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January 22, 2007

Another Week Fades into a Glowing Orange Sunset - Rainbow Connection Weekly Winners!

April 21, 2008 12:46 AM EDT (Updated: April 21, 2008 12:57 AM EDT)

views: 88 | rating: 10/10 (33 votes) | comments: 41

I was honest at the beginning of the week -- orange is not my favorite color, nor is it a color I've ever found joy or taken comfort in... until yesterday...

Some of you know that I've been having some health problems and have not been feeling well. I've been trying to take it easy, get more rest, acheive a greater sense of moderation in my schedule... but yesterday, that was not to be. Saturday was one of the busiest days of my life. I was on my feet, rushing around like a mad woman for 12 1/2 hours straight without a break, serving lunch and all the trimmings to 25 people, dessert and tea to 35, an early dinner to 12 prom-goers, then, shortly after, our fondue feast to 2, and a four-course dinner to 48. Overnight guests were checking in and out, the phones were ringing...

Several of my experienced staff memebers were gone, either on vacation, or attending prom, so I was working with "green" help and substitutes. It was also just "one of those days" -- we had to make special meals for several of the prom goers (we even served chicken nuggets to two -- not our usual fare), ribbon sandwiches with three different layers, fruit kabobs, and a special pasta salad for an indecisive bride-to-be and her bridesmaids, last minute appetizers, and an entirely different menu for an anniversary dinner that had too many relatives in on the planning.

Each event was so close to the other that we barely has time to clear and reset the tables before the next set of guests arrived. Keeping all the different menus straight and the food prepared and in the oven to be ready at exactly the right moment was a nightmare. The whole day was one horrific whirlwind. I was stressed to the max... when suddenly, there was a lovely young lady in a brilliant orange gown with a wrist corsage of delicate orange flowers, escorted by a handsome young man in a pale orange cumberbund, vest and tie. And the special dinner menu requested for the anniversary party? Peach Stuffed Pork Chops with Peach Dijon Glaze and Sunshine Chicken with Orange Wedges in a Garlic Cream Sauce. Orange, orange everywhere...

I was so busy, I didn't have a second to spare for a photo, so you'll just have to take my word for it, but suddently, in the midst of my extreme stress, I was surrounded by orange... positive orange vibes from all of you, my Gather friends. I felt calm, at peace... downright sunny... for just a moment in the midst of the chaos.

Thank you once again for your unique contributions to orange week, whether it came in the form of a post, a comment, a ping, or a positive thought. You are each appreciated!

Please join me in congratulating the Top Ten winners of this week's Orange Competition at Rainbow Connections - Colorful Competitions!

Let's hear it for orange!

Sherrie H.

And the winners are:

1st place is by Linda K: Apricots

2nd place is by Marilyn who returns comments S: Bittersweet

3rd Place is by Sherry W: Rose

4th Place is by Rose T (Faith Moves Mts) Spring Has Sprung!: Orange Sky

5th Place is by Trudy P: Monarch Butterfly

6th Place is by Marianne R: Lone Pansy

7th Place is by Bhawana BUSY BUZZY B: Las Vegas, Monorail, Station Entrance

8th Place is by Sherry W: Snail on Pumpkin

9th Place is by Janet "Jax" B: Fireworks at Kings's Dominion

10th is by j - Frugal Mom - r: Worker taking a nap at our next-door construction site

Honorable Mention - Rainbow Wildcard Division: T Cheri Photography a: Rainbow after the Storm

Honorable Mention - Article Division goes to Becky D: First Grade Class Project Completed

Honorable Mention - Poetry Division goes to Curt L: Laura Laid Out ~ A Haiku for You

Honorable Mention - Poetry Division goes to Susan B: Orange Delight

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