The Buzz

If life is a stage, today as I celebrated my birthday among good friends at The Ridge where I reigned as I held center court and received loot and tributes from a happy, fun-loving group including long-time pal Syl Bruce and Tom; newer friends Carol and Greg French, Cynthia McCoy, Wilburn and Pat Johnson, Barry and Margaret Stigers, Gabrielle Pullen, Cynthia and Stewart Schur and Donna Arz and Gabrielle Pullen.   The banquet room at The Ridge was a vision with its glorious view to the green velvet course and the shimmery pink roses,  balloons and lit candles.  Thank you, Jack Smallwood, for all your efforts in decorating and helping the kitchen pump out all the breakfasts and thanks, good friends, for helping make this birthday a most memorable one.  

Downtown Auburn refers to itself as "The heart of Auburn"; so we will refer to South West Silver owner Syl Bruce as the Queen of Hearts who is presently cashing out her 20-year-plus business.   As I witnessed--on a crazy Saturday-- the flood of stunned customers integrate the news that this long-standing business owner is  closing her business, I am struck by the feeling that because of high rents, small business owners can no longer sustain their businesses and landlords truly rule.  Good-bye Syl Bruce, you have serviced your community in a truly memorable way and to say you will be missed is understating reality.  We wish you well wherever you may land for the likes of your service we may not see again.  Farewell.  And, sterling silver lovers:  You have until the end of the year to scoop up the gems at bargain prices, and to wish Syl Bruce a fond goodbye. 

Enjoyed blueberry and lemon curd stuffed pancakes on the splendid deck overlooking the lush links at The Ridge  Golf Course and chatted up Food/Beverage Manager Mark Harris and dropped into the vibrant pro shop to check out the new inventory.  Headed into town to KAHI radio where I chatted up the avuncular Stewart Schur, he of Dr PC Computer Repair on Highway 49.  Stewart and wife Cristina do a fine job of repairing and servicing computers and Cristina goes to the head of the class with her deft manner of juggling customers on the telephone.  Customer service is the hallmark of this successful business.   Cruised down Lincoln Way and up past the clock tower, crossed the street and was drawn into Marilyn's Fashion-a-tions where a colorful celebration of 30 years in business took place.  Crossed the street and linked up with pal Syl Bruce, she of South West Silver and found myself and Syl back at Marilyn's enjoying the tasty fare supplied by Drooling Dog Bar BQ, Colfax.  Syl couldn't be separated from some sparkly, stretch tops and left them on hold as we crossed back to South West Silver so I could pick out some jewelry accessories--never enough items in this department.  Said goodbye to Syl and headed back to Old Town and stopped in to connect with Court House Coffee owner Linda Lareau who hitched a ride from moi back across Lincoln to Hilda's Bakery which is under new ownership.  Said goodbye to Linda and headed home to check in with email, husband and pets--all on a perfect fall day. 

Mondays can be challenging after a lazy Sunday; but the bounce factor worked today as I discovered a new store on Highway 49 in the Dry Creek Plaza:  The Clothing Rack offers gently used clothing/accessories  with designer labels for the family and Husband Jack scored with difficult-to-find rugby shirts.   A fan of traditional/vintage sportswear, I'll return for another search as The Clothing Rack is on my circuit traveling home.   I finally made it out to Combie Rd. to Double Cuts Salon where the capable Toni sheared away some of the summer growth and I headed out to The Ridge for some putting practice as the Fall season has shortened the range practice.  As I say, those of us who adapt, are less frustrated.   All-in-all, today rates as a productive one as I even managed to fit in some grocery shopping and fended off frustration with a computer snag by calling that whiz-kid Cristina, co-owner of Dr. PC Repair.  I'm more than ready to attack Tuesday and what with this great weather, it's all win/win.   Smile.

As a director/producer I love the process of controlling the action and being solely responsible for the outcome of the program and as a photographer, I appreciated  being behind the camera.   So, when  golf pro/instructor Carol French suggested my being on video, I felt resistance and was less than thrilled with the idea.   However, the process--which took place at The Ridge range--was less than painful and was actually a learning process in that the video allows for objectivity--seeing onself from beginning to end, from top to bottom.  This process, however, is suggested for advanced beginners and I have been a dedicated player for 15 months and am in the mind-set to make the necessary changes without feeling overwhelmed.   So, Carol French, thanks for providing me with a learning experience I would not have chosen.  Did I mention French teaches at The Ridge and Black Oak and--oh yes--shot 66 at The Ridge.   Carol rocks.

Anybody that knows me or has me talk on radio knows that I love good websites and I would like to share a few local ones:  First,  I just received a newsletter from Jerry Rogers, who cranks out the website for The Ridge Golf Course.  Rogers does a good job on this dynamic website that covers the range from the restaurant food to the golf course and can be accessed at www.ridgeGC.com.  Those members who want to know more about KAHI radio are advised to reference www.kahi.com which Manager Jerry Henry has pumped up with new images and a current schedule.   Chris Enss is a local author and has all her books on-line at her site where she even features a daily journal.  Reference Enss at www.chrisenss.com.  My friend Clint Walker of Cheyenne fame has a site at www.clintwalker.com where you can read about Walker and even order photos/DVDs.  More websites later; but these are all local sites for local peeps and local businesses.

Thursdays come quickly--as all days do--and passed another fun radio morning on KAHI  talking to Buzz-man aka Craig Graham who filled the community in on what's happening here at The Buzz.  Andrew Downey co-hosted and we chatted up The Ridge Super Steve Fackler while Velvet,  The Ridge golf dog, who scatters the geese, watched us from across the street.  After the program, all headed over to Court House Coffee where we networked and connected with Dave Liebergot who also popped in.  I headed home to change into golf duds, left for The Ridge where I enjoyed a tasty lunch with golf pro/instructor Carol French who videotaped my golf swing and provided her assessment and practice drills.  Looks like I'm back to the range for buckets and buckets of balls to master the cocking of the wrists.    Practice definitely slated for tomorrow; and Sunday I'll take it out to Raspberry to play nine with pal Cynthia McCoy where we can't lose because we really do lose some calories since we walk the nine.  Fore.

Enjoyed the splendid links at The Ridge yesterday as Andrew Downey and I basked in the beauty of the fall day.   Even the thunder and rainfall failed to dampen our spirits as we followed the bouncing ball and finished nine holes with smiles on our faces.  Chatted with Super Steve Fackler, who guests this Thursday on THE GOLF CONNECTION on 950AM.  Tune in and find out how The Ridge maintains its splendor.  Webmaster Craig Graham guests for the first time on the 9am segment.  Tune in to 950AM and remember to come to the Old State Theatre Downtown on Nov. 13 when KAHI will celebrate 50 years from 6am to 6pm.  Reference www.kahi.com for history and background.

Hosted weather historian/photographer Mark McLaughlin today on my KAHI CONNECTIONS program and was joined by co-host/history buff/chiropractor Andrew Downey.  McLaughlin researches his books at length and has an interesting website at www.micmacmedia.com where his various books can be reviewed.  Golf segment guest Spencer Strand joined me and McLaughlin for networking at  Courthouse Coffee where Mark sold a few of his books; Spencer talked about his business;  and we enjoyed the beautiful morning.  Prolonged the majesty of the day by enjoying nine holes at The Ridge with Andrew Downey and bid adieu to pro-shop worker Dave Bedell who was heading out to Hawaii.  Me?   I'll remain in my local paradise and count blessings.  Fore!

Relaxed as a noodle I was after receiving a soothing Reiki connection with Healing Light Owner Donna Arz and headed over to The Ridge for a chat with pro-shop worker Dave Bedell and Course Super Steve Fackler.   After a swing practice, crossed the road and wheeled into Safeway where I bumped into the Maxmeister, Max B, owner of Max's in the Heritage Center off Bell, and was reminded that Max should have been at the top of my list of successful business owners in Auburn.  Max, he of the big heart, has been in biz for over 15 years and has a loyal following and yummy lunch fare--including great soups/sandwiches/smoothies/decadent chocolate cookies.   Oh, and a big thanks to Craig Graham for mentioning Safeway as I took Chinese home and enjoyed my zesty lunch and look forward to the meatloaf and rice, also waiting for me to savor.   I mean can it become any better in North Auburn.  Be still my heart.