Sunday, July 17, 2022 (Court Day #519)
I left my house at 8:30 a.m. It was overcast and a bit chilly. After spending several days in Las Cruces, New Mexico, I’m counting my blessings even more with regard to our local climate and temperatures.
There were a couple of players there warming up with the new city provided nets, which I knew about but hadn’t seen. I have to say I’m really impressed with the city’s Parks & Rec department. They didn’t buy the cheapest nets they could find, which is pretty much what they did last time. This time, they bought beautiful nets that have very heavy-duty casters so they can be rolled on and off the tennis courts easily.
Card
A few of us were notified of the new nets and I suggested having people sign a “Thank You” card for the city. On Tuesday last week, as Skypark, I had a few people that I’d previously seen at Derby Park sign the card. Today, I had a bunch of other players sign. I had modified the cover of the card, adding a pickleball and a paddle. on the inside, I’d added ”SANTA CRUZ PARKS & REC!”
Rally for the Ages
The game of the day was Allen and myself against Dave Cox and Charles. That game had one particular rally that was absolutely unheard of. The ball kept going back-and-forth with lobs and drives and resets and it was crazy—there must’ve been at least 20 to 30 shots back-and-forth in that rally. It finally ended as I hit the ball into the net just below the tape. It was disappointing that I messed it up, but it was an amazing rally. Allen and I did win that game 11-8. Allen has been playing very well.
Near the end of the session I played a game with a woman name Mandy against Eric and Renee. Mandy graduated from Soquel High School the same year I graduated from Harbor High School. She lives currently in Santa Barbara. She said she only comes to visit on holidays but she seemed to remember meeting me once before.
There was a family that I believe it was a grandfather, a father, and a son and also two young men visiting from Norway.
Mid-morning in the clouds all burned off then it got sunny, climbing into the high 70s. There is a slight breeze and, while it sometimes could interfere with a flight of a particular ball, for the most part it was just a cooling effect.
Play wrapped up for 1:45. I got the two last club nets stowed away, and was in my car at 2 o’clock and heading home.
Later, Online…
Some of the questions that get asked on social media…boy…
If people actually read the rule book, they’d know the answer. Yes, yes, yes, it’s the server’s point. The ball hit the opponent before hitting the ground, it’s a fault on that opponent regardless of where he is standing or not standing—or even if he is in the air!
Number of days on a court: 519
Number of total hours: 2,395.5
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