Catching you up.....

Going to attempt to catch you up with the happenings here in Florida.  First, recapping some of last week and then onto this week.  Natalie and Jackie played the one seeded team and lost.  We were down the first set 1-4 and battled back to 4 all.  We played sloppy and lost the first set 4-6.  Being up in most of the games but making way too many unforced errors.  Lost the second 5-7.  Def a missed opportunity for I believe we were the better team, we just didn't play as well as we normally do.  Maybe another sign of it being the first tournament of the season.

On Friday, we were treated to a wonderful dinner at Randi and Drew's home.  Prior to dinner, we decided to walk a couple of blocks to the beach for the sunset.  This being the third day in a roll we attempted this feat, we were determined to actually get to the beach prior to the sun going down below the horizon.  Something we hadn't been able to accomplish with the prior attempts due to traffic.  On the way, and maybe 100 feet from our destination.....I caught a lip of blacktop with my left foot ...and down I went.  Landing directly on my bent right knee and then into a full tummy sprawl.  I was determined to pick my pride up, self up and see that darn sunset once and for all.  So, after all of us calmed  down and a quick trip to "wash" at the foot shower...we witnessed a beautiful sunset.

Drew offered to get the car so that I wouldn't have to walk back.....I guess the least he could do after pushing me down.....wink wink!  And of course, I refused the ride.....not soooo sure now, that I should have.  Upon our return....we enjoyed a great dinner and fellowship.  And of course I enjoyed, bandaids, ice, wine and pain killers.  We really enjoyed meeting this great family and sharing a wonderful homemade meal.

We made our way back to the hotel, Natalie dropping me at the front door.  By the time I walked in the hotel lobby, I got the chills and shakes....guess I went into shock.  So, when Nat came in she was surprised by my state.  So, we decided that the luggage cart would be the best option to get me to our room.  For we were in the very last room on the second floor, no way I could walk that far.  Upon exciting the elevator on the second floor, my gal decided it would be fun to fun while pushing the "mother" filled cart.  We giggled our way to the room, outside of which neither of us could find our room key.  Bringing on the giggles at a louder tone.  Poor Natalie had to go back out to the car to get her ID in order to get desk folks to issue a new key.  All the while I was "parked" outside our room, praying no one would appear in the hall to ask questions or pass judgement.

Saturday morning we were back at the tennis center, me being checked out by the trainer.  And Natalie helping with the kids clinic.  We decided to trek over to the next tourney in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.  Once there I would seek medical attention, thinking that possibly my left foot was broke and my right knee cap.

One trek, one practice and one ER visit later and here is how I looked:

Wearing the mask so that I don't take the flu home with me.  The ER was filled will folks battling the flu, they were pitiful.  Happy to say that nothing is broken, but the pain.....oooo the pain....it is rough getting old.  

Because Jackie had to go back to school for her last semester, Natalie will be playing doubles this week with Nicole Melichar.  Who with her parents, offered us a place to stay which excited us, for we love Nicole.  Unfortunately, Natalie and Nicole had to play each other in the opening round of the Qualifying Draw.  Def....not good!  Coming into this tourney Natalie was ranked 639 in the world.  Nicole is the 7th seed in the draw and ranked 432.  Natalie was down the first set 2-5 and battled back to 4-5 with a great hold.  However, Nic held to win the first set.  Natalie came out with a different attitude the second set and won it 6-2.  She was striking the ball really well, which was exciting to see after the previous week on the court.  During the last game of the second set, I notice Nicole favor a leg, so thought she hurt something.

Natalie came out in the third strong and held to go up 1-0.  With it being Natalie's add, Nic took a medical time out.  Winning the second game after the time out.  Natalie cruised to victory as Nicole was nursing her leg cramps.  Winning the third 6-0.

On Monday, Natalie was to play #599 ranked Anne Liz Juekeng.  Natalie had beat her in Troy, Alabama back in the fall.  Very nice young lady, who just joined the Clemson tennis team this January. Nat and Liz always have a battle and a good match of good ball striking.  Liz has a one hand backhand too.  Natalie lost the first set in a breaker 6-7(5), then took the second and third....6-2,6-1.