Summer Sun, Summer Fun

Once again I arrived at the courts somewhat late. As I drove into the parking lot, I saw New Zealand Joe leaving. I was hoping there would still be activity left. After all, there were still a number of cars left in the parking lot. I said a few words to Joe. Apparently, he had hurt his back. I soon was walking toward the court and saw a couple of guys on the tennis court. Then, I finally got onto the courts where Ike was heading home from the action. Outside of that, there was vigorous activity still underway. There approximately 23 folks on site still. A few were on the side-lines looking on. The others were playing in 2 games.

Once one of the games ended I saw that Danny and few others were heading home as well. But there was still plenty of activity to go and several people left. On the feeder court (aka "Loser's Court"), Victor soon called for me to replace him in the game 'cause his team was to move over to the "Winner's Court". So what could I do but comply?

I was teamed with Larry, Daniel, Robert and another person who's name escapes me at the moment. We were opposing Drew, DeAndre, and female friend of DeAndre, and others of similar age. In essence, we played against a team whose collective age was still not adding up to mine. Okay, I'm being dramatic but suffice it to say that they were young and energetic. We were hammered. No respect for their seniors, they ran over me like a runaway locomotive. Somehow I enjoyed every minute of it, and no I'm not one of those persons that enjoys pain. But I like competition, the process not necessarily the ends.

I think I only won, one game all day; the last game of the day. Oftentimes, during the week, I don't remember whether I lost a game or not though. I remember who showed up and the fun we had. Most times for me, it is the times in between the games that are just as much fun as the games themselves. Catching up with the life of others; their triumphs, milestones and special events - can be very rewarding.

Next week, if you signed up, you can join Mike and a few of his friends out in Fullerton at the YMCA. He is renting the facility for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I will be joining him there next Saturday, so I want be at the Chaparral. But believe me, you will be on my mind. Hopefully, the great weather continues and the robust crowds continue. So, to all of you - enjoy your week, enjoy your co-workers, friends and families. Have a great week!!!

A Pleasant Summer Day...

It was a very pleasant summer day. Started out being overcast and cool. Great weather for outdoor basketball. There were a few folks that felt the same way. There was a good turn-out for the games this morning. I got in kind of late, so, I may not have seen the full crowd. But, when I did make it out to the Chaparral, there were twenty persons hooping. Always a good sight for me, even though I was the unfortunate 21st person.

But that was a good thing in a way, because it gave me an opportunity to take a bunch of pictures. I am trying to follow the recommendation from the Commissioner, and get more action pictures. The difficulty is the speed of the shutter for my camera. I push the button for the picture but there is a slight delay. What can I say? The camera has it's own personality. It takes the photograph when it's good and ready.

Somehow I managed to get some action pictures though. And there was plenty this morning. Everyone was still fully charged even though most had been at it for a while, and most of the morning had fled away. I got in at about 9:00 AM. I thought I would be the last one in, but Zach and a friend of his got there about 20 minutes after me.
Father Victor got to Chaparral long before I did. I think I may become the new official late arrival guy, and steal the title from Victor. I won't complain though, at my advanced age, I need the additional rest more than anyone else there. I need far more than Victor, so he will have to relent and allow me to be the last person in. I hope your making a note of this Victor.

I'm sure your starting to wonder who was there....

Danny and Danny M.; Tony, Mike F., Tom, Virgil, Margaret, Nacho, Larry, New Zealand Joe; of course Victor, Zach and friend; Jerry and Junior, Albert, Shane, Scott and I probably forgot, or didn't see a few more. But, as always, it was great seeing everyone. For me, the best way to get the weekend started. I hope everyone had a great weekend and has a great week. See you all next week.....

My Kinda Day!!

There was a momentary return to the kind of day I like. The counter-Socal day with the marine layer and clouds until mid-day. It was real nice to have a break from the excessive heat from earlier in the month. However, by the time I got to the courts (around 10 am) the sun was coming out from under the cloud cover. I can just imagine how the real, sun worshiping Southern Californians must have been cheering.

Virgil finishes his practice routine.

I arrived at the courts thinking that maybe things would be wrapping up, and that maybe I would get into the last game. Recently, things have been ending somewhat earlier than the tradition at the Chaparral. Traditionally, games would go on past 11 am, however, recently they terminate before 10 am at times. To my surprise, things were still going pretty heavy when I got there.

The Commish and Steve talk strategy.....

In a way that was good. I can't resist playing the game, but truthfully I was hoping that things would be done because I have been nursing my left knee. It had been stiff and swollen all week. But as I arrived and got settled, a game was finishing up and the Commissioner called for me to get into the game. Well, I can't say no to the Commish. That would be a suspend-able offense with potential fines attached. So, I jumped into the game. That game was the first of three that I would play.

Shane and Steve take a much deserved breather from the action.

It was all pretty encouraging for me to see that the games would continue until 11 am that morning. Things are picking up at the WBA as things at the NBA are on hold. Hopefully, if the NBA season is stalled and delayed, the activity at the WBA will keep are basketball addiction satisfied. I know it would work for me. Hopefully, everyone out there in the WBA universe agrees. Even though I haven't seen a few of you in a while.

Eric and Nick prepare to exit.

Of course I got there so late, I have no idea who else had come and gone. But, did catch up wit the Commish and the Judge (Roy). De'Andre was there with a few of his buddies, Andrew and Scott. Eric was there with his son Nick. And, I was able to catch up with Shane, Steve, Virgil, Luis, Jerry and his son Junior. There were others too, but the names escape me. You have to forgive me for that. There are cobwebs up there in my cranium that are older than some of you out there. So quite with the jibes. Yes, there is something between the ears. Air counts....

Have a good week everyone.