The boys? For openers, none of the boys are younger than 63 years of age. Yet, I do not hesitate to call them "the boys."

"Treat a man like a boy and you will never be wrong." Where have I heard that axiom? I'm not sure, but it is unquestionably true.

Seven retired senior citizens are involved in an indoor winter tennis game. All of their friends are in Boca Raton basking in the sunshine. Florida beckons to all these aging, mid-winter athletes. Rough, northern winters with snow shoveling take their toll, but the tennis game is sacred. The group depends on each individual and each individual depends on the group. Being responsible for time and place is highly regarded.

The play is spirited and the most difficult thing is keeping the score. If you are not sure of the correct score, scream out anything and you will be quickly corrected by someone. Successful businessmen, doctors and salesmen can't keep track of who is serving next or what the true score is.

Competition and exercise are the key words. Some line calls are questionable but after a good argument, it becomes resolved. New tennis balls are a rarity and everyone claims their contribution is "only once-used tennis balls."

The senior member of the group is Morris Levy who is 78 years old and playing with two-dropped feet. Somehow Morris (Mo) manages to get to every ball and his high lobs are a thing of beauty.

Driving to the courts is also a special situation. Every mistake by the designated driver is examined under a microscope. The acerbic comments flow easily and mercilessly. No one is impervious to the jibes and wisecracks of the cars' occupants. Crotchetiness is a virtue among senior citizens.

Another commonality of the group is that almost all of their wives are still employed. "The boys" are retired but their spouses still go to work. We play in the early afternoon so that "the boys" can return early enough to cook supper, a role reversal after many years of marriage.

As the tulips and crocuses push through the earth and the spring rebirth takes place, the winter tennis game fades. The tanned Floridian players return and meld together once again to become the "Boys of Summer."