The Fifth Garden Party was held in Ironwood, Michigan hosted by Tenrank.

I have added Chad as a participant, because he made it possible for us to have a computer. Chad was the Desk Clerk at the Motel. By bringing his own computer to the motel he made it possible for us to talk to the other gardeners that could not be present.

Sandy the Gnome

 Being one of only two "real" Yoopers at the Garden Party, I was happy and pleased with the nice turnout of people. Our hosts, Tenrank & wife were superb, going way beyond the call of duty to make this a very special occasion. I think everyone got to see the beauty and splendor of the UP, the place I call home. The "Yooper" entertainment on Friday night was hilarious! I think the "Yooper Five" should go on the road with their show......except they have to learn more than one song! LOL....@ Woody, Trxe, Hilltopper, Caspia & 4essie....they were GREAT!!!! The wedding went off without a hitch, 'cept Jim didn't pay much attention to his bride the rest of the evening. Once Hilltopper got "divorced" he latched unto a new gal......blonde this time. ( I think her name was Danielle). A special thank you to the desk clerk for bring us his computer so we could talk to everyone else on Saturday night....just another example of "Yooper Hospitality"

It was so much fun meeting everyone, this was my first party so I had no idea what to expect. To put names and personalities to the "handles" I've been talking to for almost two years was a special time for me...I felt that I already knew each and every one of them and they made me feel welcome and "one of the gang". Don (my hubby) had many reservations about coming with me....in fact, he was so GROUCHY about it the week before we left, I was tempted not to pack his clothes and tell hime I'd go alone.....but he said he would be cordial and TRY to enjoy himself. Well, he didn't have to try very hard, the group made him feel welcome from the start and he enjoyed the weekend very much.

The highlight of the "Yooper Garde Party"?????? It's hard to nail it down to one event...The "Yooper Five" on Friday night, the park & waterfalls, the ski jump, the dinner Saturday night, all of these were really great.....but I would say the highlight of the weekend would be meeting so many true & new friends. My advice to those of you who havn't been to a Garden Party, try, try, try to get to at least one of them....it will be the experience of a lifetime. For those of you who were there....thank you for coming to our little corner of the world, thank you for sharing time with us, thank you for sharing your lives with us, and a special thank you for being my FRIEND!!

ps....Shari, the pics were GREAT!

The fifth "Garden Party"..... WOW! Who would have thought in Oct of '97 (when the first Garden Party was held in Des Moines) that these parties would come to be semi-annual events? Each party has taken on it's own "flavor" and personality, yet all are the same in friendship and kinship. So many gardeners have been able to meet and put faces with the "handles" and personalities with real names.

There always seems to be enough "old timers" around to give some continuity to the "stories" from previous parties and to add on new far fetched situations for the further stimulation of those unable to attend in person (but who are always close to the hearts of those enjoying the party.)

The Yooper Party was no exception! It was good to see friends from previous parties and to meet some gardeners enjoying their first party. Once you have been to one party............ you naturally want to be at all the rest of them!! *S*

Tenrank and Joanne were wonderful hosts and treated us to a wonderful tour of the entire area........ from Hardwood forests... to the falls... to the theater.. .their own gardens (which are spectacular!!)... and
found a terrific place for dinner Saturday night. A job well done Ten and Joanne!!! Thank you very much for all your hard work! We certainly enjoyed it all!!!

Kids have been at all the parties! My "kids" were at the first one..... Pumpkin Seed at Nashville........ X & Ycals at Niagara.........George at San Antonio! But we hit the jackpot in Ironwood with the MOST kids there!! Nite's (and Sandman) and Sharilyn's (and Patrick) kids are tremendous kids!!! They certainly added to our fun.

It's really difficult picking out a favorite moment for me........ hummm........ I suppose it wasn't the GIANT SKI LIFT.......... *LOL* (that sucker was REALLY high up off terra firma!!!!) It may have been
running around in my underwear in public!! and singing..... and making a fool out of myself!! *G* But the later thing I do sooo easily!!! It may have been all the food!! OH MY...... we had enough food to feed the entire county, maybe the whole of the UP!! NO! I know what it was!!!! Did you all hear what HILLTOPPER called me at the party?? *EG* If you haven't.......... be sure and ask him!!

 
I had a ball at the party renewing old friendships and meeting new gardeners! I almost feel like a new Yooper, although Danielle tells me I talk funny! *LOL* But, she does, too!
The "garden parties" have become a fertile ground for me for meeting nice, decent people that share a love of the earth. I have finally graduated from feeding myself with the garden to enjoying some
beautiful flowers. And more good gardens to come in the coming years.
Like, Caspia, I could not envision these things becoming a normal event. The party in Des Moines over 2 years ago was so special! Never thought it could go this far. I have met some of the most wonderful
people at these events. The only one I missed was San Antonio, but I knew everyone there! I've always felt I knew the gardeners I've talked to on the web!
With the loss of WBS, the garden has splintered a little bit. We have 3 or 4 places we chat now. I hope everyone can settle on a place where we can be together, again! But, we'll all be together in spirit,
anyway! *S*
It was so nice to meet the newbies to the parties. Belle & Shari & Niteowl! And their families. Only good can come from these parties.

Where else can you find strangers that you feel so close too?!