I really like the ladies I am making friends with at our monthly meetings, but it's not the same as the AZ group.  I don't know them well enough yet to say certain things.  However, I am getting a few hints here and there that with the proper prompting, that could be possible.  LOL  

They are trying to put together a retreat about 60 miles south of here (Sonora, TX - a nice enough place) for 3-4 days right around the Labor Day weekend.  They seem to be having a hard time signing up enough of us to meet the minimum the retreat center requires.  What a difference between that situation and the days when VOS had a long waiting list!  I might consider going, but I'm saving my money for my cruise in November.  Maybe next year, when I know them a little better.    

we had the same problem.  the one last fall they had to cancel due to lack of interest.  This one they did finally fill it up but I know the organizer was frustrated, commented she wasn't going to be in charge of retreats any more.

And I don't know what came over me, but I volunteered for the "Christmas party committee" for December's meeting.  NOT the Chair - who was the first to answer the call for volunteers.  haha  But I will help her and there are 3 others who volunteered after me.  Shouldn't be too difficult.  A few decorations, everybody brings food, and we have our regular meeting, with show & tell, etc.  All we need is a few fun games.  Last year we did the Left-Right-Center game, but they played for small stakes - just 4.5 inch squares instead of FQs - and I don't think we did the money version.  They are not as wild as the VOS players.  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  

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.