I just stopped in a super cute town called Middleburg. The streets are lined with fall leaves that feel like they are glowing with reds and yellows. The town smells like baked goods and bacon so I followed my nose to a quaint bakery.
Inside I found pies that are warm from the oven. The smell of homemade cinnamon rolls, muffins and crispy bacon. I ordered a bacon and egg sandwich and as I write this I’m eating it outside in the wam sun.
.
The photo above and the first one in this post show what the backroads look like this time of year. You see what I call “fall snow” everywhere which is the graceful swirling of thousands of colored leaves. Well, my sandwich is gone so I’m off again with no idea of where I’ll stop next!
The sky is a rainbow of clouds, the birds are chirping, and I seem to be the only one here. Surrounding me are open fields, a few large trees gracing the landscape, and a number of canons. I’m in the middle of the Manassas Civil War Battlefield where the battle of Bull Run was fought. This was the first major land battle of the armies of Virginia. Seeing this landmark site at sunrise is a must if you can. What a serene location. As I walk across the fields I can only think of the many solders who lost their lives. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit this historical site that was the beginning of a very important change in our history. The abolishment of slavery.
Off on another adventure: Backroads exploring Civil War battlefields, Montecello, a drive through the Blue Ridge mountains when the fall leaves are at their peak. The final destination will be the Historic Biltmore Estate. Now I just need to get through this red eye flight which lands at 5:20am. Hoping for an empty row so I can sleep! I hope you'll follow me on my journey 😉
During a business trip last week I was able to rediscover a beautiful island located off Newport Beach in southern California. I was actually following a sign to Fashion Island, which is a pretty amazing shopping mall. Listed on that same sign was “Balboa Island” and I thought “what the heck, I’ll take a look.” I headed up over a small bridge and into another world.
View from the walkway. There was a sailboat race the afternoon I was there
A charming village, Balboa Island if full of local shops, restaurants, world famous chocolate covered bananas and a whole lot more. There is one main street where you’ll find everything you need to eat, drink, shop and be merry. There is also a path that runs along the water’s edge that runs around the island. As you leave the main street and walk around the island, you’ll find more shops and restaurants on the other side. A great break if you’re attempting a “pub crawl”. You can drive over the bridge or take the Island Ferry. Below you’ll find a few maps showing you where the island is located and a close up showing you the bridge, where to shop/eat and the path around the island. If you’re in the SoCal area and near Newport Beach it’s worth the visit. You won’t be disappointed!
Here’s where Balboa Island is locatedHere’s a close up showing you around the island
Here are some photos from my visit!
Here’s the walkway around the Balboa Island with some fabulous homesTons of docks stretch out over the waterView from the walkway. There was a sailboat race the afternoon I was thereLove this sign on the dockGreat way to chill is to put your feet in the sand!
Dinner at Amelia’sAmelia’s dinner, sea bass, pasta and steamed veggies – it was REALLY good!
Would you like a print? Please click on “Contact”. My photography is printed on aluminum. Utilizing an advanced process which infuses dyes directly into the metal, the colors and saturation are really amazing. In addition, your print will be displayed using mount blocks which float the image ½ inch off the wall.
It always starts with a new pair of shoes. A good friend of mine got me back into golf which was not only fun…but yes, required a new pair of shoes. When I first got the invitation to play a round of 18, I promptly made my way into my storage area. I knew I had a set of clubs and a pair of golf shoes. After moving my 50 Christmas decoration boxes (I do love the holidays) – I finally found my clubs. I dusted them off (they could have used a good run under a professional leaf blower). Then, I carefully peaked down into the bag to see if there were any mice peaking back out. I’ve always wondered if you left a bag long enough, would a mouse find it and make it their home? Sure the bag was animal-free; I brought it up to my driveway. Not too bad I thought. 20 years old and still looking pretty good. The shoes were harder to find. After an afternoon of racking my brain…where could I possibly put them! I found them tucked into one of my Halloween decoration boxes. I have no idea why they would be there…but there they were.
I decided a quick run to the driving range was in order before I stepped foot on the course. Donning my east-coast, two-toned shoes and lugging an incredibly heavy bag of clubs behind me, I fed a $10.00 bill into the machine and got a large bucket of balls (this is going to prove to be an expensive sport). At the time, I had no idea the world of golf had changed. I do remember I got a few “looks” as I was whacking away at my large bucket. Was it the cute shoes? My swing? Noooo…I’m sure it was my clubs and antiquated bag that was the cause of all those stares. I was way behind the times. Here is a photo of my shoes that first day back on the range, and my club…
Ahhhh, yes, my classic two-toned, retro shoes
The morning of my first game, I discovered an entirely new world. That day I borrowed a set of clubs and wore my 20 year old shoes. The irons seemed similar but the driver blew my mind. I could not believe how large it was! The photo below shows my old driver next to a new one. It almost doesn’t seem fair….!
My ancient drive next to a NEW one!
Playing with the new driver and a few tweaks as to where I needed to place the ball in my stance, I could see a difference. So what happened? I found myself out looking for a new pair of shoes…and it was all downhill from there. I was hooked! If you follow my blog you know I’ve golfed before. Over the years, I drifted away from the sport but like a boomerang, but I guess I’m now back.
My shadow in the simulator trying new clubs
After playing a few times I decided I also needed a new set of clubs. The last time I purchased a set was about 20 years ago. As I mentioned, the drivers used to be the size of a lemon and now they look like a bowling ball. So when I decided to purchase clubs, the guys down at the coffee shop told me about a few places to get my clubs fitted (Thanks Bradley and Steve). And then, I learned about the PGA Superstore from my good friend Susan. Imagine Bloomingdales but all they have are golf items. I’m sure you men out there are rolling your eyes, but it is a golf-lover’s heaven (And the only store I can think to compare it to is either Bloomingdales or Nordstrom’s)
The PGA Superstore…the golf bag section
So back to the acquisition of my new clubs. The first time I went into the PGA Superstore I was actually a bit shy. I’m not a really good player and was a little worried they would look at me crossed eyed when I mentioned I’d like to try some clubs. I walked over to the area where they have a long row of simulation booths – where you can hit and a computer will tell you your club and ball speed, trajectory, length of drive, etc. One of the Pros who works there walked up to me and asked me how he could help – his name was Marty Fossum and he seemed very interested in helping me out. From that point forward, I felt right at home.
Marty helped start the club fitting process and not once did I feel rushed. If you get your clubs fitted they will measure, check to see if they need to adjust your lie angle, confirm shaft length, type and brand. The way they check to see which brand you like is by interchanging the different heads – Titleist, Ping, Taylor Made, Cobra, etc. There are a ton of brands, so get ready to hit a bunch of shots. When I got finished, I had a good idea which one I liked but wanted to come back and try it again. “No problem” said Marty. He told me they don’t work off commission so the most important thing they want to do is fit you with the clubs that work best for you…not them. And I liked that.
I came back two more times and on it was on the third time that I ordered my new irons. Below are some photos from the day I purchased my clubs. That day Michael Brown helped me out and he was GREAT! He adjusted a few things including shaft length which I really appreciated, was incredibly patient, and I finally pulled the trigger. Also, Chris Mullane came over and helped me with my swing. Chris is a 37 year PGA teaching PRO and has fitted clubs for over 17 years. Also, the day I got my clubs was his birthday so Happy Birthday Chris! If you’d like lessons I’d ask for Chris. Also, Nathan Brown, who is the Hard Goods Supervisor was very helpful too.
Me in the simuluation booth!Chris Mullane (left – Happy Birthday!) and Michael Brown (right) – SO MUCH FUN and so helpful!Ordering my irons! My new bag is on the right. Mathew Green (left) Michael Brown (next) Me, Steven Fijak (right)
Ok, flash forward about a 1.5 weeks and it’s now time to pick up my clubs. It turned out that my Dad, aka Papa Stan, was in town and we were able to stop by and get them, with my brother and beautiful niece Ally – here is a photo of us picking them up. Thanks for taking the picture Michael, and allowing my Dad and brother to hit a few. We really think you are the best!
Papa Stan (my Dad), Steve (my brother) and my beautiful niece Ally! Picking up my new irons!
And some additional photos I took that day to show you around:
I really wanted to thank the team of people who helped me. They allowed me to hit a ton of balls and try a number of clubs. For me great service means the world and if I find it I’m happy to let people know. Next I’m going to get my driver!
I just stopped in a super cute town called Middleburg. The streets are lined with fall leaves that feel like they are glowing with reds and yellows. The town smells like baked goods and bacon so I followed my nose to a quaint bakery. 
