Ocean Isles Beach NC

Papa’s World – Walking 1 1/2 miles to the Kindred Spirit!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

At the end of the street on Sunset Beach – SW end

Is a long walkway and a handicapped ramp to the beach.

This is the beginning of BIRD ISLAND and the end of residential SUNSET BEACH!

Other than the pier some 1/2 mile to the NE –

It is here that you can begin your walk to the KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX –

Almost a mile and one half down the beach.

There are no more houses –

Only large sand dunes and the other side is marsh –

And a sanctuary for wildlife,

This is known as “BIRD ISLAND”!

It is a quiet walk and in warm weather –

Wading in the surf helps to keep you cool off!

As you near the end of the one-and-one-half-mile walk –

A sort of gradual sand ramp marks the –

“KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX” location.

Two benches await you to sit and –

watch the surf –

and write in the journal.

The walk is easy as it is level –

Much more so than OIB!

Here you can see other walkers –

already at the mailbox.

This has been the location for over four decades –

When a “HIPPIE COUPLE” –

carried everything needed to install a mailbox-

And placed a journal and ink pen or pencil inside-

For folks to walk here –

And stand on top of the dune –

Glance out to sea or turn around –

and see over the marsh and causeway to –

Little River and Cherry Grove in NMB!

Walk to the top of the dune behind the “KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX” –

And you will find a large driftwood mass –

With a plaque on it dedicating this spot to those two individuals.

We have been here many times –

Stopped and wrote our thoughts in the journal-

Which is collected by volunteers –

And sent to the University Of S.C. –

To preserve as a way to keep all the writings for people to see.

Sherry is about to climb the sand ramp to the mailbox-

A lone individual looking for shells at the surf edge-

It is a quiet moment –

The old mailboxes have been replaced –

over the years-

But new generations make the peaceful walk down the beach.

Two hippies and a mailbox-

Left us something for generations to come –

“THE KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX”

Thanks for reading-

A rare event of snow on the sand.

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Some humor and good vibes.

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A little humor this morning –

I on the one hand –

wake up almost every morning at the same time.

Very seldom do I just roll over and continue to sleep –

Unless there is a Thunder and rain storm.

That seems to make me just lay there –

Listen to it and drop off to sleep once more!

LOL – some smiles for today!

For me – this is so true.

That is why I buy a higher beach chair.

I do not want people to see me rolling off to my knees-

and attempting to get up! LOL

Sharing a GOOD VIBE for the start of your day!

This most likely is me!

And it is true! LOL!

In a time not so far away –

In the VILLAGES playing golf.

MISS THIS!

If I could turn back time-

Our twin granddaughters-

who will turn 15 on their next birthday-

Playing hide and seek with PAPA!

This would be the squirrel asking Sherry –

Along with the Deer and Racoons –

She constantly replenishes the bird feeder! LOL

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – VIBES – thinking positive!

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I have always led my life with –

“Do the small things in life – mostly – it will take care of the bigger things”!

When talking about the volunteer work we do for the food pantry –

I was asked – “Can they work”?

Now – the people who came and waited for food –

Most were elderly – on fixed incomes.

A few were homeless –

Others – you could tell had emotional problems.

A few were living in their cars.

Different diseases you can not tell by just looking through a window.
I did not know these folks –

And I thought – why would you ask that question?

We were there to help –

And that question – well –

I hope that they never are in that position-

of the people –

who came for food –

Giving – helping – caring –

The little things in life that make the difference!

Near dusk from our driveway –

We caught a glimpse of a space rocket launch –

Going across the sky!

Sherry had been watching the news and it was announced the direction of the flight-

was taking in the night sky!

The wonders of space – rockets – exploring the outer limits –

A good vibe was shared from the driveway.

Routine – for me – going to bed when I am tired – fall asleep –

And without an alarm clock –

wake up between 5 and 6 am. every morning.

Then a half hour of preparing for the day to come-

Getting dressed –

And making my one and only cup of coffee for the day.

Sipping it as I read the paper online.

Skipping the absurd from either the left or the right.

World events – looking for the positive to start my day.

Following sports and checking my emails and notifications.

Then writing my daily blog.

ROUTINES that I enjoy.

Let the new day begin!

Today is a blog on good vibes –

A blog that gently leads you into a day of your life.

I want to thank everyone who reads this.

You can SUBSCRIBE to get it daily.

IT’S FREE!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

Papa’s World – The VIBES are GOOD!

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The purpose of my blogs –

To make people feel good!

Positive blogs about life as a senior –

Family and Friends –

Passing pictures and thoughts-

to future family Generations.

MAKE YOUR HEART SMILE!

CONNECTIONS – FAMILY – FRIENDS – EVENTS –

all have a pronounced effect on our lives as SENIORS!

We are living in a place where most of the time is warm

A place we had dreamed about –

A place close to the ocean – sand and accessible daily.

A PLACE IN THE HEART!

LOVE makes the WORLD go round!

MADDY and KENDRICK –

LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND!

OUR OLDEST GRANDDAUGHTER AND BOYFRIEND!

My brother was ten years older than I.

Growing up –

He was my hero.

Gone but always in my mind and heart – MY HERO!

Joy and Gratitude –

living life to the plus –

each and every day-

LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Thanks to all of you for reading my blogs.

Sharing life experiences –

POSITIVE THOUGHTS –

LAUGHS and HUMOR

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Uplifting good thoughts!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

My uplifting thoughts for the day – Enjoy –

While many of you do not know this picture

It sits atop a high dune on Sunset Beach,

Bird Island,

at the SW end of the beach.

It has a plaque on it –

And the snow is very rare!

In memory of the two people responsible for installing the

KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX decades ago!

Now – it looks like this –

But over the decades that old mailbox –

has been replaced many times.

Inside is a journal that when full of written thoughts –

Has been retrieved by volunteers over the years –

And sent to S.C. University-

to be preserved for the history of all the people-

who have written down their thoughts on the journals’ pages.

There also are two benches to sit and meditate –

or write in the journals with a view of the waves –

on the sandy beach.

This was because two hippies those many decades ago –

lugged all the items needed down the beach –

and put them in that first mailbox.

Today the Kindred Spirit Mailbox remains a testament to those two

With plaques with their names on the benches!

Here is a good vibe and good thought for the day!

A word for you on what you have become!

Enjoy the day and count the blessings!

In one of the many ponds in Cameron Woods Community –

Resides an alligator.

It is large and getting bigger.

Most times it resides in the middle of the pond.

While we keep a watchful eye on its whereabouts –

I am more concerned about keeping that watchful eye for snakes!

Yes – we do have them-

and a couple different ones are poisonous!!!

But – that is part of living on the eastern coast of N.C – S.C.

Along with Red Wolves – Turkeys – Bob Cats –

Deer – Racoons – Bear and many other animals.

Nature is my good vibe for the day.

I tend to focus every day-

on the positive side of life in general

Being in our senior years –

life is too short-

to dwell on negatives.

HERE IS A SALUTE TO POSITIVE VIBES!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World –

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Papa’s World – Memories in pictures.

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Less than five miles from our home in Cameron Woods Community –

Is COASTAL POINT –

A seniors home that has memory care and assisted living quarters.

We volunteer each month –

Sherry – pictured above –

along with other volunteers –

set up and operate a “STORE” for residents to shop!

Almost all of the items are donated –

anything from jewelry to games to clothes.

The residents earn vouchers during the month and use the vouchers to buy items.

This gives them a sense of still being able to live a normal life.

They come in wheelchairs – canes – walkers or walking.

The items are surprisingly nice!

They have an hour and a half to shop and then everything is taken off the racks and tables-

and stored away for the next month – all done by the volunteers.

I – in the meantime – go to the library and organize it after a month of use,

Replacing books – completed puzzles – sorting through books and discarding them as –

relatives continually donate more books.

I place chairs back where they are moved from –

and make it as easy as I can for them to look through different sections of the library.

THIS CREATES MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Sherry and I are on the North Shore of Ohau!

We went here on a trip with our close friends THE MCBRIDE-

We spent almost two weeks in an air BNB –

A perfect base to explore the whole island which we did.

From our lanai, we could observe parachute jumping and hang gliding –

from a nearby airport.

We spent every day taking in as much as we could!

We both want to return and explore the other islands.

THIS CREATES MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

We have seen this cat several times in the last two years.

He or She lives in and around the Community Center on Ocean Isle Beach.

One time we talked to a lady who said she fed it –

Place a tin of cat food, wait for it to finish, and then remove it.

I am not sure where it sleeps as there are many foxes and people have seen coyotes.

This time it followed us on the boardwalk from the center to the steps to the beach.

THIS CREATES MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Many memories of my youth growing up in Eldred, Pa.

When the Myers family comes to visit in the summertime.

Sherry – Debby – Maddy – Ella – Sarah and Mike are behind them.

All summer long until late September –

We have open-air music concerts at the park in OIB.

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

The park also has a huge playground with a basketball-pickle ball court.

There are bathrooms and a bocce court.

A splash pad and an open grass field with a covered concert stage.

The entire area is fenced in and many events are held here-

plus a weekly market-vendor – sales!

THIS CREATES MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Midterms – every two years and the general election every four years.

We have voted in places we have lived-

Pa. – NYS. – Va. and N.C.

Expressing our right to vote.

We have done mail-in votes when we were traveling.

It is a right that we take seriously!

THIS CREATES MORE MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Thank you for reading my blog.

LOL PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUNSET IN CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. HGD!

Papa’s World – In our life – memories in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

My two sons –

Troy to the left and Shawn to the right –

both came to visit –

and we went hiking the trails at Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach.

Both boys still live back in NWPA –

where they grew up.

The drive down here is long –

and with stopping to eat –

comprises of almost 16 hours!

Looking forward to them once again –

making that drive!

IN OUR LIFE – MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Debby – Papa and Sherry –

At the Elton Awards-

for Juice Plus Conference –

Recognition for achievement –

On stage and honored –

thus –

IN OUR LIFE – MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

The Ocean Isle Beach Pier –

Sunset – sand – surf –

and the peaceful quiet beach life.

We can be on the beach –

in a little over ten minutes.

Our dream come true.

Early morning walks-

into the rising sun –

Evening walks into the sunset –

Watching people fishing from the pier-

Seeing different vacationers –

every Saturday and Sunday

IN OUR LIFE – MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

A view of the Intercoastal Waterway –

from Ferry Landing –

Ocean Isle Beach.

Either sitting here or standing –

watching the boats come up and down –

On their way North or South-

Destinations unknown.

IN OUR LIFE – MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

LOL – There is always “THAT” one shot-

or putt that brings me back time and again.

Cindy and Buck were our neighbors-

in the late 80’s in Portville, N.Y.

Today – they live in Magnolia Greens –

just outside Leland, N.C.

They are 38 miles from our home –

in Cameron Woods Community, N.C.

They moved to N.C. in the mid 90’s-

and we moved to NVA in 1999.

To this day we have remained friends –

taking worldwide and USA trips together.

Now –

we get together often-

either at their house or ours.

Thus it brings IN OUR LIFE – MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Another MEMORY IN PICTURES!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – More moments in memorable pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

On one of our many trips with the Mcbrides –

we stopped at a resort outside of Ashville, N.C.

Here is Sherry with some “BEARS” on the front porch!

This resort had many pictures of celebs over the years

and overlooks a valley with a golf course.

I can not remember the name

but it was recommended we stop and check it out!

MORE MOMENTS IN MEMORABLE PICTURES!

Happiness is with lifelong friends –

Kayaking the ICW –

And having shots of FIREBALL

provided by one of the Kayakers!

Standing in the marsh at low tide –

Something that will go down as –

MORE MOMENTS IN MEMORABLE PICTURES!

My mother Mary –

and if you read her hat –

“She was the boss”!

She lost my father in 1969 from cancer.

Later after years of being alone –

She remarried and in 2001 –

John passed away-

and she lived out her life-

alone once again.

She was almost 98 –

when she passed away-

Gone but in my mind never forgotten.

MORE MOMENTS IN MEMORABLE PICTURES!

“MARLEY” – the Goldendoodle –

She is the dog family member-

of Tammy and Marcus – Taylor – Cassidy and Bode.

Such a gentle-loving puppy –

growing into a member of the family!

Taylor has trained her to do so many things –

She works with her inside-

and outside the house.

She has a knack with animals –

and rides horses herself.

“MARLEY” has provided MORE MOMENTS IN MEMORABLE PICTURES!

LOL – good humor for today!

Marcus at his mothers with the twins –

Cassidy and Taylor.

Two little blond-blue-eyed girls.

They were early-

because the doctor said they had to come out!

It was not planned –

an event that was done right away –

and it just happened –

they were delivered on Tammy’s birthday.

Now all three share the same birthday.

In the NIC unit – both were just over one pound –

Taylor was the bigger one –

but Cassidy was the first to come home.

Today – Taylor is almost as tall as Sherry –

and Cassidy is taller than her mother!

Here – is a moment captured in time that –

Becomes MORE MOMENTS IN MEMORABLE PICTURES!

My oldest son

and youngest son with their family –

A trip they made to spend time with us.

Thus – this too becomes –

MORE MOMENTS IN MEMORABLE PICTURES!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

LOL – how true this is for me!!!!!!!! HGD!

Papa’s World – More memorable moments.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Early morning – on the beach walking –

This is part of our volunteer work –

The Protection for Sea Turtles.

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

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

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

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

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

We also take plastic bags to pick up garbage.

It is a quiet walk into the sunrise –

Sometimes you see Dolphins swimming up or down the beach.

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

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

Creating more MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN PICTURES!

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

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

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

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

We hope they can get back down this year again.

Another MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN PICTURES!

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

In the going on five years for us –

This is a first.

This storm came up from the Gulf of Mexico –

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

Inland – no snow or ice.

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

Thus creating another MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES!

In this picture,

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

In the front of my mouth.

This was something I did not want to do –

But to be honest –

It went so smoothly – they were excellent!

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

and extract them and then put them in the implants.

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

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

ANOTHER MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES!

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

Now – I am not so much into campfires –

but our grandkids and their parents are.

So – often times when they visit –

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

“SOLO FIRE PIT”!

Creating ANOTHER MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES!

LOL – and in our backyard we have bird feeders!

So – this little funny picture –

It is almost true as the DEER eats the birdseed,

and the squirrels clean up afterward!

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

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

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

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

thus we would be able to –

Make other MEMORABLE PICTURES IN MOMENTS!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – Memorable moments in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Here is Sherry with her oldest daughter – Debby – celebrating her birthday –

at the beach in the summer of 2024.

And this is Tammy – Sherry’s younger daughter – on the beach –

celebrating her birthday in the summer of 2024.

We had the whole family – grandkids and all –

to help celebrate her and my birthdays that summer on the beach.

This was the first beach vacation since the 2020 pandemic, and we were able to be together.

So many times in the past before the Pandemic –

We had gone to beaches for family vacations.

The shirts were designed and made by Ella – our granddaughter.

Hopefully we can do this again in our senior years.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN PICTURES!

Wow – years ago – family vacation when the twins were not even walking yet!

This picture also shows GIGI –

Sherry’s mother who after her husband passed away –

Spent winters and family vacations with us.

She sold her home and bought another next to her church –

In Mount Jewett, Pa.

Because it was so cold up there in the wintertime-

We would travel back there and bring her back with us.

She loved the beach vacations with her extended family.

And little Cassidy – being held by Marcus –

As soon as she was able to walk –

would grab GIGI’s hand and walk with her.

Another MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES!

Christmas decorations of our home in Cameron Woods Community.

When we bought our plans for the house and started building-

We wanted a porch we could sit on during the hot sunny weather-

and it to be shaded.

Also – we did not want stairs to climb up and down in our senior years.

We also needed room for the family to come and stay –

All of them at the same time.

Sherry wanted an office with doors.

We had a one-story home with all of the above in a neighborhood –

Situated close to the beaches – shopping – entertainment –

and golf available –

A home that had the atmosphere of being country – Trees – green lawn –

And neighbors you see walking every day.

Being able to put up lights while being a senior –

This is our home today!

Another MEMORABLE MOMENT IN PICTURES!

In a ten to fifteen minutes drive – we can access two beaches-

Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach.

Both are barrier islands and both have large causeway bridges over the ICW!

We spend many days walking the beaches –

sand – surf and music are available in summer.

We never tire of this – “Hey – do you want to drive over to the beach”?

This has been a dream for years with us.

To be retired and have this is a dream come true.

This is but one example of our life which has created-

ANOTHER MEMORABLE PICTURE!

Thank you for reading “PAPA’S WORLD”!

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – Events in pictures – remembered.

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Remembering grandchildren when they were young!

Left to right –

Ella – Maddy – Sarah.

This was taken years ago –

Ella – Maddy and Sarah.

This was taken maybe two years ago!

Today – Ella and Maddy have graduated from college –

Sarah has graduated from H.S.

Young ladies out into the world.

We miss those early years –

but look forward to our senior years –

Of exciting moments to come!

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

We take our right to vote seriously!

Every two years going to the polls.

So far in our lives –

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

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

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

Here is Bode – before he could walk –

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

It has been almost eleven years since this picture!

Today he is almost eleven years old –

into sports –

Soccer – flag football – golf.

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

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

LOL LOL LOL!!!

Our dear friends Jim and Claudia from NVA –

Have sold their home in Reston, Va.

And built a new home four miles from us.

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

and this is the cause for celebrating our times together.

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

Papa at Vareen Gardens –

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

Thus we have created –

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

Back when the twins were young –

about two years old –

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

They came to live with us –

here are their little backpacks hanging on the landing –

to go upstairs to the bedroom.

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

This photo brings back those memories.

Thus creating –

EVENTS IN PICTURES – MEMORIES!

On OIB –

thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – 6-25-1982 – marriage!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Papa and Sherry the day we were married.

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

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

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

Nathan is being held by Debby –

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

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

This day was the second marriage for both of us.

We had dated the previous year and a half.

We had worked together at The American Olean Tile Company –

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

Luck in a passing comment by other co-workers –

Brought us together in a conversation we had later.

All this seems like yesterday

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

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

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

they were in other pictures.

The years passed – marriages and grandkids came.

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

Maddy – Sarah and Ella.

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

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

Mike and Debby still live at Lake Holiday –

on 522 between Berkly Springs and Winchester, Va.

Tammy and Marcus live in Selma Plantation –

just North of Leesburg, Va.

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

And they also make many trips back and forth.

The three oldest grandchildren – two are out of college –

the youngest is out of H.S.

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

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

Debby and Tammy are close to their mother.

Sherry on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic in 1982.

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

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

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

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

given up playing softball –

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

Today we are seniors both 75-plus years old –

living our dream life in warm climates near beaches-

and golf – close to longtime friends.

PAPA’S WORLD – 6-25-1982 – Marriage –

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ONE I LOVE –

6-25-2025!

Papa’s World – More memorable times!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

Sherry was a runner – along with her daughters –

pictured here is the youngest – Tammy-

All three of the oldest grandkids also run!

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

Many memories are here!

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

I was in charge of grandkids that day –

the three youngest were not born yet.

We went into D.C. with backpacks –

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

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

Two daughters and their mother!

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

MORE MEMORABLE TIMES!

Debby – Sherry and Tammy-

The Swedish gene runs deep here!

Sherry’s grandmother was born in Sweden.

She still has distant relatives there.

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

We were on a bus and traveled for 1400 miles –

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

We saw from a distance her homeland of her grandmother.

That is a cherished memory.

MORE MEMORABLE TIMES!

Friends for years and years.

Sherry – Dottie and Cindy.

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

Cindy was our neighbor but had known Dottie and Jim.

We all lived in WNY and WPA –

although the border separated us –

it was only ten miles or so.

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

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

All three now live in N.C. –

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

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

We have had many memorable moments.

Today I share this moment on the waterfront-

in Wilmington, N.C.

MORE MEMORABLE TIMES!

I know this to be very true! LOL

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

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

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

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

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

MORE MEMORABLE TIMES!

Close friends through time.

Buck – Dottie – Sherry – Cindy and Jim.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

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Papa’s World – Memories are pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This white church sits on a hill –

called Mount Nebo –

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

This is the original Swedish Lutheran Church in that town-

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

Although we have a lot there –

we will not be interred there –

We have purchased a vault –

in a Columbarium at Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church –

less than six miles from our home in OIB.

We will be cremated and interred there –

So that the survivor can come and visit.

The above church was built

by the Swedish immigrants –

of the community in the 1800’s.

And is replicated from

an existing church in Sweden.

Unique in that it is an EIGHT-SIDED BUILDING!

Several pews inside are accessed from the ends only –

as a support beam comes down from the ceiling-

to the floor-making-

it is all but impossible

to either slide through or walk through.

Services are held here on certain dates throughout the year-

and this is considered a historical building.

The cemetery completely surrounds the church-

except for the driveway up the hill

and around the church.

We have attended many services here

and some have been in Swedish.

This is a picture of a memory

from Sherry’s hometown of Mount Jewett, Pa.

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

by the sand volleyball court!

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

It lives somewhere near this building!

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

We know people come here

and feed this cat as we have been here

when they put the food out.

As you can tell – it looks well-fed.

I did not even know it was around

until Sherry looked back to the center

and said the cat was following us.

It continued past us and down a few steps

and sat down where I took the picture.

This also is where other people have fed it.

Sherry continued down to the surf

and I stayed up on the walkway by the cat.

It was a somewhat mild late January day –

overcast in the late afternoon –

Hardly anyone on the beach –

mid-50s

after some harsh cold days

after the snow and ice storm had melted.

The cat started to meow

as I stood there

and soon disappeared over to the left

and the top of this dune.

I looked away and when I looked back –

it was gone.

There are many feral cats –

we have some at Cameron Woods Community.

This one seems to enjoy the beach life.

I’ve looked to see where it might live –

but who knows –

there are many foxes around

so I imagine it to be somewhere high-

so as not to be in danger.

Thank you for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Papa’s World – through our eyes – living life!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Watching our granddaughters grow up – here are the twins at 13 years old and Marley!

Our three oldest granddaughters – Ella – Maddy and Sarah – have watched them grow into beautiful young ladies!

Our grandson Bode who is nine years old – going to another soccer player in the family!

View S.W. from our front driveway – sunset here and you turn around and sunrise!

Our life tending to our health and nutrition – for 18 years – aging as best we can healthy!

Sharing our lives with friends – in this case my grade school best friend and wife!!!! LOVE THEM!

After 41 years of marriage – must be able to laugh – smile and move on!!!!!! LOL

PAPA’S WORLD – THROUGH OUR EYES – LIVING THE LIFE AND OUR DREAMS –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Something memorable to us!

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Good grief says Papa!

Here it is after four years – “SNOW”!

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

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

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

The Panhandle had snow – the beaches there had snow!

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

But inland they didn’t!

Climate Change?

I do not know but it was weird.

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

I will still take our winter here –

SUNSHINE most days and all day!

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

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

Here are the two teams we follow –

I lean a little bit more toward the Washington Commanders –

And Sherry leans a bit more toward the Buffalo Bills!

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

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

And I said if they both make it –

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

But this will go down as SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

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

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

a once in a lifetime event!

Thus it becomes SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

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

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

It is a dream we had and now a reality.

Thus it becomes SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

This is something we both live by each day-

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

And also SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US each day!

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

This blog details that each and every day –

I want to thank you all for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

PAPA’S WORLD – SOMETHING MEMORABLE TO US!

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This picture not only shows Cassidy – Sarah and Taylor

when they were younger –

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

Every spring time this bush bloomed with purple flowers.

Looking out the breakfast room window off the kitchen –

You could see this huge bush-like tree.

Back in NWPA in the Swedish settlement of Mount Jewett –

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

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

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

The house was right behind the Lutheran church

and Barb would walk out of her side door

and fifty feet at the side entrance to the church.

It is a small town –

today –

most all the store Fronts are vacant.

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

the house and her mother’s presence there.

MORE GOOD MEMORIES!

Sherry hits the golf ball –

you can see the flight it takes –

look at two o’clock from her head-

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

What makes this a good memory for us –

Is this in OHAU –

on a course in the mountains?

Part of this course is in the rainforest –

it actually was raining on that part-

the other part not raining.

Those mountains were quite high

and the cliffs

were where tribal battles were fought among the different islands.

The tribe from OHAU was forced to retreat there

and eventually forced over the cliff

to their deaths.

We saw wild pigs –

mongooses – exotic birds.

Many of the holes –

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

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

You can see how lush the course is.

We can now say we played golf

in the middle of the ocean on OHAU!

ANOTHER GOOD MEMORY!

Back in Olean at DAL-TILE –

formerly American Olean Tile Co.-

We worked with artist Eric Jones

who was in the design department –

which made ceramic murals

out of the small tiles we manufactured –

You can submit a picture

and he would make it real with the tiles.

Today he runs his own business back in WNY –

Every winter he does snow sculptures –

The Buffalo Bills come to mind!

Here is one he did that portrays the mascot-

of the SAINT BONAVENTURE BASKETBALL TEAM!

His snow sculptures are in demand

from corporations and he also has been on TV-

Where he carved pumpkins and won the challenge.

A very gifted artist who also does caricatures.

This is another GOOD MEMORY!

Our life together spans some 43-plus years –

a second marriage for both of us –

two sets of children –

her two girls and my two sons.

Our journey together-

has taken us through six different houses –

and one condo.

Three of the houses we had built.

We span four states –

five if you count the state we were raised in.

We have many friends –

some closer than others.

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

and retired from that company.

We worked in NYS and NVA.

Today we are in OIB – N.C.

near the border of S.C.

We enjoy exploring – entertainment in NMB –

and Wilmington.

We travel back and forth to NVA

where most of the family and grandkids are.

We golf – go to the beach

and volunteer for the Protection of Sea Turtles –

Coastal living for seniors –

helping out at the store and library.

And through our church –

the Brunswick County Food Pantry.

Living a Meaningful Senior Life –

provides MORE GOOD MEMORIES!

On OHAU – traveling together

and making GOOD MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good times in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

Buck – Cindy’s husband and I –

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

It was there that the gals decided to golf –

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

Like washing the golf balls off –

Not wearing mittens in cold weather –

Later they came to be good or better than us.

Today – we still laugh at all of the above.

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

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

Is Diane and Steve.

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

But that they lived near us back in WNY –

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

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

Then for the rest of the year,

they are here and we do many things together.

All four of us are Bills fans!

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Two of my best friends – Buck and Jim.

Many laugh together over the years.

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

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

First – after 32 years –

I transferred to NVA –

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

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

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

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

We have maintained this friendship all these years.

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

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

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

Friends for all this time and still having fun together –

All are now retired and enjoying life to the plus.

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

LOVE HER!

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

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

Thanks for reading –

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Papa’s World – Senior life – one day at a time.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

In our senior life together – I try to capture moments in time – to look back upon.

These moments all have a special place in my heart.

Here is Bode – maybe one year old – and Cassidy together on the couch.

Taylor and Cassidy are the twins – not identical but fraternal.

I can tell you right now – these two should have been the twins!

They are two peas in a pod!

They look alike – act alike and sound alike.

And – they are like oil and water!

You would not know that from this picture –

but it forms a picture that in my senior years –

I can reflect back on the early years!

Bode is much closer to Taylor and I asked him who he would ride with

when they both start to drive. TAYLOR!!!! LOL!

Taylor and Marley – the family dog who she has trained to do so many things!

While you can not tell from this picture – she is very tall – almost as tall as Sherry.

And Marley is a big golden doodle!

Taylor loves animals and has been riding horses since she was four years old.

She spends all her free time at “THE BARN” where she rides.

And hours there cleaning stalls – rubbing down horses –

Her dream is to one day own a horse!

Watching her clean their hooves –

Does not matter if it rains – or snows – she is there.

This picture is a special memory for me as she grows up!

A senior picture in time.

A memory from back in time when we vacationed on OAHU – THE NORTH SHORE!

It was a special time and I would love to go back and also see the other islands.

The time there spent with our close friends the McBrides.

We explored almost every inch –

and had such a good time.

This is a Senior moment in time!

Our friends the McBrides who we have known since they were our neighbors back in the late 80s.

We have traveled the world with them –

and the country.

We now live 38 miles away and get together often.

Always a good time and friends for life.

A senior moment in time.

A SENIOR MOMENT WHICH I AM SURE WE ALL HAVE!!! LOL

At this moment in time is the McBrides – Sherry and perhaps our oldest friends – the Browns.

Dottie and Jimmy.

I was at their wedding and Jim and I played softball together.

The three of us grew up in a little town in NWPA called Eldred.

We took our families on vacations together to the beach.

We watched as the kids all grew up and now we all have grandchildren.

Truly a senior moment in time – Priceless.

Our oldest daughter Debby and her husband Mike –

And the three oldest granddaughters –

Next to Debby and in order oldest to youngest –

Maddy – graduated from college – Ella – soon to graduate from college – and Sarah – soon to graduate H.S.

Here at the open-air music concert on OIB Park.

During the season – May through September – every Friday night – is free music by very good bands.

We tried to go each week and when they visited on vacation – we took them.

A senior moment in time.

This is true each way! LOL

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Papa’s World – Good times in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We have two NFL teams we follow –

The Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Bills!

Before we moved to NVA –

we lived in WNY – BILLS COUNTRY.

We were there for all four Super Bowls.

When we moved to NVA –

It was all Redskins –

To watch the Bills –

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

That trip because of traffic –

took an hour and a half.

That lasted one season for me

as it became a Sunday trip lasting about eight hours.

So – we slowly began to watch the Redskins

and on our final move to another house-

We lived about five miles from their headquarters

and practice fields and facilities!

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

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

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

And we have two flags we fly during NFL season.

The Commanders and the Bills.

I lean a little more toward the Commanders

and Sherry toward the Bills!

This year as of this writing –

They both gained the AFL and the NFL championship games.

This has provided us GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

One of the places we volunteer is Coastal Point Living-

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

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

Weeding out books to make room for new ones –

Keeping puzzle boxes in like stacks –

Putting books away where they are cataloged.

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

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

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

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

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

THIS HAS PROVIDED A GOOD TIME IN MEMORIES!

We cherish our life together –

and our lives with family and friends!

Living in the South –

near the beach

and shopping and entertainment in our golden years.

The opportunity to live this life –

is a blessing and we are so grateful

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

The dawn of another day in our neighborhood!

We chose this place to live

as it is central to what we want to do.

Beach – shopping – entertainment – friends and golf.

CREATING GOOD TIMES IN MEMORIES!

As we look forward –

2025 is ahead –

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

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

CREATING GOOD TIMES IN MEMORIES!

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Papa’s World – Moving on to lifetime memories!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

The days come and go –

kids grow up before your eyes –

It seems like this picture was only a few days ago –

yet in reality –

this little boy – BODE –

will be ELEVEN on his next birthday!

On this day we had him while his sisters were in school and we went to Harris Teeter-

In Brambleton, Va.

Looking back – blond hair – blue eyes –

Wishing we could once again have these times back-

But we are now moving on to form new lifetime memories!

Reflections of the past.

Today that little bond hair – blue-eyed baby –

is now a young boy

who loves decorating Christmas cookies with his “MORMOR”

Swedish for “MOTHERSMOTHER”!

He loves his “MORMOR”

and asks all the time when we will be back home.

We cherish these moments-

because they grow out of this stage –

Thus it will one day become –

MOVING ONTO A LIFETIME MEMORY!

A long-lasting friendship-

from the past –

Fred and Linda –

Who lives in Florida now –

Fred was one of my best friends –

growing up after sixth grade.

Today we have contact in Social Media –

because of where they live and where we live.

But lasting memories of the good times we have had –

Is MOVING into a LIFETIME MEMORY!

Our Senior years are upon us –

and we are enjoying our lives in the Carolinas.

We have now lived in five different states-

since we were married on 6-25-1982.

In all that time we have sold FIVE HOUSES –

THREE of which we had built.

We retired with a combined 79 1/2 years –

working for DAL-TILE.

We now volunteer for different organizations.

We still are excited to get out –

and explore our surroundings!

We are constantly creating LIFETIME MEMORIES –

And I blog –

each and every day recording them

LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME and LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS!

Thank you for being a part of my blog –

and a part of our life together.

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PAPA’S WORLD – MOVING ONTO LIFETIME MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Giving good thoughts and smiles!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

neighbors and people in general –

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

GOOD THOUGHTS – SOME SMILES –

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

I hope today gives a little of all to you!

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

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

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

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

A picture says a thousand words – NORTH MYRTLE BEACH –

SHAGGING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD-

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

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

Competitions – junior shaggers –

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

A little music – dancers in clubs and good times –

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

A good thought for the day!

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

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

without a music sheet –

Bring joy to my heart –

Another generation to carry on happiness.

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

A feeling of pride in my heart!

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

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

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

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

OUR WHY WE ARE HERE IN OCEAN ISLE BEACH!

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

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

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

PAPA’S WORLD – GIVING GOOD THOUGHTS AND SMILES!

Papa’s World – Many moments in time!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We were neighbors back in the late 80s in Pleasant Acres Drive – Portville, N.Y.

William ( Buck ) McBride –

today we live about 38 miles from them in N.C.

Often times we get together – be it golf – dinner –

shows or just talking.

Here – we are on the ICW riding a boat for a memory in time.

Sherry and Cindy –

she and Buck were our neighbors in the mid to late 80’s –

back in Pleasant Acres Drive in Portville, N.Y.

Today they live some 38 miles from us in N.C.

We have stayed in touch all these years

and have traveled the world with them.

Today – dinners – golf – shows or

just visiting still brings our friendships –

to more memories in time.

Our three oldest granddaughters

way back then waiting for their parents to get up –

On Christmas morning.

Sitting at the top of the stairs –

smiling – giggling –

A memory from the past

is a memory in time that shall be with me until I am no longer here!

The three youngest grandkids –

the twins and the first boy –

today they have grown so much

since this picture was taken years ago.

Cassidy still dresses

to her own tune today!

Taylor is a horse lover

and works at a stable and rides.

Bode will be eleven years old

and plays soccer – flag football and golf!

Today this is another moment in time’s memory!

Our oldest friends as a couple

and then we married.

Jim and Dottie –

who also grew up in Eldred, Pa. as I did.

They are my oldest friends as a couple.

Many adventures –

family vacations

and raising children.

A moment in time as a memory!

Debby – Papa and Sherry

at an awards event for the Eltons at a Juice Plus Conference.

We now are going on TWENTY YEARS

of our home-based business on the Internet –

for the Juice Plus Company

on eating healthy – aging as healthy as we can –

Getting over thirty Fruits – Veggies and Berries

into our bloodstream every day!

Our goal is and has been from the start

to have a residual monthly income

and stay healthy-

now in our mid-70s –

We have retained both objectives

for almost TWENTY YEARS!

A MEMORY CAPTURED IN A MOMENT IN TIME!

A sketch of our home

was given to us

by Diane and Steve – our neighbors.

They also are from WNY –

close to where we raised our family

before we transferred to NVA.

It is a small world

and are thankful we met them.

They still have a cottage on Rushford Lake back in WNY!

A MEMORY IN TIME WE SHALL ALWAYS CHERISH FROM CLOSE FRIENDS!

On a recent walk in Vareen Gardens –

Sherry and I

aging as healthy as we can

while maintaining

a SENIOR LIFESTYLE INTO OUR MID-SEVENTIES!

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my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – The good life.

/ Tom / 1 Comment

We have had numerous blessings –

Through our 43-plus years of being together.

When we were married – I converted to Lutheran from Catholic.

Sherry was raised in the Lutheran faith –

And asked me to convert –

I did and have never looked back.

This was and is the first blessing we shared together.

They are very similar but different.

I did not fully embrace the Catholic faith –

But I did and always have believed in a greater being.

Today, we belong to our third church –

all Lutheran and in three states.

This more than likely will be our last home church.

This will be our final resting spot as we have a spot –

in a Columbarium right out behind Saint Lukes Lutheran Church in Shallotte, N.C.

Just five miles from our home in Cameron Woods Community- OIB – N.C.

Close to where the survivor can visit.

We have traveled the World –

here we are on the North Shore of Oahu- Hawaii.

Travel by ourselves –

or with family and our friends – The McBrides –

has led us to the different continents and many memories.

Sharing our love for that with family – friends and each other.

Our senior years have brought us South –

Warmer temperatures – water – surf and sand.

We did not plan this as such –

But a door opened and we went through a window.

A window that we would spend our senior years living a good life.

All – because of a turndown in the economy –

A major loss in our retirement 401K –

but a huge increase in the value of our home-

And a chance Google search showed a condo in North Myrtle Beach –

brought us to NMB for nine months during the Pandemic.

A billboard with Cameron Woods Homes in OIB –

Led us to a sales office model –

And that day a woman had withdrawn her deposit –

on the lot we visited and decided –

this was it!

I consider this to be another blessing in our lives together.

Here is a picture of Sherry and I –

with our close friends Cindy and Buck –

Who came to The Villages to visit us while we were staying with my older brother Roger-

seated next to me.

Growing up – Roger who was ten years older than me –

Was an idol to me.

Everything I did was based on him who I adored.

He left for college when I was eight years old –

and seldom came back home again.

He was nominated and made WHO’S WHO in collegiate circles –

He was married after graduation –

and went into the Navy as an officer during the Vietnam War.

Over the years I only saw him rarely –

But kept in touch by letters.

It was only later in life –

just before his wife passed away and I was retired –

We began spending the Winters with him –

in The Villages in Florida.

He wanted us to move down with him –

but we had young grandchildren –

and our home in Brambleton, Va.-

was going to be our retirement home.

We were blessed that we spent the last 7 years of his life visiting him –

And he also came up to visit us.

To this day I look up to him –

and still consider him to be my idol.

Today we live our senior moments here in N.C.

Where seldom is snow or ice.

Most of the time it is warm –

blue skies and beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets.

We are ten and fifteen minutes from two beaches.

We volunteer for the Coastal Carolina Senior Center –

The Protection of Sea Turtles and the Brunswick County Food Pantry.

We love our church – we have close friends – three couples –

Five to Forty minutes drive from us.

And – the possibility of one more couple moving somewhere close by.

We now play golf as often as we can –

we are right in the middle of 30 gold courses.

We are close to entertainment either in Wilmington, N.C. –

or North Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach.

Shopping is also close by

This is now our home.

WE ARE BLESSED!

On the North Shore – loving life and blessed to be together,

Thanks for reading –

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HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Papa’s World – That one special weekend!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

From my early years of growing up – sitting in the kitchen with my father – a small radio on the table-

He with a slip of paper and a pencil in hand –

Listening ever so intently to The Saint Bonaventure men’s basketball game broadcast!

That would be the middle to late 50’s!

The years of the Stith brothers and Whitey Martin.

I grew up a Bonnies fan.

Later – we would go down to SLAVIN’S –

The local hang-out bar and grill.

I would crawl up on the bar stool next to him and the bar would be full.

It seemed like all the townsmen were there –

Russ would have the radio turned up and we would listen to the BONA’S game!

Even later he managed to secure a season ticket for the Olean Armory –

Home of the Bona’s team and faithful.

Those were my introduction to Saint Bonaventure Mens Basketball games.

Today – I still follow them – we had season tickets before we moved to NVA!

I will always remember those special times with my father-

and his influence on my being a BONNIE for life!

This sculpture is by a fellow co-worker at American Olean Tile – Eric Jones.

BILLS MAFIA – SNOW – COLD – ICE and the faithful who sit through it all at the stadium in Orchard Park

Growing up for some reason – ( JIM BROWN – WARFIELD and others ) I was a browns fan.

That changed later in life with Kemp and Cookie and then OJ.

Then the four straight Super Bowl runs.

Kelly – Reed – Smith Thomas and Bennet – Norwood – Tasker.

What a run – and now ALLEN – ALLEN – and ALLEN and COOK!

I still cheer them on –

but 25 years ago – we transferred to NVA!

I could not watch them anymore.

Everything there was REDSKINS!

And they slowly found a place in my heart.

JAYDEN DANIELS – a kid as cool as a cucumber –

A number two pick and a franchise quarterback.

He will be the one over the next decade as long as he does not get hurt.

All the turmoil with the owner – even poaching Smith and Reed from the Bills.

Losing one after another with his idiocy meddling into a once proud franchise.

He even cut trees down on the Potomac River so he would have a view –

They were protected!

WHAT A IDIOT!

Finally, a sexual harassment case brought by dozens of female employees –

He was forced to sell the team – 6/12 BILLION DOLLARS!

He packed up and moved to London – goodbye DANNY BOY!

But in all that time I also became a fan of this team.

I now had THREE teams in my heart –

BONA’S – REDSKINS (COMMANDERS) and THE BILLS!

JAYDEN DANIELS – cool as ice – a rookie – unflustered and breaking the norms

JOSH ALLEN – a one-man wrecking machine. Always a chance with him and his arm and legs.

And the BONNIES – Coach Schmidt – my opinion – a great college basketball coach.

A University that has one of the smallest enrollments in Division I-

1800 hundred plus on a good year –

Taking on National Opponents and winning –

They won’t come to Olean, In WNY –

So he plays them in NYC or Buffalo-

or Rochester or in tournaments elsewhere!

YEP – I have three teams –

and toss in the Nationals and Caps.

Thanks for reading my blog!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Our life – volunteering!

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Today we are in our “SENIOR” years.

Moving to a warm climate- almost no snow or ice.

Is it “HOT” in the summer? “YES”!

But I would rather live in that than the cold of “WINTER”!

So – you might ask – “What do you do being retired”?

Many things – when asked that question –

I sometimes reply ” I DON’T KNOW – BUT IT TOOK ME ALL DAY TO DO IT”!

In my case – keeping track of what day it is –

I know when the garbage day is – Wednesday – so there for on Tuesday late afternoon –

I put the garbage can to the curb!

Other days I look at my watch and then my calendar on my desk!

Isn’t that wonderful?

I know when Sunday is because it is “GO TO CHURCH DAY”!

Speaking of church – we recently have volunteered for the county FOOD PANTRY!

The second Saturday of every month is when our church volunteers to operate the FOOD PANTRY!

Everything is so well organized –

You know ahead of time what your assignment is.

Sherry is a “SHOPPER”!

I have been “TRAFFIC CONTROL” and “LOADER”!

She gets a form and a cart and inside the building – she goes from station to station-

And shops for what is on the list – much like you see in food stores with employees with a cart!

She then takes the cart out to the front and here is where cars are waiting –

They have a number that corresponds with the “SHOPPERS” cart.

Here is a loader – they ask the person in the car where their number is –

And compare it to the SHOPPERS paperwork.

The loader then asks where to load the food.

The person in the car does not have to get out.

As soon as they are loaded – they can pull out and leave and the next three cars are then

told to move up.

When the cars first come in – they are given a number to be put on the dash.

Then you ask them if they can walk to the table.

Where registration is.

If not –

they are given a colored sticker and someone will come to their car and talk to them and they can sign in.

They are told where to park and to back in.

They must register to receive food from the food bank.

Other people are food stockers –

making sure each station is stocked and the bags with food in them are there.

People at the table outside record all the information on how many families are served-

How many individuals or seniors are served.

In 2022 – 4142 Families and 13701 Individuals were served from just this food pantry.

In 2023 – 5160 Families & 17100 Individuals were served.

In 2024 – 6819 Families & 23,477 Individuals were served.

Total volunteer hours – 8121 – or 203 40-hour work weeks!

You can see the need to feed people is increasing yearly!

It is something we intend to commit to as long as we can do it.

Inside the pantry are volunteers who record everything and enter it into a database.

People are in charge at the table in front to weigh all donations –

People are in charge of buying food from a huge wholesale food bank in Wilmington.

Other people go to local grocery stores to pick up donations.

It is well run and our church – Saint Luke Lutheran Church has the second Saturday of each month.

We also volunteer at Coastal Living for seniors.

I maintain the library while Sherry helps with the monthly “SHOPPING” for residents.

These are shopping set up by donations for residents to spend their vouchers

and give them the feeling of once again some control in their daily living.

Life as a senior – while we still can help others less fortunate than ourselves.

Thank you for reading my daily blog PAPA’S WORLD!

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – OUR LIFE – VOLUNTEERING!

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

This is where Sherry went to church growing up.

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

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

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

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

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

Vendors – music events and parade and carnival.

We have not attended since her mother passed away.

A memory from the past.

In the cart is Buck and standing is Jimmy.

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

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

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

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

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

We reunite every four or so months with our wives –

playing golf – laughing and having good times for memories.

Many years ago this was taken of the grandkids.

Bode is now ten years old.

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

Sarah will graduate this year from H.S.

Fun times with grandkids growing up.

Inspiration for this blog!

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

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

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

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

Friends are forever.

Sherry with Bode – Cassidy and Taylor years ago.

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

Today we go back and forth to see family.

And they in turn come down here.

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

Pictures bring it all back.

While we are in the sunset of our senior years –

remaining as healthy as we can –

volunteering for many organizations –

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

Warm – sand – surf and entertainment.

OIB – thank you for reading my blog –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free to join – free to read share and comment.

618 members worldwide –

I would love to have you added!

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

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

Papa’s World – Ferry Landing – OIB – Completed!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Several years ago – a severe storm damaged the Ferry Landing pier and picnic area.

At one point in time many years ago –

A Ferry was operating here on the East end of OIB!

Then – it ceased – I do not know why –

but it became a local spot for pier fishing on the ICW!

The storm damage changed all of that and it became a hazard.

Early this year we visited the landing –

As the reconstruction and repairs had been completed!

Standing on the new deck and looking back at the gazebo and picnic area of Ferry Landing.

The flags at the time this picture was taken were half-mast – for President Jimmy Carter.

At the opposite end of this street is an entrance to the beach and a short walk to the long-installed

rock wall called THE GROIN –

Constructed several years ago to stop beach erosion.

Standing at the deck of the fishing pier –

Looking back at the gazebo and all the parking spaces leading up to the deck walkway.

This all sits right on the ICW!

The view is across the ICW to Brick Landing Golf Course and clubhouse.

Not seen in this picture but to the right –

It is the Brick Landing boat launch.

Also – further to the right is a campground where our friends camped for a couple nights.

We have also watched the Christmas boat parade from the fairway of the golf course.

This just might be a new place we can come to watch from the island!

Across the ICW sits the campground.

In the distance is Holden Beach –

I said to Sherry –

Now that this is complete – it just might be a change of pace place to bring our chairs-

Sit and watch the boat traffic on the ICW during spring – summer, and fall!

There also is a small beach here and plenty of room to fish from the deck and off the shore!

LOL – Laugh – smile and have funny thoughts!

Thanks for reading –

The Ferry Landing will be a place we take guests to see –

A peaceful experience on OIB.

And then walk to the other end and observe the ocean!

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Papa’s World – What I saw!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

So – I constantly look for things in my life –

Here is a pile of shoes –

Not just any shoes –

And notice – The pair on the far right –

Both facing in the same direction –

And a pair of socks!

These belong to our young grandson Bode –

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

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

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

I found this shoe placement to be interesting.

They would come for a visit and rule number one –

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

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

Taylor has always been the bigger of the twins.

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

Being twins – they are exactly placed alike!

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

They are both alike and different.

but in this one instance –

More alike than different!

WHAT I SAW!

Here is Buck in the cart and Jimmy standing.

These two are besides grade school friends –

My oldest friends.

Jimmy and I are from Eldred, Pa.

While I am older by 9 Years –

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

We went on family vacations together –

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

We go back to the mid-70s.

Buck actually knew Jimmy before he knew me.

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

Buck and Cindy McBride became close friends and golfing partners-

all those years ago in the 80s.

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

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

We have traveled the World with Buck and Cindy.

And now live 38 miles from them –

They are in Magnolia Greens Gplf Plantation outside of Leland –

Still close to Wilmington, N.C.

Friends for life – WHAT I SAW!

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

While visiting our family.

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

McBrides and Sherry and me.

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

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

WHAT I SAW – is forever friends!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Visiting the past!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

Diane and Steve –

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

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

Also present is our next-door neighbor Kathy –

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

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

back at the house!

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

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

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

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

and we have known for over Forty Years!

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Papa’s World – BLOGGING – WORLDWIDE!

/ Tom / 2 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This blog was a way to preserve my writings!

Neatly kept in a site controlled by me.

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

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

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

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

and I had two sons.

On weekends – we were all one family.

Sherry on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.

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

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

Six people I knew also joined my site.

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

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

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

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

I look at my stats –

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

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

and see the pictures of just who we were.

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

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PAPA’S WORLD – BLOGGING – WORLDWIDE!

Papa’s World – Retirement – family and friends!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

In Cameron Woods Community –

We have made new friends!

Marcea and Bill –

Ken and Marylou-

Diane and Steve ( who are from where we lived in WNY)

Fun times and looking forward to more of the same!

Where we chose to live –

Near the beaches –

On the border of N.C. and S.C.

In the winter – we can survive with no snow or ice- most of the time.

And – we can walk the beach anytime we choose.

We are close to old friends – three couples!

Our enclosed Lanai is a haven for our plants and flowers!

We could not do thus BACK in NVA!

This plant belonged to Sherry’s mother – Barb – and reminds us of her every day – GIGI!

Our lemon tree – who would have thought!!!!

Small things make us happy!

Now – we get to spend time with two couples who have been our close friends for over forty years!

Golfing – singing – lifting a few drinks and laughing!

So many times we have been together that it ends up like this!

Now – we all live in the state of N.C.

and we all are from back in WNY and close to NWPA!

Friends are forever and more!

My oldest buddy from grade school – Bob and his wife Pam

We now see them every year – past six years –

when they stop with their RV in their sixth year of retirement.

Friends are special parts of our life together.

Family from back in NVA-

While we left them to move South –

They come down and we go back to NVA!

Family from back where we grew up in NWPA!

Now that her mother has passed away – we do not get there as often as we would like!

But – they have been down a couple times and we hope for them to be here this summer.

Sherry and her sisters!

Bonnie on the left –

Still lives next door to where they were raised.

Debby on the right lives one mile from us in Cameron Woods Community.

Family – hoping that Bonnie can sometime in the future make it down.

When we do go back to NWPA-

We will see her and her family and my sons and their wife-partner!

Sunset Beach and in the upper far right corner – Ocean Isle Beach.

We are here because of choice.

We are happy in retirement –

With family – friends and our life here.

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Papa’s World – A look back and around!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

It was only by chance that we found the entrance to what would be our third home,

which we had built together.

We lived in a top-floor condo at Ocean Keyes in North Myrtle Beach.

We really liked it there.

We had a wonderful view of a lake with fountains in it.

Swans – geese – ducks – a lot of big fish we could look down at from our Lanai which was screened in.

We had three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

A dining area and a kitchen – washer and dryer –

The living room had huge glass sliding doors as did the Master Bedroom –

All went out to an enclosed-screened Lanai that went the full width of the condo.

We were on the top floor – the fourth floor with two elevators right outside of our front door.

We would walk the streets inside the gate – along the lake –

past six swimming pools – a large tennis court-

A community workout area.

750 condos were here and most were second homes for out-of-state owners.

Very few people lived there full-time.

This was the Pandemic in 2020 and we almost had it all to ourselves.

The downside was we had no garage and storage.

After we went out the back gate – two blocks and we were standing on the sand of the beach.

The same for the town – we would be on the main street – all the bars – grills and shopping were there.

There were times in the nine months we were there –

That we could hear live music from that street –

Slowly the Pandemic was loosening its grip.

We pondered living here – there were units available for sale –

The HOA fee was very high – $470.00 a month.

Security was excellent.

The location was great – but we were so close to the beach and storms.

We started searching!

So – we ventured across the border into N.C. –

Where over 30 golf courses were available.

We purchased the First Tee Card – and we could play at reduced rates on these courses.

It was then we hired a realtor and told her we liked that area –

“What could she show us”?

One after another we visited – some were okay –

most needed upgrades – they were dated.

We were not having any luck –

The last one we looked at was a Condo and a house in Sea Trails.

The condo was first floor – on a fairway – a nice big Lanai –

but the pictures of the rooms were deceiving!

They were small – 12 by 12 living room and even smaller kitchen

It was cut up into small rooms.

It would not do and the single-story house we looked at –

The floor was spongy – the woodwork was all marked up.

Too much work needed to be done.

That is when we told her – to give us some options back toward Leland and Magnolia Greens.

This would be where our longtime friends lived.

After she left – I said to Sherry – I had seen a billboard advertisement –

Brand New to build homes in Cameron Woods Community by Real Star.

This was a little bit higher than what we planned on spending but would be considered our high price range.

And we had options – we could get what we wanted –

Be in the area of 30 golf courses – and ten minutes to two beaches.

And it was five minutes from Sea Trails where we were looking.

We were well into our senior years of life –

We wanted a warm climate – no snow – no ice and the ability to walk the beach as long as we could.

We turned right out of Sea Trails drove five minutes and were at Cameron Woods Community.

They were less than two years into building this community.

We went through the gate and into the parking lot of the model.
Not knowing anything about RealStar – Sherry immediately loved the model and how it was built!

The realtor told us that morning a customer had withdrawn their downpayment and a lot was available-

That would be built on soon!

We went to see it and soon saw that the Sun traveled east To West over it –

The house would face North and the rear would face South toward the ocean.

This Beach area is unique in that it faces the Ocean toward the South –

Because of the way the coast curves from Charleston to Wilmington!

That means the front porch would be shaded most of the day.

I wanted a front porch to sit on and Sherry wanted an office.

We both got that in the model we chose.

We would be 40 miles from our long-time friends –

Buck and Cindy McBride at Magnolia Greens.

That would mean golfing – dinner and shows as they liked our area to golf in –

And there are dinner theaters and shows in the NMB area as well as in Wilmington!

We decided then and there to put the money down – contacted our realtor and told her –

We still required her services and told the RealStar agent that.

In a little over nine months from moving into the condo –

We were in our third house that we had built-

1910 SF. Exactly the upgrades we wanted (that changed when RealStar sold out to Lennar)

Papa on the front porch he wanted to be able to sit on in the sun.

Our senior retirement home in Cameron Woods Community –

Today the major portion is all built out and resales happening,

Out front on Old Georgetown road – two-story townhomes with garages are being built and sold.

This phase is almost complete –

However another sister community is being built next to ours called-

Cameron Woods Pines.

All the trees have been harvested –

learned out – an emergency access road is being installed with a gate just behind the dog park-

and pond at Cameron Woods Community.

A walking trail will give access to both communities for walking.

Looking at the setting sun from our home in OIB- Cameron Woods Community.

We are home.

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Papa’s World – All things past!

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

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

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

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

But the housing market went way up

TIME TO MOVE ON FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE!

Just before the Pandemic hit –

We spent a month in Florida at an Airbnb.

While out exploring –

We found this unique British Pub!

Everything British – food -music-

A memory from the past!

After we sold the house in NVA-

We moved South to North Myrtle Beach.

This was right in the middle of the Pandemic.

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

We were the only people out and about.

These stores were still all open.

I felt so bad for them!

A MEMORY FROM THE PAST-

I SHALL ALWAYS HAVE AS A MEMORY!

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

Warm weather and lots of beads and memories!

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

Looking forward to making new memories.

Friends – family and new people to meet.

New to our involvement is the Protection of Sea Turtles.

From mid-May to mid-October –

We spend time almost every day on the beach-

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

Memories of both past and present.

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

Making memories for almost forty years –

Friends for a lifetime-

Ready to make new memories –

Thanks for reading Papa’s World –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

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

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

To North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

We would say goodbye outdoors in the open air.

We often spent time in this town center-

In winter the ice skating rink.

Today – they have also moved south –

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

Now we are 40 minutes away and get together often.

Ginger and Sherry on the golf course.

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

We left behind close friends Steve and Elaine.

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

We often played golf –

Visiting each other’s homes –

And spending time together as families.

In the very beginning of this friendship –

We were on the same Volleyball Team –

Which was called “THE BEACH CLUB”!

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

Before we all took up golf.

We won the one-year championship – 1989!

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

We are now all grandparents!

Freddy and I went to school together –

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

They now live in Florida and have stayed in touch.

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

Friendships for a lifetime.

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

The besties for four-plus decades.

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

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

We have traveled the world with Buck and Cindy –

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

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

The years have passed –

but the friendship has continued!

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

Jimmy with Cindy and Sherry –

Outside the guys I graduated with –

Jimmy is my oldest friend –

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

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

We worked together in Olean Tile Plant!

FRIENDS FOR YEARS AND YEARS!

Sherry – Pam – Papa and Bobby.

We went to grade school together –

Played sports and stayed at each other’s houses.

I rode to school in his father’s car.

We slept out and roamed the streets.

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

That friendship continues to this day.

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

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

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

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

They like where we are in N.C. –

And maybe someday will make this area a base camp.

And now we are making new friends in our community-

Here – Marcea – Bill – Diane and Papa.

Neighborhood friends –

Friendly competition between Bills and Steelers fans.

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

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

Diane and Sherry –

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

close to where we lived and raised our children.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – ALL THINGS in our senior life.

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Looking for humor in our senior years – laughing – good thoughts and smiles!

The family came to visit from NWPA – a very long drive – maybe again next summer?

This was the view from my front curb-sidewalk of where I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s –

A small town in the Allegheny foothills called Eldred.

Many a time I roller-skated this sidewalk down to the service station called Slavins – later a furniture store.

The sidewalks are uneven – later after I got my bike – I rode all over town.

Papa – somewhere in there is a smile – LOL!

Getting old – but still going strong – living the SALT LIFE!

SMILING – LAUGHING – HUMOR IS FREE!

Taking one day at a time – living life to the plus each and every day!

Sherry and our family – still grandma and MorMor – ( MOTHERSMOTHER – SWEDISH)

my two sons – living far away but near my heart!

ALL THINGS IN OUR SENIOR LIFE – PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Visiting back home in NVA!

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

This is a Christmas concert at Community Lutheran Church.

It was three different choirs –

A complete orchrestra-

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

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

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

Into Washington, D.C. –

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

and celebrations all over the city.

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

On the METRO’S SILVER LINE –

A first for Bode who was only three years old!

At the platform on the Metro Silver Line.

Here is Taylor – Bode and Cassidy –

This was seven years ago!

This is Taylor today with Marley!

She has trained her to do everything.

She has such a way with animals.

She treats horses the same way!

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

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

Into all sports –

Loves the Commanders and the Capitals and the Nationals.

Plays soccer and flag football and golf!

Cassidy – Cheerleading – Gymnastics –

both girls are honor students.

She is the neatest one –

her room is always neat and the bed is made.

She is a fashion queen-

much like her cousin – Sarah!

Here Taylor is training Marley –

not to eat the treat until she says so!

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

All three love making Christmas cookies!

This is a small part of traveling back to Leesburg –

seeing the little ones and Marley!

Marley – such a gentle Golden Doodle-

She is so accommodating.

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

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

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

At Lake Holiday with Debby – to be continued!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

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

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

Cassidy – invited by her friend –

Attended the HOA event –

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

It seems like only yesterday –

Cassidy would have been one of those little children!

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

The look of wonder from Taylor –

and the look of amazement from Cassidy.

Tugs at my heart that those times are long past!

I kind of identify with this! LOL!

She does this because –

she has a true heart of gold!

She is growing up so fast –

and I miss that little girl.

Here are the five granddaughters –

Three are now adults –

one has graduated from college-

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

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

But for now,

I shall keep this image in my mind –

until she grows up even more!

Santa’s Little Helper Growing Up –

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Life with us – retired!

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LIFE WITH US – RETIRED!

We wanted someplace warm in the fall –

winter and spring!

I gave my snow shovel away to the movers at my storage shed!

We sold almost all our lawn
STUFF” when we sold the house.

I do not mow anymore-

but I still weed and trim bushes and trees!

This past Christmas –

I decided that would be the last year that I stored everything over the garage.

Climbing that narrow drop-down ladder –

on my hands and knees passing items down

to Sherry who sometimes had to stand on the bottom rung of that drop-down ladder.

So – I cleared space on the shelves in the garage –

got rid of “STUFF”!

And now I have a place to store the Christmas boxes-

Sherry even gave a plastic container to Habitat –

Someone else can enjoy those decorations!

This is what being a Senior retired person –

must do when their years are quietly slipping past!

But – we look forward to the golf course –

with friends or by ourselves.

After all –

within 30 to 45 minutes-

are over thirty courses – some with 27 holes!

This was part of our wish list in moving here to OIB! N.C.

We wanted to be near the ocean and beach.

We are on the mainland the other side of the ICW!

We are near two beaches –

OIB and SUNSET BEACH –

Two other beaches –

Holden Beach and Oak Island are within 45 minutes.

North Myrtle Beach is thirty minutes.

This also was on our wish list of where to live.

We are in a very quiet community.

Almost a mile to the front road – Old Georgetown Road.

There is a park with four ball diamonds – a half dozen tennis courts-

and more than that in pickleball courts.

A basketball court and a dog park.

A paved track and soccer practice fields just across the road.

A place we now call home –

Friends and neighbors –

A community pool and center.

Walking roads – ponds and wildlife –

sunrises and sunsets.

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY-

Where house values are rising –

Resells now are happening –

as people move in and out.

Some – go back North where their families are –

We remain here and often make the trip back to NVA –

While all of the family has been down at one time or another.

LIFE WITH US RETIRED!

This is but a glimpse of our retirement –

Here in N.C. – S.C. border area –

Sun – and – Ocean – golf – friends and neighbors.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Life to the Plus!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We own no snow shovels!

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

Allowing us to eat our own pest-free produce!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A celebration of achievement for the company.

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

At this particular event – the entertainment was LONESTAR –

The country-western icon band.

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

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Our three oldest granddaughters when they were young!

It is hard to think that they are adults now –

One graduated from college –

One about to graduate from college –

and one soon to graduate from High School!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

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

All three call her MORMOR –

Which in Swedish is MOTHERS MOTHER!

Sherry’s grandmother was born in Sweden.

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

Bode – Cassidy and Taylor – a few years later.

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

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

A couple years ago – The Swedish genes ran deep!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

One of the rules of life we live by!

We often visit the different areas by the water –

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

Our dream life – living in the South!

Here is Taylor years ago –

She has always loved horses –

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

Spending as much free time as she can!

MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

A quote that we live by!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

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

We now live about 40 miles from them –

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

over the years we have traveled the World with them.

Our last trip was to Ashville, N.C.

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

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

Before the Pandemic and our move to Cameron Woods Community-

Back in NVA – Sherry was a runner –

Taking a first place in her age group –

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

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

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

When they crossed the finish line all three holding hands!

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

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

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

Here is where Sherry was raised and went to church.

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

This little community situated in the Alleghany Mountains –

Has a proud heritage of Swedish immigrants.

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

The three youngest grandkids all call Sherry – MORMOR!

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

A look back at her hometown and grandkids.

A good vibe for the day!

Our day begins with a SUNRISE on OIB –

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

To see this every day if we wish!

A look at our lives in N.C.

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

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

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

Steve and Elaine-

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

Thank you for reading-

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Our lifestyle in N.C.!

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Diane and Sherry – it is indeed a small world!

Diane and her husband Steve are from WNY –

close to where we raised our family.

They still maintain a cottage on Rushford Lake.

They visit all the sites we did living there.

And – when we moved in –

They were there to greet us –

living but three houses from our new home!

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

Having them as new friends!

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

Ginger and Jason have built a house in Brunswick Forest –

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

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

where they have a summer cottage.

Friends from back home!

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

to our new “RETIREMENT” home in N.C.

Mainly because of the Pandemic and the partial recession that followed

Our 401K took a hard hit-

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

So we sold and sought out a warmer climate.

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

After all these years – over four decades –

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

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

Making it even more possible to plan get-togethers!

We are now all mostly retired-

All living our dreams –

Retirement in the warm South.

And the area is growing by leaps and bounds!

Making a housing shortage while property values increase-

making our new “RETIREMENT” home more valuable!

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

Thank you for reading –

Papa’s World –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway. blog

PAPA’S WORLD – OUR LIFESTYLE IN NORTH CAROLINA!

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

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

He set up Tripods and pulled engines from cars.

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

And installed a lower roof by himself.

He renovated and built the house I was raised in.

All this did not pass on to me-

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

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

The patience required ( I have none)

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

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

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

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

Even walking one down the aisle at her marriage.

He is kind – gentle and giving and helping others.

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

He also rides –

though not as often as he did.

Anything Pittsburg sports –

he is a big fan of it.

Today – he has a partner – Andrea –

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

Andrea and Troy at Barefoot Landing at Crooked Hammock.

They still live back in NWPA-

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

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

Thanks for reading!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Who are we?

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This quote from Harry S. Truman –

Pretty much says who we are!

We believe in the Constitution of the USA!

The equality of men and women.

Free speech and the right to vote.

Family – church and country.

We volunteer-

We gather family and friends into our home.

We love our country – friends – neighbors –

WE ARE US!

Grandma – MORMOR ( Swedish for mothers mother)

Adored by grandchildren.

Over the years –

leading by example-

For the generations now –

and the generations to come-

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

THIS IS HER!

Grandchildren are a beloved asset of family life.

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

THIS IS US!

Memories of times gone by –

Wishing they would still be little –

but cherishing times we spent together-

But knowing generations to come –

Will be able to LOOK back –

And know the love we had –

THIS IS US!

We are aging as healthy as we can –

living our dream –

and Living our lives one day at a time.

Healthy supplement for going on 20 years.

Maintaining our independence –

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

THIS IS US!

Sharing life –

exploring avenues and paths to our future.

Active – serving community.

THIS IS US!

Another sunrise on our life together –

now going on 43-plus years.

THIS IS US!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A look at life in the Carolinas!

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It is Christmas season – blue skies – white fluffy clouds – warm sunshine –

It’s where we wanted to be –

No snow – a little chilly until the sun is noon high –

No ice and a slight breeze.

We can also walk the beaches –

Robins are in the yards –

A lot of birds at the feeders.

Best of all –

I GAVE MY SNOW SHOVEL AWAY TO THE MOVERS FROM NVA!

Walking the beach with friends –

Long sleeves but shorts on –

A light jacket but sandals!

Later that day – GOLFING!

This is living in THE CAROLINAS!

When friends visit in October –

You walk the paths –

You see the colors of fall –

But – a lot of this GREEN is year-round!

Warm days are much like cool summer days back North.

We choose to live here near the border of N.C. and S.C.

Beaches – golf courses and shopping!

We can go to entertainment venues in Myrtle Beach or Wilmington!

LIVING IN THE CAROLINAS!

Our community is full of retirees-

Mostly from the North.

Some still work remotely from their homes.

We volunteer in many different ways.

From May to October –

You can find us at the beach –

THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES!

Other times it is the FOOD PANTRY.

The Coastal Living for the Elderly.

We gathered donations for WNC and the hurricane that devastated that area.

Living here has offered us many different ways to live in retirement.

This is some of the “WHY” we moved to the Carolinas.

A Christmas present from a close friend and neighbor Daine and Steve.

They actually still have a cottage on Rushford Lake in WNY-

Close to where we lived and raised the kids.

Now – they are here in the late fall and into late spring –

Then back to WNY –

They know all the places that we frequented when we lived there!

A small world as they live but three houses from us now.

We now live in the present –

Cherish each day as it passes and look forward to the coming day.

Our calendar is full – We like it that way.

Living as healthy as we can –

Aging healthy –

Living life one day at a time-

and Living LIFE to the plus each and every day!

A salute to you that read my blogs!

Writing positively –

Good vibes –

Life experience-

And for the family and future generations to come.

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Past – Present and into the Future!

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The PAST – Here we are with Pam and Bob on a kayak adventure off the marshes on the ICW –

at OIB – in N.C.

They were on a six-year RV excursion –

And each year would stop near us in an RV campground –

And we would spend a week –

doing exciting things – exploring the area

( they are interested in making this area a home base)

Bob and I grew up together in a little town called Eldred –

In the NW of Pa.

Here – we do shots of FIREBALL –

Which one of the groups had a whole bag of little bottles?

Standing on a sand bar at low tide –

Little crabs were all over the place.

We stopped once to get out and stretch our legs.

I believe we had 15 or 16 Kayaks!

It was a fun time that lasted about three hours.

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

This past Fall –

Bob and Pam once again traveled here –

We spent another week exploring-

Looking at different developments –

Before they went on to Fla. for their winter stay just outside the Villages.

Time will tell if they decide to pull the trigger and find a place to call a home base-

Or – continue with their present home in N.H.

A NEW LOOK AT THE PRESENT!

Sherry and I are on one of our ICW pontoon boat trips!

She had won a day on the water on a pontoon boat –

And we went with family and friends.

Here – I am steering the boat and Sherry is co-pilot.

Before we retired –

our roles were reversed.

I hated driving anything!

She would navigate us through the DC and NVA traffic!

Now – in retirement –

I do most of the driving and she takes care of mapping and directions –

Along with the GPS!

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

Today – we walk the beach when we can!

Together –

This has become our routine.

Our dream – our life together –

and often say to one another –

“WE LOVE OUR LIFE”!

A NEW LOOK AT THE PRESENT!

Cindy – Dottie and Sherry-

THE THREE AMIGOS!

Here are over forty years of friendships.

To this day, it is still going strong!

many trips –

all over the Country and overseas.

Friends that see each other often at each other’s houses!

Now – all of us live in N.C.

But in the past –

We all lived near each other on the border between PA and NYS!

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

Today – we still get together with them and Debbie –

meeting up and playing golf for long weekends.

Extending friendships for the present and into the future!

A NEW LOOK AT THE PRESENT!

Who is to say what the FUTURE HOLDS?

Our lives still revolve around those past and present friendships!

Where one walks –

The others are soon to follow!

This is not a SUNSET-

But a SUNRISE on what is to come in the future.

LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME-

and LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS!

Looking back to the PAST-

Living in the PRESENT-

And hope the FUTURE repeats from the PAST and PRESENT!

Thanks for reading –

and as always – HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

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Change happens – embrace it and make it work.

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

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

Family is important – stay in touch – meet often.

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

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

PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – Time – pictures – memories!

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This past Christmas – decorations – lights and colors!

We had one tree outside on the covered porch –

One tree inside in the living room-

And one small tree in the enclosed Lanai!

Sherry does a fantastic decorating job!

I – do both trees that have decorations.

Just a picture for a memory of the holidays!

The same porch from the summer!

We always have flower pots –

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

I have used all types of sprays – none worked!

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

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

Just a picture of the past summer!

Posting positive thoughts – good vibes and sweet memories!

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

Just a look at our life together.

A look back in time at a sweet memory!

All six grandkids are on the beach.

Memories to cherish –

A time in the past when they all were young!

Today – Maddy is 24 years old!

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

A picture of the collapsed Kinzua Via Duct Bridge –

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

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

A tornado came through some years ago –

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

Today – it is a Pa. State Park –

and has been converted into a walkway –

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

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

Of the Kinzua Valley where Native Americans once roamed!

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

Here is Maddy –

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

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

Just a picture of how grandkids grow up!

A mother with her two daughters –

Debby – Sherry and Tammy!

Swedish genes run deep!

Just a picture of those I dearly love!

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

I want to thank everyone who reads these blogs worldwide!

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD!

WHERE THE PAST WILL MEET THE FUTURE!

Papa’s World – LIFE IN PICTURES!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Family Holiday gathering – life memories!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

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

LIFE IN PICTURES!

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

LIFE IN PICTURES!

Spending time with my boys!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

Years and years as friends – never a dull moment!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

My oldest son – family visit!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

Family pet – “MARLEY”!

LIFE IN PICTURES!

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

LIFE IN PICTURES!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LIFE IN PICTURES!

Papa’s World – Good vibes – some Humor!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Footprints in the sand –

Waves gently washing ashore – Soon they will disappear –

Erasing all proof that I strolled here!

The history of humans –

Over time disappears –

Occasionally – to reappear –

And cause us to wonder –

What has been all these tens of thousands of years ago!

I may be a history buff –

Excited to view new discoveries.

A Good Vibe for today is I feel we have existed –

For hundreds of thousands of years as humans.

Today – I celebrate that existence.

GOOD VIBES and HUMOR!

Laughter with long-time friends is PRICELESS!

Smile – laugh and feel good!

You are looking at FORTY PLUS YEARS of friendship!

Wine – beer – music and golf!

Friendships are a priority in our life together.

GOOD VIBES – SOME HUMOR!

There is a place about one and one half mile walk south –

from the Sunset Beach Pier!

It is a memorial to two Hippie Souls –

Who over FORTY YEARS AGO-

Hauled tools – a post and a mailbox to the middle of the seashore that is protected.

here they erected a mailbox and put a journal inside.

While over the years –

the mailbox has been replaced –

It still is a destination for souls who walk and write their thoughts in the new journals.

There now are two park benches to sit on –

Plaques to commemorate the two hippies.

A driftwood tree with a plaque sits high on the dune behind the benches and mailbox.

You gaze back across the marsh and water to Little River, S.C. –

And in the distance is Cherry Grove- just a short walk from NMB!

THE KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX IS HISTORIC AND THE JOURNALS ARE PRESERVED!

Over four decades’ worth of writing!

If you want a GOOD VIBE – consider the walk – in the surf –

and sit and write and gaze out to sea!

We have done it serval times and each time a wanting to come back exists.

MY GOOD VIBE FOR TODAY!

As the sun rises in the East on Ocean Isle Beach –

another day dawns.

We are blessed to be here to see this –

Our dream of living our dream is now here.

One day at a time and living life to the fullest while aging as healthy as we can.

Being a SENIOR – it happens but we choose to live it and smile- BE HAPPY!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Years gone past!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

How this has changed in the years following!

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

each night until it hatched!

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

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

On a trip to Ashville, N.C.

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

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

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

A memory from long ago!

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

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

Papa’s World – A look at life in pictures!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

They say a picture expresses a thousand words!

The “WHY” we moved to OIB – close to the border of N.C. and S.C.

In the distance in the upper right-hand corner –

Sits a very tall building –

That my friends is the only tall building on these two barrier islands!

That is Ocean Isle Beach and this beach is seen from the pier –

It’s Sunset Beach!

We choose this area after nine months in North Myrtle Beach.

Which is 16 miles or a 30-minute drive South for us.

Going North on route 17 –

Is Wilmington, N.C.About a 40-minute drive.

These beaches are minutes from our home on the mainland side of the ICW!

While we are not on the beaches every day –

We can and do go when we want to.

Can it be cold here?

Yes – but most days are clear skies and bright sunshine.

Only once have I seen ice and it was gone by mid-morning.

I have not seen the snow accumulation – once saw flurries for a ten-minute time frame!

This Beach – we like to walk as it is flatter than OIB.

Making it easier to walk for me.

Both have piers and great entrances to the beach.

There soon will be paid parking I assume on both beaches –

But you can park at the piers for $10.00 all day!

I understand there might be parking passes for residents – one per household!

Living here – is a dream come true for both of us!

Can a picture say a thousand words?

I BELIEVE IT CAN!

Our oldest granddaughter – MADDY – on her graduation day from the University of Lynchburg!

She now has been out of college life for almost two years!

She has an environmental science degree and is employed by a countrywide Environmental firm.

She works in both the office and fieldwork.

When asked what she prefers –

Her answer is fieldwork!

She loves the outdoors –

often hiking mountain trails with her sister – ELLA-

A picture can say a thousand words!

I personally believe in a strong military presence both here and abroad.

The might of this country is in freedom –

That freedom is protected by our men and women in the service.

May all be blessed –

I stand with the military.

A picture tells a thousand words.

We have many people we consider friends.

I have also seen many who I don’t consider friends.

I unfollow many who have negative comments on my page.

Life is short enough without those comments –

I have no time for that –

I focus on positive thoughts – memories –

And write these blogs to enforce that in my pictures and words.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

My hope is that this brings a good vibe to your day!

Many thanks for reading my blogs!

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog


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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

The day we were married.

Combining two sets of children –

Sherry’s two daughters –

and my two sons who stayed with their mother.

Weekends were full of living out in the country –

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

Taking weekend trips camping –

blending the two families while working full-time jobs.

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

Both girls married and between them –

five granddaughters and one grandson.

Debby’s three girls are all adults now.

Maddy graduated from college nearly two years ago.

Ella graduates from college this year.

Sarah graduates from H.S. this year.

Tammy had twin girls –

they both are 14 years old.

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

My two boys are with their partners and family.

Troy – with the beard – is the oldest.

His partner is Andrea –

He has no children and still lives back in NWPA.

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

Shawn with his wife Trisha and her daughter Autumn.

He has his own business –

He partners with Power companies and the state –

In energy efficiency for the Elderly –

Both auditing and insulation sides to his company.

He has two sons – Ryan and Dillion –

Both live in other parts of the country.

Here we are with Pam and Bob-

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

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

Stopping each year for a weekly visit-

rehashing old times – playing golf –

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

The grandkids along with Maddy’s boyfriend – Kendrick.

Moving South in 2020 –

We left behind all the grandkids in NVA.

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

Life moves on and with it creates memories!

Ginger and Sherry –

Became fast friends back in NVA.

Today – her husband Jason and her –

live just outside Leland, N.C. –

close to our other longtime friends Cindy and Buck.

We golf with both couples.

They moved from NVA in the past year.

We will be making more memories together!

While TIME is like a RIVER of WATER –

Creating memories in pictures and this blog –

allows for family – friends and future generations –

to read and see what our life together has garnered.

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

LIVING LIFE IN PICTURES OF MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading – PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – First visit to Captain Archies with friends!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We have seen this bar and grill every time we cross the Little River Bridge over the ICW into North Myrtle Beach – wondering what it was like – always seemed packed – we found out with friends!

MY LITTLE SMILE FOR THE DAY!

We had heard good things – music – drinks – happy hour and food!

There are boat slips here along with a marina – and all types of boat traffic on the ICW!

View of the slips and marina and the causeway bridge we travel over on our way to NMB!

Pam – Sherry – Papa and Bob – my grade-school – Jr. High and H.S. buddy from Eldred, Pa.

They were in a campground a couple miles from our home for almost two weeks –

we did a lot with them and this was our last night get-together.

This is only one half of Captain Archies – our food was very good and happy hour drink prices!

Pam and Sherry – we sat outside in the sun with views of the Marina and the bridge.

Palm trees – boats – great company – sorry to see them go – we played golf three times!

Bobby and Pam – we talked of maybe again in the Spring when they leave Florida!

Pam in oversized CAPTAIN ARCHIE CHAIR – fun times and lots of laughs!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – FIRST TIME VISITING CAPTAIN ARCHIES WITH FRIENDS – WE WILL GO BACK!

Papa’s World – Making life easier as a Senior!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

It took me a long time to get here –

But there is some truth in this caption! LOL

Now – in my senior years –

I have a knack for looking at things and seeing if I can make them easier!

This past Christmas Season –

I decided to clear some shelf space in the garage!

Then – I started bringing all those crates down from the ATTIC over the garage!

Those drop-down stairs in the garage –

They are narrow and when you get 2/3’s of the way up – your space for your feet narrows considerably!

The opening is very narrow toward the top.

Plus – I am lying on my stomach handing those large crates down to Sherry-

on the second rung from the bottom.

The crate then slides down the ladder to the tips of her fingers to lower down to the floor!

This is our fourth Christmas here in our new home –

And now is becoming more difficult to use –

that attic space for storage for boxes and crates –

Of Christmas decorations!

This was an option when we built the new house.

There is a lot of space up there –

and now after the season –

I can store all or most of it on the shelves of the garage.

EXCEPT – we have three artificial trees –

Two small ones – one a Charlie Brown tree – no needles.

And our main tree – a large Charlie Brown tree with no needles.

These two Charlie Brown trees – the naked limbs fold up and have embedded lights!

They are easier to put away altogether –

as is the one outside on the porch which has fake green limbs.

By the time you read this blog –

We will have decided what to do with the trees!

The small ones-

I can still take up and down the ladder by myself.

The taller one must be handed down –

But that hard floor up there on my knees causes me pain!

This too shall be worked out by the both of us!

Just a small part of our daily life –

My next project is coloring all the grout in our shower –

The walls are 12 x 12 –

wide grout lines!

The floor is 2″ x 4″ tiles –

This small tile-in shower –

keeps you from slipping on the wet floor!

But each one has to be colored –

( at this time of writing – all is done)

Now I have some spray grout protectant –

that I shall put on and wipe excess off!

I hope this will be the last time I have to do this as working on my knees is getting harder!

The other day we went to NMB to run some errands in Big Lot stores –

we had not eaten breakfast and it was a little past 10 AM.

We decided to stop at Chick-fil-A – I had a muffin sandwich –

Sherry had an omelet type of breakfast.

She sat there and looked at me and said –

” I LOVE OUR LIFE HERE”!

Being a Senior has its challenges –

But at this point in our life together –

I agree –

“I LOVE OUR LIFE HERE”

and we will solve each problem –

one at a time and live –

OUR LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Fun day at the beach – FAMILY!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

On the final full day with Debby – Sarah and Ella – we went to Sunset Beach – the sun was warm –

the surf was somewhat cool – and the family time was great –

FUN DAY AT THE BEACH – FAMILY!

In the surf – left to right – Ella – Sarah – Sherry and Debby – the water was around 55 degrees – the sun was around 70 degrees and very little wind – making for a good day to “BEACH IT”!

They stayed an extra day to catch some “RAY”!

Ella throwing a small football – Sarah defending her mother Debby –

The pass and an almost catch by Debby bit Sarah knocked it away at the last moment!

Fun times – they got their feet wet and also some sun and a warm day.

From left to right – Sarah – Ella – Debby and Sherry – mother – daughter and granddaughters!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – FUN DAY AT THE BEACH – FAMILY!

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Maybe it is time to clean out my closet –

But I have favorites to wear –

Maybe – keep for just a while longer –

And enjoy in my old age!

Faith – love and being thankful –

A way of our lives together!

Humor – smiles and laughing –

Keeps me looking forward to each and every day!

And “YES” –

I groan each and every day! LOL!

“Kindness – is FREE” –

“Smiles are also Free”

Live life to the plus –

Give what you can –

And help others!

Our friends for years and years –

Brings joy into our lives.

“FRIENDS” – always close –

Brings joy into our lives.

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

Smiles and laughter –

And make every day count one day at a time!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Everyone – “HAVE A GREAT DAY”!

Papa’s World – Penny – my first dog.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

She was brown and black – a mutt – but she was my mutt!

She was not a house dog – why I do not know – from my first memory of her –

she was on a chain in the back yard with her own dog house – full of hay and straw.

The chain was about twenty feet long so she had a wide area to run around in.

The dog house sat by the corner of the very old red barn next to the railroad tracks.

My father had at one time dug out the foundation to jack it up and put supports under it.

He had found a very old sword in the ground – still in its sheath and that was all pitted and rusted away.

We guessed it had fallen off a train and was maybe the Spanish American War or Civil War.

Penny was the only dog we had as I was growing up – funny – I do not remember her passing on.

But I do remember her always wagging her whole body when I came down to see her.

She was never loose as they said she would run and would not obey –

they were afraid she would get hit by a car on the main street in front of the house.

I never had another dog while living at home but my sister who lived next door did.

Pedro was my favorite – small – blonde – and he was a house dog.

I had dogs after that when I was on my own.

After I left and my dad passed away my mom got a very little dog named Sparky.

He was a house dog and very small.

But penny was the first dog I remembered – I liked her –

Thanks for reading Papa’s World.

PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog