I was blessed, as a young child, to have two witty, well-read parents who delighted in fashioning plays on words in their long-running competition to create memorable "funnies." Recalling these clever gems at family gatherings was a favorite pastime for many years.

I realize now that my mother, an avid cruciverbalist, must have concealed many rather obscure words she knew during our spirited Scrabble games. Otherwise, no one would have wanted to play with her! Those were precious moments long ago that I miss more today than words can say.