Welcome (in general)

[Joanna]

I have a funny story about "Welcome" in general.  We have great friends, almost family, that we have shared Thanksgiving & Christmas dinner with for 20 years. 

A few years ago, the widowed father of our friend remarried.  That first year when we all showed up like normal - to this place we consider a second home - the new mother in law met us at our friends' door (where she was a guest as well) and said "Welcome to our home." Then proceeded to ask us to take off our shoes, show us where to put coats & food, tell us where the bathroom was, etc.  We were all stunned to silence, even her new family! 

We laugh about that every year now, though the father has passed on and the new wife doesn't attend anymore.  It's evil, I know, but we always end up laughing at stories we remember of this woman who was a cross between Miss Malaprop, Miss Manners, and Cinderella's Step-Mother. 

BUT, I know that no-one on this forum should feel awkward about welcoming new members.  I'll probably never be first, but to all of you...  "Welcome to our Forum!"

[indygal]

I'm glad Joanna has created a place for us newcomers to welcome other newcomers. For me, it feels a little awkward to say "Howdy! Come on in and set a spell, take your shoes off and make yourself at home" to newbies when I just got here myself not that long ago! Now, I'm not bashful nor am I ill at ease meeting new folks, but I've hesitated to say much simply because it might appear I had muscled in and taken over the joint. I really hope that's not been the case.

And so, with that, I extend a warm hello to all newcomers, past present and future, and say with sincerity that this is a great group of people who have kindly welcomed me and others to join in the fun.

[Mom70x7]

But you see, when you're new, you have no idea who else is new and who's old. Everyone that's on before you is immediately old.     

So, you're now old!        

[Joanna]

You know Mom70x7, I get enough of that kind of trash talk from my very own little sister.  NOW, this place feels like home.  Thanks!

[Mom70x7]

Ah, but I can say that because you're really just a young-un, more like a spring chicken,  not one of us old hens.     

[indygal]

So THAT'S how it works, eh? Well, all right. Like I need yet another reminder that I'm growing old. I'll just try not to lay an egg while I'm here!

[Janet Harrington]

I'm an old hen too and I like it, I like it.