Here Comes the Sun, Summer Has Arrived!

The temperature this Saturday morning had to be close to 80 degrees when I arrived on the courts at about 7:50 AM. The sun was out and ready for action early. Gone were the days of June, with the blessed gloom that kept the temperatures low for most of the mornings past. So, after some fairly unusual weather in the past weeks, and month past; with a stubborn marine layer (aka gloom) and thunder, lightning, rain just this past week; and, an earthquake or two in the region the week before - the summer sun has finally arrived. What a journey!!

For those of you that relish frolicking in the sun, the perfect weather is here. But for me, well, I was starting to think that I was back in Seattle, with that marine layer hanging around 'til noon. I was starting to reminisce about floating bridges on lakes and that bridge that would lift on a hinge to let the high mast boats float by near the University District; Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market. Oh well, I think I am stuck in my Pacific Northwest state of mind. But alas, we must endure/ enjoy another beautiful summer in So Cal with the thermostat turned on high. So, you'll notice a few things in the following pictures; (1) happy faces that the yellow ball is back in the sky, (2) the multitudes drinking gallons of ice cold water, Gatorade, Powerade and Wet-Ur-Gut Ade, (3) folks leaving early.

In fact, this morning everyone left so early, the league designated hang-out, Spicy Kimchee, was not even open at the close of play. It opens at 11:00 AM on Saturdays and throughout the week. As a result, the league sanctioned post game beverage, boba, was not available. Tragedy, don't you agree? Now here's the advantage of hanging out with the WBA Commissioner, Bill Taylor - he was able to get us into Spicy Kimchee even though it had not yet opened for business. No, he didn't use his expert knowledge of physics to pick the lock or break the glass doors. I don't know how you would even think such a thing. All he needed to do was show up at the door, and the owner let him in with a smile. I know you all are impressed, I was too.

For such a hot day the turnout was good. Two courts were going during a portion of the day. Many of the regulars were there like, of course, the Commish - Bill, Virgil, Danny, Luis, Robert (Wei-Jin), Steve, Roy, and Mike. Many thanks to the other Robert who brought, what I will refer to as his Band of Cousins. Robert brought about 7 or 8 of his cousins out to the Chaparral. We all enjoyed their company and their skills. I know I was even given a few lessons in basketball wizardry early on trying to chase them up and down the courts. I hope they return next week and the following weeks.

To avoid melting during the coming days of elevated temps, remember to stay hydrated. There's a reason they sell water in bottles. Did you know a gallon of water out here can cost the same as a gallon of gas. That's how important it is during this time of year. So, show your kidneys some love and drink at least 16 ounces of water a day. You will probably need more with the temperature and humidity levels so high.

Stay cool and have great week everyone!!