Jetting from one marathon to another

As if ten days (including air travel) at the WBF Bridge Series were not enough, we jetted home, did laundry, paid bills, returned calls, repacked and left 48 hours later for the Las Vegas Glitter Gulch Sectional at the newly remodeled Riviera Hotel.  At our ages we hardly had time to come up for air.   The Philly 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. sessions were grueling and disruptive to our normal lifestyle, but we outdid that scheduled match when we agreed to play in the three session knockouts five days in a row at 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.   I guess I am just set in my ways, but I still enjoy the old-fashioned 1 and 7:30 starting times.  However, when all was said and done, today had an exciting culmination.   We were down by a dismaying 27 IMPS going into the final twelve-board battle against a Hall of Famer and some pretty good teammates,  We finished with a 42-5 12-board match, miraculously winning by 10.   It goes to prove the old saying, “Never say die!”  Our teammates, Carol Stewart and Paul Ivaska produced a dynamic game and it meshed well with ours.  One down, four to go.  I feel like I need toothpicks to keep my eyes open.

When we arrived at the upscale Monaco Tower (where the event was being held), we were greeted by two keys that did not open our door, a toilet that not only did not flush but the toilet seat was unusable as a urinal (I don’t mince words) and only the shower was operative – without any direct flow into the bathtub because the converter was stuck.  It seemed to not bode bright vibes for the future – but with a steady parade of maintenance people, the problems were resolved.  That was our Hurdle Number Uno!

Most amazing of all was the first day (today, Monday, October  18th), this ordinarily little sectional, (offering several different events each day) welcomed 175-1/2 tables.   AMAZING.   By the way, they have an extraordinary restaurant which has been our favorite, Kristofer’s, right near the elevators to the Penthouse playing space and also a cute little oriental restaurant for casual dining called the Banana Leaf.  It was a delightfully exciting adventure which my mother always viewed as “happy winners.’

I might add that the Unit President, Justine Hancock and worker bees Barbara Dunkley, Tom Shulman and many others – including dozens and dozens of enthusiastic volunteers make the bridge scene a delight.  It is a great site at the Penthouse overlooking the city and provides an enjoyable experience.  Their repeated press reminders of the tournament plus personal emails and their Newsletter (advertising free night sessions Tuesday-Friday) do not allow the members to forget there is another great event being held.

Until tomorrow … from one wilted teammate who had to finish this blog before staggering to her bed — but the blog is up and running.