I took this picture from the inside of a monastery on a little island outside of Mystic, Connecticut.
A Bonus of Blogging:
I’ve been following Big Al’s blog and he’s been following mine. Recently, after discovering that I live in Virginia Beach, Big Al, a Virginian himself, proposed that we get together next time he and his wife, Patty, came to town. Because we travel so much, we’ve missed a couple of opportunities, but this past weekend we finally met.
Al and Patty invited my husband, George, and me over to their house for a glass of wine and snacks before the four of us went to dinner. I could tell from Al’s writing that he and his wife were going to be people we would enjoy, but we couldn’t have imagined how much we would enjoy them our first visit. As we talked about our families and life experiences, we were delighted to see how many things we had in common.
I told my daughter, another blogger, about our meeting and how well it went, and she laughed and said, “Blogging is like a dating service for finding friends.” She is so right. Maybe we should call it Blog.com. We’ve lived here for three and a half years and have not been able to make any close friends. It’s so hard when you start over at our age. But now, through blogging, we’ve made instant friends, ones whom we know will become dear to us very quickly. And the bonus is that they are moving here in June. I love blogging!
Coming East 
Beautiful photo! I visited Mystic, CT many years ago. Such a peaceful and beautiful place. I want to go back!
I grew up in the area, so I’ve loved Mystic for a long time, Eye. You should go back!
I agree! Blogging is totally a dating service for friend-making. I met another blogger last year; she’s an officer in a northern Arizona town, and next month, I’m going to do a ride-along with her in her cruiser. And next week, I’m meeting another blogger friend to hike in Tucson. I was thinking THE SAME thing: wow, look at these wonderful people in the same state whom I wouldn’t have met if it not for Twitter and blogging!
Wonderful, Melissa! I hope you blog about your ride-along.
It’s so hard to make friends when you start over at our age and in a new place; I can relate to that. A friendship that is built upon the same value is precious and envious.
When you move away, people sometimes forget to keep in touch, Amy. They just get busy with their lives. We are so happy that we finally found a couple to bond with.
Blogging was one of the best choices I’ve made. I didn’t realize you had been here only three years. Lovely window and view.
Thanks, Patti. When I started blogging, I had no idea how muc it would mean to me.
I thought my blogging would just give my far away family memebers updates on our lives. The bonus of blogging has been the friendships I have made. I think my family and friends think I am silly when I talk about “my blogging friends”. Meeting some of them in person would be fun!
Isn’t it amazing, Jenny, hou you can feel,so close to people you may never meet?
That’s a very nice story. When you and your husband come to Shanghai for a visit, I will be delighted to show you around. My sister-in-law and her son from Illinois are coming for a visit this July, I’m getting so excited!
Oh, Shanghai, I wish we had the money to visit. If we ever win the lottery…
You are very kind Susan and I assure you the pleasure was all ours. You and George are a delightful couple and it makes it so much easier moving to a new area knowing there are good times with folks like you awaiting. We truly look forward to our future friendship!
P.S. As you could easily tell, I have needed a mentor re: Mexican culinary for a long time. I’m glad you and George are willing to fill that role.
Oh, my goodness, Al, I will be delighted to cook my Mexican food for you and Patty anytime!
Lucky you. I have yet to meet my blogger friends. I have talked to a few on the phone, which is great. It is wonderful, indeed, to make friends across the miles. It’s a little like the old days of pen-pals, only more immediate and therefore, more intimate.
My daughter also mentioned that blogging is like the new form of pen pals, Adela. I never thought I’d actually get to meet one of my blogging pals, though, so this is a bonus.
Beautiful photo. Old glass has such interesting effects.
I haven’t been blogging for long, but I’ve been amazed at what a warm community I found in cyberspace. It’s a new way of finding friendships, but that doesn’t make them any less real. I’ve been delighted to meet my blogging friends in person.
Shary, have you actually met your blogging friends in person? How did that come about? I’m amazed at how close you can feel to people you’ve never met face-to-face. I know a huge part of it is that we’re drawn to bloggers that share our values, so it makes sense that we feel close to them.
There are several bloggers I met online at SheWrites.com who live here in San Diego. We’ve all gone to dinner together a few times and it was lovely to find that they were as delightful in person as they are on their blogs.
You live in a much bigger city than I do, Shary, so you are fortunate to have a larger group of in-town bloggers. How wonderful that you all enjoyed each other!
Great photo and story of a blossoming friendship!
Thanks, Carol. I never dreamed blogging would be this great!
What a great story. You, Al and your spouses should go see The Best Marigold Hotel. It’s a wonderful film about starting over.
Thanks, Eileen. I’ve never heard of that movie. I’ll check it out.