My Third Act: OCTOBER 2016

October began by joining three of my basketball teammates for our flight to Las Vegas, where we were joined by the fifth member of our team, who’d flown in from Connecticut. Upon arriving in St. George, Utah, we went to the Dixie Center to register and pick up our “goodies” bag. Dinner and then rest before starting our trek to a Gold Medal.

We practiced Monday morning, with our first game coming at 3 PM. And who did we play?? Our nemesis from Detroit, “Big Edna”. We double-teamed her and beat them by 6 points. I managed 14 points. That evening, we attended the complimentary dinner and entertainment provided by the sponsor of the women’s basketball competition. Near the end of the program, the magician asked for the toughest player to come up. Quite a few of us spoke Edna’s name. When I talked to her about it the next day, she told me “that was mean.” I told her I thought it was a compliment and she said “Do you think so?” I told her I’d like to be known as the toughest player.

Tuesday we beat a 70’s team from New Mexico. I again had 14 points. We then played a 65’s team from Texas and beat them by one point. I couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn but played very good defense. Tuesday night we attended the Opening Ceremonies at the football stadium. It was a beautiful night and St. George always puts on a good show. However, this was our third time and the ceremonies are so similar, we said we wouldn’t go a fourth time.

Wednesday morning we were scheduled to play a 65’s team from Latvia. Because this game didn’t count, both teams voted not to play and take a chance on someone getting hurt before the medal games in the afternoon. We met Edna’s team in the gold medal match. This time we beat them soundly, 58-28. I only scored 4 points but was able to keep Edna away from the basket as my teammate scored 28 points. I blocked two of Edna’s shots and tipped a third. She only scored 9 points, 5 from free throws. This year a 20-second shot clock was added and that made a big difference in our game, forcing Detroit to shoot from outside since we had Edna double-teamed. After the game, I asked Edna if her team was moving up to 75’s next year. She said she’d had enough of our team. We’ll see what happens next summer in Birmingham.

Wednesday night, we attended a production of Peter Pan which was presented in a beautiful canyon, north of St. George. Stunning vistas!

While we ladies were in Utah, our husbands were dealing with Hurricane Matthew. Fortunately, it wasn't nearly as bad as predicted. My roommate's flight on Thursday and then on Friday were both canceled. She finally got back to The Villages late on Saturday. I would have been stranded also if I hadn't planned to go to New Mexico. Lucky me!

October 6, I flew to Albuquerque, took the train to Santa Fe and was met by Erik and the kids. As my train pulled into the station, I noticed Kadin and Gracie running outside my window. There was no school Friday, so I got the kids, along with Gracie’s boyfriend, Luis, to set up a trampoline I had ordered in May, which Erik never got around to setting up. Luis got the job done. When Jeffrey had asked me if I brought him a birthday present (Oct. 5), I told him the trampoline was his present and he was thrilled.

Gracie had a volleyball game on Saturday, which they won handily. Saturday night was Red-Box movie night for the girls and their friends, now boy friends rather than girls. I went to my room early. Erik came in to chat and Nick called my phone so we had a nice family conversation, while staying out of the way of the teenagers.

Sunday was rainy so Jeffrey brought out some games, including chess. He claimed to have played it before and he actually was pretty good, especially for a 6-year-old. My own chess game is about the level of an eight year old.

Monday was a beautiful, sunny day so a family hike was in order. We walked almost 3.5 miles and Erik didn’t have to carry Jeffrey even once. That night Erik treated us to dinner at their favorite Mexican restaurant, Gabriel's.

Tuesday, Oct. 11, Erik drove me to the airport for my 11 AM flight. Change of planes in Denver and I landed in Orlando at 6:40. Arne was there to greet me and together we waited for Nick and Sarah to arrive from Pittsburg. They had gone to the Steelers game on Sunday as Sarah is a big Steelers fan. Nick wore black and yellow for his honey but his teams are Broncos and Cardinals.