Papa’s World

Papa’s World – The Meyers family at Raquet Lake!

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Bode – Cassidy and Taylor and the Meyers girls – Sarah – Ella and Maddy!

This picture is fitting because the Meyers girls love the water – and boats!

Today – they are older but still free spirits when it comes to camping – hiking and boating!

Every year since they were born – a trip to Raquet Lake in NYS Andrirondacks –

has been their annual vacation.

Here are some pictures of those times at the lake!

Maddy – mother Debby – father Mike – Ella and Sarah on Raquet Lake.

Canoeing – boat riding – hiking – outdoors – campfires – nature – swimming –

just a few things this family does together.

Debby – the solitude of nature among the rapids at or near Raquet Lake.

The mountains of NYS – the forests and the lakes are in thier blood.

The Myers Family at Raquet Lake!

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PAPA’S WORLD – THE MEYERS FAMILY AT RAQUET LAKE!

Papa’s World – Start your day BELIEVING!

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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 – Memories in Pictures!

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On one of our many beach walks –

Sherry standing in the surf at Ocean Isle Beach-

Back when I was younger –

even before I knew Sherry –

My dream then was someday-

I would like to retire-

and sell HOT DOGS ON THE BEACH!

That was just a way to say –

I loved Sand – Surf and Sun!

I lived at that time in a small town-

in the Alleghany Mountains in NWPA!

The beaches were far away –

and only got there on a vacation or two.

A sort of FIELD OF DREAMS –

might be there someday –

But most likely a picture will do.

Today – things have changed –

we moved South to the borders of N.C and S.C.

The beaches are only 15 minutes away.

Today we are in our Golden Senior Years –

living our lives –

Sand – Surf and Sun are now a part of that life.

Our doors are open for family and friends.

What I once dreamed about-

is now in the present.

While it has turned from SELLING HOTDOGS ON THE BEACH-

To WALKING ON THE BEACH whenever we want to.

We are fortunate –

a door opened and we walked through.

We feel like we are on vacation every day.

Our trips back home are reminders that our lives have changed.

Returning home each time is starting a new vacation over again each day!

Golfing with our friends of years and years.

Papa – Buck Cindy and Sherry.

They live 45 minutes away –

and we often play one of the courses near us-

but also on the 27 holes where they live at Magnolia Greens.

Living our dream of golfing –

beach walking and close friends!

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MEMORIES IN PICTURES –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Today is a new day!

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At this point in our lives –

we look forward to understanding others-

as much as we can.

The world of today is filled with so many ups and downs –

But – we try to stay neutral –

Helping out as best we can –

Staying calm in a sea of humanity.

“WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS”!

Family – friends – neighbors – community –

All have an effect on our outlooks of life.

Social media –

I try not to let that bother me –

even though I do not understand some people’s craziness!

Hatred has a way of burning the pages.

But – we tend to stay the course –

Giving – Kindness – Smiles – Helping –

I would much rather do that –

Then, I want to remit –

to all the awful stuff people are posting.

LIFE IS TOO SHORT – BEING SENIOR IS EVEN SHORTER!

Every day we awake –

is a new day to make a small difference.

I hope this blog helps others to think of better times –

and try to make each day a better life-

for those less fortunate,

A kind gesture – a helpful hand –

A smile or comment of Have a great day!

Open a door or hold a door.

It doesn’t have to be much –

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PAPA’S WORLD – TODAY IS A NEW DAY!!!!!!

Papa’s World – Thoughts – Kindness – Laughs!

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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!

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

Papa’s World – Family times!

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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.

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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!

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

MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS – Debby – Sherry – and Tammy!

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

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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 – Laughter – Humor – Thoughts!

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LOL – Good day –

start your day with some laughs –

humor and good thoughts!

Every morning I have a routine –

I start by getting ready to take a shower –

Brush my teeth – take my Meds and Supplements.

Shave – Shower – and make my only cup of coffee for the day!

Then – check outside –

I have been moving plants in at night on the front porch –

and out again in the morning –

first rays of the sunlight!

WHY?

Because the Deer are eating all the flowers and buds!

No matter what I buy to stop them –

they munch them down to the stalks!

Then – I go into the office with my coffee-

and read the paper online.

Now – it is time to write my next blog after posting the days blog!

By the time I start writing –

Sherry is up and about.

My morning routine takes about two hours in total!

Then – off to make the bed –

and get dressed!

So – starting the day with laughter is the way I set the rest of the day feeling “GOOD”!

We have calendars to keep track of daily excursions.

Appointments – doctor – dentist – inspections – oil changes –

and tire rotations.

Haircuts – nails(SHERRY) – grocery stores (THREE OF THEM)

Gas – and trips into NMB or Shalotte.

We like to golf in the afternoons when we golf.

And we walk and exercise.

RETIREMENT is rewarding in different ways –

But the most I like about it –

I DO NOT HAVE TO THINK ABOUT RISING AND GOING TO WORK!

LIVE LIFE TO EXPRESS!

Our thoughts when we moved down to the borders of N.C. and S.C. –

was to go back three or four times a year.

And of course –

they come down a couple times a year.

We stay in contact with zooms –

calls and messages.

Our senior golden years are full of things we like to do.

Living as healthy as we can –

taking our supplements (19) years.

We are aging but we try to age healthy.

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

Whatever you choose – make the best of it!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LAUGHTER – HUMOR – THOUGHTS!

Papa’s World – Some GOOD THOUGHTS!

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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.

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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.

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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!

/ 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

Papa’s World – Family bonding while on vacation!

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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.

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

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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!

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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!

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my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Beaching it with family!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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?

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Papa’s World – About family – memories in time!

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The family has always been a top priorty for the both of us –

bringing together two sets of children – her daughters and my sons.

Those early years were tough money-wise –

as we had none!

But – we made do – packing picnics and going to State Parks –

little side trips – doing what we could with the little we had.

But – it also was a time when we made many fond memories –

We purchased a large old van – twelve seater – so we could go as a family.

We kept it together and it was good for a couple years –

then we found one four years old but only had 15,000 miles on it.

Instead of seating twelve –

it seated eight!

Her father built a platform bed in the back row taking the third-row seat out –

with storage underneath – we could vacation.

By that time my oldest son had graduated and moved on.

Vacations to the beaches became our family time together and also with close friends!

Then grandkids started coming along – the two sets of kids were now on their own –

We were empty nesters and it was time to move on ourselves!

We transferred to NVA.

Life had changed – and the daughters followed us South – the sons remained in WPA!

Life had once again changed and we went along with it!

The three oldest grandkids were growing up –

And then there were SIX GRANDKIDS – and the only boy!

Life had changed – but in the next few years – it would once again change!

We would look around – the older ones were so busy –

And our 401K took a hit – 30% down – but the value of the house increased!

It was time to sell and move further South!

We would go but still be able to drive back in seven hours!

We wanted to be somewhere warm – no snow or ice and play golf year-round!

So – we selected the border area of N.C. and S.C. – OIB – Cameron Woods Community!

Our move to this area was smooth – as was the selling of the house.

We had enough money to build our new home.

We are near the beaches – golf and entertainment –

and have become the FAMILY VACATION HOME!

Today they are much older but still want to spend time with us!

We are happy here – this is where we will live out our lives together.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – ABOUT FAMILY – MEMORIES IN TIME! livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Long ago times!

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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!

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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!

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

Sarah – Cassidy and Sherry – MORMOR!

Papa’s World – Early memories in pictures!

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Flashback to 2005 – our journey together began at NBC for your HEALTH in the convention center-

in Washington, D.C.

This is another vendor booth –

Here we found a supplement that I have not lost one day in taking for 19 years!

We have done dozens and dozens of booths at fairs for health as far South as Florida!

Being as healthy as we can and aging healthy has been a priority for both of us as –

We are both 75 years old!

Every day our bodies receive directly into the bloodstream – NUTRIENTS –

From 30 FRUITS – VEGETABLES – AND BERRIES in addition to OMEGAS made from

ALGAE and not FISH OIL and eliminates MERCURY from our bodies!

All of the above are produced on farms managed by producers for THE JUICE PLUS CO.

and NO PESTICIDES – tested FIVE TIMES for purity.

Here is Sherry who is an SSC for the company – at one of the dozens of vendor shows we have done.

AGING HEALTHY AND LOOKING AS YOUNG AS WE CAN AFTER 75 YEARS!

At 75 years old and going strong – Papa and Sherry share the dream of COASTAL LIVING in OIB!

FOR MOE INFO go to http://www.SFitzsimmons.JuicePlus.Com her website – no obligation-

just check it out and email for additional information and cost!

Before we moved to Cameron Woods Community – we lived in Loudoun County –

Just West of Washington, D.C., and near the Dulles Airport!

Because I did not run – I like walking –

Sherry did 5K’s!

She has always liked to run and here is her award for running the 5K –

Living life to the plus and living healthy through her supplement business – JUICE PLUS!

Given time – effort and comfort to those less fortunate – a MOTTO we live by!

The early years of Marcus and Tammy –

Though time has gone by – they still adore each other-

Now – three children – the twins Taylor and Cassidy and our family-only grandson – Bode –

They – the grandkids call Sherry – MORMOR – MOTHERSMOTHER! SWEDISH!

EARLY MEMORIES IN PICTURES!

The BESTIES in FRIENDS – DOTTIE – JIM – SHERRY – PAPA – CINDY – and BUCK!

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Papa’s World – Surviving a WIDOW MAKER HEART ATTACK – 56 hours after open-heart surgery!

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Sherry and Papa – this Valentine’s day.

All my life up to 16 years ago – I was a junk food addict!

I thought I was fit – playing sports until my late 40’s!

I ate all the time at McDonald’s – then something changed my life.

Sherry went to NBC for your health in Washington D.C.

I also went to the food court!

That is where she found a supplement that changed both our lives.

At first, I denied I needed it – then three months later I started to take it-

FRUITS AND VEGGIES AND BERRIES – JUICED – DRIED TO POWDER AND PUT IN CAPSULES!

NUTRIENTS OF 30 DIFFERENT KINDS EACH DAY!

It slowly over the years changed my life – I felt better – BUT – unknown to me – I had damaged my heart

from all those years ( 40 plus ) eating junk food and drinking cokes – mountain dew and gallons of milk.

I thought that was good for me.

EIGHT YEARS AFTER I STARTED ON THE SUPPLEMENT – I had a WIDOWMAKER HEART ATTACK!

FOUR ARTERIES INVOLVED – I almost did not make it!

I was rushed from work to the hospital where I had one artery 100 % blocked –

They put a stent in and the PAIN went away – but I was told I had three more that needed to be done!

It was too dangerous – I would have to have an open heart and four by-passes!

ONE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS!

All this time I never missed a day of my supplements – even when I went into the hospital.

Over 40 published types of research from major institutions from all over the world – convinced me that I was doing something right and not to give it up!

So – on a Monday morning – at 7:30 AM – they started – by 3:00 pm. they closed me up!

At 5:30 pm. they called my wife and daughters.

By 6:30 pm. I was standing!

I never went to the step down – I went straight to my room –

And I was told by the nurses and doctors I was the healthiest heart patient they had ever seen!

They wanted me to do an interview for some kind of research but I declined.

Here I am – 56 hours later standing in front of the Christmas tree – I was home!

I had a 100% – 90% – 60% and 40% blockages. I walked the halls in less than 20 hours –

Everyone told me they had no one like that – I went home and the other people who had surgery

that day were still in the step-down units.

Sherry and Papa – I had a nuke stress test late Jan. I passed with an excellent grade.

I just had all my blood tests – everything was very good – I STILL TAKE MY SUPPLEMENT

of 30 fruits – veggies and berries and now OMEGAS!

SHERRY and PAPA

Sixteen years ago my life changed and in my mind and heart –

I believe – I am still here – and I STILL TAKE THOSE SUPPLEMENTS EVERY DAY!

Thanks for reading Papa’s World

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com fitztdf@aol.com livinglifedoingitmyway.blog PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – More memories of early times!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Nineteen years ago – Maddy – who soon will be 24 years old –

our oldest granddaughter –

Now a Scientist-Geologist for a major Environmental firm –

She was the smallest one out on the playing field for soccer –

They put her on defense –

and she harassed and took the ball away.

She ended up as a Junior and Senior traveling 65 miles each way to Loudoun County to play

travel team soccer – now playing on the front wing-

she did this on her own –

and it paid off!

She spent four years playing soccer for the University of Lynchburg –

twice making the third and second teams all-conference –

and as a Senior – CAPTAIN of her team!

She is in my own way – my HERO!

We have been friends of the McBrides and the Browns for all our lives it seems.

Here is Sandy – daughter of the McBrides – then Debby and Tammy – our daughters – and Katie –

daughter of Jim and Dottie Brown.

This picture was taken when we spent a week on Oka Island and they came to visit.

It is in the backyard of the McBrides.

I used to carry Katie back and forth to the beach so the sand wouldn’t burn her little feet!

Sherry – soon after she retired in 2012 from American-Olean – Dal-tile –

on the beach of Oak Island.

The twins had just started to walk and as always –

Cassidy hangs with her MORMOR – Sherry!

To this day – she calls or messages her –

PRICELESS in my mind!

Tammy holds Taylor – and I think Maddy and Ella or it could be Sarah!

Why I love my wife – this is so her!

These are early moments in time –

with the grandkids and friends.

Family on trips and memories being made.

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

Ella – Mike – Sarah – Sherry(MORMOR) and Cassidy – Papa and Maddy –

crossing on the ferry.

PAPA’S WORLD – MOTE MEMORIES OF EARLY TIMES!

Papa’s World – On 9-11 – I was just a few miles from the Pentagon!

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It was April or early May in 1999 –

I was in my office at the American-Olean-Dal-Tile Co. –

Olean, N.Y. The phone rang –

and the operator said I had an outside call – please hold while I connect you.

It was Christine from store number 159 – Alexandria, Va.

One of the largest revenue stores in the country.

She offered me a job –

knowing that Sherry had been offered and was about to accept a manager job –

in Dulles, Va.

We talked about money and what I would be doing!

Then I told her I would accept under one critical condition to me!

I would TRANSFER within the company bringing all my services –

time and vacation with me AND-

I wanted no responsibility in management – ( she would later try to get me to rescind)

I would give her over 100% effort –

but I wanted to retire in the next 15 years

and just work eight hours a day!

I would be an employee whom she did not have to coach to do the job –

I would lead by example-

but would issue no orders to anyone.

Within two months we sold our home in Portville, N.Y.,

and were living in the middle of –

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA –

Sherry was the manager of 222 in Dulles – right across from the airport –

and I was just outside D.C. in Springfield, Va. near the Pentagon.

I had gone to work for SSC 159 – Alexandria –

one of the biggest revenue centers in the country –

For American-Olean-Dal-Tile Companys.

I had just turned 50 years old in 1999 –

before we left for Va. and the Washington, D.C. area.

It was a whole new world for both of us –

Sherry was her own boss and took that store from

just under One million dollars in sales to between six and seven million dollars in sales.

Garnering President’s award along the way-

and recognition for her style and energy –

and customer relations –

building sales to one of the fastest-growing SSCs in the country.

ME – I was very happy –

learning a whole new system geared to fulfill customers’ orders –

I was given the hours of 5AM to 2PM.

Opening the store – and getting the orders from a truckload that came in overnight –

for customers who showed up at 7:30 AM. to pick up!

By myself – I unloaded 12 to 14 truckloads a week –

broke them down and put them away.

I learned the computer –

and received each item I checked in and the location after I put it away.

This was for a store that grew from 12 million a year in sales to 17 million in sales in the first two years I was there!

That is a lot of tile to check in and take care of.

I was working in my area when the first plane hit the Twin Towers –

we had a TV in the main counter area.

We gathered around the front desk to watch.

It was 9-11

2001 and I was in the Alexandria – 159 SSC just outside Washington, D.C.

I do not know how long we were standing there in disbelief –

But – A large Shadow crossed over the parking lot outside –

and some customers and employees came inside=

and said a large plane had flown over the building and parking lot –

very low to the ground!

And then a newsbreak and alert –

A PLANE HAD JUST FLOWN INTO THE PENTAGON – just a mere few miles from us.

Tramatised – we all stared at the TV.

We were under attack and then the fourth plane went down in Pa.

We were told to go home and we closed down the store

I made the 45-minute drive back to Fairfax where we had bought a townhouse.

I know where I was on 9-11 -2001 –

I also know where I was the day JFK was assassinated –

and we also experienced the DC SNIPER for weeks –

and I have vivid images of that time –

We were right in the middle of all the shootings.

I remember in the days after the Twin Towers –

and the Pentagon and the field in Pa.

It was very eerie going outside and walking –

no planes in the air except for the military jets leaving their presence in trails across the sky!

But these happenings will be another blog –

For today – my 9-11 occurred right outside D.C.

I shall take that memory with me to the grave.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – ON 9-11, I WAS JUST A FEW MILES FROM THE PENTAGON!

Papa’s World – thoughts – humor – kindness!

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This is Sherry and I am very proud of her –

always thinking of kind deeds and helping people!

She volunteers – time –

and resources

and asks for nothing in return.

Helping people and giving what we can –

“ALLOW KINDNESS TO SPREAD”!

Both of us love to golf –

and when we can – with friends -sometimes just ourselves!

It is always a risk-reward –

it is that one shot you can remember that brings us back!

In golf – I think you have to have humor –

because it can and does humble you!

When a bad shot or putt occurs –

just think there is always the next one to make you smile!

To us and our “WHY” of life –

Giving what we can and not expecting any returns!

Expressing “GOOD THOUGHTS” daily –

Living is a code to us in that we try as much as we can to make life easy for those in need!

“GOOD THOUGHTS” daily are my way to maintain a perspective in this time of anxiety!

Today I share I share GOOD THOUGHTS – HUMOR and KINDNESS –

being with friends is PRICELESS!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – THOUGHTS – HUMOR and KINDNESS!

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

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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!

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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 – Sister-in-law takes us for lunch at Fishy-Fishy!

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Sherry and I have opposite birthdays – Hers is 7-5-1949 and mine is 5-7-1949!

I think for the past 43-plus years – we are meant to be soul mates!

To celebrate both our birthdays – my sister-in-law Debbie –

drove us to Southport, N.C. for a late lunch at FISY-FISHY on the water –

as a way to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to both of us!

A view from the railing of the water and boats docked to eat here!

A look out over the bay toward I think Oak Island or Baldhead Island –

from the railing of FISHY-FISHY!

Debby noticed this sign on it MEADVILLE, PA. where she once lived and also lived in WI.

The restaurant is huge – both inside and outside covered seating.

Covered with signs and neat ornaments like this frog!

We have been here numerous times when strolling the streets of Southport shopping.

It takes us about 45 minutes to get here.

On the waterfront here are maybe six or more places to sit and eat and drink!

They also have my favorite draft beer – RED OAK – which is unique to coastal Carolina in this area.

Not an IPA but is red in color.

If I see it in any eatery – it is my go-to beverage.

A wall of funny signs greets you on one side of the covered outside between the two bars.

A good day of sitting on the water eating “LINNER” –

This is what Sherry and I call the combination of LUNCH and DINNER!

A celebration of birthdays at FISHY-FISHY – thanks to Sherry’s sister – DEBBIE!

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

Papa’s World – “KEEPER” of the PLANTS!

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It has been three-plus years since we moved into our new home in Cameron Woods Community!

We now live less than eight miles from the border of N.C. and S.C. in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

In every home we have lived in – we have done our own plantings – except here – the TREES!

We have had three small palm trees and two Crepe Myrtles planted –

We have kept all the bushes that came with the house except for three.

All the landscaping small stones – edging and large border bricks we had installed.

The rest – with Sherry picking them out – I installed myself.

At 75 years old – my days of digging by hand for planting trees have ended!

But – I still am the one who daily maintains the bushes – eight rose bushes –

numerous flowering bushes that come back each year.

Since Sherry had her Compound Fracture of her LI Vertrabrea –

It has become my sole duty to water – and move the flowers in and off the front porch daily –

because we have some very hungry DEER!

They have munched the neighbor to little stubs of once glorious flowers and plants!

I have sprayed all the bushes and plants and parts of our Tower Garden

( YES THEY ATE THE LEAVES AND FLOWERS OF THE CUCUMBERS AND TOMATOES)

With deer and Rabbit repellent – and they ate them anyway.

So now – in the morning I move all the moveable pots off the covered front porch –

back onto the flower beds and at night move them back onto the porch –

Keep your fingers crossed that the Deer will not come onto the porch!

With the Tower Garden – we have a Winter covering – that looks like a shiny metal blanket –

that allows Sun and Rain through – I cover in the late afternoon and take off in the morning!

So far = at this writing – I write way ahead – this has worked.

Sherry has come up with the nick-name of “KEEPER OF THE PLANTS” for me.

Here is a picture of me after I had moved all the plants back to their spots before church-

on Father’s Day!

Usually, these pots are full of bright colors – but at this time they are green as the Deer ate all the colors of flowers!

We decided not to buy more new plants – they are expensive-

And to nurse them back with Miricle Grow which I have been doing – the Deep Green –

tells me they are healthy –

Now – time will tell – the whole neighborhood has been hit by this small herd of Deer.

They even jumped several fenced-in yards – munching the plants.

So – as the “KEEPER OF THE PLANTS” I shall continue my daily regime –

And keep my sanity of golfing and hitting that perfect shot that brings me back time after time!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – “KEEPER OF THE PLANTS” livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Golfing “THE MAPLES” at Sea Trails!

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We have what is called in golfing circles – “THE FIRST TEE” card –

If you purchase around Christmas time – you save $10.00 and get it for $90.00 each!

This card has 52 courses in and around our area and some a few hour’s drive away!

It requires you to make tee times within a 48-hour time frame before the day and tee slot!

You just call the number of the course – and usually, you can not make a tee time before noon.

When calling I ask for a tee time after 1:00 PM. and tell them I have THE FIRST TEE card.

In the four years we have purchased the card – we have never been told “NO”!

Here we are playing a scramble – Buck – Cindy and Papa –

Sherry because of the compressed fracture of an L1 vertebra –

is the designated driver for Cindy.

This is Sea Trails and is “THE MAPLES” course – one of three 18-hole courses here.

We are in the middle of the fairway after my drive and taking our second shot at the green!

We made the gree but three putted! LOL

So – WHY the first Tee Card?

Because it supports young golfers all over the country in learning to play golf-

and helps them out in paying for the game itself!

With that being said – it also gives us – who have the card – a reduced rate on the fee of the course!

Here Cindy is taking the second shot to the green after her drive to this spot!

The reduced fee – we have come to price out – after four or five courses –

has saved enough money to pay for the card!

So it is beneficial to both us and the young golfers it helps out!

And the course gains players that might not golf there –

usually at that time in the afternoon – being hot – players are not playing!

Here is my drive off the tee on an extreme dogleg left – Cindy prepares to hit across the pond –

She did not make it – I was lucky I hit my drive to here –

but this shot is what I call “Will I make it across and to the green”!

Her shot came up short although Buck did get across but was far left!

I think it was 150 to carry the green!

Now it was my turn – I did not know how this would come out as I almost never do! LOL

But – I made it to the right apron of the green –

So we lay there in two and parred the hole!

Sea Trails is undergoing major upgrades – and has shut one course down –

hoping to reopen in September and then upgrade to another course.

Millions of dollars are being spent – new clubhouses –

Codos being built – a hotel – a multi-story driving range –

They have said this will rival Pinehurst in the future.

It is a huge area – and construction is everywhere.

We have golfed multiple times here on the three courses and look forward to the upgrades!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – GOLFING “THE MAPLES AT SEA TRAILS” with the FIRST TEE!

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

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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 – In 1999 – we transferred to NVA!

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It was time to move on – at 50 years old and soon to be 50 –

Sherry and I decided on new adventures

awaited us – not in Olean, N.Y., and at Dal Tile ( American Olean Tile) –

where we both worked –

She is the Logistics manager and I am the supervisor of Body Prep – Service departments!

She had gone as far as she could in a male-dominated world of manufacturing.

Both of us needed a change –

me – I was frustrated –

I needed to get to a better frame of mind –

Her – she was going to be stuck and overlooked!

So – after sifting through multiple in-company openings –

we choose the Northern Va. area!

We moved from a country county filled with farms – two lane roads – deer – cows – turkeys –

to TRAFFIC –

MILLIONS in population –

to right smack in the middle of Alexandria Va.

Washington D.C. and the infamous BELTWAY!

We lived in a condo in Old Town Alexandria for almost two months –

hoping I would not get lost as I traveled back and forth from work.

WOW – four to six lanes of traffic – one wrong turn –

which I did – brought me panic.

But – I made it home to that apartment.

The positive side – although my sense of direction leaves a lot to be desired –

I loved being able to walk the historic streets-

by the Potomac in Old Town!

I guess this two-month period was what we needed to adapt to CITY LIFE!

We both transferred within the company –

and that is now twenty-five years ago.

But it seems like only yesterday!

We started to search for a home –

PRICES WERE SHOCKING!

We bought our first townhouse in Fairfax – halfway for both of us to drive.

She had a store –

called a SALES SERVICE CENTER – in Dulles – right across from the airport!

Me – I was to stay in Alexandria at what was one of the largest SSCs in the country.

Close to the Springfield Metro.

Both of us had traffic – however,

my hours were changed to 5:00 am. to 2:00 pm.

Traffic for me at those hours was not that bad.

Sherry found the backroads to travel to her store –

which in two years she took from less than one million in sales to almost six million in sales!

Our townhouse was on Fountainside Drive –

3 miles to George Mason University and the same distance to the NRA building.

Before the construction build of the new FAIRFAX TOWN CENTER and the brand new WEGMANS –

we rode our bikes on trails in the woods of what would become those new areas!

We lived in this home that we paid nearly $80,000.00 more-

then we sold our four-bedroom colonial on 3/4 of an acre in Portville, N.Y.!

And we had about 1600 SF.

But – it was in an upcoming new development –

and we sold it and built our very first new home –

a 2400 SF. brick – attached townhouse on Ridgetop Commons –

in that forest, we rode our bikes in!

In three and one-half years we upgraded –

and we had become assimilated into city life!

Many times we drove into the Capital to park and walk the city!

But – we bought METRO passes and rode into D.C. on weekends to tour and see the sights.

We became official tour guides to friends and family –

often sitting on the capital lawn for the Memorial Day concerts –

and Fourth of July salutes televised

nationally for concerts on the mall!

We watched the 2000 election results and saw people partying in the streets –

it was an awesome time for two country folks from WNY!

In this case, it took a lot of understanding –

but in time – Debby and Tammy –

came to live in NVA –

bringing family and finding their own destinies –

If we had not transferred here –

there would be no Taylor – Cassidy and Bode-

as she found Marcus here.

There was Maddy but who knows about Ella and Sarah?

Our move had a profound outcome on our families and still does to this day.

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

PAPA’S WORLD – IN 1999 WE TRANSFERRED TO NORTHERN VA.

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

/ 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!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

in a little town in NWPA!

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

and he was walking to school!

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

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

and me sitting in her lap –

I would recommend this to be some 71 years ago!

I was four years old.

That is my first memory of my grandma.

She was my mother’s mother

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

Her bedroom was at the top of the stairs –

straight ahead to the side of the house.

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

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

She had this picture of Jesus on the wall –

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

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

He passed before I was born –

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

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

My mom was second from the youngest.

During the Depression –

he would walk to neighbor’s houses

with produce from the farm to help

them out –

sacks of flour – whatever he could spare.

A KIND AND GENEROUS MAN WAS HE!

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

he had a heart attack and passed away.

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

the oldest – ROY –

had served in WWI.

I wish I had more early memories of my grandma.

She passed away at 85 years old.

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

My younger brother and I became too much for her!

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

If I could go back in time to make changes –

I would change this – he died way too young.

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

I have seen many storms –

I never had to serve in the military –

for various medical and child reasons.

But – I did start working at 16 years old

and continued straight for 48 1/2 years –

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

When I retired – we had become part of MOHAWK.

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

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

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

Sitting with my grandma –

wishing I could once again talk to her.

If only I could remember more –

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

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

Papa’s World – Better Health and weight loss!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

nutrients from 30 different FRUITS – VEGETABLES and BERRIES!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A powder – French Vanilla or Dutch Chocolate –

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

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

This I substitute for a breakfast or lunch meal.

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

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

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

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

A gradual decline over the years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

has taken the health Supplements of Juice Plus and Omegas.

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

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

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

and SENIOR population!

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

Our journey is not simple – but it is real –

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

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

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

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

“HOW DID I EVER FIND TIME TO WORK”?

And – I worked for 48 1/2 years!

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

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

The overtime back then was great –

not so much the time spent!

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

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

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

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

or that I have lost some weight.

Then it is the normal bathroom routine before I shower.

I get dressed and head to the kitchen –

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

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

this was one of the musts for Sherry –

an office in the new house –

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

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

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

esp. the Sports section.

I sip my coffee – after I am done –

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

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

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

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

Now – it is time to write my blog –

I write each day – sometimes more than once –

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

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

By this time it is Sherry getting up –

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

We write everything down –

errands – walking – meet-ups with neighbors

and friends or events that we want to do!

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

What little yardwork I do now – here –

I no longer mow or trim –

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

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

recycles are Mon. – Wed. – Friday!

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

We will do errands daily –

keeping doctor and dentist appointments.

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

one in Leland –

near our long-time friends

and one just a few miles from us.

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

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

we also try to see the beaches –

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

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

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

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

Our days are filled and what I like –

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

IT IS OUR TIME AND OUR SCHEDULE –

what I always envisioned retirement to be.

Our retirement life is now full of Thunderstorms –

sweeping in from the ocean –

and rainbows after –

in between sunshine – sand and surf –

being free to do what we want.

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

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

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

became a challenge.

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

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

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

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

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

Now Sherry is very active – always on the move –

doing different things and projects.

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

It was “HELPING MISS SHERRY”!

Overnight – the pain was there –

movement was stiff – walking was labor intensive.

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

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

well, they made her ill.

And finally Physical therapy – a consultation and more improvement.

Slowly we were getting back into some normal walking.

I learned how to wash and dry clothes –

something she never would let me do –

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

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

Now – each morning I make the bed!

Change the sheets washing and drying them.

We still are trying to find out what caused this?

Maybe it was the Monday we went to Home Depot –

I had wrenched my lower left back

playing on a par three –

and I was being careful the next day –

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

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

But – nothing had happened – she was fine!

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

followed up on Sunday with another nine holes!

She was trying to adjust her swing –

I think this might of been the start –

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

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

Whatever it was – we are here for one another –

“CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER IN OUR SENIOR YEARS”!

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

we both are very careful not to fall –

and to maintain our JP supplement going for 19 years!

We move every day – and stay active –

walking the community the park or the beach.

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

and bend her legs for her back!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER IN OUR “SENIOR” YEARS!

Papa’s World – Memories of Life!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

Memories from childhood!

Living life to the plus with a sense of humor!

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

Laugh a little – laugh a lot – just laugh!

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

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

Papa’s World – Golfing and Beach Life!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

Making good contact and lifting the ball into the air.

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

That is on a par four.

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

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

PUTTING – oh Lord – if I could only putt!

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

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

In my mind is – I have done that before!

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

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

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

If you are off a fraction it is disastrous!

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

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

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

IT IS ALWAYS FOR ME THE LAST GREAT SHOT! LOL

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

to the time we had to check out

and leave the SUN-SAND- and SURF!

My thoughts were always planning for the next year –

scouring beach homes –

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

Were there enough bedrooms – how many does it sleep –

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

We have to carry so it makes a difference.

HOW MANY BATHROOMS DOES IT HAVE?

IS THERE A OUTDOOR SHOWER?

ARE THERE BEACH CHAIRS?

AND HOW MANY HOURS DO WE HAVE TO DRIVE?

Questions – questions and questions!

Now – today –

we do not have to find out all those questions!

We are here – ten minutes-

and we are standing on the BEACH!

We choose to live here on the mainland side –

back from the storms except for the really bad hurricanes –

we will face that when the time comes.

Today – we live our beach life –

choosing when to go –

and knowing we can do this whenever we want!

GOLFING and BEACHES –

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

Papa’s World – Family times and RAINBOWS!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Our life and times are defined by our FAMILY TIMES!

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

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

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

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

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

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

We have plans to attend her senior game with family!

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

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

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

Not like it did when we worked.

Someone asked me the other day –

“What have you been doing?”

I honestly struggled to answer that because I have said –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

we can watch families come and go –

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

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

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

The THUNDERSTORMS are here also –

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

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

PAPA’S WORLD – FAMILY TIMES AND RAINBOWS!

Papa’s World – GOOD HUMOR and LAUGHS!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

Help one another – share good vibes and humor!

I would be rich! LOL

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keeping up with friends – neighbors and family –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading and as always HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – GOOD HUMOR AND LAUGHS!

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

But a few things happened.

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

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

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

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

Overnight stays were common – trips to the community pools –

We were involved daily and that changed.

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

And NVA has traffic – and they are just crazy!

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

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

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

“GARAGE DOOR NEIGHBORHOOD”

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

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

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

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

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

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

But I knew none of them!

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

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

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

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

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

grew and grew – expanding – schools being built –

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

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

a large pond and huge boulders with waterfalls.

Three community pools were opened.

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

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

And the Metro came after we moved!

The Washington Commander’s headquarters was five miles away.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the highest per income in the country!

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

TIME TO SELL AND MOVE!

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

and go to warmer weather!

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

and South of that!

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE YEARS OF RETIREMENT HAVE GONE BY REALLY FAST!

PAPA’S WORLD – RETIREMENT – GOING REALLY FAST!

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – OCEAN ISLE BEACH – NORTH CAROLINA!

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

This was the second home we had built –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and this area was four hundred and forty square feet.

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

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

Also a glider and two comfy chairs!

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

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

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

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

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

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

You could find shade out here all day long!

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

Many grandkids sat here to snack or craft!

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

There were 34 windows in total in the entire house!

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

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

Many winter days I sat by the warm fireplace.

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

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

The fireplace and chair that I sat in winter time!

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

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

The wood floors were all Bamboo!

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

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

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

and bikes going by each day.

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

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

We would open Christmas packages sometimes here with the families!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Near the beaches and year-round golf!

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

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

but now are comfortable here with new friends and neighbors.

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

Never to be forgotten –

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

OUR “FOREVER” HOME IN BRAMBLETON, VA.

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

I have one morning that was way worse than this!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RAW VEGGIES!

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

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

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

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

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

My wife guides me and is a CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoinitmyway.blog

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

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

Our two beaches – Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach –

have been voted the top beaches in North Carolina!

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

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

Sunset Beach is flat and calmer-

while Ocean Isle Beach is the opposite!

We like them both and alternate between them.

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

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

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

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

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

Our major hospital – twenty minutes.

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

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

Numerous ponds – wildlife – and quiet!

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

It is warm – no snow or ice so far.

It can be hot – but I love the winter.

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

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

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

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

and not let it bother me!

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

Here you see all types of critters and birds!

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

a fence or in deep grass where snakes are!

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

My game and losing golf balls,

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

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

Just riding the cart – sun and warm breeze –

The next shot and if I make a good one –

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

THEN I STILL WILL BE BACK! LOL

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

I do not need that in my life

and it is the far left and far right!

I enjoy reading people’s trips –

adventures and families!

I enjoy seeing different lands –

cities and countries.

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

Staying positive – seeing nature

and the beauty of the world we live in!

This blog today is a positive blog –

one with humor and just being nice!

I hope this brings a smile to you –

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

Thanks for reading – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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

Papa’s World – PLANT FLOWERS IN YOUR LIFE!

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

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

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

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

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

Being friends – walking – laughing – sharing thoughts.

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

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

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

SHERRY and PAPA “PAPA’S WORLD”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We have never been told no.

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

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

gives you a breeze – plus it rarely bothers me!

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

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

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

This area was our first choice to build a home!

Both because of the price and the location –

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

We are right in the middle!

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

and they come here all the time to golf!

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

it will pass by out to sea.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – We built on Ridgetop Commons!

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

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

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

and we were to pick the upgrades we wanted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We stored a lot down there.

I knew it was there from visiting the construction site –

throughout the process.

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

Very large gothic windows on the second floor –

Cherry wood cabinets and granite tops.

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

and a newly built town center called Fairfax Corners.

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

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

The NRA building was also –

It was just too busy!

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

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

called “BRAMBLETON, VA.”

They were building an entire small city there –

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

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

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

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

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

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – LIFE IN GENERAL!

/ 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 – Life with family and friends!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

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

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

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

Going back to our early years – it was so!

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

Our lives are full of such experiences.

Sharing a laugh with great friends!

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

at least twice a year!

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

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

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

Precious and dear to our hearts – Family and grandkids!

While they are nearly grown –

they still visit us and we visit them –

Always dear to us and love them all!

Mother and daughters – all six grandkids belong to them!

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

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

So many fun times growing up in NWPA!

FRIENDS LASTING A LIFETIME!

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

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

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

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

Andrea – my son Troy’s partner – family!

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

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

PAPA’S WORLD – LIFE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!