Just returned from six weeks in North Carolina and Florida, where it was cold, windy and wet. Despite this, we had a few nice days where temperatures reached about 25 degrees C. We were home one day when Mrs. Campbell came down with a horrendous cold. It was so bad she had to share it with me. We were flat out for over a week.

By the time you receive this Newsletter, the end of this snowy winter will be in sight. There is certainly a lot of snow and if we get a quick melt we are almost guaranteed to have some flooding. To be prepared I would have some pumps on hand to remove excess water.

Outside of a few days in January, it has been cold cold cold. The only thing that kept me going is lunch’s and suppers at Golf Clubs and thinking how nice Florida and North Carolina are going to be. We’ll see golf courses, 1/2 dozen ball games, buy sun tan lotion and think of everyone back in Saskatchewan.

The Christmas Season is behind us and we welcome in a New Year. I hope everyone had a good holiday and all are looking forward to a new and prosperous New Year. My family had a good festive season and helped celebrate my birthday. The good news is I’m still pushing 80, however next year I’ll be pulling it.

The STA’s Fall Windup and AGM was successful according to numerous emails I received. We had 54 members in attendance who took home lots of information from Jim Ross’ seminar. A highlight of his presentation was his talk about “Take All Patch”. I presume those in attendance will be looking for this disease next summer now that they know the symptoms.

The event of the year will be the Fall Wind-Up and Annual General Meeting, November 6th, 2012 at the Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon. You would be wise to attend this event especially to take in the seminar by Jim Ross—”Winter Protection” and “Take-all Patch”.

Our next big event will be the Fall Windup and Annual General Meeting November 6th at the Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, SK. The cost will be $50.00 which includes the Seminar, Continental Breakfast and the Banquet.

The 2012 Research Tournament is now in the books, and we can say it was successful in terms of entries, weather, and excellent course condition. The Valley Park Golf course treated us great. Food and service was excellent. All in all, everyone had a good time.

Just one week until the Research Tournament at Valley Regional Park Golf Course in Rosthern. To date, I have 2 entries, and that I think is terrible. Help us support turfgrass research in our province by faxing me your entry form as soon as you can. I can’t afford to lose more hair worrying about a poor turnout. My fax number is 244-0513.

We sure aren’t having a lot of luck with whats supposed to be our Annual Summer Field Day at the Willows here in Saskatoon. Like last year, we were rained and blown out by a vicious storm that came through our province. It wasn’t a nice day, that’s for sure. I felt particularly sorry for the people who came long distances to be here. From Yorkton, Nipawin, Swift Current, Regina, they arrived looking to try out new equipment, view new products on the market, and have a friendly game of golf.