Papa’s World – ONE LIFE TO LIVE!

November 8, 2024August 8, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Celebrating our oldest granddaughter –

graduating from the University of Lynchburg.

Maddy has now almost completed her first year of working –

For a major environmental agency –

She is based out of Winchester, Va.

As a Geologist-Scientist –

Traveling a three-state area testing groundwater.

ONE LIFE TO LIVE!

Tammy’s store is on Main Street in Leesburg, VA.

This is her third location,

which allows much more foot traffic!

529kidconsignLoundoun

An upscale thrift shop with name-brand children’s clothes.

Mail order if desired.

ONE LIFE TO LIVE!

Spending time with my grade school – H.S. buddy-

Bob and wife Pam.

For the last five or six years –

they have come in their RV to visit –

Spending a week at a time revisiting –

Playing golf – hanging out and exploring the area.

ONE LIFE TO LIVE!

Cindy and Sherry –

on one of our get-togethers to golf local courses!

Always a fun time with dinner after.

ONE LIFE TO LIVE!

The ladies in our lives-

Two daughters –

Five granddaughters-

A friend of Maddy’s here –

ONE LIFE TO LIVE!

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

HERE SHERRY STANDS ON OCEAN ISLE BEACH –

ONE LIFE TO LIVE!

Papa’s World – Summertime fun!

November 7, 2024August 7, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We had a great summer –

family visited –

vacation – trip back to NVA –

Concerts in Sunset Beach-

and Ocean Isle Beach –

Endured a Tropical Storm.

Friends – golf – beaching –

I look around –

and I am amazed that we are here!

I always dreamed it-

but I thought it was out of reach.

We have made new friends –

Old friends have moved close by.

Other old friends come to visit.

We have watched the seasons come and go –

and we know this was the right choice for us.

The health care system for us is excellent.

Shopping – gas and food-

is only a couple miles away –

Yet when you enter our neighborhood –

Tall pines – lush undergrowth –

and yes wildlife exists here also.

We have a beautiful pool and community center –

we volunteer at several venues.

Ocean Isle Beach as seen from the Causeway Bridge spanning the ICW!

We are about four miles from this bridge –

We can come here whenever we want

We walk this beach for shells-

and Sunset Beach as it is more level.

We have open-air concerts at both beaches –

We have made friends here on the island.

We stay in contact each year with my grade school friend Bobby and his wife Pam.

We have visits with them for about a week every year.

LIFELONG BUDDIES!

Our old neighbors back in WNY-

and we now live some 38 miles from them.

We get together often for golf-

or just talking and dinners.

They were all friends back in NVA –

And now all are in either S.C. or N.C.

And close enough to come together –

for lunches and dinners-

or just visit each other!

We have made new friends with Diane and Steve-

who we found out

also, we are from WNY!

They have a cottage on Rushford Lake –

and knew the area we were from!

SMALL WORLD –

and now they are our neighbors here in OIB!

All these years –

and still to this day friends.

We are now all retired –

and still get together every four to six months!

We all now are transplanted from WNY & Pa. to N.C.

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

Papa’s Wprld – Make your VOICE HEARD- VOTE!

November 5, 2024October 15, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Today is the day to make your voice heard – VOTE!

Presidential Election 2024 in the United States of America-

And all other elections!

Cast your VOTE –

No matter what party you affiliate with!

Make a difference –

Not on SOCIAL MEDIA-

But at the Polls!

The choice is yours –

to cast your ballot –

Independent – Republican – Democrat – or other.

Young – older or senior –

The choice is yours-

Believe – make a difference –

This is your right –

Everyone –

have a safe and thoughtful voting experience.

“I AM – ME”!

Thanks for reading Papa’s World-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – OIB Drift coffee shop!

November 3, 2024July 29, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We went to OIB and walked – parking at the museum – walking 2nd street and then one of the side streets on the canals!

we managed to get in over two miles when we stopped at THE DRIFT COFFEE SHOP right across from where we parked.

You sit on the deck on the second story – with pleasant breezes – and just relax – taking in the park across the street!

Across the street in the beach entrance – dunes and sand – Carolina blue skies and white clouds.

We had green iced tea which they made and poured over ice –

and a Banana Bread with some sort of cream cheese – strawberries – walnuts – blueberries and drizzled with honey to share!

It was fantastic and I must say – they also have healthy breakfast items, smoothies, and coffee.

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

Living where we do – ten minutes and we are here – walking the beach or the streets – enjoying the park which they are now constructing a basketball court – pickleball court and a covered picnic shelter to go along with the stage – splash park – playground – restrooms and open-air concerts in the Summer from May to September!

Green iced tea – banana bread – fruit nuts and honey – sitting outside – PRICELESS!

OCEAN ISLE BEACH DRIFT COFFEE SHOP – ON 2nd STREET!

Papa’s World – Living the Beach Life!

October 29, 2024August 2, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Sunset Beach Causeway Bridge –

the Pier and the Beach.

We only live fifteen minutes from here –

an easy six-mile drive!

We prefer to walk the beach here –

as it is flatter –

and much easier to walk.

In the summers –

the Pier hosts on Thursday late afternoon – early evening –

Free open-air concerts on the pier.

People gather their chairs on either side of the sand –

it is a festive couple of hours of live music!

In addition on Wednesday evenings –

the town of Sunset Beach –

There is live music on the mainland side in the park Pavillion.

Hundreds of people attend both venues!

Crossing the Causeway bridge from Sunset Beach over the ICW!

Traffic seems much heavier on the OIB Causeway Bridge,

Sunset Beach is more residential,

and OIB is more commercial in beach rentals.

At least that seems that way to me.

Ocean Isle Beach is on the Causeway bridge –

and looking east.

On the upper left side is a canal system for OIB.

This beach is four miles from us.

There also are restraints on OIB –

This is where we belong to the OIB Sea Turtle Protection Program.

We do come here to walk –

especially parking at the community center –

where there is a building with a covered deck –

Bathrooms –

outdoor showers-

and a volleyball court on the sand.

Causeway bridge over the ICW.

We live near two beaches-

but also are close-

30 to 45 minutes to North Myrtle Beach in S.C.

Holden Beach is twenty minutes away in N.C. –

and Oak Island is about forty minutes away.

The city of Wilmington is about 45 minutes –

and our friends who live just outside Leland, N.C.

About 38 miles away.

Thanks for reading –

“LIVING THE BEACH LIFE”

of PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Our Beach Life is a dream we have had for years.

PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – Special times with family and friends!

October 28, 2024August 1, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Here we are at JINKS CREEK on OIB –

with close friends Buck and Cindy –

We get together at least once a month to either golf –

eat out or in –

and just have a great time.

They live 38 miles from us –

but always golf in our area.

We were neighbors back in WNY –

and have stayed in contact all these years.

Friendships are special –

To have them is one of the little things in life that are extradoniary –

in that,

it has lasted almost 40 years.

We live four miles from here-

on the mainland side of Ocean Isle Beach.

Friends and family –

we often bring them here to enjoy the BEACH LIFE!

Our family was on a beach vacation –

on OIB in the Summer of ’24.

Making memories –

Family times are the best –

In our senior golden years –

we hope to continue this as it stopped during the Pandemic.

Adam and Peggy have stopped –

and seen us for four years straight –

as they have always vacationed –

in this area –

and Peggy is from this part of N.C. – S.C.

Adam – Sherry and I all worked at American – Olean Tile in Olean N.Y.

in the early to mid-’90s.

I worked for Adam in Process improvements.

Getting back together –

as they now live in the Lancaster, Pa. region.

Adam has his own company nationwide –

as a consultant in Process Improvements in

major industrial companies.

Friends – living our lives as seniors!

Papa and Buck –

we were neighbors in the late ’80s to the mid-90s –

in WNY!

They moved to the Wilmington, N.C. area –

and we visited them often.

Sherry and I transferred to NVA in 1999.

They often would come up to stay and visit.

Today – we get together –

golf and have dinner.

Friendships going on for years and years.

Papa and Sherry are on the beach after walking.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SPECIAL TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Papa’s World – Walking Ashville, N.C.

October 26, 2024July 31, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We came back here after some 12 to 14 years!

We wanted to see the city – we had visited once before but mainly at the Biltmore!

One of our stops while walking was the BASILICA of SAINT LAWRENCE – a Roman Catholic church!

It has a huge rotunda – free standing – and is quite beautiful – worth the walk-in and see!

Many stores we went into or walked past – walking the streets was easy – crossing the streets was also – it seemed once you pushed the crossing light – it was quick!

We chose this place for lunch and were surprised – I had a salad with salmon that was very good – it is a large beer garden and service was excellent!

Walking Ashville, N.C. – we ventured forth numerous times –

Pinball where for $13.00 you could play all day – a Comedy tour on a bus of all of Ashville –

We had a great time – and a tour of Seira Nevada Brewery!

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

Papa’s World – Good times with lots of memories!

October 24, 2024July 30, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Friends – who call themselves “THE HENS” –

All lived near us in NVA –

And they would all gather for a movie or lunch-

along with a couple more “HENS”!

Left to right – Ginger now lives just outside Leland, N.C. –

close to our lifetime friends the McBrides.

Nancy – the first to leave –

lives outside Charleston, S.C. about a 2 1/2 hour drive.

Sherry and I live close to OIB –

And Claudia just built a new home about three miles away from us!

The other “HENS” are scattered –

but all stay in touch through a weekly call on Zoom.

GOOD TIMES WITH LOTS OF MEMORIES!

Papa with his grade school buddy Bob and his wife Pam!

They now are in year six of traveling in an RV-

and back in New Hampshire as a base

for the summer.

About six years ago – we reconnected –

and have seen them every year since.

Always talking of old times – memories of youth –

And making new memories after all these years.

They are talking about still RV’ing but moving their base to N.C.

We shall see –

but the times we do see them –

Bob and I attempt to golf! LOL

GOOD TIMES WITH LOTS OF MEMORIES!

Our friends for years and years –

Cindy – Dottie and Sherry –

Buck – Jim and Papa.

All the times we have had vacations –

or just visiting each other –

The golf – dining – singing and laughter.

Friends still to this day!

GOOD FRIENDS WITH LOTS OF MEMORIES!

The little town I grew up in –

among the Alleghany Mountains in NWPA is close to NYS!

Eldred, Pa.

Here I lived until 30 plus years old.

On the streets,

I walked – roller-skated and rode my bike.

Sleeping out at night – hiking the hills –

A childhood I have lots of memories to share!

GOOD TIMES WITH LOTS OF MEMORIES!

Three oldest granddaughters –

now one graduated from college –

another one more year of college-

and the last one more year of H.S,

Always will be in my memories!

GOOD TIMES AND LOTS OF MEMORIES!

The Myers family

with the three oldest granddaughters from the above picture.

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

GOOD FRIENDS WITH LOTS OF MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Memories and Good Times!

October 23, 2024July 29, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Throughout the time we have been together –

We have made so many memories –

both as a family and –

Where we have lived –

Four states – and six houses!

Living day to day in the early years –

Working paycheck to paycheck

Taking the kids on picnics –

Visiting family.

All the while making memories!

Our thoughts then-

and as they are today –

FAMILY – making the most of what we had –

FRIENDS – They have been a lifetime for us –

remaining after all these years.

THOUGHTS – dreaming – reaching –

We live our lives –

and always stay the course together.

The tradition of FAMILY continues after a break from the Pandemic.

Another Memory made –

Another outing taken –

And today we move on –

To make plans-

Another memory!

Today this blog reflects the times of the Past – Present and hopefully the Future!

HOPE – HAPPINESS – and GRATITUDE –

For the MEMORIES and GOOD TIMES WE HAVE MADE TOGETHER!

Picking up trash on the beach while walking for the Sea Turtle Protection Program!

Making another Memory!

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

Papa’s World – Ocean Isle Beach! N.C.

October 21, 2024July 27, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Here you see the amphitheater –

the playground –

and across the street – the mini putt-putt golf course!

On the far left is the ICW –

and to the right is the beach of OIB.

Rows of houses –

and although you can not see them here –

There are canals on the upper middle left side of the houses!

The Coastal Maritime Museum sits directly behind the open-air stage.

Next to the mini-golf – is Pelican Perch –

a favorite of ours –

for a bar and grill of locals!

Ocean Isle Beach sits between Sunset Beach to the S.W. –

and Holden Beach to the N.E.

The coastline from Charleston, S.C. to Wilmington, N.C. is curved –

sort of quarter Moon shape.

This means the beach is almost facing South!

The storms tend to come up the coast –

and either go in or skip this coastline –

and go directly toward the Cape Fear River-

and onto the Outer Banks!

I think the destruction of a vast hurricane came back last century in the 1950’s.

Not to say storms have come in and caused damage.

OIB is accessed by a causeway bridge –

and if a storm is predicted,

it will be closed both ways.

If you are on the island,

then you are on your own-

as the fire department and government buildings are on the mainland.

The view of Pelican Perch and the mini-golf are illuminated in the night sky!

A couple of the entrances to the fenced-in public park are to the right.

Every Friday night from the last of May to the end of August –

A free open-air concert is held for the public.

And during the same time on Wednesday evenings at dusk –

Movies are also shown in the park for free!

An aerial view of a Friday night concert –

6:30 PM. to 8:00 PM.

Bring your own chairs – snacks, and drinks –

as long as the drinks are not glass –

and mostly in plastic containers.

Hundreds of people attend these free concerts-

And on Wednesday nights –

Sunset Beach has free open-air concerts in the park –

on the shores of the ICW-

and on the mainland side!

There are open-air concerts almost every night of the week in the various towns

close to OIB!

We dreamed that someday we could live near a place where we always went on vacation –

And always thought when we were packing up to leave –

That we could stay here!

Today – WE CAN and DO –

We venture over anytime we want –

watch those coming in-

and those leaving their vacations!

In a little over ten minutes –

we are here from our home.

We are fortunate –

we are blessed –

and we are in our senior years.

Living in OIB on the mainland side-

is our dream come true!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA

Papa’s World – Life in the Carolinas!

October 20, 2024May 9, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We choose to live near the beach – but on the mainland side of the ICW!

We are out of the flood zone – but within 10 to 15 minutes of two beaches – Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach – and near several more beaches.

We also love golf and are in the middle of 20 to 25 golf courses!

We have excellent friends who live about 33 miles from us and we try to get together whenever possible to golf!

We have known them since they were our neighbors back in WNY in 1988!

They first moved down here some 25 years ago and we have been in contact and on vacations ever since.

We have met new people where we live and have been to several parties. Here we are in our driveway – and the group went caroling around the neighborhood while I remained and watched the fire.

Our home is decorated for Christmas – we love it here – country but 30 minutes to North Myrtle Beach and just 15 minutes to Shallotte and Calabash.

We are close to theaters, amusements, Wilmington, N.C., and Southport.

We have been through a Category one Hurricane – and anything over Two – we will leave.

SUNSET FROM OUR DRIVEWAY – and we also see SUNRISES FROM OUR DRIVEWAY.

WHY WE CHOOSE THE CAROLINAS TO CALL HOME – NO ICE OR SNOW!

We are happy here in retirement – living our dreams and life one day at a time. We do go back to NVA often to see family –

and they all have been down even our family from NWPA!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog LIFE IN THE CAROLINAS!

Papa’s World – “WHO AM I?”

October 19, 2024July 26, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

I am ME – husband – father – protector – carer – counselor – driver – cleaner –

Watcher – golfer –

A host of things!

I worked all my adult life since I was 16 years old.

I had 47 1/2 years with the same company before I retired.

I have been married twice –

My second marriage has lasted 42-plus years.

I am a converted Catholic to Lutheran,

I am not registered with the Republican or Democratic party –

I am registered as an independent.

I am a father and grandparent.

I AM ME!

I love history – ancient civilizations –

I love exploring – seeing all types of land – country –

I love trips – friends – and family.

My thoughts are on God – Country and Family –

I defend my beliefs and those of my family –

I love my wife and our lives together.

I have dreams and some have come true.

I am where I am because I wanted to be here.

Today I AM ME – and I love being just that.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – WHO AM I?

Papa’s World – “I WAKE UP IN THE MORNING-

October 18, 2024July 25, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

“I wake up in the morning –

with NOTHING to do –

AND IT TAKES ME ALL DAY TO DO IT!!”

How many times since I have been retired have I been asked –

“What have you been up to”?

When I worked I took a vacation day –

mostly to mow my lawn!

It was relaxing for me –

just my ride mower – trimer – and me.

We had a three-quarter acre lot –

It would take 2 to 3 hours to mow –

weed whack and trim.

And I loved it!

Later – after we moved –

my yard work could be all done in forty-five minutes!

But – it was then –

I had to spend the majority of my time working!

I enjoy walking around and finding little things to do –

or turn on the TV-

and watch golf or some ball game.

Taking little trips with my wife for shopping –

She goes to the outlet-

and I buy a cup of coffee,

and people watch while she shops!

We make runs to volunteer –

tend to the flowers –

I no longer mow or trim the grass –

I just watch it grow!!!!!!! LOL

Sometimes we find a spot for a light lunch –

and watch the boats –

Other times we golf with friends-

or go and visit friends.

We are close to big box stores –

The beach is ten minutes –

To me –

it fulfills my retirement life.

“I WAKE UP IN THE MORNING-

I have a calendar –

where I write down –

what we have scheduled to do.

We take trips back to NVA to see family.

RETIREMENT –

may mean many different things to all people –

BUT TO ME IT MEANS

“With NOTHING to do –

That I get to choose each day –

what I want to do –

not a job to perform for a living!

“AND IT TAKES ME ALL DAY TO DO IT”!!!!!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Start your day BELIEVING!

October 15, 2024May 9, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

If you believe in yourself – if you have gratitude – kindness – helping others – then I believe you help yourself!

You can make it a better world – smile- greet and share with others – you will be appreciated.

A sense of humor – laughter – feeling good – peace – love – happy thoughts – it is all there to reach for – just try!

PAPA’S WORLD my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog my contact: fitztdf@aol.com SALT LIFE

Papa’s World – Thoughts – Kindness – Laughs!

October 12, 2024July 20, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

In our lives today – we have calendars to look at in the morning to see what lies ahead!

I am often asked by friends “What have you been up to”?

That question always leaves me blanked-

as every day seems to hold one thing or another –

that we do!

Running errands to the stores –

getting gas for the car – inspections, and maintenance.

Oil changes – tire rotations –

walking the yard looking for anything that doesn’t belong there.

It is the little things that take up our time –

And of course, a walk thrown in for good measure!

BEING BUSY without knowing the answer to that question –

Well – that is what I believe living as a Senior-

in our Golden Years is all about!

In our Community Center –

sits a plastic tub!

This is a collection tub for food to be taken to the local food pantry!

Sherry and I volunteer to gather this up when full –

and deliver it to the local food bank.

It takes about fifteen minutes total to collect –

drive and unload.

Sometimes it is open –

and we take it inside –

where it is weighed –

and recorded as being from Cameron Woods Community.

Other times – no one is there –

so we offload into a storage locker that has a journal –

where we record the number of bags-

and Cameron Woods Community!

We volunteer to do this as we also volunteer at the assisted living nearby-

To keep the library organized

-and Sherry does other things to assist in the residents day to day activities!

I do most of the driving –

and before we retired she did the driving!

So goes a day in retirement for Seniors!

Sherry has a shirt that says “BE KIND TODAY”!

Those who know her –

know that this is who she is.

Always helping out –

always sending a card

( which she makes herself)

We watch houses in our neighborhood for those who are part-time.

We dog sit – we water plants – we help others!

Cameron Woods is that type of neighborhood!

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

My hope for today’s blog is to bring a little bit of laughter –

Good thoughts –

And Happiness to each and every one of you!

Volunteering for walking to look for Turtle nests while also picking up trash on OIB!

Thanks, today for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – THOUGHTS – KINDNESS – LAUGHS!!!!!!! livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Family times!

October 11, 2024July 19, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Over the years,

the family has been so important to us!

Our thoughts on where to move-

were based on how long it took to return to NVA.

At my age –

looking at a 14-hour drive-

is something I do not want to do!

Reasonable was SEVEN hours –

It could be done in one day with both of us taking turns!

BEACH LIFE – when we want it –

being close enough to decide –

on the spur of the moment to just get into the car-

Drive ten minutes –

and be on the sand!

Storms do concern us –

Being prepared to both stay and depart.

We have experienced one category 1.5 storm –

It was higher-

but decreased as it came up the coast.

The main concern is if you leave –

not being able to return for a while!

Where to go?

These storms leave a wide –

and long path of destruction.

In 1972 – I lived in WPA – and it caused the floods of ’72!

12 feet of water on the main street of the little town I grew up in!

That is 12 to 14 hours from where we live now!

MAJOR STORMS –

I just do not know!

But – we knew this when we moved here!

The recent arrival of our youngest grandkids –

and their mother-father was here also.

They made it in 6 1/2 hours!

Getting up and departing early!

The young ones love it here-

and have been here by themselves!

Met halfway and one time Sherry flew back to NVA –

And they flew back with her!

Always looking for “STUFF” to do with them! LOL

A recent family get-together –

Sherry’s sister and her daughter and husband and two girls!

It has been years since a family reunion on Sherry’s side!

But – maybe one day it can happen!

We try to live our lives with compassion for those in need –

Volunteering – church – family and friends.

Sherry is a registered Democrat – moderate –

I am a registered independent – -moderate.

I hope this country can heal –

work together –

but I see and read so much discord.

COMMON SENSE can go a long way to work together.

Name-calling -slander and meanness –

We want nothing to do with that.

Law and order –

military strength –

and working on immigration –

Caring for our country – helping those in need –

Being fiscally responsible –

Honoring our Vets –

and maintaining the LAND OF THE FREE and the Constitution

Pride in who we are –

and why we are here.

All encompassed in one nation.

Family – friends –

neighbors – retirement –

Senior living!

Just another day in PAPA’s WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – FAMILY TIMES!

Papa’s World – PHOTO’S – family beach vacation.

October 10, 2024July 18, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

At long last –

we managed to all meet in one place –

at OIB – for a family vacation.

We had not done this since before the Pandemic!

We moved to the borders of N.C. and S.C. in 2020 –

leaving our domain of 21-plus years in NVA –

and the two families of grandkids.

We knew we wanted to only be 7 plus hours away-

and we managed that!

We do go back every few months-

and they also come to visit a couple times a year.

But – to spend time together for a week near the Sun – Sand and Surf –

well, that is what we used to do so long ago!

It was time and the plans were made – BEACH VACATION!

At our dear friend Jim’s house on the canals of OIB –

For the Fourth of July golf cart parade!

He invited us and our family to come and view it from in front of his home!

It lasted for over an hour and the family was excited.

We had front-row seats and thank you Jim for inviting us!

That night we went to the beach –

set up chairs and watched the fireworks!

Sherry’s birthday was the next day!

We celebrated her birthday along with mine-

which had been two months prior!

My birthday is 5-7-1949 and hers is 7-5-1949 –

numbers that we have in common!

Our two sons-in-law – Mike on the left and Marcus on the right.

Finding time to be all together takes a lot of effort.

But the rewards of family time far overcome all of that!

Out of six grandkids – five are girls –

and Bode is the only boy!

Sometimes leaving him out of the loop of all girls.

But – Ella especially bonds with him.

Here Ella to the far right stands next to Bode –

He attends her soccer games –

and is one of her biggest cheerleaders!

Our three oldest granddaughters –

Sarah – a senior in H.S. this year!

Ella – a senior in college this year!

And Maddy – a year after graduating from college!

The three youngest on top –

Bode -top –

Cassidy and Taylor are in the middle.

FAMILY VACATION!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – PHOTOS – FAMILY BEACH VACATION!!!!!!

MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS – Debby – Sherry – and Tammy!

Papa’s World – Conway, S.C. – the HALLOWEEN CITY!

October 9, 2024May 9, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We took a little trip to Conway – about one-half hour away – we had been there two years ago – only on a Sunday

when all the stores were shut down –

We wanted to revisit when they were open and to our surprise – Conway is known as THE HALLOWEEN CITY!

Everywhere all the trees were decorated as were the stores outside and inside.

The trees seem to have grown pumpkins and as a store owner told my wife – when Hurricane IAN came through – not one pumpkin came down in the rain and winds!

Walking the streets – full of stores and a lot of historic churches.

A beautiful river walk – and a theater with blood coming over the roof and down the front showing the musical “CARRIE”!

Thanks for stopping by – CONWAY, S.C. – HALLOWEEN CITY! PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Some GOOD THOUGHTS!

October 7, 2024July 16, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

LOL! Some humor to start the day off!

Getting older each day –

requires stress relief from some funny sayings!

But – also –

glancing outside at the first rays of the Sun-

Living here in the South-

mostly is shorts and tee-shirt kind of weather.

Which – I might say –

goes a long way in setting the day ahead for me.

I glance at my calendar –

This is the only way I have to remember –

what is in store for the day!

Other than every Tuesday gather the garbage –

and get it ready to set out that night –

for pickup sometime on Wednesday!

On this day in question –

my duty is driving the wife to an appointment.

Funny how small things in life become

‘WHAT ARE YOU DOING TODAY”?

And the thought crosses my mind every time I am asked-

“WHAT DO YOU DO ALL DAY IN RETIREMENT”?

Well – I answer –

“I REALLY DO NOT HOW I FOUND TIME TO WORK “!

TRASH DAY – just another sample of keeping busy in retirement –

Keeping an eye on the gas tank-

and the prices go up and down –

Knowing where to buy that next tank of gas!

Muldane as it is –

retirement has changed my outlook on life as a Senior!

I find myself waiting for thunder and rainstorms –

To enjoy the noise of nature-

and the after –

of the noise from the woods –

frogs and other insects making loud noises.

Isn’t retirement relaxing?

It is for me –

doing what I want to do –

Not what that job required.

Every day is different –

that is why I have a calendar on my desk.

Time to go and get dressed –

time to have my morning breakfast shake.

My wife is up –

and make the bed.

Check the flowers outside –

did the deer eat them?

Look at the trees blooming as in Crepe Myrtles –

Funny how different colors bloom later than others!

All these questions and thoughts –

“HOW DID I EVER WORK FOR 48 1/2 YEARS?

This is the GOOD THOUGHTS –

of retirement for me!

I hope today starts your day with livinglifedoingitmyway.blog day!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Memories of family vacation.

October 6, 2024July 15, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We all gathered the week of the Fourth of July on OIB –

For a family get-together –

a birthday and a family vacation.

Something we had not done since before the Pandemic.

We had wanted to do this for a long time –

and it was Sherry’s birthday that week!

Cassidy hand-made this card for her MORMOR!

She is the one who calls her all the time.

She wrote a beautiful letter to her on the inside.

She is so artistic – we have several of her drawings and a painting she made – framed!

It turned out to be a perfect week – it rained on the Monday for a couple of hours –

but that brought the humidity way down

and it was beautiful the rest of the week!

Here is the house we rented – about 135 yards to the sand.

We had direct beach access right at the end of the street.

Ella and Maddy – the oldest grandkids.

The water was warm in the ocean.

They were in there constantly all week long!

We were to the West of the pier.

OIB is only 6 miles from our home on the mainland.

After dinner,

we went onto the beach –

and set our chairs up to watch the fireworks!

They shot them off on the pier at the top of the picture.

When they finally started – the beach was packed.

It was awesome sitting here watching the fireworks.

After – we all sat in our chairs-

and let the crowd thin out as it was dark without a flashlight.

But – we all headed back to the house,

and five grandkids had sparklers in the driveway.

This is at the front of the driveway and across the street is a neighbor’s house.

It was a wonderful moment –

hoping we can do this again next year.

We had a birthday party for Sherry who turned 75 and I had turned 75 two months before.

Ella – our granddaughter – designed and handmade every one of these shirts!

Our three oldest granddaughters – Sarah – Ella and Maddy!

It was a wonderful week – full of family time.

All six grandkids and MorMor and Papa.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – both 75 years old and living life to the plus – one day at a time!

Papa’s World – The solitude of morning coffee!

October 5, 2024May 9, 2024 / Tom / 1 Comment

I arise early – earlier than most – this perhaps is my favorite time of the day!

The solitude of the morning from our front porch

This is my vantage point – sitting sipping my cup of coffee – it is 6:00 am.

No one is out and about – we have a multitude of birds –

Purple Martins flying and diving about catching the bugs!

Birds chirping – in the distance a woodpecker

A crow chasing a squirrel across the lawn and then onto the street.

That I have never seen before.

The coffee is hot – I put the cup down – and a very large white bird flies across the sky – silence!

My seat on the front porch – my solitude for early morning coffee.

It is a quiet time except for nature – but also a time to reflect – a time to think.

Guess I had better either get a refill or get ready for the day!

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Papa’s World – Family bonding while on vacation!

October 4, 2024July 14, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We finally had a family vacation –

the first since before the Pandemic –

Where all twelve of us were able to meet –

and be together for one week!

Our children are in their 50’s or close to it!

The grandkids have graduated from college(one)-

with one more –

will be a senior –

and one will be a senior in H.S.

The youngest – two in eighth –

grade and one about to turn ten years old!

This vacation was what we did all those years ago with our older parents –

and siblings!

History is set to repeat itself one more time!

The youngest and only boy –

Bode who will be ten years old.

I have a feeling –

he will be very tall when he is done growing!

Being the only boy is hard for him –

as he wants to be active with the adults –

or soon-to-be adult-

older ones.

But he holds his own in riding the waves with the others –

bouncing up and down-

and diving under the waves.

Makes us very nervous about how far out they go-

At 75 years old –

neither of us is much good at helping a rescue!

We depend on the parents –

But to see the joy of BEACH WEEK –

for each of them is PRICELESS for us!

We celebrated BEACH WEEK with her sister-

and part of her family.

They stayed at her sister’s house –

just 5 or 6 miles away.

FAMILY BONDING WHILE ON VACATION – BEACH WEEK – OIB-N.C.

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Old-time Friends and Family!

October 3, 2024July 13, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Here I am – mid 70’s –

And looking in the mirror – seeing all the past – present and hoping the future holds more!

I see family vacations and remember that this now is what we did when we were younger-

with parents and older family members-

Beach vacations with young grandkids –

who now are the parents of our grandkids!

These same friends of today –

were our young friends of yesterday!

Going on 40 plus years for some and 37 years for others-

We have maintained that friendship and now –

our children and theirs have children.

The past does seem to repeat itself!

Our grandchildren of today –

It was only yesterday so it seems that we had a similar picture taken!

This is that picture taken so many years ago –

Life goes by –

but hearts remain the same –

PEACE – LOVE and HAPPINESS!

Today our dream of beach life –

Sun – Sand and Surf –

has been realized here on the mainland of Ocean Isle Beach.

Where once again – old friends and family gather –

to live on and share dreams.

Old friends from WNY 30-plus years ago –

Standing in the Sunset of our lives –

sharing our dreams while living their own many miles away!

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my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Walking the beach looking for Turtle Crawls!

October 2, 2024July 12, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We volunteer to try and save baby Sea Turtles –

on OIB, N.C.!

This entails early morning WALKING –

like at 5:45 am.!

We must be on the beach that early –

and walk the East end of OIB –

to see if there were any Sea Turtle Crawls overnight!

If you find such a crawl –

you immediately call the person in charge of the response team –

Who will come to the spot and find where the nest is.

They will determine at that time if the nest is okay to be left there –

or in danger of being flooded with “KING TIDES”!

These are exceptionally high tides –

and destroy the nests.

Then – our job is to continue the walk –

and see if any more TURTLE CRAWLS

have happened!

Looking in front of us to the far East end of OIB!

The Sun is rising and we walk toward it!

On this particular morning –

The forecast was calling for rain – thunder and lightning!

This is the view behind us from the West and the storm was approaching.

Sherry took this picture of me –

walking the dune line while she was closer to the surf.

We walk a wide area –

picking up trash as well as looking for crawls.

The storm was on its way –

and we wanted to be off the beach before it was upon us!

It took nearly one hour to walk –

and we made it back in time with our bags of garbage!

Papa and Sherry near the end of their walk –

two bags of garbage –

while it is seldom Sea Turtles come in on this section of beach –

It has happened.

Cleaning up the beach –

and walking almost two miles –

That was our mission that day –

and YES –

we did beat the storm as it opened up just as I started the car –

and headed home!

Turning 75 years old for both of us –

this type of volunteer work keeps us active!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Beaching it with family!

September 30, 2024July 11, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We all journeyed to OIB –

for a beach vacation –

twelve of us all together once again on vacation!

Our last beach vacation was before the Pandemic –

This one – Sherry and I –

picked out a house just across the main road to the beach on OIB!

It had room to sleep in 12 –

and 3 1/2 bathrooms-

plus an enclosed outdoor shower under the house!

Here is the beach house we rented –

and the front deck was fantastic to sit on in the early to late evening!

NO SUN!

Underneath – we parked two cars –

and two golf carts.

We wanted to leave room to wash off –

plus put the carts on charge each night.

So we parked two other cars in the driveway –

and just off to the side.

Sherry and Papa celebrating together-

our 75th. birthdays.

Mine was two months earlier.

But – this porch was the center of family group time outside!

At the end of the driveway,

the kids had sparklers –

it was near here that we parked the other two cars

plus another car when her sister and her family visited!

Sherry’s birthday celebration –

Ella – she designed and made each shirt –

twelve of them!

She is so talented and will be a senior in college this year!

Family bonding time on the deck for cocktails!

All in all,

it was a great vacation time to spend with a far-away family.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – BEACHING IT WITH FAMILY –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – SAND – SURF and OCEAN!

September 29, 2024July 9, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Fireworks over the Fourth of July –

reflect off the nighttime action of the waves pounding the shoreline!

This was on our Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.!

Water – warm during these months of Summer –

Attract both humans and fish –

Jellyfish – Man-of-wars and Sharks!

A big White Shark was attracted not far from this shoreline for several days in July!

But – the beach is crowded with thousands of vacationers this time of year!

and here on OIB –

you can rent golf carts to move around the streets of the beach community!

Restrictions are that you must wear seat belts –

have a driver’s license on you –

and as with the company we used –

DO NOT CROSS THE CAUSEWAY BRIDGE to the mainland!

You use the headlights at dark

and always the turn signals!

Here are Ella – Papa – Maddy and Sherry –

on the morning we checked out of the beach house-

we rented for the week of the Fourth of July!

We were the last to leave –

and ensured everything was neat, tidy, and locked up!

We decided to do a BEACH VACATION to celebrate my earlier birthday –

and Sherry’s birthday –

on the 5th of July!

We both turned 75 years old this year-

and we live one day at a time –

and we try to live life to the plus each and every day!

This house brought our families together-

in that we could sleep all twelve of us –

and it had 3 1/2 bathrooms!

We were a two-minute walk to the beach entrance –

and the surf and sand!

135 yards – not bad –

and the front porch was shaded for afternoon cocktails –

music – laughter and bonding time.

There was ample room to park four cars,

two golf carts,

and a car of the company we had for several nights

who visited us during the day!

We had a very large living room – kitchen and dining room all in one.

Two bedrooms- a full bath –

and a half bath on the first floor –

and two bedrooms –

and two baths on the upper floor.

A large area underneath –

with an enclosed shower and picnic table –

another table and four chairs we did not use –

and an outdoor BBQ charcoal grill which we used for one night!

All in all, it was a perfect fit for our families!

We celebrated on the beach the Fourth of July major fireworks –

no personal fireworks are permitted!

You were allowed Sparklers –

but nothing that exploded!

Here five of the six grand stood in the driveway with their sparklers!

SAND – SURF and OCEAN were our major themes for our vacation together in the OIB!

OIB – JULY FOURTH – PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Family Vacation!

September 28, 2024July 8, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

What could be more rewarding than spending time with all SIX grandkids?

A FAMILY VACATION!!!!

We have not done this-

since before the Pandemic in 2020!

At one point in time when they were all young –

we would take beach vacations together!

Now – the three oldest are –

one graduated from college –

One has one year left in college-

and one has one year left in H.S.

Two are going into eighth grade –

and the youngest is going to be ten years old.

This year – Sherry and I –

celebrated our 75th. birthday –

and her birthday is one day after the fourth of July!

A perfect way to gather the family together –

so they can celebrate their mother’s birthday together!

This year we also hit another milestone –

42 years of marriage!

We moved South for warmer weather –

while it is hot and muggy in the Summer –

But we both do not like snow- ice and being cold!

So – we decided to find a place close to the beaches –

so that when they visit –

either family by family – individuals or all together –

They would want to return time after time!

When they all leave-

and go back North –

Our dream life is-

“WE STILL ARE ON VACATION”!

We took a ride back to the vacation house-

to see if anyone had rented it?

And all the memories came back –

sitting on the deck in the shade –

Music playing softly –

rocking chairs and laughter.

Drinks – snacks and children both old –

and young enjoying their time together!

Golf carts sitting under the house-

clothes drying on the clothes-line-

Shoes – chairs and boards leaning against the walls.

This is what we envisioned when we moved South!

That time is now four years after the Pandemic.

And – already there is –

“WE HAVE TO DO THIS NEXT YEAR”!

YES – WE DO!

FAMILY VACATION HAPPENED ONCE MORE – THE FUTURE HOLDS MORE – GOD WILLING!

We shall return next year –

at least that is our thoughts –

after we moved South –

But this vacation time –

we all moved into a house together.

That in my mind –

“PRICELESS”!

Thanks for reading my sharing of my thoughts –

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Our FAMILY VIEW of the Fourth of July fireworks –

sitting on OIB –

in the sand –

listening to the sound of the Surf and booms of fireworks.

PAPA’S WORLD – FAMILY VACATION!

Papa’s World – Making Memories July 4th.

September 27, 2024July 7, 2024 / Tom / 1 Comment

We took the family-

who were here the week of July 4th.-

to the golf cart parade –

on the main street of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

Thousands of people lined the streets =

to watch as they came by for over an hour!

Our friend – Jim –

who lives on Second Street on a corner with the canal behind his house –

invited Sherry and myself and our family –

to come over early

and use his side lot to park and set up our chairs on the curb front.

Here are the chairs with Tammy –

and behind them is Jim talking with Debby –

You can see the lot with a parking area and grass –

he bought this lot for what he calls –

“SOCIAL DISTANCING” –

To keep it open so no one builds there!

Bode – Sherry – Taylor and Tammy stand by the chairs on the curb front –

The large multi-storied yellow house is where Jim lives.

He lost his wife two years ago to dementia –

And we became friends –

when we met him on the Protection for Sea Turtles Team.

He actually let Bode drive his boat on the ICW last year –

He has two full-sized docks on the canal –

behind his house and last Spring –

Debby – Ella – Sarah and Sherry came over –

and Kayacked while Jim and I sipped a beer!

Sarah and Cassidy walk from the lot where we parked to the curb with the chairs!

A few of the family stayed in the shade until the parade started!

For such a small community –

they came up big as a unit after the unit came by all decorated!

Here is most of the family –

the parade has started –

We had a wonderful time –

and could not believe so many carts all decorated –

and other cars – trucks – bikes-

and people who marched along the parade route.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – MAKING MEMORIES JULY 4TH.

Special note: Maddy is 5’61/2″ –

Ella is almost 5’10 “

as is Sarah –

Taylor at 13 is 5’8″ –

Cassidy is 5’51/2″and has gained one inch on Taylor in the last year

and Bode is going to be taller than all of them!

He is 9 years old.

The Swedish genes flow from Sherry through the grandkids!

Papa’s World – Then and now – family beach time!

September 25, 2024July 6, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Many years ago – we did a family vacation when all six grandchildren were little –

here is a picture of back THEN!

Now Maddy will soon turn 24 – Ella 21- Sarah 18 – Taylor and Cassidy will be 14

and Bode will be 10!

It seems like only yesterday we were here –

and now – years later –

we did another picture of the grandkids

on the OIB !

Maddy – Ella – Sarah – Taylor – Cassidy and Bode – 2024 – OIB!

We had a great beach week –

lots of Sun and they swam every day!

The water was warm –

calm in the morning –

windy all day to cool you off.

A storm came in Monday early afternoon

and everyone got off the beach –

rain – lightning – thunder –

and the temperature dropped 20 degrees and the humidity went away

for a couple days.

We sat on the beach after dinner every night-

And saw the golf cart parade

and fireworks on the Fourth of July!

Celebrated Sherry’s birthday on the 5th.

Welcomed her sister –

and the Jones family during the week.

A shout-out to our friend Jim Moore –

who invited us to watch the parade from in front of his house

and also gave us a place to park two cars-

and two golf carts!

The two families rented golf carts for the week and we went everywhere in them.

Family group picture with GIGI – Sherry’s mother –

who is in heaven smiling down –

on her great-grandkids!

We have always done family outings-

but Covid came along!

This is our first family vacation since before the Pandemic.

Celebrating Sherry’s 75th. birthday – with oldest daughter Debby!

Debby – Sherry and Tammy!

Ella – designed and MADE all the shirts herself!!!!!

Tammy – Sherry and Debby –

on the beach close to sunset –

Mother and daughters!

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Celebrating 75 years –

thanks to the kids for doing this-

and Ella for making all the shirts!

PAPA’S WORLD – THEN AND NOW – FAMILY BEACH TIME!!!!!

Papa’s World – Times with friends and family!

September 24, 2024July 3, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

The family arrived –

all except Maddy and Ella who came a few days later.

Here – we are in our community pool at Cameron Woods Community.

We would the next day move into the beach house we rented on OIB.

But – for this one day –

it was relaxing after a day of driving to get here –

and – we had the entire pool to ourselves!

The water was lukewarm but refreshing –

and later at the Ocean – it was warmer!

This was our first family vacation since before the Pandemic.

It also was to celebrate both Sherry and me turning 75 –

and our wedding anniversary of 42 years.

Being all together brings back so many fond memories of past vacations.

TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

We have all been friends for years and years-

often getting together every 4 to 6 months-

At each other’s house for long weekends –

and playing golf.

Seeing movies – singing Karaoke –

just having Friends time together.

Now – we are all retired –

living our lives out in different parts of N.C.

Friendships that go way back for years –

PRICELESS!

TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

It has been a long journey of 42-plus years –

but really –

how did that go by so fast!!!!!

We have given –

but we have received so much more from Family and Friends!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Papa’s World – BEACH LIFE IN OIB!

September 23, 2024July 2, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

The family came to spend a week with us –

this is Tammy and the grandkids and Marcus is here.

They came in a day early –

and so did Debby- Mike and Sarah.

Ella and Maddy came a few days later –

and we spent the week in a rental on OIB!

BEACH LIFE – Marcus asked me how many times we come to the beach in a week!

Well – it depends on what we have to do during the week!

I really do not know how we found time to work! LOL

I mean in five minutes-

we can be at the bridge or causeway –

then in another five minutes,

we are standing in the sand.

It is just knowing that you can do this –

A lot of times we drive over to Sunset Beach on the mainland side –

Go to the little park with our chairs –

and sit in the shade-sun in the grass –

and watch the boats go up and down the ICW!

Not exciting but we like to do it!

Other times we will go to OIB-

park and walk – looking for shells –

I mostly do not go over knee-deep in the water.

And at this time of year,

it is really warm water.

We sign up to walk the beach for the Turtle Patrol –

We walk the East End which has no houses –

and look if a Turtle has crawled in to lay her eggs!

This is part of reporting so that a quick response team can come and verify the nest –

Move it if needed –

and prepare it so predators can not get to it!

It is all part of being part of the group to protect Sea Turtles.

I was once asked,

“WHY – these Turtles have been doing this for thousands of years – why do they need protection and all that stuff you do”?

My answer is this –

Go back in time 600 plus years –

there was no one here except the Native Americans –

and they saw the need to protect and respect Nature!

They were the guardians of all the land and species!

Today – the last census – 2022 – 333.3 MILLION PEOPLE live in the USA!

Take the last 600 years and add up all the people who died –

and you have 600 years-

of garbage – trash –

and the changing of the environment.

The Oceans are full of trash that will be here for thousands of years without going away.

On top of that are predators – fish – birds – dogs – cats – foxes – HUMANS!

The answer to the question as to “WHY”?

IS US!

We – humans – have contributed to Sea Turtles diminishing in population.

Now – we are taught as a group that through studies done by Universities across the country-

That for every 10,000 eggs that hatch –

only 6 (SIX) baby Turtles survive to become adults!

And there are several species that are on the extreme list of extermination!

Education is needed to explain that our World as we know it-

is going through changes –

More floods – more drying up of rivers – heat – storms of destruction –

I had another person tell me –

” I DON’T BELIEVE IN CLIMATE CHANGE – BUT SOMETHING IS HAPPENING”!

Just look around and see the BEACH erosion-

some will be going away.

Hurricanes are more prevalent today –

Flood areas are there that were not there when I was growing up.

So – do we go to the beach every day –

or four times a week – NO –

But – WE CAN if we want to –

being able to see them every day is why we moved here.

Being involved in The Protection Of Sea Turtles-

is our way of trying to do something to help the World.

BEACH LIFE is more than living near the Water – Sand and Fun –

It is watching out for Nature – picking up trash –

educating children to be GOOD GUARDIANS of NATURE –

After all –

WHO else is going to do it-

and answer the question as to “WHY”?

Digging holes in the beach?

Please fill them back in as BABY SEA TURTLES can not crawl out of them –

and they are dangerous at night walking and you can really hurt yourself if you trip over them!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – BEACH LIFE IN THE OIB!

Papa’s World – Our LIFE and TIMES together!

September 22, 2024July 1, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

One of our many TEAM TRAVEL SOCCER trips with Maddy –

here Ella was not old enough yet –

but she went on to play also

and became a three-year starter in college and team captain,

with one more year to go!

Maddy finished her college career as third and second-team all-conference –

and team captain in her Senior year –

In four years her team went twice to the NCAA Division III National tournament!

MEMORIES OF OUR LIFE AND TIMES FROM THE PAST!

For nineteen-plus years –

Sherry and I have been distributors

and partners in the Juice Plus Business.

This has earned us a residual income over those years –

in addition to Pensions – 401K and Social Security –

It has made our life

and we can live our dreams.

It is a great business that can be done from home

and either part-time or full-time!

THE COST – $50.00 a year and you get your own website!

There is no collecting money – shipping or distributing.

I wish someone had shown this to us 13 years prior –

it has been around 32 years –

and is sold nationwide

and in over twenty countries worldwide.

Our little business has spread all up and down the East Coast

and we have made so many new friends-

and helped so many families –

with health and nutrition!

OUR LIFE AND TIMES TOGETHER – email: fitztdf@aol.com

Sherry walking the beach with granddaughters –

love this – and family is very important to us!

BEACH LIFE HAS NOW BECOME OUR LIVING DREAM!

OUR LIFE AND TIMES TOGETHER!

While living close to Washington, D.C.

we would often either drive in or take the Metro to the ballpark!

We became NATIONALS fans when they moved there from Montreal-

and played in the old RFKstadium –

rocking the concourse and watching the games!

OUR LIFE AND TIMES TOGETHER!

Our forever friends –

Dottie and Jim and Buck and Cindy-

We are all now retired

and still enjoy great times together –

laughing and playing golf.

We now all live in the state of N.C.!

OUR LIFE AND TIMES TOGETHER!

It has been a wonderful fulfilling life –

FRIENDS – FAMILY and GOOD TIMES!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

OUR LIFE AND TIMES TOGETHER!

Papa’s World – YEARS of MEMORIES – not in our minds – but PICTURES!

September 20, 2024June 30, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Cassidy and Taylor – when they lived with us between houses!

I think back to those times –

and how much gratitude we have to have been able to share

times like this are a picture –

and priceless memory!

They were always dressing up in costumes – playing house –

To see them once again brings a tug to my heart!

Ella and Maddy –

Oh, how they have grown and prospered.

Today Ella is 21 and Maddy is soon to be 24!

The BIG sister is now the LITTLE sister as Ella is 5’10”!

One more year of college for her-

and she will be teaching PHYS ED to young children!

Maddy is a Scientist-Geologist for a major environmental nationwide firm!

Here again are memories in a picture.

The main street where I grew up as a child –

middle of the picture toward the top –

a flag is waving and a green shingled roof is visible –

that was my home –

and today it still is in the family as my great-niece lives there –

85 years in my family!

A small town in NWPA –

on the NYS border called Eldred.

Many fond memories of that street and after H.S. –

I rented an apartment above the Western Auto–

next to the Post Office-

with the two flags on the left side of this picture for over five years!

Here again, are memories in a picture!

The day we were married 42-plus years ago on June 25th. 1982!

Seems this was only yesterday-

yet here we are all these years later.

Our life has taken us from WNY – to NVA – to S.C. – to now N.C.-

in those 42-plus years.

Living our retirement in Cameron Woods Community in OIB, N.C.

Today we are a destination point for our families –

for some it is a very long 14-hour or more drive –

for others, it is 6.5 to 7.5 hours.

But that makes for new pictures and new memories to be preserved!

Sarah – left front –

with the other granddaughters – now almost 18 years old –

funny and very helpful –

always lending a hand –

always a smile –

and sharing my interest in all things Paranormal!

The little girl here is all grown up and like Ella – is almost 5’10” tall!

Sarah – a beautiful young lady now –

full of spirit and loves classic rock songs –

A PICTURE OF MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – YEARS OF MEMORIES – NOT IN OUR MINDS – BUT IN PICTURES!

Papa’s World – Starting out – young – old – older!

September 19, 2024June 28, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Maddy – around four or five years old – soon to be 24 –

A college graduate – Environmental Science –

Today she works for a nationwide environmental firm as a Scientist-Geologist –

A four-year college soccer player – third team all-conference – second team all-conference –

And in her final year – Captain – two of the four years they made it to the NCAA Division III –

National tournament!

Papa – Ella (three-year starter college) Maddy and Sherry.

Life has been good to us – two granddaughters – one graduated from college –

and next Spring – the other (ELLA) graduates while having a four-year – two-degree- diploma-

and playing again all four years of college soccer and being captain in her Junior year.

She will be a PHYSED teacher to young children!

Ella next to Maddy – always smiling – kind – big heart to match her smile.

Will excel after graduation teaching children!

YOUNG – OLD – OLDER?

Maddy the day she graduated from the University of Lynchburg!

A life and career awaits her –

YOUNG – OLD and OLDER?

When they were young – Sherry – Cassidy – SARAH – Taylor Tammy and Maddy.

Today Sarah is almost 18 and going into her senior year in H.S.

SARAH – Cassidy – Ella – Taylor and Maddy.

SARAH – “SHE HUMS A BEAUTIFUL LULLAY TO THE HEARTBEAT OF HER OWN SUNRISE”!

The youngest of the three oldest grandchildren –

She is fashionable – graceful and artistic –

She is bold – graceful and funny!

SARAH is the heartbeat of youth!

Beautiful inside and out – she takes after her grandma – almost 5’10” tall –

Works all the time –

Whatever she chooses in life – she will excel!

YOUNG – OLDER – OLD?

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

Papa’s World – Long ago times!

September 16, 2024June 26, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

For many – many years – Sherry ran 5Ks – even THE CHERRY BLOSSOM 10K in D.C.-

And crossed the finish line holding hands with her two daughters –

Debby and Tammy!

Here they are – Debby – Sherry and Tammy – Sherry no longer runs – but she competes –

in her age group back when –

and took first place in that age group!

Today – she works out in GERI-FIT at the senior center and walks 2 to 3 miles almost every day!

Our “MOTTO” – age as healthy as we can!

Living our lives to the plus every day!

She also works out in the pool during the summer months with a group of ladies –

Who call themselves “THE MERMAIDS” – an hour of movement in the water.

We volunteer for the protection of SEA TURTLES –

Collecting Food for the food bank.

Organizing the library at the assisted living –

Collecting books to put into FREE LIBRAIES in the area.

Life is short but volunteering and helping others is a passion for us.

Our three oldest granddaughters when they were young –

Sarah ( now 18) Ella ( now 21) Maddy ( now 24) or will soon turn those ages.

So many memories and time rushing by!

Many – many trips into D.C. – or hiking – vacations (Sarah and her MERMAID Club)-

One soon to graduate from H.S. – One to soon graduate from college – and one graduated from college!

Memories of long ago times!

Today we celebrate life – being married for 42 plus years – aging as healthy as we can –

living our dream in the South near the beach and golfing.

Having all our families visit us and tour guiding them in the area.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LONG AGO TIMES!

Papa’s World – Early times – places – pictures!

September 15, 2024June 25, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

I remember the early days of golfing with Sherry!

But – she always hit the ball down the middle – me – not so much! LOL

I had a slice that made a right turn – around trees!

Those days were filled with laughter with our close friends the McBrides –

Buck golfed but Cindy didn’t!

Sherry and Cindy made fun of us for using the ball washer to clean the ball.

They would wear mittens with no fingers and laugh at us!

Those were the days of is – Buck and myself – “TEACHING” them to golf!

Today – in a scramble – us vs. them – they will beat “US”!

The early years are gone replaced by sighting the distance to the flag and selecting the ‘RIGHT” club!

I just grab the one I hit the best and go at it! LOL!

Those early years have turned into “US” years –

still playing with the McBrides but also going out by ourselves –

Our dream of living where we do is a reality –

Being together – sharing sun-fun and golf one day at a time!

While living in NVA – for about 20 years – we became baseball fans and attended many games –

We would drive into D.C. or go to the Metro – fifteen minutes away –

And ride it to the stop just a block or so from the stadium.

OUR PLACE IN THE SUN!

Beer – peanuts and hot dogs –

Some people think watching baseball is like watching “PAINT DRY”! LOL

But – we were there during the 2019 season and the WORLD SERIES run-

and the years running up to that magical year!

“TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME” still rings in my mind!

A picture of the early years back in NVA!

Cassidy and Taylor – now 14 years old – are here – The Brambleton town center –

most likely between 2 and 3!

Between houses for a year – they came and lived with us –

One day – I could not find them in the house-

the downstairs half-bath door was shut!

I knocked and they both said in unison – “HERE”! LOL

They had gone in and shut the door and set up the house with their dolls and toys!

That is an early memory I shall always carry with me!

So sweet and innocent – the early days of being close as twins –

having each other to play with –

I wish that could continue but growing up they had separate interests-

Taylor – riding horses and working in the barn and stalls!

Cassidy – gymnastics – arts and crafts and plays!

Both play the violin – both sing and both are different yet the same!

THE EARLY YEARS – MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – EARLY TIMES – PLACES and PICTURES!

Sarah – Cassidy and Sherry – MORMOR!

Papa’s World – in this little town – Eldred Pa. – is a big WWII museum – tours stop all the time.

September 13, 2024April 1, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Main Street – just above the white truck to the left – is a brick-red building – with a huge Army Tank coming out the side – this is the ELDRED WWII MUSEUM!

When I was growing up – this was Fisbees Insurance and the Electric Company in the Cellar –

and right next to it was Slavin’s Furniture store and gas station.

I would roller skate down to the bays and Jack would sometimes buy me a glass coke out of the machine that stood there between the bays.

I do not remember his last name – but he was a really nice man and lived in Bullis Mills.

We also would come down here and ask for old cardboard boxes –

they all had a heavy layer of wax on them and were perfect for grass riding down the hill opposite of our front porch.

Today – both buildings are joined and form this fantastic museum – dedicated to WWII

and the munitions plant that made explosives for the war.

It has a full-size ARMY TANK that looks like it is busting right out the wall of the side of the building!

My stepfather – John Soules – who was decorated FIVE times with Purple Hearts and Bronze Stars

Once gave me a revolver he was given permission to bring back to the states

He had all the signed documents from the government –

Before he passed away – he asked for it back so he could donate it here!

A few years ago – I walked down and asked to see it once again.

They had it in a safe – and was told it was worth 30 to 40 thousand dollars!

He took that handheld automatic machine pistol off a NAZI OFFICER he had captured who was dressed as a civilian trying to escape.

I was told this pistol was not from WWII but from WWI and was very rare –

one of the first automatic machine guns ever manufactured by the Germans for WWI!

I got to once again hold it!

A reenactment of women working at the munitions plant outside Eldred during WWII is part of the museum.

As you walk through you come upon room after room of scenes such as this.

This MUSEUM is like something you would find in Washinton DC. yet it is here in the very small town

of ELDRED PA. in the mountains of the ALLEGHANY FOREST in WPA!

I do not know the full story of why it is here – but I do know before the PANDEMIC

regular busloads of people would stop every day.

It sits on North Main Street right across from the old fire hall.

A must-see!

Memories of my life growing up in a small town in NWPA called ELDRED!

WHERE EVERYONE KNEW YOUR NAME – the ’50’s ’60’s and ’70’s.

MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD

MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com

Papa’s World – Fun times – pictures turn into memories!

September 9, 2024June 20, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Memories come flooding back when you see a picture!

“OMG – I completely forgot that!” when viewing a picture!

Yet – there it is in a picture!

After raising our children –

it was on to the next memorable part of our lives!

Being a grandparent to five granddaughters and one grandson!

We also have two grandsons from my youngest son –

but they live far away –

and just do not have much contact with them –

but – we would love to have them visit.

Watching the grands grow up –

playing soccer – gymnastics – horseback riding –

parts in plays – flag football – swimming – academics –

vacations – the whole interaction is priceless!

We are a close-knit family – her mother – GIGI – is now gone but never forgotten.

The Swedish genes from her are passed on down –

from mother – to daughter – to daughters to grandkids!

Our memories are there –

but seeing them come alive in a picture is –

well PRICELESS!

My blog is sort of a Journal –

a place for future generations to visit –

read and see our lives unfold!

I wish I had something like this from my ancestors –

but mine are mostly memories –

passed down by word of mouth!

The epitome of my life is to leave pictures of memories –

To further enhance the generations to come –

of who – what and where we came from.

My hope is someday –

someone else will take up where I leave off!

Sherry and Papa – married – 6-25-1982.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – FUN TIMES TURN INTO MEMORIES FROM PICTURES! livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A host of friends and family memories!

September 8, 2024June 20, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Family and friends have always been very important to us as we live our lives.

New neighbors bring new friends – Diane and Steve who is driving their boat here on the ICW –

small world as they have a cottage in WNY near where we lived before we transferred to NVA!

They now live three houses away from us!

I am so lucky – in our home-based business – we travel to conferences every six months or so –

I am just about the only man who attends from our team –

But I do not mind! LOL

Maintain a sense of humor – laughing – smiling and looking for positives!

TEAM GENERATIONS started with a mother and two daughters – here is one – Debby – a toast to everyone

on their team!

Attending the awards for JP at the Eltons – Debby – Papa and Sherry.

Three couples – golfing – friends for years and years – life is good! Living life to the plus one day at a time.

New friends that we have because we moved to Cameron Woods Community –

Marcea – Bill – Diane and Papa.

Good times – get together – loving life in our new community.

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

A HOST OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS MEMORIES!!!!! PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – The SKIES of Cameron Woods Community!

September 4, 2024June 16, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

A look toward the East at Sunset from our driveway –

a slight reflection of the clouds shows a hint of pink as the Sun sets in the West!

Our skies here have great Sunrises and Sunsets as we face North in the front –

and South in the back.

Because the coastline curves from Charleston to the Outer Banks –

our beaches face almost South!

Not the normal East as most beaches do!

Looking East from the road – gray cloud cover –

It is warm out at Sunset – no storms although it looks like it could rain!

Being this close to the Atlantic Ocean – clouds move fast in and out!

And then – I turn around and face West!

This is from the backyard – the house blocks the view –

so I step out front again –

The Western sky brightens up –

Here we are in all its glory of a sunset from the road in front of the house!

Our house on the left – and the sky from the West –

SUNRISES and SUNSETS from CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – in OIB, N.C.

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

This area is growing so fast – a lot of new development is happening –

I guess we have been discovered –

Living the dream – Sunrises – Sunsets and Beach and Golf life!

PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – My early years after H.S.

September 1, 2024June 14, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Eldred, Pa. Sits among the foothills of the ancient Allegheny Mountains!

About six miles to the border of New York State and Olean-Portville and Allegheny, N.Y.

Also this area in the ancient past – was part of the Seneca Indian Nation!

The Kinzua Valley and Chief Cornplanter –

Salamanca, N.Y. is now the reservation and has its own casino!

My early years were full of softball – basketball and football.

I also started golfing when I was ten years old –

my father had a family membership at Smethport Country Club.

My brother and I would go with him and he would send us off in front of his foursome.

Those early years of golf –

I did not know WHAT I was doing-

and of course, I used the old baseball swing!

Mike – my younger brother –

well, he was always breaking something –

He broke both arms at the elbow at different times.

One – he played he was shot and fell off a small roof –

at a neighbor’s house and his elbow hit a stone birdbath –

shattering the elbow and requiring surgery –

He had a pin in the elbow and his arm when held straight out – well the elbow was odd –

Sort of off-center.

Then later he fell off the railing on the front porch-

and hit his other elbow on a six-by-six –

and I will be darned – did the exact same thing!

Now – he playing golf – because of how his arms were when straight out –

he could drive a golf ball-

straight down the fairway and boy could he hit it.

This was back in the late 50’s and early 60’s –

He could drive past the old number one green at Smethport!

That is easy over 300 yards.

He became a scratch golfer and an excellent golfer in our area –

Gene Fasio –

once said to me –

“IF I HAD YOUR BROTHER’S DRIVES AND HIS OWN SHORT GAME – HE WOULD TURN PRO”!

Me – I still struggle hitting it straight –

although I am better now than I ever was!

I never went to Bradford, Pa. much –

I always got the feeling in H.S. – better to stay away from

all those Bradford lads!

Olean – that is where I went to work at 18 years old – June 5th. 1967.

Little did I know I would end up working for the same company for 47 1/2 years!

Those early years – 6 1/2 years to be exact –

I worked on the second shift –

3:00 PM. to 1:00 AM.

We had no breaks –

we “ARE ON THE FLY” as they say –

taking a break or lunch when we could.

We would all gather together on the back deck in Body Prep – there were four of us.

For 15 or 20 minutes we ate our dinner and then back to work –

We worked 10 hours and were paid two hours O.T. each day!

Back then – I was making $1.72 an hour and that O.T. was a lifesaver!

Then I bid on a job in the same department-

only on the first shift –

and continued the 10-hour days for another three years!

During my early time there I made many – many friends and it was an enjoyable time of my life.

But – my early life of marriage started to have cracks –

After a couple years on the day shift-

and in the Shipping department – I got a divorce.

I then met Sherry – and we have been married for 42-plus years!

On our wedding day June 25th. – 1982.

My early years were full of so many people and things we did –

Today – we are in our dream place living our life to the plus –

eating HEALTHY – Taking our supplements for close to 19 years.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog email: fitztdf@aol.com

PAPA’S WORLD – MY EARLY YEARS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL!

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

August 29, 2024June 12, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

in a little town in NWPA!

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

and he was walking to school!

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

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

and me sitting in her lap –

I would recommend this to be some 71 years ago!

I was four years old.

That is my first memory of my grandma.

She was my mother’s mother

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

Her bedroom was at the top of the stairs –

straight ahead to the side of the house.

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

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

She had this picture of Jesus on the wall –

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

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

He passed before I was born –

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

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

My mom was second from the youngest.

During the Depression –

he would walk to neighbor’s houses

with produce from the farm to help

them out –

sacks of flour – whatever he could spare.

A KIND AND GENEROUS MAN WAS HE!

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

he had a heart attack and passed away.

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

the oldest – ROY –

had served in WWI.

I wish I had more early memories of my grandma.

She passed away at 85 years old.

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

My younger brother and I became too much for her!

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

If I could go back in time to make changes –

I would change this – he died way too young.

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

I have seen many storms –

I never had to serve in the military –

for various medical and child reasons.

But – I did start working at 16 years old

and continued straight for 48 1/2 years –

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

When I retired – we had become part of MOHAWK.

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

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

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

Sitting with my grandma –

wishing I could once again talk to her.

If only I could remember more –

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

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

Papa’s World – Better Health and weight loss!

August 27, 2024June 11, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

nutrients from 30 different FRUITS – VEGETABLES and BERRIES!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A powder – French Vanilla or Dutch Chocolate –

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

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

This I substitute for a breakfast or lunch meal.

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

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

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

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

A gradual decline over the years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

has taken the health Supplements of Juice Plus and Omegas.

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

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

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

and SENIOR population!

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

Our journey is not simple – but it is real –

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

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

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

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

August 26, 2024June 10, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

“HOW DID I EVER FIND TIME TO WORK”?

And – I worked for 48 1/2 years!

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

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

The overtime back then was great –

not so much the time spent!

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

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

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

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

or that I have lost some weight.

Then it is the normal bathroom routine before I shower.

I get dressed and head to the kitchen –

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

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

this was one of the musts for Sherry –

an office in the new house –

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

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

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

esp. the Sports section.

I sip my coffee – after I am done –

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

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

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

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

Now – it is time to write my blog –

I write each day – sometimes more than once –

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

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

By this time it is Sherry getting up –

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

We write everything down –

errands – walking – meet-ups with neighbors

and friends or events that we want to do!

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

What little yardwork I do now – here –

I no longer mow or trim –

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

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

recycles are Mon. – Wed. – Friday!

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

We will do errands daily –

keeping doctor and dentist appointments.

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

one in Leland –

near our long-time friends

and one just a few miles from us.

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

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

we also try to see the beaches –

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

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

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

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

Our days are filled and what I like –

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

IT IS OUR TIME AND OUR SCHEDULE –

what I always envisioned retirement to be.

Our retirement life is now full of Thunderstorms –

sweeping in from the ocean –

and rainbows after –

in between sunshine – sand and surf –

being free to do what we want.

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

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

Papa’s World – Memories of Life!

August 24, 2024March 11, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

Memories from childhood!

Living life to the plus with a sense of humor!

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

Laugh a little – laugh a lot – just laugh!

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

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

Papa’s World – Golfing and Beach Life!

August 23, 2024June 8, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

Making good contact and lifting the ball into the air.

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

That is on a par four.

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

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

PUTTING – oh Lord – if I could only putt!

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

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

In my mind is – I have done that before!

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

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

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

If you are off a fraction it is disastrous!

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

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

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

IT IS ALWAYS FOR ME THE LAST GREAT SHOT! LOL

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

to the time we had to check out

and leave the SUN-SAND- and SURF!

My thoughts were always planning for the next year –

scouring beach homes –

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

Were there enough bedrooms – how many does it sleep –

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

We have to carry so it makes a difference.

HOW MANY BATHROOMS DOES IT HAVE?

IS THERE A OUTDOOR SHOWER?

ARE THERE BEACH CHAIRS?

AND HOW MANY HOURS DO WE HAVE TO DRIVE?

Questions – questions and questions!

Now – today –

we do not have to find out all those questions!

We are here – ten minutes-

and we are standing on the BEACH!

We choose to live here on the mainland side –

back from the storms except for the really bad hurricanes –

we will face that when the time comes.

Today – we live our beach life –

choosing when to go –

and knowing we can do this whenever we want!

GOLFING and BEACHES –

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

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

August 17, 2024June 3, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

Our two beaches – Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach –

have been voted the top beaches in North Carolina!

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

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

Sunset Beach is flat and calmer-

while Ocean Isle Beach is the opposite!

We like them both and alternate between them.

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

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

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

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

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

Our major hospital – twenty minutes.

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

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

Numerous ponds – wildlife – and quiet!

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

It is warm – no snow or ice so far.

It can be hot – but I love the winter.

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

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

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

August 16, 2024June 2, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

and not let it bother me!

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

Here you see all types of critters and birds!

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

a fence or in deep grass where snakes are!

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

My game and losing golf balls,

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

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

Just riding the cart – sun and warm breeze –

The next shot and if I make a good one –

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

THEN I STILL WILL BE BACK! LOL

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

I do not need that in my life

and it is the far left and far right!

I enjoy reading people’s trips –

adventures and families!

I enjoy seeing different lands –

cities and countries.

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

Staying positive – seeing nature

and the beauty of the world we live in!

This blog today is a positive blog –

one with humor and just being nice!

I hope this brings a smile to you –

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

Thanks for reading – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

Papa’s World – PLANT FLOWERS IN YOUR LIFE!

August 15, 2024May 31, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

Being friends – walking – laughing – sharing thoughts.

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

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

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

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

August 14, 2024June 1, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We have never been told no.

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

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

gives you a breeze – plus it rarely bothers me!

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

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

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

This area was our first choice to build a home!

Both because of the price and the location –

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

We are right in the middle!

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

and they come here all the time to golf!

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

it will pass by out to sea.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – LIFE IN GENERAL!

August 11, 2024May 29, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

That was on June – 25th. 1982.

Life in general for the both of us began then.

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

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

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

day trips and weekend campfires where we lived.

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

But those old friends became lifelong friends to this day!

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

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

her husband and we have traveled the world with them!

LIFE IN GENERAL would not be the same without them!

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

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

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

and Buck and Cindy some 45 minutes away.

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

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

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

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

A LIFE WELL LIVED!

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

and to my wife of 42-plus years –

Thanks for my and our LIFE IN GENERAL!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

Papa’s World – Living in the Carolinas!

August 7, 2024May 26, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

BEACHES – WARMTH – BLUE SKIES and GOLF!

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

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

is about thirty golf courses!

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

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

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

$90.00 if you buy it before Christmas each year.

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

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

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

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

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

Other times – I have played with neighborhood friends –

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

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

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

while we give them five strokes over eighteen holes.

Makes for a great afternoon – dinner and festive bantering!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

below for free concerts!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and outdoor showers – and restrooms for the public.

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

we search for sea shells – sand dollars – starfish –

April is a big month to find Counch Shells!

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

it is rougher here!

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

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

all day.

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

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

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LIVING IN THE CAROLINAS!

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

August 6, 2024March 11, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 3, 2024May 23, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

later my brother and sister and their families.

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

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

and North Myrtle Beach!

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

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

But – we will deal with it at the time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and has been there for over forty years!

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

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

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

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

these are collected-

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

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

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

Papa’s World – POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND SMILES!

July 31, 2024March 11, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livninglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

Papa’s World – After all those years – dreams – the good life!

July 27, 2024May 14, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Oh – okay – it is not that bad! LOL! But a little humor is needed in day-by-day life!

In raising our family – to us, vacation meant “BEACH” – Sun – Sand and Ocean!

I always said while at the beach – “I WANT TO RETIRE AND SELL HOTDOGS ON THE BEACH”!

Well – we retired – all be it in NVA – and that was going to be it – UNTIL ——

Our lifeline was slipping away after the 401K took a hit – over 30% DOWN.

The UPSIDE – the housing market took off – real estate was booming –

IT WAS TIME TO LIST AND SELL OUR DREAM RETIREMENT HOUSE –

and move out of the costly NVA-Loundon County area.

SO WE SOLD – moved in with family for four months –

And then loaded up and went South – to S.C.

To be exact – North Myrtle Beach – and started a search just where we wanted to settle down!

But – the big BUT – in our price range we could not find anything that did not require updating!

In giving – unexpected returns come back – by chance – we stumbled into a new development –

We have always shared what we have – volunteering our services –

Giving what we can – not expecting anything in return –

But – this opportunity came to us – a woman that day had asked for a return of her deposit –

on a lot eight miles from the border of N.C. and S.C. – in Cameron Woods Community –

Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

As soon as Sherry walked into the model – she loved it – and as soon as we visited the lot –

We put a deposit on it – we had found our new home to be built –

And it was going to cost us less than if we were to buy one already built!

We now had that dream I had of beach living without the hotdogs – being close to two beaches –

and our other dream was to be able to golf – at reasonable prices!

We could purchase what is called FIRST TEE CARDS –

Which give reduce rates on over 50 courses –

a majority of them within 15 to 30 minutes of where we were to build!

This is our story on how we got here – call it luck – good fortune – I call it BLESSED!

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

PAPA’s WORLD – AFTER ALL THOSEYEARS – DREAMS – THE GOOD LIFE!

Papa’s World – Happy thoughts and Happy days!

July 26, 2024May 13, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

on over 50 courses.

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

Usually with our close friends who live 38 miles away.

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

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

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

back in the late 1980s.

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

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

They even wore mittens because their hands were cold!

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

but we stayed in touch and would visit one another.

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

The three of them are just so funny when together.

Sherry – Cindy and Dottie –

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAPA’S WORLD – HAPPY THOUGHTS AND HAPPY DAYS!

Papa’s World – Thoughts – words and memories!

July 24, 2024May 12, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

with our shots and taking Metformin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a class of exercise for senior folks –

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

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

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

Sherry – walking the path in our neighborhood!

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

And that I try to do all day long!

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

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

I also take every day OMEGS’S –

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

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

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

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

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

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

PICTURES IN MEMORIES create me retaining all that I can!

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

PAPA’S WORLD THOUGHTS WORDS AND MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Through the years – life!

July 22, 2024May 11, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

It was an unforgettable time in those early years.

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

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

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

We were now empty nesters –

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

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

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

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

from George Mason and the NRA building.

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

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

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

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

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

We are 45 minutes from Wilmington, N.C.

And 30 minutes to North Myrtle Beach.

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

We have made new friends and old friends visit us.

Family comes here and we go there.

Life is good!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – THROUGH THE YEARS LIFE!

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

July 19, 2024May 9, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

and the three older grandkids are too

three younger ones – two in the teens and one about to be ten

We have moved six times – built three houses – and lived in four states-

Worked a combined 79 1/2 years at American Olean Tile- Dal Tile and retired from there.

We have traveled the world and this country.

Our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic –

Very hot there – all-inclusive – even cigarettes and cigars when we smoked!

A diverse country with no middle class.

I guess you can say we experienced a lot of different things!

But – we did it and have no regrets – just wonderful memories!

We have had friends – close friends for all of that time – laughter – good times – wine – beer and golf!

We still get together a couple times a year – friends for life –

and now – in a couple days – all will be retired!

We are grateful for the lives we have led –

Love – faith – family and friends!

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

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

PAPA’S WORLD – TIME PASSES YOU THROUGH THE YEARS!!!!!!!

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