Windy Friday. February 15, 2013

There were 16 players on hand today. Bright sun and brisk winds were our company. 16 Players: Lynne, who stopped by to say "hey", but decided to play a few matches even though she was wearing jeans and hiking boots, Mike, Gary A, Steve, Sue (2nd annual visit all the way from Michigan), Evan, Ray, Bob D, Julia, Barbara, Kim, Walt, Don, Johnny, Carol and me (Spike). The wind got stronger as the session worn on and it chased loose balls all over the place - sometimes to the chagrin of the 2 tennis players on Court 5. We kept 4 courts busy for much of the session, but there were occasional rest periods allowed  as indicated in the photo below. L-R: Gary A, Sue and Barbara.

Below. Top L-R: Evan and Johnny; Barbara. Bottom L-R: Carol; Mike and Kim!

Below. Top L-R: Evan; Ray. Bottom L-R: Stevie Wonder; Bob D.

Another fun day on the courts at Gower. Get off your carcass, dust off your paddle and get on out to the next session. You'll be glad you did.

Spike

Tuesday P'ball @ Gower - Feb. 12, 2013

OK. Here's the scoop. Please take notes. Don was back for his 2nd day on the courts since he had right shoulder surgery a few months ago. And, I played several matches after right shoulder surgery 5 weeks ago. I don't want to speak for Don, but the way he was practicing and playing - he was definitely glad to be back. Me, too and thanks for the welcomes.

Eleven players: Mike, Gary A, Steve, Don, Johnny, Carol, Evan, Julia, Barbara, Kim and yours truly (some of the time).

 

It was a beautiful, windless day. Many fine games followed. Unfortunately, Barbara took a backward tumble and banged her head. After a few unsteady moments she got back onto her feet and into the fray, none the worse for the wear. That's a good thing. Evan, fairly new to the UPG, but an experienced Michigan player, was on hand and played a strong game. She's a lefty, but plays with her right hand at will. So opponents, and partners have to be on their toes.

 

Below: Carol, dressed to the nines in her faux leopard skin tunic prepares for a return shot as Spidy keeps tabs on the ball. 

Below: Johnny delivers (L) and Johnny/Evan (R) team up. Evan manages to fly out of the picture.



Below: Top L: The come-back kid (Don) and Julia; T.R: Julia and Barbara; B.L: Steve and Gary A; B.R: Kim and Mike.

It might seem a premature to be talking about spring weather, but here in SC it's on the way. Hopefully more players will be coming around. There are now, and will be, plenty of opportunities to play in matches with players of your individual caliber and with players who may be a step above. So, come on by and get back in the groove. Have some fun, improve your game and join in on the camaraderie and occasional sharpshooting.

Spike

P'ball report. Friday, 2/01/2013

The p'ball BLOG postings have been far and few between. Sorry to say. But there is plenty of p'ball action at least twice a week. And, as anyone in the know knows, we play in almost any weather. Cold and wind are not, and should not be a factors. I stopped by, but within 5 minutes had to quit. Hope to get back in to playing soon. Anyway, 7 other players were on site and in action. Not inaction: Mike, Gary A, Gary H, Steve, Julia and Barbara. Ray appeared out of nowhere. He's been on UPG paid medical leave for about 6 months. He also had a note from his Mother, so he was allowed to play.

The UPG BLOG staff was without a camera for a while and then had all kinds of problems attaching photos. Those problems are now resolved.

Above: Walt standing in the kitchen. Don't get all worked up. It was just a warm up session.

Below: Gary A and Mike.

Below: Julia and Barbara.

Below: Gary H and Steve



 Below: Mike executing a delicate return, and Gary A.

That's it. Let the BLOG Division if you find any speling errors.

Spike