Friday 17th February – At Home in the Meadows

This morning felt almost like routine. I went into John’s place for a shower and hung out in the living room while Bernie cleared his stuff out of the apartment. John sounded like he’d decided to come with me to the Space X launch, something he’d been pondering for a few days, not able to make a decision. Wanting some sun, I came over to the courts to settle in my usual spot in the sun.

Not long after I sat down, I was surprised by a call from Dad, since it was quite late in WA. He was making sure everything was in order for the big auction he was spearheading and after the scare of a technical issue with my spreadsheet, all was clarified and he could sleep easy before the big day. At the same time, I received word from a friend at Tesla that the Space X launch is most likely a go for tomorrow and my mail had arrived at a post office in Panama City. The good news was flowing!

John came along and we sat down to book him a flight back home to Rhode Island. After doing all that, our next errand was to go to the Goodwill store around the corner and search for a small travel bag for John. The good luck continued as John found a perfect little bag to keep all his medication in and a change of clothes. Again, what did these people do without me?!?!

Back at the courts, our next job was to book a hotel for that night somewhere near Cape Canaveral. After a while searching, it wasn’t looking good. If places weren’t booked out, they were super expensive, so we decided we would just leave early in the morning to get to the viewing spot for the 10am launch. With all that done, it was time for the finals to begin! In the lead up to the matches, I lost count of the number of people that came up to me to say, “Good morning Sarah!” Oh I felt very special. After a few days of spectating the tournament, I’d definitely made some friends. They had every singles final on at the same time, a different age category on each court. I could go on about who played who, but instead I’ll just say that they were some great matches and most of them went well past three hours. The 65s got the prize, they came off after four hours of play after playing three sets.

Towards the end of the main action, I went over to see Walt and his partner Noble play their consolation doubles final and wasn’t disappointed by the show. There was about ten of us watching, not a bad crowd! We all enjoyed the banter between the players and talked along as they went. Walt and Noble won, after a great comeback in the second set. After watching the end of the monster 65s final, there was no more tennis action to be had. The place cleared out faster than you can imagine, no trophy presentations, nothing. These people really need a lesson in running a tournament.

The cool people hung around, talking as the sun went down. Nick and I talked music while others sat nearby and listened to Bernie, getting a word in when they could. Nick decided he would join John and I for the launch tomorrow and offered his car so all three of us could go together, which would give him a good excuse to clean it up.

John left the party early, sick of the patio atmosphere we’d had for the last few days and shortly after, the band broke up amid hugs and wishes of safe travels. I went back to the van for a bit to do some blogging, then returned to the patio to find Bernie. I was humbled to see he was reading my blog aloud to his friend Mark on the phone. Apparently, I’d captured that day quite well. Bernie got off the phone intending to see what I was up to, but instead launched immediately into a monologue about his day and honestly I can’t remember what else. When he was interrupted by a couple, who were an acquaintance, saying hi and bye, Bernie didn’t let them go. He started by complaining about how poorly run the tournament was and I honestly don’t know how many tangents he went on. The poor people were clearly on their way out and had been thoroughly absconded. Frustrated, I left.

I asked John if he’d had any dinner and when he said no, I told him I’d go get us something and be over at his place soon. I got a call from Bernie on my way to the supermarket, asking where I was. I explained I was getting dinner and he instructed me to get enough for three. I was frustrated that I was paying for dinner when I would rather cook out of the van the way I like to, but anyway, I bought us a roast chicken, some sides and a salad. Bernie arrived at John’s place just as I did. Bernie set the table and I laid out the food, we had quite a good spread. I didn’t say a word all through dinner since Bernie didn’t offer the opportunity.

There was a lot of negativity in the room and all Bernie was saying I’d heard before so I decided to call it a night, despite it being only 8:30pm. When I checked my bag, I saw that Nick had called. I called him back and he was having trouble with his car. He explained that his dashboard lights were turning on and off when he switched on his headlights and he was concerned the car may have an issue that would affect our drive to the launch tomorrow. When I tried to explain he probably just hit the dimmer switch on the dash while he was cleaning, he had no idea what I was talking about, so I offered to drive around to investigate. He was only five minutes away, so it wasn’t too much trouble.

Before I left, John asked if I was sure about Nick, saying he’s pretty full of shit and I was grossly offended that he would think of not helping someone just because they tell stories. That really tipped me over the edge with the whole negativity thing. I went off and found Nick at his apartment complex. I was right about the dimmer switch. We set it straight and all was ok with the car. Nick couldn’t resist the opportunity to show me his keyboard and some of his piano skills, and I even had a quick bash of the keys, but I didn’t stay long because we both had an early start the next day.

Back at John’s place, Bernie and him were talking on the couch and I filled them in on Nick’s car and that all was ok for tomorrow. I said my goodbyes to Bernie and he declined to return my book that I’d lent him, which I was a bit insulted at, but I let it slide, it was a book I couldn’t get into. I did manage to salvage my Silverstone grand prix ticket I’d been using as a bookmark, which had sentimental value. I fished it out from underneath a pile of Bernie’s stuff on the passenger seat and was disappointed to see it had not been looked after, but that’s my lesson learnt.

In my van, I called Kevin and he did a good job of cheering me up in the five minutes of good reception that we had, then I was straight to bed, alarm set for 4:40am the next day.

2 Comments

  1. “Bernie got off the phone intending to see what I was up to, but instead launched immediately into a monologue about his day and honestly I can’t remember what else. When he was interrupted by a couple, who were an acquaintance, saying hi and bye, Bernie didn’t let them go. He started by complaining about how poorly run the tournament was and I honestly don’t know how many tangents he went on. The poor people were clearly on their way out and had been thoroughly absconded. Frustrated, I left.”

    Hmmm….just thought I’d comment on a couple of your comments: No one dislikes negativity more than I. If you remember, you were lying on the railing and Sandy, the bar/restaurant manager, came on chased you down stating “This is a member club and lying up there is not appropriate.” As for the couple I was “complaining” to who were on their way out” — the fellow stated he hoped I’d be back next year and I avowed that I would not. He then told me he was on the board and asked me why. After giving him just a few examples of the rudeness and tactless treatment I’d encountered he asked me if I would put all of my thoughts in an email. I gave him my card and he was to send me an email so I could respond to his request. I have yet to receive anything from him.
    I am truly sorry that my verbosity became a bore to you and that I subjected you to a repeat of some of my stories. And yep, tangents are pretty much a constant when stream of consciousness reigns. I truly did mean to listen to what you were up to when I hung up abruptly from Mark. As for the meal that evening at John’s, it was enjoyable although I’m with you on the expense. $10 was more than I’ve paid for any meal during my adventures but well worth it given the wraps, egg sandwich, pasta, etc. that you provided over the days we hung out.
    Sometime I’ll need to share some info with you that may or may not have a positive impact on your future relationships. Of course, I will need to give serious thought to how to present it in a way that the impact WILL be positive and not negative. There, got your curiosity up? The typical female would go nuts, but you’re definitely not typical.
    Be safe and I promise, if you come to Ohio I will be much more sparing of my words, my stories and be on my toes to avoid any repeats.
    Be safe. Enjoy life. Don’t worry about what others think of you. (Got that from some chick from Australia I think.)
    Positively,
    Me
    PS Still think our time on the beach will be a highlight of my trip. Beautiful sunsets sure help create great memories.

  2. PPS…Two things: 1. If your book survives the drenchings I promise to return it to you in person or send it to you. 2. Luv ya.

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