The world according to Françoise, with cards
Over this winter, one of my most pleasurable pastimes has been playing cards with my 84-year-old friend, Françoise. Here she is last month, celebrating her birthday:
Françoise taught me a card game from her New Brunswick heritage, called Blockage. (I can find neither rules nor references anywhere.)
It's a fast, fairly uncomplicated partner game; what was truly challenging was her instruction: "Here's your cards."
No run-down of rules, just the claim, "It's fun!" from someone who would play, given a soft summer evening, till 3 am. with her brother-in-law.
As a newbie, I got advice. Or should I say, a hint: "Do you really want to use that card?" After three afternoons, I got good enough to spot her occasional lapses; at that moment my "coach" quit.
Hers was a generation of competence and no complaint. They canned, they cleaned, they pitched out ne'er do well husbands without a dollar of support. They made sure their children were clean, clothed, hugged– and then, if they had a few spare hours, they might play cards.
Françoise on her long-ago marriage: "I loved him, but he loved lots of other ones."
On her career, managing a popular Montreal pub: "You never argue with someone's politics or what they're drinking."
On an unpopular customer: "He'd head for the loo when the cheque came, wait for his friends to pay. I stood there in front of the Men's and said, 'GO BACK to your table.' "
On fashion today: "Why do women want to wear so much black?"
On surprises: "Justin Timberlake, thought he was a flash in the pan. Very talented actor."
A game of cards is good, retro fun. Not so fast-paced you can't comment on the events of the day or sip a sherry; unplugged and connected, competitive yet friendly.
All you need is a deck of cards, a couple of hours, a plate of cookies–and a friend.
What's your game?
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| Françoise toasts her 84th! |
Françoise taught me a card game from her New Brunswick heritage, called Blockage. (I can find neither rules nor references anywhere.)
It's a fast, fairly uncomplicated partner game; what was truly challenging was her instruction: "Here's your cards."
As a newbie, I got advice. Or should I say, a hint: "Do you really want to use that card?" After three afternoons, I got good enough to spot her occasional lapses; at that moment my "coach" quit.
Hers was a generation of competence and no complaint. They canned, they cleaned, they pitched out ne'er do well husbands without a dollar of support. They made sure their children were clean, clothed, hugged– and then, if they had a few spare hours, they might play cards.
Françoise on her long-ago marriage: "I loved him, but he loved lots of other ones."
On her career, managing a popular Montreal pub: "You never argue with someone's politics or what they're drinking."
On an unpopular customer: "He'd head for the loo when the cheque came, wait for his friends to pay. I stood there in front of the Men's and said, 'GO BACK to your table.' "
On fashion today: "Why do women want to wear so much black?"
On surprises: "Justin Timberlake, thought he was a flash in the pan. Very talented actor."
A game of cards is good, retro fun. Not so fast-paced you can't comment on the events of the day or sip a sherry; unplugged and connected, competitive yet friendly.
All you need is a deck of cards, a couple of hours, a plate of cookies–and a friend.
What's your game?
Comments
Darla
PS -Thanks again and yet again for your posts on Tahitian pearls. I got a pair of drop/baroque shaped beauties - dark grey-green with peacock overtones that FLOAT over the pearl - just like a drop of oil swirled in water (ghastly simile but the best I can find).
We're gin, uno and mille bornes players chez W.
C.
AN: Yes, how would people survive rainy cottage days without cards or board games? Your pearls sound incredible! So happy to help. Would you tell us where you found them?
Jane W.: Again, it's back to my Book of Games to learn more. My card repertoire is severely limited (poker, gin, hearts, Françoise's Blockage and the kiddie ones). I was a bridge orphan and told my mother I was "not going to sit at a card table and get fat". Now wish I had learned.
C.: What a great idea, historical cards! If you start reading Jack London you might move into poker :)
I also wanted to thank you, Duchesse, for telling me about the Eric Bompard sale in January-- I was able to get a beautiful black cardigan that I know I will wear forever.
All best,
Francie
Sadly, my husband does not like to play cards. Just this weekend, though, I taught my 10 year old daughter to play Crazy Eights, and she seems to be hooked. Here's hoping!
rb: Crazy Eights is the gateway game!
Tiffany: It's good fun to play w/ kids and adults. We played poker for pennies (and have now advanced to quarters) otherwise the kids bet like maniacs.
The generation above ours was skilled in having a good time-with genuine social connection-without depending on a screen.
Well, I went in to buy a turquoise torsade and walked out with these pearls + a salmon/blush (untreated) coral triple strand necklace! Good way to spend a bonus:) My pearls are about 10-11m (or close to this size)and I love the teardrop shape (my favourite shape for earrings). The overtones are stunning! And thanks to you, I didn;t waste $$ at the fancy stores. They probably wouldn't have had this kind of stuff anyway - they stick to massive round white/golden/dark grey chokers/studs.
oops - that was a rather long post!
Friends have repeatedly tried to teach me to play Cribbage, but it's always too long between lessons, and it hasn't stuck yet.
Dominoes is my game -- and I've converted most of the rest of La Familia Rubi, too. It's a good game to play in a mixed group of kids and adults.
Rubi: A special memory of a great-grandmother, lucky.
Kristine: Yes, I understand that some women feel that way :)
I learned to play cribbage when in Costa Rica in the early 1980's. I remember really enjoying it (and I usually don't enjoy card or most board games) but since then haven't known anyone else who plays so have forgotten. I'd love to brush up!