LAST STOP IN FLORIDA…

My last day in Florida was yet another fun-filled day. I started out early in the morning by heading over to the Boca JCC where I received a warm and wonderful welcome by Stephanie Owitz, the Assistant Director of Art, Culture & Learning for the Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center at the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center. Stephanie is terrific and I hope to see her the next time I return to Boca (which I pray will be soon!).

The turnout at the Boca JCC was wonderful with lots of old and dear friends showing up to hear my talk. My dear friend, David Fink, showed up with his wonderful girlfriend, Pearl. Jodie Knofsky’s dear mother Joyce showed up with a group of her Mah Jongg-playing friends. Deborah Korash, another dear friend from Detroit (and Camp Walden!) days showed up with her Mah Jongg group. There were almost as many friends there to support me as there were people who were just interested in hearing my talk and buying my book. It was so very special for me to catch up with all of these friends from my past and to meet many new people as well.

David’s sister Linda, who I will get to see in November when I speak at the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival, is a genius at needlepointing beautiful Mah Jongg bags which are just the right size to hold a NMJL card and lots of coins. Pearl brought the bag that Linda had needlepointed for her:

IMG_2741 IMG_2742

Linda mentioned that she has been thinking about selling these beautiful personalized bags. Let me know if anyone is interested and I will see if Linda is willing to do one for you (or for you to give as a fabulous gift for a Mah Jongg-playing friend!).

Here are a few more of the fabulous bags that Linda has made:

IMG_0619 IMG_0484 IMG_0601

After my talk and book signing, I headed over to meet my friends Lowell and Jay  Van Vechten for lunch at a fabulous French bistro, Casimir, at Royal Palm Place in Boca. We had a delicious lunch and a chance to catch up on old times. Then it was back to the apartment, pack up, and head to the Ft, Lauderdale airport where I sat for about 5 hours hoping that my flight might actually take off for the frozen tundra of New York. Part of me was definitely hoping that the flight would be cancelled and I could spend more time in sunny Florida but, in the final analysis, although it took seemingly forever, it was so good to be home and get a big kiss from Lizzie!

IMG_2692

20 thoughts on “LAST STOP IN FLORIDA…”

  3. Carol Patelsky

    Hi!!! I was one of the first to buy your MJ book online. I live in Staten Island, NY. I would LOVE to buy a needlepoint MJ case that Linda makes. Please get back to me on this! Thanx, Carol

    Like

    1. mahjonggandme Post author

      Hi Carol – thanks so much for buying my book! Are there large groups of Mah Jongg players on Staten Island? Let me know because if so, I will contact a book store and see if I can do a talk and book signing there. I will list purchase information on tomorrow’s posting regarding the needlepoint bags.
      Ann

      Like

    1. mahjonggandme Post author

      Hi JoAnn – yes, Lizzie is so sweet and she is the reason that I was willing to leave the warmth of Florida for this frozen tundra of New York! I will list purchase information on tomorrow’s posting.
      Ann

      Like

  5. Carolyn

    I love the coin purses and would be interested in one, depending on cost. It looks like a lot of work and is beautifully done.

    Like

  6. Judy

    I am so glad your trip was so successful and to come home to a Tibetan, that’s the icing on the cake (i’m assuming Lizzie is a Tibetan) lol

    Like

  9. Phyllis Cusumano

    Love your last stop email. Looking forward to getting your book.
    Along with physical therapy since hip surgery, i have had much going on with 3 classes of m.j. and just had my Feb. 25th tournament with 84 players. Placed several orders from players. Was able to send my charity Sunlight Home here in Naples a check for $347. from the proceeds of this tournament. Between a check from M.J. league for 2014 cards and my Nov. tournament and sales for Nov. and Dec. my charity received close to $600. and now this! I love being able to raise monies for them 3 times a year along with other donations from friends and myself.
    Hope one day our paths will meet. Love and hugs, Phyllis

    Like

  10. Jan Egri

    Your journey in FL sounds wonderful and so productive. You are so fortunate to be able to meet with so many of us that adore you and treasure your book. One of these days, I’ll get to where you are and meet you. It might just be in NYC!
    Oh, and just love love love the bags too. Can’t wait to purchase one.
    Be well and safe travels!

    Like

      1. JPCusu@aol.com

        What’s with these m.j. bags? Please give me info. Always looking for items for my tournaments. Thanks, Phyllis

        Like

Comments are closed.