U.S. Open (2016)

We started out slow, but came on big with an important win today.

The U.S. Open Lawn Bowling Championships are being held this year locally, here in our Sarasota. Fourteen countries are being represented with over 250 participants. Our local Club (SLBC) has been preparing for over a year to host this international competition - attracting the best of the best.

My first day of competing - with no friends or family expecting to be there sitting green-side - heading out the door this morning, I was more than lucky, surprised when my Knuckle's offered me the biggest, longest tongue, face kiss ever received. A very good omen.

My "Fours" (our foursome team) narrowly lost in our first morning match (13-17).  So as the acting designated captain, we decided to switch up positions, with me taking the next play as the start-off 'lead'. We jumped-up big on our afternoon match  - and won in a huge landslide victory - (34-9).

Tomorrow early we compete again in the next bracket - and once again when leaving the house - I'll be looking forward to that big, wet send-off from a very supportive and excited Knuckles.


 Signage along Sarasota's Bayfront Drive.

International dignitaries arriving.

The stage was set.

Individual countries being announced and introduced alphabetically on to the greens.

Thank God for our little "Miss Siesta Key Teen" USA. She made me smile. It helped a lot.

My new friend, a "cool cat" Marcus Zeino, representing the San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club.

Aussie "Jeff" in his club's team colors.

My two "bowling" buddies with their two opposing national flags - Australia & New Zealand.

 

Our "fours" team after today's competition, photographed by an ecstatic fan.
Richard, Bob, Clem and myself.

(Wednesday update)

Today we played two more matches, in the semi-finals and in the division finals - we won both. Now new fans, with cash and a trophy. The imagination runs wild - considering this to be my first ever international event.

U.S. Open Men's Four (flight 3 division) Champions.

With our team's "foursome" win, I dedicated it to our Club's, Dick LaBrie - (a sportsman and a shepherd).



 

election night / 4:00 am

An empty pack.

election day (keeping it clean & simple)

Now that we hopefully, all have voted - it's almost over.  Now just awaiting for the aftermath.

Hunting Lodge (Nicasio)

The original, three story "hunting lodge" (outside Nicasio in West Marin, in northern California) was built in the early 1900's. Hunters and many families had made it their vacation stay during those early years. The Summer family bought the property some twenty years ago and have lived at the lodge since - while there, raising their one and only son.

My Sandy, has always had the ability to find the unusual and quirky places to stay. So, we booked it for a week - the two of us - expecting our extended families to come for visits. At times the place felt a little spooky, and on several occasions, haunted. Doors opening and closing by themselves - and a little 'creaky' on some of those long chilly nights. In most rooms, there were burned down candles that appeared commonly used. The owner's, the Summer's, upon greeting us, barely gave us the needed instructions before they departed for Savannah, Georgia.  A very sweet couple.

Keep-sakes and memorabilia left behind by their grown son.

Sandy dressing-up as the "Fairy Godmother".

the Property

gettin' out-and-about

West Marin County (across the bay from San Francisco).

the girls on their 'skate-out'

with Pa and Grammy - in Santa Rosa, California ........

the five Sweethearts - Bella, Lola, Kaia, Lili and Averey


trying on blades

open skate

Lola on the floor

cotton candy

curly fries

magic rings

Kaia putting a spell on me

ticket winners

Worn out - going home. There last ice cream treat in the lobby.