The report

They straggled in, one by one.  The Admiral, bearing root beer and manna, was punctual.  TW brought grandchild pictures, extra Michigan hoodoo (ineffectual) and tales of Earlopia's holey ears. PG, distracted and distraught as usual, revealed a new deck of cards made of tissue paper.  Spike came next, late but enthusiastic, having told his wife he was "at work."

The games began without JD, who seemed to have ditched out, but was later revealed to be singing tenor in a band of heavenly hosts in the hopes of coming late to the game and wiping up.  This proved to be accurate.  With music still ringing in his ears, he arrived with only 20 minutes left to play and he plowed ahead, taking many pots and even betting heavily in the anarchy round!  Which he won, besting PG's somewhat salacious explanation of the Lesbian Queens.

Before JD arrived, he was much the object of discussion.  Were there castrati in his choir?  Was he trying to steal the game away from 206 Wood?  Had he called the IRS about the gambling winnings?

Giving JD the benefit of the doubt, the Admiral dealt all of JD's usual favorite games: lo-ball, best flush, hi-ball...  It turns out, the game missed JD... up until he actually showed up.

All the new games were attempted again.  Black Mariah was disappointing, as was any game in which the pot had to be split.  Spike expressed contempt for Midnight Baseball, claiming that no skill was involved, but probably just because he lost.

There were many interesting combinations of cards revealed, many hands of great coincidence (which all slip PG's mind at the moment), and new attempts at bluffing.  It would seem bluffing skills are finally being honed, although at one point Spike completely lost his poker face once again.

The many other tales of the evening will be hidden away in PG's heart (or failing memory), unless someone wants to add stories to this report. As it turned out, PG did not teach the following morning, but was given other complications and exasperation to contend with in the chilly morning, tales to be recounted next Thursday, God and weather willing.