N. Central CP Meeting! Spring '09 "Aftermath"!
Well, I wanted to share the excitement from this Springs Meeting by Nathan's (MrFlyTrap2).
Once again, Nathan gave warm greetings to us all, and should be congratulated for another job well done. Especially since he had just returned from California that morning!
It was nice to meet new people, and especially nice to see familiar faces. My wife and I arrived to see many CP enthusiasts bringing out their plants of death! What a nice sight!
First recognizing Nathan who greeted us quickly while escorting people in and out of his inner sanctum of CP glory! Then we spotted Aaron (CPlantaholic) who was retrieving various "Dews" out of the back seat of his car! Its always vary nice to see Aaron, who's excitement for CP is contagious! It also amazes Kathy and I to see the fantastic plants he grows!
Next we met Mark Wilson (MarkWilson) and Les (Rocketcaver) and his wife. Mark told me some things about "Pings" that I felt I "needed" to know, hence why I picked at your brain! (Thank you for that!). And Les & his wife brought even more excitement and support to an already successful gathering.
As the day progressed, Nathan escorted us two by two into his dungeon, which is always an amazing "feast for the eyes"! Going from near darkness into an area built for Nepenthes and CP's of every sort, brightly glowing with illumination, is quite a shock at first! Indeed, this year his plants look even better than the last, and My wife and I have never seen so many variety of Neps' all in one place!
It wasn't long before Chris (droseraguy) and his wife and kids (grand kids!? Hey? How old are you Chris?!) showed up, plants in hand, with his contagious smile and excitement. I know I am always happy to see him, and it was nice to finally meet and talk to his wife.
Speaking of wife, Kathy (my wife) began painting some of the Sarr's that Nathan had brought out, and she ended up having quite an audience!
It wasn't long before everyone was talking, sharing ideas, information, and of course eating! (Thank you again Nathan for being host, cook and waiter! Everything was de-lish'!)
It seemed like time flew again, and it wasn't long before it was late and people began leaving. Before that, there was trading, and generous sharing with all. My thanks to everyone who freely traded and shared with us, and I know your kindness and generosity helped make the gathering another success.
I can only speak for Kathy & I, but we feel that thru this we have met some of the most wonderful people we could ever hope to meet. It is too bad that we could not convince the spouses and family to be in the pictures. Anyone who has to live with a CP enthusiast deserves to have their picture taken!
And it is too bad that some of the younger "growers" on the forum didn't make it, as I believe it was a good time for everyone. It does NOT matter how old you are! Loving and growing these plants makes you ageless!
Well, I just wanted to post to let everyone know what a good time we had, and to say "thanks again Nathan", for we wouldn't have started doing this if it wasn't for you.
I hope to see you all again... perhaps in the Fall.
Paul
(and Kathy)
Oh, Just for fun, here's a pic of Kathy & I... and NO, we didn't dress like this for the gathering!