That Eerie Black Bird

ROOK!
"A wind turned cold. Beware the power of the Rook. The eerie black bird can make all the difference."

.....And it does.

The nest, the rook book, the competitive spirit, Jordan's little looks, cutting the deck, the ever elusive "perfect hand", Bonnie's so-called "poker face", making a bid, setting the other team, Dwight's "paregoric" hands, the blood, the sweat, the tears. All the reasons we love it. Our family gatherings would not be the same without our favorite card game. It is not for the light in heart.....We take it SERIOUS! The competition is fierce, and nothing is held back. Tournaments are planned and partners drawn. Every play is scrutinized (DON'T MAKE A MISTAKE). Wins are celebrated and losses never lived down. Tempers flare, and tears have even been shed. But for the love of the game, we go on......and revel in every trick we take.

Jordan, the morning after a particularly late Christmas Eve game.....It must have been a tough night at the Rook table! (Don't worry Becca. We'll be easy on you...at least at first. We only made Rhett cry once.)

"It's only a card game, but I'm feeling an odd chill in the air!"