Friendly Dinner & Conversation ???

Hi friends!

How's everyone doing?

It's been a while since we've had a get-together. I'm sorry for being busy.

Last month in August, I went out of town for four weekends to help at a children's camp (New York, Utah twice, and South Carolina).

For the next three weeks, I'm in Michigan now, then back to Utah, and then North Carolina.

This is the third year that Michigan has a camp for kids who lost a loved one to suicide.

Hearing stories of anyone ending their life is sad -- especially parents with kids. Last year, someone lost their twin sister without warning--that stuck with me.

We know recent years has been hard for many--especially this year with the economic issues (inflation, high costs of gas, food, housing / rent, health insurance, car insurance, etc.).

Life can be hard, and some might be struggling (e.g. financially, emotionally, psychologically, etc...)....so I sincerely hope you all are doing well and hanging in there.

I've been MIA for months & years...but hopefully we can plan something in the future.

If anyone is looking for something to do:

Life Rolls On is happening in La Jolla this Saturday (Sep 19) and near Santa Barbara on Oct 3. Personally, I think it's fun to volunteer for those events--but it's fun to watch and cheer too imo.

Also, this weekend (Sep 18 - 20) in/near San Bernandino, is the San Manuel Pow Wow. Again, personally, I think it's cool to experience another culture, and the Native American community is friendly and welcoming of others watching their cultural dances and singing.

If anyone is near LAX airport, Honor Flight Southland is celebrating the return of veterans who visited Washington DC, on Sunday, Sep 27.

A group member recently asked me about camping trips -- I probably don't have time to plan anything -- but if any of you do, I highly recommend Eastern Sierra for the fall colors.

It can be cold for camping (to some), but it's possible / doable imo with proper planning and preparation.

Seeing yellow (and orange / red) leaves on trees is so cool imo.

Okay...so I might volunteer in mid/late October and early November--so I might have limited opportunities to plan a volunteer get-together in Southern California...but I should be around the weekend of Oct 10 - 11.

If a few people are available and want to get together for a friendly dinner with conversation -- feel free to lmk.

We know things are tough right now (increasing gas & food prices), so I'm frugal and okay with a reasonably price meal....so I'm open-minded to a casual restaurant or a small, mom & pop type restaurant.

I'm happy to talk (and listen) about various topics -- volunteering, camping, traveling, etc...

This weekend will be my 3rd year of attending Comfort Zone Camp's camp in Michigan specifically for loss of a loved one to suicide -- and if anyone is struggling...please know you're not alone.

Many people are stressed, over-worked, under-paid, overwhelmed, burnt out, and at the brink...

Whether it's related to the high costs of living, financial matters, relationship issues, health issues, personal issues, etc... please know you are loved and you matter.

I sincerely hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and let's not let the daunting news and social media affect us too much. :)

I'll be busy and out of town for several weekends in the upcoming 2-3 months, but I should be around for a few weekends, so if anyone wants to volunteer...or just hang out and talk, or try some new food -- feel free to lmk.

If Oct 10 or 11, don't work out, we can also try a weekday / weeknight.

I'll adjust the date, time, and location / address in the near future once we know if others are interested.

Stay strong.

Oh, and if getting together in person is problematic (I get it...I'm busy too, and driving around with high gas prices is intimidating), so if anyone prefers an email / text buddy, we also can chat via text or email.

Cheers!