A View From The 17th Fairway

On My Daughter's Birthday...

Lisa, pictured at five years old, is on the right.

Tomorrow is my oldest daughter's birthday. Lisa will be 36 years young. I really can't believe that thirty-six years have gone by since that Groundhog Day in '73. A lifetime has passed in the interim. She has grown into a caring person, the 'glue' of the family, always reaching out to include everyone. She's a born teacher. The Montessori children she cares for, have the precious gift of her extensive knowledge and love.

Lisa is capable of exceling in anything she chooses. College, real estate, advanced Montessori studies...She's quite amazing. She's raising our twelve year old grandson and is doing a beautiful job.

So somehow, someway, that little newborn with the head of jet black hair (Oh, the indigestion!) has evolved into a beautiful woman, making her own way in this world. Lucky World!

Lisa is pictured on the left at her sister's wedding.

The Map on the Wall, A Family Travelogue...

Last night I happened to see a travel show about China and the Great Wall. It brought back vivid memories of my two trips to mainland China. My career afforded me unique opportunities to travel the world. So much so, that I started a wall map to mark my venues. My youngest daughter was entering the business world, as I was ending my career. It became a bit of an international contest, with Mom marking red flags, and daughter marking blue flags. Sunni actually did business in Brazil long before I did the same. She, however, got to enjoy Rio, which I missed.

And she traveled to Australia, a place I would have loved to experience. But I sure had her beat with my extensive Asian travels. We called it even in Europe, but Central America was mine!

Now that she's looking forward to Motherhood, and I'm not traveling for business, we're both content to stay put for awhile. But you never know when that old Mother-Daughter travel competition may start up again - or maybe in time, it will become a Grandmother-Grandchild trip...Actually, I can't wait for that!

Sunday, Sunday...

I really love Sunday mornings. It's a chance to choose my own time to rise and enjoy the day. Just knowing I have no appointments or 'have-to's' always make it special.

The dogs know it's Sunday, too. Just today, Brandee~Cherie put her little paws on the side of the bed, wanting to get cozy on this quiet morning.

After grabbing a cup of coffee, I always head out to the patio, clad in my bathrobe. Our patio is perched high on a hill, overlooking the tree-lined 17th fairway. The view is unobstructed and expansive. I breathe deeply of the crisp, clean air and immediately relax.

Often, there will be wildlife preparing for their day of foraging. Shadows of large birds lazily intersect on the fairway below. Sandhill cranes and countless squirrels abound. Because our backyard is up so high, we have the illusion of being up in the trees. Often, the birds are parallel to our line of sight. There are always treats from Nature to be experienced and enjoyed.

There's a calm here, a stillness that I've felt from the first day we visited this community. For me, it becomes easier to regain perspective when Nature is so close. Maybe my next move will be a log cabin in the woods!

QiGong for Natural Healing

I've been fortunate to have traveled quite a bit in my life. Asia was a frequent destination during my career. Once retired, I still gravitated towards many things Asian. This led me to my studies in Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Reddick Florida, associated with the University of Florida in Gainesville.

It was there that I was first introduced to QiGong. We practiced several movements as a break from learning our canine and equine massage techniques.

Our community is offering a six week course in QiGong. I hope to take the Spring class. Until then, I've ordered a DVD and hope to learn alot more about this ancient Chinese healing art. It is much needed, physically and spiritually!

Where The Buffalo Roam?

Okay, I agree. It sounds a bit bizarre to get attached to these big hairy creatures. But for me, it's a reminder of what the Americas once were. These creatures stir up images of cowboys, the wide open range, and maybe even The Ponderosa, for us who still remember TV in the sixties.

Strangely enough, for decades, small herds still grazed in several areas adjacent to my community. Hence, the high school football team (what else) 'the Buffalos', a nearby plaza called Buffalo Ridge and many other local 'buffalo' references. But after several injuries (people don't always believe the warnings to stay away from bison), the owner moved the animals out of sight. Now there is a movement to get the animals back into view.

Those reckless individuals who did not heed the cautionary signs, proceeded at their own risk. And no one else is responsible.

Bring back those furry giants! They added a unique flair to our community and are beloved by many. And I really miss seeing them in all their massive beauty.

 

The Holidays Mark Another Milestone...

  This time of year always makes me stop. Stop and think. Stop and compare. Then and now. And the promise of an even better future with the start of a brand-new year.

I'm always surprised at where Life takes me. Somehow, it's never where I thought I'd be! And always without exception, I'm surprised and grateful. Grateful for my loving family and all the beauty around me. Grateful for the health and strength that carries me throughout the day. Grateful for my friends, who are my best teachers, purely by their example.

The news events make me think the world has gone crazy. I struggle to make sense of the senseless. Senseless greed, senseless cruelty. And each day that I can reclaim my humanity, my spirit and my sense of appreciation, is a day well spent.

With a new grandchild soon to make her appearance on the world stage, and a loving, sweet grandson of twelve wise years, this grandmother looks to the future with anticipation and wonder. Still here, still enjoying Life's surprises. Laughing, loving and always grateful for the chance to appreciate the small miracles that bless and grace my life.  Happy Holidays!

Golfing with Nancy...

Lopez, that is...After my doctor's appointment on Monday, David and I took our 'rain check' from last year and headed out to the Nancy Lopez course. It's been a course I've wanted to play every since I exchanged greetings with Nancy herself at a recent lunch at her casual restaurant, The Legacy.

We had a delicious lunch in a covered patio part of the restaurant. The waiter was more than attentive. David devoured his gourmet burger and I loved my lobster bisque. Other favorites include: Chicken Marsala, Warm Lobster Salad and Beef Stroganoff.

Pleasantly surprised at finding our neighbor behind the desk at the Pro Shop, we got good advice on which of the three nines to play. Each nine is named after one of Nancy's three daughters, Ashley, Erinn & Tori.

Click here for a flyover of the course. Click on your back arrow to return here.

Off we went! Still working with my new hybrid clubs, I hit my drives well, made some good short shots and had a few putts that had David scratching his head (in a good way!) David played well, as usual and had a great time.

We arrived home tired but happy with our day together.

A Chance to 'Just Be'

Now that the wedding is over, and I've returned from New York, it's time to 'Just Be.' I felt very let down by the pendulum-stress swing from 'wedding & new beginnings' to 'parental life issues' in just two short weeks. Now, it's time to come up for air and appreciate my many blessings. My husband, my children, my home, my dogs, my health and my life are all things I never take for granted. Especially now. Every minute is precious and is a joy.

And speaking of joys, I have re-committed myself to learning to play better golf. The benefits are obvious - exercise, fresh air and Nature. David so loves the game, that sharing it with him takes us into the activity & enjoyment together. To that end, my new technology hybrid clubs will help my struggle. And a beautiful pair of Ecco's found on sale, help brighten my quest for a better game. We each take from the game what we need. Good shots are thrilling, but a new pair of golf shoes provide much more reliable satisfaction!

 

Wedding Anniversary At Epcot!

David & I decided that we will spend our anniversary on Friday, June 6 at Epcot!  Yay! I'm very excited. I can't remember the last time we were there. So many changes, so many new exhibits!

Over the next week, we'll be 'researching' all the new venues (including restaurants) to have a 'game plan' for our special day. Can't wait!

Friday's Feast - One Hundred And Ninety-One

Friday's Feast!

Appetizer

What is the nearest big city to your home? Orlando

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?

9 - once in a great while, I slip and share with my husband who would be a 10 on the Secret Scale.

Salad

Describe your hair (color, texture, length). Shoulder-length, blonde streaks (to cover gray!) and fine - but lots of it..I know I should cut it shorter to suit my face, but I don't wanna and you can't make me!!!

Main Course

What kind of driver are you?  Courteous?  Aggressive?  Slow? I try to be courteous, certainly more cautious now the older I get. Turnpikes scare me now. I avoid them at all costs..

Dessert

When was the last time you had a really bad week? The worst week of my life, the last week of April, 2003. It was a really really really bad week...