Monday, July 29, 2019 (Court Day #287)
47th day out playing lefty. Tennis elbow.
I decided to wear two pairs of socks today. The inside of my shoes are wearing out. Now looking for the first time in a while, the bottoms are starting to show significant wear too. Funny, aside from the sole and the interior, the shoes almost look new.
A little worn on the inside.
I ordered another pair on eBay last week—a display model for $15 shipped. Costco isn’t currently carrying the shoes anymore in store or online, so my options are limited for getting the same shoes. (“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” I just stick with what works.)
A full house at Brommer today. The poor dog died waiting for a court. (Kidding!)
It’d been a while since I’d played at Brommer. A few weeks, I believe. A number of people asked how my arm recovery was coming along. I told all of them that I figured it would be at least a few months yet.
Binh and I played a game against Judy—normally seen at Scotts Valley—and Janette, whom I don’t think I’ve met before. Pickleball is the great equalizer. Here are two women older than Binh and me yet, they weren’t pushovers. We finished up 11-6. Respectable. Janette uses a lot of spin and Judy can drive the ball well. Binh and I had taken a 2-0 lead and the game had never truly been in doubt.
In that game, Janette on the right side of her court and me on the right side of my court, she hit a ball across a bit high and to my right sideline. Without even thinking, I switched my paddle to my right hand and hit a sharp/shallow crosscourt winner out of her reach. “Nice shot!” It’s a good thing that wasn’t six months ago, it would have hurt like the dickens. As it was, it didn’t hurt. But we’ll see how it feels tomorrow.
Binh and I played against Mark G. and George twice, beating them both times. The second time 11-7. Both are good intermediate players. I made a number of brilliant drop shots from deep in the court. Something just clicked. It was amazing, I wish I could do that all the time. In that game, I got a few compliments on other shots from Mark and George. The cool thing is that these weren’t nice shots for a left hand, but simply nice shots, regardless.
It was 12:49 when I pulled my phone from my backpack and checked the time. Late! Time to head out then get to work.
The two pairs of socks did turn out to be more comfortable. I might do that more often.
SCPC Signage
Karen and Eric had suggested some verbiage changes to the “Introductory Sessions” court sign which I designed yesterday. I implemented the changes after work and sent it back out for input. The sign got the Leslie and Eric stamps of approval. Now, just waiting to hear back from Karen.
Shoes
My “display model” Kirkland athletic shoes arrived today. They look just fine and are well worth the $15. I found another display pair on eBay for about the same price and ordered those too.
USAPA Membership
My membership in the USAPA came up for renewal and with everything going on, I didn’t renew immediately. I think it expired on the 18th. But I believe there’s a 30-day grace period before they erase your rating. Regardless, I paid my dues today and I’m back to being a member in good standing.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 (No Play)
Pickleball appeared on the TODAY! Show on NBC. I watch very little television and didn’t see it live, but with the wonders of the Internet, anyone can watch it:
https://www.today.com/video/pickleball-takeover-anchors-play-in-a-game-on-the-plaza-64792133591
Tyson McGuffin and Lucy Kovalova were brought in to demonstrate the sport. Tyson took some liberties with the rules to make the game more fun and friendly. Smart move. Tyson and Lucy were touted as “experts” in pickleball. I guess you could say that! Tyson being the reigning singles champion and Lucy, who won the Triple Crown at the Nationals last year. (Gold in singles, doubles, and mixed.) You can’t go too wrong with that and both are photogenic. Tyson was at the Golden State Championships last year here in Northern California. He was partnered with Morgan Evans on the day. Tyson looked very serious while there and I didn’t approach him to sign the paddle I was using at the time. I kind of regret that now.
SCPC Signage
Karen suggested some changes to the SCPC intro sessions sign. Some more minor tweaking for me to do, but pretty much done.
Number of days on a court: 287
Number of total hours: 793
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