friends – Buck – Jimmy and me!

Playing softball in the 70’s with Jimmy –

Living next door to Buck in the late 80’s –

Creating a lifetime of memories!

I hope you enjoyed my memories from the past –

My blog is to save them for future family!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good Thoughts – Smiles & Humor!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

think back to the dogs we have had and when I was growing up – dedication – always wagging

their tails and licking your hands – unconditional love from them!

Marriage is having a sense of humor – kindness – caring and loving – plus much more!

Self-esteem – remember – SMILES ARE FREE!

And then I say WHAT????? LOL

How true is this!!!!!!! LOL

Loving life to the plus one day at a time! SMILE!!!!

Just a blog to make you happy and love of life!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – GOOD THOUGHTS – HUMOR and SMILES!

Papa’s World – Senior living – live your dream!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

In our senior years – we dreamed of living near a beach – I used to say “I wanted to retire and sell hot dogs on the beach”!!!!

Well – I no longer wish to do that – “I RETIRED AND NOW I WANT TO BUY A HOT DOG ON THE BEACH”!!!

When retirement came – we were living in NVA and that was to be our retirement home –

We could either drive or take the Metro into D.C. – which we often did as guides for our visitors.

But – The 401k went way down – however, the house’s value went way up!

Time to cash out – and head South to warmer weather – and the beach!

I’m going to be able to buy that HOTDOG on the BEACH!

And another dream – to play golf – we live near 30 golf courses – all within one-half hour!

We love to golf – we had played competitive Volley Ball in our 30’s to early 40’s –

and decided to take up golf!

Playing in NVA was expensive – here we purchased the FIRST TEE CARD!

It gives us a substantial discount on 52 courses!

So golf has become a way of our dream senior living!

Warm weather – beautiful fall days – skies to die for – living in the South – no more ice and snow.

Moving South – all the family has visited numerous times.

Walking in the sunshine on the beach – senior living and senior dreams.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – SENIOR LIVING – LIVE YOUR DREAM!!!!

Papa’s World – Long ago memories!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Maddy – Ella and Sarah when they were young –

running at the Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, VA.

Sarah – Ella and Maddy at our beach vacation – 2024!

Our lifetime friends – Jim – Dottie – Sherry – Papa – Cindy and Buck-

A lot of fun times and memories here!

On the Oak Island Beach when the kids were young with Sherry and Tammy!

Sherry on our honeymoon in 1982 in the Dominican Republic!

Our wedding day – 6-25-1982

My mother – Mary – who was almost 98 when she passed away – is gone but not forgotten.

My brother Roger – My sister Donna and my mother – Mary –

all gone except me!

My sons and their partners – family –

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Some thoughts and good vibes!

/ Tom / 1 Comment

May this new year bring you good vibes –

loving – caring – happiness.

If you are ever visiting NWPA –

You may want to see “THE KINZUA AQUIDUCT”!

Located just outside Mount Jewett, Pa.

Built-in the 1800s as a way to ship Coal from this Pa. site over the KINZUA VALLEY-

Where Native Americans roamed-

thousands of years ago-

It has become a State Park –

A Tornado came through-

and took half of it down.

Today you can walk out on it –

and peer straight down 300 feet-

To the floor of the valley through a glass floor!

Warning –

not for the squeamish –

like me – who do not like heights!

But it is worth the time to visit the museum-

and see the history behind all this!

MY GOOD THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!!!!

One day many years ago –

Our twin granddaughters –

came to help bag up leaves!

IF I COULD ONLY TURN BACK TIME!

My good thought for the day!

The same twin granddaughters –

Now if I could make time stand still!

MY GOOD THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

FRIENDS – lifetime friends –

Sharing good times – golfing –

all those years –

and still getting together!

MY GOOD THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

My hope is that today –

I have given you some GOOD THOUGHTS –

And some GOOD VIBES to start your day!

LIFETIME FRIENDS –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Supplies for Helena!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

The weather turned cooler – here in OIB –

it was 55 degrees before the Sun came up!

It is the mountains of WNC –

It was colder –

and many sheltered in tents!

Our friends in Hickory, N.C. –

selected coats – sweaters – anything to warm those in need!

They purchased from Goodwill – took donations –

and delivered them in their vehicles to counties –

The operation at the airport had slowed down –

due to the facilities being stocked.

The need for warm clothing –

And a way to get it there –

Fell to Linda and Pat –

to deliver what they could to five counties!

Our own OIB-Sunset Beach area also slowed down.

Where we were sending the donations –

had become stocked.

The devastation remained –

Our mission was coming to a close!

One final push –

One final drive into the mountains –

by Linda and Pat!

Bringing needed supplies-

We have done what we could,-

and now it is wait and see!

But at least –

There will be warm clothes for some.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – High School buddy – golfing!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Is it rare that you remain friends for over 60 years?

Grade school and then H.S. and beyond!

Bobby and I go back a lot of years –

But we lived far apart –

and in the main part of all those years-

seldom saw each other except for HS reunions!

Then – six years ago that changed.

He and his wife became RV’ers –

Traveling became a way of life –

and they would stop once a year –

and we would rehash old times –

and catch each other up on our lives.

It has only been the last four years or so –

that we started golfing together!

The four of us would go out –

once during their visits –

and then Bob and I would play another round.

We had played golf together back in our HS years.

Now – we look forward to just relaxing-

and talking on the course!

Here we are on the JONES course-

in Sea Trails –

just a few miles from our home.

The entire Sea Trails-

which has three eighteen-hole courses-

Is undergoing extensive renovations!

They have shut down the BYRD Course –

and remake the whole thing!

After that is done-

they will start the next one!

New homes –

and lots of condos going in!

Along with a convention center( already renovated)

and a large hotel and a tiered driving range.

They are making this a destination –

And will be a major attraction-

in the Myrtle Beach area!

Abundant wildlife –

The starter said –

“IF YOU THINK YOU SEE A GATOR – IT MOST LIKELY IS”!

This bad boy was by the cart path and I snapped a picture of it!

Old grade school and High School friends –

many – many years –

getting together to play golf –

Keeping that friendship alive!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

HIGH SCHOOL BUDDY – GOLFING!

Papa’s World – Part one – The gardens of James Wood estate – Winchester, Va.

/ Tom / Leave a comment
The James Wood estate – founder of Winchester, Va.

The mid-1700s found James Wood laying out the boundaries of Winchester, Va.

Sub-divided into lots with streets – and this estate for himself.

Three springs lay on this property and the land had many natural rock formations and loose rocks.

The rocks were used for boundary lines like fences and the others for foundation work.

One of the many springs in the area – this one for the Old Town.
Natural rock formations with fresh spring water.
The beauty of the estate is how they used the natural landscape for the design of the gardens.
A look over the natural spring waters of the James Wood estate.
Sherry on one section of natural rock.

Note the stone wall behind her – most likely picked up off the ground and used in the construction.

The James Wood estate is now part of The Museum Of The Shenandoah Valley
Thanks for reading – part two will be the – estate – lawns and gardens.
PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Today – all types of HUMOR!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

LOL- going shopping –

I know there are bargains –

but I really shop with a purpose –

I have a list and I go into the aisles looking for that item!

My wife is the BARGIN HUNTER!

I mainly push the cart –

And at times –

I sneak an item in! LOL

If by myself –

I just get what is on the list –

I could “SHOP” but I am not wired that way!

I really wish I could like wine!

And now in my “SENIOR” years –

Watching my weight-

and sugar intake –

I occasionally have a beer –

one of those light beers-

with fewer carbs and calories!

My normal day is a cup of coffee-

before I read the paper online –

Then I write my next blog –

And the rest of the day-

is “WATER” usually with ice!

At my age –

I just do not have the desire to drink like I used to!

I can relate to this –

I am not the “TECHIE”-

that my wife is!

I will ask her –

“WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO MY PHONE OR COMPUTER”?

“I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING – IT JUST HAPPENED” –

as her eyes roll! LOL

But – I do drive her –

to wherever she needs to be –

“DRIVING MISS SHERRY” has become my senior moment in time!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD!

CHEERS TO YOU FROM STEVE – DIANE – SHERRY and PAPA!

I will continue my next blog –

with some more “TYPES OF HUMOR”!

PAPA’S WORLD: my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – GOOD TIMES and MEMORIES!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Marcus and the twins – Cassidy and Taylor –

memories of good times!

Our very good friends and neighbors –

Steve and Diane –

Who would have thought we had close neighbors –

who also are from WNY-

and have a house on Rushford Lake!

This is close to where we raised our families!

They have the same memories of that area as we do!

Little Cassidy –

what a spark plug she was –

always squirming to be let down-

when you held her!

Always climbing and hiding –

Today she is 14 years old!

Granddaughter Sarah –

and next-door neighbor – Justin.

Today they are seniors in the same H.S.

GOOD MEMORIES FROM THE PAST!

Taylor – the quiet one –

she is always reading books-

She covers her head –

so no one disturbs her!

Such a Horse rider –

Spending all her spare time-

at the stables!

MEMORIES OF GOOD TIMES!

As she was when young –

and is to this day –

A FASHION DIVA!

Now a Senior in H.S.

A very hard worker –

Full of laughs –

always helpful-

SARAH – GOOD MEMORIES FROM THE PAST!

Another chapter in our life closed-

at the start of the Pandemic in 2020.

Here is the back of our home –

in Brambleton, Va.

Everything you see here –

we planted –

We have always prided our landscapes-

and today we continue here –

in Cameron Woods Community!

Thanks for reading:

PAPA’S WORLD:

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – family – our boys!

/ Tom / Leave a comment
Troy Papa Shawn

It was a very long time in coming – we moved South in 1999 and left behind the boys.

They had their own lives and jobs –

We have been planning this for months and months –

and after driving some 15 hours –

they were here.

Before they came down – they agreed among themselves – they would play golf with me if I played mini golf with them – DONE – next time it is GOLF! LOL
Sherry Troy Papa

We had so much fun showing the SALT LIFE – sunrises and sunsets.

Shawn and Sherry

Memories of the past 40-plus years were talked about and laughed at!

This time together means so much!

Thanks for reading Papa’s World – FAMILY OUR BOYS – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf!aol.com

FAMILY – our boys came to visit!

Papa’s World – My sons – Troy and Shawn!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

From my first marriage – my sons – Troy and Shawn.

They still live in the area they were born in – NWPA near the border of WNY –

Some 70 miles South of Buffalo.

Troy – the oldest – can build a house from the ground up – everything needed to open the door!

Turn on the lights –

He gets all this from my father – who could do the same thing!

My dad could lift out an engine in a car and replace it!

Andrea – Troy and Sherry on the pier!

He is going to try to make it down next summer!

Trisha and Shawn – my youngest son – who owns his own Insulation and Auditing business.

His contracts with power companies and state resources keep him busy 24/7 –

all year long!

He also is a ranked pool player in the USA and Canada!

They made it down last summer and hope to return next summer!

Very proud of both boys and hope they make it back next summer.

The family from Pa.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

TROY – PAPA – SHAWN – my sons!