Overdue Update

Where does the time go? I have been meaning to update, but it seems like life just keeps getting in the way....so here's the short version of the past three months...

After returning home from Philadelphia, I had planned to play the Hard Court Nationals in September. Renee had to have shoulder surgery on her left shoulder, which was scheduled for early September. I just couldn't be away from work during the time she was in the early stages of recovery from the surgery. I made the decision quickly and without remorse to not play in Salinas.

Phil spent a good part of August in Destin. He suffered a foot injury playing in an event in Cleveland in late July. It kept him off the practice court and from preparing as he needs to for all of his upcoming fall nationals. After much deliberation and many sleepless nights, Phil decided that he just wasn't going to be ready to play this fall, and made the difficult decision to call his partner Tom Smith to let him know to start looking for another partner for the remaining three nationals. Having won the Golden Grand Slam with Tom last year, it was a very tough decision to make. Tom was very supportive and they have avowed to continue their partnership when Phil is back on the tournament scene. Since then, Tom has continued his winning ways by winning the Grass court nationals with Fred Robinson, and the Clay courts with Larry Turville. Tom is well on his way to winning another slam...he and Phil won the Indoors in March. If Tom can take the Hard courts in November playing with Fred, he will repeat as a Golden Slam winner. Very impressive!

Phil and I had a wonderful trip to New York over Labor Day for the US Open. He and Tom were given an award by the USTA for their phenomenal year last year. We were treated to accommodations at the Grand Hyatt and tickets to the matches for a couple of days. It was my first real experience in New York City. Loved it! We walked for blocks and blocks taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the city. My first trip to the Open was an awesome experience as well. The tennis, the crowds...a world's fair for tennis players....just awesome! We'll definitely return to New York and the US Open again someday. We were able to share the special weekend with Phil's two sons, Chris and Philip. Memory making times for all of us.

Phil and I are back in Destin now. After a short separation, with Phil in Columbus and me in Destin, we decided that life is so much better and easier together than apart. We haven't figured out all the details, we just know we don't want to be apart anymore. We have great faith in God, and a deep love and devotion for each other. We're taking one day at a time.

My next (and last) event for the year is in mid November in Naples, Florida. It is a team event. I will be playing on Florida's team against other sections of the USTA. It's a fun tournament and great way to end the tournament season. I've continued to do my fitness workouts with trainer Geoff and Phil has been working on the court with me. I'll be blogging the results from Naples.

Renee is recovering on schedule from her surgery and is back on the court doing some teaching. Snowbird season is around the corner...thanks to everyone who has kept up with me. I appreciate your continued love and support!

New York pictures below