Who Wants To Golf On The Hottest Day Of The Year?

One hundred and twenty-two hardy souls who love both golf and a good cause, that's who. And, lucky for us, because we raised slightly over $32,000 for Not So New Job.

The morning dawned bright and clear, with a slight breeze and a very minor chill in the air. We would miss that chill later in the day, when the temperature topped 100 degrees with zero cloud cover or breeze.

This year's tournament took place at the golf course where my staff and I are taking our lessons, so we all feel pretty comfortable on the course and in the clubhouse; this made the tournament a lot less stressful than last year's tournament at a rival course where the staff was in turmoil and many balls were dropped.

As always, we started the day with check-in and breakfast for all the golfers, including a Bloody Mary bar and breakfast burritos. I shot a few pictures of the check-in process, including the massive number of golfcarts needed to shuttle thirty-two foursomes around the course.

This year, we tried something new: a chaos putt! Participants purchased a numbered ball and everyone gathered around hole 18 in a large circle. On the count of three, everyone putted and whoever sank the putt won a prize. Two golfers made the shot, which was really cool. We had a drone overhead, videoing the putt and I can't wait to get the footage.

After the chaos putt and our opening address, we sent the teams off to their assigned holes (the format of the tournament is a scramble) and we loaded up our cart for a day of driving around the course, taking team photos and delivering ice cold water. The water deliveries alone made us the most popular people on the course.

This year, the Man-Cub put his own team in the tournament, including Mikey, who was happy to join.

Hugh also had his team in again this year and they did really well.

By the end of the day, my staff and I were all hot, sunburned, and dehydrated but we agreed that it was a great way to spend a day at work.

Friday Favorites, T-Minus 28 Days and Counting

Shanti and I spent Wednesday evening on the golf course, playing a hole with our fellow golf clinic participants, and, while we did so; we celebrated the fact that the wedding was exactly a month away! It;s now 28 days away, but who's counting? 

Me. It's me! I'm counting.

I am so excited and ready to see these kids take that walk down the aisle. Before that, however, I need to finish the tasks that have been assigned to me, including the shoes for the reception, and the table decor for the rehearsal dinner. Tomorrow, I have the golf tournament for Not So New Job, but the rest of the weekend will be spent embroidering and candle-making, and; I'm not mad about it.

Today's favorites will be short and sweet, starting with that evening on the golf course. It was the final clinic of this session, so we were broken into two groups; my group hit the tenth hole with the GM of the golf course, while the second group headed to the front nine with the assistant golf pro. Our group consisted of me, my work team, Shanti, and a woman whom I had not met before, so; I volunteered to partner up with her while Shanti partnered with my bilingual victims advocate and my Forensic Interviewer Coordinator and Victim Services Coordinator teamed u in the third cart.

While I won't be winning any tournaments anytime soon, I did manage to make it over a water hazard and onto the green just slightly over par, so I definitely improved during this session. The next session starts next Wednesday, and we are already planning to sign up for it.

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be learning how to golf and actually enjoying it, I would have told you that you were crazy. 

Being proven wrong about my own damn self is becoming a favorite; I think they call that maturity.

I guess it's about time.

4th of July Recap

I really should have posted this yesterday, but it was my first day back at Not So New Job after the long holiday weekend so all manner of bullshit needed to be dealt with. As per usual.

As to that long holiday weekend, it was both the first time in a while that I didn't get called out for a holiday emergency at Not So New Job, as well as the first time in a while that Hugh and I were without plans. So, of course I didn't get a call out, come to think of it.

What I did get, was a lot of relaxation and some quality time with Jules, who I don't get to see nearly as often as I should, considering she lives just an hour down the road from me.

I started the weekend with a completely chill 4th of July on the porch with Hugh. I spent almost the entire day reading and working on Shanti's shoes for the reception (one month to go and I still need to finish hers and get the Man-Cub's finished).

I didn't feel like cooking, so we ordered takeout from the Chinese restaurant in Hooterville. I got my usual: chicken lo mein and chicken with broccoli. It was delicious.

On Friday, I basically repeated the previous day, minus the Chinese food and late-night fireworks that pelted our house with debris. Hugh and I are all for our neighbors enjoying the 4th, but when the fireworks went on past midnight and it was raining debris on our rooftop, he decided it was time to step out for a conversation with them. Ironically, Hugh arrived in their yard just as the local police pulled up; apparently there were other neighbors who were also ready to get some sleep.

Anyway, Jules joined us on the porch Friday night and we each downed a mojito before driving to Pixler for dinner at the Italian restaurant that we like.

Saturday morning, we were up and at it early. We drove over one of Colorado's most scenic passes to Durango; the town of our alma mater and where Jules and I first met.  Our goal for the day was to get the last remaining items of Jules's from a storage unit that she and her ex husband had been renting for almost two years.

It didn't take long, and, before we knew it, we were eating lunch at a popular brewery in Durango, and then heading back over the mountains to drop everything off at Jules' house.

The drive was so beautiful; I can't believe I didn't take a single picture. Hugh, however, humored me and Jules when we asked him to take a picture of us with a 55 speed limit sign, to celebrate that each of us has reached this milestone birthday.

His effort was appreciated, buuuuut...we'll probably try for a better shot sometime between now and November/December, when Jules and I pass out of this speed limit and onto the next.

All in all, it was a really relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a long weekend. This week, I am working on all of the last minute details for our golf tournament fundraiser on Saturday, so; it's a good thing I rested up 😊

Life in the Slow Lane

Wow, I can't believe that today is the first of July. This year feels like it's been set to warp speed and I can't say that I'm happy about it; I still have so much to do for the wedding next month (gulp! Next MONTH!)! I want to soak in as much joy as I can because I do realize that this time, right now, will never happen again. I want to savor it!

The shower the weekend before last was a wake-up call for me about how I need to make myself present for the events surrounding this wedding. I need to focus on being in the moment, which is hard when you are responsible for the details, you know what I mean? But the details won't mean a thing if I don't slow down enough to notice and appreciate them.

Anyway, I'm going to do my best. 

I did get to spend some time with the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs., outside of wedding planning, which is a gift that I am grateful for. 

Shanti and I were the only ones in our group who could make it to golf clinic last week (my coworkers each had somewhere else that they needed to be), so, after we kicked around in the sand trap (the golf pro says it's a bunker, not a sand trap, but my Dad called it a sand trap so, sand trap it shall forever be) and learned how to chip out of the tall grass onto the green, we met up with the Man-Cub at the clubhouse for dinner.

Hugh was working his Wednesday overnight shift at the fire station, so he totally missed out on both the company and the food, which, was ah-may-zing.

I had the chicken pot pie, which came with a salad. The Cub had the lobster mac'n'cheese, and Shanti had a Ceasar salad with baked salmon. None of us was disappointed.

The waitress sold us on the Wine Wednesday Special: we bought a half bottle of wine and got a dessert for free. We chose the flourless chocolate torte and were wowed. Since Shanti's mom is living gluten-free, we may consider a dessert of this type for the rehearsal dinner.

Dinner service was a bit on the leisurely side, but we didn't have anywhere else to be and the view was spectacular, so we enjoyed the evening. As I said above; I need to do more of that and less rushing the moment.

This weekend, I purposely slowed down again. One of my coworkers has cherry trees on her property and she gifted me with a large bucket of fruit.

I quite fondly remember summers when I was a child and my Grandma Molly would can cherries that she and Grandpa Nick got from this area while they were visiting Grandma's sister, who lived in Pixler with her family.

I knew I wanted to preserve the cherries from my friend, but didn't necessarily want to can them. Instead, I invited Mom over to the house to help me pit and prepare them for freezing.    

It was incredibly messy. And, a lot of fun, actually. We sat on the porch and chatted away the afternoon while we worked and, it occurs to me that a lot of the world's problems could be solved if more people chatted away an afternoon on the porch with the people they love. Or, on the golf course. Or on a long Sunday drive...

...slow doesn't have to be a four letter word, y'all.

Monthly (On Occasion) Musings, June 2024 Edition

I don't link up with Holly and Patty for Monthly Musings very often, but I'm trying to be better about tending to this space, so I am grateful to them for offering the writing prompts. 

What questions are they asking this month? Questions all about summer. I like summer! I think I can contribute to the conversation, so here we go.

1. Our summer plans are being dictated by the upcoming wedding for Shanti and the Man-Cub! We had Shanti's shower this past Sunday and are in full preparation mode for the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and reception. In addition to all that, we are hoping to get the boat on the water and the motorhome up into the mountains. It's going to be a busy summer, and one that we will never forget!

2. Our summer traditions have gone the way of the Dodo Bird; that is what happens when one's children fly the nest and the other people in one's life grow and change. For the past several years, Hugh and I have taken a 4th of July camping trip with our friends Erin and Kristi and Tom and Sean; this year, the gals are living their best lives in the UK and the guys have sold their camper. So, we are in transition mode and will be finding new things to turn into traditions. It's ok; that's how life works.

3. For most of my adult life, my favorite summer destination was my hometown. Each July, we loaded up the car and headed to Mayberry for the last week of July. We spent time with my family and childhood friends, lazed around in my parent's backyard, chased the ice cream truck, and enjoyed the annual Stampede weekend. I miss those days. Also, it looks like I'm on the hunt for a new favorite destination.

3B. (I guess? 😅) I love the ocean and have enjoyed several different beaches in several different states and countries, but, we live in land-locked Colorado and we own a boat, so I would have to say that I prefer the lake because it is more easily accessible.

4. I haven't been near a pool in years. Actually, that's not true; Queen B and I hung out at the pool at our hotel earlier this month when I was in Texas for dress shopping. Anyhoodle, that's probably my pool time for the foreseeable future; it's just not a priority unless I am on vacation. That's kind of depressing, considering how much time I spent in pools as a kid and how many summer days I spent poolside when the kids were small.

5. The best tip I have for traveling is to pack your suitcase and then take out half. I have been a horrible over packer, but have recently discovered how freeing it is to travel light.

6. I don't really have a favorite summer movie. 

7. Sun tea will always say "summer" to me. I have a large jar that I use specifically for this purpose.

8. My summer playlist will always feature heavily with songs from the 80's, think Cruel Summer by Bananarama.

9. I like my burger well-done, on a wheat bun, with lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickle, mustard, and ketchup. I'm not a huge hotdog fan, unless I'm at a baseball game, in which case I'm good with mustard and ketchup.

10. I haven't used a charcoal grill in years, so gas, all the way. 

This was fun! I don't know why I don't do this every month...oh, yeah...life. So much to do and so little time.

What's Up Wednesday, June 2024 Edition

 

It's officially summer, folks! We've passed the longest day of the year and are sliding into that part of the season that you either love or hate, depending on your tolerance for heat. I personally prefer heat to cold (now that I am, knock on wood, past the hot flash portion of the menopause program. Praise hands!), so I am content with life right now. So let's talk about what's up!

Thanks, as always, to Sheaffer and Shay for hosting!

What I've Been Eating

Since it has been a bit warm, lately; I've been eating light lunches and dinners. And it's less about what I'm eating and more about where I'm eating it; porches are my favorite.

More interesting than what I'm eating is what I'm drinking. While waiting for my order to be taken at the local Sonic, I was influenced to buy the limited edition Orange Cloudsicle, and, while the soft serve ice cream in it was dope (as the kids would say), the toxic orange syrup was so sweet, my teeth literally squeaked.

I also recently tried Starbucks limited edition refresher with boba. It was actually pretty good. Mom tried one as well, and her first experience with a boba bead was precious, despite the fact that the barista could not spell her name.

Since I have a ton of mint growing in a container in my garden, I have been making pitchers of mojitos. Highly recommended, by the way.

And, at golf, I tried my coworkers Transfusion, which is vodka, grape juice, ginger ale, and lime juice. It was really good!

What I'm Reminiscing About

Nothing at the moment.

What I'm Loving 

Queen B flew home last Friday to surprise Shanti at her bridal shower. It was so nice to have her here to help, and, between the two of us and Shanti's mom, we threw a hell of a shower.

What I've Been Up To

My work team and I started golf lessons again and we are killing it. Ha! Just kidding! We suck. But, we are eager to earn, so we will suck less in no time.

Hugh and I opened the porch officially a few weeks ago, and have been enjoying porch sittin' ever since.

Chris, Jana, Hugh, and I got half of our kids together for a trip to the lake. It was the first time in four years that the Sea Chelle had been on the water, which is about four years longer than it should have been.

What I'm Working On

The annual golf tournament to benefit Not So New Job is rapidly approaching, and I'm thrilled to say that we are sold out! So, I've been working on signage, swag, and logistics. It's going to be a great tournament this year and I'm actually looking forward to it. If you had told me four years ago that I would feel this way, I would have told you that you were crazy. Of course, if you had told me four years ago that I would still be at this job four years later, I would have cried at your feet. True story.

What I'm Dreading

I don't want to jinx us, but the weather in our area has been ridiculously unpredictable. We have had numerous rain storms, which is unusual for June. The monsoon rains usually hit in August, and the wedding is in August, and it's an outdoor ceremony and tented reception, so...I'm dreading the need for a backup plan, but it probably won't be a bad idea to have one.

What I'm Excited About

The bridal shower this past weekend really got me excited for the wedding in August! It's like it's been real, but the bridal shower brought it all into focus; my baby is getting married! The shower was the first event of the festivities; we have the rehearsal dinner still to execute and the kids are all heading off for a bachelor/bachelorette party in the big city next month. So many fun things! 

What I'm Reading

This month, I reread several Elin Hidebrand's books. I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her final book set on Nantucket, so I figured, why not? Swan Song arrived mid-month and I haven't even started it. I think I'm in denial.

What I'm Watching

Oh, Bridgerton, where to begin? Like a lot of other fans of the Julia Quinn books, I was bitterly disappointed with this season's treatment of Colin and Penelope; their story in the books was so much more nuanced than it's screen translation, and I felt ripped off. I doubt that I'll be back for future seasons because I couldn't bear to watch the show ruin the stories of Benedict (although, they've basically achieved that, already) and Eloise.

The past few days, our television has been tuned into what Queen B lovingly refers to as Serial Killer Channels. Which means we've been watching a lot of shows about serial killers. I hope her future husband isn't squeamish.

What I'm Listening To

A the moment, I am listening to Boomer Dog snoring. He's still doing well, despite the fact that the tumor in his anal sac is growing. I'm grateful for every day that I get to listen to him breathe.

What I'm Wearing

Right now, I'm wearing palazzo pants and a tank top. It's hot, y'all; I'm dressing for my environment.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

Other than a long Zoom with the Erin and Kristi, I don't have anything scheduled, which feels pretty darn good. I've been going, going, going for several months now, so it will be nice to have some time to catch up on household stuff. Catching up with Erin and Kristi will be awesome, though; they recently returned to Wales from a vacation in Greece and I am very excited to hear all about it. I live vicariously through them.

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

The past several years, Hugh and I spent the Fourth of July weekend camping with our Gays; since Erin and Kristi abandoned us all for the UK, and Tom and Sean sold their camper, this year is going to look a little different. I'm hoping that we will still get to go camping with Shanti and the Man-Cub.

Favorite Amazon Purchase This Month

This is the second time that I have purchased this collagen. It's completely tasteless, dissolves without any gritty residue, and has improved my hair, nails, and skin. I also have noticed  an improvement in my joint pain.