During the afternoon, Janet showed me a few rounds along with her strategy. I have never played bridge nor have I ever watched people play bridge. While it is complicated and commands a very good memory, I think I like it!
I put a request on Facebook and several friends steered us to a senior residential community where they open up for "party" bridge every Thursday night at 6:30. Three friends joined us and one agreed to let me shadow her. She has been playing for over 40 years and is a wonderful teacher. She will be on Maui for a month and we hope to get together a couple times each week.
Twenty percent of the people there last night were VERY serious and harsh and sorta mean. Everyone else just had fun and didn't feel the need to criticize everyone's every move. I was sitting and shadowing the same player (friend of a friend), trying to wheel a chair along when we had to move tables. The most beautiful 70-ish woman was meaner than a junk yard dog to me. To the point of saying having me sitting there was ruining her game!!!! Complaining that there were too many players now that the snowbirds have arrived (she is also a snowbird from Seattle!). Grumpy girl. And wouldn't you know she was at our table 90% of the night!
Despite cranky britches, I had a great time. The location is close to home and they stop at 9pm. Today I'm going to look for a card table and four chairs. My square dining room table is too big, I think, for comfortable reaching.
Bridge just might be the connector to more friendships!
Bridge is big at my local senior hall, too. I've never played but they fill up 7 to 9 tables one afternoon each week. They have other tables of other card games, too, but I've more a board game person. I've been at the hall when they are playing and they all seem to have fun.
ReplyDeleteI like board games also and think I'll start a small group for that as well. The Portland condo has a perfect "fireside" room with two tables for four. Hopefully there are some bridge players there as well as board game aficionados!! I think this social thing just needs a little organizing.
DeleteI've never played bridge but I know it takes skill and memory. My aunt was a master bridge player and taught bridge to seniors. My husband and I used to play pinochle with friends. I'm sure bridge is good for building memory. Learning a new language is good, too. I like the idea of listening to classical music. I just started reading you blog. Really enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading! I've read some of yours as well. Love peering into your life.
DeleteI think I've always been intimidated by bridge thinking the players were VERY serious and playing for blood. While there are groups like that, I think party bridge is more my style. Some playing. Some chatting. Some friendships that might branch out to other things.
I am so impressed that you didn't let the inhospitable people intimidate you into a hasty retreat. I want what you're having. LOL!
ReplyDeleteCopious amounts of red wine. Try it!
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