It's a landmark establishment in the heart of downtown Manson, Washington. People from all walks of life frequent this place in this cute little town that sits literally a stones throw away from the shores of Lake Chelan. My friends tease me that I talk about it so much but every time I go there I meet someone interesting and new, and what more can you ask for than that.
This is My Buddy's Place.
Three generations have owned this watering hole, and it is nothing fancy. It has a shuffleboard table, a pool table, an outdoor patio where you can look at the stars. Bellying up to the bar seems to be the most popular thing to do.
You can even get a Rainier or Olympia in a can. Does it get any better than that?
Neon lights line the wall on one side of this place, my wife always turns off the Husky light, and there's no reason to explain why. A juke box is probably the most popular piece of furniture at My Buddy's Place, classic rock'n roll and country are usually the music of choice. Rap doesn't go over very well here, and I don't think it ever will.
My Buddy's Place is known for its great burgers, you know the kind where the juice runs down your arm after you take that first bite. And their home made fries are second to none, especially with the special fry sauce.
Last night I met two young couples. Two of them were Huskies, the other two are Cougs. Despite their loyalties fun was had by all. It's hard not to.
This is My Buddy's Place.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Blues and Brews this weekend
It's time for the spring time adult party! For the music lover, blues follower, beer drinker, or maybe even a little wine, this is your weekend. It's the 17th annual UnTapped Blues and Brews Festival.
Bands will square off tonight at Clover Island for an evening of fun. It's a chamber of commerce day and no better time to enjoy the beautiful sunset that awaits later this evening at the Clover Island Inn.
Tomorrow from noon to 11 pm there will be plenty of sunshine at the Benton County Fairgrounds where people can enjoy awesome blues and tasty brews. Flip flop your way around--- 30 breweries will be on hand as well as on site camping in the Broadmoor RV Campground. If you have a little too much to drink you can retire to the comforts of your motorhome, travel trailer, or maybe even a tent.
It's the spring time adult party sponsored by Eagle 106.5 and the Businesses of Clover Island. For more information visit www.untappedblues.com.
Bands will square off tonight at Clover Island for an evening of fun. It's a chamber of commerce day and no better time to enjoy the beautiful sunset that awaits later this evening at the Clover Island Inn.
Tomorrow from noon to 11 pm there will be plenty of sunshine at the Benton County Fairgrounds where people can enjoy awesome blues and tasty brews. Flip flop your way around--- 30 breweries will be on hand as well as on site camping in the Broadmoor RV Campground. If you have a little too much to drink you can retire to the comforts of your motorhome, travel trailer, or maybe even a tent.
It's the spring time adult party sponsored by Eagle 106.5 and the Businesses of Clover Island. For more information visit www.untappedblues.com.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
An Effortless Career
I'm sitting here in my living room watching arguably the most popular professional golfer ever be inducted into the 2013 World Golf Hall of Fame, Fred Couples. I'm sure it's an emotional night for many of his fans, I know there's not a dry eye in this house. I'm flattered that I had the distinct pleasure of playing junior golf with him, but I'm more proud for the City of Seattle, his hometown. A lot of great players have come out of Seattle, but none like Fred Couples, the pride of O'Dea High School.
One distinct thing hasn't changed when you hear people rave about Fred Couples' career. His effortless swing, his care free attitude, and how easy he makes it look when he plays.
It hasn't changed.
I remember the little guy from Jefferson Park when he played in the Bellevue Classic one year. It's so long ago I can't remember the year. He didn't wear a glove back then because he couldn't afford one. He still doesn't wear one today. He was only 12 or 13 years old then and he shot a pair of 72's. He displayed the same touch around the greens back then as he does today. The only noticeable difference was how short he was off the tee and how he got up and down from everywhere--unlike his power game we've known him for over the course of his stellar career.
You don't get nicknamed "Boom Boom" for nothing.
I remember telling my brother-in-law back then that he was going to play on the tour some day. He laughed at me like I was crazy. It was a short time later at age 15 when Freddie really started showing his distance off the tee---and the effortless way he went about things. I remember him air mailing the 4th hole on the east course at Sahalee from 220 yards with a six iron.
At age 18 he fired a 65 at Glendale Country Club to win the Washington State Open, in tennis shoes. I believe that competitive course record still stands today.
If you've never seen him play in person, make a trip to a tour event. He is magical in everything he does, from the way he fixes a divot, marks his ball on the green, or the finesse shots he hits with such ease. I followed him around at the LA Open at Riviera a few years back and it was then when I realized why this guy was so popular.
He made it look so easy.
The largest rap on Fred was the fact he didn't work on his game like some of the other tour players. When asked tonight what his biggest regret was he said, "Probably the fact that I didn't practice enough".
He obviously didn't need to.
The biggest thing that sticks out in my mind is how nothing has changed since those days back in the 70's in the beautiful northwest. He was shy, never a guy to hang around and look at the leaderboard, and humble like he is today. It's a tribute to anyone raising a junior golfer. Although both of his parents have passed away, you can bet they are as proud as punch for this night.
I can't think of a better tribute to such a popular, humble "kid from Seattle".
Congrats Freddie. So well deserved.
One distinct thing hasn't changed when you hear people rave about Fred Couples' career. His effortless swing, his care free attitude, and how easy he makes it look when he plays.
It hasn't changed.
I remember the little guy from Jefferson Park when he played in the Bellevue Classic one year. It's so long ago I can't remember the year. He didn't wear a glove back then because he couldn't afford one. He still doesn't wear one today. He was only 12 or 13 years old then and he shot a pair of 72's. He displayed the same touch around the greens back then as he does today. The only noticeable difference was how short he was off the tee and how he got up and down from everywhere--unlike his power game we've known him for over the course of his stellar career.
You don't get nicknamed "Boom Boom" for nothing.
I remember telling my brother-in-law back then that he was going to play on the tour some day. He laughed at me like I was crazy. It was a short time later at age 15 when Freddie really started showing his distance off the tee---and the effortless way he went about things. I remember him air mailing the 4th hole on the east course at Sahalee from 220 yards with a six iron.
At age 18 he fired a 65 at Glendale Country Club to win the Washington State Open, in tennis shoes. I believe that competitive course record still stands today.
If you've never seen him play in person, make a trip to a tour event. He is magical in everything he does, from the way he fixes a divot, marks his ball on the green, or the finesse shots he hits with such ease. I followed him around at the LA Open at Riviera a few years back and it was then when I realized why this guy was so popular.
He made it look so easy.
The largest rap on Fred was the fact he didn't work on his game like some of the other tour players. When asked tonight what his biggest regret was he said, "Probably the fact that I didn't practice enough".
He obviously didn't need to.
The biggest thing that sticks out in my mind is how nothing has changed since those days back in the 70's in the beautiful northwest. He was shy, never a guy to hang around and look at the leaderboard, and humble like he is today. It's a tribute to anyone raising a junior golfer. Although both of his parents have passed away, you can bet they are as proud as punch for this night.
I can't think of a better tribute to such a popular, humble "kid from Seattle".
Congrats Freddie. So well deserved.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Masters Predictions
It's that time of year again to make my Masters predictions. This is never easy, especially when Tiger Woods is playing so well. Tiger already has won three times this year, and it's pretty hard to put your money on someone else.
However, I don't have a problem with it.
Years ago, when Tiger was at Stanford and competing in what was then the PAC 10, he declined to come to my home course at Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland, Washington for the PAC 10 Tournament because of a so called injury.
To this day I don't buy that he was hurt. I think he was scared of our deep rough and hard, fast greens.
I also don't get too excited with the way he treats his fellow competitors, and the media. In his press conference following his most recent win he was the same old Tiger. The world's number one player was short, condescending, arrogant, pompous, you name it. The timing and coming out party regarding his relationship with Lindsey Vonn was very calculated. Expect to see her at the Masters in the gallery and touring the course as part of her rehabilitation.
What a dog and pony show. You just know the media focus will be solely on him, like nobody else is even playing in the tournament. What a sad affair, no pun intended.
Enough about the cuddly Tiger, let's get to what really matters. My sentimental pick is England's Lee Westwood. He is definitely right up there on the list of players too good to have not won a major. His game is coming back into shape after a strong performance at the Shell Houston Open. He had a strong performance at the Masters last year. His putter is coming to life. Augusta marks the beginning of spring, the azaleas are in full bloom, and driving down Magnolia Lane seems to be a coming out party for many.
Another favorite of mine comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me, former O'Dea star Fred Couples. He's always in the hunt at Augusta and I have a sneaking hunch that this year will be no exception. "Boom Boom" still hits it as long as anyone, and his high ball flight is perfect for Augusta. Hopefully his putter shows up too. As Johnny Miller once said, "When you get into your late 40's and 50's the three footers just stop going in".
Isn't that the truth.
Rory McElroy is coming off a stellar 66 in the final round of the Valero Texas Open, but I don't think his putter is up to par, yet. But who knows, he made 8 birdies on Sunday. When I was at the Masters in 2009 he looked like a goofy kid stumbling his way around the course. Since then he has climbed to number two in the World Golf Rankings.
One of the more memorable nights of the week is the annual Champions Dinner, where everyone who's won a Green Jacket gathers over a meal chosen by the current Masters Champion.What has Bubba Watson chosen for his menu? "There's gonna be food," he said, tight-lipped. He admitted that it took him "about 30 seconds" to come up with the menu. "I went with what I wanted. I couldn't care less about the other people."
Sounds a lot like Tiger doesn't he?
Regardless of what kind of food there's gonna be, I can just see Bubba presenting the green jacket to a fellow Taurus of mine from Worksop, England.
Break out the Guinness baby, It's Lee Westwood's time.
However, I don't have a problem with it.
Years ago, when Tiger was at Stanford and competing in what was then the PAC 10, he declined to come to my home course at Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland, Washington for the PAC 10 Tournament because of a so called injury.
To this day I don't buy that he was hurt. I think he was scared of our deep rough and hard, fast greens.
I also don't get too excited with the way he treats his fellow competitors, and the media. In his press conference following his most recent win he was the same old Tiger. The world's number one player was short, condescending, arrogant, pompous, you name it. The timing and coming out party regarding his relationship with Lindsey Vonn was very calculated. Expect to see her at the Masters in the gallery and touring the course as part of her rehabilitation.
What a dog and pony show. You just know the media focus will be solely on him, like nobody else is even playing in the tournament. What a sad affair, no pun intended.
Enough about the cuddly Tiger, let's get to what really matters. My sentimental pick is England's Lee Westwood. He is definitely right up there on the list of players too good to have not won a major. His game is coming back into shape after a strong performance at the Shell Houston Open. He had a strong performance at the Masters last year. His putter is coming to life. Augusta marks the beginning of spring, the azaleas are in full bloom, and driving down Magnolia Lane seems to be a coming out party for many.
Another favorite of mine comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me, former O'Dea star Fred Couples. He's always in the hunt at Augusta and I have a sneaking hunch that this year will be no exception. "Boom Boom" still hits it as long as anyone, and his high ball flight is perfect for Augusta. Hopefully his putter shows up too. As Johnny Miller once said, "When you get into your late 40's and 50's the three footers just stop going in".
Isn't that the truth.
Rory McElroy is coming off a stellar 66 in the final round of the Valero Texas Open, but I don't think his putter is up to par, yet. But who knows, he made 8 birdies on Sunday. When I was at the Masters in 2009 he looked like a goofy kid stumbling his way around the course. Since then he has climbed to number two in the World Golf Rankings.
One of the more memorable nights of the week is the annual Champions Dinner, where everyone who's won a Green Jacket gathers over a meal chosen by the current Masters Champion.What has Bubba Watson chosen for his menu? "There's gonna be food," he said, tight-lipped. He admitted that it took him "about 30 seconds" to come up with the menu. "I went with what I wanted. I couldn't care less about the other people."
Sounds a lot like Tiger doesn't he?
Regardless of what kind of food there's gonna be, I can just see Bubba presenting the green jacket to a fellow Taurus of mine from Worksop, England.
Break out the Guinness baby, It's Lee Westwood's time.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I want to be a Hummingbird
 |
| Las Sendas Golf Club/18th Tee |
Oh well.
Yesterday, I had a chance to play Las Sendas Golf Club with a business partner of mine. It was a picture perfect day for golf, but not a pretty day with rental clubs. However, I enjoyed the course and some of its panoramic views.
I also learned that I just don't have the passion for golf anymore. Our passions often change. It probably comes as no surprise to a few friends of mine, but it hit me like a ton of bricks.
What's great about trips like this is the opportunity to mix business with pleasure, and hopefully come home with enlightened spirit, new ideas, new goals, and new energy. Sometimes we even learn we want to be something else in our next life.
I think I want to be a hummingbird. I could buzz people, eat sugar water, hang by the pool, and leave frustrations, stress, and worries behind.
That beats golf any day.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Boys of Spring
Jeff and I went out to practice this morning. Up close and personal with the players. Felix looking good.
What do I eat today at the game?
A. Bratwurst
B. Yakisoba noodles
C. Hot Dog
D. Beer
E. All of the above
T. Moore
Friday, March 8, 2013
Spring Training-Day One
Greetings from the valley of the sun! Temperature 57 degrees, rain off and on. Who's idea was this anyway? The girls are going to the Camelback Spa and us boys are still trying to figure out what we are going to do. We had plans to go to spring training but who wants to sit out in the cold and watch baseball.
Not me.
Jeff had a brilliant idea of maybe going to a movie today, but who in the hell flies to Phoenix to go to a movie?
Not me.
"It's a big city Tom, lots of options. We could go to the gym and get your workout in, make you a greyhound and get some vitamins in you", said Jeff.
That's me.
Not me.
Jeff had a brilliant idea of maybe going to a movie today, but who in the hell flies to Phoenix to go to a movie?
Not me.
"It's a big city Tom, lots of options. We could go to the gym and get your workout in, make you a greyhound and get some vitamins in you", said Jeff.
That's me.
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