Another Ring found

When I got home from playing golf today I went over to Audubon Elem. School and metal detected for a while. I found $1.27, this ring, and what I think is a cap off something. I believe the ring is a cheap one, not worth anything, but interesting. Also, the cap is interesting. It has a word across the top that I can't make out. My best guess is that it says 'DELITE'S', but that is very much a guess.

Tuesday's at Shawnee GC

I played my usual Tuesday Round at Shawnee today. I shot a 44 - 44 = 88. I think that's about my average score for the year. I'm happy when I shoot in the low 80's, but I'm happy because that means I'm playing pretty good. So, an 88 is about my average score. I reached the 17th tee and realized I had to par in to break 90, and I finished par, birdie. I was pleased with that finish. I continue to make several really bad shots during my round. I need to get rid of those 'really bad' shots to get my score down in the low 80's. I did find out today that my 40 on the front nine last week won me $7! With my 15 handicap it netted me a 32.5 on the front. I tied with another guy. That's the first income I've had for awhile.

Tyler Park may offer new Metal Detecting Site

........Several Days ago as I was driving around the Castleman Statue I spotted a man metal detecting along the curb. I stopped and talked to him for awhile. I'd seen him several times recently metal detecting around the neighborhood. He's been metal detecting for 30 years. He showed me some of the things he's dug up recently, he had his car trunk full of stuff. He had about 10 silver coins lying on a rag, mostly dimes. He talked about Central Park several years ago when they tore up the tennis courts and got rid of them. He said there were Indian Head pennies lying on the surface, and a bunch of coins to be found that had been under the tennis court surface for years.

They plan on renovating Tyler Park. The plans are to take up the Tennis Courts in the foreground, and taking up the basketball court on the other side of the park. I think the same situation with coins will be present when that happens. I'd like to be the first one there. They'll also take out the spray area and move it to the other side of the park. I don't know when this will happen, but I'm gonna be watching for it.

A windy Round 9 for the Year

I played Weissinger Hill GC today. Not only was it 34 degrees when we teed off, but we had 15-20 mph winds. It was COLD!

I played with Greg Lynn, and after the 5th hole we decided to move up to the Red, Womens Tees, or we'd never be able to reach a green in regulation. I shot a 46 - 47 = 97. As has been the case this Spring, I was very inconsistant. Topped a Tee shot, Topped a 3 wood, hit one 3 wood fat for about a 50 yard shot. Three putted a couple of greens. Add that into the cold and wind, and it makes for a big score. However, I continue to hit some of my best shots of my life. I just can't get the whole game together. I gave Greg 3 shots on the front nine, and 4 on the back nine. He shot a 47 - 49 = 96. Do you see I lost my $3 to him. But, it makes for a re-negotiation on strokes the next time we play.

Round 9 for the year on hold....

We got in 11 holes today at Iroquois GC, so it was not an official round for the year. Good thing. I wasn't playing so good. I had a 46 on the front side and bogied 10 and 11. The rain started on the 11th tee and it looked like it was going to rain for a while. We decided to walk in and cancel the rest of the round. Good decision. It was still raining a steady rain when I got home. That's OK though, now I can get a good nap in so I can stay awake for the UK game tonight.

Booty from Highlands Traditional Middle School

I metal detected at Highland Traditional Middle School this evening. I stopped there yesterday and got permission from the Principal to check the grounds during none school hours. I was there for about an hour and Brian stopped by. He detected with me for about 45 minutes and all he found was junk. I found 2 quarters, 4 dimes, and 11 pennies plus this St Xavier ring. This ring is and underclassmans ring, not a Senior Ring. So, it could be from any year.

The field is a dog field. Everyone in the neighborhood must bring there dog to that field to let it run. It's fenced in. I guess it's a great place to take your dog. They pick up after their dogs, too. So the field is pretty clean. I might have better luck with fewer dogs on a weekend. I happened to be there right at the time people get home from work and take their dogs out for a little exercise.

Since I've been metal detecting, I've come up with two rules I try to go by. One: Never be disappointed in finding a penny! Two: Never hurry through one area to get to another. Metal detect where you are like you know there's a diamond ring buried there somewhere.

Round 8 for 2010

One thing I really like about golf is that you never stop learning the game, no matter how good or how long you've been playing. For instance, today, I learned that if you 3 putt it's really hard to par the hole. And, if you're in tree trouble and you need to hit a low ball a long way, when you use your driver off the deck, play it back in your stance. Sure, maybe I knew this at one time, but I must have forgotten it. I played much better today, but still a couple of really bad shots. I made many more good shots today than I have been, though, so I think my game is coming around. I shot a 40 - 44 = 84 at Shawnee GC. Other than 3 putting the first green, my short game was excellent. 17 of my drives were decent to good, and only 1 of my 3 wood shots really stunk. Like I said before, I can live with so-so shots, it's those real stinkers that I have to eliminate. Once again, no matter how much I complain about the round, I always have fun.
* This is an addition to my blog I just posted. The 2 par 5's on the back nine played very long for me. They were into the wind, and the air was cool, so my ball didn't carry very far. On both par 5's I hit a good drive, 2 decent 3 woods, and then had a 30 - 40 - yard wedge. So my score of 44 on the back side was, I thought, a pretty decent score.

Old Coins, No Value

This post really goes with my last post about the Shield Nickel. But, I just found out a piece of metal I dug up that I thought was just a piece of broken pot metal off something is actually an Indian Head Penny(Circa.1859-1909) I could see the Shield Nickel (Circa. 1866-1883) marks. I had to look very close, but you can tell with the naked eye what it is. The Indian Head Penny, I needed my jewelers loupe that I got for my birthday. You can make out part of the 'One Cent' written on the back, and the tips of the Indian Headress on the reverse. The other coin, and I use that term loosely, I have no idea. I can make out no distinguishing marks, but have no doubt it is a coin. I know these coins are worthless, but they are interesting. And, it reaffirms my belief that there are some 'old' coins to be found in the Chance School Field.

Oldest Coin Yet

I wasn't going to post this because the coin is in such poor shape, but it is old and by blowing up the picture you might be able to make out what it is. It is a 'Shield Nickel', and they were minted between 1866 - 1883. They were the first nickel the U. S. minted that contained no valuable metal, such as gold or silver. The first picture is the back, which has the shield, and the picture on the right is the front, with a big '5' in the center surrounded by stars. Very poor shape, but very old! This coin was found at Chance School.

Opening of Squirrel Season on Goddard Avenue

I caught my first squirrel of the season today. I'm pretty sure I got rid of all the squirrels in Jefferson County. This one wouldn't tell me where he was from, but he sounded like he had a Shelby County accent.

Answers to "How well Do You Know Bob?"

IF YOU HAVEN'T TAKEN THE TEST BELOW YET, NO FAIR CHEATING! TAKE THE TEST AND THEN COME BACK HERE FOR THE ANSWERS.

1 - c, 2 - b, 3 - c, 4 - c, 5 - b, 6 - a, 7 - d, 8 - a, 9 - a, 10 - c.

There, I hope you even know how to spell B - O - B !

How well do you know Bob?

How well would you even WANT to know Bob? Find out how well you know him. Take the test. 8-10 Right, Are you married to him? 5 - 7 Right, you've been around him to much. 2-4 Right, Minor acquantance. 1 or none, Can you even Spell Bob?

1. How many times did Bob take his drivers test before passing?

a. One

b. Two

c. Three

d. Four

2. Bob was a member of what branch of service?

a. Army

b. Navy

c. Air Force

d. Marines

3. Bob attended what High School?

a. St. Xavier

b. Desales

c. Flaget

d. Trinity

4. Bob has never been in the State of.

a. New York

b. Texas

c. Michigan

d. Wisconsin

e. Confusion

5. Bob shook hands and had a conversation with what famous quarterback?

a. Johnny Unitas

b. Otto Graham

c. Y. A. Tittle

d. Bart Starr

6. Bob has only shot craps once in his life. He:

a. Won $20

b. Lost $20

c. Won $40

d. Lost $40

7. The first 45 rpm record I ever bought was:

a. Bye Bye Love - Everly Bros

b. At the Hop - Danny and the Juniors

c. The Twist - Chubby Checker

d. Wear my Ring around your neck - Elvis Presley

8. Bob made the All Star Team in the 8th grade in Football. At what position?

a. Fullback

b. Halfback

c. End

d. Linebacker

9. Bob's middle name is:

a. Lawrence

b. Luke

c. Leroy

d. Lloyd

10. Bob's first Derby winner was:

a. 1955 Swaps

b. 1958 Tim Tam

c. 1959 Tomy Lee

d. 1961 Carry Back

Answers tomorrow.

Hey Whitney, I found your ankle bracelet!

I metal detected at the Water Tower for a little while today. I found these two items of interest. One is, I believe, an ankle bracelet. The other a nice ceramic pin with a painted rose. The rose has been scratched and worn a little. But I'm sure it was very nice when new. I think the bracelet had a birthstone in it at one time. At least that's my thoughts on what used to be in that little indentation before the name. I know these aren't worth anything, but they were interesting.

Round 7 for this year

I felt like I shot better today and was surprised at how high my score was. I shot a 41 - 47 = 88. I didn't have any triple bogeys, so maybe that's why I thought I shot better. But, I think I had my share of double bogey's. I really think I did play better today, overall, but I just need to fine tune it a bit. I also believe that this score, "88", is about my normal game. When I'm shooting low 80's, I think I'm playing "Super"! When I shoot in the low 80's, upper 70's even, I should win money! But I don't. So, maybe I can get my handicap up for when I start playing really good again and then I can rake in some cash!

1918-S Penny

I found this penny today at Chance School. It was found in the middle of the gravel parking oval. Yesterday and today I found a total of 42 coins: 35 pennies, 4 quarters, and 3 dimes. All of it found in the parking oval. I still haven't covered all of the oval yet. This is one of the oldest coins I've found so far. And, it's in better shape than a lot of the old pennies I've found at Chance School.

Round 6 for the Year

I don't think I'm quiet into the swing of the golf season yet. I'm having those rounds that, when I finish, I can't believe I only swung 90 times! Today, 45 - 45 =90. I'm really hitting a lot of good shots. I just can't keep the clunker shots out of the game. And, my game, that's what kills me. I'd like to think I can go out and shoot a round in the low 80's most of the time. And, I can, if I can just keep those really bad shots out of my game. I don't play real good golf. But, even my normal run of the mill shots, some not hit real well, some I think I hit pretty good. If I could stay on a pretty even keel, that would keep my score down. But those really bad shots, that cost you usually more than one shot, are the ones that I need to keep out of my game. My normal game plan is to be 'around' the green in regulation. Not necessarily 'on' the green in regulation. If I can be around the green, and then chip on so that I have a makeable par putt. That's all I ask, and that's my usual game plan. Here lately, that plan has fallen apart on about half my holes, and that's what is driving my score up. Inconsistency. I just need to concentrate and get rid of my terrible shots. Oh well, enough rambling. It may not sound like it, but I still have fun playing.

Poor Golf at Shawnee GC

I played round 5 for the year at Shawnee GC today. I once again played very poorly. You know how sometimes when you're playing you play like you've never swung a club in your life? Well, I'd have to improve by about 5 strokes to play that well. I shot a 51 - 45 = 96. I can't point to any one part that was bad. All parts of my game were equally bad. However, I did manage to par the last two holes! Just as I was getting warmed up I ran out of holes. One thing did kinda concern me today, though. I have a ball pick-up on the end of my putter so I can get the ball out of the cup without bending over. I don't bend over very well anymore. It really helps me. However, today I found it extra hard to bend over and put my tee in the ground on the tee box. I can't think of anything to use to help me with that. My left hip doesn't bother me that much, but it does keep me from bending very well. I ran out of Aleve yesterday so I didn't take my usual dose before playing. I hope that's what it was. However, I may have to only play when I can take Erin or Jill with me to put my tee in the ground. I bet they would be happy to do that for Grampy.

Recent Digs

Here are three recent items I've dug up metal detecting. I thought they were interesting. The religious medal has a prayer, or quote, on the other side, also. It says "Christ has wiped out the damning evidence which hung over our heads by nailing it over his own". It seems to be in the shape of a nail? I thought it was proper that I found it during the Lenten season. I wonder how many Lenten Seasons ago it was lost. The large medalion, I never heard of the Defense Commissary Agency. I'll have to Google it. Those two items were found at GRC Park, the Albania pin was found at Chance School.

Round 4 this year wasn't very pretty.

I'm not the type to break clubs and have a tantrum on the course. When I play bad, like today, I still have fun. I played Weissinger Hills GC today and shot a 46 - 49 = 95. I won 1 skin, the least of anyone, but did manage to beat Greg Lynn out of our usual $1 - $1 - $1 bet, giving him 2 strokes a side. He shot a 108. Both of us played bad, but I believe his game was a little worse than mine. I hit a lot of good shots today, but as usual when I play a bad round, I hit a lot of clunkers that cost me shots. As an example, on the par 5 18th, I hit my best drive of the day, then proceeded to toe off a 3 wood out of bounds. Then finished the hole playing well. Just an errant shot thrown in every few holes can really fatten up a score.

One years worth of Metal Detecting treasures

Today is my Birthday. I got my metal detector for my Birthday last year. So, it's been one year of detecting! This is what I found in one year. I have 2 wooden boxes of larger pieces I found that I didn't put in this picture. Those are just large pieces of metal that might be good to recycle. Such as a very large bolt, big pieces of lead, metal plates, pieces of copper pipe, etc. The total money I found, all in change, is $88.83. My goal was to find $100, but January and February weather kept me inside the house and off the hunt. This has been a lot of fun. I've dug up a lot of bottle caps, can tabs, aluminum cans and pieces of cans. But, that's what the fun is. You never know what it is that made that beeper go off. The detector gives you a good idea, but of the 10 rings I found, each one was a surprise when I saw it. My most exciting find was the 1934 Half Dollar. That did put a smile on my face.

Finally, round 3 for the year

I finally got out on the course again. I played Iroquois GC today and shot a 41 - 43 = 84. We played the back nine first again. I don't know why they do that. I didn't win low round with handicap. As a matter of fact I was 4th in our foursome! But, our foursome did play good because we won the team bet. There were 3 foursomes today, so our team won $6 each. With my winnings I got by today playing for only $4.50. It's going to take a little time to get back into walking 18 shape. I was pretty tired on the back nine. There was one incident today. If you'll remember last year on one of my rounds at Shawnee GC I had a first. I say a deer on that course for the first time. Well, today at Iroquois I saw a snake for the first time on that course. It was a small one, but the other golfers in my group thought it was a copperhead. It was on the 5th hole, the first par five, beside the creek across from the ladies tee. We had cut through from the 4th green and were trying to cross the creek at that point to get to the tee box, when we saw it. It was probably about 14 inches long. He was coiled up so it was kinda hard to tell how long he was. But, from my experiences, where there are small snakes, there are big snakes.

Buried Treasure from the Wagner Estate

I normally wouldn't take a picture of everything I dig up, but I thought Mark might want to know what I dug up out of his yard. I thought at first the ring at the top of the picture was a great find, gold ring and precious jewel, but upon inspection it's not gold and therefore I doubt a precious jewel. The penny next to the ring is a 1944, which is nice. The quarter is an 'Illinois' State quarter. The rest, a spoon, gutter snippings, gutter mesh, the end of a light bulb, a piece of wire, can tabs, and two metal labels off of rose bushes. All in all, Mark has a very metal free back yard. This may look like a lot, but for a whole backyard, it is very little. One item of interest is the small piece in the upper right hand corner. It looks like the front off a tie tack or some type pin. It has ZD with an arrow on the front and across the top is written "Pride NOPL". Anyone have any idea what that means?

Back to Metal Detecting Again!

After a long wait, it's metal detecting season again! I thought it might be too muddy or the ground may still be frozen, but other than it being a little cool, the conditions were fine. I didn't find much to brag about, but because it's the first for awhile, I thought I'd show a picture of all I found, less the garbage. A parks employee came up to me while I was there and said that metal detectors were leaving big holes in the Park. I think he wanted me to quit. I explained how I dug holes, digging out a round piece of sod and putting it back, and tamping down the spot. We compromised by my going to the bottom of the hill to dig. While detecting, I starting thinking about all the things I wish I'd said to him. Ain't that always the case? Here I am standing on a hill that has bee completing torn up by sledders. Dogs running around me digging in the ground, leaving behind their droppings that the owners are not picking up. And this guy is telling me I'm destroying the Park! I remove all items I dig up, including garbage. And I remove a lot of that. The hillside is covered with pieces of sleds and garbage that sledders leave behind after tearing up the hillside. Yet, Metal Detectors are singled out for the 'Damage' they do.