The leaves are starting to turn where I live. The midwest will soon be a blaze of oranges, golds, and reds. The golds have already popped on the parkway I travel every day.
Fall is my favorite time of year, and I don’t think I’m alone in that feeling. The hot, sticky summer turns into a cooler, drier autumn, which makes being outside much more pleasant for me. One of the things I do outdoors during the summer and fall is play tennis with Charlotte once a week.
We meet at the P & C tennis courts, easy to get to from both of our houses. I like playing in the fall because quite frankly I think I’m getting too old to be exerting that much energy in the extremely hot temperatures summer can bring. Plus, playing in the fall season reminds me of when Charlotte and I both used to play on the high school tennis team, which was a fall sport.
Oh yes, Charlotte and I both look like this, running and leaping like stags.
Our high school tennis coach died not too long ago, but I bet he’d be very proud to see that Charlotte and I are still playing. I’m impressed with Charlotte being able to play so well with her brand new hip! After last night it seems apparent that I might have to get some brand new knees. With our bionics we’d probably play better than we did in high school.
After our tennis date I went home and a storm rolled in. I soaked in a warm bath feeling the endorphins of the evening’s exercise putting a smile on my face.
When the cooler temperatures become downright cold, or when it becomes too dark outside to see a fluorescent green tennis ball, Charlotte and I will pack away our racquets until next summer. For now we’re going to continue to play during these autumn days, enjoying the cooler, colorful evenings and sisterly bonding.
Note to Charlotte: Sorry about that last phrase, “sisterly bonding.” It sounds really sappy, but technically that’s what it is. Plus those people reading this blog post will think we’re like sisters portrayed in a movie; you know those kind who hug each other all the time? Blog readers really dig that stuff.
Auntie B's Wax 
Adorable story Sara and I love the tennis pic, you had me laughing. Enjoy the tennis and the sisterly bonding lol. I might add I am seriously thinking of doing the November novel writing challenge as scary as that sounds…thanks to you!
Do it !!!!!
I’ve always admired people who played tennis. It seems to take some skill–and I can see how hot it would be in the summer. How wonderful you have a friend that you’ve played with for so many years. Yes, your coach would be proud.
Oh yes, tennis takes a great amount of skill and concentration. *she smirks with the sarcasm* I shouldn’t mock your admiration though. Charlotte and I do the best we can in our current conditions, which I suppose is admirable in itself. And yes, it’s nice to be able to play with someone you’ve played with for years. I think I can safely say that as tennis partners we’ll never be unfaithful to each other, not only out of familiarity, but also to avoid being laughed at by others.
Thanks for your comment, Kathy!