Adams Redline Woods....Overlooked in Golf ?

I wanted to take a minute here to give my personal review of some golf clubs that I recently hit, the Adams Redline series. This is not a paid post, just my own views because I was truly impressed. This past summer I tried several brands of clubs, and my personal favorites don't tend to go with the newer flashy clubs, or game inprovment irons. I guess you could say I'm sort of a traditionalist for the looks.

Currently I play with Titleist 990 irons, which aren't new by any means, but I like the look and feel they give, and the feedback from shots. Another favorite of mine is the old tried and true Tommy Armour 845s originals. I've hit quite a few good shots with them, and have no problem recommending them to anyone.

Right now I've been playing with Titleist woods, the 975 series, 1, 3 and 5 woods. I like them, especially the 3 and 5, for some reason. Good trajectory and control. But now, I have tried the Adams, and I am surprised at what I did.

To start with, for a traditionalist, I wasn't sure about the driver. It has a 460cc head, neutral, which to me is large since I'm used to a fairly small driver head. It felt almost like swinging a Volkswagen on the end of a stick. But, the distance I got on the first hit shocked me, and straight! After a few shots, I could tell that even with the bigger head I can work the ball with a fade or draw, and the distance is good even for off center hits.

Now to test the 3 wood; I am truly impressed with this thing. No trouble at all getting it up, it has a good trajectory, and the distance is about what I get with my Titleist driver. And working the ball, I like to hit a draw when I can, and it was so easy with this club.

The great thing is, these clubs can be bought for such a low price compared to the new fancy ones you see advertised today. And looking at places such as Ebay, brand new ones can be had for a steal!

Will I give up my Titleist? No way! But, I do think there will be a place in my bag this coming year for these Adams Redline woods. That's how much I was impressed with them. And as for my Titleist irons, well, I have a birthday coming in the not too distant future, so I think maybe it's time to get them refurbished and re-gripped for the coming season.

Trade Show Booths

For quite a few years I did my work travelling to special events, festivals, and one very important thing I learned was that you need to attract your customers to your products. Your setup and display in your trade show booth says it all. If you're in the market for an attractive display, then the place to go is Camelback Displays.

Here you will find the largest variety of tradeshow displays on the market today. When you're in competition with others at a trade show, your merchandise has to be eye catching to those going by, seeking out a particular product or service, and Camelback will certainly fit the bill for you in every area. They offer banner stands and banners which are very useful advertising tools, lighting and light boxes, flooring, tents and canopies, overhead displays, table cover that can feature your own artwork or logo, and so many more options and tools that can't be listed here.

With over 10 years experience, and more than 19,000 satisfied customers including many universities, government organizations, top fortune 100 companies and more, you won't go wrong by letting their dedicated and experienced staff do it right the first time.

Visit and browse the large variety of trade show booths, props and accessories they offer along with the years of experience and dedication to optimize your exhibiting and event needs. The customer satisfaction can be seen in the many testimonials from satisfied customers. I'm sure you will be very happy with the increased visibility and professionalism you can gain, which of course will translate into even more increased profits for you.

Cooking for Christmas

Christmas means a lot is happening, especially in the kitchen. During the holiday season it's no wonder that people gain those few extra pounds; I know that I certainly do. And there's one thing my family can do exceptionally well when we all get together during this time of year, that's eat!

Since tomorrow is Christmas day here we will once again come together at my sister Barbara's house for dinner. Oh, the nieces, nephews, other siblings, etc. all have other things to do and places to be during the day also, so we will meet there in the afternoon to have dinner. It's always good, with lots of food, good social conversation, and with my family, always music since we're all musicians.

So today, even as I type this, I have about 3 dozen eggs boiling because I have been chosen to make the deviled eggs, and I think I'll do a batch of cheese rolls too. I had thought about baking a cake, but I'm sure there will be plenty of dessert, there always is. Barbara told me she already had two barbecue shoulders, Peggy made a gigantic batch of potato salad, and there's no telling what all might be there. Needless to say, I already know that tomorrow night I will be moving slowly again.

I tried out my hand at making homemade pimento cheese yesterday, and I let Peggy taste it to get an opinion when she stopped by today. Now I have an added task of making her some, so I'll be doing that later tonight and refrigerate it overnight.

I can't wait to talk to Kat tonight (morning there) to see how everyone is doing this Christmas day. As much as I enjoy being with loved ones here for the Holidays, I sure do miss being there even more. She's going to try her own hand at baking a cake, so I'm really interested in hearing how that turns out.

Well, better go check my eggs.
Merry Christmas to everyone out there........

Playing in the Snow

While I'm definitely not a cold -weather person, I really don't like to stay cooped up inside all the time, so I have to make allowances. I certainly do enjoy playing the banjo and guitar while stuck in the house, but there are moments when I just need to be outdoors, and Tanner even more so. One thing I have found out is that he truly loves to play in the snow. He loves to jump in it, run in it, and just lay down in it, so I figured what the heck, and grabbed an iron out of the bag, and we headed outside.

This was my first experience at "snow golf", but I have to admit, it was fun. Watching the snow splash was almost like watching a good bunker shot, and I enjoyed seeing Tanner jump and chase balls in the white stuff. Only this time instead of putting them in a little pile as usual, he would pick them up and toss them, maybe he just liked watching them hit the snow too. But we had a great time, and I'm sure that if any of the neighbors were watching, they were quite amused also.

This spring I would like to build a nice putting green in the back yard, so I've been looking around the web for designs. There are a lot of styles to choose from, and since I have a good bit of room, I"m wondering about making a fairly large area for practice. If I actually get it done, I'll be sure to post some pics of it.

For the time being I'll have to keep my practice area as it is, with my flag and hole design which works well, as it gives me practice shots from as far out as 30 to 40 yards. To me, this is a critical area as it really helps to lower your score.

Anyway, while it's still cold, and all the snow hasn't yet melted Tanner and I will continue to enjoy our little backyard golf games together. It's a small price to pay for watching him have so much fun.

I Miss the Sound of "Taho, Taho" !!!

This is a post I did a good while back on another blog about just one of the little things I miss when I'm away from the Philippines...Taho! I was sitting here thinking about what I might cook on Christmas, and with sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on my mind, for some reason I started to think about the taho and how much I miss that in the mornings.

These are words I love to hear when I'm in the Philippines. When manong starts through the village and I hear him calling out, I know I'm about to get a real treat for the day. It almost makes me feel like when I was a child and would hear the bells and music of the ice cream truck coming through the neighborhood, only now I'm quite a bit older, but the anticipation of what's to come is just as strong.

This taho is a soy product and it's actually healthy for you. But from learning of what goes into making this, you will find it's an astounding amount of work. Besides dehulling the beans by hand, then soaking them for about 8 hours, there is a lot of cooking. This is only a small part of the process, in addition to having to make the syrup, which is quite a cooking task in itself.
Knowing just how much work goes into making this delightful treat only makes it taste better, in my opinion. To have such dedication and patience to make a product that people will love, and continue to buy every day, shows a determination and pride that I admire.

So how about you? Have you tried this tasty treat? Let us know what you think, maybe you look forward to it as much as I do. And if you haven't tried it and have the chance, do yourself a favor and get the bigger glass!

Finally...Not A Good Golf Day

Did I say before that it was never too cold for hitting golf balls? OK, I take that back. We got hit yesterday here on the East Coast with a bit of a snowstorm while I was at work. It started in my area about lunchtime and lasted until late in the evening. Though we didn't get hit as hard as a little further north in the more mountainous areas, it was enough for me.



A little north of here they had as much as 16" of new snow, but here much less than that, we stayed at around 5-6 inches. Still, coming home last night from work was a little sporty, and when I got home and had to take Tanner out for his walk, he acted a fool. He loved it! Oh, it was pretty, and more so if I could just stay home and enjoy looking at it, but I had to leave again for work this morning at about 5:30, and if I wasn't awake before then, that did the trick. I live out here in the sticks, so to speak, so the plows and salt trucks really don't come back here. which makes getting to the main roads, especially before the sun comes up, an experience in itself. It took my 4WD with a load of wood in the back to make it, so I was lucky. They are calling for something on Thursday again, maybe snow, maybe sleet and freezing rain, just have to wait and see.



Didn't I just write something about Kat being at the beach this week? And last night on the phone she was telling me how hot it was there yesterday.


Makes me miss it more then ever....

Never Too Cold to Hit a Golf Ball...??

Well, maybe just a little...but still, between sitting here watching the golf channel, Tanner coming up and wanting to go out every few minutes, (I know he's bored too) I couldn't stand it any longer. You can see from the pics that it looks a little desolate out in the back yard with the leaves mostly off the trees now. Been putting out some corn for the squirrels and deer to feed on, bird seed in the feeders, and little alfalfa bales and lettuce for the rabbits, 'possum and raccoon. Of course, if there's nothing out there, the raccoon and 'possum will come up to the back porch and let their displeasure be known, so I try to keep some stuff when it's cold like this out there for everyone to eat.

Tanner was out the other day on his cable enjoying the little sunshine we had when I heard him barking, not his normal "I'm ready to come inside" bark, but rather excited about something in the woods. He was jumping and wanting to play, wagging his tail, so I figured it was another dog from somewhere and went outside. When I got to the edge of the woods where he was jumping, I looked and there walking along without a care in the world was the largest, prettiest skunk I have ever seen. I told Tanner no, you don't want to play with that, brought him back inside and decided it was better to just watch TV for a while.

But today, he was so happy when he saw me pick up an 8 iron and head for the back door, and cold or not, he went right into his "caddie mode" and started chasing and playing with the golf balls as I hit them across the yard. I guess it's never too cold to enjoy yourself, whatever it might be.

Wishing I Was There

I miss being home. I use that term because that's the way I think of it. It's where my family is, and it's where my heart is, so what other requirements do I really need?



Anyway, I'm thankful for today's technology that allows Kat and I to talk every day, and share our experiences with each other even though for the time being we're miles apart. Sometimes it's tougher than other times, like now, with Christmas just around the corner, but except for the physical separation we do share everything. Yesterday she went with her friends to a Christmas get-together at the beach, and I sure would have loved to be there. Being able to swim
and enjoy the sun while it's so cold here, grilling the great food to enjoy together. I remember in the past I have spent time together with her friends and enjoyed it quite a lot. Nowhere else have I ever encountered the kind of belonging and closeness that I feel when I'm in the Philippines. That's just one of the many things I miss most when I'm away. And let's not forget the warm weather, while they are calling for a wintry mix here this weekend, I look at the pictures from my other home and wish I was at the beach too. I do miss not having my little "niece" Ann Ann there, but school kept her from this party.



I'm hoping all my friends there will have a very Merry Christmas........

A Big Thank You To My Blogger Friend

I wanted to take a minute here to say "thank you" to Sandee of Comedy Plus for the beautiful avitar she made for me. She noticed I suppose, that my Entrecard badge was the very simple and basic one, and made me a very nice avitar for my Entrecard. To me this was a very thoughtful and kind thing, and I very much appreciate the effort. It means a lot to me.

I hope that you will visit her blog at comedy plus, I promise you will enjoy reading her posts there, as I have so far.

So thank you again Sandee, and I have to say thank you to all my blogger friends that have been visiting my site, I do appreciate your support and comments.

Happy Music

I write sometimes about playing the banjo, it's very relaxing to me, and so for those of you who might not be too familiar with the type of music I write about, here's a sample. This song is called "The Crow" written by Steve Martin. I hope you can enjoy it.

The Gift of Love

As anyone who might chance to read this blog, you have no doubt seen my many references to Tanner, my Golden Retriever and best friend. In fact, it's no surprise that I named the blog after him. Calling it Tanner's World seemed appropriate since as in my very first post I observed that it is his world, he just lets me live in it. At least it sometimes seems that way. But in fact, I have a very soft spot in my heart for all animals. That's why it's on my mind quite often when I see ads for sheltered and homeless animals, that it makes me wonder if people really understand what they can do to not only help these defenseless animals, but give yourself a special gift in the process.

That gift would be the gift of love. Let's take dogs and cats. You see, dogs and cats are very social animals who crave human companionship. They open their hearts to you, and they give unconditional love and loyalty. I won't forget that before Tanner, I had a Siberian Husky named Yukon. I adopted him from the local shelter, and for almost 11 years he was a wonderful companion. When the aging process finally caught up and I had to have him put down, it was the hardest thing I can remember having to do. Ever. Coming home that day from the vets office, I have never felt so alone, the house quite so empty feeling, there was no doubt that someone special was missing. After a couple of days of this emptiness, I again called the local shelter and talked with the woman there for a while. After our conversation she told me there was someone at the shelter that I had to meet. So I drove there, and she led me to the back, to a fenced in grassy section to meet Tanner. He had been left at the shelter because his family had to relocate and couldn't, or wouldn't bring him along.

I didn't know at first how I would accept him really, with the recent loss of Yukon, but from the first moment I saw he was exceptionally friendly, playful, and craving that love and attention he so needed. It didn't take very long until I saw that we would get along fine, and after a brief process of paperwork, he got in the car to go to his forever home with me.

Well, after a few days of settling in and learning the new surroundings he really started to feel at home. I could tell he was used to being inside, because he was trained already in lots of things, but at around 2 years old he still had some playfulness in him. Actually more than 3 years later, he still does. But I could tell that he really and truly craved attention and love, and as the time went by, we got to know each other better, until now it's almost as if we have a special rapport with each other, down to our own little rituals. I can't imagine having a more loyal or loving companion than Tanner now. Of course he's not a great watch dog because he has never met a stranger, but that's ok too. He makes it up with his love and companionship. He's just 120 pounds of heart and soul.

Anyway, if you read here, then you're sure to notice the banners on my sidebar featuring several animal sites, such as the HSUS, ASPCA, WSPA and others. I ask you to please visit these sites to give your support for all the hard work they do. And if you are now, or sometime in the future thinking of adopting a pet, give your local animal shelter a try. You will be surprised at the gift of love you will find there.

Moving With Direct TV

Direct TV is certainly at the top when it comes to leading the industry in satellite programming.
With comparisons to other satellite providers it's no wonder that last year more people subscribed to Directv than any other satellite or cable provider.

But what if you decide to move from your present location? No problem! Direct TV will follow you wherever you go. For example, lets say you have Direct TV in Florida, and you decide to move anywhere in Florida, there's no need to worry or wait, Directv will expertly move your service, and with their professional installation, once you're settled in, simply continue to watch your favorite programs with no hassle.

If you're not already a current subscriber with Direct TV, now is a great time to start. With over 150 channels to start, they also offer over 30 premier movie channels, including 7 HBO, 12 Starz, and 9 Showtime. You can also choose to have Flix, The Movie Channel, Encore, and all of your local channels will be included. You can bundle these into one low price, and to top it off they are offering a bonus right now of a $100 prepaid visa card with your order. Not enough yet? How about throwing in Starz and Showtime for free for 3 months, and even more, you will save $26 a month on your subscription until 2011. There's not a better time to sign up than now.

Take a few minutes and go to Directv, see for yourself and compare with the others, and if you're thinking of a move anytime soon, know that Direct TV will be there with you and for you, so you won't have to miss a thing.

Me and Tanner...Chillin'

Another day off, finally. I say it like that because I had to do an eight day stretch, with shifts ranging from closing (getting home at 3:30 AM) to mid shifts, to opens, where I have to be awake at 5:00 AM. Well, that doesn't sound so bad, but it seems like every year it's getting harder and harder to do, so my days off are becoming a little more cherished. I'm not getting any younger, you know.

Today started out with the rain finally stopping, so I was able to go outside and change my spark plugs in the truck. Not a bad things really, if it's 70 degrees and dry, LOL. But standing in the puddles from the rain, which were everywhere, and it's a long way from 70 degrees, then add to the mix that my truck is a 4WD that really ain't so low to reach over into the engine compartment, and Tanner wound up hearing some new words.

Now that was finally accomplished, lets actually rest. Tanner and me, watching TV together. The crock pot full of homemade vegetable soup for later in the day, and the banjo sitting on it's regal stand just begging to be picked up. Enter the sister..."it's your day off so I know you didn't have to work, so I came to get you to go shopping with me"...the last thing I wanted to do was to get off the couch and go anywhere, but what can I say. She did after all bring Tanner some biscuits, and he's always happy to see her, so off I went. Turned out not to be bad after all though.

Now it's night time, and I can't sleep because of my crazy work schedule, but tomorrow...oh tomorrow is another day off, so I have already told Tanner that I'm turning off the phone, turning up the TV, and it's just gonna be me and him, chillin' the day away. We'll see......

Affordable Health Care

Let's face it; in today's economy with all the rising costs it's getting harder and harder to make ends meet. We all have to budget in all aspects of our lives to try and save what we can. One way that a lot of us don't really stop to think much about is health care. I know from my own experience this past year or so just how quickly and without warning some health issues can change your life. After these months of doctors, hospitals, medicines, surgery and everything associated with that, I have looked at a lot of options, and I want to share one with you now.

Ameriplan has offered several methods of health services that are designed to help you save not only with discounts on different programs, but they have made it affordable for the whole family. There are several options to choose from, starting with the low cost basic wellness plan on up to the total health program. You will certainly be surprised at all the offerings in store for you, from dental, vision, prescription, to nurseline and hearing discount programs. They even include chiropractic services and cosmetic surgery, something you don't normally find, especially at these affordable prices. They have even added podiatry specific care.

The Ameriplan Dental Health Package is outstanding as well, with savings of up to 80%. There are over 30,000 dentists in the United States to choose from. Any of the programs offered by Ameriplan are exceptional values, and some of the perks that you don't normally find are things like no waiting period to be accepted, no paperwork to fill out or waiting for reimbursements, there is no limit on services, you can use it as many times as needed, and no pre-authorization for procedures such as you get from insurance companies. And, there is no age limit, it's for everyone from newborn to geriatric.

You owe it to yourself to check out Ameriplan for their health care programs. I have only scratched the surface of what you will find with the savings and services. Take a few minutes to read the testimonials and FAQ's to learn even more, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Another Nice Day...What to Do....

Actually, the past couple of days have been very nice, weather-wise, so it left me in a dilemma as to what I should do on my days off from work. Yesterday I got busy and finished the back yard (again) blowing all the leaves away. This is the third time for that, but all the leaves have fallen now, so this will be the final task.

It was nice being out there, just me and Tanner in comfortable temperatures, getting the work done, and we did accomplish quite a bit. He's such a good supervisor, lol. Then today I planned to finish the front yard, but it was just so tempting to hit those little golf balls, I couldn't pull myself away from that. The way I see it, I'm off again next week, the front yard will still be there, so now I have a goal to shoot for. How's that for guilt compensation? Pretty good I think...

Anyway, some practice on the short game, can't get too much of that, you know, some serious practice on the banjo, getting "Bells of St. Mary's" down the way I wanted it, working on Steve Martin's "The Crow".... a little time in the kitchen making something good for Tanner (and me), and the day is gone. Wasted? No, it's never a waste if you're enjoying your time.

A Holiday Gift that Keeps Giving

That's right, it's that time of year again, the holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the task of deciding what type of gift is right for those special ones in your life. I was thinking of my sister and realizing that like me, she enjoys watching her favorite things on tv, so after some careful checking I found the perfect gift.

I chose Direct TV because of the reliable service I have found they offer, and right now is a great time to switch over. As a gift idea, it's really good, because you are letting that special person enjoy every day something they truly want. And right now is the best time because of the Holiday gift options offered. With Satellite Directv you can even receive a free $100 Visa prepaid card. How great is that!

And just think, the gift of Directv continues to give all year for just under a dollar a day. You can choose from so many options, they offer HD, the very best in high definition tv viewing, sports channels and packages, DVR for your digital video recording, both local and international channels, and right now, you will receive Showtime and Starz completely free for 3 months.

Personally, I think it's a great gift idea, so why not check out the Direct TV Satellite options for yourself. You can simply put in your zip code, no matter where you're located, and they will show you the best deals and options in your area. Don't wait, check it out now.

Thanksgiving Dinner with the Family

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day, and I woke up this morning still feeling full, but wanting more. The food was great, and there was plenty to choose from. Tanner was happy too, because I brought him a special plate home as well.

I guess the best part of it was spending time with family, something a lot of us don't get to do much anymore because of work and time constraints. I went to my sister's house where everybody gathered, and knowing my one sister Barbara had a massive stroke last year leaving her right side paralyzed, I try to spend more time there than I used to.

Now, both my sisters are musicians, I'm the baby of the family by a long way, lol, and they used to teach my guitar chords when I was small. That's how I got my start in music. My sister Peggy still goes to sing and play a couple of times a week at different places, mostly gospel music, which I enjoy a lot. But both of them are grounded in country music, where I myself have fallen towards the bluegrass path with the banjo.

Yesterday was nice in that after dinner we went to the music room to play around a little with the instruments, Peggy did the guitar while I was doing my banjo thing. Everybody else was singing, and the great part was that Barbara was singing along too, for the first time since she had her stroke. I know she wishes she could pick up the guitar again, but just to join in and be a part of things was worth so much.

So, coming away from there last night gave us all a blessing, more than just good food and a social gathering, but I saw another barrier being torn down in the list of things she can't do anymore, and that was worth it all.

BAS...Banjo Acquisition Syndrome

As of yesterday another one is added to the flock. A deal I couldn't make myself pass up on a Morgan Monroe Cascade banjo. If you get hooked on bluegrass music, and especially if you play an instrument, then you'll understand what I mean. For me it's the banjo and guitar. I play both, but more on the banjo so that's what I'm always on the lookout for.

Every instrument has it's own voice, you just have to help them find it. Now, this cascade is a pretty good intermediate banjo, and beautiful to look at, but now I have to help it find it's own voice. That's really a big part of the fun. I've already adjusted the head tension, and the coordinator rods to bring the action to where I like it, and tried several bridges of different types and thicknesses. It's still lacking something...that punch or tonal quality I can hear in my head. I think the next thing is to change to a good quality tailpiece, I'm thinking a Kerschner for this banjo, and trying some more bridges, like a Scorpion or Desert Rose. I've had good experiences with both of these in the past.

Anyway, it's that time of year where I put the golf clubs away for the most part, and my tinkering goes into my other passion, the banjo. It's a real challenge to practice and learn new licks, and to get the right sound that I want from different banjos. It's fun, but requires a little patience, so what better way to spend those cold winter days inside.

How about you, do you have a special thing or project that you enjoy working on that brings you pleasure?

Prepaid Debit / Credit / Mastercard

In looking at all the technology that has developed, and the way everything seems so fast paced in today's society, it's nice to find a way to relax while at the same time taking care of those day to day obligations we're faced with. Luckily I have found through my searching a web site that can cater to many of your financial needs while leaving you the time you deserve.

You can choose to have a Prepaid Mastercard which I have found to be a simple and sensible solution to managing your finances. This is a much more safe and secure way for you to carry cash, especially around the Holidays when there is so much shopping to do. One of the nicest things I have found is that you can use the card anywhere that accepts Mastercard. With a Prepaid Debit Card you can shop worry free, knowing that you won't spend more than you have, saving you untold amounts in overdraft fees and charges. You can use it at your favorite stores, it's great for online shopping, which I do a lot of, and it certainly helps you to manage your budget.

When you go to the site to learn more about these Prepaid Credit Cards you will find all the help you need. Everything is so very simple and easy to do, and the tutorial guides will answer any questions you might have.

You can do so much more than you might realize, such as having part or all of your paycheck direct deposited into your account, which will save in check cashing fees if you go elsewhere to have your paycheck cashed. And if you already have a regular checking account, this is a wonderful compliment to that. You can always have a little ready cash in reserve in case of emergencies, or if perhaps you see that one thing you just can't live without.

You can even use your Prepaid Mastercard in helping you manage your finances by paying many of your bills online. The site has an automated bill pay system that will allow you to pay your bills and keep track of your finances right from the comfort of your home. No more stuffing envelopes, paying postage, or driving around to get all the financial chores done. And get this... the first three electronic bills are free each month.

This works just like any traditional checking account, you can use it to make reservations at hotels, restaurants, airlines; you can use it at the grocery store, and there are over one million ATMs worldwide where you can get immediate cash.

So check out this sensible way of doing business. The sign up is fast, simple and secure, when you fill out your application you will receive your Prepaid Mastercard in 7 to 10 days, then simple call the toll free number to activate your card. What could be easier? The site also has free phone support for any of your questions or needs.

Go today and get started so you can save both time and money, and enjoy the new financial security available to you.

What, Rest on my Day Off?

Here's another day off for me, not having to get up and go to work, Tanner is all happy because I said "no work" and he seems to understand the difference in blue jeans and work trousers. Of course, some things don't change, the coffee is ready, can't start my day without that, lol.

I don't know what to do today, no plans, just relax. So we flip through the TV channels to find something good, I like Bonanza, Tanner likes Animal Cops. Go figure.... Out comes the banjo, which we both enjoy, he even sings at the right places, and after a little while the coffee kicks in and I wake up completely. That's when I realize it's a really nice day outside. Pretty weather, nice and warm for this time of year, and with my caffeine induced awareness I notice there sure are a lot of leaves that have fallen since last week.

So out we go, me working, Tanner supervising, the squirrels happily waiting for me to uncover the acorns that lay underneath the leaves. After a few hours of mowing and blowing, the back yard is finished. It does look better, although in the winter time with the leaves gone it sort of gives it that forlorn, wilderness look. I like that as a change, and I also like the summer time when the trees are full of leaves and it gives such a sense of being secluded, which I guess it is, as the back yard extends for several hundred acres of woodland. I'm actually happy that it's rugged terrain that can't be built on, so my neighbors continue to be the deer that also feed on the acorns in the yard, the raccoons, 'possums and rabbits, and the squirrels that Tanner and I both enjoy watching.

Well, after the yard work today, I made a batch of homemade fudge, which I think I'll neglect to mention to the doctor on my next visit, and for my first attempt, it turned out really well. But tomorrow is another day, it gets dark earlier this time of year, so I'll just get up in the morning, have my coffee, and start again. There's still the front yard that waits......

Direct TV for Business

Some establishments always have plenty of people waiting to be entertained for their transactions; for these sorts of places I would suggest putting some form of entertainment such as what we have at the restaurant where I work, and others nearby. It is really helpful if you have this in your place of business so that people will not get bored or tired of waiting for their turn. Direct TV for Business is good especially if you have a business like a dental clinic, bar, restaurant, gym, laundry business, salon, spa, banks or other businesses that always have people that will stay for a length of time. The Directtv Business was created for businesses, and has been around for almost a decade now. Every year more and more establishments’ owners subscribe to this kind of entertainment appeal.

If you have this Direct TV Business, it will also help your business to grow. It has a wide number of channels to choose from that your costumers will surely enjoy, compared to ordinary cable tv. Commercial Direct TV is less expensive, so it won’t hurt your business monthly operating expenses and they are the best in HD Channels. So why not get it now if you want to make your business even more prosperous.

You know there are so many sports fans that visit your business, and Directvbusiness offers a wide variety of options. You can choose from NFL Sunday Ticket, MLB extra innings, NCAA March Madness, and in my part of the country, Nascar Hotpass is exceptional. This really lessens the perceived waiting time of your customers.

So visit today and learn more about how you can partner with Direct TV for Business, and watch while your customers enjoy the time they spend with you. I'm sure you wil be glad that you did.

Day Off for the Doctor

Well, I had another doctor's appointment this morning, had to wake up early, 6:15, which for me is early, especially when it's my day off. Had the coffee maker ready, my favorite thing in the digital age is having coffee just freshly brewed when I wake up. Never could teach Tanner to do it, so I had to buy one with the timer, LOL.

So, it's into the shower where my eyes actually started to open, take my time, shave, get dressed and more coffee, and outside with Tanner so he can do his morning rituals. Then to warm up the truck, since it's cold outside this morning, (jacket weather) and a 35 minute drive to Lexington to the doc's office.

When I pulled on the door, it was locked. I looked again at my watch, and finally my early morning brain focused on the sign hanging on the front door. It seems there was an emergency, water pipes or something has burst in the office, and it was closed. So that's what I'm standing in. That's when I saw the emergency water truck next to the side of the building, and the sign said the office would be open again on Wednesday. OK, so I guess I'll have breakfast while I'm in town, and I wonder...when you cancel an appointment with the office and it's not a 24 hour notice, they charge you 25 dollars. So now will they give me 25 dollars since I drove all the way up there and nobody was home? Yeah, right! Oh, I just ate my sausage biscuits and gravy, had some more coffee, and went shopping with my sister, so it wasn't a bad day after all.

But now I have to call and reschedule, and do it all again next week. Sorry Tanner, have to set the alarm again. But at least he got 2 sausage biscuits out of the deal...

Auto Insurance headaches? No Need to Worry

Enough things have become complicated and time consuming in our day to day lives, so whenever I find an easy way to do something just as well, I like to share it. Car insurance can be quite daunting when you have to go through all the different plans, rates, types of coverage from liability, collision, theft...but it doesn't have to be something you dread to face. Shouldn't you be able to sit right there at your own computer, go to a site that can put information form different companies at your fingertips?

Well, you should, and now you can! I have visited and shopped with Autoinsurance.Me and I have been very impressed with the site. You can read at your leisure as they explain in detail the different types of coverage, policies, and companies, and decide for yourself exactly what type of insurance you need and want. You can compare different insurance providers and get on the spot quotes from such names in the business as State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Progressive and more.

You can get quotes and information on insuring different types and styles of vehicles, whether it be a classic car, minivan, SUV, sports car, motorcycle, or what have you. All you have to do is take a few minutes to become informed about all your insurance needs and save yourself some money, some headaches, and be surprised at how simple and easy it is.

Investing in the Future

In today's world of economic turmoil, we all seek ways to insure a more secure future for ourselves and our children. After searching for ways to try and offset the fluctuations in today's market, one thing stands out above the rest. Gold ....one of the oldest forms of money, and one of the more stable investments is making a lot of financial sense.

It's true that gold is known to be one of the most liquid investments in world trade today. Much more stable so you can use this kind of investment to hedge against inflation as the dollar value falls. There are many ways to invest, such as certified gold coins, gold bullion coins, and other precious metals. If you're new to the investment trade, or simply desire to learn more before making a decision, then try the goldcoinsgain website. You will be amazed at the wealth of information you can find there.

The site has been reviewed in such National Media as Newsweek, CNBC, Google News, Reuters and more. There's even a newsletter section to gain information from news and commentaries. You can learn all you need to know about investing in gold coins to make your future more secure.

Gold Coins such as the St. Gaudens Double Eagle, the American Buffalo, and the Liberty Golden Eagle to name just a few, Gold Bullion like the Gold American Eagle, the Canadian Maple Leaf and the South African Krugerrand are explained in detail, so that you will be expertly informed of all the options you have. You can even learn how to place gold in your IRA account and your 401K rollover, or start a savings plan for your kids.

If you worry about the stability of your future, this is a great place to start building a secure and worry free investment.

That time of Year....Again

Fall is a nice time of the year, the leaves are changing, the weather is starting to cool off quite a bit here, making the mornings crisp. Although I'm not really a cold weather fan, there are things I enjoy about it, as well as things I have to leave behind for the coming months.

The golf season is coming to a rapid close for me, and that's one of the things I miss the most. Back yard practice with Tanner has to take a back seat to indoor putting practice, but then there's always the banjo to keep me occupied while indoors. Last week I played a couple of rounds of golf at a local course here, and was very pleased with where my short game is now. One of the days it started raining, oh, just a little on the third hole, but by the 7th it was a downpour, so after 9 holes I called it quits for the day, going back later in the week and doing another round in what was probably the last really nice day weather wise for the season.

So it's inside now, and I guess it's a good thing music wise, since I enjoy the banjo practice, and I can now concentrate on getting my fingers back in shape, learn some more new licks, and add to the song list. And yeah, those things I seem to put off doing around the house can now get done.

Then there's yard work. Plenty of it since I have a lot of hardwood trees here, and the leaves are falling. I sometimes look at them and wonder why there seems to be so many more on the ground then there were in the trees. But it's pleasurable work to me, even if it's a little on the chilly side.

So for the next few days, I have some things to keep me busy. How about you, what time of the year do you enjoy most?

Columbia Sportswear

For me, shopping is a task that is hard to find enough time to do the way I want, searching for the latest styles, brands, and trying to compare different products. With work and time constraints, I have found that shopping online can be a very easy and simple way to get it all done at once, especially when you find the right site that gives you all the comparisons at hand.

If like me, you do much outdoor leisure activities, then you might just recognize the Columbia name as one of the world's largest outerwear brands, having been in business since 1938. You don't stay in business this long without having a dependable product line. With Columbia, you can count on dependability, comfort, protection and style in whatever activities you choose, whether hiking, fishing, skiing; you want to look and feel your best. Well, here is the place you can do that.

You can shop from the ease and comfort of home, choose from many categories including casual, sportswear, cold weather clothing, and even choose from a long list of accessories such as jewelry. You can also shop for the latest styles in bath and bedding, including towels and accessories, with such name brands as Hudson Bay, Moss Garden and Tacoma.

With over 3 million products to choose from, and excellent customer service, what have you got to lose? You save precious time spent driving from store to store, and get to compare products as you wish. You can even sign up to have new arrivals and styles sent right to you. So don't wait, do yourself a favor and shop from the comfort of home now.

If You Don't Concentrate On Your Putt....

Well, some say a bad day golfing is better than a good day working....you be the judge.

I hope that's not a new Titleist ball they're just leaving laying there!

Remembering....

Sitting here writing on another blog about the things I miss in the Philippines, it made me want to share it here also. Oh, I mean all the little everyday things that most of us take for granted in our busy lives, but when I'm there, I feel swept back in time to a place that I remember as a boy. It was called "home", and life was so very different then.

Of course I didn't have bills to pay, work, or obligations as you do when you get older, but the best things I remember are the things I see and feel every day when I'm at home in the Philippines. You see, life seems to go back to being simple, and the people truly enjoy life for what it is.

I remember the neighbors when I was young, visiting in the house, relatives coming for the weekend, or us going to the mountains to spend a few days with my uncle and aunt. I remember my mother actually cooking every meal, and we all ate together as a family. On Sunday afternoons after church and the big lunch that I don't know where my mother found the time to prepare, we might go on a drive, just anywhere, but as a family.

When I go to Davao and spend time there with my family, it brings back all sorts of memories like that, because that is just everyday life there. Waking up to the sound of the rooster, Katherine getting coffee ready, and the joy of sharing it outside while we watch the village come alive. The sounds of the man selling 'Taho", which I dearly love, the neighbors coming around and greeting you, and starting the day with friends. Watching and hearing the sounds of the children playing, planning to go to the market, and oh, the smell and taste of the fresh pandesal, if anyone got up early enough to get some.

The days there are busy, but it's a different kind of busy, which I don't seem to have the words to explain. Though you might have much to do, there's always time for family and friends. Yet the work always gets done, and it gets done in a happy kind of way. And after the day is done, it's so relaxing to stroll through the village in the quiet of the evening, meeting the people and just getting to know the place.

I could probably sit here and write page after page of all the things I enjoy doing when I'm there, but it might not mean anything to anyone but me. All I know is, that I get taken back to a better time, a time that I remember with fondness, and the best part of it is that when I'm there, it's not memories, but it's just simple everyday life.

Making Money With Your Blog

Bloggers are here for several reasons. One, we enjoy writing, whether it's about world news, or simple everyday life as we live it. Another thing we do is try to earn a little money from our blogs, it's not only beneficial to us, it's quite a bit of fun also.


There are so many sites out there today that invite you to join and write for them, promising you earnings, and you truly have to be skeptical of which ones to choose from. Sometimes it's a hit and miss, trial by error kind of process. Luckily, I found a site through another blogger that just fits the bill. Linkfromblog is a secure, trustworthy site that you can depend on to help you earn while doing what you enjoy. You simply give honest reviews from the opportunities they offer. What could be easier and more fun?

Finally, here's another site that is genuine, and offers tasks from the many advertisers they sponsor. So go and check it out, and find yourself getting opportunities that you have otherwise missed out on. The process for joining is simple and easy, and you'll be glad you did.

Philippines; Natural Wood Furniture

In making plans lately for the house, Katherine and I have been talking, adding to or taking away from what we see, and generally trying to get an overall plan of what we want. While this can be frustrating at times, it's an enjoyable kind of frustration, if you understand what I mean. One thing we both like quite a lot is the natural wood furniture, so I have put a couple of photos here for you to see what I mean.

So tell me, what do you think of this kind of furniture? To me, it's awsome, the way they use the natural resources to make something so beautiful and lasting. And, you would be surprised at the comfort too!

Blogtelevision Cures the Blues

In searching for the perfect company to handle my many desires in television viewing, I have come across a site that will certainly interest you. If you're like me, you want to enjoy your down time and be able to watch in comfort those shows that inspire and delight you. I have found Direct TV to fill the bill.

Did you know that Direct T V offers the most HD channels? And if you're concerned about the programming, service or customer care, you need not worry because DirectTV is one of the industry leaders in all these areas.

Right now they are offering some spectacular deals, from a family package with 45+ channels, to their premium package with over 265 channels, with much more to choose from in between. You can even opt to receive 5 months of free DVR service, and there's even choices to receive 31 premium movie channels, including HBO, Starz, Showtime, and Cinemax. All you have to do is go to Directtv.com and browse through all the special offers, then choose what's right for you.

Are you a football fan? Did you know that Direct TV offers an NFL Sunday Ticket, where you can watch up to 16 games per week, more than 200 games per season? You can keep tabs on all the NFL action, and even track your favorite player.

You can compare prices and programming options right there on the website, from the comfort of your own home, so there's no confusion or hassle. If you've been thinking about starting service, or switching your current service, there's no better time than now to take advantage of the special offers they have for you.

Long Weekend...

Do you ever have those days, when you just don't know what to do with yourself? For me it's a weekend. Time off with not a thing to do. Well, actually I'm sure I could come up with quite a lot if I just look around, LOL.

Yesterday was busy, running around and getting things done, truck inspection, etc. Then at home to work in the yard for the early part of the afternoon, washing house windows, spraying weed killer around. Why is it the grass grows best in those places I don't want it to grow? Then of course it rained really hard later in the afternoon, squashing all thoughts of playing outside with Tanner.

But there's today, the sun is out and it's really hot. Hitting a few golf balls in the back yard, and I think later in the afternoon, maybe when it cools off just a bit, I'll go to the driving range and hit a bucket. I want to try out some shots with some Titleist 990's, to see if I can work the ball with these irons. I like the looks of them, clean simple lines, and of course Titleist makes a superb club, so I want to try these out. I think I'd like to put in a large putting green out back, that sounds like a good project.

Well, time to go and find something to eat, then try to shake off this boredom. I hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

Shopping for the Seasons

Again I want to share some shopping tips and strategies for the ladies that can help save you time and money. As you realize, the seasons change, and along with that so do your needs when it comes to clothing and accessories.

Summer time is fun time, and with that comes the swimsuits, which can be both exciting and a chore when trying to choose what's best for you. If you want to shop for swimsuits, then simply check out Shopwiki to find so many styles, designs, patterns and colors to choose from. Their buying guides will help you with choosing the right size, colors and styles for your own body type. There are many different materials to choose from, including nylon, cotton, spandex and much more. And don't think that because you choose to shop on line you won't have access to designer brands, you can choose from such names as Ralph Lauren, Victoria's Secret and Nike, just to name a few of the many choices.

Don't forget that Autumn is just around the corner, meaning back to school, a little chill in the air, and a whole different type of wardrobe. You can choose from the many Autumn styles they offer, including plaids, knits, even eyeliners and boots for the style and season.

Are you ready for winter? The winter styles will leave you nothing short of impressed. Current styles include tunics and trouser ensembles, cute coats for the cold weather, or you can choose to go military chic. There are so many styles to choose from, and even more, they have many guides and tips to help you make the right choices for you.

I am always impressed with the value you get along with the help you need when shopping here, so do yourself a favor, don't wait to check out their offerings, take a look today!

Get Them Phones Fixed!

Over the course of the last couple of weeks, it's been a chore trying to call Katherine. Only once or twice has the call actually gone right through, as normal, the rest of the time it's 15 to 20 minutes of redialing, waiting, and finally getting a connection that makes the voices late, trying to hear over line noise, etc. They said it's affecting all the lines, not just one particular company, so all we can do for now is wait patiently and hope that it will be corrected over the next few days. I suppose it's just one of those things we have to get used to when dealing with another country.

Here on the home front, it's still hot! Oh, the golf balls are still getting plenty of use, and the peppers and tomatoes are looking good, though the grass is getting a little thin in spots. But due to some much needed rain over the weekend, even that is looking a lot better.

Tanner isn't a hot weather boy, he likes it cool, so his main respite in laying on the air conditioning vents during the day to stay cool when it's so hot outside. Still, he's always ready to caddy for me and retrieve those golf balls during my chipping practice. In fact, he gets excited when he sees me pick up a club, so I guess it's one of his favorite games also.

Well, now to go outside in this heat and trim some on the lawn, water the plants, and oh yeah, some short game practice in this heat.....

A True Shopping Extravaganza

I'd like to take just a few minutes to tell you about a shopping experience I have found to be unique, time saving, and very cost effective for me. More and more the Internet is becoming the way of shopping for many people, just real people like you and me. Sometimes it seems like a task in itself to try and search the web for items you might need, or simply want to compare to others you have seen.

Lately I have been on the prowl for some nice golf shoes at an affordable price, and I found the best way to shop is at Shopwiki . While searching for my own interests, I found that I could simply do all my shopping for every need right at this one place. There are shoes for every occasion, and for men, women, children, for casual, dress, athletic, even boots and sandals.

Perhaps you're looking for something more in the line of sneakers, they can fit all your needs from cross training to walking, running, basketball, canvas, hiking; to nearly any kind of athletic or everyday need you might have.

Or maybe you're planning that special wedding, and you want to find just the right shoes to go with that perfect wedding dress. Well, not only will you find it there, you will be surprised at the vast amount of information available on their site to help you in your planning for the proper styles, height, color, fabric, things perhaps you haven't even thought about yet. There are many tips and guidelines to help you through all aspects of your wedding ensemble.

You can shop for so many things here, at what I call now my "shopping extravaganza". You will certainly be surprised at the things you can find here, since they actively seek out everything available for the products you're searching for. Try it, and I bet you will be pleased just as I was.

Hot, Sweaty and Tired!

Yeah, it's a hot day here, again in the upper 90's, but that's ok too. Since I had a day off from work, I went to the driving range to give a couple of lessons. It seems a couple of the young guys at work are getting into the golf spirit, so they wanted to learn how to hit their new clubs.

Well, there's nothing I enjoy much more than that, so in spite of the heat, off I went, and it turned out to be an enjoyable time. One guy is so primed that he's already entered into a local tournament next weekend, so we had our work cut out for the day. Altogether though, I was impressed to see the progress for a beginner, and I think he will have a lot of fun.

For me personally, I used most of the time working on my short game, and around the putting green, since I think that's where I need most work. Then after coming home, of course I had to hit some more in the back yard with my personal coach, Tanner. At least he loves chasing the balls and bringing them back to me, so I don't have to walk so far, LOL.

And congratulations to Y.E. Yang from South Korea for his victory this past week at the PGA championship. I can't wait to get to Davao and play some of those hard and fast fairways and greens, hopefully with Katherine. Maybe she'll get the fever too....

Wow, I wish I could teach this game for a living!