Friday, April 30, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1187



HappyUP!!! - the weinermobile
Why it happened - my best friend sent me this pic
Why it makes me happy - don't know how he got the pic. I am thinking his company was doing a promo. I remember the weinermobile from my youth. Come on......how can you be anything but happy when you see the Weinermobile

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 2
Why it happened - a little luck and a great putt
Why it makes me happy - I had hit a horrendous drive. My second shot was solid but it didn't get over the tree....it went through it...hence the luck....but the putt was superb

HappyUP!!! - brekko with a friend
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me happy - it was great to catch up with my friend over a meal. Great conversation

HappyUP!!! - fabulous news from a dear friend
Why it happened - it's been a long process
Why it makes me happy - this is the culmination of a lot of pain for my friend....and it's worked out well...and...now...it's done. It pains my heart to see friends struggle...and uplifts it when they come through.

HappyUP!!! - 8 iron on 6
Why it happened - I put a good one on it
Why it makes me happy - my iron shots have not been crisp lately. I have been going through a swing change. THIS shot was what that was all about.

JollyJottings

Great night sleep
Brekko with a friend
Super news from a dear friend
Gorgeous day up in the hills
Better ball striking
Great distance putting

Thursday, April 29, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1186


HappyUP!!! - Comcast resolved
Why it happened - I went early
Why it makes me happy - I have survived the digital conversion. OK....not all the way there...haven't figured out the new remote...but it works! I have CNBC and the Golf Channel again.

HappyUP!!! - big news from a friend
Why it happened - who knows...prayer?
Why it makes me happy - my dear friend has been struggling. Good news today and resolution tomorrow

HappyUP!!! - solid practice session
Why it happened - I went out and practiced
Why it makes me happy - this session had lots of bad shots.....which is good...nothing worse than a practice session when you hit them all good....trust me. Looking forward to more tomorrow

HappyUP!!! - a drop by
Why it happened - my buddy was in the neighborhood
Why it makes me happy - we had a great impromptu visit!!

JollyJottings

Comcast resolved
Good practice session
Lovely weather
Breakfast appointment

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1185


HappyUP!!! - mall
Why it happened - I needed something
Why it makes me happy - not many people in the mall on a Wed. Crowds aren't my thing. They have made a lot of changes there. It actually is a pretty cool place to hang out....if one was in to hanging out. Enjoyed the trip.

HappyUP!!! - chicken
Why it happened - I BBQ'd some bird
Why it makes me happy - I had those fowl soaking for a few days in a lovely homegrown marinade. I got them off the grill at just the right time. Dinner!!!

HappyUP!!! - anniversary
Why it happened - a total fluke
Why it makes me happy - you can go to my earlier post today for the entire scoop. Just lots of fond memories of how such a thing that was so wrong went so right.

HappyUP!!! - Youth Leadership Opportunity
Why it happened - I was asked
Why it makes me happy - it looks like an interesting chance to go into the school system next year. It sounds like a nice diversion and I always like helping out.

JollyJottings

Coffee
Banking
Mall
Surewest service call
An anniversary

Roseville Train Explosions - HappyUP!!!


Today marks 37 years since a munitions train - came down from over the Sierras carrying it's load of 500 pound bombs. It's destination was a shipping yard in the Bay Area. For a reason that has never been determined, the train caught on fire as it sat in the Antelope end of the Roseville switching yard.

My house was in Antelope - we lived 1/4 mile away from Ground Zero.

It was 8:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning - I was 13 and, being a relatively new teenager, was taking in that teenage habit of sleeping in. My mom had been up for hours cleaning the house. It was mom's Saturday ritual...housework. If, by chance, we had somewhere to be on Saturday, it just meant she got up earlier or started in on the housework Friday night.

During the preceding hour and a half - my dad kept noticing some sounds. "If I was back in WW2, I would swear those were bombs. Perhaps someone is blasting tree stumps," he told my mom.

But at 8:30, it wasn't a 500 lb bomb - by this time, the fire had reached a propane tanker that was a part of this train.

I awoke that morning to the sound - of every item in the house being thrown from it's cabinets, windows imploding with such force that the shards of glass imbedded in the plaster (not sheetrock) walls across the room, and my father yelling, "everyone get out of the house."

My bedroom had a door to the outside - and I quickly scurried out and around to our front yard in time to see a huge fireball and mushroom cloud. "What is happening?" was the only thing going through my mind. I thought that, perhaps, a plane had crashed nearby. It was only recently that a plane had crashed tragically into an ice cream parlor in nearby Sacramento so that seemed to make sense. The possibility of a nuclear bomb incident was also racing through my adolescent brain.

There wasn't much time to think - my parents grabbed me and my brother and we got into the car. We were horrified at the traffic jam of people that were trying to drive toward the blast. We just wanted to go the other way and get out. No one had to tell us to evacuate.

My mom was a bookkeeper at the Roseville Press Tribune - she had a key to the office so that was the logical place to go. It was a newspaper so it also served as a place to get information. Little did we know how bad the information would be.....and how long we would have to wait to find out what all of this meant to our future.

Reporters fed us information - from people that had been flying over the scene. "The house with big olive orchard has burned to the ground,"....."no, your house is standing,"....."no, it has been flattened,".....conflicting reports causing hope and heartbreak at every turn.

The Tribune's owner-editor, Carmella Martin, - was in Los Angeles that weekend. The train explosions had made national news. It had to be frustrating for her as a newsperson to be so far away from one of the biggest stories that her paper would ever cover. She was so gracious and insisted on us staying in her home that Saturday evening while she was away.

The railroad had set up a special claims office - and my parents may have actually been able to get some immediate emergency money the day of the blast. If it wasn't that day, it was very fast. There were no ATM's back then. Banks were not open either. We were so relieved to have access to funds.

The bombs subsided by that evening - and the National Guard was called in to secure the area against looters. It was made clear to the public that anyone found inside the perimeter would be shot. I remember hearing that and, not knowing what looting was at the time, realized this was very serious business.

By Sunday, Carmella had gotten back home - and, as dusk started to settle that evening, she piled in the car with us to see if we could get in to see our home, or what was left of it, with us. We drove down PFE, made the left on to North Antelope, and were on the straightaway that finished at the site of the explosion. We went up the little hill that crested about 300 yards from our house. We were stopped by the National Guard.

"Sorry, this is as far as anyone goes" - was the official word from the heavily armed Guardsman. If it was just us, I think we would have turned around and gone home. I will never forget Carmella's pleas with the soldiers....

"These people only live a couple hundred yards up the street. They don't know whether they have a house or not. Please, let us go check" - the guard thought about it and agreed to let us pass. But not before he added, "the main street has been swept and cleared of Tritonol. We have done nothing in people's driveways."

Tritonol was the plastic explosive - used in the detonators of the bombs. We drove on very slowly. I still remember, as we turned off the main street into our driveway, cringing and plugging my ears expecting us to drive over a piece of explosive.

There it was - our old, ramshackle house.....beaten up.....all windows shattered....debris scattered amongst the driveway......but still standing. We had left a car in the driveway and a shock absorbing spring from one of the railcars had flown the full 1/4 mile and landed squarely on the hood of that Toyota. I told my dad what a great souvenir that was. He said, "oh yes..go ahead....go over there and pick it up." He already knew what I was to find out. I couldn't even move it as it weighed so much.

Though standing - our home would be condemned as being beyond repair. The concussion of the blast had shattered every rafter in the home. Most of our things were now smoke damaged. Our house was the first one left standing between us and the blast. The other homes between ours and the explosions had been either flattened or burned.

Many people took the Southern Pacific railroad to court - trying to collect for damages to old cars, chicken coupes, etc. I'm not sure that they ever got the restitution they were looking for. I know they spent years in court. My parents were thrilled to receive the check they got for the damages. I believe they were paid in full within just a couple of weeks of the accident. It was for more than we could have sold the house and 10 acres on before the blast...and we got to keep the property. They were grateful and had nothing but praise for how the railroad had handled our case.

Miraculously - no one was killed in this incident. If the train had been parked in the actual town of Roseville rather than where it was more rural in Antelope, I doubt that I would be able to say that same thing.

We immediately moved into Roseville - and my parents bought the house that I grew up in....and subsequently purchased from my dad....and am sitting in as I write this. I was about to start high school so this meant I would not be riding any buses from out in the country. I could now walk to school and easily participate in social events related to high school. It also put me a half a mile away from the golf course where I would end up spending a vast amount of my time. I made new friends in the neighborhood...friends that I still have to this day.

This one, single freakish event - was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me...and I have been a pretty lucky guy. I realized just how fortunate this situation was almost immediately. My parents may have helped me with that but it didn't take me long to realize what a great break we had caught. It definitely worked for me.

So....on this April 28....as with most April 28ths that have occurred since then - I say a HappyUP!!! to good fortune, my late parents, and to life. It's amazing how things work out.


Tuesday, April 27, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1184


HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - 2 great speeches....an icebreaker that was exceptionally done...and a charming speech from a veteran. We also had 2 new people join.

HappyUP!!! - in the presence of grace
Why it happened - I get in front of people
Why it makes me happy - every once in awhile, you encounter someone of an authentic spiritual nature. They don't overdo it...they don't flaunt it....they just ARE it. If you open your senses, you will know it when you encounter it. Today, I did.

HappyUP!!! - quick fix on inkjet
Why it happened - I got an idea
Why it makes me happy - I need to convert over to an all in one scanner/printer/copier setup. But, until I do the research, I need my printer to work. It hasn't been. I threw the alcohol swab to it today. Who knows about tomorrow but it worked today and I was thrilled!

HappyUP!!! - something to look forward to
Why it happened - I got some good news midday
Why it makes me happy - it's given me another thing to get excited about!

JollyJottings

2 great speeches
Lots of laughs
2 new members
Cleaning my ink cartridge
Wound healing
Something to look forward to

Monday, April 26, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1183


HappyUP!!! - minimal traffic
Why it happened - excellent timing
Why it makes me happy - drove to Daly City (South of SF on the coast side) and back today. Everyone knows how messy traffic can get around SF and going through it.....it almost doesn't matter when you go. I REALLY don't like sitting in traffic. Nobody likes it but I particularly detest it. We got in and out of there....and back through Sac just in time to miss the Sac commuter slow down. NICE!

HappyUP!!! - perfect SF Day
Why it happened - pure luck
Why it makes me happy - I was playing some really....really...bad golf today. Most of the time where we were, it's windy. Bad golf on a windy day is a big can of NO FUN! Today, I was able to just enjoy the weather while I waited for a better golfing day to come.

HappyUP!!! - rangefinder recovered
Why it happened - honest folks
Why it makes me happy - today was the first day out with my new golf bag. I thought I had the perfect pocket for my laser distance finder. If I remember to zip the pocket, it probably is perfect...oopsie. Fortunately, the guys behind us found it, turned it in to the tournament officials, and it was waiting for me at the scoring tent. Yeah...that was about a $400 savings! HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - a driveby
Why it happened - I was outside
Why it makes me happy - my dear friend saw me and pulled over and we had a great "through the car window" visit. Another bright spot of my day.

JollyJottings

A lovely day in SF
Rangefinder returned
Minimal traffic on the drive
6 iron on 3
3 wood/5 iron/putt on 7
Putting stroke seems better

Sunday, April 25, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1182


HappyUP!!! - excellent practice session
Why it happened - I got a lesson the other day
Why it makes me happy - I'm feeling...a lot more than thinking...and the ball is moving the
way it should.

HappyUP!!! - IM with my best friend
Why it happened - we were on FB
Why it makes me happy - been having some great things going on in my life.....and it was great to bounce them off my best bud

HappyUP!!! - an evening walk
Why it happened - I got an invitation
Why it makes me happy - Thoreau always valued a walk. This was a great one.

JollyJottings

Excellent practice session
New golf bag
An evening walk
An IM with my best friend

Saturday, April 24, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1181


HappyUP!!! - putting tip
Why it happened - I was out grinding
Why it made me happy - it was a great tip

HappyUP!!! - time in garden sans shirt
Why it happened - gorgeous day
Why it makes me happy - this is the best time in the garden. Warm sun.....me needing a tan...smell of dirt...ahhhhhh

HappyUP!!! - practice session
Why it happened - I'm in grind mode
Why it makes me happy - can't say I hit them all good....but I was hitting them properly due to recent lesson. Their is hope.

JollyJottings

Hitting balls
Putting tip
Good chipping session
Seeing an old buddy
Gorgeous afternoon
Time in garden sans shirt

Friday, April 23, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1180


HappyUP!!! - chipping
Why it happened - I got some instruction
Why it makes me happy - I used to be a pretty good chipper of the golf ball. I've been plagued by inconsistency of late. I hit some VERY quality chip shots into "gimmie" range today.

HappyUP!!! - getting my cuke on
Why it happened - I just did it
Why it makes me happy - I went to the nursery.....I drove home....I went straight to the cucumber spot in the garden....and I put those bad boys in.....BAM!

HappyUP!!! - ball striking
Why it happened - I got a lesson Thursday
Why it makes me happy - it was a ways from great today....but I hit a lot more quality shots than I had a right to expect today. Better yet, the swing was better. "That's the swing I used to see a long time ago," was a comment from the group. Bottom line: HOPE is a great contributor to happiness.

HappyUP!!! - great e-mail from a friend
Why it happened - I've got a great friend
Why it makes me happy - none of us REQUIRE hearing nice words.........but none of us is going to ever say we don't like hearing them either.

JollyJottings

Getting my cuke on
Lunch meat
Speech contest
Great e-mail from my friend
Ball striking
5 iron-1, 6 iron and wedge-2
Wedge -6, 8 iron-7, 5 iron-8
7 iron-9/10/15
Bunker shot 11 and 13
6 iron 14/16
Chips on 16/17
Hazard recovery 18

Thursday, April 22, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1179


HappyUP!!! - driving range open
Why it happened - no rain Wed afternoon and clear this morning
Why it makes me happy - when my teaching pro called me with the news, I knew I was going to get the opportunity to "get fixed."

HappyUP!!! - seeing my pro
Why it happened - I set it up
Why it makes me happy - I really like this guy. He is an underrated teacher. I had not seen him in nearly a year. He gave me some great instruction....and I will get out of my funk.....and I will see him again within the next month. I hereby commit to staying on track.

HappyUP!!! - tying off an open loop
Why it happened - I enlisted the help of a catsultant
Why it makes me happy - I hate it when things are strained between me and close friends. This one took the employ of a third party.....and the third party came through and did a great job.

JollyJottings

Driving range open
Seeing my pro
The "fix" does not seem that extreme
Got a piece of bonus advice on chip
Hitting balls afterwards
Tying off an open loop
Setting up a collection



Wednesday, April 21, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1178


HappyUP!!! - coffee
Why it happened - it's on the calendar every Wed morning
Why it makes me happy - we had a nice conversation..heard some better news from my friend. I got a chance to spend some time with another friend who popped in a bit later. Good stuff

HappyUP!!! - no rain this afternoon
Why it happened - who knows...it wasn't in the forecast
Why it makes me happy - it may give the driving range a chance to dry out so I can take a desperately needed lesson tomorrow

HappyUP!!! - good healing
Why it happened - I'm taking care of things
Why it makes me happy - it looks like my shin wounds are coming along nicely. It's going to take awhile but they look good.

HappyUP!!! - jeans
Why it happened - I did a little grinding
Why it makes me happy - hey, even if they are old, no one likes to lose a favorite pair of jeans before their time. This pair had a nasty stain from the shin injury. I was going to relegate them to the "work in the garden" pile. Then, I said, "hmmmm....let's give this a shot." Got all the blood stains out of there.

JollyJottings

Coffee with my buddy
Running into another pal at coffee
IM chat with one of my best friends...talking golf
Getting some clean up done around the house
Dealing with some frustrations in an effective manner
Wounds healing nicely
No rain this afternoon

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1177


HappyUP!!! - Speeches at Toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - K gave a speech that I just didn't see coming. It was like she was an actress. She's my hero....she's come so far. G nailed it with a stretch while trying some new things. T is one of our newer members and was very creative in his approach.

HappyUP!!! - seting up some instruction
Why it happened - too much bad golf
Why it makes me happy - it was great to talk with my old swing coach. He's ready to get at it. Now, I just need some good weather Thursday morning and a driving range that isn't too wet to be closed.

HappyUP!!! - thunder
Why it happened - weather
Why it makes me happy - it was booming! The house was rattling! I don't think I could ever be one of those stormchasers but a touch of extreme weather is thrilling....especially when inside one's house. VERY happy about that.

JollyJottings

Setting up some instruction
Speeches at Toastmasters
Birthday party invitation

Monday, April 19, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1176


HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - a buddy called me
Why it makes me happy - one of my golfing pals called me to break some bread. Who doesn't like breaking bread with a friend?.....especially spontaneously?

HappyUP!!! - saving some clothes
Why it happened - SHOUT
Why it makes me happy - I had some pretty bad stains in a shirt and pair of shorts from my kitchen accident the other day. I'd given up on a pair of shorts and a shirt. When I popped them out of the washer, I had a moment of, "Niiiiizzzzzzzzze!!!"

HappyUP!!! - advice
Why it happened - I got a call from a surrogate mom
Why it makes me happy - it's good to have such a friend to give you a little walk through on wound care.

JollyJottings

Brekko
Catching our fave food server
7 iron on 15
6 iron on 2
Up n down on 4
Un n down on 5
5 iron on 7
Phone call
Shower
Saving some clothes

Sunday, April 18, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1175


HappyUP!!! - bad shin
Why it happened - had a culinary incident
Why it makes me happy - didn't need that old bowl that fell out of fridge and caused this damage. Had a great time at Med7......on a Sunday afternoon....very efficient....very affordable....felt I got great care... without Obamacare (Oh...did I just say that...out loud?)

HappyUP!!! - putt on 7
Why it happened - I was on "wrong tier"
Why it makes me happy - this was a severe downhiller from 40 feet.....right to left....you just want to get speed right and call it a day with a two putt.....this one found the jar!!! The real beauty comes from how good our greens are rolling.....the ball took forever to get to the hole.....which created suspense.

HappyUP!!! - putt on 9
Why it happened - it didn't matter
Why it makes me happy - if putt was for a birdie or par, would I have made it? Who knows? 35 feet downhill, 5 feet of right to left...those aren't I only know that it felt good to drain another tricky one.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1174.5


HappyUP!!! - getting to play some golf with an "outside guy"
Why it happened - the pro shop had made some mistakes
Why it makes me happy - J is an older guy.....not hitting it as far as I am thinking he was in a younger day....but it was a joy to watch his hands around the green. No, he's not a pro...but he had some nice hand work.

HappyUP!!! - visit to the Woodbridge Sports Complex
Why it happened - it was a lovely evening for a walk
Why it makes me happy - I live two doors down from the park I spent so much time in when I was a youth. It was a gorgeous evening tonight. I took a walk....and really appreciated the setting I was in while in that old park.

HappyUP!!! - confirmation
Why it happened - found out my ol buddy can join us tomorrow
Why it makes me happy - this ol buddy, long lost, is a great guy and a wonderful present addition to my tapestry. Looking forward to teeing it up tomorrow

Friday, April 16, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1174


HappyUP!!! - convertible day to the max
Why it happened - it's Spring in Norcal
Why it makes me happy - I have had the top down every month so far this year. Today, as I was driving, I went, "dang...why does this feel so good?" A quick check of my ambient thermometer showed 73 degrees with no wind. THAT is as perfect as God is gonna give it to us.

HappyUP!!! - grabbing some sushi
Why it happened - my jones needed to be itched
Why it makes me happy - c'mon....if you love sushi....you know why it makes you happy

HappyUP!!! - chattin/texting/e-mailing with the golfer bros
Why it happened - thinking bout a change
Why it makes me happy - there is commitment involved......and it's good to have discussion. Yeah....it ain't life or death....but golf is a big part of our lives.

JollyJottings

Broc and asparagus brekko
Grocery store
Chats with golfing friend
Sushi
Chattin with the bro
PERFECT convertible weather


Thursday, April 15, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1173


HappyUP!!! - a visit to Sierra View
Why it happened - thinking about changes
Why it makes me happy - I grew up golfing there.....and am looking at returning after all these years. Yeah, a bit of nostalgia crept in......but it was a lot of fun too.

HappyUP!!! - brief visit with a friend
Why it happened - I was out in front of my house
Why it makes me happy - my friend saw me.....and pulled over for a brief "come and go" quick chat.

HappyUP!!! - last four holes
Why it happened - I hit some great shots coming down the line
Why it makes me happy - played the last 4 holes 1 under par.......I lipped out two birdie putts that should have fallen which would have made it 3 under.....when you hit the shots down the line in our group, you make dough. I managed to get it back to break even.....really wished those putts would have fallen....but, at least, they were excellent putts on top of some great play.

JollyJottings

Birdie on 15
6 iron on 17
Wedge into 18
Playing with my bro
Checking outnew course
Brief visit with a friend
Good start to golf round
Great weather


Wednesday, April 14, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1172





HappyUP!!! - chutting
Why it happened - I just missed a few greens
Why it makes me happy - every time I got the chutter out today, I got the ball down in two shots.....well....except for 11 where I knocked it in. When that happens, I get to collect cash at the end fo the day.

<------What the heck is going on here?

HappyUP!!! - noontime phone call
Why it happened - my buddy gave me a call
Why it makes me happy - just had a great conversation in the middle of the day with a dear friend. Hey, when you have the time, call your buds


HappyUP!!! - retrieving my 5 iron
Why it happened - it "slipped" out of my hand and went into the marsh
Why it makes me happy - I thought my club was history. Then, I looked and saw the grip and shaft sticking up out of the water and marsh. Not wanting to buy an entire new set of irons, it only left me with one choice. Go crawling and wading!










<------Hey....he looks happy! Wet...cold...but happy!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1171



HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - we had three great speeches, three evaluations, and three table topics......and got it all done in just a hair over an hour. THAT is productive! We had a guest, too, and it looked like he dug the interaction. Recruit...recruit...recruit

HappyUP!!! - pulling a good time for State Am qualifier
Why it happened - lucky?
Why it makes me happy - going down to Olympic Club in about two weeks. The last time I qualified for this tournament...it was there....28 yrs ago.....before I took my hiatus from the game. I pulled a 9:50 a.m. time.....off the first tee. I always like starting off of the first hole rather than the back side. 9:50 should give a bit of extra time for any fog to lift....and warm up a little....and me not to feel rushed. Of course, it may stick me in traffic coming home.....hey....why not just spend an extra night in SF? HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - lots of good shots today
Why it happened - my game is coming back around
Why it makes me happy - my score didn't make me happy.....but the ball striking is coming back. Hit 12 greens....made a couple of birdies...should have tapped in for another (dang putter is misfiring). Anyway, a little more work and all should be good a week and a half from now.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters
Good starting time for Am Qualifier
E-mails with a buddy
Driver/Wedge 1
Hybrid 2
Putt on 3
5 iron...putt on 4
5 iron...putt on 7
Driver..5 iron 11
Bunker shot on 13
3 wood...3 wood combo on 14
7 iron on 16
Flop shot on 17
5 iron on 18

Monday, April 12, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1170



HappyUP!!! - fishies

Why it happened - a buddy of mine went "replacement" shopping

Why it makes me happy - when you own fish...they die...it's happened to me. Many think they killed their fish....no....they were provided a different kind of life. Hey, they would have died wherever they lived anyway...at least, in one's tank, they lived predator free. Anyway, the real HappyUP!!! (besides getting a picture to use) is that it reminded me of an old post:



HappyUP!!! - errands run
Why it happened - no golf
Why it makes me happy - boom....bam.....bingo.......made about 5 stops.....all hassle free......nice interactions with miscellaneous store staff......and back home before the rain came pouring down.

HappyUP!!! - fresh cookies
Why it happened - a buddy dropped some by
Why it makes me happy - c'mon.......do I really need to elaborate on why a freshly baked, soft, chewey chocolate chip cookie is a HappyUP!!! ? No.....I didn't think so. Besides, it's nice when someone goes out of there way to bring you stuff.

JollyJottings

Cool Storm...can't say thunderstorm but it came down
Errands run
Invitation response


Sunday, April 11, 2010

HappyuP!!! Day 1169


HappyUP!!! - Masters Sunday
Why it happened - it's this weekend...every year
Why it makes me happy - it's tradition....it's a golf course that is perfect offering peril and reward...anything that can happen. While I wish it would have come down to the last shot today, the golf course did crown the correct champion today.

HappyUP!!! - helping out a friend
Why it happened - my friend needed it
Why it makes me happy - I am so blessed to be in the position to be able to help.....need to do it more often.

HappyUP!!! - the duckies
Why it happened - I posted about them yesterday
Why it makes me happy - I received more than one or two pieces of feedback regarding yesterday's post. The verdict is in.....if there is one thing everyone can agree on........EVERYONE loves duckies!

JollyJottings

Masters Sunday
Helping out a friend
E-mail about the duckies
A rainy Sunday

Saturday, April 10, 2010

happyUP!!! Day 1168



HappyUP!!! - Duckies!
Why it happened - it's Spring
Why it makes me happy - this was the first sighting I have seen this year of a Momma Duck and her Little Ones. I wish I had my cameral and not iPhone with me for a zoom in. There had to be about 10 of those little feathery things following her around.

HappyUP!!! - driver
Why it happened - I really am working at turning back through the ball
Why it makes me happy - if you can get the driver in play....and with good length, you can play some golf. My game has been struggling but the last couple of days are showing nice signs of improvement.

HappyUP!!! - 17th hole
Why it happened - I hit a massive drive....an incredible wedge....and a pretty sweet putt.
Why it makes me happy - the hole played downwind. It does make it easier but it's still tricky. I played it as good as one could.

HappyUP!!! - discovering my putter issue
Why it happened - I noticed something on the 10th green
Why it makes me happy - my driving of the ball has not been up to speed.....but my putting has been worse. THAT, my friends, is not a good combination. While I think I figured the driver out yesterday, I may have gotten the putter squared away today. I made some TREMENDOUS putts on the backside...even when I didn't actually hole the putt.

JollyJottings

Driver 1/2/5/6/11/15/17/18
Hybrid on 7
Getting the putter back
Wedge on 17
Masters golf
Decision on a pool we have going on

Friday, April 09, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1167


HappyUP!!! - new golfing friend J
Why it happened - he was invited by my buddies
Why it makes me happy - always great to play with new people....especially when they have played the mini-tours. It's a joy to watch people that have progressed so far in the game.... especially when they are nice guys that can put up with some substandard play. Lots of fun

HappyUP!!! - decent golf from the Black Tees
Why it happened - the boys wanted to step to the back
Why it makes me happy - can't call it a great round...but the ball striking and short game showed some signs of coming out of hibernation. Hey, it's been awhile. Hope is a beautiful thing.

HappyUP!!! - running across Sammy
Why it happened - I was out for a walk
Why it makes me happy - ever take a walk on a dark night....go over a bridge...have a stranger approach you....who looks a touch scruffy....and have him say, "hey!" Ok...a bit scary at first but it ended up being an old buddy! We had a nice chat.

HappyUP!!! - call from a friend
Why it happened - my friend had some time
Why it makes me happy - hey....who doesn't like a call that is nothing but good stuff from a friend?

JollyJottings

Finding my ball marker
Playing with J for first time
7 iron on one
4 iron on two
Up and down on 4
6 iron on 7
Bunker shot on 8
Bunker shot on 9
Chutt on 9
Sand shot on 11
Chutt on 12
Hybrid on 14
Up and down on 15
Hybrid on 18
Masters Golf
Great phone call with my friend
A third for our group tomorrow

Thursday, April 08, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1166


HappyUP!!! - Driver/wedge on 1
Why it happened - I hit two great shots
Why it makes me happy - tough group today...and I came out firing.

HappyUP!!! - the Masters begins
Why it happened - it's tradition
Why it makes me happy - the tournament is awesome. Betting pools are fun. Tom Watson plays a great round. Fred Couples is leading. The Tiger Woods drama and the fact that he played well and the patrons were not rude speaks volume to the tournament....and human behavior. A great leaderboard after Day 1 for an exciting tournament.

HappyUP!!! - nearly holing a wedge flop shot on 4
Why it happened - I have a flop shot
Why it makes me happy - it kept my early round going....and, though I couldn't see the hole, it was a wonderful sound to hear the pin get hit.

JollyJottings

The Masters begins
Tom Watson's round
Drive and Wedge into one
Tee shot on 2
Almost holing wedge shot on 4
Great up and down on 5
Good 6 iron on 7
Great drive and 9 iron on 9
7 iron on 12



Wednesday, April 07, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1165


HappyUP!!! - wedge on 10
Why it happened - I have a good wedge game at times
Why it makes me happy - I was playing poorly. I said, "you know what, I think I'll just jam this in the hole," and the ball landed an inch from the cup from 83 yds. The birdie was a nice uplift.

HappyUP!!! - chutt on 17
Why it happened - I have some touch
Why it makes me happy - I'd hit a very good 8 iron into the hole.....too good. It went long and I had a difficult downhill shot. I rolled it right to the lip. Hey, on a bad day on the links, you look to the bright spots

HappyUP!!! - setting up a Masters side wager
Why it happened - my buddy texted me
Why it makes me happy - always good to hear from my ex-golf mate. This is a good way for us to not lose touch now that my buddy isn't playing much golf. Plus, I should pick up a few bucks!!!

HappyUP!!! - hearing from a friend from the past
Why it happened - I had sent him an e-mail
Why it makes me happy - this friend kind of disappeared....I hate it when good friends disappear....hopefully this is the beginning of him reappearing.

JollyJottings

Texting with my buddy
Wedge on 10
Chutt on 17
Wedge on 3


Tuesday, April 06, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1164


HappyUP!!! - 2 good speeches
Why it happened - Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - LD was energetic....SP was funny....both uplifting and did great jobs. It's what we go there for

HappyUP!!! - getting to golf course on time
Why it happened - I was pushing it
Why it makes me happy - hate to keep the guys waiting. It's not a quick trip from Toastmasters to an 8:40 tee time

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron 0n 16
Why it happened - it was a pure one
Why it makes me happy - tough wind....I put a cut up there and rode it home to within 8 feet of the pin.

JollyJottings

2 good speeches
A guest
Texting with my buddy
Getting to golf course on time
5 iron on 4
Driver...6 iron on 5
Drive on 9
Bogey on 10
Up and down on 15
5 iron on 16
Shot from the dirt on 17
Friend returned borrowed stuff

Monday, April 05, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1163


HappyUP!!! - getting agenda filled
Why it happened - a member stepped in to speak
Why it makes me happy - I am running the meeting tomorrow. I hate having only one speaker....had two cancel...but I got a fill in. HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - NCAA Championship Game
Why it happened - it is a tradition
Why it makes me happy - young athletes....playing for their schools...not ego...not money...still being controlled by coaches.....cheerleaders.....fans....and an exciting game for a change! I love any sporting event at the highest level.

HappyUP!!! - Tiger Woods Interview
Why it happened - it's Master's Week
Why it makes me happy - hey, I wasn't a Tiger lover before his...uh....accident. Everything before now has been a bit contrived. In today's press conference, he was able to be himself...but, obviously, knocked down a few pegs. There is no question he was a more humble Tiger Woods. It was good to see. Yeah, the guy has some issues....and, from what I can see, he is dealing with them. I like the fact that America gives you a second chance....I hope he walks the talk and takes advantage of the grace extended.

JollyJottings

Gorgeous day
Catching up with a friend
Getting my agenda filled for tomorrow
Trader Joes
Championship Game
T-Woods Interview

Sunday, April 04, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1162


HappyUP!!!-25 plants in the ground
Why it happened - I saw rain coming
Why it makes me happy - I love to plant...wait....I like to HAVE planted. It's a bit of work. It was great that Home Depot was open this morning so I could get some vege plants and get started on the harvest.

HappyUP!!! - Shaun Michele on the PGA Tour
Why it happened - I was one of the few that picked him
Why it makes me happy - he shot the best round today.....and took me to victory over my buddies.

HappyUP!!!- Easter invitation
Why it happened - my friend was thinking about me
Why it makes me happy - while I couldn't make it, how good is it when peeps invite you to share their holiday with their family. Nothing more special than that

HappyUP!!! - Bang a Gong
Why it happened - a buddy sent me this vintage tune
Why it makes me happy - come on...who wouldn't like waking up to this tune.....rockin...and being taken down memory lane?

JollyJottings

Home Depot open on Easter
Early grocery morning run
25 plants put in the ground
Lawn mowed
Chicken BBQ'd
Able to borrow a tool
Good news from a friend on the road
Shaun Michele in fantasy golf
Easter invitation
Bang A Gong...Get it On

Saturday, April 03, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1161


HappyUP!!! - draining an 8 footer on 18
Why it happened - I had it read right
Why it makes me happy - I went from looking like a likely win to easy tie...to possibly losing due to a bad break. I needed this putt to make dough or end up even. I just poured it in!

HappyUP!!! - 58 points in fantasy golf
Why it happened - my team showed up
Why it makes me happy - I'm in second place in the league.....and beating the 3 other guys I have a side game with. Looking good for tomorrow!

HappyUP!!! - final four on TV
Why it happened - it's that time
Why it makes me happy - I love this time of the year in college basketball. The title game is usually a letdown....I am thinking it will be this year. I hope not. Love to see Butler pull down the upset but Duke is looking tough. That Butler game today was awesome. You could see those guys leaving it all on the court. That is a great thing to watch

JollyJottings

Hybrid on 4
Pitch on 5
Wedge on 6
7 iron on 7
6 iron on 8
7 iron on 9
9 iron on 10
Wedge on 13
Two putt on 14
8 iron on 15
Texting with my buddy
58 points in Fantasy Golf
Final Four on TV

Friday, April 02, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1160



HappyUP!!! - great news ffom a friend
Why it happened - he played great golf
Why it makes me happy - my buddy qualified through 4 rounds of Q-school for the Canadian Golf Tour. It's a big deal. It was great to get the call from him thanking guys at the club for supporting him.

HappyUP!!! - phone fix
Why it happened - my phone went down again
Why it makes me happy - it was an easy fix.....quick....and I am back in business with a good SIM card

HappyUP!!! - playing some guitar
Why it happened - I had a day off
Why it makes me happy - I just enjoy when I play my simple stuff....some days....not all....today....I REALLY did/


JollyJottings

Phone fix
Great nap
Day off
Playing some guitar
"Hi" from an old bud


Thursday, April 01, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1159


HappyUP!!! - Second Place in Fantasy Golf
Why it happened - it is the second season
Why it makes me happy - this is my first year doing this. I made "rookie" mistakes in the first third of the year. Now, with the "second season" upon us, I have come out blazing. It's only round one but I am looking good for this tournament after being a doormat in the opening session. It's nice to be in the hunt

HappyUP!!! - great news from the road
Why it happened - I have a friend on the road
Why it makes me happy - nothing but great news on this road trip. I just love it when my close friends are taking a much anticipated trip.....and it is all they can ask for.

HappyUP!!! - buddy still in it at Q-School
Why it happened - he's good...and he is playing
Why it makes me happy - great golfers are a dime a dozen....golfers that can make any kind of tour are rarer. My buddy was leading Q school after two days....today....a trainwreck....but...he is still in it. WHEN he plays great tomorrow, in the final round, he will feel better about himself for overcoming the adversity of today's toe stub. He's going to make it!

HappyUP!!! - drive on 1
Why it happened - I put it out there
Why it makes me happy - it's always great to start the day with the big boys. Even if, later on, they figure out they can't stripe it with them, you get their eyes opened when you only have a little wedge into our first hole. It also makes for an easy start to the round.

JollyJottings

Drive on 1
Good news from a friend on the road
Fabulous weather
Getting to golf with a buddy that isn't golfing anymore
Backing in to a "win"
Second place in Fantasy Golf after round one of second season
Buddy still "in the hunt" at Q school
Up n Down on 11, 12, and 16