Wimbledon, 2011

As a casual observer of tennis I am always glad when Wimbledon rolls around. Perhaps it is the strict adherence to all-whites against that emerald backdrop. Perhaps it is the occasional show of good cheer and good sportsmanship that is also known as fellowship. Perhaps the stiff upper lip in the face of certain hardship, perhaps the rainy weather. Certainly the recollection of a Pimm's Cup well-hoisted. And certain too that Ralph Lauren and Rolex have hitched their corporate images to a wagon far more storied than their own.

Still, it is a wonderful time of year, here in the middle of the heartland in the "middle" of my life, reminiscing about a younger day, engaged in sporting endeavors across the pond. Jackets still required. Grunting, not so much.