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!

It's All About The Girls...

Tuesday's are very special to me. That's the day I play golf with a wonderfully supportive group of women who have become role models in addition to friends. Tuesday golf is unlike the structured women's golf that is played here every Thursday. Tuesday's are for fun, sharing and connecting. Yes, scores do count. Rules are followed. Every putt is counted. And wagers are made before the round. But this group is special. We talk about politics, health and grandchildren.  Our previous lives, too, including career, childraising and charity work. Most importantly, many of these women have already been where I am first going. They are steps in front of me on the path of Life and are generous in sharing their experiences. For this, I am very grateful. It helps me feel less alone in growing old and more appreciative of Life in general. So, I celebrate the Tuesday Sisterhood and their winning ways - both on and off the course! Pictured above, two comely golfers ready to play in last year's member-guest tourney.

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!

Sports Gene Testing???

Yeah, what will they think of next....to part parents from their money??? With a new grandchild on the way, and one approaching his thirteenth (and very athletic) year, testing for the sports gene seems a bit 'over the top' even for sports-minded grandparents like us! Thoughts? Check out the original article from the NY Times.

Rainy Day Tuesday

Rainy days (not hurricanes, now! )always energize me. They're comfy & cozy and renew my spirit. The last thing I felt like doing was golfing in inclement weather. Especially when I'd much rather be dry and enjoying the weather from the comfort of my living room or even patio. But a commitment to a Tuesday group of lady golfers got me up, dressed and out the door with a few minutes to spare before tee time.

Although the skies were still threatening, the rain subsided. Surprisingly, only one of our twelve-women team showed up to play! We waited until finally, we could wait no more. Sure, we could have headed back home, but we were ready to take on the course with enthusiasm!

Jane & I headed out. It was an unusual opportunity for us to play with each of our balls, and use a second uncounted ball for practice. We played seven holes, when two friends drove up and asked to join us. We finished our round with all the usual fun, banter and frustration that makes the game of golf...well, golf!

Today's rainy day was full of pleasant surprises. And weather wasn't even one of them!

Air Conditioning & Other Life Musings

Our air conditioner went on the blink Friday night. In a normal environment, that wouldn't be a catastrophic situation. After all, who even HAD air conditioning fifty or sixty years ago? But here, in Central Florida's summertime in the 21st century, cool air really is critical.

Although I must say, I consider myself a 'trooper.' During the hurricanes in 2004, the eye of the storms, Frances & Jeanne, hit a mere fourteen miles from our home on Florida's East Coast in the city of Port St. Lucie. An eerie and unusual situation unfolded. Two hurricanes hit in almost the exact same spot three weeks apart. (Five hurricanes hit the State of Florida that 'mean season'.)

On the fifth day without electricity, we finally high-tailed it ninety minutes North to Orlando, where electricity (and air conditioning) was in abundance. I don't think a room service dinner, hot and generous, ever tasted that good.

But the experience taught me a little bit about survival. Without a working electric stove, air conditioning, lights and television, even in ninety degree heat, I can toughen up and get through it. Not a permanent situation, and not the worst that can happen. After all, no one in my family was hurt (although many lost their lives) and our home was still intact. Many of our immediate neighbors did suffer some damage.

But I summoned up all of my reserve (whatever was left after the experience of hearing the 'train roar' in the early morning hours) and made it through. Those kind of Life-altering experiences give you a sort of armor that you can call upon in other circumstances. And I have! So last Saturday morning, David sent me out to play golf with my girlfriends. He found an electrician to repair the power cable that had blown outside of the unit and paid the exhorbitant Saturday fee without much grumbling. Here's to all those strength- and faith-testing situations that make us stronger and appreciative of all things - including air conditioning! More pictures of our Hurricane Francis experience here.