BRIDGE

BRIDGE
I like to meet new people and have new experiences. Marie and I used to play a lot of bridge - as couples - and Marie played a lot of bridge for 25 years, with the St. Basil’s Bridge Club in Vallejo. I also played, occasionally, during our lunch hours at C& H Sugar in San Francisco. I learned to play bridge during the Korean War. I was stationed at Mather Field, piloting T-29 aircraft. Sacramento is known for it’s tule fogs in the winter. While waiting for it to burn off, and lift, we played bridge. On some days, when it was really “socked in”, I think that we got in as much bridge- time as flying -time. But, this doesn’t suggest that I’m an expert at the game. One can repeat mistakes, rather than learn from experience.
I missed playing bridge, but no one here was interested in the game. I was glad that MJ introduced me to bocce. I not only made new acquaintances, but I learned a new skill. I met fellow bocce ballers - Mary Anne and Virginia. They asked me if I played bridge, and I replied “sorta”. They told me to show up at their next session. I have enjoyed meeting my neighbors in the community, as well as to get some mental stimulation. (I think that I am more conscious of it because of Marie’s dementia.). What interests me, are the “aging losses” that we all read about, and some of us are experiencing.
I hadn’t played bridge for 15 years, yet, what card skills I had, slowly came back - like riding a bicycle after a long absence. I have noticed changes: A problem can be communication of the content of your hand with your partner because of hearing losses (with, or without hearing aids). We also forget what’s trump - whose lead? - am I in my hand, or on the board?; whose deal? We cut cards after finishing one of the rounds, to see who partners with whom, after the “losers” move to the next table (the “lows” play with “lows” at the next table, and the “highs” with the “highs”, with the incoming “high” dealing.) So, when the two “lows” move to the next table, the conversation is “who’s high and who’s low?” Often, we have forgotten. But, we all cope with these esoteric protocols, and they are not a problem. We are all in the same sinking boat. After all - “ It’s only a game”.

RCL - 9/29/09.