Yes, we have no bandannas - 9/10/2010

Well, only 3 had no bandannas. Spidy gets a pass because he didn't receive the email notification about the event; Buckeye had some lame excuse - something about OSU logo prohibitions, Stevie Wonder doesn't have a bandanna and Ray didn't offer any excuse what-so-ever. Hoot got by with what looked a lot like a necktie, Jan had a ribbon of sorts and the rest of the crew displayed the all-purpose accessory in various modes as seen in the photos below including the surveillance file photo of Jan. Ace, is the uncontested winner of the first ever Bandanna -Day event. In addition to handily winning the unbelievable, and also awesome prize (to be determined by a date not yet known) is the official cover person of this episode of the UPG BLOG. She went the extra mile. Congratz.

Eleven were present for the festivities and Pickleball, too: Bob T, Bob H, Jan, Johnny, Pete, Ray, Steve, Mike (welcome back from worldly travels), Lynne, Sharon & Ron.

Above photo - clockwise from top L: Hoot w/ questionable, but passable bandanna; Cupcake colorfully adorned in lime green, Jan (long-lens security camera photo) and Whiz demonstrating the headband technique with his ball cap jauntily askew.

Above photo. Yon editor (neck style), Pete (hillbilly, square-dancer, rear pocket mode). Spidy demonstrating something, but we know not; actual P'ballers playing.

Above - Clockwise from top L: Ray, Cupcake & Buckeye, Stevie Wonder & Spidy.

With Spidy back on the scene, the conversation over the net increased somewhat and the fierceness of the matches did as well. Many fine games ensued and at least one went to 14-12. There was one notable shutout near the end of the session as well, but I promised Jan that I wouldn't mention it in the BLOG - so I won't. A promise is a promise!

For a guaranteed good time call... never mind. Check your email for the next P'ball schedule announcement.

Spike

Only flesh wounds - Tuesday, 9/07/2010

Carol (Lash) earns 'Poster-girl' status, for her tenacious playing style and hard-core returns. She is also recognized for her spiffy outfit including the matching knees.

Twelve players: Anne, Johnny, Carol, Lynne, Pete, Steve, Bob H, Bob T, Claude, Jan, Sharon & The Blurbist. Beautiful weather, slightly warm, occasional breeze. So much for the statistics.

The BLOG title refers to the many kill-shot strikes players suffered during the matches. It seems that there is a lot more net play lately. Consequently, folks are often bopped by balls that were meant to be lobs, but fell short and were then drilled into their chops instead! At least 5 players took direct hits so there were plenty of welts to go around - one just forming on Ace's leg (below R).

Claude made about 15 successful, back-spin drop shots, leaving the opposing players swinging at dead air - 5 feet from the ball. Can't let him watch any more of the US Open, otherwise he'll be using fuzzy balls and serving overhand.

As often happens, there were a few blowouts, but thankfully most matches were tight including 3 'overtime' matches. Stevie Wonder was in all 3 matches and was on the winning side twice.

We'll be at it again on Friday, September 10th if the weatherperson is kind to us. Watch your E-mail. An exciting Friday event is in the early planning stages. Read & heed your E-mail. This is serious business and should not be taken lightly.

Spike (The Blurbist)

The return of the Bob - Friday, 9/03/10

Above: Bob T in action after an official, and authorized medical leave of absence of about 3 months. It didn't take Bob long to get into the swing of things as can be seen above. In fact, he blew a serve by Sharon (Cupcake) that whistled in flight - "made kind of a whizzing sound" is what witnesses seemed to recall. So, Cupcake blessed Bob T with the nickname Whiz. So it is written, so it shall be. (P'ball 2:25). Welcome back, also to Anne (Pit Bull). She has also been off the P'ball scene, busy with major home renovations. Got back into the the game quickly. The other Bob, the Buckeye one, was happier than a clam because Ohio State won it's 1st game of the season, but the smile soon turned to an agonizing grimace after ol' Buckeye took two direct pickleball hits to the midsection while protecting the non-volley line. He is expected to make a full recovery.

We had 10 players total: Bob T, Bob H, Johnny, Anne, Lynne, Charlie, Catherine, Steve, Sharon & this blurbist (a new word, that you are free to use at will).

Our 2nd semi-official dress-code day went over like a lead balloon. Two duds in a row! Believe it or not, some folks had a hard time coming up with these common, basic, every-day colors: mauve, periwinkle, chartreuse and burnt umber. Catherine, came the closest - according to our judges - with a shirt that closely resembled chartreuse. The temperature was a little cooler and that inspired a lot more action on the courts. With just 9 players there wasn't much time to rest in the shade or on our laurels. We had lots of good p'ball action and a great time gabbing when we had a chance. Sorry to say that Charlie bummed a calf muscle so had to sit out the last few matches. Hope it is a temporary setback.
Above: Hoot & Cupcake.
Below: Catherine in chartreuse?

So, that's the report. Stay tuned for other fun-filled announcements, p'ball factoids and grossly exaggerated stories. Watch for a notice of a special day - perhaps on Friday, September 10th.

Spike

UPG - P'all session - Friday, 8/27/2010

Another steamer of a day, but 13 UPG toughies showed up and were ready to play. So, that's what we did. We had many fine games in spite of the heat. The group thinned out after two hours, but there were still enough players to keep one court smoking for another hour. Players: Jan, Johnny, John, Carol, Peter, Peter P (came out of the woodwork - as the saying goes), Charlie, Ray, Bob H, Lynne, Steve, Sharon and Ron.

Above: Lynne (Ace) and Jan protecting their turf. Below: Charlie deftly lofts a ball in the genera direction of his opponents.

Below: John (Spinmaster) lived up the his namesake. He dropped several 'spinners' on the opposite court, occasionally within reach of the competition - but, not for long.

So, we had another fun day in Upstate Pickleballville. We'll be at it again on Friday, Sept 3rd. Watch for the fun-packed E-mail schedule announcement.

Spike

UPG - Home & Away - P'ball - August 27, 2010

Home: Steve reports that 10 players were present for p'ball action. Johnny, Carol, Jan, Catherine, Dave H, Bob H, Claude, Ray, Charlie and Steve. The courts were wet, but the troops soon dried them and got heavy into the game. Many good games followed.

Away: A contingent from the UPG traveled to Lake Lure, NC to participate in the Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad Pickleball competition @ the beautiful Rumbling Bald Resort: Sharon (Cupcake to her friends) and I (Spike) formed a mixed doubles team to begin play at noon. John (Dr. John, the Spinmaster and now 'Johnny-come-lately') and I formed a men's double team to begin play at 10:00. Pete Fallon was also in attendance as our cheering section, general all-around-handy-man, good-guy and un-official second to fill in for John. Pete was wearing leather deck shoes. I said he may have to fill in for John in case he didn't show up. Pete gamely, snugged up his shoes and was going to play. That's pretty hard core. Lucky for Pete, John and his darling wife Judy, arrived a few minutes after 10:00, having missed a turn somewhere en route (wind was a factor). After some rushing around, we were able to play our match and Peter, thankfully, was able to loosen up his leather laces. Phew! John and I won our 1st round two games to zip. In the 2nd round we were soundly thumped 0-2. But, we managed to get a third place ranking and were awarded medals to prove it. Cupcake and I won our first round in three games; lost the first, but won the 2nd & 3rd both times coming back from 5-2 deficits. In the next round we met up with two toughies from the Hendersonville and they promptly blew us to smithereens.

We had a great time with a nice group of p'ballers. The event was exceptionally well organized. We (listen to this: played with only two balls per match - no kidding). The hosts provided ball shaggers. Pretty high-end, eh?

This was the first time for the Pickleball event in the Olympiad. Hopefully, it will be included in next year. If so, perhaps the UPG can rustle up a bigger contingent and go to Lake Lure in full force. It was a fun experience, not a bad drive, nice courts with wide, blue p'ball lines, stiff but friendly competition, excellent facilities and beautiful scenery. Can't beat that!

Big thanks to Smoke for keeping our group apprised about the events.

Sorry about the short 'home' blurb and wordy 'away' report and the first-person narrative.

Spike

P'ball - the short and sweet of it. 8/24/10

Ten players were action on this lovely day and we even had a nice breeze. Present: John, Johnny, Carol, Jan, Steve, Pete, Charlie, Bob H, Sharon and this writer and part-time paper hanger.

Here's what happened. But, first - it was much quieter possibly because - Spidy was winging his way to Samoa where there are presently few incidences of cannibalism reported so he'll probably be back soon enough!

• We hit the ball hundreds of times - many made it over the net and quite a few landed in the court of the opponent and these were often returned with some vigor and occasionally for a point.
• We had to get used to the first breeze in quite a while, but it was nice to have it as an excuse for the rare shot that 'didn't travel the intended route'.
• Other excuses uttered: "I wasn't ready." "The ball skipped on the white line." "It was your ball." "You poached and weren't able to cover your side of the court." "I thought it was going out of bounds." "It's too quiet." "The sun was in my eyes." "I thought you were going to get it." "I don't like the orange balls." And, on and on and on.
• We played many games - hard and fast and no one got hurt so there were no emergency medical airlifts as I recall. We had fun, too.

Otherwise: Cupcake, Spike and the Spinmaster will not be at Timmons Friday, as we will be playing in a tournament at a resort in Lake Lure, NC. Stevie Wonder will be handling the Friday P'ball session.

See you next week and have fun this Friday. We will report on the tournament.

Spike

Treats & Heat. UPG Report: 8/20/2010

Johnny (Hoot) earns 'poster-boy' status (poster person, if you like) for his notoriously deadly kill shots at the net. Free advice: Don't serve up a lob to Hoot unless you are absolutely positive that you can get it well out of his long reach, otherwise you may end up wearing a pickleball for the rest of the match, or the rest of your life.

Twelve players were present: Jan, Johnny, Bob H, Ray, Charlie, Catherine, Peter, Ralph, Steve, Mike, Sharon & Ron. There was a recommended dress code for the day, but only 3 of our twelve got it right. Two of them are shown below. Buckeye and Cupcake are also featured for their dashing hats (the hats aren't actually dashing Claude - it's just a figure of speech). Mrs Bob, aka Geri, supplied us with treats - pictured below in the first collage. Thanks for the goodies.

We had many exciting games of Pickleball in the heat, but occasionally took time out to clown around, as the scene below clearly indicates.

Below: Ralph is captured, by the camera of a low-flying satellite, demonstrating to Charlie the almost lost art of a right-hander, executing a backhand shot, using the left hand, while holding the face of the paddle instead of the handle as is the custom in this hemisphere. Some would argue, and rightly so, that the move is actually a left-handed forehand. You judge. Charlie was still practicing the maneuver when we packed up and headed to our vehicles.

Thanks Catherine for taking some pictures.

Other newsy stuff: Jan took 3 direct Pickleball hits, one in the face. But, she played on like the trooper she is.

We'll be playing next week. Check your e-mail for the schedule and other exciting announcements.

Spike

Upstate Sauna & Pickleball - 8/17/2010

No photos today because the UPG Photographer inadvertently left his/her camera at home on the counter so he/she would definitely remember to take it to the match. So, you'll just have to use your imagination. Good luck. Fourteen players showed up. Stevo was first on the scene wielding a push broom to clear the courts after an early morning rain. Others soon pitched in with squeegees. Present: Mike, Carole, Johnny, Claude, Sharon, Jan, Bob the hat, Ray, Charlie, Lynne, Steve, Pete, Ralph & Ron. We had some light drizzle, and some notable SC humidity. We also had many spirited games including at least one heartbreaker that this author of dubious talent would prefer not to talk about - but, thanks for asking.

Gentleman Bob H (aka Buckeye) was sporting a new floppy, boonie hat and drew many comments - some were unsavory. However, Buckeye shouldered the abuse in a very sporting manner and is hereby commended. He later reported to the UPG Medical Team and Wardrobe Department (UPGMT&WD), that the adornment was not intended to be a Pickleball fashion statement as some thought and took exception to, but rather, a way to protect his ears from the ravaging effects of the sun.

We will probably be playing on Friday if weather permits. Stay tuned.

And: next time you see Stevie Wonder, thank him for taking on the P'ball scheduling duties for the last two weeks.

Spike

Friday the 13th - (8/13/10) - P'ball Report

Eight players reported in on this - Friday the 13th. No unlucky events were noted in Steve's report. Another hot and humid day, but the battles went on for over two hours. Players in action: Mike, Joanie, Pete, Bob H, Johnny, Catherine, Claude & Steve.
Also: Good news: Bob T reports that he had surgery on Aug 12th. He'll be out of Commission for a while, but is looking forward getting back onto the p'ball court. We'll be waiting!
T-storms are predicted all week, so we'll just have to squeeze our matches in when we can. The plan is to play on Tue AM the 17th. Check your e-mail.

Spike
GV, SC

August 10, 2010 Pickleball report

A hot day and hot games. That's the long and short of this report. I'll do better next time. Maybe. Eleven players present: Mike, John, Johnny, Jan, Joanie, Lynne, Claude, Anne, Peter, Bob H & Steve.

Spike
Deep Creek
McHenry, MD

August 6, 2010 - P'ball Session

The courts were wet at the start, but the troops pitched in and got them in working order in nothing flat. Then it heated up and plenty of games ensued. One (un-named) player stepped on an errant ball while charging after a ball in play. He or she managed to remain upright, but sadly, the ball was crushed beyond recognition and had to be retired (the ball, not the player).

Players: Mike, John, Johnny, Carol, Jan, Joanie, Pete, Lynne, Charlie, Bob H, Anne & Steve.

As reported by Steve.

Spike
Alexandria, VA

August 3, 2010 - P'ball report

Steve reports that 8 players showed up. Cloudy at first, then warmed up. Many good games including at least 4 'overtime' matches. Present: Gary, Mike, Jan, Joanie, Bob H, Pete, Claude and Steve.

Spike
Roving Reporter
Alexandria, VA

The Day of The Hellacious Serve(s) - August 2, 2010

Ten players showed up and enjoyed some excellent matches and coolish weather at 74 degrees and overcast. Present: Johnny, Carol, Lynne, Anne, Jan, Peter, Steve, Joanie, Sharon & Ron. Lynne (aka: Ace) is starred today in honor of her self-proclaimed 'hellacious' serve - one of which is shown above. It was a daring and somewhat brazen statement, but she followed it up with action, by blasting several aces past bewildered opponents.

Above: Jan reaches for a sideliner and executes a smart return. Below: Pete swats a backhander as Joanie looks on.

Below: Jan agonizes over a missed shot that she could have easily dropped over for the point.

Otherwise, what else happened of note? Well, Anne (Pit Bull) made at least two leaping returns where she left the ground pursuing lobs. On both occasions she managed to return them by making confirmed vertical leaps of at least 12". Well deserved standing ovations followed both returns. There were 2 shutouts and there were a few matches that reached into the teens. What else? We had loads of fun and we'll be back at it again on Tuesday, August 3rd, and if weather permits, again on Friday, August 6th. Steve is going to doing the scheduling for the next two weeks. See you in a few weeks.

Spike & Cupcake

UPG - Another scorcher - July 30, 2010

Twelve UPGers showed up on this hot day, and they (we) played like there was no tomorrow. Chew on that for a while, Claude! In attendance: Jan, Johnny, Dave H, Catherine, Claude, Peter, Ralph, Mike, Anne, Muriel, Sharon & Ron. Spidy is featured as today's poster boy in recognition of his hard-butt mode of playing. He and a team-mate came back from an 8-2 deficit to win the game 14-12; during the match he executed either a somersault or a one-handed cartwheel (neither very well done) and ended up on his back where he stayed for a few minutes gathering himself. At the end of the session he took on two seasoned players in two Canadian doubles matches and won both handily. Good show Spidy.Catherine and David were back on the scene after a short hiatus. But, they soon got into the swing of things - pardon the pun. Catherine also took some of the photos you see here. Tnx. Otherwise, we played through the heat, welcomed the occasional, but short-lived breezes and even managed a few good natured pot shots in the process of having another grand old time on the courts.

Have a good weekend. Rest up and be ready to play again next week.

Spike

3 Hs Pickleball - July 27, 2010

Anne (Pit Bull) gets the 'cover girl' glory for this "3 Hs" day: HOT, HUMID AND HARDCORE. She brightened up the day with her spiffy duds and played fiercely, as well. But, before we got started we had to clear the courts of puddles from the Monday PM T-storms. Spidy and Joanie are at it below. Pete also pitched in as did John (The Spinmaster). We ended up with 9 players: Anne, Joanie, Mike, John, Johnny, Pete, Claude, Jan and this blabber.

Anne, bright and shiny as a new penny, demonstrates her P'ball prowess below right.

Below: Claude retrieves a ball deep and low; Joanie is at the ready.

We didn't always have a full complement of players, due to stragglers arriving at various times and weather-depleted folks leaving. So, we made do. We played doubles, a singles match and 2 Canadian Doubles matches. During one hotly contested doubles match, someone placed a nasty drop shot well out of Jan's reach. She referred to him as a 'dog'. We (the Editorial Staff) don't know if she was complimenting her opponent by referring to the cunning ways of - say, an English Springer Spaniel, or if the term was derogatory in nature and referred to the sly tactics of a man-eating Basenji. The tone of Jan's voice seems to suggest the latter, not the former. But, you will have to make the final judgement.

We will be on the courts later this week - probably Friday. Check your E-mail.

Spike

Smelteresque P'ball - No softies allowed - 7/23/10

Our Cover-girl this week is Prema, the Granddaughter of hard-core player Joanie. Prema won the honor hands-down. Unlike other folks who have been so blessed - she didn't have to pay for the privilege!

Eleven P'ballers abandoned their temperature-controlled perches and played under conditions that would keep normal folks indoors, in their lounge chairs chugging iced tea, or better yet - adult beverages, while eyeing the Weather Channel. But, we played for 2-1/2 hours, until we were thoroughly cooked. By that time the shady spot at the northeast corner of the court had finally disappeared. We had some excellent matches. At least two paddles were unintentionally propelled due to sweaty palms. No injuries were recorded.

Above: Lynne was on her game today. She was working so hard and covering so much of the court that her partners pretty much stood around in case she needed a breather.

Below: Gary is sporting a colorful RAGBRAI shirt. Someone claimed it was a distraction while another player said he (Gary) looked like a rainbow. The UPG Nickname Operations Production Entrepreneurs, after much discussion and 3 votes, decided not the saddle Gary with the nickname Rainbow as suggested by a player who asked not to be identified.

Below: Clockwise from top left. The 2nd documented case of a ball embedded in the fence; this one so mangled that it probably will be used for only another week or so. Continuing clockwise: Hoot pounding one, Jan relaxing after an unreturned serve & Cupcake serving.

We'll be at it again next week. See you then.

Spike

UPG - International in scope - July 20, 2010

We had a pile of players (12) on this warmish day including Claude Le Plume De Ma Tante, who showed up almost a month late. He has been working on his English, but apparently is still struggling with common phrases such as Pickleball. Notice how he spelled it on his shirt! Also present and sometimes accounted for: Mike, Carol, Johnny, Bob H, Pete, Gary, Steve, Jan, Joanie, Sharon & Yon Editor.

Above: Buckeye, Cupcake and their shadows. Other happenings: Spidy (while spectating) was scolded by Jan for yapping (yakking, if you prefer) at her during a crucial part of a match where Jan lost the point. Cupcake hurled strong words at Stevie Wonder for a poaching infraction. Oh: Carol's & Johnny's daughter Saxon and her two children Dexter and Riley were on the scene. We are always glad to have company, and it was especially nice, because the two youngsters shagged balls all morning. Thanks. Above: Jan is about to serve, or is going to hit a return. Your choice.

Below: Gary: getting low.

Below: Jan poaches one from Stevie Wonder as Spidy uses body English to help the ball elude her reach.

Below: Carol is ready for whatever is thrown at her.

We had another swell day on the courts and look forward to the next match which, if the weather cooperates, will be on Friday July 23. Check your E-mail.

Spike

PS: For Spidy's eyes only. Yon Editor spell-checked this Post 4 times, asked Sharon about one spelling, and looked up 3 words in Webster's Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition, copy write date: 1997, ISBN # 0-87779-708-0: Yapping, yakking and elude. I believe these words and all others in the text above, and herein, are correctly spelled. For the most part - no words have been left out except those the Editor intentionally left out. Should you (Spidy) find any misspelled words, or flagrant grammatical errors, please advise by Certified, Return-Request, Air Mail or via an Insured, Bonded Courier. A $50 (US Dollars, only), non-refundable, cash, security deposit must accompany the Official Notification. Upon receipt, the UPG Editorial Staff will evaluate the claimed errors and, if found to be valid, will take immediate action to correct the problem and will strike the Editor about the head and shoulders with a blunt instrument. Ed.

Equatorial P'ball - July 16, 2010

No pictures today. Too busy playing P'ball, taking in fluids and pounding down brownies. Eleven players showed up and played like it was 60 degrees even though is was more like 90 and without a breath of a breeze. On the scene: Bob H, Mike, Jan, Johnny, Pete, Carol, Ralph, Steve, Gary, Muriel and Ron.

An old friend used to describe hot days as being "extremely Equatorial" - that is the reason for the phrase in the title. Don't bother looking it up. Ponder it. Absorb it. Use it, and call it your own.

We had a lot of fiery matches as we always do. Paddles flew a few times (wet hands - but, thanks for the thought). The treat of the day - and perhaps the last 6 months - a serious batch of brownies, with nuts (otherwise they wouldn't be real brownies) and lightly powdered with confectionery sugar. Thanks to Buckeye for delivering the brownies, properly served on a little table with dainty napkins for those who don't use their sleeves. Thanks to Mrs. Buckeye for doing the baking duties.

Check your email in the next few days. I'll be sending out info and updates about events in Keowee Keys and Lake Lure. Lots of stuff going on. Do these 2 things if you don't do anything else worth while. READ YOUR UPG E-MAIL AND CHECK THE BLOG - THIS BLOG!!!

See you next week.

Spike

Pickleball - Session - July 13, 2010

We had 11 players today and at least that many hot games. Present, and playing their hearts out: Johnny, John, Mike Joanie, Jan, Bob H, Pete, Anne, Lynne, Sharon & Ron. Barbara from Anne's aerobics class came by and tried her hand at P'ball. It was a little cooler today - about 90 degrees when we quit after 2-1/2 hours at 11:30. As always, we had many fine matches and some exceptional match ups. Loads of fun; exercise, too. Above: Pete easily earns 'cover-boy' status for his hard hitting hustle-plays and his cat-like net play. Good shew (as Ed Sullivan would say - if he was still around, that is.)

Above: Buckeye is in the 'relaxed/casual' mode as he awaits a return from Cupcake's serve.

Other items of great significance and import: You have all heard, from Smoke, about the Lake Lure crowd's upcoming Pickleball Games of Hickory Nut Gorge. Beginning on Thursday, August 26. Stayed tuned for more details. We also heard from Dick W of the Keowee Keys Pickleball Group (and a comment has been attached to the BLOG), that the KKPG has 60 residents who have signed up to learn to play P'ball. The 'crew' hopes to have two tennis courts lined for Pickleball soon.

Plan on a P'ball session on Friday (and, perhaps some yummies). Hear that Buckeye???

Spike

UPG - 7/9/2010 - Continued

The reason this information couldn't be included in the 1st 7/9/10 BLOG, is because we were awaiting the results of scientific tests. The Top Secret documents arrived early this morning via a bonded courier. The test results came from two world renown, independent labs (The CIA out of DC and the Upstate Pickleball Group's Forensic Investigative Bureau (FIB) of Greenville, SC . And, here is the astonishing news:
DNA testing has proven beyond any doubt that Spidy & Spike are NOT identical twins, nor are they brothers at all - not even blood brothers. This, in spite of the fact that they share striking similarities as clearly indicated in the un-retouched photo above. For the record, Spidy is the one without the bandana.

Spike

Sweltering Friday - UPG - July 9, 2010

Teenager, Muriel gets the Number 1 billing on this First of its kind - 2 episode P'ball report. There was much competition for this coveted spot, but Muriel took the prize by a nose.

We had 15 players who laughed at the hot weather (94 degrees when we quit at noon). Mike, Lynne, Joanie, Johnny, Ray, Bob H*, Jan, Sharon, Steve, Anne, Ralph, Gary, Muriel, Ron & Brook, (first time P'baller, friend of Jan's - all the way from San Diego). Brook played many games and, being a tennis player, got the hang of the game right away. * It's not our habit to comment on players who show up 'late', but Bob H (Buckeye) was about a half hour late for the start of the session. The reason he was tardy - is because he attended LeBron James' goodbye bash in Cleveland the night before our match as he (LeBron, not Buckeye) headed for Miami. The UPG Editorial Team (UPGET) is trying to secure a photograph confirming Bob's report, especially because he claims to have had quite a spirited conversation w/ LeBron and even went so far as to try to talk the superstar into not leaving Cleveland. On the same subject: Big Cavs fan Stevie Wonder reportedly cut up his LeBron T-shirt and will use the remains for oil rags.

We had many battles on the steamy courts. It took some cajoling to keep everyone playing, instead of plunking down in the only shady spot on the court that kept getting smaller as the morning wore on. Above. Bottom right. Gary earns the best dressed award formerly held by someone else.
Below: Bottom right. Stevie Wonder executes one of his most blatant poaches. Does anyone care to guess were the returned ball was directed - and, did Stevo get it? We don't think so, Clyde.

Above, bottom left. Brook & Ron, thanks to Lynne for taking the photo.

Oh, almost forgot. At the end of the session when most folks were on their way home, or should have been, Mr. Wonder challenged yon Editor to a full-court singles match. Steve won the match 11-8. Good show. This loss will be avenged. Stay tuned.

As noted above this report will be continued tomorrow. Be sure to tune in because there will be several more exciting photographs and - far more important - a National Inquirer-like expose that you'll not want to miss.

Spike

Another steamy day - UPG - July 6, 2010

We (Spike & Cupcake) are back in town - but, no one took mercy on us because we suffered a few crushing defeats. Hot today, but that didn't stop a baker's dozen from showing up - and they came out swinging. Players: Mike, Johnny, Jan, Joanie, John, Steve, Bob H, Ray, Sharon, Gary, Lynne, Ralph & yon editor. One match went to 14-12, several were tight and there were a few blowouts as well. But, fun we had and that's what it is all about - plus the exercise, of course and don't forget the camaraderie and the good-natured bantering and stuff like that.
Looks like we'll be playing on Friday, July 9th - but, check your E-mail to confirm. The UPG Camera Team and Associates, LLC, advises that they (it) will be on hand for our next p'ball session to take more stunning photographs - the kind of photos that the UPG players have come to expect. And, they (you) shan't be disappointed!

See you on Friday
Spike

Pickleball happenings - July 2, 2010

Stevo allowed as how Friday was a little cooler and there was a slight breeze and those elements made for a nice day for P'ball. Eleven players showed up: Mike, John, Johnny, Gary, Muriel, Jan, Joanie, Ralph, Bob H, Pete and Steve.

The paddle that was inadvertently left at the courts has been retrieved by its owner. However, Mr. Wonder, failed to divulge the name of the party who left it behind and whether or not a ransom amount has been levied. The Upstate Pickleball Group Investigative Team (TUPGIT) will look into this matter and will report accordingly.

In the mean time, have an enjoyable 4th, drive safely, and check your email for the next match. And don't forget to thank Steve and Lynn for keeping the schedule going while we were gallivanting around the Good Old US of A. Brush up on your game, 'cause we are back in town and are pining to get back in the swing of things - so to speak.

Spike & Cupcake
Greenville, SC
July 3, 2010