When I started my odyssey into the latest creation at The Good Earth, I hired an incredibly talented architect — Stan Szaflarski of Archway and Associates. One day in the midst of all the early planning for the project, I was so frustrated and overwhelmed that I broke down in tears. Stan came to my rescue like a gallant knight in shining armour. He pledged to me that day that he would be there for me as a friend every step of the way…and he has! His attention to the construction of the winery has been constant. Rarely does a day go by without a visit and a check in on how things are progressing. That’s a friend!
"Having fun in bed... flower bed that is!"
Then there is my “garden guy”, my “homo botanicus”, Bob Hamersma. He started the journey of creating the garden at the winery with me last fall, finding just the right trees to anchor the new garden. This spring, despite a staggering work schedule delivering ornamental plants across this vast province (his day sometimes starting at midnight and ending at 4 in the afternoon), he shows up like the “Tasmanian Devil” to drop off some plants, roll out some sod, dig some holes or simply goad me into to dropping everything to follow his lead in the garden. We have such fun and share such joy in creating our “hortus deliciarum”. His devotion to the project is beyond something professional. It’s a sign of true friendship.
And Karen, who keeps me laughing, listens to my rants, feeds me and offers me a few hours of respite in front of her TV as we prattle away about all sorts of inane things to help me destress…and keeps me fed. That’s a friend!
John Young, or “Gepetto” as I lovingly call him of Old Mill Artisans who created the most glorious furniture for the winery. To top it off, he arrived in the blink of an eye with a special request which none of us expected to arrive before we opened our doors…but it did. Thanks to the dedication of a good friend!
The Good Earth Team
The love and support of so many of my “earthlings” who once upon a time arrived at The Good Earth as guests and morphed into so many truly good friends. I could go on and on, and should because there are so many people out there whose friendship has been of so powerful. It’s staggering and empowering to see “friendship” in action. Nothing like it…except perhaps, love. But then again isn’t that what friendship is about?
All I can say is…I’ll get by with a little help from my friends. Actually, scratch that. I’ll survive with a lot of help from my friends! Thanks everyone for all you help these past months!