Wet

We were surprised on Sunday to find the Miller Park courts wet after a week with no rain.  The only explanation we were able to imagine was that the last couple of days of extreme temperatures, it went down to 8 degrees F one night, had created frost heave and that the improving temperatures melted the ice formations and left the ground soggy.  There was only one of the six courts that was dry enough to rake, pack, and play.

It was a small turnout, but we had a lot of fun anyway.  Rebekah played the shooter's role on her teams all afternoon.  It was her first try, and she did a really great job!  We were amazed at how accurate she was.  She said later that it was a little nerve racking, but it looked to us like she was having fun and, if she was nervous, she hid it well.

Fred, Rom, Barb, Nelson, Shirley, and I rounded out the small group.  The day was pleasant enough until the sun started to set,  so we got in a good four hours or so of play.  We hope to see a few more people coming out in the weeks to come as the days get nicer.

Tammy

One of our very best friends is in the hospital. Tammy Hendrix of North Augusta, SC, came down with the flu about a week ago. Unfortunately, the weakening of her system led to pneumonia and hospitalized her. This in turn led to an aggressive bacterial infection. She is now on a ventilator. Her kidneys are no longer functioning adequately, so she is also on a dialysis machine. We know that everyone who knows Tammy and Larry joins us in wishing her the best possible outcome. Shirley and I went down and spent a couple of days with the family in the Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital in Augusta, GA. We may make another trip by the first of the week depending upon how things are progressing. Larry asks that everyone keep Tammy in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Sunday

Thanks to Sue Wien for the above photos of Sunday's play at Miller Park in Winston-Salem!  And below, a few that Shirley took.

Fun day at the Wiens

Danny and Sue, Terry and Sue, Shirley and I played at the Wien home on High Rock Lake.  Cold day but sunny, so not too bad.  Terry and Sue continued their winning streak against us, winning the first game of doubles.  We played triples for the rest of the day and the guys won one and the gals won one.

Tuesday at Nevin Park

We spent most of yesterday trying to best Khalid Mesbah and Michael Wall in doubles play at Nevin Park in Charlotte, NC.  Play started around 10:30 AM in the wet and cold, but the day got progressively better as it went on.  The weather, that is. Our efforts to win some games, not so much.

Khalid made a point of telling us that he would anxiously await seeing the write-up.  Shirley says she'll never understand why people seem to take so much joy in giving us a good trouncing.  Despite her best pointing efforts, either Michael would push her out or Khalid would shoot her out.  And... at least to hear her version of the story, I was little help, as usual.

Actually, she and I both played okay.  Michael pointed well after a long absence from the courts.  Whenever he had a bad end, Khalid was able to make up the difference.  He shot well, as usual, and also pointed in with his last boule on numerous occasions to take the point.

Okay, here are the results:  They won the first game.  We bounced back to win the second game.  So far, so good.  Then we played three more games and called it a day.

That's my "fair and balanced" write-up.  I'm sure it will make Khalid and Michael happy-- don't you think?

Return to Miller Park

Liz ([pronounced Leez] and her young son

Nelson pointing

Barb, Fred, and Rom

Mixing for the draw

Nelson and Rebekah

Bright and sunny yesterday in Winston-Salem.  Our first time playing in the Carolinas in 2014.  Eight players and a few visitors.  Courts were VERY soft due to recent rains.  Thanks to Nelson, Rebekah, Fred, and the gang for sponsoring play while we were in Texas.

Last Wednesday in Texas

It was cold and rainy for play at the Browning (Mueller) Hangar on Wednesday, Jan 8, 2014.  But that didn't prevent a few diehards from playing.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!