Hello Everyone, Before I begin, I must confess that I have no orchid knowledge and hence have not much to contribute to the group, other than my love for orchids.
Several years ago I attended a Spring Plant sale that was held outside in the rain. The temperature hovered near 40 degrees. On a table sat what I suspected was a very ill orchid. It was potted in something akin to a jelly jar with no holes to allow for water drainage. A woman, noticing my attention to the plant, confirmed that it was indeed an orchid. She said she wanted $20 for it. The poor thing had two leaves, no spikes or blooms and all of it's roots appeared black and mushy through the clear glass container. Figuring that I could kill the plant with kindness as opposed to neglect, I offered her $10 and brought home my first orchid.
After reading about orchids, I determined that this plant was a Phal. This gave me hope after reading that Phals were the "easiest" to grow. I cut away the rotted roots and planted it in a clay pot with commerical orchid potting medium. For the last 4 years it has grown stronger and sits in an east window.
A year ago, last Janurary, I feel in love with another NOID Phal. I'd spotted in Home Depot. It's cheery yellow flowers provided the much-needed promise of the coming Spring. It had 7 blooms and unlike my first plant, appeared very healthy. Later that summer, it produced two more blossoms on the same spike. I was sold on orchids!
A month ago, I noticed that my second plant was sending up another spike! There are 6 buds, so far. But, even more exciting is the fact that the first plant is producing a spike, as well. I am so excited to finally be able to see what the flowers on that plant will look like.
In celebration of my good fortune with the two I have, so far, I bought another NOID Phal yesterday.
Did I hear somebody mention potato chips????
This is an incredible site! I love the little glossary help that appears in the posts. I just know that I'm bound to become a better orchid mommy! Thank you all in advance.
Rita
Another newcomer saying, "Howdy!"
Now, we've got to move you into some other types of orchids...it is like potato chips in more ways than one...there are Wise, Lay's, Pringles, etc...and we have Cattleyas, Dendrobiums and Vandas...just to start!!! 
Aboard Rita..it's great that you have found the best orchid forum on the web...
gallery where the members love to share the orchids and please don't hesitate to share a 
Why not switch the dogs to a brand that has a pull top? It'll be much easier for them 
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