Little Ralph

Well, he is growing up.  Ralph is mostly good, sweet, and getting very big.  He reminds me much of Marley and the word he most often hears is "No."  Our training sessions will become more frequent as the winter draws nearer.  I actually considered taking him golfing today, but common sense prevailed.  He loves us even though we are mostly frustrated with him, I wonder why we forgive his flaws, and hold on to those of our family and friends so much that it keeps us from drawing close.  I think today I will try to see the people around me as puppies, trying to grow into there large feet and block heads.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

The Number One Crew

If you are wondering what a number one crew looks like, here it is. This is the grounds staff at Briar Ridge Country Club, a great collection of hard workers, caring, and talented individuals. I can't express how lucky I'am to have so many great people to work with. It seems like we have created a unique working atmosphere at Briar, in the summer it is hot, we work long days, and constantly, we are trying to improve. Considering all of the stress and pressure, we still manage to laugh, relax, and enjoy each other. I admire the bonds that the staff has managed to make with each other. The bonds that are made at Briar Ridge cross racial, religious, and socio-economic barriers. Each of the individuals pictured, and the few who are not, all have a deep respect for one another. We have fostered a true team atmosphere in our department. I am proud of all of those who were part of our 2009 staff. I want to thank them all for a great job. They truely make a small private country club in Northwest Indiana one of the finest in the area. I hope I do all I can to make them understand what great people they are and how much I appreciate them.

Winter prep

Well, smoking irrigation heads can only mean one thing; winter is approaching in the North.  We are beginning to bring in course amenities, and prepare the course for the winter.  I really think we will see some warm autumn days yet, so don't give up hope.  Ralph is growing up, that is him in the photo.  Ralph is six months now, still eats everything that will fit in his mouth, and probably thinks "no" is the only word in my vocabulary.  He is starting to show signs that he will be a great dog someday, soon I hope.  Look for an article in the Times this weekend about the environmental efforts here at Briar Ridge Country Club, we have many aspects of our operation that we are proud of.  Maybe ralph can get a photo-op, that is of course if he doesn't eat the camera.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Winter time and golf carts

Well, it looks like it is that time of year again, time to think about snow skiing and ice skating, but for my golfing friends, time to think about storing your golf cart for the winter. I always get questions about the winterizing process, this year I thought I would post a simple checklist for you.

• Turn the key switch to the “off’ position, remove the key, and leave the forward/reverse switch in the “neutral” position during storage. Then place the tow/run switch in the “tow” position. Note: since the battery warning light does not illuminate with the key in the “off” position and the tow switch in “tow,” do not use the warning light as an indication of the batteries’ charge state.
  
• Clean the battery packs, tops and terminals using a battery acid neutralizer (1 cup baking soda per 1 gallon water). Check, clean, tighten and treat battery terminal connections with a battery terminal protector spray. Tighten all battery cable connections.
  
• Check the water levels in each battery cell. If water is required, fill the cells to cover the plates, charge the set, and then use distilled water to top off each cell at least ½ inch above the plates or to the level indicator.
  
• Leave battery chargers plugged in during storage. If cars are equipped with an onboard computer, the OBC automatically will activate the charger when needed.
  
• If the battery charger is left plugged in during extended storage, check the electrolyte level and the charger function at least once a month to ensure that proper operation is maintained. To check charger function, disconnect the DC cord (stationary charger) from the vehicle or the AC cord (onboard charger) from the power source and wait five seconds before reconnecting. The charger is functioning properly if the ammeter indicates current.
  
• If AC power is off for seven days or more, the OBC will not function or charge the vehicle again until it has been restarted. To restart the computer, make sure AC power has been restored, disconnect the DC cord (stationary charger) from the vehicle or the AC cord (onboard charger) from the power source, wait five seconds and reconnect.
  
• Be sure to check the batteries and charger monthly to maintain the correct water level in the batteries and to ensure the charger is operating correctly during storage.
  
• Disconnect the batteries for the storage period if any of the following conditions exist: the charger cannot remain plugged in continuously, AC power will not be available during extended storage, or if electrolyte levels will not be maintained.
  
• Check tire pressure and inflate to 18 to 20 PSI, or as called for in the owner’s manual.
  
• Perform all semiannual lubrications.
  
• Thoroughly clean the front and rear body, seats, battery compartment and underside of vehicle.
  
• Make sure the storage facility has adequate outside ventilation.
  
• Do not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling. (keeps pressure off the brake components)

Don't put it away yet though, I feel optamistic for a bit of Indian summer yet to come.

Fall projects

Boy, it sure feels like late fall here.  We are taking advantage of the weather by starting some fall projects early.  Many of the bunkers on the white course are being overhauled.  Drainage projects can be found scattered about, and many other small projects are under way.  The long range forecast calls for temperatures to rise and return to normal in the coming weeks, so don't put those clubs away yet.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Sunrise

The sunrise is always a great part of my day.  We are busy aerifying, spraying fall weeds, topdressing, and of course, regular set-up.  Our closing scramble is this weekend.  Looks like another golf season is in the books.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Vandals!!

We notice that the tee markers are being scattered around the golf course at night.  Strange things routinely happen on the course, since we are in the middle of a housing development.  So, we shrug it off and proceed.  
A couple of days go by, and I notice that the traffic ropes are cut.  The cut on the ropes are perfect, like someone has scissors.
Coyotes.................they don't like to jump the ropes and will chew them in half.  I have witnessed the cutting ability of the canine with the late Henry.  Henry would chew through a nylon lead in a heatbeat.
Sure enough, upon examination of the tee markers, little teeth marks.  The coyotes must have pups and they think my tee markers make great chew toys.  crazy dogs!!!

-- Sent from my Palm Pre