I started playing bridge 50 years ago with my in-laws, joining the ACBL in 1973. We played in ACBL games in a large family room in the home of Helen Joe and Bob Owens in our resort town of Cape May, NJ. Helen Joe is now the club manager for Clearwater Bridge Club, FL. My first big tournament was in Lancaster in the early 1970s. I had a bridge party for a baby shower in 1973. As a wife, mother, and nurse, it was difficult to make bridge a top priority. Our home was also a distance from many tournaments. Studying my bridge book signed by Charles Goren taught me card play and defense. I was so happy to finally get the silver points I needed at our Cape May club with many of the players I had played with for over 40 years.