On a very cold, breezy day Roll'em finished off our 2017 year with the fall tournament on Saturday. 
In our first game we took on Everybocce Wang Chung who we've never had any success against.  In typical Roll'em fashion we started off the game giving up a three point frame and another point to fall behind 4-0.  We cut the lead in half on the next frame and then slowly begin a comeback.  With the score 7-6 the girls got a point and tied the score.  The Herbster then had a good first throw with the ball close to the wall.  The Wang Chungs used all four balls and were unable to get inside of our ball but put four balls blocking almost any shot we could make.   I mentioned possibly throwing off which is against my nature but Herbster wanted to go for it which is the correct thing with me still having a couple balls to throw.  There was no need for me to throw as the Herbster made a great throw and narrowly edged out their balls for two points and the win.
In the second game we took on the Ringers who are always a fun group to play.  We jumped out to a 2-0 lead but the Ringers came storming back to take a 4-2 lead and had the momentum.  Scoring went back and forth some with the Ringers leading 7-5 when the pivotal frame occurred.  They'd used all their balls and we were sitting with one point and two balls left.  Our next throw moved a couple balls around but we still had the point and their closest ball was resting on the sideboard.  Me and the Herbster came to the realization about the same time if we could push their ball a little and get our ball to stop we may be able to get a four banger and walk away with the win.  In a rare instance where planning and execution come together we were able to do that and won 9-7.
At this point in our pool no one was out of the running for moving on and no one was already in, everything was riding on the last two games.  We were in the drivers seat and played Deboccery while the Wang Chungs and Ringers faced off.  Like the weather Roll'em came out cold and was never in the game losing 9-4 and having to wait for the outcome of the other game to see if we were in or in a roll off. 
Sadly the Ringers lost and it was a three way tie which meant there would be two roll offs with the first to decide the first place team and then the second to decide the second place team.  We decided I would take the first roll off and Clutch would take the second if needed.  I drew number 3 which can be good or bad depending on the other throws.  Deboccery went first and made a good throw which no one got inside of on the first ball.  Wang Chung went first on the second and made a great throw which took the pallino a little bit.  With the pallino behind Wang Chungs ball I didn't have many options so I decided to go for a knock which was just wide by a few inches.  Deboccery's attempt also missed by a couple and Wang Chungs won our pool.  The second roll off seemed kind of anti climatic as Deboccery went first and then Clutch was unable to get inside them thus eliminating us from advancing. 
It was a disappointing day especially considering the start we got. 
It's hard to believe that bocce is over for the year. 

It's still a long process but every day is a little better.  I got the staples out of my belly last Tuesday and the surgeon said everything was looking good.  The majority of the pain is gone and I'm able to move more freely.  The downside is I have to be careful lifting anything until around thanksgiving.  I'm able to get out and about more now but still fatigue easily. 

As has been the case for most of the past couple season Roll'em again took the court without one of their core members as the Herbster had a work conflict.  Luckily Captain Dusty returned and with the help of our trusty sub Bake we were able to field a full team.
In the first game Roll'em got a bad break when we faced Feeder of the Pack on the same court they'd just played on.  We got a couple breaks early and combined with some good throws allowed us to jumped out to a 7-0 lead before Feeder could get on the board.  We were able to answer before they could get any momentum and we advanced with a 7-1 win.
In the second game we caught another bad break when we changed courts and faced Biotches on the court where they'd just finished playing.  We were unable to duplicate the start we had in the first game though as we gave up a three pointer to start the game and then a single to fall behind 4-0 before getting on the board with a two point frame.  We closed to 4-3 before giving up a four pointer and a 8-3 deficit.  We then answered with a two point frame to close the gap.  Then with us having two points showing and two balls in hand we were unable to put the game away but closed to 8-7.  Sadly on the next throw we were unable to get the point and the Biotches got the better of us 9-7.  We gave up too many easy points which they took advantage of and we left too many easy points on the court which was the difference of the game.
The Biotches moved on to the championship against Squatchy Bocce with the Squatches walking away with the victory and the towels.  Congratulations Squatches.

Playing once again without their Captain, Roll'em finished up their 2017 Fall season last night with four games.
In the first game against Holy Ballz Batman a close game was blown wide open at the end and Holy Ballz won 9-5 effectively eliminating any chance at winning the league.
In the second game against #thankusforyourwin Roll'em held off a late rally attempt before winning 9-5.
Roll'em then split the last two games, losing to Feeder of the Pack before beating Usual Suspects to end the season with a 12-4 record.

I'm getting a little better every day but it's a long, slow process.  I can't say enough about how well the Glue has responded to my condition.  She's made it easy for me to take it easy and has provided encouragement when needed.  A big thanks to the Glue for all she's done.

Due to unforeseen circumstances Roll'em If Ya Got'em had to reschedule their week 6 games as part of a week 8 marathon.  Thanks to Holly Ballz Batman and Usual Suspects for allowing us to do this.
This past Wednesday for the first time ever Roll'em took the courts without the guidance of their captain as he is still recovering from surgery.  As could be expected we fell behind early making the adjustment to the tune of 7-0 against Muddy Rollers.  Roll'em then mounted a comeback and tied the score 7-7 before losing 9-7..
In the second game Roll'em righted itself and took care of the Late Bloomers making our season record 10-2.

Late last week I started having abdomen pain which I attributed to a diverticulitis attack.  On Tuesday I went to see the doctor who sent me to the ER for tests which came back that I had a hole in my lower intestines.  I was sent by ambulance to Memorial Hospital where I went immediately into surgery to correct the situation.  When I came out of the anesthesia I found out they were unable to do the procedure microscopic and had to cut me open to get the situation fixed and cleaned out;   Not what I wanted to hear as it meant a hospital stay and longer rehabilitation.  For some reason I healed very fast and was able to come home yesterday.  It is great to be back to my own chair, tv, bed, etc..  During my stay in the hospital I can't say enough about the staff of the surgical center.  Their care and kindness really helped me make it through a very bad situation.  Thanks to everyone there.
It's been a round week or so but hopefully I'm on the upswing and can get a little better every day.