THE LITTLE THINGS - ORCHID SOCIETY

          I went to the April Orchid Society of Western PA meeting.  On the way to the meeting I nearly crashed my Vibe while checking out a hotty in a Jeep passing me on Washington Blvd..  There was a rainbow ribbon on the back window.  The meeting was really nice.  They start off with the typical officers reports.  As 2nd vice president there is nothing to say.  I am now THE 2nd vice pres., as opposed to being the co-2nd vice president.  Semantics.  I was asked to be a team leader at Phipps Conservatory.  Of course I accepted.

        This is followed by show and tell.  A lot of really nice plants come into the meetings.  There were two speakers today.  One spoke on miniature orchids, the other on a trip to Florida which included orchids and insectivorous plants.  Very nice speakers.

          I came home with my show and tell plants in tow.  As I drove I realize how much the society means to me.  They are a misfit bunch of crazies, but I have known most of them for over 25 years.  ROFL, I fit right in.  While I don't hang out with any of them they are friends.   The July OSWP Picnic will be here again and I look forward to showing off my yard, socializing, and just providing a place for my friends to spend a summer day.

          This is just a garden club.  Some try to make it out to be posh and elitist, but it is just an eclectic group interested in growing orchids.  Orchid for a century or two were considered exotic and rare.  Now they are a dime a dozen and can be purchased at any "big box" store.  Time have changed but the group is still interested in growing these plants.  Many have come and gone, but the core group is still there with many newer core members.  With the outreach to Phipps opportunities to teach there are also opening up.  I taught 2 "classes" in February.

          Recently a group of younger people joined.  By younger I mean my age.  Several are very interested and very active.  Linda chaired the show in March, which is a huge job.  Of course we will co-chair the show next year.  There is potential for some good friendships with this newer group.
          I start back to work tomorrow at 8am.   Woooooooo hooooooooo!!!  I work sales at a garden center / plant nursery.  I really like it.  The people for which I work and with which I work are pretty amazing people.  For the most part the customers are great as well.  This is pretty much what I would love to do.  Start my own nursery.  Knock on wood, the orchids will once again become at least somewhat profitable.