Update 7/16/2009 - uh oh! We add two more days to the over one hundred pile....and today is going to be a third. Weather.com is now also calling for about 8 straight more days in triple digits. That would pretty much max us out for the Almanac to be on target this year. The good news....it's possible to get a string of 100 days....and not have another one through the season. It happened a couple of years ago.
7/15 - 102
7/14 - 101
6/29 - 104
6/28 - 108
6/27 - 103
The Ol Nutter Almanac - 6/30/09
In Sacramento, the weather is great - the only thing that can be a bit pesky is a massive amount of days over 100 in the summer.
Realizing this many years ago - I devised a way to predict the summer weather. It's super secret and proprietary. It is also amazingly accurate. Look at last year's on line tracking.
This year - will be a very nice summer. 10-12 days at 100 or above as validated by weather.com for Roseville, CAThis is a gutsy call here on June 29 when we have just had a few blistering days.
We'll be reposting - this post several times as we see how the Ol Nutter Almanac does this year
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 900
HappyUP!!! - stock market rally
Why it happened - earnings season is on....and they are coming in well. The people betting against the market have had to jump in
Why it makes me happy - I had my best daily gain of the year....all the losses of the previous two weeks have been erased this week and momentum is shifting in a good direction.
HappyUP!!! - collecting from P.E.N.O. (Public Enemy Number One)
Why it happened - I put together a solid round
Why it makes me happy - PENO is a great player. He gives me a lot of strokes.....and he beats me every time. Once in awhile, we break even. For the first time in history, he actually had to pay me as I won a couple of bets. HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - pitching it in
Why it happened - I hit an awesome shot
Why it makes me happy - I was on the 15th hole of the 2nd round. Laff was beating me silly...and he had hit it to 8 ft. I was left of the green with a bunker between me and the pin. All I could hope for was a tie....IF I hit a good chip and he missed the putt. I looked at the little pitch and said, "I could make this,"........and I did. The ball went up, broke a little to the left, and died in the hole. HappyUP!!! Laff was then nice enough to miss his putt.
HappyUP!!! - draining a tricky putt at a crucial time
Why it happened - I hit a really good putt
Why it makes me happy - I had a downhill 25 footer with a little right to left break. I hit the putt and, with it only 25% of the way there said, "I flipping made it." It went in for the birdie. Lots of bets were hanging in the balance. Laff then drained his own 20 footer to tie me up for birdie. No, I didn't want to see that happen but it was golf mano y mano jamming it to each other.
HappyUP!!! - 18th hole
Why it happened - I played it twice
Why it makes me happy - I hit a great 5 iron off the hard pan in the morning and a solid 9 iron after a busted drive on the afternoon round. Both shots found the green......and won me a lot of bets.
HappyUP!!! - 7 iron on the 7th hole in the afternoon
Why it happened - I made a great swing
Why it makes me happy - I nailed this one up with a little draw. It had a chance to be an ace until it ended 3 feet from the cup. Some golf shots are hit perfectly....this was one of them.
JollyJottings
Stock Market
37 on the first 9
Knocking in a birdie putt on 17
5 iron from the hardpan on 18
37 on the third 9
7 iron to 3 feet on 7
Chipping in on 15
Driver...9 iron....par on 18
Collecting money from P.E.N.O.
Getting into the Laff's pocket...and moving the ledger into a positive balance
Running into V
Vegetables for an old friend
Why it happened - earnings season is on....and they are coming in well. The people betting against the market have had to jump in
Why it makes me happy - I had my best daily gain of the year....all the losses of the previous two weeks have been erased this week and momentum is shifting in a good direction.
HappyUP!!! - collecting from P.E.N.O. (Public Enemy Number One)
Why it happened - I put together a solid round
Why it makes me happy - PENO is a great player. He gives me a lot of strokes.....and he beats me every time. Once in awhile, we break even. For the first time in history, he actually had to pay me as I won a couple of bets. HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - pitching it in
Why it happened - I hit an awesome shot
Why it makes me happy - I was on the 15th hole of the 2nd round. Laff was beating me silly...and he had hit it to 8 ft. I was left of the green with a bunker between me and the pin. All I could hope for was a tie....IF I hit a good chip and he missed the putt. I looked at the little pitch and said, "I could make this,"........and I did. The ball went up, broke a little to the left, and died in the hole. HappyUP!!! Laff was then nice enough to miss his putt.
HappyUP!!! - draining a tricky putt at a crucial time
Why it happened - I hit a really good putt
Why it makes me happy - I had a downhill 25 footer with a little right to left break. I hit the putt and, with it only 25% of the way there said, "I flipping made it." It went in for the birdie. Lots of bets were hanging in the balance. Laff then drained his own 20 footer to tie me up for birdie. No, I didn't want to see that happen but it was golf mano y mano jamming it to each other.
HappyUP!!! - 18th hole
Why it happened - I played it twice
Why it makes me happy - I hit a great 5 iron off the hard pan in the morning and a solid 9 iron after a busted drive on the afternoon round. Both shots found the green......and won me a lot of bets.
HappyUP!!! - 7 iron on the 7th hole in the afternoon
Why it happened - I made a great swing
Why it makes me happy - I nailed this one up with a little draw. It had a chance to be an ace until it ended 3 feet from the cup. Some golf shots are hit perfectly....this was one of them.
JollyJottings
Stock Market
37 on the first 9
Knocking in a birdie putt on 17
5 iron from the hardpan on 18
37 on the third 9
7 iron to 3 feet on 7
Chipping in on 15
Driver...9 iron....par on 18
Collecting money from P.E.N.O.
Getting into the Laff's pocket...and moving the ledger into a positive balance
Running into V
Vegetables for an old friend
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 899
HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it was meeting day
Why it makes me happy - we had a great speech....a full house of guests...our new members were there....two more joined....more guests confirmed for next week....and I got all of the paperwork done that I needed to do.
HappyUP!!! - 5 iron into 8
Why it happened - I put the move on it
Why it makes me happy - knocked it to a foot and a half from 180....right over a big oak tree. I saw the shot in my mind before it went up....and then it took off exactly like it was supposed to.
HappyUP!!! - hitting balls after playing
Why it happened - I struck some extremely errant shots
Why it makes me happy - I thought I was on to something...but there was something missing on the course. When I beat it out on the range, I got it worked out in a hurry. I'll be back on the range in the morning.
JollyJottings
Toastmasters
New Members
Getting the Toastmaster paperwork done
5 iron into 8
9 iron into 10.....7 iron into 16...wedge into 17....8 iron into 18
Wah
Hitting balls after playing
Firming up some plans
Why it happened - it was meeting day
Why it makes me happy - we had a great speech....a full house of guests...our new members were there....two more joined....more guests confirmed for next week....and I got all of the paperwork done that I needed to do.
HappyUP!!! - 5 iron into 8
Why it happened - I put the move on it
Why it makes me happy - knocked it to a foot and a half from 180....right over a big oak tree. I saw the shot in my mind before it went up....and then it took off exactly like it was supposed to.
HappyUP!!! - hitting balls after playing
Why it happened - I struck some extremely errant shots
Why it makes me happy - I thought I was on to something...but there was something missing on the course. When I beat it out on the range, I got it worked out in a hurry. I'll be back on the range in the morning.
JollyJottings
Toastmasters
New Members
Getting the Toastmaster paperwork done
5 iron into 8
9 iron into 10.....7 iron into 16...wedge into 17....8 iron into 18
Wah
Hitting balls after playing
Firming up some plans
Monday, July 13, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 898
HappyUP!!! - Spataro
Why it happened - I had lunch there
Why it makes me happy - the food was great....the service was excellent....and I got to share some good time with a friend. If you follow the blog, you know that breaking bread with friends is always a HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - stock market
Why it happened - today was an up day
Why it makes me happy - these are sketchy times....a traders market. I haven't been doing much trading lately, though. When you get a win like today after a couple of weeks of a beat down, you have to appreciate it.
HappyUP!!! - Garmin working
Why it happened - I re-charged it a different way
Why it makes me happy - GPS is a handy gadget. I haven't used mine too much but I am outside of warranty. I thought I might have a bum battery in it that wouldn't hold a charge. It's cool not having to replace the battery or the unit....more dough to spend on lunch (see above) or golf! Saving money is a HappyUP!!! for sure.
JollyJottings
JollyJottings
Veggies for friends
Washing the car
Weight loss
Great lunch
Guests confirmed
Garmin
Stock Market
Call from an old buddy
Why it happened - I had lunch there
Why it makes me happy - the food was great....the service was excellent....and I got to share some good time with a friend. If you follow the blog, you know that breaking bread with friends is always a HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - stock market
Why it happened - today was an up day
Why it makes me happy - these are sketchy times....a traders market. I haven't been doing much trading lately, though. When you get a win like today after a couple of weeks of a beat down, you have to appreciate it.
HappyUP!!! - Garmin working
Why it happened - I re-charged it a different way
Why it makes me happy - GPS is a handy gadget. I haven't used mine too much but I am outside of warranty. I thought I might have a bum battery in it that wouldn't hold a charge. It's cool not having to replace the battery or the unit....more dough to spend on lunch (see above) or golf! Saving money is a HappyUP!!! for sure.
JollyJottings
JollyJottings
Veggies for friends
Washing the car
Weight loss
Great lunch
Guests confirmed
Garmin
Stock Market
Call from an old buddy
Sunday, July 12, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 897
Finished up with the Sac County Golf Championship - my first scratch tournament in 25 years. Nope, I didn't play as well as I thought I would.
You have to take what you can - from the experience. I played with some nice guys. I hit some great shots. I could have fallen totally apart.
Hey, they haven't posted the results - but, when I left, I had beaten at least 20 guys.
Today was a golf-a-thon - so this is what dominates today's HappyUP!!!s
HappyUP!!! - pounding it off the first tee
Why it happened - I was playing in a tournament
Why it makes me happy - while all the kids were playing it safe, I took out the big stick and hit the strong power fade on the dogleg right. Yes, the first tee jitters were there....and beaten down like a bad dog.
HappyUP!!! - flop shots
Why it happened - I work on this
Why it makes me happy - sometimes you miss the greens on the side of the green that the pin is on. You don't have much room to land the pitch shot. That's called "short siding" and I did it to myself four times today. The only thing you can do is hit the risky flop shot....and I nailed it every time. Now, IF I MADE THE PUTT every time, it would be a bigger HappyUP!!! but, at the moment each of the shots was struck, HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - my playing partners
Why it happened - you get paired with people you don't know in tournaments
Why it makes me happy - one of the guys was a youngster in high school. His dad was "on his bag". I didn't know this but they just joined my golf club two weeks ago. New friends. Dad is also a PGA Teaching Pro. After the round at my request, I asked him for some help. He gave me some solid direction.
JollyJottings
Flop shots
Birdie
Coming back
Meeting and playing with fellow club members
Help with the golf swing
9 more holes at my club...2 smoked 3 woods....a great wedge shot....a nailed 4 iron, 8 iron, 6 iron, and another 8 iron
Winning a couple of bets
Nap
Breaking even on my tournament bet
Finding out about another tournament
Hanging with BobOH after the tournament
You have to take what you can - from the experience. I played with some nice guys. I hit some great shots. I could have fallen totally apart.
Hey, they haven't posted the results - but, when I left, I had beaten at least 20 guys.
Today was a golf-a-thon - so this is what dominates today's HappyUP!!!s
HappyUP!!! - pounding it off the first tee
Why it happened - I was playing in a tournament
Why it makes me happy - while all the kids were playing it safe, I took out the big stick and hit the strong power fade on the dogleg right. Yes, the first tee jitters were there....and beaten down like a bad dog.
HappyUP!!! - flop shots
Why it happened - I work on this
Why it makes me happy - sometimes you miss the greens on the side of the green that the pin is on. You don't have much room to land the pitch shot. That's called "short siding" and I did it to myself four times today. The only thing you can do is hit the risky flop shot....and I nailed it every time. Now, IF I MADE THE PUTT every time, it would be a bigger HappyUP!!! but, at the moment each of the shots was struck, HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - my playing partners
Why it happened - you get paired with people you don't know in tournaments
Why it makes me happy - one of the guys was a youngster in high school. His dad was "on his bag". I didn't know this but they just joined my golf club two weeks ago. New friends. Dad is also a PGA Teaching Pro. After the round at my request, I asked him for some help. He gave me some solid direction.
JollyJottings
Flop shots
Birdie
Coming back
Meeting and playing with fellow club members
Help with the golf swing
9 more holes at my club...2 smoked 3 woods....a great wedge shot....a nailed 4 iron, 8 iron, 6 iron, and another 8 iron
Winning a couple of bets
Nap
Breaking even on my tournament bet
Finding out about another tournament
Hanging with BobOH after the tournament
Saturday, July 11, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 896
HappyUP!!! - perfect drive off first tee
Why it happened - I nutted up
Why it makes me happy - when you are in a big tournament where they announce your name, it's not like just stepping up to the opening hole back at the club. I mentally rehearse this on the driving range. When it pays off, HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - putts
Why it happened - I'm a decent putter
Why it makes me happy - my game was a little off today. While I had two 3-putts and missed a short one for par, I did make several par saves
and a good birdie putt. It wasn't a bad day on the greens.
HappyUP!!! - reconnecting with a friend
Why it happened - we traded some messages
Why it makes me happy - it's always good to reconnect and try to fix some open loops
HappyUP!!! - advice from a coach
Why it happened - I e-mailed him
Why it makes me happy - I took his advice and combined it with some other mental techniques. I didn't hit the ball as well as I would have liked but I wasn't that far off. It helped.
JollyJottings
Breakfast
Dropping off veggies
Arriving plenty early to golf
Getting a power thought from a coach
Nice guys to play with
Perfect drive off first tee
Great wedge shot on first
Several great par putts
Two sand saves
Knocking in a birdie putt
Hitting a spinner wedge
Reconnecting with a friend
Why it happened - I nutted up
Why it makes me happy - when you are in a big tournament where they announce your name, it's not like just stepping up to the opening hole back at the club. I mentally rehearse this on the driving range. When it pays off, HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - putts
Why it happened - I'm a decent putter
Why it makes me happy - my game was a little off today. While I had two 3-putts and missed a short one for par, I did make several par saves
and a good birdie putt. It wasn't a bad day on the greens.HappyUP!!! - reconnecting with a friend
Why it happened - we traded some messages
Why it makes me happy - it's always good to reconnect and try to fix some open loops
HappyUP!!! - advice from a coach
Why it happened - I e-mailed him
Why it makes me happy - I took his advice and combined it with some other mental techniques. I didn't hit the ball as well as I would have liked but I wasn't that far off. It helped.
JollyJottings
Breakfast
Dropping off veggies
Arriving plenty early to golf
Getting a power thought from a coach
Nice guys to play with
Perfect drive off first tee
Great wedge shot on first
Several great par putts
Two sand saves
Knocking in a birdie putt
Hitting a spinner wedge
Reconnecting with a friend
Friday, July 10, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 895
HappyUP!!! - making some putts
Why it happened - nice rhythm and follow through
Why it makes me happy - tournament tomorrow...the long game is a little dodgy. If the putter is going though, I can get through. If the long game picks up at the same time, dynamite!
HappyUP!!! - 53 yard wedge
Why it happened - I had a birdie opportunity
Why it makes me happy - I hit this little approach shot exactly like I visualized. The ball hit, took two hops, and died two feet in front of the hole. Tight.
HappyUP!!! - up and down from the grunge
Why it happened - I hit it left on scorecard 17....our 8th hole
Why it makes me happy - I was in the weeds, needing to go over one branch, under another, and then land to a green that was sloping away from me. I hit a great shot....that barely caught a branch. It left me a bit short of the pin...drained the putt....and managed to tie the hole. Hey, there are some guys that would still be over in those weeds. HappyUP!!!
JollyJottings
Up and down on 1, 2, 6, 8, and 9
Wedge on 6
Hitting balls
Making a bet
Meeting some new guys
Why it happened - nice rhythm and follow through
Why it makes me happy - tournament tomorrow...the long game is a little dodgy. If the putter is going though, I can get through. If the long game picks up at the same time, dynamite!
HappyUP!!! - 53 yard wedge
Why it happened - I had a birdie opportunity
Why it makes me happy - I hit this little approach shot exactly like I visualized. The ball hit, took two hops, and died two feet in front of the hole. Tight.
HappyUP!!! - up and down from the grunge
Why it happened - I hit it left on scorecard 17....our 8th hole
Why it makes me happy - I was in the weeds, needing to go over one branch, under another, and then land to a green that was sloping away from me. I hit a great shot....that barely caught a branch. It left me a bit short of the pin...drained the putt....and managed to tie the hole. Hey, there are some guys that would still be over in those weeds. HappyUP!!!
JollyJottings
Up and down on 1, 2, 6, 8, and 9
Wedge on 6
Hitting balls
Making a bet
Meeting some new guys
Thursday, July 09, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 894
HappyUP!!! - sushi
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me happy - hadn't had any sushi for a long time. It just so happens that a GREAT sushi place is located really close to where one of my old co-workers lives....perfect. Great food and great catching up conversation.
HappyUP!!! - my new LaserDistance device
Why it happened - I finally got one
Why it makes me happy - I'm playing in a tournament this weekend. I doubt the distances will be all over the sprinkler heads. Plus, I don't know this course that well. This is going to help me out. It also actually helps out day to day at my course. There were a couple of times today when my ballpark would have been 5-10 yards off.....which actually can make a big difference. There is also some added confidence when you know EXACTLY what the distance is.
HappyUP!!! - 36 holes
Why it happened - got done fast in the morning and had a great game lined up this afternoon
Why it makes me happy - my scoring could have been a little better BUT I hit a lot more quality shots than I have been. I really haven't played that well this year (so far). I think the help I got last weekend was SPOT ON.
HappyUP!!! - hitting balls after the morning round
Why it happened - I just felt like I was on the verge of a breakthrough
Why it makes me happy - when I got on the range, I did a drill that accompanied my weekend help I got from The Legend. I THOUGHT I was doing what the legend had taught me. Then, I remembered an old drill he reminded me of. The first time I tried to do it on the range, my swing felt awkward........obviously, even though I thought I was, I had not incorporated the weekend tips into my game. Almost immediately, I started hitting it crisper.
HappyUP!!! - giving a t-shirt to PENO (Public Enemy Number One)
Why it happened - I told him I would give him one
Why it makes me happy - everyone likes free stuff....and my t-shirts rock. I know he liked it and now he is off to win the NCGA Stroke Play Championship.....which I, of course, will insist it is due to the the happiness he had over receiving his new shirt.
JollyJottings
Sushi
Visiting with my old admin
Golf at 7 a.m.
Birdies
Hitting a few balls right after the morning round
Getting a couple of errands done between rounds
The afternoon golf game
My new LaserDistance finder
Giving Public Enemy Number One (PENO)
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me happy - hadn't had any sushi for a long time. It just so happens that a GREAT sushi place is located really close to where one of my old co-workers lives....perfect. Great food and great catching up conversation.
HappyUP!!! - my new LaserDistance device
Why it happened - I finally got one
Why it makes me happy - I'm playing in a tournament this weekend. I doubt the distances will be all over the sprinkler heads. Plus, I don't know this course that well. This is going to help me out. It also actually helps out day to day at my course. There were a couple of times today when my ballpark would have been 5-10 yards off.....which actually can make a big difference. There is also some added confidence when you know EXACTLY what the distance is.
HappyUP!!! - 36 holes
Why it happened - got done fast in the morning and had a great game lined up this afternoon
Why it makes me happy - my scoring could have been a little better BUT I hit a lot more quality shots than I have been. I really haven't played that well this year (so far). I think the help I got last weekend was SPOT ON.
HappyUP!!! - hitting balls after the morning round
Why it happened - I just felt like I was on the verge of a breakthrough
Why it makes me happy - when I got on the range, I did a drill that accompanied my weekend help I got from The Legend. I THOUGHT I was doing what the legend had taught me. Then, I remembered an old drill he reminded me of. The first time I tried to do it on the range, my swing felt awkward........obviously, even though I thought I was, I had not incorporated the weekend tips into my game. Almost immediately, I started hitting it crisper.
HappyUP!!! - giving a t-shirt to PENO (Public Enemy Number One)
Why it happened - I told him I would give him one
Why it makes me happy - everyone likes free stuff....and my t-shirts rock. I know he liked it and now he is off to win the NCGA Stroke Play Championship.....which I, of course, will insist it is due to the the happiness he had over receiving his new shirt.
JollyJottings
Sushi
Visiting with my old admin
Golf at 7 a.m.
Birdies
Hitting a few balls right after the morning round
Getting a couple of errands done between rounds
The afternoon golf game
My new LaserDistance finder
Giving Public Enemy Number One (PENO)
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 893
HappyUP!!! - two easy birdies
Why it happened - new irons...or blue tees?
Why it makes me happy - no matter what, it was good to be hitting it close again....and I am getting the distance dialed in with my new sticks
HappyUP!!! - covering expenses
Why it happened - I played some blackjack
Why it makes me happy - I like the idea of a nice afternoon on someone else's dime.
<-----my foot....Lake Tahoe
HappyUP!!! - Lake Tahoe during the week
Why it happened - I decided to blow out for the day
Why it makes me happy - if you have ever been lakeside when it is 70 degrees with a breeze at Lake Tahoe, you would know that there aren't many better places to be in the world.
JollyJottings
Early morning golf
Two easy birdies...two more easy chances
Winning a hundred bucks
Relaxing lakeside
Convertible driving
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 892
HappyUP!!! - sandplay practice
Why it happened - I haven't been striking them right
Why it makes me happy - I have been frustrated in this area. It was a strong point in my game just a short time ago...but not lately. I grabbed Public Enemy Number One and we went to the practice trap. On the very first shot, he looked at me and said, "you have it too far back in your stance." BAM! That was it.....I like easy, simple fixes.
HappyUP!!! - birdie on 18
Why it happened - I hit some shots
Why it makes me happy - I hit a great drive, a nice hold off 8 iron, and then dumped the putt. It kept Public Enemy Number One from taking $5 from me. It also is always great to finish on a high note.
HappyUP!!! - sleeping in
Why it happened - I stayed in bed and fell back asleep
Why it makes me happy - I would say that I sleep until 8 a.m. about once or twice a year. When I do, I figure it was because I needed it and didn't know it. The body is an amazing thing.
JollyJottings
Sleeping in
Hitting the new irons on the range
Birdie on 18
Firming up some plans
Sandplay practice
Why it happened - I haven't been striking them right
Why it makes me happy - I have been frustrated in this area. It was a strong point in my game just a short time ago...but not lately. I grabbed Public Enemy Number One and we went to the practice trap. On the very first shot, he looked at me and said, "you have it too far back in your stance." BAM! That was it.....I like easy, simple fixes.
HappyUP!!! - birdie on 18
Why it happened - I hit some shots
Why it makes me happy - I hit a great drive, a nice hold off 8 iron, and then dumped the putt. It kept Public Enemy Number One from taking $5 from me. It also is always great to finish on a high note.
HappyUP!!! - sleeping in
Why it happened - I stayed in bed and fell back asleep
Why it makes me happy - I would say that I sleep until 8 a.m. about once or twice a year. When I do, I figure it was because I needed it and didn't know it. The body is an amazing thing.
JollyJottings
Sleeping in
Hitting the new irons on the range
Birdie on 18
Firming up some plans
Sandplay practice
Monday, July 06, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 891
HappyUP!!! - new irons
Why it happened - it was overdue
Why it makes me happy - compared to my irons and the irons I was going to get, the computer showed the ones I got giving me 10 more yards on a square hit, more distance on a bad hit, a higher launch angle, and more spin.....all things you are looking for in your irons. If they perform the same way on the course, I'll be wondering how long I have been handicapping myself by not making the change.
<-------Shadow.....about as HappyUP!!! as HappyUP!!! gets
HappyUP!!! - haircut
Why it happened - I made an appointment next to the golf store
Why it makes me happy - it always feels great to get that little bit of shag off your neck. Also, I had fun with the lady that got the good fortune to draw me as a client today.
HappyUP!!! - seeing my nephew
Why it happened - he was bringing me something
Why it makes me happy - we got to visit a bit....which was cool....we don't do it enough.
JollyJottings
Beautiful morning breeze
New member applications
Talking with my YC buddy
Seeing my nephew
Getting checks before going to bank
Grabbing some dinner
Haircut
Trying new irons
QuoteUP!!! 11 We Want Things To Change
"We want things to change but we love certainty"
Is there any need - for a comment to this paradox that can haunt the human condition?
Sunday, July 05, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 890
HappyUP!!! - talking with my buddy
Why it happened - my buddy called
Why it makes me happy - we were gabbing it up big time..getting caught up about the weekend...just a great chat.
HappyUP!!! - mowing
Why it happened - I got off the fanny
Why it makes me happy - it was 8 pm...I was tired....but I went out and mowed and watered. I'll wake up to a nice lawn in the morning and ahead of my day. It was nice to be out in the garden tonight
HappyUP!!! - beautiful day...and evening
Why it happened - it's weather here in the Roseville area
Why it makes me happy - when the Delta Breezes kick in, it actually can get a little cool after a warm day. The breezes were in full force. They make you feel alive on a summer's eve.
HappyUP!!! - finishing tonight's round
Why it happened - I went to the whip
Why it makes me happy - I was 2 down with 2 to go. The Boz had hit it on the green about 20 feet away. I got up and hit a wedge to within 10 feet and made the putt. I got up on 18 and got it within 15 feet. I hit a great put...it looked like a birdie-birdie finish....but it lipped out. It would have been a HappierUP!!! had it dropped but it was a strong finish.
JollyJottings
Mowing
Tomatoes
Birdie on 17
Near Birdie on 18
5 iron on 4
Why it happened - my buddy called
Why it makes me happy - we were gabbing it up big time..getting caught up about the weekend...just a great chat.
HappyUP!!! - mowing
Why it happened - I got off the fanny
Why it makes me happy - it was 8 pm...I was tired....but I went out and mowed and watered. I'll wake up to a nice lawn in the morning and ahead of my day. It was nice to be out in the garden tonight
HappyUP!!! - beautiful day...and evening
Why it happened - it's weather here in the Roseville area
Why it makes me happy - when the Delta Breezes kick in, it actually can get a little cool after a warm day. The breezes were in full force. They make you feel alive on a summer's eve.
HappyUP!!! - finishing tonight's round
Why it happened - I went to the whip
Why it makes me happy - I was 2 down with 2 to go. The Boz had hit it on the green about 20 feet away. I got up and hit a wedge to within 10 feet and made the putt. I got up on 18 and got it within 15 feet. I hit a great put...it looked like a birdie-birdie finish....but it lipped out. It would have been a HappierUP!!! had it dropped but it was a strong finish.
JollyJottings
Mowing
Tomatoes
Birdie on 17
Near Birdie on 18
5 iron on 4
Saturday, July 04, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 889
HappyUP!!! - barbeque
Why it happened - Fourth of July at our club
Why it makes me happy - hot dogs and people I haven't seen in a long time....and friends I see more frequently. Good times there.
HappyUP!!! - range session
Why it happened - working on the game
Why it makes me happy - I went to the club this morning just to hit balls....and that's all I did. I was working on the revamp that I started to install yesterday. I was expecting things to be much more spastic than they were.....this change may not take that long. HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - golfing later in the day
Why it happened - the golf course was empty
Why it makes me happy - once the couples tournament was over, the course was clear. This gave me a chance to take the new action "to the street." While the score wasn't great, it was about as bad as it could have been and it was still better than recent scores. The HappyUP!!! came in the HUGE number of quality shots that were produced.
HappyUP!!! - phone call with my buddy
Why it happened - we were trading some e-mails and said, "pick up the phone."
Why it makes me happy - ever have a long phone conversation with a friend?....then you get the HappyUP!!!
JollyJottings
Barbeque
Good range session
Good ball striking day on the course
Drive on 5....6....8...9...10...18
Hybrid on 11....on 8
Trick shot on 17
9 iron on 18
5 iron on 16....12
Chip shot on 3...7....16...17
Sand shot on 14
Why it happened - Fourth of July at our club
Why it makes me happy - hot dogs and people I haven't seen in a long time....and friends I see more frequently. Good times there.
HappyUP!!! - range session
Why it happened - working on the game
Why it makes me happy - I went to the club this morning just to hit balls....and that's all I did. I was working on the revamp that I started to install yesterday. I was expecting things to be much more spastic than they were.....this change may not take that long. HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - golfing later in the day
Why it happened - the golf course was empty
Why it makes me happy - once the couples tournament was over, the course was clear. This gave me a chance to take the new action "to the street." While the score wasn't great, it was about as bad as it could have been and it was still better than recent scores. The HappyUP!!! came in the HUGE number of quality shots that were produced.
HappyUP!!! - phone call with my buddy
Why it happened - we were trading some e-mails and said, "pick up the phone."
Why it makes me happy - ever have a long phone conversation with a friend?....then you get the HappyUP!!!
JollyJottings
Barbeque
Good range session
Good ball striking day on the course
Drive on 5....6....8...9...10...18
Hybrid on 11....on 8
Trick shot on 17
9 iron on 18
5 iron on 16....12
Chip shot on 3...7....16...17
Sand shot on 14
Friday, July 03, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 888
HappyUP!!! - gardening
Why it happened - I decided not to play golf this morning
Why it makes me happy - it was just kind of a lazy morning. I went out to water before it got hot. That turned into pulling a few weeds....which led to doing some soil cultivation. It was a very peaceful little session in the garden
HappyUP!!! - hitting balls
Why it happened - I wasn't playing today
Why it makes me happy - I got some help with my swing.....some old bad habits had more than crept in. They had taken control. This was no quick fix. I started striking the ball PROPERLY ....a feeling I hadn't had consistently in awhile. Because this is the same thing I fixed last fall, I am hoping it won't take me three weeks to get this working a little bit.
HappyUP!!! - dinner with a buddy
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me happy - we met down at Zocalos....a cool place for dinner in Sac. Food was excellent. The conversation was cool. The people watching was outstanding.
Why it happened - I decided not to play golf this morning
Why it makes me happy - it was just kind of a lazy morning. I went out to water before it got hot. That turned into pulling a few weeds....which led to doing some soil cultivation. It was a very peaceful little session in the garden
HappyUP!!! - hitting balls
Why it happened - I wasn't playing today
Why it makes me happy - I got some help with my swing.....some old bad habits had more than crept in. They had taken control. This was no quick fix. I started striking the ball PROPERLY ....a feeling I hadn't had consistently in awhile. Because this is the same thing I fixed last fall, I am hoping it won't take me three weeks to get this working a little bit.
HappyUP!!! - dinner with a buddy
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me happy - we met down at Zocalos....a cool place for dinner in Sac. Food was excellent. The conversation was cool. The people watching was outstanding.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 887
36 holes of golf - means that there wasn't much other place a HappyUP!!! could happen but on the course.
At the same time - it was 36 holes of BAD golf....but there is always something good to find
HappyUP!!! - the 18th hole
Why it happened - golf has 18 holes
Why it makes me happy - when you play BAD golf, it can be expensive. It would have been had it not been for some well time presses. I got out cheap today....HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - the 14th hole
Why it happened - I made it happen...twice...in this same place
Why it makes me happy - I scored a double sandy....and won this hole...on the first trip through. On the second trip, I hit a great drive, a great wedge, and a great putt....first birdie in a week... not a great stat but, hey, it is what it is and it made me happy.
HappyUP!!! - putting adjustment
Why it happened - my first 9 holes of putting was horrible
Why it makes me happy - sometimes, until you can get to the putting green, you have to find something to get the horse back to the barn. Today, it was going back to the open stance and shoving the putter right at the hole. It gave me some confidence and got me through the day.
HappyUP!!! - the club
Why it happened - I joined last year
Why it makes me happy - I played with great guys today....I encountered others....and I didn't know any of them at this time last year.
JollyJottings
14th hole
18th hole
Great sleep
At the same time - it was 36 holes of BAD golf....but there is always something good to find
HappyUP!!! - the 18th hole
Why it happened - golf has 18 holes
Why it makes me happy - when you play BAD golf, it can be expensive. It would have been had it not been for some well time presses. I got out cheap today....HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - the 14th hole
Why it happened - I made it happen...twice...in this same place
Why it makes me happy - I scored a double sandy....and won this hole...on the first trip through. On the second trip, I hit a great drive, a great wedge, and a great putt....first birdie in a week... not a great stat but, hey, it is what it is and it made me happy.
HappyUP!!! - putting adjustment
Why it happened - my first 9 holes of putting was horrible
Why it makes me happy - sometimes, until you can get to the putting green, you have to find something to get the horse back to the barn. Today, it was going back to the open stance and shoving the putter right at the hole. It gave me some confidence and got me through the day.
HappyUP!!! - the club
Why it happened - I joined last year
Why it makes me happy - I played with great guys today....I encountered others....and I didn't know any of them at this time last year.
JollyJottings
14th hole
18th hole
Great sleep
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 886
HappyUP!!! - playing golf with a legend
Why it happened - one of my golf buddies had him out
Why it makes me happy - 30 years ago when I was playing competitive golf, there was a guy around town that won a lot of the tournaments. He was a few years my senior. We never got a chance or had reason to meet.....today we did. He's a senior player now......but he beat me today.....and that is a HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - finding a key
Why it happened - I put on a pair of pants I hadn't worn in awhile
Why it makes me happy - I was down to one car key. It's not like I can just go to the locksmith and get a new one. I think a key runs a couple hundred bucks. No matter....I have them both now.
HappyUP!!! - a five iron
Why it happened - who the heck knows
Why it makes me happy - my golf game hasn't been where I want it. My iron play has been atrocious. Out of nowhere, I absolutely PURED one....something that happens all the time when I am playing well. I haven't even been hitting any solid irons....let alone a pure one. THAT one shot came late in the day and gives me something to work on tomorrow.
HappyUP!!! - contacts with friends
Why it happened - e-mail and Facebook
Why it makes me happy - I had some unique things happen through the electronic media today. More than a couple of them gave me a smile.
JollyJottings
Movie
5 iron
6 iron
Finding keys
Playing with a legend
Why it happened - one of my golf buddies had him out
Why it makes me happy - 30 years ago when I was playing competitive golf, there was a guy around town that won a lot of the tournaments. He was a few years my senior. We never got a chance or had reason to meet.....today we did. He's a senior player now......but he beat me today.....and that is a HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - finding a key
Why it happened - I put on a pair of pants I hadn't worn in awhile
Why it makes me happy - I was down to one car key. It's not like I can just go to the locksmith and get a new one. I think a key runs a couple hundred bucks. No matter....I have them both now.
HappyUP!!! - a five iron
Why it happened - who the heck knows
Why it makes me happy - my golf game hasn't been where I want it. My iron play has been atrocious. Out of nowhere, I absolutely PURED one....something that happens all the time when I am playing well. I haven't even been hitting any solid irons....let alone a pure one. THAT one shot came late in the day and gives me something to work on tomorrow.
HappyUP!!! - contacts with friends
Why it happened - e-mail and Facebook
Why it makes me happy - I had some unique things happen through the electronic media today. More than a couple of them gave me a smile.
JollyJottings
Movie
5 iron
6 iron
Finding keys
Playing with a legend
Halftime 2009
Here we are - July 1, 2009. 6 months down....6 to go.
You're in the locker room - because it's halftime.
You started this year's game - with a little pre-season partying and celebration (OK...for some of you...A LOT of partying and celebration). Your game plan may have been for a big win this year. It could have been just to "get the W" even if it was a squeaker.
No matter what - it's halftime. Why do teams in every major sport have a halftime? Sure, it gives the bands and chearleaders their time to do their thing. But that's not the reason.
It's to take a breather - to step back, get out of working IN the game, and take a look at how the game is going. It's not too late to change strategy and still be victorious when the buzzer sounds.
So.....how did the first half play out? - which probably isn't as important as what the strategy for the back side of the year is going to be.
It's not about answers - it is all about questions. Maybe this year is already "toast." You can still salvage something. Maybe you already "won"....careful there......no time to skate, get complacent, and have the opposition come back and win.
Here is the most DYNAMIC question you can ask yourself - anytime but particularly at halftime:
What has to happen between now and December 31, 2009 for me to look back and say, "that was a great year"?
You're in the locker room - because it's halftime.
You started this year's game - with a little pre-season partying and celebration (OK...for some of you...A LOT of partying and celebration). Your game plan may have been for a big win this year. It could have been just to "get the W" even if it was a squeaker.
No matter what - it's halftime. Why do teams in every major sport have a halftime? Sure, it gives the bands and chearleaders their time to do their thing. But that's not the reason.
It's to take a breather - to step back, get out of working IN the game, and take a look at how the game is going. It's not too late to change strategy and still be victorious when the buzzer sounds.
So.....how did the first half play out? - which probably isn't as important as what the strategy for the back side of the year is going to be.
It's not about answers - it is all about questions. Maybe this year is already "toast." You can still salvage something. Maybe you already "won"....careful there......no time to skate, get complacent, and have the opposition come back and win.
Here is the most DYNAMIC question you can ask yourself - anytime but particularly at halftime:
What has to happen between now and December 31, 2009 for me to look back and say, "that was a great year"?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 885
HappyUP!!! - guests
Why it happened - we invited them
Why it makes me happy - our Toastmasters Club has been in need of new members. We had so many guests today that I am going to need to go get the guest book for an accurate count! There had to be at least 8.....4 of which have already joined! HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - a textbook meeting
Why it happened - we are good
Why it makes me happy - our Toastmasters Club pretty much runs a perfect template for what a club should do....we get told that by visiting dignitaries all the time. We also get told it is not the norm. Still, we get comfortable. Today, we ran a great one....and the people wanted to join.
HappyUP!!! - wedge shot
Why it happened - I know how to hit certain shots
Why it makes me happy - I was playing TERRIBLY. On the next to last hole, I was 50 yards away, under an oak tree, and my ball was on the hard pan. I picked it off and knocked it about 5 feet...made the putt....and saved myself some cash!
JollyJottings
Finding key and ear piece
Guests
New Members
Great meeting
Wedge shot off the hardpan
Why it happened - we invited them
Why it makes me happy - our Toastmasters Club has been in need of new members. We had so many guests today that I am going to need to go get the guest book for an accurate count! There had to be at least 8.....4 of which have already joined! HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - a textbook meeting
Why it happened - we are good
Why it makes me happy - our Toastmasters Club pretty much runs a perfect template for what a club should do....we get told that by visiting dignitaries all the time. We also get told it is not the norm. Still, we get comfortable. Today, we ran a great one....and the people wanted to join.
HappyUP!!! - wedge shot
Why it happened - I know how to hit certain shots
Why it makes me happy - I was playing TERRIBLY. On the next to last hole, I was 50 yards away, under an oak tree, and my ball was on the hard pan. I picked it off and knocked it about 5 feet...made the putt....and saved myself some cash!
JollyJottings
Finding key and ear piece
Guests
New Members
Great meeting
Wedge shot off the hardpan
Monday, June 29, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 884
HappyUP!!! - root to plate in an hour
Why it happened - I decided to harvest some potatoes
Why it makes me happy - Last November, I decided to plant a few winter items. Never having grown during the winter, I didn't know what would happen. I was doing a little weeding in the garden. I decided it was time to pull out some potato plants and see what happened. Low and behold, there were some full blown BIG taters under the ground. I grated a few up, threw in some onions and garlic (from the same winter planting) and the season's first bell pepper. That was some good eating
HappyUP!!! - delivering some veggies
Why it happened - I have some friends that use what I grow
Why it makes me happy - my best friend's folks are old school. They don't throw food away and appreciate fresh produce. I took them my first delivery of the year. They also love figs and I have some beauties. Later, Mrs E called me and we got a chance to chat for a moment.
HappyUP!!! - the waitress
Why it happened - grabbed dinner out tonight
Why it makes me happy - hadn't eaten at the Cheesecake Factory. They have a huge menu. The waitress appeared to be a little young and I didn't expect her to be a huge help with the menu.......I was wrong. She got us pointed in a great direction and we had some excellent entrees. She even showed my buddy some tips on using the Iphone. GREAT Waitress!!!
JollyJottings
Watering/weeding
Potatoes for breakfast
Meeting a buddy 4 dinner
Great waitress
Getting errands done
Update from my buddy
Getting home without a contact
Sunday, June 28, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 883
HappyUP!!! - invite from a buddy
Why it happened - I have good friends
Why it makes me happy - I'll be catching a show down at B St Theater....I love it when friends have an extra ticket!
HappyUP!!! - making the putt on 8
Why it happened - it was a great putt
Why it makes me happy - if I hadn't made that one, I would have played 9 holes without making a par.....it's bad enough to only have one. What can I say....it was a rough morning.
HappyUP!!! - USA Soccer Team
Why it happened - it was time for the Confederate Cup
Why it makes me happy - they had Brazil down 2-0 at half. When those goals went in, it was like the USA Miracle on Ice when they beat the Russians in hockey. In the end, it turned out not to be but, for a half, they looked good.....and give us all a bit of hope for World Cup next year.
HappyUP!!! - call from a buddy
Why it happened - I put in a call
Why it makes me happy - my buddy is going to be in Roseville tomorrow evening so we'll get a chance to grab a bite.
Why it happened - I have good friends
Why it makes me happy - I'll be catching a show down at B St Theater....I love it when friends have an extra ticket!
HappyUP!!! - making the putt on 8
Why it happened - it was a great putt
Why it makes me happy - if I hadn't made that one, I would have played 9 holes without making a par.....it's bad enough to only have one. What can I say....it was a rough morning.
HappyUP!!! - USA Soccer Team
Why it happened - it was time for the Confederate Cup
Why it makes me happy - they had Brazil down 2-0 at half. When those goals went in, it was like the USA Miracle on Ice when they beat the Russians in hockey. In the end, it turned out not to be but, for a half, they looked good.....and give us all a bit of hope for World Cup next year.
HappyUP!!! - call from a buddy
Why it happened - I put in a call
Why it makes me happy - my buddy is going to be in Roseville tomorrow evening so we'll get a chance to grab a bite.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 882
Hey, you want a sure fire way to get a man to wash his hands? -
<------ install this system. It should work
HappyUP!!! - 50th birthday party
Why it happened - my neighbors invited me
Why it makes me happy - it was nice running into a bunch of my old schoolmates and chatting
HappyUP!!! - finishing the renumbering project
Why it happened - I ground it out
Why it makes me happy - while I haven't gone back for a re-audit, the numbers on the days of HappyUP!!!s of this blog were all screwed up. All it takes is one typo some night......and then, the next night, you go off of that one. Pretty soon, it's jacked. I believe it is all current which is important because EVERYONE will want this spot on when it hits Day 1000
HappyUP!!! - golfing....surviving
Why it happened - I had to play in 105 degree weather in a tournament
Why it makes me happy - we finished! Plus, I hit the driver pretty well.....I only missed a couple of fairways and even those weren't by much. The rest of the game was pretty dodgy but, if I can get back to hitting the driver long and in play, the other pieces will fall in place.
HappyUP!!! - bunker shot
Why it happened - I hit a crappy iron shot INTO the bunker
Why it makes me happy - this looked hopeless. I was in a deep bunker, hitting up to a flat spot where the ball needed to land, and then trickle down the hill and break sharply to the pin. I hit it perfectly....and the ball did just what it was supposed to do. It finished 6 inches from the cup after it almost went in. Par saved!
JollyJottings
On the range with the guys
Surviving 105 degree heat...thriving
Finishing the renumbering project
Getting club officer list turned in
50th birthday party
My playing partner
Cleaning up the house
Friday, June 26, 2009
HappyUP!!! Day 881
HappyUP!!! - a quick lesson
Why it happened - I went to the range and made it happen
Why it makes me happy - JE saw me struggling a bit after another bad round. He had a couple of fixes for me.....nothing new....same old bad habits had crept in. It only took me a few balls to start striping it again. I have a tournament tomorrow so it's a HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - party invite
Why it happened - my neighbor went to school with me
Why it makes me happy - most of my class is having a significant birthday this year. Tomorrow night, we'll honor a few that have crossed the threshold lately. It will be great to see some buddies.
HappyUP!!! - scraping out a good 9
Why it happened - I have a short game
Why it makes me happy - I was 3 over....with two penalty strokes.....and only hit 3 greens. That is a recipe for about a 44. It's good to know I have some scrambling abilities for those days when things get a bit squirrley.
Why it happened - I went to the range and made it happen
Why it makes me happy - JE saw me struggling a bit after another bad round. He had a couple of fixes for me.....nothing new....same old bad habits had crept in. It only took me a few balls to start striping it again. I have a tournament tomorrow so it's a HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - party invite
Why it happened - my neighbor went to school with me
Why it makes me happy - most of my class is having a significant birthday this year. Tomorrow night, we'll honor a few that have crossed the threshold lately. It will be great to see some buddies.
HappyUP!!! - scraping out a good 9
Why it happened - I have a short game
Why it makes me happy - I was 3 over....with two penalty strokes.....and only hit 3 greens. That is a recipe for about a 44. It's good to know I have some scrambling abilities for those days when things get a bit squirrley.
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