Exotic

Dreary day today and I wasn't happy with a single photo, so decided to close in on my orchid. I never considered trying to keep an orchid alive until my sister introduced me to the "Just Add Ice" orchid. All you have to do is once a week put three ice cubes at the base of the plant. You can even sign up to have text message reminders to add the ice. I've had it for almost a year and I'm on my second cycle of flowers, so I would have to say it's a success. I don't know if they are a more hardy version, or if the process would work with any orchid. I know some orchid experts panned the idea of it, but I'm living proof that it works!

First snow flurries of the year today. My second oldest nephew is serving in Afghanistan in the Army and is due home in the next couple weeks - very exciting time in our family. He was a premature baby (born at 26 weeks), spent 4 months in the hospital before coming home, was on the wrestling and football teams in school, went to college and joined ROTC (Reserve Office Training Corps) and is now in the process of working off his obligation to the Army for financing his schooling. He is stationed in Fort Stewart, Georgia which is where he'll be heading when he gets home to the states. But he will be with all of us over Christmas, so it will be a specially special holiday this year!