I met Maria while working at Sarasota High School. My father was from Germany, so it was only natural that Maria and I formed a longtime friendship. Thru the years she helped me with sewing projects and, of course, gardening. She encouraged me to reupholster a living room chair and with her help, it turned out great.... which led me to do another! I enjoyed her showing me her garden when I stopped by to see her, and on occasion, she would give me plants from her garden. I still have some Amarillos she gave me... they still bloom every year! I always enjoyed our time together, whether it was outings for lunch, dinner, plant shows or just a shopping trip. (Or the occasional Happy Hour for a beer and snacks!) We always had some good laughs! I truly miss her friendship! I'll end with a Maria story.... I recently went to get my haircut (Maria referred me to Teresia years ago.) Teresia told me a story that happened a few years back. A lady who had cancer was in Teresia's shop for a cut when Maria came in. The lady had lost most of her hair. Maria was wearing a cap or hat that day (she always looked good in them). This lady admired it, so Maria decided to give her the cap! Teresia said the lady was almost in tears from gratitude when she left! That's my friend Maria!