NIP Holiday Luncheon

Northern Illinois Pickleball players usually see each other under the most uncomplimentary of conditions on the courts. In Spring, we are anxious to play outside to rid ourselves of the cabin fever blues. We don knit hats and thick gloves to brave the boisterous winds as March roars in like a lion. We gather outdoors in the heat of summer. The sweat drips from our brows; the back of our necks hot from the sun’s intense rays. The perspiration makes our clothing stick to us in the most unflattering ways. Autumn delivers the colorful leaves that camouflage the courts. Not to be discouraged with the threat of season’s end, we fight back with brooms and leaf blowers. The Fall winds leave the players with disheveled hairstyles, and balls that are erratically blown “out”. We long for that Indian summer day to play one last game before Old Man Winter settles in for the long haul.

Saturday, we gathered not as Pickleball opponents, but as Pickleball friends. We came to see each other in a better light, and devour some delicious Italian food. We had our first NIP Holiday Luncheon at Sam’s Ristorante on Riverside Boulevard, in Rockford. The luncheon was planned early enough to avoid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. And, it was in sufficient time to be inclusive of some of our Snowbirds before they go south for the winter.

It was great to finally see what some of the players look like in “real life.”  There wasn’t a headband, spandex, or paddle in sight. It was a time to assemble, break bread, and get to know each other’s personalities off of the court. It was a communal time to laugh, and not just at each other’s missed attempts. We enjoyed spirits; we ate, and caught up with those players that are on injured reserve. We rounded out the day with smiles and a little USAPA trivia.

Thank you to all who we able to make it out to this event! There were many that wanted to attend but were regretfully engaged otherwise.  They were all in our thoughts during our time of celebration.  This year has truly been a blessed one.  May you all find yourselves surrounded by laughter and love this holiday.  Many happy wishes from your NIP family J.