1 – How cold is it?

I was asked how cold it was outside a few mornings ago. Two hands on the mug as I drank coffee in my cozy kitchen, I responded, “I’m not sure, but looking outside I see a lovely cardinal wearing a winter pahka at the bird feeder.”

2 – Where’s the food going to go?

So there I was, spreading out four dozen golf balls, all of them prepared to have my colorful branding be put upon them with Sharpies. Yes, I was properly chastised. But how was I to know we were using the kitchen table for dinner?

3 – More reflective of my scores

Speaking of which, a new strategy is being incorporated into my strategy for the new golf season is to use balls number 5-6-7-8.

4 – Don’t be fresh

Oh, and by the way, it would be rude of you to ask how long 48 golf balls will last.

5 – Manicured it’s not

My lawn is currently cut at 2 inches. In spots, that is. It’s 1 1/8thelsewhere, then at about 1/16th in those areas where green is barely popping through the patch of muddy soil. Doesn’t sound like much, but it fits my eye.

6 – There, I said it

Quail Hollow bores me.

GOLF COURSE PHOTO – Today’s hole location, the way it ought to be presented. Old school, simple and concise. From a 9-holer that reeks with charm and dignity – Marion Golf Club in Marion, Mass. With the golf season upon us, here’s a reminder to send along any golf course photos you come across that make you smile, maybe even laugh. Send to jim@powerfades.com

7 – Which reminds me

Good on Scottie Scheffler for taking a pass this week. How ‘bout recognizing that the world No. 1 supports those local stops – the Nelson and Colonial – that have great history and deserve better from the PGA Tour.

8 – Pretty good roll

There have been 14 PGA Tour and LPGA tournaments over the last eight weeks and the run of elite winners has been astounding. Those sitting in the top five of their respective world rankings have won 11 of those 14 – three to No. 4 Matt Fitzpatrick, two each to Nelly Korda (No. 1), Hyo Joo Kim (No. 3), and Cam Young (No. 3), with Rory McIlroy (No. 1) and Hannah Green (No. 5) getting one each. But it was a win by the lowest-ranked player in that stretch (No. 47 Gary Woodland) that still resonates with the most emotion.

9 – Reminders to live by

I write answers on post-its to questions I always ask myself or helpful things I too often miss. Protocol stuff, life-improving stuff. For instance, “top button” is written on one, which reminds me how to properly button present the suit jacket. Some other post-its: “Outside to inside” . . . “water glass, right” . . . “double the garlic” . . . "bring the charger" . . . and most iimportantly, "bring it down on the inside."