Adventure 254: Rod and Karen Franz/Manhattan, KS/Post F

An example of a winning hand.

It's really my own fault. I introduced this mind numbing card game to the Franz's a few years back. I've endured it for years (It as a game we play at my Father's on every visit). Called Hollywood Gin, it's a game best played with three, but four works fine. The game lasts seven hands, winner is the lowest point total. Any cards still held when a player goes out  (Last card played) are counted against those still holding cards. Points are issued as follows: Jokers/20; Aces/15; Face Cards including tens/10; Nine and under/5. Aces are always played high. The rounds are as follows: two sets; two runs; one set, one run; sets, one run; two runs, one set; three sets; and finally three runs, no discard. If you have any card playing experience, you can tell by the throbbing sensation in your head right now (Just trying to follow the rules) that the game tries patience, temper, will, faith, hope, and charity. The best part about the game is that it usually comes down to the last hand, and therefore the player with the most luck and the most stamina, claims victory to the cheers of all. Tonight I won the last two games, tying me with Karen for the week, even though the Wylie Cager tried to play four runs instead of three (She's always thinking, that one). It's been a good day of cards for me, since I won all the apples in Manhattan this morning by leaving the Cager once again moaning like Moses just outside the promised land (I must confess in all Christian charity, that this result is one of my favorite ways to win). It is also pretty easy to remember that it's all for fun. There are abundant laughs, good propinquity, good clean jocularity, and even the occasional gloat (I mean what's winning without good sportsmanship). This is our last night in Manhattan. Tomorrow, we head straight north to Beatrice, NE to see cousin Dale and Kathy and hopefully Aunt Alice. From there it's a bee line west for Fric and Frac. We hope to be home by April 20. For our last night, we ventured down to Aggieville for a pretty good pub styled burger at Kites. We were grateful that he and Karen hosted, both tonight's dinner and the week here in Manhattan. Like I always say, "All road trips go through Kansas." Maybe they'll be able to venture west this summer when the wet heat of Kansas starts radiating off the pavement in visible shimmers that only a lost soul crawling in the Sahara could enjoy. There's always hope. For now we're thankful for the present because life is good, especially today.

 At the Franz's we've improved on our six day a week oatmeal breakfast regimen.

 Falafel for lunch.

 And a classic Kite burger for dinner.

 Other patrons enjoying half price burger night.

 Art shot of the day: Bob the burger man goes astray.

Rodney counting the points against him.

 The Cager called out "Yippie, I win." Then Rodney pointed out that it was three runs, not four. "Oops," I think she said.

 Tonight was my lucky night.