I think I am growing webbing between my fingers and toes.  At least we are currently looking at maybe 4 straight nice days and even a good shot of some Northern Lights on Sunday night.  My project that delayed posting the Pickle Jar was researching apartments in Delaware County and then preparing a spreadsheet to help my daughter find an apartment for her first "big girl" job.  She thought she had an apartment but their handling of the application process and lack of professionalism over the phone threw up some red flags so my daughter agreed she needed to pivot.  Her first day of work is June 23rd so she (and us) need to hustle a bit.  As I sift through places and their requirements I am struck at how tough it is for someone out of school and looking to start a career to find a place.  I know the times have changed since the day I rented my first place back in 1979.  Basically once I said I had been hired by Penn State that was all that was needed.  It will be an interesting voyage indeed, but for now let's secure the fuel tanks and take off for the Pickleverse.

1. Tournaments - The information for the two tournaments that I have advertised before are attached.  June 26 is the deadline for Grantsville (MD) tournament and the Portage tournament has a July deadline.

2. License Plates - want a pickleball themed license plate, move to the State of Washington, where pickleball was invented.

3. Huh, Pickleballs Have Legs - I recently obtained some new Franklin X-40 and Core pickleballs so I took about 10 of my old ones, marked them "Bernel" and left them at the Bernel Courts for folks to use.  When I went back the next day, 8 apparently grew legs and walked away.  The remaining 2 were gone by the following day.  Not surprised, just disappointed.

4. TeamReach and Warmer Weather - at some point in the past, one of the app leaders put drop-in sessions in for Bernel at 9:00 AM up through October.  Instead of creating overlapping drop-in groups let's continue with posting comments when you post your are playing and intend to come earlier.  Include an estimated arrival time also please.  On the flip side, if you open the app and see a number of names, scan the names for other start times so you know what your options are.

5. The Arma Is On Its Way - on Friday I should receive Holbrook's newest paddle, the Arma.  The design concept is a power paddle that does not sacrifice touch and control.  The Arma will only be built in the 14mm thickness but will come in the three same shapes as the Aero line, the T(long), the S (wide), and the X (a hybrid of the other 2).  There will also be an option to get the Arma with the metallic/carbon fiber facing.  In a recent tournament by one of the Holbrook pros the paddle was challenged and passed as a legal paddle.  I ordered the Arma T as the demo (or my new paddle if I like it) and will have it available for test runs.  The price?  With my discount, the Arma will be $221 and the Arma metallic will be $241.

6. Tip Of The Week - our camp kids are back and of course we teased them (out of jealousy I imagine) about camp and how we hoped they would still play with us.  In talking with a couple, they related that they were getting frustrated due to their play since their return.  I shared that a drop in level is a natural occurrence when you are trying to incorporate new skills, especially when you have an information overload of new stuff or new ways to think of things.  It is important to stay the course.  Eventually the flubs will turn into winners.  It's just that there is a price to pay with lost games at times.  For my part I am working on a few new serves and my fault rate is way up.  So if you are working to get better, keep in mind you will probably get worse first.
   
   

OK, remember the sunscreen this week and I look forward to seeing you on the courts, except Monday, that's a bike ride day.  Below are the sign-ups for indoor play.

The Centre:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-57137449-nvsc

C3 Sports:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-57137460-c3pickleball

Randy Hoffman

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