Breakfast in Temecula Wine Country

Kay and Rex Holcombe enjoyed a leisurely trip to Temecula Wine Country. This was the second course for breakfast. Perhaps the Historical League should plan a tour here in the future.

Kay describes the meal, "Organic fresh zucchini hash browns with ricotta cheese, polenta with truffle oil. The photo shows a sample with homegrown Romaine sautéed in olive oil. Poached egg, cheese and basil pistachio in the homemade apricot marmalade with Pinot Grigio. Topped off with roasted sweet pepper and cherry tomato."

Musical Instrument Museum Tour

Fascinating place with so much to see. You need to return again and again. The Historical League has wonderful tours and this one was great. Ruth Ann Hogan enjoys a unique Tree of Life. Peru had a unique exhibit and Margaret Pogue enjoyed the Bahamas display. The bagpipes were unusual. Interesting to see so many. The man from Malta is show playing a bagpipe.

Historic Jerome Tour

The bus was filled as we drove to historic Jerome. Pam Ryan and Jeannie Fletcher had delicious breakfast snacks for the 7 am departure but we were looking forward to the history of "The Honeymoon Cottage of Jerome". The tour conducted by owner Margaret Graziano, told the story of purchasing the run down home and recreating the magnificent structure that it once was. Lots of labor, inspiration, money and perserverence went into the work but it was worth it. Today the French Country house is fully restored. It is decorated in Victorian style with a large patio and sweeping views of the Verde Valley.

Built in 1921 by James Dougles, the owner of the Little Daisy Mine, gave the home to his son as a wedding gift. At one time the Little Daisy Mine was the largest producer of copper in the world.

Ping Golf Factory Tour

This was not our typical historical tour but after 50 years being in business, the Ping Golf factory fits the reguirements. Twelve League members enjoyed the guided tour April 16 and learned a lot about manufacturing. Ping is trying to have all the products made entirely in the USA and they are close to doing that. The exception is one driver going to China for titanium coating but most of the machinery from Mexico is now here in Phoenix.
Joan Galloway and Delores Tomasek stand by Ping color chart.
Karsten Solheim was an engineer and, admittedly, a terrible golfer. After a disastrous round of golf on a company picnic, he experimented with a popsicle stick and a sugar cube deciding he could create a better putter...and he did. Any pro golfer who wins a major tournament with a Ping putter now is awarded one in solid gold. Ping also keeps one in gold plate. They have so many putters now in the vault, they are expanding the room. Linda Fritsch, Pat Faur and Sharron McKinney take their seats at the presentation.
Ping must treat their employees well because so many of them have worked there for 15-20-25-30 or more years. That type of retention speaks volumes for a company with almost 1,000 employees.
Gail Lucky and Ruth Ann Hogan adjust their ear phones and glasses prior to the tour.
I was surprised to find many small buildings grouped together at their factory, not a huge modern plant. Karsten slowly acquired land and existing buildings as his company grew, including an old bank on the property.
A driving range is available to try out new clubs and it is now surrounded by tall, green mesh fences. Apparently pro golfer Bubba Watsen hit a drive 362 yards past the range and into the city of Phoenix bus depot. oops.
Lunch was enjoyed at the Art Institute of Phoenix culinary school. Pam Ryan inquires about the menu with her young waiter.