Christmas Keeps Giving

 

The amaryllis on the board is now open. The flowers are not as large as the reindeer amaryllis, but they form a cluster of 8 blooms.

The blooms on the reindeer amaryllis are drying up. I have cut off two blooms so far. However, the second stalk is now trying to open up so it won't be long until new blooms appear.

Another Christmas gift that keeps giving delight is the devotional book by Ruth Chou Simons titled The Way of the Wildflower. Each entry is illustrated similar to what appears on the covers. I just finished another devotional book yesterday. I read the introduction to Simons' book this morning. I am looking forward to the 30 meditations.

Another Christmas thing that sticks around is that extra one pound I gained from the cookies and candy. Starting to watch for ways to cut down calories to get back to "normal". It all tasted so good; fortunately, most of the sweets have been eaten and are not around to tempt me anymore. 

Hope you are enjoying your Christmas gifts even into this new year.

Power of the Sun

 It is 25 degrees outside right now, but we have full sun today. As I sat in the den, I could see what looked like water drops falling from the roof. Upon closer inspection, it turned out that there are icicles melting. Now ten minutes later the sun has shifted and the dripping has stopped. It took the focused sun to make them drip.

The warmth of the sun has also touched the amaryllis plants opening buds and encouraging full flowering. 

With the flowers and the sunshine, today seems cheerful.

I have a Home Chef order arriving today, too, so supper should be interesting. Chipotle beef and potato medley. 

 A good day despite sad news received last night about a family member who lost his house in the California wildfires and ongoing health issues for me.