Then, I started serious bridge…playing the duplicate tournament circuit and, before too long, I was way too happy to play bridge and way too unhappy to work. But, really, can you just play bridge everyday for twenty years?? I couldn’t do it but the thousands of bridge clubs all over American totally prove me wrong. Pretty much, people come seven days a week.
Boring. I gotta mix it up. I gotta read, work out, write. There’s the beach, the state parks, our Florida day trips. Botanical gardens galore. Museums, independent films, local stage and concert events.
You hear it all the time. “I’m more busy now than when I was working.” I think that’s memory loss talking there. I was crazy with responsibilities when I was a single mom raising kids, trying to keep all the calendars straight. Working all week long, night and day, and rushing to get the laundry, house cleaning, and grocery shopping done on the weekend.
I profess the difference is that we actually have leisure time now. Time for a little precious reflection. Things we longed for during our 30s, 40s, and 50s. Now, we can choose a life.
BH does not like to be over scheduled. He needs his down time. Basically, he opts to lead a slower life. Because he can. He also was a single parent with a crazy schedule. He’s done. His main job is to get up, exercise, and head for his poolside lounge chair with the daily papers.
Don’t get me wrong. He likes his fun…after he’s finished with the papers. We usually play bridge Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the afternoon. And then we go out to celebrate or commiserate.
We never miss Martini Mondays at Allegro Bistro. They’re $5 and ridiculously strong. I had one sip and thought I was going to pass out. I just have my one glass of cabernet and an unchopped salad. Judging by the crowd, no one else has a problem with the martinis!
Tuesdays are Senior Day at Frank’s Cinema. The parking lot is filled by 10 in the morning. You would think these people could only see a movie on Tuesday. Yes, it’s just $5 but, on any other day, it’s $6! Don’t even think about going if it’s a movie that’s just opened. You’ll be sitting on the front row…not good for the neck. I saw ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ that way….a three hour movie!
Ben Gay was my best friend for a week.
Mi Pueblo is on wonderful Wednesday. They open at 5 and Happy Hour ends at 6. There are easily 100 people in line by 4:30. Great sangria, amazing Mexican food and you can be serenaded at your table by their house band. They’ll ask you what you’d like them to play. What do you think BH always asks for? ‘La Bamba.’ Is he original or what?
Back to Allegro Bistro for Jazz Thursdays. I don’t know what time you have to get there to get a good seat. We get there at 5 and are looking for bar stools! The music more than makes up for the dearth of seating.
Friday is the Tiki Bar, listening to RPM. A blend of classic rock and roll and country. BH loves the country, I’m a true rock ’n roller. They have a harmonica player that is balding with white curly hair hanging to his butt…looks just like Crosby from Crosby, Stills & Nash. Besides the music, we go there for the Firecracker Shrimp. I need a gallon of water to get it down.
Anyone who appears here is subject to our nightlife routine. No one complains!
Tonight is Movie Night. BH wants to see the new Liam Neeson movie as does most of the senior world here in Venice. Not me. I’m reading or watching House of Cards…don’t get me started.
Senior Week....pretty full, right? And this with a guy who doesn't like to be over scheduled! Life is just full of irony.
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