Force 6 Friday - February 25, 2011

This day would best be described as blustery. The wind conditions have been Officially rated as a Force 6 on the Beaufort Scale. Seven showed up to play anyway, including Albert, who drove all of the way from Oregon to join the UPGers for some hard-core P'ball. Albert and his family were waiting for us when we arrived. The courts had a wet area - so, right after introductions we handed Albert a push broom and he attacked the puddle with considerable vigor and a fair amount of good humor. Below: Albert @ work.

Also present: Mike, Steve, Anne, Gary A, Sharon & Ron. Spidy brough a very nice batch of cookies and his paddle was returned to him unharmed. The cookies WERE NOT a bribe, as payment for the return his paddle which was left behind the last time Spidy played. Really.

As noted the wind was very strong and gusty - with enough force to blow over our chairs and to deposit all loose balls against the fence at the NE corner of the courts. Turns out Albert is a very good player and a good sport. We played for about 2 hours and had a good time. The 2nd plus: it was easy to shag the balls! The 1st plus is that it's better to be playing p'ball in squirrelly conditions, than not playing at all! Below: Albert & Stevie Wonder finish a match with Spidy and Gary A 

Above: A prototype UPG logo. At this point, it is NOT protected by copy write laws so feel free to have it applied to your sporty wearing apparel, bedclothes, undergarments, paddle-face or to your torso.

P'ball again on Tuesday. Watch for the announcement.
Spike

Tuesday P'ball - 2/22/11 - What About Bob?

Yo P'ballers:
We had 10 players on this bright, blustery day. As follows: Joanie, Jan, Carol, Johnny, Steve, Bob H, Ralph, Gary A, Sharon and Ron. What about Bob? The first photo below (taken on 2/15/11) shows Bob H (Buckeye) as he cozies up to his fellow P'ballers. He is a social animal, as anyone can see.

But, something must have set Buckeye off during the week (or, perhaps the other players were avoiding him), because in the 2/22/11 photo below you might notice that Bucky is pretty much by himself. The rest of the players were against the opposite fence taking advantage of the little shady spot there.

Even though Mr. Hopp tends toward standoffishness, we keep him in the UPG organization because he: can hit the ball smartly; is the most consistent provider of goodies; is the only one among us who always knows the score and who is serving.

Short on players, but long on good matches we had a great time in spite of the stiff breeze. 2nd photo above: Joanie de Arc hefts a serve. Above: Jan poaching from Cupcake, but at least the ball cleared the net. Below: Ralph demonstrating his p'ball prowess. When he wasn't playing he serenaded  Carol (Lash), Jan and Cupcake in Spanish. They were like putty in his hands - figuratively speaking, that is!

End of scoop. Stay tuned and watch your email for the next P'ball event. Spike

Funday Friday - 2/18/11 - P'ball & bull session

Fifteen players were in action today including explosive Catherine the Great and Cupcake shown above. The group in no special order: Spidy (visiting from NC), Bob H , Johnny, John, Gary, Gary A, Muriel, Jan, Anne, Joanie, Catherine, Lynne, Steve, Sharon and Ron. This was a beauty of a day; made it to 70 degrees; a breath of a breeze; sunny. Fifteen players makes for a crowd on two courts, so there was a little too much down time. But, we carried on.

Some of the troops were still standing after 3 hours. We played doubles and worked in a few singles matches as well once the crowd thinned out. Three highlights of note: One: When Spidy left the courts on Friday, he was not as fully equipped as he was when he arrived. He motored home without his paddle and as in all other cases - and there have been several - the paddle will be held hostage. It will be returned (redeemed) - unharmed - if Spidy pays a minimal bribe - in the form of yummies to share. He has been officially advised about the "arrangements". Two:  Jan is a new Grandmother. Her 2nd Granddaughter Ava Taylor was born about a week ago. Jan is as proud as a peach. Congratulations. Three: Lynne (Ace) was on fire today and wore her nickname on here sleeve, where in one match, she served 3 aces in a row. Could very well be a record. The archives are being searched as you read this.

Ok. That's the report for Friday, 2/18/11. We'll be playing again (probably on Tuesday and Friday). Misc: The bathrooms at Timmons will be opened by March 1st, so you'll have to hold on until then! Good luck. No new info about the status of the court re-surfacing at Gowers, but we are hopeful that they will be ready by Spring (2011). Spike

Tuesday P'ball - February 15, 2011

Eleven showed up to play - here in the Upstate, that is. At Timmons: Bob H, Peter, Steve, Anne, Joanie, Ralph, John, Gary A, Gary, Sharon and Ron. The weather was kind to us - maybe too kind - as indicated in the photo below. Who's playing P'ball? We had 11 players. Seven are parked and one took the picture. This is not trick photography.

Eventually we filled both courts and kept at it for 2-1/2 hours. Good matches and scads of fun, but a little too quiet. Why? Because Spidy was no where to be seen (or heard). More to come*.

Above: Pitt Bull serves while Stevie Wonder looks on.

Below: Ralph in pursuit; Gary ready to pounce on a return shot.

Below: Buckeye laces a backhand deep, while Cupcake heads to the net.

*BOLO for Spidy (aka Mike, Mighty Spidy, Mike-the-Long and Loquacious). There is an APB in effect. He was last seen heading north in a late model Japanese sedan (but, Made In The USA). He is armed. His MO is usually a 'kill shot' typically in or near the kitchen. The UPG Security Bureau believes that the suspect may have defected to a safe house (or, court) in NC or perhaps he is being held against his will. Description: Too tall, 181 pounds, prematurely slight of hair, cruddy ruddy chin. Do not try to apprehend this fugitive. Victim? To be determined.

Otherwise, we will be playing P'ball, in all its glory and mayhem, on Friday, February 18, 2011. Spike

Friday P'ball - 2/11/2011

No pictures today. Lucky you. We had a splendid day and a good turnout to boot. Fourteen players: Bob H., Steve, Mike, Peter, Joanie, Lynne, Johnny, Carol, John, Anne, Ralph, Gary A, Sharon and Ron. Bob (Buckeye) H. brought a nice batch of brownies lovingly prepared by his darling wife Geri. Bob (thinks-of-everything) even brought a little serving table and ziplocks in case anyone wanted to take home some of the goodies. Which, they did. We also played Pickleball. Lots of exciting action including one game that went to 14-12. Due to the crowd - players lined their paddles up on the fence and picked them off one-at-a-time when they took their turn on the courts. A partly sunny day, about 50 degrees with a breeze and a bunch of pals playing Pickleball and gabbing between matches. It doesn't get much better than that. Looks like we'll have favorable weather next week, so polish up your paddles, dress those wounds and get yourself ready for more action!
Spike

Puddle-pushers + P'ball Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011

The courts were covered with puddles, so our maintenance crew went to work with squeegees and made short work of the task. The sun and breeze did the rest. In the mean time 14 players showed up to enjoy the day. Johnny and Carol were on the scene, having been vacationing in FL for a while, but keeping up with their P'ball skills by playing 4 times a week. Our group: Steve, Mike, Bob H, Johnny, Carol, Peter, Joanie, Anne, Jan, Catherine, Ralph, John, Sharon and Ron. It was such a beautiful day (50 degrees), that some of us stuck it out for 3-1/2 hours. Others lounged around, during breaks, like they were at the beach. A beautiful sight! We played hard and long and had some exceptional matches and perhaps a few lesser ones, too. But, it's all about fun, socializing and exercise. We accomplished all three. Enjoy the pictures below. See you on Friday. And, don't forget we are collecting $6 per head for the 5 dozen P'balls that have been ordered. Spike



Four players... Thursday, February 3, 2011

Four players showed up for P'ball on another 'off-day' forced upon us by the weather. We took one court and two tennis players took the other and we got along famously. P'ballers: Steve, Jan, Sharon & Ron. Weather: Overcast, cooler than it should have been at 42 degrees and no wind. Four players adds up to 3 possible doubles combinations. And we went through that cycle several times. There was, as expected, a winning and losing team each game. How's that for a coincidence? We had a great time. Even though were were short on numbers, we weren't short on enthusiasm. We'll see how the weather treats us next week. See you then.

Spike

13 on Friday - P'ball - 1/28/2011 AD

Thirteen troopers were on hand for another fun (and funny) day of P'ball, pot shots and general all around good time. Players: Ralph, Steve, Gary, Catherine, Gary A, Jan, Mike, Peter, Muriel, Joanie, Lynne, Sharon and the chronic Chronicler. Try saying that 3 times. Here's how it went:

1. A beautiful Red tailed hawk flew low over the courts. Brightened an already nice day.
2. A pair of turkey vultures circled above for several minutes. The general consensus was that the vultures seemed to be eyeing Stevie Wonder. No one can say for sure, but the scavengers flew off when Mr. Wonder started moving around. So, it's only a guess.
3. At one point loads of players were lounging around and wouldn't take to the courts - totally ignoring repeated requests from the Chief of Staff. The courts were cooling down. Muriel took charge, on her own accord - rattled off an order to commence playing. Within seconds the courts were occupied, balls were flying, paddles were flailing; players were leaping, lunging, lobbing - but, none were loafing. Muriel has now been elevated to the position of: Interim, part-time, non-payed, 2nd in command  Court Coordinator, thrice removed. Congratz.

Above: Catherine the Great (assistant photographer) fires away as Ralph looks on. Below: UPGers make themselves right at home - spreading themselves and their wares at will. Foreground: Mr. Wonder is moving about trying, successfully, to discourage the vultures.

Above: Players hard at work. Top photo of Cupcake and Spike by Catherine the Grate, Grape Great.
Below: More action.

We stayed at it for almost 3 hours. Doubles, Canadian Doubles and a few singles matches. This week is the first time in a while that we played 3 times. The weather made us do it. See you next week. Spike

Thursday Ball Bashing - Jan.27, 2011

Another 'off' day @ P'ball- that is - not our usual Tuesday and Friday schedule. But, 7 players came out of the woodwork for another exciting day of ball bashing and ballbashing. In attendance: Ralph, Steve, Gary, Jan, Mike, Sharon & Ron. We are going to be playing again tomorrow, and I'm tuckered out - so, this BLURB will be short and sweet - like the Chief Blurbist.

It was a fine day, bright as can be with just enough breeze to push loose balls to one side of  the court for easy retrieval by our professional shagging staff. With only 7 players, there wasn't much time to goof off, but we managed somehow. Besides doubles, we played several singles matches; Spidy seems to have the corner on that particular market. At least when he plays your humble servant, that is. But, it's a great workout! See you on Friday, Jan 28th. Spike

Pickleball Report - off day. Monday, Jan 24, 2011

Possible gloomy weather on Tuesday forced a Monday session and that resulted in a smaller than usual turnout. But, it was a sparkling day and  seven players appeared - paddles in hand - ready to play. Present: Ralph, Mike, Jan, Bill, Peter, Sharon and Ron. We played doubles on one court, and either Canadian Doubles, or singles on the other. Folks were either on their game or off their game. No middle-of-the-roaders today, so there were a lot of blowouts. But, who cares? We played for over two hours and had a good time in the process. Looking for 2 more sessions this week. Watching the weather. Stay tuned.

Spike

Logo (Or, loco) Day - Friday, Jan 21, 2011

This was another Freaky Friday event. The charge: Wear something featuring a favorite school, sport or almost any event for which p'ballers had, or could borrow attire. This was our third such event and the participation was an overwhelming 125%. As you can see above and below, many institutions were represented including the University of Adidas - where ever that is? Thirteen players were on hand to display their wears (< intentional play on words!!!) and to play pickleball: Gary, Gary A, Bill, Bob H, Steve, Jan, Anne, Joanie, Ralph, Peter, John, Sharon & Ron.

The UPG photographer remained very professional, even while shooting the front of Anne's, Joanie's, and Sharon's T-shirts. They are represented by these logos: The Red Sox/Celtics, Marathon & Colts. Who's who?

Above: Bob H w/ Ohio State duds. Who would have ever guessed? Ralph forehanding and determined. Bill's badge of honor for the wounds he collected on his first day playing P'ball (Wed, Jan 19). John ready for a backhand. ... Highlights for some: Cupcake and Jan defeated Gary-The-Long-and-Lean & Ralph The-Sturdy in a brilliantly executed match. Much gaiety (and/or merriment) followed the victory by the dynamic damsels. One of the UPG enforcers suggested a penalty for excessive celebration, but the  thought was stiffled quickly by the UPG Rules Committee. Anne (Pit Bull) was on her game - drilling the ball at will, and Stevie Wonder was as hot as a Chinese firecracker with a short fuse - and, twice as quick. And: We received a report from Kevin from the Rec. Dept. that the resurfacing and P'ball lining of the 5 courts at Gowers Park is still in the works. A few obstacles that were holding up the project have been resolved. No time frame yet, but things are looking up.

Watching the weather.
Spike

P'ball - Wednesday, Jan 19, 2011 - Back @ Timmons

A Wednesday match caught some of our players with other obligations, but we still ended up with 9 players: Bill (a newbie), Joanie, Catherine, Steve, Mike, Ralph, Gary, Sharon & yon editor. It was good to see Ralph back in action. The courts were wet, but our maintenance division spiffed them up pronto. New guy Bill (also a GNHA hiker) joined us for his 1st try at P'ball and did well. Within the 1st half hour he took a digger - judged as a low-degree of difficulty (LDD) swan dive. None the worse for wear, he only garnered a 7.0 for the effort. Much room for improvement.

Above: Bill, looking like a seasoned p'ball veteran. Got his 1st win late in the day, partnered with Stevie Wonder. Below: Gazelle-like Joanie de arc lunges for a backhander.

Spidy was in action today, but still burdened with a cold. Under the circumstance - catching him in a debilitated state, and definitely out of sorts, I (Spike) cleverly challenged him to a singles match. It was the best idea I had all day. It went my way because I finally gained a sympathy point when he was leading 8-0. Spidy, clearly off his game battled back, and eventually, barely edged me by a scrawny 11-1 score.

Above: Spike and Ralph. Catherine-the-great took a bunch of pictures when she wasn't playing. This is one of them. She demanded copyright privileges. The editorial staff usually plagiarizes all documents and photos so it isn't familiar with the copyright symbol. But, for the record: this photo is copyrighted. So, duplicate it at your peril.

 The weather was exceptional, closing in on 60 degrees. So, we played for over two hours and had a good time as always. We'll be playing Friday @ Timmons. Watch for the notification.

Spike

Day of Rest - for some. Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011

Well, the icy conditions managed to keep we UPGers off the courts all week, but we finally broke out of the slump and played Sunday P'all. We even had to change venues, due to the icy park road at Timmons. Ended up at McPherson Park. Two minor problems: Some snow on the edge of the only available court; the other occupied by two rather good players involved in a game we later learned is called tennis and is played with fuzzy balls. If you want to make something of that little fact - go ahead!

We were armed with push brooms, a squeegee and Ace brought a shovel (Documented below). Ten players showed up: Mike, Steve, Jan, Lynne (Ace), Joanie, Sharon, Gary, Muriel, Gary A and this scribe. Temperature in the 40s. Nice. We cleaned up the courts in short order and after an hour the tennis players left, so we occupied that court immediately. Played, doubles as always, 1/2 a game of Canadian Doubles and one game of full-court singles.

We played for two hours. Spidy, usually one of the last to leave - left a little early because he had a nasty cold. Toughed it out, though. Ace gets kudos for scouting out Timmons and McPherson on Saturday. Her on-site reporting brought us to McPherson.

Any questions? Good. Stay tuned for the official announcement about our next session.

Remember: You can enlarge the pictures by clicking on them.

Spike





Bluster busters - P'ball - Friday, January 7, 2011

We have had much colder days. But, very blustery conditions and moderately cool temperatures (mid 40s)combined to cool everyone down. But, the action on the courts was hot. We had a good turnout of 12 players including a new kid on the block - Gary A. A former tennis player and long of reach. We warmed him up for about 15 minutes then rotated him into our regular killer matches. Gary A did a dandy job and went home with a few wins under his belt. Welcome.

The entire crew: Mike (Mighty Spidy), Joanie, Peter, Gary, Muriel, Gary A, Anne (Pit Bull), Bob H (Buckeye, Hoppy, Mr. Hopp, Bucky), Sharon (Cupcake), John (Spinmaster), Jan & Ron (Spike). Spidy gets much deserved credit for being the only one to wear shorts, on this brisk day while Pit Bull kept warm between games wrapped in a sleeping bag and Cupcake retired to the car. We had a bash as usual, and of course, the usual amount of banter. Enjoy the pictures below. Or, don't enjoy them. Your choice. Blow op the pictures by clicking on them. That's not an order - just a suggestion, so lighten up!

We here at UPG Doppler Systems are watching the weather carefully and are in direct contact with 3 of our weather satellites. You will be electronically apprised about our next P'ball session. Stay tuned.

Spike



2011 - Picklebowl - Tuesday, January 4th

This, our 1st session of 2011, was also our first 'bowl' event. Officially dubbed the Claussen Gherkin Upstate Picklebowl. The highlight of the event was the ceremonious unveiling of the Official Patch (shown below) as designed by the UPG with the blessing of the Claussen Pickle Company. Other products with the Logo will be available soon including, high tech sweat bands, athletic supporters, visors, pickleball paddle caddies, coolers, long-sleeved Ts, halter-tops and a very chic matching pen and pencil set in a handsome gift box - suitable for gift-giving. UPGers will get a substantial savings on all orders over $200.

We had 10 players in action: Jan, John, Bob H., Gary, Mike, Anne, Peter, Steve, Sharon & Ron. Once the opening festivities were over, we got into action and pounded the ball around for 2-1/2 hours. Many fine matches were held and we had a good time in the process. The weather was kind to us, too. About 50 degrees, a little breeze and sunny skies.

                                     Above: Stevie Wonder and Gary. Click, in the foreground.                                                 Below: Peter & Bob H. take on Jan & Steve.

                                                            Below: Spidy serving, and Jan.

Looking forward to more UPG action in 2011. Next time: Friday, January 7.

Condolences to our friend Ralph & his family.

Spike

The Last Day - 12/31/2010 - Friday Pickleball

The Last Day of 2010 that is. And, a beauty it was. These ten players showed up to finish off a great year of Pickleball: Ralph, Gary, Muriel, Mike, Joanie, Bob H., Steve, Peter, Sharon & Yours til the kitchen sinks.

With 10 players we kept the courts very busy and there was little time for goofing off but enough time for some exceptional games and fast action. Two shutouts were duly recorded, but as luck would have it - there were a few big-comeback wins, too. Otherwise, we played out the year with enthusiasm and vigor. Above:  Gary lunges for shot. He was on fire the whole time and made his opponents pay dearly if they made the mistake of feeding him lobs that weren't quite high enough.

Above: Muriel takes a shot near the kitchen; In the background Ralph is poised like a steel spring ready to pounce on any shots that anyone mistakenly sends his way! Below: Joanie & Cupcake protect their side of the court. Opposite: Ralph - like a caged tiger -  waits for his prey to make a mistake.

So, this little blurb - meagre as it is -  marks the end of the 2010 UPG playing season chronicles. But, just ahead is the 2011 season which starts on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. See you then.

Happy New Year and Happy P'balling.

Spike