On Easter Eve, La Boule d’Or, the San Francisco pétanque club hosted a party to honor Jacques Biscay, one of the founders of that club.
But this long-planned celebration almost didn’t happen. Around 3:00 am that morning, I was awakened by a very hard rain slamming my roof and I thought that our little party was a goner.
But Ubiquitous Ann had previously declared that “rain or shine, we will have that party” and absolutely nobody dared to interfere with the newly minted president of La Boule d’Or.
Around 9:00 am the rain had cleared, and a little later we drove to the city. We arrived at the pétanque field around 10:15 am to find a bunch of volunteers actively preparing snacks and drinks. By 11:00 am a sizable crowd (too numerous to mention all names) had assembled, and the small parking lot adjacent to the pétanque court was packed to the gills with cars.
Close to 11:30 am Jacques and Leonie Biscay materialized and were welcomed by Ann and her guests like Hollywood major leaguers. Recording devices of all kinds clicked madly everywhere and scores of photos were taken to immortalize this event.
Ann, who was firmly in charge of this affair, welcomed the guests who were also warmly greeted by their own children (Roger and Patricia) and their respective families.
In a little speech praising Jacques and Leonie, Ann also recognized old-timers (like Louis Toulon and Charles Davantes) for their own contributions to the sport of pétanque. Unfortunately, our own Charlie was indisposed and could not make it, but he called me this morning to tell me that he was back on his feet and ready to take on the world again.
A group photo was taken before lunch by various shutterbugs that included Bradshaw Frazer and me.
Lunch and drinks were offered, and everybody helped themselves to a variety of dishes.
After lunch, it was pétanque time and most of the guests gathered on the still moist field to enjoy a few games. Due to a still sore back, I chose to abstain and instead photograph the action around me.
Let’s not forget to thank Dynamo Ann for her extraordinary effort to promote this celebration and the success it deserved.
Atta girl Ann.
Alain
PS: I posted 2 photo albums today. One is called “Jacques Biscay morning” and the other one is called “Jacques Biscay afternoon”. Enjoy!