It’s truly amazing how much reflecting and inner thinking one does when one has time on his hands.

Such was the case this past week when a vacation provided this humble scribe with a chance to spend some quality time with friends and all things cat.

To be honest, condo buddies Dale and Sylvester were actually glad to see me go back to work this week so they could get some rest.

So what did I do on my vacation?

Just what any sports reporter would do and that’s go watch sports events.

A tip of the hat goes out to Jeff Clark, Rich Foshay and the student council representatives from the four Orillia secondary schools for staging an incredible two evenings of basketball at the 2008 Kinsmen Big Brothers, Big Sisters Girls City Basketball Championships.

The ODCVI Blues captured both titles, but the big winners were the entire Orillia community, who were treated to unbridled excitement and school spirit second to none.

It was yet another indication of how positive a spirit there is within the local school system and how we as adults can learn from what the younger generation has to offer.

Watching the teenagers in action, it definitely keeps you young at heart.

Well done, everyone!

Meanwhile, the rest of the week was spent trying to squeeze a little extra out of what had been a sub-par golf season in terms of weather.

In addition to my irons, I also plan on changing the grips on both my ball retriever and umbrella.

Both received major workouts over the summer.

Highlighting the week on the fairways and greens was the officiating I did at the annual Campbell-Gordon ‘Battle of the Clans’ golf match.

The champion two years running, Brian Campbell was looking to extend his reign against Terry Gordon Jr.

But it was not to be, as Campbell found his game lacking and Gordon could do no wrong.

Game, set, and match, and bragging rights to Mr. Gordon for the next 360 days.

Easily the greatest amount of reflecting was undertaken this past Sunday, when I joined with ‘my people’ in tossing out comments on the season that was.

Heavy rains sent Cement Head, Blade, Bubba, Stumpy, the Silver Fox, Jim, John and Bob dashing for the clubhouse, for warmth and refreshments.

Over the next hour or so, a lot of great golf moments were relived, with the smiles growing with each passing story.

But it was also tinged with a sense of sadness that we all won’t be getting together as much in the same surroundings over the next five months.

These guys are my true friends and there isn’t anything I would not do for them.

Somehow, I don’t think I tell them that nearly enough either.

But that’s what makes friendships, golf or otherwise, so great.

Sunday evening when I got home, I sat on the sofa and drifted back mentally to the jokes shared, golf shots relived and laughter generated by these guys and it made me realize life isn’t so bad after all.

If I tried to list the various golf moments from just this summer alone, this column would be 25,000 words long.

While some will venture south in the coming weeks and months, others like ‘Blade’ will simply curl up with a good book, the sense is that another season has come to an end.

But as we parted company, some suggested November might provide a few mild days for just one more round.

That’s what it is with golfers.

Any excuse so they can share each other’s company just get out and share their love for the grand old game one more time.

Bobby The Blade probably said it best.

“It is what it is”.

When it comes to golf, hope springs eternal and there is always next year.