Bandera – I asked a westsider for a spot to go for happy hour and got a nice response with three choices. (more to come from other responders, too!) So, thinking I was just mainly giving a nod to the westsiders who seemed to like this kind of thing and definitely like events in their part of town :), I posted the event, somewhat relieved at the simplicity of it. As I raced over at the rate of about 11 miles per hour on a Friday at rush hour, I asked myself for the ?th time, "Why do I do these things to myself?" Ha. And, once again, I came away at the end of the evening thinking, 'wow. Over? Already?' Ha. What a great bunch of people! For however many people were there, there would be that many versions of the experience and I can only share my own and what I saw with the others… as is always the case. I invite everyone to share their own on the message boards (I think it would be great if you did! That way, those who don't attend get a feel for how things go and get an idea of who you are, too!). That said –

There was Morrie, grabbing the blackberry & offering to take a photo for me (& of me)… so friendly & helpful – I hope to have further conversation another time…

Next to him were Miv & Gloria. Gloria, sang to me the sweetest 'song' – "I will help…" when I mentioned getting a team together to cook up a holiday event! Yeah, G-L-O-R-I-A!! Ha. And Miv piped in with the cutest accent (ok, so it's rather that we Americans are sans crispness in our enunciation) saying it was a great idea to have something like an adult get-together for the holiday….

As I commented to Todd, he brought some class to the table – looking sharp & tan…and the music to my ears, 'next one's on me.' ;) Across from him was the (is he always smiling?) Carl who seems to automatically raise the energy level to some happy place … and I'm always happy to see him RSVP 'yes!' Diane seemed another energetic presence, but I'll admit when I heard talk of 'selling google …. The price…' my brain went into taking down the cpa shingle, hanging out a 'gone fishin' sign – off duty….mode. Except the eagle eye caught her snatching some of Patti's delish fries, telling Chris it was ok to steal fries. Patti was the 'grinning giver.' Cute as a button, all the while watching her pile of fries dwindle….

I was quite happy to meet Chris since I'd had such a kick out of watching his videos (and the music accompanying same) – see:

The bonus of that meeting was hearing that he'd started an Eckhart Tolle discussion meetup group – and I look forward to discovering how that will develop! Well, that also gave me a personal nudge to go back & read what I'd found years ago of amazing importance to peace of mind & so much more.

Wow – and there was Karen! A marathoner! I just want to bow to this woman! Yeah!!! You go! My draggy bottom can't imagine beginning a journey – on foot – of 26 miles! She'll be one of my always shining examples of the amazing diversity and vitality of our group-of-a-certain-age! (…As will Carl who always knows the current place to go for some swing dance!)

Lou! I never quite expected to see a member who lives in Huntington Beach, but as it happened, he was working in the South Bay that day & trekked on over. Very pleasant guy & I hope that happy timing works out again at more events – or to meet up when this bunch heads south for something.

Heading south is something we're going to do for another regular – Stan – who's misplaced directions and slightly mistaken address coming forth from memory meant that, although he geared up & drove the distance from Long Beach, on a three day weekend Friday…. Missed the thing entirely. Wait til you hear the Observatory story. We (especially I) owe ya one, Stan! Thanks for the support!!

And I can't forget Gini - I was kinda surprised to hear the words "trance dance" as something she enjoys doing! I've gotta check into that!

Beng and George and Barbara told me they met at one of our events long ago & became friends (well, Beng and George are married.... ha - but met Barbara and vice versa) and I'm not surprised - all such absolutely nice people... George, my hats off to you staying so pleasant with the job you've got!

And Kinuyo! I got to speak with again that weekend when we met to return something she'd left behind! I'm so glad because I would really like to have a one-on-one with everyone, but especially such nice, intelligent, appreciative people!

If I missed anyone, speak up - but that's most of us!
I'll add on if I recall more and always welcome everyone's own recaps - post away....