Meeting New People
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325793)
Rockingham, Australia
February 22, 2017 6:23pm CST
Last night we attended a Men's Shed dinner in Balingup, Western Australia. Eight of us went in two cars. The men go once a month to hear a guest speaker and to share fellowship with other men, most of whom they only see each month.
Last night was a 'Ladies' Night' and a lovely meal was provided amid much noise and laughter. The tables were set up for six people and there were eight in our group. Six took one table and Vin and I sat at another with two local couples. I didn't know these people at all while Vin had a nodding acquaintance with the two men. We had a very interesting night and hopefully we might into these people again one day.
When Vince was working we had to attend conferences from time to time. These were held in each capital city in turn. Most of the West Australian contingent would sit together at the dinners.
We tried to sit with people we didn't know. Vince met regularly with his fellow West Australians and the National Conferences were a chance to pick up new ideas and meet new people from other areas. It does mean getting out of your comfort zone a bit but we've met some lovely people this way that we wouldn't have met otherwise.
The photo was taken in a Balingup shop that sells all sorts of natural lotions and potions.
20 people like this
21 responses
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
23 Feb 17
It is a little daunting to sit with people you don't know some times but a lot of the times you do luck out and get a great group- what fun for you and I do love the assortment of kettles and teapots!
3 people like this
@JudyEv (325793)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Feb 17
@MarymargII I'm heading that way too. We seem to drown in paperwork sometimes too.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
23 Feb 17
@JudyEv Yes- I love teapots and kettles myself! But have gotten rid of lots of collections I've had over the years when we downsized and now just admire them-- :)
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130066)
• India
23 Feb 17
It took me to my group tours where we holidayed with strangers but became friends as days went by. Do you have plans to get closer to those who you met at this meeting?
2 people like this
@allknowing (130066)
• India
23 Feb 17
@JudyEv Friends are precious and it is a long process to get them
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325793)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Feb 17
@allknowing It takes time to build a friendship and even more time to maintain it.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
23 Feb 17
Well, I have been one that finds it more interesting sometimes to be around a group of people you don't really know all that well and get to know them more than being around others you see all the time. And yes there are times you meet someone and want to keep in touch and hope in time you will run into them again.
2 people like this
@shaggin (71666)
• United States
23 Feb 17
That's really nice this group had a ladies night so you could go socialize as well. I waited until the very end of this post to hear about the uniquely crafted item in this photo. The blue teapot reminds me of something from Alice and Wonderland.
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
23 Feb 17
I am such an introvert that it is very difficult for me to sit with people I don't know. I can see how it would be advantageous.
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
23 Feb 17
@JudyEv - Makes perfect sense to me.
1 person likes this
@amandajay (23264)
• New Zealand
24 Feb 17
@JudyEv we all should have such enjoyments once in a while...hehe
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@hostessman (11871)
• Tucson, Arizona
23 Feb 17
the item in the photo is a weird looking item
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325793)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Feb 17
Trees can create some very weird shapes sometimes.
@Freelanzer (10745)
• Canada
23 Feb 17
Love the kettles would look great in my kettle collection
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325793)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Feb 17
They're gorgeous kettles, aren't they? I nearly took up a collection right there on the spot! 
@Morleyhunt (21737)
• Canada
23 Feb 17
We tend to get stuck in our own personal rut. Sometimes push out of it can be a very good thing. I've met some very I tersting people when I've been shoved out of my rut.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325793)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Feb 17
I guess working with your bridal business was a good training ground for interacting with 'all sorts'.
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
23 Feb 17
I am glad you had a good time.
2 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
23 Feb 17
That wood (it is wood?) piece is unique.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325793)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Feb 17
The monthly meetings are just men but they have a 'ladies' night' once a year.
@silvermist (19702)
• India
24 Feb 17
@JudyEv There is a quote “There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met.” by W.B.Yeats. Many strangers do become friends.The photo with kettles,is interesting.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325793)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Feb 17
Thanks. It was nice to go out for the evening and meet some new faces.
@JudyEv (325793)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Nov 17
Men's Sheds originated in Australia but are now in the US as well. They are not for profit organisations and provide a place for, usually, older men to meet and communicate with others while, perhaps, working with power tools or enjoying a hobby. The focus in some sheds is on those who have served their country and are having issues because of it. It is also hoped that men might discuss their health issues and be a support and encouragement to each other.
Usually the sheds are equipped with all sorts of tools so it saves people having to buy their own. Vietnam vets are some of those who benefit greatly from such places where they can hang out with other men and possibly other vets. And I've copied and pasted the above from another of my posts. Hope you don't mind.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325793)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Nov 17
@Hannihar He doesn't attend the local one as he has all the tools he needs at home. He goes to golf twice a week and doesn't feel the need for extra 'socialisation'. But he and a couple of friends go to the one in the next town which doesn't bother with tools and such but has a guest speaker every month. It is a popular place for professionals to retire to and they have some very interesting speakers.
