THE PLAYERS Championship ... the REAL "March Madness"!!!

Today I got to go up in the NBC crane to shoot some scenics of the 17th green at TPC Sawgrass during the practice round at THE PLAYERS Championship. It was awesome!!! I wish I could have stayed up there all day.
Here I am getting into the harness.

Chris shot this photo of Mary & me from one of the hospitality chalets.

it sure goes HIGH!

the view is GREAT!


Since today was a practice round, the caddies hit off the 17th tee. Closest to the pin wins the jackpot (filled by the TOUR golfers). There were a lot of Ben Franklins in there.

UBS 17th Hole Challenge

UBS set up a miniature exact replica of the 17th hole for spectators to try landing their ball on the island green. It was a 35 yard par 3, complete with water. I missed the green, but came pretty close. My instructors from the PGA TOUR Academy did video analysis of everyone's stroke. They said my attempt was "admirable," but they are very "into" positive reinforcement as a teaching tool.

While shooting the grounds crew preparation of the Stadium Course, I used the macro feature of the Fuji F10. I can't wait for the Fuji F30.

Gary Player, A Global Journey.

Tonight Mary & I went to shoot a tribute dinner for Gary Player at the World Golf Hall of Fame.

the long drive home

Mary & Tally depart PVB.

last day at the beach

PGA TOUR Academy

here is my golf glove marked with a sharpie to help me with my grip.

a day at the spa...sorry Tally, no beach today.

After golf, Mary & I went to the Spa at the Marriott Sawgrass for a deep tissue massage. Mary spotted the "suitmate," the ingenius invention we haven't seen since our trip to The Spa at Norwich Inn. We've been to a ton of really nice spas since then, but none had this gadget. With the SUITMATE® Swimsuit Water Extractor you can remove up to 95% of a suit's water in just 10 seconds. I love it!

chasing seagulls!!!

Just call me "birthday girl"!

Here's one of my GREAT birthday presents from Mary. 2006 is the 75th anniversary of the Airstream. It's a limited edition Wanderlust book with an an engraved limited edition aluminum cover manufactured at the Airstream factory. It's pretty cool!

After my golf lesson, Mary & Tally met me at my office for a quick trip to the beach.

It doesn't get any better than this!!!

The day before my birthday...

We had our monthly TOUR birthday cake at our weekly production meeting.

After work, Mary & Tally picked me up to go to the beach at Mickler's Landing. It was Tally's first time seeing the sand & ocean. She LOVED it!!! She was prancing all over the place & was particularly intrigued by sea foam, even though it made her sneeze.

Even though Tally LOVED the long drive...she was a liitle freaked out being in the apartment. Once she saw the memory foam bed we brought for her, she settled in, slept thru the night, & as usual, didn't want to get up in the morning.

Tally's Excellent Adventure!

Tally decided she'd like nothing more than to spend my birthday week in Ponte Vedra Beach. Here we are in our driveway in Weston.

The 5 1/2 hour drive started with Tally in the backseat.

Mary drove the first shift.

Tally visits her first rest area.

After the first rest stop, Tally insisted on her favorite spot...the front passenger seat, for the rest of the trip. Mary sat in the back, then I took the back seat after the next stop.

Doral

Chris pretends to be a combat photographer, when in fact, he's only shooting golf!

Viet Garden...Yum!!!

We're in Orlando for PMA. We always try to fit as many meals as possible at our favorite Vietnamese restaurant, Viet Garden. Here's #47, BUN THIT NUONG CHA GIO (Rice Vermicelli with Grilled Pork & Spring Rolls). It's the BEST!!!

Everglades National Park

Today Mary & I took a quick trip to the Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park with Roy, Lois, & Maddie. There were tons of gators, birds, and photographers. I got a cool shot of an double-crested comorant catching a fish...it reminds me of a bear catching salmon.

the Jani-Queen

Today I had to shoot some green-screen stills of Michael Waltrip & Terry Bradshaw when they were here to film a commercial for one the TOUR's new sponsors, Jani-King. Apparently I was on the news, but I didn't see it.

scouting & camera testing

Today Stan, Chris, & I had to scout locations for a project at the TPC at Sawgrass. We also tested some problem cameras & lenses.
I got to demonstrate what it would look like if Jimmy Connors won a golf tournament.

Stan finds his hand particularly photogenic!

Chris displays the form he'd like to see when a player wins a PGA TOUR event. Isn't that how it always is???

You'd never know from this photo that I don't start my golf lessons until February 25th! Look at that championship form! You should have seen Stan flinch when my ball whizzed by his head!

brrrrrrrrrr!!!!!

There was frost on my windshield this morning! Is this really Florida?!?

spell check!

Appalled with all of the spelling errors on the sign at the Homestead, Evanne takes it upon herself to make things right!

ahhh...spa!!!

today my mom (who's visiting from frozen NY) & I went to the Spa at the Marriott Sawgrass for some much needed spa treatments. It was really nice!

the relaxation room.