Re: CAT: An Obsession Progression
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: CAT: An Obsession Progression
- From: I*@aol.com
- Date: Thu, 13 Nov 1997 04:54:39 -0700 (MST)
In a message dated 97-11-12 19:41:39 EST, you write:
>
>When I am winter wish shopping, I usually have to get out R&I books and
>all the picture catalogs to supplement the info in any given catalog.
>So my comments are for what I would like to see in the 'perfect'
>catalog.
Well, Linda Mann - you're a better person than I am regarding winter
shopping! My progression goes something like this:
October: Vow that I will be very frugal in my iris orders... I will only
order <IBs or BBs or MTBs or fill-in-the-blank... based upon what ever I fell
in love with that year>
December: Catalogs start coming in, resolve is strong - but holidays are
here and there isn't time to look at them
January: Can't go outside. Curl up by the fire after work with my catalogs,
records, planned spending limit and my resolve. The only new catalog is
Keppels so I read that very thoroughly, making notes in the margins and
planning an order.
February: Begin to peek beyond my chosen iris type... just for informational
purposes. The pictures are lovely..... I mentally oouch out my spending
limit... while easing my resolve a tad. Decide to make a generous fantasy
list... then cut it down
March: Weather is WORSE... Most of the catalogs are in. I'm reading
descriptions now. Anything with capital letters catches my eye... words
like SPECTACULAR... THE BEST... seem like messages from above. The line
between reality and fantasy has blurred. My list is growing.... I discover
some places have a fax and take credit cards..... I have a credit card. I
have a fax. Damn the torpedos!
April: Not a good month in Buffalo... I'm painting irises in my mind. The
actual pictures are not as fantastic as my imagination. Pay particular
attention to color descriptions.... and fragrance descriptions. I will have
a confection of a garden that will be a joy to every sense. My list is on
several pages... plus I have instituted a system of stars, exclamation points
and highlighter. No resolve. I justify the expense in all kinds of ways (I
don't buy designer ballgowns... savings: $5,0000)
May: I have no idea what I've ordered. I do not add up my checkbook. As
the snow melts I realize I have no room for more irises. The daffodils are
blooming and I definately need more of THOSE.
June: The irises are blooming and I'm worried I did not order enough. I
sneak another order out.
July: A pile of boxes arrives at my back door.... I recognize a few of the
irises I ordered... but what are these? Bonuses? Extras? Wait for husband
to go golfing so I can strip sod and run the tiller and he won't suspect a
thing.
scroll forward to October and start from the top.
Kathy Guest,
E. Aurora, NY (who forgot the question.....)
