Arlington Golf Course Review

Score an Eagle with These Winter Golf Tips

admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:47:22 +0000

Although winter is upon us and we can’t hit the links, unless you’re fortunate enough to live where it’s warmer, you can serene work on some important parts of your golf game. Here are some snappy tips to help you gather a head begin on the coming golf year.

Practice Your Short Game
There is nothing more important on the golf course than your short game, and the superior news is that you can practice most all aspects of it right in your home.

Putting – Buy an inexpensive automatic putting cup to use at home. If you can, you may even want to buy a remnant piece of indoor/outdoor carpet to utilize as a putting green. Get as large of an area as possible. Being able to practice 10-15-20 foot putts will relieve in maintaining a solid stroke for next season. You can even challenge yourself with different contests.

Chipping – This may be a miniature more difficult if you have a tight space, but you can residence up a chipping status to practice this part of your short game. Have a small piece of shag, or higher pile, carpeting to lay your ball on. Chip toward your putting cup and prepare yourself for next spring.

Pitching – This may be the most difficult, but if you have a small practice pitching score you can hit some pitch shots into it off your allotment of carpeting you used for chipping. Some have even hit pitch shots into an old chair. Just be sure you don’t have anything around that can salvage broken.

Work On Your Grip
Having a good golf grip is always important. You can work on this part of your game by getting a practice club, or better yet, getting a special training grip and holding it every day. You can do this while watching TV. Graceful soon a good grip will become second nature to you, and that translates to a better golf game.

Exercises
Don’t forget this area of your game. Building your strength and flexibility is a major component to anyone’s golf game. Simple stretches 3-4 days a week while watching TV will give you added flexibility. Incorporate sit-ups into your routine to aid in building a stronger coil. It doesn’t have to take 30 minutes. Unbiased spend 5-10 minutes every other day and you’ll dramatically improve your level of fitness.

These are impartial a few of the many tips you can use to help improve your golf game for the upcoming season. Even though the snow may be flying, you can still be practicing.

Colorado Springs a Spectacular Vacation Destination

admin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:29:55 +0000

Colorado Springs, at the foot of the Great Rocky Mountains, is a unbelievable destination for rejuvenating spa vacations. The scenery is beautiful and the alpine air is crisp and clean and cleansing.

Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is gorgeous, with red rocks forming fascinating formations. The Garden of the Gods in nestled on a mesa offering excellent views of the unusual red rock spires that gave the club it’s name.

The beautiful setting is framed by the famous snow capped Pikes Peak on the West. Colorado Springs has fresh cool air and is natural place to go for a refreshing, rejuvenating spa vacation.

Located in the majestic area are spa treatments for everyone. The Broadmoor is a resort hotel with a world famous spa, The Garden of the Gods is a wonderful spa with spectacular views, The Colorado Wellness Center is a Bed and Breakfast with wonderful spa treatments.

The Broadmoor Colorado Springs
1 Lake Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
719-634-7711
866-837-9520

Visit one of the top spas in the world in Colorado Springs. The Spa at the Broadmoor has been highly rated by Conde Nast Traveler, whose readers have voted it one of the top 50 spas in the world. The Broadmoor has consistently been recognized as one of the premier resort spas in the country.

As one of the top 50 spas in the world, the Broadmoor is worth a journey. The Broadmoor is located in the delicate scenic Colorado Springs at foo of the Rocky Mountains.

The Broadmoor, which was opened in 1918, is a luxurious retreat which is conveniently located unbiased minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. The 700 room luxury resort has 700 rooms and suites, 15 restaurants and lounges, 3 golf courses, a tennis club and a world class spa.

he Spa the Broadmoor represents the perfect marriage of European elegance and Western hospitality. The Spa puts emphasis on health, well-being, cleansing and detoxification. Highly trained therapists help you relax and rejuvenate during you spa treatment.

There are a corpulent line of spa therapies at the spa including:

Massage Therapy: Swedish Massage, South Seas Swedish Massage, Luxuriant Couples Massage, Foot Bliss Massage, Tension Tamer Massage.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Abayanga Massage, Tandem Total Indulgence Massage, Scuttle to Nirvana Wrap and Massage, Essence of Herbs Detoxifying Wrap, Eastern Elements Facial.
Energy Therapies: Reflexology, Craniosacral Massage, Reiki.
Haute Couture Facial Therapies: Petties Classique, Colorado Classique Facial, Calming Chamomile Facial, Gentlemen’s Facial, Radiant Teen Facial.
Vibraderm (patented microderabrasion machine): Vebradermabrasoin Vital Anti Wrinkle facial, Ultimate Vibraderm skin Reveal and Glow, Vibradermabrasion Intensive Omega Three Facial.
Body Treatments: Babassu Body Polish, Essence of Herbs Detoxifying Wrap, Metamorphosis Mud Wrap, South Seas Body Sheen, Paradise Paradise Wrap.
Hair Services: Gentleman’s and Ladies Haircuts and Styles.
Nail Treatments: Gentleman’s Manicure, Rejuvenating French manicure, Rejuvenating French Pedicure, Broadmoor Lavender Paraffin manicure, Broadmoore Lavender Paraffin Pedicure.
The Spa Fitness Center provides classes staffed by fully trained, certified fitness specialists.

There is an indoor pool and heated outdoor lap pool. There is a pool-side cafe, which offers healthy spa cuisine.

Golf at the Broadmoor
The Broadmoor is home to three of the finest championship Golf courses in the world. Golf in the mountains at the Broadmoor is challenging and enjoyable, with tee markers of varying lengths on all three courses. Expert profession instruction and golfing accessories are available at the Broadmoor Golf Club.

Dining at the Broadmoor
Charles Court is an elegant restaurant celebrating American food and wing, focusing on Colorado ingredients.
Summit features American Brasserie cuisine, specialty cocktails, drafts and international wines by the glass.
The Tavern, with art deco motif is home the The Broadmoor signature stone oven.
Cafe Julie is a light all day informal European style cafe with indoor and outdoor seating.
Espresso News is a cozy patisserie and coffee bar with snacks, salads and light lunch.
The Golden Bee is an authentic 19th century English pub.
Golf Club Grille is a casual sports grill.
Hotel Bar: Indoor seating on overstuffed couch’s and chairs.
Lake Terrace Dining Room offers traditions breakfast cuisine.
The Pool Cafe offers refreshing casual outdoor dining overlooking Cheyenne Lake and the Rocky Mountains.
Penrose Lounge has the warm elegance of an English Library for tasty drinks and conversation.
Golf Club Dining Room: casual outdoor dining in a family oriented atmosphere.

Garden of the Gods Club
3320 Mesa Road
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
719-632-5541
800-923-8838

“America’s Most Beautiful Club, in Nature’s Most Beautiful Setting”, the Garden of the Gods club is located at the foot of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The club has natural beauty, relaxed elegance, and high standards of excellence.

The Garden of the Gods Club has 108 guest rooms, each of which boast spectacular views of the majestic beauty of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. The Club offers a restaurant, lounge, tennis, availability to golf, and a Junior Olympic size swimming pool and wading pool.

The Garden of the Gods Spa
The fabulous spa at the Spa at Garden of the Gods Club is devoted to enhancing your overall well being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

The Garden of the Gods Spa offers a full menu of relaxing, beneficial spa services including:
Massage Therapy: Signature Massage, Peak Performance Sports Massage. Pre-Natal or Post Natal Massage . reflexology, Soothing Stone Therapy.
Body Treatments: Salt Glow, native Grains Exfoliation, Aromatherapy Papoose Body Wrap, Hydrating Moor Mineral Mud, Seaweed Cocoon Body Wrap, Coffee Firming Body Treatment,
Facials: Mini Facial, signature Facial, C and Sea Facial, Colorado Oxygenating Facial, Myoxy Caviar Facial, Ultra Copper Firming Facial.
Salon: Hair, Nail and waxing services.

Golf at The Garden of the Gods Golf Club
Member and guest of the Garden of the Gods Club can experience the serenity of the championship Kissing Camels Club Golf Course. The challenging 27 hole classic course features blue greens and towering pines as well as the lush landscaping of the blue-green mountains. the Kissing Camels golf Course believes in the traditions of golf. the course embodies the spirit of golf, speaking with quality and style.

Dining at the Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods Club features dazzling fireside or al-fresco dining with spectacular understanding of Pikes Peak, servicing ravishing American cuisine.
The Kissing Camels Club offers casual dining overlooking the prestigious Kissing Camels Golf course
In Room Dining The convenience of room service is offered.

Colorado Wellness Spa and Bed and Breakfast
411 east Bijou Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
719-598-3113
For a romantic, intimate spa vacation, the Colorado Wellness Spa Bed and Breakfast, with two rooms, is within walking distance to many Colorado springs attractions. The charming 1891 spa pampers with cozy service. The room includes one spa service per day.

The Colorado Wellness Spa is also a day spa with a menu of services:
Massage: Deep Tissue, Bali Head Neck and Shoulder, Record Brush Massage Treatment, Thai Herbal Compress, Hot Stone, Swedish Spa, and Custom Massage.
Spa Treatments: Spa Body Facial, Sea Algae body Wrap, Green Tea Herbal Body Wrap, Sea Algae Soaking Bath.
Facials: Frosty Stone. Ultimo Signature, Rocky Ford Signature Native Facial.
Hand and Foot Treatments: Grand Spa Pedicure, Strawberries and Cream Signature Pedicure, Coffee House Pedicure, Field and Stream Feet Treat, Graceful Hands Treatment, Youthful Hands Treatment, Youthful Legs Treatment and Wrap.

Although they are different from each other, ranging from resort hotel to bed and breakfast, each of these accommodations is an excellent spa destinations. There are natural resources in Colorado that are cleansing and healing. The treatments range from modern to ancient native techniques. A visit to the spas in Colorado Springs is a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating vacation.

Related Blogs

Guide to Denver, Colorado Frisbee Disc Golf Courses

admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:11:02 +0000

Guide prepared by Elliott Egloff and Jason Cangialosi

Working our map up from deep south of Denver in Castle Rock to the outer limits of Golden, these are the greater Denver area’s Disc Golf Courses. For those who are not savvy to the ways of disc golf, here it is in a nutshell:

Disc Golf is basically played just as traditional Golf, but instead uses specialized Frisbee Discs and metal baskets as targets instead of balls, clubs, carts, and holes. A Disc Golf course also utilizes the natural landscape of parks and open areas instead of the manicured courses of dilapidated golf.

A course usually has 18 baskets (holes) which are laid out around an open area, utilizing trees, hills and water as natural obstacles to players. Along with the 18 strategically placed baskets, there are coinciding platforms (tee-boxes) placed between 200 and 600 ft. from the baskets from where players toss their discs.

Denver, Colorado Area Disc Golf Courses:

Castle Rock
Matney Park Disc Golf Course
Get there off I-25 to the Wolfensberger Exit, follow until it turns into Wilcox, then head east on 5th St., which turns into Hwy 86, then go south on S. Ridge Rd., to Appleton Intention, turning right on Lantern Trail Circle. Parking is right next to the ball field and playground, where the first 3 holes are, and then the rest of the course is across Lantern Trail Circle. The course is 18 holes and wide open, with the only hazards being humongous telephone poles along the course’s east side. The tee-boxes are all natural, but not manicured and only marked with wooden posts. There are a couple of superior course maps posted around the course too. The are lots of long straight distance shots making it a good course to get your Huk on. There’s not a lot of variety to the course and the land is a future site for a high school, making it’s future questionable.

Eglosi Rating: 7 of 10

Littleton/Highlands Ranch
Badlands South-Suburban Disc Golf Course (a.k.a The Lighthouse or David A. Lorenz Park, Badlands South)
Find your way off C-470 onto Qubec St. going north, then west onto County Line Rd., and turn south on Holly, making your first right after the Davidson’s Liquor Store. This 18 hole course lies on some rough terrain, but offers up a variety of shots for all skill levels. The tee boxes are natural, but marked well with plastic liners and good posts indicating the hole number and distance to the basket. The main hazards on the course are the dense bushes and shrubs spread all over the course. You’ll also have to watch for tossing over the fence into the boat yard (hence the lighthouse) on the first 3 holes and the stream that runs along the outer edge along holes 4, 5, 6 and 7. There are some hills and tantalizing shots with the baskets blocked by bushes and trees. All in all, it’s a fun course and you won’t hurry into anyone but other frolfers. Don’t rock your flip-flops hippies, cause there’s cacti and rough stepping throughout.

Eglosi Rating: 5 of 10.

Ken Caryl
Ken Caryl Ranch Disc Golf Course
This small 9 Hole course is off C-470, heading east on W. Ken Caryl Ave. and upright onto Continental Divide at the Ken Caryl Ranch Clubhouse. While it’s a nicely maintained course, it is cramped in that it doesn’t offer much for safe distance driving as most holes are under 200 ft. There are lots of tree hazards and the holes are cluttered together, making it a difficult course to play when lots of people are out. It’s a marvelous course to work on your short game or for those just out to toss with the kiddies.

Eglosi Rating: 3 of 10.

Aurora
Expo Park Disc Golf Course (aka Exposition Park)
From I-225, at the Parker Rd. Exit, go northwest to Havana and go north to Exposition heading east, you’ll see the park on your left. Warning: You will lose your discs in the nasty water that infects this park. Other than that, it’s a nice green park with lots of shot variety and open space. The water hazards are this 18 Hole course’s biggest challenge, along with some trees and the potential geese posse or dog-walkers. This is the closest Colorado Disc Golf course to Dogleg Discs, probably the Denver Metro area’s top spot for all your frolfing needs.

Eglosi Rating: 7 of 10

Lakewood
Red Rocks Community College Disc Golf Course
If going west on W. 6th Ave Fwy., get off the Union Blvd/Simms St. Exit, go south towards Union Blvd., then make your first right on 4th Ave. going west, turning right on Van Gordan St., follow it as it turns into 6th Ave. (Frontage Road), then turn left onto Arbutus Dr.. If your going east on 6th Ave., come by off on the Indiana Exit, going south, invent first left onto 6th Ave. (Frontage Road, to a right on Arbutus Dr.. Turn right into the first parking lot you search for, and the first tee-box is just next to the building along the paved path. You can easily follow the course from there, but you may need to scope out some slightly hidden baskets on certain holes. There is supposedly course maps available in the Red Rocks Student Center. This is a diverse little 9 Hole course, that entices a definite two rounds of play. There are some long, green distance shots, tricky tosses into the trees, a dinky valley with a wicked updraft, and some insane drive on the 9th hole, that goes alongside a ditch and under a tall walkway bridge sitting just feet above the ground. The course is well kept, due to it being on a college campus, with gravel tee-boxes, wooden posts marking each tee, and of course the standard discatcher baskets. There are a few additional holes on the southeast side of the campus, up past Arbutus Dr., on the Campus Loop, but they are not fragment of the 9 hole course.

Eglosi Rating: 7 of 10

Arvada
Johnny Roberts Memorial Park Disc Golf Course
Take I-70 to Wadsworth Blvd. heading North, then head west on Ralston (58th) to Allison, heading north, past the Police Station and Post Office. Memorial is an 18 hole course giving you every shot you need and is a tournament favorite. The hazards range from trees, the stream that runs through most of the course and the tall variety of other park users such as bikers, walkers, skaters, and some guy’s backyard, who probably hates frolfers now, at hole 5 and again on hole 17. There are some natural dirt tee-boxes, but others run right off the paved path running through the park.

Eglosi Rating: 8 of 10

Badlands Disc Golf Course (aka Camenish Park)
Off of I-25 to 84th Ave., heading west, go north on Pecos, past Waterworld, and west on 90th Ave.; follow 90th up a bit and the park is on your left. Badlands is wide open and green, with some heavy walking along its many hills. The biggest hazard is the gianormous pond, along with some difficult tree areas. While the course is fairly spacious, there are often some dog-walkers and family picnics in progress. Most of the 18 Hole tee boxes are paved, but some are just marked in the natural landscape. The course also offers challenging “back 9″ holes buried deep in some corrupt landscape and trees. There is sometimes a Glow Round of Night Golf at Badlands so check out www.milehighdiscgolf.org or www.badcodisc.com for event info.

Eglosi Rating: 7 of 10

Note: If you’re in the Arvada area tossing, and need some discs give Ronnie a sob at Black Ace Disc Co., he is mobile and carries a full line of discs in his ride. 303-808-6776

Golden
Bird’s Nest Disc Golf Course
Set your landing gear for off of I-70, going north on Spot hwy 93 to 64th Ave., then go east towards the Dog Park and the parking lot is on the right. Bird’s Nest Park is a 26 Hole gem for any frolfer, offering some of the best distance shots with tree and elevation change hazards on just about every hole. The main 18 holes are marked by concrete tee-boxes, but the back 8 Baskets are currently marked by natural tee-boxes. Bird’s Nest is the pride and joy of John Bird; as a Colorado Tournament Favorite it is a beginner’s nightmare, but will improve your game drastically the more time you put in. The course also has a marked driving range, which you will surely need time on for some of the course’s nearly 650 ft. holes.This course is also, for the most part, curious for disc golf players with no interference from people using the park for other activities.

Eglosi Rating: 8 of 10

Westminster
Westminster City Park Disc Golf Course
Coming from Hwy 36, to 104th Ave. head east to Sheridan, go North, produce your first Left, then Right into the City Park place, find parking down as far as you can go. Hike up through the Soccer field past the gazebo thing by the Pond and Tennis Courts. This 18 Hole course has mostly paved tee-boxes, and enough hazards to piss you off for the day. It’s titillating, but a genuine time can be had by all. You’ll potentially lose discs in anything from bushes/trees, swamps, a river and some serious drop-offs on cliffs. Gophers and snakes always make for some lively hazards as well. The variety of shots, from long distance holes, to short mid-range shots, and some crazy hook and curve shots, makes this perhaps the most versatile Denver Metro course.

Eglosi Rating: 8 of 10

About the Eglosi Rating. The unattainable 10 rating, leaves room for courses that offer difficulty, variety, keen hazards, unique landscape, spruce baskets and tee-boxes, interesting wild-life (including other frolfers), and the ability to improve your skill level.

_{Soon to Come: A Colorado Disc Golf Course Guide for the Northern Site (including Boulder, Longmont and Fort Collins), the Southern area (including Colorado Springs, Pueblo) and the Central/Western Mountain State.}

Where to Play Golf for Less than $75 Per Round

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:32:13 +0000

Golf can be a very expensive pastime. Golf club memberships can run in the thousands of dollars and some public courses charge as much as $150 for a round of 18-holes. However, there are several courses that charge less than $80 for a round of golf, and they are in pretty settings with astounding service and gigantic par challenges for any golfer. From the east coast to the west coast to the south, affordable golf courses are available. So pack your clubs, grab a map and capture a tour of five of the best affordable golf courses in the United States.

Spring Creek Golf Club – Norfolk, VA

Spring Creek Golf Club was listed in Golf Digest Magazine as the number 1 best affordable golf course in the United States. Located in Norfolk, Virginia, this 18-hole golf course offers planned events throughout the year, championship tournaments and 5k Run fund raisers. The course opened in 2006 and is the focal point of the Spring Creek gated housing community. For tee times, rates, cart fees and other information, call (540) 832-0744 or visit them on line at: www.springcreekliving.com.

Monarch Dunes – Nipomo, CA

On the beautiful central California cost, only a short drive from San Luis Obispo in Nipomo, California, is the beautiful and affordable Monarch Dunes golf course. A perfect location for a golf course, this course features a championship course in addition to a newly opened 12-hole course. This is an affordable course to play as the rates run from $30 to $78, depending on your tee time and what day of the week you want to play. As with many golf courses, Monarch Dunes is section of a master-planned resort and residential community, surrounded by beautiful hills to the east, windswept dunes to the west, imported eucalyptus trees and coastal scenery. Tee times and other information is available by calling the club house at (805) 343-9459. There is a campground near by if hotels are not your thing but the area welcomes all visitors, even the annual migration of the Monarch butterfly. This area of California is wonderful almost any time of the year and if golf is your thing, you should not pass up a visit to Monarch Dunes.

The Dogwoods – Hugh White State Park, Grenada, MS

From east to west and to the south, affordable golf is worth searching for. The Dogwoods in Grenada, Mississippi offers guest fees that are currently $44 for 18-holes; and that includes the cart! Their fee for 9-holes is honest $30. Fees at twilight are slightly higher, as are weekend rates. The course at the Dogwoods is surrounded by trees with fairways leading to large greens. It has a hilly layout that requires excellent ball-striking skills. If your family or other party members get tired of golf before you do, fishing at nearby Grenada Lake is available as well as other activities. Call (662) 226-4132 to set up your golf vacation and ask about bargain deals that include lodging in the area.

Quail Ridge Golf Course – Winfield, KS

Quail Ridge is a 260 acre city municipal course located within the gorgeous Flint Hills of south-central Kansas. This course has 18 championship holes. Quail Ridge continues to be rated one of the top public courses in Kansas and has received a 3 1/2 star rating from Golf Digest Magazine in the “Places to Play” Southwest edition. The course is owned and operated by the City of Winfield, Kansas and is open year-round, weather permitting. You can reserve your tee time by calling the Quail Ridge Golf Shop at (620) 221-5645. Golf package combinations with hotel accommodations are available at very affordable rates. Daily golf fees are as crude as $15 for 18-holes on a weekday and $11 for 9-holes. Weekend rates are slightly higher and there is a senior discount available. Cart fees are currently $20 for 18-holes and $12 for 9-holes. Quail Ridge is just 2 miles south of downtown Winfield on Highway 77. Additional information can be found on their website at: www.golfquailridgeonline.com

Eagle Ridge, Louisa, KY

Kentucky brings to mind glowing mountains, horses, lots of trees and pastures and of course, Kentucky Bourbon. But the status park system is adding to the Kentucky image by maintaining 19 residence golf courses. Every region of the status can boast of at least one public golf course, most with 18- and 9-hole courses. Eagle Ridge is known as one of the most beautiful and difficult courses to play in the Kentucky State Park system. The course at Eagle Ridge offers golf package combinations with hotel accommodations at very affordable rates. As part of the Kentucky Residence Trail Card system, you can play at Eagle Ridge, Grayson Lake, Pine Mountain, Dale Hollow, Yatesville Lake golf course as well as many others. With the purchase of the Trail Card you get preferred tee times, paid green fess and access to club tournaments. For additional information, please call Eagle Ridge at (606) 673-1492. They can provide you with green fee information and tee time rates, as well as information on how the Trip Card will help keep your golf vacation in Kentucky affordable.

Article Resources

www.golfdigest.com/rankings/courses/public/2008/bestnewunder75

www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32785-d624263-Reviews-

www.worldgolf.com/courses/unitedstates/usa.html www.monarchdunesgolf.com

Top Resort, Spa and Golf in Kohler, Wisconsin

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:51:33 +0000

Kohler, Wisconsin’s amenities are highly rated, making is an good Midwestern destination. Kohler is on the lake front on the western shore of Lake Michigan. The scenery is lush and green in the summer and can be cold and snowy in the winter. Kohler, Wisconsin is on the shore of Lake Michigan, north of Milwaukee.

Kohler’s Spa, Golf and Resorts are highly rated by the golf and disappear industry. Are you looking for a get away that offers luxurious accommodations, excellent spas and outstanding golf? Consider Kohler, Wisconsin for a relaxing get away.

Kohler has something to offer every season of the year. In the summer the magnificent, highly rated golf courses, for the golfer. The Living Waters Spa is inaugurate all year around. A spa vacation in the winter can be a a relaxing, therapeutic treat. A spa vacation can also be an excellent romantic get away, for a weekend or a week.

Kohler is well known for The Kohler Company Company manufacturer of high quality bathroom fixtures, and employs many of the townspeople.

The American Club
The American Club once provided housing, meals and recreational facilities for immigrant employees who could not afford housing. Today, the American Club is the Midwest’s only AAA Five Diamond Resort Hotel. The American Club provided unique, luxurious decor and gracious accommodations. the America Club was voted by Conde Nast Traveler readers as one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts and one of the Top 700 Places to Stay in 2006. 800-344-2838 ext. 700.

The Carriage House at The American Club
Guests of The American Club may select a room within The Carriage House, home of Kohler Waters Spa. The Kohler Living Waters Spa has been recently remodeled. The Kohler Waters’ spa is conveniently located next to The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin. Clients can stop in for a nourish spa treatment, or step into a robe and experience an all day immersion. The Carriage House accommodations of the American Club and Kohler Waters Spas are an adult environment. Guests must be 16 years of age or older.

The Kohler Living Waters Spahas comforting treatment rooms and relaxation around every corner. Kohler Waters Spa believes in the restorative benefits of water. Your can experience the therapeutic benefits of remineralzing, healing, natural water treatments. You can enjoy their glass enclosed rooftop deck with whirlpool, fireplace and lounge. There is a co ed area to be enjoyed all year around. the Living Waters Spa was voted one of The Top 50 Spas in America in 2006. 920-457-7777 or 800-344-2838 ext. 700.

Inn on Woodlake
The Inn on Woodlake is located on the shore of scenic Wood Lake This 121 room in offers great amenities for golfers. 800-344-2838 ext 700.

The Shops at Woodlake
The Shops at Woodlake is a group of more the 25 specialty shops. The shops include: men’s and women’s apparel, toys, collectibles, home furnishing, design stores, and restaurants.

Riverbend
Historic Riverbend in Kohler is a members only club. Riverbend has a history of gracious ambiance in a unique club environment in which to enjoy all the amenities of Kohler. This grand historic mansion includes 31 luxurious guest rooms, two dining rooms, solarium, living room, Rathskeller, meeting rooms, spa with treatment rooms, indoor-outdoor year around swim through pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool and exercise equipment.

The elegant, expansive grounds feature formal gardens, informal gardens, tea house, croquet,,outdoor massage area next to a river fall and a self piloted electric boat for river cruises.

Members only tee times are available on the four Kohler golf courses. The members only tee times are one of the many benefits of membership. If you enjoy Kohler, you may want to judge membership at Riverbend.

The River and Meadow Valleys at Blackwolf Run
The River and Meadow Valleys at Blackwolf Run Golf Courses are melded into a river basin, formed by the flows of a glacial runoff. Blackwolf Run has two golf courses which have hosed the US Women’s Open and the World Championship of Golf.Blackwolf Run was named the year’s “Best New Public Course” in 1988, the year it was opened. Other honors included “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” by Golf Digest, and “Top 100 You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The courses have recently received the 5-Star ranking from Golf Digest.

Restaurants:
Kohler has many fine dining options

The Immigrant Restaurant
The Immigrant Restaurant is inside The American Club. Contemporary cuisine and a romantic atmosphere arranged in a series of six rooms decorated in the European style of early Wisconsin settlers: French, Dutch, German, Norman, Danish, and English. Jackets required for gentlemen, reservations strongly suggested..

The Winery Bar
The Winery Bar is an upscale lounge adjacent to The Immigrant Restaurant inside The American Clue.

The Horse and Plow
The Horse and Plow serves salads and sandwiches along with more than 100 regional bottled beers. The decor is rich wood, brass,and stained glass. This casual, historic tavern was once the tap room for Kohler Company workers.

The Wisconsin Room
The Wisconsin Room is the original dining hall of immigrant workers for Kohler Company. The Wisconsin Room is decorated with antique chandeliers, leaded glass windows, floral print draperies and fine furniture.

The Greenhouse
The Greenhouse is a charming antique solarium from England that was dismantled and reassembled in the American Club Fountain Courtyard. The Greenhouse offers a tempting selection of desserts, coffees and specialty drinks.

Whistling Straits Restaurant
Cuisine with British Isles flair. Awarded the AAA Three Diamond Award and Wine Spectators’s Award of Excellence in 2006.

Blackwolf Run Restaurant
Restaurant with rustic charm with views of the golf course.

Dining at Cucina
Charming Italian restaurant overlooking scenic Wood Lake.

Visit beautiful Kohler, Wisconsin for a great get away. The historic town of Kohler is quaint and charming. The resort facilities and amenities offer everything you need for a relaxing vacation.

Where to Golf in Metro Atlanta

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:12:07 +0000

Looking to tee off in Metro Atlanta? Here are a few courses that are sure to meet your tastes and budget, from the pro to the novice, elite to the everyday, average Joe.

Callaway Gardens is a famous mountain-view golf course and is ranked among the nation’s top-rated courses by Golf Digest and Golf magazines. It was also home to the PGA Tour’s Buick Challenge for over a decade.

All types and levels of players are welcome, and a complete tournament package is offered for groups, including personalized cart signs, scorecards, rules sheets and score sheets. Their Golf Pro shop is has the finest equipment and apparel, and its professional golf staff is ready to assist you.

Tee time starts at 9:00 am. The 2006 rates for 9 holes and 18 holes are as follows: Monday – Sunday (including holidays), varying by season, range from $20 – $100; same day 2nd round from $25 – $45; twilight (begins at 2:00 p.m.) from $30 – $50; and the local resident rate ranges from $40 – $55. All greens fees include cart fees. Individual, couple and group lessons are also available.

Callaway Gardens is located along GA Hwy 18/354 in Pine Mountain. They are launch twelve months of the year, times vary per season. You can contact Calloway by calling (706) 663-2281 or 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292), or visit them online at www.callawaygardens.com.

East Lake Golf Club, along the Charlie Yates Golf Course, supports the East Lake Foundation and its remarkable redevelopment project. East Lake also boasts to be the permanent home of THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola (they hosted it 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2005). Their 2006 tournament will be played October 31st – November 5th.

The Club features a paunchy service locker room, valet parking, golf shop and The Clubhouse, which is a tribute to the Club’s most celebrated members, and a museum dedicated to the great Bobby Jones. They also have a strict NO TIPPING POLICY, including caddies, valet, and locker room attendants.

For a group of four, it will seize about 4 1/2 hours (15 minutes per hole) for 18 holes. The Club is a walking-only golf club (carts are only made available to those who have a Status Issued Handicap Certificate). They also don’t permit you to use your cell phones on the course or in The Grill Room. There is a ‘Members Only’ fraction of their website and I was unable to locate any rates for the course.

East Lake Golf Club is located at 2575 Alston Drive, SE in Atlanta. You can reach them by calling the Clubhouse at (404) 373-5722, the Golf Shop at (404) 687-8955, or online at www.eastlakegolfclub.com.

The Blue Heron Golf Club is said to be Atlanta’s most inviting executive golf course and practice range. It features an 18 hole par 61 golf course with one par five, five par fours and twelve par threes, the par three 8th being their signature hole.

If you’re just looking for a place to practice, Blue Heron has fifty lighted practice stations, a practice chipping green, sand bunker, and a bent grass putting green. The Club also features a clubhouse, Pro Shop, rental clubs, food & beverage service, a night-time driving range and private, individual and group lessons conducted by PGA professionals.

Tee times are from 7am-9pm (excluding holidays), and their rates vary (depending on the day of the week): $18.00 to ride 18 holes on Mondays, Tuesday through Friday Saturday and Sunday $29 riding for 18 Holes $35 riding for 18 Holes, $20 riding for 9 holes $24 riding for 9 Holes, and there are also discounted rates for seniors and juniors. The bucket prices for the range are as follows: Minute (35 balls) $5.00 -1 token; Medium (70 balls) $8.50 – 2 tokens; Stout (105 balls) $10.50 – 3 tokens; Jumbo (140 balls) $12.50 – 4 tokens (the prices Include tax on the balls).

Blue Heron Golf Club is located at 460 Morgan Falls Road in Dunwoody. You can arrive them by calling (770) 390-0424 or on online at www.blueherongolfclub.com.

Fox Creek Golf Club was designed by designer John LaFoy. It is a Par 61 golf course with 11 Par 3’s and seven par 4’s. The Course is open to golfers of all playing abilities.

The Club offers Atlanta’s best dwelling to practice your golf game, and Sports Illustrated Magazine named the course as the Best Practice Facility in the Southeast. It’s practice range features grass range tee stations, night hours and offers several sizes of range buckets to accommodate most every golfer’s practice appetite. Fox Creek Golf Club also has a fully stocked Pro Shop, rental clubs, food & beverage service and lessons conducted by PGA professionals. The Club also specializes in group and special events.

Fox Creek’s hours of operation vary by season, but they are typically commence from 7:30am – 10:00pm, Monday – Sunday. Their weekday rates range from $21 – $29 (with a cart) and their weekend rates range from $25 – $36 (with a cart). They also feature discounted rates for seniors 55+ and juniors under 17 years old, weekday specials for women golfers, a 9-hole special and walking rates are also available.

Fox Creek Golf Club is located at 1501 Windy Hill Rd in Smyrna. You can contact them by calling (770) 435-1000 or online at www.legacyfoxcreek.com.

The College Park Golf Course was founded in 1929. It’s a nine-hole course for the budget-minded golfer, and is just 1 mile south of Hartsfield-Jackson International airport. They do not have any tee times, feature come, first served and have a casual, relaxed dress code.

The Course offers lessons by golf professional Travis Chivers, a pro shop (which offers re-gripping), and even a members reward program.

You can golf “sun-up to sun-down” at College Park Golf Course. The rate for the first 9 holes ranges $6.75 – $14 (walking and riding) and for the second 9 (18 holes), from $6.25 – $11. The rates are valid seven days a week, and they also have discount rates for seniors 55+, students and College Park residents.

College Park Golf Course is located at 3711 Fairway Drive in College Park. You can contact them by calling (404)761-0731 or online at www.collegeparkgolfcourse.com.

Lake Lanier has two courses to their credit: Emerald Pointe Golf Club and PineIsle Golf Club.

Emerald Pointe Golf Club was designed by Joe Lee. It is a par-72, 18-hole course, and surrounded by water, hole number two, is Emerald Pointe’s signature hole. Emerald Pointe is start Wednesday – Sunday from 7:00am – 6:00pm. Its rates for the weekday are $49, $58 for the weekend and twilight after 3pm: $32 weekday and $40 weekend.

PineIsle Golf Club just re-opened this April 2006. It was designed in 1974 by Gary Player and Ron Kirby & Associates, and is one of the most scenic in the Atlanta spot, with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. PineIsle is open 7 days a week. Its regular weekday rates are $67 and $78 for the weekend. Twilight rates after 3:00pm are
$40 during the week and $50 on the weekends.

Lake Lanier features the Fairways Grill and the Lake Lanier Islands Golf Academy, for indoor and outdoor lessons by a PGA professional.

Emerald Pointe Golf Club and PineIsle Golf Club are located on Lake Lanier Islands, at 7000 Holiday Road at Lake Lanier Islands. You can contact them by calling 1.800.840.LAKE or at www.lakelanierislands.com. Since Lake Lanier is a resort, there are also beautiful accommodations, beaches, a waterpark, spa, harbor with yachts and day boats and an equestrian center.

Whether you’re seasoned or as green as the grass, have money to burn or pinching pennies, there’s a golf course for you in Metro Atlanta. Practice your swing on the driving range, take lessons and get a few pointers, socialize with friends, grab a bite to eat, or just do what you do - you can’t go wrong with any of these courses.

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Interesting Golf Club Sets Made Just for Children

admin — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:40:08 +0000

Children like to play golf impartial like adults. If you have children, why not buy them golf club sets made just for children? If your children have their own golf club sets, they will really enjoy playing golf. Sets made just for children will allow your kids to play a better game. It is easier for children to play with clubs made for their age and size. It takes many years to learn the game of golf, so it is a good idea to get children started early when learning the game.

I found the Spiderman Junior Golf Set that sells for $59.99. This plot is for children 3-6 years customary. It includes a spider-man TM Logo’d driver, a putter and a golf bag. The children will really have fun with this set. Besides defeating the Green Goblin, the Sandman, etc., the children will learn to conquer some of the game’s enemies too. This is a good way to learn to play golf for children.

I found the Precise “Aim” Junior Plot that sells for $69.99. This position is for children 3-5 years of age. The set includes a driver, 1 iron, putter, carry bag, and head cover. The titanium power driver is designed for juniors, and gives optimal power transfer and distance. The irons offset design helps your youngster grab the club. The putter offset keeps putts straight. The carry bag is lightweight and has 5 pockets. A rain hood is also included. I think this is a very interesting golf club set for children.

I found the Hiippo Golf Complete Set that sells for $119.99. This interesting golf club set is for children 10-14. This junior set consists of oversize wood, 21-degree hybrid style club, 2 junior irons, junior putter, ultra lite stand bag. The bag is vivid sunless with an orange coordinated color diagram. The oversize wood with rebound face design gives maximum distance. The irons have an ultra-lite chrome finish for maximum feel and control. The bag has 7 pockets including ball and accessory pockets and is lightweight.

I found the Paragon Rising Star that sells for $149.99. This golf set if for ages 8-10. It is recommended for heights 48″-54″ tall. This new hybrid graphite set is designed for beginner to intermediate junior golfers. This is the latest in junior golf effect. There are 2 woods, 1 hybrid, 7 iron, 9 iron and wedge, 2 ball putter, stand bag with hood, and 2 head covers. If you are interested in appealing golf club sets made just for children, I am sure you can find many more on the internet.

Wheeling’s Oglebay Park

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:23:53 +0000

Oglebay Park is probably the most well known attraction in the Ohio River Valley. Started over a hundred years ago, on the summer estate of Earl W. Oglebay, the present day park consists of 1700 acres of land that provides everything from lodging to skiing to swimming. Oglebay is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway, a family reunion, or a wonderful vacation for the whole family, any time of year. Considering that there is so much to do and so many dazzling things to see at the park, we cannot possibly include all information about Oglebay. The park, however, does have its absorb website, including all hours of operation, prices and entry fees, and contact information. The address for Oglebay Park on the internet is www.oglebay-resort.com. The information about to be presented is honest to “whet your appetite” for the gourmet meal that IS Oglebay Park!

Lodging at Oglebay is presented in several forms, from a large, luxurious full service hotel to rustic cabins. The Wilson Lodge is designed to give people a “home-away-from-home” atmosphere, with fireplaces, hardwood floors, and all the comfort measures you come by in your own home. The hotel had a new addition built in 2006 that now includes suites with all updated furniture. A phase two plan is in site to refurbish the older 212 rooms in the hotel in the near future.

Wilson Lodge is also home to several restaurants available at Oglebay Park. From gourmet dining to casual lunches and drinks with friends, you can score it all at the hotel. A spa, fitness center, and indoor pool are also available for those wanting to get in a morning workout.

Another reason to visit Oglebay Park is its world class golfing facilities. The park has three golf courses to choose from. The premier golfing experience at Oglebay has to be the two courses at Spiedel Golf Club. This includes the Arnold Palmer-designed course, which has been given a Golf Digest four-and-a-half-star rating. Also included is the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed course, garnering a four-star rating from Golf Digest. There is also a par 3 course and a driving range to accommodate golfers of any age and experience.

Besides golfing, there are many other activities awaiting you at Oglebay Park. The park is open year-round, so there is always something to do for the whole family, whether it is snowing, or underneath the blazing hot sun, which sets as the backdrop for Schenk Lake’s “Dancing Waters.” This is a dazzling display of color and music that all members of the family will be mesmerized by. The lake also has paddleboats and allows fishing.

Another accepted attraction at the park is the Oglebay Estimable Zoo. It houses animals from the United States, South America, and Africa. The zoo sits on approximately 30 acres in the heart of the park and is filled with beautiful walking trails and breathtaking views of North American animals in their natural habitats. The big red barn houses more domesticated animals such as horses and pigs, but the kids’ most approved spot is the goat-petting complex. Here, mommy and daddy goats, along with their baby goats, will chase you around the fenced-in residence begging for food. If you happen to buy a handful of food from the coin-operated machine, it’s a guarantee that you will be one of the goats’ favorite people. Many a child’s shorts and even diapers have been “nipped” down to the ground by baby goats, chasing after a child with a handful of food! It’s all in fun though, as the goats are very gentle and love the attention from visitors to their compound.

The zoo also has some other unique activities, such as the Benedum Planetarium, which features daily laser shows set to music and laser shows simulating the certain night sky, filled with brilliant, shining starts. In addition, guests can take a one and a half mile long bid ride through the outdoor zoo area and enjoy an indoor miniature train exhibit.

Flower-lovers can enjoy a peaceful walk in one of Oglebay Park’s majestic gardens, fully surrounded by gorgeous landscaping details designed especially for the park. The 16- acre Bissonnette Garden features 10 “stations” where visitors can get an audio tour and see historical photos of past gardens.

Oglebay Park has a 10-court outdoor tennis center on the property, which offers group, individual, and private visual tennis lessons to sharpen your game. The tennis center is open between May and October, weather-dependent. However, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can still play tennis at Oglebay’s sister park, Wheeling Park, which is only a few miles away and features an indoor tennis bubble.

For horse-lovers, Oglebay Park also has stables, allowing you to rent a horse and ride on the miles of graceful trails and paths. For those who do not already know how to ride, private and group riding lessons are available, and for the smaller members of your group, gentle pony rides are available. The stables are initiate daily year-round, weather permitting.

For those who would prefer a winter vacation, Oglebay is a wonderful and fascinating place to go to enjoy quiet snowfall, romantic evenings by the fireplace, and of course, skiing and snowboarding! Bring your own equipment or rent it at the park, it doesn’t matter. You will earn the skiing and snowboard area exhilarating as you whoosh down the 815-foot slope and go down the 168-foot vertical drop. For snowboarders, the park has recently added 4 new rails and snow jumps, and a triple chair steal will make accessing the top of the hill very easy. The skiing area features night skiing and lessons for skiers and snowboarders alike. Of course, the ski area is only opened during the colder months, so be sure to call ahead for ski conditions.

Oglebay Park also features some of the more time-tested activities and favorites, such as outdoor swimming, fishing in Schenk Lake, picnic areas and shelters, walking and hiking trails, playgrounds, and limited golf.

Although Oglebay Park is known throughout the country for its golfing and as a wonderful place to go on vacation, it is probably best known for its point to of Christmas holiday lights. Each year, from early November until early February, the park comes alive with visions of snowflakes, childhood memories, and holiday music. The lights and animated displays cover over 300 acres of land, and invite guests to win a six mile drive through the park, past a huge variety of holiday sights.

The Festival of Lights started in 1985 and has grown larger by the year. Eventually, even the city of Wheeling, WV itself got involved, sponsoring a Fantasy in Lights holiday parade and placing holiday animations on the sides of buildings and on lampposts all over the city. The poinsettia wreath and candle is the tallest light display at the park, standing nearly sixty feet tall and encompassing an area 50 feet in diameter.

Starting in 2006, the Good Zoo began participating in the Festival of Lights. Lighting animation engineer Carson Williams, whose absorb home holiday decorations and light show in Cincinnati, OH was featured on the Today show and other national media, choreographed more than 35,000 lights to music on the zoo patio.

As you can see, Oglebay Park is a spectacular place to visit, whether in the summer or the winter. You will never grow bored there, and you don’t even have to leave the park during your stay if you don’t want. For more information on Oglebay Park, please visit www.oglebay-resort.com or call 1-800-624-6988.

All photos and material are the copyright of Oglebay Park, used with permission.

N.V.

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Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009 Begins FedEx Cup Chase

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:09:11 +0000

The Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009 isn’t a major, but the Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009 begins the last major series of events in the PGA year. The Barcleys Golf Tournament begins the FedEx Cup schedule, as the 2009 tournament starts golf’s latest attempt to provide suspense after the majors. The FedEx Cup is given to the best performing player in four late season PGA events, with the Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009 as the first FedEx Cup test. Of course, Tiger Woods has the biggest spotlight on him, especially after the most recent major.

The Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009 has the top 125 players in the world, according to the season long FedEx Cup standings. The golfers are not only competing to win the Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009, but also to rank high enough to qualify for the next FedEx Cup event.

The top 100 in the standings after the Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009 move on to qualify for the next FedEx Cup event, the Deutsche Bank Championship. After that, the 70 golfers in the overall standings can play in the BMW Championship, and then the top 30 wrap it up at the Tour Championship. Whoever is highest after that wins the $10 million worth FedEx Cup.

The Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009 hopes to be a superb inaugurate to a playoff system that has gotten mixed results for the PGA. The FedEx Cup was designed to be a big finale for the PGA season, and keep interest in golf after the four majors. But it has had trouble catching on in the last few years – though at least this season, it has Tiger Woods around to create drama.

Tiger Woods is on a particularly large spotlight after his come-from-ahead loss at the PGA Championship, and the fact that he will carry out 2009 without a major championship. Woods points to his five victories overall to prove he had a successful year coming assist from knee surgery. But a fetch in the Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009, and a FedEx Cup, may not mean quite so much as a major title would.

Nevertheless, Woods would certainly like to end a troublesome year on a high note, as he tries to increase his FedEx Cup lead at the Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009. The likes of Steve Stricker, Zach Johnson, Kenny Perry, and of course Phil Mickelson, hope to start making a dent in the standings this weekend.

The Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009, at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, New Jersey, tees off today to bring the FedEx Cup race closer to an end.

Sources

Austin Golf Examiner- “Barcleys Golf Tournament 2009: Preview of Liberty National Golf Course and FedEx Cup Standings” www.examiner.com/x-13649-Austin-Golf-Examiner~y2009m8d27-Barclays-Golf-Tournament-2009-Preview-of-Liberty-National-Golf-Course-and-FedEx-Cup-standings

PGA Tour- “Woods commits to Deutsche Bank Championship” www.pgatour.com/2009/tournaments/r505/08/27/tiger_commits/

A Sincere Tale

admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:48:43 +0000

I wish to be perfectly candid. For some time I have felt the need to share this story with others. This is a story about an agreeable man, humbled by life’s events, who continues to live under no illusions or pretenses. Once this person came into being, his ordinary, modern-day life began with many advantages provided by the greatest democracy our civilization had the courage and fortitude to construct. All other substantial mortal accomplishments pale in comparison to the miracle of birth and the mystery of life that thrives all around us. Yet, this frequent human event is viewed with complacency or cynicism. This gift of human existence can appear so trite or common when compared to the sheer size of our planet’s escalating population and expansion beyond our finite resources. As with most tales, there is a moral to this story. Let me take you through this journey and share in the discovery I made from this man’s life.

Life’s pain or struggle or worldly suffering should never weaken any person’s spiritual being as he or she lives this human experience. The capacity to learn and grow in personal knowledge is a well kept treasure often understood too late in life. The subject of our story became share of the Universe, sharing as many atoms several times beyond his capacity to fathom, connected as one with his creator, each and every minute of his living existence, adding to the material and corporeal architecture that remains to be viewed post mortem. Accept these concepts as a given and the tale of our young man will cause no tears to be shed, neutralize any empathy, nullify any sympathy. The silent disease that plagues this young man does not affect the soul. He asks for no pity. All he agrees to do is allotment with you, in a few simple words, what his horrific destroyer of human flesh and blood cannot do and what it can do to enhance the human spirit.

Our earnest sage begins. We find ourselves in the early 1950’s in America, booming with babies. A extinct US Naval Seaman First Class-Gunner on the destroyer, USS Nicholas, and survivor of the WWII Pacific theatre joined in wedlock with a Nela Park GE assembly worker transplanted to a thriving northeast Ohio community from the coal mining veins that run deep throughout the southwestern Pennsylvania Appalachia area. It was the union of two novel human genome¹carriers. It was beyond scientific prediction to foretell the likelihood that their second of seven siblings would someday evolve into the only middle stale burly blown type 2 adult male diabetic offspring. Conceived from two Caucasian American families of Eastern European and Northern Anglo-Saxon descent, the paternal side of this union contributed five key genetic markers².

To the unsuspecting, under-educated general populace, America’s tranquil killer remained comfortably dormant as if it were a sleeper cell, waiting to awaken in the secret medical archives triggered by unknown combinations of nutrition, lifestyle and health regimens going off as a fire alarm soon after the horse had already escaped the burning barn. Soon the fright became deafening as the victims would number in double digit multi-million levels throughout our remarkably unhealthy society, nearly twenty-eight million have become confirmed members of this community and over five million do not even know that they also belong. The American pandemic continues.

In retrospect, we can contend that second helpings of farm bred Thanksgiving turkey with extra servings of homemade stuffing and Grandma’s secret gravy recipe, preceded by one or two generous Makers Mark manhattans followed by hours of watching grown men in Detroit Lions jerseys knocking their opponents down on snow covered clumps of muddy grass divots contributed to the onset of this merciless plague. Take a deep breath as we continue. After all, this was merely another American annual event centered by excessive meals and gluttonous rituals throughout the sixties and seventies.

High priced Color Television sets were first introduced in the United States in the mid sixties, and did not become a household staple until merging into the seventies, just around the time that most of us viewed, in living color, Broadway Joe’s 1969 mettlesome prediction that his NY Jets would defeat Don Shula’s Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Many hours in front of the tube were just not an attractive option to active lifestyles. Major League Baseball was worthy more splendid as a listening event on the radio than viewed in Black & White on the living room television set.

We were advised that the tryptophan³ and bad television caused the afternoon Thanksgiving Day snoozing. Sleep apnea had yet to be discovered. In order to compensate for the excesses, later in the day, weather permitting, a toss of the pigskin in the leaf-covered backyard offered just enough play to loosen one belt notch. This allowed for the evening turkey sandwiches on enriched wheat bread smothered in a generous spread of cholesterol-enhanced mayonnaise and MSG disguised lettuce followed by mom’s homemade pumpkin pie covered in whipped cream certain to clog every artery near the heart.

A few decades of this tradition could do little harm or permanent damage as our society prepared for the winter months’ hibernation mode. Every season throughout the year seemed to feature similar American traditions, milestones marked by national holidays of plentiful feasts and day long family cheer over three or four day weekends. County Fairs with their Midways paunchy of games and foods, Ferris Wheels and Giant Roller Coaster rides accessible only by long walks along the boardwalk immersed in the smells and aroma of roasted meats, deep fried sides and fresh squeezed lemonade stands filled the seasons wedged between Memorial and Labor Days.

The eighties saw an awakening to physical fitness and preventive medicine. Past sins would require serious penance. Even the tempo of contemporary music in this decade required a healthy, hearty choreography. Soon our young man began serving a small round yellow sphere over a canvas catch strung across a clay court using a taut, string racket until the cartilage in the knees began to deteriorate. Then full half days of four hours or more were spent slicing an even smaller white dimpled orb while ruining a splendid long walk to the nineteenth hole.

Eventually, as friends and fellow players lost interest in active sports due to the crippling side effects, the health regimen led to weekly jogging routines of a few miles at the local public park over two or three alternate routes. Even imaginary spectacular basketball moves on abandoned courts provided a few moments of sweat and aerobic exercise to compensate for hours sitting in front of the television watching College Basketball and NCAA March Madness. Better definition Color Television and broadcast content had arrived. The neurons of the human brain had begun to experience the hypnotic effect and sweet taste of the future and there was no turning back.

The rewards to celebrate the few physical feats included a couple of ice-cold cool adult beverages: tall lagers and deep fried finger foods became contributing factors to our recently-wed white male’s unsupervised diet. A few months of this high carbohydrate routine, interspersed with quarterly week-long overseas business trips, could certainly do no harm to our seemingly invincible young road warrior. As an absentee father sharing in the parenting of two beautiful young daughters, the annual family get-a-ways became a race to see all the States in the US with mom and mom-in-law. How else to spend those frequent flyer miles?

Extra doses of the salt shaker generously applied to the bland overseas foods forced on our weary world traveler were followed by extra useless calories of pure refined sugar and high carbohydrate snacks inhaled at airports and during eight to nine hour flights that seemed to create an imbalance in one’s body fluids and impair one’s liver function, causing high blood pressure, threatening severe heart failure or developing chronic kidney disease. It was not commonly known that a outrageous salt diet⁴ could improve the odds for a healthier longer life. Speaking of kidneys, did those long hours of solving the world’s problems over a few liters of single malt scotch challenge the renal system or better yet, did a few Caribbean cigars taken in long deep breaths enrich the body’s pulmonary oxygen capacity? The likely answer is no.

The first signs of eminent health pains appeared in 1985. It was then, while installing dining room wallpaper for the brother-in-law that matters took a turn for the worse with the inconvenient twist of the razor knife over knuckle and flesh caused by a sudden, reflexive move by the left hand. The emergency triage prescribed several stitches. It was the follow up visit to the attending physician’s office two weeks later for the removal of the stitches where it became clear that high blood pressure concerns would haunt our thirty-three year young man forever. Lipids, triglycerides and agreeable and unpleasant cholesterol were now added to his daily vocabulary. Glucose had yet to rear its ugly head.

On the surface, regular physical exercise continued as an active, conscious effort. The Atkins’s high protein diet reduced the love handles and the suits’ slacks were taken in two belt sizes. The incident served as a wake-up call to get back in physical shape, update the hair style and search for a better paying, more promising career move. All three were accomplished.

This story would be incomplete without mentioning the fact that our young man’s sober and ‘dry’ father, a thirty five year charter member of Cleveland’s Alcoholics Anonymous, had spent his last eight months strapped to an artificial kidney contraption while being moved twice to have both his lower extremities lopped off below the knee by the Veterans Hospital’s best vascular surgeon. Such trauma impacted the number one son’s mental disposition, possibly affecting a psychosomatic health stigma eventually leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy. At the young age of sixty-two the head of the clan wills himself to permanent sleep. The second generation of this immigrant American family has had enough pain for this lifetime. When faced with his third amputation, he tells his sons and daughters or anyone else who would listen, enough…’God grant me the serenity to come by the things I cannot change…’⁵.

As the mid-section Buddha slowly appears at the waistline on number one son so do the concerns for that unspeakable five letter word, sugar, begin to surface with regular check-ups. Too many of another five letter word, ‘carbs,’ without the injection of insulin, despite Dr. Atkin’s low carbohydrate regimen, open to damage the blood vessels while key cell communicators forget how to convert energy to the cells from absorbed foods leaving high levels of glucose in the blood stream. Cuts and scrapes heal more slowly, the heart labors a bit more, the renal system is strained and breathing becomes more of an effort. Unknowingly, the blood vessels in the eyes initiate to rupture causing blurred vision. Sleep apnea begins; objective ask the bride as the dog refuses to sleep at the end of the bed due to the thunderous sounds.

So what does this nasty disease we call diabetes do next? It picks on the weakest systems in the body and starts to do even more wound. The involuntary nerves in the torso obtain damaged creating a condition known as peripheral neuropathy, painful and practically irreversible. Four Neurologists in five years offer no cure. Pain medications merely mask the symptoms. This is followed by arterial neuropathy in the lower legs caused by poor blood circulation. This leads to no major blood routes, or arteries, to the left foot from the knee down, cutting off oxygen and all sensitivity to the toes. Imagine that school yard bully relentlessly hammering his taunts at you in your weakest moments through no fault of yours. Unfair as it seems, there is no letting up.

While these health issues start to appear, Murphy’s Law immediately kicks into high gear. “It’s the economy, stupid” bumper stickers indicate the condition of the job market in NE Ohio as the twentieth century winds down. NAFTA is in play, job cutbacks, the Internet bubble bursts and white collar layoffs riddle the Midwest. The rust belt continues to oxidize. Having spent over thirty years associated with decorative residential and commercial home fashion products and media publishing, primarily associated with all aspects of electronic, digital and direct printing techniques, the home interiors market contracts.

Our man’s business credentials led to his next exciting and rewarding challenge spearheading a valiant turnaround effort with an Internet and publishing directory located in the west coast region of central Florida. This exhaustive stint ended a few months fearful of our nation’s greatest terrorist’s attack and our man’s loss of his most ardent cheerleader, his dear mother. This seventy-two year primitive angel passed away quietly in her sleep having prepared her children as best she could for many of life’s ups and downs. The return to the north shore of the US thus began the not-so-professional career of our man’s newly licensed door-to-door insurance salesman career. Lemons to lemonade began to sour.

Six months later, unemployed yet again, but ever the survivor and provider, our protagonist acts decisively. He takes on a full-time warehouse manager’s position at K-Mart and a part-time thirty hour retail sales plot at nearby Kohl’s Department Store. Neither company offers any adequate, affordable medical coverage, yet both offer challenging people skill set opportunities that are rewarding and gratifying. Both positions begin in the tumble and continue through the Christmas Holidays. Both positions query hours on concrete floors and miles of walking to respond to the supervisors’ every command. The lower leg neuropathy soon goes undetected except for the occasional midnight leg cramps in both shins. Tighter than over-wound, single prop, rubber band powered balsa wooden airplanes, the tightening cramps re-define excruciating pain, the dog eventually moves out of the bedroom at nightfall as the screams intensify.

The lack of blood circulation and foot numbness make twenty pound wooden pallets seem lightweight and undetectable when they topple on the great toe at the end of the ball of the foot. On January 3^rd of ‘03 the wooden pallet comes crashing down on the left foot. Our young man has not taken his oral diabetes medication, Metformin® in over twelve months. Doctor visits are put on the back burner. The glucose readings are in the high 400’s or low 500’s. When the great toe turns gangrene then shifts to charcoal dusky it’s time to abandon ballet. By the following month, needless to report, the great toe on the left foot is amputated the first week of February.

The next job as Product Manager at a west side Cleveland printing facility started two weeks later. The accepted thread, a knowledge of print and Internet functions, leads to its application and skill set in a smaller cottage or niche industry. After ten months of changing the wound dressings on the left foot morning, noon and night the second toe joins the great toe in tap dancing heaven. It seemed as if one rotten apple spoiled the basket. The left foot now resembles the antiquated golf club known as the ‘mashie’ or a clumsy looking three wood. The foot looks fine when shoes are worn but dare not go for a mid-day dip in the pool for dread that your original knick name is dubbed ‘clumsy.’ Weekend trade shows and west coast flights to spectacular Seattle, WA for ten day quarterly visits offer well appreciated diversions while providing physical challenges including the art of walking with poise and a measured gait using a metal shoe insert.

For the most section, health insurance results in better preventative medical care in the US. This is true for the majority of Americans, less the forty plus million or so without any coverage. Better health allows for better recreational pursuits. Golf traditionally suits an older, more affluent group where the pace is more evenly distributed, golf carts are the option and the nineteenth hole turns into a social or business event. Our middle feeble man’s golf game can be enjoyable despite the awkward follow through stroke that could nearly topple the player backward after every restrained tee shot. The golf game can be adjusted to the handicap. Equally, there is a comfort level as a business professional settles into a new position within a current industry. Eventually, activity can be moved up a notch. Stress, typically self-induced, can initiate to take its toll as deadlines increase and sales targets become more challenging. All the recreational games in the world cannot compensate for a contracting, more competitive business environment. Slowly the clock continues to click away any future work credits that may have been earned.

We now fast forward three years into our middle aged man’s career. It is March of ‘06, when out of nowhere, while pumping gasoline on the way into the office, there is a sudden unexpected collapse just as the nozzle is placed back into the pump. Two strangers come to rescue our man and help return him to the driver’s seat. The trip to the office is aborted and the return home is safe and uneventful. Thank goodness for a wife with common sense to beget a case for a visit to the emergency room. A week later the nurses in the Cardiac Care Unit of Hillcrest Hospital remark him farewell. A diabetic heart attack was the prognosis. Complications from childhood anemia were the major contributing factor. Oxygen levels were fourteen percent below the level required for the kidneys and heart to function properly and efficiently. The Cardiologist was Dr. Mark Angel. How appropriate.

Now it’s baby aspirin, Plavix®, a diuretic, a statin, beta blocker and two daily doses of Human insulin that are the prescribed daily remedies definite to preserve him alive and well for the next twenty-five years, give or take the loss of health coverage every now and then. Should this happen, it’s back to view B, as in begging for coins at a downtown corner, just blocks away from the Cleveland Clinic or University Hospitals. Ironically, being located in one of the nation’s most highly regarded centers for medical care and research is a non-factor without affordable health insurance. Thankfully, the remainder of 2006 is uneventful as if a serious heart attack were not enough for one year. Medical Mutual is the corporation’s health provider until year-end.

This writer would be remiss not to take an editorial time out to cite, at this timely point in our story, one of life’s fundamental axioms no better stated than by Joni Mitchell in her 1970 folk rock release of Big Yellow Taxi: “That you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” A similar version of this axiom is the power ballad written and performed by the flamboyant looking Glam metal band, Cinderella, from their second album released in 1988; their song can also be heard on the 2008 film, the Oscar nominated, The Wrestler.

Having a reasonable standard of health coverage in this great democracy is often taken for granted by most Americans who have such insurance. This sensitive social issue has been buried in the sand for as long as it can be avoided. It has approach to the fore and now sits in the hands of Congressional committees. Our subject of this story had been fortunate through most of his professional career. Yet, as has fair been shown, without proper coverage the health of a citizen can and will be placed in jeopardy. A disease such as Diabetes does not wait for the proper medical credentials; it does not have the option to take a time out.

Part of the equation for a sound health system is sharing the responsibility for good preventive care as well as sharing in the notable regimen required to overcome or control certain ailments. Living a healthy life is serious business. Who else knows more about the individual’s own body than that particular person? The doctor-patient relationship requires honesty and trust. Knowing the body’s basic specifications, properly prescribed medications and consistent communications through regular check-ups can help anticipate possible indicators of illness or avoid potential long term disabling health issues. It results in better care and reduces costly or unnecessary procedures. Diabetes sufferers know this on a daily basis; they live it.

The following year brings with it a new health care provider, Kaiser Permanente. Seven different doctors need to be replaced, earn acclimated and go through the chemistry test for compatibility. This takes time. The last to be found is the podiatrist. The former six week regular visits to assure the proper care of all eight remaining toes get interrupted. Foot inspection, particularly the left foot, continues with the daily application of foot cream and prescribed oil resins. All appears right with the world. The dry winter skin eventually results in a small crack at the very bottom backside of the true heel where the callous is thickest. Extra cream is regularly applied.

Soon there appears a sliver of a crack that starts to atomize the new skin and precious blood flows out. For two weeks Neosporin® antiseptic salve and gauze dressing are taped in the morning and after a long day of work. The open sore widens and there is no sign of healing. A first appointment is made with the Kaiser primary care physician for the last week of March ‘07. His associate fills in for him on Mondays. She looks at the wound, notes the pain and discomfort and orders a chest x-ray and an MRI of the ankle.

As an afterthought, without even changing the dressing on the heel, she schedules an appointment with a Kaiser podiatrist for the next immediate Wednesday at the Parma, Ohio main campus facility. The new podiatrist takes one discover at the heel and advises our man that unless he immediately operates to steal the spreading infection, the foot will need to be amputated. Our hero stares in total disbelief as if this were some cruel sick prank being played on an irresponsible patient who let a small, incidental sever go too long without professional dressing or care.

Surgery is scheduled for the first week in April. The entire right heel is sliced off, a week is spent in the hospital and in-home hospice is scheduled to begin Easter Sunday. It is one of the worst winter snow storms to have ever fallen on this sacred holiday in NE Ohio. The nurse is needed to tend to the injure vacuum⁶ that was applied to the open wound. Such a device helps the body re-grow the necessary epidermal tissues and minimize any occurrence of infection spreading through the distress to the bone marrow.

There was little holiday cheer or mid-day Easter dinner celebration. Most of the family was unable to negotiate the dangerous ice-covered roads. Our visiting nurse arrived early afternoon. Every day began and every night ended with the positive hope that the wound would soon close and heal, and a return to normalcy was unbiased down the road.

Thus began eleven weeks of isolation in the same succor bedroom. Each week three different nurses would visit to change the dressing and re-apply the hurt vacuum. Practically three times per day the IV drip would be administered by our man’s life-long companion. Once, when a hospice nurse was unavailable, the horrendous task of removing and replacing the wound vacuum was delegated to the loyal wife; she collected has nightmares and shakes her head in repulsion to the thought. Every Thursday, our patient’s bride would load him into her pickup truck, toss his crutches in the flat bed and drive across town to see the podiatrist. There were occasions when she considered tossing him in the tailgate and leaving the crutches in the cab since they made better conversation. A second surgery was needed to remove any possible bone infection by scraping. A third surgery was needed to remove broken bone in the Achilles heel.

During a routine visit there appeared a darkened area along the ankle bone. An x-ray and MRI were inconclusive. A biopsy was ordered. Following a sleepless weekend, the ten o’clock Monday morning call to the podiatrist provided the news no one wanted to hear. Unless the leg was amputated soon, within three or four weeks, life will cease, the infection will overtake the body’s bone marrow. It will be ‘pushing daisies’ or life in an urn over the fireplace mantle.

Nothing can prepare a patient for an amputation. You cannot just shut your eyes real tight and imagine being without one of your legs. The decision is a non-decision. Even though the past few years of poor leg circulation should have prepared anyone for such a prognosis, it still stuns. It helps considerably to have one of the best, brightest vascular surgeons in the area at your side. There is such an overwhelming need to be surrounded with those you love and trust. Our man’s dearly departed mom continued to be his guardian angel. She always knew humor to be the best elixir. A supportive family, a trusted doctor and a determined focus on a positive outcome are the essential factors that hold the human spirit equal to the challenges that must be faced.

The days immediately following our man’s fifty-fifth birthday a two step process unfolded. The first cut was made just above the right ankle. Three days later, the second more precise surgery severed the leg six inches below the knee. After awakening under the grogginess of morphine and a nauseous grip in the pit of the stomach, any discomfort became barely tolerable. The tugging of the urinary catheter is a minor inconvenience. It is the god-awful emptiness where the right leg should be that brings a frozen stare across the face. There are no mirrors to capture the look reminiscent of the Norwegian Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream.’⁷

The first few days are one long nightmare. Hallucination becomes a therapeutic escape. One week is inadequate to prepare to join the rest of sane society via the rehabilitation center. No one realizes that rehab can be more difficult than living any nightmare. This is particularly true if your rehab roommate is the most anti-social, taciturn human being you have ever met. Imagine him covering himself with a sheet every time a visitor entered your room. He had no visitors. On the bright side, one becomes driven and determined to escape as soon as the guards turn their backs as he used to kid his nurses. If you eat all three meals each day and attend therapy without fail, you can get home in no time; send the food aid and your substitute could be a cold grilled cheese sandwich, a limp dill pickle and a warm container of ginger ale. He always ate his meals. Our man learned the importance of self-discipline while remaining focused on the therapy as he imagined walking smoothly and effortlessly. Each utilize held purpose, the means to returning to an active life; it required a constant, conscious state of being in the present.

Several critical events must occur during rehab. These mostly require above adequate staff and professional competence. Foremost, the selection of the proper prosthesis becomes a joint engagement between the patient and the rehab therapists, physical and occupational. Trust in each other’s judgment is essential. All follow up appointments and home care mobility plans must be set. Taking the time to become self-educated about the healing process, the dynamics of artificial technologies and pushing the physical limits of rehabilitation all provide the necessary distractions needed to nap a little in the late evening hours as the empty halls echo screams and moans from a few patients, some with dementia and a few with Alzheimer’s disease lying in their own excrement through the night until the nurses service each patient’s needs. Making believe that the nurses are pretty, the doctors are competent and the food is palatable can also be helpful [humor]. Bingo social hours are fun. Sudoku puzzles maintain sanity and mental acuity.

A few days before Saturday departure from Health Care, an Epiphany⁸ took place that truly introduced our patient to the ‘now’⁹ or real experience of truly being. Human essence is not a concept easily grasped without some deep thinking. The gentle feel of recent air and the warmth of the sun’s rays on the skin had been absent from our man’s life for essentially months. It was a temperate 4^th of July and the only visitor that Wednesday was our hero’s younger brother, Joe. All others, the immediate family included, were at a major horse show.

After the visitor departed, our man struggled into his wheelchair and headed down the hall to the elevator. He was filled with joy. He passed through the automatic front doors and within seconds he was rolling along concrete and pavement. It was a cool 65 degrees, a few scattered cumulus clouds airbrushed the sky and the deep blue of the heavens took him there so mercurial it was as if he were time traveling as the soaring eagle glides.

He could feel every other soul in the universe. He lay back in his chair as far as it would recline and he sat there for more than an hour. He lost all concept of time. The experience reminded him of the hours of meditation he had enjoyed during his six years in the seminary. He had forgotten how profound his being felt stripped of all mental clutter. All injure and suffering held no place in his world.

He reached out for the essence of as many souls as he could possibly touch: his doctors, his bride, his children, his siblings, his friends and neighbors, those whom he considered grand friends that he was blessed with meeting over his career, his close animal friends from the Quarter Horse to the family Weimaraner. He was unable to express his awareness in mere words or prayer. Words are weak inventions of the mind that are more significantly signposts leading to clearer images of thoughts and ideas. He felt re-charged, prepared to live as a spiritual being having a human experience, unafraid to step beyond the boundaries of human limitations.

Our man’s life had new meaning. He may have lost a good ten to fifteen pounds from the right side of his body, yet, he felt complete. He became anxious to strap on his prosthetic leg and not skip a beat. The first chore he wished to check off his “to do “list was to clean his golf clubs. This would be followed by a trip to the driving range to empty a bucket of balls. Of course, one of his buddies would have to drive him until he re-acclimated to driving an automobile again. The final fit for his new leg was August 3^rd, in a mere three weeks, August 27^th, he would be back at the office. He felt obligated to his firm for their being staunch to him. He could only return the favor.

The gift of a new leg, free of all the toxins and poisons caused by the infection in his right heel, provided our man his mobility, choice and self esteem. There would be nothing that he could not do. He wished to shout his joy to all those who had yet to experience what such a gift could do to alter one’s value system. He wished to tell everybody how selfless and caring his support team had been to him. His wife became his angel of mercy, his doctors became his heroes and his prosthetic technicians and clinical support team became incredibly gifted, dedicated rescuers.

The Epiphany experienced on July 4^th of 2007 became a way of life. Every tree, flower or thing, organic or inorganic, natural or man-made, emanated a glow of light or energy that touched one’s being. The power from this glow seemed to be converted into the human soul as it spread through the miracle of the human body. It became a natural healing element that would do its very best to battle the negative forces of such an adult onset disease.

A man’s plight can become his salvation. Each daily event strengthens human awareness or consciousness. Once the mind and random thoughts are pushed aside we can focus on our being or essence in its purest form. Everything is connected, nothing is coincidental. Honest belief in one’s own being can result in a fast track response making a walk with a man-made leg possible. This belief in oneself is grounded in the belief in an ultimate power. That is the source for all life.

A suitable, decent man cannot let diabetes get control. The human spirit is remarkably resilient. Our silent killer understands this at the cellular level. It lurks in the shadows waiting its turn. It can never win. We can breathe a smile of acceptance at this disease. This truthful, honest story continues its never-ending situation.

There is an irony to this adult onset disease. For whatever reason or reasons, this man’s body had broken down at the cellular level: unable to make enough or sufficiently use insulin, each cell becomes unable to bear the energy or radiant emanation from the food glucose thus starving the cells while overloading the blood with sugar glucose. It was as if the reflective forces of nature’s energy were not being transmitted to the hungry, empty cells. The signals were not getting through thus creating a destructive impact on each essential body system, especially the weaker links connected by the nerve and blood systems.

In society today there seems to be a subtle indictment concerning Diabetes victims, particularly Type 2 patients. The case can be made that their situation was caused by lack of sound dietetic practices, sparse physical employ or improper preventive medical care. The diabetic stereotype or profile is that of an overweight or obese pre-teen or young adult consuming large amounts of trans fat enriched, high cholesterol rapidly foods topped off by high sugar content snacks while text messaging, playing video games or being mesmerized by big-screen HD digital television and likely to be of African-American or Spanish descent.

It should be noted that the average US citizen, during his or her adult life, uses merely 10% of their brain. This is evidenced by such stereotypical profiling or ignorance. More inquisitive minds need to Google® or Yahoo® accredited sources when totally uninformed about subjects as impactful as this modern day killer. It is not a bad idea to question what you see on the media, read in a newspaper, blog on the Internet or hear on the radio from overpaid mind altering, self-anointed talking heads. The alternative is complacency or as Seth MacFarlane’s promotional ad for Hulu® states: “…turn your gray matter into goo matter.” Expanding beyond the 10% usage factor is a matter of choice; intelligence is an acquired taste, ignorance is bliss.

There is a certain amount of condescension applied to this debilitating disease when public discussion is given to the hope for any cure. Why should the majority of healthy Americans care about big, tubby, idle, unmotivated ethnic Americans? This spawns many rhetorical questions. Simply answered, there are a few million of our fellow citizens who need help and guidance and empathy when confronted with this indiscriminant disease. It requires a human resistance of equal force and determination. On a more basic, fundamental level it requires civility and human compassion.

The character in this tale was from none of the common health risk categories: always physically active, occasionally a few pounds overweight, a non-smoker, quiet social drinker, eager to participate in competitive sport activities and acclimated to a healthy, well balanced nutritional regimen. Only when health insurance lapsed due to lack of employment did the twice a year A1C hemoglobin tests get omitted from the calendar. These all important average glucose readings should not exceed the magic number, 7.5% as assigned by the American Diabetes Association. The patient’s endocrinologist usually hyperventilates at any elevated readings, thus justifying his reason d’être. Most critics are unable to spell or divulge endocrinologist.

Essentially a victim of genetic factors, our subject diabetic never let his symptoms or setbacks find control, adhering to daily sugar blood sampling disciplines. Acceptance of the disease led to the acceptance of any physical flaws or health setbacks. He took a stoic come to his pain and his limited lifestyle. He had the survival instincts of the infamous Black Knight battling King Arthur in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) ¹⁰. Handily defeated by Arthur, the Murky Knight loses all four limbs yet keeps his wit, survives the extreme loss of blood and remains defiant until the end, challenging the departing King: “All Right – we’ll call it a draw.”

Life can never result in a draw. There will always be something to be gained, improved or changed. Every breath brings about an ever so cramped an impact to the ecosystem where the reverberating echo can reach deafening levels.

Every earn of energy exchange alters our world. Imagine how worthy of an impression one life can have on the universe: the explosive fission of atoms expanding at the cellular level bringing about the miracle of life with the power of ten exploding suns in every embryo. Every child reflects the light and radiance that he or she brings to a parent’s smile, gleaned from the first swaddling image. Each child reciprocates the energy derived from the parents.

Our offspring are the jewels of our reality, some can be flawed and some will dead their shine in this human existence. Yet, each one’s soul will shine brightly for as long as they wish. The diabetic knows this no matter the physical outcome. There are no coincidences, no random acts of being. There is a purpose to life, a moral to this story: Live life and love it one moment at a time. Cherish the now.

Notes:

1.] – Genetics: a full set of chromosomes; all the inheritable traits of an organism.

2.] – A genetic marker is a known DNA sequence. It can be described as a variation, which may arise due to mutation or alteration in the genomic loci, en.wikipedia.org.

3.] – Tryptophan (abbreviated as Typ or W) is one of twenty standard amino acids, as well as an essential amino acid in the human diet. en.wikipedia.org.

4.] – Low Salt Diet: The purpose: Sodium controlled diets are designed to avoid excessive sodium retention. en.dietsite.com

5.] – The Serenity Prayer is the common name for an originally untitled prayer written by the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr in the 1930s or early 1940s. The prayer became widely known when it was adopted in modified form by Alcoholics Anonymous: Grapevine, The International Journal of Alcoholics Anonymous, identified Niebuhr as the author (January 1950, pp. 6 – 7).

6.] – How V.A.C. ® Therapy Works: KCI has revolutionized advanced wound care with the development of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT). Utilizing multiple mechanisms of action, V.A.C. Therapy removes fluids and infectious materials, helps protect the wound environment, helps promote perfusion and a moist healing environment and helps intention together damage edges.

7.] – The Scream (Skrik. 1893) is a seminal series of expressionist paintings by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, depicting an agonized figure against a blood red skyline. It is said by some to symbolize the human species overwhelmed by an attack of existential angst.

8.] – Epiphany [feeling], the sudden realization or comprehension of the essence or meaning of something.

9.] – The Power of Now (September 1999): a guide to spiritual enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle, a research scholar, counselor and spiritual leader, who has devoted his life to understanding, integrating and deepening the intense transformation of an inward personal journey. Recent World Library Novato, CA

10] – Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a 1975 film written and performed by the comedy group Monty Python (Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin) and directed by Gilliam and Jones. It was conceived during a gap between the third and fourth seasons of their popular BBC television series Monty Python’s Flying Circus. en.wikipedia.org.