Never Leave It Short...

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Thankfulness and that silver lining...

I'm not sure I remember a more beautiful fall Thanksgiving day in the 14 years I've lived in New England.  An early morning stroll  provided some much needed quiet time to reflect on what's truly important and those aspects of our lives for which we are thankful: family, special friends, good health, and the freedom to celebrate a day like this that many of us take for granted.  Across these dimensions of our lives, we are challenged regularly, often daily. We sometimes become frustrated, angry, fearful, or  regretful.  

Today is beginning of a new holiday season and an opportunity for us to take that deep breath, slow down, and remember how fortunate we are, notwithstanding the challenges, and believe that every day is a day to learn, to grow and look for that silver lining that gives us renewed hope that so much is possible.

Never Leave It Short...

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

True Packer Fans...

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Epic Ryder Cup upon us...? Indeed it was...

On Thursday night I wrote the post below.  This evening, the words ring true…it was truly epic…

While I’m disappointed that #TeamUSA came out on the short end, congrats to #TeamEuro for an unbelievable, inspired final day.  It’s often important to step back and just relish the beauty, and ultimate uncertainty, of this unique, very special game we call golf.

Can’t wait for the next time…

#NeverLeaveItShort..

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I can’t remember the anticipation running anywhere near this level for the world’s most coveted international golf prize - the Ryder Cup.  Since the presentation of the first official Ryder Cup in 1927, we have anticipated the special nature of this unique event, where the top 24 golfers from two continents compete for the most coveted prize in golf, while accepting no prize money.  It’s all about honor, pride, respect, the thrill of competition, and ultimately victory. 

Americans and Europeans alike will be glued to their mobile devices, TVs, radios and whatever means necessary to keep up with the moment by moment results, ultimately leading to what surely will be an incredible  Sunday of golf at Medinah.  There is nothing like it in this wonderful game to stoke the competitive juices and get anyone, and everyone, who loves golf to be obsessed for 3 full days.  

It will surely be special and, of course, at times insanely intense.  But, let us enjoy the pure beauty of the game, the incredible talents of the world’s finest golfers, and the healthy, respectful competition of our comrades, on both sides of the pond…

#NeverLeaveItShort…

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Epic Ryder Cup upon us...? Indeed it was...

On Thursday night I wrote the post below.  This evening, the words ring true...it was truly epic...

While I'm disappointed that #TeamUSA came out on the short end, congrats to #TeamEuro for an unbelievable, inspired final day.  It's often important to step back and relish the beauty, and ultimate uncertainty, of this spectacular  game we call golf...

Can't wait for the next time...

#NeverLeaveItShort..

==========

I can’t remember the anticipation running anywhere near this level for the world’s most coveted international golf prize - the Ryder Cup.  Since the presentation of the first official Ryder Cup in 1927, we have anticipated the special nature of this unique event, where the top 24 golfers from two continents compete for the most coveted prize in golf, while accepting no prize money.  It’s all about honor, pride, respect, the thrill of competition, and ultimately victory. 

Americans and Europeans alike will be glued to their mobile devices, TVs, radios and whatever means necessary to keep up with the moment by moment results, ultimately leading to what surely will be an incredible  Sunday of golf at Medinah.  There is nothing like it in this wonderful game to stoke the competitive juices and get anyone, and everyone, who loves golf to be obsessed for 3 full days.  

It will surely be special and, of course, at times insanely intense.  But, let us enjoy the pure beauty of the game, the incredible talents of the world’s finest golfers, and the healthy, respectful competition of our comrades, on both sides of the pond…

#NeverLeaveItShort…

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Epic Ryder Cup upon us...?

I can't remember the anticipation running anywhere near this level for the world's most coveted international golf prize - the Ryder Cup.  Since the presentation of the first official Ryder Cup in 1927, we have anticipated the special nature of this unique event, where the top 24 golfers from two continents compete for the most coveted prize in golf, while accepting no prize money.  It's all about honor, pride, respect, the thrill of competition, and ultimately victory. 

Americans and Europeans alike will be glued to their mobile devices, TVs, radios and whatever means necessary to keep up with the moment by moment results, ultimately leading to what surely will be an incredible  Sunday of golf at Medinah.  There is nothing like it in this wonderful game to stoke the competitive juices and get anyone, and everyone, who loves golf to be obsessed for 3 full days.  

It will surely be special and, of course, at times insanely intense.  But, let us enjoy the pure beauty of the game, the incredible talents of the world's finest golfers, and the healthy, respectful competition of our comrades, on both sides of the pond...

#NeverLeaveItShort...

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

To the NFL: ..."What It Takes To Be Number 1"...

Yes, I am a life long Packer fan (I have a 1967 postcard with Vince Lombardi's autograph posted in my man cave along with mementos from Bart Starr and Brett Favre). And, yes, I think tonight's Packer game was a travesty.  And, for what it's worth, I don't begrudge the men who are serving as replacement refs as I'm sure they are doing the very best they can, regardless of what we might think.

But, when you consider the money, time and emotional investment that the NFL fan base has contributed, and from which the NFL has reaped massive benefits over the years, it's beyond time for Roger Goodell and and the owners to wake up and get this interim referee situation resolved. We're all very tired of hearing about collective bargaining agreements and the details. Too many of us work hard week in and week out to take part in what has truly become America's fall pastime. It's all too apparent that it's all about the money.  The integrity of the game, and fan loyalty, is at stake. It's time to just get it done.

Let's hope those of you who still have influence don't forget the essence of what Lombardi gave us:

"It is a reality of life than men are competitive and the most competitive games draw the most competitive men. That's why they are there - to compete. To know the rules and objectives when they get in the game. The object is to win fairly, squarely, by the rules - but to win." - Vince Lombardi, "What It Takes To Be Number 1"

How hard is that and isn't that why we named it the Lombardi Trophy...?

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Well worn, ... but ready for another round...

Nothing feels better than knowing you left it all out there, gave it your absolute best;  you were mentally and emotionally spent, the adrenaline drained from your system; looking forward to that good night's sleep. It's a good tired. Yet, you wake up the next morning, pour a fresh cup of coffee, and remind yourself that much is left undone, you won't be satisfied until you realize at least a taste of what has driven you, and what you've dreamed about, as long as you can remember.

Do you have those days?  What have you left undone...?

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

It's that time...

When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass

I'm back in my helmet, cleats, and shoulderpads

Standin' in the huddle, listenin' to the call

Fans goin' crazy for the boys of fall

They didn't let just anybody in that club

Took every ounce of heart and sweat and blood

To get to wear those game-day jerseys down the hall

Kings of the school, man, we're the boys of fall

Well, it's turn and face the Stars and Stripes, it's fighting back them butterflies

It's calling in the air, "Alrighty, yes sir, we want the ball"

And it's knockin' heads and talkin' trash, it's slinging mud and dirt and grass

It's I got your number, I got your back when your back's against the wall

You mess with one man, you got us all

We're the boys of fall

-"The Boys of Fall" - by #kennychesney

Bring back memories? Your heroes on the gridiron? Your inspirations?

#neverleaveitshort...

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Where's your landing spot...?

"Nobody asked how you looked, just what you shot." - Sam Snead...

It's where you land at the end of the round that really counts...

#neverleaveitshort...

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Tribute to Jeb...

As my brother told me this morning, Jeb never left it short.  He gave the family unconditional love, a tail that never stopped wagging, and a joy that only dog lovers can appreciate.  I'll always remember him with the gift of another toy in his mouth as he craved your attention.  He was loyal and full of spirit...and hopefully we can just remember how blessed we are for these furry friends who with whom we sometimes lose our patience and who consume our time and attention. They are truly a gift. Rest well little buddy.#alldogsgotoheaven #neverleaveitshort...

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Mondays and Fridays...

Once a friend asked me, "Why are Mondays so far away from Fridays and Fridays are so close to Mondays?"   Hmmm. On the PGA tour, a good Friday means you stay for the weekend and hope you, maybe, get home for a Monday and possibly Tuesday with family, before  you get back on the road still trying to make your way, to live your dream and your passion.  Not your typical Monday through Friday work week huh?

Many of us live in a world where we dread Mondays and thirst for Fridays. Does it really matter?

Can't you make your own Mondays and Fridays?

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Taken with Instagram

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

The life...

And just fish, play my guitar

And laugh at the bar with my friends

Go home to my wife and pray every night

I can do it all over again

Wouldn't that be the life?

"The Life" - Kenny Chesney

What's your dream and "the life" you've always wanted to live?

#NeverLeaveItShort...

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

nothing like a ride in the truck...

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Nothin' like a summer recipe... (Taken with Instagram)

[neverleaveitshort-blog]

Nothin' like a summer recipe... (Taken with Instagram)

[nationalpostsports]

Oscar Pistorius is going to the Olympics: Oscar Pistorius has been selected to run in both the individual 400 metres and the 4×400-metre relay at the London Olympics and is set to become the first amputee track athlete to compete at any games. In a surprising last-minute decision Wednesday, South Africa’s Olympic committee and national track federation cleared the double amputee to run in his individual event. The Olympic committee earlier announced that Pistorius had been picked only for the relay. Olympic committee chief executive Tubby Reddy tells The Associated Press that the track body asked for permission to also allow Pistorius to run the 400, even though he had not met their qualifying criteria.