Papa’s World – Walking the streets of BRAMBLETON VA.

March 12, 2023December 31, 2022 / Tom / Leave a comment

Every morning – we try to walk between 2.25 miles and 3.10 miles.

This is one of the paths we take – along the streets of Brambleton Va.

Our little town has grown in the thirteen years we have lived here.

Today – it still is building out – the third High School opens this September .

This path is 2.16 miles long – and follows the sidewalks and streets .

Very little traffic – and if you stay on the shaded side – very comfortable.

Water in a man made stream runs along side the street –

waterfalls – ponds – and flowers and trees !

Beautiful flowers change out each season

The area along here is all man made.

The walk is slightly uphill –

and you can if you wish –

take the path through the little park on the other side of the stream.

The road has several places where flowers are planted in the medium.

The entrance to Brambleton on this side of the development

The other entrance has a water fall twice as large as this one.

Sherry informed me – we are planting these nest year –

She says that each time we walk by them ! LOL

Hasn’t happened in thirteen years !

My shirt for the day – taken 12 years ago -the picture that is –

Of Maddy and Ella – when they were 6 and 3 !

Walking back home – we pass a large fishing pond.

Although I do not fish – this is a great spot for catch and release.

The ponds are all this way –

Each morning – around 7 AM. A quartet of older men –

Gather and sit and talk for a hour or more –

Below the rocks are more chairs –

Most of the day this is shaded.

Our walks each morning can be different –

Silence – greeting other walkers – bikers and runners.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World –

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

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

my email

fitztdf@aol.com

For HEALTH

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

her email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – back home now is Ocean Keyes – beach – S.C.

February 6, 2021January 5, 2021 / Tom / Leave a comment

Papa – walking the beach – after spending Christmas in NVA!

When we moved 21 years ago – from Western New York –

to Northern Va. my thought was we are now in the South!

We actually picked up another four to six weeks of better weather

on either side of winter!

We liked the area – going into Washington DC on a regular basis.

We purchase three homes while there – two that we actually built.

We had most of our family follow us there.

But – it still got cold and three times –

an accumulation of snow greater than in all the 50 years we lived in the snow belt!

You can change your looks – but mother nature does what it wants to do!

Although I am not going into the water – 2 days before New Years eve – people in the water on North Myrtle Beach!

Now – we are calling this home until our home we are building if finished

some time in the next 4 to 6 months!

The first thing we did the next day after returning HOME – was do our walk on the beach!

Home has a different meaning now – and we have become comfortable now here.

Enough that when you have that yearning to go back home

visions of what awaits you run through your mind!

We both have always been drawn to the surf – beach – water and sand.

While dating almost 40 years ago – we spent a week in the outer banks

with my brother and some of his friends.

That is when our bond for the ocean became a fixed state in our minds.

Our Vacations revolved around different trips with our children

to beaches up and down the East coast!

It was a fun time in our early life together – the kids remember and have carried on the tradition of beach vacations!

Sherry – walking while running her internet – network marketing business – http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

Home is where the heart is – and while we could not find a home here –

we are building one close – 14 miles away at another beach address –

OCEAN ISLE BEACH in North Carolina!

It is a 30 minute drive North of here – so we can often come back to walk!

There are two beaches there within 4 to 6 miles –

Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach!

Home is where your heart is – and now our hearts are in the deeper South!

Where warm is Sun – no snow – ice – and 50 plus degrees every day!

The call of the beach – our hearts are here!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS

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Papa’s World – a little golf and a lot of deer!

September 13, 2020August 22, 2020 / Tom / Leave a comment

We went golfing with friends Ginger and Jayson

to the county course called Algonkian Public Golf Course!

It is a 18 hole course and we only played the front nine

but there are literally herds of deer!

I counted sixteen on one hole with two bucks in velvet!

They were so tame they would not move as you hit the ball

or drove up in the cart to find your ball.

Everywhere you looked there were deer.

And there is a county walking path that comes right through the course.

There were a ton of people walking – running and biking –

right through the deer!

They also were bedded down in the weeds and tall grass.

Some hard to see – and unless they got up –

you did not know they were there!

They never moved as Sherry hit her ball!

It is really a very pretty course running by the Potomac.

It is a county park – with the golf course right in the middle.

The course is flat with a lot of trees –

and very well kept up –

and in really good shape!

Sherry had tow pars!

And this was one of them!

Jayson teeing off

You can not see but the fairway was full of deer!

This is close to where his ball ended up

They never moved even when we drove up!

We both would like to go back as we played this last year

with our friends from N.C. Buck and Cindy!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

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PAPA’S WORLD – A little golf and lots of deer!

Papa’s World – When friends golf – win or lose – a great day

April 7, 2020March 16, 2020 / Tom / Leave a comment

Last weekend – our friends stopped in on their way home from WNY –

We planned this out –

We made twilight tee times – for Friday at 3:00 PM.

The challenge was once again on –

GALS VS. GUYS – NO STROKES GIVEN – they are too good !

Now – we have done this many times before –

and it almost every time is a close match –

And it was also close this time –

Our friends – Cindy and William ( Buck ) McBride –

we have traveled the World together since we were neighbors

32 and 1/2 years ago.

In five weeks – we leave and fly to Northern California

Where we will meet up and tour for ten days !

The course is about twenty minutes from our home.

And there are Deer on every hole !

It was very hot out – 94 degrees – but by the second nine –

A breeze and shade –

As I said no strokes are given – they do not need them –

if you do – they will kill you –

As it was – we beat them by ONE STROKE !

The second nine – we won by two strokes !

BUT – the difference was two reasons –

We ONE putted SEVEN greens –

and they THREE putted FOUR greens !

That is why we give them NO STROKES !

All in all we had a grand time –

Looking forward to our trip in August –

We beat them – but had we not putted –

it would of been different –

But that usually is the way it goes.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

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

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

My email

fitztdf@aol.com

For HEALTH

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

her email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

THANK YOU FOR READING PAPA’S WORLD !!!!!

Papa’s World – when Old Friends visit – we celebrate

February 11, 2020January 20, 2020 / Tom / Leave a comment

All those years ago –

I am guessing 1988 or 1989 –

We – Sherry and myself – started playing volleyball in a 16 team league.

This was not your typical back yard game –

but you had better be ready –

Or you would get smashed in the face with a spike !

It was Co – Ed – and almost everyone was good –

A lot played in tournaments in NYS – Pa. and surrounding states.

This past three days – our friends of old – spent their long weekend with us.

Welcome to Papa’s World –

where good feelings – good thoughts -health & smiles happen !

THE BEACH CLUB – 1989
Left to right
Tom – Sherry – Steve – Elaine – Deb – Steve – Chris – Mike

We were known as ” THE BEACH CLUB ”

fitting because we all took our vacations to what ever beach we loved.

Ours – Sherry and myself – was the Outer Banks since 1981 !

Steve and Elaine Starks – from Portville N.Y. – came for a visit-

And – after all these years – still are playing volleyball !

Although those years are past for us – we still get together – play golf –

Play cards ( last night we played a card game called GOLF)

And explore the NVA – DC area –

we have taken them almost everywhere the past twenty years !

Our LOVE of life has stretched for over 32 years –

Vacations to Myrtle Beach – graduations – birthdays and holidays.

And always a get together when we visited back home

Along with playing golf at our favorite courses when we lived there.

Our close friends
Sherry -Elaine – Steve – Cindy and Buck

Friendships that last years and years –

Even though distance is between us –

The excitement of those times we are together –

Enhances the fun – the GALS vs. GUYS –

And sometimes – it is us vs.them – as in Elaine and I –

Steve and Sherry – last time they beat us good !

The years go by – we remain friends –

there is a group of us –

Four couples – SWNY – NVA – Va. BEACH – & Wilmington N.C. –

Who stay in touch – plan golf – and visit – play cards – sing a little –

Have a shot or two of fireball –

And Laugh –

That is who we are – PAST MEMBERS OF THE BEACH CLUB !

I hope you liked my blog – thank you for reading

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

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

For my email

fitztdf@aol.com

For HEALTH ( Sherry is a certified health coach )

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

for her email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

Thank you for reading and

WELCOME TO PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – The other side Reston’s hidden gem.

January 8, 2020December 23, 2019 / Tom / Leave a comment

” Do you want to go to the farmers market ” ? she asked.

” Of course” I said – “where are we going” ?

“I will drive” she said.

That means – where ever it is –

it is easier for her to drive than tell me how to get there !!!!!

The Original Reston – “NEW TOWN ” Lake Anne Village

Today – it sits quietly hidden –

across the highway

from what is known as ” RESTON” town center.

A conglomerate of high rise office buildings – hotels – stores –

Huge parking garages

and what is now the last stop on the Silver Line Metro

( SEVEN MORE STOPS WILL BE COMPLETED BY 2021)

Lake Anne and the planned community- a large condo unit

It was one of the first PLANNED COMMUNITY

in the Country –

And it reminds me of the housing

FRANK LYOLD WRIGHT built –

Today – it is listed as a HISTORICAL SIGHT –

the entire town and surroundings

then- 1961 – it was planned as a area where you worked – lived and played !

You buy a “HOUSE ” and along with it –

a retail space on the first floor !

The houses are two to four bedrooms –

the retail space you either lease out –

Or run your own business !

And – in the middle of all this a Lake

and down the street

a 18 hole golf course.

This concept was way beyond it’s time !

View of the square from one of the stores

The lake also has numerous homes –

all listed in the millions –

with their own docks and for the most part House boats !

I THINK PARTY CENTRAL IS THE MIDDLE IF THE LAKE !

The lake with paddle boats – kayaks to rent

You can rent paddle boats – kayaks – or just walk the miles of trails.

Architecture of the ’60 ‘s
You can see the housing with the store fronts under them.
One listed for $900,000.00

Lake Anne – tranquil – stand up paddle boats

Sherry and Ginger along the board walk of Lake Anne

Sherry with the statue of the creator of Lake Anne New Town

It is hard to believe that when you are at Reston Town Center –

That right across the street this all exists –

as it is surrounded by huge old growth trees –

and you can not see any of it !

Yet – it remains – a testament to a dream of planning –

Today – I share this with you –

it has been years since I have been here.

We almost always go to the CITY OF RESTON –

We catch the Metro there.

But just beyond the trees –

a Historical little village looms –

And on Saturdays –

HUNDREDS OF FARMERS –

They come from Maryland – Penna. and Va. – West Va.

set up their booths

and the quaint becomes bustling –

yet it remains quiet as NO CARS are allowed on it’s streets –

but you can walk – rent a boat or just sit and relax –

Tom – Sherry and Robert E. Simon Jr.
Founder and planner

Or lean in and kiss the one you love –

AFTER ALL – VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS !

Hope you enjoyed –

come back for more PAPA’S WORLD

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

#homeagain

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

fitztdf@aol.com

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

Papa’s World – where we live

December 28, 2019December 11, 2019 / Tom / 1 Comment

We moved to NVA in 1999 – June to be exact – transferring within the company –

both of us – taking our years – pension- 401 K – vacations and knowledge –

after 32 years for me and 20 plus years for Sherry.

We bought two houses –

moved twice – in 6 1/2 years in Fairfax Va.

Then – we found our home – in Brambleton Va. almost thirteen years ago.

We moved into our home – in August – 2006 –

and have watched our little community grow and grow.

They actually built a new town called Brambleton –

and now are finishing the THIRD High School set to open in September!

Watching all of this – being a part of it – is amazing !

We are a community that sits in the middle of the country –

once you arrive home –

you do not have to go back out into the crazy traffic of NVA.

And in two years or less – the METRO – Silver line – will be 3 1/2 miles away !

The construction of SEVEN more stops is 80 % done –

and will open a brand new line here !

We can hop on – go into D.C. or right to the airports –

everything will be connected !

New four story town homes just completed –

and recently we have been walking the new trails around a huge lake – man made –

Of the new –

OVER 55 community being built just a half mile from our house.

That community is going to have it’s own retail center along with it’s own HOA !

The new four story library just opened a few months ago –

with a huge teen section where you see the windows on the second floor!

Yesterday – it was announced that what is known as HANSON FARM –

Has been turned over to the county –

and next month – development will start on a 257 ACRE preserve !

Soccer fields ( grass)10 of them – 2 pro turf fields –

4 ball diamonds – 1 cricket field – multiple tennis and basketball courts.

FIVE LAKES – pavilion’s -picnic areas and tables and grills.

A park lodge – rest rooms – and the list goes on –

all to be completed in two years.

The farm house and outbuildings will be preserved as a historic site.

This is but a glimpse of where we choose to live 13 years ago.

In the end of the development –

there will be an additional 5 to 10 miles of trails to the already 15 miles we have now.

We were very fortunate – we love our home –

(not the cold Winter )

Our roots are now here for the time being.

I hope this provides a look into the Country living in NVA!

Just another day in my life !

#homeagain #livinglifetotheplus

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

emails fitztdf@aol.com

eamils sherrylynn49@aol.com

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Papa’s World – every where I look – there is a story !

November 23, 2019November 13, 2019 / Tom / 2 Comments

I look around – I take in – I SEE STORIES !

Happy Saturday everyone !

I always notice things – small – medium or large !

Even when I go to the fridge –

If my wife Sherry has gone to one of her meetings –

I say to her ” Don’t worry – I will find something to eat ” !

Now it will no way compare to ” MONK’S BBQ ” that we stopped into –

Saturday on our way to Winchester to pick up Sarah and Ella.

This was in Purcelville Va. – just off route 7 –

Had heard nothing but good things about this place.

And when we stopped or tried to – the lot was full !

NO PLACE TO PARK !

So – I drove around –

just then she said to me someone is pulling out !

I swung back and right into a parking space by 6 motorcycles !

Glad we did – because this place has the BEST BBQ !

TIP FOR THE DAY !

Do not stand in line – ( more than 25 people)

Go directly to the bar – sit down – order a drink –

over 16 local crafted brews from NVA brewery’s –

And HUNDREDS of shelved bottles of the GOOD STUFF !

You can order ICE WATER – ( Sherry did )

ME – The lightest craft beer on tap – do not know what it was –

but it hit the spot and was not heavy but still craft beer !

NOW THE GOOD PART – You order right from there –

And by pass that long line and in FIVE MINUTES –

Your meal is sitting in front of you –

I had time to take two sips and just got my phone out and BINGO !

THERE IT WAS and it was good!

If you look and see – listen and observe – you will find that story !

See this guy in the middle – there is a story there –

But that will be for another time –

TODAY – we happened upon a great BBQ place and found a secret –

How to not stand in line and get great service –

Yes – she – the bartender was that good –

AND – I over heard her talking to another customer.

She makes the service fast and great so she can get the customers

and of course the TIPS !

SMART GAL !

You just have to listen and recognize the thought process.

SHE FIGURED A WAY and it was a winner for all of us !

Thank you for reading.

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

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

for email to contact me

fitztdf@aol.com

For HEALTH ( Sherry is a certified Health Coach

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

To reach her email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

Thank you for reading

PAPA’s WORLD

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