How bingo is so much more than bingo.
Welcome. Today I’m sharing how bingo is so much more than bingo.
I’ve been playing bingo on Saturday mornings with Mom and a handful of her care home residents. The prizes? Wee Halloween chocolate bars. Yes, chocolate bars. We’re Canadian, after all. “Sorry.”
On Bingo Day, I always head directly to the small arts and crafts room overlooking the sunlit garden. Francine likes to be prompt.
“Good morning, Kel. How clever of you to find me! I’ve managed to nab the seat near the caller. I won’t hear a bloody thing otherwise.”
And whose fault is that? What “damn ear tubes?”
It’ll be a good 25 minutes before we see another soul …
Okay, moving on to how bingo is so much more than bingo.
Regular Routine
As the cards and yogurt containers overflowing with plastic tokens are passed around, Francine always requests two cards.
“I need two. My brain is quick. I can’t stand waiting between calls.”
In a voice reminiscent of her lecture hall days, my 100-year-old mother now declares, “I can’t eat chocolate, so I’m playing for my grandchildren. The two girls adore chocolate. I stash it in ‘the magic bag’ in my closet for when they visit.”
I used to clarify that the magic bag is actually for the young great-grands, as most of the seven grandchildren are now in their 30’s and 40’s. But no longer. Everyone’s too busy sorting the tokens into colour piles, like Midas stacking his gold.
Francine’s informational bulletins out of the way, the games can begin.
Everyone’s Welcome at Bingo … Until They’re Not
The majority of the care residents spend the day snoozing in the air conditioned Willow Lounge. They have as much interest in bingo as mastering Grand Theft Auto V. However, every now and then, the program director is able to round up a few to augment our core group of six. It’s always a good day when I’m moved to a folding table to make room for others.
The newbies’ chitchat stands out.
“Pardon? G for Gertrude?” “Gertrude? What an old-fashioned name. Who remembers how to spell it!” “So, B for Beryl?” “NO! G for Get UP! “Ah, G for Giddy Up! I could use more Giddy Up!”
At this point, a impatient regular invariably hisses, “SHUSH. I can’t hear the call!”
No problem. A clever newbie can always regain favour with a witty comment such as, “B4? Ah, B4! Not after!”
Yes, everyone is welcome. Until they’re not.
One chap has been permanently barred. His incessant barking, “What’s the free space for? Why have a space if it’s free?” was bad enough but then he really blotted his copy book with the caustic, “This is such a silly game! You’re all a bunch of foolish twats!”
They tape a blanket over the window now, so he won’t be tempted to return.
Also on the “not welcome” list is the dear who marched in like a headmistress checking for latecomers, before spinning into the tiny games closet. I was about to comment on her athleticism when she chirped, “Wow, this little space is perfect for a sexy hookup! Who’s in?”
I’ve managed to coerce a few family members to pop by on occasion. They’ve yet to be banned.
My son is welcome anytime as holds himself to one win. “Gotta share the wealth, Kel.”
My sister is also welcome anytime as she graces us all with her quiet humor that is so like our late Dad’s.
Great Bingo Sportsmanship
What impresses me most is how folks react to a win. No matter who wins. Or how often.
The bingo angels adore Francine. She always wins at least two games, sometimes with both cards.
But no matter. Everyone reacts as if she’s won for the first time. Ever. They wait patiently as she reads out her numbers for confirmation. Except Dr. J. He shakes his head, glares over his glasses and quietly mutters, “You rascal.”
The balls are scooped up and dumped back into the metal cage, the tokens neatly restacked and a new game begins.
I wish Hilda luck. She shrugs in her wheelchair and beams. “I’m just so happy to be here with all of you.”
Me, too.
Enough about how bingo is so much more than bingo. I’m curious about you. Are you hankering for the old bingo hall and chubby dobbers? Have you ever won big? Or do you simply yearn for a treat from the Magic Bag? If you’d care to share, I’d love to hear.
12 Responses
Not to mention it’s not always a straight line BINGO as it could be a full card, corner box or a small frame around the FREE. One must pay attention and be very patient. Brilliant accounting of BINGO with Mom.
Yes! One must pay attention to not only one’s own card but to those of others. Always an adventure. Thank you.
Love this so much, thank you for the great chuckle ! Love to hear that your Mum is in great form at Bingo, and as for those others…. sometimes when you get to a certain age you can say whatever you darn well please !!
Thank you, Jane, so very much. Hahahaha – yes, apparently one can say whatever at a certain age. They keep me giggling every session. And every session is different. Oh my – yesterday’s was quite something with one dear soul placing a token with each and every call. I do miss the chap who would place his smarties on the card and attempt to eat the token …
I’ve never played organized bingo although my mother-in-law plays at her care facility and is quite a ringer. We tell her that with her collection of “Bingo Bucks” she could by an estate in the country. But she, like Francine, opts to stock up on candy instead.
Oh, it would be fun to see your mother-in-law go head to head with Francine. I’d gladly donate my chocolate wins to see that! And you’ve never played organized bingo? Wow. Maybe we can unearth a bingo conference somewhere …
I play bingo at a paid event organized by a group at church. Every game has a cash prize, but I’ve never been lucky enough to win. However, often someone at our table will bring chocolate so there’s that 🙂
A cash prize? Now that’s incentive. How great. Wishing you good fortune in your upcoming games. Enjoy the chocolate in the meantime!
Another great piece! And pics too! You are the best to go with her every week.
Thanks so very much, Lynn. I do enjoy the sessions as each and every one is different. Yesterday saw one soul place a token down with each call, despite not having the number … She “won” every game …
I win big whenever I find out that there is a new blog post of yours waiting for me to read! I don’t know what they call “weekends” in Canada, but I wish you a good one, Sis!
Bless you, Sis. You’re the best. And yes, we actually do also call them “weekends.” Surprising, ‘eh?