Great question. Pepper appears to be related to Euchre, which I've never played. We don't know the origins for sure, but we've met people from Eastern Iowa who know the game, so it may have some roots there.
An improvised response essay by Mary Catlett at MaryMaile ..... The mysterious game of Pepper mentioned in Debra Engle's recent column in the lovely essay "Going For The Win" reminds me of my first computer.
I bought a 486 the day before they went out of style and I realized I should have sprung for a Pentium. I was the poorest person on the Gold Coast in a studio that overlooked a breathtaking view of the Sears Tower and LaSalle Street canyon....but I was busy assembling my new technology.
I had heard there was a way to play Solitaire on the computer and when you won, the cards would dance. I wanted to see that dance. I was diligent and after construction, I started to play. And play. I played away. But just out of focus was the city's nightfall, a dance of lights all its own. Sparkling and dramatic from my 23rd floor perch, it was usually my best entertainment. But not tonight. I had a goal.
I kept playing, noticing the second city just out of focus. I was not winning. And......was I really playing the computer or was one of those out of focus folks playing me -- for a fool? READ THE FINALE AT https://marymaile1.substack.com/p/solitaire-and-the-dance
Thanks, Debra. I remember pepper tournaments with my family in our living room growing up. Back then it was all about winning. Even though I haven’t played pepper in years your story brought back many memories. Those memories brought me peace even though peaceful is not how anyone would describe those card games. How wise your words are: Peace lives in the moment. Thank you.
Appreciating the kindness that surrounds us. My lady of fifty years just walked by, getting ready to take our Aussie out. Noticing first, and then being grateful.
Yes! Beautiful example. These seem like small things, but they're not. These moments of gratitude, joy, and peace are the building blocks of bringing more light into this world for everyone. Thank you, Birrell.
This is beautiful, Deb. It brought back memories of playing cards with my mom. Double solitaire was our game, from the time I was ten through adulthood, It was our bonding time. We had the time of our lives, but we kept score, indeed!
I love this, Deb. I'm not familiar with pepper, but this could've been my extended family playing Tripoli, a game my Dad's large family played regularly during holidays, beach vacations, and other gatherings. I was a pre-teen when I first became enamored of the game – and all the fun the adults were having. My siblings, cousins, and I couldn't wait to be old enough to get a seat at the table, even if it was only to temporarily fill in for an aunt or uncle who needed to take a break and stretch their legs. Though our opportunities are fewer, my cousins and I still play when we gather – more than 60 years later. Thanks for bringing back very happy memory!
A lovely post as always -- but am I the only person wondering what is Pepper? :)
Great question. Pepper appears to be related to Euchre, which I've never played. We don't know the origins for sure, but we've met people from Eastern Iowa who know the game, so it may have some roots there.
An improvised response essay by Mary Catlett at MaryMaile ..... The mysterious game of Pepper mentioned in Debra Engle's recent column in the lovely essay "Going For The Win" reminds me of my first computer.
I bought a 486 the day before they went out of style and I realized I should have sprung for a Pentium. I was the poorest person on the Gold Coast in a studio that overlooked a breathtaking view of the Sears Tower and LaSalle Street canyon....but I was busy assembling my new technology.
I had heard there was a way to play Solitaire on the computer and when you won, the cards would dance. I wanted to see that dance. I was diligent and after construction, I started to play. And play. I played away. But just out of focus was the city's nightfall, a dance of lights all its own. Sparkling and dramatic from my 23rd floor perch, it was usually my best entertainment. But not tonight. I had a goal.
I kept playing, noticing the second city just out of focus. I was not winning. And......was I really playing the computer or was one of those out of focus folks playing me -- for a fool? READ THE FINALE AT https://marymaile1.substack.com/p/solitaire-and-the-dance
I'm clicking the link to see how the story ends, Mary. Love this!!
find me using my handle @marymaile1
or it might be here
https://substack.com/@marymaile1
Thanks, Debra. I remember pepper tournaments with my family in our living room growing up. Back then it was all about winning. Even though I haven’t played pepper in years your story brought back many memories. Those memories brought me peace even though peaceful is not how anyone would describe those card games. How wise your words are: Peace lives in the moment. Thank you.
Thank you, Kathi. I'm so glad it brought back good memories for you!
Appreciating the kindness that surrounds us. My lady of fifty years just walked by, getting ready to take our Aussie out. Noticing first, and then being grateful.
Thank you!
Yes! Beautiful example. These seem like small things, but they're not. These moments of gratitude, joy, and peace are the building blocks of bringing more light into this world for everyone. Thank you, Birrell.
This is beautiful, Deb. It brought back memories of playing cards with my mom. Double solitaire was our game, from the time I was ten through adulthood, It was our bonding time. We had the time of our lives, but we kept score, indeed!
We did the same, Nikki! I think we've lived similar lives in many ways. xoxo
I love this, Deb. I'm not familiar with pepper, but this could've been my extended family playing Tripoli, a game my Dad's large family played regularly during holidays, beach vacations, and other gatherings. I was a pre-teen when I first became enamored of the game – and all the fun the adults were having. My siblings, cousins, and I couldn't wait to be old enough to get a seat at the table, even if it was only to temporarily fill in for an aunt or uncle who needed to take a break and stretch their legs. Though our opportunities are fewer, my cousins and I still play when we gather – more than 60 years later. Thanks for bringing back very happy memory!