"K Barrett" wrote in message news:V_Q2c.138346$4o.177857@attbi_s52...
It is true. The Orchid Gods have heard about your Mom. Their emmisary -
cleverly disguised as the "plant" your Mom got in bloom - sent back word to
Orchid Heaven (yes, it does exist) that she's amongst the Believers and
they are doing all they can to speed her recovery.

Of course, the Orchid Gods usually require further signs of Belief. (read:
MORE ORCHID PURCHASES). Luckily even mere *discussion* of these plant
embassadors perform the same magic. Don't you wish all deities were so
understanding? Not like that fellow who demanded sacrifice of a son.
http://www.bobdylan.com/songs/highway61.html Mere orchid discussion fills
the bill quite nicely!

Good luck again to your Mom.

K Barrett

The week before Mom went into the hospital I received my order from
First Rays for potting medium. Am in the process of trying SH and
converting from bark to CHC.

The weekend before Mom went into the hospital, I ordered a Vanda
assortment and pots from Chula Orchids. The Vandas arrived Wednesday
while Mom was still in ICU. They were in great shape, and I needed
something to lift my spirits.

The Dr. has upgraded Mom's condition and she's out of intensive care.
They are looking into the possibility of a pacemaker for her. The
biggest concern is the repercussion of the stroke damage. The
oncipidal (sp) region of her brain was effected. She still gets
severe headaches, is light sensitive, and has impaired vision. I'm
not sure, but suspect she may be blind in her left eye. Physical
Therapy and Occupational Health has been started and she's beginning
to respond positively to it. Mentally she's still sharp and responds
to humor.

The orchid gods have treated us kindly this year. I know I've given
Mom dozens of the Cattlelya flowers as they've bloomed. She's been so
pleased. More orchids have bloomed this year than in any year I've
had them. A vanda that hasn't bloomed for me since I bought it with
blooms 4 years ago has had 2 spikes and started a side shoot. Now, if
I could get the Den. lodigessii to cooperate.

I've had to do the orchids on a budget. Bought various seedlings and
back bulbs, from members of the Heart of Dixie Orchid Society before I
moved from Huntsville, AL. It's exciting when the plants grow from 2
leaves in a dixie cup to its first blooms. When I felt really flush,
I'd would get an occasional plant in bloom. I have to laugh at
myself, because my two orders this spring were nearly as expensive as
my previous investment in orchids.

Fortunately, the last couple of Catts to bloom, while lovely, have
also had an extraordinary fragrance. The orchid gods have been
generous this year.

Thank you for your kind words.

Nancy