Like, Love and Don't Like

This week, I like that Duke is in the Final Four. I have been on the edge of my seat during Duke's last 2 game against Purdue and Baylor. West Virginia kinda scares me too. I mentioned my wonderful cousin Margie in a post back in February and the fact that she sends me an autographed team poster each year. Margie contacted me a few weeks ago to verify my mailing address. Because I'm a little superstitious, I asked her to keep this year's poster until the family reunion this summer. Duke hasn't lost a game since! Of course...I just jinxed them.

Here's a photo of the very first team poster Margie sent me from the 1997-98 season (STACKED team!). Duke was a #1 seed in the south region that year and lost to #2 Kentucky in the Elite Eight. Kentucky came back from a 17-point deficit (if I recall correctly) and went onto win the national championship. That's Steve Wojciechowski posing at the very front. He's an assistant coach for the Blue Devils these days.

This week, I love that Master's week is just around the corner! Unfortunately, 109% of all pre-tournament coverage will be about Eldrick Woods. I don't have any doubt that Tiger will win, and that upsets me. Why? Because a win at The Masters, in his first tournament back, will instantly erase the tarnish from his image. America will love him again. That being said...I can't wait for next week!

This week, I don't like having a song stuck in my head. Especially a corny song. I've had this song from this Saturday Night Live clip stuck in my head for several days now. DO NOT listen unless you need a new tune for the shower. Because it WILL get stuck in your head. (Sorry about the ad)

Like, Love and Don't Like

This week, I like banana-flavored Tootsie Pops. Who knew that Tootsie Pops came in flavors other than chocolate (brown wrapper), cherry (red wrapper) and grape (blue wrapper)? They now have exotic flavors such as lemon lime, pomegranate and my new favorite – banana. Don’t get me wrong…this banana flavor does not taste like a banana at all. It tastes like a syrupy chemical version of a banana. Mr. Owl never knew what hit him.

This week, I love our new microwave. Our old microwave had been around since Julie’s house was built. We’re talking early-1990s. I tried to cook something in it this past Saturday morning and it made a sound like no microwave had ever made before. I’m all about trying to fix something before replacing it but I knew my simple skills would be no match for a microwave. Julie and I bought a new one and installed it that very night. The new microwave is so much more advanced than that older model. I feel like George Jetson every time I use the new fangled microwave oven!

This week, I don’t like the delay we’ve experienced receiving our state tax refund. I know…we always receive our state refund after our federal refund. But it’s been over a month now. And we filed online. I’m most troubled at the signal this delay is sending me regarding the fiscal health of the state of Alabama. Methinks times aren’t good for the Cotton State*. Alabama officials probably aren’t unlike any other politicians in their inability to manage funds without waste. That’s what frustrates me most about the ongoing gambling issue and those that cry for taxation of gambling. But that is another post for another day. I’ll close with a thought shared with me a few years ago: Governments need to be run like businesses but can’t because politicians try to please too many people. Politicians don’t make for good businessmen.

*I was not aware that one of Alabama’s nicknames was the "Cotton State". See for yourself here.

Done!

I know some of you never thought I would finish reupholstering the sofa, but I am proud to say that I am done!

the finished product

I somehow neglected to get a good "before" picture, but you can see it somewhat in the background of this picture.

lots of cutting

lots of cording



finished the cushions first


Nick helped me get the old fabric off

done!

I am not quite sure I am ready to tackle another sofa anytime soon, but upholstery is a lot of fun and I know it is a hobby that will come in handy!

Now I just have to finish the throw pillows!

New golf videos

My golfing buddy, Clay, and I have been taking on local golf courses with regularity since Christmas. Actually, Clay's been at it a little more than I have. But, we've battled rain, cold weather and wind and have enjoyed ourselves each time. We've had entire courses to ourselves lately - which is a pretty odd experience.

But with the warmer temperatures we've experienced here lately, fellow golfers are coming out in droves. This past weekend, we played the Valley Course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail site at Oxmoor Valley. Here's some videos. Don't judge me. I'm not quite yet in form. Clay is, however, as evident by his shorts and sharp game.

Here's a great side shot of one of Clay's bombs. This is from the par 5 12th hole. Smooth and balanced.

This is actually my third shot from the same hole (the 12th). Like I said, don't judge me. Clay's drive is well past this point and he has yet to hit his second shot. I hit this shot fat and not p.h.a.t. (pretty high and tight).

I was pretty pleased with my performance on the par 3's. I shot even par for the round on all of the short holes. Here's my tee shot on the 13th hole.

One more example of how well Clay is hitting the new driver he received for his birthday. This is the par 4 15th. And it was waaaaaaay down the fairway.