I have been on the go so much, because I am still trying to clear out some things every day, to carry out life's next step, downsizing. I am such a pack rat, so after 12 years, it is a real chore!

My niece and her husband from Peoria, Ill., recently visited and they both did so many helpful things. It's great just to have somebody to go along with me on the obtaining of stuff to help fix up the house, like caulking for the shower and doing the gluing of my mother's cherished wooden rocking chair. I'll really owe them for all of their help and accompaniment. Thank goodness for family. But it is always rough to say good-bye; their stay was only for four days.

As I mentioned last week, the Department of Recreation and Parks is trying to re-introduce the age-old dice game Bunco to the seniors in the area. The June 9 effort at Ellicott City Senior Center was termed a success. Next, it's scheduled for the Kiwanis-Wallas Recreation Center, according to Cindy Saathoff of Recreation and Parks, on the fourth Monday of the month from 10:30-11:30 a.m. There is a requested $1 donation at the door. July 28 and Aug. 25 are the dates for the next two months. For more information, call Cindy at 410-313-7281.

One of the active seniors at the Ellicott City Senior Center is an avid ping pong/table tennis player, at age 92. We bridge players are in the room next door and can surely attest to the energy expended in the ping pong/table tennis area, from the noise that often erupts from there, even with bodies hitting the wall.

But it was discovered that he also enjoys his poker card games. He shared with Carla Buehler a copy of his faithfully maintained record of the Royal Flushes and of Straight Flushes, that he had held for two years, 2006 and 2007. Sam Piesner proudly exhibited that record, month by month of each year. In 2006, he held 4 royal flushes and 27 straight flushes, never missing a month having at least one, and he had four one month. In 2007, he definitely improved and really did well: 9 Royal Flushes and 37 Straight Flushes again, never missing a month not having at least one, but was blessed with a total of six in three different months. One can only guess the pleasure he experienced at those achievements, and in the amount of money involved. Congratulations, Sam.

Baking is another of Sam's talents and obviously an enjoyable task, from all of the delicious pies and goodies he brings to the staff of the Senior Center. Carla, the director, and her crew send a "big thank you, Mr. Sam!"

The 40 travelers from the Ellicott City Senior Centers who took the June 19 bus trip to Washington, D.C. certainly lucked out with the day being so pleasant, weather-wise, after the heat we've experienced. And, June 20, the day of the Crabcake Dinner & Entertainment fundraiser featuring the Fabulous Merle Stanley, was likewise pleasant for the major fundraiser sponsored by the Senior Council. For those who love crabs, these dinners are anticipated with relish; more than 100 tickets were already sold when I remembered to buy mine, so it was a full house.

For those who enjoyed Al Callahan, the Swinging Senior Idol, at the Ellicott City Senior Center on June 12, I'm trying to find out the specifics about the Maryland program and scheduling. Will share what I find out, such as if there will be a Howard County competition and details of the Maryland State Senior Idol program.

The July activities for the Ellicott City Senior Center: Fourth of July Party "Fabulous Freedom," Thursday, July 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunny Side of Life Series, "Creating Your Bowl of Friendship," July 8, 10:30 a.m.; Bingo & Birthdays, July 29, 10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.; and Leadership U Lunch, Bingo, & Human Resources Fair, July 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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