Easter and Verizon Heritage:
Just to bring you up to speed David and I spent the week of Easter at home, but what we thought was a week turned into 3 days because we really wanted to be with our family for the weekend. So Friday am we drove to Winston Salem to visit with both Walt and Janet. Saturday morning we drove to the mountains to see all my folks. Saturday night David and I were in charge of dying Easter eggs with our nephew and niece, Cole and Ambria. Easter Sunday started with an early tradition at Watauga Baptist where the men started preparing breakfast for the Sunrise service. David and my brother-in-law, Lee had to go with Dad while the rest of the house (me, mom, my sister, Raychelle and the kids, Cole and Ambria) had another hour of rest before sunrise. I love going home. Life has such a nice relaxed pass which is a rarity in our constant on-the-go life.
Monday we left out early for the Verizon Heritage on Hilton Head Island, SC. We felt for sure David would get in the field (at the time he was 3rd alternate). Some friends of ours had a nice vacation home on Haige Point and invited up to stay with them during the week of the tournament. Of all my travels I don't think I ever stayed on an island that could only be reached by ferry. In fact, everyone drove little golf carts all over the island. I had beautiful morning jogs while I was there too. By Thursday morning, David was 1st alternate. So David got up for the first tee times, he and Mikee caught the ferry from Haige Point to Harbor Town and waited to see if a player was not available for his tee time. Unfortunately, he waited all day to no avail. We decided it best to pack up and head home for the weekend.
That weekend at home was much needed! David got some real good work in with his teacher, Patrick and I finally got to do catch up work at home. Sunday evening we drove to Charlotte to stay the night with Jay and Tessa and then caught a flight Monday morning to New Orleans.
Down in the "THE BIG EASY"
Now that brings up to our ventures in NoLa... I love it there! There is an amazing culture and tons to do. Monday David and I (and Jay since he was our ride to the airport) were up ultra early. We were flying on Airtran which we swore we would never do... and again... we said we will never do it again. First of all, Jay's wife Tessa called to see if I needed that flowered bag left at the door.... um yes. That's my carry on we accidentally forgot to put in the car. I managed a week without a hair dryer, jewelry, sunglasses, purse, and Tour id. Secondly, we get to the counter to check in for our flight and the lady starts whipping out a tape measure for our bags which truly are as standard size as they come. According to her my suitcase measured 62.5" and anything over 62" is "over sized." Give me a break!! Needless to say, our conversations were not pretty because her measurements were totally subjective (my bag was not completely full and have several inches of give). Also, note David has forbidden me to argue with the airline folks because my "quiet and gentle spirit" completely caves... pray for me and patience!
We made it to New Orleans (with no oversize baggage fee I might add) just in time to catch our ride to the golf course. The driver must have sensed my frustrations that morning because he took me straight to the Starbucks drive-thru... thank you very much!! :)David rushed off to an on site pro-AM while I waited for my friend Kelly to get in from there flight. Kelly and I helped each other load up cars with luggage, and settle in our hotels. With a couple hours to spare, we walked along the river walk and the streets in the French Quarter. My memory from 8+ years ago served me well. I was able to take her to all the hot spots and it was so much fun for me to remember coffee at Cafe de Monde, the haunted mansion (though I couldn't remember where the house was located) and how stinky Bourbon St was.
Tuesday 6 of us girls (me, Kelly, Courtney, Megan, Amy and Liz) meet up to explore New Orleans. We started with a tour of Mardi Gras World, where 80% of the floats and decor is made for each Mardi Gras year. Afterward we hopped a shuttle back to downtown to get famous Muffelettas from the general store in the French Market area. We crossed the street to find park benches along the river front where we ate our Muffelettas, drank from bottles and passed a big bag of sweet potato chips. I guess this is why they call it the BIG EASY. After lunch we shopped around in the French Market, had coffee and beignets from Cafe de Monde and strolled down Bourbon St. What a fun day with the girls!
Wednesday was the day I had been waiting for... lunch with Emeril Lagasse! We met at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans and did a charity activity with some children from St Bernard's Perish (rather than counties, Louisiana has "perishes"). St Bernard was truly left in ruins after Katrina. A non-profit organization worked with the victims to rebuild their homes and our project was the make "welcome home" cards with the children. Most of the kids had disabilities and the the child I was working with, Yvonne was absolutely precious! We would write out a message in the card and she would trace over the letters, glue hearts, and put stickers on the card. She was very good within the lines. And when a photographer came to take our picture together she loved it! She keep on posing for more shots which had us all laughing. These children were also near and dear to Emeril's heart, which is part of the reason he was with us that day. After arts and crafts with the kids Emeril came on the scene to prepare sangrias, gumbo, swordfish over salad and for dessert blueberry cornmeal shortcake... yumm!! Truly an experience I will always remember.
Thursday the tournament started. David was off that afternoon and finished the day at even par. Friday was a totally different day. Finally a little reward for all his efforts! David not only hit in straight, but he made putts from all over the green! 8 birdies and 1 bogey later he turned in a card with -7 which was the second lowest round of the day. 8 under was the course record and truly David could have easily shot -9 to set a new one. What a fun, fun day! Saturday David was paired with Rory Sabbatini. You would not believe how many calls we got from people asking if he was as big of a punk and the media made out. To set the record straight.... yes, he said things about Tiger and was also rude to Ben Crane, but he really was a nice guy and so was his wife. We have nothing bad to say about them. I know the media hounded him and maybe it was partly deserved, but not entirely... there! That's my two cents :)
So to finish up on the tournament... David shot 2 over on Saturday and Sunday.... finished -3 for the tourney.
Other notable mentions from NoLa..... We ate alligator, Boudin, beans, franks and rice (aka... beanie weenies).
