Notes from May 22, 2019 Meeting
Dear Everybody,
We had a lively group despite the early hour, and Judy Haenel of The Tulip Tree was our member speaker. She gave us new insights into the display, care, and preservation of house plants. She brought with her several samples, including a “money tree” that is a popular gift for new businesses. She also brought a bromeliad, and warned us of the dangers of drowning it. She advised to put compatible plants together. You don’t want low water plants tucked in with plants that do better with moisture. As it is with bad marriages, it is a recipe for disaster. She also talked about the African “ZZ” plant that can live for up to 100 years, and preserves water in little pearl-like growths underground. She said that “you almost can’t kill it.” It was feared that several members considered that a challenge.
Judy also gave us a recap about her Mother’s Day demand, which found her working 17 hours and dealing with order nightmares because of order gatherers and other Telaflora foibles. She also added that she has taken over four other shops recently.
Judy reminded us that it costs 40 percent to process an order through Telaflora, and 800 companies funnel orders through a rapidly diminishing line-up of small flower shops. Ironically, small flower shops are being driven under by the demands of online order gatherers. Bottom line – call Judy directly and let her handle whatever you need to send to wherever, including overseas. She will make sure your stamens and pistils aren’t caught in a bunch.
In other news, Marie DeAngelis said that Bank of America and Chase are doing away with human tellers and are requiring customers to use ATMs and other technology to conduct their banking. She also stated that MidFirst Bank is not going that direction, and will remain staffed by entities with heartbeats. She also reminded us of the convenience of having a branch almost across the street from where we meet for breakfast on Wednesday mornings.
Kids are out of school, graduations are winding up, and June is on its way. We have a great line-up of member speakers next month – Wendy Terrell on June 12, Brooke Schiavone on June 19, and Susan Riedel on June 26 – so just be sure your pajamas are clean and come on to the meetings. Pool hair is not a problem, either.
Finally, on this Memorial Day, we honor the ones who died in our behalf for this country, and we honor the ones who bore the loss of the ones they loved after duty demanded the ultimate sacrifice.
Best wishes,
Jody Serey
SereyJones Publishers, Inc.
623-561-0240
623-451-0834 (cell)