Confession of a momentary idiot: I enjoy browsing ebay and frequently they have a good deal on: laser optics, home decor, plants....you name it. I know some of the sellers of plants, more specifically orchids, that market their plants. They are honest reputable folks. I, however, got sucked in by a pretty plant (fool that I was), placed a bid before checking on where the plant was located and as soon as I realized that I had won the item, checked out the details. To my horror, the plant was being shipped from Asia. I thought, well, I just lost a couple of bucks that could have been used with a more local dealer and thought I had learned my lesson. Not so fast....yesterday, the door bell rings and I am greeted not with a delivery person needing my signature, but the USDA smuggling interdiction and trade compliance officer.
Apparently, the seller had packaged the little plant, claimed it was silk and shipped it. It was interceded in San Francisco and the plant was destroyed...
Terrified and just sick to learn of the plant's destruction (I don't kill spiders in the gh for goodness sake), I cooperated. As the agent and trainee left, they said they would be in touch....eep
They were very nice, but it's so obvious that I, despite my attempts to be tough or whatever, am not versed in dealing with federal agents.
I know about CITES, I know not to buy from any but the most reputable nursery owners...btw, fire is still hot and it burns....
That was the capstone on a week where I "got" a job, and then promptly lost it....the interview was conducted in a cover their butts mode instead of a select a decent candidate because the current employee is leaving. And, someone passed on to me my adviser's less than complimentary comments made about me in my absence (very unprofessional, but not unheard of with this guy). I really didn't need to know any of those opinions....man, I shoulda stayed in bed....
And I knew better.....WARNING
. I am very grateful to be posting this from my home! Apparently, this particular seller was not unknown to them...
I look back on my mistake and think, I am someone was watching...imagine if the plant had a tiny egg case containing the longhorned asian beetle or some such. I mean, I still have to eat food here, too. Thanks for being so kind. I am sure my embarrassment will ease and this will be another interesting story in my saga as an orchid fiend
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