The Last Post

And this will be the last entry in this blog. Our Games have finished with two team mates winning gold - in the C singles and C doubles. The Champagne was poured, the toasts made and tonight we have the official closing ceremony.

I intend to continue running with Ev, working out with Alicia (and my big sister Moira with whom I am not the slightest bit competitive when it comes to boxing circuits), having lessons with Victor and playing on Mondays with the Ace Girls.

Thanks to everyone who has followed this blog and especially to all of you who were personally involved in helping me prepare.

And a special welcome to Spike Jimmy George born on Friday 6th August 2010 - love to his parents Marg and Leesa.

Ciao for now...

Redemption (of sorts)

I played the semi-final of the consolation round and lost. We played in quite heavy rain and I found it difficult with my glasses fogging up and getting rain drops on them. Still, I was pleased with the way I played earlier in the day with a hard fought win 6-2.

Tomorrow, Rae and I play the consolation doubles round. We're not expecting too much but will do our best to have fun.

Down and Out in the First Round

Very disappointing day. I lost the singles 6-2, 7-5 against a much weaker but more consistent player. Not happy.

We also lost the doubles 6-2, 6-1 but the quality of the play was much better.

The consolation round begins tomorrow so I'll have a go at that.

And Judy Plays Doubles

Ripper of a match. Suzanne and Judy were outplayed in the first set but they were resolute in the second and came back from 5-0 down to end up winning 3 games in a row. Suzanne won her service game, Judy held serve and they broke one of their opponent's service games. They might have lost the match but they both achieved their personal best and the equivalent (for them) of winning gold. One of Judy's opponents had Googled her and was blown away that she was playing tennis with a celebrity. A couple of other women came up to Jude and said "Are you Judy Small, - the Judy Small". Very noice.

I could not have been prouder of the way they both played that game - they ran, they stretched, they hit that damned ball. Judy hit two beautiful backhand volley winners and everyone had fun.

As for me, well I'm still 49, still fat but I'm a lot fitter than I was and who knows what will happen tomorrow.

The good news is we think Pete will be discharged from hospital and nothing serious has been diagnosed. Whew all round.

We're having a ball meeting people

Opening Ceremony

It rained a little, we made paper planes, the cauldron was lit, the flag raised, oaths taken, long speeches ignored and the party has started - no I mean competition has begun.

Good news. Rae (my doubles partner) has won her first round 6-0, 6-0. And TJ and Michelle (from the Ace Girls) won their first round as well.

Judy plays tomorrow (Monday) - D Grade Doubles and my first match is on Tuesday.

Had a hit today just to keep the serve warm.

We're a little distracted though because Judy's brother-in-law and her sister (who've come specially to the Games) are having some dramas. Pete had to go to hospital this morning after becoming very ill. Looks like he may be there for several days until his condition can be diagnosed. It's very unsettling - especially for Judy's sister Sue and Judy too. Fingers crossed, folks.