Hello, Orchid & Plant Loving Friends!
It’s a gloomy one out there today :( .. The kind of day that makes you want to hunker down with a cup of tea or coffee or whiskey (lol) and pretend the outside world doesn’t exist. Yesterday, we were basking in sunshine .. Huxley, my furry sidekick, was sprawled out by the back door, soaking up every golden ray. I’ve got the photos to prove it!
But today?
Total opposite. We’re talking 50 to 60 mph wind gusts, relentless rain, and a bit of chaos in the yard. The house took a hit.. We lost a piece of siding, and my poor Weber grill? It’s seen better days.
I’m still mourning that one. Last time it went airborne, I spent hours piecing it back together. For now, I just threw the cover on, locked it down, and called it a day. Tomorrow, I’ll play detective and see if it’s salvageable. Fingers crossed!
Moving On ..
But let’s not dwell on the storm outside. Tonight, I’m turning my focus inward—to the little bursts of life brightening up our home. It’s time for an Orchid Update, and trust me, these beauties are stealing the show.
In my last journal entry, I told you about the Phalaenopsis Orchid buds .. Starting to peek open, the red Cattleya showing off her two stunning blooms, and the Coconut Orchid just beginning to tease us with her budding fragrance. Well, things have leveled up since then! The Phals are now almost 3/4 of the way open. One of them went all out and unfurled every single bloom .. Talk about a show-off! The other two are pacing themselves, with a couple of buds still playing coy.
The Cattleya? Still holding strong, looking as elegant as ever.
And then there’s the Coconut Orchid. Oh my goodness, she’s gone wild! I don’t know if it’s the new pot or the extra water I’ve been giving her, but she’s blooming like there’s no tomorrow. 20 to 25 flowers, people!
The moment I walk into the room, her sweet, tropical scent hits me like a warm hug. It’s the kind of thing that makes you forget about busted grills and ripped siding (or so I tell myself). Pure magic.
The Other's
The orchids aren’t the only ones joining the party, though.. Our houseplant crew is stepping up too! The Peace Lily surprised us with a single, pristine white bloom that popped open last night .. PERFECT timing to lift the mood.
The African Violet? She’s thriving by the back door, where the light’s bright but not too harsh. She’s got a ton of new blooms, with more little buds on the way. I swear, that spot is her happy place.
And the Thanksgiving Cactus is at it again! She put on a massive show right before Thanksgiving (true to her name), and now she’s gracing us with a smaller encore for spring. She’ll rest up after this, but for now, I’m loving her festive spirit.
Beyond the bloomers, we’ve got a whole squad of healthy green houseplants .. Just doing their thing.. purifying the air, chilling out, and making the place feel alive. I’m honestly so grateful for them. The fact that I can keep them all thriving feels like a small victory, especially on days like this when the world outside is a mess.
So, that’s where we’re at! Huxley and I are about to cozy up and watch the wind whip the rain around like it’s auditioning for a drama. Maybe I’ll snap a few more pics of the indoor jungle to share next time. Until then, stay warm, stay inspired, and keep nurturing whatever brings you joy .. Whether it’s plants, pets, or just a quiet moment to yourself.
