Life in the Slow Lane
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We showed up yesterday expecting to play No Beer, No Bocce but one team didn't play in the tournament so we played Usual Suspects. We sat out the first round and got lucky when we played on the first court.
In what has become a disturbing trend we started off down 4-0 after one frame. Big frames are hard to overcome and this was no exception but I've got to hand it to Usual Suspects. They made throw after throw either getting inside of us or knocking us off the pallino. We managed to scratch out three points but lost 9-3 ending our hopes of another towel. Before the game we got some good news and found out enough teams dropped out that we made the league tournament on Saturday. We're going to have to pick it up to have any hopes of getting out of pool play.
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We played the 6&7 games last night in need of two wins to just about clinch a spot in the league tournament. With Debbie in California we once again turned to Danny to help us out.
We played Bertha's Ball Handlers on the middle court first game. The game started bad as we gave up one and then two point frames. We answered with one and two point frames of our own to make it 3-3. They pulled ahead 5-3 with a two point frame but we came back and tied it 5-5, they made it 6-5 and I thought I'd lost the game when I moved our point ball but it stayed just inside to tie it 6-6. they moved ahead 7-6 and then we tied it again. Lisa put one close but on their last ball they blew it up but left it wide open. My first ball was right on so with my second ball I told myself don't short it. I didn't, it looked good but was too hard and hit the back wall. Danny picked me up and put the first ball close enough they couldn't get inside him and we won. In the second game we moved to the third court to play the Usual Suspects who had just finished a game on that court. Once again we gave up one then two point frames but this time we decided to make it a little harder and give up another two point for a 5-0 deficit. We managed to get back in the game with a three point frame to make it 5-3 but that was it, losing 9-3. Wednesday caught a break with weather as thunderstorms had rolled through the area overnight and dropped the temp down, it was still nice and muggy though.
We played our first game on the middle court against Mag 4. They only had three players so Clay asked if his two young sons could each roll one ball. No brainer, they appeared to have a blast and damn near beat us. The kids made just enough good throws and Clay picked up from there and the game went back and forth before we finally finished it off 9-7 in a game that could have gone either way. In the second game we moved to the first court and took on Boccelism. Another game that went back and forth for a few throws until they hit a three point frame and took a two point lead. We tied it up with a two point frame of our own. With the score tied 6-6 they got the next point and moved ahead 7-6. We had the point but one their last throw they hit it and their ball ended up next to the pallino. Our third ball looked good but caught a ball in front. With our last shot we wanted to hit their ball which would have gave us three points but if we pushed the pallino it could have given them the two points they needed. Once again we did what we had to and moved their ball and got three points for a 9-7 win. Big step for our team winning two close games and playing pretty well in both of them. Other than one three point frame we managed to stay away from giving the other team a big frame. In the midst of another heat wave Roll'em If Ya Got'em took the to courts last night. We played back to back at 6 & 6:30, got to love that plus both games were on the middle court.
In the first game we played Dark Side of the Pallino who not only was in first place on Wednesday but was sitting in first place overall in all leagues. We got on them quick with a two point frame followed by a couple one point frames and a 4-0 lead. We upped that to 6-0 then 7-0 then finally finished them off with a two point frame and a 9-0 win. Holly Ballz had finished their game even faster so we played them as soon as our game was over. They jumped on us right away with a four point frame but then we settled down and played a little better but they still kept making shots or knocking us out and we never could overcome the start losing 9-1. We're starting to put it together some but still have a ways to go. We were getting ready to head down to the courts yesterday when I get a call from Fred saying Money Balls is forfeiting their games. One of those games was against us at 6:30 so we're hoping that our 7:30 game would get started early.
We couldn't be that lucky, they also had a 7pm game. When we went down to the courts No Beer, No Bocce was playing their 7 o'clock game early but ended up in a marathon. I filled in on Usual Suspects and we played a complete game quicker than the game we were waiting on. We finally got started on the middle court. We played competitive for the first half the game but they made shots when it counted and we ended up losing 9-5. We had our chances but they scored some two point frames where all ours were one point frames. We didn't play anywhere close to what we had the previous week. Our summer league started up last night with us playing 6&6:30 games, I'd take this every week. We only have 10 teams on Wednesdays for the summer so no 8pm games and only one 7:30 games, love it.
In the first game we took on Muddy Rollers and Debbie was on fire. The game started close with both teams exchanging single points but then we took off. Debbie and Lisa started putting the first ball on or close to the pallino. Me and Mike came through when needed and we started string together frame after frame of good throws finally winning 9-3. In the second game we played Bertha's Ball Handlers. One good thing about back to back games is you don't sit long and there's a good chance you'll stay on the same court. The game started the same back and forth but then they started making one great throw sometimes on the first throw, sometimes on the last. In a reverse of the first game they strung together frame after frame and beat us 9-3. The first game was probably the best all around game we've played with this lineup. The second game wasn't as good but wasn't as bad as the score in the score indicated. An encouraging start to the season. Because of various reasons we didn't get to eat much until late afternoon. By this time we just decided to go out but stay local. We finally decided on El Jalisco.
I tried not to fill up on chips and salsa but had a several, just not as many as usual. I ordered the mara y tierra while Lisa ordered carnitas. I got all rice instead of beans. The food arrived quickly and was very hot. On the mara y tierra it says great to share and I see why, it was gigantic. It had fish filet, shrimp, chicken, steak and chorizo all on a bed of peppers, onions and tomatoes along with the rice mentioned before and a salad which is just lettuce and cheese with sour cream on top. I wish I would have ordered without the sour cream. Lisa's carnitas are roughly Mexicos answer to pulled pork. I tasted the carnitas and they were very tender and good but I'll take pulled pork. I was surprised that my favorite thing on my plate was the fish. It tasted like it was blackened or something similar. The shrimp was my next favorite followed by the chorizo. These three were so good. Both the chicken and the steak were on the dry side but still decent. Lisa really liked hers and said she'd get it again. I doubt I get mine again not because of the taste but because of the size. Between the two we brought home a lot of left overs. Playing as Game of Throws we took the bocce courts yesterday to defend our title from last year. We were at full strength this year with Lisa replacing Ted.
We played the first game against Teds son and daughter and spouses on the first court. For a team that hadn't played much they were pretty good but we pulled away and won 9-5. In the second we stayed on the first court and played Silkworm with a couple of just graduated wrestlers playing along with Bob and Mike from Big Muddy Monsters. We started out decent but about halfway through we hit a will and they took advantage losing 9-7. We played the third game on the middle court against the Raymond, Angi and their two kids With a win we would get in a roll off for the final playoff spot. They hadn't played in a while but are planning on getting in to it. We managed to pull off the win and get a chance to advance. I haven't been playing well and Mike has been wanting to try the roll off so no problem. His shots weren't bad but not good enough so our day was done. Wednesday we went to one of our favorites, New Kahala. I ordered a buddist delight with extra sauce and veggies. When I started eating it I realized I'd forgot to say no tofu. I'm just not a big fan but this time it was actually pretty good. The rest of the dish was up to New Kahala standards.
Yesterday we took Mike for his first visit to Joe's Pizza in Herrin. I was worried about the crowd because of Herrinfest so I asked my cousin Joey about it. He's on the Herrinfest committee and he said it shouldn't be a problem. I don't see Joey very often so I invited him to lunch with us. He had to eat early so we just met him there after he'd already got his food. We ordered Chicago style meat pizza. I really didn't expect Mike to like it that much to both our surprise he did. We had a really great visit with Joey while we were there and it was all around a great time. The spring season finally wound up last night with the Wednesday night towel tournament.
Roll'em played the first game on the first game against No Beer, No Bocce. We started up with a four point frame and followed up with a two point frame for a 6-0 lead. We followed that up with a three point frame and a rare three frame 9-0 win. In the next game we switch to the dreaded third court and played against Bocce & Brews. We started hot again and gradually built a 7-2 lead. Once again disaster struck when we gave up a three point frame to make it 7-5. This got them started and they either put the first ball on the pallino or made a money throw with their last ball and they ran out the last four points for a 9-7 loss and an end to our towel hopes. Congratulations to long time Wednesday rival Muddy Rollers with what a appears to be their first towel, way to go. With a league tournament berth on the line Roll'em took to the courts determined to make the tournament. Debbie was gone so Bob took her place.
In the first game we played Holy Ballz on the third court. Not wanting to do anything easy we gave up five straight one point frames to fall behind 5-0. Not wanting to miss out on the tournament we mounted a comeback with a point in the next frame. That was the extent of our comeback losing 9-1. In the second game we played Mission Imbocceball on the middle court. We scored the first two points of the game before our captain (me) knocked us out of a point and them into one. We scored the next four points to move ahead 6-2 but then we gave up a three point frame and the score was 6-5. They tied the game before we moved ahead 7-6. That was it and they scored the last three points to win 9-7 effectively ending our chance of a tournament berth. That was confirmed this morning when the final standings came out. 😭😭😭 Roll'em If Ya Got'em has a couple big games tonight. The way it looks we will have to win one game to make the tournament. We play Holly Ballz and Mission Imbocceball, tough assignment.
Because we are using this week to make up last weeks games our towel tournament will be played next Wednesday. Not my favorite solution but there isn't any perfect solution. We'll also be playing without Debbie since she's out of town. Bob from Boro City Rollers will be subbing for us tonight and for the tournament if we make it. Just win baby. 15 years later May 8th again gives us some intense weather. There were several rounds of storms including some tornado warnings and some tornados that touched down. In view of the elevated bad weather chance the MBC decided to cancel the May 8th games to help ensure the safety of it's members. Wise move in my opinion. Making up these games will be hard with next week being the coveted towel tournament.
Last nights game was nice and warm, and humid of course. We played the 7pm game but there was a forfeit ahead of us so we got started a little early.
We played the first game on the dreaded third court against Mission: Imbocceball. The game started out as a back and forth game until we gradually pulled ahead 6-3. In typical Roll'em fashion we gave up a three point frame and let them tie the game. This time was different though. We traded points then made a really tough throw to move up 8-7 and then put it away on a good bank shot, winning 9-7. We really needed the win and then got a forfeit in the second game for a much needed sweep. Week 6 was cooler that last week but still much better than we'd played in earlier. We actually got to play a 6pm game instead of waiting until 7, yay. We didn't play again until 7:30.
In the first game we played Bocce and Brews and in what the seems like the norm we got off to a terrible start giving up three points in the opening frame. We had a point and a wide open shot and we (I) couldn't capitalize causing me to go back to my old throwing stance. We played them pretty even evening the score at 6-6 but they scored the last three for another loss for us. In the second game we played corner bocce on the third court. This time we got off to a quick start but they came back and tied the game 6-6. This time we ended it with a three point frame and win. Collectively Roll'em threw a lot better than last week but still need to be a lot more consistent. Finally, a nice night for bocce, shorts and short sleeves. That was the good news.
In the first game we played Dark Side of the Pallino on the third court. We came out cold and gave up back to back three point frames. We started making a comeback but it was too big to overcome losing 9-4. In the second game we started better going back and forth to 3-3. The got the next point then followed with a three point frame and 7-3 lead. We got a couple back to close the gap. We had a ball close but on their last throw they pushed the pallino and got the final two points for a 9-5 loss. Probably our worst collective showing of the season especially me. Way too many times not taking advantage when we should and leaving wide open shots for them. We finally got a night that wasn't too cold however it was raining.
We played our first game on the dreaded third court against Boccelicous. We jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead but they got a couple points. We responded with three more points before they made it 6-3. I'm not sure if they scored again but if they did it was only one more point with us winning 9-3 or 4. About halfway through the game Wednesday night coordinator Ian came over to me and said we got a forfeit on on 8 o'clock game so we finally got a much needed two win night. Lisa's good friend Martha Stewart, aka Paula, puts on a Relay for Life bocce tournament so naturally we played in it. It was surprisingly brisk day and the wind didn't help any.
In the first game we played the Wops, a team we don't get to play often. They couldn't miss. Their leadoff thrower was putting a ball really close each frame. We finally scored towards the end of the game but lost 9-1. In the second game we played Delivery. They had a no show so they rotated. It's no secret I dislike rotating but understand the situation. Once again we fell behind early. This time we scored three points to make it 6-3 before falling 9-3. Our last pool game was against a team I don't remember the name. Once again we fell behind but all of a sudden we started making throws and slowly made our way back. This time we kept going and won, don't remember the score. This put us into a roll off against the last two teams we played. Our captain Lisa chose the wrong person to be in the roll off and he (me) didn't make good throws so that ended our tournament. Week 3 was cold, even more so than the previous week. We played the 6:30 then had a cold break until 8. We played the 6:30 game so we got there around 6:20 in case the game started early only to find out the other two 6:30 games had already started. There was a forfeit and 9-0 games.
We played the first game on the middle court against the Usual Suspects. We got the first point but they tied it up. They moved ahead 4-2 when they got a four point frame and the game was all but over. We lost 9-2. Once again we played on the middle court this time against Muddy Rollers. They only had three but picked up a player from another team. Once again we picked up the first point only to have them tie it. We got another point and then the game turned on a four point frame but this time it was us and it propelled up to a 9-1 win. We've split each of the three weeks but our losses have been blowouts. Before we took the courts we went to a birthday party for Derecho Dax at his house. He turned two years old, if there's any truth to the terrible twos we're in trouble.
On a cold night we played the 7 and 8 o'clock games, yuck. We ended up playing both games on the 3rd court. Normally it's an advantage playing both games on the same court, normally. In the first game we played Boobs, Booze & Bocce. The game started out close but we inched away before finally closing out a 9-4 win. In the second game we played No Beer, No Bocce. Once again the game started close, 2-2, but then it changed and not in a good way. They got a couple points to move ahead 4-2, then pushed the pallino into a three point frame that we could never recover from finally losing 9-2. The old adage "whatever can go wrong, will" held true in this game. Before I forget, I hate late games. On a chili night the spring 2024 started last night. It was great seeing everybody again after the winter layoff.
In the first game we played Money Balls on the third court. We jumped out to a 3-0 lead but back they came moving ahead 4-3. We got back on top 5-4 but they tied it right back up. We proceeded to run off four straight points for a 9-5 win, getting the season off right. The less said about the next game the better. We moved to court one and played Boccelism. The court seemed very fast and we couldn't adjust losing 9-0 in quick fashion, yuck. Saturday we went uptown for the St Patricks day celebration. Good weather, good music from Usual Suspects made for a good time, too good actually.
Sunday the Grumpy Shillelagh took the court in the St Patricks day tournament. The day wasn't as nice as the previous one and cooled down as the day went on. We once again played in a three man pool and had to play each team twice. In our first game we played the Eclectics on the middle court and everything went right for us. We jumped out to a big lead and kept on rolling for a 9-0 win. In the second game we played Pallino Posse on the first court. We jumped out to a 2-0 lead but they quickly tied it up and got the lead. We caught up and they once again jumped out front finally moving to 7-5. They made a big mistake and left and opening and we took advantage with a four point frame to win 9-7. We moved to the third court and played the Eclectics once again. They had just played on that court and the game was much more competitive. We trailed early but caught up and got a two point frame to close out a 9-5 game. In the fourth game we played Pallino Posse on the first court. Nothing really went right for us and we took a 9-2 beating. This lead to a roll off between the two teams. Their first throw was a couple feet short but but both of our throws came up just short. I thought both shots were good but didn't roll out on the freshly drug court. Of well, a good time and a good showing for the Grumpy Shillelaghs. I realized a couple days ago the we are only a couple weeks away from bocce starting. It always starts around the same time but for some reason this year it just seems real early.
That also means St, Patricks Day is coming up. Quick aren't I? Saturdays are normally the day we go places but as yesterday morning progressed we just decided to stay home. I did some baked potatoes and went to the store to get some ribeyes. I've been doing them on my propane griddle and they've come out very good. This time tried my skill/luck with Debbie wanting hers medium rareish, Mike wanted well done yuck and me and Lisa like our medium. Not my best effort, none charred like I wanted. I had to put Mikes back on because it wasn't done enough for him. Debbie said hers was closer to rare and Lisa said hers needed a little more. The only one I hit one was mine although Mike said his was perfect after I put it on longer. Flavor was spot on though on all of them and of course baked potatoes might be the best thing I do. Tuesday we had our annual bocce meeting. We were getting our granddaughter so thought we'd have to leave early but were able to stay until the end. The meeting was better attended than usual and best of all there were 9-10 spots running for the board. Electing the new board is the main function of the meeting. Two board members were not returning but all the others were running for reelection.
I really like the makeup of the new board, enough carry over to ensure the club maintains it's current success and some new young board members to bring new ideas and a freshness to the board. Congratulations to the new members and thanks to the previous members. Yesterday concluded the 2023 fall tournament so no bocce until next year. We didn't play until the third round of games which worked out great for us. Lisa fixed a big roaster of her famous championship chili and I had a guy stop by to buy my riding lawnmower. I also had some cousins from out of town stop by to say high to myself, Lisa and Roberto who was playing for another team.
In our first game we played The Naturals on the middle court. Once again we started off slow before getting ourselves back in the game bolstered by a four point frame. We got the score to 7-7 but they moved ahead 8-7. Both teams exchanged throws before they put one close to the pallino. My first throw was off but my second was on target to at least rearrange thinks but sadly at the last couple feet it veered to the right and we went down to a 9-7 loss. Immediately after we were done we got called to play on the same court against Pookies. They'd played quite some time earlier and on the third court. They couldn't find the right speed and their shots kept going long. We ended up cruising to a 9-2 win. We once again played on the middle court for our final pool game against Can't Be Trusted who surprisingly hadn't won a game and were the number one seed in our pool. With The Naturals losing to Pookies we need a win to get in a roll off to advance but Can't Be Trusted waited until they played us to get their mojo back. Time after time they put their first of second shot close to the pallino putting us behind in the ball count and piling up points. There was no comeback as they smoked us 9-0 ending our chances of advancing. Overall I thought we played well but had a lot of shots go between two balls or miss by a small margin, good shots that just didn't work. I can't say I'm sorry for the season to end, it's been a rough year for me trying to find my throwing mojo while battling injuries and soreness that make if difficult. While we really missed Herb and Lissa it was great seeing the improvement Mike and Debbie made over the course of the season and I look forward to more of that next year. |
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