Shamrock & Chester

I was up at 710am. My head was a little foggy for the first 20 minutes or so, but by the time I started coffee and completed calisthenics, I was back in the game feeling no worse for the wear.

I spent a little time enjoying coffee while playing around online but then readied fairly quickly or a run. I ran three miles like most Saturday’s. It was warm and sunny. The run went well, but that’s what I expected.

We had a 1015am tee time at Foxfire Player’s Club. I was much looking forward to that. I headed to the shower as soon as I was back home. I took Mindy some coffee. I could tell that she expected me to feel bad. She seemed surprised when I said I felt fine.

I was showered and dressed by 850am. I planned to leave around 915am. Mindy joined me downstairs while I ate some breakfast. She confirmed her plans to attend yoga. Said Jim agreed to keep the kids a couple hours longer to enable her to. I warmed a leftover cheeseburger for breakfast. I packed a large Gatorade and bottled water for golf. I called Kenny just after 9am. He agreed to drive. Said he’d stop down to pick me up in a few minutes.

Talked with Ashley around 9am. Discussed her bringing Olivia and the boys over around 4 or 5pm. We’d work out the details later. She was working OT until 11am or noon.

I told Mindy she could take the Accord if she so desired. She didn’t think she would. No sense parking it along the street. Kenny showed up around 920am. Off we went to Foxfire.

Arrived at Foxfire around 945am. Lot was a bit more crowded than we expected. We found a spot right up front. Must’ve been from an ‘early bird’s’ departure. No sign of the Bob’s for another 10 minutes. While we were practicing on the putting green, the starter hollered for anyone ready to tee off. Said both boxes were open – Player’s Club and Foxfire. A large group set for 1045am took him up on it. I wasn’t pleased that he was letting 8 people slated to tee off after us go in front. The Bob’s had just pulled up in their cart.

I walked over and asked the starter why he did that in lieu of calling for us. It was only 1010am. He had no good reason. Seemed unaware of his foolish move. I did my best to let it go.

As you might guess, it took a while for the tee box to clear. The order was set. I was going next to last. Uncharacteristically, my first drive wasn’t a good one. Went straight but only about 50 yards. Topped it.  Urgh!

I followed that with a long 3-wood that landed slightly left of the fairway but within 140 yards of the green. I hit an 8-iron, needing to ensure I cleared a tree. I landed it just in front of the green, about 15-20’ from the hole. I chipped on but two putted for a double. I wasn’t too pleased with my inability to score.

I started to straighten things out on the next hole, a par 3 I believe. No one was playing all that well on the front. I was striking the ball well but not scoring. What’s new? I was determined to change that, and gave myself a little pep talk after hole #8.

As we made the turn both Bob I. and I caught fire. In the next 5 holes I had a birdie, 3 pars, and a bogey. All of the sudden I was scoring! Time to head into the woods to the two long par 5’s. Even when my game’s been down, I’ve managed to play those holes fairly well. I expected more of the same. Why not?

Well, unfortunately, my lucked changed. I shot an 8 then a 7. So much for stringing together nine holes under 40. I finished the last three holes fairly well, two bogeys and then a par on 18. I shot a 91 (47-44). I can’t be disappointed in the score. That’s my game, though I know I left a few easy one’s get away from me.

Throughout the round, we had a little side game going – cart against cart for 6 holes three times. Bob & Bob won two of the three sets by one stroke both times. Kenny and won the final six holes. We had to fork over a $1 a piece.

We chatted about doing it again two weeks out, perhaps playing Cook’s Creek or possibly even Chapel Hill. It was 310pm when we headed for home.  I called Mindy. She was home from yoga, but currently on the road to get a few things from Giant Eagle as well as some treats for Mike and Teri O’s two new Jack Russell puppies.

Their kids were pumped. They knew they were getting one, but didn’t know about the second. Mindy said they were giddy. Mindy asked about dinner plans. Asked how I felt about pizza. Fine with me. Said Ashley called and planned to bring the kids around 5pm.

We walked down to the neighbors to see their new puppies as soon as I got home.  Tiny and cute! 440pm I headed home to water flowers and then get another shower. I was sticky and a little itchy having played in the sunshine all day.

The G kids showed up a little after 5pm. Ashley walked down to see the puppies with Mindy. All the kids ran down too. They were all pumped up to staying at pawpaw’s place. J

Mindy suggested we order pizzas around 6pm. She did the ordering. I agreed to fetch ‘em. Before I left to get ‘em, I headed out to the tree swing with the wee ones and pushed both of them a time or two. Olivia was insistent.

Minelli’s gave an ETA of 20 minutes, but they’re always ready before that. I left after 15. Much to my surprise, I had to wait about 10 minutes. It was dinner rush. Mindy corralled the kids while I was out. They were waiting intently for the pizza when I got back. Neighbor Jake was joining us too. We had plenty – two extra-large pies, one pepperoni, and one pepperoni, sausage, and banana peppers. Both were exceptional, especially the pepperoni.

I must’ve had 6 or 7 pieces in total. It was going down easy.  I could’ve eaten more but wanted to save room for some Belgian IPA. I couldn’t wait to tap my jug.

Shortly after cleaning up the kitchen, I poured myself an IPA. The kids were off playing in one of the neighbors’ yards. They were all having a ball. Mindy and I walked down to the O’Connell’s so the wee ones could jump on their trampoline. While they jumped, the others played with the new puppies. Reminded me of Woody and Frankie. They barely had a chance to put their legs on the ground.

Walked down to Chrissy’s and Kenny a little later. Kenny was installing a zipline for Woody from the back of the house to a tree about 30 yards out.  I watched him work. Didn’t take him long. I refilled my pint glass a time or two, and eventually walked back to the O’Connell’s to get the kids. All the boys were planning to sleep in the tree house for the first time. I was happy to accommodate, but didn’t think they’d last long at all.

It was dark by the time we outfitted the boys with sleeping bags, a cooler with drinks, and flashlights. There were four of them: Jake, Jacob, Rocky, and Evan. While the boys were getting settled in the tree house, Mindy had a movie whirling inside for the wee one.

Mindy let me walk back down to the neighbors. It wasn’t five minutes before Evan came bopping back. Said the mosquitoes were too much and that he wanted to see his puppies. Bella asked if she could spend the night with Emily.  I called Mindy to ask permission. Yep, but she needed to head home first. I hung with the neighbors for a few more minutes, but headed home myself by 1015pm.

I wasn’t in the house five minutes before Jacob and Rocky came in calling off their camp out. Said the girls were lighting off fireworks near the treehouse and the mosquitoes were bad. I think they got a little spooked.

We all headed to bed before 11pm. Good night Shamrock & Chester.