[Ally Castillo]

General Discussion Thread 05.01.2025​

Happy first of May, GrayViners! The sun is shining, and it feels like a new beginning is in the air. I (Ally) hope you’re all having a wonderful start to the month. A lot of our fellow GrayViners have shared their plans for this month, and I encourage you all to join in the discussion! Who knows, you might find a new hobby or make new friends while you’re at it. Speaking of plans, I’ve been reflecting on this quote by Leo Tolstoy: “Spring is the time for plans and projects.” It got me thinking: What’s the most surprising thing on your bucket list? Tell me all about it! Mine is to learn as many languages as humanly possible.

Or, if you have something else you'd like to share—whether it’s a cool fact you just learned, a funny story, or something that’s been bothering you—feel free to comment them down, too! This General Discussion Thread is created just for you, so feel free to engage with your fellow members!

Now, what's on YOUR mind today?

 

[Pattycake]

One item on my bucket list is to visit Greece, my mother has family there which I would love to meet!

 

[Peterbee]

Ally--As a suggestion, learn languages that are similar like italian & spanish, if you dont already know Spanish. Or branching out to try an asian language like Japanese and say Korean.

 

[GaryBlake]

I wanna be “standin’ on the corner in Winslow Arizona.”

 

[Cjambatd]

Teaching myself felting!!!! Learning to love this phase in my life. Accepting and embracing the senior title!!!! Discovering the senior citizen center!!!!

 

[Peterbee]

I wanna be “standin’ on the corner in Winslow Arizona.”

You know what corner to stand on in Winslow , Arizona ? There are a bunch of corners in that historic town.

 

[Peterbee]

You know what corner to stand on in Winslow , Arizona ? There are a bunch of corners in that historic town. I looked it up for you, North Kinsley & West 2nd st. Maybe a lady in a flatbed Ford would slow down tolook at you.

 

[glojeans13]

there are two things on my bucket list. The first one is, I want to go whale watching and the second one is I want to visit Boston, Massachusetts.

 

[Arkie98]

first item in b ucket list---go to Durango Col. Ride the train around the mountain. @nd bucket list, go to the Grand Canyon and ride the mule down to bottom and back up.

 

[Salty Auntie]

My most unusual bucket list is to drive a "Big Rig"!

 

[kligman]

Amtrak from Chicago to the Pacific Ocean and then down between the coast and Hwy 1.

 

[TriciaR]

One item on my bucket list is to visit Greece, my mother has family there which I would love to meet!

That’s such a beautiful goal — thank you for sharing it with us @Pattycake ! Greece is such a stunning place, and how special it would be to connect with your family roots there. Do you know which part of Greece your mother’s family is from? Have you been in touch with any of them already?

 

[TriciaR]

Ally--As a suggestion, learn languages that are similar like italian & spanish, if you dont already know Spanish. Or branching out to try an asian language like Japanese and say Korean.

Thanks so much for the great suggestion, @Peterbee ! You're absolutely right — Italian and Spanish do share a lot of similarities, so that sounds like a smart way to build momentum when learning. And diving into an Asian language like Japanese or Korean would definitely add some exciting variety! Have you tried learning any of these yourself? We'd love to hear how you went with it if you have!

 

[TriciaR]

I wanna be “standin’ on the corner in Winslow Arizona.”

What a classic! Thank you for sharing @GaryBlake — now we’ve got that Eagles song stuck in our heads (and we’re not mad about it!). There’s something so fun about visiting places made famous by music. Do you have a special connection to the song, or is it just one of those iconic stops you’ve always wanted to tick off?

 

[TriciaR]

Teaching myself felting!!!! Learning to love this phase in my life. Accepting and embracing the senior title!!!! Discovering the senior citizen center!!!!

Thank you for sharing @Cjambatd — it’s so inspiring to hear how you’re embracing this chapter of life with such positivity and creativity! Felting sounds like such a fun and rewarding craft to get into. What sort of things have you made so far? We’d love for you to share your creations (or your progress!) over in our Craft Corner — it’s a great space to connect with fellow crafty members. And how are you finding the senior center? It sounds like you’re really making the most of it!

 

[TriciaR]

there are two things on my bucket list. The first one is, I want to go whale watching and the second one is I want to visit Boston, Massachusetts.

Thanks so much for sharing your bucket list with us @glojeans13 ! Whale watching sounds like such a magical experience — there’s something so humbling about seeing those gentle giants up close. And Boston is such a historic and vibrant city to explore! Do you have a particular time of year in mind for either adventure? Or are they both just waiting for the right moment?

 

[TriciaR]

first item in b ucket list---go to Durango Col. Ride the train around the mountain. @nd bucket list, go to the Grand Canyon and ride the mule down to bottom and back up.

Wow, what an exciting list — thank you for sharing it with us @Arkie98 ! Riding the Durango train through the mountains must be absolutely breathtaking, and the Grand Canyon mule ride? Now that’s a true bucket list experience! Have you started planning either trip yet, or are they still dream adventures for the future?

 

[TriciaR]

My most unusual bucket list is to drive a "Big Rig"!

Now that’s a bucket list with some horsepower — thanks for sharing it with us @Salty Auntie ! Driving a big rig would be such a thrill (and probably a bit of a challenge too!). What inspired that one? Have you ever driven anything close to it before, or would this be your first time behind the wheel of something that massive?

 

[TriciaR]

Amtrak from Chicago to the Pacific Ocean and then down between the coast and Hwy 1.

What an amazing trip that would be — thank you for sharing it with us @kligman ! Travelling by Amtrak from Chicago all the way to the Pacific Ocean sounds like the perfect way to soak in the changing scenery, and following the coast along Highway 1 would be absolutely breathtaking. Is there a particular stop along the way you’re most looking forward to? Or is it more about the whole journey and the views along the coast?