It was great to finally meet the 3rd of the musketeers, ex-college friends who have kids around the same age and have tennis as one of their common bonds. He came off the court at 1 AM looking for a power drink after a great work out and meeting new tennis friends, playing a 2-hour match…
A couple of friends from Cornell University days, now in mid 30’s, have slowly been returning to tennis this summer and started indoor weeknight play a couple of months ago. They finally made it to their first weekend party this Saturday. More than just tennis fun, they had a great time socializing with others on and off the court…
Not to spoil the fun tennis spirit but I was talking to a player from Cliffside Park. I used to think I was the greatest tennis player when I got better, but then not exactly a beginner but maybe about the level of 3.0. Then when I got to 3.5, I thought how much I need improvement! I’m still far from and may never be that advanced player. The Cliffside Park player commented that he came to a realization during his studies for his actuarial exams, which just about sums up the pattern or life of a tennis player: Level 1…
A couple of regulars were away last week and wished me Happy Thanksgiving from far, far away: “Hello from Bangalore, India …. Happy Thanksgiving!” – DH, a regular from Randolph & “Hello from Bali, Indonesia …. Happy Thanksgiving!” – KY, a regular from Englewood. A regular from NYC sums up Thanksgiving…
I’ve always admired old-style tennis, the classic serve and volley, which we rarely see nowadays. In addition, the holding of 2 balls in 1 hand while serving never ceases to amaze me. A couple of weeks ago at Washington Township, a player did just that and has been doing it since 1958! I just love to watch him play…
It was like a Packanack reunion. Sunday players this week consisted of the core group from the outdoor Packanack Sunday parties. They also went out afterwards to a local restaurant to bid farewell to another player. We wish her the best and hope to keep in touch! I hope to see more/other players at the Sunday parties…
Amidst the chaos – the hurricane aftermath and the gas shortage – emerged some goodness. There are many stories to be told. Here are a few of good semaritans and a few of good humor…
This is a classic – I always enjoy watching a great player who does not care what level s/he plays. An advanced player graciously joined 3 ladies from Westport, CT, Yonkers, NY and Fort Lee, NJ, who are not as advanced as he, toning down his American twist, high-kicking to wide to the backhand on the ad side and likewise on the deuce side…
What a great Saturday party with many winter regulars returning. A large group of good friends from NY decided to make it a fun whole day in the Garden State and topped off their day with an evening of tennis with their NJ tennis friends…
It was nice to be back working the Friday night party! I really missed the Friday crew, so mellow and jovial. One of the Friday night traditions is – players bring their own insignia to represent themselves, instead of going by the generic magnets I bring, with people’s names on them. E.g., a regular from Edgewater who’s young and (funny) crazy brought Angry Bird…