We are enjoying our time catching up with friends in the greater San Diego area though Mike's birthday was a bit of a bust upon learning one of his favorite eateries, Bustamontes is closed (they retired themselves and their lobster machaca). Later in the afternoon we left the RV to take Peanut for a walk but when it started to rain we hurried back to the RV only to find we'd locked ourselves (and our phones) out. Time to meet new camping friends, a AAA repairman, and a locksmith while waiting three hours to get back inside. Sheesh, great birthday, eh? Thankfully we did sit down to a yummy birthday dinner of tuna meatballs and pasta about 10:00 that night at Tony and Angela's and their remodeled beautiful home!
We practiced at the golf course next door to our RV park in Mission Bay on Saturday, took care of errands and "stuff" and then drove to the OC for dinner at my former boss' home where we were again treated to great company and a wonderful homecooked meal. We so appreciate the hospitality of our dear friends in San Diego, who may be the reason we wind up here...well that and the usually perfect weather. Try as he may, my old boss did not succeed at getting me to go back to work. He graciously has offered to assist us with finding a property that is well under market through his insider channels. We shall see.
Sunday we played the course Mike has been holding out for since we left on this quest now a year and a half ago, Stoneridge CC in Poway located in San Diego's north county. The club will always hold a special place in my heart as this was the place I had my first lesson and played my virgin round of golf and subsequently fell under the spell of the little white ball. With nothing more than a 5 iron I played this course almost six years ago and found myself quite sad when I realized we only got to play 18 holes. Funny how time, experience, lessons, and a bag full of woods can screw up your game! This course I remember loving for its beauty, rolling hills, mountain views, and pretty trees is now the devil!
We were joined by a member and resident real estate expert, Chad, who gave us the low down on each and every recently sold or available home on the course.
Like everywhere else we go, we just missed all of the low priced golf course homes. Now all that is left are the overpriced 1977 fixer uppers. Joy.
Back to the course since the real estate situation is currently disheartening... With holes that are so long, dog leggy, and hilly that they have these contraptions to help you spot the folks you are about to hit into:
Basically a tall box with a magnifying glass inside, it really does help you see what's out beyond.
Not only did I learn that Stoneridge has the best rolling greens in all of San Diego (I'm a believer but I haven't played Torrey Pines yet), it also holds the reputation as being the toughest Ladies course here. Now they tell me!!! In fairness, the course is challenging beyond belief for the women and it was in impeccable shape from tee to green. However it was my game that was my undoing this day.
As a member of Club Corp, if you're in the area you should absolutely schedule a round there because it's damn unlikely you can be our guests! I'd definitely take up bowling if this becomes our home course! Sorry, Mike. The big guy had everything working this day and shot a beautiful 77, playing the ENTIRE round with the same ball! Like I said, he has hoped for months this would be home. Again, sorry Mike.
Back to those greens that after sanding still roll at a 10.5 but typically run at 13...yikes.
Perhaps Mike will be happy to play in their annual Member-Guest, as he will be next month, in lieu of joining?
After golf, we stopped by to see John and Michelle, borrowed a golf travel bag for me, and then hurried home to host Linda and Curt at camp for cocktails, munchies, and a silly card game. Since I was doomed on the golf course at least I was able to beat their butts at cards!
Today we met with the Membership Director at LaCosta (more work, work, work) who introduced us to their resort facility with two courses, a trail fee, and new affordable club pricing. Although one course is undergoing a complete makeover,
the other course is still available and the members have greatly reduced monthly dues and the ability to play at four other nearby courses for free.
We spent the afternoon driving around the neighborhoods with our "realtor.com" app on our phones to see what we might be able to afford. I'm not completely discouraged yet. Tomorrow we are looking forward to FRESH Sushi with John and Michelle in LaJolla. Yay, we don't have to have it shipped it!
I'm heading to see my Carolina Girls for the Rock Barn Invitational on Wednesday. During my absence Mike will be house hunting with a live realtor. When I return next week we will play the LaCosta course that's remaining and I will provide that review then. With luck he will have found us a home! Or I will build one on our lot in South Carolina!!!
Although I will really miss Mike, Peanut, and the Winnie...I CAN'T WAIT! Don't worry about Mike. I suspect he will be well cared for in my absence.
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