End of the Second Quarter of 2011

Its June 30 so its nice to look back at some cool things I've done so far this year:


The trip to Midland

Houston Marathon


Golf trip to South Carolina

College visits to Vanderbilt, Columbia and Princeton

Private show by Lady Antebellum in Nashville

Cap Tex Triathlon



Looking forward to next month - tomorrow. I've been working on getting ready for some vacation since its all coming in July. Sarah will be gone for 3 straight weeks from home and I've got a lot of time scheduled away.

Back from Kingsville

Tuesday I got up early to drive to San Antonio for court at 1:15. As I parked the car in downtown San Antonio, I noticed I had driven all the way there with an "I Love Justin Bieber" sticker on the back of Sarah's car. I felt like George Lopez in a TV show where he was driving his daughter's yellow Beetle with flowers on it when his car wouldn't start.


Court went quite smoothly. Speaking of "Quite" Sarah says that Mimi uses that word a lot. Like mother, like son.



I caught up with Susan and Sarah and we had a belated birthday dinner at Flemings, since I had a gift certificate "burning a hole in my pocket". Thereafter, Sarah drove me to Kingsville. I was pretty tired and when we got to the hotel, I got right in to bed.



Today, we had a nice time hanging out with Janet, Zach and Olivia. I took the kids to see Mr. Popper's Penguins and we all enjoyed it.

Someone to call

Maria who has been helping me at the office was diagnosed with cancer recently at had to have surgery. She was quite nervous and not only told me about it but also came by last Friday before she left for Galveston. She asked me to pray for her.

Good news is that her daughter called me today to tell me that she had a successful surgery. I thought it was pretty nice that Maria had put me on the Call List. I'll hope to talk to her soon.

Spina Bifida 250 - Done!

On Friday, June 24 at 0600, 70 cyclists left the parking lot of Fred Loya Insurance in McAllen led by the Official Pace Van driven by me. I was driving the support van and leading the faster A Group. And fast they were. We left McAllen heading toward McCook making good time. I'd say that the group was riding 20 -21 mph the whole way.

From McCook we headed north and west to San Ysidro, a small ranch town where we stopped at the local church. Father Rene was generous with our use of the parish hall. From there we headed north on FM 1017 to Hebbronville. At the Border Patrol checkpoint, the guards asked me if anyone else was in the van with me. Just me!

Hebbronville meant that I needed to refill the water, ice and Gatorade. As we stopped I set up the tables for liquids and any snacks. These riders didn't need much food but they were thirsty. We continued after lunch toward Freer, another 40 miles. The riders were OK that first 95 miles but roundly complained of the bad chip seal road and the heat. They were proud to finish but knew they had done something special. Toward the end we stopped at a picnic area and everyone enjoyed lingering in the shade.

In Freer we staeyd in local motels and in the junior high gym. I got a space in a room with Oscar who was whipped from the ride. He slept quite soundly until it was time to get up at 0400. I shuttled riders back to the start line. They left again at 0600 and I continued the drive on Saturday.

There was no AC in the Sports Federation van that I drove but it was nice in the morning. Driving at 20 mph keeping the right distance in front is challenging. Plus there was passing traffic and oncoming traffic to look for. We stopped for lunch in Jourdanton about 11 and left at 12. We arrived at the end in the Medina River Natural Area about 4 p.m. Not without two flats within a mile of the end. Plus, to finish in the park, there was a large hill - quite unexpected.

There was a celebration planned with the Spina Bifida Texas association. THey had invited many of the local families affected by SB. Children with different wheelchairs, walkers, crutches were there. I took the opportunity to visit with them and they were regular folk but placed in extraordinary circumstances.

I was honored that the group recognized me for my contribution as a driver with a Cinemark gift card. But most importantly, I was asked to make the check presentation and was able to make a few remarks and then make the donation for the group of $10,000 to the director. He was quite surprised and emotional. Then the final highlight was our ride captain's daughter Suzannah who has SB and said "Thank you - this makes me happy"

Summer Solstice - June 21

Solstice, meaning the furthest point on the frequency curve. Can't really say the first day of summer since summer seemed to start last month here. According to our meteorologist, May had some seriously high temperatures, August-like. On the car thermometer it read 122 today. Couldn't have been over 96 though!

The week is going slowly but surely. I'm going to Kingsville tonight to drive the route of the SB 250 on Friday, then tomorrow, I've got a busy day. Everything happens on Wednesday this week: lunch appointment, court hearing and dinner date.

Funny How Time Slips Away

I stayed behind today while Susan and Sarah went to South Padre Island. The day went by very fast. I got up to go play golf. We were to play at 9:30 so I got there early. Then no one showed up. So I decided to join the 10:00 group. As we were going to tee off, I checked a message that my old group was going to play at 11. So I decided to go forward. There was a heat advisory today and I was a little worried about being out too long.

I hit the ball very well and played with Bob T who is a good player. He's 72 years old and reminded me of my grandfather Wilton the way he looks and swings. It was a pretty cool thing to realize.
I made a mess of 4 holes on the back side and shot+ 10 on those 4 holes and + 1 on the other 5 holes.

Afterwards, after lunch, a shower and a talk in the pro shop, I got together with the 11:00 group and had fun hanging with them.

Then I went to my SB 250 SAG meeting. I've now gone from "not sure" about the duty to being Second In Command. Yes I've been appointed the back up authority for the whole event. Needless to say I've got a lot more information.

To end the day I went to see the movie Super 8. I liked it, kind of reminded me of other good Speilberg movies. * * *

Places to Play

Here are the places on the list to go

Austin - Roy Kizer - built in the 90s- I've never even seen it. Right next to Jimmy Clay

Concan - golf course near Frio River

Fredricksburg - Boot Ranch - my friend Skip want to take me there

Midland - saw the Midland CC - must play it next time

Carlton Woods - Ed wants to go there. He's the straw that stirs the drink of going to many of these courses.

Life List - Houston and South

Houston CC
River Oaks CC
Memorial Park
Bear Creek (Masters, President)
Lochinvar
Champions (Cypress Creek, Jackrabbit)
Falcon Point
Weston Lakes
Sugar Creek
Westwood CC
Brae Burn CC
Clear Creek

Clear Lake (RIP)

Bay Oaks

Bay Forest

Baywood

Bayou Golf Course - Texas City

Beacon Lakes

Glenbrook

Hermann Park

Meadowbrook Farms

Pasadena Municipal

Redstone

Southwyck

Golfcrest - Pearland

Battleground - Deer Park

The Falls - New Ulm

Timber Creek

Tour 18 - Humble
Evergreen Pointe - Baytown
Cypresswood
Walden - Conroe
Waterwood - Huntsville
Deerwood

Galveston CC

Magnolia Creek

South Shore Harbour

Weston Lakes

Whispering Pines

Beaumont
Henry Homburg/Tyrell Park
Beaumont CC
Bayou Din

San Antonio CC
Oak Hills
Pecan Valley
Fair Oaks Ranch
Quarry
La Cantera - Resort
Brackenridge Park
Olmos Basin
Northcliffe - Cibolo

Canyon Springs

Riverside

Seguin
Starke Park

Northshore - Portland

Padre Isles CC

Oso Beach - Corpus Christi

Kingville
L E Ramey

McAllen/ Valley
McAllen CC
Palm View
Los Lagos
Cimarron
Treasure Hills
Harlingen CC
South Padre Island GC
Tierra Santa - Weslaco
Shary Municipal
Monte Cristo - Edinburg

Shary Municipal

Life List - Texas Golf - Austin North and West

Austin C.C. / Riverside
Austin C.C. - Lake Austin (the "new course")
Lakeway - Yaupon
Hills of Lakeway
Flintridge Falls
Barton Creek - Crenshaw
Barton Creek - Fazio Foothills
Barton Creek - Lakeside
Barton Creek - Fazio Canyons
Lions Municipal
Hancock
Morris Williams
Jimmy Clay
Balcones CC
Onion Creek
Bergstrom AFB
Grey Rock
UT Golf Club
Austin Golf Club
Spanish Oaks

Pine Forest - Bastrop

Landa Park - New Braunfels

Harvey Penick Golf Course/First Tee of Austin


Marble Falls/ Horseshoe Bay
Ram Rock
Slick Rock
Apple Rock
Inks Lake

Packsaddle - Kingsland

Fort Worth
Colonial
Z Boaz
Hyatt Bear Creek


Dallas

Dallas CC
Brook Hollow
Preston Trail
Chase Oaks
Ridgeview Ranch
The Tribute

Tyler
Holly Tree


Lufkin
Crown Colony


Brownwood C.C.


Kerrville
Scott Schreiner


Abilene
Fairway Farms

List of golf courses - outside of Texas

Someone asked me about a golf course I played in Las Vegas in 2002 and ... I couldn't remember the name. So that has prompted me to list my life list. Courses I have played - in no particular order

Nevada
Shadow Creek
Revere at Anthem (Lexington) - aha!

California
Cypress Point
San Francisco G.C.

Pacific Grove

New Mexico
Red Eagle G.C.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma City G&CC

Michigan
Boyne Highlands

Alabama
Shoal Creek
RTJ Golf Trail:
Capitol Hill Judge/Senator
Grand National Lake/Links
Oxmoor Valley

Florida
Captiva Island

Georgia
Stone Mountain
Maple Ridge - Columbus

North Carolina
Reems Creek
Pinehurst # 2, #5, #8
Oyster Bay

South Carolina
Chechessee Creek Club
Oldfield
Furman University
Myrtle Beach (Pine Lakes/Heron Point)

Virginia
Lexington G&CC
Golden Horseshoe
Country Club of Virginia
Farmington CC
Ivy Hill

West Virginia
Greenbriar

Washington DC
East Potomac Park

Maryland
Burning Tree Club

Mexico
Cabo Del Sol
Palmilla

Canada
Victoria G.C.


*** Some thoughts on this list

Hard to remember everthing since the 1970s - thanks Google!
There are some great courses on this list - not super long, but still respectable
Golf in all 50 states? Would take some work!

Friday around the corner

This evening, I went to a party for the former board members of our county Bar Association. It was a nice event to celebrate the director's 10 year anniversary. Someone asked how long I've lived here and it is 9 years this month. It's home now and I'd have to say its been a good move and good transition.

Yesterday I went to a seminar on time management and today I was able to put the tips into place. As the trainer said, it's 10% knowledge and 90% implementation.

At the party someone asked "How'd you get so tan?" Let's see,... swimming, running, cycling, golf, all the things I've liked about the summer so far. In fact the best conversations were about triathlons. Am I getting boring...? or just passionate? :)

Monday Monday

This morning I had the A/C people coming by to do a small repair recommended at the last service. So I did some work at home this morning. Of course, there was not so much to do today. By the time I got to the office, I was already thinking of leaving. I decided to do two things. That finished at 5 and I was ready to bolt.

I did talk with my parents today. I usually call on Sunday but we had people over to watch the Mavs/Heat so by the time I realized the time, the game was over and it was 10:35.

This evening, I went for a training event with Coach Sandy, the tire pull. It was a good one, and finished at 8. I then made it home for a late dinner and watched North by Northwest on the DVD. I thought it was well done and enjoyed it, although I started watching it late and got a little tired toward the end.

33 holes

Playing with Larry today, I found out some information:

Playing at 0900 means "I'll show up at 9"

Not liking to wait means "let's go to another hole"

So we played 1-9, ran into another group, went to 16, played 16-18, then 10-18. 21 holes so far.

After lunch, we went to hole #3 and played 3-9, then 10-11, then 15, then 18. WE decided that was enough. What is the magic of 18 hole multiples? Like 26.2 miles, or 9 innings, it should be about the game and not the time spent. Good times.

Big day tomorrow

I'm planning to play 36 holes of golf. One round at 0900, the other after lunch. I was inspired by Wegoblogger31 of Wheaton, IL. He's putting together a charity benefit for a young man paralyzed in a ski accident and is planning himself to play 108 holes in one day. He even offered to pay green fees to those who would join him for 54 holes in Colorado. While it was tempting, it was short notice to go to Colorado. But I figured I could play it here.

The last time I played 36 holes in one day, was 2005 on the RTJ Golf Trail. I did that 2 days in a row. Since then I'm in much better physical shape and have a lot more experience in getting ready for something like that. So I've made a list, have things ready, have practiced, am rested and look forward to a big day.

Fine Day this Tuesday

Today I got up early - I had a client coming in at 10 and had to finish (read "DO") all the work. Of course I had breakfast scheduled with Sam from 8-9. So I got in at 7:30, did half the work, went to breakfast, came back, did the other half, and ... nothing. No show for 10 am. So after killing a little time I was on the phone and the client came in at 11! Not sure who was more surprised - I think he saw a look on my face like "I" forgot. Fortunately I kept my big mouth shut (not, "youre late") and had everything ready. I got a check and like was good.

Thereafter followed a swim at the noon laps and then a long lunch with Gary. If you knew Gary, you'd know that every lunch is a long lunch. But the wisdow makes with worthwhile. Just slow down and try and listen. You'll learn something.

Today, I learned about college/parenting/funding. It inspired me to get home early to work on the college plan. And lo and behold, it came out looking nicely on a 11 x 17 piece of paper. I learned abou the tgtp.org plan which should pay more than expected. Plus I reviewed our assets and the costs. And I presented it to Susan. So I feel a lot better with a plan.

As my friend Monte Alkire writes in his book Rope Your Dream:

Have a plan. Change it if necessary.

Hot day

So hot, that I decided to stay in most of the day. I did go to church today, first time in a few weeks. There was a combined service with a new confirmation class and a visit by Bishop Reed so there was a big crowd. Afterwards, I thought it best to stay home. I did some cooking, make a new dish, ratatoillie (sp?) which turned out very tasty with the organic vegetables that we had bought from the Farmers Market. Unfortunately I cut my finger while making it (not too bad, but still hurt).

In the afternoon, I cleaned up the papers in my home desk and also worked cleaning Sarah's room, doing some spring cleaning of her bed linens (including the mattress cover, box springs cover, bed spread. She'll come home to a nice clean bed. It's now nearly midnight and they are still on the bus to Orlando FL, and should arrive about 9 am. Monday, just in time to go straight to Blizzard Beach.

Question...

If you had your own talk show, who would your first 3 guests be?

Jerry Seinfeld

Lance Armstrong

Oprah Winfrey

Graduation Day

Our friend Alex graduated from McAllen Memorial H.S. today and so we were invited to join him and his family and his girlfriend's family for dinner at Romano's Macaroni Grill which was a good time. We were honored to be included. His dad John and I attend the football games together and enjoy watching the band of which Alex was senior drum line captain. John gave a nice toast and we had a good time. He warned me "This is a tough day". He said it was ironic that you give your all to the kids to see them grow up, and then you're sad when they do.

Alex will be attending Dartmouth College this fall. Matriculating: a word I learned today - to enter into a degree plan. Also learned to spell Salutatorian = he was 2nd in his class.

Today was a nice lazy day- thinking of Bruno Mars. Now that it is 90+ degrees, going out in the afternoon requires a second thought. Best to stay inside :)