The Phoenix Chestnut Chronicles

I can't remember when I first started playing tennis. Possibly junior high school. I remember hitting balls against a concrete wall. Seemed like fun. I had a cousin I'd hit balls with. We didn't play structured games, just hit balls and gain a comfortable and consistent forehand.  In high school I started playing real games. Learning how to keep score, change sides, etc. It stopped being fun. Seemed like torture. All I wanted to do was hit. I was playing against better players in PE class.  After high school I joined a racquet club with then intentions of playing regularly. Didn't happen. If the members didn't know you, they didn't want to play you. I was making next to nothing, but paying $65-$70 (in mid 90's dollars). It was an expense I couldn't keep up with so I quit the club. I enrolled in tennis classes at the local junior college. It enabled me to play twice a week. I liked it. In my mind I was a tennis player. I mean a TENNIS PLAYER. Looking back...

Hello all! I'm on a layover in Nashville. I just had a delicious plate of catfish, mac and cheese, and sweet potatoes. I'm as full as a tick as they say in the south. On my way to Florida for some R & R. Nashville seems to be my hub on these Florida trips.  Nashville has a great airport. Good country music all through the terminals. Good food. Ice cold beer. Funny thing is, I've been on the outskirts of Nashville, but never to Nashville proper. Someday ol' Phoenix Chestnut will walk the streets of Nashville and sing a country song.  My flight is delayed. I think I'll be here awhile. Until next time!