HappyUP!!! Day 1218

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron on 14

Why it happened - I stepped on it big time

Why it makes me happy - knocked my drive into the hazard....looked like a bogey or double bogey...ripped a 3 wood...still had 170 into the wind...lying 4 on the par 5....and then I just nailed that 6 iron to 17 feet....and made the downhill putt....turned a loss into a win there

HappyUP!!! - nephew got home

Why it happened - it was about time

Why it makes me happy - why does cable suck so bad in hospitals? The poor patients already have nothing to do...how about some decent cable? Well....he's back home....and that is one step closer to better.

HappyUP!!! - Memorial Day

Why it happened - it comes around every year

Why it makes me happy - "Thanks.....Dad."

JollyJottings

Drives on 2...3...5...6...9...10...11...13...15...17...18

Wedge on 10

Bunker shot on 3

6 iron on 4

5 iron on 7

Flop shot on 8

Wedge on 9

5 iron on 11

6 iron on 14

7 iron on 16

Wedge on 17

Tacos

Friends having great Mem Day

Memorial Day

Nephew is home

On Memorial Day 2010

I appreciate all - of our men and women in the service

...but I shall never forget - the chain of events.....and the sure luck....that allowed me to be here....which happened because of the determination and will to live of my late father.

And the story? - it's here.

Happy Memorial Day to all

HappyUP!!! Day 1217

HappyUP!!! - weeding

Why it happened - I have a garden

Why it makes me happy - the sun was just perfect today....the smell of the tomatoe plants....seeing the first zucchini. Good times in the garden

HappyUP!!! - 8 iron 18

Why it happened - every once in awhile, I show some skills

Why it makes me happy - I needed to deliver the knock out blow.....and I did....perfectly striped 8 iron from 160 to within 5 feet of the pin.

HappyUP!!! - flop on 16

Why it happened - I have that shot

Why it makes me happy - I was in a tight match....I'd hit a good shot...just a little long and a little left. I was facing a very tough "up and down." I hit a very special shot....knocked in the putt...and kept myself alive.

JollyJottings

Weeding

Birdie on 6

8 iron on 18

Bringing it last 4 holes

Pitch on 16

6 iron on 12

chip on 13

Gorgeous weather

TJ's

Texts with my buddy

HappyUP!!! Day 1216

HappyUP!!! - playing with the doc

Why it happened - the doc texted me

Why it makes me happy - I hadn't played golf with the doc in forever. He's a crack up and a great guy

HappyUP!!! - flopped a shot into the hole

Why it happened - I have a decent short game

Why it makes me happy - I was down in a place where you don't get it down in 2 very often....I cut this one up high...dropped it down...took a little roll....and BOOM!

HappyUP!!! - enjoying the sunshine

Why it happened - got done golfing and took a little walk

Why it makes me happy - today was just a winner of a day....for many reasons...and when you are living in such tremendous weather, it just makes it that much better.

JollyJottings

Playin with the Doc

Up n down on 3&4&8

Hole out on 5

8 iron on 7

Drive on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 1215

HappyUP!!! - hospital visit

Why it happened - I've got a sick relative

Why it makes me happy - I'm not sure I cheered my nephew up....but I certainly got a dose of laughter. The best news is that he should get out by tommorrow. THAT is a SuperHappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - Fantasy Golf

Why it happened - I'm in a league

Why it makes me happy - my "A" player must have birdied the last hole....I had written him off to missing the cut. He just got in which gives me a full team playing on the weekend.

HappyUP!!! - driving range

Why it happened - needed to smack some spuds

Why it makes me happy - I got some good work done....and ran into my buddy, Dennis, who will be joining us for some weekend golf now that I got a chance to invite him.

JollyJottings

Graduation

Fantasy Golf

Great news about a friend

Hospital visit

HappyUP!!! Day 1214

HappyUP!!! - getting my adversary for some geeters

Why it happened - he rolled over

Why it makes me happpy - on a lifetime basis....today put me back up on top of him in winnings

HappyUP!!! - thunderstorms

Why it happened - it's weather

Why it makes me happy - they were supposed to come when we were playing golf. I am so blessed to

that they didn't....and I was able to enjoy them from the comfy confines of my home. I LOVE a good thunderstorm.

HappyUP!!! - meditation

Why it happened - I meditate on occasion

Why it makes me happy - hey..when you aren't a consistent practicer of the process....20 minutes of being totally still isn't that easy. Sure...peeps think it would be...it's not. When I was done, I felt great!

JollyJottings

Enrolling in a U Penn on line course for the summer

Thunderstorm

Meditation

Drive/wedge on 1

Birdie on 3

Putt on 7

Sand shot/Putt on 8

Putt on 16

HappyUP!!! Day 1213

HappyUP!!! - niece's birthday

Why it happened - uh...everyone has a birthday

Why it makes me happy - my bro and his wife thought we should go out to dinner. Good times with them and another couple.

HappyUP!!! - burger month

Why it happened - La Provence is celebrating it

Why it makes me happy - La Provence is a great restaraunt here in town. You normally would NOT grab a burger there....but....hey...they had burger month (which actually lasts 4 days). I took the rare opportunity to grabe a Lamburger....delicious

HappyUP!!! - my nephew

Why it happened - he ended up in the hospital

Why it makes me happy - OK....my nephew in the hospital....AGAIN....is never a HappyUP!!!...but the fact he got there...in time....and it is "just" pneumonia this time is a lot better than what it could have been/usually is. I was kind of racked up before I knew what was going on.

JollyJottings

Coffee

Nephew

Niece's birthday

Lamb-burger

HappyUP!!! Day 1212

HappyUP!!! - stock market recovery

Why it happened - bulls and bears are fighting

Why it makes me happy - this is a classic example of how this HappyUP!!! process has helped me. The stock market was down over 300 points and has been trending downward. It still finished down for the day...not a HappyUP!!! by any stretch of the imagination. The market doesn't usually turnaround like it did, however. At the end of the day, I have been given an opportunity to "fix" any positions I might want to without "selling at the bottom." I have been given an attractive choice. I'm not ignoring the fact their is a loss today....nothing I can do about that....no Pollyanna thinking....just not much I can do about that. CHOICE is one of the major keys to happiness.

HappyUP!!! - invitation to dinner

Why it happened - it's my neices birthday

Why it makes me happy - what is my neice insisting on for dinner? Hamburgers all around.....but we have to go to a fairly nice restaraunt to obtain the said delicacy. It should be fun to stroll in and have us all do the proverbial, "Cheeseboiga....cheeseboiga....cheeseboiga" schtick tomorrow night.

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters

Why it happened - I am very intentional about my attendance

Why it makes me happy - 3 great speeches.....a first time evaluation from a member who did great...I got thanked in a speech by a new member....I gave a solid evaluation....great attendance....great energy. I would have hated missing today's meeting.

HappyUP!!! - quality range session

Why it happened - had to get out there and keep working it

Why it makes me happy - I hit some exceptional shots....and some bad ones....and that is OK. There really isn't much productive about going to the range and "striping" them all. I think I came across a couple of key discoveries....some logical....some more "feel" based. The "feel" based are much more valuable nuggets.

HappyUP!!! - some freakish rain

Why it happened - it's the weather

Why it makes me happy - rain this late in main is a strange occurrence. I know it screws up people's plans but we won't see rain again for some time. I like a little rain now and then. It freshens things up. I wish we got a bit in the midst of summer...sure....it would be more humid...but it sure cleans things up. The rain in the forecast also calls for extremely moderate weekend coming up. That's important as we enter "Ol Nutter Almanac Weekend." More on that later.

JollyJottings

3 great speeches

Hearing a new member give first evaluation

Delightful people

Delicious little breakfast

Great practice session

Avoiding the rain

Tendinitis reprieve

Dow comes back

Rain

HappyUP!!! Day 1211

HappyUP!!! - 7 iron off the stick on 12

Why it happened - I decided to hit a different kind of shot

Why it makes me happy - 12 is a par 3....the ball was moving kind of fast...knew I hit it too hard when I hit it...didn't

HappyUP!!! - gorgeous day to walk

Why it happened - I took my walk

Why it makes me happy - not a lot of time left in Spring.....and I got to take in the sensory delights that it brings

HappyUP!!! - golf in 3 hours

Why it happened - we played early

Why it makes me happy - it's the way golf was meant to be played.....almost no waiting.

JollyJottings

Playing in 3 hours

7 iron off the stick on 12

7 iron on 16

Drive on 17...wedge on 17

TM getting the job done

News from a friend

HappyUP!!! Day 1210

HappyUP!!! - putts on 9 and 11

Why it happened - I saw the line and got the putt there

Why it makes me happy - every once in awhile...even on tough putts....you just feel like, "hey, I have a chance on this one," even though you would be doing well to two putt. These were a couple of tricky downhillers...one from about 25 feet and the other from 40. I still lost my match but I was riding a high for awhile

HappyUP!!! - flop shot on 18

Why it happened - desperation?....and skill?

Why it makes me happy - I had hit my second shot into the water....virtually assuring a loss. I took my drop and thought to myself, "well...my only chance is to hole this one....I could do that...I got nothing to lose." I popped that dog WAY up into the air...landing it on the upper tier from about 50 yds....I was down below so I couldn't see it other than to tell it was on line and my friends saying, "oh...great shot.." while it was in the air. Then....I heard the "clank" as the ball had nudged the pin. Nope...it didn't go in....all for naught...but...for a brief moment....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - Stogie

Why it happened - he's my boy

Why it makes me happy - he was snuggled in last night....right on top of me as I slept. I suspect it was because his sister had decided to grace us with her presence on the bed last night. I think he was saying, "you think you can get close, Shadow....I can get on!" They are so funny. The little boy that came up to my door to pet him.....and he took it in....was pretty cute too.

JollyJottings

Drive stayed in on 2

Good bounce on 1

6 iron/putt on 4

Putt on 9

Great pitch/putt on 5

Drive/putt on 11

Chutt on 12

Chutt on 17

Flop shot on 18

Some good Hulu

Great reading

Joined by our buddy

HappyUP!!! Day 1209

HappyUP!!! - zippin it around

Why it happened - we had clear sailing

Why it makes me happy - love to play golf.....in beautiful weather....in less than 4 hours on a Saturday morning.

HappyUP!!! - lots of quality golf shots

Why it happened - just swinging better

Why it makes me happy - after a prolonged slump, it just feels good to have things back

on track.

HappyUP!!! - critical chutt on 18

Why it happened - I've got some good touch with that shot

Why it makes me happy - I was looking good on the final hole....until my adversary hit an impossible bunker shot that actually hit the stick and caused the ball to stop about 4 feet from the hole. All the sudden, my shot went from "it would be nice to get this close" to "yikes....this is a MUST get this close situation.".....and I did just that.

JollyJottings

Gorgeous weather

Getting my bike back

7 iron into 2

Drive/Hybrid/Wedge on 3

Bunker shot 7 iron/wedge/putt on 5

Wedge on 6

7 iron on 8

8 iron on 10

Driver/8 iron on 11

8 iron on 13

Hybrid/putt 14

Sand shot 15

Hybrid/putt on 17

7 iron/chutt on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 1208

HappyUP!!! - putting

Why it happened - who knows

Why it makes me happy - 29 putts.....including only 12 on the front 9....that will bail you out a bit. Dropped a couple of bombs...made some unexpected ones

HappyUP!!! - 18th hole

Why it happened - it came down to it...big time

Why it makes me happy - my opponent hit a tremendous tee shot....with everything on the line. The wind was howling. Our last hole is a tough driving hole......and I got up there an piped one right with him. We both hit good wedges...outstanding putts...and pushed the hole.

HappyUP!!! - stop n go

Why it happened - my buddy crossed paths

Why it makes me happy - hadn't seen this pal in awhile. It just happened that my house was in the way of my friend's business today. We had a wonderful half hour.

HappyUP!!! - Claire

Why it happened - grandpa had to drop out after 9

Why it makes me happy - grandpa delivered this little junior golfer to us on the 10th tee. She was extremely well behaved....and could golf her ball. It could be kind of intimidating to just be dropped in with three strangers...that can play some golf....Claire was a welcome addition to our back 9.

JollyJottings

Putts

Claire

18th hole

Stop n go by a friend

Winning some dough

Pitch on 1...hybrid on 2...3 wood on 3...5 iron on 4...putt on 4....putt on 5....hybrid on 6....6 iron/putt on 7....drive/flopshot 8....putt on 9.....chutt on 10...drive/hybrid/putt on 14....9 iron on 15...8 iron on 16....chip on 17...drive on 18..putt on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 1207

HappyUP!!! - strawberries

Why it happened - I grow them

Why it makes me happy - today was the first day that I could actually go to the garden and get a bunch of them....oh....delicious.....and I know exactly where they came from

HappyUP!!! - practice

Why it happened - I hit the range

Why it makes me happy - I'm definitely on to the fix......been playing better.....and have some good rounds in front of me.

HappyUP!!! - mowing and edging

Why it happened - I got off my butt

Why it makes me happy - there is just this thing.....you edge...you mow....and you water....and the lawn ends up looking great.....and......I have a few more days of that in front of me.

JollyJottings

Strawberries

Driving Range session

Chipping session

Perfect weather

HappyUP!!! Day 1206

HappyUP!!! - some solid ball striking

Why it happened - I'm getting my swing back

Why it makes me happy - 2 good days in a row....and it is based on practice and sound fundamentals....which had eluded me for way too long.

HappyUP!!! - 4 birdies

Why it happened - some good shots and solid putting

Why it makes me happy - 4 birdies from the Gold Tees at MC ties my record. Got to be happy about that.....came within a whisker or two of having 6.

HappyUP!!! - coastal weather

Why it happened - it's weather

Why it makes me happy - I don't like playing in the rain...and we got some...but it was never miserable or disruptive to play. At the end of the day, it made for a pleasant afternoon. Yes...it was different....and different can be good.

HappyUP!!! - dropping my putt on 18

Why it happened - I figured that one out correctly

Why it makes me happy - I didn't hit a good first putt from the other side of the green. I was now sitting on a tricky slope....with about 5 feet to negotiate....downhill....and THINKNG it was right to left. When that puppy found the bottom of the hole....with about $50 on the line.....HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

4 birdies

Drive/wedge 1

Hybrid on 2

Putt on 3

Pitch on 4

Recovery shot 5

Wedge on 6

6 iron on 7

Wedge on 10

Chip on 11

5 iron on 12

Drive/Putt 13

5 iron on 14

Chip on 17

Putt on 18

Great phone chat with a friend

HappyUP!!! Day 1205

HappyUP!!! - a can of whupass

Why it happened - I finally played some golf again

Why it makes me happy - I have been in an epic slump. The coaching I got a month ago seems to be finally paying off. Got some bad breaks on the front nine.....though I hit the ball well....turned it around on the backside...shot one under from the gold tees...and made some dough. How unlikely was that after 9 holes?

HappyUP!!! - putt on 12

Why it happened - I had a tough putt

Why it makes me happy - it was about a twenty footer....right to left....downhill at the end...when you step up to it...you are hoping to two putt.......I hit this one perfectly and it died in the center of the cup.

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters

Why it happened - it's Tuesday

Why it makes me happy - three great speeches....all of them were awesome....I learned a lot....and gushed at the progress the new members keep making. I was expecting one guest...that didn't show....but two others did....and they want to join. What an awesome experience!

JollyJottings

3 great speeches

2 guests

1 person doing Toastmaster duty for first time

People handling tabletopics

Ball striking

35 on the back 9

An incredible amount of pure shots

Blue skies...shining on me

A ponytail

The chutter on the back 9

Drive on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 1204

HappyUP!!! - hitting balls

Why it happened - I pushed myself out there

Why it makes me happy - didn't think I would get the opportunity....but the weather turned out to be far different than the forecast. Made some progress...just have to take it to the course.

HappyUP!!! - car in and out

Why it happened - I got the warning light the other day

Why it makes me happy - I love my mechanic. He did the diagnostic. He said everything was fine...yeah...it cost me a couple of bucks to find that out....but I was glad it wasn't more. Plus, had he found something....it could have been a long walk home

HappyUP!!! - Stuffed peppers from TraderJoes

Why it happened - I tried another new item

Why it makes me happy - I like to cook but...hey...I live alone. It's not always practical.

TraderJoes delivered another solid winner in this little pre-packaged meal! This little delight will be finding it's way into my shopping basket again....FOR SURE!

JollyJottings

Car in and out

Stuffed peppers

No rain afterall

HappyUP!!! Day 1203

HappyUP!!! - shopping carts

Why it happened - I grabbed one from the return bin out in the parking lot

Why it makes me happy - I have a pet peeve. It is about people that can't return their

cart to the convenient places the grocery stores leave them for us to return them to. We are so lucky here in the US to have grocery stores fully stocked....yet...we can't return our carts to the store...carts that have been provided to us. We can't even return them to the appropriate stall that the grocery store leaves for us. Today....I grabbed a cart from the return stall that was quite a distance from the store....and I used it for my shopping. NO...doesn't make me Mother Teresa....but I felt good that I saved someone the work of bringing that cart back in.

HappyUP!!! - great phone call

Why it happened - my buddy had some time

Why it makes me happy - we laughed....covered some serious stuff....and laughed some more. The important thing?....we laughed.

HappyUP!!! - volunteer plants

Why it happened - I weeded the garden...finally

Why it makes me happy - I usually just pull out volunteer plants from the previous year. I had so many today, it made me think...here I was...buying plants a month ago....same ones that I had last year....and last year's tomatoes/potatoes/and, I think, peppers.....have struggled through to go another round. I have begun a transplant process. I am going to move all of the "volunteers to the 'land of misfit toys' " and see how they do against the store bought plants. Lets see how the underdogs do against the favorites.

JollyJottings

Weeding...believe it or not

Sharks game

Gorgeous weather

A great phone conversation

Brekko and reading

Shopping carts

HappyUP!!! Day 1202

HappyUP!!! - three days with the bro

Why it happened - it was the Sunsetter tournament

Why it makes me happy - we spent a lot of time together in the cart. We finished in the top 10....got some award money.....won a few wagers....he had a great tournament with solid play at his club all three days. Good times.

<-----a HappyUP!!! posture when someone says something where you go..."you got to be kidding me".....but when it's funny!

HappyUP!!! - Closest to Pin

Why it happened - I stuffed an 8 iron

Why it makes me happy - OK...I was second closest....but it was a great shot....and they paid

prize money for it. It also gave me my first birdie of the tournament

HappyUP!!! - big 7 iron into 18

Why it happened - I put a good move on it

Why it makes me happy - 18 was 14th hole of the day...we had hit a lull. When I put this one in for birdie, it got us going again. My partner/brother enjoyed the shot as well

JollyJottings

Closest to Pin

Drive/Wedge 4

Drive/Wedge 5

Drive/Wedge 6

8 iron 7

Drive/Wedge 8

7 iron into 18

7 iron on 4

Finishing in the money

Gardening

HappyUP!!! Day 1201

HappyUP!!! - team uniforms

Why it happened - my bro and I thought it would be a crack up

Why it makes me happy - it is rare when a team in his invitational golf tournament

show up in matching outfits...when they do...they get razzed. When brother's do it,

the razzing goes up a notch. We simply said, "hey....what's wrong with being best dressed?...there is a prize for that, right?" Fun times at the golf tournament

HappyUP!!! - finding a swing key

Why it happened - you poke around long enough, you find something

Why it makes me happy - once I stumbled across this....I wasn't just hitting

some good shots....I was hitting some PURE shots. There is a difference...things

could be on the rise.

HappyUP!!! - my brother's play

Why it happened - he's stepping up

Why it makes me happy - he's outplayed me the last couple of days...I have no issue with that. You like that in a partner. I just know that he is digging it because this is at his club...he has to live with these guys day in and day out. He's throwing some rounds together. Hmmmm....he hadn't been playing that well before........maybe I am his inspiration!

JollyJottings

Uniforms

6 iron into 17

Putt on 18

Drive on 1....4...5...6....8...11....17

Making a move in the tournament

Great times with so many good guys

Dinner with good friends

HappyUP!!! Day 1200

HappyUP!!! - absolutely GORGEOUS weather

Why it happened - it's weather

Why it makes me happy - I play in an invitational golf tournament with my brother at his club every year. Even though it is mid-May....there are times it has been 100 degrees. Trust me...100 degrees in mid-May in NorCal is a bit miserable. We don't do humidity here but, because we still have some moisture in the ground...and we aren't used to the heat all of a sudden, it can be brutal. Today....the weather was as good as it can get.

HappyUP!!! - being with my bro on the golf course

Why it makes me happy - he played better than me

Why it makes me happy - we are brothers. I love that we aren't competitive with each other over our golf skills. Usually, when we are both playing day in and day out, I am "better" than he is.....but we never talk about that....it doesn't matter. This is his invitational. Even though I could have played better, he had a good round under the "big event" today. Nice to see.

HappyUP!!! - mowing the lawn

Why it happened - I left "the party"

Why it makes me happy - we have three days of this invitational. Day 1 features a lot of debaucharious fun in the evening......men...beer...poker. I have nothing against it....I just don't like hangovers...........and, with more festivities and little time this weekend......I'm thrilled that my lawn is freshly cut tonight!

HappyUP!!! - crucial shots in "horserace"

Why it happened - sometimes...I know what I am doing on the golf course

Why it makes me happy - the horserace is as much pressure as you get in "fun" golf. I stepped it up with a fabulous chip...solid 8 iron.....awesome putt...decent 3 wood. Performing under pressure.

JollyJottings

Opening wedge shot

Inspirational text message

Lawn Cut for weekend

Crucial shots in horserace

HappyUP!!! Day 1199

HappyUP!!! - 7 iron

Why it happened - I think I figured something out

Why it makes me happy - I hit some quality iron shots

coming down the line today....and I mean.....doozies

HappyUP!!! - taking my medicine on golf course

Why it happened - I hit some errant drives

Why it makes me happy - I almost kept double bogey off the

card today due to not trying to overcompensate for errors.

HappyUP!!! - getting some information

Why it happened - my dear friend shared

Why it makes me happy - what others think about me

is none of my business.....but it can be helpful to know what

it is sometimes.

JollyJottings

Great foursome

Helping out my brother

Bringing home some dough

Some quality drives

Wedges on 18

7 iron on 16....15

Hybrid 14

Bunker shot 13

Chutt on 12

Drive/Putt on 11

Chutt on 10

Drive/putt on 9

3 wood/pitch/putt on 8

8 iron on 7

Drive/6 iron on 6

Drive/6 iron/wedge on 3

5 iron on 2

HappyUP!!! Day 1198

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters

Why it happened - it's a weekly occurence

Why it makes me happy - I heard 3 speeches today.....ALL great....one from a gal that came in confident sharing great info...one from one that is improving soooo much....and first time from a new member that is a gem and shared a gem. I love my Toastmasters group.

HappyUP!!! - pork tenderloin

Why it happened - I bought some

Why it makes me happy - I have never burned one of these on the grill. Yep....TraderJoes did the marinade.......but....I found out I can get it done. Delicious. Marinating is easy.....timing isn't that hard.... another recipe added to the mix.

HappyUP!!! - an evening walk

Why it happened - gorgeous NorCal evenings are made for them

Why it makes me happy - I love my neighborhood. There is a park just one door down. It's always an interesting place to walk....even if you just do laps around it....you run into all kinds of good folks.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters

Aeration

IM-ing with the nephew

Pork Tenderloin

HappyUP!!! Day 1197

HappyUP!!! - stock market

Why it happened - who the heck knows

Why it makes me happy - last week was a beating. All of a sudden.....+400 points on the Dow today. A bit of sanity will always be a HappyUP!!!

<----I don't even need any words to explain why this is a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - Apple Store

Why it happened - I busted my phone today

Why it makes me happy - I know how long I was in the store.....it was 10 minutes of labor to do screen replacement...the screen could not cost much...I paid $200. Forget the iPad...buy Apple because that is a HUUUUUUUGE profit margin. I'll be making that trade tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - a visit

Why it happened - my close friend had time to kill

Why it makes me happy - who doesn't like an in-home, touch n go visit from someone you love talking to?

JollyJottings

Not golfing

Apple Store

See's Candy

McCormick and Schmicks

Stock Market

Waking up

Lovely morning

Early IM chat

Morning visitor

Trash out

Strawberries

Test Post

Been having some issues with NuttersNotes posting to Facebook

HappyUP!!! Day 1196

HappyUP!!! - Mother's Day

Why it happened - uh....it's observed

Why it makes me happy - it is a really good thing. Yes....many "holidays" are contrived. This is a nice tradition. Everyone has their own opportunity. No...didn't get to take mom to brunch today...she's been gone a few years....but....it did make me think about her a bit more than I normally do. It's not about brunch....it's about what she did...who she was....how much she sacrificed for "her boys." Though it made me miss her.......it made me happy.

HappyUP!!! - a crappy practice session

Why it happened - I forced myself out there

Why it makes me happy - my golf game is in disarray....but....wherever you are, there you are....and, I think, the days where you search....help....get you to the day you don't have to.

HappyUP!!! - a lovely walk

Why it happened - decided to go out

Why it makes me happy - the wind was blowing....skies threatening.....kind of melodramatic...kind of metaphoric.....but...I KNOW.....I KNOW....that despite the tempetousness of the weather...and the PENSIVENESS I was feeling today due to Mother's Day.....that nothing but good is waiting in the wings.

JollyJottings

Scrambled eggs

Gingers

Practice session

Lovely weather

A pensive day

HappyUP!!! Day 1195

HappyUP!!! - lamb-o-tizers

Why it happened - I had leftover lamb

Why it makes me happy - I had made kebobs with the previous bag of lamb tips from TraderJoes. Decided to think, "what should I do with the entrails?" Just put them on the grill.....turn them....throw on a little mozarella......BAM!......dinner

HappyUP!!! - wedge on 17

Why it happened - I was free wheelin it

Why it makes me happy - I was playing some bad golf. Wedges are my specialty...even though they have failed me as of late. It was good to stuff this one to five feet.

HappyUP!!! - golf indifference

Why it happened - maybe it was a late night

Why it makes me happy - I have been in a terrible slump...horrific...on the golf course. Yet, today....despite another horrid round....it was OK....it is what it is...things will come around....or they won't.....and the world will be fine either way.

JollyJottings

Wedge on 17

Putt on 1

Chip on 2

Wedge on 3

Up and down on 4

8 iron on 5

Chutt on 6

2 putt on 7

Flop on 8

Wedge on 13

7 iron on 15

6 iron on 16

Winning 5 bucks

Just relaxing and enjoying the ride

Stunning weather

Lamb-a-tizers

Just so darn blessed

E-mails with my buddy

Lamb-o-tizers

HappyUP!!! Day 1194

HappyUP!!! - playing with the D.O.G.

Why it happened - he got away from his work

Why it makes me happy - the Director Of Golf at our club joined us today. I wished I had played better but...hey...it is what it is. In the meantime, it is always great to watch someone who has figured out what to do when he is holding a golf club.

HappyUP!!! - great dinner

Why it happened - I set it up

Why it makes me happy - the drive was great....the food was excellent....the server was fun....the venue was outstanding.....going out to dinner isn't always a great experience...tonight...it was.

HappyUP!!! - gorgeous day

Why it happened- weather?

Why it makes me happy - finally....a day without much wind! Good for golf.

JollyJottings

Playing with director of golf

Teeing up with AK117

A nice drive

A great dinner

HappyUP!!! Day 1193

OK...it was a tough day - in the stock market...down 350 pts on the Dow at end of day....but...hey..it was down almost 1000 at one point....that can get a retired guys hear going...it is what it is....you can spend a lot of time on today's loss...and WORRYING about tomorrow. The world is a complex place. I can't do anything about that. While cognizant of the issues, you can't obsess about them. You keep appreciating today....so you can figure out what makes you happy about today...and take that knowledge to work for you tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - lamb n eggs

Why it happened - I went to TraderJoes and tried something out

Why it makes me happy - another great winner from TJ's. I just love what they provide...at reasonable prices. When I go there....rather than a big chain....it always makes me greatful of living in this country...and how easy and affordable we have it here in comparison to other countries

HappyUP!!! - cutting the lawn in semi-darkness

Why it happened - I got off my fanny

Why it makes me happy - I'll have a cut lawn all weekend....no "dang....I should cut it but I can't right now." Who does not like seeing their lawn cut on the weekend?

HappyUP!!! - I may golf tomorrow...I may not

Why it happened - we have "too many" players

Why it makes me happy - the guys I play with have jobs. They share my golf passion. Tomorrow is a weird day when we all can get out there. It leaves us with too many. I am soooooo thankful as to be able to bow out because I can golf whenever. I am very fortunate.

HappyUP!!! - something to look forward to

Why it happened - I am pretty lucky

Why it makes me happy - how often do you sit there and go, "tommorrow night is going to be great"? It will be tommorrow.

JollyJottings

Early texts with my close friend

9 iron on 3...pitch on 5...wedge on 6...sand shot on 7...hybrid on 8...chutt on 8....pitch on 9....wedge on 10...hybrid on 11...chip on 12....8 iron on 14....chutt on 15.

Conversation with my close friend

HappyUP!!! Day 1192

HappyUP!!! - a crosswalk

Why it happened - I went for a walk

Why it makes me happy - I was crossing when a dear friend was driving my way. I actually got honked at while strolling across. Yes...it startled me...but I knew who it was. We traded "yells in the street."

HappyUP!!! - great practice session

Why it happened - I went out grinding

Why it makes me happy - I got a lesson two weeks ago. Sometimes, you have to figure out the principles of the lesson...and the intricacies that make it work....there was progress today.

HappyUP!!! - Wed morning coffee

Why it happened - I do it every Wed morning

Why it makes me happy - a great conversation with my friend. I was approahed by a youngster (who was with her mom) about needing Edgar Allen Poe info for a project due in a few moments. Why did she come to me? Maybe because I look scholarly? (a nice thing for old....but also for wise). I was glad to help Mom and Daughter out.

JollyJottings

Contact with an old client

Coffee with my buddy

A crosswalk

A great practice session

Entering for team play

Great info from TM International

Seeing Shaun

Blue aprons at Starbucks

Top down....great convertible day

HappyUP!!! Day 1191

HappyUP!!! - visit from a buddy

Why it happened - we've been trying to get together

Why it makes me happy - I hadn't talked to this person in a long tme...and ice cream came in tow! (yeah...like I need it.....but...hey...who doesn't like ice cream?...that isn't lactose intolerant)

HappyUP!!! - gorgeous day on the golf course

Why it happened - our old pro set it up

Why it makes me happy - yeah.....I played some crappy golf.....but my partner played well. So, I just put my spurs into him and rode him....and just soaked in the sun.

HappyUP!!! - a great picture

Why it happened - a dear friend sent it to me

Why it makes me happy - sometimes, you see something.....kind of like a flower growing where it shouldn't be.....and it perks you up. This was one of those.

JollyJottings

Birdie

HappyUP!!! Day 1190

HappyUP!!! - drive/wedge on 18

Why it happened - swing change is getting there

Why it makes me happy - been going through a long, crappy string of golf. On 18...with the dough on the line....I drove it with a perfect draw....leaving me with a little wedge...that I hit right there

HappyUP!!! - e-mail with my close friend

Why it happened - I stay in touch

Why it makes me happy - just great stuff

HappyUP!!! - phone calls from a couple of friends

Why it happened - I was on their mind

Why it makes me happy - it was a couple of different perspectives....but loved the content of the conversation

HappyUP!!! - breaking the bad golf streak

Why it happened - my lesson is paying off

Why it makes me happy - I was hopeless....took a lesson....been a bit over a week...sometimes it takes a bit of time for things to come together. No...not there yet...but.....hopeless has gone to hope in a hurry

JollyJottings

Playing the home course again

E-mails with my friend

Talking with an ex-employee RV

Gorgeous day

Breaking a very bad streak of golf

Wedge on 3....chip on 5....hybrid on 6

7 iron on 7....8 iron on 9

Drives on 5...8...9....10...11...17....18

6 iron on 11...chutt on 12....wedge on 13

9 iron on 14

HYBRID on 15

Putt on 16

Wedges on 17/18

HappyUP!!! Day 1189

HappyUP!!! - winning the Fantasy Golf pool this week

Why it happened - well...my superior predictive skills, of cours

Why it makes me happy - hey....I picked up some dough......that is always a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - a walk

Why it happened - I was a bit idle...needed to go moving

Why it makes me happy - it is good for the body. The best part was a serendipitous phone call while I was on the move with a very close friend. I like talking on the phone when I am moving

HappyUP!!! - a new book

Why it happened - lazy Sunday morning....a TV show talking about issues of the day informed me that one of my favorite authors, Richard Florida, has a new book out

Why it makes me happy - Florida has a very interesting and statistically backed view on how we live....and what we do.....this book is all about what the mess this recession has created....and the opportunities that come out of it. Statistically based optimism......HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

A lazy Sunday morning

A walk

A most unusual phone conversation

Winning the Fantasy Golf pool this week

Testing a strawberry

My wound

A new book

happyUP!!! Day 1188

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron on 4

Why it happened - I put a good move on it

Why it makes me happy - this was a downhill par 3. That means the ball was in the air for a loooooong time. During that entire time....it had a chance to be an ace....just needed the right bounce. Oh well....4 ft from the pin from 170...made the birdie putt...but for a few moments there......

HappyUP!!! - wedge to 15

Why it happened - I have some skills

Why it makes me happy - due to the pin position, I told my playing partner, "this is going to be a high wedge,"....and I hit the exact shot from 74 yards to within a foot of the pin.

HappyUP!!! - working through a situation

Why it happened - I have a friend in choppy waters

Why it makes me happy - I can't say that I have been that helpful....but I have been there as much as I could be while a close friend figures things out. You do what you can do

HappyUP!!! - the weather

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

Why it makes me happy - I was out there for 4 plus hours soaking it up.....yeah...got a bit of distressing news while out there.....but....hey...who knows where that news will lead...in the meantime, I was soaking up life like no other......and I had a convertible to get som more when golf was done.

JollyJottings

STUFFING it on 4

Wedge on 15

Artichokes

Edging

8 iron on 12

Working through situations

Great text from a friend