Happy Holidays Canasta Lovers!
I often find the week between Christmas and New Years is a good time for reviewing and reflecting over the past year. What have I accomplished? What do I still want to do? 2015 was a pretty good year for me professionally. Thanks to my daughter, Erin, and her friend Benae, my "Canasta Gal Empire" expanded to include a wonderful group of young women in Broward County, These girls are so busy with their families, their careers and different community activities that it is hard for them to plan a weekly game but they are having fun and preparing for their retirement years, when some day, they will join us at the card table.
This year I was invited to a teach a beginners group at a nearby country club. So many people signed up that I had to recruit by best buddy Leni to come and help me. I bought GIANT cards to teach with. One class we went over those sexy sevens, adorable aces, and terrific threes. The following week I built special hands from those gigantic cards. Want to mention that the SUPER PAIRS hand (the one including 2 deuces, 2 big jokers, 2 aces and 2 sevens) seems to be catching on in the card rooms of Paradise, Hooray! My lessons at the country club have included a table of gentlemen, and as I suspected they bring great card sense and lots of fun to their table. These men can now have their own games or play as couples with their wives.
Just last week I was asked to teach a refresher class to a group after a private luncheon in Boca Raton. As the girls all had a good knowledge of the game we concentrated on strategy. I found it interesting that the players often held off melding too long, wanting to pick the pack on their initial meld. I had to remind them that Canasta is a partnership game and if they melded their partner would have the chance to pick that pack.
Personally, I am continuing to shape my mind and my body. I like to walk about three miles in the morning either with Leni or alone with Pandora. This summer when it was way too hot to walk I started bicycling on a Styrofoam noodle in our pool, again accompanied by music on a waterproof, blue tooth head set. Thanks also to Casey, my terrific trainer for keeping in my best shape and up to date on all the pop culture I need to know.
Just recently I started a course in Jewish Studies at a local temple. I will be learning about the rituals and rhythms of Jewish life. Steve and I also joined a group called the World Affairs Council, wonderful lectures on a myriad of current event topics.
I hope that 2016 brings to all my friends and follower the time to do what you love and the ability to love what you do. Health, Happiness and Peace on Earth to all. Happy New year Canasta Gods and Goddesses.
Love, Barbara
