11/6 Chelmsford , Essex, England

November 6, 2011, today is my son BJ's birthday. Happy Birthday BJ. I think this may be the first birthday we have not been together. OH well I was there for the first one.
After a lovely night sleep I was up for a walk. I went for a half an hour, staying to the left all of the way out into the country road back to another area. When I turned around to come home, staying to the right I was lost. The English countryside, flowers, trees activity tool a hold of me, captured me right into it all. I walked and walked, finally asking a lovely lady where Broomfield, The Parsonage Farm is?? Her husband bowls with Ann, she turned me around, I was headed towards London. She walked with me and headed me the direction of home. It was a beautiful walk.
The minute I arrived home we left for London, Columbia Road Flower market. An outdoor market where they sell flowers on the street to everyone, yelling out specials. One seller was saying he must pay the rent tomorrow to buy from him. Another was saying the other sellers are selling junk, his are the best. Flowers, plants, trees, anything fresh.
Behind the street market were darling shops of every type food, gift, garden, coffee, custom made clothing.
We stopped at this little coffee market and bakrey for English tea and quiche,and headed home.

11/5/11 Chelmsford England

Chelmsford England is an hour and 15 minute drive from London. The flight was easy and uneventful, I slept most of the way. Had an isle seat, which I like best. The flight landed as scheduled at noon , it took an hour for customs. Ann and Deb were waiting for me. It was so good to see them.
We drove to Ann's house. I will take pictures. The house she lives in was an old stall/tack house.It was once a stable , barn and carriage house for King Henry the 8Th. Ann lives in the stable, Deb , one daughter and husband re did the barn, and are living in it. The carriage house and area is rented to Michael's partner and family. It is more than amazing. I will learn how to post pictures.
I went for a long walk this late afternoon. They said it is usually rainy and cold this time of the year, but not today. It is cloudy, and warm, many trees still have their beautiful leaves.
It is all so rich in history.
We went to another of Ann's daughters house. Emily, the bride to be and lots of family were there to work on the favors for the wedding.
A custom I learned about is there are a certain number of people, close people invited to the church ceremony, 125. The reception, a set down dinner there will be around 175. After dinner friends and others( friends and anyone that wants to share in the celebration) are invited to come to the dance and party. Great way to include everyone.
Not sure what will happen tomorrow. Next week one day they think we may have to drive to Belgium for flowers. We will go visit several shops around and in London, plus wholesale houses in London. I will teach at a couple colleges in the area. Maybe we can have some teacher come to our classroom to teach some classes!!! That will be very nice, exchange information.

Classes starting October 3, 2011

The evening basic design class begins October 3, 2011 in the Learning Center at Koehler & Dramm's Institute of Floristry. The class is from 6:00 to 9:00 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. There is an evening basic class twice a year, the next will be late spring in 2012. Call Cheryl at 612-362-3133

Floristry 2 week is October 3-7 from 7:00 am to 4:00pm. This advanced design class focuses on the techniques of design while centering in more closely on the principals, secondary principals and elements of design. Beyond the free standing and three sided arrangements. Care and handling of fresh flowers and foliage's continue, advancing into care and handling of speciality crops and tropicals. For more information contact Cheryl at 612-362-3133

North Dakota State Florist Convention (9/8/2011 - 9/11/2011)

North Dakota State Florist Association convention was held in Jamestown, North Dakota, September 8, 9 and 10. The convention is generally held in Minot, North Dakota, because of the devastation and flooding this spring/summer of 2011 it was relocated to Jamestown.

Jamestown is a delightful city located south central North Dakota. The prairies are filled with colorful wildflowers, not usual for this time of the year as it is so dry, not now. The fields and crops are growing with moisture and energy from the sun. It was a beautiful drive from Minneapolis.

Dave Anderson a delightful seasoned sales person from Koehler & Dramm was our driver, Bobby Bernstrom a new sales person was the navigator. Bobby has been in plants previously to fresh and order puller and supervisor of order pullers before that. Bobby has been with K&D for 6 1/2 years. I was the rider and owner of the GPS on my phone (Irene to the boys).

See K&D article and photos about the convention

Institute of Floristry at The State Fair

September 3, from 9:00 am to 9:00pm The Institute of Floristry will be in the center Rotunda at The State Fair in the Horticulture building. Come see the demonstrations, the special class offerings. Sign up for a free class offehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifring.It is a great day at The Great Minnesota Get Together. I believe there is a state law that everyone must attend , so I'll see you there!! The secret word is Cheese Curds.

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