Took time out to closed the pool for the summer…what a bummer.

I hate it when summer comes to a close.

Yes, my friends I’m still painting.

As you can see I’ve been working hard.

The last time that my house was painted was before I owned it.  So at least nine years ago.  The current colors are faded yellow and a dark blueish grey.  The new colors will be burgundy and light gray with white woodwork.  I’ve completed the front of the house.  Only three sides to go.

Yesterday was the weekly volleyball night.  We had a fair amount of players show up…the competition was pretty even which is nice.  The final two games of the night showcased a three on three grudge match. 

It was Team Tall vs Team Beach Bum….Obviously I was on Team Beach Bum.  The play of the night came in the first of the two games.  The score was close we were up 6-4 and serving [we play old school...no rally points].  The rotation had me setting/blocking at the net.  Gib served, the other team’s bump was long and looked like it was coming back to us so I prepared to jump.  Team Tall’s setter also goes up for the ball…a joust at the net ensues.  The ball comes to our side and we bump it into the net.  Gib keeps it alive.  All this happens while I’m on my back.  I watch the ball falling to the sand and swing my leg to kick it. 

That’s it; the dig of the night was me, on my back, kicking the volleyball up and over the net and scoring.  The other team was so stunned that they didn’t even get a hand on the ball.  Of course this play was controversial.  But we had talked about the fact that you can play the ball with your feet last week so we ended up with the point.

We went on to win that game and the next to finish out the night.

Enjoy the fireworks and stay safe.

Last night at volleyball I made a spectacular diving dig and was rewarded with a vicious cramp in my calf.  I was a bit surprised by this because I was hydrating between games.  Usually I bring water for hydration but last night I had a bottle of Powerade with ION4 the Advanced Electrolyte System.  In my opinion, this fact made the cramp even more unlikely.  But I’m not a doctor just a simple Beach Bum making my way through life.

I regained my feet and stretched my calf.  I was lucky, the cramp went away very quickly so I was able to resume playing.  My team ended up around .500 for the night.  It was wierd because we were able to beat one team but not the other one.  And the team we could beat usually beat the team we couldn’t beat.  Go figure.

Question to everyone:  Does anyone really like the taste of sports drinks?  Just asking.

Ok the hottest, muggiest day of the year so far and we have the longest volleyball session in years.  The games went on for almost three hours.  Good thing I brought a big jug of water.  I also made use of the small stream in between games by pouring water over my head.

I played well despite the fact that I was sooooo tired at the end of the night.  More wins than losses which is always good.  Have I mentioned I hate to lose?  I am a good sport but I’m pretty competitive.

Actually week three because there were no games last week.  This week I called prior to heading to the volleyball court because it was raining.  I was told to suck it up and get over there. Apparently a little rain is not going to stop play.  The rain broke before I arrived at the court so the first several games were played rain free.

There was a good sized group, especially considering the weather. We started out with four to a side but by the time the first game was complete we had a couple more players wanting to play.  The group was divided into three unequal teams consisting of either 3 or 4 players.  My team was two very good females and me.  We kicked ass, I only ended up losing once all night.  We played about an hour longer than normal despite the fact that it began raining near the end of the night.

I think I need to work on my serve over the course of the next week.  The serve was a bit weak and arcing.  I prefer to serve harder along a flat trajectory.  At least I think I can correct it.

As the weather warms here in Michigan the return of the beach sports is imminent.  The official invitations for beach volleyball are extended and the anticipation of the new season is palpable.

Finally the day for the first games arrives.  Invitees are divided into teams and the first night’s matches are set.  My team ends up playing three games winning two of the three.  So a good start to the year.  I am anticipating a bit of soreness in the morning. 

It seems like the players are getting younger…and I appear to be getting older…not a good combination for me.  I think my impact on the games will start to diminish.  Sucks to get old.