(I’ve never seen an amaryllis quite like this before. I was going to take its picture outside but this is as far as it got.)
So it turns out the rules have been changed re those phytosanitary certificates: credit cards only. Which was the opposite of the previous rule and it surprised me because usually government entities in California don’t want the surcharges from the banks. If I could come back down, I was asked–or, she offered very generously, she could drive to my house for it.
It seemed a very small amount of money to waste that much of her time over and they were busy; I could come, no problem.
So there I was again.
I waited till she was done and then said, I don’t know if you’re allowed to accept it in your job. But I like to spend my Zoom meetings making simple hats that I don’t have to look at my hands for, and then find people to give them to. I’d love to offer you one.
I’d brought four to choose from, and she oohed and aahed over how pretty they were.
It looked like a work-from-home day for everybody else I’d seen the previous time. As we chatted briefly I bragged a little on my afghan project; she considered that a moment and said, It’s like a quilt, only in knitting.
I thought that was a really cool way to look at it.
But she said reluctantly that I was right, she wasn’t allowed to accept one. I tucked the hats away and said that I was going to think of her, then, when I looked at them.
With great fondness, too. I was glad I’d not only gotten to meet her but that life had offered us that little encore. All the best to her. And Ellen had gotten her tree safe and sound!
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A triple amaryllis! I gave a white one to a dear friend once for Christmas, and it sent up three stems of triple blossoms, and it was stunning. This is lovely!
Watching for our exotic apricots to weather the winter…which is far from over around here. I gave two out at the end of last summer, there are two more prospects out back, besides the one for us. Glad your Portland friend’s little tree made it to its new home.
Comment by Marian 02.16.24 @ 11:14 pmA lovely amaryllis! Wishing all the best for Ellen’s tree. So glad it was easy for you to go back there and get another visit. Typically government offices pass the surcharge for credit/debit cards onto the customer, like DMV’s 1.95% to pay online.
Comment by DebbieR 02.17.24 @ 11:08 amBeautiful flowers, and I’m glad the refund process was (mostly) simple. And at least she gets to know that you wanted to give her a hat! That’s not the gift you wanted to give her, but a gift nonetheless.
Comment by ccr in MA 02.18.24 @ 9:57 amAnd now that I’ve made it home safe and sound from Red Alder, that beautiful little tree is potted up and awaiting spring on our front porch where she will be a bit sheltered (and easy to bring inside if a cold spell threatens). I am so grateful!
Comment by Ellen 02.19.24 @ 5:25 pmLeave a comment
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