Thursday, August 19, for the first time we pretty much hung out around the flat. One of my favorite past times to take me into calm is to work a jigsaw puzzle. When we first arrived to St. Andrews, I purchased a jigsaw puzzle at a benefit shop for cancer. Well, when you buy a jigsaw puzzle USED ya never know if you have all the pieces. This one is quite the PUZZLE-ment but is one of my leisures. I also have some stitchery I am working.

Dick has gotten involved in the Stegg Larson novel, first one, The Girls with the Dragon Tattoo. He is truly hooked into this book.

After lunch we went to the St. Andrews Practice Facility. Truly a great facilities. This is the entrance. Discounted driving range balls for seniors.
The facilities are covered for the most part which makes it wonderful for all kinds of weather. To the side is the bunker, chipping and putting area. All a very large facility and in perfect condition.

After I finished practice I had to take this picture for my friends. This is the Balgove Golf Course, next to the practice facility, the Eden and the Strathtyrum Courses. If you click on the picture you can see that there is not a single tree, nor bunker, nor rough. Kids can come out here and play just by walking on...no tee time necessary...at a cost of 3bp. Actually juniors, under 16, can play just about all of the golf courses at a VERY significant less price. (So it's not always greatest to get the senior rate...hee hee...and they are young enough to still rotate the shoulders).

Just before 5pm, Dick walked to town to get his USGA gortex jacket from In Stitches who had put in a new zipper for him.

About 6pm we cleaned up for the "big dinner", black-tie at the R&A Clubhouse for members and guests. I did not think they would allow a camera inside so I asked a passing tourist to take this snapshot of us on our way to the clubhouse.



When we were inside I asked the staff if we could be allowed to go to the balcony and have our picture taken. They then got Linda, the chief administrator ?, who then asked permission of the General Secretary and then we were taken up to the balcony where she so graciously took our pictures. (Unfortunately I look like a tired old hag). I must tell you that I got quite misty-eyed about this one, because I realized that his may be the last time I am able to be at this very special place.


After the photo op, we were lead back downstairs to the Grand Room where we had a cocktail before going into the dining room. I believe that there was a lottery to see who got to dine in the R&A and who dined elsewhere. So we were lucky there. Also we came to the seat assignments, and we were assigned to Table 1. We waited as people began to direct where to be seated and I was fortunate to sit at the right side of Captain , a very interesting dinner companion.

For my foodies..dinner was as follows:

Loch Duart Salmon and Lobster Ravioli with buttered asparagus Shellfish Bisque

Roast Breat of Guinea Fowl with Creamy Parmesan Mash
New Season Scottish Girolle and a Madeira Jus

Honey Roast Parsnip and Butternut Squash


Poached Peach and Berry Compote served with
Homemade Lemon Verbena Ice Cream

Wines served were:
Granges de Mirabel Viognier, Michel Chapoutier 2008
Fleurie, Domaine de la Madone, 2009

YUM YUM YUM YUM
If you can believe it, I think we are actually loosing weight. Dick put on his tux which had just been altered before leaving home to make room for his tummy. Then all night he was pulling up his pants. I think I may have to get him suspenders for the Autumn Meeting Dinner.

Friday, August 20. We drove out to the Castle Course today. Loaded the rain gear into our bags and got two pull carts. Unfortunately, the camera needed recharging and I could not even get one picture. So even if I do not play this course again, I will most certainly go out there to get some pictures. This course is GORGEOUS!!! Beautiful vistas of the sea and across the water to forever. Gorgeous views looking back into St. Andrews as well.

After two holes it became apparent that this course was too difficult for Dick to walk. His heart just is not strong enough to climb hills. I told the marshal at the 3rd hole that if we held anyone up to let us know and they could play through. Well we got through the 9 holes okay. Then we waited for a caddie with a buggy for Dick. They rode around the back 9 together and I just pulled and played along. I actually had some very good holes on the back 9. This course is very hilly...EVEN THE GREENS! I must get some pictures.

Stopped at Morrison's to stock up on more pantry items. We are exhausted tonight, probably playing in the wind and rain and having been out late last night. We are getting old. Well actually we ARE OLD!!

But we ain't dead yet.