Went to a Garden Party

Yes, we did - go to a garden party, that is.  Now mind you that the Garden Club of Dolphin Bay is not  a lot like the ones back home.  Or, then again, perhaps it is and I just don't know since I've never belonged to one. Anyway, here the club is a font of information and a monthly excuse to gather together with like-minded friends and share what you've learned about the flora and fauna of the area.

First a guy showed a cool "invention" made by using a 5-gallon bucket and PVC. It allows the plant inside to wick up only the amount of water it needs and the rest just drains right through. This gadget is good for garden growing down here because of the enormous amount of rain that quickly water-logs most vegetables.

Next several members too turns sharing a new "mystery"plant for information and also sharing plants and seeds they had surplus.

Lastly, the guest speaker, Carl, our neighbor next door spoke for about an hour about local snakes - poisinous and not. Carl is a retired college biologist with a real interest in Herpetology. What a treat to learn more than I ever wanted to know about snakes from him! I've a new appreciation for taking treks in the forest and will certainly NOT be going again without my knee high rubber boots! We learned that neighbors on both sides of us here have found and killed the deadly Fer de Lance on their property!

After the formal part of the meeting we enjoyed a feast prepared by Vonnie & Ken. Tons of snacks and  YUM! -- ham and bean soup that was to die for! :-)

Then, everyone went together and walked the grounds together - about 5 acres of lovely "groomed rain forest." It is amazing to see how this couple has carved out a park like setting from the jungle.  Their place is for sale if anyone is looking to move to Panama check it out!

It was a lovely day and though we intended to take Crickett around the bay for some exploring, by the time the party was over we were so hot and tired we just came back to sit on the porch and watch  the birds in the trees around us.  It was truly....

just another day in paradise.

Norm & Nancy

"I went to a garden party to reminisce with my old friends
A chance to share old memories and play our songs again
.....
But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well.
You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself. "

                                                                  lyrics from Garden Party by Ricky Nelson