Vacation rental

Papa’s World – Ocean Isle Beach! N.C.

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Here you see the amphitheater –

the playground –

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

On the far left is the ICW –

and to the right is the beach of OIB.

Rows of houses –

and although you can not see them here –

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

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

Next to the mini-golf – is Pelican Perch –

a favorite of ours –

for a bar and grill of locals!

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

and Holden Beach to the N.E.

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

sort of quarter Moon shape.

This means the beach is almost facing South!

The storms tend to come up the coast –

and either go in or skip this coastline –

and go directly toward the Cape Fear River-

and onto the Outer Banks!

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

Not to say storms have come in and caused damage.

OIB is accessed by a causeway bridge –

and if a storm is predicted,

it will be closed both ways.

If you are on the island,

then you are on your own-

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

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

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

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

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

And during the same time on Wednesday evenings at dusk –

Movies are also shown in the park for free!

An aerial view of a Friday night concert –

6:30 PM. to 8:00 PM.

Bring your own chairs – snacks, and drinks –

as long as the drinks are not glass –

and mostly in plastic containers.

Hundreds of people attend these free concerts-

And on Wednesday nights –

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

on the shores of the ICW-

and on the mainland side!

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

close to OIB!

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

And always thought when we were packing up to leave –

That we could stay here!

Today – WE CAN and DO –

We venture over anytime we want –

watch those coming in-

and those leaving their vacations!

In a little over ten minutes –

we are here from our home.

We are fortunate –

we are blessed –

and we are in our senior years.

Living in OIB on the mainland side-

is our dream come true!

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PAPA’S WORLD – OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA

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 – 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 – 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.

PAPA’S WORLD – 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 – Family Memories with Pictures!

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June 25th. 1982 – we had dated a year and one half – then we combined two sets of children –

Sherry’s two daughters and my two sons –

The girls lived with us and the boys came on weekends and special events.

We lived in the country – between Olean and Portville, N.Y.

Our driveway was 1/10th of a mile long and we were in the Snowbelt in the hills-

Lots of sled riding and that first year I mowed everything by hand –

it would take four days rest one day and start over again.

FAMILY MEMORIES WITH PICTURES!

Before Bode with five granddaughters at our enclosed patio in Brambleton, Va.

We lived here for 14 1/2 years – thinking this would be our forever retirement home.

Then the downturn – 401K dropped over 30 % – but the housing market climbed.

Time to cash out – kids were older –

we could see them every month or two –

“LETS HEAD SOUTH – NEAR A BEACH and WAMER WEATHER”!

GOLFING – SUN – SAND led us to Cameron Woods Community in N.C.

We would be 7 hours away.

FAMILY MEMORIES WITH PICTURES!

Family picture a couple years before we moved South.

Bode is here now – he was in Kindergarten – the Pandemic had started – we helped out as best we could-

We stayed with them for three months – helping all the little ones in their from-home school.

It was a special three months –

FAMILY MEMORIES WITH PICTURES!

During those early years of their growing up – we did family vacations to the beach.

This picture holds so much joy in my heart – note on the end how protective of Bode

Cassidy is – still to this day she is like that to him –

And even at that time note how close Taylor is to Sarah.

FAMILY MEMORIES WITH PICTURES.

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BODE – FAMILY MEMORIES WITH PICTURES!

PAPA’S WORLD: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Pictures in times gone by!

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Our good friends from back in WNY – Elaine and Steve – have visited us once – hoping they come again!

We played on a team called THE BEACH CLUB volleyball in a 16-team league!

Papa – Sherry – Steve and Elaine – rest of the team – Debby – Steve – Chris – Mike. The BEACH CLUB!

Good memories – good times and a lot of fun playing volleyball!

When we go back to PORTVILLE-OLEAN to visit – WNY – we all get together to golf – the four of us have moved to N.C. while the two stayed in WNY!

MEMORIES OF TIMES GONE BY!

Little Cassidy and her MORMOR – Sherry – walking back from the beach on Oak Island.

Cassidy found Maddy in the window on Oak Island vacation.

Cassidy and Sarah – Oak Island vacation.

Taylor and Sarah – today Sarah is 5’10” at 17 – while Taylor is 5’71/4″ at 13!

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PAPA’S WORLD – PICTURES AND MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – MEMORIES OAK ISLAND VACATION

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Mike Tammy Debby Sherry Taylor Cassidy Ella Maddy

MEMORIES of our week on Oak Island, N.C.

We stayed close to the beach for one week.

The kids were small ( the twins) and the tidal pools were great!

View from our deck as Debby and Tammy return from a run!
Taylor watching her mommy return from a run.

We had a great view of a huge open lot and then one house at the beachfront!

It was a direct walk to the beach entrance.

MEMORIES of OAK ISLAND!

DADDY MARCUS
Ella holding Taylor – Sherry, and Sarah!

We had a perfect week with weather – sunshine and blue skies.

Sarah today with Bode who was not born yet for the vacation on Oak Island.

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TODAY ELLA MIKE DEBBY SARAH MADDY
TODAY CASSIDY TAMMY BODE TAYLOR MARCUS
OAK ISLAND VACATION ELLA TAYLOR MADDY CASSIDY SARAH – MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Family memories – vacations and life in general!

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The families we left behind.

Life is full of memories – past experiences – vacations – get-togethers – sharing fun times!

We told them all that we would only be 6 or 7 hours away and we have done that!

And that we would come back often and we have done that also!

They have visited numerous times and Spring and Summer are ahead to make more MEMORIES!

MADDY SARAH ELLA

Maddy – today a Junior at the University of Lynchburg.

Sarah – A freshman in H.S.

Ella – today a Freshman at Randolph College

Both are older girls who play college soccer.

MEMORIES of past and present!

Sarah Mike Tammy Debby Ella Maddy Cassidy

MEMORIES of vacation times spent together.

Crossing the sound on a ferry boat!

Many a year we spent together as families – in the sun – water and sand!

MEMORIES of times in the past.

DEBBY and TAMMY

They are close with each other and with their mother Sherry –

All three ran the ten-mile Cherry Blossom race – crossing the finish line holding hands.

MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS BONDING – MEMORIES!

SHERRY

When a person comes into your life and you share 40 years together forming MEMORIES!

Today – we are by ourselves in N.C. while the families remain in Va.

Although distance separates us – memories – love and ZOOM – keep us all together!

MEMORIES of families in transit!

SARAH and TAYLOR

Thanks for reading my MEMORIES on PAPA’S WORLD – MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SHERRY and PAPA

Papa’s World – Memory of early family vacation!

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Cassidy Maddy Sarah Ella and Taylor

Some were big – some were small – others were barely walking and two were tall!

Oak Island – family times – family vacation.

MEMORIES as I recall – all in one location – joy for all!

Taylor and cousin Ella

The sweetness of youth – the bonding of cousins.

MEMORIES of the little ones and memories of the bigger ones!

Cassidy going to the beach

MEMORIES of innocence – laughter – funny looks!

Taylor – take the glasses off – time to eat!

MEMORIES of crawling – then unsteady steps – walking and running!

Cassidy – peeking in at Maddy.

MEMORIES of playing with the older cousins – timeless pictures – cuteness in diapers.

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PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – into our lives – FRIENDS!

/ Tom / 4 Comments
Our volleyball team after I quit playing softball – Back row – next to me – Steve and in front of him next to Sherry – Elaine. This couple are some of our oldest friends – and we still stay in touch today.

We are blessed in that we have so many dear friends.

Some – for me – go back to childhood.

Sherry – Papa – PJ – and Bob!

We have been friends since first grade – Bob and I.

We played sports together – stayed at one anothers homes.

Ran the streets after dark – drank a few beers together

and still – to this day – meet up and share old memories.

They will stop in on their way back home to N.H. in May.

HUGS TO P.J. and Bob.

Fred and Lynda – Sherry!

Freddie and I go back to 7th. grade

Playing sports together – card games – there were four of us that paled around

Freddie – Bobby and Jon ( deceased)

Lynda and Fred are the oldest couple still together as our friends.

Sherry – Buck – Cindy and Papa.

We have traveled the World together –

Spain – Gibraltar – Morocco – Canada – and numerous states on the East coast and the West coast

and in between.

Always planning new adventures.

Friends as neighbors since 1987!

Papa Jim Sherry Dottie – they have been married 40 years – and I knew them both before that – Jimmy and I played softball together for two teams in the late ’70’s!

Jim – Dottie and I all grew up in the same town in Pa. called Eldred.

Jim -Sherry and I all worked together in Olean N.Y.

It has been a long and rewarding friendship all these years.

When all the kids were young – we would vacation together at the beach.

Carol and Mike John, neighbors for 12 1/2 years in WNY!

We were neighbors and they were Buck and Cindy’s friends.

We lived beside them for 12 1/2 years

We would race our ride mowers up and down the street! LOL

We would play jokes on each other.

It was a great time in our lives and the McBrides and us left the hood

shortly after they left and moved South.

The John’s own a painting corp that travels the USA

painting various structures and energy companies pipe lines.

We will spend a long weekend with them at the lake house in WNY!

The Browns and McBrides also.

Jo Paul Peterson and Sherry

Jo graduated one year behind me

Paul graduated with Sherry from Smethport.

We got to know one another through reunions

and have traveled to their home in Phoenix and them to ours before the pandemic.

We have maintained that friendship for the last ten years or so.

Here we are at the WALL in DC.

Reflections of the soul I call this.

Gerhard and Jennie – our son in laws parents

For the last 14 years or more – we have bonded with his parents.

Always visiting them when we lived in NVA.

They have come down to visit us in North Myrtle Beach.

In laws and friends – FAMILY!

Our little group get together to golf.

There are times we try to bring us all together to golf.

Wish it would happen more often.

But when it does – it is fun and guys vs. gals!

If we are not on our game – they will beat us! LOL

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

Sherry’s FAMILY & FRIENDS of Juice Plus. Her network marketing business – http://www.sf.juiceplus.com SSC QMND

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Papa’s World – back home now is Ocean Keyes – beach – S.C.

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Papa – walking the beach – after spending Christmas in NVA!

When we moved 21 years ago – from Western New York –

to Northern Va. my thought was we are now in the South!

We actually picked up another four to six weeks of better weather

on either side of winter!

We liked the area – going into Washington DC on a regular basis.

We purchase three homes while there – two that we actually built.

We had most of our family follow us there.

But – it still got cold and three times –

an accumulation of snow greater than in all the 50 years we lived in the snow belt!

You can change your looks – but mother nature does what it wants to do!
Although I am not going into the water – 2 days before New Years eve – people in the water on North Myrtle Beach!

Now – we are calling this home until our home we are building if finished

some time in the next 4 to 6 months!

The first thing we did the next day after returning HOME – was do our walk on the beach!

Home has a different meaning now – and we have become comfortable now here.

Enough that when you have that yearning to go back home

visions of what awaits you run through your mind!

We both have always been drawn to the surf – beach – water and sand.

While dating almost 40 years ago – we spent a week in the outer banks

with my brother and some of his friends.

That is when our bond for the ocean became a fixed state in our minds.

Our Vacations revolved around different trips with our children

to beaches up and down the East coast!

It was a fun time in our early life together – the kids remember and have carried on the tradition of beach vacations!
Sherry – walking while running her internet – network marketing business – http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

Home is where the heart is – and while we could not find a home here –

we are building one close – 14 miles away at another beach address –

OCEAN ISLE BEACH in North Carolina!

It is a 30 minute drive North of here – so we can often come back to walk!

There are two beaches there within 4 to 6 miles –

Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach!

Home is where your heart is – and now our hearts are in the deeper South!

Where warm is Sun – no snow – ice – and 50 plus degrees every day!

The call of the beach – our hearts are here!

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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS

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Papa’s World – Living with kids before we left – vagabonds – traveling!

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Here we are – in our early ’70’s – homeless – living with daughters –

until we pack up and head South

to North Myrtle Beach S.C.

First thing we do as vagabonds – is play some golf!

We made it a point – have fun – play golf – and enjoy the warm weather while we can!

Here we played one of our favorite courses in NVA!

Deer are everywhere – and are so tame – even when you hit toward them

they do not move!

You have to be pretty good to hit them and we are not good! LOL

Our view from youngest daughter and husbands home!

We would have almost three months to wait before we left –

pack up and go –

to a place we had never been and found by accident

OCEAN KEYES – North Myrtle Beach

every day a 1/2 mile walk to the sand and water of the beach.

First – we had to downsize – made dozen of trips to the Salvation Army – sold almost 95% of our household furniture with the house ! And got ourselves a storage unit – one big enough to walk in and through all our “STUFF”!

I thought I would MISS STUFF but I don’t!

I have moved on – just as we were about to do!

But first saying our goodbyes – these are what I will miss – FAMILY!

You never get use to that – WHEN YOU THROW IT AWAY – REMEMBER THERE IS NO AWAY!

That is why we are back home for the Christmas time – for three weeks!

And we will come back again in late Feb. and early March.

They will come down to visit –

And our life will go on!

We will walk once again with them – we will share laughs – and in Jan. hope will bring them to us!
We will meet up once again with old friends – laughing – exploring –
And true to form – PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING! LOL!
ICE CREAM and a SMILE!
This one texts or calls everyday her MORMOR & PAPA!

FAMILY – fun times and memories made –

FUN TIMES and memories to be made!

NEW ADVENTURES AWAIT FOR THESE TWO – as we a\have traveled the World together and now they live only 40 miles from us!

Our friends of many years – Buck and Cindy – have lived down in N.C. for years

and now – we golf every week together.

Family is back home – friends are here!

Yes – the Sun set of a family home – the night before we left – rain shower cleaning the roadway – vagabonds!

We are blessed to have these places to stay –

and now – we have begun our new home build

and once again – it will become a FAMILY HOME!

Once again in the South – we will be together – family – as always – you never throw that away!

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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

AND A HOME IS FOR ALL TO ENJOY!

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Papa’s World – Early morning – then Lunch at Walhburgers

/ Tom / Leave a comment
Early morning – breaking of dawn.

OUR VIEW EACH MORNING

from the top floor – on our lanai – condo!

We selected this condo purely by accident!

I had been searching for furnished places to lease

in Brunswick County – N.C.

when on the site – Zillow – I saw a place that said

EXPAND BOUNDARIES

And when I expanded the boundaries – this came up!

Every morning with clear skies we see this!

By accident I found this condo for lease

and we jumped on it right away.

At first for two months – then three months.

Finally we expanded it to FIVE MONTHS

before we even packed to come down!

And the bonus for all of this –

is one half mile walk – we are standing here on the beach!

We are in Ocean Keyes –

North Myrtle Beach

and had no idea this existed or that we would be here!

A number of years ago – we took a vacation to tour New England states

Mass. N.H. and Me.

Flying into Boston and renting a car with our friends the McBrides.

Our first Air bnb was in Dorchester Mass.

Home to the famous family THE WALHBURGS!

They had recently been on TV and we watched how they opened their store

You know them through New Kids On The Block

and movies and TV shows.

Well – we wanted yo try out their restaurant

But – a very bad storm of lightening – wind and down pouring rain

came through and it was getting dark

hard to see – so we bailed on it!

For a number of years – we regretted not going!

Then – while we were at Barefoot Landing

we came across this WALHBURGER’S!

What we missed out on back in Dorchester Mass.

We stumbled across here in Myrtle Beach S.C.

and of course we went in and had lunch.

Sherry had the impossible burger

and I had the salad with the burger on top!

We left saying we will come back – good service – good burgers

and a chance to redeem ourselves in not going sooner!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

EARLY MORNING – LUNCH AT WALHBURGERS!

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

MY SITE: livinglfedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – lessons in life

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Here we are – just a few days away from packing up

and leaving for our five month rental of a condo

in North Myrtle beach!

That has gone by so fast!

We have been living with our two daughters

and their family’s

going back and forth.

We have also been traveling and seeing friends.

Our lives from the past fourteen years

have changed in dramatic form!

We sold our home – most of the furniture

rented a storage unit for mostly personal things

and set our sights on going further South

To explore our options

NO MORTGAGE NO TAXES NO HOA FEES

In other words – we are vagabonds – not quite homeless

and searching for what we want to do next!

Grand children minus one in college

We will miss them – but – we are free to travel back and forth

and we will see them as often as we can.

We have purchased a new car – after seven years and 126,000 miles

So we made the change – pandemic and all.

It was time – the housing market had rebounded

We do not know what the future holds

But – now – at our age – is the right time.

Tammy and Debby

It will not be easy for them

as they both followed us here to NVA 21 years ago

But – we promise to be back often.

And now you will have a place to vacation to come to.

The Sun sets on this part of our lives

But begins with a Sunrise on the next part.

Remember the good times

and think of the memories we shall make in the future

We will once again begin new lessons in life

and those lessons will include all of you

with much love – Papa & MORMOR

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – beach house some memories of who was there.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We came together on a Sunday afternoon –

some family – some friends – some friends of friends!

Kathy and Kevin

We have known for years – they live not too far from our house we sold.

Dylan Ella Sarah Ryan the little ones with Megan and Abby
Zoey Kathy Cory Dottie Katie Adam Cody

I am hoping I get all the names correct

I am not good at names!

Nicky and Katie
Adam Dylan Ella Sarah and Megan
Kathy Nate walking Cody and Cory Kevin and Jim and Dottie

The house was large three complete floors

Nine bedrooms and seven 1/2 bathrooms.

Sherry Cody Jim Nicky
Adam and Dottie
Cody and Jim

Many years ago – Jim – Dottie – Sherry and I

with our families – would vacation together

at various beaches

and when they were young

I would help carry the little ones!

Katie – my little friend

Here is Katie – my little friend – as she said I was the only friend she had!

I would carry her through the sand dunes

only to get to the beach and discover one of her little shoes was missing!

All these years we kid each other on being the only friends

either one of us had!

My – how the years have gone by – she is still in my heart

“MY LITTLE FRIEND”!

Sherry my beautiful partner
Cody Cory ( lifetime friends) Zoey and Nate
Sherry Cody Jim Nicky

I hope I was able to get everyone and their names correct

Jim and Sherry we have been friends for 44 years
Papa and Jim

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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

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Papa’s World – A little game called MASH BALL!

/ Tom / 1 Comment

Starting the week – I had no idea what it was –

sort of a small version of Beer Pong!

At first they played it on the cement pad around the pool

which got really hot!

Then they found some “NOODLES”

that had been thrown away by the previous guests in the garbage

and rigged it up to float!

That was a game saver!


Everyone took their turn – if you won – you played on!

Hours and hours in the shallow end

just dip down in the water to cool off!

You kept one hand on the floating game board to keep it steady

and there were ten open cups

When you put a ball in the open cup

you placed a red dish in it –

when you filled all ten red cups

you won the game!

Mash Ball on one end – then the deep part – and then shallow again
After Mash Ball was over then nap time was over and the little ones came out to play
Little ones with parents and grand parents
Kathy and Katie
Sherry with Sarah and Ella

Pool time became more and more as it got really hot on the beach.

A couple guys would go and set up on the beach

but with little kids – it was easier by the pool

the sand was so hot – even with sandal’s on

It would burn your toes!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

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Papa’s World – I suggest when you rent a beach house you must have a pool!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

When the beach is so hot – and the waves huge –

And tons of jelly fish – then retreat to the pool!

We had little ones with us and they could not cope with the waves.

So a lot of time was spent right here poolside!

Of course when it is NAP TIME –

the adults come out to play!

And SHADE – you must have chairs and SHADE

and a little TIKI HUT with fridge!

Of course a game of MASH rigged up to float

at the far end of the pool

kept everyone occupied and cooled off!

And bring your grand children to the beach

to create the memories of their childhood.

And of course your favorite brew of choice!

Sherry

Make sure you have comfortable seats

to rest your kindle on!

And a big pool for everyone to enjoy!

Papa

Yes – when you book a beach house

make sure it has a pool

you most likely will spend more time there

as Sharks start feeding in the twilight

and the pool always has entertainment

Be music from a speaker – shade from the sun –

drinks from the fridge

or just good people to hang out with!

And of course in the rarly mornings –

you must also have a deck

to see the sunrise from

and a cup of coffee to enjoy those first rays of light!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

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Papa’s World – Friends at the beach – Sand Bridge!

/ Tom / Leave a comment
My buddy Jim for 44 years!

In our early years – our families would vacation together

mostly at the Outer Banks.

Then – we all got busy – did not really go to the beach for a while

Families grew up and moved out – married –

But we still maintained that friendship

Doing the friends get togther every 4 to 6 months.

Sherry Sarah Ella and Papa

Now there are grand kids –

and it seems that it will start all over again

only we vacation with the grand kids!

Jimmy and two of his grand daughters

Life gets busy – for children – grand kids and grand parents.

We have found in the last 4 or 5 years

It is fun to take one at a time or maybe two.

You get more quality time.

Our oldest – Maddy – leaves Saturday for her second year of college!

WHERE DID THAT TIME GO!

Sarah – just drawing at random

We are staying back and forth between Tammy and Debby’s houses.

Soon – at the end of September – we will head South for the Winter.

We have rented a furnished condo – top floor –

Three bedroom – two bath rooms – room for vistors –

Friends and family –

In North Myrtle Beach – 2 or 3 blocks to the beach.

Jim – we played softball together in the late ’70’s

Today – we are enjoying our new life as free from owning a home.

We are making plans to visit friends –

We already went back home

and spent time with my sons and daughter in law.

We got the chance to spend time with Ella and Sarah

Yesterday we met up with Mike and Debby –

who had Ella and Maddy with them –

they had just finished a hike and we wanted to say goodbye to Maddy

before she left Saturday for University of Lynchburg Va.

To continue her college 3.85 GPA and her playing soccer!

Papa and Jim

The time has gone by all too quickly

From playing softball and volleyball together

to now hitting the golf links

Still friends – one retired the other close in a few years.

Toes in the sand – drink in the hand – oh but life is grand!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

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Papa’s World – golfing – my buddy & wife – years!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

I have known Jim & Dottie since before they were married.

We played softball together and grew up in the same town.

Although I am older – we got along – and now after all these years

when ever we get together – we like to play golf!

Sherry Dottie Jim

I guess this goes back some 40 plus years – maybe even 45 years!

We were young then – he came to work at the same place I worked.

We got to know one another when we ended up on the same softball team.

When Sherry and I were married – they were there –

that was 38 years ago!

So – through all those years – we vacationed together

watched as their children grew up –

married and moved on.

They in turn watched ours do the same.

Dottie decided a couple years ago to take up golf.

Sherry has been golfing with me for the last 30 years.

We played organized volleyball in a league for years

until our early forty’s

We decided before we hurt ourselves – to switch to golf.

She has the perfect posture and swing for golf.

She is tall and straight – right extension on her arms

and most of the time right down the middle.

Dottie has come a long ways in the last year!

Jim has encouraged her and helped her.

They now play in a couples league

but found out after they started

it was mostly men!

GOOD FOR DOTTIE!

After a fine day of golf – the first time this year for us –

It was back to the beach house and relax by the pool!

Sherry did well for her first time this year – a 52!

My first time this year was a 49!

But – I must tell you – she can and does beat me!

Wouldn’t have it any other way after over 39 years together!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – the beauty of the Sunrise – cloudy day!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

I have always like the mornings – the dark becoming light!

Sipping my coffee – usually after I have checked emails

written my blog –

I watch for the breaking of dawn –

The birds chirping

Sunrise – the beginning of a new day!

On cloudy days such as this one – it still is warm –

and ahead for us that day – was a day of golf!

Perfect in that the sun is not beating down on you!

On the beach – the sky is turning a light blue!

It was going to be a grand day!

As we departed a hour or so after the sunrise

All I could think of was just how much I enjoy life!

I guess I am a little bit sentimental

A little bit on the warm and fuzzy side.

But every time I see the breaking of a new day

I know in my heart that this is me –

always looking forward

always with a idea and plan in my mind.

Seeing the day – living the life – doing it my way.

For that is the only way I know how to live.

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

Papa’s World – homeless – our next adventure!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We had some apprehension – we were social distancing.

But – we also knew everyone else was also.

Sandbridge Va.

We were going to the beach with our life long friends

and their family.

What had started out long before the Covid 19

was a vacation planned by cousins

then the travel restrictions and pandemic.

But our friends daughter had put down a big deposit

and they were not letting her back out unless they rented it!

Word went out to close friends – can we help her out by renting a room?

Everyone was a friend of a friend –

and had been social distancing –

that was the start and we decided to go and take our two grand daughters

who had been wanting to go to the beach!

Across the street from the beach – we had arrived.

We knew a lot of the people – some we did not know.

But – what was a hard thought process

turned into a wonderful week.

We settled in – and a agenda had been thought up ahead of time.

We knew exactly when it would be our turn for dinner.

And what we were going to fix –

Jim and Dottie were our partners for dinner on Thursday!

But our first night there with a late check in was Sunday!

PIZZA order was on the menu for the first night

and less than 2 blocks away was a pizza shop!

Two blocks or less in this direction sat the pizza place.

The road you see here is the pathway to and from the beach.

No sidewalks on this beach road and the entrance to the beach

two houses in either direction!

So – everyone walked – ran – biked or drove this road.

Sometimes on both sides!

When driving this road – you would go slow and stop

giving the people the right of way ! LOVED IT!!!

Our view from the deck right off the kitchen dining and living rooms

There were nine bedrooms with Seven masters!

Ten bathrooms and three levels and a in ground pool.

The beach is very wide here and almost all of this is residential!

The sand was hot during the day – because we had a very hot week!

One day was over 100 with heat index of 104!

There were kids – little ones – mid size ones

& our grand daughters 14 and 17 being the oldest!

So they pretty much did what they wanted with our permission

always asking – polite – and everyone loved them.

Our first sun rise Monday morning from the deck

I have been and always am a early riser!

I am up before the sun !

But – sitting here waiting with a cup of coffee

and capturing my first sunrise –

Was well worth the rise and shine of the day!

Sarah Maddy Ella

Maddy – who leaves again for college this weekend

choose to work but Sarah and Ella – choose to come along

and I am so happy they did.

The first day of our vagabond vacation with the grand daughters.

Thank you for reading Papa’ World

The week continues in the next blog!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papas World – Day# 39 – sheltering in place – we manage – 39 years!

/ Tom / 1 Comment

It was almost 39 years ago – where did the time go!

We were married June 25th. 1982!

Together one year prior to that.

39 years!

And today – I would not shelter in place with anyone else.

As beautiful today
as she was those years ago
Sherry – our honeymoon
in the Dominican Republic

We were each married before – each had two children

but our world then as it is today

revolved around the fact we found each other.

Today as it was then
has not changed

The years have been blessed for us –

but it all seems to be going so fast.

From loading our big country van

and piling the kids in

leaving at 11:00 pm.

to drive 10 hours to the beach for vacation.

The kids asleep – breakfast and lunch packed

we could not afford to stop and eat

but we would find a place- a rest stop – beside a river

and they were happy and we were happy.

The excitement of staying at the beach

or our very first vacation

a cottage on Lake Erie

We scraped and saved

But we did it!

Today – we all are sheltering in place

Catching up by phone – messenger – face book – zoom.

We are blessed and sheltering in place

but I still dream – I still think back to that time

almost 39 years ago

“GIVE ME THE BEAT BOYS AND FREE MY SOUL “

As beautiful today as she was then

SHELTERING IN PLACE DAY # 39.

” I WANT TO GET LOST IN YOUR ROCK AND ROLL”

Day # 39
Sheltering in place
39 years of being together

“AND DRIFT AWAY”

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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

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Papas World – our home away from home!

/ Tom / Leave a comment
Our vacation rental
in the historic district
of Winter Haven Florida!
The entrance gate – some 20 feet high
and locked – each time we leave
the entire structure is block and stucco
painted white like a fortress!

We rented this place through VRBO sight unseen

except in pictures and reviews

That is the chance you take

But – we took it and are happy with it!

As you enter – you are greeted
by a long narrow hallway
and a set of stairs
to the second floor bedrooms
full bathrooms and
a small laundry room

You turn left into the dining room

with another narrow hallway leading past the kitchen

straight to the living room

with a half bath off this hallway to the right

The dinning room where I set up my office

and when we had company – ate our meals!

Off the dining room
a narrow hallway
with a half bath on the right
and a doorway on the left
to the galley kitchen
straight a head is the cozy
living room
and beyond that
a entirely closed in patio
with 20 plus foot high walls!
The galley kitchen is narrow but has everything we needed!
View back toward the dinning room
View of the galley kitchen
from the dinning room
toward the living room

Although it was narrow – and not really a place for more than one

to work unless you were at opposite ends

it functioned well and we just got use to it!

The living room – very cozy
with a log burning fireplace to the right
which we used – buying those burning logs
from the store
the ones you just light
and it burned for a good four hours!
Ella – our grand daughter laughed at it
saying it was a fake log
but it did put off heat!
And beyond – a enclosed patio
with walls going up past the window
on the second floor!

We were very comfortable in this room.

The furniture was white leather
and very comfortable
You can see in the other picture
the enclosed back patio
the walls went up above the second story bedroom window!
We never used either patio
it was too cool when we first arrived
or we would get back home too late and after dark
The living room fireplace
The front patio
again with walls that went above the second floor
At the top of the stairs
on the second floor
the laundry room to the right
and straight a head
the guest bedroom and bath
where Ella and later
Sherry’s sister Debbie stayed.
The spare guest room
very comfortable
as were all the beds
Huge closets that
ran the whole length
of the wall with lots of storage!
The guest bathroom
with a over head sky light
that you did not need lights on
during daylight!

The whole guest area was very comfortable and was entirely away

from the master bedroom!

The doors in the place were solid and very thick!

Even the doors to the stacked
washer and dryer were solid
and very thick
All the door casings were made out of 2 x 12’s
with 2×6 and 2×4 trimmed pieces!
I have never seen this done before
and all seemed to be rough cut!
The master bedroom was large with
a king sized bed
and two very large closets
And also its own wood burning fireplace

Our bedroom was the biggest room in the entire house!

With its own TV and when the door was shut

you could hardly hear anything!

Master bath

Well – this was our home away from home!

And they told us that the next rental would be the last

through VRBO!

They were going to lease it by the year!

It was in a great spot as we walked almost everywhere

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

The stairway down
to the front door
notice the hand rail
all the casings and trim were like this!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

Front door to the gate
and then the car
parked right
in front!

Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

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