Still struggling on theGolf Course

I played Iroquois GC today on a wet Thursday.  We had about 3.3 inches of rain overnight, but it didn't rain on us on the golf course. 
I got pretty frustrated with my game on the front nine.  I shot a 45 - 39 = 84.  I hit really bad shots on the front nine.  I hit a few on the back nine, but managed to hit some really good shots, too.  So, that kinda made me feel a little better.  I hit my best drive of the day on hole #17, and probably the best drive I've hit in a couple of months.  I played the last 5 or 6 holes pretty good.  Maybe it's starting to come back.  Slowly, but maybe I'm starting to get that feel back in my swing.  I can't believe as bad as I've played the past month that my handicap is still at an 8.  My 84 today only netted me a 76.  To be low man for the day you need to be under 70 almost all the time.  I didn't hang around long enough today to know what won low man, but J. R. Harris in our foursome shot a 77 today with a 10 handicap for a 67 net.
Once again, I feel like I putted pretty well, overall.  A couple of short putts I kinda pulled it a little, but I've had a pretty good touch on the long putts, and have been able to make most 4-5 footers that are crucial in keeping your score down.
Round 42 for the year.  I played a total of 64 rounds last year.  Can I catch last years rounds?  We'll see.
Late note:  J. R. called me to let me know he won low man with his 67, and that we won low team with an average of 73.5.  He mainly wanted to brag about carrying us all day!

Doctor Visit gives me all A+'s on my Report Card

Sure, medical records are Confidential Information, but, hell, I'm bragging!  Besides, I've worked hard for over two months now, changing my diet, going to Cardiac Rehab at 7am 3 mornings a week and working out on treadmills.  Plus I've lost at least 15 pounds.  So, here are the results of my blood work:





Desired Level                Bob's Level

Total Cholesterol                                                           Less than 200                    97

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)                                  Less than 70                       39
  Bad Cholesterol

High Density Lipoprotein  (HDL)                               Greater than 40                   42
  Good Cholesterol

Cholesterol/HDL Ratio                                                 Less than 4.5                       2.3
 
Triglycerides (A form of fat found in food)                  Less than 150                     106

So....Thank You, .....Thank You.......I can hear the applause building.  Shucks, it was nothin.  Now, hopefully, when I go to the Cardiac Surgeon he'll take me off a lot of this medication I'm on.  Besides, the less medication I'm on, the less guilty I'll feel when I forget to take those damn pills in the evening.

Zoo Field Trip with Erin

My 2nd Field Trip Ever!  We had a good time.  The only problem was that it rained, and rained.  That wasn't so bad, but with my backpack, folder, their  lunch bag,   and putting the umbrella up and down and trying to handle that, along with taking pictures and checking the time on my cell phone so we would make our appointed times, not so easy.  Then, their assignment: List the continent on which each animal lived.  I let Erin use my folder so she would have something stable on which to write.  We also had a pencil.  I didn't have enough hands.
They worked hard on their list and really did a good job.  In the picture Erin is holding the black folder and thier assignment paper.  The only continent that was not well represented on their list was Europe.  We did have one entry for them, but the girls really tried to find more.  Then, we arrived at the front gate n time, but just then I realized I didn't have my folder.  And, the girls assignment paper was in it!  I'd put it in my folder to help keep it dry.  Oh NO!  My only thought at that time was that I must have left it on the table in the African Outpost Cafe where we ate lunch.  So, they watched the girls while I briskly walked all the way back to the Cafe and back.  No luck.  So, after all that hard work the girls did, they didn't have a paper to turn in.  It made me feel bad.  It also made me feel bad that I'd lost my folder with all my Docent information in it, along with my appointment calender.  Before leaving the Zoo I left my name and phone number at the front desk.  So if anybody turned it in they'd call me.  I felt pretty sure it would turn up, but wouldn't be comfortable until it did.
So, when I got home I hoped that the Zoo had already called to let me know my folder had been found.  But, no such luck.  After sitting and talking to Mary Lynn for a while and telling her all about the Field Trip, I remember that the girls checked to see how long their arms were, compared to a Gorilla at the Gorilla exhibit.  You know, the outline on the wall that you stand in.  And, they asked me to do it, too.  So I had to set everything down there, and stretch out my arms.  I thought, maybe, I just didn't pick everything back up!
Well, when I checked my email I had an email from another Docent at the Zoo, Clarice, who said she found my folder down at the Gorilla Exhibit today while she was doing SAZ, and had put it in the Docent Room by the hour book folders.  What a relief!  I thanked her by reply email.  It was just where I thought I might have left it.  I hate that the girls didn't have their paper, but at least I'm getting my folder back.

On the Rhino, not far from the front gate.  The Field Trip was just about over.  These girls were well behaved and pretty darn smart.  I think they had fun and learned a little, too.

Golf Towels - Golf Towels - Golf Towels

Last weekend when Julie visited from Columbus, at one point our conversation turned to golf, and some reason, golf towels.  I mentioned I had a blue-million golf towels in the basement, many of them brand new, never been used.  Mary Lynn and Julie both were of the opinion that "Why don't you use them instead of some of those dirty, stained towels you do use.".

Well, I counted my golf towels, and I don't quite have a blue-million.  I have a little over 50 towels, about half, the two stacks on the left, with eyelets that let you attach them to your bag.  The other half a combination of full bath towels, hand towels, and pieces of towels.  Probably a third of these towels, most with eyelets, are new.  Received at Golf Scrambles over the years.
What is the purpose of a golf towel?  I usually carry two towels with me, one on my bag, and one   towel to carry to the green with me.  I use these towels for a number of things.  Cleaning my ball, clubs, shoes; wiping sweat off my forehead, brushing away leaves from my line on the green, lying my clubs on around or on the green, wiping off my hands, club grips.  Multi-purpose.  This doesn't even include all the jobs the towel will have when you're playing in the rain.  So, with all these jobs, towels get stained with grass and mud.  Any towel you use will be permanently stained.  So, why use a brand new towel when you have used ones?  I mean, I wash them, and re-use them, and they're clean.  But, they're not unstained.  Some of my large bath towels I cut into 3 pieces, so they're a little shaggy on the edges.  But so what?  They're golf towels!  Am I the only one that sees no reason to use 'new' golf towels just because I have them?

School at the Zoo (SAZ)

I helped out with School at the Zoo today.  We had a group from Thomas Jefferson Middle School.  When classes attend SAZ they go for a week, Monday through Friday, hours usually about 9-2.  So, they have a full week of learning about animals, eco-systems, plants, etc.  Besides classroom work they get to go to different exhibits and many times the Keepers in that area will talk to them about the animals and be able to answer questions. 
Here, we went up to the Camels exhibit and the Keeper, (Adam)  was telling them all about the Camels unique adaptations to survive in its environment.  The talks are always interesting and I can always pick up a few things I'll be able to share with people acting as a Louisville Zoo Docent.

After lunch we went to the Orangutan Exhibit and the Keeper, Beverly, talked to the Class.  It's interesting to hear how they train them and why they train them. 

The whole week is fun for the students and they get to learn a little something, too.  They are given a test before the week starts, and the same test at the end of the week to see   how much they picked up  that they didn't know before.

During the classroom time, this group you see is divided up into 3 groups, so each class has about 12-15 students.  Each Class will have one educator with two Docents to help.  At the end of each day 3 of the education animals are brought out, animals that live in the habitat that was discussed that day.  Animals that they can touch and have the experience of knowing what they feel like.  Touching a snake, lizard, Ferret, or Chinchilla is a little more exciting than just hearing about one or looking at it.

Already up ot round 41 for the year

I played Iroquois GC today for round 41 FTY.  Still a struggle out there.  I did putt well today which managed to keep my score better than it should have been.  I made several long putts today and I really don't think I 3-putted at all today, which is very unusual. 
I'm just not nearly as consistent as I was.  I hit some good shots, but I think I hit just as many really bad shots.  I shot a 43 - 42 = 85.  Not a bad score, but take away a couple of those long putts I holed, and add a couple of 3-putts, and I'd be over 90.  So the game I'm playing right now is easily 15 strokes off my game of 2 months ago.  Oh well, working my way back.

Watching my RosiePie Run!

We went to Erin's Cross Country Race last night at Hite Elementary School in Middletown last night.  This was a pretty short race for Erin.  It was only a 3/4 mile run.  This race was also divided up by classes, so Erin only ran against 3rd graders.  As the kids got older, the races got longer.

Here, Erin is sprinting to the finish line.  She is #808 in red just coming from under the trees.  She finished her 3/4 mile run in 5:52! Pretty good time for a 3rd grade girl! (This post was corrected to show 5:52 running time)

A Visit from the North.....No!....Not Santa!

Julie (O.J.) came down to visit this weekend.  She was here for her 40th High School Reunion.  We set a time to meet at the Home Made Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen so that Julie could visit with as many relatives as she could while in town.  Pretty good turn out.  The UL football game took a couple of people away (Kevin and David).  But, Julie did play golf with David earlier in the day.

We had a nice time and got in a a little visiting time with the family.  Little Jilly got a little tired after eating her Big Cookie.

Everybody got their favorite treat!  Erin's ice cream looks pretty good, doesn't it.

Jilly chose a cookie instead of ice cream.  I'm not sure, but I think the cookie may have had a little chocolate on it.

And, this was such a good picture of 3 of my favorite girls I had to include it.

BubbaLou Scramble at Shawnee GC

I played in a Scramble at Shawnee GC today.  My 3 team mates are pictured to the left. L to R:  Bruce Richards, Tom Brown, Ray Graham.  We really played well as a team and finished 10 under, with a 30 - 30 = 60.  I didn't play well today, but I did manage to hit a few good shots that helped us.  We all contributed, but Bruce was our 'A' Player and played very consistent golf.  We didn't win any money, but it was fun and I thought we played well.

Only walking 9 holes

I would have to say that Shawnee GC is on the "Rough  Side" of town.
I played Shawnee GC today and shot a 43 - 45 + 88.  I just can't get back into the swing of the way I was playing 2 months ago.  One thing, play was so slow today it was really hard to get in any rhythm, and I really felt stiff over every shot I took.
I putted well today, and I hit a lot of good 3-woods.  But, the good 3-wood shots usually came after a bad drive.  So, my 3-wood shot just got me up in front of the green, but out about 40-50 yards.  I think this was the worst bunch of tee shots I've hit this summer. 
I went out today with the plan of walking the entire 18 holes, but I also knew I'd re-assess the situation on the turn.  And, when the time came, I thought it best that I ride a cart on the back nine.  I was tired, but I could have continued to walk.  However, I knew that I'd be really tired by the time I reached about 15 or 16 and would have wished I'd gotten a cart on the turn.
I found myself getting pretty discouraged a few times today, but had to remind myself that it was going to take a while to get back into the game I had 2 months ago.  Plus, because of all the medication I've been on, I quit taking the 2 Aleve every day and I can tell.  I find a lot of things aching that tend to take away my concentration I need.  So, it's a long road back and I have to keep reminding myself to just be happy to be out on the course.  If I can just keep that frame of mind, I'll be back before long and I'll enjoy the trip, too.

Wheat Penny nearly lost

Of all my hundreds of faithful readers, I'm sure Mark will appreciate this post the most.

Mary Lynn and I ate a light dinner at Chili's Restaurant tonight, we'd had a late lunch,  and our bill came up to $13.01.  So, I figured I'd leave a penny with the payment so the waiter would have an even tip.  Well, I didn't have a penny, so Mary Lynn threw one on the tray.  My sharp eyes noticed immediately that it was a Wheat Penny!  It was sitting tails side up.  So I replaced it with another.  I checked through her change purse to make sure she didn't have anymore.  Almost lost!

I know, it's not a National Treasure, but I would hate to think I spent a Wheat Penny!  So, I've got it tucked away with the rest of my Wheat Pennies.

Struggling to get my game back

It was a struggle today.  I played Iroquois GC in my normal Thursday group.  I shot a 47 - 40 = 87.  It's like early in the year.  I play a lot of good holes, but throw in one or two terrible holes per 9 and all of a sudden my score is way up there. 
Today, several times, I hit a 3 wood on 5 wood about 10 yards.  10 yards!  Yep, I took a full swing!  Things just haven't come back together yet.  I do have some good holes, and I think I'm getting it back, then all of a sudden I look like it's the first time I've ever played.  Here's my round in a nutshell.  On 17 I hit a good drive.  Then, hit a 5 wood about 10 yards.  Set up, then hit another 5 wood 10 yards.  Got myself behind a tree with that one.  Hit a nice 6 iron over the tree to the front of the green.  Two putted for my double bogey.  On 18, I choked up on a 7 wood, hit the left front of the par 3 green.  Sunk a 20 foot putt that broke about 2 feet to the right for a birdie.  Nice round Bob!

Fall Spiders

Every year about this time we notice a big spider web around the eaves of the house.  Usually around back by the gate.  This year this big guy built his web by the front steps.
He takes it down during the day and rebuilds it each night.  He's scary looking, but he's very colorful.  He has a lot of yellow and green.  I saw one  on the corner of the house by the Dining Room windows the other day, but this may be the same one and has moved, I haven't checked.  So, there is a very real possibility that we have two large spiders lurking around the front door.   BEEEWAAARE!
Though, I feel sure Mary Lynn will direct me to get rid of them soon. But, I'll leave them alone until I get the order.

Completed our first Read/Walk Through of the Movie "Nearly Dead"

We had our first Cast Meeting tonight with a Read/Walk Through of the movie.  The Cast read through the script first, then did a read/walk through to give us a good idea of where each person should be during the shooting of the scene.
It was fun and interesting. I think we have a great location for the shooting of all the scenes.  We didn't do a walk through at the actual spots each scene is to be shot, but we did tour all the locations to get a good idea of what they will look like.  I'd like to tell you where the filming will take place, but you know how that goes.  If word got out we'd be swamped with autograph seekers while we were trying to work.

THE BIG GAME!

For the UL and UK fans, the biggest game of the year is today.  I find it amazing that the sports people are talking about how good the UL team is going to be this year.  What?  UL has never been good.  In their good years they are mediocre at best.  In their bad years they really stink!  So, come on.  UL may be favored by a few points, but dominating....they're not.  I look for a good game today. I know UK is not a great team, or even what would be considered a good team, but they'll be respectable.  The biggest difference between UL and UK fans is that UK fans understand that their team is a so-so team, but we love them anyway.  UL fans think their team is a National Power, and once they find out their not, they quit going to the games and start selling tickets at Convenience Stores for 'Family of 4  admission for $10'. 
OK, UL is favored, and will probably win.  So I'll make my prediction for the game.  UL 27, UK 20.  Close game, but UL edges by a touchdown. 
POST GAME WRAP UP:  Well, it wasn't as close as I thought it would be, but everything else seems to be in order.  Louisville is a mediocre team and Kentucky is weak.  Kentucky has a weak defense, both with the pass rush and the secondary.  I would say if Kentucky wins more than 3 games this year it will surprise me.  Louisville, with their schedule, will win enough to be Bowl eligible.  However, if they played Kentucky's schedule, I would doubt it.