depends on numbers. The SE Bash tends be be the biggest attendance-wise with between 30-40.
If we have 10-20 the function room of a pub or club may do?
usually 4 vehicles. As has been said, not best for the environment, but as we all live a distance away from each other and our gigs are somewhat spread-out no other practical option.
Purely in terms of playing, setting a goal can help. Learning new songs for an audition / jam night / open mic / gig etc.
Gives you something to aim towards.
Thanks for the replies. I tried the octave thing, but one of the notes in question, is D. I play it fret 5 on the A string. The octave up is too high, and the octave down is too low. Doh!