Get Your Game On!

Golfing with God: A Novel of Heaven and Earth by Roland Merullo.

This is the "bible" I embrace to guide my steps this summer. And it is quite an interesting read. As I struggle with my golf game, and with the meaning of life, I find lessons that interweave the dirt and divine. Patience, Trust, Humility, Service. Fore!

Took me a while to get along with the golf lingo - much because it is an unfamiliar jargon that I am working to understand (much like God). So, step into the tee box and join me ... "marching straight toward the great battlefield at the outer edges of who I thought I was."

Find your self in the current that runs through Tri Cities.

Was My Face Red! Thankfully I Made the Green.

Yes. It was one of those days. I had sent the golf cart away with Northwest Golf Cars due to running the front tire amok on a jutting retaining-wall stone resulting in a tilt on the right. This just after my husband returned with news that his golf days would be interrupted with more than one surgery anticipated for his neck and for his spine. Thankful for great facilities at Kadlec.

As the evening set in and the day came to a soft close, we came up with the brilliant idea to pitch and putt on the green outside our home. A little golf is good for the soul. Being members of The Club, we were mindful to ensure no one was playing the hole before marching out there to practice with a bucket of balls. Yes. A. bucket.

Once we had peppered the green with mostly well-hit shots (finally, I am learning to use my wedge), a gent marched over to holler at us for misusing the green. As I looked at the scene from his perspective, I realized that we had been quite excessive. And the flush came over my cheeks. We told him he was right to let us know, gave our apology and assurances that we would not let it happen again.

While we picked up the balls, limiting ourselves to one each for putting, we noticed eyes still looking our way. I walked over to apologize again to find that they assumed, by our behavior, that we were not members. I assured them we were full-fare devotees who lost our heads. Yes, if we had seen us doing this, we would have hollered at us too. I gave our apologies again, and then took our son to play the hole with just one ball each as my hubby instead gave his customary attention to perfecting every divot so the green remains true.

The lesson: even adults attempting to be good role models make mistakes; and need to say "sorry;" and must fix anything that was disrupted. Oh, and, today I can hit the ball consistently with my irons while my putting still needs help.

Currently running through Tri Cities ...

Green Green Grass of Home

We are living out our dream ~ living on the golf course.

Golfing Meadow Springs is habit forming. Hitting the ball right once brings you back a thousand times ... just to experience that sweet spot again.

So, we are getting closer to the hole thing. Leaving our view home at the base of Badger Mountain, we hunkered down in a comfortable condo on the front 9 while we made plans for our house on the back 9 (they are only a few blocks apart).

The house began as a remodel, morphed into a renovation, and turned into a rebuild. Deep breath. Follow the dream. And that we did. Now, as the house re-emerges at the capable and caring hands of Jim McAloon Construction, we are counting the strokes of time till we can make our way home, there.

Follow your dreams along the current running through Tri Cities.

Pink Current Runs ... or Walks Through

Driving down George Washington Way this morning, I encountered a sea of pink stretching along the sidewalk. Upon closer inspection, I realized that this was a mob of people walking or jogging their way to raise awareness for breast cancer. It was a reminder to grope my chest and to be thankful for no lumps. Just another current event happening in Tri Cities.

Delight Your Senses Daily

Okay, we take out selves for granted often. And, I have found a cure - at least one. Take it from my girl-friend! We attended the CAbi fashion show previewing the season's latest attire. After shopping samples and booking a spring show, we enjoyed chocolate dipped strawberries while catching up with familiar faces.

On the way out of town, we stopped at River House where my friend immediately gravitated toward the Caldrea products. She selected a fine scented selection of kitchen and cleaning products as I realized that this is one of those - things - that smells so good when I visit her very welcoming home. I was fortunate to receive a sample of the Sea Salt Neroli dish soap, and am now hooked. "Dishes can be a bore; but - no more!"

Style runs with the current that runs through Tri Cities.

A Day in the Life

I usually have a plan for my day. Sometimes I go to great lengths to secure the schedule. And, most often, life takes me by the reins ... enjoy the ride.

Today was like that. I sent my son off to school (love the big yellow school bus) and joined seven girl friends for lunch at Thai Spice, a favorite for Thai food in Tri Cities! Though I am not typically a fan of "trough" style dining, the buffet here was fresh and fun. Every dish was delightful, especially when washed down with the decadent Thai Iced Tea!

As I departed to run some errands of choice, I was called to the school where my son awaited stitches. He took one on the chin when falling from the monkey bars. Thankfully we were near KGH Walk-in Care where we were treated immediately and well. He is all sewed up, and very brave.

Now, I am confronted with life's two absolutes. Death and taxes. Our accountant of, well, let's just say many years, died. Meanwhile, we had the great fortune of meeting Tom O'Brien of LeMaster Daniels at a charity auction, and so signed on with this local firm. A beautiful office was comfortable while I completed the new client paperwork. Then, in what can be considered enjoyable when dealing with taxes, I spent about an hour going over the numbers. It always feels better getting past tax season. Now one year is behind and another ahead of me.

Finally home, I relaxed with a glass of Vireo from Goose Ridge. As I enjoyed the aromatic influence of this blend, I amused myself with recollections and comparisons of the days - the one I planned and the one I had. My son is proud of his new scar - we have learned that almost every guy from 5-80 has one similar on the chin.

Catch a current in Tri Cities.

Campy

Lunch today was off the beaten path at a roadside haunt called Sage Port Grille. Truly a haven for H.O.G.s and others with an appetite for breakfast or lunch ... or an occasional dinner while enjoying camp and circumstance.

Memorabilia and memorable statements are sure to amuse when the conversation lulls. A fun place to gather ... right on the river.

While chewing on a Reuben, I contemplated my design for a Mardi Gras mask to be auctioned at a benefit for the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center. I opted to theme it for the regional wine country, utilizing colors inspired by New Orleans (purple, green, gold) and adding a touch of platinum to highlight the piece. Entitled Quin du Vin (Harlequin of Wine), the mask is one of my favorite creations. May it fetch a fine fortune for the cause. May I find more opportunities with the local group 509 Artists. UPDATE: The Mardi Gras event reportedly raised $11,000!

The current runs wide and deep ~ catch it through Tri Cities.