Day @ Muirfield

I was up on time this last day of May, and the first day of the Memorial golf tournament, and Mindy’s last day of school with students. For the month, we spent at least 20 calendar days above 80 degrees, which might be a record, and also had 5 or 6 days at or above 90. We only got about half the usual monthly rainfall too.

I exercised, played, meditated, and stretched all before 630am. It was only in the upper 50s when I set out on my run. I wore a long sleeved wicking short and shorts. I was comfortable throughout. I ran the full 4.1 miles finding myself back home somewhere near 715am. After walking the dog I enjoyed my eggs. Mindy left for school with ice cream and whipped cream that was all part of their field day festivities. She took a swim suit too. Apparently she was getting in a dunk tank.

Just before she left she warned me that she’d likely be having an after school event at the house. Wanted to know if I still planned to go to the golf tournament. I had a ticket but still wasn’t sure, my answer based more on how my work day would unflold.

After my shower I packed shorts and a polo more fitting for walking a golf course. I also packed my running shoes and a ball cap. The bus arrived on time. Chrissy shared that Kapil was coming into town Friday night and staying through the weekend so he could make a friends wedding in Lancaster. Hope to spend a little time visiting with him.

Left for the office around 825am arriving roughly 15 minutes later. At the time, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, a perfect day for the start of the Memorial tournament. I stayed busy all morning, balancing my time between conference calls and month end tasks. I managed to keep my calendar open to allow me to leave near 2pm for the tournament. I didn’t take a lunch either. I was a tad concerned that a crisis might find its way onto my lap just before 2pm, but that never materialized. Come 2pm I packed up my stuff and headed out, though I planned to stay connected via blackberry.

I changed into tournament attire in my car before leaving the lot. I drove to the Sports Ohio facility of Cosgray rd. in Dublin for the free shuttle parking provided by Nationwide. Wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but they had shuttle vans running every minute or so between the Sports Ohio lot and the course, which I’m guesstimating about 5 miles away. That proved to be a positive experience. Dropped us right at the clubhouse entrance. We saw Tiger Wood on the practice tee. And after looking at the program, I guessed that we was already finished for the day.

My pass gave me full access to the course as well as free food and drink at the Jack Nicklaus Club at the par 3 #16. I spent the first hour or so hanging around hole 18 watching several groups finish. I ran into three folks I knew, including my boss’ boss. I chatted with each of them only briefly.

I haven’t been to the Memorial in probably 17 or 18 years. Can’t believe it’s been that long. The houses along the course are still nice but many look dated. Another observation, the course and the landscaping were as dry as I’ve seen it. That’s something I’ve never seen before. For several years we struggled with the leather lips curse. More often that not, it would be chilly and rainy during the tournament. But as I’ve pointed out before, we haven’t had much if any rain since early May.

I eventually made my way to the Nicklaus Clubhouse to take full advantage of the free food and drink. Why not? I had to exchange my pass for a wrist band, and with it came a free program. Inside I enjoyed some of the provided finger foods as well as a bourbon and coke. I hung out in the clubhouse for about 30 minutes taking in some golf for its lofty perch. I checked email too, and had a couple issues requiring my intervention. I even made a couple calls before heading back out onto the course for a little more live golf action.

I watched another hour or so of golf before making a stop in the main clubhouse just before leaving and picking up a t-shirt or ball-cap. There, I opted for a Memorial tournament ball cap. Now near 430pm I made my way to exit, the same way I came in. There was a queue about ten people deep for the Red lot shuttle. I had to wait for the next van. The wait, however, was brief. Again, they literally had vans running every minute or two. Because I was first in queue, I got shotgun on the ride back. Cool! Missed a call and text from Mindy. Responded letting her know that I was on my way home. She responded, reminding me that she was having her after school event.

Was in my car and on my way home even before 5pm. Traffic on 270 south was even tighter than usual. It was pretty much a crawl from 33 all the way to Roberts Rd. Talked with Mindy briefly, she was preparing for guests. Niece Lindy was there and had just finished cutting Jacob’s hair when I got home. She didn’t hang out long, however. She left before 530pm. Mindy’s friend Phyllis was there too. She didn’t stay long either. She left while I was busy catching up on that work issue that crept up earlier. I dealt with that for about 30 minutes.

A few of Mindy’s teacher pals showed up around 6pm: Two of them brought their children. The school principal, Jan and her husband, Jeff showed up too. I joined them on the deck sipping a pint of Bodhi. By then it started to cool off, and even a few clouds moved in, but they didn’t look threatening in the least. Expecting much cooler weather through the weekend, only in the 60s on Friday and then the low to mid 70s Saturday & Sunday.

Mindy had several snacks available but also ordered two Minelli’s pizzas. We hung out with Mindy’s school peeps until 830pm. Mindy and I cleaned up the deck and the kitchen after everyone left. Mindy was happy that her school year was finally over, though she still needed to be in on Friday to clean-up her classroom. Mindy headed to bed well before 10pm. I kidded her about it. I stayed up a while longer catching a little bit of the Science channel.