Saturday, June 23, 2007

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere near Doylestown, WI (not sure if it comes up on Google maps) was the site of this year's Dingleball Tournament. It was held at a cool country bar which had about 10 acres behind it for such events.

Now I know many of you are not familiar with this 'new' sport or may call it by another name. i.e. ladder golf, lasso golf, or other names.

Standing 20 feet apart are these three rung ladders and two teams of two (like horseshoes) throw three sets of golf balls (dingleballs) attached by 12" of string at these ladders. Three points for the top rung, 2 for the second, and you guessed it, 1 for the bottom.

One team throws their three sets of dingleballs followed by their opponents and you can cancel out points. (like horseshoes) The team to reach 21 wins.

On this particular fine Saturday, 64 teams gathered with one goal. No, not to win. But to raise some dollars for a cancer charity. (Erin) For $20 your team was entered in the tourney. For another $20, you got all the food you wanted to eat, and there was plenty for the 12 hours of fun, and all the keg beer you desired.

The pictures tell most of the story. Pete, Sharon, Kali, and I brought both of our motorhomes. (that's two for those that are math challenged) Many of the participants tent camped. There was also a cool silent auction with some great items. Thanks to all the organizers and especially Lucas, who attempted to take first place, even though he lost games. Lucas is in one of the pictures standing next to the referee, Paul.

I've been playing dingleballs for, let's see, not long. Perhaps a dozen games before this tournament. At the start of the tournament, Pete and Sharon were supposed to be partners. Their dog Kali decided to wander off 10 minutes before the tournament was about to begin. At that time I didn't have a partner, so I wasn't even in the games. At the last minute, Sharon withdrew and asked me to partner with Pete. Thanks Sharon!

To make a long story slightly longer, Pete and I just kept winning. With 8 brackets of 8 teams, a team has to win 3 games to get to the quarterfinals, and then two more to get to the final. Thanks to Pete, we never lost a game. Six games, Six wins. Tournament champions. Yeah!

The trophies were great, as shown in one of the pics. Oh, for those of you wondering, the gal standing next to me is (no that's not Pete) , and I know I will mis-spell her name, Tantavia from Russia. She just happened to attend with a friend and had to leave shortly after this picture.

After the auction, after the final game, after the awards ceremony, and after more food, then came the karaoke. More fun, and very late.

Greetings from Wisconsin!

Friday, June 15, 2007
It's been 10 days since the last post and I know that you're wondering what and where I am. OK, maybe not, but here is an update.
I've included some pics of my Minnie Winnie RV that is part of our rental fleet. Fleet of two. I have just rolled out my Custom Chauffeured RV Excursions for Seniors program. I am working with an independent living center here in Fond du Lac. I am scheduled to give the center a presenentation later this summer. I dropped off 90 flyers earlier this week.
You know you're in WI is what call the following. I decided to check out a local Supper Club, a mid-west term, last night. Altona Supper Club in New Holstein, WI. When I arrived I asked for the specials of the day. Mike, the bartender said, "You're in luck, sir, today is Double Bubble from 4-6pm. And we have an 8 ounce New York Strip with potatoe, salad bar and soup for, get this, $7.95." They also had a Cheddar Filet Mignon or a Fresh Perch dinner for $9.95. It was great. You know you're in WI.
Stay tuned for next weekend when we head to Madison for a Dingle Ball tournament.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Got grief? I did for not publishing anything for a week. What do think I do since I retired? (rhetorical)
Another addition to my ‘ultimate’ menu was made the other evening. I found a recipe in Sunset magazine for Artichoke Dip and added some personal touches. This particular one is a no-bake recipe, so it might be argued that it’s second best, but I’ll let you judge for yourself. It starts with 8 oz. of cream cheese, 2-4 ounces of artichoke hearts, a clove of garlic, a zest of lemon, ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, an ounce of your favorite microbrew, and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. I added a handful of walnuts and used my chopper to blend all these ingredients. I then toasted some french bread, but crustini would also work, and spread the dip on the hot bread. A dusting of Fagundes, Old Bay, or fresh ground pepper (your choice) was the final touch. Try it, Very delicious.
You might ask, what ‘Ultimate Menu’? Some of you know that my dream is to open a B&B. The rest of you now know. I don’t plan on abandoning that dream. I have found some beautiful Victorian homes in the Wisconsin area that would be perfect for a B&B. I don’t have the $$$ yet, but I will, someday. My concept is that all guests will get the VIP treatment. That means they get their own personal Turkish robes, their own 6 pc. set of Riedel wine glasses, their own set of 1000 ct. Egyptian sheets, and their own set of the best Turkish cotton towels made. I will only have a maximum of 8 guests on a weekend, and the price they pay is all inclusive. A relaxing room, great coffee, dinner, and all their beverages. They are welcome to bring their favorite champagne, wine, or microbrew at no additional charge, but I will have serve my favorites, in addition. Once registered, there likes and dislikes will be remembered, and addressed upon arrival. The menu will be a true 7-course dinner where you don’t have to make choices, everything is included. All dishes will use the freshest ingredients possible and will include the following in no particular order: bacon wrapped beef tenderloin grilled to perfection over a variety of wood chips; a pecan or coconut crusted fish i.e. talapia, red snapper, or pike; spaghetti alla carbonara or camarones de Sauylita; a fine cheese plate; an incredible salad i.e. Sue’s Nordtrom’s salad; sweet potato pancakes served with sour cream, homemade applesauce or WI butter; a fresh soup of the day i.e. cream of asparagus; aged balsamic soaked strawberries; slivers of incredible chocolates served with 20 year old Port; and the best coffees made in French presses. Guests have no choices, they get it all. They don’t have to eat it all, but they get the full menu. A variety of wines and handcrafted beers will be available and pairings will be recommended.
How does that sound. All rooms will all be setup for wireless Internet with laptops available at the front desk. Phones and 37” LCD TV’s can and will be removed from the rooms as directed. Tickets and transportation to local events can be made as easily as walking downstairs.
Ok, nice dream, buddy, but how much is this going to cost? The first time VIP fee is $1000/couple and includes their first weekend. Additional weekends are only $300/couple. Government rate is $3.75. (just for MC)
Like that’s going to fly! It’s amazing what happens when you tell somebody that you can’t eat or stay here, because it’s booked for year in advance. Psychology 101.
Soon to follow are pics of sample homes in the area.