Thoughts and Non Thoughts

OK, maybe my game is really good enough for the 90's. To get to score in the 80's I need to go to the next level. For starters a longer drive, and more length overall. More work at the driving range. I need to keep building both my long and short games. In the meantime, the foundation needs to be a consistent iron game (including hybrids). Here are excerpts of really useful tips from David Leadbetter's "100% Golf." Approach Play - 170 yards and in, the strike zone. "Watch most tour players and you will find that they hit these shots with a compact, almost three-quarter action. They swing within themselves." "The irons are direction clubs, not distance clubs." "Keep your feet flat on the ground as much as possible.... That will give you a real sense of stability in the lower body providing the base for a good upper body turn and a controlled arm swing." "Look for the hands to swing to about 11 o'clock on the backswing through...

Ok, 94 isn't bad for my handicap. But I missed too many short putts, including a couple of birdie putts within six feet. And I don't know how I could miss that drive on the 9th hole. That game without those misses was good enough to break 90. More practice?

Aja When all my dime dancin' is through I run to you Up on the hill They think I'm ok Or so they say Chinese music always sets me free Angular banjoes Sound good to me Aja When all my dime dancin' is through I run to you (Steely Dan)

I make movies in my mind, or they write themselves in my sleep. In one of them I see you smiling, coming into the bedroom as I wake up. I ask you about some nonsense and you laugh. You pick up something and glance at me as you step into the bathroom. In another I lie on your lap as you gaze in the distance, not sure if we were on a beach or some park but we were alone in a world of strangers. It's when I open my eyes that the reality of our distance hits me. Not just the distance across the world but the distance of our worlds. It is sweet to imagine living in the movies in my mind, even if reality alway comes to wake me up. In these movies you are as close to me as reality.

I like White Hat, Red Mango, Fru Yo, Lulu Belle - all of them! My favorite toppings are granola and almond. But I sometimes concoct my own version at home. I start with BTIC (Better Than Ice Cream) Frozen Yoghurt, Cookies & Cream flavor -- thaw for about 10 minutes, and get two (or more!) scoops. Add a tablespoon of crushed Kellog's Raisin Bran for texture and body, and a teaspoon of Coco Pops for that crunchy surprise. Sprinkle half a Choc Nut for mouthfeel and nutty flavor. Simple pleasure!