Being a resident in Florida for eight years this is the first time that I remember not having to wear a jacket during the holiday season because of the warm weather. Even though we may get cold weather next week it certainly has been a different December than in years past. Even the rain was upsetting after a while and the intermittent sun for weeks added to the irregular weather patterns, despite this the old garden roses are blooming profusely as well as the hybrid teas. They did not seem to mind the irregular weather.
This is a good time to look at the new roses that are available. So with the Mid-Winter Meeting coming up and the K&M Roses and Rose Petal Nursery coming on Saturday it’s a grand opportunity to refurbish our roses and, in the process, to support our rose growers in the Deep South District. Don’t forget to call them for orders and you can save the postage.
On a different note and to update you on one of our members, Bob Spangenberg has moved to the Pensacola, Florida area. His new address is 1030 South Blvd., Chipley, FL 32428. Some of our members are sending him cards and we urge you feel free to do the same. It will take him time to adjust and mail from society members will help him know that we all miss him.
On December 23, 2018 we lost a wonderful member: Earl Bergadine. Earl and his wife Veda were the first members that I met when I attended my first meeting. Veda and Earl befriended us and encouraged Bob and me to join the society. Earl had a wonderful Memorial Service; a celebration of his life. Many speakers echoed the same sentiment that Earl and Veda were always a tremendous source of love and support to their family, church, schools and community where they spent many hours of volunteer work. I thank all of our members who attended the viewing, the church service and the funeral. Earl will always remain in our hearts.
Please remember the raffle items. Jean Giesel has planned a wonderful program for the January 13th meeting. The refreshments will be provided by Olivia and Cleon Jenkins, and Mary Menoski.
Yours in Roses,
Lee Kline, President
