Hello there, long time no talk..  I can only say I lost my "MOJO" for a while, but life goes on and I decided to move forward.   Joel Osteen says "the reason the rear view mirror is so small and the wind shield is so big.....look forward, not back...I love that!!!

My first thought just now is.. "wow I've forgot  how to do this!?

It has been about three years since my last post...wow! 

So much has happened since the last chili open march 28 2021

Looking back..(just for a sec)  the lose of my parents has been my sorrow and inspiration.

I am blessed.

Moving forward...My friend of 21 years Jeff Pratt course superintendent who has been there with me through all the above is retiring and moving on with his life. 

My Friend, Confident, work husband, only one who gets me, can read my mind, who gets my stupid jokes, and visa versa ..enjoy your family.. Alex, Josh, Brie and the grand babies, ..lets see if i get it right..? snowa, liberty (my favorite), benny  brick,  sorry forgot one name

I know its not goodbye, you will be around (better be!!)

So here i am again....

Starting yet a new chapter in my life. 

Lets see where it takes us.....

Open Season

 As my niece puts it....."you cant make this shit up aunt Deb".

2020.. the year from hell...oh well...onward.

So here we are kicking off a new year (in "DOG") years that is...

The official kick off of the St. Bernard GC Season.  (weather permitting) also know as

The Chili Open.  Yes, we got it in yesterday...no rain, no snow, no Armageddon. .yikes

Just about a record of 56 golfers headed out on the links in search of pars birdies and eagles

in an effort to be crowned the Chili open champ. 

The weather was perfect, the course was in great shape for such an early start

(Kudos to Jeff and crew, after getting a head start thanks to the conducive weather,....

only to have it all undone by Fridays 60mph wind and rain) Oy!!!! 

But once again they pulled themselves up by the boot straps and stared all over

all day Friday to get the debris cleared out for us.

MY GUYS ROCK!!  and so do MY GIRLS...  Nikki and Theresa once again manage the clubhouse.

The Chili entries and assorted goodies where dispersed within the CDC  "GUIDELINES" and the libations where abound.

Seems as though everyone enjoyed. 

Even I managed to participate this year.  I played well if I do say so myself..."like riding a bike"

Now!!   its official

Hope to see you soon.

Happy Easter all.....

Ti Amo

What difference a day (year) makes

 Hello everyone,

Hope this post finds you all happy and healthy. The future of our world, country and community has put a strain on us all...

I know my little world here at "the Dog" has been a work in progress to find the correct fit for all to enjoy our Golf Club and keep our members and staff safe. I feel our staff has done a great job dealing with the unknown. ROCK on Jeff and Crew....Thank you Nikki and Theresa...you are the bombs..

Jeff and Rich ... keep on keepin on.. Kudos....

As for me...I move into an era without my beloved parents.  Mom passed in 2016 and Dad just 7 months ago on July 10th 2020.  For anyone who lost a loved one during this crazy pandemic year, you understand. oy!       I must say....If not for the LOVE of my Husband, Son, my Jeff Pratt, and the aforementioned crew   my sister in laws Phyliss, Kathi my brother in law Jim , our Niece Meredith, my Best friends.. Kim, Andrea, Sue, Jody and many many many others true friends who just happen to be members also...I'm not sure where I would be right now. I apologize if I forgot anyone right now, but rest assured you are in my heart.   

To all of you...TI AMO!!!       (that's Italian for I love you)

So we move forward to 2021

Look out world...HERE WE COME!!!! 

Hi all,

Hope all is well. 

Things are still coming along here...

Jeff and crew have the course in great shape and still rocking it...

lots of projects on the schedule.

You guys are the BEST.

This Saturday was our VEGAS Scramble.

Each player in the foursome are assigned a number

1-4, everyone tees off, the a die is rolled, what ever number is rolled is

the tee shot used....oy! and the hole is finished out as regular scramble.

Some times the dice are good and sometime bad.  Yikes!

All seemed to have fun...

Lots of libations and food were consumed and laughter was abundant.

Now we look ahead for the 4th of July weekend and our Annual 

FIRECRAKER OPEN.

One of my favorite...

Hope to see you soon!

Back onTrack

Hi all,
Long time no talk.
Sorry once again for the hiatus
Golfmama has her hands full once again.
As i'm sure we all have.
But...

Things are up and running here at "the Dog"
not totally normal..but what is?
After hosting our CHILI OPEN in JUNE!? oy...
We hosted our 2nd event of the year this weekend.
A good turn out and a good time had by all.
Pictures posted on the right...
Hope to see you all soon
Don't forget to sign up for the events
All members are welcome.
Have a great rest of the Sunday......
Ti Amo
Deb

Holidays

Hi there,
I'm back!!!
I know it's been a very long time. I apologize. Just busy, not kind of busy to blog about.
Much has gone on, and going on at the club.
Jeff and crew have done just an amazing job as usual keeping the course in great condition and trying to finishing the many problem areas that most courses at one time or another experience.
Though poor Jeff has been dealt more than his share...oy! But one by one he works his magic and handles it.  For this I am eternally grateful to you my best friend.
I have kept busy with the usual paper parade that happens this time of year, along with cleaning up the club and winterizing the porch and club.
Jeff and Dennis have helped me tremendously as usual.
Since then I turned my attention toward our annual Open House at "the Dog".
It was a great success. Many of the members stopped in trough out the day on Thursday to say hello, enjoy a libation or two, and partook in many of my culinary creations. Many a member brought a dish to share also.  As a "Ticket price" I only asked you bring a toy for our TOYS FOR TOTS campaign.  Well I must tell you....... you all came through!!!  When I called the Richfield Fire Department to come pick up the toys ,  they were AMAZED at the amount they walked into.
Lt. Jason  even said he knew this was going to push them over the edge for the record of toys collected. 
Pat your selves on the back St. Bernard Membership...your generosity is only exceeded by the size of your hearts.  TI AMO!!!
You have made Jeff  myself and the entire staff very proud.
I promise to keep up on this blog  (don't know if you noticed, but blogs are popular now)
so in a way.. for MY generation ...I'm sort of a trend setter...Oy!!  That's scary.
But really..
We wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and look forward to
a promising NEW year!!!

Deb Jeff and the entire Staff
Buone feste e tanti auguri

April Showers.......

make Debbie a Gloomy Gus.  Yikes!
The rain has caused havoc for the Golfers and the Course alike.
Jeff and crew have muddled through the best they can. 
We still need to cut or things will get out of control. 
Not the start of the year I was counting on, but this too is out of my control.
So Jeff and I just try to make each other laugh and keep plugging away.
We managed to get in a couple of club events, and some of the leagues have started.
This helps, but we sure could use some sun...
for all our sakes.
So now comes May....
Many club events scheduled, and other activities are happening.
Make sure to stop in and say hey
Maybe have a libation or two
And enjoy your club.
Have a great day!
Ti Amo...

CHILI OPEN 2019

Hi All,
So here we go...Another year here at  "the dog" has officially kicked off.
This is my 21st year hosting this annual event (oy! showing my age!), and the open has been going on for years before me (maybe 10 or so)  we have welcomed many seasoned members, along with many new members to St. Bernard GC.   This year was no exception.
We hosted 40 golfers this Sunday (supposed to be Saturday, but weather...yada yada yada)
for a nine hole scramble with much better weather.  Jeff and crew (17 years) worked their magic to pick up sticks and derbies to make the course enjoyable the best one can for March in northern Ohio.
You guys  ROCKED it.
Seven chili recipes were entered....along with mine.. and we all tasted, critic and consumed, with a few libations to cleanse the palate.   Yikes!  Theresa rocked the clubhouse setting up the chili bar with all the accompaniments. My cookies, cornbread, banana bread and many other contributions from members.  Thank you, Pniewski, T. Drenski, J. Lahl, E-M Nordhauss, B. Schroeder, J. Yurman, Brad O. H. Novak, K Kerns, and everyone who participated.
You truly are the ones who keep this club going year after year.
Jeff, Myself and crew work tirelessly day after day looking forward to these events, for days like this keep us coming in each day knowing we can enjoy our labors with our friends.
This is not just a job...but a labor of Love.
For this I am grateful.

* Many prayers are in my heart for healing. starting with my Dad (ron), Gene and Judy, Jim, Frank and Wilma. I know I'm missing some, so let me know through this blog and we will post and pray.

Thank you
God Bless us all
Here's to a GREAT year for ALL!!
Ti Amo!
Be one IN a Million...not one OF a Million

Hellooooooo

Hi There...
I'm still here.
Life has a funny way of saying "not so fast Deb" and after that...fill in the blanks...
Anyway....I back
Tis the season
Daylight saving time...St. Patricks Day....and the sun is out.
Spring is about to be sprung...
Our annual chili open is coming up March 23rd. The official kick off the
opening season for "the Dog"!. 
Jeff is out already raking, raking, raking and raking.  Aside from the usual winter debris, we received much more from the numerous wind storms the last few weeks. So he has called in some help so we can start the season on the correct note.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, he is the best. I couldn't ask for a better friend.   Love ya buddy!!!!
Thank you to all who have made us part of your family...
Lets make this season the best ever!!!
God Bless us all...
Watch for Chili Open results...💖💖💖

Welcome Summer.....

It's officially summer,  although it's felt like it for a few weeks now. Crazy weather once again.
I don't know why I always sound surprised, its like this every year.  You would think i would be used to it...Oy!  The weather effects many factors at a golf course. The most obvious is play, and the other is trying to keep the course in shape.  Jeff and crew have done a superb job under trying conditions.
This is nothing new, they have always come through for us, but I would like to thank them once again for a job well done.  Rock on guys...your are the best around.  Jeff....not enough words to describe what a special person you are. Ti Amo my friend!!!!
So since my last post (a long time ago) we have had many tournaments, course improvements and many a porch patio party. Gotta love the after tournament discussion at the picnic table.  How many putts lipped out, missed it by that much..etc....
Lots of scheduled tournaments still to come
We welcome all members to participate and enjoy you membership here at "the Dog"
Watch your schedule and look for my emails.
We look forward to seeing you soon...

Hello Everyone,
Just a really quick post.
Things are starting to roll around here...Way too fast!!
We go from feast to...well you know...
Jeff and crew are scrambling to keep up, and doing a GREAT job I might add,
but the weather is just making things difficult.  Go Figure!!
Tournaments have gotten back on schedule and were having fun.
As pictures show, last was the skills challenge.
Plenty more tournaments scheduled
Watch your schedule and look for my e-mails,
Thank you for supporting YOUR club.

Goodbye April!! Hello May!

Oy!   What month.  Not only us in the Golf Course business, but other trades and or business were effected by the inclement weather.  But, as I say...cant control the weather, so stop B@#$%^$ Deb!!
Anyway
After many postponements again, we managed to get the Scramble until the green in Saturday.
It was a nice day, and everyone seemed to have a good time.
So now where back on regular schedule.  Next up is Jakes 8th annual Jamboree. 
My heart still aches for my little buddy.  I will  always keeping his memory alive here at "the Dog".
Hope you are having a good week.
See you soon.

Slow start...

Oy...this weather!?  At this moment right now, I'm so thankful the temp is above freezing!!!
Could you imagine this being snow....Yikes!!  The forecast for yesterday was to be a carbon copy of what is happening this morning.  And of course I had the Chili Open reschedule, scheduled for Saturday..!!!   My mind started to wander, and i began to think year  might the first year in my history that we never got a Chili Open in????  CRAZY!  But we lucked out.  For some unknown reason the winds shifted and gave us 4 hour window.  So 40 of us headed out and played a nine hole scramble, came in cipher scores and chowed down on Chili and other assorted goodies GOLFMAMA prepared with love for her golf course family.  After a few libations, endless banter and general teasing we settled in to watch the skies open up and bring down the rain.
A typical day at "the Dog"
For this I am truly grateful.
Like Jeff and Nikki keep reminding me...."this is our year!"
Hope you enjoy your Sunday.
Take a nap, read a book, our do what you do.
See you soon

Hi Everyone,
Sorry once again for the hiatus.  It has been yet another trying year for Golfmama. Not to insinuate my suffering is any worse than others,  just that it is what it is.   So without dwelling on what went wrong, lets focus on what has been fixed, and what the future brings.
Let me just start by thanking many of my friends who have been by my side and not let me slip into self loathing.   I love you all....god bless.   Fixed!
I received my last inspection and or ok from the health/building and county departments for our kitchen that was destroyed in a fire back in May.  (the day before Thanksgiving!?!) but yet done. Fixed!
My friend  Kim from Buffalo  will be in this week to help me paint and put kitchen back together...
almost Fixed....
Many projects were accomplished in 2017 (and more to come in 2018)  Fixed!
And one more..... (see picture below)
Dad and I have taken a big leap of faith in ourselves, Jeff and crew, and you the membership,
and invested in newer golf carts for "the Dog".  I kinda feel like a new Mama!!
It's been "on the list",  but these things take time.  (So once paid off... oy!)  Fixed!

So now we move on to the New Season with great enthusiasm, grand hopes, big dreams,
and a appreciation of the things accomplished. 
**  All of which would not have been possible without OUR Jeff!!! **
I can't say it enough...you are truly the BEST my FRIEND!! I am blessed to have you in my life!!

We look forward to seeing you in the new year!!
Won't be long...
Chili Open....March 24th
How may days is that???❤ Ti Amo

Where o' Where did the Summer go?!

Hi everyone. Yes....I'm still here. I know its been a long time between posts, it's either been not enough time or when I do have the time, my hearts not in it.  It has been one crazy year once again.
Many obstacles thrown our way, but we are addressing them one by one and forging forward.
It seems like the season is just getting going, and now I'm preparing for the Clambake!? After that only one more senior open, and then the Chili Closer😢.   I just don't know where the time went.
Many of you must feel the same way. I have noticed many absent faces here and wonder. I know many have expressed busy schedules with kids and grandchildren.  That's life as they say.....
Anyway,
the weather forecast looks great for this time of year. I hope you all can get out and enjoy a
nice fall round or two.
Miss ya all!!!
GO TRIBE!!

FIRECRACKER OPEN

Hi all,
I know its been a long hiatus for my posts...Just way too much going on. I know I've said that before, but really...this time its been beyond crazy.  For those of you who have not heard, we had a kitchen fire in May. I'm still dealing with the insurance company and contractors etc....Oy!
But with the help of Jeff and numerous other friends (Deb, Nikki) and many others we will get through this! In the mean time I've been limping along to make things work the best I can.
Many events have come and gone since my last post. I cant believe we are in July. Where does the time go?  So as you can see by the pictures posted, we hosted our annual Firecracker Open on Tuesday.  The weather was perfect, 32 golfers set out in search of birdies and when the round was over we sat back and enjoyed many libations and relived each missed putt, each errant shot and other missed opportunities.  All in a days work at "the Dog".
So now we move on to the next event. The Pga bash. July 15th. Hope you can think about participating.

I promise I will keep in touch more....
My thoughts are with you all.
Hope to see you soon.
Ti Amo

Chili Open 2017

And were off.....The 2017 golf season has officially been kicked off with our season opener.
The weather was most cooperative this year. Usually its a balmy 40 degrees for the chili, but mother nature spared us the discomfort and even allowed for some to continue on for another nine holes.
We had 40 anxious golfers hit the links around noon for a 9 hole scramble. The course was a wee bit damp..oy... WET! , but me muddled through and got the job done.
Afterwords we retired to the clubhouse for Chili and libations as per usual.
Seven chili entries this year... all were good, but in the end Chili #6 was voted number one. (Jim L.)
and chili #5 came a close second.  Congrats to all who entered and all who participated.
We look forward to seeing you at the next event.
April 22nd...Scramble until the green.
Ti Amo

The Question is....

What's happening at "The Dog?"
Answer....
A bit of everything.
I've been very lax on keeping up on my paper work, and clean up duties. As referred to in my last post, we were very busy with our Christmas project. A few more new needed state and governmental obligations were thrust upon us that needed tend to and were addressed.  Jeff also needed some catch up time with his duties and has managed to get things going for the upcoming season so he could get some much deserved "me time".  Enjoy my friend. To Quote Tina Turner ..You're simply the BEST!!
So I'm here tending to things, one of which is this blog. Though I've been behind in this venue also, I have thought of all you often. The winter has been another strange one. Four days freezing, Three above normal?!  This has given a few of our dedicated golfers the opportunity to head out on the links and shed some of the cob webs off their swing. It's always nice to see some smiling faces here in the middle of December and January if for only a few moments. Rock on all.

How about that Super Bowl?!  I was not so happy with the final score, but at least Atlanta made NE work for their title.  I guess I will always root for the underdog as I feel we are one also.
Very proud of "the Dog" and all that comes with it..good and bad.. do the best you can and we will prevail.  I believe that with Jeff, the crew and all of you we will continue to enjoy all that St. Bernard GC has to offer and continue to improve a little each year.  Here's to a prosperous and healthy 2017 for all.

May every wish you ever spoken come true, may all your sweet dreams go unbroken, may all your days be filled with laughter, may all your prayers be quickly answered.
Ti Amo

Happy New Year!!!!

On behalf of Jeff, myself and the entire staff of St. Bernard GC,  wishing everyone a very happy new year.  It's been yet another whirl wind year for Jeff and I, but we managed to enjoy the holiday spirit and raise money for four well deserving charities of our choice.  I posted earlier that Jeff has always wanted to sell Christmas trees at the holiday just for the experience of making families smile.

I feel honored and privileged to help make this dream happen for my friend. After finding out how much work goes into this project....Physically for Jeff and Jeff, and administratively  for me we had a awaking. But once the people started stopping in and realizing our agenda, everything fell into place. As of the aforementioned,  the joy and happiness of the families who found out they could afford a grade A tree for a reasonable price and all the proceeds were going to Charities made our Christmas even brighter.  

And so as we sit and make our cashiers checks out to our four charities

Alzheimer's awareness

Autism speaks

ASPCA

Fisher house

We are honored to present these funds on behalf 

St. Bernard Golf Club

Ti amo

missing some friends

Tree sales.....

Who would have thought selling Christmas trees would be so involved?! I'm here to tell ya it's not as easy as one would think.  But all in all it has been an exhilarating experience. The look on peoples faces when they find out how inexpensive the trees are, and the fact that all proceeds are going to charity is priceless.  The generosity of so many is something I will never forget.  The experience has re
newed my faith.  Jeff P and Jeff B have done most of the physical work, and had to brave the cool temps, but both agree with me. Many have benefited from this undertaking, and the goal is to repeat it next year.   Merry Christmas!!!
So in between this project we decided to hold a holiday open house at the club.  It was on short notice and basically word of mouth.  Many members stopped in to drop of their 2017 membership, have a cocktail and enjoy some snacks.  It seemed to be a success, and again hopefully we can repeat next year.   Thanks to all who pitched in to help from start to finish, and thanks to all who participated and donated to the giving tree project.  God bless us all.
Stop by for a holiday libation-a cookie or two and say hello.
 Ti Amo