We're A Week Away...

...from the big event...and preparations are underway:

fresh off an extended tour in the arboreal nether regions and here for an exclusive one week engagement at the Castle Frankenstein, it's the Tree Creature

the St. James Infirmary duo return to blow their horns sans lungs.
hey, no one said it had to make sense; think of it as an all hallows e'en miracle.

It's probably worth noting the creative process is not an exact science...

each treat bag is meticulously quality checked, thoroughly tested and meets all standards set by the FDA.  we guarantee it!¹ 

...and can be messy.

Just remember it's the end result that matters.

In other words, no judging!

And those "Bueno" candy bars are aptly named...they are dee-lish.

¹ not a guarantee

Weatherwise, we're wrapping up the best week of this year's fall season: morning temps in the 40's, 60's in the afternoon, and wall to wall sunshine all week long.

Naturally Karen corralled me into doing various and sundry outside tasks, about which I could not legitimately complain...would've been a crime to be indoors...

don't let the smug smile fool you...he's crying on the inside since he just found out he's been replaced by Claude

...sitting in front of a computer screen.

Besides the usual outdoor maintenance stuff, I also snuck in a couple of rounds of hickory golf.

The first was a 6-3 win, but there was a surprise waiting for me on Friday.

They informed me at check in "my course" was closing.

They kindly kept it open since I'd made my tee time a week ago -

"The course is all yours today," she smiled.

- but after that it would be done and dusted for another year.

Feeling a touch of melancholy, I walked a little slower than usual and made every effort to truly enjoy this last stroll through the countryside on these links.

Lingered over each shot, studied the beautiful greens and drank in the glorious autumn colors in the trees.

However, if I was hoping my sudden descent into maudlin sentimentality would spawn something mystical on the links -

The music swells in the background as I miraculously par every hole from 1 to 8 and then - yes!  a birdie on 9 for my first ever sub par round!

- sorry; nothing doin'.

Fact is, I didn't score very well.

my birdie putt on #4 that I foozled into a bogey

All square after 6, but booted a 3 foot putt on 7 to go down 1.

With only 8 and 9 left to play, I had to take them both for the win.

Happily/surprisingly, I did just that.

Sank a 5 foot putt for bogey on 8, then parred 9 on the way out for an unimpressive (but very satisfying) 5-4 win.

I did stop as I was making the trek from the 9th green back to the clubhouse...

...and cast a longing glance at the Vale Of Everlasting Sorrows.

But weep not for yours truly; there's at least 1 more week of decent weather in the forecast, so I'm switching to the nasty little par 3 I (in)frequent:

Look at all that sand and water...put them altogether and you could have a decent lakeside beach.

I plan to switch to my featheries...

...and hit around/alongside the water, playing them as par 4's and 5's.

More to come.

I know you're tingling¹ with excitement for what comes next, so let's 23 Skidoo:

from the Larry files and his cottage up north:

a little color in the trees

a beautiful lakeside vista

ditto

gotta love moonlight on the water

meanwhile, back at the ranch:

while sitting out here one day...

...these guys floated by...

...reminding me to eat mor chikin'

loki on the lookout

¹ if you're still tingling even after reveling in 23 Skidoo you might need to contact a dermatologist

It's just a little more than a week until the election, and as much as I'd rather just shut up and vote, conscience constrains me.

If we give D's power again, that gravestone list of evils is what we'll get in return.

Gone are the days when the two major parties had shared goals for the good of the country, but differed on policies to achieve them.

Today's D's are all in on socialism, which every historian will tell you is the gateway drug to communism.

And if socialism/communism is so great, why is no one clamoring to get into Cuba?

Why are they fleeing oppressive regimes, desperate to live in America?

D's have no plans on how to improve your life; only to seize power and imprison their enemies.

Vote like your freedom depends on the outcome because it surely does.

² When the righteous are in power, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

    - Proverbs 29

later, mcm fans...