team

Papa’s World – Pool champ – my son – Shawn!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

As of this writing of this blog-

He had won three tournaments in a row –

and has flown to Las Vegas as he earned his way there to compete-

With the best in the nation!

This is nothing new as he has been doing this for years!

He is a ranked player in the USA and Canada.

He also plays in team events –

And has won his way to Las Vegas for the team and singles.

Very proud of this young man –

As he owns and operates his own Auditing and Insulation business –

From State contracts to major power and energy companies –

He supplies the above.

By his side –

touring with him to all tournaments –

The love of his life – TRISHA – man and wife.

To you my son – CONGRATS!

Job in both pool tournaments and business life-

JOBS WELL DONE!

Thanks for reading this blog!

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

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Papa’s World – My father – gone but not forgotten.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Imagine my surprise when one day-

I happened upon a post on FaceBook –

Asking those of us from my hometown –

If they recognize anyone in the pictures they posted?

Must be they were cleaning out a home –

And came across an album that had many pictures –

But no names associated with them.

Just on a whim —

I clicked on the first one and then another.

They seemed to be back in the 50s –

and I just did not know who they were.

And then the second to last –

a picture of five men holding bowling balls!

I KNEW EVERY ONE OF THEM GROWING UP AND ONE WAS MY FATHER!

Now – I have very few family pictures –

my sister had them all –

And when she passed away –

they all went to my niece.

Boxes of them!

Then – she became ill – brain cancer –

and she hung on but then –

young – she passed away.

Those boxes remained in her home and a person –

who was not part of the family –

To throw them all away-

without asking anyone as far as I know –

If they wanted them!

That was gut-wrenching for me-

as all my family history was in those boxes.

So this picture came as a complete surprise to me!

The first man on the left – Bobby Bradt –

the second man from the left –

my father – Bob Fitzsimmons –

his real name was Clarence Robert Fitzsimmons –

everyone called him Bob or”FITZ”!

Then Don -(who owned the insurance business)

who every year I got a birthday card from him –

as I was born on his birthday!

Then Eddie –

who was the meat cutter in the Market Basket.

And finally – my father’s best friend – ELMER –

who passed away a few years after this picture was taken.

He owned the local dealership of Dodge cars.

My dad was about six feet tall –

and his father made him stay in school –

although he graduated as a Sophomore!

There was no place for him to go-

as that was shortly after the depression.

They were what I was brought up to say “DOWNHOMERS”!

Down in Pa. by Brookville and Corsica.

Grandpa was a teacher –

and taught way into his late 70s and early 80s.

Dad’s mother was a Kennedy –

and he was raised as an Irish Protestant.

She was as I remember very tall –

almost six foot and thin.

I remember going to their home in the coal country down there.

They had an outhouse and a pump in the kitchen sink for water.

One of Dad’s brothers lived next door

and his sister not far away on a huge chicken farm.

My mother also came from that area –

one of eleven boys and girls –

She was next to the youngest.

Her parents –

her mother was Pa. Dutch

and her father was Irish Catholic.

He passed away before I was born-

but my middle name (DAVID) was in his honor.

In this picture here –

my dad was a good left-handed bowler.

And I think they went to Buffalo and won something up there!

He was a supervisor for the South Penn Oil Company –

and when growing up during the summer –

would take me to work with him.

Those were days I will always remember –

riding the bulldozer with “PAT”-

who worked for my day – pulling the tool house behind us.

Dad also golfed with Elmer –

they had a name that they called themselves –

the foursome which included Eddie.

I forget what it was-

but I know after Dad and Elmer passed -it continued.

Dad passed away in 1969 –

a few years after his best friend Elmer.

Their families for years would go way North into Canada –

flying in and landing on water at fishing camps.

There were hundreds of pictures of them in the boxes thrown away.

On the old red barn in the backyard –

they had nailed dozens of muskie and pike heads to the front of the barn.

I knew every one of these men growing up –

My hope is someday in the future –

future generations of the family read my blogs –

Look at the pictures of our life together –

and form memories-

and maybe – just maybe –

ONE OF THEM CARRIES ON THE BLOG POSTS INTO THE FUTURE!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – MY FATHER – GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

Papa’s World – ST2402 permit – SEA TURTLES!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

It is an early evening in August –

the middle of the month –

Sherry and I are dressed in our orange shirts –

shorts and carrying our flashlight-

that beams red in the darkness!

We are carrying our chairs –

as we leave the boardwalk and step onto the sand.

Beyond the “TRENCH” for the little turtles-

who hatch to make their way to the ocean –

lies a deserted evening beach.

We are almost near the end of the “SEASON” for beach vacations!

we meet at the nest – NUMBER 21 –

there have been 36 nests on the beach.

The sun is setting –

casting an orange glow over the vacationers who have gathered –

News has gone up and down the beach –

THE TURTLE NESTERS are waiting for the hatchlings to appear.

The ten team members have been all given their assignments –

when the hatchlings begin the escape from the chamber-

that contains them!

We know that this one contains 142 eggs –

Because it was relocated from below the tidal line –

to closer to the dune –

to keep it from being flooded out!

This would cause the baby Sea Turtles to drown!

Then – a small crack in the center of the chamber –

about an inch long.

While we are talking – the “DROP” happens!

The previous night – a full moon –

but this night the clouds set in – darkness prevailed!

We all assumed our positions –

The edging was set up going to the water line –

it was not yet high tide but was rising minute by minute.

A large crowd has gathered –

standing beyond the rope –

a barrier we erected to keep the eager crowd back –

so we had room to crawl-

on hands and knees along the trench.

We had to keep the baby turtles on their journey to the water –

in that trench.

Mainly to ensure they reached the water.

You see –

they go towards the white of the waves crashing on the shore –

and the sound of those waves.

When the moon is out they head toward the water.

On dark nights –

the lights from the beach houses draw them toward the dunes.

They will perish if they do that.

Foxes – birds – stray cats – birds and crabs –

they are a feast for all of them.

Thirty-five minutes later –

the last has reached my position at the end of the trench –

I guide “HER” –

I have named her PEGGY –

In my mind only –

after a dear friend who donated to the Sea Turtle Protection last year.

Now we have to sit in the nest for three days –

we had what is called a “BOIL”!

That is when all of them seem to come at once.

If this happens –

the Wildlife Resources Commission of N.C. –

Requires us to sit for three days in case any are left!

So – we thanked the crowd –

who mostly reframed from using lights –

phones and cameras.

These would blind the little turtles –

and then they are lost.

After the three days were up –

we did what is called an inventory required by the Commission.

Here you dig down and recover the egg shells –

and any small turtles that did not make it!

This gives the Commission the data they need –

and also tells us if our count was correct!

Which in the darkness –

is hard to see.

After –

you tear down the nest –

fill in the chamber –

and dig another hole to bury the eggshells in.

The foxes know where the old chamber is-

but we try to keep them from digging up the shells-

that were left.

NEST NUMBER 21 is officially closed –

we were right on the count made by the relocation team!

A big shout out to –

NEST NUMBER TWENTY ONE’s TEAM OF DEDICATED MEMBERS!

All of us moved on to other nests –

and new team members.

A big thank you to LIZ in the middle of the trench as team leader-

even though she was pregnant – CHEERS!

As the moon comes up over the ocean –

another night has ended for our volunteer work-

Sitting on the beach at night from 7 to 11 pm.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – when my World was young !

/ Tom / 1 Comment

In a small town – far away –

40 years ago – I played softball !

GOOD MORNING

I graduated and went to work right away for Olean Tile Company –

That was in June of 1967 .

I did not have the chance to go on to college.

Those were tough times –

I had spent 51 days in the hospital my senior year – car accident.

I know this all so well

But I recovered – and a little later –

started playing sports again.

First – it was for a radio station – basketball –

playing alumni of schools – teachers – varsity clubs.

Traveling WNY & WPA.

Then – it was softball –

Around that time

And then it was on to softball –

in a league – in NWPA .

There were a bunch of us –

and I was nearing 30 –

which made me the oldest.

By about three years and more.

Later – in my mid 30’s – I moved onto volleyball –

In a 16 team league and tournaments.

But – this past weekend –

to my surprise –

at a birthday party in Va. Beach –

It once again came all together –

Tom – Paul – Leo – Les – Jim

REUNITED after almost 40 years !

Five old friends – five old softball players

From our team in a small town far – far away !

It was fun recalling of years gone by

The memories – all so long ago –

All are retired now except Jim –

And in a few years – he will be also.

70 years of age now –

and walking is now my sport along with a little golf.

Jim and Les

Talking – remembering –

Paul & Jim

Still close friends after all those years.

Back when this was true

It was a surprise – we got the picture –

All from a small town in NWPA

Meeting once again in Va.Beach –

It happens

Thank you for reading Papa’s World –

where the unexpected happens –

Old friends meet once again

And a story is told.

For more blogs – just type in the following

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

email fitztdf@aol.com

Sherry Certified Health Coach

For HEALTH & NUTRITION

http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

her email

ssherrylynn49@aol.com

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – Storm moves in while Sea Turtle Nesting!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Disclaimer: The work for protected Sea Turtles by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission –

PERMIT – ST020232

The storm was building while we were there at the beginning of 7PM.

The clouds drifted in and you could see the front coming from the West.

Because of how the coastline curves – OIB almost faces South!

The sky to the North West was getting dark.

The clouds are moving in and behind them in the distance is lightning!

View down the beach toward the West end – the wind picked up and radar showed lightning strikes some 13 to 15 miles away!

Sherry still talking to folks but we were watching the weather on our phones!

Around 9PM. the team leader said it was time to go – so we picked up – packed everything up and got the trench smooth in case they hatched when no one was there!

Safety first – be off the beach if lightning strikes are within 10 miles!

Thanks for reading – we were off the beach and had reached home by 9:20 PM. and it opened up with a downpour – wind and lightning!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – STORM MOVES IN WHILE SEA TURTLE NESTING WATCH!!!!!

Papa’s World – Spring has Sprung – the Beach got busy – and they are in the water!

/ Tom / Leave a comment
Here is our before 9:am. early morning walk – a little more crowed but nothing not expected! Looking South to North Myrtle Beach from where we enter the access to the beach.
From the beach access looking toward Cherry Grove – a few more people – but not a lot!

But – this is the beginning of the week for Spring Breakers –

and we noticed traffic getting heavey.

We have found our way around and avoid the high traffic on rte. 17!

We take the side streets as far as we can – and one side street takes up to where we can shop!

Now – in the afternoon we decided to do a couple hours of a beach day – taking and carrying our chairs to the beach. Here is the same view looking toward North Myrtle Beach – a lot more people and a lot of people in the water. But we still had our own space – no one within thirty feet of us!
Here is the same view in the afternoon looking toward Cherry Grove! And – it will get more crowed as Spring turns into Summer with vacations! We are in the open space and avoid large gatherings which happen mostly toward North Myrtle Beach town center. A lot of young H.S. and college students gather on the beach there in a large group. You just avoid them as they will do what they do regardless!

Being here is still our dream – we will come back often as we like it here –

but also where we are moving too – no traffic – country quiet – we can walk –

and still be in access to the other two beaches!

The beach here is very wide – I have been told it is the widest on the Grand Strand!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World –

MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD

MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEET FRIENDS!

SHERRY – CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH

SHERRY’S SITE: http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

SHERRY’S COMPANY: THE JUICE PLUS COMPANY

SHERRY’S TEAM: TEAM GENERATIONS ( helping a child eat healthy one day at a time.)

SHERRY’S EMAIL CONTACT: ssherrylynn49@aol.com

PAPA’S WORLD livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

A Celebration of TEAM GENERATION – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

2021 will be year number 15 in the formation of Team Generation!

Formed by a mother ( MORMOR – Swedish for Mothers-Mothers)

and her two daughters –

To bring health and nutrition into the families

of friends – family and stanger’s across the nation –

It has prospered in that pursuit!

The many faces of health and nutrition

Today – we celebrate another year – one that we will never forget –

The COVID19 year!

Team Generations – the leaders at conference – wishing a Happy New Year – to those who could not be there!

HEALTH and NUTRITION – building ones immune system – being as healthy as you can –

a insurance policy to help combat a virus.

Not a cure – not a miracle –

but whole food nutrition –

the nutrients of food we eat –

good wholesome food!

The Pandemic is all around us – all around the World –

The abnormal has now become the Normal.

In Team Generations – the priority is eating healthy!

One family – one day at a time – one child – bringing health into their lives!

This at the best of times is very hard to do –

fast food – process food –

snacks – candy –

calories – fats – oils – carbs!

Celebrate – a way to combat – unhealthy living – in red – daughter Debby!
Conference – a way to learn – to talk – to listen – TEAM GENERATION !

Regional’s and semi yearly conferences – comparing notes and experiences.

Environmental concerns – health is all related!

A celebration of ideas – a way to communicate – living healthy – nutrition – lives – real food!

Thank you to all members of Team Generation – those that were there and those that were not!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World – WHERE FRIENDS MEET FAMILY!

WHERE FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

click on: LIKE

click on: SUBSCRIBE

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TEAM GENERATIONS – THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!

Papa’s World – when I write – I express my thoughts!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

My thoughts and words – relate to my own life

and that of the people who are dear to me!

Marcus Tammy Debby Mike Sherry

My family – whom we are close to –

They were all there for me when I had my heart attack

almost seven years ago – A WIDOW MAKER –

I was told by the staff!

You should not be here they said!

BUT – you are the most healthy heart attack victim

we have ever had in here – they also said!

YEAH – I WAS –

but I had done all the damage for 40 years

until I switched lifestyles

and started my journey to health

and was guided by my wife – SHERRY –

who became a Certified Health Coach

through courses by Doctor William Sears

and the teachings of Doctor Pam Popper

and a few doctors from the Cleveland Clinic.

Ella Bode Cassidy Taylor Sarah – my WHY!

Now – today – we practice healthy eating

and have passed it onto our children and grand children

Everyone in these pictures – follow our example.

We are partners in The Juice Plus Company –

have been for 15 years!

And so have these kids – as long as they have been alive.

Growing – listening – following – example –

all part of our life together

Living by example

Tammy and Debby

These two believed in us from the start

and you can see in them the healthy way of life.

This day we went hiking on part of the Appalachian Trail

only a few miles from THE DIRT FARM BREWERY!

Yes – we do relax – a three mile hike up and down the trail.

Then here to sit outside in Social distance

and allow ourselves to have a drink as a treat.

I sometimes go weeks and months

without a beer – I really do not like wine

or the hard stuff- only light beer.

This day we had all the grand kids except the oldest who

is in college at The University of Lynchburg playing soccer.

Bode is the only boy and he adores Ella

Yes – when I write I express my thoughts

in both words and pictures

putting them down – and saving them for the people

you see in this blog for generations to come.

GENERATIONS

For – you see – Sherry’s team – countrywide –

is called TEAM GENERATIONS –

for the very reason you see in this picture

passing on health to all the GENERATIONS to come.

Our legacy – which started 15 years ago and now is passed onto

the third generation –

lives through us –

TEAM GENERATIONS

Started by a MOTHER & TWO DAUGHTERS

Now extended across the country

Making children healthy

one day at a time!

TEAM GENERATIONS!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog