Jim's mother passed away this afternoon. I wanted to let you all know. He is very busy with final arrangements and will be on route to Indiana over the next days. Hopefully we will see him coming or, more likely, returning. I'm sure he would love to hear from all of you who have been friends here and at DG. He has been a kind and generous friend both on line and in person.
Laurel
Thanks, Laurel. Long time no "see." Hope you are well.
I have received an email from Jim and have answered. He is a good friend and my thoughts go out to him and his family. They had a special relationship, I'd say.
Thanks everyone. What a mess I find myself in with no end to the list of things I must do. I'm drawing on faith and it always serves me well. We'll leave Saturday for two weeks and I've asked a neighbor to spray water on the orchids if it gets too dry. Meanwhile, I must share one more time. We'll call these pics a study of the complex world of Stanhopea oculatta. It opened last night.
Jim
"Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it." -- Steven Leacock
Take small breaks from the stress and remember you are only one person and you can only take one day at a time...very much like your Stanhopea oculata has demonstrated. Thank goodness you didn't milk it!!! Love that first photo, Jim. So glad it bloomed before your trip. Be well.
He is a good friend and my thoughts go out to him and his family. 
They had a special relationship, I'd say.
Thank you for taking out the time and posting it.
