I finally bought my new van.
As much as I detest, the rising cost of gas, and the extra consumption by mini-vans; the functionality, convenience and comfort is just not something I’m willing to give up. And yes, I am being selfish.
I found a Dodge Caravan, considerably smaller than my Windstar, the smaller and better running engine should provide some pump relief. I’m looking forward to picking it up in a few days.
I got home from my annual fishing trip at Lake Dalrymple. Had a fabulous time.
The itinerary consisted of Fishing, Golfing, Poker, Casino, and Alcohol Consumption. Though, some of the gang don’t fish, some don’t golf, some don’t play poker, and some don’t go to the Casino. Everyone drinks though. I’m pretty sure that this year, I was the only one who participated in all the events.
The Fishing
This was actually the poorest fishing year, I can remember. The goal, as most who fish Dalrymple this time of year, want to catch Walleye(pickerel), might settle for Crappie, and throw back the Pike. Not this year. There wasn’t a Walleye to be found. The only fish that made it off the boat were Pike. That was fine by me, I like Pike.
I was somewhat fortunate, I got the first fish, the last fish, the biggest fish and the most fish. I also got two Muskies, but they were out of season and to small, they were released. (more…)
This winter has been a particular brutal winter, just didn’t seem to end. Finally, some decent weather. Yesterday, was absolutely gorgeous, and I wanted to get out and do something. So, I suggested to Mrs. NakedPaulToast, we go out and do something.
“Are the driving ranges open?”, she suggested. I called, and they were.
Not only was the range packed, people we’re golfing. The course was still wet as hell. We both we’re hitting the ball great. So I decided I was coming back Sunday (today), to get a round in. Mrs. NPT wasn’t interested in slopping around in a marshland, but I didn’t care. Neither would my brother in law.
Was thrilled how well I played for my first time out. All the proper tees we’re roped off, with temporary tees. This effectively took 10-20 yards off every hole, seemed like a bit of an edge. Didn’t turn out to be, because there was no roll. On some of the loftier shots, the ball would plonk straight into the ground, embedding itself fully into the the fairway.
My feet were absolutely soaked through, I didn’t care. It was great to be out again. I plan on playing a lot this year.
I dropped into the Beer Store to pick up some beer for the fishing trip we’re leaving on Saturday. I ordered 24 LakePort Honey Browns, a half-dozen of Dave’s Spiked Lemonade, and a half-dozen of Dave’s Spiked Cranberry Lemonade. At this point the cashier tells me that Dave’s coolers don’t come by the half-dozen, I would have to have six-packs.
Huh? OK.
I feigned disappointment, and changed my order to a couple six-packs instead. So would somebody explain to me how this genius is equipped to deal with under-aged and intoxicated patrons.
On the way back home I pop into a second hand store to get a new putter for me and one for Mrs. NakedPaulToast. We are both using old hand me down putters, it’s time to try the new heavier, mallet style.
We had our last lesson today.
I was using the driver and hitting the ball pretty good. Every once in a while the ball would draw a little too much or slice. Don, our instructor, started bugging me about using a ladies driver.
You see, our clubs are a mix of old hand-me-downs and the driver I use is a ladies driver. He then explained to me that ladies drivers have a lot more flex in them. That can be benificial for women who don’t have the club speed, but when a man uses it, it flexes too much and can introduce a lot of inconsistencies. Especially when they are trying to hit it far.
I switched my ladies driver, with Mrs. NakedPaulToast’s driver. It’s an older Callaway Big Bertha.
Mrs. NakedPaulToast and I had our first lesson. Things turned out great. My slice is gone. Well mostly gone.
Don, our instructor was terrific. He recognised some things fairly quickly and concentrated on them. He said that I had a real nice, natural swing. I needed to concentrate on set up stuff:
Mrs. NakedPaulToast was the opposite. Her set up was terrific, but needed work during the swing. I think it’s tougher on her to fix things during mid swing then my challenges.
I first golfed as a teenager, last year was the first time I picked up a golf club since then.
Got out golfing about five times last summer. Been out a few times this summer. For our Anniversary Mrs. NakedPaulToast and I decided to take golfing lessons. I’m looking forward to them.
I am a terrible golfer, I have this awful slice that I have absolutely no clue how to control or fix. My workaround is to set up, so the ball will go 50 yards left of the target. If things work out the ball will slice to the right and come near my mark.
Things don’t always work out. Sometimes I hit the ball straight. Now the damned thing is 50 yards to the left of where I want it to be. That’s often a forest, lake or corn field. It once was a busy highway.
My brother is an avid golfer. He was glad to hear that I was taken lessons, he wanted to set me up with the pro at his course. I told him we already booked lessons, at a different course. At this point he started chastising me, “Most Golf Pros are hacks”.