Hey, John. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this blog. I miss hiking with you guys, and I don't know if my knees will ever let me do it again. But if I could I would! -- Rich
John L2, I almost got misty-eyed (more water) reading the origin story of the SOB's and remembering my experiences with this motley crew of extraordinary men. Sometimes the walks were rainy strolls around Langley and other times they were long and demanding treks up the sides of mountains but every time was an outing with a truly special bunch of guys. We hiked, we drank beer, we talked and laughed and genuinely cared for each other. Hell, now my eyes are getting damp. Either that or I spilled my beer. Be well my friends. Andrew.
john, any time. any time. we will be on the island sept. 13. not going to risk embarrassing myself by hiking but if the refreshments are anywhere close I'd be happy to join in. always. andrew.
I see that I am behind in my reading, but what a treat at last to catch up with your community stories and beautiful photos of the Sound and mountains. 👍🏼😊🌲SOB is a real inspiration! 😂
Really enjoyed reading about this. Two separate close friends of mine started monthly dinner gatherings for a few of us last fall. There are no more than 6 people in each group (all women), and a couple of intersections between them. And we don’t worry about being super consistent about meeting, since summers are incredibly busy for all of us and some people are traveling for work at other times of year. And many of us hike together, too! Most of the people in both groups are relatively introverted, so it’s a nice way for us have spend time with people we like in ways that feel natural.
Support groups, either in person or online can be lifesaving. There used to be a message board that I was active on that is now long gone, most of the regulars ended up on Facebook. The women regulars started a facebook group and I have "known" these ladies for over 20 years. We've been through our kids growing up, parents deaths, marriages falling apart, new jobs, you name it. I will probably never meet these ladies in person but I consider them some of my closest friends.
It's interesting that online interaction is derided as isolating, but for many who for whatever reason lack the opportunity to build a community in "real life", online communities can be really important. I have an online community of practice in addition to my in-person groups.
Hey, John. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this blog. I miss hiking with you guys, and I don't know if my knees will ever let me do it again. But if I could I would! -- Rich
Thanks Rich!
John L2, I almost got misty-eyed (more water) reading the origin story of the SOB's and remembering my experiences with this motley crew of extraordinary men. Sometimes the walks were rainy strolls around Langley and other times they were long and demanding treks up the sides of mountains but every time was an outing with a truly special bunch of guys. We hiked, we drank beer, we talked and laughed and genuinely cared for each other. Hell, now my eyes are getting damp. Either that or I spilled my beer. Be well my friends. Andrew.
Thank you Andrew. I hope all is well with you and Rachel. My stepdaughter is in Durango now. Maybe we'll run into you in NM one of these visits. 6
john, any time. any time. we will be on the island sept. 13. not going to risk embarrassing myself by hiking but if the refreshments are anywhere close I'd be happy to join in. always. andrew.
We'll make sure of it!
I see that I am behind in my reading, but what a treat at last to catch up with your community stories and beautiful photos of the Sound and mountains. 👍🏼😊🌲SOB is a real inspiration! 😂
Thank you Tara!
Really enjoyed reading about this. Two separate close friends of mine started monthly dinner gatherings for a few of us last fall. There are no more than 6 people in each group (all women), and a couple of intersections between them. And we don’t worry about being super consistent about meeting, since summers are incredibly busy for all of us and some people are traveling for work at other times of year. And many of us hike together, too! Most of the people in both groups are relatively introverted, so it’s a nice way for us have spend time with people we like in ways that feel natural.
Thanks Antonia, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I believe we need these communities more than ever. I'm glad you're finding them too.
Support groups, either in person or online can be lifesaving. There used to be a message board that I was active on that is now long gone, most of the regulars ended up on Facebook. The women regulars started a facebook group and I have "known" these ladies for over 20 years. We've been through our kids growing up, parents deaths, marriages falling apart, new jobs, you name it. I will probably never meet these ladies in person but I consider them some of my closest friends.
It's interesting that online interaction is derided as isolating, but for many who for whatever reason lack the opportunity to build a community in "real life", online communities can be really important. I have an online community of practice in addition to my in-person groups.