Brownies today - P'ball, too. 5/25/2010

Above is Cupcake, sort of gloating. Before her is a very nice batch of brownies (with nuts) reluctantly provided by Buckeye. Cupcake is gloating and enjoying a brownie at the same time because they were extorted from Buckeye. The last time we played P'ball he left the court but, inadvertently, forgot to take his paddle. It was promptly commandeered by Cupcake and she forwarded a ransom note. Paraphrased: "Bring brownies the next time we play or you'll never see your paddle again." The paddle was returned unharmed. Cupcake unselfishly shared her booty with the rest of the troops.

Eleven players were on hand: Johnny (Hoot), Carol (Lash), Bob T (Grumpy), Bob H (Buckeye). Mike (Spidy), Charlie, Peter, Steve (Stevie Wonder), Lynne (Ace), Sharon (Cupcake) and Ron (Spike). Chance of T-storms were predicted, but we were blessed with nice weather, a dry court and just enough breeze to make thing interesting. Charlie (of May 4th damaged knee fame) was back, and started getting into the groove. We had an occasion where Player 1 dropped a shot over the net and on its own accord, (helped somewhat by backspin and wind), hopped back over the net without being touched by either opponent. The point goes to Player 1.

We had a fun day and many hard-fought games. And, of course the brownies were a big hit.

We'll be playing again on Friday, May 28th. But, always verify the schedule by checking your email.

Ed. note: All photos, including those in collages, can be enlarged by left-clicking on the individual images.

Spike

About 1 Dozen - P'ball - 5/21/10

We had 12 players today - plus, Bridgett - that makes for a Baker's Dozen. Of course Bridgett didn't play. But, she was on guard duty as you can plainly see. Here she scans the territory from the comfort of Lynne's lap. Players in action: Catherine, Bob T, Bob H, John, Johnny, Mike, Steve, Ray, Joanie, Lynne, Sharon & yon storyteller. It was good to see Catherine back after a lengthy hiatus. She was kind enough to take some pictures including one of me that is included in one of the collages. Some of our fan club members (UPG Fan Club Worldwide and Boosters Internationale) have expressed some doubt about my presence at recent matches due to the utter lack of direct digital documentation. The photo should put all such doubts to rest. Below: The two best dressed and color-coordinated players of the day. Ray in his robin-egg blue outfit and John (The Spin Doctor) attired in British tan. Ray was sporting a new paddle and made some sweet shots; Stevie Wonder's celebrations were much more subdued - probably fearing sanctions; Lynne (Ace) practiced her French, usually after she missed kill-shots; Johnny (Hoot) played the net hard as usual, and left more than a few opposing players shaking in their Nike Airs; Joanie made several nice winning shots immediately followed by gleeful outbursts (hers) and quiet weeping by her opponents; Cupcake, the posterchild for ADD, watched a disc-golf player, stomp on his Frisbee - then throw it into the parking lot. Cupcake took all of this in while she was playing P'ball. The two Bobs (Grumpy and Buckeye, but not necessarily in that order) stayed out of mischief. Otherwise, everyone was well behaved and we had lots of good matches including a few that went into overtime.

A light drizzle commenced after about an hour of play. We kept at it until the drizzle picked up and finally coated the courts. Using better judgement than usual, we called it quits at about 11:00AM - so we played for 1-1/2 hours. We'll be at it again next week. More fun in the sun.

Spike

PS: Buckeye inadvertantly left his paddle behind when he departed. It is being held for ransom. Stayed tuned.

Extraordinary P'ball Session - May 19, 2010

Peter F. is today's poster boy by an almost unanimous vote of the Upstate Pickleball Group Committee For Occasionally Honoring Selected Players Once-A-Week, Or So (UPGCFOHSPO-A-W, OS). Congratulations Peter and thanks for the 'donation'.

We had exceptional weather today and a good group of players - eleven in all: Johnny, Carol, Bob T, Mike, Joanie, Peter, Steve, Lynne, Muriel, Sharon & Ron. Hard fought games as always and plenty of time for jaw-sessions as well. There was one Rules Infraction that must be reported for the good of the game. Stevie Wonder was cited for flagrant and excessive celebration. He yelled, hollered and carried on for what seemed like several minutes after he executed a fine forehand, point-winning shot. He was also intending to jump the net, but was restrained by his partner, who reminded Stevie that the game wasn't over! Mr. Wonder will receive a written reprimand when the Rules and Character Committee meets in March 2016.

We have successfully adopted two more nicknames as follows: Carol will now answer to Lash, reminiscent of Lash LaRue - a cowpuncher famous for his adeptness with a whip. His whip prowess, however, doesn't even begin to compare with Carol's lashing at the ball when she plays the net. Get it: Lash - lashing? Work on it, OK? Johnny will be called Hoot henceforth (Not Hoot Henceforth - just Hoot from now on). This is a nickname that he acquired many years ago. The UPG Nickname Conglomerate Association, Inc, LLC also recommended Crusher, as a possibility, but the handle was categorically, rejected by Hoot.

We have fun, get good exercise and I get to write these idiotic blurbs. It's the Pickleball Experience. Will be looking at Friday for our next match. Check your email.

Adios.

Spike

Pickleball funday - May 14, 2010

We had a swell day (some might even call it 'swell-tering) if the 90 degree temperature were to be factored into the equation. Not to worry. Twelve hearty players arrived including Richard W and newbie Paul who both hailed from Keowee Keys - which we are told - is within the Continental United States. Players present: Bob T (Grumpy), Bob H (Buckeye), Muriel, Richard W, Paul, John (Spinmaster), Johnny, Carol, Lynne (Ace), Mike (Spidy), Sharon (Cupcake) and Ron (Spike). Some very exciting events occurred today. Most importantly: Carol started a match @ "zero, zero only" and never gave up the serve wining the match almost single-handidly 11 - 0. I was lucky enough to be her partner and barely had to move during the shellacking of whoever the opponents were. Bob T had a few games that he'd like to forget, plus a few hard-fought beauties. But, the devastating losses wore on him and to repent he decided to officially adopt the nickname 'Grumpy' until further notice. So, Grumpy it is. Above: That's Carol with her 'matching-knees' outfit. Below: Spidy (with Muriel) is about to kill the ball but, hopefully, not the opposing players (Buckeye & Carol).

Welcome to Paul from KK. He has never played P'ball before, but has played other paddle/racquett sports before and it showed up in his playing. No problem there. Below: Muriel laces the ball from the depths of her territory.

We ended our 3-hour day of many nice matches with a few 'Alpha' matches. It just kills me to report this - but, in the last game of the day - Spidy and Ace, came back from a 7 - 2 deficit, playing against yours truly and Bob T (Grumpy) and won the game 11-8! Good show.

We enjoyed the day, as we always do. Even got some gabbing in. Some wondered about the absence of Stevie Wonder. He's probably fretting about the Cav's loss to the Cetlics? But, who can possibly know for sure?

See you next week.

Spike

Moisture-impaired P'ball - Tuesday, May 11, 2010

OK. So, the weather prediction was a little off. It rained Monday evening, but we dried the courts in short order. In the mean time we accumulated 9 players as follows: Mike, Steve, Ray, John, Bob T, Gary, Peter, Sharon and her little brother.

As soon as we started playing, it started to mist, then drizzle (neither of these terms constitute 'rain' . FYI and for future reference: Not rain = Cloudy, fog, mist, drizzle & sprinkles; rain = showers, rain, downpour, deluge, gullywasher & hurricane). The courts were soon wet, but not by 'rain' as already explained in detail above. This weather event discouraged a few players, who some would say, used good judgement and departed after a few games. The rest of us played on, and lucky us - the mist stopped and the courts tended to dry a little. We had several good games and managed to play for two hours.

Status report: we are waiting to hear about the status of the 5 tennis courts at Gowers Park that are supposed to be resurfaced and lined for Pickleball/tennis. We are looking forward to that event, so we'll be able to encourage more players to join us and perhaps invite players from other groups to join us for some friendly competition.

See you on the courts.
Sharon's little brother, Spike

Pickleball Spectacular - May 7, 2010

We had a bang-up day today that included beautiful weather and a nice visit from P'ball enthusiasts from Keowee-key. But before we could get started, we had to clear the courts that were quite puddled from last evening's T-storms. Bob T, was the first one there and he had started the cleanup. Keowee-Keyer Roger showed up early too, so we handed him a broom and put him to work. His 1st time @ P'ball and he gets to swab the deck! And, we didn't charge him anything for the privilege. All part of the game and he took in stride. Our regular crowd showed up over time. When the full contingent of visitors and core players arrived we ended up with 19 players and one visitor (Pattie*). Players present: Mike, Steve, Gary, Ralph, John, Lynne, Joanie, Sharon, Bob T, Bob H, Roger*, Peter, Dick S*, Raylene*, Richard W*, James, Pete P, Jan and yon Editor.

Once we got started, Mike (Spidy), Ralph, Gary & Stevie Wonder decided to play at McPherson Park, which worked out well, because we were still left with 15 players - and, that's a lot of action on two courts. But, we managed famously and played many games, sometimes shuffling in four players at a time. The crew from Keowee-Key are nice folks (must be a P'baller genetic trait) and played some excellent matches. Hopefully they will get some courts going in their neighborhood and we'll be able to join them for some matches on their home turf.

* The names in red are the folks from keowee-Key.

FLASH: Spidy just reported that his party of four played 6 hard-core matches at McPherson and had a swell time, but they missed us terribly!

See you next week.

Spike

Pickleball - Not for softies - May 4, 2010

The photo above shows the ghastly "wounded knee" suffered by new-guy Charlie who 'took one for the team' on his very first time playing Pickleball. This is, after all, the way the game is meant to be played. Charlie understands that, so he'll play again with the UPG. Welcome Charlie.

The courts were very wet this morning, so Steve (second-in-charge, twice-removed) got there early to clear the courts. Good guys Bob T and John showed up immediately thereafter (or, just before), both fully armed and the trio went at the courts with Charlie taking on the all important, but poorly paid supervisory roll. Peter was on hand, too.

We started playing, the sun came out and the courts dried themselves in nothing flat. Many good games followed. Stevie Wonder was on his game. It was difficult, and sometimes impossible, to get a ball by him when he was at the net. Lynne and yon editor can attest to that. It was during one of the hot matches that Charlie did (we think) a one-and-a-half-gainer and made quite a racket in the process.
As always, we had a lot of fun. We played for 2-1/2 hours. Many thanks to Steve for scheduling the matches for the last 10 days and to Lynn for sending out the notices.

Above: Steve and Joanie; Below: Bob T and Lynne; 2nd below: John and Mike.

Looking forward to the next match. Probably May 7th, but check your email for the Official Notification.

Spike

Pickleball Report - April 30, 2010 @ Timmons

Steve reports that 11 players were present and the day was a South Carolina beauty. Present: Steve, Bob H, Bob T, Gary, Jan, Joanie, Anne, Peter, Peter P, James and Robin. Looking forward to the next match - probably on Tuesday May 4th, but hold for the official notification.

Spike
Roving reporter
Manchester, CT

Pickleball Event - April 28, 2010

Thanks to Steve for scheduling today's event and to Lynn for sending out the announcement. Ten players were in action at Timmons Park including two new players (not new to the game - new to our group): Dick and Richard. Others: Bob T, Mike, Gary, Jan, Anne, Peter, Ray and Steve(ie Wonder).

Stevie Wonder advised your roving reporter that it was a beautiful day and that there were many excellent games.

Spike
Temporary duty
Alexadria, VA

Pickleball Extravaganza - April 23, 2010

There were 13 players today, probably due in part because of the quest for the $100 prize for the contest, that was undetermined, and that was never actually held. But, as you can see in the un-retouched photo above, presumably taken with a long lens, or perhaps a low-orbiting satellite - Bob H and Jan were awarded an actual, real - though larger than usual - $100 bill. Taxes prepaid by an anonymous benefactor. They won the cash handily by coming in 2nd place in a best-of-one series. Good show. Otherwise present and accounted for: Anne, Ralph, Jan, Joanie, Bob H, long-lost Bob S, Stevie Wonder, Ray, Peter, Johnny, Carole, Sharon and Ron.

Above: Social animals, taking advantage of the nice weather.

Below: Bob S back in action. Welcome.

We had many exciting games. It seems that Anne (Pit Bull) played in some of the fiercest matches and piled up a bunch of kill shots that left some of her opponents wandering around babbling incoherently. She and Stevie Wonder played the last game of the day against Ralph and this writer. It was a beauty of a game with some exceptional volleys, saves and hustle-plays. Anne made the winning point on a glorious play. 12-10.

Also: Steve has volunteered to take over the Pickleball scheduling for the next week or so, with the help of Lynn. So, pay attention to your emails. Don't leave Steve standing around the courts by himself.

And: We have had several players who are very interested in participating in the Lake Lure Pickleball Tournament to be held in late August. We'll keep you up-to-date.

See you soon.

Spike

Monday P'ball - April 19, 2010

A spectacular day. Not just the weather, either. Stupendous matches, awesome hustle-plays, mind-boggling, death-defying net volleys, earth-shattering overhand kill shots, breathtaking serves (some even, underhand), humongous, blistering backhands and several two-fisted double shunts. Players: John, Mike, Bob H, Stevie Wonder, Sharon & yon editor. Jan also showed up, but couldn't play due to a tennis injury (hopefully, a short-term thing). Above: John bit-the-bullet and paid double the usual bribe amount and thereby became the unanimous choice to this weeks 1st poster child.

Stevie Wonder, was on the scene after a lengthy hiatus. It only took a few games to get in the groove. Below: He lifts one from the deep.

Below: Some player will soon be wearing a pickleball that Spidy is about to deliver C.O.D.

What a ham. But, what about that shot through the net?

So, there you go. Even though we had only six players and one fan, we has a great time and a fistful of good matches. ALSO: cancel all of your appointments, for Friday. A few surprises are planned for that day, including a contest (details to be determined) where, one lucky players will win a $100 bill. This is NOT a joke. However, the event is limited to live players only. Imposters and folks with a heartbeat of 6 or under will be forcibly removed from the court and leaned against a tree. Weather permitting, we'll see you Friday. Check your email for official notifications!

Spike

Upstate Pickleball - April 16, 2010 - Timmons Park

Today was another great day and it was made even better because we were able to welcome two new players (Robin & James); Bob T made a showing and is in fine form; Muriel and Rebecca came out of the woodwork and we had a beautiful day to boot. Gary (above) made the cut and became today's poster boy after having paid a handsome fee for the privilege. Bob T, nursing a sore shoulder played his usual hard game. He also donated a half dozen new, white pickleballs. We will only use them when Jan is present, because the white ones are her favorites! Below: Bob T, Sharon, Muriel and Robin in action.

Robin and James have only been playing P'ball for a few months, but it doesn't show in their games. They played well and fit right in with our goofy crowd. Rebecca only played a few games, but she had fun doing it. She's full of laughs and pounded the ball like a real trooper. All and all it was a great day for playing pickleball and as always - we had many fine games. Below: Bob T and Rebecca in action.

Below: Sharon and Ray taking it to their opponents.

Below: Robin and James will have no problem getting into the groove with the Upstate Pickleball Group. Welcome.

Official tally: Nine. Already mostly listed above in various locations. Bob T, Rebecca, Gary, Muriel, James, Robin, Ray, Sharon & Ron. So, that's the blurb for today. We enjoyed ourselves, had a nice day and everyone walked away under their own power. We'll be at again next week. See you then.

Spike

Pickleball Happening - April 14, 2010

There are no photos today so this Blog effort will go quickly Here goes: There was at least one recent scheduling gaff, so we will end up playing 3 days this week, the next day being tomorrow (4/16/10). We had 6 players on the court under blue skies, moderate temperatures and occasional stiff breezes. Present: Johnny, John, Bob H, Ray, Gary and me (Ron). Players took turns working on Ray's game on the empty court. Then we worked Ray into the rotation and he started to make some real progress. Otherwise, we mixed it up and played for two hours and enjoyed the day - even with a minimal turnout. Looking forward to the match tomorrow and hope some of our long lost players can make it.

Spike

P'Ball - It's a blast! 4/13/2010

It was a sparkling day, and we had a fine turnout with 13 warm bodies and that does not include the smiley in the center of the top photo. Players: Ralph, Bob H., Jan, Anne, Peter F., Mike, John, Johnny, Carol, Joanie, Gary, Sharon and yon editor of dubious writing prowess. Joanie earns the Cover Person honors in this issue. You can be placed in that position next time for a small advanced gratuity. Cash only, please! The games were fast and furious and we went at it for 2-1/2 hours. Almost everyone was still standing, or at least leaning, at the end of the session.

Anne (Pit Bull) returned from Florida after having visited with Upstate Pickleball Group founders Ken & Lynn. She had a great visit and a warm reception. It took a while to get in the groove, but after her first match Pit Bull came around and gave her competition a notable workout. As you can see from the photos above, folks were laying into the ball with full force. No sissy games for the UPG! Bob H brought a bunch of home-made Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins that were a big hit. In keeping with our classy ways - he even brought a little table so we could enjoy the yummies in a dignified manner. Above top L-R: Joanie/Spidy, Jan, Gary; center L-R: Ralph (away)/Peter, Anne/Peter F, Carol/John; bottom L-R Spidy (forward)/Buckeye, John, Peter. If anyone can make sense of the picture descriptions above, please advise by email, snail mail, pony express or courier as a soon as possible and enclose a non-refundable stipend in the amount of $5 (USD). Looks like we'll be playing on Thursday, April 15th. Stay tuned (AND: Friday, April 16th).

Spike

Upstate Pickleball Group - April 9, 2010

When we arrived at the courts this AM, we had a little water to remove - deposited by last night's T-storms. But, we made short work of it, even though John wasn't there to supervise the project. We also had some serious wind to contend with (with which to contend?). And, pollen. More about that, later.
Present: Carol, Johnny, Peter, Bob H., Gary, Sharon and Ron. We elected to play on one court and shuffle players in, because there was no interest in playing Canadian Doubles. Which is just as well because we got a lot of gabbing time in. It was quieter today than usual; still trying to figure out why?

The wind offered up some challenges, but we laughed them off. In fact, some players used the wind to their advantage by lofting balls into the gusts thereby letting them land at some disagreeable spot for their opponent - sometimes even on the court.

Has anyone noticed the pollen in the last few weeks? Everything is coated with it, including the courts - in spite of the recent rain. Sharon discovered that, if you try to stop quickly while lunging forward, the body stops adequately, but the feet don't. She landed - not really daintily - on the deck and bummed her wrist. Or, she landed on her bum and decked her wrist. Or, something like that. Anyway, she is OK. We had fun today, but are missing some of our pals. Anne has an excuse, because she's in sunny Florida - probably visiting w/ Ken & Lynn at this very moment. And, that moment will depend on when you read this. Also: how about the collages that the UPG staff has been installing with gay abandon? You'll be collaged to death for the next six months or so. Finally, the Editor in Chief and his cronies will be fired, the production staff will be 're-assigned' and the old boring, captioned, single photos will re-appear just like in the good old days. So, keep the faith and we'll see you next week when we will once again change the starting time - this time to 9:30AM. Stay tuned.

Adios.

Spike

UPG - April 6, 2010

We had a very nice day and a great turnout of our 1st morning session of the season. We were glad to see Bob Tidball who stopped by for a visit. He didn't play because he is nursing a tender shoulder. Hoping Bob makes a quick recovery and then shows up to shake up the troops with some of his blistering shots. Present and in full action mode: Gary, Jan, John, Johnny, Joanie, Carol, Mike, Anne, Bob H, Sharon, newbie: Ray (who learned some finer points of the game on the empty court while a foursome was battling it out on the other court) and this writer, who you may have noticed did not commit hari-kari as promised in the previous BLOG. But, don't give up - there is still hope! Above: Bob H and Johnny take on Carol and Gary. Below: Johnny prepares to hit the ball, but only its shadow shows.

Below: Spidy takes one deep and sends it back with vigor.

Below: Joanie fires a missile as John (Spinmaster) looks on. As always, we had lots of good games and most folks were glad that we are in the morning (not mourning) mode. It's a good way to beat the heat.

OK, so the formatting didn't come out as expected. But thanks to Lynn's assistance the staff did manage to create the collage below. That's Jan demonstrating her dexterity. She's got to work on the leaping-over-the-net move. This - her first attempt this decade - only garnered her a 4.2 out a possible 10.

Again, glad to see Bob T again, and welcome to Ray for his 1st try at P'ball. Hope to see another good turnout at our next session, that will probably take place on Friday, 4/9/10.

Spike

'Hot' Pickleball Session - April 2, 2010

Above: Buckeye lifts one out of the corner and lets it fly with a smooth backhand.

It was the hottest day of the season with the temperature hovering right around 88 degrees. Luckily, we had some squirrely breezes that cooled things down a bit and helped account for more than a few balls that were somewhat off their mark. That's what a few players claimed, anyway.
Present and accounted for: Mike, Bob H, Johnny, Peter, Carol, Jan, John, Gary, Sharon & the person who one-finger-typed this BLOG. That would be 10 players for any bean counters who read this Blog.
The heat wore on us and some games seemed like they would never end. How many times can one say: "3, 4, 1" before people start dozing off? It turns out that saying it five times does the trick.
There were several blowouts and at least 3 matches where teams made big comebacks to utterly destroy the morale of their opponents. But, we had a swell day anyway, including some good-natured joshing. Above: Jan prepares to blast the little yellow pill toward Carol as Johnny looks on.
Below: Peter demonstrates some of his fanciest footwork!Below: Cupcake takes a crack at the ball, presumably with much needed and welcomed guidance from Spidy!

So, that's it folks. We will probably start playing in the morning starting next week. At some respectable hour like 9:00. Stay tuned.
Also: One picture that I planned to post disappeared (a picture of Gary-no-nick-name poaching a ball from Carol) when I made the mistake of trying to delete a line of text. The picture of Buckeye Bob was supposed to be the third picture, not the 'cover' picture. Apparently it is not possible to cut and paste text, so if one wants to change the location of text, it must be deleted then re-typed somewhere else. This 15-minute blurb has taken almost 2 hours and has worn this amateur, part-time Blogger, out. I'm going off to commit hari kari, or whatever it is that those Japanese folks do with those big knives - so I won't be there next week. It's been nice knowing you.
Spike (RIP)
Spidy: You had better show up and say something nice about me. I'd do the same for you, but I won't be available.

Pickleball - "Where it's at!" - 3/30/2010

Or, where is it at?

At Timmons Park on a sparkling day with eight players present - not necessarily at the same time.

Even though we had eight players, some left early and others arrived later and except for one monumental full-court singles match, we only occupied one court.

Present: Steve (after a several days hiatus), Anne, John, Mike, Bob H, Gary, Sharon & Ron.

Highlights:

Anne (Pit Bull) took a digger while moving back for a shot and ended up making a graceful, ballet-like fall and recovery. Brushed herself off, never lost her smile and continued the battle.

Buckeye Bob H was on fire. He drilled many a kill shot, frustrating the folks on the other side of the net. He made several notable hustle-plays as well. But, Buckeye never outwardly gloated. Or, did he? What about that wry smile? Hmmm.

John the Spinmaster, wore his opponents with his cunning (some would say: cruddy) drop shots.

Spidy & Gary were onto their games with their wicked serves and overhand smashes. More than one player wore a few of the shots on their person, when in fact, the real idea is to strike the ball with the paddle - not with the forehead.

Stevie Wonder, who finally came out of hiding, mumbled about being out of shape - for lack of playing. But, that didn't hold true in any of his matches. He played hard, his shots were mostly on target and, as is his custom - he maimed two players who were recipients of his signature overhand kill shot.

Cupcake, made some nice dashes for cross-court shots. Unfortunately, some of the return shots didn't actually land in the same court she was playing on - on the other hand, none went over the fence.

Yon author failed miserably at this session's photojournalistic duties as is probably already fairly evident, by the total lack of photographs. However, I did almost beat Spidy in a full-court singles match - loosing (or, being edged) by a score of 11-7.

We'll be playing on Friday 4/02/10. Hoping some some of our long-lost players can make it.

Spike