Age is just a number

 I know we have all heard the phrase "40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40".  I have always said "Yeah right.  40 is 40 and 50 is 50!"  Well, I have to say I may be having a change of heart.  I have begun looking around me and noticing that there are people of an older age..."gasp" doing some pretty incredible things.

I always thought that 50 sounded ancient, I still kind of do  Unfortunately, I have to admit I am somewhat past the ancient age of 50.  I have to say though, I don't really feel like what I thought over 50 would be.  Although at 30 how do you know what over 50 is supposed to feel like.  You can only conjure up visions of a hump backed, white haired, crotchety old woman that smells like perfumed powder.  I am here to say, I was sadly mistaken.


I had the privilege of golfing with a beautiful, sharp, vivacious, 80 year old woman that kicked my butt in putting expertise.  She walks 18 holes of golf and golfs twice a week.  I so enjoyed golfing with her, it made me stop and look around at a lot of the women I golf with.  The ages range from 40s - 80s.  These women are intelligent, witty, attractive and funny people.  They come from all walks of life. They have immensely interesting stories to tell and none of them match the stereotypical "old woman".

A beautiful swing at 80 years young, if I do say so myself!

After golfing for the last 15 years, I have come to the conclusion that golf is ageless!  It is one of the few sports that my nephew at 11, my son at 26, myself at uhhh 50 something and my Dad at 75 can all enjoy together.  It places us outside among the sun, beautiful green grass and blue sky for 4-5 hours.  I can't think of any other activity that can claim that, except for maybe yard work.  I don't see the four of us sharing that activity joyfully together.  I'll say it again Golf knows no age!

I do have to admit that some things that used to be a lot easier, are a bit harder.  Ok, some things are almost down right impossible.  I have started a pretty intense workout program that kicks my butt every time I go.  As all these wonderful, fit bodies blaze by me when we run, I have questioned whether I ever show any improvement.  My CrossFit trainer assures me I have, (hmmm I think that might be her job though).  I have had to tell my narcissistic ego to bud out.  Yes, 20 years ago I could jump onto a small step.  Now, I look like an accident waiting to happen when I attempt the jump.  Believe me, it is not pretty.  Yet, 20 years ago I did not have a grand daughter to hold and I couldn't hit an occasional golf ball 200 yards.  So, I have to find the positive in there somewhere.  Is it an accomplishment that we still care and try?  I think it is and I think I will continue to pat myself on the back each day I show up for another beating. 

20 years ago this would have looked so much cuter.

So are we to believe that "40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40"?  I don't know.  I am still not crazy about that saying.  I think so much of aging is in our mind.  Yes, I will agree there are more aches and pains attributed to aging, along with the random hairs growing in bizarre places.  I do think though our thoughts and how we approach our increasing age is the real key.  It is easy to say you can't do something because you are too old, but if it is something you feel is worth doing I think you can find a way to do it.  Or at least make the attempt.   So until I ride off into the sunset I think I will go by these wonderful words.  "Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese." - George Burns

 

Valley Winters and the Blahs

Winter in the valley is never my favorite, not even likable in my opinion.  I have always felt that after Christmas cold weather should be over.  Living in an agricultural area, I do understand the importance of the rain.  Therefore, I don't mind a few rainy days here and there.  I see no need for the frost though.  That is totally unacceptable.  It's only purpose is to kill your plants and cause frost delays on the golf course. 

Now this is not what a golf day should look like.

The cold, grey, valley winters do provide for great snuggling on the couch with your favorite pet and a nice cozy, warm fire.  A good football game on TV is certainly enjoyable.  I do enjoy that occasionally.   Of course, if you are going to spend your time being a couch potato you have to have couch potato snacks.  These are never healthy snacks unfortunately.  Healthy snacks just don't seem to compliment laying on the couch all day.   







So, needless to say it is time to for me to get off the couch, dust off my golf clubs and running shoes.  I will go to the pantry and empty it of all the deliciously, horrible foods that become my friends during the cold, blah days of winter.  I will actually visit the outer aisles of the grocery store (where all the produce and non processed foods usually hang out).  I will be faithful in working out regularly, but I will continue to complain about that one.  I know there are still a few months with some cold days in store, but I did see the sun today, so I am optimistic that spring will be here soon. 

I'll say a toast with a nice glass of wine...(What? It's good for the heart!) and leave you with a wonderful healthy soup recipe.  Enjoy!    

Harvest Salmon Chowder

1 can of salmon                                                                 1 tsp. salt

1 clove of garlic, minced                                                   1 tsp. pepper

1/2 cup chopped onion and celery                                     1/2 tsp Thyme

2 Tblsp. Butter                                                                   1 cup Broccoli, chopped

1 cup potatoes, diced                                                          1 can of creamed corn

1 cup carrots, diced                                                            1 can Evaporated Milk 

2 cups Chicken Broth                                                         Parsley, minced

Drain & flake salmon, reserving liquid.  Saute garlic, onion, celery in butter.  Add potatoes, carrots, reserved salmon liquid, chicken broth and seasonings.  Simmer covered for 20 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender.  Add broccoli and cook for 5 minutes.  Add flaked salmon, corn and evaporated milk, heat throuroughly.  Sprinkle with minced parsley.  Makes 4-6 Servings

"An Outstanding Golf Year"

Well, it's a new year.  What golf game is in store for me this year?  I always have high expectations of an "outstanding golf year".  I started thinking about that and I realized, I am not really sure what would constitute "an outstanding golf year".  Would that mean that I get a Hole in One?  No, as wonderful as that would be, I don't think that would be the solution. 

How about getting my Handicap to a single digit?  (That actually is a goal of mine, but unless I get my somewhat lazy butt out there and practice on a regular basis...that is not going to happen).  I better not make that a stipulation for an "outstanding golf year".  I guess maybe I haven't realized yet, what actually would make this year an "outstanding golf year".

Ok, maybe I could get some suggestions from some of my friends, golf buddies and anyone with an opinion.  What do you think?  What would make this year "an outstanding golf year"?

Maybe it would be getting out there regularly every Thursday, not letting work get in the way of fun?  Yeah, I like that suggestion!
Maybe it would be playing as many different golf courses as I possibly could?

Maybe it would just be enjoying the company of some of the wonderful women I get to golf with on a regular basis?

Pictures from our 2011 Solheim Cup

I think for me this year my definition of "an outstanding golf year", will be the one of enjoying the company of my wonderful golf friends.  Thanks to you all for so much fun.  I am looking forward to "an outstanding golf year".

Laugh for the Day

So, I inherited a 5 year old Chihuahua puppy this last year, along with 2 Weenie dogs and a Jack Russel I found 7 years ago.   He has decided that I am his person.  He tends to let someone else pet him and hold him, but when they put him down he turns and nips them.  My husband just can't accept that he doesn't love him.  So he proceeded to pet him then get in his face and talk to him.  Needless to say, sweet little Topsy nipped him on his nose.  He thought he would scold him and swat him with the paper he was holding.  When he did he scared the crap, (literally) out of Topsy.  Then he proceeded to step in it with his dress shoes on.  You just can't make that up.  Lesson learned...1)  Don't stick your face in the dogs face.  2)  Don't scare the crap out of the dog. 

THIS IS TOPSY, The newest member of the family.

Twilight League Divas

Well golf twilight league starts tonight.  It is a simple 9 holes of golf, a kind of match play.   I have played in it for the last 3 or 4 years with my good friend Patti.  Unfortuntely we end up being the only women playing. 

The first year, I don't think any of the men spoke to us unless they absolutely had to.  I think some are afraid their wives will get mad and some still just don't like women out there.  We really didn't make friends because we actually made the guys putt out all of their putts....Yes even the 1 footers.  Amazingly they missed many of those.  That fact did not make us popular at all.  I even over heard one of the guys telling the League Organizer, "Those bitches made us putt everything out."  Needless to say WE LOVED IT! 

Now after several seasons with them, they have begun to include us.  I guess they figured that we aren't going away.  Some of the guys last year actually admitted that we were a lot of fun to play with.  More fun than some of the guys because we just didn't take it too seriously.

Last year we made it to the playoffs and ended up finishing 2nd.  Not bad for a couple of "Girls".  So, this year we hope to continue to wear our matching skorts, make the guys putt out and just have a great time.  Watch out here we come.  I will keep you posted and hopfully add some pictures.

What is golf good for?

I have been golfing now for about 12 years.  I didn't start until I was older.  Growing up, golf was only for rich people who belonged to Country Clubs.  Wow, how things have changed. 

I started golf with no real intentions of playing golf.  My mother retired and said that she was going to take up golf.  Seeing as how I had never seen my mother do anything athletic, I thought I would tag along and hit balls with her.  Then we ventured out to some little chip and putt courses.  Needless to say, her and I both got hooked.  I soon learned the best part of golf...socializing. 

What better way to social than to be outside, in a beautiful green, lush setting with a lot of fun people?  I have found that is the true meaning of golf.  On a wonderful day, I have gone out and golfed with my son, my nephew or niece, myself and my father.  What activity can you do for 4 hours with ages ranging from 10 to 70, where you are outside and everyone is having a great time.  We actually talk without TV, video games, nothing!  Can you believe that?

So, I am hooked.  There are a lot of funny, serious and emotional things that can happen over golf.  I hope to share a lot of interesting golf, friends, family and just plain old life stories that you can relate to.  I would love hearing from anyone that can relate or add to the stories.   So, here I go on the first hole of my Golfing blog.