Our naturist group's second annual Thanksgiving potluck was held this past Saturday at the home of two of our members. Last year's turnout was modest; this year there were only five of us in addition to our host and hostess. The seven of us had a very nice evening and enjoyed a little preview of Thanksgiving goodies. Have you ever tried pumpkin soup? It's better than you might think.
I fear our little group is gradually disbanding but I'm not sure why. I hate to think it's because of lack of interest. Perhaps some members have ceased to come to our gatherings because they're not "interesting" enough. Why then continue to remain a member of the group? I think one of our biggest problems is availability of location for our events.
One of our members passed away this past February. This kind, gentle man and his wife were two of the founding members of our group. In fact, this was the couple with whom my husband and I had our initial interview to join the group. Their home was in the most prime location for a naturist gathering. They lived way out in the moutains beyond our town, up a long driveway accessible only if you were expected. One of them would drive down to open a locked gate to admit you. It was a very safe, secure place. I think the idea was to have many of the events take place here. Alas, it was a rental property and his surviving widow had to move.
When a group of nice people wishes to gather and socialize sans clothing, society dictates it be in a locale far and away from clothed, decent folk. Our gatherings have become fewer and fewer because most of us don't live in some secluded area away from prying eyes. This puts the brunt of our meetings on one or another of two couples who do live in somewhat private surroundings. This doesn't seem to be fair but what is to be done about it?
We could never host a get-together. It's impossible to host a naturist event when one lives on a postage stamp-sized lot in the middle of town. What would the neighbors say? I shudder to think! It's sad because this has been an affordable way to enjoy the company of like-minded people without having to travel very far or join some expensive club. I suppose all of us are secretly hoping that someone will join our group who owns a palatial home on a vast amount of property and would enjoy nothing more than making it available to his naturist friends. This would solve the problem very nicely. Hope springs eternal, after all.
We don't get together in December because of holiday celebrations and the likelihood of many planned and prior commitments. Our next meeting is in Janurary at some place yet to be determined. I hope we can generate some new interest in the group before it dwindles down to nothing.
