The final day of the Masters Golf Tournament is here. What an exciting year!
The tournament started with champions Arnold Palmer, age 80, and Jack Nicklaus, age 70, teeing off. These two heroes are the ones who put golf on the map for the general public, I think. I know they are the ones I remember seeing first!
Tom Watson, at age 60, had a fantastic first day with a 67. On this Sunday morning, he is tied for 14th going into the tournament. And Fred Couples, age 50, is in 5th place starting the final day. Couples won the Masters in 1992 and lost the tournament to Phil Mickelson in in 2006. Couples competes and wins regularly on the Championship tour.
And Matteo Manassero, at only 16 years old, became the youngest player to ever make the cut at the Masters!
From 16 years old to 80 years old, the finest golfers in the world are at Augusta this week. The wide age range was striking, reminding us all that golf is a game for all ages–even at major tournament levels. And in the gallery, age is no issue either. My nephew is very excited to be attending his first Masters this year at the age of 10 years old — and starting a tradition that I am sure will continue for the rest of his life.
Our little grandson already enjoys golf at the age of 6 years old — and especially enjoys time on the driving range with his Poppy. Today he will be watching the tournament on tv with his daddy, and will be chattering about it all next week with his Poppy. What other sport do you know that a child can enjoy with his parents and grandparents, actively, as a spectator, in person or on television?
I do hope you take some time today to watch the final round of the Masters tournament on television. Even if you do not yet play the game, you will enjoy seeing the best of the best at their best! To keep up with the latest scores, go to Masters.com.
PS — And when your children or grandchildren ask about golf, do open that door for them and help them to discover a game they can enjoy for a lifetime!
Yesterday was a beautiful day at the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta Georgia! I know the Adams family group had a fantastic day!
The azaleas were at their peak. Kathy took some wonderful photos. Just walking on the golf course and seeing the flowers all in bloom is a treat in itself. 
In the 1960′s, Whitey always gave Jack Nicklaus a blue tee before the Masters. This year, though, Whitey gave Jack one of his treasured buckeyes for good luck! 
How wonderful to have Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as honorary starters. It’s hard to imagine that Arnold Palmer is 80 years old — and he sure hit that little white ball right down the middle this morning! These two gentlemen represent golf at its finest – I salute them both with thanksgiving for all they have done and continue to do for the game of golf. 
Masters week is a tradition in our family – I loved this shot of Whitey and Randy at the Masters yesterday. A great father-son picture – Thank you, Kathy! 
Tradition also includes ending the day with ice cream at the Pink Dipper! 
For up to the minute scores, go to Masters.com! It looks like it’s going to be a most exciting tournament!
My sister’s son recently gave her a dog. Today she wrote this powerful poem about him. I knew you would want to see it! Zeus recently had to have his tail removed due to a medical emergency. He is a rescued dog. And a mighty precious one!
Zeus is Different…
So Are We
Zeus, my dog, is different.
He does not have a tail.
But Zeus is beautiful.
He has long white fur.
He has blue eyes.
But he does not have a tail.
Zeus is a happy dog.
He loves me very much.
But he does not like strangers.
I am different, too.
I am very short and skinny.
But I love people.
My best friend is taller than me.
She does not hear very well.
But she loves me.
My neighbor cannot see.
But he laughs alot and loves music.
We all are different.
Zeus, my friends, and me.
But we smile and are happy.
Are you?
by Betty Tate DeLorme in tribute to her friend, Zeus
If you are among the lucky ones, and you have a ticket to the Masters this week, here are a few tips to increase your enjoyment!
1. Leave your cell phone in the car. Your cell phone is not welcome inside the gates.
2. You will go through a metal detector. No weapons of any kind –including your pocket knife and nail clippers — are allowed through the gates.
3. Have your badge or ticket in hand as you get to the gate. Attach the ticket or badge to your clothing after you go through the turnstile. Keep your badge or ticket within view at all times.
4. If you are attending the practice rounds (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday), cameras are acceptable. Take your camera and take tons of pictures! Leave your camera at home after Wednesday.
5. Binoculars will add to your enjoyment! If you forget the binoculars, you will be mad at yourself!
6. You will need a golf chair or sitting stick. Large chairs with arm rests and drink holders are no longer acceptable. Of course, you can stand up all day if you like, but you will be happier with a golf chair. Chairs are for sale at the Golf Shop for $29.
7. Use sunscreen and lip balm.
8. Green high on # 3 green is a great place to sit, if you have binoculars to watch # 4 green. Also # 12 tee is a popular spot for viewing.
9. Restrooms and refreshments are readily available.
10. Have fun! Relax! Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the excellent golf.
PS Whitey says if you see a squirrel nest or a squirrel on the property to let him know. They simply are not allowed inside the gates! 
Happy Easter to you and your family! It’s a busy time of year for us. With my birthday and Easter both in the same week, I am reminded to review, evaluate and make new plans for my life. The flowers are starting to bloom; I feel renewed. Spring is a wonderful time to start over, begin again, make a list. Easter feels like New Year’s Eve to me. I think I can do anything and everything all at once! Help me, O Lord, to set goals that are do-able and to be reasonable with myself.
And if all my spiritual wanderings and celebrations are not enough this week, it’s Masters week. The Masters Golf Tournament starts tomorrow in Augusta Georgia. Springtime is beautiful in the south, but perhaps no spot is prettier than the Masters. The azaleas and dogwoods in bloom, the hush of the crowd as they watch the experts, the warmth of the sun — oh Masters week is glorious! A peek at the weather report shows perfect weather most of the week with possible thunderstorms on Thursday. This is Whitey’s 54th year to attend the Masters. He is so excited. Our son, daughter and son-in-law will pick him up before daybreak on Wednesday and head to Augusta. The Masters theme song will play continuously in this house all week!
PS – Yes, I have attended the Masters myself. I was 19 years old the first time Whitey took me to the Masters. That was quite a few years ago. In those days Whitey and his friend Terrell ran all over that golf course to keep up with their favorites, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. I decided then that I would enjoy it on television in the future!
It is my hope that you enjoy this joyous season – however you celebrate! Get outside and enjoy! The world is new again!
PPS – Do take a moment to visit the Masters with us via this video. Listen to the Masters song and enjoy the beautiful springtime scenes and the golf heroes of history at the Masters. Just click to watch – Enjoy!
I rescued this post from an old blog back in 2008. I think the lesson is important for everybody, but especially senior citizens. We must continue to live; we must continue to make a difference; we must live this life as long as we are able! We simply must! If you feel you have outlived your need to contribute to society, think again!
Laurels
May 28, 2008 · Musings from Joan
When I was a little girl, growing up in Ware Shoals, SC, I often heard my parents speak of “Fessor Camak”. He was a well-respected gentleman in the community and a fine poet. One of my dad’s favorite poems was Fessor’s Laurels. Good lesson for all of us!
Laurels by Marion Boyd Camak
Somebody told me that I was good,
And I believed what they said,
And thought I would
Rest on the laurels I had won.
So I took a nice seat up in the sun,
That fellows not so lucky as I
Might be inspired as they staggered by.
And there I sat, with pride in myself
Like a brand new trinket on a brand new shelf,
And slept on the job, like I thought I could, -
For hadn’t they told me I was good?
But I awoke one day, and with surprise
I found no worshiping human eyes
Beholding me in my lofty space.
They all seemed turned to another place
And centered on to another chap,
With a workman’s apron on his lap,
And grime and sweat upon his face,
At work out there in my old place.
I swaggered down with a lordly air
And strutted to where they were, out there.
They looked at me, and then they said
It’s old Bill Hicks; we thought you were dead.
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