Golf is one of the most difficult sports I have attempted to date. You are probably wondering why I am thinking about golf in Vermont on Halloween and the answer is that every time I drive by my local golf course I think about golf. My office is just a 7 iron away from the first tee so coming and going several times a day distracts me quite a lot. The sun was melting the snow today and the emerald greens stood out sharply as I went by but the flags are stored away and the course is closed until next season.
It is probably just as well. My last round this year was about as pitiful as it can get. On a really, really good day my score has come close to a hundred. On a really, really bad day...well I just can't talk about it. My golf partner and I play quite similarly or at least, I like to think so but whenever there is money on the line ….
On this day, with a promise of sunshine, temperatures in the 50's and two free vouchers, we headed to a mountain course never before played by us. It was certain to be beautiful but windy we hadn’t considered. They talk about wind chill more in the winter than summer but on this day we had a serious wind chill.
The wind whipped my ball into the woods, rolled it off the greens and even managed to blow those pretty red leaves over it to cleverly conceal it on the fairways. I would like to blame my major loss on climate conditions but of course, that wouldn’t be fair. Were my frozen fingers and stiff back the reasons? No. My partner is a little younger but not that much. Could it be that my ball was not well suited to the altitude? Since I had lost at least 4 balls on the way around and found another 5 belonging to others who went before, I can’t use that excuse. The real truth is that I choked. Choked! There was a wager on each hole and each time I came close to dropping that little white ball into the cup first, the pressure became too great for me. I know I am a better golfer than my partner but on that day she took me for $1.75.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Snow on the ground
Waking up to total whiteness after several glorious weeks of sunshine and foliage colors ranging from pale yellow to the deepest reds was not what I was dreaming about last night. But there is was - a blanket of snow over everything and it is still October. Now some will be sharpening their skis and hiking up the mountain for that first run but I will not be with them. Don't get me wrong, skiing is still wonderful fun on the perfect day, especially with my Colorado daughter and son-in-law. Then I turn into a maniacal downhill racer thinking I can still outrun the younger generation.
Three or four years ago after a 12 year hiatus from skiing but with the encouragement of the kids, I sallied forth from the top of the chairlift at Beaver Creek on my rent-for-a-day skis. My confidence grew over the first few hundred yards of flat terrain. Turn right - turn left - feeling good - can still do this --- catch edge - collide head on with small child under the tutelage of his instructor - all parties flattened.
No one was hurt but the ego was severely damaged. In my 23 year career as a ski instructor nothing infuriated me as much as a full grown person mowing down one of my students. Aagh! The young ones were mightily amused and to this day warn me of small children with teachers ahead.
Three or four years ago after a 12 year hiatus from skiing but with the encouragement of the kids, I sallied forth from the top of the chairlift at Beaver Creek on my rent-for-a-day skis. My confidence grew over the first few hundred yards of flat terrain. Turn right - turn left - feeling good - can still do this --- catch edge - collide head on with small child under the tutelage of his instructor - all parties flattened.
No one was hurt but the ego was severely damaged. In my 23 year career as a ski instructor nothing infuriated me as much as a full grown person mowing down one of my students. Aagh! The young ones were mightily amused and to this day warn me of small children with teachers ahead.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Working in the woods
Today was a work in the woods day. The property where we currently live has several trails where we walk our dogs daily and on occasion another loop is added to make the walks more varied. We also own an additional 18 acre parcel which is to be the site of our new home, one day. Clearing, installing systems and dreaming keeps us well occupied while we wait for the right buyer to come along for our old house. On this bright sunny day we took the opportunity of adding to the already existing trail network by cutting a new path close to our house site.
My husband has an excellent sense of direction and light or dark, sunny or overcast, can find his way with barely a misstep. I can get lost trying to find the elevator in a hotel.
One evening, when alone at home, my cat failed to make an appearance by nightfall. With foxes, coyotes and fisher cats roaming the woods, my young kitty's life was in peril. Waking suddenly from a sound sleep I was sure I heard a cat crying outside. Out I dashed into the warm night air in just a ragged t-shirt and without shoes or a flashlight. I followed the mewing sounds into the woods, calling all the way, quite sure Miss Kitty was just one more step away. But no. There was no cat and I was far enough off the path and turned around to the point of being completely lost. Could it be possible that I was going to spend the rest of the night wandering around deep in the woods with no way out? It certainly felt like that. Anyone finding me with bare feet, almost no clothes and looking like the wild woman of Borneo would have me arrested or committed to the psychiatric ward, I was sure. Many frightening minutes later I stumbled upon a large structure shrouded in darkness. Maybe there would be a telephone and I could call for help. Duh! I had found my own house! It was with much embarrassment that I slunk back to bed that night, quite sure that I would never tell a soul. By morning, the cat was back and I was telling all. Never could keep my mouth shut.
My husband has an excellent sense of direction and light or dark, sunny or overcast, can find his way with barely a misstep. I can get lost trying to find the elevator in a hotel.
One evening, when alone at home, my cat failed to make an appearance by nightfall. With foxes, coyotes and fisher cats roaming the woods, my young kitty's life was in peril. Waking suddenly from a sound sleep I was sure I heard a cat crying outside. Out I dashed into the warm night air in just a ragged t-shirt and without shoes or a flashlight. I followed the mewing sounds into the woods, calling all the way, quite sure Miss Kitty was just one more step away. But no. There was no cat and I was far enough off the path and turned around to the point of being completely lost. Could it be possible that I was going to spend the rest of the night wandering around deep in the woods with no way out? It certainly felt like that. Anyone finding me with bare feet, almost no clothes and looking like the wild woman of Borneo would have me arrested or committed to the psychiatric ward, I was sure. Many frightening minutes later I stumbled upon a large structure shrouded in darkness. Maybe there would be a telephone and I could call for help. Duh! I had found my own house! It was with much embarrassment that I slunk back to bed that night, quite sure that I would never tell a soul. By morning, the cat was back and I was telling all. Never could keep my mouth shut.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Getting married in Vermont
Last evening, a young couple rehearsed for their wedding to be held later today with me as their officiant. It was not easy gathering all the players together for a fifteen minute run through. Most everyone was looking strained and unfocused but we pulled it off is just under an hour. The wedding will take less than half that time and for sure will be a joyous occasion.
I have been performing weddings and civil unions for four years as part of my role of Justice of the Peace. Young couples, 2nd and 3rd timers, same sex couples, later life unions, child in utero validations, and even those rushing into it after a ten year plus courtship, have come before me. And what fun it is! There are no sad weddings. Today's will be no exception.
One pouring wet day my cell phone lit up with a call from an older gentleman requesting the services of a Justice of the Peace. "I would be delighted", I said, "when and where?" "We are just here for one night leaving first thing tomorrow but anytime is good for us". My windshield wipers were going at full speed and I still couldn't see the road so I thought it wise to wait for a few hours and maybe the rain would stop. Well that would interfere with their dinner reservations but maybe they could fit it in early the next morning. In my garden at 9:00 am our lovely senior couple were joined to the sounds of birdsong and our old school-house bell pealing, thanks to my husband at the end of the rope. Hugs and tears were shared and as she turned to leave the blushing bride whispered to me, "we have been going together for 12 years but I want you to know that we have been saving ourselves for this day". Phew! Was I relieved to hear that?
I have been performing weddings and civil unions for four years as part of my role of Justice of the Peace. Young couples, 2nd and 3rd timers, same sex couples, later life unions, child in utero validations, and even those rushing into it after a ten year plus courtship, have come before me. And what fun it is! There are no sad weddings. Today's will be no exception.
One pouring wet day my cell phone lit up with a call from an older gentleman requesting the services of a Justice of the Peace. "I would be delighted", I said, "when and where?" "We are just here for one night leaving first thing tomorrow but anytime is good for us". My windshield wipers were going at full speed and I still couldn't see the road so I thought it wise to wait for a few hours and maybe the rain would stop. Well that would interfere with their dinner reservations but maybe they could fit it in early the next morning. In my garden at 9:00 am our lovely senior couple were joined to the sounds of birdsong and our old school-house bell pealing, thanks to my husband at the end of the rope. Hugs and tears were shared and as she turned to leave the blushing bride whispered to me, "we have been going together for 12 years but I want you to know that we have been saving ourselves for this day". Phew! Was I relieved to hear that?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
First snow
Even in the half light of 6:00 am the precipitation was quite clearly in the form of flakes. Not fluffy and floating but wet and falling heavily on my purple robe. Actually not so much a robe but one of those fleece bags where your feet just barely stick out through holes in the bottom. My husband refers to it as my grape suit. Lily, my 6 month old Yorkie, wasn't thrilled either. Most mornings she trots around happily wanting me to chase her to bring her back inside. Have you ever tried running in a grape suit? Happily, today she did the squat and dash for home in 10 seconds flat.
A little later, taking our customary walk through the woods with both dogs we commented on how beautiful a inch or so of snow is on the newly fallen leaves. It emphasizes the change in seasons with skiing just a few weeks away.
All summer, horses have resided in our fields. They belong to a nearby riding stable which closed for the season about 3 weeks ago. The temporary fencing came down and 'our' horses were gone for another year. Imagine our surprise on returning from the walk to see 6 horses happily grazing once more in the field, sans fence. It seems they wanted to spend just one more time under the apple tree before being shipped to their winter quarters. Are these a new breed of homing ponies?
Now that brings to mind one of those classic moments that tickled my funny bone:
The year was circa 1975 and I was teaching riding here in Stowe. A brand new rider was preparing to mount after listening carefully to my instructions. "Put your foot in the stirrup, grab a handful of mane and swing your leg over the saddle", I chanted. She hesitated and then asked, "does it matter which foot you use?" "Not at all', I replied "as long as you don't mind which way you face!"
A little later, taking our customary walk through the woods with both dogs we commented on how beautiful a inch or so of snow is on the newly fallen leaves. It emphasizes the change in seasons with skiing just a few weeks away.
All summer, horses have resided in our fields. They belong to a nearby riding stable which closed for the season about 3 weeks ago. The temporary fencing came down and 'our' horses were gone for another year. Imagine our surprise on returning from the walk to see 6 horses happily grazing once more in the field, sans fence. It seems they wanted to spend just one more time under the apple tree before being shipped to their winter quarters. Are these a new breed of homing ponies?
Now that brings to mind one of those classic moments that tickled my funny bone:
The year was circa 1975 and I was teaching riding here in Stowe. A brand new rider was preparing to mount after listening carefully to my instructions. "Put your foot in the stirrup, grab a handful of mane and swing your leg over the saddle", I chanted. She hesitated and then asked, "does it matter which foot you use?" "Not at all', I replied "as long as you don't mind which way you face!"
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The beginning ...
A page or two of a journal, a few entries in a writing folder, an unpublished short story and even the beginnings of a novel have been written over the years but now I am really excited! My first blog has been launched. Here is the opportunity to write with no other purpose than to please myself and those few of you who will find me.
Now in my 5th or maybe 6th career, and I expect my last, life has always been fun. Funny things have happened to me and others around me. Serious things have happened too, but it is the funny and interesting ones that I want to remember.
Memory is a funny thing all on its own. One day you can remember this great joke you heard and couldn't wait to repeat and just two days later it has flown clean out of your head. Not only has the punch line gone but the beginning, middle and lead up have also evaporated. Months or even years later, parts of the same joke pop into your consiousness but now the trick is to fill in the gaps. Actually being inventive at this time can lead to a whole new line of jokes.
However, it is the real life experiences that I want to recall and wish that I had written down much sooner. Maybe, just maybe, in the writing of this blog, the memory of those events will come crawling back to the surface just long enough for me to put them to paper.
Now in my 5th or maybe 6th career, and I expect my last, life has always been fun. Funny things have happened to me and others around me. Serious things have happened too, but it is the funny and interesting ones that I want to remember.
Memory is a funny thing all on its own. One day you can remember this great joke you heard and couldn't wait to repeat and just two days later it has flown clean out of your head. Not only has the punch line gone but the beginning, middle and lead up have also evaporated. Months or even years later, parts of the same joke pop into your consiousness but now the trick is to fill in the gaps. Actually being inventive at this time can lead to a whole new line of jokes.
However, it is the real life experiences that I want to recall and wish that I had written down much sooner. Maybe, just maybe, in the writing of this blog, the memory of those events will come crawling back to the surface just long enough for me to put them to paper.
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