XMoose 2019 Memo

Wow! It was so fun today. The turn-out was great and we could have filled three courts with play.

I began this version of Moose Tennis (a 30-plus year legacy) a few months ago on this side of town; yet, Moose Tennis continues only because of those who love tennis and the Moose format. I look forward to the day I can't make it to Moose and it still occurs, flawlessly. It already has, thanks to characters such as Mack and Ed. And, others.

I am so damn thankful. Not for me, but for all those in the herd.

Jason - Official Moose Mascot

This is Jason, given to me by a customer, knowing of Moose Tennis from my writings. And, he is now the official Moose Tennis mascot. LeAnn gave her endorsement. That mattered not much, even after she sniffed it. He is so damn cute.

How can you not love this guy? And, how can all of us Moosers not enjoy and love all those who show to play even when other chores of life may take precedence.

Today, XMoose (Christmoose) was, is, to me, a precursor of what's to come. Moose will become a wonderful outlet and place for all those want to play tennis for whatever reason...and there are so many wonderful ones (reasons).

The characters, friends and players who consistently gather, outing after upon outing, every Saturday, tell me this casual tradition begun by a man nicknamed Moose, will continue beyond my existence and the children of those of the herd.

There is a love here. A love for a bunch of people who find cause or enjoyment to come out every Saturday, or any day, to enjoy and perhaps play the sport known as tennis.

Who knows?

Over a lifetime, I can say some of my best friends may have wielded an awesome racket or two. Now, most of my friends have no clue as how to apply a tennis racket in the sport of tennis. Just kidding - some are artful, powerful and sometimes downright dastardly in the application of shot selection and placement.

Nonetheless, most all are worth spending a few hours playing tennis with, as they are competitive and fun loving sorts - not the friends one wishes to lose.

Many of you will never know or have known Moose, the man, the person - the huge-hearted, gregarious, larger-than-life and lovable individual. Although I have adopted Moose (the animal, which he would love), it is still about the man, but he would love the reference. He has no choice.
I saw him in the hospital the day before he left us. He's in heaven observing the devotion.

This photo was not authorized by the USTA.

XMoose was wonderful on this Holiday Saturday of 2019. Many of the herd brought liquids of libation, which may have led to more points of interest. It seemed most everyone had some more game goin' on. LeAnn had more points ever won in one match (astonishing) or her entire amateur career, while Carolyn had the best slice shot winner I have, or anyone else has ever seen.  Oh, that was at the expense of Mack. It was crazy good!

I intentionally hit two of my worst shots ever and Ed lost the point on both. Thanks, Ed.

Oh, Ed said he is going away to Florida for the next two weeks and so is Carol. And they are staying in the same town. What's up with that? Ed mentioned something about new baby clothing. This comes from an unreliable, but lovable source. Sounds juicy.

Anyway, I love you guys, and gals.

This is not about me. I want to see Moose Tennis continue and last way beyond us. Yet, I may be around longer than anyone prefers.

My time will always be best spent with the likes of you...the herd.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas!