Emm and KatieO and I used to talk about this idea. I still love it. If I had loads of disposable income and wasn't tethered to work and other responsibilities (I hate being an adult!), I would rent a mac-daddy tour bus and drive across the country to meet all of these wonderful people on this board. A day together. A moment. To hug all of you in person. I've thought where I'd start out. I'd leave home and head to see Twice Blessed. She's close. Then I'd go north to see Ann R and Bill. I'd have to swing by Boston to see Dave and definitely stop in Matawan to hug Jack. My travels would take me all the way up to Maine to see Emm. Somewhere in there is DebOC. Then I'd head west. A definite stop in Chicago for Eileen and Marilyn. Many people to see in the Midwest. Montana for Big Sky Girl. Off to the west coast to see DebbieD and many others in the great Northwest. Down toward California for Johanna and Judy and then KatieO. Take a left and sweep the lower half of the country. One big square with lots of zig zags in between. I'd have everyone who like to do this sign up and give me directions. Then go back and plot out the trip. I'd make Twiggy sit in the co-pilot chair and entertain me along the way. We'd play music, sing, stop and see ridiculous sites like the largest ball of twine. We would have logos all over the bus spreading the word about Alzheimer's. The only blip in this plan is Mum is in England. Other than that, I love this idea!

I love this idea Fortune Cookie. If Mum wants to come stateside, I have plenty of room, I'm rambling around alone in the house now.

Thank you for giving me a big smile this morning!

What a lovely idea Fortune Cookie, I love it and thank's for the invitation dear Debbie

Ohhhhhh to meet all of the friends I have made on here and to give them all a {{{hug}}} - what Joy and what things we would all have to talk about

I love this idea - It really made me smile!
It's amazing how much we know and care about each other - and we've never met.
I think I'd laugh and cry at the same time if I met you all in person - not a bad thing really.
I think it's a good thing to have various friends in various places; at work, on your block, at the store or on-line. Each serves a need.

Peace my Friends
Eileen

Dear Eileen,
I feel exactly the same way. One person is not enough to uplift you. You need a whole army! Just like you said.. friends, family, acquaintances, and folks here. Doing everything you can to make sure that no matter which direction you turn, you have allies.

This journey would be too much for my girlfriends to shoulder. And they don't understand. But because I've spread it around and get my needs met in lots of places, I'm very happy with what they can/do offer me.

I even have my favorite ladies at the gas station down the road. We never talk about anything important, but I love shooting the bull with them. Even if I've had a rotten day, it's a piece of normalcy and friendly interaction. Guess that's why it's important to offer a smile and friendly word to everyone you meet. You never know how much it might mean to someone else.