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The Deuce Club, 2.27 02/27/2009 - 5:00 PM

by Pete Bodo

Lukechics No, I'm not Jackie-Oh, as you probably already know. I'm taking this over today because I can't seem to find her, and all I've heard is the same rumor as some of the rest of you: something about writing on a bathroom mirror, in bright red lipstick: Going to meet Gilles in St. Barts, hold my mail. . .

Ha. I was originally supposed to fill this space with a report on my vacation in Panama, but I was long-winded (as usual) in my most recent post, and won't be able to get it done until later this evening. But I wanted to provide you with the DC for today at the usual time, so here it is.

This is a picture of Luke, feeding the chickens at La Loma Lodge, where we spent four days in Panama. The dog in the background is Goose, and when I saw first saw him, waiting for us in the dock as the boat pulled up, it almost broke my heart. Goose looks almost exactly like my old girl Lucy, whom we lost about five years ago. The only real difference is the Lucy was black with a white blaze on her chest. Strikingly, Goose has the same smile, the same ticks and habits (a gentle mouthiness, a really firm tail wag that endangers anything standing near it, a tendency to form a "U" up against your leg as you scratch the magic spot where his backbone meets his tail, combined with a loving stare and happy panting).

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Panamahike Our flight to Panama took about four-and-a-half hours, which is about an hour and change longer than a typical flight to Miami  (Some friends were surprised to hear that you can fly direct to Panama City from New York, but there it is). But that little extra time (and the unavoidable hassles of customs and passport control) get you somewhere considerably more exotic than Biscayne Boulevard, or Sea World. Let me say up front that overall we had no real adventures, harrowing or otherwise - if you discount having to drive on some pretty busted-up roads in a rental car on which every ding and pock-mark has been duly noted, with the expectation that you'll pony up should you add to the damage). This was a family vacation, and we carried light sabers (you can see Luke carrying his omni-present green one in the picture, just in case Jobba the Hutt or Boba Fett had designs on mommy), not emergency safety beacons and aluminum space blankets.

Our first stop was El Valle, a small town that grew up inside the cone of an enormous volcano that, post-eruption, became a lake (think Crater Lake). But at some point a wall of the volcano was breached, and all the water rushed out,leaving a rich, fertile green cup surrounded by towering peaks. This was on the Pacific side of Panama, about two hours driving time from Panama City. We eventually hiked the original breach for a few clicks, as a raucous brook still carves its way through the rugged gorge through which the lake was emptied.

Later, we took a horseback ride that we had booked in advance. That was a little surreal, as the operators of the franchise were an elderly crone and her (presumed) grandchildren, as fine an assortment of dirty -faced urchins as you'll find anywhere. Somehow, this crew had managed to cling to the small farm and keep a stable of horses, even though the area around them had become something like an upscale ex-urban community - a tropical Aspen featuring the McHaciendas of Panama City's well-heeled residents, complete with well-paved streets and gardeners with leaf blowers. We more or less blew off the ride about halfway through; the nags were dispirited and I didn't really feel good about clip-clopping along on a strange trail patched together from equal parts dirt wagon track, macadam, and various people's back (and front) yards, alongside parked Range Rovers and Mercedeses.

It was dry but very windy on the Pacific side, which was nice - I'm a fan of big weather and enjoyed lying in bed and listening to the palm fronds rattle and shake.

After two days in El Valle, we returned to Panama City and caught a 40-minute flight to Bocas del Toro, where a boat was waiting to take us to La Loma Jungle Lodge on the small island of Bastimentieos. There are no roads on the island, boats are the only mode of transportation. We were guests of Henry and Margaret, he a Chilean who grew up in Los Angeles and she an English girl from Brighton. They'd just had their first child, Lucho, a few months earlier. Our fellow guests were a pair of young couples, one from London and the other from Chicago (by way of Brooklyn).

The accommodations at the lodge are built on the sides of nearly vertical slopes, and easily mistaken for tree houses, the way they're suspended out in space, with lush foliage all around them. Each one (I believe there are only three besides the main lodge, which sits at the base of the slope on level ground) is hidden from the others, and two have ocean views. Our tree house was a big, square room ("deck" might be a better word) with no walls and a thatched roof;the two beds were enclosed in a fabric box of fine, white, gauzy mosquito netting (although there were few bugs); it was like sleeping outdoors, but with electricity and a spacious bathroom with shower and a sink.

On previous Central America jaunts, we'd tramped around quite a bit, but La Loma proved an ideal place for what I would call a "relaxacation." There are hiking trails, including one challenging one, and we made excursions by boat to various small beaches on the windward side, and up a wild mangrove "creek" (where we saw a five-foot alligator well-hidden in the mangrove roots along shore, indolently waiting for one of the sloths to plop into the water from the canopy that arched over the canal). But mostly, the days revolved around three fine meals (I think I had at least a dozen vegetables and fruits I'd never even knew existed) prepared by Henry and his native helpers. We had plenty of time for lounging around the tree house, napping or reading between meals. I'm not very good at that kind of thing, though, so I was often a little restless. But my wife, Lisa, was a little under the weather so it did her good.

Henry and Margaret are into sustainable, ecologically sound farming, which made me suspect that their annoyance quotient as eco-Puritans could be really high. But Henry is an old-school type Renaissance man with surprisingly wide knowledge of many things. They're a delightful, cosmopolitan couple, and while they support their way of life (and that of a small staff) with tourism, I felt that they're genuinely social and were entertaining rather than merely providing a service. The meals were exquisite, and lovingly prepared, using most ingredients grown right there. Henry and Margaret grow a dizzying array of foodstuffs, from cocoa beans to star fruit and yucca. Each night, Henry made an exotic concoction featuring rum and some combination of fruit.

It was a great trip for Luke, partly because of the warmth showered on him by our hosts and fellow guests (Paul, a software-writer from Chicago, turned out to be a big Stars Wars guy, which may have taken his girlfriend, Helen, by surprise). In fact, by the second of our four-plus days, Luke made a breakthrough. For the first time in his life, he decided he wanted to go off on his own - down to the lodge, to "hang out" with people besides his parents. That day, I watched him descend the 75 yards of very steep, natural steps, and make his way along the elevated wooden boardwalk to the lodge, which was barely visible about 300 yards away and below us among the trees.

At seven every morning,Kelly, Henry's right-hand man, would bring us a tray with a thermos of coffee and freshly baked muffins or rolls, plus orange juice for Luke. On the third morning of our stay, I brought in the coffee and noticed that Henry had forgotten to send up the usual small, plastic container of milk. I groaned. Neither Lisa nor I felt much like descending all the way to the lodge to get milk, but then I hit upon a bright idea - let's send Luke!

I expected he might get distracted and forget to come back, or drop the milk. He's performed small chores before (which usually required re-performance by an adult), but this was something like a real errand. He left and returned immediately, carefully holding the milk as he climbed the stairs. I felt a twinge of melancholy watching him; I realized I was witnessing a warning shot fired across my bow, reminding me that while he's just six, he's already growing up and there's a reason dozens of people have counseled me to enjoy these times, because they vanish for good, and faster than you'd think.

I got over that, though, and was soon plotting ways I might induce him to mow the lawn, paint the picnic table, or put the chains on the tractor.

It rained almost continuously for one day; dense, gray sheets of the kind you rarely get outside the tropics. The rest of the time it was mostly sunny with the occasional shower.

We flew back to Panama City on Saturday afternoon, with an 8:30 pm Sunday night flight out. We wanted to see the locks of the Panama canal, and perhaps a few other sights. We got lucky. Reuben, the cabbie who took us from the airport to our hotel, was a prince. We hit it off so well that the next morning we engaged him for the entire day (total cost: 80 bucks, but I happily added a hefty tip). Reuben drove us all over the place, explained a great many things about his city and country, and generally made it a great, memorable day. I took his card, so if you're ever going to Panama, give me a call.. .

Also, here's a PSA from Master Ace:

GVGirl wanted me to let TW know that Talk About Tennis will be having a gathering next week at noon(CST) before the Davis Cup tie (in Birmingham)  begins for a quick meet and greet. Even though I won’t see any matches, I will be at the meet and greet on Friday. Plans are to meet at the BJCC ( Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center ) sign.

This is a good DC for discussing your winter blues, and any vacation you may have taken recently, or plan on taking soon. I'll be back to sub out the post with a more detailed description of the trip later.
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Posted by avid sports fan aka "Sigh-Rena" 02/27/2009 at 05:07 PM

oh how I miss the poultry and chickens at home and the goats and the goat pen ;-) Pete, I flove the picture of Luke ;-)
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 05:14 PM

Waiting on Gilles here in sunny St. Barts ... ;)

Pete, appreciate you putting this up at its regular time. AND that picture is all kinds of adorable. Luke, the chickens, the dog ... sigh!

Can't wait to hear/see more later.
Posted by Pspace 02/27/2009 at 05:18 PM

Oh darn...meeting Master Ace would've made the trip to Birmingham worthwhile.
Posted by Annie 02/27/2009 at 05:21 PM

aww adorable pic of luke and goose is cute too! MA, it's killing me that you aren't planning on seeing the matches. But i'm hoping it won't be sold out and you can pick up a discounted ticket or stow away in pete's backpack or something. sounds like a fun get together at any rate.

jackie, you and it seems like everyone else, getting totally psyched for IW? it will be fun to get your feedback directly from the matches.
Posted by Panama_Doug 02/27/2009 at 05:26 PM

Hi Pete. I am sort of a new reader of your comments as I started getting into them by the end of last year. I enjoyed them very much.

Being from Panama myself I wonder how was your trip to my country? Is it a first time visit? Where you here for Carnival week?

In any case I hope you had a nice time in Panama. Saludos !!!
Posted by Budour 02/27/2009 at 05:27 PM

OMG! Adorable pic, Pete..
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 05:28 PM

Annie, excited isn't the word for it! Lots of prep/shopping to be done this weekend. Yay!

Yeah, I'm not sure what's gonna happen once I'm there. Will I have regular access to a computer? Should I just share stories once I'm back? We'll see. When I was in Cincy, Whitney was my liaison - I texted her, she reported to y'all. Maybe we'll do it again. ;)
Posted by Annie 02/27/2009 at 05:30 PM

jackie: rafadoc and I are thinking of doing cincy, are you planning on going again this year? was it fun? (not as nice as palm springs i'm sure)
Posted by Budour 02/27/2009 at 05:30 PM

That my first ever post at the Deuce Club, BTW. :)
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 05:31 PM

Welcome, Panama_Doug!
Posted by Budour 02/27/2009 at 05:33 PM

*that was
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 05:34 PM

Annie, you are??? YES, I plan on going again. Was a RIDICULOUSLY good time. This year is my first IW experience - it has some big shoes to fill, lemme tell ya. We'll definitely have to plan this together.

Budour - and hopefully not your last! :)
Posted by izidane 02/27/2009 at 05:37 PM

Very nice. It all looks adorable,relaxing and welcoming. *sigh*

Jackie..great destination. Now get Gilles to some sun and let him pack a few pounds back on, man's been working too much lately:)

MA, hope you get tix.s

Posted by Stella 02/27/2009 at 05:38 PM

Is Luke your son Pete? he's adorable.
Posted by Annie 02/27/2009 at 05:42 PM

jackie: excellent news! rafadoc will be thrilled too.
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 05:42 PM

izidane, this'll be good for Gilles. You know what they say about all work and no play. :)
Posted by izidane 02/27/2009 at 05:49 PM

Jackie, is he playing IW?
I so wish luck getting to him like you got to Marat last year. That knocked me over and it was a great pic.

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 05:52 PM

izidane, as far as I know, yes. He better!

Aw, you remember that Marat pic! It all happened RIGHT when I walked into the hotel, too. Was certainly an auspicious way to start my trip. ;)
Posted by izidane 02/27/2009 at 06:02 PM

Goody! Go for it. I soooo remember that pic.
I've been as productive as I'll ever be on Friday.
Have a good one.
Posted by Samantha Elin 02/27/2009 at 06:42 PM

Stella, yes he's. I love that picture because I love anything with kids and animals.
Posted by Whitney 02/27/2009 at 06:42 PM

Hey I spot my name!! haha Although Jackie the thing is when you went to Cincy it was my summer vacay - where all I did was watch tennis in the comfort of my bed. LOL I actually have responsiblities now. haha

Cute pic Pete! Hope you had fun!

Posted by Master Ace 02/27/2009 at 06:47 PM

Pspace,
Are you coming to Birmingham next week? If so, let me know 'cuz I will be part of the meet and greet crew on Friday.

Annie,
Speaking of luck, the BJCC is holding a open practice on Monday for the first 500 people who gets FREE tickets starting tomorrow at 11:00 AM TW. However, I will be at the day job when this is happening as their practice will start at 3:00 PM TW. On Tuesday at 2:30 PM, they will be at a Highlands Club for people to attend but again, day job calls:(
Posted by avid sports fan aka "Sigh-Rena" 02/27/2009 at 06:53 PM

this is not fair, I am getting jealous of you these meetings;-) why don't they have an ATP tour level event in Vancouver? Or will you guys come for a challenger event :P
Posted by Annie 02/27/2009 at 07:14 PM

well MA i think you're coming down with a mirus or might you take an early lunch break? these things can be done if you put your mind to it! you're killing me here.
Posted by rafadoc 02/27/2009 at 07:19 PM

Pete: Awwwww....Cowboy Luke is totes cute. Vacations at this stage of life are all about seeing things through your children's eyes, no? Fabulous picture. Sounds like you enjoy and appreciate your moments with your family. THAT is where its at. And...it is about the moments, which you seem to understand....:) *happy for Pete*
Posted by Annie 02/27/2009 at 07:24 PM

http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/en/players/matchfacts/

sblily: here's some info from the atp but i don't see ferrer listed. but they show the different catagories.
Posted by Annie 02/27/2009 at 07:26 PM

i just posted that on totes the wrong thread! sorry peeps.
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 07:42 PM

Whitney, you'll make time. I know it. ;)

How was the concert last night???
Posted by Pspace 02/27/2009 at 07:47 PM

Master Ace, nope. Not coming to Birmingham. I was just saying it would've been nice to meet up with you, even though Roger wasn't coming :-).
Posted by Whitney 02/27/2009 at 07:48 PM

haha Jackie - of course I will! :)
The concert was great :) We didn't take any pictures though - or well I got some of the band but that's it.

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 07:53 PM

You're there!! :)

Oh, girrrrl. I wanted to see the hotness of your outfit. Tsk!
Posted by Sam 02/27/2009 at 07:55 PM

*waves to everyone*

Cute pic of Luke!
Posted by Pspace 02/27/2009 at 08:01 PM

Sam! Is that really you? How you doin' man? It's been a while. Work?
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 08:08 PM

that picture of Luke and the animals is just too precious . Cannot wait to hear more

Jackie - we will probably have a laptop at IW - Missie rarely goes anywhere without hers
but , we are going to have so much time "creating " stories - that we may not have time to post them until we get back
at least , that is what we discovered last year
That and internet access at the hotel was not exactly cheap
anyway - one way or another , the rest of the TWibe will hear all about our fantastic activities

Missie and I are hoping to shop Sunday. Look out South coast - here we come
and my plastic is getting nervous - just thinking of the workout it is going to get
shhhh - don't tell Mark :)
Posted by Whitney 02/27/2009 at 08:13 PM

Jackie - the outfit must have worked out because I got some compliments haha

Posted by Whitney 02/27/2009 at 08:13 PM

*waves to Beth and Sam*

Posted by Marcel in Montreal 02/27/2009 at 08:15 PM

Anyone gotta link for Venus's match tonight.
Merci
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 08:15 PM

SAM!!! Yay, you listened to me. :)

beth, yay for shopping weekends! And yeah, I'm thinking I won't have any time to upload pics, let alone post reports. Not that I'm complaining. ;) Wait, is there not a work center/computer room at the hotel? Gawd, that was my favorite place ever in Cincy. LOL.
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 08:15 PM

Compliments from anyone special, Whit? ;)
Posted by jc 02/27/2009 at 08:16 PM

Link to Venus match:

http://www.channelsurfing.net/watch-wabuk-3.html
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 08:26 PM

Hi, Whitney
and Sam !!!
Jackie - no - there was not a computer center that I could find
they have access in the rooms - for a fee

so just reading through - the thread about Reeshie/Ferrer
Annie commented about height of the players , it was me who said Ferru was short
and he is - I do not believe for a minute that he is 5'9
but I think he is taller that I am , at 5'6 , but not much cause I pretty much looked him right in the eyes
as for Richard - they books claim he is 6'1 and others say 5'11
I would believe that last one -
I know that the camera angle made the two men look about the same height today
but that is an illusion - Richard is taller than David
trust me - I have stood near enough to each of them to judge their height against my own

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 08:26 PM

And Sam, of course you stop by the one week I'm NOT a part of the DC. LOL.
Posted by bluesunflower 02/27/2009 at 08:31 PM

hi all,
The picture of the chickens has reminded me of a childhood memeory. My younger sister had a one legged pet chicken that she had rescued (from our farm) and raised from baby chick.
My unsentimental mother fed the chicken to us when it got big. My poor sister was absolutely traumatised and hasnt eaten chicken since, but this being Zimbabwe she hasnt had to have therapy.
Posted by Marcel in Montreal 02/27/2009 at 08:32 PM

jc - merci beaucoup
Posted by bluesunflower 02/27/2009 at 08:34 PM

What a cute picture
The picture of the chickens has reminded me of a childhood memeory. My younger sister had a one legged pet chicken that she had rescued (from our farm) and raised from baby chick.
My unsentimental mother fed the chicken to us when it got big. My poor sister was absolutely traumatised and hasnt eaten chicken since, but this being Zimbabwe she hasnt had to have therapy.

Thanks for the Venus link
Posted by Sam 02/27/2009 at 08:35 PM

*waves to beth & Whitney*

LOL Jackie. At least it's a start, right. ;-)

Hey Pspace - yeah, been really busy w/ work lately.
Posted by jb (Go Smiley Fed!!) 02/27/2009 at 08:36 PM

hey guys! just home. i seem to be watching tennis. it has that icky writing on the net, so i'm thinking it mite be live.

oh wait. dc. off topic. uh. i lurve doggies? is that good enough??! :))

jackie - i'll have my laptop; i, like missie apparently, never go anywhere without it! I also upload my pics daily, which means I never worry about filling up the memory card.

mhm... who the HAIL is almagro playing?
Posted by Whitney 02/27/2009 at 08:37 PM

Jackie - haha no one "special" lol

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 08:42 PM

Oooh, jb! I'm buying an extra memory card for peace of mind ... but in the event anything goes awry, would you mind being my backup? Hopefully "awry" stays far, far away from the trip. You never know, though. ;)

And yes, loving doggies is more than good enough.
Posted by bluesunflower 02/27/2009 at 08:43 PM

sorry for double post

I ve always wondered about the heights they give for players.
Cause Rafa and Federer are both listed as 6'1" but I m sure Roger always looks taller.

And do they update them for growing players (and weight as well).
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 08:49 PM

IMO - they do not update those bios very often
clearly , alot of the teen players heights are going to change
but , although the commentators sometimes mention
"he looks taller than that " the bios stay the same

weight ( particularly of the women) does not ever seem to change in the bios , either

See ,Jackie , jb will have her computer , too
so we can keep in touch with folks here

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 08:51 PM

Indeed, beth! Though I wouldn't mind keeping everyone in suspense. I'll have DC material for MONTHS. ;)
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 08:53 PM

OMG, jb. Watching how they make Cheetos on Food Network ...
Posted by bluesunflower 02/27/2009 at 08:54 PM

i m so jealous of all guys linking up and looking forward to living vicariously so no suspense please
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 08:56 PM

LOL, bluesunflower. Don't worry - you'll hear from us somehow. :)

So, the twisted puff Cheetos are baked, not fried. No more guilt!

Baked Cheetos are pretty swell, too.
Posted by Dunlop Maxply 02/27/2009 at 08:57 PM

Well, its T-minus 14 days to Dunlop Maxply's IW weekend. Note to Andrew, this time I'm at the Hyatt Grand Champions complete with available court.
Posted by jb (Go Smiley Fed!!) 02/27/2009 at 08:59 PM

lol - jackie - you can absolutely upload anything you need to, if necessary. but really dear, do we need to have a conversation about what happens in IW, STAYS in IW? :)) though I, innocent chile that i am, never has anything incriminating to talk about...

hee!

sam! dude! Whazzup?! hooray beer?! (though i should prolly be more eloquent, no? :)

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:01 PM

P.S. Unless we happen to beat ourselves to the punch, I was planning on using next week's DC to set up IW meeting times/spots. Be on the lookout for it, all y'all who are coming!
Posted by Sam 02/27/2009 at 09:01 PM

LOL jb - hooray beer indeed!
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:01 PM

personally like the suspense mode
but, we don't want to torture everyone

I love the what happens in IW , stays in IW
I , unlike jb , am not always so innocent

Dunlop - you are going to be there , too ?

Posted by jb (Go Smiley Fed!!) 02/27/2009 at 09:02 PM

holy crap jackie! do i want to know?

*scrambles to find the food network channel*

DM - I'm at the Hyatt also - if you and andrew are playing - i need to know the 'match' time. er, spectators won't bother you will they? (actually, i volunteer to be the ball girl!)
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:02 PM

HA, jb. I'm not gonna come back from this trip the same, am I.
Posted by greenhopper 02/27/2009 at 09:04 PM

baked cheetos? what's the point?
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:05 PM

woo hoo , Jackie
You go , girl
well , at least , we know that Jenn is planning on tempting you with an adult beverage
so - you can at least say you have become a drinker like the rest of us
and hopefully , you will be tan :)

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:09 PM

greenhopper, they're DELISH. Don't knock it 'til you try it. :)

beth, I can only hope that's the extent of it! And gotta tell you, Jenn's gonna have to work some magic to get me to drink ... about 382 others before her haven't succeeded. HOWEVER, add some tennis boys to the mix and I MIGHT be persuaded. ;)
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:10 PM

jackie - you know the french have wine with every meal
right ?

Posted by bluesunflower 02/27/2009 at 09:11 PM

night guys
I ll leave you to all your planning. Just plan to dish everything as well, lol.
Its middle of the night in UK so hopefully Venus will keep her foot on the accelerator
Posted by jb (Go Smiley Fed!!) 02/27/2009 at 09:12 PM

jackie - well, you may not. In certain circles, i'm thought to be a bad influence, i howwever, attribute it to the er, bad company i tend to keep... heee! :)))
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:15 PM

Oui, beth. I'm not ready to follow suit just yet, though; Gilles would have to ACTUALLY propose for me to consider doing as the Frenchies do. :)
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:16 PM

Night, bluesunflower!
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:27 PM

well - THEN - you would have to adapt to the customs of your adopted new home :)
you might as well join in the party , girl
we allready have 2 designated drivers

Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:30 PM

jb - you? a bad influence ?
I don't believe it

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:31 PM

Who are the 2?
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:33 PM

Jenn - cause she is pregnant
and Missie - cause she will only be 18

Posted by jb (Go Smiley Fed!!) 02/27/2009 at 09:33 PM

exactly beth! i am SOOOO not a bad influence (says the woman who just made her house guest a black russian.... )

:)

i also firmly believe in someone's right to say no thank you to GE's. just so they don't frown on me saying yes pulease...:)
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:34 PM

OMG, JENN IS PREGNANT? DID I KNOW THIS?

*faints*
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:35 PM

jb - I would call that being a good hostess
and of course, you are right , Jackie should not be forced into doing something that would make her uncomfortable
so she can also be a designated driver
cause I have a feeling that Missie is going to ditch us old folks at the first opportunity

thank god for cabs

Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:36 PM

Jackie - I thought you did
she posted it on the blog a while back
I have known for a long time - but waited for her to put the news on the blog before I said anything

she and Paul are very , very happy and excited about the new arrival
due in August

Posted by Shelley 02/27/2009 at 09:36 PM

Jackie - are you really meeting Gilles Simon in St. Barts? I am confused! This is my first post as well!
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:37 PM

Shelley - welcome

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:37 PM

Oh man. I hate being DD, so I guess I HAVE to drink, right? ;)
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:39 PM

Jackie ? do you need smelling salts ?

Shelly - Jackie is not really meeting up with Gilles in St Barts
she does have a thing for him though
and we are going to do our best in IW
to see to it
that he has a thing for Jackie and ditches the gf :)

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:39 PM

Welcome, Shelley!

And ... let's just say Pete has an active imagination. ;)

Holy heck, had no idea about Jenn! Now I feel bad - she has to babysit my butt when she actually has a REAL baby on the way!
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:41 PM

don't worry about Jenn
she can hold her own
she just gets a bit tired at the end of the day , these days
the babysitting practice can only help her, right ?

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:41 PM

That's right, beth!

(My goodness, if Gilles ever read any of this, he'd call the cops on me at first sight.)
Posted by Shelley 02/27/2009 at 09:41 PM

oh ok...I get it! I have a thing for him too but I am a huge Rafael Nadal fan. Have fun in IW! I am thinking of going to Monte Carlo in April. I have been to Cincinnati before as well and it was awesome.

Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 09:42 PM

no , Jackie
he would be flattered
you are not out boiling bunnies or anything
like that nutjob in the old movie

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:44 PM

HAHAHAHAHA, BETH! No indeed.

Shelley, where do you live? Ohhhh, I'd LOVE to go to MC. Seems like paradise.
Posted by jb (Go Smiley Fed!!) 02/27/2009 at 09:44 PM

holy crap! jenn is pregnant?! due right before the us open? dang!how the heck did i miss that?!
Posted by Shelley 02/27/2009 at 09:46 PM

I live in Maryland. Just outside of Washington, D.C...the drive to Cincy was horrible (8 hours) but it was worth it. I have a friend who is living in Vienna, Austria and I am going to visit her in April. I have never been to Europe and I wanted to go to a European tennis tournament while I was over there. The only thing is that I don't speak French, which makes me nervous because if I do go to MC I will be going by myself.
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:50 PM

Shelley, isn't Cincy FABULOUS?! You going again this year? We'll have to arrange a TW get-together.

As for MC, don't let the language thing stop you - I'm sure you'll still have a tremendous time! I'll try to pull some strings with Gilles ... maybe he can help you out. ;)
Posted by Shelley 02/27/2009 at 09:54 PM

HAHAHAHA! Yes, please let Gilles know about me and see if he could be my personal tour guide when I go to MC! I would love that, hehehehe! I went to Cincy in 2007 because I did an internship there and I loved it! I would love to go back this year but I am still looking for a job. I graduated from college in May of last year and still have not been able to find a steady job. It is horrible!
Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 09:59 PM

Aw, Shelley. Rough times for so many. You'll make it, though - fingers crossed for you! (Can I ask what field you're interested in?)

Hmmm. And Jenn has to pick me up from the airport at, like, 11PM. Barf for her. I best make someone else get me. I want her to get her rest!
Posted by Pspace 02/27/2009 at 10:00 PM

Btw, do a bunch of you/us go to the USO early rounds? None of my friends is worth taking to a match, 'cos they don't know anything. And, I have to keep explaining.
Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 10:01 PM

Oh , Shelley - so sorry about the job market
My son is a college senior and is having a horrible time finding a summer internship because of the job market
at least he has one more year in school
enjoy Monte Carlo - if you have an I phone - there are language applications that can help you with some simple phrases in French - give them a try

Jb - I cannot believe you did not know either ?
I am sure Jenn posted the news during the AO one night

Posted by beth 02/27/2009 at 10:02 PM

jackie - no worries
Jenn lives very close to the airport
that should not be an issue
trust me , if she has a problem - she will let you know

Posted by Jackie 02/27/2009 at 10:03 PM

Pspace, I've never been ... but I feel like a lot of the TWibe attends. And if I WERE to go, it'd def be early.

And I can empathize. I'd much rather be alone than with someone who doesn't give a hoot about tennis.
Posted by jb (Go Smiley Fed!!) 02/27/2009 at 10:03 PM

Pspace - i went wed - monday last year, and will prolly do the same this year.... if you want to go in then - let me know. sigh - i lurve it. SO much tennis; tennis tennis everywhere!
Posted by Shelley 02/27/2009 at 10:04 PM

Thanks for the finger crossing! I want to work in sports communication (marketing, public relations, etc.) and specifically in tennis. I love tennis and I ultimately want to work in the communications department at an ATP/WTA tournament. That is on the back burner for now though because right now I just need a job. Any job I can get!

Posted by Shelley 02/27/2009 at 10:07 PM

Beth - so sorry for your son! The job market is just so bad right now that comapnies are not even taking free labor (interns). I hope the job market gets better before your son graduates from college. Thanks for the tip about the iPhone! I will try it :+)
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