We know 74 & beyond would've been really tough for you, but we still wish you were here with us. We're gonna send some balloons up your way later today, and will be thinking about you! Life is just not the same without you. I miss you terribly, but I am confident you're celebrating this particular April 13th in a special way! I love you!
You hear people say the word "paradise" all the time. Perhaps you hear people talking about places they'd love to just get away to. Sometimes you hear them say "if you were on a deserted island..."
This is close to the image I see in my head when I hear the word "paradise".
...since Rusty drinks out of the toilet all the time. I think he prefers toilet water over any other water that I offer him. I even have a little "doggie dental stuff" in his auto-waterer to help prevent his breath from smelling like dead fish.
A lot of you might not know this: The theme song you're listening to while the Masters is being played every April is called "Augusta" by Dave Loggins. And yes it actually has words. He wrote the song around 1980, with lyrics help from photographer (and author) Frank Christian. They then took it to CBS, which now uses the instrumental version extensively throughout Masters coverage.
"Well, it's springtime in the valley on Magnolia Lane;
It's the Augusta National and the master of the game.
Who'll wear that green coat on Sunday afternoon?
Who'll walk that 18th fairway singing this tune?
"Augusta, your dogwoods and pines, they play on my mind like a song.
Augusta, it's you that I love, it's you that I miss when I'm gone
"Well, it's Watson, Byron Nelson, and Demaret, and Player and Snead,
And it's Amen Corner, and it's Hogan's perfect swing;
It's Sarazen's double eagle at the 15th in '35,
And the spirit of Clifford Roberts that keeps it alive.
"Augusta, your dogwoods and pines, they play on my mind like a song.
Augusta, it's you that I love, it's you that I miss when I'm gone.
"It's the legions of Arnie's Army and the Golden Bear's throng, Wooden-shafted legend, Bobby Jones."
Masters week has always been a special week for me. My love of golf.. My love of that beautiful golf course.. Its influence on my golf course design.. But mainly because The Masters is always taking place at the same time as my parents' wedding anniversary (April 6th), as well as my father's birthday (April 13). This year is especially tough since I lost my dad last September, but I'm pretty sure he's watching from the best seat in the house. I always remember him saying "if there's a golf course in Heaven, it's Augusta National".