Although the descriptive passage above provides a minute-by-minute recitation of the Grand
Occasion (the flowers, the well-dressed patrons, the music, the election of the new members, the rejoicing) my imagination has taken me behind the scenes to the exciting days leading up to the Event. Can’t you just see the hubub? The carting of the delicate blooms (“careful, there!!!!?”),
the construction of the various elaborate displays, the husbands enrolled into helping with all the heavier lifting, the ladies with their hair tucked up into scarves and wearing their work clothes and gardening gloves. The sweeping up, the carting away of debris, the excited cups of tea during breaks, the “I can’t sleep” tossing and turning, in anticipation. It must have been glorious.

Also thank you for the lovely austere flower renderings. What a beautiful sight on this
cold early-Fall morning.