My road trip and the fun continues! Sunday was a perfect Fall day in Austin, Texas. I had the privilege of playing golf at Falconhead Golf Course with Women Who Golf member Karen Warren, along with her friends Kendra, and Beth Ann.

Sadly, I have to confess that we were having so much fun I forgot to take pictures of the course during the round. I was able to get one shot as I left Monday morning, though. So, my apologies for not getting more pictures of the course. It is an interesting course requiring some strategic decisions and I would love to play it again sometime.

Lara Enzor is the one who set this all in motion when she invited me to play and stay with her on the Austin leg of my trip. It turned out the timing wasn't quite right for her because she was scheduled for another event on the day I was going to be in town. She asked around in her circle of friends and Karen offered to step in and become the hostess with the mostess.

Lara was able to come meet us before she had to get to her tee time in another part of town. I was so glad to meet her in person.  

We had a great time and if I could have figured out the speed of the greens I would have shot a way better score.

As many of you know, this trip is also about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

This program is way more than about teaching kids golf.

It is about teaching kids life skills, developing better students, and creating future leaders. What could be more important than that?

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

Thank you Doghouse Motor Sports!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
Cheri Long - Denver, CO
Charlene Lawson, Blue Springs, MO
Nancy & Roman Bielawski - Pittsburgh, PA
Cheryl Chandler - Charlottesville, VA
Lynn Friedman - Atlanta, GA
Dianne Dixon - St. Augustine, FL 
Cathy Mendoza
Jan Green - Phoenix, AZ
Karen & Dave Warren - Austin, TX
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested
in helping out the kids by donating,
please go to our fundraiser page:

GoFundMe

What a fun fun day playing with Women Who Golf member Linda Jeffery. I've never been a slouch when it comes to yardage but this gal knows how to nail it! It was like having my own private game with a pro. It was super fun to watch.

I was so pleased Linda introduced me to the Robert Trent Jones trail of courses. We played the Legislator course at Capitol Hill Prattville, AL, which is only one of 26 separate course in the RTJ trail system.

The RTJ trail consists of 26 diverse 18 hole courses at 11 different locations throughout Alabama. There are three courses at this location in Prattville. The pictures do not do this beautiful course justice.  Even the cart paths were beautiful.

If you ever get a chance, seek out these courses and play with a local who can give you advice on how to play the holes. And... might I suggest, stay out of the rough! The only way to describe it is EVIL. 

Thanks, Linda for a fun experience!

As many of you know, this trip is also about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

This program is way more than about teaching kids golf.

It is about teaching kids life skills, developing better students and creating future leaders. What could be more important than that?

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth! 

Thank you Doghouse Motor Sports!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
Cheri Long - Denver, CO
Charlene Lawson, Blue Springs, MO
Nancy & Roman Bielawski - Pittsburgh, PA
Cheryl Chandler - Charlottesville, VA
Lynn Friedman - Atlanta, GA
Dianne Dixon - St. Augustine, FL 
Cathy Mendoza
Jan Green - Phoenix, AZ
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested
in helping out the kids by donating,
please go to our fundraiser page:

GoFundMe

I had a great time on the Atlanta leg of my epic road trip.

My friend Lynn in Atlanta who was my gracious host does not play golf. However, she does have a neighbor (Virginia) who does play golf. Lynn arranged for us to have a video call to Virginia and I could meet prior to my visit.  As it turned out the timing was perfect for me to play with Virginia in the women's Member/Guest event at the Piedmont Driving Club on October 4th.  

I was still having back issues but I was committed to this event so I pushed through the pain. I am happy to say I played decent in spite of the pain. The weather forecast for the day was dismal. It was raining when we got there. We had a 30-minute rain delay then they sent us out thinking it was the best "window of opportunity" for the least amount of rain during the round.

After the first 2 or 3 holes, we were all shedding our rain gear and it turned into quite a nice day. It is such a beautiful course, we had a fun time, AND Virginia and I tied for first in our division. Sadly, we lost in a scorecard playoff which is always a crapshoot. 

This was only the second time in my life that I've played with a forecaddie so that was a treat. It was awesome having Efron to spot our balls and give us yardages and advice on how to play the holes. Knowing what to do and doing it are two different things, though, right? It's that execution thing!

As many of you know, this trip is also about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

This program is way more than about teaching kids golf.

It is about teaching kids life skills, developing better students and creating future leaders. What could be more important than that?

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

Thank you Doghouse Motor Sports!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
Cheri Long - Denver, CO
Charlene Lawson, Blue Springs, MO
Nancy & Roman Bielawski - Pittsburgh, PA
Cheryl Chandler - Charlottesville, VA
Lynn Friedman - Atlanta, GA
Dianne Dixon - St. Augustine, FL 
Cathy Mendoza
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested
in helping out the kids by donating,
please go to our fundraiser page:

GoFundMe

Birdwood was acquired by the University of Virginia in 1974 and was redesigned by Lindsay Ervin into the amazing golf course it is today.  

Cheryl also arranged to get me a nice discount for a stay at the Boars Head Resort. Maybe even more important, though, she also arranged for a much-needed massage on the day of my arrival.  My back had been screaming at me for a while and the massage was a most welcome pampering session.

Birdwood is a beautiful course and I think you can tell playing with Cheryl, Stosh, and Nancy was a lot of fun. If you ever get to the Charlottesville area I highly recommend staying at the Boarshead Resort and playing at the Birdwood Golf Course.

Thanks, Cheryl, for taking care of me, my aching back and arranging such a fun group and memorable experience in Charlottesville, Virginia!

I was pleased to see a youth development session going on when I first arrived at Birdwood.

As many of you know, this trip is also about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

This program is way more than about teaching kids golf.

It is about teaching kids life skills, developing better students, and creating future leaders. What could be more important than that?

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

Thank you, Doghouse Motorsports!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
Cheri Long - Denver, CO
Charlene Lawson, Blue Springs, MO
Nancy & Roman Bielawski - Pittsburgh, PA
Cheryl Chandler - Charlottesville, VA
Lynn Friedman - Atlanta, GA
Dianne Dixon - St. Augustine, FL
Cathy Mendoza
And a couple Anonymous donations  

Please support the kids by donating:

GoFundMe

On Wednesday September 29th, day 34 of my 66-day road trip, Women Who Golf member Jeanne Rowzee and I met up for breakfast before I headed off to Charlottesville, Virginia. We had plans to golf but some conflicts arose and those plans were squashed.

If there is one thing you need to count on during an adventure like this it is that things aren't going to work out exactly as planned and that's ok. I was just glad Jeanne and I had a chance to meet, chat and share a meal together.

The golf game will have to wait for another time, which is fine because my back appreciated the rest. 

As many of you know, this trip is also about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

This program is way more than about teaching kids golf. It is about teaching kids life skills, developing better students and creating future leaders. What could be more important than that?

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

Thank you, Doghouse Motorsports!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
Cheri Long - Denver, CO
Charlene Lawson, Blue Springs, MO
Nancy & Roman Bielawski - Pittsburgh, PA
Cheryl Chandler - Charlottesville, VA
Lynn Friedman - Atlanta, GA
Dianne Dixon - St. Augustine, FL
Cathy Mendoza
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested
in helping out the kids by donating,
please go to our fundraiser page:

GoFundMe

Still way behind on posting during my road trip but who wants to sit at a computer and post when you can be out having run, right?

When Al (left in pic above) found out Philadelphia was on my road trip route, he invited me to stay with him and his new lady friend. We had a great weekend together which started with the game of golf on Friday at the Bucks Club.  Thi,s was a very fun and challenging course. I would love to play it again.

On Monday, day 18, I drove 410 miles from Terre Haute, Indiana to Washington, Pennsylvania where I was greeted with a smile by my host Nancy Bielawski and her sweet dog Callie.

Nancy and her husband Roman were kind enough to invite this stranger into their home for two fun days of visiting, golfing, and sightseeing.

On Monday evening, we enjoyed a lovely dinner in their indoor/outdoor sun-room then moved outside to enjoy the evening in front of the fire pit on the deck.

As many of you know, this trip is also about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

Thank you, Doghouse Motorsports!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
Cheri Long - Denver, CO
Charlene Lawson, Blue Springs, MO
Nancy & Roman Bielawski
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested 
in helping out the kids by donating,
please go to our fundraiser page:

GoFundMe

Last Friday, September 10th, day 15 of my 60+ day road trip my new friend from Blue Springs, Missouri and I drove out to Warrensburg and enjoyed a lovely day playing golf at Mules National Golf Course.

Our tee time put us off behind a group of guys participating in a Bachelor Party but they were just having fun and two groups offered to let us play through. We zipped around the course in less than 3 1/2 hours and were in the clubhouse enjoying adult beverages and a hamburger before we knew it.

It was another amazing day on the course with my new friend, Charlene, from the amazing group of Women Who Golf.

As many of you know, this trip is also about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

Thank you, Doghouse Motorsports!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
Cheri Long - Denver, CO
Charlene Lawson, Blue Springs, MO
Nancy & Roman Bielawski
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested 
in helping out the kids by donating,
please go to our fundraiser page:

GoFundMe

Time for a birdie shot!

Wednesday, day 13 of my epic 2-month road trip was golf at WinterStone Golf Course in Independence, Missouri.

I played with Charlene Lawson and two of her friends Bev Hembree and Gerri Pulaski, who are now my friends too.  

WinterStone is a beautiful course. We had a lot of fun and managed to earn one birdie shot. In the interest of full disclosure, we also imbibed in a "par shot". Sometimes you have to make adjustments. LOL

After golf, we went to 54th Street Bar & Grill for dinner and drinks. We shared a bunch of awesome appetizers from their Happy Hour menu. Every one of them was good but I think the Tequila wrappers were my absolute favorites.  I recommend them next time you get to a 54th Street Bart & Grill.

It was an awesome day with new friends from the amazing Women Who Golf Facebook Group.

As many of you know, this trip is also about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

Thank you, Doghouse Motorsports! 

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested 
in helping out the kids by donating,
please go to our fundraiser page:

GoFundMe

Enter your text here...

Day 9 of my epic road trip:
When I put out the original post announcing my intentions to golf my way around the U.S. Cheri Pope Long (who is a fellow member of the Women Who Golf Facebook group) was quick to invite me to be her guest at Blackstone Country Club in Aurora, Colorado.

She said I must experience "The Gauntlet".

Saturday (Sept 4th), was the day!

Oh My! What a fun (and challenging) course. Let me tell you, this is a course you NEED to have someone who knows the course well to give you pointers on where to place your ball on each shot. The execution of each shot is a whole 'nother story, of course, but we won't go into that now. LOL

Cheri and her friend Riz were so much fun to play with and it was a perfect weather day.  After golf, Cheri had her husband Mike come over and meet us in the clubhouse for a drink. Our tee time was 9:42. We were done by 2ish and we didn't leave the clubhouse until about 7:00. We had so much fun visiting. 

I have more photos but they don't seem to want to upload here. If you'd like to see them, I invite you to see them on my personal Facebook page. 

Small World:
It turns out Cheri and I have more than golf in common. I am a retired real estate broker and had made arrangements to meet up with some of my real estate connections on Friday for lunch.  Guess who came to the lunch? YES, Cheri! 

Thanks, Cheri for an amazing day!

As many of you know, this trip is also about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

Thank you, Doghouse Motorsports!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested 
in helping out the kids by donating,
please go to our fundraiser page:

GoFundMe

I'm only 7 days into this 2-month journey and it has already been epic. 

Life doesn't get much better than taking a cross-country road trip to meet up with other women golfers!  

As many of you know, this trip is also a trip is about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

Thank you, Doghouse Motorsports!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested
in helping out the kids by donating,
please go to our fundraiser page:

GoFundMe

What a great day on August 28th at Redhawk Golf Course in Nampa, Idaho. It was an awesome way to kick off the golf portion of my epic solo 2-month road trip. 

This trip is about connecting with people and I made two new friends who are part of a large Facebook group I belong to called Women Who Golf.  Yesterday's new friends are Heather and Colleen.

Redhawk is a challenging course in that it requires a lot of strategy when planning shots. LOTS of bunkers. I was in two but, as Colleen would say, she had many more "opportunities" to practice her sand shots than Heather or I did. LOL 

The greens were hard to read and especially challenging since they'd been aerated about 3 weeks ago and still not healed. Hard to get a smooth roll when it's bouncing it's way to the hole. And, might I mention, it's best to stay out of the rough. It was a fun day and I played well. Scored 82.

As many of you know, this trip is also a trip is about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  

I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

Thank you, Doghouse Motorsports!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
Lizette McPhie - Salt Lake City, UT
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested in helping out the kids by donating,
please go to our fundraiser page:
GoFundMe

I travel not to escape life but for life not to escape me!

I'm falling behind on my posts, which isn't really a surprise since I've been busy connecting with people and playing golf. That IS the purpose of the trip after-all. LOL

I will catch up, as time permits, but I wanted to share my actual schedule with you all.  On the off golf days, I may batch posts.

I left Wenatchee on Friday, August 27th. These are the dates and cities I will be playing golf in. The in between days are travel days.  The dates from Sept. 19 - 23 are reserved for a retreat in Vergennes, Vermont.

I have made contacts in each city and they are making tee times and putting the groups together. All I have to do is show up.    🙂

Boise, Idaho (Aug. 28th)
Salt Lake City, Utah (Sept 1st)
Denver, Colorado (Sept 3rd or 4th)
Kansas City, MO (Sept 8th)
St. Louis, MO (Sept 10th)
Indianapolis, IN (Sept 12th)
Pittsburgh, PA (Sept. 14th)
Syracuse, NY (Sept. 16th)
Albany, NY (Sept. 18th)
Philadelphia, PA (Sept 24th or 25th)
Baltimore, MD (Sept. 27th)
Charlotte, NC (Sept 30, Oct 1st, or 2nd)
Atlanta, GA (Oct. 4th)
St Augustine, FL (Oct. 7th or 9th)
Montgomery, AL (Oct. 11th)
Baton, Rouge, LA (Oct 13th)
Houston, TX (Oct 15th)
Austin, TX (Oct 17th)
El Paso, TX (Oct. 19th)
Phoenix, AZ (21st or 22nd)

As many of you know, this trip is also a trip is about raising awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

I'd also like to sincerely thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery  Corbett, OR
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA
MG Bailey - Spokane, WA
And a couple Anonymous donations  

If you are interested in donating, please go to our: 
GoFundMe page and read all about it.

"Sometimes all you need is a full tank of gas."

The first day of my epic U.S. road trip is in the books. Doodad (my little navigator) and I left Wenatchee about 9:30. Our first stop was to see my friend Vicky who lives at her place at the Colockum Ridge golf course during the summer. 

Then Doodad and I got serious about putting some miles behind us and arrived in Kuna, Idaho about 6:00 (Idaho time). I am staying with my dear friends (or should I call them Mom and Dad?) Kathy and Jim until Monday morning. I'm so blessed to have them in my life.

My first tee time for the trip was noon (Idaho time) at the Redhawk golf course.  I'll write about that in my next post.

What did I learn my first day? I learned it is very inconvenient to leave the schedule you've worked on for months at home. Ugh. I also learned Google Docs is a marvelous thing and I was able to recover the schedule but had to spend several hours trying to recapture all of my contacts for each destination. I'm still not sure I have them all but it will have to do.

As many of you know this trip is also a trip to raise awareness and funds for the First Tee youth development program.  I want to thank my major sponsor Doghouse Motor Sports for their generous contribution to our youth!

I'd also like to thank others who have donated funds to our campaign, including:

June Stanaway - Premier One Properties in Wenatchee
Steve Roller - Big Ideas Publishing (Connecticut)
Lisa Nelson - Wisconsin
Clair & Beverly Klock - Klock Farms & Nursery
Roy Altman - Redmond, OR
Nancy Steere - Wenatchee , WA
Ruth Collins - East Wenatchee, WA  

If you are interested in donating, please go to our: 
GoFundMe page.

"My doctor told me to take my iron every day and to live on greens, so I go to the golf course."

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that this golf course is less than 30 miles from my house and I have never played it in the 50 years that I have lived in Wenatchee. Now that I have seen the error in my ways, I will definitely be going back with a group of friends. I encourage you to do the same. The views, overlooking the Columbia River, are amazing and the course is super fun.

Be sure to check out Carolyn Sellar's website at:AdventuresInWhisky.com And, if you ever want an event hosted to bring awareness to your business, call Carolyn. She knows how to put on an event! Her contact info is on her website.

Thanks again to everyone who made this possible, including the Sunserra golf course, and the ladies group from Sunserra who helped organize.

If you haven't already done so, I invite you to subscribe to this Blog so you will be notified of all new posts as they are published. 
You can do so by ordering the 
FREE Report:
5 Ways To Lower Your Golf Score... Without Lessons 

Also, join our SWAG Facebook Group 

"Wander often. Wonder always."

In the blog post from May 2nd of last year Introducing the SWAG Travel Network, I told you the story of how my Grandma inspired my lifelong Bucket List dream to travel around the United States.

On June 8th I wrote a post entitled SWAG Membership Drive: Fall 2020, explaining how I planned to take an epic solo road trip to meet other women golfers all across the nation.  

I'm sure it's no surprise that trip was postponed due to COVID.  Well, I'm not getting any younger and still determined to make it happen.

If there's anything we've learned in the last last year and a half, it is that life is uncertain. We need to do things when we can.  

Do you see all those blue "pins" on the map above? That is my unofficial route so far. I want to stay somewhat flexible to adjust as I go.  

I'll be leaving in late late August, returning in early November. I'm calculating the trip will cover about 10,000 miles.

Like I said, it's going to be epic. 

And, I haven't been sitting idle regarding connections either. I've been busy making connections with women golfers across the nation online.

I've had lots of invitations to play with the locals as I travel through their area.  I'm excited about that. 

As if that's not exciting enough, I'm still working on the fundraiser portion of the trip for the First Tee Central Washington.  I've been sending out letters and have already received several hundred dollars in contributions in support of this epic adventure... supporting kids and fulfilling bucket list dreams.

As you may know, First Tee is a National Organization specifically dedicated to developing our youth through the game of golf.  

Did you see 17-year-old Megha Ganne play in the Women's U.S. Open this last weekend? Wasn't she amazing? She is involved with The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, and made history as the first junior to qualify for the Drive, Chip & Putt Finals four times in the event’s six-year existence. She credits The First Tee with a lot of her success. And, I suspect it is also a major factor in the confidence and poise she exudes.

The First Tee is such an amazing organization and incorporating a fundraiser for them with my trip makes the trip that much more worthwhile.

What could be more important than developing the youth of today into better students, better citizens, and better leaders for the future through the game we all love... golf? 

The 9 Core Life Enhancing Values taught through the First Tee program are identified in the image at the top of this post.  And...

According to the national First Tee website:
   * 85% of Alumni credit the program with helping them become a better student.  
   * 91% of Alumni participated in community service. 
   * And, of course, they learn to golf

So, while doing this  trip I can accomplish several things:
   * Raise money for the First Tee youth program
   * Expand the SWAG Travel Network by connecting with
      other women golfers across the U.S.
   * Play golf in several states
  * See and experience a diversity of people and places
   * Share it all with you as I drive, golf, and blog my way around the U.S.  
  * Hopefully, meet you if you're in the path on my epic road trip

More details about my road trip will be coming in future posts here.  

While this road trip is a bucket list item for me and we'll be raising money for First Tee, the long term goal is still about YOU, a woman who loves to golf. It's about creating the SWAG Travel Network so you (and your golf peeps) can do more golfing and make meaningful connections while YOU, a senior woman golfer,  travel about this great land.

What's on your bucket list? I hope I can inspire you that it's never too late.

If you haven't already done so,
I invite you to subscribe to this Blog so you will
be notified of all new posts as they are published.
You can do so by ordering the 
FREE Report:
5 Ways To Lower Your Golf Score... Without Lessons

Also, be sure to sign up for our Facebook Group:
Senior Women Avid Golfers

   
"It's a privilege to age, let's have fun in the process!"
-Carol Williams

After 3 very painful incidents of a broken back, I am probably more aware of the need to maintain flexibility, balance and core strength than the average senior woman golfer.  

Intellectually, we all know how important it is to maintain those things but exercise is so boring, it's easy to let it slide. As we age and things start going south, you start realizing a few minutes a day would have been a good investment in yourself.

Last month our Apple Valley Women's Golf league team event was scheduled at Lake Chelan Municipal Golf Course. That's always one of my favorite venues to play. I had the good fortune to have Jaclyn Starr Evans fill out our foursome. Destiny has an interesting way of intervening that way.

Not only was the golf very enjoyable that day but the weather cooperated in spite of the dark skies threatening rain.  The weather stayed cool and wind only kicked up on our last 4 holes, so it was quite a pleasant round.

As the day went by, I learned that Jaclyn operated a residential eldercare home for almost 20 years in Chelan. The longer she was involved with elder care she realized that, after turning 60, she couldn't count on luck to keep her healthy and strong as she aged.  She realized she was going to need to start working at keeping her body strong enough for golfing and hiking.  Hiking with llamas each summer is a now a family tradition.

Jaclyn decided to start a YouTube Channel to share her mission to stay Healthy2aHundred and help others do the same. This channel helps her friends follow along with doing her routines.

She has two specific videos where she demonstrates her easy to follow routines.
 
  10 Minute Yoga and Back Strengthening Stretches With Meditation, Breathing and Affirmations

   8 Minutes Balance and Core Strength Routine 

The videos are intended, Jaclyn says, to help people easily learn the routines and then do them on their own.

The first part of her day is always a 10-minute Yoga Routine, which includes meditation, affirmations and back-strengthening poses. 

Even a tiny amount of yoga done each day can help with flexibility and stretching muscles. So, with that in mind, she created the very short routine which can be lengthened by holding the poses for longer periods as you gain the ability to do so.

Jaclyn says she finds it easiest to fit 10-minutes into each morning to start the day off on a positive note.

The second video recommended is an 8-minute Balance and Core-Strengthening Routine that Jaclyn does twice a week after the yoga, usually Wednesday and Saturday. As she explains in the video, she hates formal exercise (prefers hiking and walking, even short bursts of slow jogging), so found a song which lasts exactly 30-seconds. This helps to keep her going and let her know when the minute or 90-seconds is up. The song Jaclyn uses is Battle Hymn of the Republic, which can be sung slowly to increase time exercise or faster when beginning if muscles start screaming too quickly.

The third, and perhaps most important part of Jaclyn’s efforts to keep her body healthier as she ages is aerobics. She does what she calls a Snail-Mail Jog. The video for this part is under production, but it will incorporate High-Intensity Interval Training practices.  It is done at a (mostly) Low-Intensity pace.,  She sets a timer and jogs very slowly for 4 minutes, walks 4 minutes when the timer goes off, then repeats the sequence until 16 minutes of jogging has taken place.

Hopefully, the video will be finished and posted in the near future.

I’ve watched the already published videos and plan to give the yoga and exercise routine a good college try. Hey, I'm willing to try anything that will help me keep golfing into my golden years in spite of chronic back issues.

Jaclyn said, “I feel that starting the yoga routine was what gave me the discipline to stick with the other healthy practices.”

After starting the yoga, Jaclyn became more interested in the actual science of aging. She now considers herself an amateur bio-gerontologist. She has studied the "Blue Zones", which are five areas in the world where high percentages of people live to one hundred. She has tried to follow the lead of those centenarians by focusing her diet more heavily on plant-based eating, family activities and building her social circle of golf friends.

Very interesting, she told me, “that based on the high number of 100+ people I knew while in the eldercare business, even including three men living to almost 102, our town of Chelan would definitely qualify as a tiny Blue Zone.”

Jaclyn thinks the best book to explain the research into living healthy to old age is by Dr. David Sinclair of Harvard Medical Center. It is titled LIFESPAN: Why We Age and Why We Don’t Have To.

Jaclyn says, a more recently published book called AGELESS: The New Science of Getting Older without Getting Old, by Andrew Steele, indicates that possibly tortoises should be our role model, as they stay healthy until they die at over 200 years old.  Jaclyn seemed to appreciate the reassurance about growing older, realizing that aging will happen no matter what, but healthy on the inside, even though Slow and Wrinkled will win the race, just as we learned in kindergarten!

Along with more exercise, all studies show that calorie restriction promotes healthier life as animals age. Jaclyn found the book FAST DIET, by Dr. Mosley, about Intermittent Fasting, to be most helpful in learning about the healthy aspects of calorie restriction with an easy method. She began doing 2-day a week Intermittent Fasting for a year, but now works to put all eating into a window between 10a and 6p. This results in a 16-hour “fast” each day since studies show that may be just as effective a longer fasts.

I was also interested to learn that Jaclyn is married to the owner of Tunnel Hill Winery, located in the stone buildings at the west entrance to Lake Chelan. , She reassured us that in the Blue Zone of Sardinia Italy, where men live the longest recorded lives, that red wine is part of their daily routine.

“I’m hoping that will hold true for the men in my family,” Jaclyn said.  She invited me to come to Chelan again soon for a trip to Tunnel Hill Winery. I'm more of a white wine woman but if red wine will help me stay healthy longer, I should definitely consider putting the red wine theory through a series of tests. 

Cheers !

If you haven't already done so, I invite you to subscribe to this Blog so you will be notified of all new posts as they are published. 
You can do so by ordering the 
FREE Report:
5 Ways To Lower Your Golf Score... Without Lessons

Also, be sure to sign up for our Facebook Group:
Senior Women Avid Golfers

Have you joined our SWAG Facebook group yet?

It is a private group specifically for us to connect with other Senior Women who love golf.   

I was inspired to start the new group because I belong to a large Facebook group called Women Who Golf. It is an awesome group for women of all ages and abilities from around the world to share their pictures, ask questions, and interact on everything related to golf. It is a fun and active group.

What I noticed there is a lot of interaction from the younger ladies about fashion and how to hit the ball farther. 

At my age, my focus is on staying healthy enough to keep golfing and just having fun.  How about you?   

Anyway, it got me to thinking that it would be nice to have a group just for us active senior women golfers. 

Whether we are playing locally or traveling, the SWAG Group is a place for us to ask questions and share our pictures and stories while out on the golf course having fun!  

Please join us in the SWAG Facebook Group. AND, be sure to invite your other lady friends too!  

Your feedback will be appreciated as we continue development 
of the app that will enhance your golf experiences
whether you're traveling or staying close to home.

As I've mentioned before on this blog and elsewhere, I'm in the process of developing an app that will be beneficial for people who like to golf and travel.  

If you would be so kind as to give me your feedback on the linked survey, I would greatly appreciate it.

Stay safe and warm everyone!

"Good things are worth waiting for.
Great things are worth waiting even longer."
-Carol Williams

Please continue to stay tuned. I think you'll agree it will be worth waiting for.   It's going to be fun and interactive. 

The Mission Of First Tee:
​To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

​When I said in the headline of this post that we're having a membership drive, I mean that in a very literal sense. I'm heading out solo on an epic road trip. I will DRIVE across and around the United States to connect with women golfers to continue growing our SWAG Membership network.   I'll be leaving in early - mid September and signing ladies up as I go.   
​
​I know I could do this the easy way - online (and I'll be doing that too, of course). But I want to get out and actually meet people. I want to meet you! 

Details about my road trip will be coming in another blog post soon.  Any suggestions on stops between Wenatchee, Washington and Burlington, Vermont? That will be the 2800+ mile first leg of this epic trip. On the ​return trip home, I will be dipping further south as the weather starts to get cooler up north.

While this road trip is a bucket list item for me and we'll be raising money for First Tee, the long term goal is about​ YOU. It's about creating the SWAG Travel Network so you (and your golf peeps) can ​do more golfing and make meaningful connections while ​YOU  travel about this great land.

So start thinking about your future Bucket List for golf and travel! I'll do whatever I can to help you make it happen.

​"We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us." 
​Where shall I go next? 

​I'm super excited to announce that the SWAG Travel Network Membership Smartphone App is officially in development.  

The smartphone app will serve as an easy to use nationwide membership directory but it will be much more than that before we're finished.  

Whether you're traveling within your home state or across the country, it will be very easy to find and connect with other women golfers as you​ travel to play at ​other courses and explore new places.   

​The app will be functional in the Fall and will coincide with another special event I'll be announcing soon!

​Stay tuned...

A Special Invitation

​Do you like to golf?
Do you like to travel?
Do you like to have fun?

​If you answered Yes to ALL three of those questions, keep reading.  

You're in the right place.  

​This blog post is specifically to sell you on an idea for an exclusive opportunity that involves fun, golf and traveling.  However, it won't cost you anything to "buy-in".  Zip. Zero. Zilch.

​It's kind of like being with someone who gets a hole-in-one and they buy your drink at the 19th hole. It's a win/win. It didn't cost you a thing.  But it sure was fun.

I am also the past Executive Secretary and current Treasurer of the Apple Valley Women's Golf Association (AVWGA) in Central Washington State. This is a group of women from 8 regional golf courses who play team events throughout the golf season. You may have a similar group in your area.

​I want to travel and play golf in places I've never been before. And, I want to connect with new people coming to my area.  

I want YOU to be able to do the same.

I want you to be able to travel more, golf more, and meet other women golfers.  

​How are we going to do that?  

With SWAG.

I developed the SWAG (Senior Women Avid Golfer's) Travel Network to give you a unique opportunity to meet new ladies whether you're traveling or playing on your own course, or another course in your area.  

The SWAG Travel Network is your connection to women golfers across the country. I'm so excited about this, I could go on and on. However, I think a quick back story will help you understand it better...

​I don't think bucket lists were a thing when I was a kid but I, unknowingly, had started a bucket list when I was just 14 years old.  

When I was 14 my grandmother and her sister took a 3-month road trip around the United States. That completely fascinated me! I mean, how many women that age do that kind of thing? Especially back then. It wasn't common for women to travel on their own like it is now.

BOOM.

My bucket list was born. I made up my mind then and there that I wanted to do a road trip like that someday.  

Now that I'm retired, I am more determined than ever to check that off my bucket list... and golfing is going to be a big part of that trip.  Whether traveling alone, or with a friend, I'm looking for ladies to connect with during my travels... and that is one primary aspect of the SWAG Travel Network. And here's why.  

Years later, shortly after my husband died, I started traveling to escape the loneliness.  I traveled to Arizona several times and also spent almost a year in the Midwest because I had a golfing friend there.  

I often wished I had connections with golfers in more places. I really wanted to fulfill that childhood goal of traveling around the entire United States, which has now evolved into including golf.  

​The previous two stories highlight ONE side of the SWAG Travel Network - traveling more, golfing more, and meeting other women golfers as we travel.  

What is the other aspect? One more story, then I'll tell you how it all fits together.

​BOOM.

I, unwittingly, became a local Ambassador for my course... and my local area. It makes me want to make more connections like that.

And, that is the other primary aspect of the SWAG Travel Network.

​This is where you come in when you join the already growing network of Ambassadors.  

Being an Ambassador is easy and fun.

You'll enjoy having access to a nationwide network of other women golfers to connect with as you travel. And, you'll be able to reciprocate when others visit your area, looking for someone to connect with during a game of golf.  ​

It's that simple.  

​I know much of the country is still on stay-at-home restrictions but when those are lifted my friends and I are anxious to get out and do some traveling, and have fun meeting more women golfers.  

​Are you?

Are you ready to connect with ladies from all over the country during a game of golf and over a refreshing beverage at the 19th hole?

Are you ready to join me and others in the SWAG Travel Network as an Ambassador for your area?

Are you ready to join us on this amazing journey to take the world of amateur women's golf to a whole 'nother level?

​The possibilities are endless. I see so much potential. There is no cost and no obligation. It's merely an opportunity to get in on the early stage of something very special.  

​What if you sign up and don't participate? No big deal. It's not like it cost you anything. 

However, what if you sign up and start making new connections all over the country (or state)? You may even find yourself intrigued to travel to places you never thought of before simply because we have an Ambassador there.  Who knows... You may be inspired to start your own golf travel bucket list.  

How fun will that be?  

​"Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief."

​Would you like to be one of the Charter Ambassador members?  I have already received over two dozen positive responses in the U.​S., including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Massachusetts, Arizona, Florida, Ohio, Texas, Montana, Tennessee, Colorado, New York, and Maryland.  PLUS several others from across Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

​If you're excited to ​be part of the SWAG Travel Network, send an e-mail to TopTeamCarol@gmail.com ​with:

Name:
City, State, Zip:
Phone (optional):
Home Course:

​I'm looking forward to having you in the SWAG Travel Network!

Sincerely,
Carol
​
TopTeamCarol@gmail.com   

P.S.:
Although the original primary intent of the Travel Network was for Senior Women Golfers, we don't want to exclude younger women who love to travel and play golf. So, if you're not a senior but like the idea of being an Ambassador and enjoying the benefits of the network, we'd love to have you join us! 

​"Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening - and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented."
-Arnold Palmer  

​The first tournament of the season in North Central Washington is the Three Lakes 18-Hole Ladies League Golden Apple Tournament.  

​"The first blooms of Spring always make my heart sing."
-S. Brown

​The 2020 Wenatchee Golf and Country Club Spring Fling 
Registration form is out and you're invited!  

​​"If you think it's hard meeting new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball."

Pictured above:
​2019 Apple Valley Women's Golf Association Overall Winner's
*** Wenatchee Golf & Country Club Ladies ***

* * * * *

​Other winners for the 2019 season were:

Apple Tree Ladies:  Gross Points Winner
​Lake Chelan Ladies:  Net Points Winner

​The 2020 AVWGA Schedule has been released:

April 30th - Lakeview
May 28th - Lake Chelan
June 11th - Yakima Elks
July 7th - Three Lakes
August 17th - Apple Tree
September 11th - Ellensburg
October 6th - Wenatchee Golf & Country Club

*  Leavenworth Golf Club has the Bye this season

All events have a 9:00 shotgun start, except the last event at
WG&CC which will be a 9:30 shotgun start.

​Are you looking forward to the 2020 golf season as much as I am?  One of the fun parts of the golf season is participating in events around Central Washington throughout the year.

Are you curious about the dates for your favorite golf events in 2020?

I'm in the process of putting together a list of events in 2020. ​I want to make it as comprehensive as possible​ and I need your help.  

Are you a League President or event Chairperson for any events at your club this golf season? 

If so, I would really appreciate it if you could send me the following info:
     Event dates
     Practice round dates
     Contact person for event info  

​I am especially looking for dates for ladies events at the following courses:

​Here is what I know so far, so get them on your calendar:
Three Lakes Golden Apple: May 7th​
Wenatchee Golf & Country Club Spring Fling: May 19th
Leavenworth Alpine: June 17th 
​
​Watch this blog for updates

​If you know of women's events at other courses in Washington State or elsewhere, I'm interested in that information too. 

Are there any charity events you know about?

I will be posting the 2020 Apple Valley Women's Golf Association schedule as soon as I receive it in early February.

​Please send any info or questions to me at:
TopTeamCarol@gmail.com

​This group is focused on living with autoimmune disorders in the most productive and successful manner available.

That end will be achieved by:

• Supporting and caring about each other 
• Hearing each other’s messages
• Listening to other voices with valuable information to share
• Committing to be positive, understanding and encouraging

Saturday, ​January 18, 2020​
Central Hospital Lower Floor Rooms F/G   10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

​HELP YOURSELF BY HELPING OTHERS: Leona Wolk
Leona has an amazing personal story; not autoimmune but life-long and affecting all aspects of her journey.  She believe each of us can make differences with small acts of great love and kindness.  The relationships she has formed to help her "make it" are available to all. No one said life circumstances are easy but they can be experienced with positive results and even joy. 
​
​Leona received the 2018-2019 Washington State Humanitarian Award thru the Veterans of Foreign Wars Women's Auxiliary for Homeless Veterans and their families.

​INTRODUCING: Our New Blog  ​
​And Now...
​In our continuing effort to help those affected by autoimmune issues to live the best they can, Judi and her daughter Tracey will be launching a new blog. It will be a two-person commentary on living with autoimmunity.
Patient Point of View: Tracey
Support Person Point of View: Judi

We will offer a good deal of our own experience along with practical ideas for successful living.

Find us at: www.a3autoimmunity.org
​e-mail version coming soon

Please come join us; share, contribute and learn

Directions: We are in the lower floor of the hospital. Park by the upper main entrance and take the elevator down or park in the lower lot by physical therapy and enter on that level. 

RSVP as possible. See you soon. 

Judi Rising, risingstarj@nwi.net, 509.679.0671

​Thank you for being a subscriber to the SeniorWomenGolfers website, launched in April 2019!  I hope you've enjoyed this "soft" start. I have some fun plans for the site in 2020 so buckle up and stay tuned.

In the meantime, I want to share something I posted​ on my Facebook page ​this morning. I know not all of you follow me there, so here is my wish for you​ in the new decade. ​
​
​Today I would like to wish you all:

1) Health... the greatest "wealth" of all,
2) Strength... the strength needed to weather the tough times,
3) Wisdom... the wisdom to make good decisions through the ups and downs of this thing call "life",
4) Perspective... the perspective to count your blessings even when the chips are down. I like to think of this as knowing the difference between "inconvenience" and a "crisis". We all experience crisis in life, and a LOT of inconvenience.
5) Patience... sometimes we just need to take a deep breath and not be in a hurry. It will keep your blood pressure down and save a lot of hard feelings.
6) Faith... the faith to know that you are not in "charge" of all things, and sometimes you just need to trust a higher power than you. I've discovered many silver linings in the darkest of clouds.
7) Hope... the hope that no matter what is happening, there is a purpose and it helps to be willing to look for, and be willing to accept, whatever lesson there is from the events of life,
8) Charity... to always be on the lookout for an opportunity to help someone. Random Acts of Kindness are a far better high than any drug,
9) Joy... to see the joy in all things, big and small.

I could go on, but you get the idea. We all look forward to the new year with great anticipation, as we should. And, we also need to be realistic as we travel through this journey on Earth.

Relish every day as a special gift and it will be a very Happy 2020.

​Wishing you all the best ​year ever!
Carol

​"Only I didn't say fudge. I said THE word.  
The big one.  The queen mother of dirty words.
The F_ _ _ word."
-Ralphie from A Christmas Story

​Before I retired, I owned a real estate brokerage and property management company. I think it was in the year 2005 when I sold a new construction home to some newlyweds relocating from Reno, Nevada.  

For Christmas that year we received a lovely box of Christmas goodies.  In the box were two holiday mugs with hot chocolate mix, a candy cane and a tin of fudge made from her Grandma Betty's fudge recipe.  

Amy was very close to her Grandma who had died the year we received this gift.  Amy, feeling nostalgic about her Grandma, was determined to make some of her special fudge.  This is the letter we received in the box, telling the story of Amy's fudge making adventure.  

​​Dear Carol and Max,
Here is some FUDGE I made from the heart. I was thinking about my Grandma and some of her Christmas cooking. I remember her making holiday cookies, popcorn balls, and fudge. A few years back I helped her make fudge for the family. So…..in my infinite wisdom, I thought it would be a good idea to make fudge and put it in small tins as a part of gift baskets for both sides of the family and close friends. It was a well thought out plan with good intentions.

So here is the FUDGE STORY:
(I am now convinced that FUDGE is a very bad word)

I dug through many boxes to hunt down Grandma’s recipe book. Found the fudge recipe and scurried down to the store and bought all the ingredients. Everything was going as planned until the actual fudge making process began.

The instructions said to boil until it forms a soft ball and folds. So I kept boiling and boiling until the crap started to crystallize! I took it off the burner and as it started to cool it turned into one massive concrete ball! I ended up with this rock hard blob that adhered itself to the bottom of the pot. It was stuck in there so bad I literally had to throw the pot away. Somehow I missed the “soft” ball stage!

Round Two:
I dug up an older pot to cook with just in case round one was repeated. This time I cooked the liquid until it started to fold and then I took it off the heat and stirred it for awhile until I realized it was getting very hard in a hurry. This batch did make it to the cooling pyrex but after it was completely cool it was hard enough to break every tooth in my mouth. I think we could use this batch as additional blocks for the retaining wall.

Round Three:
I felt I was getting closer to making edible fudge. All I had to do is pour myself another drink and cook the liquid for a shorter amount of time. That should do it right? Mmmm…..well, I stuck to my plan of more drinking and less boiling. I took the liquid fudge substance off the fire much earlier this time. As it cooled I stirred, and stirred, and stirred. I was so confident that this batch was going to be perfect I added a bunch of expensive walnuts to it. I poured the warm fudge into the pyrex and waited for it to cool. As it cooled it was supposed to harden. I waited, and waited, and waited. It did harden some but not to the classic fudge consistency that I had expected. The fudge looks more like a soft brownie but it is edible and does taste good. I cut it up and individually wrapped the pieces just like Grandma used to do (which was an ordeal in itself that I will not go into).

Round Four:
After a semi-successful batch, I got the urge to make one final attempt at the perfect fudge. I scraped the bottom of the butter barrel and used every last teaspoon of sugar in the house. This was it, there were no more ingredients to do another batch after this. It had to be done right. I thought about this “soft ball” thing and realized what that means. You drop some boiling liquid onto a plate and when it cools it should form a soft ball. That is the point when you take the fudge off the burner and start beating it until it “folds”. Brilliant! So, I boiled the liquid for awhile and then started making splatters onto a plate. They were not making soft balls, but they sure did taste good. I think my theory was correct with the soft ball idea, but I kept eating all the drippings before they became totally cool enough to make a ball, oops.

At this point I was totally “FUDGED up” and just wanted to eat a piece of my creation and be done with the project. I got nervous that the substance would crystallize again so I took the last batch off the burner and started to beat it. I had used all the walnuts in the previous batch so this round would be nut free. I poured the last of the fudge into the cooling pyrex for the final attempt. This might have been it? Well, as close to “good” as it is going to get. It is still a bit soft but at least you won’t break any teeth!

Final Conclusion:
I now know why Grandma always had drinks while making fudge. I learned that making fudge is no easy project but love my family and friends enough to attempt making gifts that are truly from the heart. Enjoy!

​Merry Christmas,
The Greenhalghs

​​I've always loved this story and still laugh whenever I read it.  I hope you enjoy it too.  
​
​See you in the Spring on the links. Have a safe winter and a...
​
​Merry Christmas & Happy New Year !
Carol​​​

If you're wondering why I haven't posted to this blog for a few months, it is because:
​On Friday, August 2nd I woke up and couldn't get out of bed.  Without going into a lot of the excruciatingly painful details, let me say​ I haven't golfed since.  It was very disappointing because I had a lot more golfing planned before the season was over.  I had weekly league to play, a Club Championship title to defend and our traveling team with Apple Valley Women's Golf Association still had 3 events left. My friends and I also had a cruise to Hawaii scheduled which was going to include playing at Wailua on Kauai. 

​For the remaining team events (at Apple Tree, Leavenworth and the Wenatchee Golf & Country Club) ​I tagged along and the course pros were happy to comp me a cart and let me serve as a Course Marshall.  I was happy to be useful even though I couldn't play. It was a Win/Win. 

Even though I couldn't actually play, it was fun to be out watching the ladies play. And, there's always the 19th hole, right?   

The pictures above are of the group of ladies I tagged along with to the Moses Lake Country Club in early September. ​
​
​If you're ever injured and can't golf, don't hesitate to go out and be a cheering section for your friends.  I'll try to get a few more articles and pictures posted about some of the ​other events I've attended during my recovery. 

I know this message is getting out late but I wanted to be sure you know that First Tee of Central Washington is putting on an amazing series of sessions for kids of all ages, with the goal of teaching them life skills while learning the game of golf. 

​These 9 core values of the program are:
Integrity
Judgement
Honesty
Responsibility
Sportsmanship
Respect
Confidence
Perseverance
Courtesy

​

​

​$75 for Nine Sessions
Scholarships Available if cost is a problem
Just Ask!

All equipment provided.

​

​Event location:
Three Lakes Golf Course
2695 Golf Club Drive
Malaga, WA 98828

​

​For more information please contact:
Lynn Miller
206-718-4369  
​thefirstteecwatwenatchee@gmail.com 

​

​If you read this too late to get a child in this set of sessions, I'm sure they'll be doing more in the future.  

Ask to get put on their mailing list.

​Also, I believe they are accepting applications for volunteers.

Direct donations are always ​appreciated

What's better than supporting the development of children?  Oh, I know... supporting the development of children through golf!

​

​If you haven't already done so, ​I invite you to subscribe to this Blog so you will be notified of all new posts as they are published.
You can do so by ordering the 
FREE Report:
5 Ways To Lower Your Golf Score... Without Lessons

​For Sale:  SOLD
​
17963 Road 5 NW - Quincy, Washington 98848

1 bedroom, 1 bath park model home in the Colockum Ridge Adult Park on the Golf Course in Quincy. Lot #19. Pool and hot tub in park.

11 x 35 home on a 60 X 45 lot. You own the land. Nice setting on the golf course. Beautiful 20x12 deck. Plus storage or golf cart shed.

Excellent, quiet, location close to shopping and an easy commute to Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Ephrata, Soap Lake and access to I-90.  

​This is a wonderful ​full-time home or fun weekend getaway. ​ Come by and see for yourself just how much fun and convenient this home can be. ​  

​Call Vicky:
509-860-0634

If you haven't already done so, ​I invite you to subscribe to this Blog so you will be notified of all new posts as they are published.
You can do so by ordering the 
FREE Report:
5 Ways To Lower Your Golf Score... Without Lessons

​Hey Ladies,
It's time to start thinking about signing up for the annual Chelan Harvest Invitational, hosted by:
 The Lake Chelan Golf Club's Ladies League.  

​All entrants must be 21 years of age
Must have an established USGA Handicap Index
Maximum Index is 40.5
Tournament play capped at 40 handicap
Indexes as of September 1, 2019 will be used for Handicaps
Field Limit 100  

​All entries must be received by September 5th
Any cancellation must be made ONLY through the Tournament Chairperson
Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE after September 5th

Entry Fee:

$80 - Includes Cart
$70 - With Own Cart

All carts shared - NO walkers!

​Contact the Tournament Chairperson to have an entry form e-mailed to you:
Toni Berry  *  509-670-5089  *  berrytoni@yahoo.com

​
If you haven't already done so, ​I invite you to subscribe to this Blog so you will be notified of all new posts as they are published. You can do so by ordering the 
FREE Report:
5 Ways To Lower Your Golf Score... Without Lessons

Gamble Sands takes the importance of
course knowledge to a whole 'nother level.

​I've played a lot of different golf courses and written quite a few articles about my experiences ​ over the years but I don't even know where to start with explaining my ​round at Gamble Sands.  This is the most fun and unique course I have EVER played and​ it was fun to share the day with my friends Vicky, Sandy and Nancy.

​We were nervous about the weather for several days before this much anticipated opportunity to play Gamble Sands. Thunderstorms have been in the forecast for several days and we all took extra clothing in preparation. We kept watching the sky but as it turned out, other than a bit of wind on the last few holes, the weather was great for us. ​We're not so sure the people with later tee times were so fortunate.  ​

​​Gamble Sands is NOT a course you should play for the first time without someone who has played there before.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  

First of all, we've all played courses that required local knowledge to know how to play ​the holes. Gamble Sands takes the importance of course knowledge to a whole 'nother level. ​Every fairway and green has tricks up their sleeves,  from tee to green.  

Secondly, in their effort to keep the course natural and rustic, signage is very limited. Getting from hole to hole can be a bit tricky in places because they don't have obvious cart paths to follow.  

​One of my favorite things about Gamble Sands is there are multiple tee boxes which accommodate all skill levels.  Every senior woman golfer I have spoken to that has played here loved it!

I highly recommend putting this course on your bucket list.  You'll go home​ wondering when you can play it again.
​
​Our friend Margo Riggan arranged some special group pricing for a ​bunch of the ladies from Wenatchee Golf & Country Club.  Thanks, Margo!  

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​Late Notice Opportunity

​First come first served:
We have 2 Free passes to the Senior LPGA Suquamish Clearwater Legends Cup being held ​ June 7 - 8... yes just a few days away!  

​Here is a link to more information for the event being held at the White Horse Golf Club in Kingston, WA.

​If you're interested in these passes, please contact Carol Williams at TopTeamCarol@gmail.com or call 509-670-7840.

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Pictured above:
Low Gross of the Field winner: Pat Terry, left
Low Net of the Field winner: Kathleen Byers, right

This years Wenatchee Golf & Country Club Ladies Club Spring Fling filled quickly and was a full field of players. The chairperson of this years event was Judy Johnson and she had a lot of amazing volunteers ​to make this a memorable event for all of the participants.  

​If you haven't already done so, ​I invite you to subscribe to this Blog so you will be notified of all new posts as they are published. You can do so by ordering the 
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5 Ways To Lower Your Golf Score... Without Lessons

​If you haven't already done so, ​I invite you to subscribe to this Blog so you will be notified of all new posts as they are published. You can do so by ordering the 
FREE Report:
5 Ways To Lower Your Golf Score... Without Lessons

Simple Pleasures 

​Three Divisions 
Equal payo​ut for gross and net in each division.

​Entry Fee:  
$150 per non-member
$125 per member
​
Includes: Practice round day before (call for tee time)
2 Rounds of Tournament Play
Lunch & Dinner on Saturday
Lunch on Sunday
​
​For additional information or to request an entry form contact:
​Mark Rhodes - Pro
​509-246-0336 
​markrhodes@lakeviewgroups.com

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​The Mission of The First Tee is:
"To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf."

​On May 9th, 2019 the Three Lakes 18-Hole Ladies League is hosting the 48th Annual Golden Apple Golf Tournament. Every year the Three Lakes ladies select a charity to benefit from this ​fundraising ​event.  This years beneficiary is The First Tee Central Washington, a charity organization formed to help children develop life skills.  

According to The First Tee website:
"For more than 22 years we have been using the platform of golf to provide innovative and experiential learning opportunities for young people. Character education and long-term life skills are at the heart of our programs, which are delivered by coaches who have been trained in positive youth development."

​One of the main sources of fundraising for The Golden Apple Tournament is an annual raffle with a large bundle of FREE rounds of golf.  This years winner will receive certificates for 4 rounds of FREE golf, including carts at each of the following five courses:

Colockum Ridge Golf Course - Quincy, WA
Moses Lake Golf Club - Moses Lake, WA
Moses Pointe Golf Resort - Moses Lake, WA
Tam O-Shanter Golf & Country Club - Bellevue, WA
Wenatchee Golf & Country Club - East Wenatchee, WA

PLUS: 
​A Stay and Play (One night and 2 rounds of golf) at:
Circling Raven Golf Club - Worley, Idaho

​That is a total of 22 rounds of golf!  Even if you aren't a golfer, these certificates would make wonderful gifts for the golfer(s) in your life.  Tickets are $5 each, with no purchase limit.  The winner will be drawn at approximately 2 p.m. on May 9th after the Golden Apple Golf Tournament.  You can purchase tickets any time prior to the drawing.  

​For tickets or additional information call, text or email:
Nancy Miller (206) 718-0490
nmiller1107@gmail.com

​If you live out-of-town and wish to support The First Tee by purchasing raffle tickets, please contact me and I will purchase them for you.  
Carol Williams
TopTeamCarol@gmail.com 

​Will you help us support the kids?

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​"The person who reads lives a thousand lives. The person who does not read, lives but one."

​As golfers, we often take road trips to play out of town courses.  So today, I'd like to share my impressions of a book I "read" recently on a trip to Eagle Crest in Redmond, Oregon.  

​With high praise from a few friends, I was enticed to download the Audible version of Where The Crawdads Sing for my most recent road trip.  It's a relatively long book at 12 hours and 12 minutes for the audio version. This turned out to be the perfect length for the down and back of this particular trip.  ​

​The author, Delia Owens, wrote the book inspired by her own curiosity as a child in rural Georgia and her career as a wildlife scientist.  The combination of science and imagination has allowed Ms Owens to weave a remarkable story. 

​As a young child the main character, Kya Clark, known as "The Marsh Girl" by the townspeople of Barkley Cove is abandoned one-by-one by her entire family. Through no fault of her own, Kya was left alone to survive with no money, only a shack to live in, and a small boat. Her journey to adulthood in the marsh is a compelling and educational read. For a complete summary of the book, click here.
​

​I highly recommend this book for your reading or listening please.​

​If you haven't already done so, ​I invite you to subscribe to this Blog so you will be notified of all new posts as they are published. You can do so by ordering the 
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​The 62nd Annual Spring Fling Invitational Tournament hosted by the Women's 18-Hole Division of the Wenatchee Golf & Country Club will be held on May 21, 2019.  

This is one of my favorite events of the season and a great way to start off a new golf season.  The theme for this years event is "Rolling out the red carpet".  

General information:
Tournament fee: $80 (Carts included. No walkers)
Free practice round Monday May 20th ($19 cart fee. Pay at the pro shop)

​The schedule for this years event is as follows:
​Monday, May 20th
* Registration 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
* Practice round: Check in at the pro shop
   (Make a tee time with the pro shop at 509-884-7050 after 2:00 p.m. May 13th.)
* Putting contest: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
* Horse Race: 3:30 p.m. 6 holes for $5.00  

Tuesday, May 21st

* Registration and Continental Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
* Shotgun Start: 8:30 a.m.
* Hosted luncheon & awards: following play

Prizes:
* Low Gross & Low Net of the Field
* Best ball foursome by flight
* Horse Race
* Raffle Prizes
* Honey pot
* Long Drive
* KP
* Accuracy Drive​

​The wonderful thing about the Spring Fling every year is,  regardless​ of your golf score, the two rounds of golf, camaraderie, raffle prizes and luncheon ​in the beautifully remodeled WG&CC clubhouse is worth far more than the entry fee.  

Let the Wenatchee Golf & Country Club ladies Roll Out the Red Carpet for you and request an entry form and/or additional information by contacting:
Judy Johnson at:  JudyJohnson413@gmail.com or
​Marcia Underwood at: smunder@aol.com

​The 48th annual Golden Apple Golf Tournament is hosted by the Three Lakes Ladies 18-hole league. ​It is the first major ladies tournament of the year in the Wenatchee Valley, attracting approximately 100 women golfers for two days of fun and food.

​The Golden Apple is the ladies league major fundraiser for the year.  This year The First Tee will be the recipient of proceeds from the event.

As most of you probably know:
"The First Tee is an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to kids and teens. Through after-school and in-school programs, they help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through the game of golf. And it’s making a difference."

I did a previous blog post on playing this Three Lakes Golf course.

​This years event will be held on May 9th, with a practice round available for May 8th.  There will be lots of prizes and fun raffle items.  For more information contact Paula Weedman through the Golf Course pro shop.  509-663-5448.

​

"A shot that goes in the hole is pure luck, but a shot to within two feet of the flag is skill."
-Ben Hogan

​"Golf is the closest game to the game we call life.  You can get bad breaks from good shots and you can get good breaks from bad shots.  But, you have to play the ball where it lies."
-Bobby Jones

​The game of golf is full of opportunities to learn lessons that apply to life.  One such example is when I was playing in a tournament last Spring.
​
My game didn't start off very well.  I had a double bogey on the first hole, and as the game went on several putts lipped out and I remember thinking "Ok, it's going to be one of THOSE days."  No big deal.  We always have a good lunch to look forward to.

The thing about golf is: things can go from bad to good... even great... in a single shot.  The reverse is true, too.  The point is EVERY shot counts.  Just because you made a bad shot doesn't mean the next one won't be a good one.

As the day went on, I played well even getting two seriously amazing chip-ins and making some excellent putts. 

At the end of the day, I won 1st Gross, a closest to the pin prize, AND long drive for the day. 

My golf game that day was like life and business in so many ways.  Don't ever get discouraged because things don't go the way you think they should or the way you want them to.  You always have the next decision (or shot) to get back on track. Stay focused on your goal.

You've probably heard it before and I'll say it again, most things in life and business are more like a marathon than a sprint.  

Don't get discouraged and keep trying.​

The Three Lakes Golf course is just 4 miles south of Wenatchee, located at 2695 Golf Drive, Malaga, Washington 98828.  It has an 18-hole ladies league, mostly senior women, that plays on Thursday morning and a 9-hole ladies league that plays on Wednesday evenings. League play generally runs from mid April into mid October.  Visitors are always welcome.

Three Lakes has reasonable membership rates and green fees. It isn't a long course but it is challenging with every fairway and green having it's own unique nuances.  Ball placement is very important in the fairways and on the greens to score well.  It's always best to stay below the pin when approaching the green.

Three Lakes​ is one of those courses you will want to play again after your initial outing because you will have a better idea of HOW to play it​ better.  If you're a visitor to the area, there are numerous hotels and motels in the area as well as RV options.  

After your round, I encourage you to enjoy a beverage and/or some food at the Three Lakes Grill. The Grill is a ​wonderful little cafe where they serve generous portions for reasonable prices. They don't have a full bar but do have a good selection of beers and a decent selection of wines. The only thing I think that's overpriced here is a glass wine.