2008 RYDER CUP

Last year I asked our head pro at the golf course if he could get me some tickets to the 2008 Ryder Cup. Well, he came thru in fine fashion. He was able to get me four tickets for all of the practice rounds, opening ceremony and the 3 days of the tournament. Myself and 3 other guys went out to Louisville, Kentucky last Tuesday. We were able to play 3 rounds of golf at various courses in the area. We didn't go to the Tuesday or Wednesday practice rounds, but did attend the opening ceremony on Thursday. We then went to all 3 days of the tournament. That was the neatest golf sporting event ever, especially sine the USA pulled off an upset and won the tournament and were able to return the cup to the USA. The crowds were massive. On Friday and Saturday, there were 4 matches in the morning and 4 matches in the afternoon. So, you can imagine the size of the crowds trying to follow 4 groups of golfers - it was insane. The said there were 35,000+ spectators in attendance. We ended up just sitting in the bleaches around the 8th hole and watching the groups come through. They sold little portable radios that you could listen to the broadcast on ESPN or BBC (British Broadcasting). The British broadcasters were a lot more entertaining to listen to than the EPSN guys.

Sunday's matches were a little more spread out. There were 12 matches on Sunday, so we were able to more around a little bit easier. Near the end of the tournament, when it looked like the USA could win it, the crowds near the finishing holes were enormous. The roars whenever an American golfer made a winning shot were so loud it was almost deafening.

The trip was even more memorable for me because on Monday, I made my first hole-in-one. It only took 35+ years, but I got it done. We even got to see the ball go in the cup. I don't remember my initial reaction, but I do remember throwing my club in the air and letting out a big hoot. Pretty neat.

We finally got home late Monday night.

The Office Picnic

Saturday afternoon we attended my company picnic. It took place at the owners family farm situated on hundreds of acres of gorgeous property north of town. We relaxed along with coworkers and their families. Several tried their hand at fishing - on the shore of the lake and off the pier.




Not wanting to miss out on the fun, I decided to join in and try my (non) skill with the rod and reel. One of the guys, using raw beef liver, baited the hook for me ... thank you, sir.










Many enjoyed the picture perfect weather and couldn't help but relax. Some were wondering if the fish were ever going to bite.












Finally my rod started to bend, my line was getting tight and I reeled 'em on in! The fish could not resist the yummy raw liver. Catch of the day!

Yep, that's a catfish. We made eye contact and I knew right away he was going back home in the lake. What a great feeling. And what fun!

Football

ROLL TIDE

On a Saturday afternoon in the fall when your favorite college team is not featured on tv, you get your portable easy chair set up, relax, and watch the game on the Internet.

Alabama 49 Arkansas 15

Hooked on Wii

Is there anyone who has played Wii and not become addicted? When Mike and family were up a couple of weeks ago, they brought along their Wii. Well, after a day of playing Mel and I went out to Target to buy one. Of course they were not in stock, but a helpful employee gave us a heads up that they would be in on Sunday and told us to arrive early. Sunday morning at 7:50 we were standing in line and received our tickets for the purchases. (Mel bought one, I bought one for a friend, and we then bought additional accessories). We have had so much fun with this, feel like we are getting great additional exercise, and we're both competitive so we go at it with intensity!

I love all the sports but am not into the boxing. Below I'm pitching a ball to Missy.
Here we're all into a game of bowling.


Gotta go now and practice my swing for a game of golf. Come on over and play with us sometime. We're at it a lot.

New Camera Tryout

Ruth's rose.

The Office.

Another view. Employee hard at work.

Original artwork adorns one office wall.

Neighbor cat: "ya got any catnip?"

"That's what I thought. I'm going home."

Ike Update

Mike and family are fine. They stayed in Cypress and rode out the storm. We just heard from Mike...they didn't have any damage to their house but lost power at 6:30 this morning. It's still pretty bad outside there with wind/rain so they haven't gotten out to look over their property.
Jill and boys may be headed this way. They heard on their radio, it may take 4-6 wks to get electricity back up!! The power company hasn't been able to get out yet and assess damage but are warning people about this time frame. Will update as I hear more.

Shoot

In my diligent search for a new digital camera this is what I came home with yesterday. I've been playing around with it and have managed to capture a few pretty good shots. Of course it's a whole new gadget that I will have to study and analyze and decipher new icons. But so far it's been fun to fool around with.
The items below were included in the box, along with 2 very thick instruction books. One was in Spanish so I quickly tossed that one. Now I must figure out what to do with these cords. I need to install the software from the CD. And I have to learn how to charge the battery in the charger. And the instructions have already scared me. They say if I put the battery in the camera upside down or backwards I might destroy the camera and it will be all my fault. They will not be responsible for those who have no sense of direction. How rude.

Stay tuned for some wonderful images of trees and flowers and animals that are backwards, sideways and upside down! And maybe even another video in a few weeks - if I get up enough nerve. I have my work cut out.

Crime Report

Speaking of stick ups (comment left on previous post) check this one out. Watch out all you high crime cities...Dallas is trying to inch its way up the ladder!

Gold Presidents

Ever since Chris wrote about the new gold dollar coin in a recent post, I have been keeping my eye out for one. Tim said if I really wanted one I would probably have to go to a bank and just ask for it. I didn't have the opportunity to do that so he kindly did it for me. Here are two - a James Monroe and an Andrew Jackson.

They are not as gold looking as I thought they would be. And the size ... well ... it's the same thing we had with the Susan B. Anthony. I placed a quarter on top of the dollar coin and the quarter is just a tiny bit smaller.

But they are pretty ... and different ... and would be a great collection. And the reverse side has a very beautiful impression of the Statue of Liberty.

So watch carefully the next time you receive change from a cashier. One of these might be placed in your hand.