LAST WEEK’S RECAP | June 15 – 21, 2015

FRIDAY
Players from Boonton, Livingston, West Orange and Woodside (Queens) started their match late, long after start time. Consequently they kept playing long after the bell ran, causing me to be concerned – “I don’t know why those guys don’t quit.” One of the players from Nutley waiting in the lounge said – “Penny, there are no quitters here.” It took the edge off and I ended up laughing.

It was good to see the father and son from Mahwah who played frequently over the winter. They were playing better and better with more play outdoors in the warmer weather. I remember the first time the father played: he pulled one calf muscle after only a few games. Within another game, he pulled the other calf muscle, all because he hadn’t played in a few years. How different now that he’s been playing regularly, so fit and playing well. His son didn’t have to work as hard (29 years old), just quick and fit from day one.

It was also good to see a player from Edgewater, former regular and the sidekick of the regular from Boonton. When I introduced him to a newcomer as such, he jokingly objected to being anyone’s sidekick. I quickly corrected myself, saying they’re buddies. Oops.

SATURDAY
A former regular from Mahwah is back, and with a vengence. She started playing again two weeks ago. This week she was a two-timer playing both Friday and Saturday. Then she played golf on Sunday, a regular female sports fanatic. I asked her how the last match was. She said fine and said as usual the opponent from Englewood narrated the match. What do you mean? She said – “He would tell you as he’s going to hit the ball, I’m coming up to the net.” He does it in a jovial manner. Those who know him, know that he’s just a good guy. Many of us find him hilarious because he’s just so animated, making the tennis party fun!

I told 5 good friends from Englewood, Hoboken, Jersey City and Nutley that it was going to rain Saturday and to come in. That they did and it was nice to see them. As usual they played together all night long and playing as teams vs. other pairings. Saturday regulars were nicely surprised to see them.

My doctor from Union City came to the Saturday party this week (last week he played Sunday). His match with 3 ladies from Fort Lee, Red Bank and Valley Cottage was a lot of fun to watch, many long and exciting points. I was happy to see everyone was playing better than the last time I saw them. Hope to see them again.

SUNDAY
A couple of weeks ago I had to fill in and played with a righty. I noticed the opponents were both lefty and said – “This isn’t right, you’re both lefty. Let’s switch it up.” My righty partner added – “Lefties can’t do it right. They can only do it left.” Pretty good! And we switched it up to do lefty and righty partners, a fairer pairing, at least for me since I’m not fond of lefty spins.

Sunday morning started out gloomy but cleared up by noon. The courts were ready for play by 3 PM but we started at 4 PM to be on the safe side. It then pour for 2 minutes before turning to sprinkles. A player from Kinnelon suggested brushing the courts to dry them up and off he, plus a player from Woodside and I went and started brushing and doing the lines for 15 minutes. Lo and behold, he was right! The courts were dry and the festivities continued until the end of the party when the final match was finishing up anyway.

It was a great weekend all around!

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