Sunday, February 20, 2011

Croquet explained…

Croquet has been traced back to the 1300s.  It is thought that it may have been an indoor version of lawn bowling, to be played in times of inclement weather.  It was then played in more confined spaces. The players enjoyed it enough to bring it back outside for the summer.  Originating in France, the game was called "paille-maille" which means ball-mallet.

This is what the field looked like before the teams croquetbegan playing.  Ideally, the playing field measures 100x50 feet, with two teams of four or more per field.  Dick and I won our two rounds, then moved on to the shoot out between the other winners.  We lost, but it was fun!

Dick is getting his shot all lined up.  It takes a few times croquet2to get the feel of the mallet, the feel of how hard to hit the ball, and the eye coordination to get the ball to go just where you want it to go.  It doesn’t always work out as planned, but it was definitely fun trying.  We had a lot of good laughs.  Fortunately, no one took themselves too seriously.

And the food (BBQ) was excellent, as were the wine and beer.  And the weather…simply divine.

Observations on Growing Older:
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE, SO ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.  

Who is gonna win the Daytona 500?  Do you care???

That’s it from paradise, y’all!

11 comments:

ivana said...

I like that landscape, with green trees. here is everything naked and dark!!!!
Fine, that you have fun, food and drink again!!!
Have also a great Sunday!!!
Here light foggy and cooler!!!!

Hugs!!!

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

well it's foggy this morning but the sun is out so it'll burn off soon. what a beautiful week we have had, yes? see you soon!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Barb said...

The first thing I noticed in your photos was the line of palm trees on the horizon! I might miss Florida a little tiny bit.

When I was growing up we played croquet with little metal hoops. Your white ones look much fancier!

I'm as young as I'll ever be? Awesome! I don't care who wins the race today as I haven't really been invested in NASCAR for 5 years or so. My favorite drivers either retired or were killed. Kinda took the wind out of my sails. But I'll be watching!

Big 'see you in 6 days' hugs! :]

Haley D. said...

Sounds like croquet was a hit!

I like your thought for today- I think! LOL

Sandee said...

How fun. I'm glad you and Dick won the first two rounds. Way to go. And you were worried. I knew you'd both do fine.

We are having BBQ ribs, homemade potato salad, asparagus and garlic bread for lunch today with our family. It's that big feed we were going to do about a month ago when hubby got sick. I get to see my great grand baby today. Woohoo.

Have a terrific day honey. We'll see each other next Sunday. I. Can't. Wait. Hugs. :)

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo! Looks like fun for everyone. The days are counting down. Sooo excited!!!!

Linda said...

Now that just looks like a lot of fun as well as quite civilized!

Good for you and Dick for winning those first two rounds!

See you in less than a week - I love saying that!

Willy said...

Willy played a little croquet when growing up. Not quiet the social sport at that time. Just a fun backyard game.

10-4 Willy

Debora Quigley said...

with wine and beer almost anything can be fun. we have a croquet set and you have inspired me to get it out this spring. I just can't remember the rules.That what the internet is for.

Joy said...

That does look like fun! Finding a flat place to set up would be the hardest part around here. Glad you had a good time, and I'm sure John G's will be equally as enjoyable!

jams o donnell said...

Ah sport as a diversion in between food courses. Now that I can go for!