We just completed a three-month drive around the United States and stayed with eleven Evergreen Club members. We enjoyed each visit and can truly say we now have that many new close friends. -- R.F

I was delighted to find hosts who shared my interest in ESL and international affairs. While I attended my conference, they not only lodged me for six nights, served delicious meals, helped with transportation and showed me Chicago, but they inspired me with tales of their years abroad. -- B.N.

When I learned about the Evergreen Club it made my decision to retire much easier. Since I live alone, I was apprehensive about leaving my job and my friends. A great asset of membership is the fact that I can travel with a companion. I discovered I have lots of single friends that would love to accompany me on my next trip. -- B.F.

Our hosts were more than helpful with our one-day trip to Martha's Vineyard. They were a joy to be with. Mary Lou was an excellent cook. We loved it! -- M.L.W.

Evergreen has been the biggest source of joy in my six years of retirement. We've had one glorious experience after another. -- J.G.

We're fascinated by the diversity -- everything from a small farm to fashionable condos right out of an interior design magazine. -- H.K.

We had our first guests in October. They were looking for a place to moor their boat and we were pleased to be their hosts since we enjoy boating as well. I was a little doubtful as to letting strangers sleep in my home, but after meeting them my attitude changed completely! We'll be having dinner with our guests on their boat when they visit next time, and we're looking forward to it very much. -- J.&L. M.

Our hosts helped research Ben's family history. Three hundred years came alive with their inspired guidance. ... Surprise! Two of our guests brought along enough delicious farm produce to feed the entire Eastern seaboard. -- A.C.

I was treated like royalty by the Boones in Oregon. Before starting on my cross-country biking trip, Jack put my bike together. Then they loaded me with fresh veggies and berries for travel munching. -- L.B.

We recently returned from a trip to New Zealand and Australia. While there, we stayed with four Evergreen hosts. At each home, hospitality abounded and we were given information far beyond the tourist brochures. As we look back on our trip, even among the scenic wonders, our warmest souvenirs are of the people who 'Evergreened' us. -- P.B.

We were so pleased to receive a surprise call from Robert & Paula (VA) -- our very first guests. Much talk went on and I'm sure we could solve most of the world's problems between us, such was a the rapport. This part of France is a wild coastal area. We are known for the curious pre-historic megaliths, similar to the English Stonehenge, but more so. We look for more visitors this year, and also hope to revisit the USA again. -- P.&C.

When we had to evacuate due to a hurricane, we didn't know where we would go. As we drove, I checked the Evergreen directory for hosts in nearby states. We spent two days at the Barnetts and were made to feel at home, assured that if we ever needed to evacuate again, we had a place to go. It's great to make so many new friends with such ease. -- J.G

After 2 1/2 months and 15,678 miles, we're home! We stayed with many Evergreeners and what a treat. Not a bad bed in the whole lot! -- M.W.