Be Still A German Pickleball Girl's Heart!

Last night we had a very small group of players travel to the Janesville Pickleball courts for our continued venture of the Pickleball Exchange Program. It turned out to be a week that many regular NIP players were busy with family duties or vacations. Traveling to the courts was hindered by a large accident on I90 near the state line that brought traffic to a snail’s pace.

It was a beautifully warm September evening of about 85°F.  The sun was shining with a few stretches of white clouds. The southern winds held over 15 miles per hour, and the wind screens did little to disrupt the flow. Serving on the north side required Popeye arm strength, but lobs that would have normally been out of bounds were generously pushed back in bounds. Playing on the south side of the courts required finesse else your shot be sent sailing to the back fence. Players switched sides at six points to give everyone a fair shake with the weather conditions. Players fueled up on fruit and snacks and did it all over again.

Afterward we enjoyed dinner and drinks at the locally owned Milwaukee Grill. Who wouldn't love a restaurant that greets you with a martini glass on the sign? Of course, it wouldn't be a proper Wisconsin establishment without a celebratory tap offering of their finest beer from Capital Brewing, Lake Louie, New Glarus, and Leinenkugel. The menu offered a variety of American cuisine with tributes to Wisconsin's rich German culture. Meatloaf served with Pub Ale gravy, a Reuben and other Wisconsin cheddar smothered sandwiches, and seafood from the Great Lakes. Among the notable menu items was a ½ pound burger topped with a char grilled Wisconsin brat and grilled onions. With dinner entrees they offered potato pancakes garnished with applesauce or sour cream. Be still a German Pickleball girl's heart!

During dinner we talked about hobbies outside of Pickleball (who knew?). We also discussed means of effective Pickleball group communications, and tactics of how to gather feedback from our Picklehoods through surveys. We look forward to more exchanges and growing friendships!