Our gal has been in Midland, Michigan since last Thursday. An appearance/working trip. The Dow Corning tourney was to be the first of many tourneys for Natalie post surgery. But that didn't work out, so instead she went there to do a lil work. In hopes of banking some dollars for her return to the pro circuit in the fall. As well as pay her bills as they say.
Although her trip was cut short due to National Indoors, it was a good trip. Due in part to her host family. For the third year in a row, Diane made sure Natalie's favorite soup was waiting for her upon arrival.....hence the bragging picture I was sent:
Then of course the next picture Natalie sent me was of Bron Bron, the family dog. Which of course I'm afraid of and who of course follows me around and thinks I'm his best friend:
One way our gal likes to give back to her host family is to provide free tennis lessons. The least she can do for all the wonderful things they are providing or willing to do for her. So, she started with Mia, her host sister. I'm amazed how tall Mia and her brother Andrew have grown, soooo tall. Pretty soon they will pass up Natalie. Anyway here is Mia, Natalie and their silliness:
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| Don't let Natalie's pale face convince you she is sick. She just very pale in the winter. Which she is annoyed by because everyone asks her if she is feeling well. The price for tanning so well in the summer months??? |
Natalie spent all day Saturday conducting mini sessions with high school players. Then filled the rest of her time with school visits or private lessons. She also had a chance to go watch Andrew (host brother) train for his ice hockey team. Was fun to hear her speak about ice hockey, something I grew up playing and watching.....all new to her....well the training part anyway. Here's Natalie and Andrew:
And here are the mini ladies that Natalie practiced with:
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| Left to Right: Clair, Andrea, Savannah, Mia (host sister), Anna |
It's always nice to catch up with old friends or in this case "tour buddies". So on Sunday, Diane and Darryl opened their home up for a last minute Super Bowl Party. Natalie was allowed to invited peeps over to watch the game. Which of course was a big hit for many reasons. Catching up with friends, great food over a sporting event. I mean can life get any better? Here's a few pics sent to me:
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| Front Row Left to Right: Kristie, Asia, Lauren, Samantha Back Row Left to Right: Natalie and Sanaz Side Note: Natalie has played dubs with all but Kristie |
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| This is the ladies sending me a "hello".....awe I miss seeing them and all the craziness of the tour! Natalie was able to see this sweetie, Nicole and sent me this picture: |
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| Is it me or can Natalie play the lead role in Wicked? Looking a lil pale green.....LOL! And she is feeling great! |
Although Natalie's trip was cut short by five days, it was still awesome and productive. She loved spending time with the Frickey's, a host family that is near and dear to both of our hearts. As well see some of the "mini ladies" and spend time working with them. But all the fun had came to an end when she flew to Virginia yesterday. After a very long and delayed day of travel she and "the team" arrived safe and sound around 2 a.m. I don't think I would poke the bear today....just saying! Hopefully, they will get to sleep in late before heading for practice. For tomorrow they will play UNC in their very first trip to the NCAA National Indoors Tourney. Good Luck Cowgirls!
Well, have a dentist appointment this morning, so shower time! Make it a good day folks....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!
