I’m lucky. I’ve never had any bad experiences. I hear people complain about terrible bosses or pain. I’ve never had any of those things so I am grateful.

I love tennis and I’m grateful to be a lot of play. That played as far back as college but I didn’t play very well. In high school I couldn’t play because I had this job in the afternoon. I was never in any sports in high school. I used to spend my time hunting and fishing and canoeing. I never got into group sports.

In college it was just an afternoon activity; I never got any lessons. Fifteen years ago I retired and moved to south gate. At that time I could play reasonably well.

Down there, there was a park with geezers of all ages and all nationalities. There was a Polish guy, a black guy, a Chinese guy, about six Vietnamese and a bunch of ordinary Americans. We all play together, first come, and first served. Very polite. No one gives a damn if they win or lose as long as they are having a good time and playing well.

I think that’s just wonderful. I’m very grateful that we have a setup like that where anyone can play.

Before I got a job in Puerto Rico I had a friend in La Jolla who had a spare room in her house. We decided to rent that room to get out of the vineyard winter. We came out here and I played a lot of tennis.

But it was a different kind of tennis. Everyone wanted to know my ranking and matches had to be lined up in advance. No one ever said: “let’s play.”

I can’t say that’s typical of California but I think it’s typical of La Jolla. Here in Santa Cruz I’ve met a fellow named Paul who is a wonderful guy. I’m having a good time.