Pretty on the Inside

Outside it may be bone-chilling (the forecast says it is 37 degrees outside), and our fine-foliaged friends may be wilting and drooping and losing their leaves, and everywhere there may be reminders of life on a wane, but a few hearty souls are coaxed back to life by the cold.  The Christmas cactus being one.  Just starting to make a comeback.

 

The Christmas cactus sisters live in the guestroom - 3 of them.  They came, I think, from the Mother House - not the Mother Garden, mind you, the Mother House.  They are of the indoor stock, not happy in the out of doors.  They have done well in the guestroom. 

 

Of course, they might do better if I could offer a bit more natural light - if the blinds could be raised.  But, alas, Sissy has been using the guestroom as her photo studio, for the clothing she pulls for her styling classes.  Just a little longer, she assures me, before I get my apartment back.  Balance - sometimes there is a price to be paid for a happy relationship with one's siblings.

 

When the guestroom comes back to me, the Mandavillas can come inside too.  They are not happy with me; they are dropping their leaves like crazy.  They are NOT used to these temperatures; they have no idea what has hit them.  Although last year they suffered a few cold nights, and seem to have pulled through ok.  So, hopefully, they can put up with a few more nights.