Love Was Everywhere

I had nearly forgotten it was Valentine's Day, even with the cheery shades of reds and pinks dotting the Bridge Center. But there was definitely love in the air and at table 9, where we sat north/south, we were giving out valentines right and left - to nearly everyone we played.

The first one was given to pair 4 who got their timid four spades bid kicked up to game when I foolishly doubled them. They made their contract and no one else bid it, so they got a nice chocolately sweet high board.

The next one was to pair 5. I played the three instead of the king from the doubleton on the board and my left hand opponent got it with her jack. Of course I lost the king the next round and they ended up with an extra trick and a big-red-heart-with-an-arrow-through-it high board for them.

Pair 7, having heard the news about free valentines being given out at table 9, arrived with big grins. This time it was my partner's turn to share the love. She left me in one spade when we both had opening hands and it easily made four. A dozen fragrant red roses and a high board for the grinners.

Luckily the goody table, laden with cupcakes and Hershey kisses, helped soothe my troubled mind. And I was further consoled when the director interrupted the game for a minute to make an announcement: "A woman's earring was found in the men's restroom. If anyone has lost an earring, come see me." 

My, my, I thought. Someone was giving away a lot more than high boards on this day of love!  My, my, my!

The Great Escape

 Last week it was my turn to have the fab foursome at my house for bridge. I was dreading it.

I haven't played a lot of bridge lately. Going to a nursing home every day and watching a strong, beautiful, vibrant woman languish into a bedridden invalid was about all I could handle. The thought of  preparing lunch and then playings 16 hands of bridge... well, building the Panama Canal seemed like an easier task. 

But I put on my big girl pants and made a pretty good spinach quiche (even tweaking it somewhat by using healthier ingredients). The gals walked in just as the sun came out from behind the clouds providing us with brilliant sunshine all afternoon (rare in February). And the next three hours flew by in laughter and horrible bridge playing. My troubles melted away. So what that I opened my hand with four hearts and my partner took us to game and we went down three. Who cared? We ate healthy quiche and told stories and had a lovely afternoon.

Several years ago I started playing bridge for something to do and to keep me out of the taverns. Last week I found another benefit of the game. It has an incredible way of taking you out of yourself. Certainly when you're playing more seriously at the Bridge Center and you're totally focused. But even when you're playing for fun with friends and acting silly. It is the great escape and, next to a pitcher of martinis, I can't imagine a better way to take a breather from life.