Scrabble Saturday Night

Charlie (9) beat me by almost 100 points.

We had a fun game.

I asked Laura if she had a Scrabble Dictionary and she said “No, but just Google it.” I was telling Charlie about the two and three letter word lists which are good to know.

Originally called Criss Cross, the game, which was based on the crossword puzzle and anagrams, was developed by Alfred M. Butts, an architect, in 1931. It was redesigned, renamed as Scrabble, and marketed by James Brunot in 1948. It was first sold in Great Britain in 1954.” Brittanica

It’s been a long time since I played Scrabble. How about you?

Games Families Play

Do you have boxes of board games in your home? Or have electronics taken precedent?

This week I’m visiting family in Ohio and we’ve been playing board games. Some take hours and hours. The card games aren’t included in this picture but UNO is the most popular around here. Maura and I’ve played a few rounds. I heard the four grandkids were playing Life before Christmas.

Does anyone in your household seek world domination- or scarf up real estate, utilities and railroads, add houses and hotels?

On my mother’s side my Uncle John was very good at chess and my Uncle Robert was good at backgammon and Royalty. Both of their families are good game players. I think my family missed that game playing gene although we had Flinch. I looked up the vintage card game Flinch and it’s pricey on eBay.

Different ages prefer certain games and there are a few games I find difficult to stick with and finish to the win. If I were photographing games at my house you’d see Scrabble and Jenga, Boggle, Pictionary, Mille Bornes and Monopoly.

Good sportsmanship and learning to lose gracefully is an ongoing effort.

Following the rules, taking turns, paying attention are essential ingredients.

The new Risk has been trending at Mark and Erika’s house this week. I’ve been watching Ticket to Ride tutorials on YouTube to teach the grandchildren how to play.

At Laura and James’ house the selection is colorful and fun. Charlie is 2 1/2 so it’s Hi Ho Cherrio! Or these two games photographed by Laura today. The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel GameCharlie and the squirrel grab acorns. Goodnight Moon Counting Game

Coffee and Competition – Corona Café Austin Texas

My three friends and I were headed to a quilter’s studio to check out her hand dyed fabric (stay tuned) Anne needed REAL coffee.  Tucked away on Corona Drive in a mini strip of businesses was Corona Café

These two men were going to play disc golf but the rain kept them inside on Saturday morning.

“We felt like doing something competitive.”  So here they are in Corona Café playing Scrabble.

Scrabble Men

The barista made us excellent coffee.

Naiman was so nice.  I asked him about his name.  His father got it off the back of a car but it is a Mongolian warrior. He told us we could look it up.    Naiman

Naiman the BaristaNaiman and his latté art.

 

signageI hear they have great internet.