I was a member for several years long before the internet came along. Those were lean years for gardeners it seems now...LOL Not so many books or magazines available and our local library's gardenbook shelves were rather bleak and out of date. Most of the flower shows and Botanic Gardens were located far away from GA where I then lived so not much benefit to me, and I had no luck then with seeds so the Members Seed Exchange didn't tempt me. The printed AHS publication seemed at that time not too helpful (Horticulture Magazine in those years was vastly superior...in my opinion) although both publications mostly ignored our Zone 8 and up growing conditions. And when the AHS did finally bring out a "Heat Zone Map", it's been heavily criticized as too few plants have been given heat zone ratings and not too accurate overall it seems. Now, afer all those discouraging words, I feel fairly sure that you as a student planning a career in the field might find the membership very useful... to network on an informal basis with other member-professionals at seminars. etc. might alone be worth the membership cost. I'm sure you've visited the AHS site online...and looked over the list of articles in the current publication...and the member's benefits? Have you asked your profs and fellow students if any are members? I think I might allocate my money first to local or regional garden societies or specialist organizations (if I knew where I was going to live/work after graduation and what plants most interested me), then perhaps join the AHS. No real advice, just some rambling thoughts, I'm afraid. josh Here is a link that might be useful: American Horticultural Society

I'm in a Red Hat group and we're not in the least snobbish. I think those who have formed that impression either have interacted with particular group which does have that sort of women, or have simply formed that opinion based on little or no evidence. Our small group of ladies are from all walks of life. Some are still working, some are retired and well off, some are retired and on a pension. Education levels vary, even countries of origin, yet we all get on together. The purpose of Red Hats is to just have fun. No fund raising or community service. Our group members do a lot of that already and joined the Red Hats to have a purely social outlet. We decide together on activities that will interest us and the Queen organises them. We have been on garden tours, cooking classes, craft classes, outdoor movies with pizza dinners, museum trips, whatever appeals. Not everyone is available to go all the time, we just go with whoever can. Our last museum outing was fun, lots of people asked us why we were all "dressed like that" and we were happy to explain that we were just a group of "over 50s growing old ungracefully" :-) Some people even asked to have a photo taken with us. So, I think if you find the right fit group, you would have a good time.

The second lady was into the essence of what Red hatting is supposed to be about. It's a social club for women of a certain age. I belong to 3 chapters. The first one is huge with over 100 members. It basically holds a monthly dinner (banquet style). Many of its members belong to other smaller chapters and it serves as a good source to fill out events and find out about what other chapters are doing and often getting invites to their events. We have a lot of varied fun. The second one is a smaller group of around 16 members. We rotate meeting in each others home once a month. it is up to the hostess what we do there. We've had potlucks, drinks by the pool, luaus, BBQ's and game nights. We also do an outing once a month. This could be visiting a tea garden to something like whale watching or taking in a cooking class. This is the group of ladies I feel closest to. We often meet in pairs to do other things. The only downside is they are shy about dressing out and being seen. I'm working on them. They call me the Hat Nazi. LOL Third group is the newest. We do a lot of plays and cultural events. Great Queen but a bit too inclusive inviting men along. That messes up the dynamics of a girls day/nite out. She's disturbed that there hasn't been a good group involvement. I think it's because people are using her for cheap date nite tix as couples. In order to be taken more seriously as a women's club she has to make it more of a women's club. I love the events and like her a lot but I feel the least Red Hattish when out with this group. It has potential though. You have to find the right fit for you. The Queen sets the tone and thee are as many different ways to Red Hat as there are Queens. Where I see things get messed up is when some members who already lead very busy lives join up and then seldom participate. Red Hatting works best for women who are done with the child raising, are independent enough to leave DH at home for the night and sometimes the weekend or longer if they travel, and and aren't afraid of being thought silly when they go out in their red and purple attire. You need to be willing to wear a Red Hat, wear purple clothing and leave you home life and troubles at the door. It's for FUN.

Absolutely nothing wrong with what you said yesterday. And it's just possible, if we all toss out a few suggestions, maybe we'll come up with something you can use to increase your enjoyment. I wondered about senior citizen transportation? Does your town or county offer free or inexpensive bus service? Around here, the senior bus has scheduled trips (one day it's a supermarket, another it's the movies, or the mall, or a different supermarket). All you have to do is call, and they pick you up at your door, and from what I've seen, the drivers are very considerate and helpful. If that doesn't pan out, check to see if some of the local churches or service clubs might offer transportation. Have you tried calling your local senior citizen center to see what they offer? Good place to get a line on senior trips, services, volunteer opportunities. Volunteering at the high school is a good idea, but don't limit yourself. Maybe a local elementary school would love to have you share your expertise by starting an afterschool theater club. How about some interest you can pursue at home? With heading to a new area, too (DH will be retiring in a year or so), I was in the position of wanting to find a way to get involved in our new community, where I really know no one. Long story, but this opportunity just sort of fell into my lap--I've landed a position as one of the food writers for the local paper. I just have to write my column, create the food, and do the photos--it's a lot of fun, and I do get to interact with other 'foodies' in the area. I'm NOT saying that specific activity would be right for you, but maybe if you get creative, you could work out something involving theater? or some other interest you enjoy? Along with the other volunteer suggestions, other have made--if there's an animal shelter in your area, they always need folks to come in and visit with the pets. Libraries always need volunteers, as do senior centers and senior living facilities. How about checking out the local organizations--service clubs like the Lions or Rotary (most are hurting for members and I bet they'd be happy to offer you a ride if you were interested in joining), The Woman's Club, churches always have groups that can use new members if you're interested. You did sound sad, as regards to your new home--I just want to see you find a niche that increases your contentment and makes you happy.