Tonight I finished putting up my new basketball net. Earlier in the spring a friend helped me build a basketball net out of wood and this past weekend we dug a hole and dropped the beast in place. It was a fun project and it allowed me to paint the backboard blue – Syracuse University blue – which I absolutely love. When I turn the corner onto my street I can see the big blue backboard sitting there and I love it. 

Tonight I attached the rim and the net and played for hours. Before long the neighborhood kids were playing and it was really a lot of fun, just like it should be. Everyone in the neighborhood has a plastic adjustable net, but I really wanted to make my own, just like I did with my dad when I was a kid. For whatever reason there’s a certain sense of pride I feel every time I look at it.

I’ve always loved basketball and I can spend hours just shooting around. Over the years I’ve found it to be a great stress reliever and a decent way to get a little exercise. Beyond that I’m also looking forward to teaching my kids how to play – what little I know anyway. I doubt any of them are destined for the NBA, but a simple game of HORSE can be a great way to connect.