Hi from an Oldie Newbie from Massachusetts
 

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

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) :biggrin:.

Not to be undone my DH promptly went out and got me another. :rofl:. 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 :bua:) 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 :bowing :biggrin:.

Karen

Hello Karen,

Welcome to this great network which you already know and for sharing your background in orchid loving and life! I am sure you will enjoy it here as there is so much to learn/exchange with friendly and helpful members from all over the world. We really look forward to seeing some photos of your orchids.
Happy growing and welcome to the Club!

Cheers, Michael

Welcome to the Orchid Board Karen, now don't forget to post pictures!
Joann

:welcome: Karen. Here's to happier times. Sorry for your losses. Once you get hooked on orchids...there's no turning back. Can't think of a better thing to get hooked on

Hi Ephemere and Zoie2,

I'm still trying to figure out how to upload pics. My pics need to be a lot better before I can even consider putting any up though.

I will work on it tomorrow and see what I can do.

Thanks for welcoming me ;) Karen

Thanks bellini girl, I already love it here. You are all so nice. I spent a lot of time as a guest before deciding to join. I've been on other forums and they all seemed to get very clicky. Haven't seen any of that here :). Pics 2morrow.
Karen

Hi Karen :welcome: to the board!
How afwul, the things you had to go through in such a short period of time!
Enjoy your time here! :)

Hi Karen and Welcome :welcome:

It's great to hear that you are starting to feel better after your losses, and that the beauty of orchids can help play a role in that.

As you have already found this is a great friendly place. If you need help loading pics then take a look here.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...chidboard.html

Hi Karen,
I just joined. I was at Tower Hill, too. I bought lots of minis from J & L. I have over 300 orchids in my "house" (I actually live in a double barn) which is located west of Worcester near VT. You shouldn't have told me about RI!!:biggrin:

Hi and Thanks for welcoming me ReneeS + RosieC. :blushing: Everyone here is so friendly. I guess I'll have to wait till tomorrow to get some pics since I was busy today. :(

Hey Puckpuggy, I got a couple of Masdevallias from J & L. They are doing great. I can't imagine having 300 :wow orchids. I live in a smaller house and am already thinking about needing more room. Specially when I go to RI. Where west of Worcester? I live in East Brookfield and thats west of Worcester, too. I'd love to see 300 orchids.:biggrin:
Karen