It's amazing just how fast time flies by when you're having fun and there is no doubt we have been having an awful lot of fun over the last few weeks. The build up to this annual event was not free from the usual stresses mind you as to whether the hay would be cut in time, whether there would be enough players to make it work and whether all the people who said they'd be here would actually turn up. Fortunately however all who said they were coming turned up and a last minute flurry saw the edition of some new friends who I really hope will join us again next year.
The first guests to arrive this year came over a week early all the way from the big old US of A. It once again proves that it's not what you know but who you know as, even with 3 separate flights, the cost was only $80 dollars a head. Compliments of Kevin, they even managed a spot of business class on their return journey.
One week early and "mon petit assistant" arrived to help get everything sorted and cover my back throughout the weekend fixing broken things, entertaining the kids, looking after the piggy, sorting the volley ball net and so on and so on. Cheers Stevey for once again doing shed loads of the work and getting very little credit.
As you're all aware this weekend only works because everyone chips in and helps with everything. Time to mention some names me thinks. This years washer uppers were lead in the morning by Lee who successfully scavenged all the glasses from the night before and proceeded to get them all washed and dried prior to most people seeing the light of day. I didn't spend a lot of time in the Kitchen but on most occasions Nikki was washing up, or cooking pasta for Ross, and I'm quietly confident Lucy will have got her hands wet too as well as getting the rest of her body wet, compliments of Adam, on Sunday afternoon.
We were once again blessed with a whole bunch of budding photographers. Is there a collective noun for photographers? answers on a post card please. Louise, Jake, Florian, RangeRover Dave and Sharon, thank you soooo much for capturing so many of the weekends highlights and making them available for us to comment and enjoy for years to come. There were some very brave souls who were willing to risk some impressive looking cameras in their attempts to capture the waterfight and I took great pleasure in relieving Louise of her camera so she could participate with the rest of us.
Who would have predicted that I'd have a whole bunch of peeps to thank for musical entertainment. Maybe next year we'll get the drums down into the roundhouse too. On the guitar front I must thank Adam, he's the little feller that blends into the background a lot, Jake, Florian,Martin, Bryanny, Andy, Holly, Maddi and Oceane. It doesn't take a lot to get me welling up but listening to the little girlies singing was a proud moment for me and I'm sure Helen and Laura were extremely proud parents too. Depressingly there is no video footage of Andy and I serenading little Laura about our overwhelming love for her although we did actually prefer ice cream. The 3 man accordion stint was captured though and, even in our slightly intoxicated state, I reckon we did well.
Next shout goes out to the chefs for whom there are far too many to give everyone a mention but you know who you are. Thursday night chilli was smashing thank you Kevin, Keith, great job with the curry and well done to the samosa/onion bhaji manufacturing team made up of Roo-S-L, Kirsty, Laura (on her little pedestal) and anyone else who chipped in. The piggy cookers/carvers did a great job as I abandoned the beast this year so that I could actually do a little coaching instead. Dave, Tate and Roo-S-L also did a mean barbecue for Sunday lunch and my sandwich was the dogs ####### cheers guys. Wifey for Burgers Monday night, Me for pizza Tuesday and Tate for "Wednesdays left over wonder". I must also thank Ally and Emma for keeping me in Tea during the mornings.
Time for some softball chat now as that was the pretence of the whole weekend. "I know, why don't we get a game in tonight" was the comment that must have saved me a fortune in hot water for showers on Friday night. As we made our way to the field there were a few clouds in the distance but nothing to be concerned about. As the first pitch was delivered so the first drop of light rain fell. No cans of man up were needed here though as both teams took it on the chin when the heavens opened and we were all deluged. Refreshing is a term I'd like to use although I'm pretty sure we were all soaked right through to our team thongs. Fortunately the sun returned giving us half a chance to dry out a bit before dinner.
Even though we had a large number of new players, Saturday mornings round robin went like a breeze with very evenly matched teams and some great play. I would analyse the scores and tell you how we all did but I seem to have lost the score books. The afternoons games of TV against the rest of the world bought back loads of memories of years and years of playing in those red shirts. I am saddened that all the effort of so many people to create the largest club in Great Britain has now gone by the wayside but I am also happy that Thames Valley can live on forever here in France. Although we lost both games, I truly believe that the handicap was set right and if we'd found our rhythm we would have been suitable competition.
Saturday evenings batting practice/coaching session reignited my passion for bringing new people into the sport and helping existing players to up there game. Thank you to Joe, Keith and Dave for catching and pitching hundreds of balls and being patient with me as I tinkered and tweaked each individual. Remember peeps, upright, wind up like a coiled spring and wait for the ball to come to you.
Sunday morning saw the Disciples take on the Hells angels which I think was probably the best game of the weekend. It saw the sparkling new talent take to the field and demonstrate what they'd learnt the night before. The young stars, Toby, Christian, Dominic and Josh lead the way for the boys whilst Ally, Bryanny and Darcy did their bit for the girls. It was unfortunate that Darcy took a ball to the face but well done girl for growing a pair and getting on with it. Sharon managed to get herself on base which left her beaming from ear to ear however the play of the day has to go to Georgie. We all saw Tate field the ball but none of us could work out why he wasn't trying to throw Georgies runner out on one. Turns out he hadn't even seen Laura who, when questioned about it later said "I'm Fine".
For years I have been umpiring softball games at all levels and have had almost a level of desperation to eject someone from a game. Depressingly the first time I eject someone from a game it has to be my son because he's suffering from a bit of PMT. From negatives to positives though, I must mention a few of the great plays. Kevin catching Corinnes line drive to 3rd was exceptional. Darrens consistent big hitting and probable home run competition winner for the weekend if I ever find the score books. Nicks amazing natural newbie talent. Julias great plays throughout the weekend earning her the MVP title.
I think I've almost mentioned everyone now but I'm going to throw in a rapid fire paragraph to cover a few more. Sally, sorry about your ankle maybe dodgeball is not for you. Paul, hiding in the lounge was never going to save you from the waterfight. Mafia Jo, it really doesn't matter whose Lemmoncello was better but if your family ask, it was theirs. Charlotte, I do believe you managed 329 words this year so we are making progress, shall we aim for 500 next year? Trish, cigars really do not suit ladies but I did enjoy watching your sucking technique. Gordy, did you drink all my beer again? Michelle, it must be really embarrassing to be sent to bed by your daughter and Holly, for the record, I did not suck your mums toe but that's just for the record. Mark, where were you all weekend? Sarah I like the fact that you were totally supportive of Nick as we plied him with Calvados but I'm not exactly sure when you said that he'd be all right, that he was. Jules, great job on the shirts althoug we should have sorted a whole load of honey badger lingo to with them. Sue, Keith said I could get you wet as long as I didn't get your hair wet. Jean can I suggest getting a lock for your bottle next year. Tammy you're a shithead and I have nothing else to say on the subject.
Time to put my feet up for a year now but look forward to seeing you all again next year. Biggest thanks go out to my darling wife for allowing us to all be kids again and enjoy life to the max as it's only for the living.
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