Extra work a few days at the library this pay period allowed me to leave an hour early on Friday. When I advanced this news to KP mid-week and suggested a round of golf, he texted back “Big yes.”

I made it to Radisson Greens with 12 minutes to spare for our 3:36 tee time. KP celebrated a birthday recently, so it was my treat. I paid. He’d already pulled the cart next to the building and loaded his clubs.

I practice-putted a half-dozen rolls to warm up and to the first tee we went.

KP had honors from beating me our last round together in the fall.

I felt so good to start my season in single-digit April.

When we hit our good shots we were thrilled. KP hit more square and pure than I did. He’d been able to get three more rounds in previously. More free time than me, has he. Still, we were a handful of times able to pull out a statement we’ve shred over our many decades shared on courses here and there. Even-Steven. When a stinker came off the club, oh, well, it’s only April.

Soon again, we declared in the parking lot.