It Must Be Spring... well almost

Here's how I know that Spring is just around the corner -- last Saturday was the last day of the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show and just as I've been doing -- off and on -- for years, I joined some friends in the City of Brotherly Love for the event.

It's the same every year. The theme of the show, the biggest indoor flower show in the country --if not the world-- changes. The theme this year was "Bella Italia."

But let's face it, once you've seen one gardenia, hydrangea, succulent, iris, tulip, African violet, etc., etc., you've seen them all. However, it is still a sight -- amazing what some people can do with flowers.

Have a peek inside (courtesy of someone identified only as gkfe):




The annual trip to Philadelphia with my friends is not about the destination. It's about the journey.

A two-hour ride up in a mini-van, a speed viewing of the show, a quick pass through Reading Terminal Market, a late lunch at a chain restaurant (remember it's the journey), the ride back home (after my friend picks up Philly cheese steaks to take home to her husband) listening to our favorite music as night falls. That's it, the same way every time.

It's a ritual among this circle of women, a celebration of our friendship, a bonding of kindred souls. Always memorable, but not too mushy. And there's always a great story to tell about it later.