✳ NOTES ✳
Hostess: Ms. A
Three ladies arrived more or less on time and were greeted with fizzy cranberry drinks and white wine. Mrs. D was absent. Her absence, though excused (out of town), was lamented.
Hot snacks were hot and fancy cheeses abundant. I know one lady who did not pace herself and ate one too many caramelized onion and goat cheese tartlettes, which made it challenging to squeeze in a slice of chocolate cake, festively festooned with candles, at the end of the evening. Yet somehow, she managed.
Five hands of bridge were played. As usual, score was not kept and there was an above average amount of in-game chit chat (if you ask this lady). Partners Mrs. O* and Ms. A dominated the play, twice winning one trick over contract and once winning two extra tricks. Strong work, ladies.
Desperate, Mrs. R. cheated not once, but twice. The first time, asking Mrs. S to remind her what had been bid. Mrs. S was ashamed to have done it, but made a subtle diamond hand gesture to the shock of the other ladies. There was much talk of Attention-Deficit Disorder and though Ms. R did not admit to having it, seemed to be the one suffering most from it during the game. That, and a complete lack of moral fiber.
There was discussion of Mrs. O’s enormous belly and the fellow who’s living in there until July and how they are getting along. To be honest, the belly is not enormous at all, and she seems to hardly notice it. As usual, preschools, kindergartens and the latest antics of the children were discussed. Meanwhile, Mr. C’s attempts to put little Mr. C to bed were heard on the baby monitor, drowned out only partly by music.
The mud pit that is soon to be a glorious back patio was peeked at and approved of by all. Jackson the dog was well-behaved, and Mrs. S. did not make the ladies feel guilty for failing to attend a charity event for her nonprofit. Thank you, Mrs. S.
Mrs. S gave some indication that the next bridge night may be another delightful dinner party at her house with men included. Let’s keep the pressure on, ladies. Please declare your next 30 days’ availability by commenting on this post.
Welcome to the 21st Century, ladies.
Next Bridge night: TBD at Mrs. S’s house
PS There were bendy straws (!)
* Miss F is now officially Mrs. O, according to Bridge Club records and the United States Passport Authority.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Friday, February 1, 2008
Bridge Retreat, Mt. Hood. 1.25-27, 2008
✳ NOTES ✳
My apologies, ladies. It has been more than a year since this action-packed weekend took place at the D’s new mountain house. I will do my best to list the highlights, as I remember them.
Next Bridge night: Very soon at Mrs. R’s.
My apologies, ladies. It has been more than a year since this action-packed weekend took place at the D’s new mountain house. I will do my best to list the highlights, as I remember them.
- It snowed A LOT. Which was beautiful and cozy and perfect (until it came time for the S’s to get themselves someplace in the car. More on that later)
- Miss R was suffering from a broken (okay, herniated) back and was not skiing or moving around much at all. She was, however pleased to be with nice people, a hot tub, lots of food, wine, and Vicodin®.
- Mr. and Mrs. S and little Miss S had some major logistical and automotive mishaps, including 1) getting lost 2) running out of gas and 3) getting into an accident trying to get from the cabin to the slopes and back. What a disaster.
- With the exception of Mr. S, the men went skiing and snowboarding all day in the blizzard and enjoyed it thoroughly.
- Miss R and Ms. A prepared a make-your-own taco feast for the returning sportsmen that led to an incident henceforth known as Grand Theft Cholula.
- Mrs. D did a lot of cooking.
- Mrs. R’s new husband got along with everybody. Thanks for making him welcome, everyone.
- Miss F was out of town and couldn't make it. She was missed.
- Little Miss S showed off her suggestive dancing abilities and Little Mr. D, his dunking skills.
- Bridge was played IN THE HOT TUB WHILE IT SNOWED and as they bid, trumped, took tricks, rubbers and games and steamed happily, the ladies were served champagne by the men.
Next Bridge night: Very soon at Mrs. R’s.
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Bridge Night 5.2.06
✳ NOTES ✳
April bridge took place in May at the home of Miss R. The snack selection, including two types of tea sandwiches, was modest, though the bubbly was ample.
Three notrump was the bid of the evening. First bid by Ms. A, then followed by Miss R and (if memory serves) Mrs S. Ms. A did not make her bold contract, Miss R did and Mrs. S was also successful. I think. Two new goals for future bridge nights: 1) keep score and 2) assign the lady seated in the dummy position to take notes on the bidding and outcome of play. This new responsibility will improve the accuracy and balance of the Official Bridge Notes.
Discussed were The young Mr. D’s first dentist appointment and Ms. A’s role as a stylish representative of the Soon-to-Give-Birth Community. Mrs. S was pleased to report that having her house invaded by in-laws has at least one benefit: free babysitting. Miss R was also grateful that a retired neighbor has voluntarily taken over dog walking, gardening and security at her house, giving her a new lease on life.
Mrs. S mentioned her disappointment that little Miss S would not be attending a certain school this fall and none of the ladies could get over the fact that the little lady is already nearly five years old.
Miss F was asked if her future offspring with the celebrity restauranteur would be schooled in either the Montessori or Waldorf style, sparking a brief sidebar about their status as a couple. As it turns out, he has resigned his business, renounced his restauranteur status, and taken off to Mexico. He remains devoted to Miss F, however. It was then determined that none of the ladies knew enough about Waldorf vs. Montessori to have a productive debate about it.
Miss F agreed to research scoring and report on the topic at the next meeting. It was also noted that she has not filled out her Official Bridge Club Questionnaire making it more of a challenge for the hostess to be sensitive to her likes and dislikes.
Next Bridge night: Later in May at Miss F’s. TBD.
April bridge took place in May at the home of Miss R. The snack selection, including two types of tea sandwiches, was modest, though the bubbly was ample.
Three notrump was the bid of the evening. First bid by Ms. A, then followed by Miss R and (if memory serves) Mrs S. Ms. A did not make her bold contract, Miss R did and Mrs. S was also successful. I think. Two new goals for future bridge nights: 1) keep score and 2) assign the lady seated in the dummy position to take notes on the bidding and outcome of play. This new responsibility will improve the accuracy and balance of the Official Bridge Notes.
Discussed were The young Mr. D’s first dentist appointment and Ms. A’s role as a stylish representative of the Soon-to-Give-Birth Community. Mrs. S was pleased to report that having her house invaded by in-laws has at least one benefit: free babysitting. Miss R was also grateful that a retired neighbor has voluntarily taken over dog walking, gardening and security at her house, giving her a new lease on life.
Mrs. S mentioned her disappointment that little Miss S would not be attending a certain school this fall and none of the ladies could get over the fact that the little lady is already nearly five years old.
Miss F was asked if her future offspring with the celebrity restauranteur would be schooled in either the Montessori or Waldorf style, sparking a brief sidebar about their status as a couple. As it turns out, he has resigned his business, renounced his restauranteur status, and taken off to Mexico. He remains devoted to Miss F, however. It was then determined that none of the ladies knew enough about Waldorf vs. Montessori to have a productive debate about it.
Miss F agreed to research scoring and report on the topic at the next meeting. It was also noted that she has not filled out her Official Bridge Club Questionnaire making it more of a challenge for the hostess to be sensitive to her likes and dislikes.
Next Bridge night: Later in May at Miss F’s. TBD.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Weekend Bridge 3.20.06 and Bridge Night. 3.22.06
✳ NOTES ✳
It has been a big week for the Official Bridge Club. Two meetings were held within three days and though nine shouldn’t be an impressive number of hands for two meetings, thousands of calories consumed and many liters of alcohol swilled, that’s where the bar (no pun intended) has been set. On this Sunday afternoon at least one lady enjoyed the excuse to stop pulling weeds and go where the homemade lemon curd and pomegranate-vodka punch were flowing freely.
A surprise ski trip arranged by Mr. D “for Kate’s birthday” sounded fishy to some ladies but seeing the genuine enthusiasm of Mrs. D and the packing services of Mr. D, suspicions were rescinded. Apologies, Mr. D.
Tuesday evening at the S’s residence, four ladies were in atendance and four hands of bridge were played. Team S&R declared 3 hearts in the first hand and, given Miss R’s massive number of hearts, had absolutely no excuse for falling two tricks short of contract. The next hand went better and the pair made a 2 notrump contract.
Miss R managed to spend an evening at Mrs. S’s without injuring the small human with a champagne bottle or any other blunt object, though she did deliver an aggressive hug. As the only male allowed to remain in the house, the Bassett Hound showed off by dragging a small cat around by its neck, to the delight of at least one guest. Ms. A brought a clipping from the local newspaper that claimed the average bridge player’s age is 68, adding to the sense that we are true pioneers of our generation. Exciting resources bridgeiscool.com and the Northeast Portland Bridge Club were noted in the article, though Ms. A warned that the NEPBC is in a “scary” neighborhood.
It has been noted (by herself) that Miss R’s house is officially the most ghetto of the group and will be until she lassoes a man who brings home a nice paycheck or at least a sawz-all and a refined aesthetic sensibility. Get ready for cheez whiz, ladies.
Until next time. Tuesday, May 2 at Miss R’s.
It has been a big week for the Official Bridge Club. Two meetings were held within three days and though nine shouldn’t be an impressive number of hands for two meetings, thousands of calories consumed and many liters of alcohol swilled, that’s where the bar (no pun intended) has been set. On this Sunday afternoon at least one lady enjoyed the excuse to stop pulling weeds and go where the homemade lemon curd and pomegranate-vodka punch were flowing freely.
A surprise ski trip arranged by Mr. D “for Kate’s birthday” sounded fishy to some ladies but seeing the genuine enthusiasm of Mrs. D and the packing services of Mr. D, suspicions were rescinded. Apologies, Mr. D.
Tuesday evening at the S’s residence, four ladies were in atendance and four hands of bridge were played. Team S&R declared 3 hearts in the first hand and, given Miss R’s massive number of hearts, had absolutely no excuse for falling two tricks short of contract. The next hand went better and the pair made a 2 notrump contract.
Miss R managed to spend an evening at Mrs. S’s without injuring the small human with a champagne bottle or any other blunt object, though she did deliver an aggressive hug. As the only male allowed to remain in the house, the Bassett Hound showed off by dragging a small cat around by its neck, to the delight of at least one guest. Ms. A brought a clipping from the local newspaper that claimed the average bridge player’s age is 68, adding to the sense that we are true pioneers of our generation. Exciting resources bridgeiscool.com and the Northeast Portland Bridge Club were noted in the article, though Ms. A warned that the NEPBC is in a “scary” neighborhood.
It has been noted (by herself) that Miss R’s house is officially the most ghetto of the group and will be until she lassoes a man who brings home a nice paycheck or at least a sawz-all and a refined aesthetic sensibility. Get ready for cheez whiz, ladies.
Until next time. Tuesday, May 2 at Miss R’s.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Bridge Night 2.27.06
✳ Notes ✳
A lively evening of bridge took place at the home of the Ms. A. Two types of tea sandwiches, mini quiches and an array of dates, cheese and sweet and savory almonds were devoured by the ladies. The food was delicious as usual, but the most consistently discussed item was a certain bun, which remained in the oven.
This meeting marked the first official meeting under a new regime that will henceforth be referred to as “The New Regime.”
New Regime
Bridge Night Protocol
Five hands were played and no cheat-sheets consulted. Progress! Team F & S bid 3 notrump for game and made their contract. This was, according to F, “kind of a big deal.” however, Team D&R successfully defended against another bold bid by Team A (?)&F and were also quite smug about it.
Topics of discussion included how Ms. A is great looking as a pregnant person; the glamorous new homes of Mrs. D and Mrs. S, paint stripping, the imminent move-in by Mrs. S’ Mother- and Sister-in-law and the mayhem that will quite likely ensue. Miss F’s steamy romance with a local celebrity restauranteur had the ladies’ mouths watering for more reasons than one. Cheers to romance!
Next Bridge: Saturday, March 18 at 11 am. Pix Patisserie on NE Williams Ave.
A lively evening of bridge took place at the home of the Ms. A. Two types of tea sandwiches, mini quiches and an array of dates, cheese and sweet and savory almonds were devoured by the ladies. The food was delicious as usual, but the most consistently discussed item was a certain bun, which remained in the oven.
This meeting marked the first official meeting under a new regime that will henceforth be referred to as “The New Regime.”
New Regime
Bridge Night Protocol
- The first 30 minutes of bridge night are reserved for chatting and eating. Thereafter, bridge-playing takes priority.
- A minimum of 5 hands of bridge will be played. Possibly more!
- Dessert, if there is any, may be served after 5 hands have been played.
- The alternate player shall rotate and shall be the lady who shuffles the hand.
Five hands were played and no cheat-sheets consulted. Progress! Team F & S bid 3 notrump for game and made their contract. This was, according to F, “kind of a big deal.” however, Team D&R successfully defended against another bold bid by Team A (?)&F and were also quite smug about it.
Topics of discussion included how Ms. A is great looking as a pregnant person; the glamorous new homes of Mrs. D and Mrs. S, paint stripping, the imminent move-in by Mrs. S’ Mother- and Sister-in-law and the mayhem that will quite likely ensue. Miss F’s steamy romance with a local celebrity restauranteur had the ladies’ mouths watering for more reasons than one. Cheers to romance!
Next Bridge: Saturday, March 18 at 11 am. Pix Patisserie on NE Williams Ave.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Bridge Night 11.14.05
✳ NOTES ✳
Miss F made three kinds of tea sandwiches, an ambitious endeavor for her debut as hostess. Miss R came over early to show her how to cut crusts off (as if she’s an expert!) and how to make cosmopolitans. Baklava and fancy peanut butter cups were refreshing new dessert choices.
The drinks were especially strong and the house was especially cozy. The Fireman was discussed (twice), Miss F’s encounter with a cute young Frenchman on a train in India and the resulting artifact were examined. Light fixtures were investigated. PMS and horniness, also discussed.
Squirrels have plagued most members of the Official Bridge Club this fall. Ms. A’s husband has trapped two in their attic and finally patched a hole to keep them out. Mrs. S let them into her attic in large numbers through holes left by her old wooden gutters. An incredible tale of squirrel-down-the-chimney followed by an overnight destructive rampage in the home of Miss F sparked the discussion.
At least three hands of bridge were played. (!) Miss F declared three spades in the first hand and though she played with valor and courage - lost. Miss R declared three (or was it two) notrump in the second hand and won. Mrs. D declared three clubs in the third hand and lost (to a very surprised Miss R and Mrs. A).
The dramatic tale of an acquaintance’s pot stash being accidentally shipped to her new home in Singapore and the ensuing flight from authorities was gasped over.
A building called “The Maximilian” on NE 6th and Burnside was discussed as the D’s are considering investing… They are fancy landowners and will no doubt make a wise and profitable decision in the matter.
Happy Thanksgiving, Ladies.
Miss F made three kinds of tea sandwiches, an ambitious endeavor for her debut as hostess. Miss R came over early to show her how to cut crusts off (as if she’s an expert!) and how to make cosmopolitans. Baklava and fancy peanut butter cups were refreshing new dessert choices.
The drinks were especially strong and the house was especially cozy. The Fireman was discussed (twice), Miss F’s encounter with a cute young Frenchman on a train in India and the resulting artifact were examined. Light fixtures were investigated. PMS and horniness, also discussed.
Squirrels have plagued most members of the Official Bridge Club this fall. Ms. A’s husband has trapped two in their attic and finally patched a hole to keep them out. Mrs. S let them into her attic in large numbers through holes left by her old wooden gutters. An incredible tale of squirrel-down-the-chimney followed by an overnight destructive rampage in the home of Miss F sparked the discussion.
At least three hands of bridge were played. (!) Miss F declared three spades in the first hand and though she played with valor and courage - lost. Miss R declared three (or was it two) notrump in the second hand and won. Mrs. D declared three clubs in the third hand and lost (to a very surprised Miss R and Mrs. A).
The dramatic tale of an acquaintance’s pot stash being accidentally shipped to her new home in Singapore and the ensuing flight from authorities was gasped over.
A building called “The Maximilian” on NE 6th and Burnside was discussed as the D’s are considering investing… They are fancy landowners and will no doubt make a wise and profitable decision in the matter.
Happy Thanksgiving, Ladies.
Sunday, May 1, 2005
Bridge Night. 4.27.05
✳ NOTES ✳
The ladies straggled in to Rimsky Korsikoffee House but quickly abandoned the location due to a funny smell and complete desertion. Pied Cow was chosen for its dessert selection and the newly discovered – and perfectly legal – drug, kava-kava.
The ladies were in good spirits, as they were finally rid of Mrs. R and had a fresh new member – Miss F. Miss F, having been nominated, invited, and initiated over the past three months, accepted her responsibilities gracefully and showed up on time.
Also present and punctual: Ms. A and Mrs. D. Tardy – Miss R. Mrs. S was not just absent, but unaccounted for.
The evening took a surprising turn when several acquaintances – including Miss MC and her “boyfriend” MA were spotted in the garden outside. Miss C’s good character yet questionable taste in men was discussed briefly.
Also discussed: Miss F’s proficiency at the game of hearts, which should make her good at learning bridge; Mrs. D’s plans for NOT moving out of her current home as the kitchen and basement are FINALLY finished; and Mrs. A’s summer of leisure.
* Excavated and cursorily finished after being located in the dusty archives of Miss R’s Macintosh computer in early 2006.**
**Time flies!
The ladies straggled in to Rimsky Korsikoffee House but quickly abandoned the location due to a funny smell and complete desertion. Pied Cow was chosen for its dessert selection and the newly discovered – and perfectly legal – drug, kava-kava.
The ladies were in good spirits, as they were finally rid of Mrs. R and had a fresh new member – Miss F. Miss F, having been nominated, invited, and initiated over the past three months, accepted her responsibilities gracefully and showed up on time.
Also present and punctual: Ms. A and Mrs. D. Tardy – Miss R. Mrs. S was not just absent, but unaccounted for.
The evening took a surprising turn when several acquaintances – including Miss MC and her “boyfriend” MA were spotted in the garden outside. Miss C’s good character yet questionable taste in men was discussed briefly.
Also discussed: Miss F’s proficiency at the game of hearts, which should make her good at learning bridge; Mrs. D’s plans for NOT moving out of her current home as the kitchen and basement are FINALLY finished; and Mrs. A’s summer of leisure.
* Excavated and cursorily finished after being located in the dusty archives of Miss R’s Macintosh computer in early 2006.**
**Time flies!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
