Last night I made my second appearance at the Kennesaw Scrabble Meetup Group. This meeting was held at the House of Brews Coffee Cafe, a new coffee house on Highway 41 in Kennesaw. I was not as impressed with this facility as I was with the previous venue.
I arrived a little before the appointed time of 7:00 in order to make a food and beverage purchase. I walked in with someone whose face I recognized from last time, but not their name. I passed on the $8 sandwiches and just got a frozen caramel mocha while we waited for others to arrive.
Soon enough we get started and break into two games of four people each. Once again I am seated to the right of the New Yorker. Her name is Maddy as I learned. Across from me sits Christy who holds a degree in physiology and a master's in public administration and yet she has worked for twelve years as a firefighter. To my right is Tracy, a young phlebotomist.
All of the players at our table are good. I draw the J and Q late figuring correctly that I will only have two more turns. I manage to play both for decent points and surprisingly come out the winner. Our table finishes our game at a similar time as the other table, but we decide to stay put and not switch.
The second game is just as close as the first. After the bag is emptied, I play a six letter word to ensure that I will go out next turn. I manage to go out and the added points from my opponents once again puts me in first place. A few people leave, but a mother with two teenage daughters has shown up to play. From our table Tracy is replace with Susan. Susan and Maddy seem to be very good friends and equals as scrabble players.
In the third game Christy races out to an early lead, but then she starts playing defensively which I believe is a mistake in a multiplayer game. The other players alternate big scores with small ones while I seem to be consistently scoring in the 20s with each turn. Susan gets the X played on double letter in two directions late to take a nice lead. I hold the blank, I & R on my last hand down by 22 points to Susan. She has 5 tiles still on her rack so I know that I really only need to score 13 to win if I go out. And go out I did victoriously.
Three games, three wins for me against equal competition. I am liking this.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
My First Scrabble Club Experience
Last night I attended my first Scrabble club meeting. Yes, there are such things! I didn't realize there were six months ago either.
I found out about the club meeting just that same morning. I decided to attend out of curiosity as much as anything. I almost chickened out though at the last minute. I am not one who usually does spontaneous things, nor do I often freely choose to do things that are inherently social, much less alone.
The club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Big Pie in the Sky in Kennesaw. I parked outside and asked myself if I really wanted to do this. I knew no one there. How would I recognize the Scrabble club? What if no one was there yet? I set my fears aside and walked in the door.
I saw a couple of scrabble games laying on the second table from the door. At the third table were four ladies of varying ages. My eyes scanned around the restaurant. A family here, a couple on a date there, this must be the club. I stopped at the table and asked if they were here for the Scrabble club. Yes, they were.
After quick introductions to those seated, I was invited to go order some food from the counter and pull up a chair. A couple of them already had a slice of pizza. And by slice I mean a triangular shaped piece of pizza that was about 15 inches long and 10 inches wide at the crust. I place an order for a slice of supreme and make myself a drink and pull up a chair to the table.
Over the next several minutes a few more people show up and my giant slice arrives. The crust is extremely thin and crisp. The pizza is more like a heaping of meat and vegetables on a giant cracker. I am forced to eat it with a knife and fork out of necessity.
Someone holds out a hand with tiles and asks me to pick one. I draw an I. I am told that the I's are to play together on an adjacent table. They have decided to play 3 games of 3 people each. I pick up my huge aluminum pizza tray and move to the next table where I am joined by two women. We elect to finish our pizza slices before commencing with our game. Well, I finish mine anyway. They just quit eating and place the rest in a box.
Our table has a very nice game board. The kind with the built in turntable and plastic seats for the tiles. Each rack has the tile distribution printed on it. The tiles are in a cloth bag. The other tables are stuck with the more common boards.
I am seated on one side of the table with two ladies across from me. I know I was introduced to them when I first walked in, but I cannot remember their names now. About a third of the way through the game I ask them to repeat their names. Elizabeth is the tannest natural redhead I have ever seen in my life. She has been teaching swimming lessons since her summer started. Directly across from me is Nicole, a young African American. These ladies are both teachers and spend most of the game discussing that subject with each other.
About halfway through the game Nicole gets a phone call and shortly thereafter a woman enters and hands her a book. She explains that it is a book written by a woman to help women understand and converse about sports. She is attending an NBA finals watching party on Thursday and wants to be prepared.
I don't remember much about the game itself, except that I win. The game progresses very much like a game with my family would. I play the most unfamiliar word and am questioned about it but not challenged.
After all three tables finish our first game, one of the player leaves. We now redivide into two games of four players each for a second game. Elizabeth leaves to join another table and Nicole and I are joined by Daphne and another woman whose name I did not remember. I do remember however her New York accent.
I get to go first on this game and then the New Yorker, Nicole, and Daphne in that order. Daphne sets me up for a nice triple word score to take a lead. I have quickly ascertained that the New Yorker is the most experienced scrabbler at the table. She shows me her rack of all vowels and asks me what I would do. I say I would swap and she does so.
After a few turns, my rack becomes not so desirable and all my best plays set up possible triple word plays for someone with an S. I decide to do that anyway. Big mistake. The New Yorker has not only an S, but she is able to play QUITS on triple word score. I rue that I didn't play my second option, but she still would have had QIS on triple word score.
Daphne has set up another triple word score but I am hurting for playable letters and dump two vowels elsewhere. The New Yorker makes big on another triple word score and my lead has evaporated. I manage to go out first, but even catching the Z on Nicole's rack does not make up the difference and I finish second to the New Yorker.
While we are playing the second game, a customer walks out through the double doors with the largest pizza box I have ever seen in my life. She had to use both doors because the box was so large. I would love to have seen the pizza itself sitting on a table in front of me.
All in all it was a very enjoyable evening and I look forward to the next one.
I found out about the club meeting just that same morning. I decided to attend out of curiosity as much as anything. I almost chickened out though at the last minute. I am not one who usually does spontaneous things, nor do I often freely choose to do things that are inherently social, much less alone.
The club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Big Pie in the Sky in Kennesaw. I parked outside and asked myself if I really wanted to do this. I knew no one there. How would I recognize the Scrabble club? What if no one was there yet? I set my fears aside and walked in the door.
I saw a couple of scrabble games laying on the second table from the door. At the third table were four ladies of varying ages. My eyes scanned around the restaurant. A family here, a couple on a date there, this must be the club. I stopped at the table and asked if they were here for the Scrabble club. Yes, they were.
After quick introductions to those seated, I was invited to go order some food from the counter and pull up a chair. A couple of them already had a slice of pizza. And by slice I mean a triangular shaped piece of pizza that was about 15 inches long and 10 inches wide at the crust. I place an order for a slice of supreme and make myself a drink and pull up a chair to the table.
Over the next several minutes a few more people show up and my giant slice arrives. The crust is extremely thin and crisp. The pizza is more like a heaping of meat and vegetables on a giant cracker. I am forced to eat it with a knife and fork out of necessity.
Someone holds out a hand with tiles and asks me to pick one. I draw an I. I am told that the I's are to play together on an adjacent table. They have decided to play 3 games of 3 people each. I pick up my huge aluminum pizza tray and move to the next table where I am joined by two women. We elect to finish our pizza slices before commencing with our game. Well, I finish mine anyway. They just quit eating and place the rest in a box.
Our table has a very nice game board. The kind with the built in turntable and plastic seats for the tiles. Each rack has the tile distribution printed on it. The tiles are in a cloth bag. The other tables are stuck with the more common boards.
I am seated on one side of the table with two ladies across from me. I know I was introduced to them when I first walked in, but I cannot remember their names now. About a third of the way through the game I ask them to repeat their names. Elizabeth is the tannest natural redhead I have ever seen in my life. She has been teaching swimming lessons since her summer started. Directly across from me is Nicole, a young African American. These ladies are both teachers and spend most of the game discussing that subject with each other.
About halfway through the game Nicole gets a phone call and shortly thereafter a woman enters and hands her a book. She explains that it is a book written by a woman to help women understand and converse about sports. She is attending an NBA finals watching party on Thursday and wants to be prepared.
I don't remember much about the game itself, except that I win. The game progresses very much like a game with my family would. I play the most unfamiliar word and am questioned about it but not challenged.
After all three tables finish our first game, one of the player leaves. We now redivide into two games of four players each for a second game. Elizabeth leaves to join another table and Nicole and I are joined by Daphne and another woman whose name I did not remember. I do remember however her New York accent.
I get to go first on this game and then the New Yorker, Nicole, and Daphne in that order. Daphne sets me up for a nice triple word score to take a lead. I have quickly ascertained that the New Yorker is the most experienced scrabbler at the table. She shows me her rack of all vowels and asks me what I would do. I say I would swap and she does so.
After a few turns, my rack becomes not so desirable and all my best plays set up possible triple word plays for someone with an S. I decide to do that anyway. Big mistake. The New Yorker has not only an S, but she is able to play QUITS on triple word score. I rue that I didn't play my second option, but she still would have had QIS on triple word score.
Daphne has set up another triple word score but I am hurting for playable letters and dump two vowels elsewhere. The New Yorker makes big on another triple word score and my lead has evaporated. I manage to go out first, but even catching the Z on Nicole's rack does not make up the difference and I finish second to the New Yorker.
While we are playing the second game, a customer walks out through the double doors with the largest pizza box I have ever seen in my life. She had to use both doors because the box was so large. I would love to have seen the pizza itself sitting on a table in front of me.
All in all it was a very enjoyable evening and I look forward to the next one.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
June 4, 2010
Yesterday was a pretty significant day in my life. My middle daughter Kimberly graduated high school and I turned 40 years old. I hope you were able to obtain a free doughnut to celebrate with me as it was also National Doughnut Day.
I am very proud of my daughter. Actually I am proud of all three of my daughters, but because yesterday was her graduation, I am focused upon Kim right now. She graduated with honors, which entitled her guests to sit in chairs on the field for graduation. (My south Georgia readers may be surprised to learn that most high school football stadiums in north Georgia have seating capacity just a fraction of a typical south Georgia stadium.) I am proud of Kim for her accomplishment in the classroom.
We were here two years ago for my oldest daughter Lizzie's graduation. Here we sat again through the ceremony. As the senior class president gets up to speak, I turn and ask my youngest daughter Marlea if that is the same girl that was hanging out with Kim just the other day. Indeed it is; I know her by her nickname. I recognize that the senior class vice-president, the recipient of the only award given out graduation night, and the author of the senior song are also all three friends of Kim who had been to our home. It makes me proud to know that my daughter has chosen friends who are successful. Our friends have an influence on us, no matter what our age, so I am glad she has chosen wisely.
As I sit through the over 300 names that are called after Kim has received her diploma, I look up at the sky. The sky is a rich blue with a few white thin clouds scattered about. It is as if I am staring at a painting of the sky because from the moment I notice it, the sky does not move at all. For over an hour the clouds remain perfectly motionless. There is no breeze at all. The only changes to the sky are the occasional balloon released upward and the passenger jets streaming towards Atlanta. I don't know that I have ever witnessed clouds stay so still for so long.
I pray that Kim will be richly blessed as she commences her adult life.
I am very proud of my daughter. Actually I am proud of all three of my daughters, but because yesterday was her graduation, I am focused upon Kim right now. She graduated with honors, which entitled her guests to sit in chairs on the field for graduation. (My south Georgia readers may be surprised to learn that most high school football stadiums in north Georgia have seating capacity just a fraction of a typical south Georgia stadium.) I am proud of Kim for her accomplishment in the classroom.
We were here two years ago for my oldest daughter Lizzie's graduation. Here we sat again through the ceremony. As the senior class president gets up to speak, I turn and ask my youngest daughter Marlea if that is the same girl that was hanging out with Kim just the other day. Indeed it is; I know her by her nickname. I recognize that the senior class vice-president, the recipient of the only award given out graduation night, and the author of the senior song are also all three friends of Kim who had been to our home. It makes me proud to know that my daughter has chosen friends who are successful. Our friends have an influence on us, no matter what our age, so I am glad she has chosen wisely.
As I sit through the over 300 names that are called after Kim has received her diploma, I look up at the sky. The sky is a rich blue with a few white thin clouds scattered about. It is as if I am staring at a painting of the sky because from the moment I notice it, the sky does not move at all. For over an hour the clouds remain perfectly motionless. There is no breeze at all. The only changes to the sky are the occasional balloon released upward and the passenger jets streaming towards Atlanta. I don't know that I have ever witnessed clouds stay so still for so long.
I pray that Kim will be richly blessed as she commences her adult life.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Breakfast is for the Birds
This Saturday morning I had intended to sleep late, but I woke up about the time I usually leave the house to go to work. Instead of rolling over and shutting my eyes, I had a desire to go outside. I am finding that the mornings on the weekend are some of my favorite times.
This morning the air is cool. The sky is still covered with a blanket of gray clouds, but last night's rains have ended and left behind a fresh feeling in the air. A gentle breeze blows to maintain that freshness. As I sit in a rocking chair on my front porch, the breeze changes direction and suddenly brings to me the sweet scent of the gardenia in full bloom.
The birds are especially active this morning. Not only are they all singing their unique songs, but breakfast awaits them. Time after time a bird will swoop into the yard and strut along the grass before burrowing its beak into the soft wet soil to extract a worm. Cardinals, bluebirds, robins. The brightly dressed birds seem to be the most active today.
Other birds land in the small dead tree in my neighbor's yard. I realize that this eyesore is providing meals for other birds. A pair of birds that seems as small as an infant's hand make a feast there. After they leave another bird arrives to find its meal.
I am struck by the order of it all. The birds do not compete with one another for territory. The earth is big enough for them all to coexist and still enjoy abundance. Why can't we do likewise?
This morning the air is cool. The sky is still covered with a blanket of gray clouds, but last night's rains have ended and left behind a fresh feeling in the air. A gentle breeze blows to maintain that freshness. As I sit in a rocking chair on my front porch, the breeze changes direction and suddenly brings to me the sweet scent of the gardenia in full bloom.
The birds are especially active this morning. Not only are they all singing their unique songs, but breakfast awaits them. Time after time a bird will swoop into the yard and strut along the grass before burrowing its beak into the soft wet soil to extract a worm. Cardinals, bluebirds, robins. The brightly dressed birds seem to be the most active today.
Other birds land in the small dead tree in my neighbor's yard. I realize that this eyesore is providing meals for other birds. A pair of birds that seems as small as an infant's hand make a feast there. After they leave another bird arrives to find its meal.
I am struck by the order of it all. The birds do not compete with one another for territory. The earth is big enough for them all to coexist and still enjoy abundance. Why can't we do likewise?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
One from the Archive
I wrote this song for my wife and performed it at a talent show at our church several years ago. Most of you weren't there.
WHEN I FIRST MET YOU
When I first met you, I did not know
You were the one for me.
We worked together, but I didn't know
How soon together we'd be.
Then one night when we worked late
I noticed your bright smile.
You caught my attention, but how could I know
Together we'd be for a while.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When we got married, I did not know
What was in store for me.
We started bumpy, so how could I know
How great our life would soon be.
Things may have moved much too fast
And sometimes I acted uncouth.
I ask your forgiveness, I pledge unto you
I love you, this is the truth.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When we had children, I did not know
How great a mother you'd be.
With diapers to change and noses to blow
You did not complain once to me.
You've molded babies into teens
And taught them right from wrong.
Your selfless love has inspired me
To sing to you this song.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When I first met you, I did not know
You were the one for me.
We were together, but I didn't know
How happy together we'd be.
Through the years we've grown together
And turned two lives into one.
I can imagine life still getting better
With you by my side, it is done.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
WHEN I FIRST MET YOU
When I first met you, I did not know
You were the one for me.
We worked together, but I didn't know
How soon together we'd be.
Then one night when we worked late
I noticed your bright smile.
You caught my attention, but how could I know
Together we'd be for a while.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When we got married, I did not know
What was in store for me.
We started bumpy, so how could I know
How great our life would soon be.
Things may have moved much too fast
And sometimes I acted uncouth.
I ask your forgiveness, I pledge unto you
I love you, this is the truth.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When we had children, I did not know
How great a mother you'd be.
With diapers to change and noses to blow
You did not complain once to me.
You've molded babies into teens
And taught them right from wrong.
Your selfless love has inspired me
To sing to you this song.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When I first met you, I did not know
You were the one for me.
We were together, but I didn't know
How happy together we'd be.
Through the years we've grown together
And turned two lives into one.
I can imagine life still getting better
With you by my side, it is done.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Freezer Fail
***WARNING: DO NOT READ WHILE EATING***
This past weekend I plugged in an electric yard tool into one of the receptacles on the outside of the house but there was no power. I immediately knew that the GFCI had been tripped. I also knew that the freezer in the garage was on the same circuit. How long had the freezer been off?
I opened the door of the freezer just enough to stick my hand in to feel if the food was still frozen. At the same time that my hand went through a soggy warm cardboard pizza box, the overwhelming stench of death hit my nostrils. I quickly shut the door and reset the GFCI.
This morning I emptied the freezer of its refrozen spoiled contents because today is trash pickup day. The items at the bottom of the freezer gave me some trouble. They were frozen in a pool of animal blood that had dripped through the wire shelving and settled at the bottom. I had to pry the items loose with a screwdriver.
I was reminded of Galatians 6:8 "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." I imagine that our works decay just as quickly if we allow something to interfere with the flow of the power of God into our lives.
This past weekend I plugged in an electric yard tool into one of the receptacles on the outside of the house but there was no power. I immediately knew that the GFCI had been tripped. I also knew that the freezer in the garage was on the same circuit. How long had the freezer been off?
I opened the door of the freezer just enough to stick my hand in to feel if the food was still frozen. At the same time that my hand went through a soggy warm cardboard pizza box, the overwhelming stench of death hit my nostrils. I quickly shut the door and reset the GFCI.
This morning I emptied the freezer of its refrozen spoiled contents because today is trash pickup day. The items at the bottom of the freezer gave me some trouble. They were frozen in a pool of animal blood that had dripped through the wire shelving and settled at the bottom. I had to pry the items loose with a screwdriver.
I was reminded of Galatians 6:8 "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." I imagine that our works decay just as quickly if we allow something to interfere with the flow of the power of God into our lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)