TuesdayBall - May 15, 2012

This photo is the first attempt at a grope group picture since the last one taken on October 12, 2010. The players very kindly stopped their matches and lined up as requested. It would appear, after a close examination that - tempting as it may have been - no one put up 'rabbit ears' behind anyone's head. The photo will liven up a bit if you click to enlarge it. We had 21 players on four courts and things went smoothly. Don and Hank, our most exuberant new players, both made running/lunging attempts at out-of-reach balls, but thankfully they did not take any divots out of themselves or the courts.

Players: (All included in the group photo above): Gary A, Bob H, Mike, Jan, Karen, Lynne, Sharon,  Bill S, Don, Sandy F, Dan L, Barbara L, Bob T, Johnny, Carol, Gene, Hank, Peter, Ray, Steve and Ron.

Goodies: Bob H brought a nice batch of brownies lovingly prepared by his darling wife Geri. As always, Hoppy brought a little table for the brownies, napkins and baggies so players could bring some of the treats home. The goodies were NOT extorted from Bob for leaving a folding chair on the court last week. The chair was absolutely NOT held for ransom as some people hurtfully implied. In the past, items left behind have been held for a FINDERS FEE, but in no way would that be considered a bribe.

Pickleball: Nothing unusual here. Many fine doubles matches and a good mix of players. Near the end of the session about 6 singles matches were also held. As everyone knows, there is a lot more running around in singles matches than in doubles. Here, you have to work on ball placement and strategy. Everyone should try playing singles - you may take a beating if you are out played, but you'll improve your skills if you don't wear yourself out first.

Also: We were paid a visit by two Greenville Rec staffers. As already mentioned, we had a full house so they got to see our group in full force.

See you on the courts.

Hammered Head (Not hammerhead!)

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.