Patricia heard the music floating up the stairs as she headed down toward the family room. She cracked open the door and took a peek inside. It was full of teenagers. The boys dressed in sharp suits and the girls in various party dresses. Bopping and twisting to the latest tunes coming from the phonograph.
Pat was so proud of her daughter. Susie’s party was in full swing and quite the success. Thanks, in part, to the quality of the food on the buffet table. Susie had become quite the teen cook in a short period of time. Because of her skills, everyone was having a ball.
Pat wondered if she should step in to see if Susie needed anything, then the gnashing sound of guitar strings erupted from the vicinity of the record player.
Oh, the music those kids listen to today, she thought. It’s not a waltz, that’s for sure.
The teenagers were doing fine on their own. Her best course of action was a strategic retreat to the den upstairs.
Once there, she slipped inside and shut the door, automatically turning the music level down to a dull roar. Thank goodness Ted soundproofed this room.
She blessed her husband with a peck on his cheek and said hello to the other couple invited for the evening. Technically the Monroe’s were there to help chaperone the party, but in reality, these four were going to sit around a folding table and partake in a more conservative pastime.
In America right now the urge to twirl a hula hoop, or twist to the latest beat from a jukebox was sweeping across the land. Pat knew these interests would fade in time. Card games, however, were an American standard.
“What should we play,” Pat asked as she sat in her folding chair.
“Poker!” Doug Monroe exclaimed, as he took his own seat.
“I’ll second that!” Ted shot Pat a grin, knowing full well that poker was not on her agenda.
“You can save that for boys night,” Pat proclaimed, instead turning toward Mrs. Monroe. “What do you want to play, Tammy?”
“How about Contact bridge? That’s a game the four of us can enjoy.”
“Or there’s Gin Rummy,” Pat countered.
“Or Canasta,” Tammy added.
“You girls could play two handed Pinochle, while we get out the poker chips.” Doug suggested, still interested in his boy’s game.
A nice idea, but not very practical. Cozy defined Ted’s den. Its wood paneling and built-in bookshelves added to the ambience, but took up a lot of space. “Sorry, Doug,” Pat said. “I don’t think we can fit another card table in here.”
“I know,” Ted snapped his fingers. “Why don’t we all play Hearts?”
“Great idea!” Everyone agreed.
“Are we all brushed up on the rules,” Tammy asked?
“I have a pamphlet published by Sorg. They’ve been making the paper for the playing cards for decades.”
“It has the rules and the history of several games including Solitaire.”
“However, in this booklet the rules are condensed. If we have any questions while we play, we can also refer to the “Official Rules of Card Games,” published by the “United States Playing Card Company.”
They settled down to trade “tricks” and tell tales, all while their children danced one floor below.
We got to delve into the world of the playing card, thanks to GVS. Glorious Vintage Stuff!
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