Rugger

I played the position of blindside, wing forward for the first XV. My job was to ensure that the fly half of the other team did not sneak past the scrum by going to the blindside. I was lucky that "Tank" Adams played on the second row of the scrum, also on the blindside. This meant that I was not expected to give much of a push during a scrum. I could break away quickly to ensure that the opposing fly half didn't get very far if he chose to run on my side of the scrum. I had one unusual skill. I was an effective dribbler when the ball came loose, usually able to advance it several yards toward the goal before an opposing player could fall on it. These talents enabled me to be awarded my colors relatively early in the season, in contrast to the rather pathetic performance I gave in soccer.

Soccer

At Port Regis, the equivalent of earning a letter, was being awarded "colors." First XI colors were awarded to the ten other members of our first team, a fact indicated by wearing stockings with a bright red band at the top. Second XI colors resulted in red and white bands at the tops of stockings. I was the center forward for the first XI, but for several weeks, I played wearing the second XI colors I had previously earned. Finally, after several weeks, I became the last member of the team to be awarded first XI colors. If you draw the conclusion that I was really not a very good soccer player, you would be right.

Squash

The rules of squash are easy to learn, and it is great fun to watch two well matched players as they complete. There was a court at the naval college in Dartmouth, which is where I learned to play the game. Of course, the regime at Dartmouth virtually forced us to remain fit- and one needs to be fit to be successful at squash. For many years, I did not play the game, but soon after joining Barbara at 1000 Spruce Street, I suggested we try to take up the game. It was not a success. Although I believe I was in reasonably good shape at the time, I no longer had the stamina that I enjoyed as a teenager. I believe that we had access to the squash courts at the UC, but I think we only once tried to play a game there. I just could not move around quickly enough, and so I abandoned this excellent game before my 40th birthday.

Softball

Although American truck drivers were stationed at Filton, near Bristol in 1943. And we probably had an opportunity to see them engaging in some sporting activities, I did not play any softball until the college moved up to Eaton Hall sometime toward the end of 1943. All British boys knew how to pay "Rounders" the somewhat elementary form of the same game. I was a weak batter, did not pitch, and could not throw in from the outfield. I played short stop adequately and performed well in the game without displaying any particular talent.

Hockey

No, not ice hockey- field hockey! We were trained at the naval college to be able to play a wide variety of sports, because when we were "showing the flag" around the world to expatriate Brits, we would often engage in an informal game. I can only actually remember one game of hockey, and I don't think I distinguished myself in anyway. However, I do remember that one would not need a playing field of grass: field hockey could be played on any reasonably level pitch. I don't remember that we ever brought our own hockey sticks with us, instead relying on borrowed equipment.

Croquet

It has been many years since I last played croquet. A sport in which I performed quite well. Some croquet players indulge in a practice I deplore. When they succeed in striking their ball to touch an opponents, they pick up their ball, place it next to the one they have hit, and plant a foot on their own ball while striking it hard enough to send the other ball a long distance away. This eliminates the skillful tactic of sending the other ball far away, without picking up one's own ball. One advantage of croquet is that it can be successfully played on a small lawn, perhaps as small as a quarter of the space between the lines of the tennis court. We no longer have any of the equipment: mallets, balls, hoops, and the stick which is the final target in the classic form of the game. I miss it all.

The Four Seasons?

It amuses me when someone writes that a certain day is the "official" first day of summer Who is the official who ordains this? I have never understood why (in the USA, at least) Midsummer Day is considered the first day of the summer season. In the northern hemisphere, for example, Spring arises earlier in Italy than in Norway To me, seasons are not governed by the calendar. "Spring will be a little late this year" shows the better usage. Tulips and daffodils, for instance, don't make their appearance on a given calendar day. I like that cheeky ribald rhyme, which goes like this: Hooray, Hooray, the First of May: Outdoor (bonking) begins today!