It's nice to get away (02/11/08)

One of the hazards of this job is that we do brochures. We are in the process of doing one for a local alpaca farm. For those who don't know what an alpaca is, think fancy llama.

Now I want one ... or more. Of course I could never afford exotic animals like this as they cost more than I make in a year. Then there is the fact that I really don't think they would be happy in my backyard.

Sigh. I guess I will have to give up on that idea. Gracie the calico cat still reigns supreme as the only animal we own. Excuse me, I should say that owns us, as a cat is too uppity to be merely owned.

We are going to Cleveland for the annual flower show this weekend. While we are there I am sure I will find lots more things I can't afford. The good thing is that I will most surely find a few things that will eventually grace my garden at home. Flowers are more affordable than alpacas.

The last time we went we found some purplish tulips called "Diane." I looked and looked for them in the nurseries to no avail. I thought it would be different to have flowers with a form of my name and besides they were pretty. Maybe next year.

The flower show is an enjoyable way to spend a cold February afternoon. The sweet aromas of all the hyacinths that have been forced into bloom is as intoxicating as a spring day.

That kind of uplift is needed during the dreary days that often characterize February,

In addition to flowers, there are sample gardens that are impossible to duplicate without an entire staff of master gardeners at one's beck and call. They are pretty to look at but I could never handle the upkeep. I suppose that statement applies to the aforementioned alpacas also.

They have a home show along with the flower show. There is always a plethora of gadgets and tools that beacon to the men in the crowd.

If a guy isn't wowed by the towering bird of paradise plant then he will surely be drawn to the gutter guards and super sound systems.

They usually have animals there also. One year they had parrots and one year they had a squirrel that jumped into some guy's pocket. I think he was as surprised as the owner was.

Then there are the aisles best described as being populated by artists. Or would that be flea markets? I can never tell because as patient as my husband is, he does have his limits.

I enjoy these trips into fantasyland. It is far enough away that it isn't home and close enough that we can make the trip in a weekend. Honestly, I wouldn't care what we did for my birthday as long as it involved getting away from the usual routine for a couple of days.

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