Tuesday P'ball and Annual Picnic - May 22, 2012

Beautiful Pickleball day. Another good crowd of players were on hand to romp around the courts and socialize at will. There were 20 players - more or less. This the list that the UPG Publications Conglomerate, Inc. came up with: Bob T, Bob H, Lynne, Anne, Sharon, Jan, Mike, Steve, Gary A, Gary, Walt, Bill S, Sandy F, Ray, Ralph, Johnny, Claude, John, Gene and Ron. The matches were fast and furious and we kept at it for almost 3 hours with the crowd dwindling as the time went flying by. Our new players are coming along just fine and most now mingle in matches with more experienced players. They all have their own paddles. Gary A has been hounding them, with considerable success, for a contribution toward our ball fund. - Ray had to quit early today with a bum foot. Unlike some of us, he has the good sense to stop playing when his body tells him to. - Where is Joe M you ask? He kind of disappeared a few weeks ago. The UPG Player Representative liaison consulted w/ Joe. During his last p'ball session he somehow stubbed his toes and managed to fracture two of them in the process. So, he'll be out of commission for a while. - Gene is heading to the Granite State for the next few months so we'll have to find someone else to pick on in his absence. Any ideas?

Below: Jan on the move.

Below: Bob T and Johnny both going for the ball. Who got it?

Below: From Top Left clockwise: Ralph, Bill S/Sandy F, part of the City of Greenville fleet, Lynne and Gene.

Before we broke up at about Noon, the entire parking lot was occupied by virtually every heavy truck owned by the City and mostly men in orange safety vests were milling around - some watching our matches, others had a beefy, pick-up basketball game in full swing and two men started a tennis match on court 5. Apparently the workers and family members (or, office staff) were having some sort of outing.

They seemed to be having a good time and probably well deserved. Good for them. We had a good time too. So, we are even.

Spike

May 18, 2012 - Friday P'ball report

Yon editor was roaming in the NC mountains, so Gary A was kind enough to provide the names of Friday's 16 players: Diana L (a new player; welcome to the UPG), Ray, Hank, Ralph, Johnny, Carol, Claude, Peter, Gene, Sandy F, Walt, Bob T, Mike, Jan, Steve and Gary A.

High-carbon

Friday P'ball - May 11, 2012

A bright day, gusty winds and 21 P'ballers added up to an exceptional day at Gower. We occupied all five courts and kept at least one of them smoking for almost 3 hours. Players: Bob T, Claude, Steve, Mike, Karen, Johnny, Carol, John, Gene, Lynne, Anne, Sandy F, Don, Sharon, Hank, Bill S, Ray, Joanie, Barbara L, Dan L and Ron. The wind caused some wayward serves, but most players figured it out and compensated accordingly.

Below: Reflecting. Self portrait in Lynne's shades.

                                                                Below: Kibitzing.

                               Below: Returns. From Top Left Clockwise: John, Johnny, Don, Bill S.

Below: From Top Left CW: Bob T, Sharon, Karen, Barbara L

Below: Anne. aka - Pit Bull or Duchess - your choice!

Not too much to report. The pictures say it all (each picture is worth a thousand words. Remember?). We had loads of players, lots of matches, good weather. Any questions?

Hand Extruded 

Rain Date. Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The courts were wet when players started to arrive at about 9:15. So, we went to work with a push broom and quickly made two courts serviceable and started playing. Eventually we had 12 players: Gary A, Steve, Sandy F, Ray, Hank, Don, Bob H, Claude, Peter, Lynne, Gene and the Birthday boy Ron. John F was also on hand, but he had a note from his Doctor so he was allowed to sit out. After about an hour it started to sprinkle, then drizzle, then rain in all its glory. It was about that time that Peter arrived. Most people would have made a subtle u-turn in the parking lot and headed home - the rest of us wet dogs - none the wiser. But, Peter joined us when we were enduring a genuine rain. Long lost (but never forever) Claude returned from his annual Beaufort, Sc hiatus and got into the swing of things as seen below R with Steve.

Below L-R, Top - bottom, intermediate. Counterclockwise and in between: Gary A

The hard-nosed group continued playing for about 1/2 hour after the rain started in earnest. We finally called it quits when the balls quit bouncing due to the puddles that covered the courts. No softies here.

Below: Spike. Where'd everyone go?

Gower is where it's happening.

Be there or be square.

The Birthday boy. Harry Truman, too.

Damp Tuesday Pickleball - 12/20/2011

When you leave your comfy home to play Pickleball and you have to immediately turn on your windshield wipers - you rank as one or both of the following: 1) an eternal optimist, 2) not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Your choice. Six arrived at Gower park: Mike, Steve, Claude, Gary A, Sharon and Ron. But, to our credit, even our friend 'Hercules' - the tennis instructor - was teaching one of his students the finer points of the game with somewhat soggy tennis balls. P'balls don't get soggy though, so we carried on. The courts were wet but no puddles formed. Not right away. R and S practiced on one court while Claude, Gary A, Steve and Mike battled on the other. Then, the sprinkles turned into a light rain at which point Sharon had the good sense to retire to the car. We took a few minutes to perform The Passing of the Pickle to Gary A (originally presented to him in absentia during the Christmas Party (See the BLOG entry for December 14, 2011 - now slightly revised)).

The foursome above played more matches ignoring the inclementness (look it up!) after S and R departed.

Above: Sharon (aka Cupcake) in an un-posed action shot.

Here's hoping that we get to play the Friday before Christmas. Spike

Tuesday Pickleball - December 13, 2011

A sparkling day at Gower Park. Disc golfers were as busy as ever and two courts were occupied by tennis players. We UPGers - 10 strong - occupied Courts 2 & 3. Players: Josee, Claude, Anne, Sharon, Steve, Mike, Ron, Johnny, Carol and Joanie. Josee hasn't been around for a while. It took her a few matches to warm up, but when she did she dropped many a dink shot just over the net to the consternation of her unsuspecting opponents. Otherwise, we played for about 2-1/2 hours and had barrels of fun. The group eventually dwindled to 4 where Ron and Mike played Steve and Claude. Each team won one match - both hard fought 'guts' matches. A rubber game will be arranged. Best out of 5?; out of 7?

Above - clockwise starting at top L: Joanie and Johnny, Josee and Claude, Steve and Sharon, Claude.

There will be a Christmas party tonight (Wed. Dec 14th). Check your email. There will be a BLOG post about the much Heralded event. Stay tuned.

Spike

Friday Pickleball - September 2, 2011

We had 10 players today. There would have been more, but the intense look on Claude's face scared some of them away. Players who stuck it out: Mike, Steve, Gary, Gary A, Claude Hisself, Johnny, Carol, Ray, Sharon and Ron. We played for about two hours. The group kept dwindling for various reasons - one of which might have been because we were being constantly buzzed by low flying aircraft - some of them, ours. And, a worker was mowing a nearby ball field and kicked up so much dust that we had a hard time seeing the p'ball. That's the excuse we used, anyway. But, we had fun, and there were some exciting games.

Gary was back in town - this time wearing a knee brace. Someone must have messed up, because it's Muriel who had knee surgery. Muriel is doing well and we are glad to hear that. Claude will be leaving for the coast so we won't see him for a while. He's going to leave his tank at Gower until then because the condo association won't let him park it in the driveway.

See you next week. Spike

Back home. Gower Park - Tue. P'ball - 8/30/2011

Ten players were in action - some, a little sore from the action at Lake Lure on August 26, 2011. In attendance: Claude, Ray, Johnny, Ron, Sharon, Steve, Peter, Anne, Gary A and Mike. It was very windy the whole time, so it was hard to get any really good games in. But, that didn't keep anyone from trying. We kept at it for over two hours.

We'll be going at it again on Friday, September 2nd. Be there! Spike

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

Windyday Tuesday P'ball - August 23, 2011

Twelve players were in action today including Richard Stone who came 'a visiting all the way from Keowee Keys. Players: Ray, Mike, Steve, Johnny, Carol, Richard, Anne, Jan, Peter, Claude, Sharon and yon Editor.

It was our first windy day in a while, so it took a little getting used to. Lobs turned out to be problematic and loose balls kindly formed up together against the southern fence due to the NE wind. Unfortunately that fence is furthest removed from where resting players sit out, so the enthusiasm for volunteer ball-shagging was greatly reduced. Hint hint.

Richard (pictured below), got to play several matches. He left early with a long drive ahead of him, and presumably, to save his energy for the upcoming Lake Lure Games. Thanks for joining us.

Newsy stuff: Our logo shirts have been pretty much distributed. Thanks to to Peter for coming up with concept of the logo, to Sharon and Steve for getting the order together and to Steve for finishing the job by picking up the shirts in NC and delivering them to the troops. PS: Additional shirts can be ordered in different colors and material. We have several teams that will be heading to the lake Lure Games on Friday, 8/26/11. Some car-pooling has been arranged. Other folks should make their own arrangements if you haven't already done so. NOTE: We will not be playing local pickleball on Friday due to the tournament.



Good luck at the lake Lure Games. We will return to local action the week of August 28th.
Bent Spike

Fridayball - August 19, 2011 - Gower Park

Only 10 were on the scene today, but we scattered the balls, chairs, satchels and ourselves around so it looked like were occupying all five courts. Players: Mike, Steve, Jan, Johnny, Claude, Ralph, Gary A, Peter, Sharon and Ron. A bright day, 'warmish' with an occasional and much welcomed breeze. Steve delivered our new UPG logo T-shirts and they look very spiffy. Thanks, to Steve for doing the ordering, collecting the cash - and for driving to NC to pick up the shirts, They will be on full display at Lake Lure next week.

Peter and Claude above.

Spidy and Stevie Wonder  below.

Below: Hoot and Rambo

We played a bunch of matches - several hard fought. Some of the teams that are going to compete at Lake Lure got together and worked on their games. None of the teams are as finely tuned as a Swiss watch - maybe, more like a Timex. But, we had a lot of fun. It took just over 2-1/2 hours to fully wear ourselves out. See you next week at Gower and Lake Lure. Spike.

Ball, Pickle - Tuesday, August 16, 2011

We had a beautiful day on the courts and the fine weather brought out 14 players: Mike, Steve, Gary A, Sharon, Anne, Lynne, Ralph, Johnny, Carol, Ray, Claude, Jan, Bob T and Ron. We occupied 3 courts for a while and it worked out well. No waiting to play, but folks did rotate so there was a pretty good mix of players - and play. That's Dutchess below. Can't account for the ball location. Can you?

It was a little noisy during most of the session because workers were busy with mowers, weed-whackers and leaf blowers. Fortunately, none of this activity was taking place on the courts. A few planes buzzed us too. But, we played through the distractions and kept at it for 3 hours, although the crowd slowly dwindled as the session progressed. The last two standing were Stevie Wonder and Rambo who were in the midst of a singles match. Below: S. Wonder and Ace relax between matches,

Below: The Lady in pink.

Newsy Stuff: Stevo will be picking up our logo shirts on 8/17. They will be delivered to whoever shows up next time we play. Some of the teams for the Lake Lure Tournament have been shuffled around due to personal schedule conflicts. Gary A is taking care of the arrangements. There will be car-pool arrangements for the ride to Lake Lure. You will be advised.   Spike

Friday Pickleball - August 12, 2011

Ron

We did play pickleball on Friday and we had 11 players. We had a lot of fun. The players were Mike, Jan, Anne, Johnny, Carol, Ralph, Claude, Bob T, Lynne, Pete and me. The weather was overcast, not too humid, so we played for two and a half hours.

Steve

Tuesday P'ball @ Gower - August 2, 2011

Eleven players were on hand for p'ball on another _______  _______* day. They were: Mike, Claude, Jan, Anne, Johnny, Carol, Bob H, Peter, John, Bob T and Steve. Welcome back to John who has been on the mend after a hip replacement. He came back in fine fashion, by taking a digger and scuffing his knee. But, not much harm done; he carried on for the rest of the session. Otherwise, the ________* wore some players down and led to a few early departures. But, I'm advised by Steve that there were plenty of good matches.

* Fill in at will.

Spike. Roving reporter
Manchester, CT

Maiden Session - Gower Park. Friday, July 29, 2011

Twelve players were on hand to christen the newly surfaced courts at Gower Park. All five of them. The courts are blue as seen in the following photos with white tennis lines and light blue pickleball lines. And, a very nice surface. The lines are easy to see and the blue color is easy on the eyes. Players: Mike, Steve, Ralph, Johnny, Claude, Ray, Gary A, Bob T, Peter, Anne, Ron and Sharon.

We played on three courts for a while, but it was hot and folks were taking well deserved rests under the nearby tree, so we pretty much stuck to two courts for the 2-1/2 hours session. Several planes flew low overhead on their final approaches to the municipal airport. Sharon claimed she had arranged for celebratory flyovers - but, no one bought into that claim. New sights: A tank; A one-man basketball game, and two observers. Below: Even though today was UPG's first official session at Gower - Spike and Cupcake played for about 15 minutes on July 27 to take the honor of being the first to play p'ball on the new courts.

Court 3. Players taking advantage of the shade, with a tank simmering in the background.

Notice that the pickleball lines break everywhere that they intersect a tennis line. That method is very effective for delineating the different court boundaries. Already said once: but, very nice courts and a spanking job. Spike.

Johnny's Day - Friday, July 22, 2011 - Upstate Pickleball.

Johnny (Hoot) is featured today because it's his Birthday and he's an all-around nice guy. Plus, his darling wife Carole, who wasn't playing today, but was kind enough to stop by to deliver some scrumptious cookies. Hoot lucked out and didn't have to suffer through the UPG's off-key version of Happy Birthday. He departed just before we started tuning up. Smart move.

No more talk about the weather except to say that we dripped a lot. Twelve players were on hand: Gary A, Mike, Ralph, Peter, Anne, Jan, Johnny, Bob T, Claude, Steve, Sharon and Ron. We played for about 3 hours and had more than a few exciting matches. As previously noted, several teams have formed to participate in the Lake Lure games. So, these duos have been trying to get in at least a few games together during each session to work out any kinks in their play. So far, no kinks have been reported.

Maybe, just maybe we'll be playing at Gowers Park next week. We checked the courts out on Saturday, July 23rd. The finishing touches were in progress. Stay tuned. Also: several UPGers have expressed an interest in getting logo T-shirts. Steve has been in contact with a T-shirt firm and Sharon is compiling a list of sizes. A design has not been selected, but plenty of ideas have been suggested.

See you next week. Watch your email for details and the location of our next session. Spike

Friday P'ball - July 8, 2011

Another humid day, but that didn't keep the troops from coming out in full force. We had thirteen players including a guest - Georgianna - from Arizona visiting her friend Dodie who is from the Greenville area. The list: Mike, Ralph, Lynne, Joanie, Georgianna, Gary A, Bob H, Johnny, Carol, Steve, Claude, Sharon and yon editor-in-chief.

Joanie (with granddaughter Prema in tow) was back in action after a few weeks leave-of-absence. Didn't take her long to get back into the swing of things. Welcome back in the fold. Georgianna moved right into rotation and played many good games. She'll be back for a few more sessions. She is featured in the next collage. Her friend Dodie watched the matches and was kind enough not to look bored silly. How could she be with so much exciting action?

We played continuously for over 3 hours and probably all dropped a few pounds in the process. Some teams played practice sessions in preparation for the Lake Lure games. In our crowd - Spidy & Stevie Wonder are the team to beat in men's doubles. No simple chore. We UPGers are concentrating on more net play and are playing the occasional 'dink' shot. Encouragingly, a few of them have landed in bounds. Stevo has been hefting many lobs with high success rate. Darn it!

Note: The above photos, including the collages, can be enlarged by double clicking on them.

We'll be back in action next week so be sure to check your email.

Spike

Friday ball - July 1, 2011

Eleven players  were on hand for today's matches: Claude, Mike, Ralph, Gary, Gary A, Johnny, Joshua (Johnny's & Carol's son), Sharon, Peter, Lynne and Ron. We were busy on the courts, so there wasn't much time for photos. The picture above would indicate a lack of 'busyness', but, in fact it was taken during the only lull in activity. Really! We played hard and long - 3 hours to be exact. Joshua, visiting from Texas, gave p'ball a try for the first time. A youngster by our standards, he picked up the game immediately and after a few matches became a fierce and fearsome competitor. He now holds the UPG all-time vertical leap record of 3 feet 6.5 inches topping the old record of 6.5 inches. During his record-breaking leap - Josh pounded an overhand kill shot. Luckily it didn't land on the court nor was it embedded in an opponent. It inserted itself in the court fence and is there to this day (a true-likeness picture is available on request). Olympiad news: So far these teams have been set. Men's doubles: Spidy/Stevie Wonder and Spike/Gary. Mixed doubles: Spidy/Jan and Spike/Cupcake. The UPG has several more possibilities for teams which include: Men's and Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Get yourself a partner pronto. Don't be left in the dust holding your sweaty sneakers. Gary A is coordinating the UPG involvement in the Games. Please contact him if you have any questions or if you want to participate. UPG NEEDS YOU!!!

See you on the courts.
Have a happy Independence Day
Spike