US Open around the bend

The folks in University Place, WA have turned a gravel pit into a golf course.

It's just waiting.

Aerial view from local newspaper

 The Trophy Club  - perched on a hill

When was the last time a train rambled through a professional golf tournament?  

May happen this year.

No Bull Bob Turner Dies

I was saddened to learn that an Albuquerque icon has died.

Bob Turner had one of the most successful car dealerships in our city for many years.  Bob was a salesman.   His big move came when he took over a fledgling Frontier Ford - re-named it Bob Turner's Ford Country - and then went on to build a new dealership headquarters.

Bob was famous (or infamous) because of his TV commercials.  Thanks to the work of Roger Dibble, who for so many years helped put them together.  There was "no bull" in those commercials - a tag line used for many years.  

(I lifted this photo from a Google search)

Turner was a good citizen of this community.  A Lobo fan thru-and-thru.  I think he even contributed substantial funds to help develop the team golf training facility at UNM.  The last time I saw Bob a few years ago was at the Mountain West Basketball tournament in Las Vegas - we were there watching the Lobos. He also had a home there.

Occasionally I'd see Bob at the now defunct Charlie's Back Door. He would always ask how things were in Taos (my hometown).

Oh, and I had another connection to Bob Turner.  The home we presently reside in, I've been told, was built and first occupied by the same Bob Turner.  I mentioned that to him one time, and in his loveable Texas accent he recalled..."Oh yeah, that house on Peeda Rose."   It's actually Piedra Rosa.

Thanks Bob for all you did.

No Bull!

Idea for Tiger Woods

Hey Mr. Woods...pay attention.

Forget that guy you're paying tens of thousands of dollars so he can tell you how to hit a golf ball,

Fire him, now, today and call Hank Haney or Butch Harmon - both of them earned a small fortune teaching you - and it paid off...you won.

This guy you've got now ain't getting it done.  Tell him to hit the road.

Then, stand up there and hit the ball.

Oh, and by the way -  El Tigre' - you're getting up there in age - forget about trying to hit the ball off the tee as far as those flat belly young kids.  You still have a flat belly - but you're not young.  Be satisfied with a shot down the middle - instead of blasting away hither and yon.  Admit it - and go forth.

Lee Trevino says he could solve your golf swing problems in 15 minutes.  Maybe you should call him, or drop by his place near Dallas on your way to the US Open in a couple weeks.  It might be the best use of your time.

Most of us want to see you succeed - buckle up, admit you're not 21 any more - and play like an adult.

You'll be a lot happier  -  and the TV networks will love you for it - because you'll be back in contention, the rating will soar - and all will be right with the golf world.

Come on Tiger - think about it!

Mayo en Mexico

Having just returned from a few days near Puerto Vallarta, it might interest you to know:

Crime is not rampant in the streets.

The water treatment plants work and beer is REALLY GOOD in the hot climate.

There are not many tourists on the streets - but the airplanes coming and going are filled to capacity (explain that, please).

Punta Mita has become an enclave of the rich and famous who stay at a St. Regis or a Four Seasons resort - and we can almost see them from our porch across Banderas Bay.  Attempting to get there via kayak is difficult --- Connie and her coach Ricardo were trying.

A US Dollar will bring you about 15 Mexican pesos - which is good for the travelers.
Most vendors accept Pesos or US Dollars (Try paying for something in Albuquerque with a Mexican Peso and see how far that goes.)

And, while we were with friends, the most substantive discussion I had during the trip was with Jack Daniels.

Just sayin'

Moms

 Connie's Mom

 Rodger's Dad's Mom

 Rodger's Mom's Mom

 Rodger's Mom

Rodger's Mom's Mom's Mom

Teddy's adopted mom (Connie) 

Harry Pavlides

One of the more interesting characters I've come across in the last few years was Harry Pavlides.

He was a political strategist, pollster, helper to the common man, and a real character.

All of his health problems caught up with Harry this spring.  He has now moved on to a different universe, a higher plane.

I prefer to remember Harry in this setting, cell phone in each hand directing his minions working the streets canvassing for a candidate, conducting a poll, or talking to someone about something - anything - and he knew a lot.

In this picture, Harry is conducting the orchestra during a luncheon appointment - he hardly had time to eat, although he needed the calories.

Pleasant memories ol' pal.   Tell them how to do it.    Toke one for everyone.