Saturday, July 31, 2010

On The Mend

Well it's Saturday morning and I watched the SD and the GWH roll down #2 form my post on our deck. Suffice it to say I don't think the GWH was going to make par from the lake. Besides after calling the SD I learned they didn't have their normal start on #1. Maybe Dr. AH and Silk will fare better this week. I'll find out later since I think I'll join them for lunch.

It feels like I'm on the mend. The soreness is almost gone although there is still some swelling. Mobility is improving and I'm not as tentative as I was two days ago. I wish I could get used taking all these pills but I've never really done that before and I forget about them half the time. With all these pill bottles sitting around I feel like my parents. Back to see Dr. Steve on Monday and the stitches should be coming out. Now for clearance on the chipping and putting.

I did show up for lunch on Thursday and to help the LR Dr. straighten out the game TTS ran. How 15 players ended up being 3 threesomes, 1 foursome and a twosome is beyond me. Plus Front, back and total turned into 1BB (3 places) is also a mystery. But this is from a guy who once said "you three guys are a foursome".

Dr. AH had a good day rolling the bones and walked away with $96.00 (1/2 the pot). Hope to see ya next week.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Day After

Well yesterday was a rather long drawn out affair with positive results. At first I thought my first cold in two years might throw a "monkey wrench" in the surgical party, but the medical staff put that thought to rest and said everything should be OK. In fact my temperature was slightly below normal. When they say take a couple of deep breaths and you won't know what happened they aren't kidding. Two deep breaths and I was in recovery asking when I could start chipping and putting. According to Dr. Steve 10 to 14 days I should be ready. Anyway I was home by 6:15 PM being attended to by Nurse Crachit (just kidding), and sitting in my favorite recliner. To date I haven't had any real pain (probably the Vicodin), but I haven't had to take much pain medication. And I got the best night's sleep I've had in two months (when this all started). I'd say so far I'm pretty much back to as normal as I get. But I'm going to be the good patient and follow instructions. So I won't go to lunch today (the nurse hid the car keys), and I'll stay in the recliner and put ice on the elevated knee. I may even watch some videos that have been sitting here for a while (one can only take so much of the news).

I would like thank everyone for the phone calls of concern. It's nice to know that you have good friends. Hope to see everyone Thursday at lunch.

PS - I will hold a seminar, including pictures, on the subject of minimally evasive knee surgery for those in tested. Our own LR Dr. will probably be a guest speaker and provide his expert evaluation of the pictures (that is if he can break away from his new found calling as a mixologist).

PPS - When asking what I could eat last night I was told anything I felt like. I thought the rib eye in the frig would be great. But, the Nurse thought soup was better and then decided to have pizza for herself. Now that almost borders on cruel and unusual punishment of the lame, but when you haven't eaten all day soup and slatines aren't bad.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

A New Theory

No cameos this weekend. Everyone made it to the tee Saturday morning. Unfortunately the result was the same. The GWH and the Social Director ham and egged it at he right times on the backside to stick it to Dr. AH and yours truly. It was our balky putters that did us in but I have developed another theory on why it is hard to beat this dynamic duo. They have an unfair advantage based on the fact that their limited skills are deteriorating at a geometric rater compared to our skills which are diminishing at linear rate. The change of handicaps provides the proof. While ours have gone up by a minuscule 1 or 2 points theirs have gone up by 4 to 5 points. Thus the number of strokes we have to give them is growing at an unfair rate. We all know it is difficult to overcome such an advantage like this. Then throw in the fact they play way above their abilities it becomes almost impossible to win when they get strokes on half the holes. My guess is this will equalize over time but it is costing us a lot of money in the meantime.

Wow the course was really wet today, but that was some storm that came through last night. Another monsoon around 8 PM. We watched it from the club balcony while trying to keep cool after the margarita tasting party. For those of you who missed it there were about 100 people tasting 8 different entries. It looked like a great time was had by all and our LR Dr. was one of the mixologists for the winning entry (the things you learn in medical school).

Supposed to have my knee surgery on Monday afternoon but I now have the first cold I've had in 2 years. I don't know what impact that will have but I suppose it could derail things for few days.

Friday, July 23, 2010

This And That

Decided not to temp fate a second time and didn't play three says in a row. But, I did stop by so I could chat with you all. Not sure how many played and who won since there was money being laundered and a lot of accusations flying around the room. The group was asking for sanctions against the Social Director. They were trying to say he skipped out without paying. I'm sure that really wasn't the case since he is usually in a hurry to get to the office to count the cash. The sanction action was being lead by Bill S (aka Dr. AH) and the LR Dr.. They much have been the big winners based on their whining. John L (another one of our legal eagles) showed up looking for a game. Said he couldn't make the morning round because he was out over charging clients, oops I mean working. TZ was able to rearrange his busy morning schedule, played and came in looking a a little damp and put a soggy $5.00 on the table. He didn't have any better luck rolling the bones ( the pot is now $180.00) and rolled nuts.

In my never ending search for knowledge (and also trying to keep you characters from sticking you proverbial feet in your mouths) I was talking with Eric about the inconsistency of green speed. He indicated they are not able to roll the greens with same frequency as prior years due to limited staff. Thus, they are not as smooth some days. He also said the brown spots you see is the Poa reacting to the high heat. I'm sure the weather is a real challenge this year and the grounds guys are doing a great job with a limited budget and the heat wave.

Hope everyone is coming to the Margarita Throw Down. I chatted with our club El Presidenta last night as he was delivering his entry for the taste testing and he said he thought his was an exceptionally good batch. Also saw some other entrants arriving at the club after they had a pre-tasting party and they weren't walking too straight (Mr & Mrs. LR Dr. were noted among the group). They said something making a new batch since their entry was gone. Where's the discipline these days?

Where's TTS? I wonder if the rumor about his kitchen over heating is true. I can't believe he was really seen sitting in front of a block of ice with a fan blowing on it to keep cool. But, based on my walk to the road with the trash they may not be a bad idea. Today looks to be a real scorcher with a heat index of about 100.

Keep the faith and cool.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

And The Heat Rolls On

With little break in sight it was decided to play in the AM to avoid the Heat of the day. A good idea for us soon to be old farts, but I'm sure it screwed up a couple of schedules. Especially for those who still think they work - guys like TZ and Twinkle Toes who likes to sleep in late (or maybe come in) Anyway we played: still got hot and; and payed off to the same set of characters. Sarge and his posse somehow won in a scorecard playoff. Best comment of the day came from the Airline Pilot (AP for Short): Golf and flying are alike, both inherently safe but the smallest miscalculation can be disastrous. I think we understand his point.

I tempted fate and played two days in a row. Uncle Bob and I played in the TDGA 2 Man Jumble at Defiance. For those of you who don't know, a jumble is 6 holes of scramble, 6 holes of 1 best ball, and 6 holes of true alternate shot. First we're still friends and second we finished under par (net). We found out a couple of things. One, it isn't hard to miss a 3 foot putt ( did that twice); it is easy to hit a short chip fat; and sometimes you get plain lucky when you don't know the course. Also there is no feeling like knowing you on your own when teeing off on the first hole of best ball (your partner is in the hazard) and you're playing the toughest hole on the course. While Defiance is a nice course it did make me appreciate what we we really have BCC.

I was reminded that I put in the wrong date for the Senior Club Championship. Check the sign up sheet in the Pro Shop for the proper date. Remember it's a great tuneup for the JR/SR Championship in August. Also the SD's Lobster Bash is quickly approaching. Advance reservations are necessary and there are 70 signed up already. Should be another good time.

Monday, July 19, 2010

His One Day In The Sun

Well the Social Director brought in another cameo star since the GWH was off shooting pigeons at the SOCC Invitational. Rob S (aka Silk) brought his skills to Saturday morning and lived up to his name. He wasn't the problem though. The SD came out of hibernation on his stroke holes to perform feats he only dreamed about previously. Needless to say we couldn't overcome his 15 minutes of fame and lost our lunch money again. This is is beginning to sound like a broken record but I'm sure the pendulum will swing.

How about this heatwave? Saturday was one of the few times I was glad to be off the golf course. Sunday we were content to stay inside and watch the British Open. I guess we'll all know Louis is now. I wonder if we have the same number of dents in the tennis bldg as railroad sheds do on the 17th does at St. Andrews? Somebody check that out and let me know.

Went to the movie Sunday night to see Despicable Me. Pretty funny and the Minions reminded me of the JR/SR crowd. Lots of hidden references that only adults would appreciate. Sarge, our locker room doctor is a big animation fan, and should find this movie right up his alley.

Thursday golf was different since we played in the morning. Uncle Bob was the big winner again.
We also had our club mgr join us and he is a pretty good stick from all accounts. The SD says we're going to try this morning thing again since the heat isn't supposed to let up for a while. Maybe TTS will be happy since he'll have all afternoon to prepare his biscuits and gravy for dinner. Now if he can only find his game.

Lots of events going on at the club. Make sure you check them out and sign up. Don't forget the Sr Club Championship on 7/31. It's only a one day event, and a great tune up for the JR/SR Championship in August.

See ya Tuesday at the coffee pot.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Dirty Dozen

Having nothing better to do with their time (or money) 12 showed up on Tuesday to play. Since it's mid-season the daily captain decided on a fairly tough format - 3 best ball of 4. Unfortunately the weather wouldn't cooperate and the thunder and lightning rolled in after 9 holes. Having nothing better to do, and not wanting to show up at home too early a lively dice game ensued with some of the money. After much explanation of the changing rules and controversy over some of the rolls LBB finally walked away with $10. TTS was seen roaring off on his "harley" muttering something about smelling a pie burning in his oven, and Gilhooley finally found someone willing to risk life and limb and go back on the course. The rest of us spent a little money at the bar and went home at a reasonable time so we wouldn't be late for cocktails.

The weather for the rest of the week looks like it will be hot and dry. Hopefully good for golf. Thursday is a TDGA event and we are playing at 8 AM. Let's hope there won't be a big rush for the first tee. Sign up sheets are up for the Senior Club Championship (a one day event). This is a great warm-up for the JR/SR Championship later in August. Plus there are number of other events on the schedule and worthy of your consideration. We have a new golf chairman (John Bachey) who is seeking your input. Be constructive, but let him know what you think.

See ya later.

Monday, July 12, 2010

These Summer Days

Last week was just one of those summer weeks we all think about when there is snow on the ground. Clear skies, high temperatures and humidity. Personally, I'll take that over the 20's and snow.

Played during the week without much fanfare, but couldn't play on Saturday due to another family garage sale. Think this may be the last one but there is still a lot of stuff to disposed of. Can anyone spell Goodwill? We did find some real hidden treasures though. Some great family photos in antique frames. My dad's WWII Army Air Corp uniform, fully decked out, was of great interest to the professional flea market buyers. Also found a duster worn by my great great grandmother when riding in their first open air car. Both were in great shape and could be worn today. E-Bay is a great source to use when trying to figure out values and saves a lot of time.

Talked with Mrs Social Director late last week about her knee surgery. She said it really went well and her doctor let her watch the monitor during the procedure. Mine feels so good right now I'm trying to figure out when to have it done. Probably the best thing would be to get it out of the way, but I hate to lose any more of the Summer. It would be a no brainer if they could assure me of a quick recovery.

Well it the British Open week and based on the TV schedule a lot of coverage for all you early risers. See you all tomorrow at lunch.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

The Big Bang

Friday night's fireworks were a big success for the club. Lots of people having a good time and watching a great display of color and sound at 10 PM.

Saturday saw me coming off the IR list to play in the Saturday grudge match. Bill S and I easily handled our opponents on the front side and had to give them more strokes on the backside. Do you know how hard it is to beat two guys that get double strokes almost everywhere? Darn near impossible! Especially when one of them is asleep for all but the last two holes and pulls off a Ziem on 18. Anyway our losses were minimal. The course was really playing great and the greens were perfect. I'm not sure why the GWH is putting well, but he is. Must be one of the great mysteries of the universe that even Stephen Hawking can't explain.

We are getting into serious "gas money" territory with the shake of the day money. The recent audit showed we have $129 currently. several close calls on Saturday but no winners.

The weather looks good for the upcoming week. Hot on Sunday, but typical summer. See ya on Tuesday if not before.

PS Almost forgot. Last night while fisihing on the lake with my son and grandson I caught something I have never caught before, a $1 bill. that starts to make up for all the tackle I've lost in the rocks. By the way the ball pickings have been kinda of slim. I know you're hitting them in there, but closer to the shore would be nicer.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Let the Party Begin

Well the holiday weekend begins today and the weather looks great. Last thing I heard was that the club had over 650 reservations for the fireworks tonight. That's shades of yesteryear, and sounds like everyone is stepping up and supporting the club. I understand we have even received contributions from former members to help pay for the fireworks.

Yesterday was a perfect day for golf. The course is playing fast and the greens can be a real challenge if you are in the wrong spot. LBB and his crew took most of the money even though their partner par was their best player. There was a lot of play which is good as long as we take the time to fill divots and fix pitch marks. Hope everyone has read Eric's piece in the July newsletter. He does a good job of telling us what is happening or could happen with the turf under various conditions. You will probably note some fungus problems on certain fairways and tees. I don't think we really appreciate the job he is doing with the budget he is working with.

The Founders Day Tournament is fast approaching. I understand TZ is the chairman and hopes we all support it. I don't think a project has been decided on for this year. If you have any thoughts pass them on to him. Personally I think the money should go towards range improvements or drainage issues.

That's it for now. I'm planning on playing in the Saturday grudge match, gimpy or not. Bill S can't find a suitable sub that can deal with the inflated handicaps of our opponents. Even on one leg I'm sure I can compete against those birds.

PS Hope you saw the WSJ editorial on Michele Rhee in Friday's paper. Maybe there is hope for public education yet.