RVChat - January 2009
by Lori Norris

Happy New Year!   As I write this column, I am looking out at the first snowfall of the year; flurries don't count.  The joy of self-employment – I get to choose to work from home on those days when it's just too cold to go anywhere.  I'm going to enjoy it whenever I can.

The past year was eventful, both personally and with Mensa.  And the upcoming year looks like it might be just as exciting.  A breath of fresh air has infiltrated Vermont Mensa and they have planned a couple of brunches and an ice-fishing expedition.  I've never been ice-fishing, but it sounds like fun.  Visitors are welcome, check out their website.  I fully expect Maine Mensa to become a local group in a few months as the separation process from New Hampshire Mensa is completed.  It's been a long time coming, but by April 1, Maine Mensa will be alive again.  Maine Mensans -NOTE – ballots are due by January 30, 2009.

It's time to make reservations for the New Hampshire Regional Gathering.  I understand that Friday night might be the 2nd Annual Crock-Pot Cookoff.  What shall I make?  Every year I look forward to this RG, it's always a good time.  Will I see you on Friday the 13th?  No black cats please, I'm allergic.  Check out the New Hampshire website for details.  And it's not too early to make reservations for the 2009 Annual Gathering (AG) to be held in Pittsburgh, PA from July 1 – 5, 2009 at the Omni William Penn.  Pittsburgh is close enough to drive from most of Region 1.  I know that because I was born and raised slightly northwest of Pittsburgh and have made that drive many times over the past thirty years.

January 24th will bring a Mensa trifecta to our house. My husband and I will host the R.I. book club meeting (On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan) followed by a potluck dinner and then games night.  If anyone is going to be in the area that day, you're welcome to join us.
 
Ron and I will be spending the holidays in Mexico.  We always try and usually manage to get away for vacation during school vacation.  Right now, all we know is that we're flying into the Cancun airport.  From there, we'll take a bus and try to explore some of the countryside that we haven't seen yet.  It's always an adventure and we get some great stories from our travels.  Palm trees for Christmas, but there are as many Christmas lights on display as there are here at home.  And I might be getting old, but I do seem to prefer white sand over snow. 

I wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. 

Lori