13 x 13

The enormous circular table seated 10. My parents looked like two small ants seated together from a distance. My daughter Jade sat next to my mom, Grandma Bette, and I sat beside my dad, Grandpa Cary. My mom was talking about saying hi to a friend of theirs whose anniversary it was. She brought it up again and then again, to the point of concern that this babbling might be a sign of the onset of dementia.

But Mom’s faculties were definitely there. The anniversary couple stopped by, along with their friend who lived over in Mirasol and a nice young man. I got up to say hello and do the cursory grandparent/parent-to-kid introductions. But then they all wanted to sit down at our round table. The young man was awkwardly directed to the seat next to Jade.

Jade’s face went from confusion to realization to disbelief to slightly pissed off and back to disbelief, all in a matter of a second. See, I was asked by Jade to attend the breakfast because Jade knows she is “the project.” Out of college. Looking to move. Not dating anyone. And the project has become the talk of the Mahjong room.

Unfortunately, the young lad had no chance, although he was probably in the same predicament. Intelligent, finance major, and law school on the horizon. And assuming he passes the bar, he can call himself both an attorney and a lawyer!

Dad started to test him with multiplication tables. What is 13 x 13? I tried to give him a hint, saying this was the 169th time I think he’d asked this question. It was dad’s famous double-interview puzzle that tested arithmetic and pressure all in one. My mom whispered to Jade, “Look at those dimples!”

The plotting and schemes of the Mahjong grandmas failed miserably. The young, dimpled fellow probably threw Grandpa’s interview question on purpose or folded under the strain. Jade, annoyed, enjoyed the company of Mr. Dimples, but he never had a chance. While she was impressed that the adage of “what happens in Mahjong stays in the Mahjong room” held true, the plight of being the project killed all their well-laid plans.

Mahjong and other card games are an important part of the lifestyle. My mom had to give up golf years ago and transitioned from gossiping on the golf course to gossiping in the card room. Most country club communities offer Mahjong camaraderie.

Finding one’s lifestyle is most important and really the way one should shop. Lifestyle first and house second.

We have a page on our site that showcases communities by lifestyle first. Eighteen ways of looking, in all. You can search by area (Northern Palm Beach County, Southern Palm Beach County, etc.) and then by lifestyle:

1. Luxury Country Club – The ultimate country club lifestyle, with championship golf, tennis, dining, fitness, and resort-style amenities right on your doorstep.

2. Value Country Club – All the fun and camaraderie of country club living, with golf, social activities, and great amenities at a more affordable price.

3. Gated SFH No Club Membership – Enjoy the privacy and security of a gated single-family home community without the expense or commitment of a mandatory club membership.

4. Boating – Perfect for those who love life on the water, with communities offering waterfront living, boating access, and opportunities to get out on the water.

5. Equestrian – Horse lovers can find their happy place with larger properties, riding trails, stables, and plenty of room for their four-legged friends.

6. Condos on the Water – Enjoy beautiful water views, coastal breezes, and a low-maintenance lifestyle without all the upkeep of a single-family home.

7. Newer Construction Communities – Modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, and contemporary amenities, often with fewer immediate maintenance worries.

8. 1-Acre Gated – A little more elbow room! Spacious homesites, privacy, and the benefits of gated living without being right on top of your neighbors.

9. No HOA Communities – More freedom and flexibility, without the rules, restrictions, and monthly fees that often come with a homeowners association.

10. Airbnb Friendly Communities – For those looking for a property with short-term rental potential, these communities may offer more flexibility for vacation rentals and investment opportunities.

11. Airplane Communities – Aviation enthusiasts can enjoy the unique lifestyle of living in a community designed around private flying, sometimes with access to a runway right near home.

12. Club Pickleball Communities – Pickleball lovers can enjoy organized games, social events, and dedicated courts as part of an active club lifestyle.

13. Non-Club Pickleball Communities – Enjoy the fastest-growing paddle sport with neighborhood courts and friendly competition, without needing a separate club membership.

14. Communities with a Marina or Private Dock – Keep your boat close to home and spend less time getting to the water and more time enjoying it.

15. Communities with Executive Golf Courses – Perfect for golfers who enjoy a quicker round on shorter courses, without committing half the day to 18 championship holes.

16. Non-Gated Large SFH HOA Communities – Spacious single-family homes in established neighborhoods with community standards and amenities, but without gated entrances.

17. Recreation & Play – From swimming pools and playgrounds to sports courts, parks, and walking trails, these communities make it easy to stay active and have fun.

18. Homes Close to Dining and Shopping – For those who love convenience, these neighborhoods put restaurants, shops, entertainment, and everyday essentials just a short distance away.

My dad texted me later that night, saying, “Guess lunch wasn’t successful?”

I replied, “I tried to give him a hint about 169!”