Thanksgiving Weekend Play

The weather was fairly mild for being the last Sunday in November. The mercury made a valiant effort and climbed to an admirable 46 degrees Fahrenheit.  Conditions were set to welcome the brave Picklers to the outdoor courts at Sinnissippi Park.

Today, NIP Picklers were eager to get in a couple extra games after the food binge that most experienced last Thursday on Thanksgiving. After playing indoors at ISC for several weeks, we were happy to be on our Home courts that have standard width lines, the proper height nets, and no drop-in fees. 

Most gathered about 1pm, despite some that were nursing mild hangovers from a festive martini Saturday night. We braved the fall weather with vests, ear muffs, hats, and scarves. Players wore  multiple layers of clothing and skipped the bulky winter coats. To protect their hands they wore gardening, motorcycle, and fingerless gloves.

The sun was shining, making overhead smashes on the courts’ northern sections a bit challenging with the low rising sun due to the Earth’s winter tilt. The bare trees and stripped bushes no longer provide a protective barrier. The wind screens have been taken down for the season and we are left alone to negotiate winds that were 16mph, gusting to 22mph. The wind forced many balls out of bounds that would have been fair under normal circumstances.  Some unpredictable hits were accomplished, but many misses were had with the wind bursts. Certainly much laughter was heard by the neighbors as we all took in the comedy of each others' wind falls. To have evenhanded games players switched sides when one of the teams reached six points. But, alas, it didn't make much difference in some cases. Regardless, everyone had a great day of playing.

We had a great turnout with four active courts and players waiting in the wings. Thanks to all who came out to play today. We had a good couple hours of play before dispersing to watch the Bears beat the Eagles! A great way to spend a Sunday!