We experience Augusta mystique

Our trip to a Masters practice round on April 6 at Augusta National Golf Club was the result of our efforts ever since we retired in 2001. We have long wanted a peek at the famous venue but knew tickets to the actual competition were out of the question.

The course is even more spectacular than it looks on television, with more dramatic changes in elevation than TV reveals. The plantings are truly magnificent with over 1600 azalea bushes on the 13th hole alone. The land had been a nursery before Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts bought and developed it into the famous course with its formal opening in January 1933. “There are over 30 varieties of azaleas, several strains of dogwood and dozens of varieties of ornamental shrubs on the grounds,” according to the Spectator Guide. The pines, dogwood, redbuds and countless other varieties reflect the hole names, each a different plant – from #1 Tea Olive to #18 Holly.

Walking through the course, we not only were struck by the beauty of the course and the lack of commercialism but also by the feeling we were walking on hallowed ground, sharing it with the golfing greats from past and present alike. Volunteers we talked with cited Jack Nicklaus’ surge in 1986 – at age 46 – to win his sixth Masters as their most memorable Masters moment.

Yes, we have a goal of returning. The accompanying video attempts to give you the same emotional feeling we experienced. We hope you enjoy it.

Penguins for Change

Susan has reconnected with Diane Danner Mason, a childhood friend, in recent years. On Election Day 2008, Diane was aboard a National Geographic ship exploring Anarctica and photographing penguins. Her resulting documentary, "Penguins for Change" is a charming and creative look at what the election meant. Check out the trailer at Diane's Web site http://www.hopefilms.net

While you're there, check out Diane's other projects, too.

Don and our future President of the U.S.

We were on the Omaba bandwagon early -- during his campaign for the Senate -- and never looked back. We got to meet Barack, shake his hand and actually have a conversation with him...recorded by Susan behind the camera.