Playing in the Snow

All you Yankees might think we live in the Deep South, but I'll have you know it's actually NORTHERN Alabama! Jeff always points that out. Today it was more evident than usual by the freezing temperatures and blowing snow.

We are trying to stay dedicated to our exercise schedule, so our Sunday morning routine of tennis could not be postponed. Despite the cold and snow and wind, we bundled up and headed out to the courts. Our very treed neighborhood was obviously sheltered from the winter weather, because as soon as we got out on the main street, we questioned our ability to play (and our sanity). We played about 30 minutes in the cold and snow until the wind began to blow horizontal ice pellets across the courts and the baseline was getting icy. We even had to scrape the windshield of the car before we pulled out of the parking lot, which is a rarity here in the South!

I know it doesn't look like much, but the iPhone doesn't capture the snow very well (though you can see the ice on the courts)

Tennis Time

Tennis courts at night

In addition to ballroom dancing (for us) and equestrian pursuits (for me), Jeff and I have been eager to get just a little more physical activity into our lives. With the beautiful fall weather making outdoor pursuits enjoyable instead of onerous, we have taken up tennis once again.

Jeff was instrumental in forming his high school tennis team 'back in the day' and we've been playing off and on since we were married. He's a natural athlete (and a true boy at heart) and loves any game with a ball. My only "ball" sport as a youth was soccer, preferring gymnastics, dance, horseback riding, and track to hitting, throwing, or shooting balls. But I always thought I might like tennis, and thanks to my husband's coaching I've had the opportunity to prove the merit of that belief.

I really enjoy the bursts of running juxtaposed with the tense moments of anticipation. There are fresh starts at every turn, a new chance to turn the tide if need be. And equally so, never a moment when you can rest on your laurels for a good serve or a picture-perfect return. It makes for a stimulating method to burn some calories and have some together time!