"Everyone was incredibly enthusiastic"

Well, that's what Noel said. It seemed to ring true. Everyone was lively and happy and interested.When Noel Kingsbury suggested he bring his Garden's Illustrated tour group by Federal Twist on the way from their New York City segment to the horticultural delights of the Philadelphia area, I was afraid the October 3 date would be an "in between" period in the garden--summer had ended and autumn colors hadn't fully arrived--but so be it. Gardens are living things.In addition to Noel, who I'd met a couple of times before, my old friend Amalia Robredo from Uruguay was on the tour and that was a real pleasure. I hadn't seen her in over three years. And I finally got to meet Valeria Hermida, who I've corresponded with but had never met. I also had the unexpected pleasure of  meeting Jo, Noel's partner--a warm, lively, and immediately engaging woman. Just listening to accents, it appeared we had visitors from Scotland (several), England, France, and North Carolina--in addition to Argentina and Uruguay.Photo time for Noel, Amalia, and me.After about an hour explaining my naturalistic "artificial wet prairie" and wandering about, we all headed off for lunch at the nearby Sergeantsville Inn, a historic building dating back to the 18th century. Lunch was lively too. I sat between Vincent, who gardens a one acre walled garden in Scotland, and Noel. Listening to Vincent reminded me how much I love the Scottish accent!Then the group was off to Philadelphia and several more days of garden touring.Someone, I think Amalia, took one good photo of me, almost smiling (not an easy thing for me). Maybe it will become my new gmail image?