Since I joined the forum

[Cuilidh]

For some reason, out of sheer curiosity, I have just flicked back to my very first posting and the welcoming messages on there from forum members.

In Judy's welcome she said "You will love it here and soon become friends with people all over the world so get ready for the time of your life." and she was so right.

When I joined there were fewer than 4,000 members I think, so not as many posts back then for new members as there are now, but Judy's words were so true.

Of those who welcomed me, so far, I have personally met Judy, Chookie, and CC.  I will soon meet CP and, although I have yet to meet Gert and Cookie I consider them also to be firm friends.

Since then, many more people have joined the forum and I have been lucky enough to meet some of you.  I just want to say thank you to you all for your friendship and support.  This really is a very special forum.  Long may it grow and prosper.

[BeezeeBee]

It is a special forum indeed, made up of very generous, encouraging and talented members 😄😃

[judydawn]

It is interesting reading some of the early postings Marina.  Thanks for the little trip down memory lane and whoever would have known we were all going to meet in person so many lovely people when we joined. 

[Itsnotartitsdinner]

Forums are wonderful places

[Cornish Cream]

This forum is very special.I was extremely lucky to have met many forum friends in Oz last year.

[Aussie Brenda]

True words Marina, when I joined I had this amazing group of friends at my fingertips, it helped me through a lot of hours on my own, now I have a new man in my life I don't come on so often but love catching up with everyone.    It's a great forum with lovely people.

[Nikkit]

I love popping in here every morning with my first coffee of the day and catching up on what everyone is doing/cooking.

I have learned to bring a cloth with me now as a few times I have spat the coffee all over the computer screen when someone has said something funny!  (Gert has made me do it more than once!!)

I love that it is a group of people, who are friends, and even though we may have a sling off at each other once in a while, the rest of the time is very supportive. And friendly. And there is so much to learn from in here 

Love it! Great thread Marina 

Thank you everyone 

[Bedlam]

Yes Marina, i was only thinking yesterday how for me it is a friendship  group  rather than just a support for thermomix.  There is always someone with knowlege to help, or a meal idea and a cheery message.  I too have had the good fortune to meet some of you in person and all are as generous of spirit in person.

[judydawn]

I'm glad to hear that you and your new man are still going strong AB.

[cookie1]

A lovely history Marina. I think I was number 90 when I joined. It is indeed a group of friends.
To think of the lovely new friends I have made through the forum is amazing. I was trying to explain at Tenina's class last night what the forum was to a lady I met. I think she may have thought I was loopy telling her that we meet each other for coffee and when possible some people travel interstate to have a weekend together. I probably scared her off joining. 

Last week in Dymocks I had a lady call me a member of 'that cult'. She was looking at thermomix books and I said both books she was looking at were very good. A thing I have often done in book shops. She looked at me as though I had two heads and responded, " are you a member of THAT cult?"  I was too gobsmacked to reply. Then thought it was very funny.

[Cuilidh]

It is sad that that sort of attitude prevails, Cookie, I'm just thankful that this is the forum that I am a member of.  If others wish to be bitter and twisted and denigrate the forum, well that is, quite simply, their loss.

[obbie]

it is great that there have been so many meet ups, and so friendly..

[BeezeeBee]

Cookie I love being part of THIS cult

I'm cooking more varied dishes because of our forum. More than my friend who first exposed me to thermomix

[cookie1]

I've found that too BZB. Friends who aren't on here don't use their machine for as many things as we all do.

[Bonsai]

I have learnt a great deal from forum members and saved myself a great deal of time and trouble by following their advice. I would never have tried sourdough, yogurt, homemade cheese, butter and many other things if it wasn't for the encouragement and knowledge that is shared on the forum. I also love that everyone is so friendly and accepting - never a nasty word or bad behavior - I'm sure we all gain so much from participating