The hot and the cold of it

Good Morning and it is nice to see the sun before 7.

Driving around after a cool birthday party Saturday (Laser Tag!), I was hit about how nice and warm it was for Nov. 2.
So, I asked my passengers what they wanted to do.
"Let's go the mall," said one.
"I want to go home and play video games," said another.
"I don't know," said the third (yes, he's a teenager).
OK, to me, when you can wear short sleeve shirts outside in November, well, you better take advantage of it.
So, my first thought was a playground. That would be fun ... for about 15 minutes. Then the older ones (OK, just the teenager) would start moping about things being boring.
I remembered a miniature golf course from days go by. We were close, so that was the idea.
We played (yes, there are always arguments), but the warmth and the sun made it pretty nice.
Then came Sunday.
I knew when I first woke up and heard the wind it was going to be cold.
That playoff soccer game at 3 was going to be downright chilly.
I wasn't ready for the winter, though. My light jacket wasn't going to be enough, but I didn't want to miss the game.
So, I froze, but watching the team of 10/11-year olds play their hearts out made it feel just a little bit warmer.

Rise and Shine --- Holding on

Good Morning and welcome to the real Fall!

So, when the temperature again hit the 90s Friday, it was obvious summer wasn't really going to let go. After all, why should it? We've been sweltering through a few months, so why not a couple of more days.
Of course, summer means water. Now, because of various circumstances, the shore wasn't part of our summer ritual this year. Instead, we were content with Grandmom's pool.
Anyway, with not much to do and with the heat being turned up, Saturday seemed like the perfect day for a trip.
After participating in the Walk 4 Hearing at Ridley Creek State Park Saturday morning (and getting a few things done), it was time to pile into the van and drive.
This wasn't going to be a beach day, but a day to get some of the sea air in our lungs and enjoy the breeze.
Of course, there was mini golf (won a free game after playing a free game) and some rides (a lucky person got 24 free tickets).
Mostly, though, it was summed up by a very sleepy 5-year old after hitting the highway to get back home: "Dad, that was a fantastic day."
All right!

Rise and Shine --- A good walk spoiled

Good Morning and here we are again!

For a short time, golf seemed like a fun game. It gave a few hours of fun outside and a little bit of exercise (well, those times we didn't use a cart).
Then, playing the game became too expensive. When fees started reaching the $30 range, well, there were other (better?) things to do with the money.
A couple of weeks ago, the boys found the old clubs in the back of the garage. They pulled them out and started hitting balls around the front yard. Well, before any windows were broken or cars were dented, they were put away.
Now, the question comes all the time: "Can we go golfing?"
They've never been out on a regular course. Minature golf, though, seems to be keeping them at bay.
Hitting red (or orange or yellow) balls through various obstacles gives us a few laughs and some fun.
Most of those courses are down at the shore, but, not wanting to drive there every weekend, we've had to adapt. We've found 'courses' around the area.
It's only a matter of time, though, when the clubs are going to have to come out.

Rise and Shine ---- Hitting the links

Good Morning and welcome back to another week!

For nine months of the year, it's not even a thought. Then, June comes along and boom, the begging starts: 'Can we play miniature golf? Can We play miniature golf? CAN WE PLAY MINIATURE GOLF!?!?'
Now, it's a game that can be fun, but, while there are a few around the area, nothing beats the miniature golf down the shore.
Maybe it's the hot sun. Maybe it's the calling of the seagulls. Maybe it's just that there are so darn many. You can drive past a miniature golf place around here, but, get down the shore, and it calls.
Hitting a brightly colored ball through a windmill makes us all seven years old.
The funny thing is, though, when you really are 7-years old (or 9 or 4), miniature golf is 'real golf.' So, having the opportunity to get down the shore for a day this weekend, the request started before even packing the car.
By the time the smell of the sea salt hit the nose, it was constant.
Finally, the course was picked out and everybody had the right colored ball.
Then, boom. It was time to hit drives. The swings from the putters could have put out an eye.
Then the rules start to change. Forget where the ball actually rolled to, pick it up and put it close to the hole. Knock it in for a two.
Wouldn't have it any other way.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com