Vareen Memorial Gardens

Papa’s World – When family visits!

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They came for a long weekend –

Debby and her two daughters – Sarah and Ella.

This was back for Spring Break –

Ella at college (she has graduated)

and Sarah from H.S. ( she has graduated)

They came,

and one of the things they wanted –

They wanted to visit Vareen Gardens –

Which has paths along the ICW-

Here they are hunting seashells to hang from trees-

Which thousands of people do “TO MAKE A WISH”!

Here, they pose in front of a tree –

We always have folks and family pose here!

Ella and Sarah are looking at the Marsh-

and the ICW –

from a swing in a small park at Vareen Gardens.

This is such a peaceful place to spend time just doing nothing!

But we were done here and ventured South to North Myrtle Beach.

At North Myrtle Beach –

We walked around so they could shop and look for bargains.

And had lunch at BOUYS!

Then we took them to “FAT HAROLDS”!

This is a dance club right in the middle of town.

THE SHAG started in NMB-

at clubs along the beach –

And this was the early 40s.

It became known nationwide as

“CAROLINA BEACH MUSIC”!

So for 80 plus years –

National competitions have been held in NMB –

and this club is the main one for “SHAGGERS” –

from all over the country.

They have events every three months,

and the whole town participates.

FAT HAROLD was a real person –

and passed away before the Pandemic.

The tradition continues,

and 80 years of history is contained inside.

The band ALABAMA even had a top hit –

“SHAGGIN’ ON THE BLVD” in the 90s.

When you walk through “THE JUKE BOX” front doors –

You walk back in time –

Everyone was very friendly –

And talked to the girls.

Sherry and I hung out here –

when we spent nine months at a condo-

In Ocean Keyes – a half-mile walk.

The history of “THE SHAG” is something I like to share –

with family and friends.

Thanks for reading,

and as always, HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD –

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Vareen Gardens with Maddy and Kendrick.

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Maddy and Kendrick came for a visit in Feb.

Kendrick has been in training

for his new job in Ga.

And will be assigned when he is done.

Maddy came down from Lake Holiday after her workday was done.

We had asked her what she wanted to do the most before she left.

She replied –

“Let’s go to the walking path where we hung seashells from the trees”!

She remembered that from when we took her there on one of her visits.

VAREEN GARDENS sits just across the border from N.C. into S.C.

The many walkways over the marsh to get to the ICW.

Kendrick and Maddy –

Stopping to see the marsh while walking toward the ICW!

Maddy and Kendrick –

Posing in front of this tree that we have captured to grandkids in other photos!

Sherry joined them –

It was in the mid 60’s –

partial sunshine and a little wind.

The ICW as the clouds begin to cover the sun.

The casino boat passes on its way out to the ocean –

Here on the ICW!

Maddy got her wish of showing Kendrick the ICW –

The seashells –

and making a wish and hanging them from a tree!

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Papa’s World – Events in pictures – remembered.

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Remembering grandchildren when they were young!

Left to right –

Ella – Maddy – Sarah.

This was taken years ago –

Ella – Maddy and Sarah.

This was taken maybe two years ago!

Today – Ella and Maddy have graduated from college –

Sarah has graduated from H.S.

Young ladies out into the world.

We miss those early years –

but look forward to our senior years –

Of exciting moments to come!

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

We take our right to vote seriously!

Every two years going to the polls.

So far in our lives –

We have voted in Pa. NYS. Va. and N.C.

All states that we have resided in during our adult lives.

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

Here is Bode – before he could walk –

He was the first boy on Sherry’s side of the family.

It has been almost eleven years since this picture!

Today he is almost eleven years old –

into sports –

Soccer – flag football – golf.

The young boy is growing up fast and will be tall.

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

LOL LOL LOL!!!

Our dear friends Jim and Claudia from NVA –

Have sold their home in Reston, Va.

And built a new home four miles from us.

So far we have other friends who have moved near us-

and this is the cause for celebrating our times together.

Here we took them to Vareen Gardens in S.C.

Papa at Vareen Gardens –

We have taken many visitors here for the beauty and solitude.

Thus we have created –

EVENTS IN PICTURES – REMEMBERED!

Back when the twins were young –

about two years old –

Their parents had sold their home and were waiting for the new one to be completed.

They came to live with us –

here are their little backpacks hanging on the landing –

to go upstairs to the bedroom.

They had their little beds to sleep on in the spare bedroom while their parent had the other spare room.

This photo brings back those memories.

Thus creating –

EVENTS IN PICTURES – MEMORIES!

On OIB –

thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A recent walk in Vareen Gardens!

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Vareen Gardens sits right on the border of S.C. and N.C. across from the rest area for S.C. –

On route 17!

Little River!

Coming across this shell hanging from a tree –

You see thousands of sea shells with notations on them –

Hanging high and low and in between.

Names – dates – poems and sayings.

We have hung the same as have our family and friends.

The path to and from the ICW beach area is woods – marsh and channels of water.

A wooden walkway traverses across the marsh for hundreds of yards!

You can stop and see the wonders of the marsh you are walking over –

both high and low tides.

Sherry on one of the walkways from island to island.

Across the marsh you see a golf course-

The path also goes on land through the trees winding in and out.

This was a staple back in my early years along with quart bottles of COLT 45!

There also is a large fishing pier at the end of one of the trails that sit right on the ICW!

Also – you can step out on the shell-covered shore of the ICW and watch the boat traffic race up and down the channel!

You can sit on a bank of shells – 10,000 or thousands of them.

Across from this shoreline – sometimes Eagles can be seen.

Sherry – with granddaughter on one of our many visits – sits on the bank of shells –

hunting for that perfect one to write on and then hang from a tree branch.

Vareen Gardens is an excellent way to spend time with family and friends.

The cost is ZERO although there is a donation box.

Thanks for reading Papa’s World –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

A RECENT WALK IN VAREEN GARDENS!

Papa’s World – A big shout out – HAPPY BIRTHDAY TROY!

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Today I say to my oldest son – HAPPY BIRTHDAY my son –

I remember holding your hand –

walking up the main street of Eldred –

to your grandma and grandpa’s house.

The little blond-haired boy –

who loved both of them.

So many memories of those early years –

I wished for one day-

we could have them back

Today – we celebrate the little boy –

who has turned into a man –

Who can and does build anything –

ground up-

and finishing it off!

You did not get that from me-

but from my father – your grandfather –

Who could and did the same as you.

That house we would walk up to –

He built that!

The motorcycle you have and used to ride –

Well – you got that from me –

as I rode in the 70’s!

The beard is yours –

I couldn’t grow one! LOL

Today – is all yours –

another one in the books.

I am so proud of the man you have become –

Kind – Caring and loving –

the biggest heart –

Celebrate my son –

Although we are not together to help you celebrate –

know that my thoughts are with you.

LOVE YOU SON – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A new year to come!

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A view of the marsh in Vareen Gardens – Little River, S.C.

Walking the trails –

the wooden boardwalks –

across the marshes-

and through the pine and cedar trees-

We have been doing this little trip since we first found it in 2020!

It is quiet –

peaceful-

and wanders through forests and marsh to the ICW!

Once there –

you find shells decorated or signed or just plain hanging by string-

from the multiple tees in the area.

Sherry coming along the path-

from the wooden boardwalk –

onto another boardwalk –

that comes out on the ICW!

On a large deck,

fishermen try for fish as boats pass by.

The day is warm –

with a breeze –

We slowly walk the boardwalk –

the tide is almost high-

and the marsh is flooded.

Vareen Gardens goes way back –

as a family compound in the 1600s.

There is a family cometary here –

This land was turned into a park –

And is free to the public.

This time is a look forward –

to our fifth year being in the N.C. & S.C. area.

Our senior years are here now.

The new year to come –

Welcoming family and friends-

to our home.

From us on the ICW at Vareen Gardens –

Love – happiness and a life full of joy in the New Year.

Thanks for reading Papa’s World –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – New Memories of the Past!

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Here is Troy –

My oldest son –

at Vareen Gardens – is hanging his shell for a memory!

NEW MEMORIES OF THE PAST!

Sisters – Ella and Maddy –

as close in life as they are here!

NEW MEMORIES OF THE PAST!

A cup of coffee –

a view – a warm morning –

our life in N.C.

NEW MEMORIES OF THE PAST!

My blogs are to bring –

POSITIVE THOUGHTS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!

A place to go to

and sip your beverage of choice –

sit back and soak in the World –

that isn’t full of negative –

unkind thoughts.

I hope this brings you back every day.

You can read this every day-

by just joining my site:

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog – Google it.

It is published each day worldwide –

and then shared on Facebook!

It is free – thanks for reading!

Over 640 members Worldwide!

Friends for years and years –

gathering to golf or just to have fun.

NEW MEMORIES OF THE PAST!

A trip to Charlotte –

Sherry’s team and group picture!

For going on nineteen years –

leading a team in health –

Across the Eastern Seaboard –

and down the coast.

TEAM GENERATIONS –

giving health to children –

Adults – families and friends –

FRUITS – VEGETABLES – BERRIES – OMEGAS –

one day at a time.

NEW MEMORIES OF THE PAST!

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

NEW MEMORIES OF THE PAST!

Papa’s World – Before the storm – looking for shells!

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The day was beautiful in the morning – but later that day a storm was coming!

So – we decided to go to Vareen Gardens – on the state line of N.C and S.C.

Sherry wanted some shells for a project she was doing!

We are so close to two beaches but the shell hunting is better than a few others! Here is our beach – OIB!

Our destination is Vaneer Gardens right along the coast of the ICW – recently on our day with family

on a pontoon boat – we passed right by here!

No shoes – no socks – just shorts – shirts and sandals for wading in the water!

This area is loaded with Oyster Shells and that is what she was looking for – tons of them!

Papa – looking at shells people have signed and some are hung from the tree here!

We found what she needed and then headed back home just as the storm rolled in!

The storm is approaching – thunderstorms here are terrific – lightning – thunder and sometimes downpours!

This day – we enjoyed the early morning beach and then a trip to Vareen Gardens – found shells and returned home and then the storm hit!

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

PAPA’S WORLD – BEFORE THE STORM – SEARCHING FOR SHELLS at VAREEN GARDENS, LITTLE RIVER-S.C.

Papa’s World – The skies of where we live!

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Sunset from our front yard – end of the driveway – we really do not have to go to Sunset Beach

to observe this – but then again – there you have Sand and Surf!

We selected this lot because of how the Sun rises and sets – we can see both from the driveway.

Most of our storms come from the West – as we face directly South out on the back patio.

The winds also come from the East – part of the ocean – but that is rare.

A little humor to start your day! LOL

We also live close to the ICW – and its many access points – all within less than 30 minutes drive for us!

Here is a view from Vareen Gardens – on the N.C. – S.C. border – a 20-minute drive for us.

The sky here is almost what we see daily!

On a cloudy but warm day – the sky at the East end of OIB – 15 minutes and we are standing in the sand!

The Sunrise on OIB – thanks for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. – THE SKIES OF WHERE WE LIVE – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – visiting VAREEN GARDENS with family – priceless!

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Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Our family from back home in NWPA drove almost fifteen hours to stay with us for a week!

Andrea – Troy – Papa – Shawn – Trisha and Autumn

We decided other than beach time we would take them exploring nature – and the best way for that for us was Vareen Gardens – just across the border in S.C.

You walk the boardwalk across the marsh and come to this area on the ICW – where you can gather shells – make a wish – sign them and hang them from a tree or bush.

There was what is called a KING TIDE and water came up the steps!
Andrea and my oldest son Troy. BEACH LIFE!

We explored the coast – ICW views and the trail then continues across the marsh and into the woods.

My youngest son Shawn

Shawn is a ranked pool player in both Canada and the USA – here taking a selfie!

Troy can build a house from the ground up!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD and my family and Vareen Gardens. livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – Vareen Gardens with FAMILY – Priceless!

Papa’s World – Friends – make awish and hang from a tree – Vareen gardens – walking – ICW!

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GOOD-DAY EVERYONE!

As per our routine with new guests – we took them for a walk along the ICW and the marsh –

at Vareen Memorial Garden just outside Little River S.C.

Josh and Chann’e walking across the shells along the ICW

We were going to do one last beach day at Sunset Beach – but first – we wanted them to see this.

This is whefre you can watch the big gambling boat depart from Little River and go past here

and make it ways out to the Ocean beyond the international border line.

There – I think they drop anchor and everyone gambles!

And the little one got a chance to explore – there were tiny little black crabs everywhere!

She was a trooper in walking back there to pose for a picture!

Her mom and dad were right there.

They left two dogs home in care by sister – hope everything was okay! LOL

This also is the place you come to – find a shell with a hole in it – take a sharpie –

and write something on it – name – date – anything – and then a string you brought along –

you hang it from one of the numerous trees “AND MAKE A WISH”!

Steve and Elaine – our dear friends from back in WNY!

There are thousands of shells hanging everywhere.

Thirty years ago or maybe longer – we played volleyball in a 16 team league –

In Portville N.Y. and also weekend tournaments.

We were all on the same co-ed team –

and it was a tough league – if you were not watching – you could get a broken nose!

Josh was just a baby when we played – sitting in his stroller – watching us!

Vareen Garden and Sunset Beach – FRIENDS and thier child and wife and daughter.

PAPA and SHERRY

Thank you for reading Papa’s World : my site – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog email: fitztdf@fitztdf

PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – more memories of the past six teen months – living life one day at a time!

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Debby Ella Mike Papa Sherry Sarah Maddy

On our way back home to NVA – we stopped in Lynchburg to watch Maddy –

Our oldest granddaughter – play soccer!

She starts as a Sophomore – and plays for the University of Lynchburg.

One thing she wanted to do – to get out in the fresh air and hike with her family!

Which we did on this paved trail that runs along the river in Lynchburg Va.

Gerhard and Jennie

One of our very first visitors after we moved to Ocean Keyes in North Myrtle Beach –

was the father and mother of our son in law – Marcus.

They came down and spent four days with us – playing cards – walking the beach –

and introducing us to a new game called RUMMIKUBE!

We have always gotten along with them and every Sunday – sat beside them in the pew!

A short visit – Sherry Sarah Debby – came to visit – Mike could not be here – Maddy was in college.

Debby and the two granddaughters came for a short visit –

and we took them hiking – which they love to do – at Vareens memorial Garden.

Walking along the ICW and over the marsh.

They will be back as we took them also to the new house build!

Carol and Mike – our close neighbors back in WNY for 12 1/2 years!

Mike and Carol – we lived next door to them – invited us and our friends – we have all been friends for years-

to their lake house in WNY -Lake Chatauqua – for a long weekend of riding the lake in their beautiful boat!

They have extended another invitation for this August – the same group – for four days!

They own a business that sends crews to do commercial painting all over the East Coast

and this year are expanding to the mid west.

Mike – started this when he was very young — and what a company he has turned it into!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World!

Cindy Papa Sherry Carol

On the lake in Mike and Carols boat!

All eight of us fit very comfortable – we spent three days cruising the lake for hours at a time!

All eight of us have been friends for years and years!

PAPA’S WORLD

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

SHERRY – CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH – SSC FOR THE JUICE PLUS COMPANY ( 50 years in business)

SHERRY WEBSITE AND BUSINESS: http://www.sf.juiceplus.com NETWORK MARKING from home.

SHERRY CONTACT EMAIL: ssherrylynn49@aol.com

PAPA’S WORLD – my site livinglifedoingitmyway.blog – my blog FITZTDF@AOL.COM my email

Memories of the past 16 months continues in the next blog! Join – it is all free!

Papa’s World – find a shell – tie a cord through it – DEB and GIRLS make a WISH – hang in tree!

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There is a place near the ICW – where there are hundreds of shells hanging from trees – each one is someones WISH!

We brought them – Debby – Sarah and Ella to Vareen’s Memorial Garden

Just as we did with their cousins – and here is a special place

to not wish upon a star – but a SEASHELL and the hang it form one of the Cypress Trees!

Sarah Sherry Ella Debby at the make a wish site.
Sarah’s hanging wishes for all her school friends!
The first make a wish tree – now there are many more!

Many people pass through here each day –

I watched two older women stop and do the same thing –

find a shell – write on it and then hang it from a tree!

Busy writing their names and making their wishes!
Debby’s shell – no matter how old you are – make a wish to come true!
Taylor’s shell in front of Ella’s shell – cousins!

It was a warm day – low tide so lots of shells to look at!

Sarah going to the ICW to look for shells.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

Sherry and Papa

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

Sherry Sarah Ella Debby

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

Wishing tree along the ICW!

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SHERRY SSC for The Juice Plus Company Debby QMND for The Juice Plus Company – Mother and daughter teaming up to bring health and nutrition to families all across the U.S.A.

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

CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH HEALTH and NUTRITION

Leader of: TEAM GENERATIONS

Cassidy -cousin and grand daughter – make a wish on a seashell and hang from the WISHING TREE!

Papa’s World – Hiking through Vareen Memorial Gardens with family!

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Sherry Ella Sarah Papa

We had a fine day to be out and about – so we decided to show them some nature

As they are all about the outdoors!

We went back to Vareen Memorial Gardens –

just before you cross the state line into N.C. in Little River S.C.

Ella Sarah Sherry Sarah is growing up so fast – at 14 she is catching up to both Sherry and Ella!

Across the marsh and over the tidal canals –

at low tide – does not look so scary when empty!

Sarah and Ella who is almost 5′ 9″ tall!

We entered the trees and brush along a sand pathway – trail.

We had been here a couple times before

bringing family to explore and see the ICW and the beauty of a pristine nature walk.

The girls loved this as did Debby who is all about the outdoors and hiking!

Sherry Debby Ella

We soon entered the trees and bush growth

it was shaded in here and I think would be welcomed in the S.C. heat of Summer!

Sarah checking out the shore of the ICW and looking for sea shells!
Debby and her mother – resting before we continue into the forest trails!
Sherry Debby Ella and Sarah

One last walkway before entering the pine and cypress trees!

The path is marked – and branches off in all directions!

Respite from the hot sun!

A shaded walk – can be a couple miles if you select the right path

We choose the shorter route – we had some more places to show them!

WE WILL BE BACK someday we told them!

The sand path through the trees!

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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

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Mother and daughter – Sherry and Debby – health and nutrition – Certified Health Coaches – SSC and QMND The Juice Plus Company

Sherry’s site: http://www.sf.juiceplus.com both formed and lead TEAM GENERATIONS

Helping families and children maintain healthy nutrition and good eating habits!

Sherry’s email: sherrylynn49@aol.com

PAPA’S WORLD – HIKING THROUGH VAREEN MEMORIAL GARDENS WITH FAMILY!

Papa’s World – Vareen Memorial Gardens – a little exploring and hike.

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A view of the marsh – reeds and water way.

We had passed the entrance dozens of times –

Sherry said we need to stop and see what is there!

So – on our way to our property – we stopped – just a few miles North of the border

of S.C. and N.C.

outside Little River S.C.

Across the marsh – a hole on a golf course.

We parked – and there were clean johnny on the spots –

benches and tables – covered area to sit and eat.

Swings for kids and numerous trail heads.

We thought – we need to bring the kids here when they visit!

We picked a trail that took us toward the ICW!

Wanting to see the water way and the boats.

A boat on the ICW goes by as Sherry watches.

There were piers to walk out on and decks to sit.

We had forgotten to pick up a map of the trails

so we selected one and off we went.

Had no idea where it would go – we were exploring as we do all the time!

Sherry about to follow the trail into the wooded area – many birds – saw no snakes or spiders or gators!

We continued on – checking our fit bits to see how far we had walked.

All the while staying on the path to the right as others branched off.

I could see across the marsh where we had started

and I could tell we were looping back toward the parking lot!

Sherry on the walkway along the path – looking out over the marsh.

Next blog will be on some interesting finds we made!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World –

Sherry and Papa

Papa’s World – WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

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Next blog – Making wishes – hang them from a tree!