Villages Senior Games

March 12, I competed in the basketball events at The Villages Senior Games. In the morning, I won a bronze medal in the free throw and spot shooting contests. I won a gold in the timed spot shooting. I have no idea how that happened as I beat out my faster teammates. I just found the range, making shots, rebounding and breathing hard when each minute was up. We had to do it three times.  Afternoon was the team competition. Since there was no other team in our 70’s bracket, we automatically got gold. We did have to play the 65’s and came out winners. We then played the 60’s for one half. They trounced us. We only got two points, off a shot I made at the very end of the half. They are just too fast for us. I’m 13 years older than several of them. That’s a huge difference at this age, just like at the other end, junior high playing against college.

I also played pickleball in the senior games. I had never played with my partner before and we finished fifth out of six teams. At least we won ONE game! Next year I can move up to the 75-79 bracket. Not sure that will help as there are lots of former tennis players here.

Six Weeks in Arizona

January 27, I flew to Phoenix. A couple days hiking with Marla and then I rented a car and headed for Terravita where I rented a house for five weeks. I loved it!


I bought a basketball so I could practice for The Villages Senior Games, which would be taking place a week after I returned to Florida. I also found a couple places to play pickleball. Turned out PB players were not popular with the tennis players. Tennis didn’t want to give up their courts for  PB so a compromise was worked out. They gave PB a court from 12:30-3:30 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. This time was OK for the cooler weather but temps started climbing in February so there were days I chose not to play. The Carefree Conference Center had PB in the mornings so I started playing there, paying a $5 fee each time.

The Terravita Fitness Center had been remodeled since we lived there. It has a spa feel rather than just a gym. I spent several hours per week trying to stay in shape. Marla and I hiked a couple times a week also. I even hiked up Black Mountain by myself and then again with Marla.

Phoenix WM Open Golf Tournament

It was great being close to the grandkids again. I met Taylor once a week for lunch. Met he and Nick at the Phoenix golf tournament. Went to Super Bowl party at grandson Aaron’s home.

Super Bowl Party

Mid-February, I met Erik and kids in Albuquerque as Gracie had a volleyball tournament there. Since there was no school on Monday, we had a nice week-end together. Spent time at the trampoline park, which Jeffrey loved. On way home from Albuquerque, I stopped in Jerome for a nice visit and lunch with Moondog.

Aaron and friend, Sonja - Jerome, AZ

Albuquerque, NM

Before picking up Arne, I met high school friend, Phyl, and her three sisters at Camelback Inn, 

While I enjoyed the three weeks by myself, I’m happy Arne was able to fly out and join me for 11 days. We had a nice dinner with Nick during which he told us all about his new job at Camelback Inn. He was ready to move on from Fogo’s. Erik and Jeffrey flew down for three days. This gave Grandpa some bonding time with the little guy. That Sunday, Taylor, Nick, Sarah, Aaron, Kristina, Mark and Marla came up for the afternoon and evening.

Arne and I drove to Fountain Hills one night to visit with the Dille’s. Another night we had dinner with Ron and Jane. We attended two Chicago Cubs’ Spring Training games, the second with Mark, Marla and our grandsons.