Mcmann, thank you for responding to my self-pity rant. It was the first couple years when we lived here that I checked into Ren Hats. I put my name on the waiting list, and haven't heard from them, actually there were 3 clubs. Two of the clubs have disbanded. I talked to a couple gals who used to belong and they said that the interest was fading. In our area, all there is to do is go out to eat. To go to any event, we hhave to travel at least 30 miles, one way, and being this is a group of older and some-what older ladies, they don't like to travel that far. Especially in the winter. As for the theater, that i miss the most, and I never thought about checking with the school. I think I might just find out who the drama coach is and offer to maybe help with costumes or prompting lines. Again, kiddo, thanks for thinking of me. Yes it is so hard to make new friends when we are older. I check the local paper every week to see if something is going on in our area. That is how I found the senior club. Dottie

Can you volunteer at a local grade school. There are always looking for someone to read books. When my son was in K. til 3rd grade they had retirees come in and have small groups, however many the volunteer felt comfortable with, 2-5 kids and read a short book in library. We had a comfortable chair just for use by volunteer only for the volunteer to sit in and the kids sat on pillows on the floor, or chairs. One really nice later offered free knitting and croquet instruction after school, sometimes during once a week. The kids made scarfs. Some really got into. I think some of the retirees made friend through that, they would get together sometimes for lunch.

Dottie, if you are so inclined you might want to try the local convention and visitor's bureau. Ours uses a lot of volunteers to answer the phones, man the counter and answer questions, hand out local maps, things like that. And some are used as step on guides when a bus tour comes thru.

Dottie- we all need to vent now and then and sometimes it can be really helpful. Our high school puts on 2 shows a year- in the fall it's a drama and usually light on costumes. In the spring they put on the traditional musical with costumes, the orchestra and band play the music and it's a big deal in our town. Two of my sons were involved in the plays and they always needed volunteers. I've sewn my share of outfits for The King and I, My Fair Lady etc.

Does your library offer anything? I was a librarian for years and we had all kinds of free programs- movies, crafts, classes, book talks, book clubs and we also had a lounge area where people could just sit and chat if they felt like it.

My town has a Recreation department and once a month they offer day trips for seniors. Philadelphia is only 10 miles away and New York is about 1 1/2 hours. The cost is fairly inexpensive and we just hop on the bus and head off to NY for a Broadway matinee show or a day trip to the Casinos in Atlantic City. There's usually a night at a Phillies game in the summer or a trip to Bethlehem, PA to see the Christmas sights. The Rec. Dept. also runs senior clubs.

Is your town really small? I can understand why people might not want to drive 30 miles for an activity. I sure hope you find something that you enjoy, it can be so satisfying.

Hi Dot. It made me sad to see you on the wrong end of the contentment scale also. Your name is one that I recognize when you post and you seem like such a nice lady. I think you got some good suggestions and might I add another? Could you possibly volunteer at a local hospital? I've heard of grandmotherly types needed to rock premie babies in the maternity ward (how fun that would be!)

My own mother loves volunteering at a Senior Citizen Center. She used to be a snowbird and for the last few years she hasn't gone south only because she's so attached to people where she volunteers. She also volunteers a lot at her church, just today they had a blood drive. She doesn't do anything medical but makes sure people have cookies and beverages after they donate. She also helps serve at funerals and vacation Bible school.

I think it's great that you have internet access and found such a friendly forum as KT also! AARP also has some interesting boards, have you ever explored their on-line community? I'm attaching a link.

Here is a link that might be useful: AARP On-Line Community

Thank you for all of your kind words, thoughts, and suggestions. I guess the post about being content caught me at a low point. I have gotten some Q's in that post and this one, I'll try to answer.
We sold our house in a town about 50 - 60 miles from here, and moved to this area because our oldest son lived in this area. Also DH was born in this area. Our other son lived in CA until he passed away a year ago and our daughter lives in a suburb of Minneapolis, about 100 or so miles away. I have to add that when we sold our home and were contemplating a move, each of our kids wanted us to move by them. How do you like that....they like us, they really like us! LOL Most of you know what our son went thru with the illness and death of his wife, out precious DDIL. We try not to depend or ask our kids for much, realizing they have busy lives of their own. When we have asked, they are always there. We wanted to be near one of them in case something happened to one of us and where we lived, was really out of the way for them to come to see us. This is a better location for any of the family members to visit.
We live in a town called Deerwood, very small and doesn't even have a main street. We have to go to the neighboring towns called Crosby & Ironton,about 4-5 miles away for everything. There is a pretty good size medical facility in Crosby, where we go for medical needs, and they don't have any volunteer programs. I really miss the Theater groups, and the closest one is in Brainerd, about 30 miles away. I'll check with the high school when school resumes about if they could use some help with their productions. Red Hat societies are sort of fizzling out in rural Mn. Even one of the clubs I used to belong at my old town had disbanded.
I have checked with every source I can think of in this area for something to do, but this is just not a very active area. Like the late Walter Cronkite used to say.....Thats the way it is. Again, I wish I hadn't posted that stupid rant yesterday. Things are what they are. I do look forward to logging on to the KT every morning to see what's up. I can thank my late DDIL for that. She knew I was lonely and signed & paid for my first membership. That has REALLY helped. In case no one noticed, I'm pretty opinionated, so this is right up my alley. LOL Thanks again, kiddos. Dottie

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.