And the curtain comes down .....

We said good-bye to Yankee Stadium after a dismal season and we said good-bye to Shea after another 'crash and burn' month of September and we say good-bye to a Golf season that started more than 7 months ago when a few brave men - led by Ceasar - braved the cold, windy nights and the long, endless days of sleeping in the parking lot waiting for the coveted tee time that was a constant in a 'sea of change.' Major banking institutions have crumbled, a governor has fallen from grace, primaries have produced dramatic surprises, but the constant in life this season has been our tee time. A time for four 'caballeros' to gather, exchange stories and play a little golf.

A fitting ending to a long season was the pre-tee time ceremony which I was privileged to witness, as our Captain, Rich - chip it in - Iturbe earned the distinction of being the player who had garnered enough rounds of golf and earned A FREE ROUND. Rich was very humble as he accepted this honor -- one that the rest of tried to get but failed. I must admit that I got a bit teary as the ticket was given to the starter and with a brief nod of his head, he recognized Rich's accomplishment. Rich is after all our 'Cal Ripken' and we salute him.

and leave it to Rich to 'change it up.' It was the first tee and if history is an indication of the future - we would expect that Dan will lead us off the tee. But not this time -- not this last round of the season-- it was non other than our Captain - our Cal - who doffed his hat to the starter and went up first - hitting a beautiful shot off the tee. Frankly, this threw Dan for a loss - he was so confused to be hitting in the number two slot - that he forgot that the striped pole was the 150 yard marker -- he thought it as a mere directional flag. After Rich 'gently corrected him', Dan still was uncertain and went to the 'ultimate authority', the Starter, and asked about the candy striped pole, who confirmed what the Captain has said.

It was appropriate that our last round was memorable - a record pace of 4 hrs. and 10 minutes - even with a 15 minute break in the round so the ranger and the golf pro could address an emergency encountered by the foursome in front of us on the 10th hole. One of the players hit a ball into a 'hornets nest' - literally - and abandoned his golf bag, which was quickly engulfed in a haze of 'killer bees.' There was a conference - with a phone call made to a bee keeper who is kept on retainer for situations like this. The impass was broken when the player whose bag was now the new home of the queen bee, put towels over his face and shoulders - was pointed in the right direction and charged his bag - knocked the queen bee off her throne and ran like 'greased lightening' with his bag. It was right up there with the rescue at Entebbe and the foursome continued playing their round. This was another chapter in the wildlife of Saxon Woods, along with the nesting hawks, the swans, the Canadian geese, and even the rats that frequented the 3rd hole.

My last round was also memorable. Anyone who has had an experience of 'going great guns', of going beyond what you ever thought possible, of seeing 'colors' in a world of 'browns' .... to just have the lights turned out, to go flat, to have the opportunity of a lifetime be taken from you - and being helpless to make it stop .... that was my round today. I had 4 pars on the front 9, and ended with an 'honest' 42. Perhaps it was the 'Bee experience' on 10; whatever it was - I choked and hit a few 8's and 7's to end the round with a 92. Under any other circumstance, I'd be 'jumping for joy' with that score. However, I just had the feeling that this was my moment, my turn at grabbing the brass ring and breaking 90. Perhaps not as dramatic as the Mets 'swoon', but disappointing non the less.

This is not the time to look back at 'what could have been' but rather to celebrate what was. Four guys who love spending 4+ hours together, cheering each other on, giving 'quiet' looks of assurance when errant hits were struck , who looked forward to guessing what 'type' of bread Barry would be having after the 9th hole. Amazing memories of golf carts being saved from the 13th hole creek, remembering how one of our team succumb to the swamp. Philosophical discussion, world problems solved - if only in our minds - and the caring, concern and compassion demonstrated for one another will make this 2008 season a most special one.

There have been many queries whether I will be keeping this blog up during the off season. I'm going to let you, the loyal readership and let me say unequivocally, the best blog fans in the world make that decision. If you want more of BK Golf and More -- text to American Idol and press #1.

It's been an honor and privilege to record this year of Golf. I hope this brought some smiles and possibly some 'yuks' ---- it has provided me with an outlet to express my feelings and for that I thank you. We have big plans for next year -- our President of our IT division will be looking for a more user-friendly site to host the blog, our General Counsel will be working out television rights to a sitcom, book and movie deals and sponsorships at local car dealerships, and our President of Resource Development will be spending the next number of months raising capital as we develop a Foundation whose mission it is to provide funding for counseling sessions for traumatized 'doffers.'

Lesson Learned: On any given Sunday, there will be four friends who will share a round of golf, and strengthen bonds that last a lifetime. They are a most luckly group of guys!

The End is Near

Well Golf enthusiasts -- it's getting to the end of our season as it is for the Yankees and most likely the Mets. I think it's fair to say that our play over the past few weeks has been sub-par and we deserve not going into the post-season and extending our regularly scheduled tee time.

The weather this past week-end was picture perfect. Our original four played together for the second week in a row. We are like a 'married four-some.' We know each other's favorite trees for when nature calls - and I actually asked permission when I wanted to utilize Dan's favorite watering hole - the woods off the 5th tee.

Dan is the most creative in the group and created a new game called "Gennis" , a combination tennis and golf. Essentially on every hole he took two tee shots, same as a serve in tennis.

Barry - playing the course like it was a monopoly game - decided on the 12th hole that he 'get out of Jail' card and left while he could.

Rich was on 'stand-by' - waiting for Henry to call and get his opinion on the worst banking disaster since the Great Depression. (no different that what Henry used to do when he was at GS.)

As we look forward to our last 'official week' of the season -- we wish the Mets a miracle and that the get the wild card spot in the post season --- that a bailout is worked out - that makes sense for the 'average American, and isn't another poor decision by the Administration - supported by Congress - as was the search for WMD.

Lesson Learned: It's possible to eat too much ice cream until you no longer want ice cream.

just one more .....

As our golf season comes to a close -- (2 weeks to go) -- it was great to be out with the regular four. Coming off Hurricane Ike -- where we've been on storm patrol with the Cahn's who live in Houston and have been staying with us for the past week. While Mike and Susan were understandably concerned about their house -- we were very worried about the condition of the course. (remember that last week we had to deal with the aftermath of Hannah -- a lake that replaced the driving range, pools of water in the sand traps ...) Good news is the course was in decent shape - day started off a bit of a drizzle and turned into a hot, humid day. One of the environmental challenges we faced were these biting flies -- and while none of us are 'tree huggers' - we try not to use the DEET bug spray. We succumb - and used the spray - however these flies 'laughed' at the spray and re-doubled their attacks. As an aside -- having the Cahns stay with us is like having a family reunion or a pajama party. We have 40 years of history and nothing makes me feel better than gathering our friends of many years together. A very special congratulations to Elanna (Mike and Susan's daughter) and Austin on their recent engagement . We also got to meet Matt (Bobbie's son) who was 'set up' with Mike and Susan's daughter, Jessica, at last year's reunion. Perhaps I digress ---

I knew that I would not get to finish 18 holes -- Judi and I had a wedding -- very poignant affair with Judi shedding more tears than at any other wedding that I can remember. Bob is a good friend and Ilene has become one. This is a second marriage for both -- Bob was divorced a number of years ago and has a 20 y/o daughter. Ilene's husband died tragically. He was a hemophiliac and unfortunately contracted Aids during that period when the hospitals did not test donated blood. Ilene has 2 sons from this marriage - approximately 23 and 19 years of age. The boys and Sarah (Bob's daughter) held up 3 poles of the Chupah. (for our large non-Jewish readership, a chupah is a canopy that a Jewish couple stands under during the service. It was very obvious that the younger son was very emotional, watching his mother and bob getting married. The Rabbi delivered a very sensitive service - acknowledging the 'history' that Bob and Ilene brought to the marriage. There were many 'moving moments' during the wedding, including a musical interlude performed by Bob's daughter and Ilene's sons. Ilene gave a very moving toast - acknowledging the presence of her first husband's parents and their unconditional love and 'blessings bestowed' upon her and Bob. Judi and I were privileged to be participants in the blending of these two special families.

Back to golf. We played the first 9 holes - we all played well and the game move along at a decent pace. Dan continues to be our lead off man ... often times teeing off before the rest of us got to the tee. Starting on the 10th hole I began the 'head game'..... just one more hole. I'm sure I'm not the only one who remembers 'negotiating' - either with our own parents as children -- or with our children as parents -- just one more TV show, just one more book, just one more (readership - please let us know how you'd fill in the blank). How many times did Judi ask me ... just once more ... (in my dreams.)

Anyway -- after 12 holes -- I decided to leave ... although truth be told (and this blog is all about 'truth, justice and the American way" .... where did this come from? I was playing well - having hit the drive of 'my life and parring the hole -- but made the mature choice and left to give myself time to get ready for the wedding.

Perhaps my co-author will comment on the final six holes.

Lessons Learned: Blackberries have no place on the golf course. Remember although you can't control the wind but you can adjust the sails...

Return of the Fab 4

The torrential downpour which was the aftermath of Hurricane Hannah to strike NY on Saturday night was bad enough to raise questions about whether we should play the next day. Common sense would be to recognize that the course would be flooded and our game would be compromised. Two of our foursome were truly wavering (initials being "B and D") -- but I realized that we were not 'just talking' about a round of golf -- we were determining whether or not the four of us would play together for the first time in months. Life got in the way this summer -- be it 'fulfilled wishes' of spending weekends on Golden Pond, 'medical speed bumps', or vacation plans -- and this was the 'reunion round.' I was determined we were going to play -- come "hell or high water" and we did. (it was a bit disconcerting when Barry called the golf course early Sunday morning to be told the course was very wet and the driving range was closed because it was a Lake --- and upon seeing this -- it was not an exaggeration). Barry and I were prepared for the 'elements' -- quite a sight in shorts and construction boots -- while Dan and Rich stuck with the traditional golf shoes. It would turn out that wearing the boots were just the beginning of what Barry would need -- but I get ahead of myself.

The day was beautiful -- course was relatively empty and we played without major incident - except for that one time that Barry .......

As we gather around the first tee -- I tried to reflect upon the importance of this moment -- thankful to be surrounded by good friends -- which was met with questions like: "are you going to try and go over the trees?" and "What club are you using?" Despite the lack of 'appreciation for the moment" demonstrated by these three 'manly men' --- I do want to pause and note that there was something very comforting about being together again -- about catching up on children, work, vacations .... and knowing that the bond that exists within our foursome - "may no man bring asunder." (can someone please tell me who I'm paraphrasing and the situation when these powerful words were first uttered.)

I believe Dan 'birdied' the first hole -- and we all played 'good golf.'

Golf is a game of rules and how you chose to adhere to the rules is a matter of individual choice. The four of us have a very different approach to our games. Our foursome consists of an investment banker, an attorney, a 'super fund raiser' and a social worker. One of us cares most for 'the experience - the process of being together,' another one is a student of the game, carefully analyzing each aspect and making strategic moves to maximize his outcome, a third is more of a 'gambler' -- always going for the 'big hit' and often succeeding, while the fourth is an adherent to the 'rules' and believes is a strict interpretation and acts accordingly.' (audience participation -- after reading this blog for all these months -- I believe there are in excess of 30 entries - can you put the name with the occupation with the description for each golfer. There will be an autographed golf ball for the first 100 people who write in with the correct answer.

And then there is the dreaded 13th hole .... the site of prior blog entry where Dan's friend was willing to sacrifice 'life and limb' to save my golf cart. The 13th hole has a creek on the left and a stream at the midway point between the tee box and the green. It takes two good shots to clear the stream. Today was particularly challenging given the intense rains of the prior night. The banks on either side of the stream are soft and marshy. Barry and I hit on the left side of the fairway. Our second shots were well struck -- but mine landed in the stream and Barry's ball landed on the downslope of the stream. Three of us would have looked at Barry's ball and if it were ours -- moved it a few feet to 'safe ground.' Our 'strict constitutionalist' - slight hint to prior quiz - chose to play the ball were it 'sat' and with an extreme downhill lie - Barry addressed the ball, took a swing and then he took what others spend 'mega bucks for' -- a mud bath. He "swung and slid" down the embankment going thigh deep into the muck. Dan and I rushed to his aid -- Rich followed his 'proclaimed' golf etiquette - he first hit his ball and then came to help.
It was a good thing that Barry was wearing his boots -- too bad he wasn't wearing his 'hip waders.' (will the fishermen in the readership confirm this is what those rubber things that go up to your hips are called.) He was a sport and played the remainder of the course -- squishing ever so much and attracting an unusual amount of flies. (BTW - he hit the ball in the stream.)

And so ends another round -- or more important -- created another memory. lesson learned - sometimes it's better to take a penalty stroke than a spa treatment.

Hurricane Gustav, Golf, and Politics

Blog readership: we have been in serious conversations with Homeland Security, FEMA, the Governors of the Gulf coast states and of course the Republican National Convention. We decided to go forward with our Golf game on Sunday after assurances from Secretary Chertoff and others that hurricane preparations were in place . They appreciated our offers to help but said that knowing there would be a blog to read would be of tremendous support to the first responders, National Guard and volunteers who are dealing with Gustav.

Rich and I played with 2 invited guests -- good friends from the community - Les and Jeff. They have children that grew up and have been friends with Daniel since 2nd grade. There is not much to report about the golf game. It was a beautiful day, it took a reasonable 4.5 hours and we all had more good shots than bad.

Frankly, our thoughts about Gustav was an unspoken concern. I'm convinced that I was in the sand as much as I was (first two holes -I found sand traps and that set the pattern for me for the round) because I was thinking of the need for the Levis to hold and the bags of sand used to reinforce them. Les' son was evacuated from Tulane University -- his older son was a junior in Tulane during Katrina. (Ben was fortunate to ride out Hurricane Katrina in Spain). Les had the presence of mind to tell Michael to make sure he threw out the milk and any other perishables in the refrigerator before he left. I don't know about others -- but I would not have thought of that --- and on behalf on many readers -- thank you Les for this very helpful hint.

The good news is that New Orleans was not directly hit -- but certainly was and continues to be impacted by gusting winds, heavy rains and some minor flooding. We continue to be on alert and ready to respond to any requests for our services. Our thoughts are with those affected by this Hurricane and wish G-d Speed as people return to their homes. A special note of gratitude and
our appreciation to all the people who are working this event.

This blog tended to stay 'apolitical' during the primaries and now the Conventions. However, it behooves us to recognize the historical moment -- Come Jan. 09, for the first time in our Nation's history, we will either have a Black man as our President or a woman as our Vice President.
Our best wishes go out to both vice presidential candidates -- who have sons being deployed to Iraq in the next few months. Let's give a special 'shout out' to Governor Pallin's 17 y/o daughter who is pregnant and whose intention we are told is to have the baby and marry the father. I'm sure the Governor will say that her daughter - should not serve as a role model for other teenagers -- having unprotected sex (we speculate) and getting pregnant. I believe that Paris Hilton's younger sister - I think she is 16 years old - is also pregnant, planning on having the baby and marrying the father. We will use the power of this blog to get these parenting teenagers together, perhaps a with the 17 or so teenagers from a High School in Massachusetts who also got pregnant, for a 'kumbaya' experience where they can feel the love, (the safe kind of love) and draw support from each other.

Next week is a reunion -- the fab four is back!

until then -- lesson learned -- even girls from good evangelical families are not immune from the 'sirens of sex' --- yet perhaps lack the available birth control information.

other lesson learned -- it's harder to make birdies and pars if you leave the puts short.