As many of my friends know, I collect stamps as well as minerals and I enjoy thematic, or so called topical stamp collecting. Naturally, my career in geology and my interest in minerals draws me to topics related to those categories. But I also enjoy hearing how others merge their interests with other topics with the joy of philately.
To most of us they are lady slippers or simply orchids. But to Paul Brach they are called Cypripedium orchids. A specific genus or orchids of which there are 58 species, each with their own color, petal shape, stamen, and sepal design. At the March 9th meeting of the Rochester Philatelic Association, Paul described all the features of these gorgeous flowers using the multitude of world-wide stamps that have been issued featuring Cypripedium orchids. In addition to demonstrating his knowledge of these colorful orchids, Paul showed us his photographic prowess at capturing them on film.