“BLOOMIN’ DEALS” IMPRESSIONS

   by Nancy Anderies

    When my husband Bill and I arrived at the Botanical Gardens for “Bloomin’ Deals” we were pleasantly surprised to see quite a few GVRS members already unpacking and sorting. Faithful and true, Wanda and Alex had arrived before everyone else, anxious to be put to work.

    Soon everyone was engaged in putting up a huge white tent.  Like a monkey, Torri was hanging from a post in the effort to get things positioned. Janet and Rick Coleman were unloading cartons of the famous Cloud Basin humidifiers.

    Meanwhile, Bill and I were getting out a couple of clothes racks on which to display hats, bags and shirts decorated, of course, with rose designs. We also had friendship and Mother's Day magnets featuring rose photos from Albert and Terry LaSalle’s garden. Torri Junge brought her supply of pruning kits and filing blades.

    Judith Curtis-Mardon, our president, arrived to survey her troops before heading off to work. Confident that we were all engaged in our assigned duties, she gave us all encouragement with a smile and a hug.

    People began arriving and mingling with the vendors. Our first customers were the LaSalles, who purchased a magnet with a picture of a rose from their very own garden! While we sold about 50% of our various sundry items, what really stole the show were the Cloud Basin Humidifiers!  Most everyone who came by our tent was immediately attracted to these picturesque devices and Janet, being quite a salesperson, described her product well. Twenty-eight units were sold, with a few requests to purchase at a later date.

    As scheduled, other GVRS members showed up for our morning break, including Ursula Hemmerich, Budley and Mary Rhodes who brought a vase with two beautiful Pink Dawn roses. Carren Glover worked the afternoon shift and Mary Mastin hurried back from a trip to Denver in time to help, along with Sylvia Sharpe.  Occasionally we were pleasantly surprised as friends and acquaintances stopped by. Anna Plein came for a little visit with her mother in her wheel chair. Torri and Janet stayed for the whole day, but I noticed when we sat down in our chairs for a little rest, Torri’s eyes were fluttering closed.

    The weather was beautiful with an occasional bit of wind and I was glad I had put on sunscreen.  We each took a turn visiting the many other booths and making a few purchases.  A glorious day in the Grand Valley!   

    After dismantling our tent and packing what remained of our wares, we all agreed it had been a tiring but FUN day. Compliments to Torri Junge for achieving a very well organized and successful event!

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