April 14th, 2007 - Innocence lost

Eleven players enthusiastically showed up to see the long awaited unveiling of the new bathroom that we have heard about for what seems like years. There was a buzz within the group speculating who would be the first to christen the cold, pearly-white ceramic throne. The owners were obviously quite proud and I believe I heard the comment: "It's so powerful it can suck white off rice!"

Once excitement of the new crapper had settled down, Mark took 1st place from the table of Andy, Lisa and Dan. Steve H. took Mary and Toni to school at the table of three and the other Steve beat Sue, Beth and Teri. Beth represented the best of the rest and rounded out the championship table of Mark, Steve k., and Steve H.

Although Mark had the early lead, a poorly timed hand of 20 put Steve H. in the lead for good and elevated him out of the V.V. club (Victory virgin). Many members have been in this club for years and Steve H. has now experienced the sweet taste of victory in less than a year. Realizing that her man had taken home the trophy, Teri jumped to her feet and declared he didn't need to drive home tonight......um, a little trophy polishing party maybe? Congratulations Steve H.

The club enjoys a day at the lake

March 17, 2007 - St. Patrick's Day Hearts

John and Dawn hosted 12 of us for a little St. Patrick's Day card playing. Dan, John, Sue and Lisa were at table 1; Steve, Cindy, Dawn and Andy were at table 2 while Beth, Debbie, Mark and Toni rounded out table 3.

The championship table included 1st round winners Dan, Mark and Steve as well as Cindy, occupying the 65th team in the NCAA tournament-like position of having "achieved" the honor of being the lowest scoring member of the 1st round losers. Come'on, wouldn't you rather have a chance or winning a couple NIT games then suffering a 1st round blow-out in the BIG dance?

Inspired (or possibly confused) by the basketball games on the big screen, Cindy was gobbling up the points like a woman possessed and after 6 rounds had a commanding lead with 75 points. Mark, being the gentleman that he is, discreetly pointed out that the object was to get the LEAST number of points. It was too late, however, as Mark was a man on a mission after he had seen Debbie's photo (not that photo!) on the web earlier in the evening and knew it would be a special evening if he could bring home the trophy. After all, this was the same house that Debbie had achieved her greatest heart's achievement with her shocking victory so many moons ago (calendar months, not "shoot the moons"). Nice job Mark with your 6th victory.

Next meeting: April 14th at Toni and Andy's estate

"I told you I had won!!!

February 24, 2007 - a cold and stormy night

Three full tables were hosted by Dan and Lisa despite the severe weather brewing outside. Apparently, the monthly braggin' rights that go with a Hearts' victory is more important than some folks let on!! Dan, John, Mary and Andy were at table 1. Steve, Terri, Beth and Mark were at table 2 and Debbie, Lisa, Toni and Cindy were at table 3. The respective winners were: Andy, Steve and Debbie. Yes, that's the same Steve and Debbie that were at the winners' table last month also. Now, for a Hearts club first: Dan and Toni each had 54 points for the lowest 2nd place score and the right to play for the trophy (although getting to the table as a 2nd place finisher would "taint" any potential victory, right Mark?). After much debate over how to decide who would advance (arm wrestling and rock/paper/scissors were ruled out), Dan got the honor (or shame?) of playing for the trophy.

Andy, determined to get back to the winners' circle for the first time since August 2006, took charge early and after 10 hands, led with 19 points (the other scores were 79, 84, and 78). With the big lead, it appeared Andy let his guard down. Did his thoughts turn to how taking the trophy home would be the best gift he could ever give his main gal? Maybe, as a shoot-the-moon by Dan and a 25 point bloodbath by Andy on the next 2 hands made his insurmountable lead shrink to 8 points!! Despite the little scare (later Andy confided it would just impress Toni that much more!), Andy sucked it up and proved he was a deserving champ tonight. Good job, Andy!

Heard at Hearts:

"We should play Whirlyball."

"How about LaserQuest?"

"We should go on a Hearts cruise."

"This is the worst storm ever!"

"My victory wasn't on the website!"

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Next Meeting: St. Patrick's Day at John's

January 2007

To start off the 2007 Friends and Neighbors Hearts Club season (does the name imply that if you are a neighbor, you can't possibly be a friend?), we had three full tables hosted by Cindy. "Players" included Cindy, Mark & Debbie, Dan & Lisa, Steve & Sue, Toni, Mike, Terri & Steve and John.

The winners table was occupied by Terri and Steve (how cute!), a reluctant Debbie and a determined John. After a hard fought battle, John took home the trophy (his 1st since October 2005). Congratulations John.

Next meeting: February 24th at Dan & Lisa's.

2006 Winners

Jan: Cindy (2)
Feb: Mark (4)
Mar: Dan (8)
Apr: Beth (2)
May: Dan (9)
Jun: Beth (3)
Jul: Cindy (3)
Aug: Andy (3)
Sep: Beth (4)
Oct: Terri (2)
Nov: Mark (5)
Dec: Mike (1)

Multiple wins for 2006: Beth (3), Cindy (2), Dan (2), Mark (2),