This time of year always provokes an intense longing for spring in me. It’s about now that I turn my attention to my otherwise neglected houseplants. This is especially true as this is the time when the amaryllis bloom.
This year, I bought hyacinth bulbs and forced them into bloom. I brought them pre-chilled so didn’t need to do anything but put them in the spiffy hyacinth forcing vases and wait. They didn’t disappoint. The scent is almost overpowering. I think I will make this an annual event. I had to buy 8 lbs., so I can do another round or two. Or maybe I should plant the remainder outside.
I’ve managed to keep alive the peace lily that was given to me for my dad’s funeral. It’s a beautiful plant, big and lush although it doesn’t bloom much. I’m hoping it just needs warmer weather to begin blooming again. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to fertilize it.
I’m trying to start a plumeria but it’s being cantankerous. It may rot before it sprouts leaves. I’m hopeful as my dad had a big plumeria he nursed for years before it succumbed to an early frost one year after it got so big they couldn’t move it any longer.
The amaryllis were given to me years ago as a Christmas gift. I can’t remember from whom. They’ve divided and grown to where I have several of them now. A few years ago, I bought a pink and white one and it now blooms every year. They’re overcrowded and I’ll need to separate them this year, but they do make my heart sing.
My yoga instructor, yes, is 88-years-old. Now is that a testement to the power of yoga or what? She is amazing.
A couple of weeks ago I was sitting, minding my own business, at the laptop drinking coffee when Emmylou surprised me with a running leap into my lap. It ended with coffee all over the keyboard. I did all the things you’re supposed to do in such a situation to no avail.
It’s been a lovely day, though. Today is Veteran’s Day and I’ve been deep in thought about my dad’s Marine Corps experience as well as my own military brat upbringing. I had my contractor out here to do a bunch of honey-dos that aren’t really honey-dos if you have to pay, but you know what I mean – just minor repairs to this and that. Well, minor, except maybe for the roof. Hoo boy, I don’t need bad news there.
W. Va. Fur and Root 