I think the version I play might contain advertisements. Google recommends Mahjong Solitaire (Add Free) - App on Amazon Appstore. Frankly, I initially just googled to find an online Mahjong when I started playing.
Julie, I didn't know you liked to play Scrabble. I love to play the game online through the Internet Scrabble Club. Set a screen name, password and you can play people all over the world for free. I have also turned to MahJong_online. It is also a good game for mindless play and a sense of achievement.
Julie, I loved reading this. Mark and I usually play a game of gin (with cards) to 250 or 300 at the dinner table after dinner. Then I often turn on Turner Classic Movies and play a few rounds of Solitaire. I remember one time winning three in a row, another time losing a dozen rounds or more. As a born optimist, reshuffling and dealing a new game gives me hope. I agree with you about greed. Of the classic Seven Deadly Sins, Greed is the worst.
I played solitaire with cards often as a kid, once I got a computer it was usually spider solitaire or other versions. I never knew there versions other than Klondike ( I didn't know it was called Klondike! I just played it as it was the version my older sister played!) Nice memories of many different card games withe family and friends, great diversion from life's problems. Your column ends with the OWR reminder. I would like to sign up but have not gotten access to scholarship page. I've tried 3 times but get no return email. Not sure what I need to do. Do you know if this a google doc. problem on my computer or something else I'm doing wrong? Is there someone to contact for assistance?
Solitaire was my Mom’s favorite game too. She seemed to never be alone with a deck of cards. For no reason, I had always assumed that Milton Bradley created the game of Monopoly. Reading your story evoked timeless memories playing it with family and friends. I remember the various tokens like the top hat, sneaker, locomotive and boot. Houses and hotels were first made of wood but morphed to plastic in later years. We wore out many game sets back then.
Amusing how such a short story you wrote made me curious about its origins. Elizabeth Magie created the game in 1904. What’s truly remarkable is it’s still being wrathfully played out in the world of big business today. And clearly for those winning it’s no longer a game but an obsession.
Anyone looking for the old cottage style lake vacation, check out Sand Bar on east Spirit Lake. I have no fiscal interest , just a seasonal neighbor. Taking the highway north, once I hit the Sand Bar sign, I know my 5+ hour trip's outcome will be paradise.
Can’t believe I didn’t mention the iron, thimble and battleship tokens. I still have a clothes iron that’s rarely used. The last thimble’s I saw were my late grandmother’s. Battleships are primarily mothballed or now museums. And, lake “cabins”or family operated small resorts? Gone with the wind, much like roadside motels advertising air conditioned rooms and a pool (is the Vacancy light on honey?). Magic fingers coin operated massage bed anyone? I’d be satisfied just having a few postcards from those days.
Ah, I’d forgotten the wooden player pieces. I was in Okoboji not long ago and saw a Monoply game reconfigured to properties and landmarks in the lakes area.
A bit too close to home, when thinking about the quaint cottages and family operated resorts are being gobbled up and turned into mega-mansions, squeezing out the folks who have a modest income. Sigh.
I do not remember the last time I played Solitaire. Thank you for reminding me of how comforting and calming that game is. I am going to hunt for a pack of cards. Yes, this I am doing this the old fashioned way!
Many truths in your story, thank you! Admittedly I have never played electronic solitaire, although I looked at it once on the computer when it was first invented. Maybe it’s my old Baptist/Methodist anti card-playing parental upbringing!
Oh Julie, I am so with you on this. I play Solitaire when I switch from intense thinking/writing work to other things like reading emails or reading. It clears my head to go on to the next activity.
It seems like whenever my husband comes into our office, I’m playing Solitaire. I always let him know I’m clearing my head but I often feel his workaholic self isn’t buying that.
Thank you for sharing. It makes me feel less guilty.
Yes, I too play a lot of Solitaire on my iPad. And I too wanted a life different from
my mom. I was brought up as a Catholic. And I still have that life view that right is right and wrong is wrong. I am not dealing well with this game of Monopoly that the US is playing now.
Terry, I checked this one and the Kaye Gammack’s Secret Sauce columns and don’t find you as a paid subscriber, if you used the panther email. No worries.
I think the version I play might contain advertisements. Google recommends Mahjong Solitaire (Add Free) - App on Amazon Appstore. Frankly, I initially just googled to find an online Mahjong when I started playing.
Julie, I didn't know you liked to play Scrabble. I love to play the game online through the Internet Scrabble Club. Set a screen name, password and you can play people all over the world for free. I have also turned to MahJong_online. It is also a good game for mindless play and a sense of achievement.
Do you have an ad-free version on Mahjong?
I confess! I too play solitaire in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep. Played a lot as a kid and different versions with my Dad.
I agree, it takes away all the complicated stuff whirling thru the mind.
I play solitaire with real cards. It just got me through my daughter’s heart surgery and today as she recovers!
Julie, I loved reading this. Mark and I usually play a game of gin (with cards) to 250 or 300 at the dinner table after dinner. Then I often turn on Turner Classic Movies and play a few rounds of Solitaire. I remember one time winning three in a row, another time losing a dozen rounds or more. As a born optimist, reshuffling and dealing a new game gives me hope. I agree with you about greed. Of the classic Seven Deadly Sins, Greed is the worst.
I played solitaire with cards often as a kid, once I got a computer it was usually spider solitaire or other versions. I never knew there versions other than Klondike ( I didn't know it was called Klondike! I just played it as it was the version my older sister played!) Nice memories of many different card games withe family and friends, great diversion from life's problems. Your column ends with the OWR reminder. I would like to sign up but have not gotten access to scholarship page. I've tried 3 times but get no return email. Not sure what I need to do. Do you know if this a google doc. problem on my computer or something else I'm doing wrong? Is there someone to contact for assistance?
This column captures a simplicity we have taken for granted in times past.
The sound and rhythm of cards calms the heart.
My grandfather and I used to play for hours. My father and I used to play for hours.
Thank you for taking me back to quiet, beautiful memories.
Separately, I love the line:
"Was she bored? How could she not be? I, mistakenly, thought she was boring."
You just justified why I keep Mahjong on my mobile devices. I use it the same way, often at the same times.
Love your writing!
Thanks, Rick. Call Amy time you need an enabler! Love Mahjong, too.
Solitaire was my Mom’s favorite game too. She seemed to never be alone with a deck of cards. For no reason, I had always assumed that Milton Bradley created the game of Monopoly. Reading your story evoked timeless memories playing it with family and friends. I remember the various tokens like the top hat, sneaker, locomotive and boot. Houses and hotels were first made of wood but morphed to plastic in later years. We wore out many game sets back then.
Amusing how such a short story you wrote made me curious about its origins. Elizabeth Magie created the game in 1904. What’s truly remarkable is it’s still being wrathfully played out in the world of big business today. And clearly for those winning it’s no longer a game but an obsession.
Anyone looking for the old cottage style lake vacation, check out Sand Bar on east Spirit Lake. I have no fiscal interest , just a seasonal neighbor. Taking the highway north, once I hit the Sand Bar sign, I know my 5+ hour trip's outcome will be paradise.
Can’t believe I didn’t mention the iron, thimble and battleship tokens. I still have a clothes iron that’s rarely used. The last thimble’s I saw were my late grandmother’s. Battleships are primarily mothballed or now museums. And, lake “cabins”or family operated small resorts? Gone with the wind, much like roadside motels advertising air conditioned rooms and a pool (is the Vacancy light on honey?). Magic fingers coin operated massage bed anyone? I’d be satisfied just having a few postcards from those days.
Ah, I’d forgotten the wooden player pieces. I was in Okoboji not long ago and saw a Monoply game reconfigured to properties and landmarks in the lakes area.
A bit too close to home, when thinking about the quaint cottages and family operated resorts are being gobbled up and turned into mega-mansions, squeezing out the folks who have a modest income. Sigh.
Wonderful writing/subject, as always. Back to my solitaire games. I love how you always put a positive spin on everything. Love
Speaking of family recipes I have found double solitaire to be healthy competition among relatives.
I do not remember the last time I played Solitaire. Thank you for reminding me of how comforting and calming that game is. I am going to hunt for a pack of cards. Yes, this I am doing this the old fashioned way!
Good on you!
Many truths in your story, thank you! Admittedly I have never played electronic solitaire, although I looked at it once on the computer when it was first invented. Maybe it’s my old Baptist/Methodist anti card-playing parental upbringing!
I’d love to read a column from you about being raised in an anti-card household!
Powerful! I love the way your mind works. Thank you for graciously sharing your gift with us 💕
What a heartwarming thing to say, Sharon. Thank you!
Oh Julie, I am so with you on this. I play Solitaire when I switch from intense thinking/writing work to other things like reading emails or reading. It clears my head to go on to the next activity.
It seems like whenever my husband comes into our office, I’m playing Solitaire. I always let him know I’m clearing my head but I often feel his workaholic self isn’t buying that.
Thank you for sharing. It makes me feel less guilty.
Ah, good. Welcome
to the club.
Yes, I too play a lot of Solitaire on my iPad. And I too wanted a life different from
my mom. I was brought up as a Catholic. And I still have that life view that right is right and wrong is wrong. I am not dealing well with this game of Monopoly that the US is playing now.
That’s great!
Terry, I checked this one and the Kaye Gammack’s Secret Sauce columns and don’t find you as a paid subscriber, if you used the panther email. No worries.
Thanks. My mistake. I am subscribed to Iowa Writers Collaborative.