I went to Seattle for a lunch and met a bunch of people!! This was in 2006, I think, the summer after my GK. I met Kathleen and Larry from Australia who was on a West Coast vacation. We had quite a group, but I have forgotten who all was there now. We even talked with Phyl on the phone, as she was so happy for us and wanted to get in on the action!!
I got to know Lorenzo' via Internet, who lives in Ireland (but he is Italian) and when he and his lovely Sheila came last summer to the West Coast for an extended vacation, my husband and I were able to meet up with them and show them some things around Portland. We had so much fun. Lorenzo doesn't come on here much anymore.
I should go to a local support group one of these days, and I have been saying that from the beginning, but I haven't made it.
Cheers,
Sue in Vancouver, USA