livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Old – Older and now Senior!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Growing OLD – seems only yesterday I was sitting on my grandma’s lap on the front porch –

in a little town in NWPA!

I was watching a neighborhood boy – he was in first grade –

and he was walking to school!

“Grandma – when will I be OLD enough to go to school”?

Now – looking back to that memory – I still can see him walking –

and me sitting in her lap –

I would recommend this to be some 71 years ago!

I was four years old.

That is my first memory of my grandma.

She was my mother’s mother

and she came to live with us.
Mike was either not born yet or was a newborn.

Her bedroom was at the top of the stairs –

straight ahead to the side of the house.

Later – this would become my younger brother and my room –

we slept in the same bed until my brother went away to college.

She had this picture of Jesus on the wall –

I still see it in my mind – she was Catholic –

Her mother was Pa. Dutch – but her husband was Irish Catholic.

He passed before I was born –

but I have his name for my middle name – DAVID!

He was a big man – 6’3″ – they had 11 kids.

My mom was second from the youngest.

During the Depression –

he would walk to neighbor’s houses

with produce from the farm to help

them out –

sacks of flour – whatever he could spare.

A KIND AND GENEROUS MAN WAS HE!

One day he was hoisting a hog up to the rafters in the barn –

he had a heart attack and passed away.

Leaving my grandma with all these kids – the older ones were gone –

the oldest – ROY –

had served in WWI.

I wish I had more early memories of my grandma.

She passed away at 85 years old.

I was around 10 years old and she had moved to my aunt Alice’s house.

My younger brother and I became too much for her!

It was like oil and water or a cat and dog with us.

If I could go back in time to make changes –

I would change this – he died way too young.

Now – I am older – a SENIOR in the twilight of life.

I have seen many storms –

I never had to serve in the military –

for various medical and child reasons.

But – I did start working at 16 years old

and continued straight for 48 1/2 years –

47 1/2 of those years for American Olean Tile Co. / Dal Tile Co.

When I retired – we had become part of MOHAWK.

I went through FIVE mergers – National Gypsum – Private – Dal-Tile – Armstrong and Mohawk.

Today we live on the border of N.C. and S.C. – living in the dream life we always wanted.

I think back to that day on North Main Street in little Eldred, Pa.

Sitting with my grandma –

wishing I could once again talk to her.

If only I could remember more –

but I have these memories as I pass into the night of being OLD – OLDER – SENIOR!

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

Papa’s World – Better Health and weight loss!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

My journey to better health and trying to maintain and lose weight is years into a better life journey!

All my life I have battled the weight gained – even staying at the same weight is very hard for me!

On top of all that – I am diabetic – and have to watch the sugars – starches –

I am on Metformin – and currently at 6.7% ALC and Glucose at 115!

My GP wants me “DOWN” to 6.5 or below and Glucose under 100!

On the Plus side – my Cholesterol is 108 – my Triglycerides – are 81 and HDL – is 33.

My VDL Cholesterol is 10 – my LDL Cholesterol is 59 and my LDL Cholesterol is 59!

My weight as of this blog is up and down – 189.6 lbs. to 192.4 lbs. every day!

NOTE: I graduated from H.S. in 1967 at 195 lbs.

I see my GP every four months for blood tests – I consume hardly any sugars –

I do not like hard candy and if I have cake – I do not eat the frosting!

I have for almost nineteen years taken a Food Supplement called JUICE PLUS.

This is where every day I get absorbed into my bloodstream –

nutrients from 30 different FRUITS – VEGETABLES and BERRIES!

All are grown on their own controlled farms with no pesticides.

I also take every day OMEGAS – four different kinds from ALGAE and not fish –

grown on The JUICE PLUS farms – no toxics or fish oil or mercury.

My journey is ongoing – each day – my day starts with coffee – one cup –

yes, I know caffeine may not be beneficial – so I limit it – I drink water the rest of the day.

NO SODA – NO DAIRY(milk) – very little butter or oils,

And I have cut drinking down to be – well – if we are by ourselves weeks at a time – no alcohol.

Going out by ourselves – maybe a draft beer – but most of the time water or unsweetened tea.

Even getting together with neighbors or friends – I have tended not to drink.

I also drink a SHAKE every day if I can – made out of COMPLETE – a product of JUICE PLUS.

A powder – French Vanilla or Dutch Chocolate –

I add crushed ice – water and a cup of Almond milk.

Put it in a blender and mix until the ice is gone –

This I substitute for a breakfast or lunch meal.

It gives me plant-based protein and a host of nutrients.

Eating as healthy as I can has given me control over my weight gain and loss each day.

In the four years I have done this on my own –

I have gone from 205 lbs. to the current 189.6 lbs. thru the 192.4 lbs. daily.

A gradual decline over the years.

This formula has worked for me in keeping it off and of course, there are times I treat myself!

Going out to eat – I almost always look for salads and add on of chicken or salmon.

But – there are times I splurge and cheat a little!

With friends cheating with ICE CREAM which I love – but this is rare –

My journey is my own – with help from my wife Sherry who also has her own journey of better health.

She is a tall woman – and watches what she eats every day and also for almost nineteen years-

has taken the health Supplements of Juice Plus and Omegas.

She also does a shake every day and a drink she makes to clean out the impurities – cleansing as she calls it – from both of our bodies.

We are both 75 years old – living life to the plus one day at a time.

My hope is this can bring hope to those who struggle every day being a part of the Baby Boomers –

and SENIOR population!

If you need a contact – mine: fitztdf@aol.com, and Sherry – http://www.sherrylynn49@aol.com

Our journey is not simple – but it is real –

I strive to age as healthy as I can into old age.

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD – BETTER HEALTH AND WEIGHT LOSS – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Each morning – the dawn of a different day!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Each day to me is so different – I ask myself –

“HOW DID I EVER FIND TIME TO WORK”?

And – I worked for 48 1/2 years!

Then – it was a routine – the first ten years I worked ten-hour days –

“EAT ON THE FLY” was how I had my breaks.

The overtime back then was great –

not so much the time spent!

This was back in the late 60s to the mid-70s!

My OT equaled in hours worked over those ten years to 2 1/2 extra years worked!

Today my routine is waking up between 5:15am and 5:45 am.

First I weigh myself to make sure I am either equal to what I was the morning before –

or that I have lost some weight.

Then it is the normal bathroom routine before I shower.

I get dressed and head to the kitchen –

where I make my first and only coffee for the day.

To the office I go – we each have a desk in the same room –

this was one of the musts for Sherry –

an office in the new house –

mine too plus a covered front porch where I sit in the shade!

Now is my time of the alone time I put in place for myself.

I subscribe to the Washington Post where I read it cover to cover –

esp. the Sports section.

I sip my coffee – after I am done –

it is time to go outside and water the front porch section of plants.

This year has been different in that we have deer munching our plants.

So each night I move them close to the porch wall to try to keep them safe.

Moving them back and then watering seems to have stopped them!

Now – it is time to write my blog –

I write each day – sometimes more than once –

and I schedule them to appear on my site at a specific time and date.

To get them on Facebook – I have to share on that site!

By this time it is Sherry getting up –

we talk and see what is on the calendar for the day!

We write everything down –

errands – walking – meet-ups with neighbors

and friends or events that we want to do!

Golfing – walking – beach time – all can be spontaneous!

What little yardwork I do now – here –

I no longer mow or trim –

it can get really hot in the sun and besides I sold all that yard stuff back when we moved!

I keep the floors cleaned in the house and the garage neat –

recycles are Mon. – Wed. – Friday!

Garbage is put out by Tuesday night to be dumped Wed.

We will do errands daily –

keeping doctor and dentist appointments.

We now have two sets of friends who have built homes near us –

one in Leland –

near our long-time friends

and one just a few miles from us.

Also- her sister lives 3/4 mile from us.

We visit them – it gives us a place to go –

we also try to see the beaches –

sometimes just driving over the causeway to park and sit on benches.

There are a great number of activities that are going on and neighborhood functions.

The pool on a hot day and the clubhouse to sit in on a rainy day.

We volunteer for groups and seek out a lot of small different side trips.

Our days are filled and what I like –

no timetable if we choose not to do any of them.

IT IS OUR TIME AND OUR SCHEDULE –

what I always envisioned retirement to be.

Our retirement life is now full of Thunderstorms –

sweeping in from the ocean –

and rainbows after –

in between sunshine – sand and surf –

being free to do what we want.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – EACH MORNING – THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY!

Papa’s World – Caring for one another in our “SENIOR” years!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

The morning she woke up and could not stand – something happened to her back!

We had no idea how this happened – the day before she was fine – then – trying to get out of bed

became a challenge.

So goes the life of “SENIORS” age 75 or better!

We both practice “HEALTHY EATING” – walking – Geri-fit ( Senior workouts) at the senior center.

So – it came as a surprise after a trip to the Emergency Room and a C-SCAN –

to find out she has a COMPRESSED FRACTURE OF THE L1 VERTBRAE!

And – there also was an older one of the L3!

Now Sherry is very active – always on the move –

doing different things and projects.

My role changed – instead of “DRIVING MISS DAISY” –

It was “HELPING MISS SHERRY”!

Overnight – the pain was there –

movement was stiff – walking was labor intensive.

But – we started making appointments to see if we could improve the situation.

Slowly – ever so slowly – improvement came – pain meds –

well, they made her ill.

And finally Physical therapy – a consultation and more improvement.

Slowly we were getting back into some normal walking.

I learned how to wash and dry clothes –

something she never would let me do –

I always would fold them but now I separated and washed them and dried them – an art in itself! LOL

I had always cleaned the floors – picked up and straightened up.

Now – each morning I make the bed!

Change the sheets washing and drying them.

We still are trying to find out what caused this?

Maybe it was the Monday we went to Home Depot –

I had wrenched my lower left back

playing on a par three –

and I was being careful the next day –

we bought a plant and she bent over and picked it up –

And carried it until I convinced her to put it in the shopping cart.

But – nothing had happened – she was fine!

Or maybe we suspect it was the Saturday 18 holes of golf –

followed up on Sunday with another nine holes!

She was trying to adjust her swing –

I think this might of been the start –

but that Monday was her picking up the plant and no effects that day from that.

It was the next day she could not get out of bed by herself!

Whatever it was – we are here for one another –

“CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER IN OUR SENIOR YEARS”!

This is what marriage to me is all about – for life –

we both are very careful not to fall –

and to maintain our JP supplement going for 19 years!

We move every day – and stay active –

walking the community the park or the beach.

Playing golf – she will have to not strain her back when she comes back

and bend her legs for her back!

Commitment to one another – “DRIVING MISS SHERRY” would not have it any other way!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER IN OUR “SENIOR” YEARS!

Papa’s World – Memories of Life!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Our new memory we are making is here this beach is but four miles away! Living the SALT LIFE in OIB!

Our granddaughter Taylor who now is twelve years old – loves this and would like to have these times back!

We are now living our dream life – here in OIB close to the border of S.C.

Music is the path to the soul and our way of finding peace – comfort, and gratitude!

Spending time together and living life one day at at time!

Memories from childhood!

Living life to the plus with a sense of humor!

Enjoying the SUNRISES of our life together in OIB – living life one day at a time!

Laugh a little – laugh a lot – just laugh!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – MEMORIES OF LIFE! livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Golfing and Beach Life!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This little phrase is so true for me – when you hit that one shot – all the others just seem to fade away!

The drive sets the tone for me – being down the middle – trying to get close to the 150-yard marker!

And then the second shot – that has always been my do-or-die moment.

Making good contact and lifting the ball into the air.

With a very good shot – I am next to the green and a super shot is “ON” the green!

That is on a par four.

As a SENIOR player – hitting long is no longer in the game!

Being accurate is trying – just being in the middle is what I try to achieve.

PUTTING – oh Lord – if I could only putt!

Most times I do not hit it hard enough – leaving them short and a lot of times way short!

And then there is “SHOULD I GO FOR IT SHOT”?

In my mind is – I have done that before!

But – also – it was one of those “GREAT SHOTS” that are so rare!

Playing golf and scoring is the most difficult sport I have ever played!

Everything is all about repeating that perfect swing and speed and accuracy.

If you are off a fraction it is disastrous!

That is why even the pros have troubles – some days they are right on –

but hole to hole they could falter and then the mistake magnifies in the score!

GOLF – I LOVE IT EVEN THOUGH I MAKE SO MANY ERRORS!

IT IS ALWAYS FOR ME THE LAST GREAT SHOT! LOL

The BEACH – I have always dreamed of living near a beach – while on vacations – I always counted down –

to the time we had to check out

and leave the SUN-SAND- and SURF!

My thoughts were always planning for the next year –

scouring beach homes –

trying to get as close to the beach as we could afford.

Were there enough bedrooms – how many does it sleep –

is there a pool and how far to walk to the sand?

We have to carry so it makes a difference.

HOW MANY BATHROOMS DOES IT HAVE?

IS THERE A OUTDOOR SHOWER?

ARE THERE BEACH CHAIRS?

AND HOW MANY HOURS DO WE HAVE TO DRIVE?

Questions – questions and questions!

Now – today –

we do not have to find out all those questions!

We are here – ten minutes-

and we are standing on the BEACH!

We choose to live here on the mainland side –

back from the storms except for the really bad hurricanes –

we will face that when the time comes.

Today – we live our beach life –

choosing when to go –

and knowing we can do this whenever we want!

GOLFING and BEACHES –

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

Papa’s World – Family times and RAINBOWS!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Our life and times are defined by our FAMILY TIMES!

We try to incorporate as much family into our life as possible given how far away we are!

Both my sons have visited and hoping they come back down this year –

although a very long drive – so many things we want to show them!

Our daughters have been here more often mainly because it is half the distance that the boys have to travel.

We are in contact with all of them and the grandkids!

Ella will be a senior in college this year and will play her last season of soccer for Randolf College!

We have plans to attend her senior game with family!

We usually all rent an Airbnb and get together for that game.

Family events also play into our lives – and we return for them.

Time here seems to be so fast from day to day.

Not like it did when we worked.

Someone asked me the other day –

“What have you been doing?”

I honestly struggled to answer that because I have said –

“I DON’T KNOW HOW I FOUND TIME TO WORK”!

What is nice is that we stay busy all be it for different reasons.

Not having to watch the clock to quitting time seems to take all the stress out of TIME!

It is nice to do what you want to do – even a trip to the store is to me an adventure –

I do not have to do it if I choose not to – but I can do it the next day.

I do most of the driving these days – except on long trips and then we switch on and off.

There is so much going on here – think of your week’s vacation you have taken to the beach!

With us – We never have to feel we have to leave – we live here –

we can watch families come and go –

and we are here to watch the next weekly families move in!

That to me is living what I always dreamed of doing!

The RAINBOWS of our life – well they keep on coming –

The THUNDERSTORMS are here also –

but we tend to just sit back and wait for the RAINBOW to appear once again.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – FAMILY TIMES AND RAINBOWS!

Papa’s World – GOOD HUMOR and LAUGHS!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

In day-to-day life – so much negative news floats about – theories – untrue stories –

I try every day to ignore such things – if I want to know – I fact-check – otherwise –

I pay no attention to it – LIFE IS TOO SHORT to become involved with all the “NOISE”!

I look for the funny side of life – I marvel at history and discoveries –

I would love to be involved in a dig for history and finds!

Help one another – share good vibes and humor!

I would be rich! LOL

Life is about discoveries of friends – love for families and seeing one another as often as you can.

The epitome of success in my book is the friendships you have and care about!

I take pictures for memories – looking back fondly on those memories.

I am selective on who I allow to post on my page – I do not like political posts either way.

I do not want to be convinced or shown what that person believes to be right or wrong!

But – many funny posts on Facebook make me laugh or smile – those I like.

Keeping up with friends – neighbors and family –

What makes me smile will be the ones who remain on my site!

Many people are going through health issues today – especially in our age group of BABYBOOMERS!

So many are selling and using cash here in the Carolinas to downsize and live the dream life!

Stay positive – we found ours and yours could also be here.

We left the hustle and bustle of traffic – the roads clogged and people rushing to and from work –

to find peaceful living here – it can and does get busy –

but being in traffic at 35 MPH vs. 65 MPH is way better!

We attempt to play golf – it is a form of relaxation for me – being out in nature – now I am not that good –

I struggle at times – hit a couple good shots and then all goes South! LOL!

But – it is that next great one that brings me back for another go at it!

I know my limits but still at times I try the next to impossible – and when I hit it and make the shot –

all that came before is soon forgotten and that one shot remains in my memory!

I hope today my blog brings some joy – humor and laughter your way –

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – GOOD HUMOR AND LAUGHS!

Papa’s World – “RETIREMENT” going really FAST!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

The home we built to retire in – Brambleton, Va. – just behind the Dulles Airport!

It has been over twelve years for Sherry ( she retired early ) and ten years for me!

We had thought that we would retire in this community in Loudoun County –

But a few things happened.

Our youngest daughter and her family who lived a mile from us – MOVED – not far –

some 16 miles away – but you have to understand – we picked up the granddaughters

every day after school – and there were days we had Bode when he did not have pre-school.

We would walk to their home and they would ride bikes with their parents to our house.

Overnight stays were common – trips to the community pools –

We were involved daily and that changed.

You might say – Well we could drive there – but when you are a senior – TRAFFIC bothers you!

And NVA has traffic – and they are just crazy!

We did not like having to drive that distance after being able to walk to their home.

I know – that is selfish of us – and we loved their new home and they loved being in a single-family home with neighbor kids and country living!

Once there – it was so nice – and to be truthful – our neighborhood was what I call a –

“GARAGE DOOR NEIGHBORHOOD”

It goes up when they leave for work – closes and opens again

when they return and closes again.
that’s it!

Outside of a couple neighbors – we had no close friends – it was always in transition.

A beautiful place – a growing community – four High Schools and only one when we moved there.

Our home was beautiful – we walked the fifteen miles of trails daily.

I would sit daily in retirement on the front porch and see dozens of people walking or biking by –

But I knew none of them!

I spent my time grooming the yard – we planted flowers that came back each year –

I hand-dug and planted three Crepe Myrtles and three green-type trees that went straight up

by the fence – I had a wild strawberry patch that the twins would sit down and eat one by one.

Cassidy would tell me how soft the grass was on her bare feet and how cool it felt in the shade.

Living here in retirement was our goal when we built it – we watched as the neighborhood

grew and grew – expanding – schools being built –

a complete town was built with a bank – markets – stores – theater – library and multiple restaurants.

A fifteen-acre park with basketball courts – tennis courts – playgrounds at different sites –

a large pond and huge boulders with waterfalls.

Three community pools were opened.

A sports complex – ball fields soccer fields and cricket fields were submitted and the over 200-acre park with all this was completed after we left!

Brambleton was and is now a destination point for people who work in D.C.

And the Metro came after we moved!

The Washington Commander’s headquarters was five miles away.

We could have driven three miles – hopped on the Metro and went into D.C. or got off at the Dulles International Airport to fly out!

After a short one-half-hour drive we were in the famous “HORSE COUNTRY” of Middleburg –

Where Jackie Kennedy rode horses and Christopher Reeves fell and became Paralyzed.

Then the second reason happened in our retirement – the bottom fell out of the stock market –

The 401K dropped like a lead balloon – it burst!

We lost and we lost big time – 33% disappeared overnight!

We still had our pensions – small as they are – our lifeline Social Security –

which after 79 1/2 years between us we paid into instead of wages and benefits – AND EARNED!

And we had Sherry’s home-based business going on 19 years –

with a monthly income – The Juice Plus Company has been very good for us!

We could survive but it was very expensive – where we lived –

the highest per income in the country!

BUT – the housing market took off and we gained what we lost in the 401K back in the house.

TIME TO SELL AND MOVE!

We would leave our families – but only be a seven-hour drive away –

and go to warmer weather!

The area we had always liked was the area of Wilmington, N.C.

and South of that!

I started to google and found a condo in Ocean Keyes , North Myrtle Beach – S.C.

That would give us time to research and find a place to live!

This was the two reasons we decided to sell and move South – leaving family and friends.

Our journey into retirement had its dreams and pitfalls – but we found our end of the rainbow-

I hope this gives inspiration to those who go into retirement and have to make changes.

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

THE YEARS OF RETIREMENT HAVE GONE BY REALLY FAST!

PAPA’S WORLD – RETIREMENT – GOING REALLY FAST!

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – OCEAN ISLE BEACH – NORTH CAROLINA!

Papa’s World – Our “FOREVER” house in Brambleton!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Our “FOREVER” house in Brambleton, Va. sits on a corner lot – with 3200 SF. on two levels!

This was the second home we had built –

and we thought would be the home we would stay retired in!

After retirement – I spent many a morning sitting here on the front porch until the afternoon hot sun moved me onto the patio.

It was from here that Sherry and I took our first of 10,000 daily steps.

When we finally moved out in 2020 – there were over FIFTHTEEN MILES of walking trails!

We could walk all week and never walk twice on one trail!

We planted all that you see to come back each year.

We put in three Crepe Myrtles – and I mowed and trimmed this by myself after my heart attack!

Here is the side and rear of the horse shoe-shaped house –

the middle was the enclosed courtyard – we had slate put down –

and this area was four hundred and forty square feet.

No one could see in and there were two entrances from the house.

We had two tower gardens here and a BBQ and table and chairs.

Also a glider and two comfy chairs!

The enclosed patio with slate floor – this would be in the shade almost the entire day from the trees planted by the developer.

The gate opened up on the side yard where we had yearly wild strawberries growing!

The twin girls would sit out there and pick and eat!

I really miss this and Sherry chose to sit here instead of on the front porch!

The view looking back from the fence to the kitchen door straight ahead and to the right –

the door which we did not use – leading into the family room.

You could find shade out here all day long!

The door out to the patio off the kitchen – we had granite everywhere.

Many grandkids sat here to snack or craft!

Where the lights hang down – I put them in – is the breakfast table.

There were 34 windows in total in the entire house!

We ate most of our meals here but we also had a formal dining room!

Beyond the hanging lights is the family room with a fireplace.

Many winter days I sat by the warm fireplace.

The family room – to the right is the entrance to the side patio which I put in -not the door but the

patio itself. We also had a Tower Garden here on this side of the house which got the morning sun!

The fireplace and chair that I sat in winter time!

Looking at the breakfast table and the kitchen – beyond is the staircase and the way to the second floor.

We sold over 95 % of the furnishings to the people who purchased the house!

The wood floors were all Bamboo!

Another view of the family room – my watching TV spot was to the far right of the leather couch!

You could sit five here and have room – all the little ones could sit here with us to watch a movie!

The front door and beyond the front porch where I would sit and say hello to the walkers

and bikes going by each day.

To the left is the formal living room – all windows on two sides –

one to the front porch and the other looking out over the enclosed patio.

We would open Christmas packages sometimes here with the families!

The dining room had large double windows looking out toward the street –

and many family dinner were held there, a lot of memories over the fourteen and one-half years!

This is the landing at the top of the stairs – it is here that Sherry had her office which you see on the left.

There also was a TV up here – and three bedrooms and two bathrooms

and a sitting room off the Master that we put a single bed in that was Ella’s when she came to visit.

Maddy had her own room – Sarah could have had her own room but wanted to sleep on a made-up floor bed-

In our room – and when all three little ones came to visit – they also had made-up beds on the master’s floor!

This was supposed to be the “FOREVER” home we would spend retirement in.

Then came the PANDEMIC in 2020 – we were without family ties – restricted –

and to top that off – our 401K took a 33% hit in the downturn – our retirement was being wiped out!

We still had S.S. and some pensions and her Juice Plus monthly income –

But – Loudoun County – which has the highest per-capital income in the USA –

was becoming not affordable to live in with the high cost of taxes and cost of living there!

Then the bright side of all this – the housing market took off – the price of our house was high –

After much discussion – we decided it was time to SELL – and leave our “FOREVER” home!

Selling and moving South to the border of N.C and S.C. – sun – fun and beach and golf time!

We were in and we sold our home – and most of the furniture – made dozens of trips

to the Salvation Army – yard sales and curb-side free to anyone who wanted it!

We downsides to 1900 SF. and now reside in Cameron Woods, OIB. in North Carolina near the border of S.C.

Near the beaches and year-round golf!

Our home here has become most likely our “LAST home.

We enjoyed the fourteen and one-half years in our “FOREVER” home-

but now are comfortable here with new friends and neighbors.

I hope you enjoyed the look back on our life in NVA.

Never to be forgotten –

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

OUR “FOREVER” HOME IN BRAMBLETON, VA.

Papa’s World – Living life one day at a time!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

I have one morning that was way worse than this!

Almost nine years ago – I went to work – for the last time not knowing it!

It was that day I suffered a heart attack – very severe one – four arteries – all done by my 50 years of eating unhealthy!

If I had not changed my life 16 years ago – I most likely would not be here.

I had to have FOUR BY PASSES – yet I was home within 50 hours of being out of the operating room.

They told me they had never had a more healthy patient than me.

Since that day – after never returning to work and retiring after 47 1/2 years for the same company – I have lived my life one day at a time!

And I try to live that day to the plus each day – as you just never know when that last day will be!

I consider myself more than just Luckey – having a wife who points me in the right direction to better eating habits!

I no longer drink soda – milk – I eat more fish or chicken – I limit myself on sweets – and I eat VEGGIES!

RAW VEGGIES!

Splurging for me is a simple meal – soup – a small slice of bread and a light draft beer – sometimes I go a month without having a beer!

I do not drink hard drinks and I do not like wine – I do not do IPA – and light beer is my go-to.

Having a sense of humor and living my life one day at a time and blogging every day – no stress – easy living and WALKING!

We grow our own produce 12 months of the year – eating off the Tower Garden every night!

Having new friends – living the salt life and life to the plus – I encourage you to WALK – EAT VEGGIES – control your life!

My wife guides me and is a CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoinitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Papa’s World – Living our lives – one day at a time!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Life here in the Carolinas is not for everyone – however – looking at all the land being cleared –

housing projects being approved – it seems like the secret is out!

Our two beaches – Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach –

have been voted the top beaches in North Carolina!

And add to that – GOLF – is very big here – so many fine courses!

Top – Sunset Beach pier and bottom – Ocean Isle Beach Pier.

Sunset Beach is flat and calmer-

while Ocean Isle Beach is the opposite!

We like them both and alternate between them.

We can be on OIB in ten minutes while Sunset Beach is fifteen minutes!

The Golf Courses – well over thirty are within thirty minutes!

Shopping – food within five minutes as well as gas in both directions.

Large store shopping – is 8 miles away and North Myrtle Beach – is thirty minutes away.

Wilmington, N.C. – about forty minutes away.

Our major hospital – twenty minutes.

We are central to most of what we want to do!

And our community – is full of tall and large trees!

Numerous ponds – wildlife – and quiet!

We love our life here – neighbors – friends ( a few friends have moved near us) –

It is warm – no snow or ice so far.

It can be hot – but I love the winter.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LIVING OUR LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME! OIB, N.C. CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY.

Papa’s World – Living Life – Humor and Laughs!

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In today’s world – seeing all the news – hearing all the news – I just have to have a way to relax-

and not let it bother me!

That is a reason I love golfing – out on the course in nature –

Here you see all types of critters and birds!

You learn not to pursue a ball if you see an unchained dog –

a fence or in deep grass where snakes are!

Water – leave it be – there are gators in most ponds!

My game and losing golf balls,

has improved if I stay in the middle of the fairway! LOL

Golf is my release for all the negative news of today – I do not watch cable news –

Just riding the cart – sun and warm breeze –

The next shot and if I make a good one –

well I will be back – if not a good one –

THEN I STILL WILL BE BACK! LOL

I am on Facebook – but I unfollow a lot of posters who are so political –

I do not need that in my life

and it is the far left and far right!

I enjoy reading people’s trips –

adventures and families!

I enjoy seeing different lands –

cities and countries.

It can be enjoyable without all the noise of political interference!

Staying positive – seeing nature

and the beauty of the world we live in!

This blog today is a positive blog –

one with humor and just being nice!

I hope this brings a smile to you –

and let you know that there is a life without negative thoughts!

Thanks for reading – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – LIVING LIFE – HUMOR AND LAUGHS!

Papa’s World – PLANT FLOWERS IN YOUR LIFE!

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Papa’s World – a place of kindness – no politics – friendship – family & Friends.

I love flowers – planting and feeding them the water for life.

But – I also love making friendships – greeting people with a smile and a hello.

Life is too short – and we are now in the sunset of our own lives.

Our life is a mixture of planting gardens in others’ lives.

Being friends – walking – laughing – sharing thoughts.

The beauty of those plantings is it last and last through time.

One day and one flower at a time – FRIENDS – FAMILY – TOGETHER – making changes in the World.

Thanks for reading Papa’s World! MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SHERRY and PAPA “PAPA’S WORLD”

Papa’s World – Life in the CAROLINA’S!

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Playing golf is a big part of our lives – we wanted to do that back in NVA –

but it was too expensive for us being retired where we lived!

Here – we can purchase what is called “THE FIRST TEE” card –

this has 52 courses on it and gives us reduced rates –

Usually after 12:00 o’clock – which is okay as we like playing then.

The other rule is you can only make tee times 48 to 24 hours in advance.

When I call up I say – “Do you have a tee time after 12:00 noon – they then will give me the first open tee time and that is okay with us –

We have never been told no.

Living so close to the border of N.C. and S.C. – it can and does get hot in the afternoons –

but take plenty of water – stay in the shade as much as you can – and ride the cart-

gives you a breeze – plus it rarely bothers me!

Most times you have the Carolina blue skies and puffy white clouds.

Springs and Falls are great times – winter – can be – sunshine – dress warm and you are good to go!

On our card are over 30 courses near us that we can play!

This area was our first choice to build a home!

Both because of the price and the location –

to the beaches ( two of them) and the courses – over 30 of them.

We are right in the middle!

And our friends of many years live some 40 minutes away –

and they come here all the time to golf!

There seems to always be some clouds at the beach and a lot of time when they call for storms –

it will pass by out to sea.

We are fortunate to be able to come to these beaches whenever we want.

Most times we find a parking space and walk to the beach.

There is paid parking ($10.00) all day at the piers of both beaches.

I think we have only paid twice in the four years we have been here!

Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach have been voted as the top beaches on the Carolina coast!

LIFE IN THE CAROLINAS – THANKS FOR READING – AND AS ALWAYS – HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – We built on Ridgetop Commons!

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We were going to sell our Fountainside Lane Town house – which we first bought in 1999 –

and build a new townhouse in a new development called Ridgemont Commons!

This was a 2400 SF. – three-story brick townhouse –

and we were to pick the upgrades we wanted.

It was to have a two-car garage and a deck off the second floor with a fenced-in courtyard below it!

This would be the first of three homes we built – and three floors – I would never do that again.

Three floors are a lot of stairs to navigate – but it also was our first and only all-brick home!

This was a brand new neighborhood in the forest behind our first townhouse.

We used to ride the trails through the woods on our bikes!

It was a beautiful home and off the garage – under the staircase was a hidden storage space.

I hired a contractor to cut a hole and install a door so we could access it!

It was about 15 feet long and made a hard right to end up behind the fireplace on the first floor –

We stored a lot down there.

I knew it was there from visiting the construction site –

throughout the process.

This home had three bedrooms – two and one-half baths –

Very large gothic windows on the second floor –

Cherry wood cabinets and granite tops.

We also were within walking distance of a brand new WEGMANS –

and a newly built town center called Fairfax Corners.

We really liked this neighborhood as we could walk to stores – theaters – and places to eat.

But – it was city life – traffic was busy – George Mason University was a couple miles away –

The NRA building was also –

It was just too busy!

We lived here almost four years – we had experienced the DC SNIPER and 9-11 terror here.

It was time to look elsewhere – and there was a brand new development in the countryside-

called “BRAMBLETON, VA.”

They were building an entire small city there –

Once again we put the house up for sale – and put in an offer on what we thought –

“OUR FOREVER HOME TO BE BUILT IN BRAMBLETON, VA.”

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

Soon to come – BRAMBLETON, VA. OUR FOREVER HOME – SO WE THOUGHT!

Papa’s World – Laugh – smile – sip your coffee – tea – drink water or have a beer – relax – start your day!!!!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Just a few humorous thoughts for the day – a way to start your day with a smile!

In today’s world of negative news – here is something to make a way to start the day in a positive manner – smiling!

Playing golf – this one struck me as funny – a sense of humor – a smile – a laugh – sit back – sip your coffee!

I want to believe but I need proof and as Mulder says “THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE”! LOL

Throw in a thought – a lot of truth is here!

LOL – how many times have you seen this!!!!!!!!

I hope this started your day with smiles – sip your coffee – tea or drink water – a beer – just be happy!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – LIFE IN GENERAL!

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Here we are – 42 years later plus a few months – living in the South – both born and raised in Pa.

Although we lived a mere 40 miles from each other in the rural countryside – we never met.

Sherry did know one of my classmates – through Chorus – I found that out much later.

We attended competing H.S. – and both thought Olean, N.Y. was the big city while we were young.

Funny how life works out – we met when we were around 31 and married a year and a half later.

That was on June – 25th. 1982.

Life in general for the both of us began then.

We were divorced with children – her two daughters – four and nine – and me two sons – nine and fourteen.

We had no money – both working for American Olean Tile Co. in Olean, N.Y.

But we made the most of what we had – spending so much time with the kids – picnics –

day trips and weekend campfires where we lived.

Our friends changed from a few holdovers from our previous lives to a mix of both old and new.

But those old friends became lifelong friends to this day!

Dottie was there before we married for me and her husband Jim who I played softball with –

And less than five years after we were married – Cindy became our neighbor along with Buck –

her husband and we have traveled the world with them!

LIFE IN GENERAL would not be the same without them!

We have come a long way since that time in Pa. and WNY.

Via – Northern Va. – South Carolina and now North Carolina –

We all live in North Carolina now – Jim and Dottie are some five hours away –

and Buck and Cindy some 45 minutes away.

Any of the three places are great places to call home.

We still plan to get together and now all six of us are retired –

Sherry and I are the SENIOR retirees and we hope a lot of time remains –

but if it doesn’t – this journey of LIFE IN GENERAL has all the earmarkings of –

A LIFE WELL LIVED!

Here is to that well-traveled road – I wouldn’t change a thing and am blessed to have met and known all of these people –

and to my wife of 42-plus years –

Thanks for my and our LIFE IN GENERAL!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

HERE’S TO “LIFE IN GENERAL” and our old friends who have made it that way!

Papa’s World – Life with family and friends!

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It is often said if you can count the number of real friends on one hand – you are blessed!

I feel that we are truly blessed – as two hands are not enough!

We have always made close friends – staying in touch – having them drop in and staying.

Going back to our early years – it was so!

Numerous vacations – renting a big house on or near a beach – with friends!

Our lives are full of such experiences.

Sharing a laugh with great friends!

So many times the six of us have been together over the years and still to this day –

at least twice a year!

Our new neighbors who happen to be from WNY – the same area we were from!

Today – Steve and Diane – while they are here – friends – talking – walking –

we watch their house when they are away back in Rushford Lake, N.Y.

Precious and dear to our hearts – Family and grandkids!

While they are nearly grown –

they still visit us and we visit them –

Always dear to us and love them all!

Mother and daughters – all six grandkids belong to them!

My oldest friend from grade school – H.S. and Beyond and Pam – his wife.

Today we still see them once a year for a couple weeks – they are full-time on the R.V. road.

So many fun times growing up in NWPA!

FRIENDS LASTING A LIFETIME!

Family – Mike and Debby with the youngest daughter – Sarah!

The twins – Cassidy and Taylor with Tammy and Marcus – and not here Bode – FAMILY!

Bode is on the left in his Nationals gear at a game!

Wife and husband – my daughter-in-law Trisha and my son Shawn!

Andrea – my son Troy’s partner – family!

Our longtime friends from back in WNY – Elaine and Steve – still staying in touch!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LIFE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Papa’s World – Life at Pleasant Acres Drive!

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Our love and marriage – for five and one-half years – we lived on the East Windfall Road –

way out in the country.

A house came up for sale – it was being sold by a holding company – the previous owner transferred and his company bought the house in the move.

It was a beautiful – ten-year-old – two-story Colonial – with four bedrooms and two baths upstairs!

A full basement with cement floor – and on the main level – two living rooms – a dining room – a breakfast area and a large laundry room with an attached half bath.

A large two-car garage with a bump out for shelving and storage.

Situated on three-quarter-acre mowed lot – with a small grouping of trees in the backyard.

And right across the street were our dear friends – The McBrides!

Sherry and Papa – with Cindy and Buck McBride – later – moved to N.C. and about twenty-five years later –

we followed and now live some 38 miles from them.

We often get together to golf on weekends and then either go out or to one another home for dinner.

We lived in Pleasant Acres Drive for twelve and one-half years – Mike and Carol John lived next door – and we often played tricks on one another –

One time he snuck over and hooked up to my Christmas lights and would turn them off and on! LOL

Another time I remodeled the half bath – took out the old toilet – painted it Red – White and Blue –

I placed it behind a big pine tree where he could not see it – and I placed a sign on it –

“WELCOME TO MIKE’S JOHN”! LOL

To this day we still visit them and they visit us – they have since moved and built a large house near his business and purchased a large house on Chautauqua Lake that we have visited twice!

Our neighborhood there was fun – often, times we would line up the riding mowers and race to the end of the road.

There were neighborhood graduations – parties and just general good fun.

Buck and Cindy moved about four years before we did – sad days followed but we often would vacation down in N.C. with them

After twelve and one-half years – we decided as empty nesters – it was time to move on –

It would be sad but for me – I had enough of supervision – factory life –

and for Sherry – she had a college degree and couldn’t go no further –

she was head of Logistics – time to move on.

We had added on a very large two-level covered deck with a hot tub!

Also a firepit with white scotch pine trees and several birch trees-

Had the back of the lot graded and seeded into the lawn – added hot water baseboard heating

and a wood-burning stove in the basement and tiled part of that.

I hand-stained the woodwork with her father’s special woodworking – he was a master –

And that all is there today – we sold it to a close friend and they live there today!

We said our goodbyes to friends and neighbors – packed up and we both transferred to NVA!

We transferred within the company and took all our benefits with us –

We went from the middle of COUNTRY to ALEXANDRIA, VA. the middle of the city!

After two months of company housing – we purchased our first home –

In the Fairfax, Va. neighborhood of FOUNTAINSIDE DRIVE!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – LIFE AT PLEASANT ACRES DRIVE – my site: LIVINGLIFEDOINGITMYWAY.BLOG

Papa’s World – Loving life!

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My life today could have been much different!

In 2013 – November –

After I arrived at work, my left shoulder was sore!

I thought it was because on the Friday before – I had manhandled five Tile Table Saws –

not only were they cumbersome – but large boxes –

I had to break the skid down because it was too big to put into the storage racks.

I transferred to NVA and told management that I no longer wanted to supervise people –

I just wanted to work – do 110% and go home!

I wanted to retire and at that time I was six months away from retirement.

At 11:00 am. I finally got caught up – and my shoulder had turned into my left arm killing me!

I sat down at my desk and a fellow employee came out into the warehouse –

took one look at me

and asked if he should call an ambulance –

I said”YES”!

He came back and gave me water and two baby aspirins!

They came and put me on a stretcher –

I was having a “HEART ATTACK” –

My arm hurt so much that I would be relieved if you cut it off!

I had for forty years eaten fast food – soda and dairy before I changed eight years previously.

They rushed me to the hospital operating room in Fairfax –

I was told I was having a “WIDOW MAKERS HEART ATTACK” –

thank goodness I had changed my eating habits to drop fast food

and dary eight years before –

but the damage to the arteries had been done.

They put a stent in and the pain stopped!

But – they told me I had to have three more!

They also told me on the day I was supposed to have it done –

they could not do it!

It would be too dangerous and I had to come back and have “OPEN HEART SURGERY”!

Including the stent!

I was distressed –

this was a major operation – would I survive?

I had been taking a supplement –

FRUITS – VEGGIES and BERRIES – 30 of them daily for over eight years!

And I had never missed a day.

And I did not miss even through the surgery – I firmly believe this is what kept me alive.

Now – I had the four by-passes – I was up and walking 10 hours later – they sent me home –

less than forty-eight hours after closing me up –

they wanted me to be a part of a study they were doing –

they told me “YOU ARE THE HEALTHIEST HEART PATIENT WE HAVE EVER HAD”!

I declined – I did not want to travel back and forth.

To this day – going on nineteen years –

I have NEVER missed a day of those supplements!

It has now been TEN and HALF YEARS since those by-passes!

I get tested – blood tests every FOUR MONTHS!

Here are my results for May.

Because of the WIDOWMAKER HEART ATTACK – I TAKE MEDICATIONS

and am told that will be for the rest of my life!

CHOLESTROL – Range – 100 – 199 – my results: 108!

TRIGLYCERIDES – Range – 0 – 149 – my results: 81!

HD CHOLESTROL- Range- 39 or above – my results – 33! ( I need more strenuous exercise – I am 75!)

VDL CHOLESTROL – Range – 5 – 40 – my results – 10!

LDL CHOLESTROL – Range – 0 – 99 – my results – 59!

I am a low diabetic – type two.

I take medication – I eat hardly any sweets – no soda – no dairy –

AIC – They want me below 6.5 % I am at 6.7%

I will try the diet to control this –

so far I have lost over 10 lbs in the last six months.

I am bouncing between 189 and 193 –

I graduated in 1967 at 195!

GLUCOSE – Range – 70 to 99 – my score: 115 –

I am working on this and it came down from the last blood test.

Overall – I am happy with my blood tests –

I keep trying –

I am dedicated to my Juice Plus –

I will always take them each day.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LOVING LIFE!

Papa’s World – Living in the Carolinas!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

BEACHES – WARMTH – BLUE SKIES and GOLF!

We made the move to eight miles to the border of S.C. – OIB – known as OCEAN ISLE BEACH!

Now in this expanse of eight to ten miles – in any direction except toward the ocean –

is about thirty golf courses!

Playing golf was one of the reasons we moved to Cameron Woods Community.

We both love to be out on the fairways and the trees and open air.

We purchased each year what is known as THE FIRST TEE CARD for $100.00 –

$90.00 if you buy it before Christmas each year.

On this card are 52 golf venues where you can make tee times –

but you can only make them sometimes 24 to 48 hours in advance and most are after twelve – noon!

We do not mind as that time most players want morning tee times-

thus it is not as crowded at 1:30 PM. Tee off!

So we play – mostly with our dear friends Buck and Cindy – once every week or two.

Other times – I have played with neighborhood friends –

and at times with my son-in-law when they visit.

There are times when our group of friends that we have known for years –

come to visit and we play guys vs gals and usually it ends up one stroke –

while we give them five strokes over eighteen holes.

Makes for a great afternoon – dinner and festive bantering!

We also chose this area because we are close to two beaches – here is the Sunset Beach Pier –

This is the beach I prefer to walk on as it is more level and easier for me to walk –

I have a sore hip joint – walking here in the surf is okay!

As you can see here – Sunset Beach at low tide is very wide – and not as rough as other beaches!

While I also am way past riding the waves – I do wade into knee-deep and that is enough for me!

Sunset Beach is known as its name suggests – brilliant SUNSETS!

A couple times a month they have live bands set up on the pier and everyone gathers in the sand

below for free concerts!

This is more of a residential beach and in less than fifteen minutes we are standing on the sand!

And then there is OCEAN ISLE BEACH – I like this beach because it has commercial places to eat and drink!

Also a very large open park with a covered stage for concerts – a mini golf course – and a playground with pickle ball courts – basketball – splash pool and various playground rides for kids!

Live free concerts begin at the end of May and run up past Labor Day!

Pelican Perch is one of my favorite bars and grills – my favorite draft is ‘RED OAK”!

There is also a second-level coffee shop and a wine and beer garden with appetizers!

Many surf shops and a community center with parking – a covered deck with picnic tables

and outdoor showers – and restrooms for the public.

We drive here often as in less than ten minutes we are standing on the beach –

we search for sea shells – sand dollars – starfish –

April is a big month to find Counch Shells!

Ocean Isle Beach pier – a lot of fishing from here – and you can see from the other pier on Sunset Beach-

it is rougher here!

We walk here also but it seems that my hip is more sore here than at Sunset Beach.

Both beaches have free parking for now – but both piers charge $10.00 to park in their enclosed lots

all day.

Living here near golf and beaches along with being warm in Spring and Fall is what we wanted.

Winter is bearable – no snow to shovel and hardly any ice – storms can be a problem but in four years we have survived that!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LIVING IN THE CAROLINAS!

Papa’s World – Life with us in Carolina and before!

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This is our new Community center in Cameron Woods Community – OIB, North Carolina.

We now are residents of Noth Carolina – having moved here almost 3 years ago.

Coming from Northern Va. for the past 21 years and before that in WNY!

We are the product of the ’60s and 70’s growing up thru the 50’s.

Working in WNY and transferring to NVA – our lives have transformed into senior living and retirement.

Papa taking a selfie of our neighborhood walking group an Mondays and Fridays!

Our favorite pass time is beach walking -and golfing and walking with friends and neighbors.

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

Helping where we can – Memory Care unit – Book club – helping people out who have dogs –

Life is full of wonderful situations – positive things and getting rid of negativity.

Growing our own produce without soil and pesticides. eating as healthy as we can.

Thanks for reading – Sunrises and Sunsets – Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA and SHERRY – living life to the plus one day at a time – Life in the Carolinas and before!

Papa’s World – Remembering the past!

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Our first home together was way out in the country – some tem plus miles from the school –

for Debby and Tammy.

Our nearest neighbor was at the bottom of the driveway –

1/10th of a mile away, at the bottom of the driveway!

And then the next neighbor was-

across a huge field, and up the side of a hill.

It would take me 3 solid days of mowing with a riding mower – rest for a couple days and start over again.

The driveway had mowed grass on either side eight feet wide!

We lived here for five and one-half years – campfires –

cows in a pasture behind the house hidden by a tree line.

Debby would earn extra money by cleaning the neighbor’s house across the field.

School sports and activities required ten-plus miles each way –

and my son’s another ten miles on top of that!

Our cars seemed to be forever in motion –

and our workplace was six to eight miles away!

This was country – deer – turkeys – and all the other critters including bears.

But it was also a time of peace – church – raising kids –

and going on picnics to state parks,

Inviting friends up for campfires – visiting our parents –

mine some twenty-plus miles away and hers some forty-five miles away.

Our little home had three bedrooms – each girl had their own on the second floor –

and ours was just off the kitchen with a huge deck and glass sliding doors.

There was a living room with a wood-burning fireplace –

it was here I asked for her hand in marriage.

There was a kitchen with a table in it –

and a country door into the laundry room ( it was two parts – upper and lower)

a squirrel once got into the laundry room

and our cat caught it after a raucous round of chasing it all over that room!

At night before we put in a street light – you could star gaze and listen to the owls –

coyotes and other critters of the night!

It was way up on the end of the East Windfall Road in the Portville, N.Y. school district.

The road continued as a dirt road up and over the hill –

eventually turning back again to blacktop!

Going back toward Portville – you could take a right and go over the hill into Olean –

past the golf course and come out at the hospital.

After five and one-half years –

we put in an offer on a home at Pleasant Acres Drive-

on the other side of Portville behind the cider mill!

We would then live here for twelve and one-half years –

until the kids were in and out of college and we were empty nesters!

That will be another blog – but until then –

our first house together resides as great memories in my mind!

Sherry back when we lived way out in the country – 1982 –

REMEMBERING THE PAST – PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Raised in a little town – Eldred, Pa.

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In a valley with a river – The Alleghany – railroad tracks and a main road – sits a little town –

800 to 1000 souls. Been around for a couple hundred years.

The main street is perhaps a mile long – with side streets and one that goes away and through the hills

known as Barden Brook- you can go for miles on that road into the hills and countryside.

Situated maybe 4 or 5 miles to the NYS border and over the hill fourteen miles away in Bradford-

home to Pennsoil-Kendall and nearby Quakerstate.

Here the oil boom in the 1800s fueled the rich along with oil derricks.
To the NW beyond the NYS lines are Portville Olean and Alleghany.

Here below is an early picture of my hometown in the 1800s – ELDRED, PA.

Dirt street on the main street and up on the far left – many years after this picture was taken and the streets were paved – is where I was raised.

The house is not in this picture but many buildings here I remember and some are still there!

The trees up there were huge as I was growing up!

The wooden sidewalks were replaced with concrete and I would rollerskate on them.

Growing up on North Main Street – we had a lot of kids there back then and would play –

KICK THE CAN! I knew them all and we would walk to school at the other end of the main street.

We had a bowling alley – a Theater – a grocery store – a gas station – a ballpark with lights –

and tennis and basketball courts.

A barbershop – a tastee-freeze, A doctor and a dentist’s office as well as the Odd Fellows.

A fire department – a H.S. and elementary combined.

A furniture store and several other stores that sold clothes and other things.

A drugstore and bank and many bars and a diner!

You knew everyone and they knew you!

We had a ten o’clock curfew – I think it is still that way today!

We would sled ride on the hills in winter – and in summer pick blueberries.

Sleeping outside on porches – playing tackle football at the park –

watching the baseball teams play and the Town Team.

I think it was like Mayberry and Stand By Me all wrapped up in one!

Today – a lot of that way of life is gone along with the stores – bowling alleys – theaters –

There still is a bank – and an elementary school and the ballpark is still there.

What is now there is a WWII museum – a huge one that tour buses come to see!

This is but a small fraction of what it is today – a tank bursting out the wall of the original building-

Beyond this are multiple areas and buildings – all hosing WWII artifacts and history –

This little town is big in the eyes of this museum.

Worth a trip to just tour it!

This was “MY TOWN” growing up!

Small town – small population – but BIG in what is offered here in the WWII Museum!

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Papa’s World – A dream of living near “BEACHES”!

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We both love the BEACH – with its sunrises and sunsets!

Walking the surf – toes in the sand and cold water to sip on!

Our life now consists of two beaches that are close – one four miles and one six miles!

When we were first married – our dreams were beach vacations – but that was not always an option!

Money – we had to save what we could – taking four kids to the beach was expensive.

Our first “FAMILY” vacation was to a rental – off the beach – at Lake Erie!

I really do not remember much about the house – it was one level – sat on a bluff with lots of trees- and you could walk to an overlook and down below and see a small rock-strewed beach.

The boys would go down the side to the beach – the girls not so much.

Later – we would pack up and drive to the beach in New Jersey – having picnics on the way –

saving as much money as we could – Sherry was excellent at that!

The Outer Banks was our later goal in life and we managed to do that with friends and their families-

later my brother and sister and their families.

Today – here we are – Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach – within minutes we are on the beaches!

We also are within a half hour to forty-five minutes of Holden Beach – Oak Island –

and North Myrtle Beach!

Our dreams have come to be – we are now living the “BEACH LIFE” while on the mainland-

away from the storms – Hurricanes can and do have an effect on us –

But – we will deal with it at the time.

Ocean Isle Beach and the pier – this beach is not as flat as Sunset Beach –

but this beach also has a community center with bathrooms – outdoor showers – and free parking!

The Community Center has a large open-air covered porch with many picnic tables.

There is a nice beach entrance and a large volleyball net and court.

This beach is also where we shell hunt and the month of April is known for the large Counch shells!

There also is a large park with a stage and live music all summer long!

There are more places to eat and ice cream – slushes and stores here!

Sunset Beach is my favorite beach to walk on – it is flat and easier to walk – we often go here –

They also have live music on Thursdays with the band on the pier and you set up below on the beach!

It also turns into Bird Island – a protected area and where the “KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX” –

This is a mile and one-half walk from the pier –

and has been there for over forty years!

Two benches and the mailbox sit up near the top of a dune.

There are plaques for remembering those who first put this here and a large piece of driftwood-

with a plaque in honor of those two people all the years ago.

In the mailbox is a journal and a pen for you to sit down and leave a message.

these are collected-

and are at a University for recording the history of “THE KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX”!

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PAPA’S WORLD – A DREAM OF LIVING NEAR THE BEACHES!

Papa’s World – Moving on from the early years of sports!

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For years and years, we followed these two granddaughters as they played soccer.

Today – our grandson is about to start his journey into sports and we hope to be there for him.

Loading the car up with cushions – chairs – food and drink –

driving miles and miles – rain – cold – snow and freezing ice.

We were grandparents who loved watching them play.

Travel teams to college – Maddy has graduated and Ella will be in her Senior year in college.

I remember them so fondly – cheering them on – heartbreak in losing – but regrouping for the next game or tournament.

Although I never played soccer – or was on a travel team – I did play baseball – football and softball –

later in life basketball and volleyball!

But watching them play – both ladies have talented skills in ball handling and passing.

Both were named Captains for their college soccer teams.

Ella will graduate as a four-year starter – being injured during her Junior year

with a leg injury.

Our early time of traveling to games came to an end when they both went off to college – Maddy University of Lynchburg and Ella to Randolf College.

But we selected games to go to for both of them – renting AIRBNB’S so the whole family could go and watch.

In two of the four years Maddy played – they won the conference title and advanced to the

Division III NCAA Tournament.

Ella has one more year to accomplish that!

Times we spent watching sports – and in the future one more grandchild to try and see as he grows older.

We have now moved on from those early years – I guess you could call us –

“THE SENIOR YEARS” LOL

But – we shall always cherish this time – living life in sports through our grandchildren!

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Our granddaughter “SARAH”!

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She is smart – creative – loving – helpful – and her mother’s daughter – “SARAH”!

In my mind, she has music all around her –

“BORN TO BE WILD” and “UP – UP and away – MY BEAUTIFUL BALLOON”!

Sarah standing in front of her mother – light blue shirt – when she was young – free spirit!

Now standing beside her mother Debby who is 5’6″ – she has become a stunning beauty!

Our little Sarah has grown up – and this is her Junior Prom!

Today – she is – “UP – UP and AWAY IN MY BEAUTIFUL BALLOON” in my mind!

The “BORN TO BE WILD” IS HIDDEN IN HER FREE SPIRIT AND SMILE!

The days ahead for her will be the turning of many heads in her direction –

but she will remain that “BEAUTIFUL BALLON” free to fly away!

Sarah – beautiful inside as well as outside –

Her caring – helpful ways – her laughter – her smile and her funny humor!

She has turned into the Butterfly of life –

and in another year – “UP – UP AND AWAY – MY BEAUTIFUL BALLON” will float in the sky!

Stay true to your free spirit –

Let your “BORN TO BE WILD” raise your “BEAUTIFUL BALLON” to new heights-

ON YOUR TERMS!

With proud parents – Mike and Debby –

OUR GRANDDAUGHTER – SARAH –

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Papa’s World – POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND SMILES!

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I post every day on Facebook – GOOD THOUGHTS as my way to promote Positive feelings and sharing!

Helping others as much as we can – staying neutral – staying true to our beliefs – having good relationships.

Having a sense of humor – smiling – laughing – feeling positive and focusing on the life we lead – THE SALT LIFE!

Trying to leave a footprint on Positive changes for the good of humankind – is not easy but can be done.

A smile when many years ago our granddaughter took her first horseback ride – today she rides and takes care of horses!

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PAPA’S WORLD – POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND SMILES! HGD!!!!!!!

Papa’s World – More memories of our life!

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Our life together began prior to our marriage on 6-25-1982!

We dated for 1 1/2 years – we each had two children.

Her two girls – Debby and Tammy – and my two sons Troy and Shawn.

She had custody of the girls and my boys stayed with their mother-

But – weekends were for adventures – not overly costly – but what we could provide.

Picnics – state parks – camping – campfires on our home to be in the country!

It was a time of adjustment – both for the children and for us!

We decided to get married after our divorces were final.

In the picture above are our oldest friends we have had as a couple.

I knew Jim and Dottie who in turn knew Cindy and Buck.

Then after five years of marriage – we sold the country house and moved closer to the school –

We were neighbors with Cindy and Buck – we had seen them at events with Jim and Dottie and we became fast friends!

In the mid-90s – they moved to N.C. – all six of us still remained friends –

We would vacation together with Jim and Dottie and their children

and would visit Cindy and Buck in N.C.

Then our children were all grown up and we were empty nesters.

We sought out transfers – eliminating some and applying for others.

We ended up in Northern Va. – within the company – and retained all of our service.

Some years later – Jim and Dottie transferred to Va. Beach – Jim with the same company as us –

and Dottie into the school system.

All the while – we all continued contact with one another and soon –

every four months or so-

would take turns to host!

We have maintained a friendship for over 40 years!

Now today at last we are all retired – and still we get together –

laughing – games – golfing – seeing shows and at each other’s homes.

Sherry and I moved from NVA to the border of N.C. and S.C. –

and Jim and Dottie from Va. Beach to Edenton, N.C.

Life has continued – friends have continued – and retirement is grand –

And new memories are being created –

MORE MEMORIES OF OUR LIFE – PAPA’S WORLD – LET THE GOLFING BEGIN!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Our lives in pictures!

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LOL – but I try! I believe in equality – sharing – loving – faith and family and friends!

Getting together with friends through the years – singing – laughing and golfing!

We have traveled the world with them –

making memories along the way – PRICELESS!

And of course, there is “MARLEY” – our granddog – she is such a gentle dog – always so glad to see us!

FAMILY – all the grandkids – now so grown up – Bode is almost ten years old!

Sarah is a senior in H.S. – Ella is a senior in college – Maddy has graduated college –

and is a Scientist – Geologist for a major Environmental firm!

The twins are now almost 14 and in 8th. grade and GIGI has gone to heaven.

Sarah a senior in H.S. A stunning beauty – at 5’10” – so alive – funny – and her mother’s daughter!

Our knock-out roses by the side of our home –

we try to have flowers and plants that come back each Spring!

My wife – gentle – and caring – why I love her – always looking for how to help people in need!

These are but a few reasons for the memories in pictures of our life together.

FAMILY – FRIENDS and having EACH OTHER!

PAPA’S WORLD – OUR LIFE IN PICTURES – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Sherry’s mother – “GIGI”! MORMOR!

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Debby – GIGI – (Barb) – Sherry and Tammy – generations of Swedes!

GIGI’s mother was born in Sweden – and the town that she lived in where she raised Sherry –

Mount Jewett, Pa. was built by Swedish immigrants back in the 1800s.

Every year they hold THE SWEDISH FESTIVAL in August.

A three-day festival with a parade- vendors – rides – and chicken BBQ!

Dinner at the church and games galore!

Here are four generations – all ladies and girls except for the first-born grandson –

Bode is being held by the oldest granddaughter Maddy!

She loved her grandkids and they adored her.

Mother and daughters – the bond is tight –

The heritage continues – daughters and mothers into the grandkids and beyond.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – SHERRY MOTHER – GIGI (BARB) GENERATIONS.

Papa’s World – Happy thoughts and Happy days!

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Golfing to us is a day to just enjoy the outdoors – good friends – and that one good shot that brings us back again and again.

Here we have so many courses near us and we buy the first tee card that gives us reduced rates

on over 50 courses.

Do we play every week – no – about every two weeks –

Usually with our close friends who live 38 miles away.

It is easy as the courses they like to play are in our area –

but they live on Magnolia Greens and we also play there.

We have been friends ever since we moved to Pleasant Acres Drive in Portville, N.Y.

back in the late 1980s.

We started playing golf there in WNY before Sherry or Cindy ever picked up a golf club.

So many laughs back then and it continues to this day!

They even wore mittens because their hands were cold!

They moved in the mid-90s to N.C. and in 1999 we moved to NVA-

but we stayed in touch and would visit one another.

We have another couple who also are close friends and we would visit each other three times a year they lived in Va. Beach, Va.

The three of them are just so funny when together.

Sherry – Cindy and Dottie –

I have known Dottie and Jimmy since the mid to late 70s –

Jim and I played softball together in the town we both grew up in and Dottie lived there also.

Papa – Buck and Jimmy – so many memories of good times together!

When we are all together it is HAPPY THOUGHTS and HAPPY DAYS!

Now – we are all retired – still visiting each other – still playing golf –

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PAPA’S WORLD – HAPPY THOUGHTS AND HAPPY DAYS!

Papa’s World – HARVEST GAP winery and brewery.

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While home the last time – we went to a birthday party at HARVEST GAP – near Purcellville, Va. Out in the country on a large farm.

The entrance to HARVEST GAP – all items used for flower arrangements are farm related!

The farm equipment has been used and used for years and now is part of the ‘FEEL” of Harvest Gap.

This is part of a huge working farm – and was created by the family that operates the farm.

Unique ways to decorate the entrance – beautiful floral Arrangements – create a feeling of walking into a garden.

Pictures of the outside areas for eating and sipping wine or drinking beers from the brewery!

Inside the first room of the brewery and winery – all hand-crafted beams and rough lumber!

The middle room with another bar area and dance floor and stage – in the far back is the entrance to the third room shown in the first picture of this blog which is as big as the first two.

The third room was used as the BUFFET room for the private party.

HARVEST GAP in Norther Va. in the country – check it out if in the area!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog HARVEST GAP WINERY AND BREWERY!

Our granddaughters Taylor on the left and Cassidy on the right – hired by the family of the birthday lady – to babysit the children!

PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog AS ALWAYS HGD!

Papa’s World – Thoughts – words and memories!

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LOL! We – Sherry and I, have adopted a healthy living lifestyle almost 19 years ago!

First – I must say – I was a McDonalds addict!

Change did not come easy, but I gave those burgers, fries, and cokes up!

I also concentrated on dairy ( milk ) and sugar – I am diabetic – and it is a constant

every four months of blood tests to stay below type I – and for over ten years I have managed-

with our shots and taking Metformin.

I eat little sweets – my one vice is milk chocolate!

But – that is not often – I do not like hard candy – seldom eat frosting –

And contrary to the above – I eat a lot of veggies which I have always liked!

We try to walk every day getting in our steps! And also play golf at least once every two weeks!

Walking can be neighborhood and is around two miles – going to other places to walk (beach) –

And some of the large resort areas of NMB or Myrtle Beach!

We are now in our mid-seventies – and are doing GERI-FIT at the Senior Center –

This is a class of exercise for senior folks –

and is led by an instructor for 45 minutes – continuous!

It is for all the muscle groups while standing and sitting!

This is twice a week – and you do what you can do in each class!

Sherry – walking the path in our neighborhood!

My heart doctor told me – “The best thing you can do is “MOVE”!”

And that I try to do all day long!

I can get 4000 steps just by moving into the house and yard!

I use this to make my thought process alert and feel refreshed!

I also take every day OMEGS’S –

And over 30 fruits – vegetables and berries each day in capsules!

I write each day and post a blog daily – this helps my mind retain memories!

I use pictures as memory joggers and write about them – this keeps my mind active!

I also read the Washington Post each day online and sometimes go to my early newspapers

back in Pa. and NYS for news – local and international and country!

I very seldom watch cable news as I can tell they tend to slant the news.

PICTURES IN MEMORIES create me retaining all that I can!

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PAPA’S WORLD THOUGHTS WORDS AND MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Happy Birthday to our dear friend -“DOTTIE”!

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You cannot often call someone an almost lifelong friend – and still see them every four months or so!

I have known DOTTIE since she married one of my best friends – Jimmy – with whom I played softball in the mid-70s!

We have gone on family vacations – I carried her KATTIE back and forth on the beach – losing her little shoe on the way and going back so she wouldn’t burn her foot in the hot sand. She became my “LITTLE FRIEND” all those years ago.

We are both from Eldred, Pa. and she bonded with Sherry right away.

Many – many times we have taken in the Sun- Sand and Surf of beaches –

and having a “FEW” drink along the way!

Today is her “SPECIAL” day – and in a few weeks she will walk out the doors one last time into –

“RETIREMENT”!

Dottie – the best is yet to come – those little granddaughters – your new house –

and the trips you have planned –

And of course our ‘FRIENDS TRIPS” now that we all are retired!

Playing golf – sipping a few drinks – singing and of course “LAUGHING”!

THE THREE SENORITES! ALWAYS SO MUCH FUN WITH THESE THREE!

From the “GANG” to you DOTTIE – HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a beautiful lady inside and out!

SUN – SAND and SURF – TRIPS – GRANDKIDS – FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE IN YOUR FUTURE!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DEAR FRIEND – DOTTIE!

Papa’s World – Through the years – life!

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Our wedding day – June 25th. 1982 – a second marriage for both of us – the start of a new life!

We combined her two daughters with my two sons – although my sons lived with their mother-

Almost every weekend they were with us in the country between Olean and Portville in N.Y.

We tried to have mini long weekends – traveling in our 12-passenger van.

Packing food – eating picnic style – providing what we could afford –

It was an unforgettable time in those early years.

We lived there for 5 1/2 years before moving to the other side of Portville – closer to my sons and still in the same school district for the girls.

A new neighborhood in Pleasant Acres Drive which would be home for 12 1/2 years.

From here both girls graduated from H.S. and the boys graduated from H.S. in nearby Pa.

We were now empty nesters –

In 1999 we applied for a transfer for both of us to NVA. staying within the company!

When we retired – we had 79 1/2 years of service between us.

In Northern Va., we became Washinton Nationals Baseball fans and are still that way to this day!

We bought our first condo in Fairfax, Va. – then sold and built another one also in Fairfax – a couple miles

from George Mason and the NRA building.

We sold again and built a house in Brambleton, Va. behind the Dulles Airport.

Here we lived for 14 1/2 years – the stock market went way down but the housing went way up – SELL!

We lived in NMB for nine months while building our current home in OIB!

Cameron Woods Community is now our home in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

We live near two beaches and a lot of golf courses.

We are 45 minutes from Wilmington, N.C.

And 30 minutes to North Myrtle Beach.

Today we are living our dream where it is warm – near the beach and golf –

We have made new friends and old friends visit us.

Family comes here and we go there.

Life is good!

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PAPA’S WORLD – THROUGH THE YEARS LIFE!

Papa’s World – Time passes you – through the years!

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June 25th. 1982 – The day we were married – 42 plus years ago – time passes!

It has been a busy 42 years – kids are all grown up

and the three older grandkids are too

three younger ones – two in the teens and one about to be ten

We have moved six times – built three houses – and lived in four states-

Worked a combined 79 1/2 years at American Olean Tile- Dal Tile and retired from there.

We have traveled the world and this country.

Our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic –

Very hot there – all-inclusive – even cigarettes and cigars when we smoked!

A diverse country with no middle class.

I guess you can say we experienced a lot of different things!

But – we did it and have no regrets – just wonderful memories!

We have had friends – close friends for all of that time – laughter – good times – wine – beer and golf!

We still get together a couple times a year – friends for life –

and now – in a couple days – all will be retired!

We are grateful for the lives we have led –

Love – faith – family and friends!

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

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PAPA’S WORLD – TIME PASSES YOU THROUGH THE YEARS!!!!!!!

Papa’s World – Looking back 11 years – the twin’s 3rd birthday!

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Sherry and Taylor – just looking at her being shy makes me smile – so innocent!

About to be three years old!

Cassidy – the little firecracker – no being shy here – raises her arms as she enters the party – soon to be three years old!

Presents time – Taylor and Cassidy – just over a pound each when they were born so early!

Taylor

Cassidy

The memories come flooding back – both of them – so little – so cute – blond hair and all smiles!

Cassidy –

Taylor –

Today they are nearing birthday number 14 –

When they were three – pictures from the past – Cassidy immediately put her new outfit on! LOL

Tammy – and remarkable – not planned – all three share the same day of birth –

birthdays in this family come in THREES!

Cassidy – Taylor and Tammy and Marcus –

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LOOKING BACK ELEVEN YEARS – THE TWINS THIRD BIRTHDAY!

Papa’s World – Golfing with friends!

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While not that serious – we do enjoy golfing –

and we have close friends who live 40 minutes away – but they love coming towards us to play all these courses!

They live at Magnolia Greens – home to 27 nice golf holes!

Sherry – Papa – Cindy and Buck –

They were our neighbors in the early to mid-90s in Portville, N.Y.

We played golf then and they moved to N.C.

We then moved in 1999 in a transfer for the company to Va.

But we stayed in contact and took many vacations together over the World!

Sherry – about to tee off on a par three –

We also would come down to their home to spend some time with them –

and they would come up to NVA and spend time with us.

Waiting for the group in front of us!

Cindy getting ready to tee off!

The course at Magnolia Greens was in such great shape.

Eyeing the green from the fairway –

A view of the fairway while the ladies tee off!

Here Cindy and I both reached the green in two – but we two putted for a par.

This day we only played nine holes – but we scored and shot a 37 – one over par – in a scramble!

Playing golf together and then going home to one another’s house for dinner!

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The day before we played Brunswick Plantation –

GOLFING WITH FRIENDS – PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – It’s a great day – to be alive!

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A decade ago – I had a heart attack – and to be honest – I should not be here writing this!

It was so serious that they put one stent in and wanted to put three more –

But because of where they were located and the curve of the artery –

They informed me it was unsafe and I would have to undergo BY-PASSES!

“IT’S A GREAT DAY – TO BE ALIVE!

Here I am a couple weeks after the heart attack and a couple weeks before the by-passes!

Not knowing what the future held and quite worried about the upcoming surgery!

“IT’S A GREAT DAY – TO BE ALIVE”!

At a Washington Nationals ballgame in D.C. – about six months after the by-passes.

I recovered quite fast – eight hours after they performed the surgery – I was on my feet –

I never went to the step-down unit –

I went directly to my room where less than 48 hours – I went home!

“IT’S A GREAT DAY – TO BE ALIVE”!

40 plus years of not eating healthy – resulted in my heart attack – now I know better!

I have adjusted –

and continue on my way to health and nutrition.

“IT’S A GREAT DAY – TO BE ALIVE”!

She is my inspiration – leader – and teacher of health and nutrition.

“IT’S A GREAT DAY – TO BE ALIVE”!

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

“IT’S A GREAT DAY – TO BE ALIVE”! HEALTH and NUTRITION!

Papa’s World – Young grandkids and family dog!

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Cassidy and Taylor with Tammy and Marcus at the Nationals game in D.C.

Sherry and I went often to watch ball games –

Miss the games and this family!

Bode on the left with a friend – the little guy loves all sports –

and seasonal plays soccer – flag football – golf and ice skates!

And then there is MARLEY – the Golden Doodle –

She is such a gentle dog – letting the kids dress her up!

Bode at Top Golf – he has the form and is still nine years old!

Bode – Taylor and Cassidy – when they were small – now they are teenagers and Bode is soon to be ten years old!

Here is Bode at his tryout for travel Soccer on the left- doesn’t seem possible that he soon might be playing travel soccer!

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MARLEY – YOUNG GRANDKIDS AND FAMILY DOG – PAPA’S WORLD!!!!!!

Papa’s World – Weed and Feed – then irrigation!

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While our roses are doing really well – the lawn needs some care –

So – I have been every two weeks – doing a little ‘WEED and FEED”!

The centipede grass is slowly coming out of its Winter brown state!

But this year we have a lot of new weeds that seem to have made their presence known!

Above are the Swedish Pink Roses on this side of the house!

After spreading the Weed and Feed – it was TIME to run the irrigation system –

Giving the lawn a good soaking!

We are at the side of the enclosed lanai and the palm tree!

We have had all the landscaping done in the past 2 1/2 years and are done!

This is the backyard and we have six zones for irrigation!

The Crepe Myrtles were also placed in our landscaping.

The tree line is a protected area and will not be cleared.

We sold all of our lawn equipment when we moved here to N.C. –

Now that I am 75 years old – mowing is not at the top of my list –

So we hire a young man to mow – and trim –

He does lawn maintenance with fertilizer and pre-emptive growth-

but for some reason this year we have some weed!

We have had so much rain and really heavy at times –

this area gets like a small stream running through it and down to the woods.

It washes the sand out from underneath –

Trying to come up with a solution to remedy this!

But – this is the backyard with the trees put in place.

The outdoor patio with our Tower Garden is also here!

Finally the other side yard with the red roses at the top –

The lawn will come back – it will take time –

I now have the irrigation system on automatic.

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WEED AND FEED – THEN IRRIGATION! PAPA’S WORLD!!!!!!

Papa’s World – Pictures from the past – family and friends!

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Back on our patio in Brambleton, Va., and before first grandson Bode –

Sherry and I with all five granddaughters –

Fourth of July – all red-white and blue –

PICTURE FROM THE PAST!

My mother – Mary – passed at almost 98 years old – here she was in her 90s before she passed.

Always caring – always gentle and so many people loved her.

Someday I wish I can achieve what she did in having so many people care for her.

Gone but never forgotten –

PICTURE FROM THE PAST!

Back in WNY – we raised our children and had so many good times with our dear friends –

Elaine and Steve – playing organized volleyball –

cards and games – cookouts –

and GOLF!

Still to this day, we are in touch!

PICTURE FROM THE PAST!

When we were first married and lived way out in the country on the East Windfall Road-

The driveway was 1/10th of a mile long –

Nearest neighbor at the end of driveway and one as far across the field-

For 5 1/2 years we lived here – winters – had to have the driveway plowed so often –

Took two days to mow the lawn and driveway with a ride mower.

Wonderful memories of our early years together.

PICTURES FROM THE PAST!

Maddy – who soon will turn 24 –

On her first day of school being hugged by her sister Ella –

Love them then and love them today!

PICTURE FROM THE PAST!

LOL – LOL – humor – laughs and it is true! LOL

My family – not pictured my younger brother who passed away earlier –

Roger – ten years older -Donna – fifteen years older-

and my dear mother – Mary –

They are now gone but remain in my memory and heart.

PICTURE FROM THE PAST!

Sherry – June of 1982 – on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic –

So many stories of the week we spent there at the all inclusive resort!

First time for either of us out of the country other than Canada.

We had so much fun and so many memories to share –

PICTURE FROM THE PAST!

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PAPA’S WORLD – PICTURE FROM THE PAST!!!

Papa’s World – Past times remembered!

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Tammy holding Bode with Marcus – on this day – Sherry had her first grandson –

He has since been all boy – playing golf – soccer – ice skating and flag football.

Soon he will turn ten years old – and he sent us a text message –

“He was trying out for Travel Soccer” !

He later sent another message –

“Today at my travel tryouts – I scored Three goals and blocked Five goals – I think I’ll make it in travel!”

Almost soon to be ten years old – he is following in the footsteps of his cousins –

They also played travel – Maddy and Ella and then on to college where they also played!

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

On one of our many times to visit our NYS friends at Lake Chautauqua – Sherry rode the bow on a trip around the lake with Buck and Cindy.

Cindy and I had just gone riding a tube –

Many fond memories back in WNY!

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

Sherry tees off on a par three – one of our wishes was to move here to afford to play golf!

We purchased a first tee card that gives us discounts on over 50 courses-

Most are a short drive from our home in Cameron Woods Community!

Retirement in the South – beaches – sun – surf and golf!

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

Easter sunrise service on Ocean Isle Beach – since we moved South –

numerous times we have attended these services at sunrise!

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

When family visits for Spring Break – gather on the canal at a friend’s house on OIB to Kayak!

Many memories of hiking – exploring and sand and surf!

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

Boating the ICW with friends and family.

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PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

Papa’s World – Old times not forgotten!

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Bode – less than a year old – being held by Taylor – and Cassidy by her side – soon to be 14 on their next birthday –

This was taken at the Brambleton Town Center where we lived for 14 1/2 years.

We moved here when there was but one high school –

when we moved on they were just opening the fourth high school.

OLD TIMES NOT FORGOTTEN!

Maddy attended the Univerity of Lynchburg for four years – and played soccer all four years.

Ella ( who attends Randolf College and plays soccer) will be a senior next fall –

We as a family traveled as a family – renting a AIRBNB –

So we could participate in the games played when they played each other!

Here is a picture of TAMMY – DEBBY and SHERRY outside a grill during one of those trips!

OLD TIMES NOT FORGOTTEN!

My oldest son Troy – at the place where his best friend passed away during an ATV accident –

Putting a memorial marker on a tree –

This was in the Alleghany forest in NWPA –

Cherished memories for him –

OLD TIMES NOT FORGOTTEN!

Sherry and Debby with their “TEAM GENERATIONS”

at a lunch during a break from the Juice Plus Conference.

While many from the team could not attend –

This group learned so much about health and nutrition.

OLD TIMES NOT FORGOTTEN!

My youngest son Shawn –

receiving one of his many awards over the years in shooting pool competion

A ranked pool player in both Canada and the USA –

Out of over 1000 players recently from all across the country –

He finished in the top 30s!

OLD TIMES NOT FORGOTTEN!

Papa – a serious look but the back story is I had just had oral surgery!

Two front teeth implants!

Now – to say I was not stressed leading up to this –

Well – “I WAS”! LOL

Glad it is over –

I shall always be OLD TIMES NOT FORGOTTEN!

When lifetime friends gather together for a picture – it becomes –

OLD TIMES NOT FORGOTTEN!

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Papa’s World – through time – family pictures.

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We have at times had group family pictures – not often – but a few!
The family is outside a fence in our yard in Brambleton, Va.

This one was taken right after our little Bode was born – the first grandson on this side of the family.

It was also the same time I got a haircut – scalping from a lady – before I could stop her – she just started to lop it off.

I had not had my haircut that short since my father cut it while I was young!

This one was taken at Debby and Mikes’s house at Lake Holiday – Cross Junction, Va.

It was a themed red dress-up for Christmas – we always spend Christmas together at one or another’s home.

And that still is the case even though we are far away – we travel back to their homes.

Living life to the plus – family – always tight – always sharing memories.

FAMILY

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Papa’s World – “Roses are red my love- PINK is for Sherry”!

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Sherry received a homewarming present from two very dear friends – Dottie and Cindy –

“SWEDISH PINK ROSES” in memory of her mother whose own mother was born in Sweden!

Dottie – Cindy and Sherry – the three of them have been friends for years and years.

When Sherry’s mother – Barb (GIGI) passed away –

the two of them had “SWEDISH PINK ROSE PLANTS” delivered to her in Brambleton, Va.

We planted them right outside under the dining room window so we could see them every day.

Sadly – they remained with the house when we sold it and moved to N.C.

But – another two plants arrived after we moved into our new home in Cameron Woods Community!

They were planted to the left of the garage on the side of the house!

The left side is just before you get to the SWEDISH PINK ROSES!

Here they are in the early morning sunshine – facing toward the East.

They come and go all Sring – Summer and Fall – reminding us of her mother and her mother’s mother

(MORMOR) homeland-

SWEDEN – the Swede runs strong in the family – tall beautiful granddaughters and another going-to-be tall grandson.

And on the opposite side of the house – we have planted Knock out RED ROSES!

These face the West and get the afternoon full sun!

“ROSES ARE RED MY LOVE – “PINK” IS FOR SHERRY”

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“SWEDISH PINK ROSES – IN MEMORY OF GIGI – “BARB” PINK IS FOR HER!

Papa’s World – Sherry has a “SHELL” collection!

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SEA SHELLS – we have almost every type – when we built this house

and were just minutes from the Ocean and beach –

SHELL HUNTING became a way of life for her!

So “YES” – she is grateful that we can do this every day if we wish!

This is the only spot around the house we did not have stones put on top of!

It is a mixture of sea shells – starfish – oysters – mollusks –

Sort of the overflow area where shells come to rest! LOL

Even at sunrise she walks and looks in the surf for shells!

Walking the beaches – wading in the surf and we were told that APRIL is the month down here –

for finding the large CONCH SHELLS!

And as per the locals – they were so right!

Here on the right is one day in April – finding shells and the conch shells!

She separates them – we now have so many that they are on the ledges on the front porch!

Since I took these pictures –

we have found many more and they are around the Live Oak Tree on the stones in the front yard!

Hunting shells – using them in art to paint – she showed a group how to do this in the community!

Next – she is working on the art of the shells for the book club!

Our neighbor Diane made this out of shells and driftwood she found on the beach!

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SHERRY HAS A “SHELL” COLLECTION – PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – Good times with family and friends!

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LOL – it would not matter for me – it is not the equipment – but it is “ME”!

So many times we have golfed – and mostly with friends – both near and far!

Elaine and Steve from back in WNY –

Paul and Janet from back in WPA – (Janet Is the designated driver) –

Bob and Pam – when they stopped their RV for a week, we hit the links!

Jim and Dottie – and Buck and Cindy –

we try to get together with each other along with Craig and Debbie.

Just being together with friends – and sometimes just the two of us!

We now live close to each other – 35 35-minute drive and most times they come in our direction –

because of all the courses near us. BUCK and CINDY – our close friends!

And for years – the machine and Mike’s come out and they sing!

FRIENDS – BESTIES – living life to the plus – one song at a time!

Laughing – friendships – priceless!

Six grandchildren – they call Sherry “GRANDMA – MORMOR” and she loves it!

We try every so few months to travel back to NVA to see them –

and they also travel here to N.C. to see us.

Sarah – Ella and Debby with Sherry – Maddy had to work and could not visit.

Maddy has graduated with an environmental science degree and is now working –

as a Scientist – Geologist for a major national Environmental firm.

Today they are getting older – but our memories as growing grandchildren – PRICELESS!

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PAPA’S WORLD – GOOD TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Papa’s World – Today – Sherry’s Birthday!

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A very special person in our family – a leader – mother –

and Patriarch of the family –

inheriting many fine qualities from her parents –

Born and raised in a small community in NWPA –

in the Allehany mountains –

built by the Swedes in the 1800s – Mount Jewett, Pa.

Swedish and German decent –

Reminds me so much of her father!

Tall – smiles – humor – and a guiding light for the family.

The day we were married – 6-25-1982 – born 7-5-1949 – beautiful outside and inside.

Mother to Debby and Tammy – highly respected by both – sharing lives together – and grandchildren.

These are her heart and soul –

She would and does anything for them.

Grandkids – call her Grandma and MORMOR – MOTHERSMOTHER!

This is who she is – advocating for the rights of women and those who are looked down on.

She is caring – giving and helpful to those in need – volunteering her time and service.

If you know her – if you see this – if you see her –

WISH HER A HAPPY BIRTHDAY –

and know that she is always watching over people – family – friends – and neighbors.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRY – and so many more to come – love – Tom (Papa) – 7-5-2024

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – TODAY – SHERRY’S BIRTHDAY!

Papa’s World – More memories in pictures!

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We always wanted to golf – and down here in N.C. we live close to over thirty golf courses!

We have very close friends who live within 32 miles of us and they like to golf in our area.

So – once or twice a month – we golf and then have dinner.

Sherry and Papa with Cindy and Buck – we were neighbors for years back in WNY –

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

and we would visit.

Back in WNY – we often would get together and golf.

Friendships across borders and now nearby.

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Here we are with friends – all of us are from the same area – and all of us have been friends for years!

When we get together – we usually end up on the golf course and do a scramble –

GALS Va GUYS and some strokes are given – not many because the GALS can beat us!

Here we gave them three a side and only won by one!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

LOL – with me, it would not matter – the PROBLEM IS ME!!!!!

We love our new life near the Ocean – Beaches and ICW!

It is what I consider warm here most of the year-

I am not a cold-snow-chilly campfire person.

Although we do have a SOLO STOVE – but that mostly is for family visiting!

Sunset from the backyard and the SOLO STOVE going for family time.

Being here in Cameron Woods close to the borders of N.C. and S.C. –

provides me with temps that I enjoy – but still in winter I bundle up while other people do not! LOL

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Positive thought- looking toward the sunshine of each day!

Sherry at sunrise on Ocean Isle Beach – sums up our new life near the Ocean and the beaches!

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MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Papa’s World – Remembering the past.

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So many times in the past 18-plus years –

we have traveled across the country to attend the Juice Plus Conference –

held every six months alternating coasts!

Always a learning experience and seeing friends from across the nation.

The Pandemic slowed me down because of being in an airplane –

but when it is driveable – I will go.

I have had Covid twice – so I am as careful as possible.

REMEMBERING THE PAST!

SWEET BETSEY! She was the best dog and I miss seeing her in the yard or when we visit.

She belonged to our neighbors Diane and Steve three doors up from us.

She would greet us each time we walked by – her whole body wagged as she would rub against our legs.

She was never tied up in her yard and she would not leave the yard.

She made these little guttural sounds when we would watch her and go over to take her out.

I still find myself “SEEING” her when we walk by the yard.

SWEET BETSEY – REMEMBERING THE PAST!

Our LITTLE CASSIDY – who draws such wonderful pictures for us to frame.

Here is one she drew a couple years ago –

and I have another framed and hanging for me to see every day over my desk as I write!

She is so creative – this one was when she was ELEVEN YEARS OLD!

REMEMBERING THE PAST!

Tanny and Marcus and the first grandson – in November he will be ten years old –

Five granddaughters and then Bode.

Today he golfs- plays soccer and flag football!

REMEMBERING THE PAST!

All these past memories – bring joy to my heart!

Tanny and Marcus – with the twins Taylor and Cassidy – now going to be fourteen years old!

They were early – each weighing over one pound – so small –

Today – Taylor is almost 5’7 1/2″ and Cassidy is 5′ 5″ tall – she is catching up.

Both play the violin and Cassidy has trained herself to play the piano!

Taylor rides horses and would spend all her time with them if she could!

REMEMBERING THE PAST!

The day we were married – 6-25-1982 – a change in both of our lives.

We both committed to one another and remain that way today.

REMEMBERING THE PAST!

REMEMBERING THE PAST from PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa – Sherry and Les – whom I have known since the mid-70’s –

and we played softball together –

REMEMBERING THE PAST!

Papa’s World – Memories of the past – PICTURES!

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All our married life – we try to give and inspire others to do the same!

When we were about to be married – we both committed to the Lutheran faith –

Sherry was raised in the Swedish Lutheran church of her hometown in Mount Jewett, Pa.

I was raised in the Catholic faith by my mother and her mother.

I converted to Lutheran before we were married.

And we have made it our way of life ever since.

Today we live near two beaches – above Sunset Beach and at the top with the tall building-

Ocean Isle Beach.

We always dreamed of living near the coast – and today we are on the mainland –

Two miles to the ICW and then across the causeway to the beach!

We also wanted to be able to afford to golf – and we now live where that is possible

We purchase what is called “THE FIRST TEE” and get reduced rates at over 50 courses!

Some of our best friends for years and years live 33 miles from us and we try to get together

to golf and then dinner!

We now have two more couples who are friends now living close to us!

Makes for exciting get-togethers in our senior years!

Three generations – Sherry – her daughters Debby and Tammy and her mother Barb.

Barb has passed on – but the Swede runs deep in these ladies.

MEMORIES OF THE PAST – PICTURE!

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PAPA’S WORLD – MEMORIES OF THE PAST – PICTURES!

Papa’s World – Remembering the GOOD TIMES!

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Papa – Sherry – Les and Ingrid taking the picture.

Les and I played softball together back in the mid-70s –

They had been on their way back to WNY and stopped at a campground nearby –

We got together for the day and here we are at Holden Beach –

We stopped at one of our favorite places to have ice cream –

THIS WAS GOOD TIMES once again revisited!

Tammy holding Taylor and Marcus holding Cassidy –

The twins were born on their mother’s birthday –

It was “TIME,” the doctor said!

They were so small – today at 13 Taylor is 5’71/2 inches and Cassidy is 5’5″ and gaining!

“GOOD TIMES ” revisited!

We have so much to be grateful for – living life to the plus – one day at a time!

Our neighbors who live but three doors from us – in Cameron Woods Community –

Diane and Steve – small world – they also are from WNY and have a vacation house –

On Rushford Lake – a few miles from where we lived –

And frequent Olean, N.Y. all the time as we did when we lived in Portville, N.Y.

New “GOOD TIMES” as new friends!

Bill and Marcea – our neighbors in Cameron Woods Community –

We took them to “FAT HAROLD” the “SHAG” club in North Myrtle Beach –

and they loved it – next time we go we will learn how to dance the “SHAG”!

New neighborhood FRIENDS – “GOOD TIMES”!

Solo Stove campfire in the back patio – with family –

“GOOD TIMES” in the making!

Not this extreme – but I have seen some that are! LOL

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PAPA’S WORLD – REMEMBERING THE GOOD TIMES! Another day in our lives.

Papa’s World – The power of belief – DREAMS!

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We both have strong beliefs – in God – Church – Family and together we can make dreams!

I have found throughout my life – to one step at a time – take care of the little things in life –

and that in turn will mostly take care of the bigger things in life – at least partially.

LIVE YOUR LIFE – and DREAM – big and small.

To me DREAMS become goals of life – GOALS ACHIEVED become life as you live it.

Bring as much GOOD into your life – you then become the person you yourself respect the most.

PAPA’S WORLD is about all the above.

LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME – MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Thanks for reading.

PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – FUN TIMES in N.C.!

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True – but it seems it is always the last long shot I hit – that keeps bringing me back!

Golfing – we love to be out there in the air – green fairways and nature.

Mostly relaxing but at times frustrating! LOL

One of our many reasons for moving to the borders of N.C. and S.C.!

We both stand against RACISM – one of our core beliefs –

living here – we have seen it –

but – we also have seen the opposite –

giving our time to help others –

that is the way we are!

LOL – yes – this is true for me! But – I am also up to see the sunrise each morning –

I have been this way all my life – living life to the plus one day at a time!

We have so many memories with our friends over the years – we now all live in the South – in N.C.!

We try to get together every three or four months!

Friends since the 70s!

Two of my best friends – going back to the mid-70s and early 80s!

Many times we have gotten together – golfing and just talking!

Fun times!

Here is where we decided to live after searching – we found our “HOME”!

Quiet – five to seven miles of walking –

deer- turkey – and other wildlife –

yet we are close to North Myrtle Beach and Wilmington!

Our oasis in the South!

My son Troy and his partner Andrea – have been here once and will be back!

My son and his wife – Trisha and Shawn – have visited and will be back!

Family means a great deal to us –

one of the joys of our lives –

And FUN TIMES when they visit!

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PAPA’S WORLD – FUN TIMES – living life to the plus – one day at a time!

Papa’s World – Life near the beaches!

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When we discussed selling our home in NVA – we both had goals – Warmer weather – Golf nearby –

Entertainment within an hour – and SUN- SAND and SURF!

So – we moved to the border area of N.C. and S.C. on the coast – but on the mainland –

and close to the ICW!

Welcome to Ocean Isle Beach and Cameron Woods Community!

We are in the middle of over 39 golf courses and buy a card that gives us reduced rates!

Our besties have lived 33 miles from us for years and we often get together to play!

And enjoy the water views while playing!

We live in a neighborhood where the sunrise is from the SE due to the curvature of the coastline!

Walking Ocean Isle Beach at Sunrise on Easter Sunday!

We are about ten minutes to the beach.

We are thirty minutes from North Myrtle Beach in S.C.

This is the dance “THE SHAG” capital of the world!

Our dream list is true – golf – beach – entertainment and the Ocean!

Entrance to the Sunset Beach sand and ocean at sunset!

This entrance is about a 15-minute drive, and we are standing here!

Again – our wish list has been fulfilled.

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SUNSET BEACH – over the marsh –

PAPA’S WORLD – LIFE NEAR THE BEACHES!

Papa’s World – MARRIED – 6-25-1982 – life with SHERRY!

/ Tom / 2 Comments

This sums up our commitment to each other – our life is based on the foundation of the Church of the Rock –

That is what Pastor Dan – our minister who presided over that ceremony all those years ago said.

6-25-1982 – 42 years ago – the day we both said “I DO”!

Combining two sets of families into one – both divorced – her two daughters –

and my two sons who we had on weekends.

It was not easy – we had no money – both working for the same company –

but we had “FAITH”!

I converted to Lutheran from Catholic –

And we attended Bethel Lutheran Church in Portville, N.Y. where we were married.

Those were both hard years from the standpoint of money – but also fun years in trying

to take the kids on vacations – in a big passenger van!

Sherry – at the resort for our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic –

We had scraped and saved for a year and one-half to do this.

Neither of us had been out of the country and we drove from Portville, N.Y. –

to Toronto, Canada to fly out.

I shall always remember that week – and then back to reality –

Working and trying to save money.

Debby – Tammy and Sherry – after they went to college and started their own families.

My two sons after they started their own lives.

Our happiness is based on love for one another and those around us.

And now the grandkids – when they were little – love this picture as it was captured on vacation

at the beach – the way they sat all together.

Today – life with Sherry has gone 42 years of marriage.

6-25-1982 to 6-25-2024 – Happy anniversary my dear – it has been a whole lot of years –

and THE CHURCH OF THE ROCK still exists in our minds and hearts.

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PAPA’S WORLD – MARRIED – 6-25-1982 – LIFE WITH SHERRY!

Papa’s World – Our wall of ROSES – spring into flowers!

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Good morning people – Spring is a time of planting – trimming – and seeing perennials come to fruit!

We have planted them so that they come back each year.

We also have potted flowers – and these I will try to save for next year!

Hanging baskets are also one of our favorites in the front!

We will add more as we get closer to the end of Spring!

We have always had flowers at each home we have owned.

But – this time we have a “WALL OF ROSES”!!!!

Here on the SW side of the house are these roses that bloom in the Spring and come back mid-summer!

On the opposite side of the house – they are pink – but this side blooms first!

Our “WALL OF RED ROSES”

Thanks for reading and later I will blog on what we add!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

The backyard bordering the treeline with my tree people looking back! LOL