So, the course opens up to our 40 members in a week. Sure, my current crew consisting of 3 of the hardest working Hispanics you'll ever find or appreciate, a 59 year-old crew foreman, a 26 year-old assistant golf course superintendent, a part-time, 57 year-old mechanic, and myself have been slaving away trying to get all of the tasks done in a timely manner. It's a blend of wrapping up winter projects, doing integral necessary agronomic tasks, and getting all of our fixtures out of storage and onto the course.
I actually love this time of year...much like the culmination of a hibernation of sorts. Being closed to our membership from early December through March has its bonuses, the last of which being the frantic lead-in and conversion from menial winter tasks to all-out paranoia. I admit, I did spend a majority of the daylight hours this past weekend at work. I guess I'll save that dream of camping for my next weekend off. I've still got about 6 weeks until it gets really crazy out there.
I had a great winter: finished a ton of work at the house, spent 2 weeks in Germany, got caught up on a large pile of books on my "to read" stack, and overall took every opportunity I could to embellish in anything I felt like doing at the time.
This year should be fun, in hindsight, they always are. It is never an easy existance doing what I do, but I enjoy the challenge and variety. Adapt and react is my motto. Mother Nature controls my hours and before I know it I'll be switching the alarm to 4:30 a.m. (nothing glorious about agriculture in that regard) and losing track of what day it is. Sunday evenings feel exactly the same as Wednesday evenings if you care to think about it. I'm really looking forward to my 5th season at the Club. Each year seems to be more productive and subsequently more satisfying. No reason to think that this year will be any different.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Camping
I think it just dawned on me, after a few green refreshments, that my season, and subsequent entire capacity worrying about something I have only a fraction of control over is going to start up here in a few weeks.
I'm seriously contemplating heading to an isolated spot on 500 acres I've so graciously been allowed to venture off to for a nice peaceful weekend. The fishing should be good, the scenery will be fantastic, and the down-time will be appreciated. It'll give me a chance to leave my house projects alone and venture out. It's actually been a while since I've even contemplated the thought. I'll see what I get done in the next few evenings, but without a soccer game on Sunday, and basically a free weekend, I'd be foolish not to capitalize on some good weather, clear skies, and some free time.
I'm seriously contemplating heading to an isolated spot on 500 acres I've so graciously been allowed to venture off to for a nice peaceful weekend. The fishing should be good, the scenery will be fantastic, and the down-time will be appreciated. It'll give me a chance to leave my house projects alone and venture out. It's actually been a while since I've even contemplated the thought. I'll see what I get done in the next few evenings, but without a soccer game on Sunday, and basically a free weekend, I'd be foolish not to capitalize on some good weather, clear skies, and some free time.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Another season on the horizon
Few things spur the onset of a new season on a golf course like re-pressurizing your irrigation system. We experience cold enough weather in the winter that it's a must to drain your irrigation lines and winterize your pumps. It's an arduous task and a Superintendent always keeps his fingers crossed that there aren't any major issues with cracked heads, broken lines, and massive leaks. So far, so good. We've been lucky 2 years in a row now...knock on wood.
I guess there aren't any more excuses for not getting the ball rolling ASAP. We'll start our spring fertility tomorrow morning.
I'm more excited about picking out what crops we're going to plant for the upcoming farming season. My crew and I "farm" between 2 and 3 acres each year which is a very nice perk on otherwise forgotten acreage adjacent to the golf course. Sweet corn, squash, zuccini, snow peas (if the deer, rabbits, and groundhogs don't get'em first), canteloupe, watermelon, cucumbers, green beans, and maybe a lima bean type plant will go in our lower field. I keep the succulents, various tomatoes, bell peppers, banana peppers, and jalapeno peppers planted adjacent to our parking within shooting range from my office window. I'm very protective of our tomatoes as is obvious by the loaded .22 caliber propped up next to the aforementioned window. Nothing beats fresh grilled rabbit accompanied by squash, zuccini, and tomato casserole on your lunch break.
It's all a completely organic process. We take pride in our no input (aside from manual weeding and harvesting) approach of our crops. No irrigation, no fertility, certainly no pesticides. I buy the seeds, a few cases of beer for planting day, and me and my guys spend a nice afternoon off the clock tilling and sowing our seeds. This year we're going to try a little mulch on the corn rows. Last year's crop was pathetic. No rain in the spring left a stand of Johnson Grass that would make a mid-western farmer instantly vomit. Harvesting was a huge pain and we all lost interest rather quickly. Current soil temps are still in the mid 40s so we've got some time to get ready and decide on our cultivars. I'm eagerly awaiting the full forsythia bloom (a farmer's indication of 45+ degree soil temperature) and the celebratory redbud bloom (planting time!).
I'll try to remember to post some pictures of our crops as we go through the season. 2007 was a banner year and we were harvesting no less than 250 ears of corn a week from early August through September. Divide that by my 9 staff members and you can imagine just how much we're taking home. I replace the soup loop with the produce loop, but that requires a little input on the consumer end. You have to be able to overlook a few earworms on the tips of the corn and add whatever culinary touch you prefer, but fresh, organic, and free is tough to beat.
Obviously, I get a little excited this time of year...
I guess there aren't any more excuses for not getting the ball rolling ASAP. We'll start our spring fertility tomorrow morning.
I'm more excited about picking out what crops we're going to plant for the upcoming farming season. My crew and I "farm" between 2 and 3 acres each year which is a very nice perk on otherwise forgotten acreage adjacent to the golf course. Sweet corn, squash, zuccini, snow peas (if the deer, rabbits, and groundhogs don't get'em first), canteloupe, watermelon, cucumbers, green beans, and maybe a lima bean type plant will go in our lower field. I keep the succulents, various tomatoes, bell peppers, banana peppers, and jalapeno peppers planted adjacent to our parking within shooting range from my office window. I'm very protective of our tomatoes as is obvious by the loaded .22 caliber propped up next to the aforementioned window. Nothing beats fresh grilled rabbit accompanied by squash, zuccini, and tomato casserole on your lunch break.
It's all a completely organic process. We take pride in our no input (aside from manual weeding and harvesting) approach of our crops. No irrigation, no fertility, certainly no pesticides. I buy the seeds, a few cases of beer for planting day, and me and my guys spend a nice afternoon off the clock tilling and sowing our seeds. This year we're going to try a little mulch on the corn rows. Last year's crop was pathetic. No rain in the spring left a stand of Johnson Grass that would make a mid-western farmer instantly vomit. Harvesting was a huge pain and we all lost interest rather quickly. Current soil temps are still in the mid 40s so we've got some time to get ready and decide on our cultivars. I'm eagerly awaiting the full forsythia bloom (a farmer's indication of 45+ degree soil temperature) and the celebratory redbud bloom (planting time!).
I'll try to remember to post some pictures of our crops as we go through the season. 2007 was a banner year and we were harvesting no less than 250 ears of corn a week from early August through September. Divide that by my 9 staff members and you can imagine just how much we're taking home. I replace the soup loop with the produce loop, but that requires a little input on the consumer end. You have to be able to overlook a few earworms on the tips of the corn and add whatever culinary touch you prefer, but fresh, organic, and free is tough to beat.
Obviously, I get a little excited this time of year...
Friday, March 13, 2009
It's been a long 2 weeks
Without a toilet or a functional bathroom downstairs, but those days of sacrifice are finally over. I got my buddy to help me install my baseboard and quarter-round trim yesterday evening and put off the installation of my new sink, toilet, and various fixtures until today. No leaks so I guess I can say that it was a successful install. Aside from a rogue shock from a GFI outlet replacement it was pretty painless. Just more tedious in nature as most stuff ends up being.
I'll spend the weekend with a brush in hand finishing up my new mantle and painting trim in the two remaining rooms downstairs. There aren't many distractions this weekend and the rain will keep me focused and productivity should be good.
I'll spend the weekend with a brush in hand finishing up my new mantle and painting trim in the two remaining rooms downstairs. There aren't many distractions this weekend and the rain will keep me focused and productivity should be good.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Daylight Saving's Time
Seriously, if you think about it, what in the hell is daylight saving's time? I've heard a myriad of reasons of why it exists but I still don't get exactly what it's point is. I do enjoy more hours of sunlight, but that hardly has do the with any clock that I'm familiar with. I was just getting used to driving to work and seeing the sunrise on the horizon. Now I just have to get creative with the first half-hour or so of work at the course since I'm not a huge fan of mowing grass in the dark with the aid of headlights.
I'm contemplating taking the day off from house work. Sunday is a day for rest isn't it? I'm about 85% complete with the bathroom renovation. I've reached a stand-still since I'm relying on someone else's nailgun for my baseboard installation. Sure, I could go old-school with hammer and nail, but finish nails, intricate molding, and a clean paint job frown at the sight of the ever present errant hammer blow.
I'm contemplating taking the day off from house work. Sunday is a day for rest isn't it? I'm about 85% complete with the bathroom renovation. I've reached a stand-still since I'm relying on someone else's nailgun for my baseboard installation. Sure, I could go old-school with hammer and nail, but finish nails, intricate molding, and a clean paint job frown at the sight of the ever present errant hammer blow.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Oh Baby!
Reid Thomas White
Born 12:47 p.m. March 5, 2009
9 pounds 2 ounces
21.5 inches
Good lord, that's a BIG baby! Must be something in the water?!
Born 12:47 p.m. March 5, 2009
9 pounds 2 ounces
21.5 inches
Good lord, that's a BIG baby! Must be something in the water?!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Grout Party!!!
I really wanted to throw stuff out in the street in protest, but none of my neighbors would understand the sentiment. I guess it's due to moisture, who the hell knows? My layer of thinset just will not cure. I took the time to prime my new mantle and spackle the holes from the removal of my previous atrocity of a mantle.
Man, this really puts me in a bind! I really wanted to get some things wrapped up this weekend, but it looks like this may drag on into next week. Not to worry, I've resorted to priming stained-wood trim in my frustration. Before I know it, I'll be done with these few deeds and contemplating just how in the hell I'm going to paint that 16 foot high ceiling in my den. I'll find someone daring enough I'm sure.
For now I'll carry my oil-based primer laden self to my operational shower and scrub a dub dub. It's been a long week already and I guess I don't mind the setback. Time dictates just about everything in my world so I've come to adjust to that factor. No Hooters tomorrow night, I'll be spreading grout and painting a mantle.
I'll post a few pictures once I wrap this hog up.
Man, this really puts me in a bind! I really wanted to get some things wrapped up this weekend, but it looks like this may drag on into next week. Not to worry, I've resorted to priming stained-wood trim in my frustration. Before I know it, I'll be done with these few deeds and contemplating just how in the hell I'm going to paint that 16 foot high ceiling in my den. I'll find someone daring enough I'm sure.
For now I'll carry my oil-based primer laden self to my operational shower and scrub a dub dub. It's been a long week already and I guess I don't mind the setback. Time dictates just about everything in my world so I've come to adjust to that factor. No Hooters tomorrow night, I'll be spreading grout and painting a mantle.
I'll post a few pictures once I wrap this hog up.
Finally...some snow 'round these parts
So I figured why not completely gut my downstairs full bathroom? So I did. This is a project I've been wanting to do for about, oh, I don't know, since I surveyed my house pre-purchase nearly 4 years ago. Finally, I did it.
Gone is the 100% pale blue theme, had to paint the ceiling back to white (still don't know when painting ceilings got to be hip?). Adios, vanity, sink, toilet, the only remaining soul was the shower and only because a single guy in a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house needs an extra shower like he needs an extra... I digress...
2 coats of primer did me well. I had just ripped out all of the subfloor, linoleum included, and really the only thing left is 3 water lines (2 for the sink, 1 for the toilet) and a giant black hole in the floor that leads straight to a place we never wish to see (the sewer). Don't fret, almost imediately said hole was plugged and won't be unplugged until my new toilet finds its happy seat upon the new wax seal I'm eager to install.
So, the ceiling is back to regular ceiling color. I have installed a tile floor (which I'm going to grout in a few hours). I have purchased replacement: GFI outlets, new light switch, a new bathroom fan, a pedestal sink and subsequent new faucet, water apperatus, new trap, plumbing necessities, a new light fixture, Jesus! This is no small undertaking! In addition: numerous typical bathroom accoutrements not limited to but including; towels, fixtures, blah, blah, blah... It's getting rediculous! Sweat equity has a new definition in my world.
I love the work that I'm doing, especially since the golf course is under a nice blanket of snow, but I'm second guessing the whole convenience factor. Having to run upstairs to my other bathroom every time I need to GO has lead to an inexplicable weight loss. You really do miss the conveinence of a downstairs bathroom when it doesn't exist!
All said and done, I'm glad I finally bit the preverbial bullet and took this under my wing. It's been a long time of dreams and ideas and I finally lost it and had to take charge. I don't mind the work, the painting, the cutting tiles, the countless trips to Lowe's, Home Depot, etc... I'm at the point right now that I'm frustrated that I have to wait for thinset to dry, that grout needs 24 hours to set, then I get to seal it...another 24 hour wait! before I can install my new sink, my new toilet, etc. By the weekend, I'll be golden and fighting off the crowds at TJMax finding soap dispensers and new towels. Point blank, I've got the new sink, the new toilet, most everything waiting at the ready, and it takes time, every step takes time. Mostly the anticipation of completion is killing me. After 3 whole snow days and a weekend wrapped up in this bastard I'm ready to rinse my hands clean...in my new sink ;)
That crap you see on TV where they're renovating entire homes or rooms in a weekend is pure CRAP! It doesn't happen like that. I am fortunately wise enough to know the ins and outs of this; this isn't my first renovation, or my last. Quality work takes time and I appreciate my efforts when the product shows.
Oh, by the way, my buddy showed up this afternoon with the new mantle and slate that I ordered. So not only do I get I get to enjoy the last 25% of a bathroom renovation, I also get to prepare for a new mantle around my fireplace...more paint, more prep work, it never ends!
It's chaos at the abode, but it's all worth while! When I eventually put this crib on the market I'll be thankful of the long nights, early mornings, and sore muscles. It is certainly a labor of love and one that I find instant gratification in.
That's all for now, time to get this grout going.
Gone is the 100% pale blue theme, had to paint the ceiling back to white (still don't know when painting ceilings got to be hip?). Adios, vanity, sink, toilet, the only remaining soul was the shower and only because a single guy in a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house needs an extra shower like he needs an extra... I digress...
2 coats of primer did me well. I had just ripped out all of the subfloor, linoleum included, and really the only thing left is 3 water lines (2 for the sink, 1 for the toilet) and a giant black hole in the floor that leads straight to a place we never wish to see (the sewer). Don't fret, almost imediately said hole was plugged and won't be unplugged until my new toilet finds its happy seat upon the new wax seal I'm eager to install.
So, the ceiling is back to regular ceiling color. I have installed a tile floor (which I'm going to grout in a few hours). I have purchased replacement: GFI outlets, new light switch, a new bathroom fan, a pedestal sink and subsequent new faucet, water apperatus, new trap, plumbing necessities, a new light fixture, Jesus! This is no small undertaking! In addition: numerous typical bathroom accoutrements not limited to but including; towels, fixtures, blah, blah, blah... It's getting rediculous! Sweat equity has a new definition in my world.
I love the work that I'm doing, especially since the golf course is under a nice blanket of snow, but I'm second guessing the whole convenience factor. Having to run upstairs to my other bathroom every time I need to GO has lead to an inexplicable weight loss. You really do miss the conveinence of a downstairs bathroom when it doesn't exist!
All said and done, I'm glad I finally bit the preverbial bullet and took this under my wing. It's been a long time of dreams and ideas and I finally lost it and had to take charge. I don't mind the work, the painting, the cutting tiles, the countless trips to Lowe's, Home Depot, etc... I'm at the point right now that I'm frustrated that I have to wait for thinset to dry, that grout needs 24 hours to set, then I get to seal it...another 24 hour wait! before I can install my new sink, my new toilet, etc. By the weekend, I'll be golden and fighting off the crowds at TJMax finding soap dispensers and new towels. Point blank, I've got the new sink, the new toilet, most everything waiting at the ready, and it takes time, every step takes time. Mostly the anticipation of completion is killing me. After 3 whole snow days and a weekend wrapped up in this bastard I'm ready to rinse my hands clean...in my new sink ;)
That crap you see on TV where they're renovating entire homes or rooms in a weekend is pure CRAP! It doesn't happen like that. I am fortunately wise enough to know the ins and outs of this; this isn't my first renovation, or my last. Quality work takes time and I appreciate my efforts when the product shows.
Oh, by the way, my buddy showed up this afternoon with the new mantle and slate that I ordered. So not only do I get I get to enjoy the last 25% of a bathroom renovation, I also get to prepare for a new mantle around my fireplace...more paint, more prep work, it never ends!
It's chaos at the abode, but it's all worth while! When I eventually put this crib on the market I'll be thankful of the long nights, early mornings, and sore muscles. It is certainly a labor of love and one that I find instant gratification in.
That's all for now, time to get this grout going.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
26 years!
I'll be damned if Man can invent a sport as challenging, as intrinsically infallable, and as rewarding as the game of golf! Robin Williams summed it up best in a comedic diatribe, but even though I've been playing for 26 years I still haven't come close to tiring nor mastering this little passion of mine.
Let's face it, I run a golf course, have been solely responsible for my current acreage for 4.5 years now, and during the season the last thing I want to do is play my golf course. It's an over-extended mindset to play your own golf course. Being your own worst critic, it becomes work. You see something you missed during the day, something you'll take care of first thing in the morning, something to add to the "to do" list, it gets really annoying...really fast! I barely make it through two holes before my mind has shifted from shot making into task making. I love the challenge of golf, and I love the challenge of managing a golf course, I just hate doing both at the same time...and it shows.
In college and as an Assistant Superintendent I played golf at least 6 days a week, and it showed. Not to toot my own horn, but I was good; a scratch golfer for 7 years. I never strived to achieve wealth via professional golf, I knew the stats, I knew the rigorous schedule, and frankly, I'd rather be competing amongst friends for a few bucks rather than nitpicking over every shot in preparation for the next day's match. I played competitive golf in high school and enjoyed the hell out of it. There wasn't much to impede the thought process back in those days. I've moved on, I'm past the competiveness, it has now morphed into an internal struggle that now dictates my practice regime.
I took a HUGE step for nastalgia's sake today, took a half day at work, convinced two of my good friends to do the same and went back to my old stomping grounds Mill Quarter Golf Course in Powhatan, VA and did what I had done on so many days for so many years growing up and I walked 18 holes, carrying my own bag, and more or less focused on enjoying the game instead of getting frustrated with my rustiness. This sounds so common, but about 80% of the last 100 rounds of golf I've played have been done so with a cart, a cooler full of ice cold beverages (smuggled or purchased on-site), and a schedule. Not so today, just the opposite.
I'll just add a little footnote here: Most golf courses average around 7,200 yards in playing length (not including distance from green to the next to tee that ='s approximatel 4.5 miles. A typical golf bag, clubs, balls, etc. weigh in between 30-45 lbs...it's a great workout!)
I'm hoping my New Year's Resolution will finally come to fruition: (Speaking to myself of course) Get back to enjoying the game you love, not the game you've become accustomed to playing.
I didn't play well today, I didn't expect to, I haven't expected myself to play well in almost 4 years, sometimes I do, and I really enjoy those days, but that's golf. I hit enough shots today that make me want to try to recreate them. I hit enough shots today that make me want to try and avoid them. Idle post-round talk was, "we need to do this more often" but I left with a sense of accomplishment and a definite sense of invigoration.
My course is closed until April 1, 2009. I'll play it before we open, as I typically do, to get the "Member's View" about a week before to polish up on things we might not have noticed. My goal this year is to play my course at least twice a week, I want to play at least 4-5 times a week, but that includes other courses. I really think it will help my game and my career. It's tough to make yourself play golf at your course in the middle of a self-mandated 65 hour week, but I think it's more than an often overlooked opportunity. I've got friends in the industry who suffer from the same frustrations that I have, and with a little cajoling, they'll become my other 2 rounds per week.
Golf is free to me and my industry peers...it's a "good ole boys" club, you pay your dues, you give free golf, you get free golf. If I play a public course, I generally pay the greens fee out of respect for their revenue stream, I generally don't announce my position in these cases, I just pay like every other patron. It's not the cost of the game that is keeping me from playing, it's the mental stuff that clouds the opportunity.
I'll delve into my absolute love of agronomy (and all Life Sciences for that matter) in subsequent posts, this one is to serve one purpose, and one purpose only...Tee it up!
Let's face it, I run a golf course, have been solely responsible for my current acreage for 4.5 years now, and during the season the last thing I want to do is play my golf course. It's an over-extended mindset to play your own golf course. Being your own worst critic, it becomes work. You see something you missed during the day, something you'll take care of first thing in the morning, something to add to the "to do" list, it gets really annoying...really fast! I barely make it through two holes before my mind has shifted from shot making into task making. I love the challenge of golf, and I love the challenge of managing a golf course, I just hate doing both at the same time...and it shows.
In college and as an Assistant Superintendent I played golf at least 6 days a week, and it showed. Not to toot my own horn, but I was good; a scratch golfer for 7 years. I never strived to achieve wealth via professional golf, I knew the stats, I knew the rigorous schedule, and frankly, I'd rather be competing amongst friends for a few bucks rather than nitpicking over every shot in preparation for the next day's match. I played competitive golf in high school and enjoyed the hell out of it. There wasn't much to impede the thought process back in those days. I've moved on, I'm past the competiveness, it has now morphed into an internal struggle that now dictates my practice regime.
I took a HUGE step for nastalgia's sake today, took a half day at work, convinced two of my good friends to do the same and went back to my old stomping grounds Mill Quarter Golf Course in Powhatan, VA and did what I had done on so many days for so many years growing up and I walked 18 holes, carrying my own bag, and more or less focused on enjoying the game instead of getting frustrated with my rustiness. This sounds so common, but about 80% of the last 100 rounds of golf I've played have been done so with a cart, a cooler full of ice cold beverages (smuggled or purchased on-site), and a schedule. Not so today, just the opposite.
I'll just add a little footnote here: Most golf courses average around 7,200 yards in playing length (not including distance from green to the next to tee that ='s approximatel 4.5 miles. A typical golf bag, clubs, balls, etc. weigh in between 30-45 lbs...it's a great workout!)
I'm hoping my New Year's Resolution will finally come to fruition: (Speaking to myself of course) Get back to enjoying the game you love, not the game you've become accustomed to playing.
I didn't play well today, I didn't expect to, I haven't expected myself to play well in almost 4 years, sometimes I do, and I really enjoy those days, but that's golf. I hit enough shots today that make me want to try to recreate them. I hit enough shots today that make me want to try and avoid them. Idle post-round talk was, "we need to do this more often" but I left with a sense of accomplishment and a definite sense of invigoration.
My course is closed until April 1, 2009. I'll play it before we open, as I typically do, to get the "Member's View" about a week before to polish up on things we might not have noticed. My goal this year is to play my course at least twice a week, I want to play at least 4-5 times a week, but that includes other courses. I really think it will help my game and my career. It's tough to make yourself play golf at your course in the middle of a self-mandated 65 hour week, but I think it's more than an often overlooked opportunity. I've got friends in the industry who suffer from the same frustrations that I have, and with a little cajoling, they'll become my other 2 rounds per week.
Golf is free to me and my industry peers...it's a "good ole boys" club, you pay your dues, you give free golf, you get free golf. If I play a public course, I generally pay the greens fee out of respect for their revenue stream, I generally don't announce my position in these cases, I just pay like every other patron. It's not the cost of the game that is keeping me from playing, it's the mental stuff that clouds the opportunity.
I'll delve into my absolute love of agronomy (and all Life Sciences for that matter) in subsequent posts, this one is to serve one purpose, and one purpose only...Tee it up!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Come on Spring
Since this has been yet another disappointing winter here in the Commonwealth, I beg thee, Mother Nature to reliquish your grasp and let's move on already. I've got visions of tillering corn, blossoming tomatoes, and of course, a green golf course.
I know I'll be wishing for winter in the middle of the putrid July heat, but I long for turning the clocks forward and getting this preverbial ball rolling once again. Either blanket us in a foot of snow or grace us with your Spring. This climactic limbo is getting annoying and it's playing hell on my immune system.
I know I'll be wishing for winter in the middle of the putrid July heat, but I long for turning the clocks forward and getting this preverbial ball rolling once again. Either blanket us in a foot of snow or grace us with your Spring. This climactic limbo is getting annoying and it's playing hell on my immune system.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Recessionary socializing
Tough to beat herb marinated grilled chicken, a spread of delicious accoutrements: namely saffron rice, some doohicky microwavable blasphemy that Sarah had handy, fresh salad, green beans, and a limited number of Anheuser Busch's (now InBev) finest elixer.
I like low-key Friday nights. I'm fortunate to be only 78 paces from some of my best friends. They've figured out two things I hold dear: a) I love to cook b) I don't like people coming into my house... and they have capitalized on the obvious. I swear I could make a killing cooking for hire, but I refuse, it's a labor of love.
Soup Loop? Most Southsider's are missing out on surprise deliveries of the Soup de Week. Sure, they're probably miffed at the fact of an idling diesel engine outside their residence, with a man cloaked in cold weather gear scrambling to drop off his latest creation at 5 a.m. on a Monday morning, but I like to think they find a smidge of appreciation once they pop the lid on the tupperware at their feet on their way to work and smell the efforts within. Maybe it gives them a millisecond of peace, with one less thing to worry about, in their schedule of the hectic day's planning? I don't really care, just make sure that tupperware makes it back!
I like low-key Friday nights. I'm fortunate to be only 78 paces from some of my best friends. They've figured out two things I hold dear: a) I love to cook b) I don't like people coming into my house... and they have capitalized on the obvious. I swear I could make a killing cooking for hire, but I refuse, it's a labor of love.
Soup Loop? Most Southsider's are missing out on surprise deliveries of the Soup de Week. Sure, they're probably miffed at the fact of an idling diesel engine outside their residence, with a man cloaked in cold weather gear scrambling to drop off his latest creation at 5 a.m. on a Monday morning, but I like to think they find a smidge of appreciation once they pop the lid on the tupperware at their feet on their way to work and smell the efforts within. Maybe it gives them a millisecond of peace, with one less thing to worry about, in their schedule of the hectic day's planning? I don't really care, just make sure that tupperware makes it back!
2nd Ammendments and innocent dirt mounds
While some of you may have some really high-falootin' plans for tomorrow, Saturday, like going to the Boat Show, spending time with family, cleaning the house, etc... I have BIG plans!
Over the years I have acquired an assortment of firearms. I like guns, and being an avid hunter, they become an instant necessity. Tomorrow I'm meeting a friend to celebrate our 2nd ammendment rights at 7:30 a.m. in Goochland, at my golf course, for some serious shootin'! He's got a new rifle, and I have an abundance of land along the James River that just begs for the resonance of early morning, frost laden, gun fire. It'll be cold, but I'll keep myself warm by the heat radiating from the freshly discharged weapons.
What I'll be bringing to the table:
Glock 19 9mm
Remington Model 700 270 Winchester Short Mag
Marlin Model 70 Semi-automatic .22 Long Rifle
CVA Optima Pro 209 .50 Caliber in-line muzzleloader
Hunting season is now officially over. Those die-hards that were clinging to the last remaining opportunity to go hunting have since been sequestered with the departure of the Winter Migratory Waterfowl season West of Interstate 95 last Saturday.
I'll call it really early pre-season preparation, with a grueling 7 months of waiting before we can put anything tasty in the crosshairs.
Over the years I have acquired an assortment of firearms. I like guns, and being an avid hunter, they become an instant necessity. Tomorrow I'm meeting a friend to celebrate our 2nd ammendment rights at 7:30 a.m. in Goochland, at my golf course, for some serious shootin'! He's got a new rifle, and I have an abundance of land along the James River that just begs for the resonance of early morning, frost laden, gun fire. It'll be cold, but I'll keep myself warm by the heat radiating from the freshly discharged weapons.
What I'll be bringing to the table:
Glock 19 9mm
Remington Model 700 270 Winchester Short Mag
Marlin Model 70 Semi-automatic .22 Long Rifle
CVA Optima Pro 209 .50 Caliber in-line muzzleloader
Hunting season is now officially over. Those die-hards that were clinging to the last remaining opportunity to go hunting have since been sequestered with the departure of the Winter Migratory Waterfowl season West of Interstate 95 last Saturday.
I'll call it really early pre-season preparation, with a grueling 7 months of waiting before we can put anything tasty in the crosshairs.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Hooters
Not long ago it was tradition that my buddies and I would meet at Hooters for Happy Hour on Thursday nights. One: because it was a rather central location for all of us Two: because one of my buddy's girlfriends worked there (eek!) and would "hook us up" Three: why the hell not!?
A few of us will find ourselves at this aforementioned establishment on an occasional Thursday evening for a little blast of nastalgia, but for the most part, we have moved on to more sophisticated watering holes for our libations.
With a far more refined palate in my old age, I find spending money at this place is just prolonging its ever-failing existance. It is certainly not the hot spot it used to be, and on my last visit I parked next to a pick-up truck (huge shock there), where upon further investigation, I noticed the driver was "asleep". Now I don't want to offend anyone, but who sleeps in their truck in the Hooters parking lot? Maybe he'd been there for lunch, had a few too many draft beers and had to sleep it off? Maybe he'd been up all night fighting with his girlfriend in their trailer? I didn't really care and didn't want to know any specifics. But I did watch him rouse from his slumber and amble into the place upon ordering my third 7 oz. Happy Hour special draft beer.
It is Thursday, but I don't think I'll make it tonight.
A few of us will find ourselves at this aforementioned establishment on an occasional Thursday evening for a little blast of nastalgia, but for the most part, we have moved on to more sophisticated watering holes for our libations.
With a far more refined palate in my old age, I find spending money at this place is just prolonging its ever-failing existance. It is certainly not the hot spot it used to be, and on my last visit I parked next to a pick-up truck (huge shock there), where upon further investigation, I noticed the driver was "asleep". Now I don't want to offend anyone, but who sleeps in their truck in the Hooters parking lot? Maybe he'd been there for lunch, had a few too many draft beers and had to sleep it off? Maybe he'd been up all night fighting with his girlfriend in their trailer? I didn't really care and didn't want to know any specifics. But I did watch him rouse from his slumber and amble into the place upon ordering my third 7 oz. Happy Hour special draft beer.
It is Thursday, but I don't think I'll make it tonight.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Canine
Let me introduce Jefferson (aka Jeff, Geoff, Jefferson Starship, Jeff Derooley, Hammerhead) my forever shedding, 100 lb., paperless pure-bread, Yellow Labrador Retriever, who accompanies me nearly everywhere (including work at the golf course everyday) in his securely fastened Pet Porter in the bed of my pickup truck. Stay tuned as he's voiced some interest in starting his own blog... Dear lord, that's what I need...
Ready...Go!
Now everyone can experience my thoughts as they occur (or when I have time to put them into text). Good for you guys! Enjoy.
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