It’s been a while since we were all together because the holidays really “interfered” with our game play…K was in Michigan and then off to Paris, J was in Florida, S was in Sag Harbor, X was up North…it was just impossible to find a date when we could all play Mahj. Now S is leaving for California and will be gone for a month so we decided to have two games this week – a Monday send-off game at K’s for S and then our regular game day of Wednesday. Because several OM’s had to leave early today, we started the day off at 9:30 am! K greeted us with a fabulous breakfast – Greek yogurt, blueberries, bananas, raisins and nuts.

Of course, there was coffee and tea.

And then we grabbed our plates and cups and took it all to the table as we said, “Let the games begin!”

K started out the day with a hand she thought could be an Atomic winner. Sadly, that didn’t work out for her although it looked good at first.

S also considered going Atomic but changed her mind just as we began to play. She also didn’t wind up with a good result.

As soon as the Charleston was over, my tiles made the decision for me as to what direction I should take.

As you can see by the few tiles out on the table, it wasn’t long before my hand was really shaping up.

A few rounds later it was my turn to push my wall out and at the same time it was also my turn to pick a tile. Much to my surprise – and everyone else’s – it was a Joker and I was able to declare Mah Jongg! Wow, that was fast!

Now it was X’s turn to surprise everyone – as the Charleston ended she declared herself Atomic and added that she only needed one tile!

We were all holding our breath because we couldn’t possibly know which tile she needed and as the game went on you could feel the tension growing! Even X was getting nervous!! There were lots of Winds already exposed and so J felt safe throwing out an East…and that was it – X declared an Atomic Mah Jongg! Hurrah!!

Um…this picture doesn’t have any real Mah Jongg meaning – I just wanted to show off my new bracelet I received from P as an early birthday present!

Meanwhile, K was in the kitchen preparing a delicious lunch: egg salad, smoked salmon, and dill sandwiches on thick and wonderful dark bread along with a big bowl of Israeli cous cous filled with lots of yummy ingredients such as olives, peas, scallions, etc.

And because K, J, and I are all from Michigan, K always has a special treat for us: Vernor’s Ginger Ale!

And now I’ve saved the best picture for last…it’s Roxie, K’s fabulous dog!

We’ll all be together again on Wednesday (sans S and Roxie!) for our regular game day and this time I will be hosting…