-30 degrees in Michigan.....really Diane...ugh

Seems as though most of the main roads here in Georgia are open today.  But no worries, going to warm up to 50 tomorrow and 65 on Saturday.  Natalie hit the cabin fever wall this morning and convinced Nic (her brother) to take her out.  After all he forbid her to drive to Atlanta to practice today. One minor problem for Natalie having a firefighter as a brother, he knows the scoop and won't let her come into harms way.  Guess that's not a problem after all now is it?  As a parent, I couldn't be happier that my three children are so very close, and love each other very much.

We have been busy working on the poker tournament fundraiser and setting up the PayPal account.  Natalie received a request letter to apply for an appointment onto a National Committee.  We have been working feverishly to get that submitted.  Can't give many details yet, but I will keep you posted on it all.

We heard from our Michigan host mom Diane, who informed me that my weather posting for MI was incorrect.  In fact, they were at -30 degrees.....OMG....we are never gunna make it.  We are so not used to that kind of weather, altho SnowJam Atlanta 2014 has been trying to prepare us.   I will watch the weather reports and try to time my departure via automobile between the storm fronts.  Natalie will be leaving next Thursday via plane.

Looking forward to the 100K Dow Corning Tennis Classic is keeping us motivated to head into that "lovely" weather.  Mike Woody, his staff and volunteers....including host mom Diane.....do a great job. This will be their 26th year and you can tell they have developed a well oiled machine of a tourney.  The community is 100% involved.  The wonderful folks of Midland pack the stands and organize awesome community outreach opportunities for the players.  And the parade....the daily parade of crock pots..  These love filled crock pots provide players, coaches and parents with amazing homemade meals.  A very special touch indeed!

Natalie has been accepted into the qualifying draw, which is progress from last year.  For she got in at the last minute last year.  Progress indeed.  After many attempts to acquire a doubles partner, complicated by the Aussie Open.....she has arranged to play with Nicole Melichar.  The pair played at the Port St. Lucie tournament in 2013 and finished in the semi final.  The will form a solid team of doubles, will be good stuff!

Time to get back to cooking, so far this snow storm has had us enjoying some good food.  Including a 22 pound turkey that was removed from the oven around midnight.  It is amazing how good food tastes after eating out for weeks at a time.....nothing like homemade food!

Love and Blessing....Sherry!

Another way for you to help Natalie - PayPal

Info Updated - 7:55 a.m. --- 1/30/14  (change of email address)

PayPal.....if you would like to help Natalie with her expenses here is a quick way to do so.  Any amount gifted would be appreciated and matters.... for it all adds up!  Please follow the link below and help Nat out.


Use the following email address for us on PayPal:      pluskotatennis@yahoo.com


https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/send-money-online


Big thank you for your continued support!

Poker for Pluskota Fundraiser

Contact me....Sherry for tickets or more info!  

Should be a great night of fun and fellowship!  

Many thanks to Jerry and Sandy for hosting our event!

Come help us help Natalie stay on the tour!

Snow and Poker Fundraiser.......help us help Natalie!

Greetings from the beautiful, snowy south.  I just love the snow....sigh!


Just wanted to make a quick blog posting.  I'm still trying to catch up around here after being gone three weeks.  And trying to work on upcoming events, on being a Poker for Pluskota event.  This poker tournament will be held on February 22, 2014.  Please mark your calendar.  I will post a flyer here in the next day or so.  If you are interested, email me and I'll send you a flyer.....sherrypluskota@yahoo.com.


Back to business and snowflake watching.....Love and Blessings....Sherry

Video - Daytona 2014 - ProAm, matches, Rolex Race

After a quick pack and load out of the hotel yesterday, we made our way to the racetrack.  Happy that mother nature was on our side but curious as to what was to come.  Neither of us had ever attended the Rolex Race nor one of its type.....I mean.....we didn't know the name of one driver.  But we were determined to absorb everything we could about the race, the speedway, the drivers and of course the fans.

Following what seemed to be at least a two mile trek to the infield we found ourselves almost too tired to enjoy the surrounding.  First stop, the observation deck so that we could see what the entire speedway looked like.  Two things struck us immediately, the size....no surprise there.  And the lack of fans in the stands, disappointing to say the least.  The venue is amazing, they let you bring a cooler, food, etc.  The price of tickets is very reasonable.  The fan experience is top notch.  So people.....start your engines and head to the speedway and enjoy a day of fun with the family.  We will again!

Please find below the video made with the pictures taken while in Daytona.  The tournament, ProAm Event, The Rolex Race.....hope you enjoy it as much as I did designing it.  BTW...we made it home safe and sound....unpacking to repack for Michigan....until then....Love and Blessings....Sherry!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzrElDwZJuQ&feature=youtu.be

Open, Open, Open

After a little over three weeks on the road in Florida, time to head north.  Natalie and Sanaz played a fantastic first set yesterday, simply amazing at times.  Taking it 6-2.  However, they  did not ride the wave nor confidence into the second set.  Totally changing up what they were doing for no good reason.  Losing it 2-6.  The breaker in lieu of the third set started with us on top, competing as we did in the first set.  However, the opponents decided to step up and took the breaker 6-10, hats off to them.  Our team allowed that one to get away, unfortunate indeed.  Nat and Naz are wwwaaaayyyy to good as a team to repeat that loss.  Guess with it being early in the season, one can only hope that the first set is a glimpse of what is to come for them.

Not sure if any of you remember the old Mervyn's (sp) commericals?  Announcing a big sale and the lady is sooo excited that she is standing outside of the store, waiting for it to open.....nose against the glass looking in.....hands on the glass tapping......repeating....."open, open, open, open".  Well that has been the scene for Natalie and me this week.  Neither of us have been into or at a race at the Brickyard. By the time the schedule allowed, they Daytona Speedway put a stop to tours due to today's Rolex race.  We went over earlier this week to see if we could just catch a glimpse of the 2.5 mile track....yeaaaa no luck there.  We did however, see the "junk" (sovereign) shop and walk around the outside of it.  Then yesterday upon arrival to the tennis center, found out that NASCAR driver Ellis stopped by to take pictures and sign autographs....of course we missed that....but some of the folks that think the Brickyard is a restaurant surely enjoyed his presence.....GGGGGRRRRR!

Our determination to get into the track has grown....yes ...we could buy tickets.....but who has the extra cash after three weeks on the road???  Our begging has no limits....sorta of a game to us now....soon a text was going to the person that  arranged for Ellis' appearance.  After all she told the tournament "if any player needs anything"......still waiting to hear.  Then while Natalie was on FB, she remember about a friend of Nic's (her brother) being involved in racing.   Holy grail of racing!  The person, she was soon texting is the co producer.....blah....blah....blah of NASCAR......YES.....I said NASCAR!  He told her he would see what he can do, "come on.....open, open, open!".

Here I sit in the dark, waiting, wondering.....how many text messages are waiting.  Are we going to the races or going home first thing this morning??  Sleeping Beauty has at least three more hours till those eyes will be open to check her phone.  Unless of course I "accidently" drop my suitcase and it wakens her.....hhhhhmmmmm.   Guess it's time to get to packing.   Until the eyes open, open, open....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

P.S.   Here is a look at how we were dressed and covered to tolerate the weather to watch yesterday's match:

Biggggggggg mistake

Since I'm  currently stuck in the dark hotel room, while Daaa Darling sleeps.  Thought crossed my mind to check out the weather in Midland, Michigan.  Why you ask....cuz that's where we will head in about 10 days.  What a biggggggg mistake I made....it is cold there.....wait....scratch that.....it is freezing there!  Currently five....YES....five whole degrees!  With a high of 17 degrees.  Besides the fact that we have been in Florida for three weeks, we are freezy cats.  The great news....we will be with an amazing family and see some great folks.

Today's doubles should be a fun one for the spectators.  The draw however ...continues to surprise....in the same area of the draw where two teams pulled out....two teams that were to play each other the first round.....had another team pull out.  So that gave a team a "walk over" all the way to the semi final match.  If, excuse me....when we win today....yes, I'm bias and it's ok....MY BLOG.....we will play the walk over team in the semis.  But of course, our team had to play two matches to get there.  Crazy indeed.  For now, must focus on today's tasks at hand.....breakfast.....walk on beach....appreciate the warm weather of fifty degrees....Wally World for new long johns.....watch the lil yellow ball!  Catch y'all on the flip side of all that.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Brickyard.......GGGGGRRRRRR

A practice, lunch followed by a trip to the "brickyard".  What is the "brickyard" you ask.....it is....for you non NASCAR fans....the Daytona Speedway.  Although Natalie agreed to go on a tour, can't say she was overly excited as I was.  Unfortunately, due to the Rolex Race no tour available.  So, we just walked around the store, went out on the patio of the snack bar.  The drivers were on the track and it was loud.  Well, that was all it took to get NattyP's blood pumping and her to want to go to the race or into the track area.   We decided we would by $15 general admission tickets and go to the end of the 24 hour race.  That would give us time to check out the grounds, see the track and see a race.  A checkered flag for us....if you will.  I'll let you know how are plan works out for us.

Last night we called the front desk to inquire bout extended our stay.  The very young lady on the other end of the phone said there was a room available, would probably be about $15-20 more then before.  And that we could check in the morning to figure it out.  WOW....my traveling pet peeve strikes again.....DO YOUR JOB>>>>>KNOW YOUR JOB!   I had to get on line last night, book a room in another hotel.  Get up early this morning, cuz if I couldn't get another night, had to move out.  Go down to the front desk, where I was greeted by a very knowledgeable lady.....who didn't appreciate what I told her happened.  Who honored the same price and gave us another night.  Then I went back to the room and got online and cancelled the other reservation.  ALL BECAUSE.....someone didn't know or want to do their job.  But yet....they take home the pay check!    GGGRRRRRR!

Natalie practiced today, the Brickyard...then a nice nap.  We took a ride this evening to see Missy and Bunny's Bluebird bus.  They a very lucky to have found this treasure of a home on wheels.  A lil dinner and now in the room relaxing.  Although I stopped at the desk to see if we can have the "safe" charges removed....."sorry ma'am I'm new here and don't know how to remove the charges".....all I can say.....GGGGGRRRRRRR still applies!

Tomorrow, Natalie and Sanaz (450) will face the dubs team of Melichar(USA) and Mircic (SRB) (344).  You may recognize Melichar for her and Natalie teamed up last year in Port St. Lucie and lost in the semi finals.   This featured match of doubles should be very entertaining.  Four very talented dubs players.  Time to log off and relax....soooo until next time.....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Keep February 22, 2014 available....

Just when you thought you had seen most if not all on tour when it comes to a draw.  Then yesterday happened.  Three players got injured while playing singles, causing them to withdraw from doubles.  Of the three....two were to play on opposite sides of the net in dubs.  One of the teams being the #2 seeded team.  Soooo the winning team of a match today will get a "walk over" into the semi final match.  The third team to withdraw was to play the #1 seeded team, that now walks to the quarters.  Crazy in deed....why can't this happen to us?

Our team played Hsu/Cake in doubles yesterday.  Yea....Natalie's former doubles player and good friend.  Nat and Naz came out strong and ready to dictate taking the first set quickly, 6-1.  The second set began with a score a lil tighter until 4-3.  At which time our team, finished it and the match winning it 6-3.

Because of the bad weather on Tuesday, matches were rescheduled.  Therefore, today in our "Wednesday".....in short....if you played doubles yesterday today is your off day.  A practice day if you will.  We will prolly head to the Daytona Speedway with hopes of at least catching a glimpse of the track since all tours are cancelled due to this weekend's race.

Keep February 22, 2014 available, we are organizing a fundraiser for Natalie.  Should be set in stone early next week, hope you can join us for a fun night.

Time for breakfast, then packing to change hotels.....sooooo until then my friends.....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Best dentist ever.....Laney Smith

Waking up to a cold and foggy day, didn't motivate many today.  But off to the courts and warm up.  Natalie's match began around 10:15 today.  The first set score of 2-6 does not reflect the battle that was to be on the court.  Natalie lost the first and continued the battle in the second serving a huge game to make it 3 all.  The gals and scores went back and forth until our gal lost 5-7 in the second.  A solid battle indeed.

The doubles draw was released today, Natalie and Naz (450) will play fellow Americans Cako/Hsu (448).  Some of you may recognize the name Cako....yes....Natalie's former doubles partner and very good friend.  Cako and Naz played dub together two weeks ago and lost in the finals at Vero Beach.  So they all know each other well....should be great dubs.  Tomorrow's schedule has not been released yet, they will either play tomorrow or Wednesday.

I knew things were to quiet for me, when I actually was feeling better yesterday.  That was short lived, while out for dinner....cracked a newly filled tooth.  Yay me....now my jaw hurts and I have a sharp filling cutting into my tongue and cheek.  You may not know this but I'm a very white knuckle dental patient....as in I've had "gas" to get a cleaning before....soooooo....there is NO WAY I'm going to a dentist here.  Sure hope the BEST dentist in the world Laney Smith, will have an opening upon my return.  Yes....that was a HUGE hint....shameless I know....but I mean I'm a very white knuckle patient.

 Today is a beautiful day, so we took a lovely walk on the beach.  Natalie has never been here and was getting a kick out seeing the cars drive up and down the beach.  Was a great walk indeed, we look forward to many more of them.  Tonight Natalie will take part in the ProAm, always a highlight of her tourneys.  Gotta shower and get ready to take pictures.....so until next time....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

P.S .....was very weird

The day started sunny but cool.  Natalie took the court and the clouds and lower temps followed her.  Thank goodness she remained unaffected by the changes.  The first set started with Nat going up 3-2 with a solid start.  Then she turned up the pressure and won the set 6-3.  The winds were blowing and the rain was trying to fall, but our gal stayed focused and served big to take a 5-1 lead in the second.  Mia served out the set and match in a light drizzle....taking it to deuce several times before Natalie put three points together to win.   Yippppp Peeeeeee....her first singles win of the season!

Looking forward to her riding her confidence into tomorrow's match against #11 seed, Kramparova(CZA) (329).  Natalie has not faced this opponent on the singles court.  However, they have be on opposite sides of the net on the dubs court.  All I can say ....no love loss here and thank God tomorrow's round begins use of chair umps on court.  Foot note.....Kramparova has been nursing an ankle issue for last two tourneys......yes a pun was intended!

Doubles registrations closes at noon tomorrow, so we will know more details by early afternoon on that subject.  Nat plays second on after 9....which is code for ....11 ish.  So until then....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

P.S.  Five minutes after Natalie left the court the sun came out and temp went back up....was very weird~

Shout outs

The tournament at Tesoro came to and end, when Natalie and Sanaz lost.  They came out strong in the first, rolling to a 6-3 win.  Couldn't seem to find the right game plan in the second, which the opponents did very effectively.  Our team lost the second 1-6.  Going down in the break in lieu of the third set, 0-5, we battled back.  All the way back to 8-9, before losing it and the match 8-10.  A solid effort by our team.  Our team will be back on the dubs court in Daytona Beach.

Sorry my updates having been very timely.  For the first time in my life, I've been dealing with high blood pressure issues.  Headaches, dizziness, etc.  Spent most of my week being monitored and finally having a medicine prescribed from my doc.  Happy to say that the meds seem to be working, however currently trying to figure out if I'm having an allergic reaction to them.  

Have to give a couple of shout outs....first our "house dad"....Mike.  He typically works on the men's side of tennis...so for him to open his home to five....yes.....five females.....at the very last minute....awesome indeed.  His lovely wife is overseas taking care of an ill relative so we know the empty quiet house changed with our arrival.  He was a great sport, in one convo the ladies went from talking about how they were going to plan last weekend around the football games and Golden Globes.    He offered to record the Globes so that the ladies could watch the red carpet, a show he would not ever watch.  While at a tennis function....Mike was communicating with the ladies about the Globes and the outfits....a great sport indeed.  But shhhh don't tell his wife....he would never ever watch with her....hahahahahh!  I'm sure he and Natalie will be in contact today during the games, for he was amazed at the football knowledge she and the others had.  For he had never discussed football with other females that actually knew the game.  Yes, poor Mike has lived a sheltered life....but we made sure to educate him about the female of 2014 and he loved it!  Or at least we think he did.....anyway....we can't thank him enough for an open door and open mind!

The second shout out has to be to Winston and the staff of the Racquet Club at Tesoro.  As well as the volunteers and sponsors....Paola, Lynn, Ted, Sue, Linda, Allen, Kevin and Suzanne to name a few.  But there were tons more that worked morning and night to produce a great tournament.  We will look forward to their third annual next year!

Our third shout out goes to Gerry and Sandy, who drove from Newnan to come watch Natalie play this week.  They had a trip planned already but came a lil earlier to watch some tennis.  Was great to see them and listen to their plans for a poker fundraiser to help with Nat's travel expenses.  So be on the look out for more info and plan to attend at the end of February.

A fourth, yea a fourth shout out....goes to my new poker buddies here in Florida.  Finding cheap poker tourneys is not easy, but I did.  And it is always fun to play cards and do something outside of tennis.  So this shout out goes to Bob, mister New Mexico State College man....hope you won the other night....was much fun!  Thanks!  Don't forget to join my blog as you follow Natalie and her poker playing mum. By the way Nat played a tourney at NMSC about 6 months ago....an interesting place.

It was hard to leave our stress free housing to trek to Daytona Beach and the Florida Tennis Center.  But is exactly what we did yesterday.  Upon arrival we all had our free chiropractic adjusted and the ladies headed to the courts.  Practice, then a quick drive past the race track, dinner and search for our hotel got us comfy and cozy in our beds for the night.

Today, Natalie will begin play in the qualifying draw.  This tourney is stacked with well ranked players.  Including Alekandra Wozniak from Canada, former top 100 player.  Nat will play at one o'clock today vs.  fellow American  Horvett.  Who isn't ranked on the pro circuit because she is a top junior player, maybe 13-15 years old.  So, for the third straight tourney Natalie has a tough first round.  Hopefully, she will find her will to win and we will be back on the singles court tomorrow.  Until then Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Video - Pro Ams....Mixed Dubs and Ladies Dubs

Finally.....here it is....the video made from the pictures taken at the Pro Ams....Mixed & Ladies Dubs.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sra7wZxSHM&feature=youtu.be

Pro Am news and Doubles today

What a great evening of fun we had last night.  The women's Pro Am began at 6 p.m.  As returning champion, Natalie was team up with last year's partner Sue.  The started on court four and worked their way up to the top court where they stayed for two rounds.  Remaining undefeated for the second year, they claimed the title once again.  After which, the group headed to a local place for a late dinner.  Great fellowship and food filled the night.

The first round of the main draw of doubles begins.  Natalie and partner Sanaz will play "not before three".....which usually means 3ish or so.  Their tourney ranking is 455, they are not seeded.  Their opponents are Jani (HUN) and Khromacheva (RUS), tourney ranked 422.  Natalie has not faced either of these opponents in the past, so I really can't comment or predict.  Looking forward to seeing some friends that made the trek from ATL to watch.  As well as an out of touch friend that I just found out yesterday, lives in this area.

Fingers crossed for a great match of tennis and more great fellowship....until then...Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Ted and Natalie are the Mixed Doubles Pro Am Champs!

Natalie, Lynn, Sue......Natalie and Sue repeated as the Ladies Pro Am Champs!

ON MY SOAP BOX.....GGGGGRRRRRRR

I'm ticked and on my soap box.....I am posting this article below for several reasons.  First, it just ticks me off that this player and her father are giving tennis a bad name.  Second, it ticks me off because we have been beating on doors for two years and can't get Natalie an AMERICAN help financially.  Third, as if it isn't hard enough, now more folks will be less willing to help Natalie and other wonderful players like her!   GGGGRRRRRRR!

PLEASE HELP AMERICAN PRO TENNIS PLAYERS!!!!!!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20140110/camila-giorgi/


Climbing off soap box.....that is all thank you......Love and Blessings......Sherry!

Speaking of the Angel

We were up and out by 9 yesterday morning.  Natalie began her match without her brain turned on and lost the first set 1-6.  She came out determined the second set and wet up 3-0, when the opponent called for the trainer.   Of course, of of the oldest tricks in the book.  Which worked, Natalie lost the next two games.  Then after the change over went up 4-5, before losing two and going down 6-5.  Nat served up a great game to force the breaker at six all.   Our gal lost in the breaker.  Unfortunately, some of antics of the opponent such as "line calls", got to Nat at times.  You can tell it is the beginning of the season that is for sure.

So that ended Natalie's singles run for this tourney.  Now we wait for doubles to begin.  Until then she saw some action on the court last night at the mixed doubles Pro Am.  A great group of guys came out to enjoy some good tennis with the ladies.  Happy to say that Natalie and partner Ted were the champions.  Congrats to them!  Pictures will be posted in near future.

Following the Pro Am, the group made their way to a local eatery for a great meal with friends.  Was fun to get to know the sponsors a little better.  And to sneak a peek at the football game.  Goooo Denver!

Having some issues with my blood pressure yesterday, forced me to stay at home and rest today.  I've never had such issues before, so all new to me.  When I had a check up, doc asked me to monitor my BP for a while and document.  Guess me and doc will have another visit soon.

Today, Natalie went to practice.  Speaking of the Angel.....yea right.....she just walked in the door.  Gunna shower then head back for the women's only Pro Am.  This group of ladies are alot of fun and just plain love to play tennis.  Their excitement to be on the court is very contagious.  An event both Natalie and I are looking forward to attending!  So time to hit the showers......Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Mixed bag of events

The last couple of days have been a mixed bag of events.  On Thursday, we made our way to Port St. Lucie in a consent downpour.  Then overcast Friday, was a good court workout day.  And finally yesterday a beautiful sunny eighty-five degree day.  The ladies are having to make quick adjustments to the climate changes.  Going from forty degrees, wind blowing rainy days to sunny, hot and humid.  A bit crazy.

And finally to the business at hand.....match day.  Today begins the first round of qualifying.  Natalie (579), will face the thirteenth seed Teodor Mircic (SRB) (369).  They will play second on after nine....which of course is code for 11ish.  

For this tourney, our gal will play doubles with fellow American Sanaz Marand.  They have partnered up in the past and make a good pair.   Doubles will begin on Tuesday, when half the draw will play a match.  The other half of the draw playing their first match on Wednesday.  Thereafter, one dubs match per day.

Well, time to get ready to go watch that lil yellow ball bounce....so until the flip side....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Quack, Quack, Quack

Quack, Quack, Quack!  We are feeling a bit ducky today.  The rains have not stopped, all the banks are bulging to their fullest.  If the rain stops at this very moment in time, I don't think they can start matches at 9 a.m.  Just tooooo  much water every where and no where for it to go.

We worked out today then made our way to Port St. Lucie.  We are very thankful for Jen Ellie, who helped us with our housing dilemma.  We are staying in a neighborhood that Natalie and I are convinced we have been to before and just can't place it.  Any way we are thankful to Jen and our host dad Mike.  We are looking forward to whipping up some homemade meals this next week.  So look out Emerald!

Hopefully the rain will stop for at least a little while, so that the ladies can get some court time tomorrow.  Not one tennis ball was hit today, altho the gym was packed this morning.  The players always find a way to do some type of workout or training.  We are looking forward to seeing Winston and his staff.  They hosted their first tourney last year and did a great job.  Was very easy to earmark it as one of our favorite in 2013.  We look forward to it staying on our "list" for 2014.

Maybe soon the lil yellow ball with bounce...until then....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Muddled through the drama....link to live scoring

Finally muddled through all the drama of yesterday, which included leaving the tourney hotel for a better one.  And scrambling to find a place for the upcoming days due to our housing folks having to change their plans.  Which I hope we get to see them, they are amazing folks that we met last year and had much fun with.

Trying to find a cheap hotel to replace "free" isn't easy when you didn't plan to pay.  Since we don't have monetary support, a change from a free place to stay to a rental is a big deal for us.  Let alone it happening 24 hours prior to the stay....not much available is cheap.  So, I have spent much of my evening and morning trying to find a way to make it all work.  Even considering driving home and just coming back for the Daytona tourney.  Unfortunately, that plan would make Natalie use her one and only "withdrawal without penalty" for the year, and the year just started.  Or at least I think she could use it, if not then she would be fined.   Either option not a good one.

For now, we are set at new hotel till tomorrow.  We continue to network in hopes of finding housing or a good cheap hotel.  Or maybe a money tree will root in the trunk of my car so that Natalie can focus on tennis and not the drama of yesterday!  

Now for the business at hand...or should I say....the entire reason we are in Florida....Natalie's job....tennis.  Natalie and Asia will play third on after nine today....which of course is code for....3ish.  They are seeded #2 for this tournament and will face the wild card team of Leob and Santemaria.  A fellow American team that is tourney ranked 2000+.  Our team is tourney ranked just above 300.  Please follow the link below for live scoring:

http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/tournaments/women's-tournament/info.aspx?tournamentid=1100031019

See you on the flip side of that lil yellow ball bouncing....until then Love and Blessings....Sherry!

....from the sometime sunshine state

Good Morning from the sometime sunshine state!  Yesterday, Natalie play Will for the first time in singles.  They have been opponents on the dubs court in both college and pro tennis matches.  Nat started out strong going up 4-3 in the first.  Then changed what was working.....not a good idea....and ended up losing it 4-6.  In the second set, she was down until she played a great game to make it four all.  Unfortunately, again she didn't stick to what was working and lost that set 4-6.

Overall, Natalie played an awesome match against a tough opponent.  You could definitely see that she was implementing much of what she and Jason (her coach) have been working on.  You could also see the off season physical training was a success.  So even tho she lost the match, much to appreciate about it.  Nat is for sure off to a good start and the best is yet to come.....exciting indeed!

Today, will be a practice day.  With doubles starting tomorrow and Wednesday.  The draw will be posted after twelve today.  Natalie and Asia should be one of the top seeded teams.  I'm definitely looking forward to selling how they "click" on the court.  Until then....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Weather delay....

Another great day in paradise, too bad the weather didn't get the memo!  We are on rain delay.  Natalie was supposed to play second on after 9 a.m......that has been changed to 9:30 a.m.  Supposed to rain all day and some tomorrow, not exactly the start of the season we were hoping for.

Today (hopefully), Nat will face a player she knows well.  Alie Will (#1seed) who played at Florida and against Nat many of days on the doubles court.  Happy to say we were victorious on that college dubs court.  This will be their first face off on the singles court.  Should be a long match for Will tends to turn her lob game at times.  I would expect a great match of tennis amongst former college foes.

The double draw will be posted after noon tomorrow.  For this tourney, Natalie will partner with fellow American Asia Muhammed (*sp).  This will be their first time on the same side of the net.  Personally, I think a "Dream Team" in the making....but no one asked me.  If these two click as I think they will, they can do very well together.  Time will tell!

We are looking forward to the rain stopping so that Nat can kick off her 2014 tennis season.  Until then....Love and Blessings!

May both be Blessed with much success and health....

Like the New Year, we are just as excited about the upcoming tennis season.  May both be Blessed with much success and health.  As we prepare to begin our journey into the season and Florida today, we struggle.  Struggle with leaving our family, friends, our own beds, home cooked meals, etc.  All those things we begin to miss as we shlep our suitcases, drive for hours and begin to exhaust.

Thank GOD for bringing soooo many wonderful people into our lives so that we may survive this journey of tennis.  The tourney directors, the club members, other players....and....most of all.....Our Host Families!!   To be invited into their homes for a home cooked meal, to hear two sons argue, to help wash dishes, to let out the dog.....all those things that make us feel right at home.  Making the journey soooooo much better and manageable.  We are looking forward to seeing Winston, Sue, Heidi, Lynn, Susanne and many more.... at the tourney at the Tesoro Club.  As well as meeting new folks in Vero Beach and Daytona!

Thanks again to all those that help us to survive this journey of tennis!  Let the adventure of 2014 begin.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!