Well my loyal readership -- do I have a great business opportunity to share with you --- I'm looking for investors for a knock-off entrepreneurial venture. Judith and I were invited to attend a 'singing performance' of a UJA friend. No - she is not a professional singer --- anything but -- just someone with a 'dream' and a brilliant business person figured out a way to capitalize on it.
This business is called "Just for Singing" - or something like that. My friend - and 12 other people paid $500 for the opportunity to meet 3 times (as a group) and practice one song to sing 'on stage.' someone check my math - but I come up with $6,000. (that is aprox. $660 per hour -- not a bad wage).
These 12 people then get to invite their family and friends to a small 'room' with a stage that seats probably 200 people. The admission charge is $12 per person ... another $2400 .... and our business person does not have to fill the seats -- her students who pay $500 a pop also fill the room. There is a minimum of 2 drinks per person --- with the cheapest drink being club soda - $7 per pop ... so for 2 people it was $36 - including tax and drink. Most people order liquor which was $12 + a pop .... let's use round numbers since I'm math challenged and say that 200 people averaged $25 in a beverage fee - another $5,000 (only cash). So for one night's performance the owner took in $7400 (3 hrs of 'performance) and not counting the $6,000 in tuition. This is for ONE NIGHT -- and not sure how many nights she works.
Remember the 'worst acts' on American Idol .... multiply that by 10 ....It's bad karaoke without the good music. The 'star' gets up and performs a song - accompanied by a pianist - and the place -- filled with her friends and like minded people go crazy with applause, whistles, hoots, etc. The response was similar to that afforded to Bruce when he finished playing his set at the Meadowlands (now that's another story.)
So I'm calling all PHD's , PHD candidates, Teachers, Executive Directors and other people who like the idea of selling someone a 'dream come true' and making a fortune to join me in this venture.
Maestro out!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
"THE PARTY'S OVER"
"The Party's Over" .... It's Time to Call it a Day ..... sung by ? and so official Golf Season comes to a close.
There were many highlights - but after careful consideration - the "GOLEMMY" goes to MICHAEL LEW. Allow me to re-create the scene on the 14th hole. It was raining - not a light mist but rather a heavy downpour. We were soaked and the course was a virtual lake. Michael was playing a ball on the other fairway and was attempting to hit it over a line of trees. He took a full swing with an iron and the club slipped out of his hands - and got STUCK in a high branch of the tree. Being resourceful, Michael took off one of his sneakers and threw it at the club....and the sneaker also got stuck in the tree. So Michael and Les are looking up in the tree - and hanging from a branch well above their outstretched arms - like two Christmas tree ornaments are the club and a sneaker.
Since the rules are that you can only carry 14 clubs in a golf bag -- and both a ball retriever (to get the balls in the water holes that once were sand traps) and a machete (to hit balls one foot off the fairway) were required - we decided to go last Sunday to a NEW COURSE with the thought of switching for the coming year.
A decision to leave Saxon Woods is not made lightly. We are close buddies with the Starter - DiDi, who will be joining us at the annual, end of year B-Q at the Formans. We have been attacked by nesting Hawks, intimidated by geese, embarrassed by our poor play, and yet - it's our home course.
After playing Maple Moore, we decided that it was much better maintained -- there actually is a fairway that doesn't resemble a Brier patch -- but it was as interesting as watching 'paint dry.'
We anticipate 'lower scores' and few lost balls.
Is this enough reason to change -- we'll let our readers weigh in ... either by responding to this blog or by texting - GOLFCHANGE - 1 (for yes) and 2 (for no).
As far as a personal goal for next season -- I'm hoping that I can change a pattern of having my putts be longer than my tee shots.
Until next season -- or a good gym story --
Chipster signing off!
There were many highlights - but after careful consideration - the "GOLEMMY" goes to MICHAEL LEW. Allow me to re-create the scene on the 14th hole. It was raining - not a light mist but rather a heavy downpour. We were soaked and the course was a virtual lake. Michael was playing a ball on the other fairway and was attempting to hit it over a line of trees. He took a full swing with an iron and the club slipped out of his hands - and got STUCK in a high branch of the tree. Being resourceful, Michael took off one of his sneakers and threw it at the club....and the sneaker also got stuck in the tree. So Michael and Les are looking up in the tree - and hanging from a branch well above their outstretched arms - like two Christmas tree ornaments are the club and a sneaker.
Since the rules are that you can only carry 14 clubs in a golf bag -- and both a ball retriever (to get the balls in the water holes that once were sand traps) and a machete (to hit balls one foot off the fairway) were required - we decided to go last Sunday to a NEW COURSE with the thought of switching for the coming year.
A decision to leave Saxon Woods is not made lightly. We are close buddies with the Starter - DiDi, who will be joining us at the annual, end of year B-Q at the Formans. We have been attacked by nesting Hawks, intimidated by geese, embarrassed by our poor play, and yet - it's our home course.
After playing Maple Moore, we decided that it was much better maintained -- there actually is a fairway that doesn't resemble a Brier patch -- but it was as interesting as watching 'paint dry.'
We anticipate 'lower scores' and few lost balls.
Is this enough reason to change -- we'll let our readers weigh in ... either by responding to this blog or by texting - GOLFCHANGE - 1 (for yes) and 2 (for no).
As far as a personal goal for next season -- I'm hoping that I can change a pattern of having my putts be longer than my tee shots.
Until next season -- or a good gym story --
Chipster signing off!
Friday, September 25, 2009
once a Dump always a Dump
Our Jewish following will realize that this past Sunday was Rosh Hashana and probably assumed when the blog wasn't up within a few days that we didn't play ..... The Captain and I did -- although not at our usual place or time. We went to a course we episodically play at - Dunwoodie in Yonkers - always swearing not to come back. It's an old, tired course -- plays short -- with fairways and greens that have seen as much action as the motel across the way that rents rooms by the hour. (I'm told this - don't know from personal experience.) We played in a reasonable 4 hrs and 20 minutes -- for 9 holes we were paired with a 'novice golfer' -- which was ok. We both shot in the mid 90's - more a reflection of the relative ease of the course than our abilities. Two 'truisms' were reinforced -- Once a Dump always a Dump and a day on the golf course with a 'brother' is always great.
There was excitement at the spin class this week ..... The spin Nazi - appropriately named by Mayor Kusherman - went on a tirade because people put towels on their bikes and were not sitting on them two minutes before the class begins. It wasn't enough for the person on the next bike to say that you were 'coming right back' - not even enough for the person to go into more detail and say 'you were in the bathroom' .... the NEW RULE dictated by the instructor is that you MUST TELL HER and she MUST ACKNOWLEDGE that you were in the room and now going to the bathroom. So in a room of adults you essentially have to raise your hand and loudly (because there is music playing) request permission to go to the bathroom. And because we are all intimidated by her (she teaches the Monday and Wed. 6 am class) - we go along with this. I have a habit of working out on the floor until the last minute - which gets my gym buddy Jody very nervous because there are people lined up outside of the spin room - like vultures - ready to take off your towel - throw your bottle of water to the side and claim your bike. So to recap what happens daily - we get to the gym at 4:40 am and line up. We go in at 5 am and need to make the decision - do you reserve a spin bike or an elliptical first. Depending on what you decide - you dash to the other and hope that you are not too late. Next you go to the locker room and try to get a locker that you think won't have 6 hairy men hanging around when you are finished working out. Finally, your on the floor and work out - always keeping an eye on the clock - because the Spin Nazi stands outside the room, taking attendance and then allowing the 'stand-bys' in when HER watch says 5:58 am. There is a good 5 minutes of her yelling about some injustice -- could be as simple as we ALL don't have heart monitors.
The time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is a time of reflection and introspection. It's also a time to seek forgiveness from someone whom you may have intentionally or unintentionally 'wronged.' In keeping with this tradition - I most humbly apologize to my loyal readership both individually and collectively, for any 'slight' or any words or actions that may have offended you. I seek your forgiveness and will aspire to be both a better person and golfer in the year to come.
Long and Straight,
Short and True
Chipster OUT
There was excitement at the spin class this week ..... The spin Nazi - appropriately named by Mayor Kusherman - went on a tirade because people put towels on their bikes and were not sitting on them two minutes before the class begins. It wasn't enough for the person on the next bike to say that you were 'coming right back' - not even enough for the person to go into more detail and say 'you were in the bathroom' .... the NEW RULE dictated by the instructor is that you MUST TELL HER and she MUST ACKNOWLEDGE that you were in the room and now going to the bathroom. So in a room of adults you essentially have to raise your hand and loudly (because there is music playing) request permission to go to the bathroom. And because we are all intimidated by her (she teaches the Monday and Wed. 6 am class) - we go along with this. I have a habit of working out on the floor until the last minute - which gets my gym buddy Jody very nervous because there are people lined up outside of the spin room - like vultures - ready to take off your towel - throw your bottle of water to the side and claim your bike. So to recap what happens daily - we get to the gym at 4:40 am and line up. We go in at 5 am and need to make the decision - do you reserve a spin bike or an elliptical first. Depending on what you decide - you dash to the other and hope that you are not too late. Next you go to the locker room and try to get a locker that you think won't have 6 hairy men hanging around when you are finished working out. Finally, your on the floor and work out - always keeping an eye on the clock - because the Spin Nazi stands outside the room, taking attendance and then allowing the 'stand-bys' in when HER watch says 5:58 am. There is a good 5 minutes of her yelling about some injustice -- could be as simple as we ALL don't have heart monitors.
The time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is a time of reflection and introspection. It's also a time to seek forgiveness from someone whom you may have intentionally or unintentionally 'wronged.' In keeping with this tradition - I most humbly apologize to my loyal readership both individually and collectively, for any 'slight' or any words or actions that may have offended you. I seek your forgiveness and will aspire to be both a better person and golfer in the year to come.
Long and Straight,
Short and True
Chipster OUT
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Fat Lady is Getting Ready
Sunday was beautiful -- sunny, dry, not too hot .... and on the 'rare occasion' that we would hit a fairway shot that landed on the green - we'd see the splash. Some sand traps were lakes and there were enough geese on the course to feed the hungry for a long time to come.
We are heading into the 'home stretch' - with only two weeks to go in the season - and since both weeks coincide with Jewish Holidays, it's conceivable that the Fat Lady has already started to sing. Barry didn't play this week -- he was doing some trivial stuff - delivering food to shut in Jewish Elderly so they could celebrate Rosh Hashana -- and we picked up a fourth - Mr. Mike. Mr. Mike was a nice enough guy -- but he should learn that only 'real golfers' hit from the Blues. On the very first tee - he dribbled the ball .... to be repeated more often than he'd like to remember. Otherwise, he was good at finding balls and kept the game moving.
There were some true disappointments. Richie's front 9 and my back 9 would add up to be a perfect score - if we were bowling. (I'm thinking of inventing a game called Gowling -- only play 9 holes and the person with the highest score wins.)
Another disappointment was Cart Girl. First of all - we didn't see her until the 17th hole -- and worse -- it was a new Cart Girl who obviously didn't pay attention to the dress code. I'm sure her long baggy blue jeans and long sleeve sweat shirt would be helpful if she was doing some other activity -- but it wasn't going to generate much in the way of sales.
Les played well and hit the shot of his season on the last hole - after a modest drive - he took a 5 wood and put the ball on the green - positioning himself for a Birdie. (Remember how Barry was shooting for an Eagle the week before -- Les had the same results.)
We finished in a barely satisfactory 4 hrs and 50 minutes.
I did not get the number of comments about last week's blog that I had requested. The only thing that saved me from going into the 'blog blues' was the Captain's telling me that he was out to dinner with a couple who 'confessed' that they were regular blog readers but just too 'shy' to comment. To that couple I say: your comments will only make the blog BETTER, so don't hesitate.
The gym continues to be the 'highpoint' of the day --- haven't had problems getting either a bike or the elliptical. Jody and I have worked out an arrangement where we divide and conquer -- The lines to get in at 5 am are getting longer and we now need to get their 20 minutes earlier - a small price to pay.
A quick shout out to my favorite teacher in Arkansas who has the flu --- school budget doesn't allow for soap in the bathrooms ... and to the Big Guy - go NY football.
This may be the last blog of the season (and depending on whether we get a BETTER response, possible forever.)
I wish you more success than I had this season - since too often my putts were longer than my drives -
Chipster out!
We are heading into the 'home stretch' - with only two weeks to go in the season - and since both weeks coincide with Jewish Holidays, it's conceivable that the Fat Lady has already started to sing. Barry didn't play this week -- he was doing some trivial stuff - delivering food to shut in Jewish Elderly so they could celebrate Rosh Hashana -- and we picked up a fourth - Mr. Mike. Mr. Mike was a nice enough guy -- but he should learn that only 'real golfers' hit from the Blues. On the very first tee - he dribbled the ball .... to be repeated more often than he'd like to remember. Otherwise, he was good at finding balls and kept the game moving.
There were some true disappointments. Richie's front 9 and my back 9 would add up to be a perfect score - if we were bowling. (I'm thinking of inventing a game called Gowling -- only play 9 holes and the person with the highest score wins.)
Another disappointment was Cart Girl. First of all - we didn't see her until the 17th hole -- and worse -- it was a new Cart Girl who obviously didn't pay attention to the dress code. I'm sure her long baggy blue jeans and long sleeve sweat shirt would be helpful if she was doing some other activity -- but it wasn't going to generate much in the way of sales.
Les played well and hit the shot of his season on the last hole - after a modest drive - he took a 5 wood and put the ball on the green - positioning himself for a Birdie. (Remember how Barry was shooting for an Eagle the week before -- Les had the same results.)
We finished in a barely satisfactory 4 hrs and 50 minutes.
I did not get the number of comments about last week's blog that I had requested. The only thing that saved me from going into the 'blog blues' was the Captain's telling me that he was out to dinner with a couple who 'confessed' that they were regular blog readers but just too 'shy' to comment. To that couple I say: your comments will only make the blog BETTER, so don't hesitate.
The gym continues to be the 'highpoint' of the day --- haven't had problems getting either a bike or the elliptical. Jody and I have worked out an arrangement where we divide and conquer -- The lines to get in at 5 am are getting longer and we now need to get their 20 minutes earlier - a small price to pay.
A quick shout out to my favorite teacher in Arkansas who has the flu --- school budget doesn't allow for soap in the bathrooms ... and to the Big Guy - go NY football.
This may be the last blog of the season (and depending on whether we get a BETTER response, possible forever.)
I wish you more success than I had this season - since too often my putts were longer than my drives -
Chipster out!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Julie's Blog vs BK Golf and More
Let's get golf out of the way --- a beautiful day - nicest of the year - only made better because "Mayor Neil" joined us - as our Captain was on Shark Patrol at the Cape. Four of us started - two of us finished (the Mayor and me), with B and Les leaving early. Best shot of the game - if not the season - occur ed on the 13th hole -- as Barry hit a beautiful drive - which landed before the stream. He took a 3 wood and placed the ball 1.5 ft. from the hole on two. On the verge of getting an unheard of - and I believe never witnessed by any of us - EAGLE - B approached the putt and .............................. As exciting as this was, Neil did meet Golf Cart Girl and was charmed into purchasing Gatorade and chips .... It's just a pleasure seeing someone enjoy her job as much as she does. We finished in a very snappy 4 hrs and 20 minutes. It was a typical round - more good shots than bad, a few pars, Neil was able to call upon his draw when necessary.
Did anyone really like Julie's Blog? Can you compare a blog on someone else's recipes with my Synfeldian Blog? Where are you - my 'invisible readers?' She got a movie out of her blog - and I got 'nuthin.' Best part of the Julie/Julia movie was each of their husbands .... their total devotion to their self indulged wives was admirable. Who cares about how to 'de-bone a duck' --- compared to the classic episodes: should Dan return chairs to Costco after using them for a Seder? is it OK to pee in front of the Golf Ranger? Is it possible to get a golf club, followed by a sneaker stuck in a tree? Come on out there -- it's no contest. If Julie get's a movie, I've earned the right to a TV series --
Summer's over, the their will be more traffic on the roads, with the school buses and teachers, and the gym will be crowded again. Jodi and I are 'in synch' - checking often with each other - making sure we are signed up for tomorrow. We'll have to re-establish ourselves - be there extra early - lining up at 4:40 am for a 5 am opening. We'll need to work as a team - one of us signing up for Wed spin, while the other secures the bikes and then the ellipticals. We need to assert ourselves - make sure we are the alpha gym rats - and as everyone knows - it's hard to hold on to your crown where there someone someone looking to knock you off your pedestal. It takes a little longer to get out of bed at 4:00 am .... but we have to do it ....
It's official now -- Dr. C, the big guy, Xag and T-ea-C-H will be running the Miami 1/2 marathon with me on Jan. 31st. We are all signed up -- and training has begun in earnest.
and to end with a brief story that 'truth is often more unbelievable than fiction" .... This truth involves Judi - the person who we count on to know 'right from wrong' and never deviate. Well 'deviate' she did -- in a way that most if not all will not Believe. Last night -- in less than 15 minutes - our Judith inhaled a pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Ice Cream. Hard to believe you say --- well apparently Judi is full of surprises ....
Let me give a shout out to Downtown Boat House --- Judi and I went kayaking on the Hudson this morning -- pier 40 - by Houston Street --- and the cost of this - complete with locker, life jackets, kyaks/paddles .... a big O... free! It closes in October - so go for it.
and if you really want - I can give you a recipe for making corn on the grill -
I'm looking to get double digit comments ... don't let me down.
Keeping your drives long and straight, your putts short and true,
The Chipster.
Did anyone really like Julie's Blog? Can you compare a blog on someone else's recipes with my Synfeldian Blog? Where are you - my 'invisible readers?' She got a movie out of her blog - and I got 'nuthin.' Best part of the Julie/Julia movie was each of their husbands .... their total devotion to their self indulged wives was admirable. Who cares about how to 'de-bone a duck' --- compared to the classic episodes: should Dan return chairs to Costco after using them for a Seder? is it OK to pee in front of the Golf Ranger? Is it possible to get a golf club, followed by a sneaker stuck in a tree? Come on out there -- it's no contest. If Julie get's a movie, I've earned the right to a TV series --
Summer's over, the their will be more traffic on the roads, with the school buses and teachers, and the gym will be crowded again. Jodi and I are 'in synch' - checking often with each other - making sure we are signed up for tomorrow. We'll have to re-establish ourselves - be there extra early - lining up at 4:40 am for a 5 am opening. We'll need to work as a team - one of us signing up for Wed spin, while the other secures the bikes and then the ellipticals. We need to assert ourselves - make sure we are the alpha gym rats - and as everyone knows - it's hard to hold on to your crown where there someone someone looking to knock you off your pedestal. It takes a little longer to get out of bed at 4:00 am .... but we have to do it ....
It's official now -- Dr. C, the big guy, Xag and T-ea-C-H will be running the Miami 1/2 marathon with me on Jan. 31st. We are all signed up -- and training has begun in earnest.
and to end with a brief story that 'truth is often more unbelievable than fiction" .... This truth involves Judi - the person who we count on to know 'right from wrong' and never deviate. Well 'deviate' she did -- in a way that most if not all will not Believe. Last night -- in less than 15 minutes - our Judith inhaled a pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Ice Cream. Hard to believe you say --- well apparently Judi is full of surprises ....
Let me give a shout out to Downtown Boat House --- Judi and I went kayaking on the Hudson this morning -- pier 40 - by Houston Street --- and the cost of this - complete with locker, life jackets, kyaks/paddles .... a big O... free! It closes in October - so go for it.
and if you really want - I can give you a recipe for making corn on the grill -
I'm looking to get double digit comments ... don't let me down.
Keeping your drives long and straight, your putts short and true,
The Chipster.
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Way We Were ....
How many of us have made a decision that has had a dramatic impact on others - - that we wished we could have the opportunity to 'do over'? Mostly, we can't --- the decisions we make have lasting consequences that we and others have to live with. Hopefully most of these decisions have long term positive effects and hope that those resulting in negative consequences are truly not life altering.
Saxon Woods Golf Course made a decision at the start of the season to make the front 9 the back 9 and vice versa. (read the past blogs that go into great description about the confusion caused by this decision and how it altered the way we approached the game.) Well - the Golf Powers that Be determined that this decision could be reversed and now we are back to the WAY WE WERE --- the front 9 will always be the front 9. We will be able to think about the club selection and whether we want to go over the trees or lay up in the center of the fairway all week. Dom (our buddy the Starter) is happy - because he has greater control of the tee box. Fortunately, this was a decision whose negative consequences will not have a lasting impact on the life of the golfers.
The day was overcast - and the torrential downpours of the night and days before had rendered the course into one big quagmire (SAT word). We needed to put 'water wings' on our golf balls and the ball retriever was the 'club of the day.' B's friend Arthur joined us - (Les was attending the dedication of a theater in a family member's memory) and he was as good/bad as the rest of us. The most exciting time on the course was when 'Cart Girl' -- in prior blogs referred to as "Banana girl" made an appearance. (For the record - it was quite an appearance - somewhat like a mermaid with flowing blond hair, big beautiful 'eyes' and a smile that made you feel that her desire to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger was the most important thing in the world - and something she was put on this golf course to do.)
Another vision of loveliness was captured on the 4th hole -- a par 3. There was a golf cart stopped and watched as 3 of us place our tee shots in the center of the green. It was a moment to remember - made better when the golf cart approached us - and driving was the course's GOLF PRO. His comment was that our balls looked like 'Orion's Belt' - who knew that the Golf Pro was also an astronomer. More important -- we were 'caught' doing something right. Not peeing in the woods, looking for errant shots, or any other typical behavior --- we were caught by the Golf Pro hitting three drives that landed on the green. This once again reinforces the value of positive praise and that timing is everything.
Our Captain could learn a thing or two about 'positive praise' as he was determined to underscore just how poor we were all putting. His negative assessment did nothing to improve our outcome.
B's commitment to a friend (Arthur) was tested as he was tempted to leave the course early on a number of occasions. And I was happy not being in a car .......
A number of readers have commented that there hasn't been much about Spin Class. Jodi and I still have each other's backs -- although she is playing it a bit dangerously -- waiting until 7:04 on Sunday morning to call for Monday class to find that we were 1&2 on the waiting list. I'm much more relaxed now that I have my 'home' spin bike. Amortized - to date it's only cost me $25 per ride.
So - to those of you who wish you could go back to the "Way We Were" - hopefully you can ... and if not - let's hope the 'new normal' won't be as disruptive as the attempt to re-make the holes on Saxon Woods was for the first 5 months of this short season.
Hoping your drives are long and your putts are short .... and Cart Girl is there when you need her.
Chipster out.
Saxon Woods Golf Course made a decision at the start of the season to make the front 9 the back 9 and vice versa. (read the past blogs that go into great description about the confusion caused by this decision and how it altered the way we approached the game.) Well - the Golf Powers that Be determined that this decision could be reversed and now we are back to the WAY WE WERE --- the front 9 will always be the front 9. We will be able to think about the club selection and whether we want to go over the trees or lay up in the center of the fairway all week. Dom (our buddy the Starter) is happy - because he has greater control of the tee box. Fortunately, this was a decision whose negative consequences will not have a lasting impact on the life of the golfers.
The day was overcast - and the torrential downpours of the night and days before had rendered the course into one big quagmire (SAT word). We needed to put 'water wings' on our golf balls and the ball retriever was the 'club of the day.' B's friend Arthur joined us - (Les was attending the dedication of a theater in a family member's memory) and he was as good/bad as the rest of us. The most exciting time on the course was when 'Cart Girl' -- in prior blogs referred to as "Banana girl" made an appearance. (For the record - it was quite an appearance - somewhat like a mermaid with flowing blond hair, big beautiful 'eyes' and a smile that made you feel that her desire to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger was the most important thing in the world - and something she was put on this golf course to do.)
Another vision of loveliness was captured on the 4th hole -- a par 3. There was a golf cart stopped and watched as 3 of us place our tee shots in the center of the green. It was a moment to remember - made better when the golf cart approached us - and driving was the course's GOLF PRO. His comment was that our balls looked like 'Orion's Belt' - who knew that the Golf Pro was also an astronomer. More important -- we were 'caught' doing something right. Not peeing in the woods, looking for errant shots, or any other typical behavior --- we were caught by the Golf Pro hitting three drives that landed on the green. This once again reinforces the value of positive praise and that timing is everything.
Our Captain could learn a thing or two about 'positive praise' as he was determined to underscore just how poor we were all putting. His negative assessment did nothing to improve our outcome.
B's commitment to a friend (Arthur) was tested as he was tempted to leave the course early on a number of occasions. And I was happy not being in a car .......
A number of readers have commented that there hasn't been much about Spin Class. Jodi and I still have each other's backs -- although she is playing it a bit dangerously -- waiting until 7:04 on Sunday morning to call for Monday class to find that we were 1&2 on the waiting list. I'm much more relaxed now that I have my 'home' spin bike. Amortized - to date it's only cost me $25 per ride.
So - to those of you who wish you could go back to the "Way We Were" - hopefully you can ... and if not - let's hope the 'new normal' won't be as disruptive as the attempt to re-make the holes on Saxon Woods was for the first 5 months of this short season.
Hoping your drives are long and your putts are short .... and Cart Girl is there when you need her.
Chipster out.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Everyone Deserves a Second Chance
as stated by the commercials for the upcoming Season of the Biggest Loser. Golf epitomizes this slogan --- Everyone Deserves a Second Chance. In golf, every errant shot provides an opportunity for an outstanding recovery shot. Our Captain Rich demonstrated that repeatedly this past Sunday. On the 11th whole - which is now the 2nd hole - Rich hit the ball into the other fairway. The next shot required the Captain to hit it low to avoid a hanging tree branch, but far enough to cross a wide marsh. Like when Casey was up --- 'the outlook wasn't brilliant ...." Rich took a 5 iron and lined up the shot .... he wasn't going to play it safe and just punch it out into the fairway .... not our Captain ..... He swung and silenced the crowd (basically the four golfers on the other hole's fairway where Rich's ball landed). His shot was perfect -- not good -- but perfect and landed on the green. Captain, My Captain beat the odds, took advantage of his 'second chance' and succeeded where most others would have failed. Rich repeated this many times over the first 11 holes (I wasn't there for the last 8 holes - but more on that later) ..... hitting a less than satisfactory shot only to be followed by a great one.
In golf we get second chances all the time....in life it's a bit more complicated....
The Sunday saw the reunion of the original 4 (that is like the Beatles - they soon forgot about Peter Best when Ringo joined and we forgot about Dan Forman when Les joined). The day was overcast - some light showers - and a tad humid. The course could have been declared a flood zone -- standing water everywhere thanks to a torrential downpour the day before. I was hoping to see the Banana girl (read last week's blog) but she wasn't to be found. The game progressed well -- I hit more good than bad shots and was putting well. (I had practiced while playing Mini Golf at the Cape. It was a close contest between Daniel and Josh - until Daniel chocked and got a six and I left my ball balancing on the cup for a hole in one. Rather than tap it in - I wanted to 'risk it all' and see if someone would hit my ball in. Josh was up - hit the ball and it DID hit mine ---- away from the cup and his went in for a hole in one. From there on - Josh dominated. The real contest was the play for third place between the good doctor and me. It came down to the last hole and with great confidence, I followed Cara -- who took a six on the hole. All I needed was a 5 and I would BEAT her. In this case, I like Mighty Casey, did strike out - by flubbing a 'gimmee' and ending up in dead heat for 3rd.
I've been playing golf for a long time and NEVER left early .... always played the full 18 ... so what happened now? Ella Frank was to be liberated. She was being taken from the attic where she had been living and hiding for the past 3 months. But on this Sunday, Ella Frank left the attic - hid in a cat carrier and made it to Philadelphia where she was traded for a Blue Honda CRV. We can now answer the question that kept the Captain up at night -- Where's Ella? She was released after her mother signed the papers
and the big guy witnessed them, that she was alive and breathing at the time of the transfer. Ella is now roaming the 3 floors of an apartment in Coconut Grove, in the wittiness protection program, since her life was threatened by the actions of the diabolical BK. (ask the Dr. if you want more details.)
Much could be said about the logistical challenges that were encountered over the past month as various members of our 'crew' went through numerous states -- North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Arkansas, Florida, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Connecticut, Massachusetts; Illinois, .... A, C, D, J and J - did I miss any? All worked out and "little J" was the happiest camper being with her 'little ducklings.'
Second Chances -- we all deserve them and frankly - at some point - whether it's the golf course or in life - all need them.
keep your drives long and straight and your putts short and true.
Chipster Out.
In golf we get second chances all the time....in life it's a bit more complicated....
The Sunday saw the reunion of the original 4 (that is like the Beatles - they soon forgot about Peter Best when Ringo joined and we forgot about Dan Forman when Les joined). The day was overcast - some light showers - and a tad humid. The course could have been declared a flood zone -- standing water everywhere thanks to a torrential downpour the day before. I was hoping to see the Banana girl (read last week's blog) but she wasn't to be found. The game progressed well -- I hit more good than bad shots and was putting well. (I had practiced while playing Mini Golf at the Cape. It was a close contest between Daniel and Josh - until Daniel chocked and got a six and I left my ball balancing on the cup for a hole in one. Rather than tap it in - I wanted to 'risk it all' and see if someone would hit my ball in. Josh was up - hit the ball and it DID hit mine ---- away from the cup and his went in for a hole in one. From there on - Josh dominated. The real contest was the play for third place between the good doctor and me. It came down to the last hole and with great confidence, I followed Cara -- who took a six on the hole. All I needed was a 5 and I would BEAT her. In this case, I like Mighty Casey, did strike out - by flubbing a 'gimmee' and ending up in dead heat for 3rd.
I've been playing golf for a long time and NEVER left early .... always played the full 18 ... so what happened now? Ella Frank was to be liberated. She was being taken from the attic where she had been living and hiding for the past 3 months. But on this Sunday, Ella Frank left the attic - hid in a cat carrier and made it to Philadelphia where she was traded for a Blue Honda CRV. We can now answer the question that kept the Captain up at night -- Where's Ella? She was released after her mother signed the papers
and the big guy witnessed them, that she was alive and breathing at the time of the transfer. Ella is now roaming the 3 floors of an apartment in Coconut Grove, in the wittiness protection program, since her life was threatened by the actions of the diabolical BK. (ask the Dr. if you want more details.)
Much could be said about the logistical challenges that were encountered over the past month as various members of our 'crew' went through numerous states -- North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Arkansas, Florida, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Connecticut, Massachusetts; Illinois, .... A, C, D, J and J - did I miss any? All worked out and "little J" was the happiest camper being with her 'little ducklings.'
Second Chances -- we all deserve them and frankly - at some point - whether it's the golf course or in life - all need them.
keep your drives long and straight and your putts short and true.
Chipster Out.
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