Is there a way to post to this forum without having to ask a question?

yes you all answered my question tyvm

Yes, My Whine Moment, On My Mind and General Topics. People post on those all the time.

There is even a joke, books and cooking thread. They are great!

Take a look in discussions, you’ll find “On my mind”. Write whatever you like. Also you’ll find the thread “My whine today”.

Penny,

People can respond to an individual’s comments in the question section.

The discussion section doesn’t include a place to make a comment to a particular person.

You can post a general response to them if you want to and include their name.

Sure. You can post an update or post a "vent" (I usually suggest that go in "discussions" and not "questions" for that).
You can answer any post to give your opinion of the subject when it interests you.

Down in Discussions you will see places to "whine", places to mention books or podcasts you enjoy, places to post a few of your "favorite things" and places to say what is "on your mind".

Join in, Penny, and welcome.

Well of course you just asked this question.

If you meant can you offer help to someone without having first asked a question of your own. Absolutely.