Au Cochonnet Marin

Yesterday’s “One on One” tournament in Marin County took place under mild weather conditions and featured 32 participants. A total of 3 timed games were played in the morning, with 2 in the afternoon.

Memorable Matches

Very many good games were played simultaneously, and it was impossible to cover them all in their entirety. To be fair, I just caught a few minutes of a particular game before moving to the next one.

A particularly outstanding game unfolded in the afternoon, between Giuseppe Gadaleta and Hamid El Qarei, originally from Morocco. Hamid, a relatively unknown and unassuming player from Sacramento, surprised everybody with his skills and tenacity. He turned out to be a surprisingly good shooter and a dogged opponent.

This match turned into a nail-biting contest, with Giuseppe narrowly securing victory with a score of 13 to 12.

The Finals

In the finals, Giuseppe faced Kevin in a match marked by widely contrasting playing styles. Giuseppe displayed a vibrant and well-rounded technique, while Kevin impressed with his steady mastery of the “plombé” technique. He scored great points which might have unsettled his opponent.

The surprising outcome 13/6 in favor of Kevin highlighted the diversity and talent present at the event.

Concours:

1^st place: Kevin Evoy $110.00
2^nd place: Giuseppe Gadaleta $97.00
3^rd place: Hans Kurz $76.00

Consolante:

1^st place: Ron Rohlfes $57.00
2^nd place: Patrick Vaslet  ???

Alain

Pictures at the usual spot

The longer you work on a project, the more precious it becomes—and the harder it is to let go.

Blogging is therapeutic medicine. When something upsets you, instead of venting to your wife or a handful of friends, you can share your thoughts with a broader audience… On a blog. You jump on your computer and let your emotions flow.

But as I grow older (and wearier), I’ve often asked myself whether it was time to hang up my hat and walk away with my millions. After much reflection, I’ve decided to stop publishing my blog and allow myself some well-earned rest.

Like tending a bonsai tree, each post, comment, and update shaped the blog into something living—at times unruly, at others soft, but always compassionate. Over the years, I watched it grow alongside me, reflecting shifting interests, moods, and life’s changing rhythms.

Humans (and animals, too) need regular mental stimulation and physical activity to thrive. You have to keep challenging your mind—and your body—if you hope to remain in good working condition for a decent time.

And honestly, the expenses for keeping this blog afloat for over ten years have reached the point where I could probably own a small herd of alpacas by now.

Since no one ever offered me a luxury jet—or anything remotely close —as a token of friendship, it’s nearly time for me to hang up my blogging boots and drift off for a much-deserved nap. Preferably somewhere warm, with a fruity drink in one hand and my trusty phone in the other—just in case inspiration strikes (or there’s an urgent sale on alpaca socks).

Non, je ne regrette rien! I don’t regret anything… it was a nice ride.

Alain

PS: You will probably be able to read a few more stories in my blog before the end of year.