by Earl Ekman

It doesn't seem possible, but it is time for our annual Christmas party. Where has the year gone? The party will be at the King Buffet, 1801 Priority Way (See Directions Page 2), Saturday, December 3rd at 6PM. Free wine will be available for those who want a drink before and during the meal. The meal is a buffet so eat all you want. This is the same place we partied last year. I'm sure we will have a good time.

This past year has been a very enjoyable one with Kenny Popp showing us slides from his trip to New Zealand, Dana Quattelbaum conducting a demo and workshop, John Callaway doing a Phoenix graft workshop, a pottery workshop with Linda Kossmann, a great field trip to Hollander's Tiny Trees and Dave Bogan's Garden. However, the highlight of the year is George Buehler's newsletter. This is something we might take for granted but when I sit down and look back at the articles George has written and the quality of the newsletter it just amazes me. I want to thank him for all the hard work and the terrific information he presents to us month after month. Thank you George, we are very fortunate to have such a gifted bonsaist and newsletter editor.

This summer we got together and planned the meetings for 2006. The group came up with a varied and interesting schedule. Tom McCurry will be doing a demo/workshop using Saunder's boxwoods and Rodney Clemmons will be coming in from Atlanta, GA to do a demo/workshop on planting on rocks, Gene Sewell and Tom McCurry are going to be presenting a demo/workshop using willow leaf ficus. There will be a garden tour, canoe trip for collecting viewing stones and a workshop for building display stands. The complete schedule and dates are presented on page two. 2006 should be a great year.

This coming year will be our 35th year and it seems like we should do some special things to celebrate this milestone. Perhaps we can do something special at our May show, or try to get an article published in the newspaper, or print up a special shirt or cap or pin. Let's do something! If you have any ideas, please contact me so we can start planning.

SPECIAL REMINDER! Dues are now due. There will be an increase this year. Dues are increasing to $35 per year which includes the paper copy of this newsletter. Dues for electronic copies are $30 per year.

Recently I had my 70th birthday, and it gave me reason to reflect back on some of the wonderful things that have happened in my life. My children and Sandy are enough to keep me more than happy, but I give thanks for all the wonderful people I have met while participating in the art of bonsai. It has had more of a positive impact on my life than I ever imagined it could have. Not just because it's a great hobby but because it has brought all you wonderful friends into my life. Thank you for making my life so complete.

Earl