Image: Heather, John and Fred beside the completed jigsaw puzzle
Today I joined the Engadine Uniting Church social group activity for the first time. What a ride!
I didn’t know who was coming and I didn’t know what they did at the social group, but I decided to find out why these folks get together religiously (see what I did there?) every week. Do they really enjoy each other’s company that much?
Turns out they do. And for good reason. They are a fun bunch of folk.
First on scene was Robyn and John to set up and prepare the tea and coffee station and supply of biscuits. It’s not a social group unless there is food and beverage readily available after all.
Then the crowd started to arrive, Beryl, Fred, Dorothy and others.
Over tea and bickies I watched as the ladies got out their knitting. We shared stories about how we learnt to knit, whether we preferred knitting or crocheting, what projects were currently underway and what other crafty activities people enjoyed, or didn’t enjoy, doing. As I neither knit or crochet, I sat in admiration, watching as the conversation flowed as enthusiastically as the knitting needles clacked.
So I made a decision. I already have knitting needles I inherited from somewhere. This afternoon I’m going out to purchase wool (or some of that fun fluffy novelty yarn that is generally useless and you can only purchase in tiny quantities) to bring next time so I can have half a dozen fairy godmothers teach me the knitting magic.
We shared stories of our dogs and recalled good times about our beloved pets of present and past.
Judy and Fred had a go at table tennis, apparently a first for the social group. They soon realised that while the concept was fantastic, the set up wasn’t quite right so back to the drawing board to streamline it and return with some homemade fix for next time. I sense a table tennis competition in the air.
More tea and bikkies were had, magazines were shared, crossword puzzles and find-a-words were being done.
Judy and I chatted about our ideas for an upcoming church event. It was so energising sharing ideas; the experienced knowledge of Judy and me, fresh and keen to try new things.
Then I spied that there was no-one working on the jigsaw puzzle so I made my move towards it. One of my guilty pleasures is jigsaw puzzles. During covid someone on Marketplace was doing a bulk sale of all her puzzles and I bought about 50 of them for a bargain (I thought it was a bargain, my friends thought I was mad). I really enjoy the simple pleasure of doing a puzzle. When on my own I put on some music and let my mind wander to all kinds of enjoyable places while my fingers find the right spot for each piece. Puzzles are my therapy. I equally love doing puzzles with others and today enjoyed time with Heather and Marilyn working on a puzzle of dogs (and I love dogs even more than puzzles!).
Today was a good day.
I meant to take photos but completely forgot as I was so engrossed in chat and only remembered after all the tables and chairs had been packed up as we completed the last of the jigsaw puzzle. And while John and Fred may have done most of it, it was Heather, Marilyn and I that finished it, so we get the bragging rights!
If you’d like to join the fun, we’d love to have you. We meet every Wednesday. Drop us a message and we’ll get in touch with more information.
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