Today was just about the perfect day to play a round of golf. My grandpa called out this morning, and he wasn't going to play because his usual group - his brother and a retired firefighter - decided to play at a different club at $50 a round. He asked if I wanted to go with him to his usual club, and since I haven't played in about a year, I happily accepted.

It was about 70 degrees outside, sunny, just windy enough to feel delightful without overly affecting the flight of the ball. Grandpa plays at a course right next to the Kansas River - literally right next, as one of the tee boxes has one side roped off because it ends with a 100 foot cliff going straight down to the water. We took our time and didn't stress about it too much. I was fairly awful on the front nine, but took 13 strokes off the back nine, so I was pretty happy. Grandpa shot the exact same score front and back, because he is very consistent. I wish I could play more often, because I wasn't that bad when I played golf in high school, but unless you get a membership and actually use it on a regular basis, paying for individual rounds can be pretty pricy. It was just frustrating, that no matter how well I actually hit the ball, I couldn't get it much more than 100 yards out. I used to be able to drive it farther, and it's not really a strength issue; I just don't have as much ease with my swing anymore.

My Grandpa can be kind of a bastard, though. I had this one really excellent shot - I chipped it in from about thirty feet away, screamed like Lucille, etc. Once I collected the ball, and we walked back to the cart, he just said, "Accidents happen." He would also helpfully point out the direction of the flag when I invariably sliced off in the direction of the rough. I feel it important to point out, however, how delighted I always am any time my Grandpa does something like that; he's such a nice person, and so generous, that I just find it hilarious. (Much like how the time he told Laura, "Hey, shut up," made me laugh forever.)

Highlight of the day: seeing a blue heron fly in off the river and over the course to drink at the pond in the middle, by the clubhouse. Beautiful.