Day 1095 Bingo

Bingo night at the beach club may have only brought one win to our table, but without a doubt, we were the best table in the joint. We came prepared—delicious snacks, drinks, and plenty of laughter to carry us through all nine bingo games ahead.

There were six of us crowded around a table meant for four, with the center piled high with our shared feast. Just next to us sat one man, alone at a table, no one joining him or inviting him in. Donna and I both agreed that he shouldn’t be sitting by himself. After a few more minutes of watching him glance around as people arrived and grouped up, I finally called him over and asked if he’d like to join us.

He hesitated, knowing a seventh person would max out the table, but we insisted. My friend across from me didn’t hide her disapproval—her expression said it all—but I’ve never been one to leave someone sitting out. So, he squeezed in and joined our lively bunch.

As the games went on, conversation flowed easily, and Donna ended up being the lucky one to call out "Bingo!"—a moment I’ve been chasing for sixty years! Still no win for me, but the joy on her face as she waltzed back to our table with her prize was a win for our entire table. 

Oh, and speaking of moments—I spotted the mahjong lady who doesn’t particularly like me. She was seated with her husband at a nearby table. Naturally, I made a point to go over, say hello, and introduce myself to her husband. She offered a cold greeting before turning away, but I smiled and chatted with him anyway, channeling my inner Lyle the Crocodile—completely baffled at how anyone could dislike me without reason!

But bingo wasn’t the only exciting thing that happened that day. I had a follow-up appointment with my eye doctor to check on my LASIK surgery, and the results? Incredible! What was once 20/200 vision is now 20/25! It's honestly amazing—like seeing the world the way everyone else has seen it their whole lives.

Now, all I need is a $3 pair of readers from Job Lot for my old-lady eyes, and I'm good to go. I'm so glad I had the surgery—though calling it “surgery” feels like a stretch. It was the least invasive procedure I’ve ever had!

All in all, it was a night of good food, good company, and even better clarity—both in vision and in spirit. Life is full of little wins, and sometimes, they're more satisfying than yelling "Bingo!"...at least that's what I'll tell myself until it's my turn to win!