FATHER'S DAY

We had fun celebrating Father's Day this year. We were both up early, and I had the coffee ready before he was out of bed. ( But then again - I usually do set the timer!) He opened his gifts bright and early.


This year was a new shirt to wear on the pickleball courts. Definately white, which is a must in the summer heat and light weight that dries quickly! A new pickleball glove and of a giant Hershey Bar for his sweet tooth. Instead of a card this year I went on-line and printed up a Father's Day Medal Award complete with a picture of Denny.

This morning we were not playing pickleball, and instead headed for the Laural Manor Rec Center where people were gathering to meet Steve Wong. Steve is one of the top ranked National Pickleball Players. He is 32 years old, has been playing pickleball for 10 years and introduced the S-Type Pickleball Paddle, which can be purchased at http://www.stypesports.com/ . He was the former "webmaster" for the USAPA pickleball site and sat on the Board as VP. He and his family reside in Sammamush, WA and were in Florida on a Disney Vacation for the week.

Steve shared some of his pickleball techniques. He has definately mastered a lot of those shots that most of us would consider "low percentage shots" He has a wicked "ping-pong" type backhand shot, a great short volley and with those young legs can get to most any shot on the court. Coach Mo was also there, and he too shared a lot of his pickleball strategies, emphasizing more on the "active older adult player!" Joing Mo on the court was Deb Harrison, who is without a doubt the very best female player on the entire east coast. The three of them along with Steve's partner were able to demonstrate with precision some great pickleball techniques.

Before we left, we were able to grab a picture with Steve and talk with him for a few minutes.

It was still morning - so Rich suggested we do a trip to Wal-Mart to pick up some glue and wrap for both his and my paddle and stop somewhere for lunch while we were out. But first we needed to stop at Dunkin Donuts to meet up with the 11:00 crew. Not a big group today, maybe eight or nine. We sat outside for just under an hour. Conversation led to the demo with Mo and Steve, and then Golf Cart Joe brought out his daily "trivia" questions. Since we were going for lunch from here, it was just coffee. (Except for Rich - it was coffee and a chocolate glazed donut).

Rich selected Shake and Steak for lunch. He almost always has their Chili Three Ways, but today opted for the Cheddar Chipolte Steak Burger and a Banana Milk Shake. A quick stop at Wal-Mart and we headed back home where he replaced the wrap on my paddle. It was early afternoon - and he was enjoying his day. He commented that " a call from Denny, and the day will be perfect" and then his attention went to the Killer Soduku Puzzel he was working on.

His request for our evening dinner was for either Ham or Roast Beef, so I started the preparation for Ham, Scalloped Potato and Green Bean Casserole.

Not long before dinner - the phone rang and it was Dennis. He had tried to call earlier and commented to Rich that he figured we were either eating or playing pickleball! I guess he knows us well. I left the two of them to talk and went inside. Father's Day was now perfect!