The clap of bowling thunder with Girls on Wheels: Melodye Rogers, Diane Khalar, Debra Davis, Susan Hebert, Nancy Burns, Vicki Baker, Conni Bjella and Sheri Twiggs
Vicki Baker
Yep, we were at it again, looking to strike up some fun for our August outing. So we got things rolling with an afternoon of bowling at Brunswick Lanes in Denton, Texas, something easy enough for beginners to learn but challenging enough for the experienced. The Girls on Wheels became Bowling Babes.
The word bowling elicited some common images: Shoes, check. Ball, check. Pins, check. We were inclined to think what more is there to know about this sport. Unknown to some, the game of bowling has a long history. Some historians say bowling has existed since Egyptian times dating as far back as 3200 BC, and that one of the earliest Pharaohs was uncovered with primitive bowling pins and balls in his tomb. Others dismiss these findings as hogwash. But all agree the sport has existed in some form or another since at least 300 AD.
When we arrived the place was nearly empty, but ever so slowly the crowds came, and nearly every lane in the place was full. On one side of our lanes a bunch of league bowlers rolled up. Back at the bar regulars chowed down on lunch and slurped beers while watching TV broadcasting football, baseball and golf matches.
We found our assigned lanes with no time to spare. As the games began we bounced up from our chairs, grabbed balls from the dispenser and sauntered down to the wooden lanes. The thud of heavy balls hitting the floor was followed by the crack of the balls hitting the pins; or in some cases the smack of the ball rolling into the gutter! But the Girls on Wheels were soon lean, mean bowling machines knocking them down, one pin at a time. Needless to say a couple of us embarrassed ourselves whenever it was our turn to bowl and had to endure the giggles and chuckles from the others.
After countless hours of fun, it was time to go. We calculated our final scores but knew we were all winners as we discovered bowling was right up our alley and fun for everyone no matter what our skill level.
We came here to get out of the house and out of the scorching heat for a fun day with great friends. When we headed back outside it was still hotter than h#$*&! “Who’s up for another game? Maybe we can break 100 if we combine our scores!” But alas our stomachs were moaning, and we knew it was time to head for lunch at Roosters Roadhouse.