SCOTT GRABINGER on PINOCHLE

I'm surprised that no one has yet mentioned the family game -- pinochle. There were always at least three tables going at any family gathering. When we cousins were young, we wanted to play the game but didn't know how. The elders had no interest in teaching us, except for Elda. I wonder how many of us started learning the game from her. Then we could start playing the game among ourselves but wanted to break in and play with the adults. We vied for the best tables, the one with Syl and Bill or another with Elda, Ella and Shirley. This was the dream. As we grew older, they began to tolerate us, though Gary always had an advantage, he was the best of us. I miss the game, but haven't played in years, I'd probably try to meld four nines. -- Scott