It was bound to happen and was confirmed by the “ding” alert on my cell phone. Given the circumstances, it really had to. I poured myself a second cup of coffee, clicked on the message and braced for the inevitable.
“Good morning Members,
There are still a few inches of snow on both courses this morning, thus all Golf Courses and Facilities will remain closed for today.
Thank you for your understanding.
Your Golf Club”
Given the six-inch, overnight snowfall, it was no surprise. All you had to do was look out the window to see the winter wonderland that is our backyard and the sparkly white blanket on the seventh fairway just beyond the fence.
The message was clear - there would be no round of golf outdoors for hubby and his friends today and probably not for the rest of the week either. Now all that remained was to handle the disappointment of the boy stuck inside and to come up with replacement activities.
Right on cue, I heard an outcry from the other end of the house: “There’s snow on my golf course!”
“Yes, honey, and it looks pretty deep, too! I’m sorry you can’t play golf today!”
And there it was. The face. Hubby’s cute, but nonetheless, petulant expression spelled disappointment with a capital “D.” Although in his early 70s, he looked just like a little boy who had lost his favorite toy. So cute, I thought and gave him a hug. “I’m sure that Jim, Tom and Bill are just as disappointed. Maybe you all can come up with something else to do.”
Faster than a snowball melting in the sun, my “eternally the mom” mindset went on autopilot. I began mentally researching substitute activities that the lads could do instead. I had to stop and remind myself that these were grown men who could fend for themselves and that I really didn’t have to plan an alternative activity for their “play date.”
“Have you thought about organizing a poker game? It’s the perfect day for it. I could make some sliders and chocolate chip cookies.” I suggested.
“No, I don’t think so.” came the sad reply. “Tom really wanted to try out his new irons and Jim has a new putter. Why did it have to snow today?”
Then, as if on cue, his cell phone rang, and Jim’s smiling face popped up on the screen. “I have an idea” he announced and suggested that, since the course outdoors was closed, they might try a round at X-Golf. The newly opened golf simulator facility nearby boasted eight bays where guests could play famous golf courses from around the world in indoor comfort. Add beer, chips and laughs and all would be well.
“Gotta run, hon” proclaimed hubby. “Jim is picking me up in an hour and I have to get my clubs ready.” The grin from ear to ear showed my boy was happy once more. Sixty minutes later, an unusual looking vehicle made its way up our driveway through the snow. Instead of driving his usual SUV, Rick arrived in his new golf cart. Souped-up, it looked a bit like a monster truck, boasting huge snow tires and a snow plow on the front. The upgrade had been made complete with a full cover, hinged doors and a heater to keep riders cozy.
“I want to be prepared” he explained, grinning at my astonished look. “Besides, I can always make some extra money plowing driveways on the block.”
A few minutes later, off they went, happy as eight-year-olds given an unexpected day off from school. Their playdate had been saved thanks to simulator technology and an upgraded golf cart.
Happy, smiling hubbies. It’s a good thing. It seems Malcolm Forbes had it right after all - “The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.”
© 2024 Annie Sokoloff
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