I hope this brings a little smile to you today – a beginning of a good day and perhaps an up moment to a bad day.
PAPA’S WORLD BLOG is about the good in people and a way to make people happy!
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Auntie as we call her – came to spend four days with us over Thanksgiving – we kept her busy!
Fat Harolds – Carolina Opry – beach – shopping – Boundry House to eat – Christmas boat flotilla –
Ocean Isle Beach golf cart parade – more shopping and exploring the upper end of OIB.
It was a good four days – tired but got a lot in.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World!
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People down on the borders of N.C. and S.C. call this “Living the Salt Life” as we are so close to fine beaches!
We live four and six miles from two of them – Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach!
However, we are thirty minutes to more than another three beaches.
Neither of us like the cold weather – ice and snow – much prefer the sun and sand this area has to offer!
THE SALT LIFE – ten minutes in a car away – we are on the beach yet we live in a no flood plain – back on the mainland!
We are so grateful that we are able to do this – retirement – living life to the plus!
Thank you for reading a glimmer of our SALT LIFE!
SHERRY at sunrise on OIB – PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog “LIVING THE SALT LIFE”!
Tough choice – made easier by the drop back in 2020 for our 401K –
but also the increase in the value of the housing market!
We decided to sell – our daughter and family had moved – not far away – about thirty minutes on a good day of traffic!
But – before they were a mile away – we would pick up the little ones from school and have the youngest sometimes also.
It was an easy walk to their home and we spent a lot of time with them.
But it was the 401K – losing 30 plus % – yet the house gained more than that!
Another door had opened – an adventure awaited – we disclosed our plans – and we said we would be within an easy days drive
6 to 8 hours – but someplace warm and near a beach!
We also wanted to golf – for far less expensive than it was in NVA!
After a couple months of searching – we found our beaches – Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach – one four miles and the other six miles away – we wanted to stay on the mainland – and not in a flood zone – we found Cameron Woods Community.
We built our home – six to eight hours from our NVA families – they have come to visit numerous times and we have been back the same.
We live right across the street from four 18-hole golf courses and are within 30 minutes of another twenty-five!
We have new friends and neighbors – and are close to dear friends we have had for 35 years.
Our life had changed – we went through that door – it was not easy –
now we are in the twilight of our years – but every day brings new adventures and experiences.
A new day begins – another day to explore and live the Carolina life – thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – OUR LIFE!
PAPA’S WORLD my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com OUR CAROLINA LIFE!
It is so peaceful and quiet on the road in our development before all the workers arrive in front of Sherry!
If you want peaceful settings in the country – yet only four miles to the beach and six miles to the other-
than Cameron Woods Community – OIB – just might be where you want to look!
But look fast as only 35 to 40 homesites remain.
When completed – some 150 homes will be here – along four ponds – a walking trail and a beautiful community center.
Two to four miles to Food Lion – Publix and Lowes and several gas stations and bars and grills.
Four golf courses right across the road and summer live concerts live 3 or 4 days a week within 8 miles!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – Cameron Woods Community – OIB, N.C. SUNRISE!
We play scrambles with other couples – friends – guys vs. gals!
You take the total of your 18-hole score – then you get deducted one stroke for every par the other team made – and two strokes for a birdie and so forth.
Surprising – most scores then come down to one or two strokes – or even.
We have tried other ways – giving and taking strokes – handicaps, etc.
And it all is in fun – but I will tell you – we tied the first nine and the guys won the second nine by one stroke while carding a 35!
THEY ARE THAT GOOD!
Friends are priceless – all these years – song on 40-plus years.
We later went on the ICW on a pontoon boat – cruising up and down – a few drinks –
a lot of laughs and some singing.
Thanks for reading – PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
We choose this lot because of the sunrise and sunset from our driveway!
You look right to the East and left to the West!
We have been here going on fifteen months – and have had numerous sunrise and sunset skies
that is absolutely beautiful!
We are in OIB but on the mainland side – six miles to Sunset Beach and four miles to OIB.
Our backyard borders a protected area – it can not be developed or cut down – the second reason we chose this lot to build our new home!
This is now our third harvest since early spring – and are going on our second harvest of cucumbers!
She finally talked me into purchasing a grill and we often grill out here – we have no gas and the house is all electric – and electric stove tops we have found are hard to keep clean – thus I grill! LOL
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD and SUNRISE FROM THE FRONT DRIVEWAY!
MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog PAPA’S WORLD contact: fitztdf@aol.com
The four couples have been friends going on 35 years and some over 40 years.
We try to get together at least once or twice a year –
made more difficult because some still live in WNY and another couple in Va. Beach.
While Sherry and myself live 32 miles from the McBrides now.
We all rented a pontoon boat for four hours to cruise up and down the ICW from OIB – to Holden Beach and back to Sunset Beach – where we saw a lone Dolphin for over 15 minutes diving for food in 8 feet of water.
It was really busy being labor day weekend – countless boats going both ways and creating waves!
To be continued with more pictures of the ICW and friends.
PAPA’S WORLD – FUN TIMES – OLD FRIENDS – GETTING TOGETHER!
Our family from WPA came to visit – driving some 16 hours – a very long trip!
First time for my two sons and their families to make the trip South.
We tried to work as much into the seven days as we could –
sometimes letting them go off on their own as we had other commitments
but we did sunrises and sunsets all together – beach time and places to eat out together.
Visiting the area and nature walks along with mini golf!
Our time together was priceless and I encouraged them to fly next time to be able to spend
more time on vacation and less time driving!
Shawn runs his own Energy Auditing business contracting with major energy companies for the states of Pa. and firms from NYS. Troy works for and runs the insulation side of the business for Shawn and government and state programs for the elderly.
We decided after dinner to drive over the causeway to Sunset Beach –
park and then I had a beer and Sherry had unsweet ice tea –
paid our dollars and walked out onto the pier!
A quiet evening on the pier – people fishing – people strolling and taking pictures –
surf – sand, and water –
a time to reflect on one’s self!
Our family from NWPA drove 14 1/2 hours to be with us for one week – and the first night –
we took them to Sunset Beach to the pier – to experience the famous Sunset Beach – sunset!
The air was warm as was the water at 80 degrees.
Many people come here to fish until midnight when the pier closes.
THE SUNSET at Sunset Beach, N.C. frfom the pier.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – On Sunset Beach pier to see the sunset with family.
My blog is dedicated to all that is family – love and to promoting the good things in life.
I share with you those things daily – my hope is you look forward each day to seeing and reading it.
We do have fantastic sunrises and sunsets here.
We go to the end of the driveway – look right to the sunrise and then left to the sunset!
It is a quiet neighborhood in this direction at the end of the road – a new phase of construction has begun.
They have already framed and enclosed some sixteen houses –
they have cleared additional lots and put in two new ponds!
A total of seventy-six more homes will be built back there.
The total of Cameron Woods would then be 170 plus homes and about forty-eight attached condos
at the entrance across the street!
We are four miles to the OIB and seven miles to Sunset Beach.
Over twenty golf courses are within fifteen minutes –
many of them twenty-seven holes.
Two of the many reasons we decided to build and live here.
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My daily life on social media is to bring smiles – happy thoughts – good deeds – sharing thoughts – being a good person.
The news is filled with sorrow – hate – negative words – death and destruction.
Political discourse – friend against a friend – family against family.
Split down the middle and agitated with a false narrative.
Our actions as adults form the life of a child – repeating endless history through time.
We form our children – we protect them yet they see our actions and imitate them for the worse not the better.
I try with my blogs and with my social media each and every day to spread love- kindness – happy thoughts –
family – friends – church – smiles – and positivity toward the human race in general.
For forty-two years – forty married – they have been my life!
While I am their stepdad – they are like my own –
I am the luckiest man in the world.
They call me PAPA – and it is like a badge of honor to me.
They hug me goodnight when we stay with them – Bode gets up in the morning and the first thing he does
comes down the stairs to our bedroom – and usually, I am blogging –
He runs up to me and throws his arms around my neck –
” I LOVE YOU PAPA”!
We combined two families – four very young kids – and started the next forty years together.
Debby was eight going on nine when Sherry and I married – we were engaged for one year prior
and dated one year prior to that.
The three of them – laughing – giggling – so full of life – love them – proud of each of them.
The Ladies of my life – Papa’s World – Thanks for reading – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
TWELVE DAYS of non-stop activity – crossing off all that was on the list plus whatever we added!
Ferry rides – Fort Fisher – aquarium – scavenger hunt – arts and crafts at the park – Wonder Works in Boardwalk on the Beach – Lulu’s and playground at Barefoot Landing – Plus Bullys for lunch –
Then there were go-carts – mini golf – beach time – tidal pool – fireworks – golf cart parade – walking and riding bikes – crafts at home – IPAD time –
There was more – twelve days worth – and yes we were exhausted – but even now we miss them.
The parents came for overnight and then headed to Topsail Beach for vacation with Marcus’s family.
The kids were excited as they would see their cousins and grandparents.
It was a full twelve days of non-stop going – playing – creating – laughing – and they were so good!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
This was drawn and painted by one of the employees who work at the pier!
The morning – first a beach walk – then two mazes for the kids to work their way out –
and then to the pier to have ice cream before their parents get there from NVA!
Day twelve of having grandkids staying with us!
We were so busy – ferry rides – mazes – aquarium – Boardwalk on the Beach – Barefoot Landing –
Mini golf – beach days – go- carts – music festival – arts and crafts – playgrounds – scavenger hunt –
Fourth of July golf cart parade – fireworks – eating out for lunch and dinners!
Walking – bikes – hoverboards – monopoly (Brunswick)- games – drawing –
Huge tidal pool – riding the waves – sunset slushes and more.
Now we have found out there are two different men who are drawing MAZES on the beach!
And both are done with just a special shovel – and that is it!
He has a Facebook page and now does it in memory of his wife who passed away.
According to a newspaper article – he does this with only a shovel and in his mind –
he draws them – starting in the middle and working out.
His wife would accompany him and test them out to make sure they were right.
Now – we have discovered a second man who draws his MAZES on the beach by the third street beach access.
The grandkids loved both of them – if you take the grandkids to the beach –
this will keep them entertained for a long time! LOL
His MAZES seem to be larger – I watched him and he would go into the maze and do some patch-up work with the shovel.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
When they are home – it is outside they go – playing with friends – riding bikes!
So – before they came to visit for twelve days – we asked them to think about what they wanted to do!
And they came up with a list for each one to do and day by day we crossed those items off –
somedays more than one!
I still can not believe we did all of this – each day we added and crossed off – one by one.
And yes – by the end we were exhausted – but it was a good feeling and now –
They are gone and I wish they were back.
You should see the LIST – things that they wanted to do and wrote down!
We have one more to do – tomorrow – MINI GOLF!
Bode has wanted to play mini-golf on this one course in North Myrtle Beach
since we have been down here for two years!
The one that has the Airplane and Helicoper!
And the crafts they have done and completed – hours and hours of doing them!
We have been going to the beach every other day, mostly in late afternoons or early evenings.
That way – they will not get sunburned and they are now so tanned!
Having them here has been a joy – it will be twelve days total and their parents will pick them up.
Excitement – laughter – and some groans – but all in all – they have been very good.
Last year it was one week – this year twelve days – and we have done a lot in those times!
“PAPA – MORMOR – WHAT ARE WE DOING NEXT”?
I am going to miss them when they leave but will see them in a couple weeks –
they are going with their parents for an additional week on the beach at Topsail, N.C.
Then home and for two weeks will practice with a professional crew from California
in the musical LION KING!
We are going home to watch them.
Almost every day weather permitting – for the last 8 to 10 years – a man ( I do not know his name)
appears on the beach with just a shovel and draws these amazing MAZES!
There have been numerous newspaper articles – Facebook and other social pages and stories
of his unique style of PUZZLES on the beach at low tide.
The diagram also has instructions on how to TURN at each intersection –
you can not just walk straight through – you must turn in any direction.
The articles I have read – he does this as a hobby and for years for his wife until she passed away.
He decided to continue in her memory each day – she would accompany him and test out the MAZE!
I would like to meet him and talk to him!
While we were there for 45 minutes – at least a hundred people stopped and tried to solve the MAZE!
Although Ocean Isle Beach is closer to our home – we always take the company to Sunset Beach!
The beach is wider and more flat and shallow!
Plus – Sunset Beach is more residential and not as commercial.
The two – Bode and Cassidy are just alike although it is Taylor and Cassidy who are the twins.
Taylor takes after her MorMor who is tall – as do her cousins Sarah and Ella.
All three are going to be over 5’10”!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
Our family from Lake Holiday in Va. visited and we took them on a four-mile walk in the surf –
To the KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX and back!
This mailbox has been there for over 40 plus years.
Put there by a hippie and his girlfriend all those years ago.
Today – thousands of people every year walk to it – take out a journal and write their thoughts.
Those journals have been collected as historical and some are in a museum.
There are benches there and a driftwood piece with a plaque with his name on it.
One bench also has a plaque with a lady’s name and it calls her the KINDRED SPIRIT!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
These concerts are from top bands in the Carolinas – and are free to the public.
6:30 pm. to 8:30 pm.
The policy is against cans and bottles of alcohol
but as long as you have it poured into a plastic cup or another container- you are good to go.
These open-air concerts are also free every Wednesday night at Sunset Beach.
Both events draw large crowds of locals and tourists.
Just bring your chair and set it up – and then for two hours enjoy the music.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my blog: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
Cassidy decided that this was the year she wanted to play soccer –
after a few years of on and off again.
The Pandemic played a role in that –
I was impressed when she went one-on-one with another boy from the other team.
She held her own and took the ball from him!
She is quick and fast – but I also see her hesitate when in a scrum –
but I think she will outgrow that as she plays more and more.
They have her in the back to play defense much as they did when her cousins
Maddy and Ella played.
Bode is fast – aggressive and quick – playing the front –
he needs to get his skills and I see that coming along quickly.
He is going to be tall like Taylor – ( who now rides horses bareback! )
Bode is a natural in whatever he does. A good athlete.
I see him developing into a very fast-aggressive soccer player.
Their soccer season has come to an end.
We got back up there to watch them both play their last games for this year.
We had an early morning walk – the sun had already come up and it was the beginning of a good day!
After walking in the community – we decided to go to Sunset Beach and see what was happening in the park on the mainland side.
This park sits on the banks of the ICW – and has these giant live oak trees –
providing shade – paved walking trails and benches to sit on.
Also – three-person glider swings – all facing the water!
We had restrooms nearby – picnic tables and a shelter – a car nearby and walking distance to ice cream!
Places to eat were also close by – as was the boat launch.
We will go back – take our chairs – cooler and food – find a place in the shade and just relax.
A 15-minute drive from our home in Cameronwood Community – on the mainland side-
SUNSET BEACH PARK.
Thanks for reading and once we got back home the sun was starting to set –
an end to a very good day!
After spending the day here at Sunset Beach – one of the top ten beaches in the country –
we drove the short ride back to our Cameron Woods Community.
After dinner and having a small sprinkle of rain – I went outside in the clean fresh air – warm –
and beheld the night early evening sky!
It was a good day – one that we spent at the beach and then back home once again.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
We gathered at 6:00 pm. for some snacks and cocktails on Sunset Beach –
it was very windy but warm and at that time of day – we pretty much had the beach to ourselves!
A small group as it was during the week and many people were not around.
Neighbors come and go all week long – some work from home – others retired.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
One of the reasons we moved to this area on the border of N.C. and S.C. is the golfing!
We have almost 25 courses within 30 minutes of our location and we love to golf.
Our friends also live down here and we try to golf once a week with them.
Our community of Cameron Woods we chose because it was not clearcut –
a lot of old-growth is here and we love that!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
We moved South from NVA which was where we thought we would stay in retirement!
But – then the Pandemic and the downturn hit – but our home value soared!
It was time – so we sold almost everything and came South –
to the border region of N.C. and S.C. – to OIB!
From our driveway, we get to see both sunrise and sunsets here in N.C. –
and we are only a couple miles from the beach!
We are close to two beaches – Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach, N.C.
The course is tight with water everywhere!
Be sure to bring balls!
The course was very fun – we lost golf balls but found some also.
It was dry and needed rain – the balls just ran and ran into water!
We actually used Sherry’s ball as it was about ten yards farther –
but we still had to go over another pond and to the green!
A beautiful day and we ended up on the beach – golfing – walking on the sand and surf.
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MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
The flowers are bright yellow – and our little grandson was fascinated by all the Cactus!
Sunset Beach – is mostly level once you get over the dunes on the boardwalk.
The ocean seems calmer here and you can wade far out!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World MY BLOG SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
We live on the mainland of Ocean Isle Beach – in this picture at the top right –
There is a very tall building – that is the West end of Ocean Isle Beach – with a channel between the islands.
Sunset Beach for some reason – is leveler – and shallow – and easier to walk.
However – it is also more crowded.
The pier – from which Sherry took this picture – has a historical walk with picture stations on both sides.
Going back some 300 hundred years of history in this area.
It cost one dollar to walk out – however, we purchase a pretzel and a drink and it did not cost us anything!
We walked for over an hour in the water – and it was warm.
This beach is more level and is easier for me to walk – my hip does not bother me here!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – SUNSET BEACH, N.C. is a beautiful vacation destination!
MY BLOG SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
It was light rain all day – the kind that does the lawn and flowers just right.
Nature had painted the SUNSET – the rain still coming down and behind me was the Rainbow.
A fresh landscape – warm – wet – and the sky were painted white – gray blue and yellow.
It was the WHY we choose this home location.
The day before my birthday – we celebrated with our close friends – Buck and Cindy –
She even baked chocolate chip cookies for me!
Carolina National – outside Supply, N.C. second time we have played here – a good course!
After we finished up at 6:30 pm. we headed into the clubhouse for dinner –
although they quite handily won the scramble – we always have fun
and will get together again to continue our years-old match of gals vs guys!
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com Living life to the plus one day at a time! HGD!
This blog site is a quiet place to think – ponder and believe in yourself.
Have faith – kindness and friends and family in your life.
To remove STRESS – live as you can and stay away from the TV news!
For health – find whole food nutrition like we have for sixteen years!
As my heart doctor has always told me “MOVE” – do not stay idle!
Live your life – enjoy and make new friends – life is short – live your dreams!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – PURPOSE OF BEING – MY BLOG – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
We drive past Jinks Creek every time we cross the causeway and go to the beach –
Ocean Isle Beach that is.
Back in October a couple of my buddies were here and we golfed –
after, we came to the Tiki Bar on the top floor for dinner and drinks.
What a sight it was with the sunset – looking out over the water and marsh.
I had tried to get Sherry – my wife to stop in many times –
but she thought always it was too expensive.
Finally, she agreed – and after some beach time, we stopped just to have drinks.
She was impressed at what she experienced!
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
PAPA’S WORLD Sherry and Papa – top deck Tiki Bar – JINKS CREEK – SUNSET – Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
They have been friends for going on 38 years or more –
one drives the cart – the other hangs on! LOL
They talk and talk and talk and then they laugh and laugh and laugh some more.
We – Buck and I – play them in golf and they give strokes!
They are tough to beat.
Talk of retirement for Cindy – golf – scrambles – laughter and shots – pars are shots! LOL
We were excited when we moved near the border of S.C. and N.C. – a ten-minute drive to the beach.
A lot of nights we just look at each other after cleaning up the kitchen and “LET’S GO”!
Ocean Isle Beach is a ten-minute drive over the causeway and to the sand.
However – we really like to drive the extra five minutes and go to Sunset Beach!
Here we drive to the far west end and park and walk the long boardwalk over the dunes.
Even at this time, the beach is busy with people – swimming – walking, or catching late rays from the sun.
The beach here is flatter than OIB and we like that!
Sunset Beach after dinner – one of the WHYS we moved here to Cameron Woods Community.
We live in a little community along the mainland of Ocean Isle Beach in N.C.
If you could walk to the beach straight East – it is two miles!
But since you can’t – driving is four miles and then over the causeway to OIB.
But with my coffee pouring, I step out the back door and view the sky to the South East.
And then I turn slightly to the left toward the East – and this view I have almost every day!
It is so quiet and you hear the multitude of birds every morning calling and chirping.
It is this scene of my WHY for a front porch and a place to sit and sip my morning brew.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World: MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
I love sunrises and sunsets – a good way to start and end your day!
The sky slowly turned into a creamsicle color as the sunset!
We have finished all the landscaping and are presently putting in flowers leaving open spaces.
All our trees are edged with stones around them.
At night – they are all lit up with solar lights.
Thanks for reading – Creamsicle skies and flowerbeds.
When the project of saving the beach from erosion on OIB on the East end came to a close –
not only was there a new 900-foot wide new beach –
but it was full of dredged up seashells and of course, the little ones went searching!
These three – esp Bode and Cassidy – you have to have something planned out to do every day!
MORMOR is Swede for MOTHERSMOTHER!
All three just love her – Cassidy calls her every week or texts her often.
This summer we will travel North to their home and bring them back for a week with us.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
We moved farther south – all the way to the border of N.C and S.C.
We wanted it to be warm in the winter – four seasons without snow and ice.
We wanted to be close enough to the beach that we could drive and spend hours there or walk.
A place family and friends would visit – one floor – but enough room to have people stay.
It is a quiet place – room to walk –
friendly neighbors – we all are new here.
Our life has changed – we did like where we were – but times change – getting older
has a way of making those changes.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD
my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
She and her brother argue – fight – yell at one another – cry – but beware – she protects him
like a little mother would – she takes his hand in the surf – she is beside him always in the waves.
She is CASSIDY – SHE is the big protective sister who looks out for him –
and she also is the one who constantly texts or zooms or facetime her Grandmother(MORMOR)
She and Bode should have been the twins – so alike – sound the same – always movin –
two peas in a pod – in fact, if I am not in the room and they talk –
I have a hard time telling the difference between who is who!
The two of them are inseparable on the beach and in the water.
When one comes out – the other follows.
She takes his hand when they wade out – they jump the waves together – they are as one.
She is kind – quiet – studious – and constantly reading Harry Potter novels.
She loves horses and is becoming an accomplished equestrian at age of eleven.
She is tall and I think will surpass her grandma who is almost 5’10”.
When walking she grabs your hand or when standing next to you – lays her head on your arm.
She is TAYLOR!
But – she has another side to her – a side that makes me smile.
She quietly – by herself – has an array of little stuffed animals she takes with her everywhere.
She treats them as her little family.
She has names for each and every one of them.
She smiles – she laughs – she is funny.
She is bright – reading at a Junior level.
She knows about brackish water – why there are tides –
She can explain climate change – she is beyond her years!
But she has that little secretive side to her –
The side that when she is not in the room – you see what she has done!
This is our Taylor Bear as Mommie calls her.
The quiet one – the reader and studier.
The one who grabs your hand to walk or lays her head on your shoulder.
THIS IS TAYLOR – one of our twin granddaughters.
I first saw him – slowly walking the beach near the surf line –
at first glance, I thought of him to be homeless.
He was pulling what looked like a wagon – but it was a beach wagon.
And it was piled high with things I could not make out from a distance.
As I watched a family near him also watched him as he slowly passed them.
Then I realized he had a suit and tie on – very well dressed –
“WHERE WAS HE GOING I THOUGHT”?
Struggling – he was struggling to pull that beach wagon.
Then I walked over to him thinking I might help him a bit.
That is when he told me a short story – a story about “THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE”!
“Hello he said – it is a beautiful day isn’t it”?
He continued to talk – not stopping – but then I asked him where he was going and what was in the wagon.
“I am going to go way down there” he pointed – some two miles away!
“I just came from the pier” some 1/2 to 1 mile back –
“This is harder than I thought”! he said. “The tires are too small”!
“But – I am here and I am going to do this for THE LOVE OF MY LIFE”!
You see – he had brought her here years ago – by themselves and had walked this very beach
together hand in hand so he said.
He said, ” She told me it was the best thing she ever had done in her life”!
She loved that day – no other day in her whole life compared to it.
Then – ten years ago she passed away and he was in a car accident.
He slowly walked once again – and that day he was going back –
pulling that wagon – he continued talking-
I have a generator in there that weighs 60 pounds and speakers!
I have two chairs and a small table – it is very heavy – but I will take a chair out and rest.
I wish I had different tires he said – bigger ones.
“I am going to set up that generator and speakers – my two chairs – one for her and one for me”!
” I have my smartphone with a playlist of all her favorite songs – I am going to blast it out there”
he said pointing to the ocean.
“I AM GOING TO PLAY THOSE SONGS FOR THE LOVE OF MY LIFE”!
“Yes sir – that is what I am going to do in the place that was the best day of her life”!
“Thank you for talking to me sir – God Bless you – I have to be on my way”! he said and turned away.
There goes love – true love – OLD MAN WALKING – FOR THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE!
On one of our trips across the World – we ventured to California.
We found some very large Redwoods in a place called MUIR’S FOREST!
It was very foggy that day and we had no idea what we would see for it was a drive through hills
a road that went up and down and around – steep sides to fall thousands of feet.
And then we came to a parking lot that seemed out in the middle of nowhere.
Our paved road was no longer – it was sand and dirt.
And it proved to be after the fog lifted – near the Ocean.
Houses were there but first, we had to walk that dirt path through the woods.
Magnificant woods they were – Ancient trees hundreds of feet tall and big enough around
you could lock arms with a dozen people and not have enough to encircle the base.
WE WERE IN MUIR’S REDWOOD FOREST!
We were off the paved highway and onto the dirt path – sometimes to see the beauty
you have to get your feet dirty and experience the wonder of nature.
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Our family came to spend their spring break with us before Easter.
We spent a lot of time between beaches – and it was a warm week for water and sand.
Shelling – walking – boogie boards – blowing sand – no rain – warm sun and family time.
Taylor excels in horseback riding and grooming – riding lessons once a week.
She is very tall for her age and will be taller than her MORMOR Sherry –
who is almost 5’10”.
Ella has already matched Sherry and Sarah will soon.
These two are so much alike that they should have been the twins.
Bode will end up also being very tall.
Her warmth and caring – her love of her MORMOR whom she calls all the time.
Her use of YOUTUBE for art projects and drawings.
She is playing soccer as is Bode.
She is quick – fast and agile.
Thank you for reading Papa’s World my blog: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Not only do we live near each other – but we have bonds that go back to WNY!
They also lived back in NYS and know many of the places we know!
They had invited us to go boating on their second trip out after they had tried it out on their first outing.
It was a warm day off the water but the wind on THE ICW made it a bit chilly
and long sleeves were welcomed!
We spent almost four hours traveling down to Little River – just cruising slowly and returning!
THANKS FOR READING PAPA’S WORLD MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
The community center – pickleball courts and pool will be on our left at the top of the hill and our mailboxes will be on the right-hand side in a small cul-de-sac.
Inspections – material shortages – labor – One developer sold to another – numerous delays!
But when completed we can walk easily to it and it will be so nice –
the inside has been drywalled and painted in 80 % of the building –
the area to the right in the pictures has yet to be drywalled.
I have no idea why it was not done all the way through – but the drywall is sitting in there.
Inside are bathrooms – kitchen, meeting room, fireplace, workout area, lounging area, etc.
The main entrance – gated – is to the right.
Once back on Waterway road – it is straight back to the house –
or you can choose to do five other cul-de-sacs – some with houses most are vacant.
Or walk the road to the pond – to the end of the cul-de-sac or go to the new construction area and walk.
If you choose to walk everything in Cameron Woods plus the garden homes –
it would be close to seven or eight miles!
Thank you for reading Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Paul and Janet Brown are from Eldred Pa. and I have known them
as we all graduated from the same H.S. – Otto-Eldred.
Paul – Sherry and I and his brother Jim all worked for American Olean Tile in Olean, N.Y.
Paul – Jim and I all played softball together in the mid-’70s.
Paul and Janet have known Cindy and Buck McBride for years and years – we all are old friends.
After dinner – we found a place to take a group photo –
but the bright sun was brutal!
Finally – a very nice lady who was standing on the top deck –
said she would come down and take the picture.
She walked all the way down from the third floor – bless her!
We have a core group of friends that go back to the late ’70s –
We try to get together over the years – now we live only 35 minutes from Buck and Cindy
and we try to play golf once a week with them.
Jim and Dottie are in Va. Beach and Paul and Janet are still in Eldred
but now are retired and RV in Florida.
They were kind to find a place nearby and camp for two nights
allowing us all to get together – we miss you, Jim, and Dottie!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
While visiting us – our daughter and granddaughter went with us to Sunset Beach
to view its renowned sunset.
It seems everyone heads to this location –
as I dropped them off and had to drive a couple blocks to park.
But – it was worth the walk back in time to capture the mother and daughter doing a selfie!
The trip was worth it and while no clouds for reflection – the marsh provides that quiet feeling!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com
It is very wide here and at low tide – you feel you almost could walk across the cove to the other island.
Here are Debby – Sherry, and Ella – a few others were walking – but the gusts of wind made it cold.
The tidal pools were warm – the air cold and the wind gusting – but the sun was warm – which made it bearable to spend an hour or so exploring this part of the beach.
Wide-open and almost deserted beach – tide going out and exposing even more beach.
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MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
This sits right on the river which the big casino boats use to go out onto the ocean.
There are thousands of shells hanging from all the trees and bushes.
We have taken all the grandkids here and they all have hung shells.
While here – she was out the door by 6:00 am. to go to SUNSET BEACH –
spread her towel out and get some fantastic pictures of the sunrise and the high tide.
And then – for her training for college soccer – ran four miles on the beach!
She then set up her camera and video-taped herself taking an icy plunge into the surf!
Love her spirit!
She chooses to spend her week-long Spring Break with us –
And was quite happy not to go off with friends.
BONDING WITH MADDY!
She – like her grandma – is drawn to the surf and ocean.
Environmental Science is her major with a minor in Photography.
She has an eye for taking nature photos!
When Maddy arrived – the next day we took her on one of our walks.
Diane – our neighbor went with us and it had just rained.
We walked our three-plus miles – showing where she could run her four miles
that she runs to keep in shape for soccer.
It was a beautiful day – after the downpour and the sun came out.
We had told her we had a couple gators in our pond –
although we have only ever seen one at a time.
We were standing along the trail and looking for the gator – after the rain, the water level was up.
The gator usually is in the middle on a raise of land and weeds.
We could not see it and all of a sudden in a very quiet voice –
MADDY says “It’s right there” pointing down the bank and to the water!
We had never seen it anyplace other than the middle!
As soon as I took the picture – it flipped over and into the water and started swimming away.
We were all surprised and jumped as it flipped into the water.
Maddy had her first sighting of a gator here in N.C. and a close one at that!
After our walk was over – we went home and on the back patio, I started a fire in the SOLO STOVE!
Maddy and her family always do campfires.
We have been picking up dead branches and pine combs to burn –
while also buying firewood bundles.
There is also a lot of throw-away construction pieces that we have gathered.
I only burn it on special occasions and this was one.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – livingmylifedoingitmyway.blog contact: fitztdf@aol.com
She drove herself five hours from Lynchburg Va. – her University – to spend her break with us!
She had a test in the morning of the day she started out – but she and Sherry wanted to see the beach.
It was cool out – a cold front had come in from Florida all the way North to N.E.
And the wind made for a chilly walk in the blowing sand.
Here you can see a deserted beach and how the sand blows across it – stinging your eyes.
It was worth the time to take her to both beaches – to relax after her five-hour drive –
the crazy world of college and tests – maintaining an almost 4.0!
And grandma had her eldest granddaughter once again in her home!
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD, a place to just rest your thoughts and enjoy the day.
MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
She chooses to spend her Spring Break with us –
this will be the first time she has been to our new home in N.C.
She is 21 years old and a Junior at the University of Lynchburg – in Va.
Her major is Engineering Science.
GPA of almost 4.0.
She excels in soccer and has played all three years in college.
As a Sophomore, she was third-team all-conference –
As a Junior this year she was selected to the second-team all-conference.
This summer she will travel to Costa Rico to do humane work –
along with playing in three scrimmages with her team
against the Costa Rico National – World cup – Olympic team!
For a young lady who in H.S. for three years – in order to play better competition
Drove herself 65 miles each way for practice three days a week into
Loudoun County Va. just outside Washington DC.
She was recruited and ended up at the University of Lynchburg.
Thanks for reading – my blog about our oldest granddaughter
who selected to spend her Spring Break with us.
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
For sixteen years she is and has been a Certified Health Coach –
teaching the value of a plant-based diet.
She is an SSC for the Juice Plus Company –
And my inspiration to maintain a healthy living and aging style.
It has been a journey – one that is not easy to maintain with all the food that is out there –
but one that has become a way of life for their families –
and the concept of “TEAM GENERATIONS” that now has all the grandkids following.
Along with so many others all over the country and their own families.
TEACHING GOOD HEALTH THROUGH HEALTHY SELECTIONS – and continuing in N.C.
We continue to grow here in N.C. and our experiment of the twelve-month growing season
has been a success!
We decided to bring one Tower Garden with us and last August started our growing season.
We have continued all through the winter here –
experiencing SNOW – ICE – HIGH WINDS – temps into the TEENS!
It has survived all of that with a cover we brought with us from Va.
It allows the sun in and heats up during the day –
Metallic surface and everything survived regardless of our 1/4 inch ice storm.
I am not sure where we bought this covering but it was worth it as we had salads every night.
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com
SHERRY L. FITZSIMMONS CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH
HER SITE: http://www.sf.juiceplus.com
HER EMAIL for information: ssherrylynn49@aol.com
From the end of our driveway – we can see both the Sunrise and the Sunset!
As the fall comes on and summer has ended – the Sun starts to move each day –
and in this picture – the sunrise is more to the right – in the fall it has moved to the left.
We came to view this lot at around 2:00 pm. on a sunny afternoon a year ago last October.
And we could see how the Sun would go across the lot
and knew we would have views of Sunrise and Sunset – we were hooked and the trees would remain.
Our view every night – Sunset in Cameron Woods – Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
Thanks for reading Papa’s World – next blog – Sunrise and the Tower Garden.
MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
It was the start of a beautiful February day – warm sun – in the 70’s – clear skies!
We can see both the sunrise and sunset from the end of our driveway.
And yes – it does get somewhat cold and windy here – but then you get three or four days of
summertime back home weather!
In the high 60’s to mid 70’s – perfect days!
At the end of this street is a trail entrance that walks around the pond and through the woods.
I have only seen the one gator in here – but others have seen two and still other little ones.
It even has otters that have been seen and tons of turtles!
There seems to be an old raised farm road here – and the gator is always in this area.
I have seen long-legged birds stand here and it is not deep.
Weeds will grow up and out of the water.
The path is graded and is some 12 feet wide – it goes into the woods.
It is like black cinder stones and when you get into the woods –
is covered in orange pine needles!
I always watch for snakes and have only seen one large black snake on the path.
We turned around and went back the way we had come.
Now on the other end – it comes around the pond and there is marsh and water on the other side.
So – we watch both sides –
you can see where that gator or another one has come up and crossed the path!
This is just how it is living in this part of the South.
There were three deer there and one went into the bushes as I took the picture!
Those bushes and shrubs are thick and you could hear them as they went through.
I saw a picture someone took of a big buck coming out of the surf under the pier!
I have never seen them this close and they blend in really well with the landscape!
We also have seen a large flock of Turkeys back in Cameron Woods –
and I got pictures of them.
My car is a hybrid – so it makes very little noise when you are going slow.
I was able to get to about twenty feet from them!
Large birds and just disappeared into the trees.
It was a beautiful day – sun – wildlife – warm and a fine beach day for walks.
Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD
MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
