Hi. How it all began.

[SusieQ]

I actually joined Orchidboard back in 2009 but have never posted anything before. I love orchids, but my other passion is breeding and showing poodles, which actually is what got me started in orchids back in the late 80's. A friend wanted to show her new poodle puppy and asked me to teach her how to groom it for show. I was happy to do it but refused to take any money. Her son grew orchids, so after 2 or 3 grooming sessions, she brought me a phalaenopsis in spike and said "I know you won't take any money, but YOU WILL TAKE THIS ORCHID!" I tell everyone it turned out to be the most expensive orchid I've ever owned, because everyone knows you can't just have one! Or two, or ten, etc. etc. Before long, there were two light stands filled with several varieties of beautiful orchids. Anyway, that's how it all began, all because of a little poodle puppy!