Alone (Roanoke, Vinton, Floyd: fit in, house, to buy)

[sunshine25]

This 54 year old man came to Roanoke 3 weeks ago, to live out his days in a tranquil setting. It is gorgeous here. However, I was not prepared to be so ALONE here, especially downtown. On a Sunday, you are the only one walking the streets. Walking to the top of Mill Mountain, and seeing the Valley down below, makes you feel even more less then zero. Everything is closed on Sundays ! I just don't know what to do ! Sometimes I fear the worst. If anyone can help me make the transition to Roanoke any easier, please e-mail me @

Sunshine25@yahoo.com

Thank You,
Frank

[j1n]

hey Frank...
What kinda stuff do you like to do? Any hobbies? Are you interested in attending a church?
We relo'd here from up north, started going to a pretty great church in Roanoke, and we've made some good friends and met a lot of solid folks. There's a lot of social activities and get-togethers going on!

[roanoker 4]

I think moving to a new area will obviously be an adjustment if you don't already have contacts, family in that area. I agree that joining a church is a great idea or a social club such as Vinton Seniors. These groups offer many activities for people alone. Also, find out what you like to do and join a group
with similar interests. These groups will keep you busy so you don't have time
to feel so alone. It may not be a perfect alternative but if you feel that way then you should try to make a connection.

[seanpecor]

I was in downtown Roanoke on Saturday and it was an absolute mob. The market was really busy. I made a mental note to return to a craftsman with some crazy wrought iron pieces I was interested in, but by the time we made it out of Mill Mountain Theatre (saw Arabian Nights, a pretty awesome kid-friendly 1 hour play I might add!) the rain had arrived and the vendors were packed up and gone. We had lunch in the market building; man I love that place. They're fixing it up now but I'd like to see them expand it and open up more crazy eateries and shopping venues. Hamburgers from burger on the square are my favorite out of all the hamburger joints in the entire area.

Sunday is not the best time to mingle unless you're in church or already have your social network in place. Saturday is the best day, from about 12pm to whenever. Heck, even godless heathens like myself are welcome at the U.U. church in/near Grandin Village (the U.U. is about 16% athiest last time I read).

If you've got wheels, now is the time to sign up for some classes at the Jacksonville Centre for the Arts in Floyd (The Jacksonville Center for the Arts in Floyd, Virginia). It's just one way to meet interesting people from Floyd, Roanoke etc.

Sean

[roanoker 4]

Sean, I'm glad the U.U. welcomes godless heathens, how refreshing!! I am not religious and I will never understand that "church". I guess thats another
topic!!

[seanpecor]

You might be a UU if . . .

* you have ever been in an argument over whether or not breast milk is vegan.
* when you dress for a formal evening out you wear a little black dress, pearls--and Birkenstocks (and your wife thinks you look great!)
* you are unsure about the gender of God.
* you own six pairs of Birkenstocks and your favorite pair needs to be thrown away.
* you get Newt Gingrich confused with the Grinch who Stole Christmas.
* the money you sent to the Sierra Club last year was more than you spent on your mother at Christmas.
* you think the Holy Trinity is "reduce, reuse and recycle."
* you study the "ten suggestions" instead of the "Ten Commandments."
* the only time "Jesus" is mentioned at church is when someone trips or stubs a toe.
* your child says to you before eating dinner at a friend's house "I'll remember to say my 'pleases' and 'thank yous' but I'm not going to say that dinner 'pledge of alliegance'."
* You think a Holy day of Obligation is your turn to do coffee.
* You get mail from committees you didn't know you were on.
* You know at least two people who are upset that trees had to die for your church to be built.

[roanoker 4]

I'd like to see you in those Birkenstocks!!

[VALover]

That is funny Sean! Do you attend that church? My husband and I are considering it for ourselves, it sounds like we'd fit in well.

Frank, I would suggest a class from the Parks and Rec. They have different things for indoor and outdoor types.

[seanpecor]

VALover, we've been planning to join but haven't yet. For the first couple of years here we were just getting our bearings, and now that we've decided we're staying put until they wheel us of our farm feet first I think it's time to buy some more Birks and find quasi-religion! I ruined my last pair during our last winter in Vermont, which says how truly Vermont I was Only nowadays after 4 years of Virginia weather, I don't stop wearing a jacket until it rises above 55F lol.

Sean

[headnsouth]

Count me in too. I've already been in touch with the UU minister about our possible-potential-probable move there. It looks like an active community and my tradition of buddhist practice has an active sangha there. For us that's a strong entry in the "pros" column.