FLOWER FRIDAY - SCHLUMBERGERA

I know I have blipped this Christmas Cactus or Schlumbergera before, but thought it deserved to have its 15 minutes of fame again on Blip, whilst blooming - so here it is and there are lots more buds to bloom too.

It was bought for me over 5 years ago by a friend’s son and has bloomed regularly ever since.  Looking online, there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do with this plant, but despite me doing all the wrong things, it continues to thrive.  It sits mainly on a dusty shelf, in a draught and is certainly not watered every two weeks, but some plants do thrive on neglect and this is one of mine, although I do sing to my plants from time to time! ;-)

It is so beautiful, and I am grateful to R for buying it for me - probably at the same time as he bought “Hoggy”, a member of the Silly Saturday Gang, but who has now gone into hibernation with his partner, Spiky, and new son, Porlock.  We were at a Christmas Fayre when R bounced up to his Mum and said “Please can I have £4?”  When she asked why, he whispered to her, “Maureen likes the sparkly hedgehog and I want to buy it for her!” His Mum did give him the money and Hoggy was duly purchased!  R is now 14 or 15 and probably wouldn’t want to be reminded of that, but I loved his kindness then, so every time I see this beautiful cactus and Hoggy, of course, I am reminded of him and hope he hasn’t changed!

We took some more of our neighbour’s “stuff” up to our favourite charity shop, DEBRA, this morning, called into Jack’s for a quick coffee, have had lunch and are now contemplating going out for a walk - well I am, Mr. HCB is still undecided, but I’m trying to persuade him.  

A bit disappointed at Slimming World this morning when I had hoped to reach my target, but didn’t - however, I shall “pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again” in the coming week and refuse to let the scales spoil my day, my week or my life!  You know me, I am a “bouncer back”, not a “giver-upper-er”!  

Bless you all - have a great weekend!  M xx 

P.S. At 3.35 p.m.  Mr. HCB was persuaded and we had a lovely walk around a lake near to where we live, but where I don't like to walk on my own.  I did over 7,200 steps, which is good for me!