Frost to Summer to Rain

Escondido . . . . 

we are just minutes from the border of San Diego and approximately 30 minutes to downtown S. Diego

Castle Creek Country Club

Founded in 1948, a par 72 course (Marc shot a 74! and yes, he let me know!) designed by Jack Daray with oak-lined narrow fairways, and white sand bunkers.

Black tees at 6, 638 yds to 4,706 at  beginner tees, this course offers five different ranges of difficulty.

On this particular day, buddy Chuck (from the RV Park we are at) and two others they golfed with were 'harrassed' and pushed the entire game by a young twenty-something woman in her group. ... constantly commenting and pushing them to hit.   Golf balls almost hit Marc and his group while putting.   The Marshall was on board with Marc's group but only at the end of their game.

Oh well, a challenging course at $20 makes up for any misgivings.

 Lately . . . in the news here

Obama's Inauguration

Gun Law Debate and proposed new laws banning assault weapons:  January 13th a shooting occurred in a theatre in Northern San Diego  during a screening of "Les Miserables" following an argument with the man and his girlfriend who worked across from the theatre.   He was shot, injured and apprehended and no one else was injured.

Jan 11th the San Marcos Edwards 18 Cinema (San Diego) theater was the scene of another shooting - this time outside the theatre at approx 9 pm.  No suspect has been found and an employee was slightly injured from either a grazing shot or shattered glass from the shot.

Pickleball continues .   .   .    .     .      .       .         .

Took a lesson with Prem Carnot (previous Table Tennis Pro - Silver Medalist in French Ntn'l Tournament); he spent time with both of us over and above our time allotted and we both found him to be extremely knowledgeable, picking up on our techniques/weaknesses and strengths to work on and giving us various drills and strategies to work on.  It is obvious he thoroughly enjoys the sport, coaching and doesn't believe every person fits the same mould.   Given the chance, we will take as much training as possible while he is available and we are here to take advantage of the opportunity.   

The people and levels of play are great & no shortage of skill-testing games for both of us.  Keeps us humble, it does!

What is pickleball?

"Hi, my name is Pickles, the family cocker spaniel of one of the co-inventors of pickleball. I used to chase stray balls and then hide in the bushes, so they named the game after me. I am very proud."

Pickleball is a fun game that is played on a badminton court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic baseball (similar to a whiffle ball) and wood or composite paddles. It is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.  Played indoors &/or outdoors.

Photo courtesy of the Salt Lake Tribune

Continue to try and find places to take the dogs for exercise, other than Dog Parks (they have not had good experiences previously in Dog Parks).

Interesting - "No Cars on Grass" and "No Golfing."  Alot of streets with signs stating, only residents  or guests may enter.

No free space - either Park, City land or private and fenced.   Tried the power lines - no go (cross fenced) and No Trespassing - Violators will be prosecuted.

At Oceanside where we play Pickleball (eight courts in all) there is a community centre, with skateboard park, several ball diamonds, playground and lots of space in-between where dogs are allowed.   Its fairly close (about 15 min drive).

Have gone from evening temperatures hovering at -5 C (23 F) and highs of 11 C (52 F) to 25 C (high 70s F) as highs in just a day.   Bit of a shock. 

Today - rain all day.  

FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN GOLF TOURNI . . . .

Torrey Pines (San Diego) has never seen a full day of rain like this; sand traps turning to koi ponds and temporary rivers replacing par-five fairways.  The Farmers Insurance Open is taking place just down the road from us with 150 golfers, including world famous players such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Billy Horschel . . .

First attempt at a Zumba Class (curiosity got me!).    Well, can truly say, I now know for sure I am uncoordinated.    I thought doing front and rear crosses in dog agility took some coordination! 

Definitely a workout but moves !?!??   Well, doesn't matter - you just step and hop the best you can and laugh at yourself (especially when the instructor is a hot, Latin dancer)!     Pickleball moves don't transfer over to Zumba - hopefully the muscles will recognize the moves and I can walk tomorrow!