Nice Work, If You Can Get It

If I ignored the absolutely horrible awful news I got this week about my friend Hugh, I would have said it was a most fabulous week. Russ and I have had a working vacation at Lyford Cay. He was my arm candy while I imparted Mah Jongg wisdom on a record number of new and old friends. We had 34 for beginners, 56 for strategy and 31 for the tournament today. I would say it was a huge success.

Today’s tournament was so much fun. Some players were nervous, but did admirably. They had to play games in an average of twenty minutes, which they did.

Ruth E. provided some very generous prizes and when she came in second she bowed out of accepting a prize. Ricki “Nebraska” Scully came in first and got her pick of the prizes. Gail Hampton-Davies, Laura Sweeny and Christa Dunn tied for third, but Gail got second shot at the prizes and was thrilled to take home a new Mah Jongg set.

The Houston crowd made a very big impression and as of this afternoon I am scheduled to come to Houston to teach at the Bayou Club in October. I can’t wait to see you all again.

This afternoon Ruth E. took us out on her boat and we got to see a small Manatee that was hanging out by her house. As Ruth E. says, “They are the sloths of the sea world.” This little guy hardly moved, except for putting his snout out of the water for air every few minutes. It was a treat to see the houses from the water as we toured the canals.

We ate our last dinner at the Yacht Club. It was hard to get out because I had goodbyes to say to so many. It is good work, coming to the Bahamas to teach, if you can get it. I am ever appreciative that this is what I get to do with such nice people.