Highways and Fairways

For Sale: 2009 Winnebago Tour

In the words of our king, Elvis, "And now, the end is near..." We have reached a final decision and are under contract on a home in Anthem, AZ. For those of you following the blog, you may recall that we initially ruled out this community due to gossip we'd heard from former members. There was also the tidbit that Anthem was penned the Swingers Capital of the World by Oprah. But after 18 months of checking out everywhere from Key West to San Diego, working closely with a spreadsheet and a calculator we just couldn't say no to Anthem. Meeting our requirement for two challenging courses, trail fee, and reasonable membership dues, when the home we wanted came on the market at a terrific price we were done. We spent one evening walking Peanut through our new neighborhood knocking on doors and meeting our new neighbors. We asked if they have loud parties or if they will call the police on ours and were met with laughter and welcomes to the neighborhood.

After eliminating clubs for everything from snootiness to bugginess (as in noseeums and mosquitos) we are finally home or soon to be. Yesterday we officially joined the country club and played our first round as a member. Greens were tough to read and it's easy to lose balls in the vast desert but we are excited by our new home courses. We'll play the other course today and in the Couples golf event tomorrow. We have so much to do to get ready for our big move but at the moment I want to make up for lost time on the links. Last night we spent time with members at their weekly Friday Happy Hour which includes a live band. I was welcomed into the Ladies League as well as one of the traveling teams (the more active of the two) and Mike was welcomed into the Wine and Motorcycle Clubs (two different clubs). We learned that this is the place many young retirees (like us) come as they are weaning themselves off of their occupation, so there are many folks our age. We left a little tipsy and a lot relieved about our decision for our new home. Great fun people and there is as much or as little to do as we want.

We also learned that the Swingers haven't all left town. Several still meet on the outdoor patio dance floor on Fridays and exchange car keys. Did we enter a time machine taking us back to the 70's?

We close escrow on June 13th thus officially ending this now 20 month journey. I hope to post one more time when this blog site is again functioning properly (unable to download photos of our new digs).

We are so appreciative to those who have hung in there with us through this home search and golf extravaganza. But seriously, we do have a beautiful and gently used motor home for sale!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rock Barn, My Escape

After nearly eighteen months with forty feet and one bathroom for the three of us, I was in much need of a few days with the girls. After a long day of travel that included a three hour mechanical delay in Atlanta, Jody greeted me at the airport around midnight with a much needed and whined for beverage...

 

I fell back in love with Lake Wylie where Dick and Jody provided me with lush comfort in their guest room with a view.

 

Packed with borrowed luggage and the necessities for such a weekend with the girls,

 

oops though, I did forget to bring my game. We happened to be playing at Rock Barn in North Carolina, not far from the tornados that were touching down in that state,  The club delayed the start time on Saturday, but put us out there they did.

 

 

As it turned out the rain was the least of our troubles.  The wind played havoc with everything from our games to the pins that were so bowed they were parallel to the ground.  Jody was looking to me to carry her this day and I was looking to someone with a wheel barrel to load our sorry butts into and carry us back to the club house.  Folks who know me know I play in any kind of weather but I must admit this was the most miserable round of golf made better only by being paired with Mary and Cecelia, oh yeah and the Kim-sicle (much more on her later).  This photo was taken the day before when we were fortunate to have perfect weather for the practice round.

 
 

Of course their game didn't seem to mind the conditions on Saturday.  I want to be like them when I grow up!

Although the two courses we played this weekend were glorious mountain lay outs and I would highly recommend them to any golfer, this trip was not as much about golf as it was about having a raucous good time. My partner, Jody, and I found matching Loudmouth attire and "Carolina Girl" (theme this year) tops for the event and subsequently couldn't be missed by anyone in the county.

 
 

We again hooked up with the Tennessee girls for our friendly rivalry and this time had adjoining homes for the festivities that included Walmart pizza, a game of dice, and plenty of party crashers.

 
 

 
 

 

 

Four bedrooms and 6 beds weren't quite enough for this crew so we had a bed blow up work out.

 

Also different this year than prior years, the Tennessee girls drove up in their 40 foot motorhome, which I rudely refused to step into (I was on a BREAK).

 
 

 
 
 

We added three new members to the annual invitational, Courtney, Trixie, and Tina.

 

Courtney and Tina went as far as to be inducted into the Birdie Horsie Club during the practice round.

 
 

As you can see Tina has no equestrian fears!

Once the storm cleared on Saturday, it was dress up time, and this group cleans up right nice.

 
 

Our beloved leader, Kim, was unable to join us this year, but I'm pretty sure the Kim-sicle (Mary's idea) likely had more fun than any of us who were there in 3-D.

She wasn't left out of anything, not the pre-game shots,

 
 

She was there for the back porch chats...

 
 

She even dressed up for the big night out...

 

She was played in more ways than one...

 
 

 

And oh the men...wouldn't leave poor Kim alone.

 

 

It was our illustrious Rock Barn Chairwoman who gave our Kim the full moon.

 

 

By the end of the night I stumbled upon Kim a few sheets to the wind...

 

The next day, after sobering up a bit, she took the motorcoach for a spin around the parking lot, something I sure wouldn't do!

 

Like I said, Kim had a very full weekend on top of the cruise she and her husband were taking while we were enduring the tornado strength winds in the Carolina mountains!

As for the TN vs SC rivalry, it was South Carolina who took home the coveted autographed trophy, decided in a Stableford format during the practice round.

 

Two very tired women were welcomed home to Rock Hill by Jody's husband Dickie who had a beautiful Osso Buco dinner prepared for our homecoming.

 

 

A huge thank you to Jody for taking such awesome care of me!  I miss you and Dickie already!  Always the hostesses with the mostesses, they also invited many of my friends and neighbors for dinner my first night in town.  If the winters weren't so brutal to us weenies, we'd be back in Joslin Point in a New York minute.  You can't ask for a better neighborhood of just plain good people.

I'm back in San Diego now where I'd hoped Mike had found us a home here or somewhere during my absence.  No such luck but we are both back on task and quite focused.  We played one of the La Costa courses yesterday and played with a few members (fivesome) who would make us feel right at home if only we could find one of those things (a home).

The next time you hear from me it will be with news that we have landed.  Until then, smile and breathe (my mantra to myself of late).

 

Back in San Diego and Stoneridge CC

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. 

Happy Birthday Mike!

In honor of this special occasion we are now parked in his favorite city, San Diego.  Sadly the weather gods aren't in on this celebration and have ushered in cool wind and rain in lieu of the typically perfect sunny 75 degrees.  Oh well, there are still good friends and food calling us so it's all still good.

Let's catch up on our shenanigans since last we posted.  The pro at Desert Dunes, on the outskirts of Palm Springs, invited us to play his course with him on our way out of town last Sunday.  What he hadn't planned on was the whipping 40+ mph winds.  Consequently the three of us stood in the pro shop staring at one another waiting for someone to blink.  It was clear to me that neither of the men wanted to play but refused to admit it so I broke the silence with, "Let's do this!".  I don't put on a collared shirt and a skort only to wimp out because of a little breeze.  OK, so maybe a bit more than a breeze.  There is a reason the government installed a zillion windmills in this part of the country.

 

 

 

Currently hosting the Canadian Pro Qualifying school, the course was in prestine condition, offering majestic snow capped mountain views, no homes on the course (only place in the desert for this), and a challenging Robert Trent Jones lay out. 

The greens were well manicured but were no match for the wind that pushed and tugged our balls in every direction.

 

 

The wind repeatedly ran off with my hat while the squirrels did the same with our fruit.

 

 

One of a very few teaching pros who will get out and play with potential members, Pat impressed us with his knock down shot that one MUST have in the bag if you live near windmills.

 

 

But it was Mike who impressed with his game and took down the pro.  I think Pat is anxious for a rematch and offered some unbeatable pricing to either join or invest with his group of Canadians in a REIT for the property.

 

Who knows?

 

After a quick round we climbed back into the Winnie and allowed the wind to blow us forty miles down the road to my mom's home in Redlands.  A short stay, we spent our time eating at our favorites places including Mom's kitchen, getting new shoes on the car, doing some needed yard work, and getting Peanut tended to both with the beauty salon and the vet.

 

 

 

After half a day with the groomer, the following day was spent under anesthesia to have tests, teeth cleaning, shots, and his infected ear checked out.  He is doing better now and out of his groggy state though he is on antibiotics for the ear and for Lyme disease, sigh.

While the little man was under the dental scalpel, Mike and I did something I've wanted to do as long as I can remember--visit and play the oldest club west of the Mississippi, and my hometown's Redlands Country Club.  As a child I grumbled incessantly about the hills I had to pedal on my bike.  As an adult I grumbled about n'er a flat lie on the course...but so beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

The only caption I can come up with for this next shot is, "not that there's anything wrong with that."

 

Playing the course allowed this native Redlands girl to finally see the gorgeous and often palatial homes on the course.

 

With no HOA's in the neighborhoods, one can even have RV parking at their home along the course, that is if one isn't too fond of one's windshield.

 

But by far the home that has been built by one after my heart was this party house that offers mega spotlights off the outdoor kitchen/living room for those interested in midnight practice.

 

 

Although not for sale, it has certainly sparked some ideas for the place we do finally land.

The greens were often small, elevated, barricaded, or all three.

 

 

Not known for tornados or hurricanes, the trees lining this course date back to 1896 and have withstood the tests of time and now of Mike Evans.

 

 

Not to worry, Andrew, no one was hurt during the filming of this shot.

We were paired with Joyce, the current president of the Ladies association and what a great ambassador for the club.  She said the ladies group would welcome me with open arms should we decide to join this club, which allows personal golf carts and is one of the most affordable member owned clubs we've found on this journey.  After golf we were joined by her husband Ron who is the club's president and would have played with us if he hadn't been tied up with club business--and there is a lot of it.  We were both impressed with the friendliness of this club that has been a mysterious place to me since I was a young child looking from the outside in.

Am out of time as I have to get Mike out to enjoy his birthday beginning with lobster machaca at Bustamantes in Pacific Beach!

P.S.  Denise, will be calling you shortly!

 

Mission Hills, Palm Springs, CA

Oh what a decision process!  Our timing continues to be interesting.  About the time we rolled into town the LPGA was setting up for the Kraft Nabisco, formerly known as the Dinah Shore. For forty years this event has been held at the Mission Hills Country Club with no end in sight.

I got to meet Christina Kim thanks to my ballsy friend, Kaye.  Beyond having "stick" she was a hoot!

 

To watch the perfect swings was inspiring.

 

Known for the 18th hole that has been made famous by the leap into the water by the winner on Sunday afternoon.

 

After complaining about the dirty water, the club drained the pond so the ladies can leap feeling as though they are jumping into their private swimming pool.  After the thermometer hit 104 yesterday we all wanted to jump into that clean deep puddle!

We spent the better part of the week looking at the club, checking out real estate, and trying to get a feel for  Mission Hills and Rancho Mirage.  It does help that we also have friends living at least part time in the community. We thoroughly enjoyed Linda and Kurt's home and hospitality as they coaxed us to share their fun in the desert and hopefully become their neighbors.

 

With 54 holes, the ability to drive your own designer golf cart,

 

it seems like a good fit for us.  Because our timing wasn't quite right  (again) we were able to play only the Palmer course.  Teamed up with 18 year member Bob and his 19 year old daughter Anna, we got the 411 from a man who knows just about everything about the club and a young woman who grew up on it.

 

 

On a golf scholarship to the University of Hawaii, I loved watching Anna's swing. 

Mike liked the mature traditional tree lined lay out of the Palmer course. 

 

 

 

 

The greens rolled well enough but weren't all that pretty due to the poanna grass that is invading the greens.

 

 

The course was well, fine, in my opinion.  Perhaps I have become spoiled (nah) but I prefer courses with elevations and a few more tricks to them.  I really love courses with little to no homes, but that's tough to find especially when we are wanting to live in a home ON a course.  Perhaps my opinion of the club was tarnished when someone from the pro shop raced out to the first fairway to tell Bob that his guest's shorts were inappropriate.  Never mind that I bought them at a pro shop at an LPGA event and their club was currently hosting such an event.

 

On second thought perhaps.they are a bit on the short side.  Or my gams are on the long side?  Oh well.

The house hunting has been disheartening.  I just don't want to live in the homes we can afford at Mission Hills.  They offered for us to play the additional courses next week but after being underwhelmed with the real estate, we will forego that opportunity.

Beyond being disappointed with the homes, we got a preview of summer this week and honestly, I'm not so sure I can handle the heat. Uh boy.

Today the temps dropped 20 degrees to a perfect 84 so we decided to stay home at our RV park in Desert Hot Springs and enjoy the course here.

 

After hearing me blather now for years about my love for the game, Kaye joined us at the driving range where Mike and I attempted to jointly give her her first lesson.  Poor thing.

 

It was a gorgeous day and she was doing so well that we all decided to play the 9 hole course.

 

 

The mountains continue to stir my soul.

 

On our final hole I was able to show Kaye the penalty for getting a birdie.

 

Kaye played well enough to want to seek out professional help so after a great Mexican meal we stopped in at Desert Dunes, a public course half a mile from her home.  Recently acquired by a group of Canadians, we were amazed by this hidden gem that has no homes on the course and is a terrific Robert Trent Jones design.

 

 

 

The pro offered Kaye a great beginner's package that will include a nine hole playing lesson.  He also invited Mike and I to play with him tomorrow morning on our way out of town, which I couldn't pass up after he gave us a quick golf cart tour of the course that only served to whet my appetite.

Off to Mom's house after golf tomorrow.  I have allowed nearly six months to lapse since we've seen each other so we have much to catch up on at her newly remodeled home.  From there we will head to San Diego where we will set up camp while I escape to North Carolina for a Girls Golf tournament/boondoggle and Mike plays with his San Diego buds.

For now we are loving the cooler temps but battening down the hatches for the 40 mph winds.

Thank you for hanging with us...