HappyUP!!! Day 1310

HappyUP!!! - picking up my car

Why it happened - it needed some work

Why it makes me happy - I got a ride from my friend...we got some good chat time in. It's nice to call in a favor

HappyUP!!! - over the top scrambling

Why it happened - I am a grinder

Why it makes me happy - I don't like hitting the driver crappy.....I really don't. Yet, as is life, you play what you are given and try to clean up your messes. I did it today on 1, 2, 8, almost 9, 10, 11, and 18. Insane.

HappyUP!!! - pouring in some putts

Why it happened - remember yesterday when I said I was practicing my putting

Why it makes me happy - the putter is the great equalizer....and I was rolling it very purely today.

HappyUP!!! - firming up plans for tomorrow

Why it happened - my buddy called in a favor

Why it makes me happy - off to Tahoe for the day......without a huge rush to get back that was looming.

Toastmasters

New Member

Great speech by a newer member

Great painting speech

Over the top scrambling

Picking up my car

Tennis invitation

Great plans for tomorrow

HappyUP!!! Day 1309

HappyUP!!! - practice time around the putting green

Why it happened - I have taken a hiatus from playing

Why it makes me happy - it's been awhile since I was out grinding a bit on the putter. There really is something to be said for just knocking that ball into the hole. It not only builds confidence but, if you allow it, there is a zen like quality to it.

HappyUP!!! - making the garbage truck

Why it happened - I hustled

Why it makes me happy - I don't know if I have ever gotten out to the alley with the garbage can just as the truck was showing up....but I got an up close and personal with "the jaws" as well as some eye contact with my sanitation engineer. Just glad I don't have a bunch of trash laying around for a week.

HappyUP!!! - phone time

Why it happened - a friend was facing a tough situation

Why it makes me happy - whenever you are THERE for someone, sure....it helps them. Guess what? It makes you feel good too.....which is really why you do it. Yep...it's called being selfish.....in the most positive of ways.

JollyJottings

Walking the pooch

Practice time on the putting green

Good guitar time

Phone time

Making the garbage truck

HappyUP!!! Day 1308

HappyUP!!! - rain in August

Why it happened - it's weather

Why it makes me happy - we just were blowing through 100 degrees.....107....a few days ago. This morning, I wake up to rain that makes me think I may be in Monterey. Freakey. I like weather like that. Cool and crisp...everything smells nice....not what summer is known for

HappyUP!!! - out on the bike

Why it happened - needed some exercise

Why it makes me happy - it was good to get the heart rate up and take advantage of the above.

HappyUP!!! - finding a new bike trail

Why it happened - see above

Why it makes me happy - I didn't know that I could get to Rocklin any other way than take some pretty dangerous (OK...suicidal) streets. I had heard about this other route but I had never been on it. Oh My God!....the head of the trail is only a mile from my house and it takes me right by the creek...all the way into a great part of Rocklin

HappyUP!!! - smacking some spuds

Why it happened - I had taken a few days off

Why it makes me happy - I did some good work out there today......at peace.....haven't been doing enough practicing...too much playing.

JollyJottings

Rain in August

Out on the bike

Finding new bike trail

HappyUP!!! Day 1307

HappyUP!!! - note from "mom"

Why it happened - she is unbelievably thoughtful

Why it makes me happy - "mom" was widowed just last week. I was amazed to get a card thanking me for attending and speaking at "dad's" service. Very humbling...she is a very graceful lady

HappyUP!!! - string change

Why it happened - I got off my butt

Why it makes me happy - I'm back in the electric business. My baby always sounds good with fresh strings.

HappyUP!!! - figuring out an on-line guitar course

Why it happened - I actually did some attention span

Why it makes me happy - for the first time, the scale all over the neck is starting to make some sense. I like the approach the on-line tool uses.

HappyUP!!! - a nice chat

Why it happened - it needed to

Why it makes me happy - thoughts and communication exchanged with a VIP of mine...always a good thing.

JollyJottings

Phenomenal weather

Note from "mom"

String change

A nice chat

HappyUP!!! Day 1306

HappyUP!!! - visiting with friends

Why it happened - I went out for a walk

Why it makes me happy - I was on my way back and some of my neighbors had a little soiree going on out on the front porch area. They insisted that I "sit a bit" and we spent an hour or so enjoying the chat.....and the next HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - full on Delta Breeze

Why it happened - we live in a valley with a Delta

Why it makes me happy - there is nothing like nice, warm summer days....and then our big evaporative cooling system kicking in. It's not often that you have to say, "wow.....it's getting a little chilly.....I think it's time to go home," in the middle of August

HappyUP!!! - noontime visitors

Why it happened - one was to return something...the other just a pleasant chat

Why it makes me happy - I was a little bit of a shut in today. I was doing chores and catching up on things. I got something back I had loaned out which is always good. I had a great conversation too.

JollyJottings

Noontime visit

Getting some classes done

Delta Breeze

Visiting with friends

HappyUP!!! Day 1305

HappyUP!!! - training

Why it happened - Toastmasters

Why it makes me happy - they scheduled one at noon time right in my home town. I got re-certified in a jiffy!

HappyUP!!! - doing a couple of favors

Why it happened - I was asked

Why it makes me happy - I enjoy helping out....and, though not expected, the benefits of doing favors can be substantial

HappyUP!!! - a cool day

Why it happened - who knows

Why it makes me happy - OK...I'll go on record. I don't mind an occasional 100 degree day...I just don't like them in a string. This summer has been glorious. We did get 107 yesterday and 100+ the day before that. It was nice to jump back down into the mid-90's. The breeze came up tonight. I love our climate.

HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Toastmasters training

Cooler day

Doing a favor

Pizza

Fantasy Golf

Grilling

Time

HappyUP!!! Day 1304

HappyUP!!! - up and downs on 10 and 12

Why it happened - I can do that

Why it makes me happy - the real joy of golf is in turning 3 shots into 2.....those should

have been 3 shots in both instances today

HappyUP!!! - grilling

Why it happened - I had some great stuff

Why it makes me happy - I hadn't had a flat iron steak all year..........toss in a couple of cobs of corn thrown into foil on the grill.........nothing better when you are hungry

HappyUP!!! - classes

Why it happened - I signed up

Why it makes me happy - I love the segment that we just went through in. Absolutely awesome information........very useful.

JollyJottings

Wedge on 3....9 iron on 5....up and down 12....9 iron 14....putt on 15....8 iron 17

Flat iron steak and BBQ corn

Great friends

Putting some perk in someone's day

Futon

Finding Alternative training

Positive Psychology Class

HappyUP!!! Day 1303

HappyBirthdayUP!!! - yep....today officially begins the Month of Festivals commemurating my birth. What a day it was!

HappyUP!!! - Facebook

Why it happened - it's social media

Why it makes me happy - it was great to get so many well wishes from friends and acquaintenances.

HappyUP!!! - presents

Why it happened - thoughtfulness

Why it makes me happy - what I received and who I received these things from......priceless

HappyUP!!! - stepping up on 16 and 17

Why it happened - I have a few shots in me

Why it makes me happy - after faltering on a few holes before, I struck a couple of gems here to get myself back in the black....the putts? Oh so close!!! Yeah....I blew it on 18....but I am focusing on the stellar shots here. I'll work on fixing those bad shots out on the range.

HappyUP!!! Day 1302

HappyUP!!! - saving the jacket

Why it happened - I took it to the cleaners

Why it makes me happy - the owner, Cindy, is a dear friend. I thought I was just tigthening buttons on the purple jacket. When we looked closer, it looked like moths had intervened. She talked about donating it....I said think harder. She will clean it and send to the reweaver.

HappyUP!!! - hybride to 11

Why it happened - I went to bread and butter

Why it makes me happy - I had hit drive into the pond. I was lying 2 200 yards away on this difficult par 4 with a pesky green. I decided to hit "the hooker".....and it finished 5 feet away from a difficult pin position which put me in good shape to make the par. YES, I made the putt.

HappyUP!!! - reflection exercise

Why it happened - I am taking a class

Why it makes me happy - this week's assignment forced us to go back through all of our notes. It was something I had planned to do....am going to do again...to cultivate "the gems." Very enriching.

HappyUP!!! - helping my friend

Why it happened - there was a lost item

Why it makes me happy - I was in the neighborhood.....I became the search party...found the important item...problem solved...good deed for the day completed.

JollyJottings

Getting assignment done

Watering

Tee time formed

Finding a lost key

5 iron on 4.....putt on 5...8 iron on 7....wedge on 10

Hybrid on 11

Up and down on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 1301

HappyUP!!! - classes

Why it happened - I'm taking a course

Why it makes me happy - I was a little behind so I got in several lectures today....took some great notes...and am armed to do my assignment by tomorrow. Back on track!

HappyUP!!! - omelette

Why it happened - kitchen skills

Why it makes me happy - nothing like a great brekko on a Sunday morning

HappyUP!!! - lazy Sunday morning

Why it happened - I needed it

Why it makes me happy -nothing like taking in the simple things sometimes

JollyJottings

Classes

Omelette

Playing in the park

Watering

Lazy Sunday morning

HappyUP!!! Day 1300

HappyUP!!! - tremendous dinner

Why it happened - a special occasion is coming

Why it makes me happy - who doesn't love it when someone makes a special dinner for you?

HappyUP!!! - an awesome walk

Why it happened - dinner was filling?

Why it makes me happy - the weather was gorgeous.....got to walk off some of that tremendous dinner....great company....simple things

HappyUP!!! - hybrid on 16

Why it happened - I took a chance

Why it makes me happy - a strange wind was blowing....I decided to try something a little different.....and put it about 12 feet from the hole to a very challenging pin location

JollyJottings

Fall weather

Drive/punch shot/chutt on 2....6 iron punch on 7...Drive on 8....hybrid on 16....hardpan shot 18

Tremendous dinner

Awesome walk

A nap

HappyUP!!! Day 1299

HappyUP!!! - Memorial Service

Why it happened - my adopted father passed

Why it makes me happy - it was a very nice ceremony. No, it wasn't a happy occasion....but I was happy the service was so nice

HappyUP!!! - Hanging out with the family

Why it happened - see above

Why it makes me happy - what do we do as we grieve?....we eat...drink...and have a good time. It was a gorgeous afternoon to sit around and celebrate.

HappyUP!!! - grilling for the masses

Why it happened - a friend needed help

Why it makes me happy - I was glad to be of service and help out on a very special occasion for some other friends.

JollyJottings

Memorial service

Thinking of a few words

The pictures

The military remembrance

Hanging out back at the family's house

HappyUP!!! Day 1298

HappyUP!!! - solid round of golf

Why it happened - hit a few nice shots

Why it makes me happy - after the previous round I played, it was good to follow it up with a solid effort

HappyUP!!! - bunker shot on 16

Why it happened - I have a few skills

Why it makes me happy - when I left this shot hanging on the lip, it put the pressure of the world on my opponent.....a gamechanger.....I love it when it looks like the odds are against you but then you turn them around...BAM!!!....just like that

HappyUP!!! - up and down on 18

Why it happened - I hit the perfect shot

Why it makes me happy - my opponent had upped the wagers to recoup his losses. It sure looked like he was going to beat me on this hole and cash in....until I hit a delicate little pitch shot to within 2 feet of the hole!

HappyUP!!! - seeing my adopted mother and my best friend

Why it happened - my adopted father passed away on Tuesday

Why it makes me happy - there is nothing to be happy about regarding the circumstance....but everything to be happy about because I have the opportunity to be there for them....now....and in the days to come.

JollyJottings

Solid round of golf

Up and down on 18...incredible par on 4...birdie on 9...chutt on 12...bunker shot on 16...hybrid/chutt on 17

Getting back to "up" on my golfing partner

Seeing my best friend and adopted mother

Going to the viewing

HappyUP!!! Day 1297

HappyUP!!! - great discount on my room

Why it happened - they messed up the reservation

Why it makes me happy - the hotel made a mistake.....and they owned up to it....which bought my dinner and cab rides

HappyUP!!! - driving across the Golden Gate

Why it happened - headed over to Marin

Why it makes me happy - doesn't matter how many times you have done it, who doesn't love tripping over that big red/orange bridge?

HappyUP!!! - lunch

Why it happened - ya gotta eat

Why it makes me happy - nice Italian restaraunt.....overlooking the water...gorgeous day...great food

HappyUP!!! -Seeing Wayne

Why it happened - we were in his town

Why it makes me happy - Wayne used to help me back when I was working....I wasn't sure he would recognize me when I stepped into his shop. It was great to see he was doing well and looking good.

HappyUP!!! Day 1296

HappyUP!!! - gorgeous weather for sightseeing

Why it happened - got lucky

Why it makes me happy - caught the destination spot on a perfect day. It can be a bit

finnicky here

HappyUP!!! - fabulous show

Why it happened - went and saw Wicked

Why it makes me happy - the actresses who played the leads previously played the same roles on Broadway....need I say more? They were outstanding as was the storyline of the play. If you grew up with the Wizard of Oz, you would HAVE to love this show.

HappyUP!!! - tremendous dinner

Why it happened - chose a great place

Why it makes me happy - if you are ever in SF, make your way to House

Don't ask me why....just go.

JollyJottings

Getting speech together

New member

Another member speech

Watching new Toastmaster excell at running the meeting

Getting packed and out of time on schedule

Easy Cab Rides

Wicked

HappyUP!!! Day 1295

HappyUP!!! - Securing dinner reservations

Why it happened - I have an upcoming trip

Why it makes me happy - I was able to get a reservation....right when I wanted it...at my favorite restaraunt in this town

HappyUP!!! - good day for stocks

Why it happened - who really knows

Why it makes me happy - the Dow was down slightly today....but the portfolio I manage was up. Yes, there are days when the opposite occurs...and I get a momentary, "darn it!" washing over me. Yet, when it works in reverse.....time to give a much longer celebration.

HappyUP!!! - seeing a friend off

Why it happened - we play golf

Why it makes me happy - J heads back out today to play the Canadian Tour. He has a couple of big weeks in front of him. He played well today....and last time we played....hopefully, he'll do some big things in the next two weeks.

JollyJottings

Good day for stocks

Nice wedge into 3....7 iron into 7....pitch into 8...drive/hybrid/chutt on 10...up and down 11...5 iron on 12....8 iron on 17

Securing dinner reservations

Helpful concierge

Watching J play and sending him off

Great lazy morning

HappyUP!!! Day 1294

HappyUP!!! - PGA Championship

Why it happened - it's on the calendar every year

Why it makes me happy - it was an awesome tournament...worth every hour I "wasted" in front of the TV watching it. NOTHING anticlimactic in this deal.

HappyUP!!! - weigh in

Why it happened - it's Sunday

Why it makes me happy - I thought I might have been a bit higher this week than I was. I am looking at being in good shape (not literally) to get to where I want to be by year end

HappyUP!!! - a visit from my little friend

Why it happened - he needed a send off

Why it makes me happy - I was glad that he wanted to stop by quickly before he took off on his big trip.

HappyUP!!! - dog walking invitation

Why it happened - my sweetie shot me a text

Why it makes me happy - I was glad to get an opportunity to take a walk late on Sunday evening. The weather has just been SOOOOO awesome for that this summer.

JollyJottings

PGA Championship

Weigh in

Beautiful watering weather

A visit from my little friend

HappyUP!!! Day 1293

HappyUP!!! - party time

Why it happened - my cupcake invited me

Why it makes me happy - I don't get out enough...two bands....great friends.....a birthday...a great party...a superlative after party...good stuff....not enough sleep...but great stuff

HappyUP!!! - hybrid to 11

Why it happened - I pured it

Why it makes me happy - it was tourney day...my partner was in trouble...I had to step up...and I did...in a BIG way.

HappyUP!!! - tournament day

Why it happened - my club does these...not as much as I would like...but, when they do, it's a good thing

Why it makes me happy - it brings all of the club members together for discussion and commisseration about what could have been. Tournaments are key to promoting the club atmosphere

JollyJottings

Tournament day

Great weather

Drive n wedge on 1.....bunker shot on 2....3 wood in play on 3....punch 7 iron on 4...driver/8iron on 5....chip on 6....driver/wedge on 9....hybrid on 11....7 iron on 12....putt on 18

Heading off to party

HappyUP!!! Day 1292

HappyUP!!! - great weather

Why it happened - it's weather...weather happens

Why it makes me happy - there I was....out on the golf course....8 a.m. tee time....in AUGUST.... here in the Sacramento area.....and it was just stunningly perfect. The breeze wasn't too much but it was enough to evaporate any perspiration that my have thought of surfacing.

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron on 12

Why it happened - I hit it on a string

Why it makes me happy - we were all doing a little breath holding on this one. It was just a touch left of the pin, it came down, hit the green, and curled to right......."look out...this one's in!!!".....JUST MISSED....it may have even given that hole a little kiss going by. My "perfect" record for never making a hole-in-one stays intact!

HappyUP!!! - 7 iron on 17

Why it happened - I was hitting it pretty good

Why it makes me happy - I had just made a bad mistake on 16 by three putting. I opened the door for my adversaries. Well, once this 7 iron was faded to within 8 feet and that putt was made for a birdie, the door slammed shut.......probably just as the opponents were sticking their fingers in there! WHAP!!!

HappyUP!!! - birthday banter

Why it happened - it was my golfing buddy's birthday

Why it makes me happy - it was amazing how much crap our foursome could give to the

birthday boy.......all via e-mail.

JollyJottings

Wedge to one

6 iron to 2

Wedge to 3

Hybrid on 5

Putt on 8

Chip on 9.....9 iron on 10....two putt on 11...6 iron on 12...putt on 13 and 14...pitch on 15...6 iron on 16...7 iron/putt on 17...chutt on 18

Great weather

Great foursome

Funny texts/e-mails regarding friend's birthday

HappyUP!!! Day 1291

HappyUP!!! - playing some chess

Why it happened - I found an opponent

Why it makes me happy - I taught my little buddy how to play...hadn't played myself in years...he was surprisingly challenging

HappyUP!!! - touring my mechanic's garage

Why it happened - I needed to take my car in

Why it makes me happy- I'm not a car fanatic...but I love seeing the selection that is always in my mechanics garage. Nice machinery

HappyUP!!! - winning the slugbug contest

Why it happened - had a slugbugger in my passenger seat

Why it makes me happy - just silly fun

JollyJottings

The PGA Major Championship

Getting a ride back from my mechanics

Winning a slugbug contest....and losing the next one

Tour of my mechanics garage

Playing some chess with a new adversary

Chat with my GF