Trip to Southwest

My trip started with my basketball team and the Huntsville World Senior Games. We flew to Las Vegas from Tampa on Oct. 7. An Iowa teammate and her husband had a van so picked up my roomie, Cindy, and I for the trip to St. George, Utah, about two hours away. After checking into our hotel, we went to the Dixie Center for registration and tee shirt buying. Dinner at Texas Road House was walking distance from our hotel. Delicious steak, tasting even better due to $10 credit from the tournament.

Monday, we were able to practice for two hours in the same facility in which we would play. We had two gals from Connecticut and one from Tennessee whom I had never met before so we were very happy to have the practice time. We had two teams from The Villages, a 55-59 team and our 65-69 team. While you can play down in age, you can't play up.

Tuesday began the competition. We played NOVA, northern Virginia, first. We won by 8 points. Next up was a 70+ team from Colorado. We beat them by 15 points while trying to take it easy on these "senior" ladies. The ref gave them some breaks also which was OK with us. So...we ended the day 2-0. That night was the Opening Ceremonies, a junior version of the Olympics opening. All athletes marched into the stadium before taking a seat in the bleachers. After the flag was brought in by skydivers from a helicopter, there were several brief speeches and then the show began, consisting of dozens of children from ages 5-20, dancing and singing. They did a marvelous job with the show ending in a spectacular fireworks display. These games have been going on for over 25 years. I was very impressed.

Wednesday we played two more games, which we won, resulting in us being the #1 seed for the championship game. We won all three games, ending up 5-0 and winning the "gold" medal. I really had a great time during this whole event and am really pleased with how well I played. Basketball is a much rougher sport than when I played 50 years ago but thanks to my nephew Matt's training regime, I was able to stand up to the tough players and...never fell down! Bruises and scratches, yes, but I stayed on my feet, which was my goal. I even got in a couple hook shots, one in the championship game and the ref yelled "great shot." Our younger team lost all of their games. They played a team from Latvia and one from Canada. They also played a team with two ex-pros. Such it is after Title IX.

Wednesday evening, Cindy and I took the shuttle back to Las Vegas. We got there around 7 PM. After checking in to The Mirage and eating at their buffet, which was $32.99 and not $3.99, we spent several hours walking the Strip. We got back to the room shortly after midnight and I didn't drop a single coin in the slots. Cindy, being younger, spent a few dollars while waiting me return from the bathroom. :-)

Thursday morning, I flew to Albuquerque. A high school friend, Gary Nelson, whom I hadn't seen in 50 years, picked me up and took me to lunch. I had three hours before the train left for Santa Fe where Erik would meet me. We had a great time reminiscing.

I spent the next three days at Erik's. Jeffrey had his second birthday on Oct. 5 so we had a little celebration on Sunday, Oct. 14. I gave him a Lil Wheel which he called "bike." He says lots more words than when I saw him in April and he did remember Grandma. The weather was very nice on Sunday so we spent some time at the park.

Kadin having fun with her brother.

Oh Oh...

We went shopping in Santa Fe on Saturday and I bought the girls some clothes. Kadin found some pants and a dress at Target while Gracie found nothing. We then went to Apostale outlet where Kadin found this leather jacket which she just had to have. It's a large so should fit her for many years.

Erik pulled out his 20 year old leather jacket

Kadin ready for school on Monday

Gracie ready for school

Erik drove me to Albuquerque for my 3 PM flight. I had to change planes in Houston. Both flights were on time. However, my shuttle from Orlando to home took almost two and a half hours, longer than my flight from Houston! I got home at 12:30 AM and seem to still be on MDT. I awoke this morning at 8 AM after not getting to sleep until Midnight. Thank goodness, it's cooled down and I could play pickleball until 10 AM rather than 9...

Now I work on being physically ready for the National Senior Games in Cleveland next summer. First I have to deal with a problem in my right leg which a doctor today diagnosed as lateral cutaneous femoral nerve syndrome. (That's a mouthful!) She's referring me to an orthopedic doctor and physical therapy. Meanwhile, no pickleball, basketball or fitness center. :-( I've decided I'll work on my golf game. :-)