Monday, February 03, 2020

I HAD A BALL KEEPING MY EYE ON THE BALL






Around this time each year there’s something in the air.  Striking me down, it begins early January, without fail, year after year. My head swivels from left to right; east to west, and north to south.  The affliction continues through to early February. 

Luckily, my head hasn’t fallen off - not yet.  Any squeaking you may have heard probably was me.  Between my swivelling, creaking neck, and my creaking, non-swivelling hips, I desperately need an overhaul – a grease and oil change! 

Yep!  The Australian Summer of Tennis courted me from the beginning to the end.  Helplessly, I fall for its charms every year. Wonder upon wonder!  It’s the same old story, about the same old habit!  I try not to make a racket while, somewhere within those few weeks, I take time out every year to write about my addiction to yellow balls.   

So, this is the net result.  It’s the way the ball bounces. I can’t help it!  Love it, or loathe it...

I’ve an ace up my sleeve, though.  I don’t throw tantrums like some of the players do - at least, not in the public arena. 

One of the most disgusting displays I’ve seen on a tennis court was the performance by the arrogant, unlikeable French player, Benoit Paire during the ATP competition. Paire not only threw childish, aggressive tantrums, smashing racquets and tossing bottles onto the court, but he belittled himself even further when he performed the lowest of low acts. He spat on the court.   

His despicable, disgusting conduct not only disrespected his host country, but also his team, and his own country. His belligerent, repugnant behaviour sure ain’t cricket, and it sure ain’t tennis. 

We’re used to seeing raw emotions let loose on the court, and it is understandable with the power of adrenaline flowing through the player’s veins, along with the will to do one’s best...but spitting is taking it a bridge too far.

The abhorrent behaviour Paire displayed certainly wasn’t/isn’t a good example to set for young kids who aspire to become tennis players, or for any kind of player in the game of life.  What a pathetic creature he is! If it were in my hands, I'd boot him right out of the game...forever!

More of the Barty Party, please.  Our humble, down-to-earth Ash is a contrasting story. Ash is a strikingly different human being...one of a most positive kind - one worth emulating.  Taking it in her stride with grace and dignity, she was positive in defeat.

Alex “Demon” de Minaur has captured our hearts.  His growth as a player unfolds before our eyes. His youthful enthusiasm is contagious. What a pity injury caused him to pull out of the Australian Open.

When Rafa plays, I’m watching. Unashamedly, I am an avid Rafa fan.  I always have been from when I first saw him play about 16 years ago. Similar applies to Gentleman Roger.  Both are class personified...win or lose. Every young player with dreams should aspire to be like Rafa and The Fed-Express. True role models - each is a credit to his country, his loved ones, and to the game of tennis. 

The young US player, Sofia Kenin who beat our Ash in the semi-finals and went on to hold up the Aus Open Women’s trophy is a player to watch in the future.  She has many more wins ahead of her.  Her determination is palpable; her personality is bright and heart-warming.  Let’s hope she never loses her natural charm, or her positivity.

Freely, I admit I did jump for joy...not literally (I’d be still trying to get up off the floor, if literal)..,when I learned Bernard Tomic didn’t qualify to even place his little toe on the courts at Melbourne for the Australian Open.   My opinion of Tomic will never change...but enough of that.  I think you get the message....

In conclusion...we’ve all been frustrated and infuriated many times over by Nick Kyrgios.  I know I’ve wanted to wring his neck more than once. However, praise when and where praise is due; respect when respect is deserved. 

There’s no denying Nick is a brilliant tennis talent, despite his all too often exasperating on-court conduct during past matches.  

Nevertheless, through the 2020 Summer of Tennis he demonstrated admirable personal maturity on the court.

After his loss to Rafa in their stunning face-off, during his press conference Nick said; 

"I feel I've made progress as a human; a tennis player, I don't really care about as much."  

To make such a personal, open admission to the “world” takes a lot of guts.   There would be many older and wiser than Nick Kyrgios who would find it difficult to utter those words out loud to an ever-eager audience waiting to jump on their every word.

Before the competitions commenced Nick promised he would donate $200.00 for every ace he served.  During the Aus Open tournament alone, he served 100 aces.

Grill’d Burgers promised to double his donation.  Sportsbets donated $1000.00 for every ace...all for Bushfire Relief. Others followed suit. 

 Nick Kyrgios was the brain behind the fundraising night of nights of centre court action to raise funds for the bushfire appeal. It was Nick’s idea.  Greats such as Serena Williams, Rafa, Federer, Djokovic participated.  $4.8 million was raised that night.  On top of that, Nadal and Federer each contributed $250,000.00 to the bushfire relief.   

And the list of goodwill from the players continued to grow.... 

Kyrgios’ compassionate off-court actions prove he is a caring, humble young man, liked and respected by his peers. Nick has proven he has a kind, generous heart. 

For the past few years, 24 year old Nick Kyrgios has had a vision.  He fulfilled that vision by starting the NK Foundation...”a foundation that creates a safe place where underprivileged youth can frequent to play the sports they dream about, and take shelter if needed.”   The facility has tennis courts, basketball courts, a gym, a pool and dorms, giving children refuge. 

On the quiet, out of the public eye, Nick also spends time with sick children. Before and after games he finds time and energy to bond with seriously ill kiddies, undercover, not seeking publicity.   

The people who operate Camp Quality, the Australian children’s cancer charity...Camp Quality’s chief executives have only the highest of praise for Nick...for the work he does on behalf of, and with the sick children.

Our wheelchair champion, a champion not only in the game of tennis, but a champion person of good character, with a fun, mischievous personality... the one and only Dylan Alcott knows Nick very well.  Dylan, also, has only praise for the young man.
  
Nick Kyrgios doesn’t blow his own trumpet about the good he does for others, particularly for under-privileged kids; nor does he expect thanks for his generosity of spirit.  But, praise and thanks he deserves; “Thank you, Nick!”  

The Open closed on Sunday, 3rd February.  I dropped the yellow ball, and hung up  my racquet, but then I had a larger ball with which to play...Super Bowl Monday (Aussie time).   

After years of watching the Super Bowl...a tradition that started when Randall, my now late ex-husband arrived home from the US.  From when Randall set foot back on home turf, he and I watched the Super Bowl.  Even when we were apart...up until last February...February, 2019.... Randall and I spoke via telephone on Super Bowl day, discussing “this and that” about the game and the half-time entertainment.   For years he explained the “ins and outs” of the game to me, to little, or no avail. 

D’Oh!  I still don’t entirely understand the game rules.  To be honest, I haven’t a clue, but I’m always a spectator, even if none the wiser.  I’m a slow learner...

Nonetheless, for whatever reason, this year’s game I understood more than any other I’ve watched over the years.   

It was a nail-biting game – for the spectators, not the players (they didn’t have time to bite their nails.  The half-time entertainment with J Lo, Shakira, J Lo’s young daughter, and the superb back-up dances was absolutely spectacular!  Breathtaking!

Mozzarella Chicken Balls: Combine 454g ground chicken, 2 large eggs,1/3c breadcrumbs, 1/3c grated Parmesan, 1tsp salt, 1/2tsp pepper, 1/2tsp each dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, and garlic powder. Shape into small balls; press a ball of bite-sized mozzarella balls into each. Reseal mixture around mozzarella, covering it completely. Then roll them in the flour, one at a time, to coat. Shake off any excess; set aside. Preheat oven 175C; heat a little olive oil in a skillet over med-high. Once oil has warmed, add in half of the balls; cook until browned, turning often. Once brown, remove them from skillet, and add the second batch. When those are brown, remove from heat; transfer the balls to a sprayed baking dish. Cook in oven 15mins. Serve with Marinara Sauce:- Combine in saucepan, 2x400g canned crushed tomatoes, 1x400g can diced toms, 1tsp each dried parsley, basil and oregano, 1tsp salt, 3 crushed garlic cloves, ½ onion, minced, a pinch of chilli flakes, to taste and pinch of black pepper, to taste. Bring to boil, then simmer over lower heat up to an hour.

Cheesy Rice Balls: In a bowl, combine 3c cooked rice, 1c cooked, chopped bacon, 1/2c shredded mozzarella, 1/2c grated Parmesan, 1c bread crumbs, and eggs, mix well.  With wet hands grab a handful of the mixture; firmly press into a ball (not into a tennis ball...but into the shape of a ball, silly!)  Coat the rice balls in bread crumbs.  Preheat oil to 170C.  Fry the balls 3-5mins or until golden; drain on paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt. Serve with marinara sauce.

Kickin’ Whopping Great Cheese Ball: Heat a large skillet over med-high heat. Add 6 diced bacon rashers; cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 mins. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. In a small bowl, combine half of the bacon, 1/4c chopped pecans and 2tbs chopped fresh parsley; set aside.  In bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat 454g room temp cream cheese, 1c shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/4c crumbled goat cheese, 2tbs salad dressing, 1tsp Worcestershire and remaining bacon and 2tbs chopped parsley on med-high until well combined and fluffy, about 1-2 mins. Cover; chill for at least 2hrs, or overnight. Shape mixture into a ball; roll in the prepared bacon-pecan mixture.  Serve with crackers.  

27 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:43 PM

    I heard a little about the behaviour of Paire, but I didn't realise how bad it was. I agree, kick him out. I agree about Tomic. Good riddance. I wasn't aware of Kyrios' good works. Bumps him up considerably in my estimation but he did come from at once a very low point. As usual, it was a great atmosphere here in Melbourne but I'm not looking forward to the less great atmosphere of the next event, the Grand Prix.

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    1. Hi Andrew...Nick has had a rocky ride, but what goes on, and has gone on for a number of years...out of view of the public eye - behind the scenes...what he prefers to keep as private as much is possible when in such a public role...is very admirable. He has done, and is doing so much good.

      Throughout the Aus Open...and the ATP tournaments prior to the Open...every time anyone mentioned his good work in his presence in interviews, you could see Nick cringe, trying to make himself as small as possible. He never expanded upon the questions and comments. He purposely diffused the situation. For that, alone, I believe he deserves praise.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  2. Okay I am going to talk about the Superbowl halftime performance - I thought it was horrible!

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    1. Hi Sandie...I thought the half-time entertainment was tremendous - high octane - highly charged. . We are allowed to disagree! :)

      Thanks for coming by! :)

      Delete
  3. Benoit Paire, didn't see his performance as a disgusting brat, missed that and just as well.
    Nick, he is doing well behind the scenes with his very kind heart. He's was a bit of a hot head but seems he's improving and I was proud of him and enjoyed watching him in the Australian Open.
    Watch the tennis every night but not that often during the day, but did see Barty..

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    1. G'day, Margaret. Paire disgusted me!I'll never watch him play again. His attitude is demeaning...degrading. Say no more!

      Nick, apparently, from what I heard very briefly one day, is received help from a sports psychologist...which is great. It would be such a shame to see his gift, his talent as a tennis player squandered. With the right guidance, I do believe he can go far. Lleyton has taken him under his wing, too...and has faith in him. It seems to be working favourably.

      The weather was far too hot and humid here over the past couple of weeks to get overly-energetic...for me, anyway...so being a sloth watching the tennis, day and night, was my chosen pastime. Even so, I still found myself sweating as much as the players! Not perspiring...sweating!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. Well that is wonderful for Nick to have or'allow' people into help him for it seems to be working.
      Yes, sweating, understand that! (Especially up your way in summer and yes, have been up your way in summer)

      Delete
    3. Hi again, Margaret...the horrendous heat and humidity we had been having, thankfully, left us on Tuesday...for a while anyway. Today and yesterday are the first days I've not had my fans...pedestal fans...running non-stop 24/7. We're having some most welcome rain here on the hill today. I just love the rain...and the no sweating! lol

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  4. Cheese Ball!! I haven't seen a cheese ball since the days of Tupperware parties. When Tupperware was actually affordable.
    Rafa? Pat Rafter? I like Pat Rafter and Roger Federer too, although I don't watch the tennis. I see Roger Federer on the news in the sports segment and that's about as much tennis as I can handle. Truthfully, my eyes don't focus fast enough to be able to keep an eye on the ball and I really can't stand all that useless grunting.

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  5. Nice to hear good things about Nick Kyrios.

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    1. Hey, River...Rafa...as in Rafael Nadal...

      The grunting doesn't bother me...the players put a lot of physical effort, power, into their strokes. It's understandable in most instances, in my opinion.

      I understand tennis is not to everyone's liking...but it is to mine. :)

      Pat Rafter's grandparents, his mother (Jocelyn) and his uncle (Lloyd) (his mother's brother) were neighbours of ours during my childhood and teenage years in Gympie. They lived in the street up behind us. Lloyd, Pat's uncle was in the same classes/school years as my late older brother.

      Pat Rafter's grandfather was an expert in the art of topiary. He shaped shrubs in their large yard into emus, kangaroos, koalas...all types of creatures. Somewhere previously I wrote about it here in my blog. His garden and the "creatures" therein were much admired by the townsfolk.

      And, yes...it is good to hear of Nick's generosity. He's doing good things for others.

      Guess what? I've never in my life been to a Tupperware party! lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  6. Glad you enjoyed it - and that Nick Kyrgios continues to turn his life (and that of others) around.
    I really don't watch a lot of television and even less sport, but different strokes...

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    1. Yes, EC...it is different strokes for different folks. I do what pleases me...I live alone...and my two furry mates are pretty happy watching what I watch.

      I read a lot; I write a lot; I do crossword - cryptic and the normal - I watch series and documentaries that I wish to watch - ones that suit my liking...mostly via streaming services which allow me to binge. There is little worth watching on free-to-air television.

      And, I enjoy watching the tennis, in particular the Aus Open...with it being in the same time zone helps! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  7. My husband and children enjoyed playing tennis but I, being sports disabled and tending to duck when any ball is thrown at me, have never really been one to watch games or tournaments. I did, for awhile, get into watching professional football. I have a Super Bowl party every year for friends but spend most of my time in the kitchen getting food for my guests. This year I did get a chance to sit down and watch the last five minutes of the game and it was great fun and very exciting. It was all I needed to watch.

    Many sports figures are very generous with their time and resources to help others and bring attention to good causes. Good people ware all kinds of uniforms.

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    1. Hi, Arleen...you are correct...there are many good people in all kinds of uniforms...and many of them prefer to fly under the radar, not seeking publicity for their good deeds.

      I enjoyed playing tennis when I was much younger than I am now...but I was pretty useless at the game...I either missed the ball or when I did hit...I hit it for miles, not just over the net, but over the high fences/boundaries as well! lol

      I used to play basketball, too...again many, many years ago. Swimming and body surfing were my favourite activitiees, on the sporting side of things, though.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  8. Replies
    1. Hey Cosmo...bolt the door behind it! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  9. Good sportsmanship should be their first, best quality; it's a joy to hear about those who do behave that way.

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    1. True, messymimi. Many allow their false feelings of self-importance rule.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  10. Kudos to you for taking such interest in tennis!
    Judging by the above yummi recipes you are a fan not only of tennis balls but also of cheese balls.

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    1. G'day, DUTA. I've always liked watching the tennis, DUTA. I played when I was much younger...but not well! lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  11. It seems like child-like bad manners by persons in the public eye, that should be setting a totally different example, is in vogue right now.

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    1. Hey there, Sandra...You can accept some show of emotions...that is expected from anyone, but not the idiot behaviour of some who step way over the line! They're brainless idiots behaving worse than a two-year old throwing a tantrum.

      Thanks for coming by...take care. :)

      Delete
  12. My mom always made a cheese ball for Christmas (- the bacon:) I think of her whenever I see one.
    Hope you are having a great day.

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    1. Hi again, Sandra....I'm going to settle in and watch the Academy Awards presentations etc., today...a full...lazy...day planned!!! :)

      thanks for popping in again. :)

      Delete
  13. Minus the bacon, those cheese balls are right up my alley.
    Hope you are having a great one.

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  14. I used to follow tennis quite avidly when younger … but not so much these days.

    What's not to like about Mozzarella Chicken Balls :)

    All the best Jan

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