HappyUP!!! Day 947

HappyUP!!! - new driver shows promise
Why it happened - the old one wasn't launching it right
Why it makes me happy - I snuck in a few holes late tonight. The fairways were a little dryer which could have contributed but I was getting this new stick out to some places that I haven't been too with the current weapon. A more thorough test awaits tomorrow

HappyUP!!! - a buddy dropped by
Why it happened - my buddy called me
Why it makes me happy - I haven't seen this person in awhile. It was a great visit!

HappyUP!!! - sneaking in 7 holes at 7
Why it happened - I wanted to try the new driver
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't walked the course much of late. The sun was setting. A slight breeze was blowing. The temperature was perfect. It was a great time to be out doors.

JollyJottings

Sneaking in a quick 7 holes at 7
Meeting up with a guy to play with
The new driver shows promise
Jason the clubfitter
Getting to my meeting place on time
A buddy dropping by

HappyUP!!! Day 946

HappyUP!!! - several good shots
Why it happened - I was swinging OK
Why it makes me happy - I played some terrible golf today. I was thinking there were no HappyUP!!!s. Then, because of this exercise, I dug a little deeper and it wasn't a total loss today. That is good news as I get ready for my tournament next weekend.

HappyUP!!! - great night of sleep
Why it happened - I was tired...and the room cooled down
Why it makes me happy - I didn't realize it had got to 104 yesterday. This makes my upstairs a bit warm. I had the foresight on a whim to take a little different measure to cool things down.... and I had a great sleep.

HappyUP!!! - clearing up confusion with a friend
Why it happened - some miscommunication (what else is new)
Why it makes me happy - the crossed wires were caught early....only fractional damage done and no residual collateral damage

JollyJottings

9 iron into 1
Wedge into 3
Flop shot on 4
Wedge on 6
7 iron on 15
Hybrid on 16
Wedge on 17
Lemonade
Great golf drama on the tube

HappyUP!!! Day 945

HappyUP!!! - fixing air conditioner
Why it happened - I didn't want to evaporate
Why it makes me happy - I remember what the guy did a little over a year ago that came out....I tried the same thing.....issue solved with no service call......and I am sitting cooooool.

HappyUP!!! - birdies on 13
Why it happened - we were desperate
Why it makes me happy - my partner and I were getting our butts handed to us....all of a sudden, he chipped in.........then I dropped a putt in too. That's a lot of "dots" for one hole....and then we won the hole when our opponent, who had stuffed it closer than either me or my partner, lipped out his putt. Good times!.....rolled!

HappyUP!!! - number 18
Why it happened - we were down and pressing
Why it makes me happy - with the match on the line, it's always a HappyUP!!! to put the drive in the fairway......and then drill the iron to the green. Pure shots will always garner joy. In the end, I had a 9 foot left breaker to halve the hole and save us some dough......and I ended the day on that! Bam!!! HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Fixing my air conditioner
Cats
Up and down on one
7 iron into 9
Wedge and putt on 13
Bunker shot on 16
8 iron on 17
7 iron on 18
Putt on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 944

HappyUP!!! - up and down on one
Why it happened - I hit a solid chip
Why it makes me happy - we were playing away today....nice to start with a par

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 11
Why it happened - I hit a great putt
Why it makes me happy - it was a birdie....and put us one up

HappyUP!!! - match tying putt on 18
Why it happened - we needed this one
Why it makes me happy - I struck a great putt...it broke to the left...it was going in...I was happy.......and then it lipped out.

HappyUP!!! - e-mails from friends
Why it happened - I've got good friends
Why it makes me happy - I've got fun things to do in the future.

JollyJottings

Playing Peach Tree
Bunker shot
Birdie putt
Wedge/Putt into 18
Chip on one

HappyUP!!! Day 943

HappyUP!!! - Washing cars
Why it happened - I got motivated
Why it makes me happy - those babies will be gleaming tomorrow...even though it was dark when I was hitting them with water

HappyUP!!! - watering
Why it happened - motivation
Why it makes me happy - green will happen.....and the garden that will be plowed under will have a minimum of dust

HappyUP!!! - chipping
Why it happened - big tournament next weekend
Why it makes me happy - don't know what shape my arm will be in.....but I will be ready to get it up and down.....from anywhere.... the backyard chipping range is taking divots again.


JollyJottings


Good reading
No agenda today
Chipping
Watering
Being

HappyUP!!! Day 942

HappyUP!!! - acupuncturist
Why it happened - I got a bum arm
Why it makes me happy - this little Chinese Doctor Lady hasn't failed me for two previous maladies over the last decade. I'm glad I went. I had the first appointment. She wasn't rushed so we had time to talk and I got to learn some things about my care provider.

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron on 18
Why it happened - I relaxed
Why it makes me happy - I hit a bad drive. My opponents had 9 irons or wedges in. I struck one of the better irons from the fairway I had hit in some time. While it didn't snuggle up for a birdie, it got me on the green....which let me make a par.....which secured my bets.

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron on 4
Why it happened - I put a pass on it
Why it makes me happy - while it was in the air, it had a chance to be an ace. It ended up being about 3-4 feet for a relatively easy birdie.

HappyUP!!! - pitch on one
Why it happened - I "picked it" with spin
Why it makes me happy - I had a borderline impossible chip. I hit it to the right of the pin, it grabbed like it had hooks, and then rolled down the slope to a gimmie. I hate starting with a bogey and this shot saved me.



JollyJottings

Pitch on first hole
Sandy on three
5 iron birdie on four
Up and down on 5
Putt on 8
Pitch on 12
Birdie on 14
5 iron on 18
Winning the big bet
Brekko
Passages from a book

HappyUP!!! Day 941

HappyUP!!! - my speech today
Why it happened - I was scheduled at Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - when you have the right message at the right time to the right people, it is exactly what a speaker lives for. I delivered right on the money today. It makes me feel like I put this gift to good use today

HappyUP!!! - new fellow Toastmasters
Why it happened - we have been growing
Why it makes me happy - the new people are taking roles with responsibility....and knocking it out of the park. If an experienced Toastmaster had come to our meeting today, she would think that this is one experienced group. She would be blown away that the vast majority of these people have been members for less than two months.

HappyUP!!! - seeing a hole out eagle
Why it happened - my opponent hit a great shot
Why it makes me happy - OK....it was on the last hole...one swing of the club took a for sure win to me and turned it into a loss. That's not a HappyUP!!! but it was a great shot to see.

HappyUP!!! - a birdie and a double skin
Why it happened - I hit a great wedge and a lovely putt
Why it makes me happy - we had $220 in the pot.....and I got $41 back for my $20 buy in. I love to win dough on the course.

HappyUP!!! - nearly holing a bunker shot
Why it happened - I hit it in the bunker in the first place...and then put a good move on the next shot
Why it makes me happy - it wasn't a difficult shot but that doesn't mean that you won't blow it....especially on a day when my short game SUCKED!

HappyUP!!! - a work offer...not a job offer
Why it happened - a friend thinks a lot of me
Why it makes me happy - my friend put an interesting proposition on the table for me to think about.....and my curiosity is peeked. This could be just the thing that may work EXTREMELY well for me.

HappyUP!!! - meeting with the librarian
Why it happened - she needs a program
Why it makes me happy - I love to share public speaking tips and techniques with others. In January, I'll get another chance to do that....and earn a few dollars for our club. Win...Win...Win

JollyJottings

My Speech
Fellow Toastmaster's Speech
Two guests
A great meeting
Getting lab work done
Meeting with a librarian about a program
An interesting work, not job, offer
Birdie and a double skin
Two birdies
Seeing an eagle from the fairway
Playing with good players
Birthday lunch in process
Sandy par and winning the hole

HappyUP!!! Day 940

HappyUP!!! - phone calls...e-mails....Facebooks...texts
Why it happened - today started the actual Month of Festivals celebrating 50 years on the orb
Why it makes me happy - anytime you have any kind of dialogue with friends, it's a good thing. With electronics, it just expands the vibe.

HappyUP!!! - dinner
Why it happened - sis-in-law put it on
Why it makes me happy - that was some awfully good eating going on....too much eating....but it was quality. Delicious

HappyUP!!! - seeing my best friend
Why it happened - my bro snuck him into dinner
Why it makes me happy - we have been running different schedules....hadn't seen him for awhile...plus I was only expecting the family. His card was a crack up......a REAL crack up.



JollyJottings

Brekko
Scrubbing floor
Getting a bunch of housework done
Dinner
Seeing my best friend
Phone calls....e-mails....Facebooks.....texts

HappyUP!!! Day 939

HappyUP!!! - HiJinx on the final hole
Why it happened - my partner hit his second shot into the mud
Why it makes me happy - see the attached pictures! I tried to tell him, "you have to hit the shot with conviction." It's what makes the mud and splatter go more toward the hole.....and the ball too. I think some conviction was lacking as the ball did not find the green.....and the mud found my partner. Funny stuff

HappyUP!!! - sandy on the last hole
Why it happened - my iron shot came up just short
Why it makes me happy - my partner was obviously little help on the hole when it was all coming down the line. While my bunker shot was easy, it doesn't make it automatic. I knocked it out to within "gimmie" range. It's great to come through in the clutch

HappyUP!!! - finding stuff
Why it happened - stuff gets lost
Why it makes me happy - I thought I had lost a golf glove that I had only worn once....found in my golf bag. I thought my cell phone was misplaced....found in my golf bag. I was searching for my golf ball a few times today....for the most part, I found it....along with some quality, like new balls to boot. Finding stuff saves you dough and inconvenience. HappyUP!!! as I am all about both of those

HappyUP!!! - birthday wishes
Why it happened - tomorrow, I turn fiddy
Why it makes me happy - I made it....and I am looking forward to a great day tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - Morning Pages
Why it happened - I was re-reading a book last night
Why it makes me happy - the morning pages are something I do from time to time. As I sit on the precipice of fifty, I decided it might be a good time to do this exercise for a bit again. It made me think of the one thing that would really make me happy for my birthday....and I am doing it!

JollyJottings

Winning some bets
Two birdies
HiJinx on the final hole
E-mail from a friend
Solheim Cup
Decent round of golf...last one

HappyUP!!! Day 938

HappyUP!!! - golfing with the nephew
Why it happened - we had a club tournament
Why it makes me happy - it was good to get him out....he shot one under so that made him happy even though I personally stunk up the joint. Speaking of stinking up the joint....

<-----here I am now...masterfully extricating my ball from the water hazard

HappyUP!!! - water hazard shot
Why it happened - I hooked the tee shot.
Why it makes me happy - the rule of thumb is that half the ball needs to be above the water if you want to hit it. In this case, just the very top was showing. I took off the shoes, kept the head down, and knocked the ball to a much better place than had I taken a drop. Impressive! (of course, what the heck was I doing hitting it into the hazard in the first place?)

HappyUP!!! - helping someone get a job
Why it happened - I was keeping my eyes and ears open
Why it makes me happy - the job isn't landed yet but it just feels good to help someone that has landed in an unfortunate situation.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 18 (our second hole in the shotgun start tournament)
Why it happened - phenomenal second shot
Why it makes me happy - I hit a TERRIBLE drive. The lie was a little spotty. The pin was tough to get close to. I hit that 7 iron on the NUT...it came down and ended up a mere 3 feet from the cup.

JollyJottings

Birdie on 18 (our second hole)
Talk with course owner
Setting up game tomorrow
Golfing with the nephew
Helping a person get a job
Par on 2
Par on 4
Water shot on 11

HappyUP!!! Day 937

HappyUP!!! - birdie on the first hole
Why it happened - I hit a nice wedge
Why it makes me happy - birdie on the first hole......love a good start. Kept it one under through the first seven holes.

HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - I went to my favorite cafe
Why it makes me happy - hadn't had a short stack and side order of sausage in a couple of weeks. It was tasty...very tasty. And I got to chat with my friends

HappyUP!!! - reaching out to a friend
Why it happened - I found out he is going through a very tough time
Why it makes me happy - it seems like the words I had for him really resonated...thoughts and sympathy from others is great catharsis at troubled times. I'm not happy when I have to minister to another....but happy that I can.

JollyJottings

Birdie on the first hole
Reaching out to a friend
Helping someone get a job
Seeing a bunch of guys I know
Brekko
Three sandies
Birthday dinner planned

HappyUP!!! Day 936

HappyUP!!! - visit from a friend
Why it happened - my friend was riding by
Why it makes me happy - we got to visit for awhile.....and my buddy was looking skinny. The dude has lost some pounds! Incredible....and inspirational.

HappyUP!!! - golf game tomorrow
Why it happened - our club is booked
Why it makes me happy - we'll play a different course...when I wasn't sure I would be playing. The game is with a great group of guys too.

HappyUP!!! - call to a friend
Why it happened - another friend made the suggestion
Why it makes me happy - it was a good time to make the call.

JollyJottings

Setting up game for tomorrow
Visit from a friend
Spag sauce
Call from another friend
Frozen Yogurt trip

HappyUP!!! Day 935

HappyUP!!! - golfing at Yocha De He
Why it happened - our pro put it together
Why it makes me happy - we got a good deal to play a great course.....20 guys....fun times. I slapped it around a bit and shot 78 from the next to back tees....not good, not bad....but OK for playing a different course. It was a nice day out there.

HappyUP!!! - birdies
Why it happened - I made a couple of putts
Why it makes me happy - it's great to get birdies away from the home course. It's also fun to drain long tough putts. I hit a great one from 50-60 feet, downhill, with left to right break. I watched it roll....fooooorrrrrevvvvver.....going, "hey, could that go in?"......and then it did. HappyUP!!!! The other 30 footer had a preamble before I hit it that was funny.

HappyUP!!! - message from a friend
Why it happened - she Facebooked about "the Red Balloon"
Why it makes me happy - we got to conversing about this old, short film. Long story but, for the longest time, I have mentioned having vague memories about this flick. My friend was the first person that said the same thing. She talks to people about it but no one knows what she is talking about. This led to a Wiki.....and now I know what that movie was all about....after years of it haunting me.

JollyJottings

Winning ten bucks
Coffee
Weed pulling
Talking to the president of our club
Ride over to Yocha
Ride back from Yocha
Two birdies
Message from a friend

HappyUP!!! Day 934

HappyUP!!! - golf tournament
Why it happened - I was invited
Why it makes me happy - today was two of a his and hers. I normally don't play in these but my friend wanted to play but didn't have a partner. We played with a great couple today. We played with a great couple yesterday. We came in second by one stroke. We had a lot of good meals. Just a lot of good time.

HappyUP!!! - my friend's trophy
Why it happened - we came in second
Why it makes me happy - apparently this organization, Womens Golf Assoc of Nor Cal, gives charms for bracelets as prizes at their tournaments. The higher up, the nicer the stone in the charm. The men that won all got a box of golf balls which was great. I was just glad that I could help my friend get something that she will keep for a long time.

HappyUP!!! - birdies....on tough holes
Why it happened - good shots....better putts
Why it makes me happy - the shots were both quality....the putts weren't very long but they had some wickedly stupid break to them. Even though it wasn't my course so I couldn't use experience, I gauged them correctly....and hit the putts where I wanted to. I guess ACCOMPLISHMENT would be the why this makes me happy.......and why I love golf.

HappyUP!!! - helping a friend
Why it happened - I made an inquiry
Why it makes me happy - it seemed unlikely but I have some skills that my friend was in need of. In giving a little bit of time and attention, I may have been a part of getting my friend to a better place.

JollyJottings

Playing partners
Hit 13 greens
Putt on 16...8 iron on 16
Putt on 8.....8 iron on 8
Wedge on 14
Putt on 17
Lunch....apple cobbler w/ice cream
Coming in second place
Helping a friend

HappyUP!!! Day 933

HappyUP!!! - golf tournament
Why it happened - I was invited
Why it makes me happy - a gal at our club needed someone to fill in for her husband so I am playing a couple of golf courses I wouldn't normally play....with 4 meals...and prizes....and the price is nominal.

HappyUP!!! - the couple we were paired with
Why it happened - gotta play with someone
Why it makes me happy - the lady was probably around 60 or so....and she was a kick. There is something about an older gal dropping the F-bomb on a golf course that cracks me up......and she went to Yale! I think, prior to retiring, she may have been an English teacher.

HappyUP!!! - three birdies
Why it happened - wedge and putter
Why it makes me happy - I played like crap today.....but on these three holes, I was shining. A birdie is a HappyUP!!!....a birdie on a course I don't know is better.....three of them is a good day.

HappyUP!!! - one out of the lead
Why it happened - I three putted the last hole
Why it makes me happy - the three putt didn't put a smile on my face to end the day....but we managed to ham-n-egg it around and are only one shot out going into tomorrow.

JollyJottings

Birdie on 2
Two more birdies
Our playing partners
Bringing it back on the back nine
Getting a drop in appointment

HappyUP!!! Day 932

HappyUP!!! - dinner with a buddy
Why it happened - I shot my buddy a text
Why it makes me happy - buddy happened to be in Roseville when I texted. We grabbed some sushi and ran an errand together....good times.

HappyUP!!! - Y.E. Yang
Why it happened - he spanked Tiger
Why it makes me happy - Tiger is great.....but I get sooooooo tired of the announcers droning on and on about him. As said, I know he's great....but he is not GOD for goodness sakes. It was nice to see SOMEONE finally step up and realize that today and not fold like a tent to "the almighty one." In the end, it will be good for Tiger too. He'll learn from what he did this weekend.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 10
Why it happened - four good shots
Why it makes me happy - it was just a very well played par 5....textbook shots all.

HappyUP!!! - golf match
Why it happened - there was an opening
Why it makes me happy - my regular partner and I got to take on my regular opponent...and Buddy. I don't get to play much with Buddy so it was nice to have the unexpected opportunity.

HappyUP!!! - four closing pars
Why it happened - I closed with some solid golf
Why it makes me happy - it was pretty much all dodgy up until this point. Playing in a little tournament tomorrow and it was good to know I still have some skills about me.



JollyJottings

Dinner with a buddy
PGA Tourney
First hole
5 iron on 4
7 iron on 7
Birdie on 10
Four closing pars

HappyUP!!! How to Fold that Fitted Sheet

While there is NO WAY - I am ever going to do it, one of life's great mysteries is solved right here

So, if you do have that pesky Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - gene in you, don't say I never helped you out.

You gotta love YouTube!

HappyUP!!! Day 931

HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - I took a day off from golf
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't had brekko with these friends in forever.....it was great!

HappyUP!!! - lunch in Placerville
Why it happened - got a buddy up there
Why it makes me happy - I had a delicious steak sandwich.....and got to do some visiting of a little town that I hadn't been to in years.......plus breaking bread with my friend was nice too.

HappyUP!!! - texting with another friend
Why it happened - I was driving right by my friend's house
Why it makes me happy - that "Hi" text turned into a return text and a return text and it all adds up to grabbin some sushi soon. Love the sushi

HappyUP!!! - Padraig Harrington
Why it happened - it's the PGA Championship
Why it makes me happy - Paddy is the one of the only ones that can take on Tiger and turn this into a tournament. Tiger needs a rival....Mickelson only lived up to that briefly....let's hope for a duel tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! Day 930

HappyUP!!! - turning it around
Why it happened - it's a rare golf thing
Why it makes me happy - I was getting drubbed through 9 holes......then a great par save, a solid par, an odd double bogey, and par-birdie-birdie-par-par-par finish to rescue the day...and some cash. I guess the reason it makes me happy is that, in golf, it can be difficult to turn it around when it starts bad. When you do turn it around, it gives confidence for the next time.

HappyUP!!! - chutter for birdie
Why it happened - I hit a perfect shot
Why it makes me happy - I love knocking a "chutt" in. It makes my opponents think a bit every time I pull the chutter out. I make more of these than others chip in....and run many over the edge of the hole.

HappyUP!!! - what a shot!
Why it happened - I made a great calculation
Why it makes me happy - I got a bad break. My ball ended up on top of a nob 155 yards from the hole. Normally, it would be an 8 iron. Because of the lie, I had to grip down and have one foot on the down slope while my other foot was flat on the top of the knob. I took a 6 iron, gripped down, made a short swing, and hoisted it high in the air to 15 feet...........and made the putt.

HappyUP!!! - sand shot on 18
Why it happened - I stepped up under pressure
Why it makes me happy - my opponent was on the green in two. The bets were riding. I was 137 to the pin. I took the easy 8 iron, clipped it perfectly, and hit it to 12 feet. Making it happen under pressure is why we play the game.

HappyUP!!! - dinner
Why it happened - I treated a friend to some sauce
Why it makes me happy - the spaghetti sauce that I had made from scratch and then froze thawed nicely and was delicious. My friend made some garlic bread that was tasty too. Good company....great food.....HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Easy drop off to my buddy
Fig Delivery
Getting things done
PGA
Dinner with a buddy
Walking
The Comeback Back 9
Drive on 9....10....11....13...14....17
Chutt on 14
Miraculous recovery shot to birdie on 15
5 iron on 16
9 iron on 17
Bunker shot on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 929

HappyUP!!! - beat down
Why it happened - I played pretty well
Why it makes me happy - golf is about playing better more often. The last month has shown an improvement in my game. I then had a few dodgy outings early in the week. Today, I kept it in play, made some good chips, and stuffed the pocket with green stuff.

<----"looks like someone is going to be getting a beat down later today" (Picture of Shadow taken this morning)

HappyUP!!! - phone calls from friends
Why it happened - friends were thinking of me
Why it makes me happy - great to hear from friends and planning our next fun get togethers.

HappyUP!!! - away golf invitation
Why it happened - the D.O.G. (Director of Golf) is putting together a junket
Why it makes me happy - 16 guys from the club taking off to play a great course.....and a week to anticipate it....HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Figs
GTD
PGA
3 birdies
Phone calls with friends
E-mail from a friend
Beat down

HappyUP!!! Day 928

HappyUP!!! - sandy on 15
Why it happened - I hit a good bunker shot...and a greater putt
Why it makes me happy - I was on a comeback.....had to keep the momentum going....I managed to hold on and escape with a slight win today

HappyUP!!! - PENO at the State Am Match Play
Why it happened - he's pretty good
Why it makes me happy - PENO (Public Enemy Number One....one of my golf buddies) made it through the qualifying and then won both of his matches today. You always feel good when your friends are doing well......or, at least I think you should. I do....so HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - fences and cart paths
Why it happened - my golfing opponent is lucky
Why it makes me happy - this is an interesting one. I wouldn't say this made me happy...but it gave me a story. My golfing buddy (who shall remain nameless due to how tall he is) jacked a ball dead left on 17.....and I mean low, left, and hard. It was heading toward someone's house...."quick, hide the kids"...when all of the sudden we hear a big "CLANG" just like church bells. It was the thin picket wrought iron fence the ball hit. We then immediately here the unmistakeable "click" that a ball makes when it hits a cart path. We knew immediately that his ball did not go out of bounds, travelled 20 yards over elephant grass where the ball would be lost, back at the cartpath and would end up being back in the playable grass. We drove up to the scene of the accident, made sure no one was hurt, and there it was.....his ball....with a chance to get to the green without penalty. One of the luckiest breaks I have seen in 36 yrs of golfing.

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from a birthday buddy
Why it happened - I sent a Happy Birthday wish
Why it makes me happy - I had lost touch with this individual....good to re-establish contact

HappyUP!!! - coffee
Why it happened - it's Wednesday
Why it makes me happy - we had a good chat....and we got to meet one of the coffee workers that takes care of us and here a piece of her life story that was surprising.



JollyJottings

Coffee
Meeting a coffee worker
Invite to away golf
Teeing up with different people
The afternoon match
Making the putt on 15
Hole 18
36 holes
E-mail from a friend having a birthday
E-mail from another friend

HappyUP!!! Day 927

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - two more excellent icebreakers.....a new member joined....and a guest visited for the first time and I am pretty sure he is going to join. Growth!

<----Camping anytime soon...take along this pair.

HappyUP!!! - hybrid on 8 in the afternoon
Why it happened - I hit an OK shot... and got an incredible bounce
Why it makes me happy - I was playing a "bonus 9" with my buddy. He was beating me like a bad habit. I had started a comeback. I then hit a substandard drive that left me 205 to the pin. He had crushed one to a mere 150 yards. Things didn't look good. I hit the shot and it was veering slightly to the right....until it landed and got an incredible kick to the left. It ran all the way to 3-4 feet from the pin. My opponent had been getting ALL the breaks.....the HappyUP!!! was that I got a little help from the golf gods

HappyUP!!! - putt on the final hole in the morning round
Why it happened - I had just blasted out of a buried lie
Why it makes me happy - I had huge presses riding on this hole. My putt was slightly downhill right to left from about 12 feet. My putting had not been good. As soon as I hit the putt, I pretty much knew it was in.....and saved my bacon.

HappyUP!!! - wedge on 13
Why it happened - my wedge game has been good
Why it makes me happy - prior to the shot, I told my opponent, "I have been forced to issue a disclosure that you or anyone else should not stand anywhere near that pin." I then hit it to three feet......suhhhhweeeet.....for the birdie.



JollyJottings

Wedge into 13
7 iron into 15
Wedge into 3
Hybrid into 5
Wedge into 6
5 iron into 7
Bunker shot on 9...first round
Putt on 9 ...first round
Hybrid into 8...second round
Driver/9 iron into 9...second round
Call from PS
A great "bonus 9" match
Seeing my friend
Toastmasters....new member...guest

HappyUP!!! Day 926

HappyUP!!! - pickin it clean off the pan
Why it happened - I hit a bad shot.....but had recovery skills
Why it makes me happy - a 40 yard pitch shot off of golf cart packed down hard pan over a shoulder of the green is no golfer's idea of a good time. I managed to pick it clean, throw it just past pin high, and....BAM.....put plenty of zippum on it to make it stop. Now, had I made the putt of 8 feet, we would have had a super HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - Miko the Pug
Why it happened - I was doing yardwork
Why it makes me happy - a person from the neighborhood was walking by with this little pug. The pug was smart because he wanted to meet me. He sure was a cute little guy.

HappyUP!!! - spaghetti
Why it happened - I had made that sauce
Why it makes me happy - the spag was pretty good......it's going to be absolutely delicious as leftovers......and I have some leftovers. I made a ton. Did you know you can freeze spaghetti in sauce? Well.....I think you can. My mom used to do it as kids and it was always great.

JollyJottings

Sanded greens
Pickin it clean off the hardpan
Miko the dog
E-mail from a friend
Bunker shots...well, 2 out of 3
Spaghetti

Tiger Woods - Greatest of His Time

Tiger Woods racks up another win - with his win yesterday in the Bridgestone Tournament.

Padraig Harrington, - probably the closest in mental toughness today, folded.

Which leads to an interesting question - if you need to pick one competitor to go up against Tiger who has played since 1960....with your life savings on the line.....who are the top 10 you would pick.

Here's mine:

1. Jack Nicklaus
2. Tom Watson
3. Gary Player
4. Arnold PalmerLee Trevino
5. Lee Trevino
6. Seve Ballesteros
7. Raymond Floyd
8. Nick Faldo
9.Payne Stewart
10. Reteif Goosen

Make all things equal - play it with today's equipment and course maintenance capabilities.

Only two people from today's era - make the list.

Who is playing today that you would insert - as having a better chance against Tiger?

Seve Ballesteros, - one of the fiercest competitors of all time, only comes up sixth.....and he barely edged out Raymond Floyd.

Tiger Woods will win - more tournaments than anyone else....there is no question about that. But where are the other guys? Where is the cream today? Who is going to step up and make themselves a legend?

Golf needs another real golfer - and it needs it soon. Tiger needs it soon.

HappyUP!!! Day 925

HappyUP!!! - watering/edging
Why it happened - I got motivated
Why it makes me happy - I had some time to kill prior to our tournament today. I watered the lawn hard enough to make the edges soft.....and then got the edger out. That's pretty good stuff on a golf day. I'll mow tomorrow and the front lawn will be looking good.

HappyUP!!! - wedges
Why it happened - I have been working on it
Why it makes me happy - on 5, I had a pitch over a bunker and I put the spinny one on it....bam....birdie. On 7, I had to pitch off a patchy lie by the cart path....put the spinny one on it again...bam....hits the stick (should have gone in). On 9, I took a very aggressive approach wedge and hit it dead at the stick....made the putt...birdie. On 17, I was 72 yards out....hit the wedge right at it....it came up about three yards short of perfection but, man, I was happy as it was flying at the hole.

HappyUP!!! - 7 iron
Why it happened - it was the club
Why it makes me happy - my partner was in the bunker. It was too far for an 8 iron and not far enough for the 7. I took the 7, gripped down, and knocked it to 8 feet. Birdie. It's a HappyUP!!! to pull through like that when the partner let's up a bit.

HappyUP!!! - winning the bet
Why it happened - I took the bet....and Harrington gagged
Why it makes me happy - it's a gimmie HappyUP!!! whenever you win a wager!

HappyUP!!! - tournament
Why it happened - we entered
Why it makes me happy - me and the nephew didn't have a good day yesterday....but today was a good one. We could have been better today but it was solid...a feeling of accomplishment.

JollyJottings

Spinny wedge on 5
Spinny pitch on 7
Wedge on 9
Trouble shot on 10
5 iron on 12
Pitch on 15
7 iron on 16
Wedge on 17
8 iron on 18
Winning my Tiger Woods bet
Watering/Edging

HappyUP!!! Day 924

HappyUP!!! - pitch in on 14
Why it happened - I hit a great pitch
Why it makes me happy - I finally got a birdie today....you all know that a birdie is a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - wedge/putt on 17
Why it happened - I can play the wedge at times
Why it makes me happy - a second birdie at this away course. I should have had more but, without this one, it would have been less

HappyUP!!! - joking with friends
Why it happened - they were texting and e-mailing
Why it makes me happy - it's always good to do some playful joshing

HappyUP!!! - a bet for tomorrow
Why it happened - see texts above
Why it makes me happy - I should win ten bucks.....Tiger Woods will stomp on Harrington tomorrow at the Bridgestone tournament.

JollyJottings

5 iron on 2....wedge on 4....wedge on 5....6 iron on 7.....hybrid on 8....pitch in on 14....7 iron on 16 ....wedge/putt on 17

Text exchange
E-mail exchange
Hangin with the nephew
Our playing partners
Beating some guys

HappyUP!!! Day 923

HappyUP!!! - call from old employee
Why it happened - she was thinking about me
Why it makes me happy - I love this lady to death. It was great to hear how she is doing...just
great.

HappyUP!!! - trip to the doc
Why it happened - it's part of my annual
Why it makes me happy - I like my doc. We have become buds. On top of that, there was nothing of concern....BP was good....weight was less than the last three trips. Now, it's off to do some blood work.

HappyUP!!! - winning some golf wagers
Why it happened - I made a tricky putt
Why it makes me happy - when you are staring at a 12 foot downhill left to right putt, you usually are staring at another putt after you hit that one. In this case, I drained it and saved the day.....on the very last hole.....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron into 5
Why it happened - I put a great swing on it
Why it makes me happy - I made a pure swing and hit this one on the button. It never left the flag and ended up within 5 feet.....birdie!

HappyUP!!! - a lot of birdie chances
Why it happened - I am swinging good
Why it makes me happy - I only had one birdie....but I kept giving myself chances through the first 13 holes. I hit good putts and sometimes the ball just doesn't fall. The key is to keep making good swings and, today, I did. Makes me feel good going into the tournament this weekend.

JollyJottings

5 iron into 2
Wedge into 3
5 iron into 5
4 iron, wedge combo on 6
6 iron on 7
9 iron from trap, wedge into 8
Hybrid into 9
Wedge into 10
Bunker shot 11
Two putt on 12
Wedge...putt on 13
Putt on 17
Putt on 18
Winning bets
E-mail from a friend
E-mail from another friend
Call from an old employee

HappyUP!!! Day 922

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters Training
Why it happened - it happens twice a year
Why it makes me happy - I hold three offices. They had training for repeat officers and I was able to get certified for all three in one hour's time

HappyUP!!! - recovering my briefcase
Why it happened - I left it at the training
Why it makes me happy - I was only half way home when I realized it. I was able to turn around and track it back down. Sure, I didn't get home as fast as I wanted but 1) I got my briefcase back 2) No one had gone through it 3) it would have taken me longer to pick it up somewhere else.

HappyUP!!! - driving range
Why it happened - I needed practice
Why it makes me happy - it was a good session. I was working on some lag and creating a bit more leverage. I started hitting the irons very crisp again. Tourney this weekend and I am going to need to stripe it.

HappyUP!!! - birthday invitations
Why it happened - it is the Month of Festivals
Why it makes me happy - c'mon......no matter what people say, they like their birthday.

JollyJottings

Driving range
Toastmasters Training
Recovering briefcase
E-mail from a friend
Month of festivals kicking in

HappyUP!!! Day 921

HappyUP!!! - three birdies
Why it happened - I knocked it close and made some good putts
Why it makes me happy - I'm liking my new putter. Three birdies is a good day for me.


<----How can you not look at this picture and laugh....even without the caption?

HappyUP!!! - being featured on pg 51 in this quarter's NCGA Magazine
Why it happened - I sent in my opinion
Why it makes me happy - I made a great suggestion on how to speed up play....and others will now LIVE by it.
HappyUP!!! - golfing with my nephew
Why it happened - I invited him
Why it makes me happy - I don't spend a lot of time with my nephew. It was good to get out on the links ....perfect. Plus, he put together a pretty impressive round...especially for not playing much.

HappyUP!!! - more sauce
Why it happened - I have more tomatoes
Why it makes me happy - I'll be freezing sauce and having spaghetti many times in the future. I added some sausage and burger to this batch. This was some good stuff.

JollyJottings

Making more sauce
Coffee
Finding an old speech
Entering a tournament
Golfing with my nephew
Being two under after five
Weather
Three Birdies

HappyUP!!! Day 920

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - we heard two icebreakers. We had a returning guest come....a person that is petrified. I love those kind of people the best...I will get that one to join because I LOVE watching them grow.

HappyUP!!! - mentor request
Why it happened - I took an interest
Why it makes me happy - it is a sacred privilege to mentor. When someone comes to you and makes a request, it is an honor. I will take this one on.

HappyUP!!! - new putter performance
Why it happened - I got a new putter
Why it makes me happy - the balance in this wand is incredible. I had 30 putts today and really should have had 28. On a day I played poorly, I salvaged a decent score.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 6
Why it happened - I put a great wedge on it
Why it makes me happy - I have now birdied this hole 4 out of the last 10 times I have played it.

HappyUP!!! - visit from a neighbor
Why it happened - she saw me getting out of my car
Why it makes me happy - it was another "thanks for the tomatoes" situation. I don't give them away for this reason but I do appreciate the gratitude.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters
Potential new member
Mentor request
Wedge and birdie on 6
New putter performance
Spaghetti sauce
Visit from a neighbor

HappyUP!!! Day 919

A friend sent me this picture - and I just love it. This isn't one of those "posed" pictures. This is a picture of Sgt Crowley showing a level of compassion and thoughtfulness that I like to see in people....

...our Commander in Chief? - well, this wasn't the kind of meeting where the boss walks two steps ahead... especially considering the mess he foolishly stepped into.

HappyUP!!! - card from my "folks"
Why it happened - they are thoughtful
Why it makes me happy - I don't give veggies away with any expectation from anyone. I grow too much and others should share. Today, I got a nice note from my best friend's parents who I keep stocked with veggies and figs. It made me happy!

(NOTE: never underestimate the value of a MAILED, hand-written note)

HappyUP!!! - playing with D and D
Why it happened - the course was slow
Why it makes me happy - D and D are father and daughter. D is a big contractor in town. Daughter D is a young gal learning the game. I loved seeing them out there together. It's also neat to watch a young golfer progress. I'll bookmark her performance today and see how far she gets by next summer.

HappyUP!!! - stock market
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - good days always boost the retirement funds.....and, after last year, I'll take the boost. A Dow plus 100 day is a HappyUP!!!! all day long. I like it so much, how about another one tomorrow?

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron into 16
Why it happened - I put an exceptional pass on it
Why it makes me happy - when they put the pin back on this par 3, you have to hit it well and be accurate to get it to that part of the green.....with a 5 iron....that's 188 yards. I stuck it to within 12 feet after hitting it right on the button. THAT is why one plays golf.

HappyUP!!! - draining a 60 foot putt
Why it happened - I read it right and hit it right
Why it makes me happy - do you know how long it takes a 60 foot putt to travel that far?....it takes awhile. This gave me plenty of time to go, "hey, that's a decent putt.....no, it's going to be good, an easy two putt......wait, this is got a chance......if it just breaks a little more......BINGO!!!"

JollyJottings

Stock market
Playing golf with D and D
Figuring out something with my swing
5 iron into 16
Putt on 2
Hybrid on 4
Chip on 5
7 iron on 7
Putt on 14
Chip on 15
Wedge on 17
Card from my "folks"

HappyUP!!! Day 918

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 6
Why it happened - I got the ball to my favorite spot
Why it makes me happy - we were playing a round robin team game where a person picks his partner on every hole. When it was one guy's turn to pick, he picked me even though my drive was a bit sub-standard. "Nut always birdies when the pin is back on this hole." Sure enough, I hit my little trick shot up to 5 feet and knocked in the birdie and justified the pick.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 17
Why it happened - I hit a great wedge
Why it makes me happy - another guy didn't pick me on that hole. It's always great to make a guy double think his picking!

HappyUP!!! - bonus 9
Why it happened - some guys wanted to play
Why it makes me happy - I got to play with J.....I had heard the stories...it was an experience! AND, the three of us whipped it around in about an hour and fifteen minutes.

HappyUP!!! - posting a good score
Why it happened - I kept it in play
Why it makes me happy - a 75 from the gold tees with two double bogeys is nice playing. Two bad swings cost me four shots. I thought I might be heading for a slump but things seem to be heading in the right direction.

JollyJottings

3 birdies
Good score
Playing with Jon and the Menace
BSing around the club

HappyUP!!! Day 917

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron into 8
Why it happened - it was alternate shot and my partner put me there
Why it makes me happy - there are certain shots that come with a higher degree of difficulty. There are certain times when you really need to pull them off. This was one of those times...with my partner right there watching and with a vested interest because he plays the next shot from where I hit it. I put him 8 feet for a birdie from 180 yards out of the rough. THIS is the kind of shot that you remember for a long time....and why you play golf.

HappyUP!!! - strawberry crepe
Why it happened - my friend met me for dessert
Why it makes me happy - I don't get to have crepes very often....these were delicious....and the conversation over the breaking of bread was too.

HappyUP!!! - text from a friend
Why it happened - I texted my friend first
Why it makes me happy - my friend "one upped" me unexpectedly....and it cracked me up.

JollyJottings

Tournament Day
7 iron into 2
Partner's shot on 3
Chip on 4
Hybrid on 6
5 iron on 8
Hybrid on 10
Text from a friend
Strawberry-Chocolate Crepe
Changing venues in mid-drive