Birthday and Cribbage

Hi again. It's been awhile. A lot had happened since I last blogged. A new surgery, still with ongoing challenges. I continue to read about the revolutionary war. I have finished "Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow, "Sacred Fire" about George Washington.., "George Washington a Life, by Ron Chernow, "Lafayette",by Unger. Three of these book are over 800 pages and take a while to finish. The Chernow books seem to be the best to me. I broke down and purchased James Madison in hardback, because I cant get it on my kindle. Will tackle Madison, Monroe , Adams and Jefferson in the future. I so admire George Washington after reading about him. Incredible guy. Truly, his destiny tied to the inception of this great country. Although, I wonder what he would say if could see what is going on today in government. Yikes. Got to see Melanie, missing Steve who has commitments while he is working on his doctorate. We met in Seattle after my Dr's. appt. Four days in Seattle and 3 days in the Tricities. Moving on. My notoriously nasty divorce in ongoing. I have alot to say about that...yet ..Moving on. My birthday cribbage party was a success , again. Much more participation this year. Seventeen players showed with all striving for Tebay bragging rites. Lori,Sam L., Sam S, Tyler, Lynda Hart, Sean, Rick, Cal, Bill C., Dennis H., Jeff, Kerri, Jennifer, Erin H.T.,Dottie, Larry and Craig. We were missing Anthony our 18th. We were also missing the Hockadays who were committed to a ski trip that weekend. Also Megan , who just started a new job. We began with a whole counter full of food to eat. We chose to eat early because Calin was stuck at the Federal building in Richland..which means he had to get thru the Hanford traffic. It fit well with the nights events. Team play began with a drawing of partners. Larry and Sam did not draw as partners this year..thank goodness. After five rounds of play Kerri and I, the birthday dude, prevailed as the doubles champions. Of course Larry was in the opposing team. Kerri, had a excepitonal night with the cards . She was the Larry neutralizer. Had him talking to himself by the end. It was fun. The singles event was a single elimination also. The concentration in the room was evident. The games slowed abit because each player was trying to make the correct moves for the moment. It was fun to watch, yes I watched after being eliminated by Dennis Hart..he was on fire..kicking butt..until he ran into brother Sam. finis.. The championship game came down to Sam S. Tebay and Calin, with Calin prevailing. Sam dropped significantly behind at the beginning and caught up with Cal as they turned the last corner. Cal had a terrific hand and crib to distance himself and finished...first. I don't half to tell you, it didn't take long for him to claim bragging rites..oh about two seconds..and I'm number one was displayed. Good for him. In all, there was alot of positive feedback. Hope to improve next year. I'm attaching some pictures of the crib party champions, and other pics. Craig. p.s. bloggers post your 5 best pictures of 2010 and tell us why they are special. I will later. Thanks.