Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad - P'ball Games - 8/26/2011 - REVISED

L-R: Gary A, Claude, Ron, Sharon, Jan, Anne, David H, Catherine, Mike and Steve.

The above Upstate Pickleballers, including Johnny and Carol (not in photo) competed in the Pickleball Games on a veeery hot day at the Rambling Bald Resort on Lake Lure, NC. Peter and Josee were also on hand to cheer everyone on. The event was well organized. The matches started at about 9:30 AM, when there was still a little shade on the courts. Hosts Smoke, Libby and their crew kept things moving (no simple chore), provided much needed yummies and fluids and kept track of all of the matches - at times, four going on at one time. There was plenty of stiff competition and it made for an exciting day. The final match ended about 3:30 PM. Congratulations to all the players from Hendersonville, Lake Keowee, Lake Lure and our group who toughed it out in the blazing heat, and against some hard-core competitors. Upstate Pickleballers battled hard and took home these medals: Mixed doubles. Gold: Jan and Mike; Silver: Carol and Steve; Bronze: Anne and Gary A . Women's doubles. Bronze: Sharon and Anne. Men's doubles. Bronze: Steve and Mike.  Congratz to all.

Above: Carol and Steve and their shadows compete and win the silver.

Above: Anne and Sharon proudly display their medals.

Above: L-R: Anne, Sharon, Gary A, Catherine, David, Peter, Jan and Claude. All trying to cool down. That wet spot by Anne's feet is what was left of Steve after he completely dehydrated. Soon after, a good Samaritan gave Steve an electrolyte drink. Steve promptly morphed back into a Pickleball player and he and partner Mike went on to play two more games - winning one of them to bag the Bronze in men's doubles.

Win or lose, we had a good time and met some fine folks and rekindled friendships we've made during other p'ball events. Thanks to Gary A for working closely with Smoke and our crew to set up our participation in the event. A lot of work. Much appreciated.

PS: UPGers should be sure to check your email as a series of photos of the event have been sent to you, and a video by Richard Stone has been sent as well. Spike

Pickleball Session - Tuesday, May 24, 2011

We had 15 players on the courts and a perfect pickleball day weatherwise and otherwise: Sunny, warm with a slight breeze. Players: Anne, Jan, Carol, Johnny, Mike, Lynne, Steve, Bob H, Bob T, Catherine, Peter P, Gary, Ralph, Sharon and yours truly.
Below: Gary gave a demonstration of the 'Classic Poach Technique'. Every UPGer practices this maneuver, but except for Stevie Wonder - no one else has mastered it. But, practice makes perfect!

We played for almost 3 hours. Due to the crowd, there was some down time, but no formal complaints were registered. Everyone minded their Ps and Qs, and there were no tumbles - not for the lack of trying though. So, there is not much to write about - unless the editorial staff makes something up. But, not today. Lucky you.

So, stay tuned for the next P'ball Session announcement - which, as always, will come to you via electronic mail. We are looking at Friday the 27th if T-storms don't foil us.
Spike

Baker's dozen & 1 - Friday P'ball - May 6, 2011

Stevo brought home-made chocolate chip cookies to the courts and p'ballers showed up like flies on a buffalo pie. Fourteen players in all: Mike, Bob T, Bob H, Muriel, Gary, Ralph, Anne, Jan, Johnny, Carol, Peter, Peter P, Catherine and baker/part-time UPG leader and all around good guy Stevie Wonder.

'twas another beautiful day and the matches went on for 3 hours.

We'll be at it again next week. Watch for the OFFICIAL PICKLEBALL ANNOUNCEMENT NOTIFICATION.

Absentee editor.
16d Spike
Alexandria, VA

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

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



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

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

The UPG Blob. P'ball - Friday, Dec. 12, 2010.

Fifteen p'ballers showed up for court action. Nice day, too. Players: Johnny, Carol, Catherine, Lynne,     Bob H, Mike, Ralph, Steve, Norma, Jan, John, Gary,  Anne, Sharon and yon Blobist  Blogist. The pictures say it all.                                                          Below: Hoot hammering.

Below: Ralph returning.

Below: Covered Carol stands by as Slamming Stevorama lets one fly.

Below: Spike and Norma. Photo by Catherine

 Below: Catherine and Gary closing in on the kitchen.

A bunch of players showed up at the start of the session; others trickled in as the matches progressed and others departed early. So, even thought we had 15 players overall, they were never there all at once, so we managed to keep almost everyone occupied almost all of the time. We had a fun 40 + degree day, played scads of matches and toughed it out for 2-1/2 hours.

Spike

Humpday-P'ball. Nov. 17, 2010

We were rained out on Tuesday, so played on Wednesday and had a good turnout of eleven. Spidy was 1st on the scene - push broom in hand. By the time other troops showed up, the courts were almost as dry as a bone. Players: Mike, Johnny, Carol, Steve, Jan, Anne, Catherine, Mike B, Ray, Sharon and yon editor.

 As anyone can see from these photos (some taken by Catherines Courageous), we had a beautiful day and lots of action. Sun-in-the-face and cross-court breeze added a little interest and flair to the matches. The resident red-tailed hawk that happened by gave us pause for thought; we contemplated: who among us the hawk was most interested in.

There was one match that went into "overtime", a few near shutouts and a bunch of tight matches. We all had tons of fun including yon editor who had a grumpy spell - but, recovered.

One of our players is going to host a Christmas party. Details to follow.

Also: Does anyone have access to a digital video camera? I would like to replace the demo video on this BLOG because it doesn't even closely represent the way we UPGers play the game.

We will be playing again on Friday the 19th. Same time; same place. Check your email.

NOTE: All photos, including collages can be enlarged by double clicking on them.

Spike

Needy Knees - UPG - Friday, November 12, 2010

This post is dedicated to needy knees, careworn calves and angry ankles. "Careworn" is a stretch, but go with it anyway and save yourself the trouble of looking it up. Just a suggestion. UPGers play on. It doesn't hurt (clever play on words - no?) that some of us show up for the promised cookies, then feel this compelling urge to thrust our bodies about the courts as a sort of penance for careless calorie consumption.

P'ballers present (9): Mike, Steve, Johnny, Carol,Catherine the gracious, Lynne, Ray, Sharon & Ron.

                                          Above: Stevie Wonder & Hoot. Below: Ray & Ace.

Below: Here's the $1,000,000 question. Did Stevie Wonder 1: drill the ball into the net, 2: over the net, or 3: through the net. The UPG Photo Interpreter Team (PIT) is still trying to answer that question.

Above: Photo by Catherine. Spike is trying to fly, but hasn't even reached his amazing all-time-record, personal best vertical leap height of just over 6 inches. Below: Spidy lets one fly (the ball, that is) as Cupcake looks on.

                                                                    Below: Ace in action.

Below: What it is really all about! These goodies were hand made from some natural ingredients, low in everything evil, and high in everything else and tasty, too. Thanks to Cupcake and Catherine.

We had a good day of Pickleball, which is why we show up twice a week all year long and in spite of almost all cranky weather conditions. We laugh at aches and pains, except for pains-in-the-neck. And, we play hard-core Pickleball. That's the only way to play the game.

Speaking of cranky weather: Tuesday, 11/16 may be too 'marginal' to play w/ a 90% chance of rain predicted. So, watch for the e-mail announcements. For those of you who don't look at this BLOG - why don't you go ahead and ignore this paragraph. It's not a question.

Spike

Windyball - Tue. 10/26/2010

Well, the courts were very puddled when we arrived and as each player showed up, they took to the squeegees and brooms and pushed the water off the courts in about 15 minutes. The strong, swirling wind finished the job for us as we played under cloudy skies. Top photo: Ray serving. He had one of his better outings and made many fine shots. Consequently, he turned up in the winners circle more than a few times. Photo directly above taken by Catherine: Spike (in blue) and Stevie Wonder firing on Peter and his unseen partner. Below: Through the net. Mr. Wonder & Cupcake.

Seven players were present: Ray, Steve (Stevie Wonder), Catherine, Peter, Lynne (Ace), Sharon (Cupcake) & Ron (Spike). Below: Catherine the Great does a little soft-shoe after drilling a return.

With only 7 players we played doubles on one court and when we were able to rustle up enough volunteers, we played cutthroat (Canadian Doubles) on the other court. We didn't get much rest, plus we had to fight the squirrelly winds the whole time. But, we played on and had a great time doing it.

Above: Cupcake is about to deliver a bullet. Below: Peter serves, while Ace awaits a return.

Below: Ace serving a hot one.

Pay attention to this part and watch your E-mail. We will be playing on Friday, 10/29/10. Actually, it is officially designated as Freaky Friday and will have its very own theme. It is no coincidence that the date is just 2 days before Halloween - if you are getting my drift!!! Watch for an important notification. Not reading your E-mail, not remembering, having a headache, or any other flimsy excuses will not be accepted - so, don't even think about pulling any of those clunkers out of your hat.

Spike

FridayBall - but with a 'P' - 10/22/10

Gary-no-nickname gets top billing today, because the UPG Athletic Prowess Judging Crew (APJC) ranked him as the hottest player of the day (or, at least for several matches). Gary-n-n was as hot as a firecracker. Everyone else was tied for 2nd place.

Players in action: Gary, Bob T, Johnny, John, Peter, Steve, Ray, Joanie, Catherine, Sharon & yon Editor. A story-book day greeted us and we took full advantage of it. About 65 degrees, sunny with a just-right breeze. Lots of very good games followed. Folks are playing the net more and more each week. That makes for some exciting volleys and more than a few 'player-strikes' (mostly with the ball). There was one match where the ball was kept alive for 20 or more hits - most at the net - but, the actual number can't be confirmed because both of our camera crews were taking a coffee break. Another record not broken!

As already mentioned, Catherine was on site. She was kind enough to take several photos including some of yon Editor (below L).

Looks like we'll be playing P'ball on Tue the 26th. But, always check your e-mail before galloping down to Timmons. ALSO: We will be celebrating another episode of FREAKY FRIDAY on October 29th, which just happens to be a few days before Halloween. You will receive a formal notification. But, be thinking about the day, the trophies (on back order), the glory of getting top billing, endorsements, photo shoots, fan clubs. It's beyond comprehension.

Spike