A Gift for Gather Friends from the NE Flower Show

While living in Boston I looked forward to the New England Flower Show every year. It happens in March which is a time when the gray and cold have become oppressive. Spending a day there always meant a chance to be dazzled by vibrant colors and to spend time amongst multitudes of plants.

I've started going through some old photos and ran across these shots from 2004 that I thought might bring some pleasure to all of my Gather friends who are living through wintry weather. It also seemed like a fine time to dedicate a few of these shots to some of the folks here who make my Gather experience so pleasurable.

Something that one can find every year at the Flower Show is a touch of whimsey - so of course I think of Peter Wimsey who treats us all to moments that come from a kinder, gentler time.

This one is for my dear friend Ruth MacGill who seems to carry within her a unique and well earned strength.

For dear Verie Sandborg who elevates our thoughts and our spirits with her presence here.

When I look at this I think of Roy Hilbinger who brings such wonderful treasures to us all with his eye for beauty and passion for nature.

For Ina who brings laughter and light spirits to the mix.

For Beryl Singleton Bissell who is an extraordinary writer and compassionate presence here.

I look at this and think of bob - a free spirit who has lived out many adventures that I can only dream about undertaking. Of course, Mariana T fits that mold perfectly as well so I think they should share this one.

Oh, I would love to sit at this table with Madame Donna C and feast upon one of her marvelous meals while enjoying her wit and humor. There are so many who I would love to invite to that dinner - eclectic Ivy L, gentle and kind Aaron Lazar, Kris M who knows how to put on a good rant - the list could go on and on.

For Sonia M who brings us the wonders of life in the tropics with such grace and kindness, and is another one with whom I would dearly love to share a meal - of her cooking of course.

For Dannielle S, the queen of hedgehogs and interpid photographer who shares with us the beauty of her world, and her soul.

And finally, for all those dear Southerners here who I would love to sit with awhile and swap stories - Faith H, Rose Williams, Kate C and Mike Firesmith. Now that would be one heck of a Gathering!

Well, I ran out of photos before I ran out of friends so I think there will be another one of these in the very near future.