These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Friday, July 22, 2011

An intresting night

I tried something new. A coworker recently checked on a singles group for our county, and within a couple days, I mentioned to her that I really want to meet new people. I don't want to meet new people because "my old people" are not great, but just because I want to include new friends and find people with new interests. I told her that I'm not looking for a romance, but just friends, both male and female. If something comes of it, fine, and if not, fine. So she gave me the name to contact for the group.

I made a call and talked to a very nice lady who gave me a quick review of the kind of things the group does .... concerts, pot lucks, dinners out, concerts, dancing, etc. That sounded good to me, so I gave her my information for contact and notification.

Tonight was one such event. The group was going to dinner at a place I've been before, but not for a while. I decided I would join them. My friend/coworker couldn't go tonight so I was on my own.

I drove to the restaurant, about 20-25 miles from home. I arrived and was greeted by the lady I had spoken with on the phone, who then introduced me to the small group of about 10. Interestingly, I knew two of the people. One has been an attendee at another group at which I am a regular. The second was the son of one of the hospice patients who passed away a while back.

The dinner was wonderful. It was "Cantina Night," so our menu was somewhat limited, burgers and kabobs with a few other things, but the food is always excellent at this place. And the company was great. I really enjoyed talking with everyone. I didn't have a chance to explore every person, but was able to talk at length with about half the group.The group appeared to be mostly 50s and 60s, so I was right at home. I ended up at a table with another retired psychotherapist and the son of the late patient, and we had a good time together.

The restaurant is located on a farm. The owner is big on "natural" and "organic" and looks for new thing to try. She offers many of the healthier foods, such as bison, antelope, elk, and home grown vegetables. I was very happy that we were seated on the outside porch for several reasons: it was cooler; it was quieter than the inside seating; it was just a lovely evening; and we got experience the animals of the farm. We had rain today, so it cooled things off nicely. The restaurant is in the country, and the owner grows many of the offerings, both hoofed and rooted varieties. While we dined, there were dogs and cats, geese, ducks and chickens, and even some peacocks wandering the grounds, cackling, honking and calling to each other! What fun!! Occasionally the wind brought a bit of a "barnyard aroma", but it was faint, and believe it or not it was not unpleasant! I know, you just think I'm weird now! What--ever!!!

I had a really good time. I will go back. The group does not seem to be focused on dating at all, but on fellowship and friendship. I really like that. I will admit that a couple of the men made me feel attractive again, something I haven't experienced in a while. It's important for my ego, I will admit.  I'm glad I mentioned to my coworker that I was ready to make another change and reach out into other groups for making friends! We'll see how it goes!

8 comments:

  1. It is nice to have dinner with someone other than yourself. :)

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  2. It was brave of you to try and I am glad that it appears to have paid off. I believe that we need to stretch ourselves sometimes to stop things being dull. It sounds like a beautiful restaurant too.

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  3. Truth be known, it is hard for me to walk into a group of strangers. Not everyone believes me when I say I'm basically shy, because I'm also very sociable when I know people. Many years of training myself to push that line has helped. And I'm so glad I did, as it was fun! I'm amazed at how hard it is to meet people, especially at this age.

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  4. I'm so glad you decided to join this group...you have a lot to offer in any situation and who knows what might happen here - if in fact anything other than dinner and conversation occassionally.

    I always told my kids......you can always use another friend - male or female.

    I'm glad the men made you feel attractive...bet they were thinking.....woooohoooooo look who has joined us LOL

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  5. Ruth, it is a good outlet for people in similar situations, and I liked the level of comfort of being in a group. You're right, always room for new friends, and I have often had male friends through my life, as well as women. I think it's a win-win for me!

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  6. I like the smell of barnyard too! I am really a city girl but here in the Midwest, even in the city, you are never far from someone's farm. Of course, in the city, there is also a chance the smell could be the sewer backing up into the river or the homeless dude around the corner who hasn't showered. But hey, it's all good.

    You are awesome and inspiring, looking for new friends! Always up for an adventure, you are!

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  7. Good for you. I probably couldn't have been talked into going to such an event, since my social life came to an abrupt halt when The Child came along. But it sounds as though you had a great experience in a fantastic setting. I don't even know if groups like that even exist in the city I live in.....well, once I went to a singles mixer at the Art Museum. I didn't speak to a living soul. It was jam packed, wall to wall, with people dressed to the nines who all appeared to know each other. It was traumatic.

    Hugs,
    Betty

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  8. Mary, there is a clear difference in my mind (nose?) between barnyard/sewer/homeless dude!! But to each his/her own! And yes, I'm always open to new experiences. Is there a different way of life? ;D

    BS, I'm sure there are groups in your city. The difficult part is finding one that is what you want, what you think it is. Not all are on the up and up. Here, there is less "danger" because people know each other. BTW, I would have been miserable in the "mixer" you attended, too. It sounds gruesome.

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!