Clowning around

In advance of Shandon Park Golf Club's Halloween party, I had a group of friends to the house on Saturday. Which created a frenzy of cleaning and decorating.

My dining room centerpiece was courtesy of my back garden--three different kinds of hydrangea, maple leaves, and a small pink lilly.

I decorated the conservatory for Halloween--the only room I decorated--so the wine and nibbles were out there.

My guests included two Squid Game contestants, a creepy female character from the film It, a clown, a Sith lord and a Harry Potter wizard. I tried to research what the character from It was (she had a balloon?) but I'm too afraid to watch the trailer. I didn't even like looking at her. And it's a good thing I like the person behind the clown, Oonagh, because I really don't like clowns.

Yet I sat next to her at dinner, which was excellent (pumpkin gratin for me). Oonah works at a mental hospital. "Well it all makes sense now," said I.

Here is Paula (wife of my golf coach Geoff) and the It Girl (Maeve). Handicaps 5 and 16 respectively, for those keeping score at home.

And the whole gang. The clown and her partner are not visible as they are behind the two lamps. I'm holding Paddy.

Sure it was good craic.

Sunday morning up early for a walk around the golf course with Paddy and Crumble. Then I continued reading Empire of Pain--a shocking story of the complete failure of the regulatory system and the tragic consequences for 100s of 1000s of Americans who became addicted to oxycontin.

Then to a fun new market in East Belfast--the Banana Block, in an old flax mill. Vintage clothes, fresh bagels, bakers, cheesemongers, jewelry, etc. I went with Patricia and we decided, since the golf course is closed due to rain, that we would go to the driving range. I'm trying out a new app (my fourth golf app) that measures my shots. So I can get a better handle on what to expect from each club. Geoff has taught me that, by getting under the ball and hitting it properly, there is a lot more height and much less distance between where it falls (the carry) and the total distance. So you can play with a lot more accuracy. At least that's the idea. We shall see.

Oct. 29 & 30