Hi from an Oldie Newbie from Massachusetts

[Country Gramma]

Hi, I've been getting so much info from this board that I finally decided to join .

I've loved our "common" Pink Lady Slippers since I was a kid exploring the woods and swamps where I lived. Scince I was scientifically bent I knew they were orchids even when nobody would believe me.

I'm a long-time gardener but never thought that I could grow orchids up here in the "north-east". My family knew of my love of orchids, though. Whenever we went to visit my husband's brother in Fl. I would immediately buy an orchid for my SIL so that I could enjoy it for the 3
weeks I was there.

This past Mother's Day one of my sons gave me a beautiful white Phal and I put it in a North window (the only window we have that gets ANY decent light). It lasted for months (and I mean months) .

Not to be undone my DH promptly went out and got me another. . I added another of my own and (as my husband says) three and you're hooked.

I had had quite a few bad months since I lost my younger sister in a tragic accident, my 98 year old grandfather (who was my best buddy and living with me), and my younger brother all in 9 months. I spent most of this past summer on the couch depressed. ( I did loose 25 pounds, though ).

A few weeks ago I noticed there was an orchid show at Tower Hill Botanic Gardens and my DH was more than happy to take me since it was the first thing I wanted to do in months (he likes orchids, too ).

Well, that did it. I got 4 orchids and now only 10 days later and I (we) have a 6'x3'x16" shelf with a 2 bulb 2' T5 light on the middle shelf a 2" fluorescent fixture on order (for the african violets) on the bottom and Paphs and a Phrag. Noirmont 3N on the top (no light). Finally a Lady Slipper I can grow!!!

Bad news, there is another orchid show in RI in 2 more weeks. (I don't have much room left ) I'm sure there's always more room.

I asked my husband if he was upset we were spending so much money and all he asked was "Are you happy" when I said "extremely" he just smiled and said "me, too."

So that's the scoop and I've gotten so much info from the Board on lights, set-ups, and potting that I finally have a break and had some time to join so I could post.

So I guess this is partly you guys fault, too!!!!!

I've even gotten the Cattleya-4 Log since I'm an organizer (it's that scientific background and an anal family) on the info I got from posts here on the board.

I will probably never again post so long a story but I figure this is the first one so I better get it all out.

Thanks again for all the help you've given to an "old" newbie without even knowing it. I owe you my addiction .

Karen