HappyUP!!! Day 2004

HappyUP!!! - best round since joining
Why it happened - back to fundamentals
Why it makes me happy - I think I have been making things a bit too hard....revelation today

HappyUP!!! - 4 birdies
Why it happened - good shots...great putting
Why it makes me happy - I'm more in line with where I think I should be

HappyUP!!! - great speeches
Why it happened - Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - amongst it all....on phrase summed up my view....regarding communicating with God.....AWESOME message I shall remember


drive/5 iron/wedge 1....drive/9 iron stiff 2.....drive/hybrid/chip/putt 3....drive/4iron/wedge/putt/BIRDIE 4....8 iron/2 putt 5...drive/chip 6.....drive/6 iron/putt ,/BIRDIE 7....4 iron/putt/BIRDIE 8.....punch shot/pitch/PUTT 9....drive/hybrid/chip 10.....hybrid 11....7 iron/putt/BIRDIE 13....4 iron/9iron 14....drive/wedge 15....6 iron/2nd putt 17....drive/hybrid/chip 18

Best round since joining the club
Winning some dough
4 birdies
3 great speeches....lots of pitching in..the return of Linda/Barb...Dawn doing a great job...seeing Karen again

HappyUP!!! Day 2003

HappyUP!!! - preventing a mess
Why it happened - I jumped in
Why it makes me happy - great to pick up a guest today...and spend time with her in my home

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 14
Why it happened - GREAT wedge
Why it makes me happy - I hit it EXACTLY like in practice...and I have been working on that....I put it  to 1 foot....gimme birdie on 14

HappyUP!!! - unexpected 9 holes
Why it happened - I was just practicing
Why it makes me happy - some friends lost a dude at 9...they wanted 4 for the back 9. There is nothing better than taking a hard practice session (not just a warmup) directly to the course. NOPE...didn't play that well....but did some good stuff

HappyUP!!! - up and down on 18
Why it happened - damn good bunker shot
Why it makes me happy - I got applause from peeps on 16 tee (knowledgeable dudes) as well as my group. NOBODY wants a downhill sandshot....EVER...it's a recipe for disaster. IF you can hit that shot...and look "right" doing it....peeps know...."hmmmmm...that may have had more than luck involved." Yeah......that one saved me some DOUGH!

Waking up
Opening up
A couple of great speeches
A GREAT crowd
Edgar handling the timing machine
Leftovers from last nite
Good practice session
An invitation to play the back side
Drive/hybrid/chip/putt 10.....pitch 11.....4 iron/wedge/birdie 14....9 iron 15 (solid)....7 iron 17....drive/BUNKER SHOT/putt 18
Playing with new guys.

HappyUP!!! Day 2002

OMG!!!....this is a GREAT one. Contact me if

you want the Chicken Versuvio recipe. OFF the charts!!!

HappyUP!!! - cookies
Why it happened - I heard something
Why it makes me happy - I like "cookies"

HappyUP!!! - Chicken Versuvio
Why it happened - I saw a recipe
Why it makes me happy - I made some changes based on what I had in the garden....all I can say is.....DANG!!!!....this is some GREAT eating

HappyUP!!! - smog pass
Why it happened - I dunno
Why it makes me happy - there were people at Smog Stop whose cars didn't. That's a hassle. No hassle for me. Registration complete

HappyUP!!! - other car maintenance
Why it happened - I picked up the phone
Why it makes me happy - the "ol lady"....my trusty ol Boxster.....may be getting some cosmetic surgery soon. How fun!!!

Smog pass
Strum Shop

HappyUP!!! Day 2001

Yet another shot......6 iron.....175 yards....DEAD AT IT in

the air...GORGEOUS golf shot.......that just falls a yard

short from that elusive hole-in-one. It was exciting in the air though!!!!

HappyUP!!! - golfing with my other nephew
Why it happened - he joined the club
Why it makes me happy - I was with him as his first day as a member.....bought lunch.  It was a pretty cool deal.

HappyUP!!! - solid round
Why it happened - a little posture change
Why it makes me happy - I KNOW I am on the right track here.

HappyUP!!! - sneaking in a "W"
Why it happened - my nephew was rusty
Why it makes me happy - beating the nephew is probably not going to happen very often or anytime soon once he knocks the dust off his clubs.  Today reminded me of the days long ago....when he was learning.....and I would take him up to Plumas Lake.....and when he thought he could beat me.....it was his goal.....and then he wouldn't.  Then, as it happens, he finally did and took off to being a pretty good stick and player.

HappyUP!!! - birdie....birdie....birdie finish
Why it happened - some quality shots
Why it makes me happy - I don't know if, in 40 years of golf, I have ever birdied the last three holes. If I have, it wasn't anytime in recent memory.  Nothing cheap about any of the birdies.  It also reminds me that ANYTHING is possible out on that golf course.

Scoring a primo time
Brekko sandwich with brother's gang
Nephew joining the club
Going out with my nephew on his first round
Kicking nephew's butt
Drive/5 iron/wedge 1.....drive 2....drive 3....drive/4 iron/wedge 4....drive/wedge 6....drive/7 iron 7....4 iron (double greenie) 8....2 putt 9.....drive/hybrid/9 iron/putt (birdie) 10....drive/7 iron 11....drive 13...4 iron/WEDGE 14....punch 15....drive/wedge/putt (birdie) 16....6 iron/birdie/near ace 17...drive/HYBRID/wedge/gimme (birdie) 18
Birdieng last 3 holes
GREAT weather

HappyUP!!! Day 2000

So MANY great things on this landmark day - ......and in this blessed life. Where does one even start regarding today?

HappyUP!!! - Day 2000
Why it happened - I have stuck to the process/practice
Why it makes me happy - we all have certain things we have made habits.  This is a pretty good habitual behavior. I started HappyUP!!!'s based on the concepts of Positive Psychology.  Eventually, I took them to the web so, as I spoke to groups about Positive Psychology, I could show them that I do walk the talk of savoring all the good things that happen everyday.  In the end, as any teacher will tell you that enjoys teaching, the teacher ends up being the beneficiary

HappyUP!!! - 36 holes of golf
Why it happened - my club needed me
Why it makes me happy - I was already scheduled to play in the morning with one of my favorite groups of guys. The Assistant Pro asked if I would help fill his roster for team play in the afternoon.  I was a bit hesitant as 36 in one day is a little more than I need usually.  I said, "yes." I played way better in the afternoon, got to play with a fellow club member that I hadn't played with, got some swing help, came back and "pushed" in my match, and met a couple of nice guys from the visiting club.  GREAT DAY on the golf course.  Young people should learn to play golf.  It's something you can do for a lifetime and teaches great values.....values that you can't just learn early and choose to forget about later......values that you HAVE to live by if you are going to play the game.

HappyUP!!! - evening entertainment
Why it happened - I was at the club already
Why it makes me happy - perfect weather for a fun outdoor concert by a great band!

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 12
Why it happened - putting
Why it makes me happy - it really was ridiculous. I had NO business draining this 50 foot, uphill, double breaking putt......yet...for some reason.....I felt absolutely NO guilt when that snake dropped right into the cup!


JollyJottings

Brekko
Playing with my favorite guys
A little chill in the summer morning air
9 iron 5.....par on 8....drive 10.....punch 11...partner chip in on 11..birdie putt on 12...drive/hold off 8 on 13......drive 16.....6 iron 17

36 holes

Drive/5 iron/wedge 1....punch/chip 2....drive 3....drive/4 iron/wedge 4.....9 iron 5 (ace possibility).....punch/chip 6......5 iron 7.....chip 9....drive/5 iron/wedge/BIRDIE 10....drive/honesty 11...pitch 12....chip 13.....4 iron/wedge/putt 14....9 iron recovery/putt 15.....drive/bunker shot/putt/ 16....7 iron 17.....drive/wedge 18
Pushing individual match.....getting a 3/3 tie after horrible morning round
Delicious pork chops

HappyUP!!! Day 1999

HappyUP!!! - HappyUP!!! 2000 Eve
Why it happened - it's been YEARS in this process
Why it makes me happy - great to celebrate a discipline......and I will celebrate tomorrow....it's a HUGE and IMPORTANT day/night for me

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 17
Why it happened - a STRONG 8 iron and a great putt
Why it makes me happy - it put me BACK IN THE GAME today...great time for doing that

HappyUP!!! - courageous conversations
Why it happened - there was a hiccup in the club
Why it makes me happy - I drew upon my corporate days.....talked to the Prez....the offender....all good....the key is to talk.....and not to text/e-mail



JollyJottings

Heat relief.....and next week
Pleasant morning
Courageous conversation
Talking with the Prez
Drive/4 iron/wedge 1...drive/8 iron 2....drive/bunker shot 3...drive/4 iron/wedge/putt/ 4....2 putt 5....drive/wedge/putt 6....drive/chip 7.....drive/hybrid 10.....6 iron/putt 12....drive/wedge 15...drive/chip 16....8 iron/putt/birdie 17....drive/hybrid/putt 18
Great weather
Getting the FINAL message
Securing plans for concert

HappyUP!!! Day 1998

HappyUP!!! - resolving an insurance issue
Why it happened - a trip to my doc
Why it makes me happy - I admit....when I heard what had happened......I went, "Oh boy...this will be fun...NOT!!!" Got the situation rectified in 10 minutes. HappyUP!!!

<-------I have seen several pics of writings on steps lately. I like this one the best

HappyUP!!! - a bathroom fix
Why it happened - I got to work
Why it makes me happy - I found a new product that may aid me in yet another project to do.

HappyUP!!! - appreciation for things going right
Why it happened - things went wrong
Why it makes me happy - my doc's office was going through an entire system change. For whatever reason, they had to treat everyone as a new patient. Tech helpers from the vendor who provided the software are hanging around helping due to the awkwardness of the new.  I am watching people get agitated...."I didn't bring my medical card....you have it on file!"....the schedule is obviously running late.  While I would prefer things to run smoothly, when I had the temptation to be agitated......THIS blog reminded me to think of how often this same process goes flawlessly well. When that lightbulb hit, I smiled.

HappyUP!!! - an evening swim
Why it happened - I got the call
Why it makes me happy - it was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much fun

HappyUP!!! Day 1997

HappyUP!!! - playing with my nephew
Why it happened - he was invited out
Why it makes me happy - so nice to play with R.....he doesn't play much but he's pretty good considering.  It was great that I was the swingman so, not only was he on my team, but my brother was on my other team too.  Great family time

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 18
Why it happened - 2 good shots....and a great ONE
Why it makes me happy - all the chips were on the line.....and I put the wedge in there for a "leaner." It could have easily gone in for an eagle. As it was, that shot put both Nutter teams "in the black."

HappyUP!!! - a surprising e-mail
Why it happened - I was shipped the wrong part
Why it makes me happy - I had sent an e-mail with pictures showing the replacement part I needed versus the one that was sent to me. I was just getting ready to follow up with a phone call. The e-mail came through saying the new part was not only on it's way.........but that it was free.......and I didn't have to ship the errant part back! OUTSTANDING!!!



JollyJottings

3 Speeches
Getting to evaluate the general
E-mail resolution to situation I was going to call on
Coffee
Putt 1.....drive/chip/putt 2.....drive/bunker shot/putt 3....drive/4 iron/pitch 4....chip/putt 5.....drive/chip 7....5 iron 8....recovery/pitch/putt 9.....drive/hybrid 10....5 iron/chip 12....4 iron/wedge 14.....drive/wedge 15.....drive/chip 16....6 iron 17....drive/hybrid/wedge/gimme birdie 18

HappyUP!!! Day 1996

I absolutely love this drawing from Hugh at Gaping Void (to view more of his work, CLICK HERE) I have long held that this notion we have created of "having it all" has created as much unhappinessas just about any other concept we have dreamt up in Western Society


HappyUP!!! - BIG Joe
Why it happened - we were partners again
Why it makes me happy - he loves us being partners. BIG Joe has a big handicap (golf wise)....but he is a GREAT guy to play with.  He had a BIG day today at North Valley league and took us to being the low on our team.  He hit one of the most AWESOME shots I have ever seen today on 16 from 190 yards out......as well as tremendously consistent play

HappyUP!!! - our new president taking over
Why it happened - he's back from vacation
Why it makes me happy - I am sooooo going to enjoy watching this guy take the helm.

HappyUP!!! - back to back birdies
Why it happened - some quality golf
Why it makes me happy - while Big Joe was going crazy good (see above), it didn't leave me a lot of room to contribute.  Glad I got to have a voice in our low score.........and I am proud that he was the MVP


JollyJottings

3 speeches
Our New President taking over
Waking up early
Team Play
Staying Hydrated

HappyUP!!! Day 1995

HappyUP!!! - shrimp cocktail
Why it happened - I was hungry
Why i makes me happy - this bad boy is a summer staple. LOVE IT!!!

HappyUP!!! - Departure
Why it happened - my club makes plans
Why it makes me happy - GREAT tribute band......it's going to be fun

HappyUP!!! - more pickin
Why it happened - toms are bustin loose
Why it makes me happy - got lots of request for homegrown tomatoes.  Who knew? Next year, I'll plant double the toms......peeps are indicating through social media that they will drive here for them

JollyJottings

HappyUP!!! Day 1994

HappyUP!!!- fleet washed
Why it happened - motivation
Why it makes me happy - got em all washed and ready for this week's activities.  Had to wait till dusk to do it....things needed to cool down...but....got er done

HappyUP!!! - putting championship
Why it happened - we do that
Why it makes me happy - got to the third round....took the eventual winner...and a great player to the final hole....we were both ON IT.....he got me....great competition

HappyUP!!! - putt on 17
Why it happened - I shoved it in
Why it makes me happy - wasn't the best tourney for my partner and I.....but....we got one birdie today

JollyJottings

Giants game planned...can't wait!!!

HappyUP!!! Day 1993

HappyUP!!! - tournament day
Why it happened - we have those
Why it makes me happy - always interesting....and fun....to have a day of competition with the field

HappyUP!!! - putt on 16
Why it happened - I stepped up
Why it makes me happy - we were having a challenging day. We had a choice. I said, "let''s take this one"....which was my putt.......and I drilled it DEAD CENTER into the hole for a nice shot in the arm

HappyUP!!! - swordfish
Why it happened - I had it last night
Why it makes me happy - it was sooooo goood last night......I decided to do it again.......and it was even BETTER tonight

JollyJottings

Tournament day
6 iron 1....chip 2....putt 3...drive /putt 4....drive 7....drive 9....drive 10...5 iron 12...4 iron 14...drive 15...drive/putt 16....chip 17....drive 18
US Women's Open
Warmer weather (not too warm)
CaddyShack
Swordfish

HappyUP!!! Day 1992

HappyUP!!! - packin it up
Why it happened - needed to
Why it makes me happy - I put some things away today that were no longer serving me...cool

HappyUP!!! - swordfish
Why it happened - I marinate
Why it makes me happy - that was a DARN good peice of BBQ'd fish

HappyUP!!! - par on 18
Why it happened - I played a good hole
Why it makes me happy - it got me out of a sketchy day all square

JollyJottings

Packin it up
6 iron 1.....drive/approach 2...drive 7.....birdie 8...birdie 10....birdie 11....par 18
After round enjoyment
weather
Dealing with "stuff"
Swordfish

HappyUP!!! Day 1991

HappyUP!!! - paperwork
Why it happened - it's a new year
Why it makes me happy - it was SOOOO COOL to knock out some important beginning of the toastmasters year stuff.....getting great help from TI

HappyUP!!! - speaking with my consultant
Why it happened - I rang her up
Why it makes me happy - I got some great ideas and insights

HappyUP!!! - DINNER!
Why it happened - I got my cook on
Why it makes me happy - shrimp cocktail, salad, sauteed veggies........didn't even need to bring out the big bad swordfish steaks......just let them marinade for a day or so.  GREAT dinner!

HappyUP!!! - communication
Why it happened - it always needs to
Why it makes me happy - awesome to get thoughts across....back and forth.....for deeper understanding

JollyJottings

Sleeping in
Paperwork
Great help from TI on a name change
Trip to Office Depot/Bank/Bank/TJ's/Sunflower
Delicious dinner pulling zukes/onions/toms/peppers out of garden
Mom flower

HappyUP!!! Day 1990 4th of July

There's a HappyUP!!! 4th of July face!!!

HappyUP!!! - 4th of July
Why it happened - dudes with cajones
Why it makes me happy - NOBODY, including me, can imagine the risks that the dudes took to put this country on the map...NOBODY. THAT is what this holiday is about.

HappyUP!!! - bonus holes
Why it happened - we were "stuck"
Why it makes me happy - we got to do a "game after the game."  5 holes.....two 4-man scramble teams for a friendly wager after we played 18.....nobody in our way....just a whole lotta fun

HappyUP!!! - Kaitlin
Why it happened - fireworks
Why it makes me happy - she is 4.5 yrs old.......and the cutest, smartest little "kinda great niece" a "grand uncle" could hope for.  We had nothing but a lot of fun waiting for her first fireworks show ever

HappyUP!!! - 4th of July
Why it happened - once a year...it does
Why it makes me happy - food....friends.....brother/sis-in-law....nephew/grand niece.....old friends.....perfect weather......a nice environment.....great fireworks........all in the confines of SAFE and SANE.....no wahoos doing weird stuff with fireworks or all "tanked up".....best 4th I have had in a long time.


JollyJottings

Waking up
Great weather
Lots of buddies
Chip 14.....wedge 15...drive/wedge 16...7 iron 17....pitch/putt 18...chip 2....5 iron 7....6 iron 8....chip 10....6 iron 12.....drive 13
Bonus scramble game
Weather
Watching an impossible chip in
Winning at dice
Kaitlin

HappyUP!!! Day 1989

WHAT AN AWESOME Day!!!!


HappyUP!!! - a guest
Why it happened - internet
Why it makes me happy - love that "silent salesperson".....the internet.  It brought yet another guest to our club......and we put on a great show.....we did what we were supposed to do....and I am pretty sure he will be back and join soon.

HappyUP!!! - Giants tour
Why it happened - I got an invitation
Why it makes me happy - come on, are you kidding me? Who wouldn't LOVE to get inside the innerworkings of AT&T park and see what happenes during a game. Great trivia....getting to sit in the dugout and clubhouse.....I could go on an on. Spectacular!

HappyUP!!! - weather
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - dunno why I am so lucky to have hit the jackpot so many times in San Francisco.  Today was another BANNER perfect day down there....just like the last few times I have been a tourist in the area.

HappyUP!!! - the whiner
Why it happened - it's a thing this person has
Why it makes me happy - it's just sooooooooooo funny when people beg...beg...beg...for attention. Very comical

JollyJottings

A guest
3 good speeches
Giants tour
Lombard Street
The Wharf
Transamerica Building
Drive home
The evening
The Weather
Being on the field...and the dugout

HappyUP!!! Day 1988

HappyUP!!! - Shadow
Why it happened - she's my girl
Why it makes me happy - I dunno........every once in awhile, as a pet owner, you just appreciate your pet a bit more.  She had the cute thing going on today

HappyUP!!! - plans
Why it happened - I got the call
Why it makes me happy - I'm going to be having some fun tomorrow....no bout adoubt it

HappyUP!!! - great dinner
Why it happened - found a few things from the garden
Why it makes me happy - OK.....not EVERYTHING was from the garden...but a lot of it was. I'm now "organic kinda guy"......but I always appreciate the blessing of making food from my own garden

HappyUP!!! Day 1987

HappyUP!!! - border collies
Why it happened - I was out for a walk
Why it makes me happy - what are the odds of running into 2 consecutive dog owners walking border collies?....and having a chat with each?  Border collies are cool

HappyUP!!! - Patriotic 1st of July
Why it happened - it's the weekend before the 4th
Why it makes me happy - it was cool hanging out in a SAFE and SANE environment....getting a nice presentation..................and GREAT fireworks.  Despite the masses, the escape to get home was quick and problem free as well. Great evening

HappyUP!!! - onion rings
Why it happened - see the above
Why it makes me happy - I just had to support the local vendors.  The taco guy put on a good spread but the winner was the onion ring man.....probably the best I ever had

HappyUP!!! - Euro2012

Why it happens - they do it every once in awhile

Why it makes me happy - am I the hugest soccer fan in the world? No.....far from it.  I DO love about any sporting championship, however.  The Italians and Spaniards were going NUTS!

HappyUP!!! Day 1986

HappyUP!!! - putt on 1
Why it happened - dumb luck
Why it makes me happy - it really set the tone for the day. I had NO BUSINESS running this one in....that hit the back of the hole....jumped straight up in the air due to it's speed....and plopped right back down in the cup

HappyUP!!! - putt on 3
Why it happened - a bit more skill than above
Why it makes me happy - after the experience on 1 for my opponents, they got another taste of the putter.........but it gets better.......

HappyUP!!! - pitch in on 9
Why it happened - a bit more skill here
Why it makes me happy - 1) it was a great shot 2) it rode on the heels of a couple of previous unlikely hole outs 3) it got me a tie for the front 9 when a loss looked inevitable 4) it left opponents shaking their heads.......how fun!!!

HappyUP!!! - dancing
Why it happened - our friend invited us
Why it makes me happy - no, it wasn't me doing any dancing tonight (though I love to)....it was a great production which our dear lifelong friend, J, and her husband had daughters participating in

HappyUP!!! - ShrimpUP!!!
Why it happened - dinnertime!!!
Why it makes me happy - my babe tossed a GREAT ONE on the table tonight.  Sauteed shrimp over pasta....hummm baby!

JollyJottings

Putt 1

HappyUP!!! Day 1985

HappyUP!!! - making some plans
Why it happened - it's road trip time
Why it makes me happy - we are going to have a blast this weekend and next week. ANTICIPATION is a grrrrrrreat HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - great group this afternoon
Why it happened - we golf
Why it makes me happy - thought we would be "playing 3" today.....great for JB to join us and make it 4.

HappyUP!!! - mowing, watering, and picking
Why it happened - I have a yard
Why it makes me happy - I just love the feeling of "gettin er done" when it comes to this area

HappyUP!!! Day 1984

HappyUP!!! - sushi
Why it happened - we got a hankering
Why it makes me happy - we don't eat sushi NEARLY enough....or maybe that's why it's so good when we do. DELICIOUS

HappyUP!!! - book store
Why it happened - looking for something
Why it makes me happy - can you spend hours in a bookstore? I can. Hate the idea that they could possibly go away. Unlike a library, you don't have to be THAT quiet in a bookstore. We were cracking ourselves up there tonight

HappyUP!!! - more toms
Why it happened - I planted
Why it makes me happy - the bigguns are starting to ripen now. Got my first "bigger" one today.....delicious!

HappyUP!!! Day 1983

HappyUP!!! - my presention
Why it happened - we started a tradition
Why it makes me happy - glad to bring light and levity to a "roast" event this morning. Roasts can be tough to do. You want to be funny...but kind at the same time.  I struck the balance

HappyUP!!! - my award
Why it happened - dedicated service
Why it makes me happy - sooooooooooooooo glad to get something useful.  I have soooooooooo many plaques/trophies/medals/badges/etc........that sit in boxes.  Who needs a testimonial to themselves? I like things that are useful

HappyUP!!! - golf with bro
Why it happened - we came up in the rotation
Why it makes me happy - yeah........it doesn't make me happy to have to slide him a few dollars after a round of golf......especially after beating him...........it's a testimony to his ability to draw good partners! He did come through on 18 and slam the door with a birdie.  Good fun is always a HappyUP!!! and I KNOW.....always KNOW.....how blessed I am to HAVE a brother that I can spend a few hours on the golf course with.

JollyJottings

Getting presentation ready
Oatmeal
Visiting an old haunt
A new hat
Lots of accolades
Roasting
Weather
Golf with bro

HappyUP!!! Day 1982

It's that HappyTime of year again!

HappyUP!!! - toms
Why it happened - I plant
Why it makes me happy - soooooo sweeeeeet

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - an elder member bringing his daughter, a brand new member selling Chile as a vacation possibility, elections done,  and two past members coming back to re-join.....what could be better?

HappyUP!!! - morning coffee
Why it happened - I had some time
Why it makes me happy - I rushed from Toastmasters to get some special coffee with a friend

HappyUP!!! Day 1981

HappyUP!!! - a good dentist trip
Why it happened - I go
Why it makes me happy - all was fine....easy cleaning.....love my dentist office

HappyUP!!! - new shirt
Why it happened - I took advantage
Why it makes me happy - my golf ball manufacturer had a special promotion....and I was all over it!  I got a $30-40 shirt........for FREE!!! I love free!!!

HappyUP!!! - parts delivered
Why it happened - I ordered them
Why it makes me happy - I can now fix something broken....glad the part was in stock and I got it soooo quickly

HappyUP!!! - quality time
Why it happened - peeps thinking of me
Why it makes me happy - I do favors.......and I get rewards....nice!

HappyUP!!! Day 1980

HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - the quickie sammy
Why it makes me happy - love the staff at the club......they take very good care of me

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron 17
Why it happened - I NEEDED it
Why it makes me happy - it gave me a chance on 18!!!!  Now, I didn't take advantage of the chance.....but I was in the game until the very last putt

HappyUP!!! - mini wood fired pizza
Why it happened - Buddy was hungry
Why it makes me happy - the wood fired pizza is pretty darn good

HappyUP!!! - an evening out
Why it happened - a friend's kids were in a show
Why it makes me happy - lots of fun watching a bunch of talented kids who have obviously been working hard

JollyJottings

Brekko
Drive/pitch/putt 1....drive/punch 4 iron 2..chip 3..putt 4....9 iron 5....bunker shot 6...4 iron 8....recovery shot/pitch 9....drive/hybrid/chip 10...drive 11....flop 12...drive/pitch 13....tee shot/flop/putt 14....drive/wedge/putt (birdie) 15.....drive/wedge 16....6 iron 17....wedge 18
weather
mini pizza

HappyUP!!! Day 1979

HappyUP!!! - new golf friends
Why it happened - they needed a game...we had room
Why it makes me happy - always good to have a couple of good players to tee it up with

HappyUP!!! - hand from a neighbor
Why it happened - I asked
Why it makes me happy - it only took 15 minutes...but it really helped me out in a pinch...so appreciate my neighbor

HappyUP!!! - great movie
Why it happened - I was invited
Why it makes me happy - this one wouldn't have been on my list.....but it was a LOT of fun!

JollyJottings

A couple of new friends, Al and Matt
5 iron/wedge/putt 1....recovery/pitch/putt 2....drive 3....9 iron 5....8 iron 6....drive/punch/pitch/putt 7 (bogey)....6 iron 8....drive/2 putt 9.......drive/hybrid/wedge/putt 10...drive/8 iron 11...drive/chutt 13....bunker shot/putt 14.....9 iron/putt/birdie 15...drive/putt 16.....6 iron 17....drive/bunker shot 18
Getting a hand from my neighbor
Roma tomato
Great movie

HappyUP!!! Day 1978

HappyUP!!! - belt ceremony
Why it happened - he's moving up
Why it makes me happy - so proud of this guy.....great to see Sensei present at the ceremony

HappyUP!!! - celebratory pizza
Why it happened - gotta eat after the above
Why it makes me happy - this was one TASTY pie

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron on 2
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - this hole was playing loooooonnnng today. I knocked this one up into the wind with a tight little draw........right by the hole

HappyUP!!! - JB
Why it happened - he could get away
Why it makes me happy - don't get to play with this guy NEARLY enough

HappyUP!!! - tied best round of year
Why it happened - some crafty short game
Why it makes me happy - coming down the line, the swing was getting a little dicey.....the chipper and the putter MORE than stepped in

JollyJottings

Great group today
Belt Ceremony
Delicious pizza
5 iron on 2...hitting 4 in 2....5 iron 8.....drive 2putt 9.....birdie putt 12...wedge 15....chip/putt par 16....chip/putt par 17.....incredibly pitch/putt par 18
Tied for best round of the year

HappyUP!!! Day 1977

HappyUP!!! - J&J's Body Shop
Why it happened - Big Joe is a friend of mine
Why it makes me happy - I had a really nasty rattle in my driver's side door. Big Joe said take it down to his old shop that his kids run.  They were ABSOLUTELY awesome!

HappyUP!!! - Improvisational Theater
Why it happened - the owner invited me
Why it makes me happy - it was a lot of fun hanging out with this creative bunch....doing some exercises....getting up on stage

HappyUP!!! - helping the Prez
Why it happened - it's election time
Why it makes me happy - glad the Prez is stepping in and getting this done. We had some surprising volunteers.

HappyUP!!! Day 1976

HappyUP!!! - new member
Why it happened - she was invited
Why it makes me happy - I guess summer isn't ALWAYS a slow time for new people joining anymore. Awesome!

HappyUP!!! - Big Joe
Why it happened - he was my arranged for partner
Why it makes me happy - always fun to play in these events with the Big guy. Great individual!

HappyUP!!! - putting/ball striking
Why it happened - a little ball positioning
Why it makes me happy - I kept that driver down the middle....and kept rolling the putts toward the hole all day at Auburn Valley

HappyUP!!! Day 1975

HappyUP!!! - grilled it and ate it

Why it happened-gardening

Why it makes me happy - the zukes...garlic...onion....all from the garden. No.....the cheese was imported.......but a delicious dinner

HappyUP!!!- Toastmasters

Why it happened - Tuesday

Why it makes me happy - I had more pics sent to me from last week's honorary. That isn't the big HappyUP!!! The bigger one was a past member....showing up as guest.....one of the peeps I mentored....and filling in on a speech at spur of moment....and blowing the house down. So proud

HappyUP!!! - Paul

Why it happened - the owner reached out to me

Why it makes me happy - while it ain't a big to me, I do like when local important peeps reach out to me for help and guidance. This one is right down my alley. Can't wait to start....and help in any way that I can.

HappyUP!!! Day 1974

HappyUP!!! - "hi baby!"
Why it happened - you asked
Why it makes me happy - so happy you asked about my welfare. Not nuts about the manipulation you did to ask the question........and who you went through.........but VERY delighted on how much you care about me

HappyUP!!! - swimming
Why it happened - it's Sac in Summer
Why it makes me happy - glad to get the invite. Pool time IS the best time!

HappyUP!!! - calls and invitations
Why it happened - uh....peeps like me?
Why it makes me happy - who doesn't like being desired/wanted?

HappyUP!!! Day 1973

HappyUP!!! - riding
Why it happened - heat
Why it makes me happy - wasn't really planning on playing golf today.....but we decided to take another shot at qualifying. I LOVE to walk....but....considering the heat of last few days and walking....it was a good call on my partner's part to say, "let's cart it today!"

HappyUP!!! - Delta Breeze
Why it happened - it's where we live
Why it makes me happy - NOTHING better after a HOT SacraTomatoe Day....then to have it cool down in the evening....love our climate here

HappyUP!!! - 7th hole
Why it happened - conquered the beast
Why it makes me happy - this hole is sooooooooooo set up to drive me crazy......was glad to have gotten the tee shot to EXACTLY where it needed to be.....and then hit a quality shot in

HappyUP!!! - US OPEN
Why it happened - the USGA and Olympic Club
Why it makes me happy - EXCITING.....right down to the finish.....on the edge of chair kind of stuff.....the USGA got it SO right in the venue this year.....2 birdie holes to finish....yet....due to the pressure....few did................and a great national champion was named in Webb Simpson.  VERY happy for this nice guy and what it will do for his career.

HappyUP!!! Day 1972

HappyUP!!! - putt on 4
Why it happened - I hit a good one
Why it makes me happy - today was a qualifier.....needed a spark....this 40 footer helped

HappyUP!!! - 9 iron 10
Why it happened - I trusted
Why it makes me happy - checked down a few decisions on the shot due to the wind....decided a full shot was best....BIRDIE!

HappyUP!!! - US OPEN
Why it happened - the USGA does it every year
Why it makes me happy - they TOTALLY got it right this year....this tournament is so great to watch. It's soooooo impossible to guess mother nature....takes so long to get the course in shape to identify the champion.......little doubt....this year....weather and course setup have been perfect

HappyUP!!! - McGyver Fix
Why it happened - my handy tool
Why it makes me happy - who knew I was a Lego engineer?

HappyUP!!! Day 1971

HappyUP!!! - Finding a group
Why it happened - connectivity
Why it makes me happy - the regular group was out....was glad to get in

HappyUP!!! - 7 iron on 12
Why it happened - I put a very nice move on it
Why it makes me happy - the 7 iron was pure....the breaking putt for birdie made was outrageous....it was a game changer

HappyUP!!! - US Open
Why it happened - it's every year
Why it makes me happy - FANTASTIC drama happening...Olympic Club...right here in California....it's making every Californian proud

HappyUP!!! Day 1970

HappyUP!!! - swimming
Why it happened - a little fun was needed
Why it makes me happy - I love being in the pool

HappyUP!!! - great dinner
Why it happened - a great imaginative cook
Why it makes me happy - who wouldn't love a little pulled meat over rice

HappyUP!!! - summertime reading
Why it happened - rules
Why it makes me happy - Hemingway would be a benefit to anyone to read

JollyJottings

US Open
Swimming
Great dinner
A companion all day
NBA Finals
Summertime reading

HappyUP!!! Day 1969

HappyUP!!! - US Open Day
Why it happened - honor of our nation's championship
Why it makes me happy - our club sets the course up super hard.....I wouldn't want this everyday...but it was fun

HappyUP!!! - guest
Why it happened - I invite friends
Why it makes me happy - good to have A out to taste the course at it's "best"

HappyUP!!! - a gift
Why it happened - consideration
Why it makes me happy - it was a perfect gift at a perfect time

HappyUP!!! - a stop by visit
Why it happened - my friends were doing their route
Why it makes me happy - great to see them this afternoon....timing...awesome

HappyUP!!! Day 1968

A very humbling moment and meeting....what

a surprise.  You only need to do small things

with great love in order to effect people and 

change the world.

HappyUP!!! - an unexpected honor
Why it happened - Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - I'm not one big on compliments. I just do my thing the best I can. The group surprised me today.  They honored me for something even I can't play down.....loyalty. It's at my core. 25 years devoted to trying to make this group as good as it can be.  It was a packed house.  I got some fun roasting and jabs............but the accolades and words about changing lives....well.....when they asked me to say something at the end.......I was fairly speechless.

HappyUP!!! - delivering
Why it happened - I was scheduled
Why it makes me happy - it was a great test run of my talk today. It needs some refinement but I was happy with it

HappyUP!!! - last day of school
Why it happened - it happens every year
Why it makes me happy - I was glad to be able to move my schedule around and be there today

JollyJottings

Delivering
Being honored/recognized
Past members attending
So many accolades
Good ribbing
Speech devoted to me
Taking care of my man on last day of school

HappyUP!!! Day 1967

Hey, Playboy.....throw this one on the

grill if you want to impress someone.

HappyUP!!! - finishing the draft of a speech
Why it happened - Toastmasters tomorrow
Why it makes me happy - what a great education I have received in researching this topic.  There is no question I will get a chance to give this speech to others again.  Tomorrow's talk will be far from perfect....but that's another beauty of Toastmasters....a laboratory in which to hone important talks. Lives WILL be saved based on this talk

HappyUP!!! - great evening
Why it happened - just an extension of the day
Why it makes me happy - fun isn't happiness....but it is a component....and we had some fun tonight!!!

HappyUP!!! - an important event
Why it happened - I always am in the present
Why it makes me happy - I was glad to see this important thing happen...with my own eyes...very proud

HappyUP!!! Day 1966

LOVE the miniature golf.....look at that

finish......three aces....including that one

at the end that wins you a free game.....

6 of them overall.   We will be using that

free pass soon!

HappyUP!!! - Sunsplash
Why it happened - guys day
Why it makes me happy - great to hang with guys out doing some mini-golf, arcading, and eating....MEN!

HappyUP!!! -swimming
Why it happened - it was hot...and there is a pool
Why it makes me happy - such fun to get to be a kid....with the kids.....on a hot day....in da pool

HappyUP!!! - GrillUP!!!
Why it happened - it just seemed to fit
Why it makes me happy - a swim and grill?........it just always works!  The Chinese Salad was too die for too!

JollyJottings

Brekko
Mini Golf
Arcade
In N Out
Swimming
Grilling
Walking

HappyUP!!! Day 1965

HappyUP!!! - finishing in the money
Why it happened - I had a strong partner
Why it makes me happy - my partner picked me up today as my game was a bit off.  3rd place was OK based on my effort

HappyUP!!! - making a putt on the last hole
Why it happened - I was grinding
Why it makes me happy - THAT putt was a BIG moneymaker.....and I sensed it would be as I got over it....and I put that 12 footer right in the middle of the jar!

HappyUP!!! - dinner, awards, and dancing
Why it happened - the Acorn concludes
Why it makes me happy - SO much fun out with my babe and dear friends......GREAT...GREATER....GREATEST times!


JollyJottings

Sean and Bill partners
3rd Place
8 iron 13.....putt 16....wedge 18.....wedge 2.....6 iron punch 5....drive/wedge 6.....9 iron 7.....5 iron 8....drive/pitch/putt 9
Meeting my partners gf
Breaking even with the field
Dinner
Dancing
Liars Dice

HappyUP!!! Day 1964

HappyUP!!! - Horse Race
Why it happened - tournament inside the tournament
Why it makes me happy - the horse race is an interesting dynamic. You basically are on the verge of elimination with each shot.  If you can survive that, you get to the finals..........in full view of EVERY person in the tournament who has been eliminated so far.  It can be a little nerve wracking. For the second year in a row, I drew a good partner for this........and managed to ride it home in first place.  It's always nice to peform under pressure.

HappyUP!!! - 3 birdies
Why it happened - good shots
Why it makes me happy - my partner and I needed it today.....neither of us played to our potential...but we were OK....only 3 shots out of the overall lead.

HappyUP!!! - great food
Why it happened - the club does a great job
Why it makes me happy - brekko buffet knocked it out of the park.  Lunch was light (my choice). The seafood buffet at dinner was OVER THE TOP! Word of the Day?.....Oysters.....Rockerfeller/in the half shell.........I love this tournament!

HappyUP!!! Day 1963

I always love a good "yard sale"....this

is my buddy's pull cart. It happened the

other day but I just looked at the photo

today!

HappyUP!!! - donut time
Why it happened - it was morning
Why it makes me happy - what a lovely way to start the day of the Acorn!

HappyUP!!! - seeing my ol buddy Rob
Why it happened - the Acorn
Why it makes me happy - he's one of those guys that you may spend time apart from....and it's like yesterday when you see him

HappyUP!!! - cashing ticket on my brother
Why it happened - I bet on him
Why it makes me happy - love making money on my brother's efforts.

HappyUP!!! - good start
Why it happened - we teamed well
Why it makes me happy - you can't win on day one....but you can lose. We didn't play that well individually...but we picked each other up. We only had one stumble.....kept us a stroke out from cashing a ticket.....but we are only 1 out of the lead

JollyJottings

A donut
Gorgeous morning/day
The Acorn begins
Seeing my ol buddy
Drive on 18.....drive on 2...partner 6 iron/partner putt 2....up and down 3....wedge/partner putt 4....putt on 5...drive/wedge 6.....pitch 7....5 iron 8...drive/7 iron/putt 9....drive/partner 3 wood 10....partner drive/partner wedge/partner putt 11.....both hitting green/my putt 12....drive /partner wedge 13....good partner play 14....9 iron 16....6 iron 17.
Cashing ticket on brother
Cashing ticken on par 3 contest
1 off the lead after day 1
Perfect weather
A new wedge
Food was excellent
Night with my babe
Walking the pup

HappyUP!!! Day 1962

OK....so maybe it wasn't all pasta at

Pasta Night! MahiMahi with some

Mango sauce works

HappyUP!!! - Pasta Bar

Why it happened - it's Wed

Why it makes me happy - we have not experienced this one......and tonight was great....all 24 of us.  GREAT food........and GREAT company.......and LOTS of Both!!!

HappyUP!!! - Jimboys
Why it happened - I was hungry
Why it makes me happy - a great trip to the bank....and I was hungry....and what was nearby? My favorite place to go for what HAVE to rate as some of the best tacos.

HappyUP!!! - flop shot on 1
Why it happened - skillz
Why it makes me happy - after what could only be called as a HORRIBLE third shot, I made the most unlikliest of pars to save the start of my round

JollyJottings

Finding out I was missed
Morning coffee
Toastmasters speeches....Horacio/Al/Jaqueline all marvy
Jimboys
Bank employee
Flop shot 1.....7 iron/wedge 4.....punch 7 on 5.....drive 6.....drive/7iron/chip 7....drive/hybrid/wedge 10....pitch 11....7 iron 12....drive/putt 13....drive/wedge 15.....flop shot 17....drive/8 iron 18
Dinner with all the couples
Pet OK
Pasta Nite

HappyUP!!! Day 1961

HappyUP!!! - great speeches
Why it happened - Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - great information received on a couple of fronts

HappyUP!!! - Vote UP!!!
Why it happened - it's where we live
Why it makes me happy - by and large, I enjoyed the outcomes of the primary and the amendments

HappyUP!!! - FuzzyUP!!!
Why it happened - I got a request
Why it makes me happy - it was awesome to get out and slap fuzzy around.......be able to give a tennis lesson......on a gorgeous night.

JollyJottings

HappyUP!!! Day 1960

HappyUP!!! - tooth loss
Why it happened - it happens
Why it makes me happy - it's the first one for this special little girl that operates in the periphery

HappyUP!!! - drop off
Why it happened - I use my license
Why it makes me happy - some things that get said....whether intentionally or Freudian slips.....can really put a smile on the face

-----"Is it true I get paid by someone for this missing item?"

HappyUP!!! - rain
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - 101 on Friday...90's Sat/Sun......and rain today without even making the 70's. I love zaniness!



HappyUP!!! - conjure
Why it happened - Words
Why it makes me happy - 111 points for one word ain't too shabby! I'm usually the one that gets that one dropped on me!

JollyJottings

Great sleep
Great wakeup
Doing the drop off
Serendipitous photo editing
Rain

HappyUP!!! Day 1959

Lots of fun swimming tonight....well...how

could it be anything but? Look at how 

good looking the dude is...twice!!!

HappyUP!!! - bunker shots
Why it happened - I kinda know how to do it
Why it makes me happy - there are times when one can get lost in the sand.....got both of them within 5 feet today

HappyUP!!! - Memorial Tournament
Why it happened - Jack Nicklaus
Why it makes me happy - it was a VERY exciting tournament....featuring one of the best shots I have EVER seen (Nicklaus said the same thing) under the circumstances

HappyUP!!! - SwimUP!!!
Why it happened - lovely evening
Why it makes me happy - before we were done, EVERYONE was in the pool having a great time.... even if some participants weren't planning on it.

JollyJottings

Drive 1....Drive/3 wood 3....drive/hybrid/wedge 4....9 iron 5....drive/wedge 6....drive/7 iron 7.....bunker shot 8.....chip 9.....drive/3 wood/wedge/putt/birdie 10....9 iron 11.....8 iron 13....3 wood 14....3 wood/bunker shot 15....3 wood 16....chip 17.....3 wood/wedge 18

Checking out the pool

Memorial Tournament

Tiger Woods pitch in

Pulled pork

Evening swimming

HappyUP!!! Day 1958

HappyUP!!! - pro in early
Why it happened - he couldn't sleep?
Why it makes me happy - I got to head back home early and do some stuff prior to teeing it up

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 3
Why it happened - I used the bounce
Why it makes me happy - been working on properly using my wedge again. I used it pretty well on the hardest hole on our course as my pitch rolled right into the jar for a birdie!

HappyUP!!! - got the tee time
Why it happened - early rise
Why it makes me happy - my weekend golf is "catch and catch can" and sketchy. Sometimes I do...sometimes I don't.  I get my golf in during the week.  When I want to play on Saturday,  I now KNOW the drill now if I want to play on a Saturday morning at our club. It's not rocket science.....it's the classic "early bird gets the worm."  Funny how some axioms ALWAYS work.

JollyJottings

Got the tee time
Coffee
Pro came in early
Drive/4 iron 1....drive/7 iron 2.....drive/CHIP IN/Birdie 3...punch shot 4....drive/wedge 6....drive 7....bunker shot 8....drive/pitch 9.....3 wood 10....6 iron/putt/birdie 12.....high hook 7 iron 13....wedge 14....wedge/putt 15.....putt 16.....putt 17
Nap

HappyUP!!! Day 1957

Out of the garden....a run in with a 

knife, some oil, salt, garlic...and then

a crash into that BBQ grill!!! FoodUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - a little heat
Why it happened - welcome to June
Why it makes me happy - OK.....I really don't like triple digit heat. Yet, it is the first one of the year so it is an easy one to welcome....especially when I know it's going to cool down in a hurry

HappyUP!!! - a lovely nite out with Mr/Mrs H and Mr/Mrs Buddy
Why it happened - Prime Rib nite
Why it makes me happy - great food...tremendous ambiance.....lovely ladies.....what's not to be happy about?

HappyUP!!! - my guest Adam
Why it happened - I invited him
Why it makes me happy - was glad to finally get on the course with this old pal. Great times

JollyJottings

A little heat
My guest Adam
A lovely night out with other couples
Delicious dinner
Morning
Physical
Pitch 1.....putt 2....drive/hybrid/putt 3.....drive/wedge/putt/birdie 4.....recovery/pitch/putt 6...9 iron/putt/birdie 10.....drive/7 iron punch 11....7 iron 12....drive/wedge 13.....3 wood/wedge 14....3 wood/punch 9 15......2nd sand shot 16......3 wood 18

HappyUP!!! Day 1956

Yeah....I could eat that....oh....wait!

I DID!!! HappyUP!!!!

HappyUP!!! - bacon wrapped shrimp
Why it happened - I was inspired
Why it makes me happy - OMG!!!......seriously GREAT eats.....and so...so....sooooo easy!

HappyUP!!! - first squash
Why it happened - the garden is crankin
Why it makes me happy - always nice to have fresh veggies at the ready

HappyUP!!! - Salmon
Why it happened - I was inspired
Why it makes me happy - did the salmon a little differently tonight. I learned a couple of things.....but it still turned out bien appetito!

HappyUP -

JollyJottings

Fun plans
Getting things done
Watering
First squash
Salmon
Bacon wrapped shrimp

HappyUP!!! Day 1955

I don't really need to explain why this

is such a happy little picture....do I?

HappyUP!!! - family time
Why it happened - celebration time
Why it makes me happy - niece birthday and promotion.....brother's birthday....my ENTIRE family got to be there due to some fortuitous last minute schedule changes.  Sooooooo much fun out to dinner!

HappyUP!!! - scallops
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - it was the PERFECT entree choice for my hunger level.....and delicious

HappyUP!!! - the stinger
Why it happened - swinging better
Why it makes me happy - if I can get this little shot down for 13-16, look out boys!!! It showed a LOT of promise today.  May start hitting it on 7 as well.  It's a very controlled shot that flat out shoots out there with some nice roll.

HappyUP!!! - quality chipping/pitching
Why it happened - been working on it....and gaining education
Why it makes me happy - saved myself a shot on 2.....12....17.....18.......and 3 of those 4 were from EXTREMELY difficult situations.  This area used to be my bread and butter. If I can get that back, low numbers will be soon to follow

JollyJottings

Coffee
Toastmasters speeches
Brother Birthday Golf
5 iron/wedge 1......9 iron/chip 2....driver off deck/wedge 4......2 putt 5....drive/wedge/putt/birdie 6.....punch shot 7.....5 iron 8.....wedge 10....drive/7 iron 11.....flop shot 12....9 iron/2 putt 13....stinger 14.....stinger/punch 15.....stinger/wedge 16......pitch shot 17.....chip 18
Unexpected additional dinner guest
Birthday dinner with the ENTIRE family
Weather

HappyUP!!! Day 1954

HappyUP!!! - Bob's speech
Why it happened - Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - what a FABULOUS dramatic speech.....gorgeous pictures painted purely with words. Love hearing this guy talk.

HappyUP!!! - taking the A-train
Why it happened - he needed a ride
Why it makes me happy - always love giving this guy a lift to school when he needs it. Highlight of my day

HappyUP!!! - finishing well
Why it happened - found a little something
Why it makes me happy - yeah, it was too late to save our team today but it was good to bring it home and save a little face

HappyUP!!! - dinner
Why it happened - team play
Why it makes me happy - our club GOT IT ON and outdid itself today. GREAT spread!!!

JollyJottings

Bob's speech
Leading tabletopics
Guests
Gorgeous weather
Washing the machine
Taking the A-train...building the relationship
Putt 3....drive 4...9 iron 5....wedge 6....drive 7.....drive 10....break 11....7 iron/putt 12....wedge 14...drive/wedge 15.....drive/3 wood/wedge 18.....5 iron/9 iron 1....drive/8 iron/putt 2
Weather

HappyUP!!! Day 1953 Mon Memorial Day

HappyUP!!! - Memorial Day
Why it happened - it's a nice tradition we have
Why it makes me happy - great thoughts about my late father today....and the opportunity to do a re-post about the heroics that, while he never took credit for, he displayed in WW2.

HappyUP!!! - filling in for bonus golf
Why it happened - the new guys had room
Why it made me happy - hadn't planned on playing today......turned in another solid round

HappyUP!!! - seeing my nephew
Why it happened - he was my bro's guest
Why it makes me happy - great to hang a bit at the club with him.....wished we could have played together but my group was right behind so it was all good

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 11
Why it happened - MONSTER drive and a nice gap wedge
Why it makes me happy - this came at a great time. It also made me appreciate how easy this hole is from where some of my counterparts get to play it.

JollyJottings

Rousting the A-train
Drive/4 iron/wedge 1.....drive/7 iron 2.....4 iron/chip 3.....drive/4 iron/wedge 4.....2 putt 5....9 iron 6....pitch/putt 7.....6 iron 8.....drive/pitch 9....bunker shot 10....drive/A wedge/putt/birdie 11....8 iron/bunker shot 12....5 iron 13.....9 iron 14.....chip/putt 15....hybrid/9 iron 16....wedge/putt 17....wedge 18
Weather

Hero?....You Want A Hero? HappyUP!!! Memorial Day

(A Special Post for SundayScribblings originally published 11/19/2006)


I'll give you one - and I mean that sincerely. But first, a stearn word of warning:

IF YOU WANT TO MAINTAIN YOUR EXCUSES FOR NOT DOING THE
THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING OR FEEL LIKE
YOU CAN'T DO.....READ NO FURTHER. ALL OF THOSE EXCUSES GO
AWAY IF YOU READ ON.

After all, isn't that what real heroes are all about? - they inspire us to be more than who we are.

So, who is the hero that I will give to you? - well, "give" is a bit much because there is no way that I would give this treasure away. I will "share" this hero with you. You can draw from his power should you ever get down.

The hero? - well, let's set the stage. It's May 28, 1944. A young airman....navigator....is about to go up for his 30th bombing run. His long tour of duty is almost over. The amount of planes in the air this day...friendly and unfriendly is more than he has ever seen.

By the time they drop their payload on Germany - the B-17 is badly damaged. The entire 10 man crew is huddled up near the cockpit as it is the only spot in the plane that now has oxygen. The crew knows that they will have to ditch the plane as it is too damaged to land.

Can they just make it to the English Channel - so they can bail out over friendly ground?

"Fire...Fire..jump!" - shouts the pilot. Two airman leap from the plane as the pilot holds the craft steady for the crew. Those are the only two that get to jump as the plane explodes.

Our navigator - has never jumped from a plane before. Sure, they told him how to do it down on the ground but he has never free fallen from a plane. He only knows that, to avoid capture, he is to delay opening his parachute until the last moment.

He plummets from 17,000 feet - down to 2500 and pulls the rip chord.......but nothing happens. Frantically, he reaches into his front pack and pulls on a handful of silk. It was just enough to get the chute to respond...though, when it does, the force of the braking is so hard that it feels like our young airman has broken every bone in his body.

He hits the ground - hard. What awaits him in Germany? A bunch of farmers...with clubs and pitchforks. They aren't too thrilled with this young American flyboy that just moments before had been bombing their motherland. They begin to beat him to death....

Until a German Officer on a bicycle - rides up and restores order. He captures his prisoner. Later, the airman will be brought back to this spot....to identify the bodies of what, just moments before, had been his crew memebers.

This includes that pilot - who held that plane true to the very end so his crew could escape.

Our navigator is taken into a stalag - and he remains there in deplorable conditions until an evening in January of 1945. All of the prisoners are awoken in the middle of the night. They are rousted and told to start marching.

You see - the allied forces were getting close to liberating these prisoners. The Germans now had to move the prisoners farther into Nazi territory.

Have you ever been to Germany in January? - neither have I. It ain't the tropics. Thousands of men are thrown out into a blizzard....many with only cardboard for shoe bottoms. Freezing temperatures. No NorthFace or Patagonia outerwear. Old French greatcoats were de riguer.

Thousands of malnourished men - just putting one foot in front of the other in fresh fallen Bavarian snow. Over one third of the men laid down .....and it was the last rest they ever took. They were shot or left to die all in the name of Hitler's philosophies.

Not our airman....our navigator.....our Hero - he kept marching...marching....moving. They went in cattlecars, flea infested factories, abandoned buildings.....but always walking. He kept up for 5 months until he and the rest of the prisoners were finally liberated.

So, the next time you think that you have something tough in front of you - remember our Hero....who happens to be my father. If he can survive in those conditions, I think that I....and you....can put up with some of the minor inconveniences that we go through every day.

...and, the next time you think a hero is someone - that gets their name stitched on to a pair of basketball shoes, could you do me a favor? .......

.........Don't even come near me with that load of crap unless you want to learn about real heroes.

HappyUP!!! Day 1952

HappyUP!!! - Indy 500
Why it happened - once a year
Why it makes me happy - finished golfing just in time to catch the last 14 laps.....the best part of the race. No disappointment this year.....excitement!!!

HappyUP!!! - day in the hills
Why it happened - we planned it
Why it makes me happy - a little tourism.....some hiking....a river.....sandwiches.....great family day with LOVELY weather.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 17
Why it happened - a solid 7 iron and a nice putt
Why it makes me happy - it's ALWAYS good to make a birdie on the way to da house

HappyUP!!! - bunker shot 18
Why it happened - I nipped that puppy
Why it makes me happy - saved myself a stroke....would have been easy to give up the way I had made a mess out of the hole....escaped with a nice bogey.

JollyJottings

Drive/4iron/wedge 1.......drive/8 iron 2.....drive/hybrid/2 putt 3......drive/3 wood/chip/putt birdie 4..... 9 iron 5....driver/wedge 6.....4 iron recovery 9......9 iron/putt 10......drive 11....5 iron 12....drive/chip 13 ....drive 14.....drive/9 iron 15....putt 16...7 iron/putt/birdie 17.....bunker shot 18
-sandwich
-being a tourist
-Camp Lotus brochures
-weather
-Sunday afternoon drive
-chipping improving
-river visit
-Indy 500

HappyUP!!! Day 1951

HappyUP!!! - ReadUP!!!
Why it happened - evening quiet time
Why it makes me happy - after all the hoopla of the birthday party, it was time for some relaxation. I knocked the above out in about an hour and a half.  There definitely is a reason why Hemingway has always been held in such high regard as a writer.  The story in this book says it all about the human condition and what is GOOD about it......determination, loyalty, using skill, heartbreak, honor

HappyUP!!! - ChickenUP!!!
Why it happened - grillmaster time
Why it makes me happy - chicken is always a little tricky to grill. Oh sure, you can easily be safe and cook it too long and let it be a little dry. Who wants that? If you go to short, you end up with blood and you could get sick......NOBODY wants that.  You also have the skin to contend with.  Tonight.....I put the good turn on the bird to everyone's delight

HappyUP!!! - solid round of golf
Why it happened - finding a little something
Why it makes me happy - it was just a few days ago that I was displaying ineptness.  Now, it looks like I'm heading in the good direction

HappyUP!!! - "hobo camp"
Why it happened - birthday party "leftovers"
Why it makes me happy - I took off early to tee it up today. The boys had stayed up late. It was so funny to make my way over the 5 snoring bodies on the living room floor.  What a crackup!

JollyJottings

Solid round
BBQ Chicken
The Old Man and the Sea
HoboCamp and Snores

HappyUP!!! Day 1950

Now THAT is one HappyGrill!!! Come on over

and I'll toss one on for ya!

HappyUP!!! - GiftUP!!!
Why it happened - I put on the thinking cap
Why it makes me happy - the gift was something that was needed.....AND it fit right into the theme/scheme of the birthday party.  GREAT time had by all with the gift

HappyUP!!! - GrillUP!!!
Why it happened - it was a birthday party
Why it makes me happy - c'mon.........take a look at the picture.  You KNOW a whole lotta happy is goin on!

HappyUP!!! - SwimUP!!!
Why it happened - it was a birthday party
Why it makes me happy - first time in a pool this year. The weather was a little cool....but the water was excellent......and so were all the hijinx with the kids.

HappyUP!!! - TossUP!!!
Why it happened - it was a birthday party
Why it makes me happy - great idea to pick up a special ball to toss around and kill some time before all the guests arrived. Then, once the guests arrived, the tossing increased.  It's hard to be anything but happy when you are chucking a ball around.

JollyJottings

Morning quality time

Finding a perfect gift

Grilling it up

Swimming it up

Laughing it up

Tossing the ball around

Taste of my own rotissirie medicine

Delicious food

HappyUP!!! Day 1949

HappyUP!!! - helping out
Why it happened - I was available
Why it makes me happy - when work collides with doing the personal biz, who you gonna call?  That's right....ME!!!  I LOVE doing my part for my family

HappyUP!!! - morning visitor
Why it happened - I put out the invite
Why it makes me happy - it's better to hang out here at the crib than in some garage.  Wonderful company

HappyUP!!! - a LOVELY experience
Why it happened - good living
Why it makes me happy - wow.......what a cleansing experience!

HappyUP!!! Day 1948

HappyUP!!! - 3 Icebreakers
Why it happened - we have new members
Why it makes me happy - whoa!!!! I heard the gamut today. Great life stories.  All of them well delivered....yet plenty of room for improvement.

HappyUP!!! - drive/wedge 18
Why it happened - hitting some good shots
Why it makes me happy - it was far from my best day today......but I put it together on the closing hole to come out unscathed

HappyUP!!! - awards presentation
Why it happened - our members rock
Why it makes me happy - this is the season to get educational awards......and we have a ripe crop in the Wednesday group

JollyJottings

Wedge on 1....punch/wedge 4.....7 iron 5......drive 6.....chip 9....hybrid 10....drive 11....chip 12....8 iron 13....hybrid/wedge 15....drive/wedge 18
3 Icebreakers
Awards presentation
Good eating