Mahjong Anyone?

SOL Day 10

A few years ago my sister taught me how to play the Jewish tile game called Mahjong. Four players, play with a card which has various numbers and colors on it.  The card is what you use to make your "hand".  The tiles are "suited" in Craks, Bams and Dots and they are what you use to make your hand.  Mahjong is a great exercise game for the brain and is amazingly fun!  We started a Mahjong group with some of our neighbors since moving here.  We get together once a week and spend about 3-4 hours playing.  Now that everyone is getting more skilled we can actually have a conversation!  We taught my niece and her boyfriend and now they play with their friends! One can never say that they are too old to play,  just go to a Mahjong tournament and you will see women in their 80's that can play without the use of the card!  Many communities have park districts that teach you how to play.  So if you ever have a chance to learn, I highly recommend it!

My sister won this game at a tournament, that's why her name is the "joker"

Reflections . . .

SOL Day 9

Now that we are about a fourth of the way through this month's challenge I thought I would take a few minutes to reflect.  I am continually blown away by the slices I have been reading. The ones that are so heartfelt I actually get goose bumps, the slices that make me smile and the ones that make me sit back and just think.  I try to read any where from 8 to 10 slices on most days and only wish I had time for more . . . sometimes I do!  I am also so appreciative of those who take the time to read my slices and for the generous comments that are left for me.  It's a wonderful way to stay connected with my friends, even though there are many miles between us, as well as getting to know so many of you as you share parts of your life.  So thank you to all, and especially to the ladies that created this awesome writing community!

Just a few thoughts

SOL Day 8

I'm back home in New Mexico after almost 17 days in California.  It's amazing how fast the time went!  Yes, we were busy packing, unpacking, visiting, and enjoying, but 17 days?! As I sit writing this morning, I am reminded how quiet it is where I live, no hustle and bustle of city noises. I look out my windows to a much different landscape . . . California is so lush with beautiful flowers everywhere and of course it has the ocean!  One of my favorite flowers, Bird of Paradise are growing wild everywhere. New Mexico's has the beauty of the desert cacti, wild flowers and some of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen.  Both certainly have their own appeal, both have their own beauty.

Nature's Alarm Clock

SOL Day 7

Woke early this morning to crack . . . boom . . . bang!!!
Was it an earthquake?!? Thunder?!?
As my eyes adjusted to the early dawn, and my brain adjusted to reality, I realized it was in deed thunder!  It just seemed so loud . . . so close!
A few minutes later the rain drops were pelting against the windows, it sounded like hail but I knew better as I was fully awake now.
As soon as it was light outside I looked out the window and realized the noise was partly due to over turned lawn chairs as well as a few plants!  Mother Nature was at it once again!

A FAV Eating Spot!

Day 6 SOL


One of the things I love about California is that so many restaurants offer organic fruit, veggie, and meat options on their menus.  About 5 years ago I made the decision to try and incorporate organically grown foods into my diet.  The problem of course is when eating out, most restaurants don't use organic food, but here in California problem solved!  My niece took us to Kreation Organic, one place in particular that I just loved!  Yummy salads, sandwiches and healthy smoothies and all with organic ingredients!