December 6, 2008 in Spartanburg, SC

Tom and Marly Divver had us down to Spartanburg on December the 6th to play on a baseball field at a park near their house. There were only six of us due to really cold weather and conflicts due to the holiday season. Still, we had a great time! We fired up a small propane heater to warm our hands once in a while and we were fine.

The only problem we ran into was when Sue Wien had to go to the restroom. Due to having on about six or seven layers of underwear and long johns, it took her quite a while!

The six of us had dinner together after the afternoon's play and warmed up in the restaurant. We hope Tom and Marly will have us back again in the new year. Just hope we get a little better weather!

Thanksgiving 2008 in Florida

Terry, Sue, Gary, and Shirley spent Thanksgiving in Citrus Hills, Florida, at the vacation home of Terry/Sue. In addition to some local sightseeing, some time out on the river in Terry/Sue's boat, and visiting in the home, we also managed to find time to squeeze in a little petanque at a local park. The park is only a couple miles from the vacation home. It just happened to have two very nice packed-dirt bocce courts which serve excellently for petanque.

As best I can remember, Terry & Shirley were only marginally competitive against Sue and myself. Of course, they may remember it differently, who knows?

Birthday boy!!!

Our famous (infamous?) friend Philippe Boets of Petanque America is having a birthday on Monday, November 24. Shirley whipped up a little cake for yesterday's play at Miller Park. Happy birthday and best wishes for many more to Philippe! (We even let him almost win a game yesterday!)

By the way, the new faces in the above photos belong to Kory & Stephanie, two walkup players we were happy to have join us yesterday. Come back anytime, you guys.

Smithfield, NC

http://www.wonderbreadyears.com/cast.php?cast=pat_hazell

Here are a few snapshots of play at the Johnston County Community College Arboretum in Smithfield, NC. Our friend, Pat Hazell , from Texas was in town to perform his one-man-show entitled "The Wonderbread Years" on Friday night. http://www.wonderbreadyears.com/cast.php

Since Pat plays a little petanque in his spare time, we all got together on Saturday morning (with the temperatures in the twenties!) to throw a few boules. Pat and his stage manager Jenny joined Danny, Sue, Shirley, and myself for some impromptu play on the gravel walkways of the arboretum. Pat & Danny & Sue were lucky enough to eke out a hard-fought win (okay, three hard-fought wins!) over Jenny & Shirley & Gary. Wait until next time!

Recent play and upcoming events

The weather has started to get a little colder, but we've still had enough nice days for a little play. Here are a few shots of recent games in the North Carolina mountains and at Miller Park in Winston-Salem.

Our next play date is Sunday, November 23, at 1:00 PM at Miller Park. The weather is expected to be sunny with temperatures in the mid 50s, so it should be nice. Come on out and join the fun.

Also, two of our newest members, Tom and Marly Divver from Spartanburg, SC, have invited us to come down their way on Saturday, December the 6th. I'm giving everyone a little advance notice since it's on a Saturday and should be a nice day trip to a new venue. I'll let you know more of the details as the time approaches, but plan for play to be from around noon until five o'clock. Tom and Marly have made the drive to Winston-Salem and Lexington and Lincolnton several times, so let's try to reciprocate. Shirley and I will be driving and glad to have passengers if anyone wants to join us.

News from New York

Bob and Josh sent this phone snapshot of the two finalist teams from the New York tournament. No word yet as to who won.

As for the team of Bob/Josh, they played 50/50 petanque on Saturday. They lost 1-13, won 13-0, lost 1-13 (again) and won 13-8. A winning percentage of .500 is not bad for a major city tournament. Sunday found them in the Consolation flight, but they lost 10-11 (abbreviated games, I guess).

Congratulations to them and best wishes for a speedy and safe return to the Carolinas.

Party in Lexington!

There were thirteen (Philippe, Danny, Sarah, Michel, Tom, Marly, Bob, Josh, Tom, Pat, Sue, Gary, and Shirley) of us for petanque and pizza in Lexington on Saturday, October 4, 2008. We began around 1:00 PM and played until 10:30 PM. I think it's fair to say that everyone had a great time!?

Back in the Carolinas!

Well, Texas was great, but it's good to be back to North Carolina! Here are a couple of quick shots of us playing in Lincolnton with our friends Danny&Sue and some visiting friends, Mike&Sharon, from Louisiana.

Final Texas play this trip

September 21, 2008, found Shirley and I once again at our friend Jeanne's home in Spicewood, Texas. The whirlwind visit to see the grandkids, daughter, and son-in-law (not to mention playing a little petanque!) came to an end with one last great petanque party. Thanks to Jeanne, Sasha, and Jerome for welcoming us into their respective Texas petanque groups. Hope to return soon. Love to all,

Gary (and Shirley)