playing golf

Yesterday, I was in Kingston, Nova Scotia, Canada, as part of my vacation. During our trip down memory lane, I took the opportunity to visit Paragon Golf and Country Club. This track has a special place in my heart because it was the home course of my Mom. She passed a few years ago, but my memory of playing golf with her is still very fresh! When my Mom passed, the family decided to donate a bench in her memory. So I thought I would take a picture while I was there.

When I arrived, I quickly popped into the Pro Shop and asked if I could head out and take some pictures of the course and the bench. Unexpectedly, but not being surprised at the Nova Scotia hospitality, Barb gave me a key to a cart and said to take my time. I will be posting the pictures and providing a review of this gem at a later date.

While cruising around the course, I happened across two older ladies enjoying their round. I patiently drove up behind them and asked if I could pass by because I was just taking some pictures. While starting to pass, Sue and Joan asked where I was from and the conversation started.

We stopped at the 14th tee (which is where my Mom’s bench was) and started to chat. These elderly ladies actually knew my Mom and played many rounds of golf with her. We talked for about 5 minutes and I explained that I was taking pictures for my blog and that I was on vacation. They asked when was the last time I played and I said about 3 weeks ago.

Suddenly, Joan asked if I wanted to hit a couple of balls off the tee. Never one to pass up the chance to hit golf balls, I happily agreed. First, both Sue and Joan split the middle of the fairway with their drives; so the pressure was on for me to do the same. Joan offered her driver and a couple of old balls and to the tee box I went.

Surprisingly, I crushed both balls down the middle of the fairway. During my swing, I slowed my tempo down considerably because the club had a very flexible shaft. After making solid contact, I was very pleased with the results. Picking up the tee, both ladies suggested they would use the balls I hit and laughed. After returning Joan’s club, the ladies waved good-bye as they drove off.

Meeting these ladies was a chance encounter that brightened my day. Both were fantastic to talk to and I was grateful for how positively they talked about my Mom. Thanks Sue and Joan for making this year’s trip to Paragon a memorable one.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

I was fortunate to walk with my best friend today in the cold frozen landscape of Southern Ontario, Canada. For those who don’t know, we recently experienced a 48-hour freezing rain storm. If you have never experienced a freezing rain storm, I recommend it is something to avoid.

However, our walk on the trail did reveal some beautiful scenery of a freshness only experienced on a walk in the snow. As I walked and thought about tomorrow’s special day, I wondered if there was a possible connection to golf.

Well, not surprisingly there was. During our walk, I felt like I do while walking on the golf course early in the morning! Today, the air was fresh and clear, the views spectacular and the company fantastic. Walking (Playing Golf) at anytime is excellent, but there is something about being the only ones on the trail (course) that makes it even more special.

Later today, I was talking to my friend in the UK and he is playing golf on Christmas Day with his son and a couple of friends……talk about a bucket list! For an early Christmas present, my friend should give his son a couple of strokes aside….not that his son will need it. Regardless, playing golf with your son and friends at anytime is awesome ….. especially at Christmas!

Golf is an awesome sport! It provides many opportunities to connect with great people, better yourself in many ways, and to enjoy the great outdoors. Most importantly, it opens doors to enjoying new things like walking with your best friend on a trail meant for two!

I am a grateful golfer! Merry Christmas!

What is that clatter?