New Friends

I played mahjong last night.  One of TBG's Girlfriends invited me to join her group.  People are moving away and their five needs replenishing.  

I was a little anxious about it.  She would pick me up at 4:30.  She didn't say when she'd return me to my home. I didn't ask.  There were more important considerations.

How fast would they play?  Was there a bettor (someone who doesn't play that hand but, after considering each player's tiles during the preparatory rounds, bets on the player she thinks will win the hand)? And, most important to me, would they be fun?

All the answers were in my favor.  From start to finish, it was a wonderful evening.

We started on time (you know that made me happy).

They were as confused as my usual group at times (which way are we passing now?).

They groaned at the same times I was groaning (throwing away a joker no one else can use).

We changed seats every hand so I never got stiff from sitting too long.

There was a small, white, growling dog, a three pound wonder who accompanied me to my chair while announcing displeasure and then vanished.

There was a Happy Hanukkah pillow on the couch, Jewish stars on mugs in the breakfront, and tchotchkes everywhere.  There were needlepointed pictures every where I looked, just like at G'ma's house.  And, just like at G'ma's house, they were made by the hostess and her mom.  

They were beautiful. I realized as I took it all in that I haven't been in a Jewish house in a long, long time.  Spaces in my heart were opening as I sat there.

I wasn't a very good first time guest.  I won the first hand.  I won the third hand.  Quarters were piling up by my side.  By the end of the night, I was $2 ahead.

I was home by 7:30.

They invited me back.

Thanks, PE Teacher, for inviting me.  I do so love my husband's girlfriends.