Connie Nelson is ready to entertain us and keep our bridge thoughts happy and active as we move from sunshine and autumn leaves to .... winter! Big thanks to Connie for keeping us busy with changing seasons, fun and BRIDGE!
October’s early snow and cold caused me to start dreaming about warmth and sunshine. Jim and I usually take a break each year from “the dead of winter” (i.e. January-March), choosing a different place to go each year. In early 2020, we rented a condo in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. As we often do, we found that going to the local bridge club helped us make instant connections. The club at New Smyrna Beach was no exception. Nice people!
One encounter did strike me as funny. When I told someone there that I was a snowbird from Minnesota, they asked me how long we were staying. I answered one month. They remarked, “Only those who stay at least three months are snowbirds. You are a snowflake!”
The encounter piqued my curiosity. I did some research. I discovered that the word snowbird is nearly 100 years old. It was first used in 1923 to describe seasonal workers who went south for winter work. But, by 1979, it was being commonly used to refer to older people who flocked south in the winter to vacation. I also learned that there’s a corresponding term – sunbird – for people who “flock” north during the summer months.
This winter, COVID-19 will keep Jim and me at home. I thought I’d ask our St Cloud Club about their migration plans, and whether COVID-19 is affecting them. I also asked if they had a story to tell about differences between other clubs where they play, and ours.
Snowbirds. Representing the many of our club who go south each winter, here’s what Tom Buttweiller had to say:
Each year, Pat and I go either south to Bonita Springs, Florida, or west to Kona, Hawaii. We play bridge in each place. They are dramatically different from each other, and from St. Cloud. In Florida, we play at a private, for-profit club. It has a game seven days a week, usually with about 40 tables each time. The cost to play is between $10-$12 per person per session. (St. Cloud is quite a bargain!) I estimate about half the players are snowbirds. People are cordial, but it is all quite businesslike.
Hawaii is a totally different scene. We play at a small club, with a once a week game. It is very friendly, with not many snowbirds. The biggest draw is the spectacular place we play. We play in a building with floor to ceiling glass walls on two sides. It is located on a mountain side, not far from the ocean. The windows look out over the Pacific, and can be opened to the breeze. It is not unusual to see whales spouting. (Tom somehow neglected to contrast that with the windowless lower level of the Labor Home where we usually play!)
Postscript: Pat and Tom had reservations in Kona for Jan 1 through Mar 19, 2021; they have cancelled them due to COVID-19. They are hoping to go south, but want to avoid Florida. They are currently shopping rentals in Nevada.
Sunbirds. We also have several Club members who come up to “summer” in Minnesota.
Mary and Rick Olson are one such couple. Mary said that she and Rick originally learned to play bridge while living in Minnesota. They left MN in 1974, and have lived around the world. But, they kept their MN lake home, and would return whenever they could. They now live in Colorado, and each year come back from the middle of May until the middle of September.
COVID-19 did not change the amount of time they spent here this year. What did change was the dramatically fewer number of guests they entertained. I always knew that many Colorado friends came each year to visit Mary and Rick. What I didn’t know was that one year, from May to September, they had only two nights without company. Whew!
Most of their guests are bridge players. Two of them – Wendy Turk and Chris Campion – are mainstays at our St Cloud Sectional each June. Many other guests play at our Club while they are here. Mary says that their universal comment has been: “What a friendly club!”
Stayers. This year we may have more “stayers” than usual. Jon and Sandra Hatch usually go to Arizona every year Dec to April, but – due to the virus - are uncertain about this year. Sue are Roger Knauss also have not decided about a winter hiatus.
Here are two people who have decided to stay put:
David Hanson: Due to COVID-19, we will be spending our first winter in Minnesota in 11 years. When in AZ, I play bridge at Sun City Grand, at a large community club. Interestingly, that club has not arranged any online games…so kudos to Kory and everyone else in Minnesota who has helped keep our club games going. Hopefully bridge will keep me sane this winter.
Last, club director Kory Solarz says he’ll be here, adding: “I don’t ever go south, but occasionally my game does!”
Thank you, Peg, for your kind words and thoughts. We have set a tentative date for a (virtual) memorial service of Dec. 5th. I will follow with details as I get them.
For those who are Facebook followers, you will note that there were many accolades for our long time friend Peder, some tears, and deep condolences to Arne and his family. We will appreciate receiving more information as we say goodbye to our dear friend Peder.