Tonight was the night of the Christmas Party of the Orchid Society. It was held where we hold our meetings each month - The Casements. The interesting thing about this place is it was the winter home of John D. Rockefeller. Legend has it that Mr. R. used to stay at the large hotel across the street, He then found out he was being charged more than the other guests, so he bought the home across the street. (The hotel was torn down about 10 or 15 years ago and a huge condominium was built on the locationSeveral rooms are kept the way it was and several are used for meetings, art classes etc. You can see into several of the old rooms and they are beautiful.

The ballrooom had about 10 decorated Christmas trees done by different businesses and organizations. My favorite was done by the garden club.

Our party had the same caterer as last year and they did even better. They served a buffet of cut vegetables, shrimp (they were huge), a fruit platter, meatballs and perhaps 10 other hors d'eurvres, small cream puffs, water, colas and coffee. The price for this delicious party was $11.00 and each person attending gets a small orchid. It is quite a bargain. They had 4 large orchid plants (not a common type) as door prizes and I was lucky enough to win the first one so I had first choice. How lucky can one get? Actually, I've had a very disappointing day due to a crazy Florida environmental law having to do with wetlands. Just another way to get $ from people. Florida living is paradise? I'm starting not to believe this.

And this past weekend, I bought a lightening bolt pendant on a chain which I can wear 24/7. I was given a very petite one on a thin chain but it was too fragile for me. I feel I have earned the right to wear one and I love it! Hopefully people will ask about it and what a perect way to tell the stroke story.