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Post by stlhawk on Jan 20, 2024 22:04:52 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 11,400,444
5: Full Boat 6: Quantum 7: Same 8: Borg
The snow dodged us again, however that is pretty typical. We are in a slight valley and that, combined with the rivers that intersect near here causes quite a few weather fronts to deflect around us. Sounds like your snow blower came in handy and using it properly, like any tool, makes it even better.
Even without going to TG, you have a great plan and many options to keep improving your golf game.
The gas leak is a little disconcerting. The gas technician figured out it was an underground leak on the feed from the street to my house. He checked inside the house and everything was fine there. Friday morning another tech came out and did some more checking. He had the same conclusion and made several vent holes so the gas would vent rather than accumulate underground. He scheduled the repairs for Tuesday and claims I shouldn't worry. All the other utility companies have already marked my yard up where there lines are (electric, cable, water, sewer). Every time I go outside I smell gas. Not overly comfortable with the decision since it looks like they are just waiting for a break in the weather.
It is still going to be a while before we can sell the house in KC. They have so much junk that my MIL, FIL, BIL, and wife mistakenly think is valuable. They are in for a real shock when they spend valuable time and effort trying to sell garbage that no one else wants. Until they are more realistic and willing to let go... I am staying out of it and keeping my mouth shut.
Great results at the PW Derby today! My grandson placed second out of 40+ cars. Will go into more detail in the C'Bus thread tomorrow.
Happy Saturday!!!
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Post by SUVFan on Jan 23, 2024 19:37:54 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 12,474,444 5 Number hand: 74444 -- 4 4s 6 Number hand: 474444 -- No help 7 Number hand: 2474444 -- 5 4s 8 Number hand: 12474444 -- No help
If the temps are up like they are here, assuming they had to shut off the gas to do the repair, it shouldn't have been off that long and, hopefully, your house didn't get very cold. I'd guess they'd light the pilot light for you considering that they turned the gas off. Hopefully it went well today and the leak is history.
There are legitimate antiques that can be worth some bucks but, generally, people think the junk is worth a lot more than ever turns out to be the case. It's often fueled by claims that, "This is going to be worth money someday." It rarely is as the stuff people keep is usually what everyone thinks will be "worth something someday" but, because a lot of people keep the same stuff, it ends up being worthless. That said, you are very wise to keep quiet about your misgivings. This is not a situation where being able to say, "I told you so" would serve you well! It would be at least just the opposite.
Hopefully your inlaws are adjusting to the new household well.
Over the weekend, I stepped up my chipping and putting a lot. I'm pretty happy with the current state of it with 2 plus months to go before the outdoor season begins. I also went back to TG yesterday and today and continue to work on drawing my drive. I'm making progress but still a bit inconsistent. Story of my game!
I also ordered over grip tape today. Most of my grips are fairly old and a guy at TG noticed them and suggested this approach. I could get them regripped, too, but want to see how this overgrip thing works out. Miracle of Amazon, the new grip tape should get here tomorrow.
Temps hit 40 today and should make the 50s on Thursday. But rain is very likely the next two days say the guessers. Still, Friday may see upper 40s and no rain -- the courses that are open will be fairly wet but I need to extend my 22 month playing streak with at least 9 holes and I'm rapidly running out of January. Last January I was able to play several times by now but every year is different.
Hope the week is starting well!
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Post by stlhawk on Jan 23, 2024 20:25:59 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 11,410,044
5: Two Pair 6: Full Boat 7: Duplex 8: Type 1
I disagree. You had quite a bit of consistency in your game this past season with far fewer bad rounds than in the past.
You could probably still do TG in the rain.
The gas repairs went well. They hand dug in two spots and were very careful to cut the grass out so they could reinstall it and tamp it down. Also got a new gas meter in the process. Do not know if that is good or bad. they only had me shut off for bout two hours. The bonus is that all the repairs were on their dime.
My in-laws are adjusting better than me. Going to have to set some ground rules.
My FIL had his doctor appointment today and starts chemo tomorrow. Not sure how it will affect him. The good news is that the treatment is localized to his bladder so it will not be as bad as full blown chemo.
Happy Tuesday!!!
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Post by SUVFan on Jan 25, 2024 19:28:08 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 12,480,869 5 Number hand: 80869 -- 2 pair 6 Number hand: 480869 -- No help 7 Number hand: 2480869 -- Love shack 8 Number hand: 12480869 -- Warped Truth
I'd guess it's the same there as it is here -- if the repair is on the utility's side of the meter, it's their problem. Great that you were not off line long, plus, they did the repair on a day that was relatively warm!
I'm sure there will be an adjustment period for everyone and the ground rules you noted are probably going to be in the nature of setting boundaries? Hope your FIL tolerates the chemo well.
I agree that my consistency improved but it still has a long way to go. That does not make me at all unique. But I know that if I'm going to make a decent jump in my handicap, I have to reduce the number of blow up holes and that's all about getting more consistent. I went to TG today with a group and shot a 42 for 9 holes. I also had my best score ever on the closest to the pin game, which represents progress toward the consistency I'm seeking. I hit at least 6 greens, maybe 7. But I let one of the 9 shots get away from me, knocking the ball into a penalty area all because I wasn't careful to aim 7 yards to the left. Bad shots are going to happen but compounding them with poor planning is the larger problem.
I continued to work on drawing drives and had moderate success. I did study the hole for which I'm hopeful a draw will benefit me the most last night but Google's overhead image was taken during the summer and between the shadows from the shade and the areas under the tree canopy, it's tough to get a conclusive feel. There's another source I can go to that may help -- the course is closed until the weather improves, so playing it won't be an option for a while.
Have a great weekend!
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Post by stlhawk on Jan 25, 2024 21:33:46 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 11,414,444
5: Quad 4's 6: Five of a kind 7: Quintile 8: Type 2
The first day of chemo went well. It was a challenge babysitting my MIL but I got to leave a little after 11 for class. Set more boundaries today with my FIL today in a polite way and that went well. I will definitely be very tolerant of many things, but for my own sanity and to avoid ulcers, I need to set some limits.
My metal prints were finished yesterday and I picked them up after class. Really thrilled with them. They have events at two of the wineries called Sip and Shop. It is basically about a dozen people setting up booths and selling whatever they want to sell. A spot costs $25 for a table / booth and I may try to sell a few pics there. I can drink wine at the same time, visit with friends, and listen to the band that is playing that day. About the only difference from a normal weekend for me is that I will have to sit in a booth to watch/sell my stuff. May or may not do it. Who knows?
You seem to be doing the analysis of your game and then selecting the right things to work on. Most golfers I know aren't as analytical or detailed as you. For example, they work on drives at the range, but almost exclusively for distance and straightness. I doubt any of them work on chipping, except maybe at the putting green at the driving range for a few minutes before they hit a bucket or two of balls. I am guessing most of your golfing buddies are the same. That is why you are improving faster than them.
The consistency improved last year and I am sure it will improve again this season as long as you keep on your current path.
Getting my hair cut in the morning and then having lunch with a friend.
Happy Thursday!!!
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Post by SUVFan on Jan 27, 2024 15:57:42 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 12,486,069 5 Number hand: 86069 -- 6s 6 Number hand: 486069 -- No help 7 Number hand: 2486069 -- Even 8 Number hand: 12486069 -- Warped Truth
Sounds like it's starting well with the inlaws and you're getting out in front of things before they can become an issue.
Doing the booth could lead to interesting conversations about your wares with your friends and others. But it would also probably tie you to the booth a bit and limit your ability to mingle as you like.
I am able to put in a lot of work on various aspects of the game. It takes time both to plan and to execute and many don't have enough to do either, much less both. I've never been a guy to just go pound drives at the range. I probably hit more now than I used to because I have things to work on and am seeing improvement.
Yesterday, I got to try out my new approach to driving on a course and it worked well. It was strange being in the fairway nearly every hole. I jumped around a lot on the course to avoid slow groups in front of me and played 2 balls on several holes. I also "invented" par 3s a couple of times, teeing it from a distance I wanted to hit from. The course and greens were remarkably firm and I made one really long birdie putt -- possibly the longest putt I'll make all year! Even though there was mist throughout the round, it wasn't bad. I wouldn't want to play in it often but it wasn't a bad January day.
Have a great weekend!
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Post by stlhawk on Jan 27, 2024 21:09:01 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 11,419,994
5: Trip 9's 6: Full Boat 7: Duplex 8: Type 1
Your approach to practice in golf is similar to mine in table tennis. I will work on backhands down the line, to the middle, or cross court. Other times I will work on a particular serve and where I want it to go. Other times I will work on forehands. If it is in a game, I don't care if I win or lose or if my opponent knows what is coming. It is all about making the particular shot I am working on more effective and consistent.
Sounds like you found a winner in your new approach to driving!!!
Not sure I would say it is starting off well. It is still extremely challenging. It is just that I am taking away some of the challenges by setting expectations. Yesterday I taught my FIL how to load the dishwasher rather than leave things in the sink and all over the counter.
Not going to make it to the wineries this weekend. Mrs. Hawk had to go to KC to get more of her parents things. She will be back tomorrow. We cannot leave her parents alone in the house for extended periods so other than short runs to the store, I am staying home.
If I do get a booth, my friends would make sure my wine glass stayed full and would visit between potential customers. It really would not take me out of my weekend routine much at all. Still debating.
Happy Saturday!!!
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Post by SUVFan on Jan 30, 2024 18:46:30 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 12,490,319 5 Number hand: 90319 -- 9s 6 Number hand: 490319 -- No help 7 Number hand: 2490319 -- Warped YBR 8 Number hand: 12490319 -- Warped Integrity
I guess it depends on your expectations for evaluating the start. To me, it sounded like it was short of FUBAR. In most cases, I'd think FUBAR would be a given -- the questiion being the degree? So my thoughts that it's going well are mostly relative to how much worse it might be. That's got to be a credit to you and Mrs. Hawk and your approaches that probably are not confrontational or demeaning but done in a helpful manner, showing them the positives for them in what's being suggested for or asked of the in laws.
Your decision to skip the wineries is consistent with the prior observation. Rather than chance that things would be ok -- afterall, they might be -- you're minding the store, remaining in a position to nip trouble in the bud.
So it sounds like the booth decision involves thinking about how much is required of you (while the inlaws are still guests, I presume?) and what you stand to get from it. I can't imagine the sales would produce much, so maybe there is some kind of intangible?
In lowest terms, practice needs to be directed at turning weakness into strength. Pick the weakest part of the game that has the most potential to improve results and work on that. When you reach the point of diminishing returns, as they taught in basic econ, start on the next weakness with the most potential to improve results. I approach it much the same way I'd coach it. Start with something very basic and progress to game like situation at the end.
For the past several days at TG, I've continued to work on working my drive from right to left, the direct opposite of how my drives have gone. Today's drives were really excellent, overall, though I did pull one badly and I pushed another way right. But I'd take that in just about any round on a course. So I'm going to continue to work on that at TG, trying to build confidence and then try it on the course as opportunites come up.
I'm also continuing to work on chipping, realizing there was one point in a video that I'd overlooked. It's a simple thing that involves bringing the butt end of the club back with the rest of the club when beginning the chip stroke. Like many, I tended to do a forward press to start the shot but am finding that the new approach works better. I just need to make it automatic.
Hope things are going as well as possible with your house guests and that, otherwise, the week is going well!
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Post by stlhawk on Jan 30, 2024 19:42:42 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 11,429,294
5: Two Pair 6: Spork 7: Same 8: Square Dance
It is still an adjusting game and I need to accept that my routine will be changed for the next couple months. I am addressing the things I need to for my sanity, but am picking my battles carefully. Some things easier for me to just accept rather than try to change it.
Made a huge step last night. A friend of mine correctly pointed out that in the process of helping everyone around me that needs help, I am not taking care of myself. I haven't been exercising or eating right so my weight is up. I am also spending time in the same room as my in-laws just watching over them when I could be in another room doing something productive or that I enjoy. I woke up this morning and it was like a switch had been turned on and I felt refreshed. Got in some exercise at the house and will head back to Hotworx this week. Last night I started eating what I want to eat, not what makes my in-laws happy. They are still getting the precooked processed garbage they want, but I am not eating that anymore. Also spending more time in another part of the house when my wife is at work and even went out for lunch by myself today.
Turned an assignment in my photo class into something special. We had to create two typographies. In a nutshell, it is just a series of individual pictures that share a theme and then arranged in a grid, row, or column. My grandfather on my dad's side passed down quite a few of his tools to me and I still use a lot of them even though they are 60+ years old. They were well built and will last quite some time still. I have 6 different styles of wrenches from him so I created a typography from the. I also did one of four meters. I will probably still do one with the 5 different style drills I have from him (all non electric) as well as an assortment of hammers I have from him. When I was a child we visited my grandfather in Rhode Island every other year and while my grandmother, mom, and sister did their stuff, mt grandfather, dad and I would go in his shop and build things, using the tools that were passed on to me. When I fix things around my parents place and my dad sees me using these tools, he starts talking about them and some of the old projects. Despite his dementia, his long term memory is pretty good so I am going to show him the pictures and hopefully use them to generate a meaningful conversation with him rather than just talk about the weather or what time the next meal is.
Going to challenge you on your improvement plan. I believe I preached this before, but it is worth repeating. When I coach people in public speaking, sometimes I have them work on a strength rather than an area they are weak in. In some cases, more progress can be made by improving something that you are already good at than working on a weakness that does not offer as much of a potential gain. Just a thought.
Your track record the past few years speaks for itself and you are doing an excellent job in working on the things that will make you better and the results show that. Just wanted to offer you some food for thought as you have less and less chinks in your armor.
Happy Tuesday!!!
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Post by SUVFan on Feb 6, 2024 19:48:57 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 12,513,094 5 Number hand: 13094 -- 9 high 6 Number hand: 513094 -- no help 7 Number hand: 2513094 -- Wrapped YBR 8 Number hand: 12513094 -- Wrapped Amazement
Hopefully by now things are starting to settle in and the lines are understood and respected. Great that you realized you were not focusing on the things you need to do for you. Now keep it up!
The assignment seems pretty tedious. Never heard of typography before. There's probably some kind of use for them but the it is not apparent to me. It does reinforce my general feeling that taking classes is not a way I'd want to spend my time. But it cuts both ways -- I recognize that I spend a disproportionate time on golf!
By no means do I ignore the strengths of my game. There's not a practice session that I don't focus on aspects of the game that I feel I'm pretty good at. Frankly, those are the easy parts to practice because you tend to get a reward way more often.
You make the putt, you get close to your target, whatever it is you're trying to do, you succeed way more often. The trouble is that if you don't try to elevate your weaknesses to strengths, you won't improve much overall because you're already deriving from the strengths most of their potential. A 90 yard gap wedge shot is probably the strongest part of my game right now. I still work on them anyway but that shot will come up in a round maybe once, twice if I'm lucky. So I work on it to be sure I'm ready for it when I get the chance but dwelling on it in practice is not going to do much for my score if the other 65 to 70 shots (figure 12 to 18 tap in putts a round) don't advance my score.
It's still worth working on that edge at least to maintain it but if you have other weaker areas to address, time spent there has a lot more payoff potential. As you improve in those weaker areas, you've got to reassess your priorities and adjust focus to the things that will help you the most.
I walked 9 holes both on Sunday and today. I played 2 balls on every hole on both courses. I didn't track my score on Sunday, practicing a lot of shots from various distances. Today, I had an 86. The greens today were not great, as the course had areated them back in December and the holes have not grown in at all so the were very bumpy, especially on anything longer than 15 feet or so. But it was still very worthwhile as I'll be playing the course weekly starting in the spring and I needed to work on some things. Twice, both of my drives on a hole ended up within a driver of each other. I don't know that I've ever done that once in a 9 hole round before! Oh, both times the balls were in the fairway and pretty decent distance. Because I'm hitting it straighter off the tee, I'm having to find new targets. Definitely a work in progress!
Have a great week!
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Post by stlhawk on Feb 6, 2024 21:32:51 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 11,454,544
5: Full Boat 6: Quantum 7: Same 8: Borg
You know your game better than anyone else and judging by the results the past two years, you appear to definitely be working on the right things.
Even with a course that is messed up, you are finding meaningful things to work on. Bravo!
That is why we are all different. I enjoy photography and I turned the assignment into something that will be meaningful to my family so I enjoyed it. Similarly, I would probably find some of the things you work on in your golf game as tedious. That is what makes us all unique.
Received an email from the company I have consulted for and they want me to work on a project that I can do almost completely over the phone and with my computer. It is with the same company I assessed several months ago. The company asked for me by name and wants me to research and propose the best Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for their needs. That would take about 40 hours of my time over a few weeks. After that, it would turn into implementing a system which would require more time, but a lot of that could be done remotely as well. The second half I may or may not accept the assignment for.
Took my mom to the doctor on Monday and dentist today. Tomorrow I take my FIL to his chemo treatment.
Happy Tuesday!!!
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Post by SUVFan on Feb 8, 2024 19:13:44 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 12,520,344 5 Number hand: 20344 -- 4s 6 Number hand: 520344 -- no help 7 Number hand: 2520344 -- 2 pair 8 Number hand: 12520344 -- Integrity
Phase I of the new gig sounds perfect! Congrats! Depending on the timing, phase II might work out ok, too. You just need to think about what toys you'd like, though with the family situation, if there's much out of town travel, it might not work at all.
Played 9 yesterday and then 18 today. Even though it was warmer, I was never able to get loose today plus the pace of play on the last 6 holes really wasn't helpful. There was a 4some two groups ahead that we caught up to that was incredibly slow. They took forever to tee off. My playing partner wondered if they just didn't want to go home?
That group had nothing to do with the two triple bogeys I had on the front 9. Even with those two bad holes, I still managed an 88 today with no birdies so that's not so awful. I can see that the putting and especially chipping practice is really paying off.
I played two balls on each hole yesterday but didn't keep score. I was not going to assess a penalty for a lost ball in leaves in a fairway! And a twosome behind me had reached the tee and I didn't want to be the slow player so I quit looking for the ball without playing a dropped ball. But I did have a great outcome on one of the holes. My first ball on a par 3 was 21 yards short of the pin. Not a great tee shot. Not awful either as I chipped it in for birdie! My other shot left me a 16 foot putt on a completely different line from the other one. I hit that putt a bit hard but it was on target, hit the pin, and also dropped in for birdie! I still consider any round with a birdie to be a good one, so a round with two birdies is outstanding!
After golf yesterday, I did some winter trimming on a tree. 30 minutes yesterday probably saved me at least 3 hours of work in the mid to late spring.
Have a great weekend!
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Post by stlhawk on Feb 9, 2024 21:23:47 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 11,461,644
5: Two Pair 6: Full House 7: Duplex 8: Type 1
The job, if they accept the estimate, will be pretty easy for me and give me a nice chunk of mad money. May use it for a photography get away somewhere by myself. The second half would be easy for me as well, and be worth at least $20K for about 4 weeks of work stretched over 2 - 3 months, but not sure if I want to commit the time. Will play it by ear.
You have a great system where you play two (or more) balls and do not have to play every hole or play them in order. It is definitely getting you the work you need to get better. Sounds like the last few days gave you some rewarding shots as well as learning opportunities.
Mrs. Hawk in in KC meeting with people that can sell her parents house. That is the domino that has to fall for them to be able to move into a senior living community after the cancer treatments are finished. Sounds like the meetings she and her brother had so far were very promising.
Busy day today catching up on some things and installing a new curtain and rods but tomorrow is pretty open. Have some homework to do but other than that I will probably spend most of the day goofing off, although I will not be hitting the wineries this weekend. Haven't been in 2+ weeks.
Happy Friday!!!
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Post by SUVFan on Feb 10, 2024 16:23:24 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 12,522,344 5 Number hand: 22344 -- 2 pair 6 Number hand: 522344 -- no help 7 Number hand: 2522344 -- Full house 8 Number hand: 12522344 -- Hexagon
Hopefully they go for your proposal on phase I and you can see how that goes and let it inform you on whether you want to do phase II.
Sounds like Mrs. Hawk is making good progress toward a long term living arrangement for her folks. I don't think you're in any danger of being forgotten at the wineries but I'm sure you'd like to get back to them soon.
The moderate weather continues here. It was playable here yesterday but I had not made a tee time anywhere and the courses were probably packed. So I went to Top Golf with a group. That was fun. Today, once some light rain passed out of the area, I busted out to one of the nearby 9 hole courses and managed to get out ahead of heavier traffic, playing 2 balls the whole way. 7 pars, 2 doubles for an 83. I had some great chances at birdie but couldn't get any to drop. For a few seconds, I thought I might get that elusive hole-in-one but the soft green took enough off the shot that the ball stopped 5 feet short -- looked closer from the tee as the ball was tracking straight toward the hole! Missing that putt hurt until I tried it twice more and still couldn't get it to drop. Just not in the cards . . . . Still very happy with the state of my game for early February.
Regarding the Ace, . I've had several hole outs for eagle over the past two years; those shots are probably drawn from the same pool of luck as the Ace so maybe I'm getting at least my share. Still, it would be fun!
Like your situation, more seasonable weather will be returning starting tomorrow, so I probably won't be walking golf courses much, if at all, for the next couple of weeks.
Hope the weekend's going well!
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Post by stlhawk on Feb 10, 2024 21:10:12 GMT -5
All-Time Points: 11,466,444
5: Full Boat 6: Quantum 7: Same 8: Borg
I did everything I could by giving my boss a detailed time estimate for phase 1. The good news is that I do not need the work or money, although it would provide an excuse for an escape from my in laws. Of course, I can come up with other reasons to be away from them just as easy. If it happens, great, if not, that is not so bad either.
One of the gangs at the wineries texted me a picture today saying they miss me. Felt good. May try to make a trip out there next weekend.
It is amazing that you have been able to actually get out to the course so much the past couple months. You definitely have taken advantage of those opportunities and it will pay off well this spring. The good news is you have other options such as TG and putting when the weather is bad. My guess is that none of your friends practice nearly as much as you and even if they do, their practice isn't as focused.
Still a lot to do at my in laws house in KC before we can sell it, but it is getting closer. The sooner the better. My in laws are starting to drive me crazy, but as the saying goes, it isn't a drive, it is just a short putt.
Going to root for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl but will not be overly disappointed if they lose either. Neither team really excites me and I do not hate either of them so picking a favorite is a coin flip.
Happy Saturday!!!
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