Thursday, Dec. 13th:  The last week was spent in Lakeland FL just biding time. I hadn't selected my Winter destination but as I perused the ads on Craig's List, one stood out. An efficiency right on the beach in Daytona Beach Shores piqued my interest and, since I planned to stay in the area a bit longer (explained below) and owing myself a Holiday treat, I bit. Turned out to be an absolutely perfect choice. Top floor of a seven story hotel overlooking the Atlantic.

• I expected as much: During the third round of the qualifier, an overnight rain soaked the course and turned the wooded bridges on The Legend's track as slick as an ice. I found that out the hard way by taking a nasty spill on the one just of the fourteenth tee. Falling backwards, A. J.'s bag absorbed the brunt of the impact but the natural instinct to brace myself with my right hand jammed my wrist on contact. I made it around but the unnatural ballooning of my skin covering the afflicted joint signaled internal damage. Self-diagnosis (a no-no in most cases) determined no bones were broken and figured a regiment of Ibuprophen and rest would suffice. Ten days later, the edema and pain were subsiding but not at the pace anticipated. Was my self-diagnosis in error? Aware of the complexity of that part of the anatomy (many tiny bones), a professional examination seemed in order. This is where staying in the area comes in. After all, the LPGA was right there and should foot the bill in my estimation.

Even though I figured the LPGA would offer recompense for my out of pocket expense (yeh, right), I wasn't about to go to an emergency room and get raked over the coals for a boo-boo that wasn't life threatening. I found a walk-in clinic in Deland which charged a reasonable $90 for an exam and after Orlando gave me the once-over, an x-ray was suggested. They steered me to LAD Imaging which took shots from three different angles for a measly $29 total. What? This can't be America! A few hours later, a call confirmed 'Dr. Larry's' first impressions. No broken doohickeys. 'Just wrap it in a compression-type bandage and keep popping the pills' I was told. Another $5 at Wal-Mart finished the treatment so now it was time to be compensated. Not bad when you add it all up.

Let me tell you, my visit to LPGA HQ was one of the most inhospitable I've ever experienced and equaling that of the golf course management during Q-School. First off, the inviting open portal has been secured by a deadbolt and replaced with a buzzer and speaker system rivaling your favorite neighborhood drive-through. After explaining my dilemma to the long-distance receptionist, the wrecking crew of Mindy Moore and Katy Lawrence popped out and at first glance, I swear I could see the word 'no' tattooed on one forehead and 'way' on the other! To make a short story even shorter, since I didn't report it immediately, even though there were plenty of witnesses, it was implied that I could hold my breath till I turned blue but they wouldn't pay up. A review by their attorneys was promised and a "Happy Holidays" was offered by Mindy as I got the bum's rush though, so I got that goin' for me. Guess I should have bought a jar of Vaseline on that last shopping trip.

• The pieces are falling into place: Now I know why the rate is so cheap here. Pedro and his amigos are installing new carpet in the adjoining rooms and the racket is a tad disturbing but there's 'no problemo senor,' the weather is great and the beach inviting.

• Open for business: The long-awaited completion of Cathy Johnston-Forbes' website has come to fruition. If your in the Outer Banks area and in need of a lesson or looking for a bubbly personality for a corporate gig, look her up. Why not check it out here and drop her a line?

• All set for the opening: If you noticed, Dina will be my loop for the first two in Hawaii. I'm already x-ing out the calendar.

Saturday, Dec. 15th: Being just steps from the beach, a daily ritual of hiking down the seashore has been my modis operandi but it has been curtailed the last two days. Since the beginning, I've been plagued by a choking sensation on my daily romps but just couldn't figure out why. Till yesterday. A news story concerning the current visitation of 'red tide' has been keeping many from enjoying the sandy beaches due to its irritation of the nose and lungs. That explains the masks and bandanas worn by some of the beach-goers I've seen. DUH!

• Sad news: 'Coffee Joe', Sherri Steinhauer's looper, suffered a heart attack and is presently in ICU. Heard he's taking nourishment so things seem a bit brighter already. I'll post an update when I hear more. Wouldn't hurt to drop a prayer or two in the right places.

Monday, Dec.17th: The Southern edge of the cold front that ravaged the East coast passed through yesterday and brought along a different type of misery. Tornados touched down in Pasco County and structural damage occurred.

Nasty out there.

Didn't last long.

• Good news: 'Coffee Joe' is now home. A stent was inserted in a blocked artery and he will commence cardio-therapy in January. The doctor predicts his looping career will resume in February, as scheduled, barring further complications.

Thursday, Dec.20th: 

• JUST SHOCKING! Caddy butchered and eaten in Hawaii! What, did they run out of suckling pig? Peruse the putrefying particulars here.

Friday, Dec. 21st: Lo the many times I've visited the Daytona area, only one trip to the Speedway I have taken. So long ago it was, only fleeting memories remained. I planned another refresher before departing and yesterday was the day.

Tribute to Dale Earnhardt just outside.

While preparing to enter, I was corralled by Joe, the Speedway's version of the Wal-Mart greeter, and after extolling the virtues of the VIP Tour, I bit. It included all of the features of the Daytona 500 Experience plus two go-arounds in Acceleration Alley, viewing of areas unobtainable by the peons choosing the lesser tour and lunch at the Budweiser Fan Zone. 

First stop was the IMAX movie theater but the projector was on the fritz. A subsequent showing after the tour was promised.

Try again later.

 

With time to kill, Acceleration Alley awaited. Not knowing what to expect, I was into the wall then the infield without due haste. Finished 11th. After composing myself and determined to run a more cerebral race, a 9th place finish was all I could muster. Kicked around for awhile afterwards, checking out the rest of the exhibition, before assembling for the tour.

 

This year's champion. Who was it?

 

Anyone you know?

 

It was finally time to head for the track so we all met up front. Instead of the open-air tram, we cruised on a more comfortable bus and was afforded a rare visit on the track itself. On most days (about 300 per year) something is going on, forbidding such access, but we were in luck. Today the raceway was idle.

First sop was the Superstretch then we checked out the 31º banks in the turn two. It's 30' from the yellow line to the wall and three abreast traveling 190 mph is not uncommon. 

 

Out of turn two.

Heading down the Superstretch.

Uh, uh, uh. Not above the yellow line please.

Lunch was next and I opted for the chicken fingers on Joe's suggestion. Then it was on to the drivers meeting room and 500 Club building. The best was saved for last. All the way up the Nextel Tower and a stop to eye the SunTrust suite.

 

Sweeet!

 

Now, for a great finish. Get it?

• Has common sense prevailed? Michelle Wie has finally said 'no mas" to playing any men's events in 2008. Check out this article.