As a newbe to the bunch I have quickly learned to appreciate what the group has to offer. With the demographics; area and membership, growing on a constant basis, it amazes me how many more people there are to meet! I noticed when discussions begin people will add "finally in this area" or "too far for me" which are actually what we need to be hearing to pay attention to ourselves. Sometimes I want to do things closer to home, sometimes I want to stretch out a little bit but not too far, sometimes the farther the better. If we just keep ourselves busy all across the area, we'll all benefit. There are places I haven't even seen yet and they're probably in your back yard so to speak, and I don't even know it. If there is something you would like to do somewhere, or something that you already do and would like to share with a bunch of people, and have a specific place in mind, now is the time to post it so people can network and make it happen. This way people like me, who are looking for things to do and the fun of sharing the experiences with others,will be happy that you did.

I try to keep things close to everyone, but sometimes I come across events that are just too good to pass up. Some things and people are just too good to pass up because it is too far to drive. I don't like to drive, but I don't want to sit on the sofa the rest of my life either because I said it was too far to drive.

Melinda started a good thing, and I have enjoyed meeting so many terrific people that I would otherwise would have never met and all while doing fun things. I think having others to share in the fun is so worth the drive. Would I prefer that it was in my backyard? Of course, but that is not always the case so driving to these funtastic events is the next best thing and I have found it to be so worth my time.

Hope everyone takes time to see that meeting others while doing fun things we all enjoy is worth the drive.

I just want to say thank you to all those I have met through this group and a huge thanks to Melinda for giving us this opportunity to expand the fun in our lives. Thanks Melinda!...and thanks to all the even organizers for taking time to plan these events.

Karen, you shouldn't change a thing your doing, your giving the chance for me and everyone else to broaden our horizons into Massachusetts and helping take care of planning things closer to us at the same time! (Super hero status with a humble nature...can you stand it..) My problem is I want everyone to be happy and I want to see everybody's back yard... I knew I'd get weird looks back. What I'm extending to my potential friends in all parts of the region (and I've met a few already) is if we get some activities going between us with a little networking so we spread the work out a little bit between areas, and events to those areas, we may have more happy campers (for the next camping trip...shhhh, don't want to lose my focus). I want to have a pottery class in Stamford or NY and then go to one in northeast CT or southern MA (this way I can show the best out of two of the clay things I may make)! I think that any feed back is not a negative, it only makes us aware of how to make more positive. Do you think Mary Jane likes yogurt...she never answered me? So maybe I'll just keep suggesting as I have been, just thought I'd start this post to get ideas from the masses so we could keep us happy :)

You both have excellent points and THAT'S what we're all about! :)

Paul, I just posted in another discussion so I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself. (What does "link" mean vs. "reply"?) Now I know you meant "yogurt." Yes, I like yogurt. Still confused about the randomness. (Although admittedly I am easily confused.) Or does yogurt somehow connect to painting and drinking?

Sorry Mary Jane, I get somerthing in my head and sometimes I just have to ask. It was just honestly and simply the spoon in your hand. It made me wonder if you happen to have yogurt from time to time. I like yogurt too and also have it from time to time. I have never painted yogurt before nor have I ever had a yogart drink at a bar. Thank you for answering my random question...you are a good sport! :) Bogart-Yoga...I'm still laughing! Can I have permission to use this? My bad spelling gets me into trouble again... thanks for sharing.

I know that member activity on the site has slowed down a bit, because everyone is busy and getting busier by the moment; and without being selfish and taking the first crack at this, I just wanted to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday! Don't forget to put some time aside for yourself and enjoy spending it doing what ever makes you happy. If your stuck in line somewhere and listening to everyone complain, try this one, say something nice and understanding to the matter to the people next to you and watch how it effects things... try not to pick on the cashiers, they want to be home just as bad as you do, and shy away from any candy cane yogurt by saying, "No thank you, I've had enough today thank you", it really isn't as good as they say it is in my opinion. Seriously... happy holidays!

...........Five...........:)

.......Four.......:) now you see where I'm goin' with this... the instruments say (I'm using my calendar), the new year should be just on the horizon over... there...

......Three......(three right..? [five; four;....]) yes, three!.....:)