Annie, it's gracious of you to offer Flora an apology whether she was offended or not. Since you've resurrected the subject I have to say that I took offense at your WHITE men comment for a number of reasons. My husband is a contract worker who has been in the oil & gas industry for more than 30 years. He's risked his job on a number of occasions reporting something that's not right. Two of his co-workers were among those who lost their lives on the Deepwater Horizon. I have a hard time saying the name BP without spitting on the ground afterward. Many in the oilfield feel the same way, but that doesn't mean everyone (with BP) is to blame. Another thing ... don't be so sure that there aren't Native Americans who also earn their living working on oil & gas rigs on and off shore.

it was the most mighty gremlin of them all who deemed the thread off topic for this forum :-) You all were so nice that I came back this morning to look around and found this discussion. I fly out next month. I saved your good information in my email. I grew up in Wyoming, so the Paul Bunyan reference is a mystery that I will certainly check out. thanks again jc ~laughing~ if this one disappears too, the original poster will get an email from spkie explaining "why"

Hi Carol, I preferred to email you but kept getting an error message. First, no big deal. Misunderstandings happen. However, I didn't feel insulted or led on at all. It was more the sharp demurral that you ever meant to issue an invitation. It felt a little off, and although it mostly likely not personal (because we don't know the first thing about one another) it felt personal. That was ridiculous on my part and I am sorry I didn't stop and think. Most of the time we just ignore things like this on this forum, and I wish I had (twice) but honestly, I think my judgment is impaired by two weeks of heat. There's no a.c. in this computer room, I can't open the windows easily and the sweat just pours off me when I'm working on line. This is one of my favorite pastimes and unexpectedly it has turned in something close to torture! I wish you well and look forward to getting to know you online. Fresh start, ok? Marie PS if you thought you set up your GW email, there may be something wrong....

Darn, ... I lost a whole post ... I think. Can't find it. Got reminder from management about no commercial stuff. I'd asked if anyone wanted to buy a retirement home in FL .. ... heck, we were even thinking of making it a KT clubhouse! Actually, it was mostly a reiteration of a message posted on another (little used) forum - just helping out a fellow poster on THS. Have a fruitful weekend, everyone. ole joyful