It just so happens that it is a long standing tradition in South Carolina (you know how they are with tradition in the south) to play a little golf the day before the graduation ceremonies (not really). I couldn't say no, and alienate myself from the rest of the family for the remainder of our stay (not really, they love me unconditionally). So off we went to Snee Farms Country Club (really). The we in this case would be Marty (Miki's brother, my bro-in-law, Mr. Brobolicious, the bro miester, the bromenator, lady brobro, Broger Woods - I so love and worship the greens he putts on) and myself. The following is just a recap of of our round (really).
I knew I was being hustled on the first hole when Marty pulled out his big club. I was shocked, but he had the regulation number of clubs in his bag. What could I say, this was his turf. Who would have seen this coming? Not me.
We worked our way down the fairway and onto the first green and then it became apparent, this would be no regular round of golf. I was away and putted first, only to miss it to the right. Marty, on the other hand, drained his 4 footer to take the lead (really).
After a few holes we came upon a threesome (get your head out of the gutter BHMS - really!). Playing slower than Marty and me, they eventually let us play through. Here they are watching my drive as we played through. We felt obligated to school them on some golf etiquette and then left those 3 stooges to their game.
After Marty's caddie gave him the wrong club for his approach shot on 17 (really), he had to let him go. You can only tolerate a caddie when they are not on their game so long, I've been there. I was able to even up the score after that little snafu as we headed into the final hole.
After two magnificent drives and approach shots to the green. Here in my putt for birdie to win vs. Marty's 2 footer, also for birdie and the win. The hole is actually just out of view in the lower right hand corner of the photo, some 57.9 feet (really). It was such a long putt, the camera was unable to get it all in view and we left the panorama camera in the car by accident. Knowing that all my friends were behind me to make this putt and put the pressure on Marty's 2 footer, I gave it my all.
Wouldn't you know that my putt was so pure, made possible by all the good thoughts pouring in from my supporters, that it hit the back of the cup and drained to the bottom as if placed there by the hand of Bagger Vance himself. I did apologize to Marty for the uncalled for celebration on the green following my putt, but I couldn't hold it in. I won that $2 bet fair and square and no one can take that away from me (really).
The family gathered at Marty's house tonight, not to celebrate my golfing comeback (really), but the soon to be grads. Marty's parents arrived from Arkansas and Kathleen (Miki's brother's wife, my sister-in-law, sis, sistastic, sisteriffic, sisterama, sisterlicious, my friend - really) had family all the way from Missouri. We played bocci ball, ladder ball, and corn hole (preceeded by our golf outing). There seemed to be a theme running throughout the day - having a ball while we are here - which we did (really). These must be some pretty special girls graduating tomorrow!
Looking forward to the Pomp and Circumstance that tomorrow will bring.
Later.
P.S. Marty can't find his driver (as seen in the first picture above), it has been misplaced. If you see it anywhere, like google earth, the nightly news weather radar images, on the horizon as seen from your backyard, please let us know.
P.S.S. I realize this had probably not been funny to anyone but me (REALLY!)
Steve Martin...comedian, actor, husband, personal friend of mine, banjo player?... Part of this adventure to Grace and Callie's graduation was to see Steve Martin in Huntsville, AL, which is exactly where we were and he was last night. The Werner von Braun fine art center played host to him and the Steep Canyon Rangers. It was awesome! Why you ask... because of him, back in the late 70's, from watching him on Saturday Night Live and listening to his comedy albums, I was inspired to learn to play the banjo myself. So, the end of high school and into my early college days, I became self taught to the point I could play a few songs and get away with sounding like a 5 string picker. But enough about me. He and the Rangers played for 2 straight hours. Songs all written by him. Technically he is outstanding and yet he writes his own original bluegrass music.
Huntsville has another special place in our educational history, because in the early 90's, Miki and I went to Space Camp. It's not only for kids but adults too. We learned what it was like to be kids astronauts for a week. We stayed at a very small RV park right next to it, also owned and run by the Space Camp people (can't remember the real name of the place...what an impression).
The picture above is us...duh... but at the concert before it started, with the stage in the background. There was to be no photography of any kind once the concert began, so being the sneaky person I am, I clicked this before the concert started, cause I am that daring!
So once the concert began, and the audience's cell phone cameras started lighting the place up, what was one more. Nothing like a good telephoto cell phone picture, but by golly everyone else was doing it, so I did too. Afterwards we all went and jumped off the same bridge together (pics to follow).
This last photo was taken after a really nice gospel song by the Rangers, followed by some observations from Steve that those that go to church have some really great music. Not to be outdone, Steve wrote a tune entitled "Atheists don't have no songs."
After two hours of some great and I do mean GREAT bluegrass, it was followed up by two encore performances. The first was the Orange Blossom Special, with the Rangers incredible fiddle player. The second was "King Tut." A nice surprise to end the day for those of you that remember the early Steve Martin.
TO DA BEACH
Mt. Pleasant, SC. One of the focal points of this adventure. Our Twin nieces on the brink of their high school graduation. To be continued...I'm beat!
Well, maybe this is not a bad car accident, but I am guessing that if you are reading this, you don't have anything better to do...like keeping your eyes on the road ahead rather than this accident. Anywho, I guess I am attempting to be somewhat informational, among other things, for our friends and family that we did not drag along with us. An attempt at filling them in on what we are doing with our life after becoming unemployed (retired, sort of).
Sidelight - I am feeling such tremendous pressure, as though someone might read this, to make it helpful in someway to share what the heck Miki and Wallie are doing. Krissy, Wallie's cousin, created a wonderful blog to share her life as her family traveled to India for a time. It was exciting to tune in for the latest and see what was up. So Krissy...yes,I blame this pressure I'm feeling on you.
I've entitled this blog, describing the next step into what Miki and Wallie get themselves into after teaching, "Walliebloggin'". Not to be confused with "farfrompooin' ", an intestinal condition, I think. Yet not as aggressive as "quitcherbitchin' ", which is what I told my students when they were whiney...but i digress. It is the closest I will ever be to being Irish (besides Jim Brady, a school friend from where I retired, who is the closest human to a real Irishman I have ever met.). I love the way the Irish sound as their words flow like Guiness filling a pint at a local pub. With that said, you must think we are traveling to Ireland. No. We are on our way to Callie and Grace's high school graduation in Mt. Pleasant, SC (a blarney stone's throw from Charleston, SC...sorry, no more Irish-isms). This is our second "real" trip with our 5th wheel (travel trailer) since we got it back in December (2010).
With this rambling introduction now semi-complete, on to the latest for this trip beginning 5/28/11. Never mind, I am too tired. Starting a blog is tiring. Will begin tomorrow from Huntsville, Alabama. That's right, home of Space Camp for kids (and teachers). Plus, why we are going to Huntsville...to see a "wild and crazy guy!" Will leave you with a picture of our 19 year old kitty, Mulligan...in his traveling place (on the floorboard of the truck between me and Miki.
