As long as I can remember my mother played Mah Jongg. Saturday and Wednesday during the day, Monday in the evening. During the day they would arrive at around 11:00 eat lunch, and then play for most of the day. They took turns playing at each others homes,and served very nice lunches. In particular they would serve what we “the kids” referred to as Mah Jongg candy. Chocolate lentils, jujubes twizzlers, nonpareils(like snowcaps), nuts and something that looked liked gumdrops and jimmes that was called bridge mix. Of course there was an obligatory jello mold here and there. Well at least when my Mom was the hostess. Monday nights they didn’t start playing until 8:00pm, and played into the late hours. Johnny Carson was almost over by the time “the girls”, thats how they would referrer to themselves, left. I’m not sure if you know how the game is played. It is a chinese tile game. I think there are 144 tiles consisting of 8 jokers, 8 flowers 4 0f each dragon red white and green 4 of each NEWS wind and 4 of each 1-9 “suit”, crack bam and dots. There are about 40 hands on an official Mah Jongg card. Each person is dealt 13 tiles except east, they get 14. Kind of like gin. The first person to make one of the hands on the card wins that game and collects money. My mother played with her groups of friends for at least 30 years, they were a very big part of her and my life! They all shared every milestone together, their own, and their children’s, and counted on each other for support. They always sat at the same seat when they started a game and continued to be life long friends. Unfortunately my mother was the first one from her group to pass on. They were all there for her, and she counted on them to get he through some of the worst times.
Today, I have my own Mah jongg group. We may only play once week, but we too have a bond. We haven’t been playing together for 30 years yet, but I know we will be there for each other, just as my Mom’s friends were there for her.
The reason for this evenings post…..Tonight, there was a Mah Jongg tournament at one of our local synagogues, I won $100. It made me think of my Mom and I just wanted to share.
P.S. I came in second last week, prize $50.
🙂
behind my LENS 
Way to win the Money. My mom loved Maj Johg too! I have never played. Need to learn. See you over the weekend my old friend. Looking foward to it.
see you soon!
I can relate. My mother never played but I do. I also had a weekly game, but as our kids get older it’s harder for us to get together. I miss the game but the “Girls” are still close.
that’s my whole point.
Nana would be very proud 🙂
😉
you never cease to amaze me!!
Why?
Great blog! This is the first time I have heard of this site. I’ll have to check it out.
I loved your mother and I know she would be proud of your life and your children.
She is sorely missed.
Thanks Steven, she loved you too!
(As I write there are tears in my ears)
OMG Gail how we could not wait until Monday night. The best Mah Jongg candy Chuckles. Congrats on your win! I miss your Mom she was the best.
xxxoooo
Me too, I’m not a real fan of Chuckles myself….do you remember the set they got for us? It was looked like scrabble, but with Mah Jongg tiles.
Yes,it was made out of cardboard.
cardboard, really…that’s disappointing. I thought that it was made of wood,
Lisa sent me your blog because I was telling her that the highlight of last night was playing with you and Jessica-haven’t laughed that hard in a while! I can’t believe you won the whole pot!! Thats awesome~
Karen
ps-great photos. Love the bum one.
thanks Karen, Jess and I said the same thing when we got in the car. True Story!
Love the story – and the snow effect! (Available on WordPress?)
I want to learn how to play.
You should consider collecting your posts into a keepsake printed book (two, actually) for your children…maybe print a book-a-year for them to cherish when they’re adults.
Great idea…and yes the snow is from wordpress, only until Jan 4th
Gail – beautiful blog. What happens after the snow on Jan 4th? Floating hearts for V-Day? Hopping bunnies for . . . I better stop!
we will just have to wait and see…..
Hey Gaily Gail, I finally read the blog…..Spectacular….You continue to always surprise me. Never met your Mom, but I’m sure she was a wonderful women, with many friends, just like her daughter. Apples & Trees–you know. Thanks for the constant entertainment and a wonderful friendship, missed ya this week.
you always make me smile!
Oh…love the new look on the street….:(
I also got kick out of my mother’s friends whe she would tell me that the “girls” were coming to play. the beat goes on. great article.
so…the cycle continues…it’s snowing here. Have a look at the latest edition.
Hope to see you soon!