Nuggets from Dad

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Stay whole and HBD Taylor Wilkinson

Cathy:

Taylor is kind, patient, tolerant, and fun. I appreciate that he has the patience to tolerate Page and me moving to London and landing in his space. He always treats us with kindness. We had a fun and adventuresome trip to Scotland. Thanks, T, for being such a great son-in-law!

Taylor is a gentleman. He is always there to lend a helping hand - including trip planning, deciphering British paperwork, and cleaning the kitchen. I hope you have a great birthday today and look forward to celebrating Thursday!

Kyle:

Taylor, I always enjoy the time we get to spend together, including your most recent visit stateside. I look forward to being your official brother-in-law in the future.

I admire the risk you took in your journey to the UK. Every successful person that had to work for their success took risks along the way, and I think this will pay off big for you in the long run. Keep working hard and building that book of business.

gPa:

I could not have wished for a finer son-in-law. Taylor is genuine, reflective, patient, smart, and driven. He loves Sally in every way and supports her dreams and keeps her grounded. They are a great team and it makes me very proud to have T as such an important member of our family.

Taylor planned an amazing golf trip to Scotland. My first two rounds of UK golf were Muirfield and North Berwick. Wow! It does not get any better than that.

Lucy:

I love how Taylor is so adventurous! Moving to England or just climbing a little mountain in Scotland, he is always up to explore and try something new. I’m thankful that T knows when to take the reigns and lead us in directions (because none of us are good at directions) and encourages us to try new things. He’s the best addition to our fam and I’m glad we all get to explore Europe with you!

I love T’s generally chill demeanor - it sounds silly but T is one of the most laid-back people I know. He can do anything and be around just about anyone in any situation with a great attitude. Taylor is someone I would always choose to be around. Love u T! happy 31st!

Emily:

I love that Taylor is always so rock solid. He’s extremely easy going and is always a team player. He doesn’t stir the pot but does observe, support and laugh along. I know Sally loves all of these qualities and he is a very sturdy husband. Haha

I love the adventurous side of T that we have gotten to see grow as he moved to London with Sally! I’m so proud of them for trying something new and it seems like T has really gotten settled with his new job and enjoying traveling/exploring when they can.

Sally:

I love how T was willing to go on such a big adventure with me this year and worked so hard to make moving to London happen for us. Even though this year didn't look exactly how we imagined it would, we had the best time with each other, and I wouldn't trade one minute of it. I don't think I have ever laughed so much in a year! I look forward to all that is ahead with a lot more travel and being out and about, but I will always cherish our year in lockdown, just the two of us making the best of it! I am so lucky to be married to someone who is up for a challenge and makes the most of opportunities.

I love how dedicated Taylor is to all that he does. He works hard to be the best form of himself by reading, writing, working out, working hard at his job, spending time with God, etc. He is solid, and I admire how he lives his life so balanced. No matter how crazy things seem, I find so much peace in knowing I have such an incredible partner in Taylor. The more time passes, the more I love and appreciate Taylor and feel so lucky to call him my husband.

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Exploring London: First Week in the Old Country

Hey Lucy,

We can't wait to see you tomorrow. We are averaging 30,000 steps a day, so bring your walking shoes! Wishing you a smooth and enjoyable flight.

Above are photos from one of the parks we have explored: Hyde Park. The green spaces are amazing, and the weather has been spectacular. Highs in the low 70s, with scattered showers and a nice mix of sunshine, just as advertised! Chilly at night, so be prepared to wear jackets and sweaters in August.

We are in Chelsea, ten minutes by foot from Sally and Taylor. The city of London is divided into boroughs.

"Greater London is a ceremonial county of England that makes up the majority of the London region. This region forms the administrative boundaries of London. It is organized into 33 local government districts—the 32 London boroughs and the City of London, which is located within the region but is separate from the county."

We have been popping down south to Wimbledon, Richmond, and Surrey to look at rental homes. Have also enjoyed time in Piccadilly Circus and Notting Hill. Too many iconic sightings to capture, but a few highlights are below. The public transport systems are super easy to navigate, including rides on our first double-decker buses. Only one Uber ride in a week, otherwise train, bus, or foot.

Made a friend when we first arrived at the village of Wimbledon. Baylor tennis standout Matios Soto. He lost his singles, and doubles matches in the ITA National Indoor Championships versus none other than the Tar Heels! Confirmation here. We will take the tour of The All England Lawn Tennis Club next week with you.

Wimbledon makes me think of our Great Uncle Bob Colwell, the second president of the USTA, then called the United States National Lawn Tennis Association. As a boy, I saw Seattle-based Uncle Bob and Aunt Margaret every summer in Virginia Beach in July, and they were always heading to Wimbledon. 'Little boy Page' never imagined living in Wimbledon!

Above was our first trip to Richmond upon Thames by train. Popped off the 'District' line strolled through the village for lunch, and then Petersham Meadows trails, eventually ending at Petersham Nurseries. To say that England has gardens is like saying Texas has cattle.

From our Underground station (Earl's Court) to Wimbledon or Richmond is a 20-30 minute ride, and virtually all of it is above ground. Trains leave every 5-8 minutes.

Below is The Sporting Page, the first pub we visited, and right beside Park Walk, the street Kyle's company, Park Walk LLC, was named after. Like gardens, there are many pubs. People tend to think of the local pub the way we think of our family room. Just pop in and relax for a while. The beer seems plenty cold to me, but I am told I have not yet ordered a 'warm' beer.

The city is clean and easygoing. Not the hustle-bustle feel of New York City, but more like a casual walk around Town Lake in Austin. No horns honking and few sirens blaring. The streets are all tree-lined, and the architecture is stunning and old. In Chelsea and surrounding towns, buildings are approximately five stories, so not a big skyline feel. The trees are taller than the buildings, and (as noted) parks, green spaces, and gardens are everywhere. Mom and I have been working out in a little park next to our Airbnb most mornings, opting to be outside rather than in a local gym. We did a church service this morning at St Mary The Boltons. Our first time back in an actual church since Covid. Felt good.

On Wednesday evening, I spontaneously ventured five minutes down from Sal and T's place to catch the friendly between Chelsea and Tottenham at iconic Stamford Bridge Stadium. Wore my new Chelsea jersey (a gift from my Autodesk colleagues) and my UNC Soccer hat, fully expecting to land a ticket. Just a little friendly, right? Tickets were nowhere to be found, so I will be going back another time for my first match. The Premier League opener is next Saturday!

The hike below was called the Beverly Brook Walk. We started in Barnes and walked the trail in reverse to Wimbledon, going through Richmond Park and Wimbledon Commons. An abundance of wildlife, flowers, and meadows. There is a nine-hole 'muni' in Wimbledon Commons known at the London Scottish Golf Club. You must wear a red shirt or jacket to play the course. Be sure to read the history section. The gentleman in the photo was from Detroit and had purchased his shirt for 24 pounds in the pro shop.

Noticed the date on the spring water when we finished our hike. I suppose that is why we call this the old country! Piccadilly Circus was a fun excursion. I imagine you will love the shopping. And lastly, very bottom, are photos from yesterday's walk to Notting Hill, where we strolled amongst the bright colored homes and through the huge street fair, eventually ending up at the best margarita maker in London, or so says Sally, before walking home via Holland Park.

That's a wrap for week one. All-in-all a great start to our new adventure.

Love,

Dad

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Hugging Harvey Goodbye and off to London for a Bit

Hey Lucy,

Well, I said my goodbyes to Harvey and started the final steps in Austin before departing to London for several years. Sold the Highlander at Carvana. (Easy peasy.) Friday morning breakfast with my Rudy's 360 Men's Group. Great bunch of guys. We've been gathering and breaking things down for 15 years! Love my Chelsea jersey complements of colleagues at Autodesk. Goodbye Texas brisket, breakfast tacos, and Westlake Football.

Below, a shot from on the ground in London. Cleared customs, collected eight large bags, and into a BIG black cab in less than an hour. Amazing! Have been here for three days enjoying temps in the low 70s. Exploring Chelsea, where we are staying for the first 30 days and the villages south of London (Wimbledon, Richmond, Barnes) where we hope to find permanent housing.

Love,

Dad

Letters to Harvey from The Kingdom:

Other 'golfy' scribblings:

"Millions of people were charmed by the homespun golf advice dispensed in Harvey Penick's Little Red Book, a sports classic that became the best-selling sports book of all time. Yet, beyond the Texas golf courses where Penick happily toiled for the better part of eight decades, few people knew the self-made golf pro who coaxed the best out of countless greats -- Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright -- all champions who considered Penick their coach and lifelong friend." - Kevin Robbins, author of Harvey Penick: The Life and Wisdom of the Man Who Wrote the Book on Golf.

"And if you play golf, you are my friend." - Harvey Penick

Friday, July 9, 2021

Happy Birthday to Trey

Lucy and Trey at Astros game yesterday for Trey's birthday. We are excited to see them both this weekend in Austin. Happy Birthday, Trey.

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Celebrating Dan Bates: Why do men have a hard time getting to know each other?

Lucy,

Yesterday, Mom and I attended a memorial service for Dan Bates, who passed away on May 2, 2020. With time, there is an opportunity to celebrate life without as much sadness and shock. That noted, we all miss Dan very much.

The celebration of Dan's life was at Westlake Hills Presbyterian, and titled "Service to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the of Witness the life of Daniel Joseph Bates, Sr."

The church was packed with family and friends, young and old. Dan's brother LJ (Little John), Tim Timmerman, and Dan's two kids (Daniel and Francis) shared thoughts on Dan, and all did a beautiful job. I was struck by how they all talked about things I knew well about Dan (avid baseball and sports fan, hard-working CPA, a person who cared deeply about others, quick-witted) from years of golfing together. I was also saddened to learn so many interesting things about Dan I did not know. For example, Dan was a writer and wrote a series of letters to his family titled, 'Dear Kathy' and a comical recap of Daniel's baseball games, titled 'Otherside of the Universe.' He was also a man of deep faith and a Sunday School teacher for years. I am not sure we ever discussed that?

I am asking why men often have a hard time really learning about each other and sharing their deepest thoughts? At least golf (or hunting or fishing) puts us together for 9 or 18 holes, and we have a chance to learn a bit more, but we often still keep things fairly hidden.

Here's Dan's obituary where you can learn more.

Rest in peace Dan Bates and we got a lot to talk about one day!

Dad

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

London Calling

Great fun in Sayulita, Mexico, attending the wedding of family friend Allie (Anderson) and Rawley Lind. Allie is the oldest of four girls and we raised seven girls together with the Andersons. We were blessed to have our entire family with us, spending quality time with the kids, the Andersons, and special friends from Austin. Photos below.

In other news, I have officially accepted an enterprise sales assignment (with Autodesk) based in the UK, starting September 1. The role covers key manufacturing accounts in the English Midlands and up into the Nordics.

Cathy and I will transition on August 1 and take the month to explore villages south of London to find our new home. We will be a short train ride away from Sally and Taylor (Chelsea) and near Heathrow for easy travel around Europe. We are excited to meet new friends, explore new cultures, and learn through new business challenges.

Sunday, June 6, 2021

I Knew Harvey Invitational Golf and Dinner

Thanks to everyone who made 'I Knew Harvey Invitational' a fun day of golf and an enjoyable dinner with spouses, celebrating Harvey's legacy. Special shout out to Dale and his team for allowing the four foursomes to play the front nine twice (after the storm wreaked havoc on the back nine the night before.) Also, many thanks to Jordan Meyers in catering (along with Chef Bob) for making the dinner so amazing.

Appreciate Tom Forbes from the ACC Legacy Committee updating everyone on club plans to better display our history. Below is an iPhone clip of my Ode to Harvey (Lucky) toast, and I'll post the words as well. It was fun to write. I hope it successfully celebrated Harvey's legacy and reminded everyone of how lucky we are to belong to Austin Country Club.

Congrats to Team Stuart's Kitchen Sinks for the overall victory, Team Messi-roll the Rock Squad for winning the front nine, and to all who won skins, especially Whitlock. (-; Thanks, Master-of-the-Games (Hop), for keeping up with it all!

And special thanks for the signed ‘A Course Called America’ by Tom Coyne. Don’t miss reading this book. You will all love it.

Ode to Harvey (Lucky)

Those who knew Harvey

will reflect and reminisce

about the time

he said this

or that.

So simple,

yet so profound.

The ground.

The ground,

around this place

this beautiful club.

This Pete Dye golf course

so steeped

in Harvey lore.

Quotes galore . . .

All golfers know

To “Take Dead Aim.”

Because “Golf is a game

for everyone

not just the talented few.”

But those of us

who spew

our shots through

the morning dew.

We long for the day

when our game

is in one piece

when our game is

at peace.

I am told . . .

Harvey had this

uncanny way

of making it

so simple.

"Just one aspirin,

please sir

Not the whole damn bottle!"

We try to throttle

our enthusiasm for this place

sometimes all worked up

all bent out of shape

over, over-seeding

for example

just a sample

of how easy it is

to forget

how lucky we are.

“Go to dinner

with good putters.”

He told his players.

“The woods are full

of long drivers.”

"If you play poorly one day

forget it

If you play poorly the next

Review your fundamentals

grip, stance, aim

ball position

If you play poorly

a third time

in a row,

go see your pro!"

And those of us

who know

this game of golf.

We owe

so much of our

happiness

our very soul

to this man

our beloved first pro

who helped

the game

grow, and grow.

For me, my favorite

Harvey quip

It is not about the grip

Or how to chip

Or a swing tip

But rather

simply this:

“If you play golf

you are my friend.”

Indeed!

All of you

are my friends.

The game connects us

in ways

you cannot understand

until you stand

over that

little white ball.

So, stand tall

fellow members

and friends.

Remember always

how lucky we are

how high the bar

when the club

we call Austin

is our home.

And the home

of our very own

Gentle, kind, wise . . .

Harvey.

Stuart's Kitchen Sinks

Sillers

Olssen

Stuart

Healy

Messi-roll the Rock Squad

Meserole

Utley

Hillhouse

Senterfitt

Whitlock’s Jocks

Singletary

Hopke

Bybee

Whitlock

JT’s Jammer Slammers

Atwell

Beiter

Costello

Thomas