Golfing Off The Beaten Cart Path

I live in a golf community, on a golf course and am a member of the golf club.  I like to golf.  The last year or so, I have been using these golf balls.

Not because of the compression ratio, covering or any other scientific principle.  No, I like these golf balls because of the name...FUZZ.  I like these golf balls because of the slogan on them...WICKED LONG.

  

And most of all, I like these golf balls because of the BLUE EYES.

 



Sometimes the golf ball doesn't go where it should.  Just like I go "off the beaten path" when I travel, I can get "off the beaten cart path" on the golf course. Here are four pictures of golf balls on the course.  Can you pick out the one that was staged?

It was the ball in the top right picture.  

The picture of the ball in the mushrooms, got me thinking.  Maybe "Blue Eyes" would like to hangout with the mushrooms that sprang up on the course after a round of fertilizer.

A golf ball needs a ball marker.  I got these ball markers from rogerpargolf on eBay.  It is easy to pick out my ball marker.

Another of my "favorite things" is my golf club covers.  They were hand made by my friend Carole Lehmann (mine are on the left). 

I found this bumper sticker at the Renninger's Flea Market.  Sometimes I use the whole thing (as a warning when a fellow golfer agrees to ride with me).  Other times I just point to a part of it.

A good sense of humor and lots of laughs are the best thing to have on a golf course

Myrtle Beach 3.0

I am back from the 3rd Myrtle Beach golf trip (MB 3.0), check out MB 2.0 for a preview.  The participants were the same (Barb, Bonnie and Monica from TEAM OHIO...and me, TEAM FLORIDA).  We stay in Bonnie's condo at the Wyndham Westwind in North Myrtle Beach.  This year Bonnie got us a corner unit on the top floor with a great ocean view. 

The schedule was the same...wake up, breakfast, GOLF, dinner, hot tub...repeat.  This year we changed up some of the golf courses and restaurants.

FRIDAY

After we got settled into the condo, we headed out to our favorite Myrtle Beach Mexican restaurant, Mexico Lindo.  They have great food and cheap margaritas.  If you know this REAL RETIRED HOUSEWIFE OF FLORIDA, you know I love my margaritas.  In fact, I am going to pause to make some right now.  My recipe is from my Dad, who got it from my Aunt Margaret.

   1 Part Tequila (I  prefer 100% agave)
   1 part Trip Sec
   1/2 part Roses Lime Juice

    Serve over lots of ice.

SATURDAY

We started our golf trip at Cypress Bay.  The course was very wet (it rained the night before) and it was "cart path only".  There was lots of standing water on the course. 

Bonnie and I had our lowest scores on this course.  Monica was the only one to score under 100 (95), with 5 pars and 7 one-putts.  Bonnie was happy with her 5 one-putts and 1 par.  I had 6 one-putts and 3 pars (including a par on the last hole).  The last hole had water across the fairway.  Barb and Bonnie laid up before the water.  Bonnie skipped her ball on the water, hit the bank and popped it up landing in the fairway.  Barb also hit the bank and landed in the fairway.  Monica and I cleared the water.  It was a small victory that everyone made it over the water on the last hole!

Dinner was at Villa Tuscanna.  This restaurant is voted #1 (out of 700) in Myrtle Beach on Trip Advisor.  We all agreed with that rating.  Bonnie said that she would consider moving to Myrtle Beach just to be near the restaurant.  I added some humor to the evening by leaving the price tag hanging out the back of my top.  No one noticed it until we were leaving!  Such a classy place to pull a "Minnie Pearl".

SUNDAY

We golfed at Southcreek at Myrtle Beach National.  Monica and Barb had their best scores here.  Monica again scored under a 100 (93) with a total of 34 putts. Bonnie tied Monica with 4 one-putts.  I chipped in on the 12th hole for a par.  We had nice weather and the course was drier than the day before. 

Dinner was at TBonz in Barefoot Landing with a nice view of the Intracoastal Waterway.  The BBQ ribs and prime rib were great and we left full and happy.

MONDAY

Bonnie didn't feel well and skipped the golf.  We golfed at the International Club.  This was supposed to be our coldest day, but the weather surprised us and was better than forecasted.  The greens were very fast.  Monica's quote:  "It was like putting on linoleum".

Bonnie felt better when we returned from golf and we headed out to a nearby favorite, Joe's Bar and Grill.  We got a table by the back windows and were entertained by a band of raccoons that hang out on their very own play center (stand, swinging bridge and ladders).

TUESDAY

Off to Indigo Creek.  We played this course last year in a scramble.  This year we wanted to play it on our own.  Every morning we checked the weather online and on the Weather Channel.  Neither warned us about rain, but rain it did.  First it was a light mist, then worked its way into a strong mist/light rain.  Barb and I quit after nine holes.  Actually we quit long before that, just kept hitting the ball.  Monica and Bonnie continued to play.  Dinner was at California Dreaming.  The honey-butter croissants are wonderful.

WEDNESDAY

I continued to provide entertainment to our group by getting a speeding ticket on our way to the course.  I got the ticket in an area where the speed limit goes from 60 to 45 (and I stayed at 60).  The police officer was professional and polite and we went on our way, slowly, within the speed limit.  I had to pass this area 3 more times over the next couple of days and was very observant of the speed limit.  We saw another car getting a ticket the next day!

Despite the delay, we made our tee time at Aberdeen Country Club, a pretty course with more linoleum greens.  I had my lowest number of putts (35) and Barb had 4 one -putts.

There was lots of wildlife.  We saw turtles, grey fox squirrels and alligators (I felt like I was home).   Thank goodness we did not see any rattlesnakes.

THURSDAY

Our last day of golf was at Diamond Back.  The course was challenging and very wet (from rain the night before).  I noted on the score card that no one liked hole 13, but I can't remember why.  Bonnie felt that this was her best day of golf.  She had 3 pars and tied Monica for the most one-putts (5).  We had a threesome of gentlemen behind us, so we played ready-golf and moved along pretty fast.  We kept up with the 4 men in front of us.  At the turn, we stopped at the clubhouse for a hot dog and the men in from of us asked if we wanted to play ahead of them.  Turns out they switched to a scramble format to speed up their play and we still kept up with them!

Our last dinner was at Clark's Seafood and Chop House.  It was a nice upscale place and we got a table with a view of the boats docked in the harbor.  We must have been having too good of a time because a couple at the table next to us asked to be moved.

 It was a great dinner for our last night.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I didn't golf my best this year.  It didn't help that I lost at least 3 balls on each course.  In fact one day I lost 3 balls, found 3 balls and lost those!  For me the highlights of the trip were the laughs with friends, great food and fun times on the golf course.

There's an App for That

There is a party game (for bridal showers, baby showers, etc.) where you get points for what is in your purse.

Now that game could be about what APPS are on your phone.

 



Three years ago when I arrived in Florida (and became A REAL RETIRED HOUSEWIFE OF FLORIDA), I had a simple cell phone.  Within a few months, I upgraded my plan and got an Android smartphone.  My world opened up with cell phone pictures, texting and browsing the web.  Next upgrade I got an iPhone 4 and within a couple of weeks I exchanged it for an iPhone 4S.  Now I don't know what I would do without my iPhone and iPad (yep, I had to have one of those also).

Pictures, texting and browsing are great, but that just the beginning.  The collection of apps on your phone are defining.  Here are a few APPS on my iPhone that I wouldn't be without.

Panoramic Pictures

 



Just recently I found I could take panoramic pictures on my iPhone.  This is a 180 degree picture of my living room.

 

The first time I new I couldn't live without a smartphone was when I was watching TV and could look up actors to see what else they starred in.  I used to ask the question, then wait for Brian to look it up on his laptop. After he ignored me, I would eventually get up and look it up on my desktop.  When I got a smartphone, I would ask the question, then pick up my phone.  Then Brian and I would race to see who could find the answer.  See cell phones can bring people together.

 

 

I predict there will be a new generation that won't know that a flashlight can be independent of a cell phone.

 

I have been a member of EBay for over 10 years.  I sell on Ebay as a sideline to my thrift store shopping addition.  I use the APP when I am thrift store shopping to see if an item will sell on EBay.  It has saved me money and added a new dimension to my shopping.

Ted Talks (Technology, Entertainment and Design).  These talks are from around the world on "Ideas Worth Spreading".  I am addicted to these talks.  I first started listening to them on Netflix, the TED website then You Tube and now TED has an APP all of its own.

 



 A great place to store and share ideas.  Social networking for creative people.  I find recipes, inspiring ideas and organizational tips.



Don't leave home without it.  I used TripAdvisor to research where to stay, places to eat and things to do on our trips.  I used TripAdvisor to find recommendations for Key West (Frances Street Bottle Inn , Garbo's Grill and 5 Brothers Gocery and Sandwich Shop) and St. Augustine (The Back Urban 40).

You point your device into the sky and this APP will show you a picture of the sky are looking at and map the stars and constellations.  Nerd Alert:  If you are a real GEEK, (like Brian and me), you take that information to Microsoft's World Wide Telescope (WWT) web page to get a closer look at the stars, constellations and galaxies in  your sky.  This web page enables your computer to function as a virtual telescope -- bringing together imagery from the world's best ground and space-based telescopes.  You can explore on your own or take a guided tour.  A great tour to start with is Michael E. Bakich's Seven Top Galaxies.

 

What's on your phone?

Road Trip - A Summer Trip to Ohio

As much as I am loving being A REAL RETIRED HOUSEWIFE OF FLORIDA, I have to give credit to where I was born and raised...OHIO.

Brian and I left Ohio 3 years ago and have only been back in the winter.  I realize that visiting Ohio in winter is backwards, but we left in the winter and seem to feel the need to migrate back each year at the same time.  Plus, we go back for Christmas with the family.

So this trip was the first time in 3 years that I have been back in the summer.  Brian and I headed back to Ohio for our daughter Mallory's wedding.  THE WEDDING was a blast.  Mallory and Mike (my new son-in-law) did an outstanding job.  Check out THE WEDDING blog and Mallory's personal blog for more details on this talented couple's DIY projects and wedding details.

Photo by Studio SPC

Ohio is beautiful in the summer and the weather was perfect for THE WEDDING.  There is so much more to do when visiting in the summer.  Brian spent a couple days off-road motorcycle riding.  One day was at Mines and Meadows with friend, Bill, and new son-in-law Mike.

 

I got in some golf at Brookledge in Cuyahoga Falls with my Monday travelling golf group.  One difference between golfing in Ohio and Florida is the animals you encounter on the course.

I also had time to visit with friends, have lunch at Swensons (voted American's best burger by Forbes in 1999), stroll through Szalay's Farm Market (nothing like fresh roasted corn-on-the-cob dipped in butter),  the best French onion soup at the French Coffee Shop, and a drive through the old neighborhood.  Of course I got in a day of thrift store shopping at my favorite stores. 

Brian and I ended the trip with a family dinner at Fat Head's Brewery.  It was one of those "Ah Ha" parent moments...the kids are grown up and we couldn't be prouder of them.

Road Trip - Gatorland

It is difficult to believe that this REAL RETIRED HOUSEWIFE OF FLORIDA has been in Florida for over two years and visited Gatorland before Disney World (or Universal or Busch Gardens).   Gatorland opened in 1949 and has come a long way from the original roadside attraction.

   I picked up on the quirky humor even before we entered.

The humor continued in the park signs.

While we were at Gatorland, we saw the three shows.  Each show was about 15 minutes long and entertaining.

UpClose Encounters

 

There is more to Gatorland than alligators.  This show featured spiders and snakes.

 

 

Gatorland Wrestlin' Show

 

All I can say is don't try this at home.  Before and after the show, you can pay to sit on the alligator and have your picture taken.  Watching was good enough for me.

 

Gatorland Jumperoo Show

 

I recommend watching this show early.  We saw the first show and the gators were hungry.  We passed by on the way out and the handlers had to work hard to get the gators interested in more food.  Kinda like the last round at a buffet...lots of looking, little taking.  But it did give the smaller gators a chance.




 

Brian and I checked out all the exhibits, walked through the swamp and climbed the observation tower.  We saw lots of alligators, big and small. 

 

 

 

I enjoyed the story of Big Mack.

 





Froggy in Florida

When this REAL RETIRED HOUSEWIFE OF FLORIDA thinks of green, rough-skinned, big-eyed Florida creatures…the first answer is alligator.  Yes we have our fair share of alligators here, but this blog is about FROGS.

Brian and I inherited a wind chime when we moved into our new home. It is attached to the house, outside the lanai and has a nice sound when there is a breeze.

 

Brian noticed that the chimes weren’t sounding as clear and pleasant as they used to sound. So he got out the ladder and investigated. It turns out that there was a community of frogs living in the chimes!

He gave them an immediate eviction notice and sent them on their way.  The joke is on us, because they know the way back.  These frogs are great climbers.  They climb up the windows and hop over to the wind chime.  Yes, we have squatter frogs!  At night when we are watching TV, the frogs pop their heads out and watch us.  

I used a website of the Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation at the University of Florida to identify these frogs as Cuban Treefrogs, a non-native invasive frog that lives in trees, bushes or on buildings (Arboreal group).   The Cuban Treefrog is identified by its large toe pads.

I found another website by the United States Geological Survey where you can play frog calls.  The Cuban Treefrog sounded like the chatter outside our windows at night. 

Sometimes it is the small stuff that keeps a smile on a
REAL RETIRED HOUSEWIFE OF FLORIDA.

Road Trip - Bok Tower and Gardens

Brian is trying out a new title...A REAL RETIRED HOUSEHUSBAND OF FLORIDA. He is calling it "an extended vacation". But I can't come up with a clever title for that.

To celebrate, we took a day-trip to Bok Tower and Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida.  We have a family tradition of visiting historic homes.  We have been to Frank Lloyd Wright's houses, Falling Waters and Kentuck Knob in Pennsylvania.  Mallory, Michelle and I made a detour on a trip from Ohio to Florida to tour the Biltmore.   In my home town, Akron, there is Stan Hywet.  All of these places are living works of art that inspire. 

Sheldon Cooper, from The Big Bang Theory, said...

If outside is so good, why has man spent thousands of years perfecting inside?

 

Bok Tower and Gardens, along with Pinewood Estates, displays man's ability to perfect the inside and the outside.

 

The Bok Tower and Gardens were built by Edward W. Bok in 1929.  Mr. Bok was inspired by the tranquility of the area and wanted to create a place that would "touch the soul with its beauty and quiet".   And he succeeded.  The gardens were designed by Fredreick Law Olmsted Jr., who designed the White House gardens and worked with his father on the Biltmore Estate.

 

I could bore you with more details, but instead I will share some pictures and encourage anyone visiting Central Florida (i.e., Disney World, Universal Studios, etc.) to take a day and visit Bok Tower.

 

You get in the mood as soon as you walk up to the Visitor's Center.

 

 

Some of the inspiration is in the details, like the handmade tiles in the base of the pillars...

 

 

The courtyard ...

 

 

The River of Stone pathway...

 

The air plant display ...

 

After the Visitor's Center, we walked to the Tower and I couldn't stop taking pictures.

 

 

The Bok Tower houses a 60-bell carillon and has concerts twice a day.  What is a carillon, you ask?  It is a group of bells played by striking a keyboard of batons and pedals.  The Bok Tower bells range in size from 16 pounds to 12 tons!

 

 

Our next stop was the Pinewood Estate.  This was a nearby estate built in 1930 by Charles Austin Buck, a Bethlehem Steel VP.   Mr. Buck was also a nature lover and had the gardens designed first and then the house.  

Brian and I timed our visit just right.  We finished our tour with coffee at the café's covered patio watching an afternoon shower.