My dad never bowled, although I think he would have been very good at it if he had because he was slow, even-tempered, methodical and smart. I tried several times to try getting him to go but he just had other things he'd rather do, like woodworking or fixing something for someone. My mom bowled in a ladies league with one of her friends and had me take bowling lessons with her friend's daughter. I liked it and later I started up a church bowling league--our first ever at a small neighborhood bowling alley--Bowl-o-drome!

The first year, we just had all teens with just one adult named Norm, the friendliest man I ever knew who was very fat and single his whole life. It was the most fun league I was ever in. Our best bowler had around a 160 average. I would figure the averages that night and my mom and I checked the score sheets (this was before automatic scoring when you actually had to use your brain and add yourself). Everyone enjoyed themselves and there was no arguing or bickering about anything. It was just a lot of fun!

At the end of the season, my dad suggested we have a party in our basement and he offered to buy trophies. He said any league needs to give trophies at the end, the kids deserve them. Obviously, the church wasn't really behind it. I guess there were some that were pretty upset we even had it under the church name at the lanes. Some people always find something to complain about--it seems like they feel it's their "job." Anyway, my dad and I went to pick out the trophies and everyone was thrilled that we had them.

Slowly, as the league continued, more adults joined and it became a family league. I continued on for many years but I eventually got tired of doing all the work so formed a bowling Committee to run it later. We charged a little extra the following years to cover trophies and food for a banquet. Still, the first year was the best!

UPDATED 5/14/09: You may want to join in on the free giveaway contest for my book at Red Pine Mountain.