Played Art R for the third time and this time won 6-0, 6-1. Just sliced the ball in the corners, he can't run. Next played some doubles and some guy who's name I never heard in singles. Beat him 6-4,7-6. Think he was deceptively good. Afterwards found out it was Ron H who was actually ranked above me, lol. The guy had no passing shots... I guess that moves me up to 7th in the league. He could run and didn't hit errors but also I've added two things of duct tape as a bumper guard and to make my racket heavier (6.1 prostaff stretch)(enlarged sweet spot/more power). Made my serve bigger. Don't think I need it any bigger now. Hurt my groundstrokes, hitting errors on slices I normally wouldn't hit. But I think in the long term it's a good thing. Started just hitting topspin forehands and they were better than usual also. Slower swing thus more controlled. The slice is just maybe a more delicate thing now.

Also served and volleyed more than ever before. Normally I just don't physically feel quite like sprinting up to the net over and over again. I think using the elliptical with a weighted backpack has strengthened my legs, also jumping in place for now 4 minutes straight most days. Don't expect that matters as much but can't say for certain.

Really getting a game now where it's hard to break my serve. IOW a pro style game.

The weighted racquet helps my volleys for the most part also I think. Will take some getting used to.

Finally my elbow didn't bother me at all for the first time in a very long time. Clearly thanks to the added weight.

Wish I had used the prostaff stretch against Jay C. Instead used the Prince Graphite Classic Longbody which doesn't hit as big of serves. Gave him an easier time in breaking my serve. Look forward to playing him again. Though I will need some time still to get used to the heavier racquet for groundstrokes.

Very lazy with the endurance running lately. Found myself breathing hard while playing tennis. Though played 2.5 hours (including hour of doubles which is no work) without tiring at all. Plus it's so damn cold out and don't really enjoy fast running on treadmill. Did elliptical with a 50 pound pack though. Think that's a really good thing to stay in good health.

Tuned my dulcimer to Emajor/C#minor. Funny how clumsy my left hand is relative to right, but working on it. It's really beautiful sounding. Enjoy it more than cello and compares well to piano even.