We are starting our winter 2022 wind down. Only 2 weeks until our first trek back to MA. I like to drive, see some backroads, small towns etc…

It rare that the 3 of us actually play together often as PB sorting doesn’t work so smoothly. We can have anyone as a fourth …. as long as I get to play against Chelli and Willis.

Chelli was my first intro to Trilogy PB, 3 winters ago. My hamstring was still healing and his ankle was still on the mend. We played slow, polite and had a pretty good time of things. We recuperated at the same speed, and so did the friendly competition. Yup, we’ll call it that.

Willis, a fast moving, slightly more serious player, was also at the same playing level as Chelli and me. Willis seriousness partially comes from John C, his neighbor, who is likely the best PB player here. We all feel an obligatin to not let John C down.

Willis and Chelli, like to make quality shots, have some decorum and they are polite and helpful to the beginners … with a smile. Willis loves a good 3rd shot drop, enjoys a lob shot, but realizes every once in a while that you need to instill a little fear in your opponent. Just remind them who is the better player. Chelli has a power serve, likes to use the line and make you run … a lot. Actually Willis does that too.

There are many, many, stories here, like a NY connection, a BBQ connection, and a hatred of cold connection. However, I smile strongest, and am most entertained when I’m on the other side of the net from either. To be clear, I do not usually win. I spend far too much time harassing, teasing, lobbing, drilling and pounding that poor wiffle ball right at them, their feet, stomachs, over their heads etc … They do same to me … but they both, … really, really, like to make me to run around, chasing their shots, like a dog. Occasionally, popping me gently with the ball is fun too. (Shelley still enjoys it the most).

It was yesterday though, I was so fortunate to have them both on the other side of the net. I lost. But we had a lively 15 minutes, laughing, hooting, grinning and hitting. We’ll play several more times before we are gone, but I miss them already. I’m not sure when I’ll publish this, as it will be a confirmation that we are leaving soon.