Minnie Goes to Heaven (100)

(a novel continued)

The third lesson involved pitching and chipping. This part of the game came with its own set of do’s and don’ts. “Don’t do a full swing. Adjust your shot to the distance.” They practiced hitting a ball on slopes, both up and down. “Stand so you are hitting the ball according to the plane of the slope.”  

The fourth lesson took them onto the green. Minnie thought this lesson would be easy. After all she knew how to play mini-golf. The pro told them they could pick a comfortable stance. “Whatever works for you.” He also told them to practice, practice and practice. “Go out onto the putting area before each game to adjust for the conditions of the day.”  He showed them how to swing the putter so that the back swing was equal to the follow through.

By the end of four lessons, John and Minnie thought they were ready to play, but once they were out on the course without the instructor they were completely lost. What did he say about this? We should have taken notes. Which foot was closer to the ball? Okay, on the slope how do you stand? They whacked their way through. 
“I wouldn’t exactly call that relaxing,” Minnie said.

“More practice would help,” John said. “He did say to forget about the score for the first while." 
They missed shots, saw a few deer and wild turkeys, they lost balls and found balls, laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. By the end of the summer their game had improved enough to make them think they might want a scorecard.

“So, how are you liking the golf?” Mary asked one Monday morning at breakfast just before they headed out.

“Not bad,” John said.

“Pretty good,” Minnie admitted. “How are you liking the waitressing?”

“Not bad,” said Mary, “but I think I could earn more if I work at a classier place.  I'm thinking of applying at The Mill.”

“Aren’t they only open for the dinner hour?” Minnie said.

“I know. Maybe I could work it in with my other job.”

“All work and no play, makes Mary a dull girl,” John said.

Mary looked hurt.

“I’m not saying you are a dull girl Mary. We think the world of you.”

“Maybe you could do something with your painting, or photography.” Minnie said.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. It was just an idea. Have you asked God about The Mill?”

“Not really, I don’t hear Him the way you do.”