With a low this morning of 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and a projected high of 18F, this is all I've got.  Three of these little plants grow in my sunny, bathroom window.  The one, above, which I call holiday cactus, Schlumbergera sp., starts blooming around Thanksgiving.  The coral one, which I call Christmas cactus, will bloom around Christmas and continue for at least three weeks.  My new one, a rescue from Wal-Mart, has already bloomed a light pink and white.  With a little TLC, I hope to see it in full bloom next Thanksgiving. I don't know too much about these plants other than they grow in the forests of South America. I do know I like them because they are forgiving and easy-peasy, lemon squeezy. I have one other indoor plant container which I'm saving for the colds of January.  I also planted some Amaryllis and Calla lily bulbs, but...

Two days ago, thunderstorms with intense lightning knocked me offline.  Yesterday, sleet and light snow pelted our state, but the earth's warm temperatures melted all, leaving tan grass behind.  Since this morning's temp was a bone chilling nineteen degrees F., I decided to stay inside and share some of my current reading material. If you'd like, grab yourself something warm to drink and come sit for a spell.  I have my hot tea mug clutched in mittened hands. Due to the Diva and Bear's Tae Kwon Do schedule, I have more time to read than ever, and I'm perusing all of the following in a kind of loop.  Whichever book is in the car, is the one I read that day.  Some are nonfiction, and others are created out of whole cloth, but you'll see they have a recurring theme. This post could be titled, "I'm a bit obsessed" but,...

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how I hate your lights. I hate them when they tangle.  I hate them when they lie dead. Oh Christmas, oh Christmas tree, how I hate your lights. The tree is up, and once I changed all these bulbs, it is shining bright, but it took superhuman effort again this year.  I don't understand why.  It should be so easy, but it's not. Still, I liked how these bulbs looked when I replaced them.  My friend, David, from A Photographer's Garden Blog wanted us to square our photos today, and this was the best I could do.  To answer his question, yes, I do see a lot of subjects squared when I'm taking a photograph.  I thought it was a fault.  Goes to show what I know, eh?

According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, defined as: 1. the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the spatial relation of objects as they might appear to the eye ; specifically representation in a drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of depth and distance b: a picture in perspective. 2. the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed (places the issues in proper perspective); also point of view; the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance (urge you to maintain your perspective and to view your own task in a larger framework — W. J. Cohen. 3. a visible scene ; especially : one giving a distinctive impression of distance : vista; a mental view or prospect gain a broader perspective on the situation. What does this have to do with...