The Good And The Ugly

The first year we lived in Carolina preserve, I played golf with the 18 hole golf group once or twice a week.  They took golf too seriously for me and I didn’t enjoy playing like I did in Mooresville before we moved.

So last year I didn’t play at all.

Two weeks ago, I played in our low key and fun golf tournament in Corolla.  Most golfers play once a year and just play in Corolla for fun.  I hit a few good shots and some bad shots and had a wonderful time.  So back home, I decided to play with a new neighbor, again hitting some good shots and some bad shots, and again had a great time.  I can truly say that I enjoyed the round and am looking forward to playing next week.

Now for the ugly part of the day.

I was in the middle of cooking burgers and decided to make some Spring Valley ranch dressing while the burgers were cooking.  No problem making the ranch dressing.  Then I read it’s best to put it in the fridge for a hour to settle before serving.  Didn’t have an hour - only a few minutes.  So I put it in the freezer on the top shelf, but not securely.  The bowl tipped over dripping ranch dressing over all of our frozen stuff down to the bottom of the freezer.  What a mess!!!

I took everything out of the freezer, washed it and then cleaned the racks and the bottom.  I had to hurry before the ranch dressing froze.  When I finished, the burgers were over done and the little ranch dressing that didn’t spill tasted awful.

Better to have days that are good and bad rather than all bad.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com

Corolla - The 24th year

Twenty-four year ago, Pam and Bill organized a group vacation on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for their friends in St Therese Catholic Church.  The group changed slightly in the first few years, but it has been stable for over 15 years.  While many of the group travel the world, this is the vacation that none will miss.  

Twelve couples and Sharon rented  two large houses in Corolla, each with multiple bedrooms, an elevator and a large kitchen.  Each house prepared a couple of meals to share.

The group played tennis non-stop 24 years ago, but we’re 24 years older, so this year tennis was limited to only a couple of matches plus some pickleball.  Couples still enjoyed bike rides and long walks on the beach.  Mostly we talk, play cards and enjoy each other’s company.

I’ve written about Corolla in past year’s blogs and wondered what more could I say.  Then I decided to let others describe the experience.  After the week, couples sent an email to the group thanking Bill and Pam for their continued leadership plus they commented on their experience.  Here are their words:

• Thanks to all of you for a fantastic love filled week! We are all so blessed!
• Great seeing everyone!
• Home also and missing you all already!  What a blessing - our shared friendship.  Thanks to all for making the week so special.
• What a great week at the beach.
• This was a wonderful week. Lots of fun relaxation and friendship.  Loved it. Thanks to all and soooo great to all be together.
• Thanks especially to Pam & Bill K. for your steadfast leadership and for our wonderful housemates @ Surf & Volley…and our wonderful family neighbors @ Family Dreams.
• What a joy to see everyone and to plan a fantastic  week on the OBX!
• What a wonderful week!!  Each year is our best ever!!  We love you all and miss you already.
• One of the best weeks - Oh, we say that every year.  Stay well, everybody.

Those comments say it better than words I could write.  Aloma and I feel blessed to have such good friends.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com

Old vs. Old-Old

I’ve read how the definition of old is changing.  Some years ago, one was considered old at 60 or 65.  Now the age group of 60 to 69 is referred to as young-old, while old is now 70 to 79.  A new term has appeared, “old-old,” which begins at the age age of 80.  Now that I’ve turned 79, I’m planning on enjoying my last year of just being old.  

But with old-old only a year away, I’m rethinking my bucket list.  I’m removing a horseback camping trip through the Montana mountains.  This was wishful thinking, anyway.  Aloma and I rode horses on a trail ride a couple of years ago, and it took a team of cowboys to get me on and off my horse.  I wouldn’t be a welcomed addition to a long trip in the backcountry.

I’m also removing a photo-safari in Africa from my bucket list.  There is no way I’m flying to Africa.  

So what is still on my bucket list?  Relaxing on our deck, drinking a glass of wine and watching our plants grow.  This one is definitely doable.  In fact, I'm going to get started this afternoon.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com