Chris,

You're right in some ways, sometimes we do have to much time on our hands and thus go out there and interact with other folks on various newsgroups. I like the folks in the sci-geo family be it earthquakes or geology. They are educated all over the world and they have many points of view on earthquakes, prediction, geology, astrophysics and so forth. When I'm there I realize how much I don't know and it's a lesson a day or a week and several a month, but in the nicest way possible. I am openly challenged to find the answers and not to cop out and just say I don't know. I did the other day because I truly didn't have the time to research the answer, but I can go back and answer it later and I will.

Every board has interesting people as this one does, but in newsgroups they don't limit you as to what you can say or how you say it. I suppose some might think some things are a bit on the risque side but they are rather funny and both the ladies and the gents are heart warming too. The world may seem like a cold and unfriendly place, but it isn't and I see a lot of love and expressions of it from them too. Years ago if someone had told me I would feel as welcomed there as I do here I wouldn't have believed it and I would have been dead wrong because I do feel as much a part of their world as this one and I count my blessings every day when they tell me how much they care about me. It's real and genuine and geography doesn't matter when the hand of friendship is extended.

I like to learn and if one is seeking to expand their horizons, then you have to go where those horizons can be expanded. It isn't easy at first and feels like going to a party where you don't know anyone and after many parties you become the greeter for new people as you know all of the other ones already.

They say, "love isn't love until you give it away" and I don't mind giving it nor being the recipient either, no matter which board I post on, with one exception and I rarely go there and that's ok too.

I like to think of raising a Chalice to broader horizons and global friendships which endure the test of time and understanding. I think my time is well spent here and there too.

Petra