Sorry, I didn't really know what to title this.  Just wanted to rant a little.

I recently moved to Florida and have been bowling in different houses around here just to get ready for next years league.

It's a known fact that leagues are way down.  It sure is evident in this area.  Out of the 6 houses I've been in, only 2 have any daytime business.  One is the Sunday morning pot games we have that draw about 40 people, the other is a little 16 lane house that is pretty busy most afternoons.

I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to bowling.  Keep the place clean, keep the equipment operating.  Some oil would be nice but I figure the lanes belong to the owner so he gets to dress them the way he likes.

I think I've been to each house 5-6 times, bowled about 6 games each time.  Only one house bothered to see if I was interested in a league.  You probably guessed it, the little 16 lane house, the one with the business during the day.

The first time I walked in the owner walked up, introduced himself and welcomed me to his alley.  The second time I came in I threw about 3 games and he came up and asked me if I would like to sub for a team that was short a bowler that day.

I guess I've found my new home.

I had really expected every house to jump at the chance to add a bowler, then we wonder why leagues are falling by the wayside.
--------------------
~~~SrK - Have balls, will travel

Spending the kids inheritance one tournament at a time.

SrK .. I know exactly what you are talking about! I was shocked when I visited the Centers in NC when I first arrived 6 years ago . There were times when I was the only bowler in the house.

I found 5 centers within driving range and like you paid a visit to each one of them. After a month or two I started looking for someone to talk too .. 90% of the time I'd be by myself! Coming from NY I found it unbelievable that the center was so deserted .. we always had afternoon Women, junior or senior leagues that kept activity in the house before full leagues started around 6 or 6:30 PM.

Eventually I had to search for leaflets that described available leagues. Then the big shocker .. ALL MIXED LEAGUES .. that really threw me. I started with SENIOR leagues in three different houses. Now I'm on two adult leagues in the evenings and still with two of the Senior leagues. I bowl in three different centers on 4 different days.

There are a lot of good bowlers here and I can blend in fairly well. I find the FEMALES are excellent bowlers .. that was a little bit surprising! Also have to tell you that it wasn't easy getting in with some of the old timers .. they were a little stand off .. however they loosened up after a while.

Got to the point where I look forward to my leagues. Made a lot of new friends and I've learned the lanes .. fact is I've picked my average up a few points since joining the GOOD OLD SOUTH!

Lots of luck .. I know you are going to raise the group to your level of thinking in NO TIME at all!
--------------------
Hit them light and watch them fight
      J O E - F A L C O