Sunday Journal: Ruth's secret, boldly revealed

By EVANGELINE GRANT
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 17, 2002

Our friendship began in Coral Gables the first time we played golf as a foursome -- Anne, Ruth, Lois and I. It grew to include a regular game of bridge and then an annual safari of golf and bridge without husbands.

Over the years we played at Ponte Vedra, Ocean Reef, Cape Coral and Lake Toxaway, N.C. The most memorable trip of all was to Anne's chalet in Highlands, N.C. There, you might say, we reached the pinnacle of friendship. In all the years we were together, there was one thing about each of us that the others didn't know. On this occasion, we revealed our secrets in a most unusual way.

After a day of golf, dinner and a few hands of bridge, we decided to have a nightcap before sacking out. The sofa was already made up for Anne's bed, so we sat in a circle on the floor. Anne suggested that each of us do something that none of the others could do. Losers must buy a round of drinks tomorrow.

Our athletic hostess agreed to go first. While we watched in wonder, Anne went over to the wall and stood on her head. She was a sure winner, and we all laughed and applauded. Next was dainty Lois, who quietly proceeded to tie her arms and legs into a knot and then rock back and forth. I think it's called the lotus position in yoga. Anyhow, I can assure you she had no competition, only admirers. My turn was next, and my only hope was either a recitation of Casey at the Bat or a trick involving the little toe on my right foot. I chose the toe and wriggled it vigorously without moving the other toes. It was no big deal, but none of them could do it, and I escaped the penalty.

Ruth was last, and I think we subconsciously worked it that way. You see, Ruth was the sophisticated beauty of the bunch. She had a lovely smile and everything going for her. I'm sure each of us thought we finally had a loser to pick up the bar tab. Not so.

As we watched with great anticipation, Ruth whipped her hand to her mouth and pulled out a complete set of false teeth. Shock, silence, gasps. What more can I say? Besides beauty, Ruth had guts. She also had a good dentist -- and tomorrow was another day of Dutch treat.

- Evangeline Grant, 87, lives in Largo. She is the only surviving member of the foursome.

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