Let the Games Begin!

Bloganuary writing prompt
Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

Ever since I can remember, family gatherings meant playing games- cards and dominoes. After Thanksgiving dinner, we would work on a jigsaw puzzle. I say “we,” but I wasn’t much help when I was a kid. I was not included in all the games that were played. I would hang out in the family room regardless, just to listen. You never heard such arguing! My family was the original “Family Feud.”

Meanwhile, in a different town in California, my hubby’s family played games, mostly cards and dominoes. They were different from the ones my family played but just as competitive and loud. At the first gathering, my hubby took me to, I must have learned 7 new games. I was also told that to be in their family, I had to play pinocle. After many painful attempts to teach me that game, an exception to the rule was decided. I believe that not playing with me made the game fun for them again. I truly sucked.

Fast-forward to the present, and our kids and their kids are continuing with this tradition. The games have changed over the years, especially when hubby’s Uncle taught us ‘Hand and Foot.’ Everyone loves to play that one. I recommend that anyone not familiar with that game Google it. There are a million variations, but decide on one and have a blast!

Announcing: Tid Bits and Giggles

AnnouncingI like Thursdays a lot. So, I decided to incorporate some fun and games on this blog, on Thursdays*.  For myself and my dear readers.  Because smiles and laughter are good for the soul.  And because I can.  😉

The first, ever, Tid Bits & Giggles will be published tomorrow, Thursday May 29th, 2014. This premier TB&G post is worth reading. I promise you!

As for Wednesday, today, this announcement is all I have for you.

See ya tomorrow!

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*Tid Bits & Giggles, could be posted on a different day, but I’m going for Thursdays.  😉

 

photo credit: ideaSmile via photopin cc

Next Year’s Christmas Present (to myself)

XMAS_BAR

While I was creating the traditional Christmas Feast this week, I thought about many things, especially the following three:

Number one: This is a lot of  f*#$@!! work.

Number two: I am tired of doing all this  f*#$@!!  work.

Number three: Why do I keep doing this every  f*#$@!!  year?

The matriarch of the family is stuck with responsible for all that is Christmas. She is expected to feed everyone, on every major holiday. I loved cooking all day and watching my family play games and have fun with each other. I am so over that now.     

This matriarch wants to play, have fun, and relax for a change. Sit in a cushy chair knitting, while listening to the stories her children tell each other about their lives. Take a nap for an hour when the younger set does (i.e., while everything is quiet).

Two of our three children have not invited us over for holiday festivities. Ever. I imagine it never occurred to them to do so, since they have not invited us over – period.  Wait – I take that back.  They did host a family BBQ once in the summer of 2009.  They did a fabulous job too.  I know that they could out-do my Turkey Loco recipe, which, BTW,  uses a grill, where real men cook.

Don’t tell anyone, but I think I’m wearing out. I just can’t do it anymore.  I hate that I’m weaker physically now, and have “chronic conditions” requiring a plethora of prescriptions and doctor appointments. I’m way too young to be this OLD!

So, dear kids…  Consider this your advanced notice: I’m going to take the year 2013 off.

Feel free to use our kitchen/BBQ, but Thanksgiving and Christmas feasting (traditional or not) will have to be coordinated and prepared by anyone but me.

If a feast does not get coordinated, do not expect me, in the eleventh hour, to whip one together.

Just saying.  😉

 !SNOWMAN