I promised something different today, and indeed I will keep my promise. But first the golf! In line at the Hillcrest CC Blossom Bowl more than a month ago, I met a woman who (in one minute’s time) invited John and me to play a game of golf with her and her husband in Scotland this summer. I didn’t know her name until, by a strange string of events, another friend, Amy, connected us. And so began our text message plans to meet today at North Berwick Golf Club, a lovely links course in a charming town, right on the water. What a great opportunity to meet new friends and play a championship course.
Today, however, the wind was blowing so hard that it was difficult just to stand up! It was mostly cold as well making a 6,000 yd course play like 8,000 yds—ahh, a perfect Scottish day! We met our new friends, Patty and Kenny, and off we went into the distant memories of last playing this course maybe 6 years ago! So many good shots, but few lost balls, just in the deep rough and fierce wind. And we kept the conversation going so that by the time we were done, we knew each quick well and had lunch in the clubhouse together. Looking forward to another game with these delightful people!
From there, it was a race back home for our annual party! It’s actually a rare thing to get Karen’s closest friends all together. This has been in the plans for several weeks. My first thought was to have an American-style BBQ and have an early July 4th party, but Karen was completely against anything celebrating America right now (and XXX politics, which are not popular), so we decided on a French theme. I ordered berets for everyone and even threw in two Napoleon hats that I bought in France last November. The food prepared by Karen and Anne was spectacular. Start with a pie crust, then add asparagus on top of a creme fraîche base, topped with salt and grated Parmesan cheese. Add a salad and bread, plenty of wine—delicious. Everyone dressed up in their new hats, and after dinner, Eddie regaled us with lots and lots of real-life ghost stories. John and I are completely dumb in that area, but Eddie and Lynne had stories of ghosts in the Whittingehame House (where the Balfour document was signed) that are peopled with all kinds of ghosts running through the halls while the children slept, indoor ghosts, winter ghosts, chimney ghosts, and more. It was a Dickens night!
Eddie and Lynne also regaled us with their stories of going to Buckingham Palace for tea with the king and queen as part of Eddie’s recent honor for outstanding contributions to education in veterinary science. The best was Lynne’s magnificent hat. Sorry, no photos. We stayed up way too late, and I think John is coming down with a cold. Oh dear— see ya all tomorrow!
