I have temporarily moved from my apartment because of the vast amount of redecorating going on. I had to take a flat overlooking the local park and now I can't see the beloved alley. One consolation is that there is a large group of birds who gather in the park to take bridge lessons from one Timothy the Toucan. It seems he is priming them for an attack on some other group. I have not yet figured out exactly when or where or even who for that matter, but I will keep my eyes open and let you know of any developments.

While the exterminators are still working, IMDJ1 (Iain to those of us that love him) is keeping his eye on the alley. I have received reports from dogs and cats alike as they pass by the park saying that he is doing a wonderful job. Some have even suggested I extend my stay in the park where it is nice and light and airy. Just the spot for an OldYank to retire.

I try on Saturday to sneak into the alley to take a seat on the fire escape. One time I actually got into the alley on ground level and was invited to take part. I was so embarrassed, as I was put on a team opposite to the descriptive name I had chosen. I felt like the new kid who came to join the ball game and watched as everyone was chosen for a team before him - including the dog who played right field. I was however finally accepted as a partner and went to my first table in the Ryder. Thanks to good play by my partner Ytme and the super-subbing of DonKiwi when Ytme had to leave, we went undefeated. Two weeks later, I got to play again. This time as a dog which was in keeping with my name. I got to play with Ryderpuppy who I have wanted to play with since she came to Yahoo. It was worth the wait. We were on our way to another undefeated day when we met up with two cute little kittens - Pom2 and Tis22 - as I had warned they might do, they ate us for lunch. We were losing so badly that I had to bid a blind 7D on the last hand to give us a chance. Adding insult to injury, that was doubled and re-doubled. They took the first 4 tricks for down 1600. I will say this one more time just in case someone still didn't hear. WATCH OUT FOR POM2 and TIS22 (and MCME2 when she joins the group).

I got to see first hand when Max and Lady Rover (cleverly disguised as cats) bid and made 6H on the very first hand. You talk about intimidation! On another table Xbrorsen and Jean bid and made 7NT. Another major event that I missed was Macmarine and Lorrainew were undefeated on the week I missed. I am sure there were many other great accomplishments that went unreported and I am looking forward to getting back to recording them all. In the mean time, I am enjoying my busman's holiday even though these noisy birds are gathering.