I think this is a better show than last year by about 40%. Not sure why I chose 40%, but it is better organized, volunteers seem more willing to do what is needed, even if that means dropping what you are doing and go help elsewhere. I saw a lot of tempting material, but like Berobinson said, it is hard to part with the kind of money some were asking for nice material..That being said, I did let go of 3 figures for an azalea that I considered worth the money, and the seller from NC was willing to negotiate on the price, so I got it for just a bit less than marked. I'm happy. And it will bloom soon. Bonus!
I spied Berob at the vendor area, and thinking about it I did see him and his lovey lady inspecting the member trees display when I way watching out for theives in that display.
Berob, it was very nice meeting you and the lady with you. Not sure why it didnt strike me who you were in the Chinese pavilion, but it never clicked. At Meehan's area, I looked up from a tree and saw you and it just reminded me of a pic of you I had seen online somewhere. Normally I would not have spoken up, but something made me blurt out "BeRob??" and sure enough... I was happy to speak with you for the short while we talked.
I also met "Augustine", who I didnt know, but coincidentally had met before at an auction of a mutual friend's auction who ultimately passed away. It is nice to be able to put a face to a persona or name after forming an opinion of that person from dealings online only. Berob, I can say that you are very similar to what I had thought you were like. Classy and someone I could see associating with outside of Bnut is how I came away from meeting you. I hope to see you again somewhere.
I did a workshop with Arthur Joura today with a San Jose Juni I had (BYOT). I must admit I didnt know much of Arthur Joura before I "met" him online at IBC, where he expounded on his philosophy on bonsai design as it pertains to American trees. Something in his thought process struck a chord in me that made me decide that this made sense to me too.
Anyway, I took a ton of pics and will post soon.
Tomorrow (day 3, 45 miles each way...) I take a big boxwood to another BYOT workshop with Rodney Clemons, then another 3 hr volunteer at another workshop, then at 5PM I claim the trees that I brought last Thursday for display. A busy 4 days but since it happens only once a year, I am glad I was able to participate in what I did, and met the Bnut members I did.
I couldnt make it as my kids were still sick. I might try to swing by on Sunday.
