yes, VOS is definitely wilder.  And more laughs.

  I think the problem is the attendees change with each retreat.  Not as many "regulars".  and then they are still recovering from the covid impact.  Also they are definitely aging out.  They kept talking about others who used to come.  I finally asked the ages (rude I know).    The youngest person besides me was 72, the oldest was 87.  Though several of them I would not have guessed, they were pretty active.  Out of a guild that regularly has 80 plus at a meeting they struggled to get 15 to go to a retreat that was only an hour away.

JulietDeltaOscar (fixin2quilt) said:

And it takes much longer to play, because there are about 30 people playing instead of about 12 like VOS usually has playing at one time.  I'm going to see if they'll go for the money version.  LOL  

You might try breaking them up in smaller groups to play. Might get even rowdy-er tho!!

So far, I have noticed that the monthly meetings tend to be 20-30 people, and they do have some younger ladies (30-ish on up).  The membership is much larger than that, but several are not coming to the meetings for some reason.  It might be a lingering result of covid, or maybe it's just too hot to get in the car and drive to the Suez Shrine building, where we hold our meetings.  It's got a very nice, big meeting/conference/banquet room. 

One thing I REALLY like about this group.  When I went to my first meeting, I asked them if it was a "guild," and they were adamant that NO, it was NOT a guild - just a very casual group, with only minimal rules, and those can be relaxed if circumstances require.  They want new prospective members to come and attend 2-3 meetings before paying their dues (which is only $15/year!).  I was sold.  There is a separate smaller group that meets at a local church on one Thursday a month, during the day.  I keep meaning to go to those meetings too - they are even more informal, and I should be able to get to know more of the ladies even better.  Then there are the monthly "Get Crafty" Saturdays at the library downtown, for scrapbookers, quilters, knitters, crocheters, beaders, or any other crafty people.  I also have seen Moms bring their kids there to play board games, and groups doing some community projects sometimes work on them there.  A nice BIG, spacious area with lots of table space.  I am really impressed with the facilities and resources they have way out here!  LOL  And I haven't even made it to the fine art museum or my alma mater yet.  They have changed the ASU campus so much, I hardly recognize it anymore.  And they also have a first-class library.  I should take advantage of some of my alumni benefits.  :o)  

Merlin is such a cutie.  Looks like he is sitting there like a good boy.  He will be lots of company for DJ.

We miss you and would love it if you made it here this year!

I’m off for a bit and missed a lot!

so sorry to hear you all got COVID. I hope you’ve continued to heal and get well. Hope you still had a good time for the most part. 

Vi, I’m so glad you’re doing well now. I was so worried when I heard your voice. Glad your eyes have gotten better too. 

I also have 1 generic med that does not work too. I always felt angry and frustrated when I took it and couldn’t figure out why, Doctor had no clue, pharmacist had no clue, so I just requested brand name only on it. I don’t take it often so it’s not much cost. 

I’d take it Ellen, if no one else is interested. Nice job Bobbi. 
oh my I forgot I took a piece of pirate fabric from Denises  stash of course the pirates were cats lol. Low and behold one of my dear friends was gonna be a Grammy and said “you’ll never guess their motif in the baby boys room - Pirates!”

I said hey no problem I got kitten pirates!  She freaked. It turned out cute. 

What girl! You get that dog a crate with a nice fluffy bed in it and he starts sewing with you!

orders ;0)