Indy,

Glad you are starting to make some connections. It really can take a while in some places. I had a similar experience when we were living up north. No luck connecting with the locals (except for some awesome knitting groups up there), and I would meet others who were also not from there ... every time I thought I was making a friend, they would move away. Finally decided I should be one of the people who moved away.

Sorry about the mean girl. Some people have no idea how ridiculous they are.