November 2023

So Thankful

As I sat down to write the last newsletter of 2023, I thought about reflecting on some of the highlights of the year. However, I changed my mind when I listened to the song “I’d Want It to be You,” by Blake Shelton and Barbara Streisand. One thing that stood out in thinking about this past year is friendship. The tournaments are much more than playing Mah Jongg. It is connecting with those we have not seen in a while, laughing with those you have come with, or meeting someone new and exchanging phone numbers or emails. It also reminds us of those we have lost this year or who were not able to attend because of a hardship that has happened.

So, we dedicate this song to all our players. Those who have been lucky to find not one but maybe several people who have become someone they can count on in the good times and bad. This is one of the reasons we come to these tournaments, not just to play Mah Jongg but to enjoy the times with our current friends and the new ones we meet.

Personally, I dedicate this song to my daughter, Jennifer. Not only is she my partner, but she is the one person that I can always count on to be there through the tears and through the laughter this past year.

Here are some highlights of the song:

“Time has a way of changing everything, that goes for almost anything but us, while others come and go you can always know I’m here for you whenever you might need me.

Sometimes if you are lucky, you find that certain someone you can always count on to be true.

If I had the choice of only one friend in this world, you know that I’d want it to be you.

We’ll stay the way we were forever true, there’s no one in this world that’s been a better friend than you.”

So, the next time you play Mah Jongg, look around the table and hope that you see someone you can count on to be true.

Finishing Up 2023

May is Charleston. Come and stay at the beautiful Francis Marion Hotel at a delightful time of the year and enjoy an amazing tournament package. Fantastic food, shopping, tours, marketplace, and of course Mah Jongg. We will sell out at 200 so reserve your spot.

June is back in Tampa with a Friday through Sunday schedule so more players can join us.

July has two fabulous tournaments. We start off the month in Lancaster in the heart of the Amish country. We sold out last year so come celebrate with us after the fourth of July. Then we end the month at Foxwoods with a great breakfast buffet, lobster special shopping, and lots of Mah Jongg. All the festivities are being held in the Fox Tower.

We are taking off in the month of August to get ready for the big fall schedule.

Starting off in September with Piscataway and we are already thinking about some new ways to surprise you.

October is exciting as we heard from you, and we are back in Sacramento at the beginning of the month. Then we are extremely excited to be in Jennifer’s hometown of Dallas in the middle of the month. We expect a large crowd, so we ordered lots of tables. Come and meet all the Dallas Mah Jongg players, many of whom know my daughter. What fun we will have there at our first 3-day tournament.

November, we head back to Scottsdale at a brand-new hotel for a 3-day tournament for all who want to enjoy this beautiful city at a wonderful time of the year. 

December and how can we outdo this year’s holiday party in Piscataway?! But trust us, we are thinking about it. Get ready for our hometown crowd to end 2024 in a big way.

So, to all our special players, we wish you the best holiday season and a Happy and Healthy New Year. 

Signing off till we meet again in 2024,

Love and Jokers, 

Barbara and Jennifer