Our introduction

Sit tight as I muddle through this intro to our blog, "bird walking" like crazy.

As we enjoyed a cozy fire in our family room on this snowy day, (16 inches so far on top of the 12 that fell last Friday) my beautiful wife suggested, "Hey let's start a blog about our learning to play pinochle!" I smirked at her and replied that there are probably a thousand blogs about pinochle and who would want to read ours. She said, "You could add cooking tips or suggest homemade snacks that people could eat while playing cards!" This suggestion caught my attention as I love to cook. I love to create new tidbits to munch on, as crackers and cheese and pizza bagel bites can grow quite tiresome. So after doing some searching and finding no blog like this one, I sat down with a cup of tea and created this blog. I/we hope you enjoy reading our musings and trying my/our recipes!

Being fairly new "empty nesters" my wife looked for something to fill our down time. Looking through a learning annex publication she found Pinochle classes being given in the evening at the local high school. Advertising classes for "beginners to the most advanced players", lasting about 8 or so weeks we signed up with much eagerness. I have never played the game before, my wife played as a teenager but had not played for years. Our children, one graduated from college and already embarked on her career, the other a junior in a college 10 hours away had filled our evenings, weekends and just about every other free (or not free) moment with sports, practices, piano lessons, homework, etc, etc.... Not that I am complaining (well maybe a bit) we have been blessed with two of the greatest children in the world. But now they're gone and we are sometimes at a loss for something to do with our ample free time. (see I told you I would bird walk).

We attended our first class last week, eager and nervous as hell (well me anyway) and let me tell you, it was fun! Our instructors, a married couple, probably in their early (they look retired and happy, I'm being a gentleman and not speculating age) were very cordial and had the appearance of knowing exactly what they were doing with that ominous looking deck of cards on the table. They looked like a well-to-do couple you would see in a Rockwell print of couples playing cards at someone's home in the sixties. You know, the green felt topped table, cocktails served in tall glasses with the little wicker cozy around the base. Little silver bowls of assorted nuts and ashtrays adorn each table. Men wearing white shirts and ties, women wearing smart dresses and faux pearls. But I digress.... The ages in our group ranged from what we guessed to be mid 40's to mid 70's and ability ranged from the complete novice (me) to those wanting to polish their skills at "Double Deck" (what the hell is that?). An hour and one-half later we emerged with some new information, some new skills and eagerly awaiting our next class, which Mother Nature has canceled with her too deep blanket of snow.

So, you have the background, tune in for regular updates as we go to class, play at home, give some tips we've learned and work on our card skills. Along the way, we'll add new recipes or update classic recipes to enjoy with friends and family or just by yourselves as you play cards.

TIP ONE: Keep a "cheat sheet" next to you as you learn meld, runs and points (look these up on the internet under Pinochle rules). It helps cut down on frustration as you learn and makes playing more fun.

RECIPE ONE:

Finely crumble 10 of your favorite cookies in a plastic bag. Nutter Butters, Oreos or Thin Mints work great. Add one 8 oz. package of softened cream cheese and mix thoroughly. Roll mixture into 1" balls and chill in fridge for about 1/2 an hour. Remove from fridge and coat in chocolate chips melted in a double boiler. Chill again and enjoy.



NEXT WEEK: Class number two and mini-quiches at home on the weekend as we practice.