As the almost-springtime sun gets steadily brighter, it has given us another blooming cactus -- the Rhipsalis, or bird's-foot cactus, on the front windowsill. This plant is an offspring (via a cutting) of a plant given to me by my babysitter/surrogate grandmother, Mrs. Kirkland, back in the '70s. I've had it most of my life. Hard to believe! It just sits in the front window and except for a weekly watering I mostly ignore it, which is probably what makes it happy.
Our other blooming cactus has put out a second flower.
It's such a joy to watch the sun get brighter. We've had a really good weekend of sunny days, albeit a little cold. Yesterday morning Olga really wanted to sit out in the garden, but as usual she wanted me to sit with her -- so we did a complicated dance whereby I'd let her out, but she'd stare at me through the glass door until I let her in again, then she'd stand at the door asking to go out, etc. This only ended when I brought her dog bed and a chair and sat next to her in the sun with my New Yorker, which meant I needed a sweatshirt, hat and jacket because it was about 48º F (or 10º C).
In the afternoon I walked her up to Fortune Green so we could check out the daffodils. Olga was a bit hesitant to walk that far but in the end she made it just fine and even chased her tennis ball. (Well, sort of.)
We paid the price last night, though, when despite her usual half-paracetamol with dinner she had trouble getting comfortable in bed. She woke us up twice scratching around and asking to go outside (which is what she does when she can't relax). Her achy bones demanded a second half-paracetamol, after which she finally settled down.
Otherwise, what did I do yesterday? I watered some plants, I cleaned the house. I finished another New Yorker. Normal stuff.
Sunshine like this is good for body and soul, man and beast.
ReplyDeleteWe've been having a sunny weekend, too, but it was cold enough for me to need my padded winter jacket and scarf; there was a nippy wind as well. But spring can't and won't be stopped, and there is a little more of it every day.
Just a quick comment on your previous post: Like you, I try to read outside my own bubble and look at events from more than just one (my own or the "official") perspective. It helps if one understands the underlying mechanics of spreading a story, which has basically not changed with Social Media - it just has become much faster and more widespread.
The Ripsalis in interesting... I haven't met that one before
ReplyDeleteI miss the New Yorker and, thanks to you, am tempted to subscribe again. Sweet, bossy, Olga... still walking in the daffodils.
ReplyDeleteAhh, sweet Olga ... I'm glad to hear she still has you wrapped around her paw :) Sometimes I need a painkiller after extra activity, too. It works wonders.
ReplyDeleteThe days are getting longer here, too, and I'm appreciating them so much. I have never minded the early dark as much as I did this winter.
Cactus has such a wonderful rear bokeh that presents itself in a dreamy look. Olga show from low ground level reveals a great perspective. Olga is so cute
ReplyDeleteYou really know how to live life on the wild side Steve! As Steppenwolf sang, you are a "true nature's child"!
ReplyDeleteIt always amazes me how proper neglect works so well with some plants. My brother has an aging dog and swears by a heated dog pad.
ReplyDeleteI watered plants and cleaned my house yesterday, too! Ah, Sundays, right?
ReplyDeleteOlga and I are slowing down.
ReplyDeleteI have also had a Rhipsalis for well over fifty years, the only time it bloomed was the first day of spring, anniversary of my Mom's death. I have always known it as "dancing bones cactus". Olga our darling, gives it her all. Love that little pooch!! When Dexter became old with congestive heart condition, I bought a stroller for dogs, He sort of appreciated it, but the smells on walks were too difficult to get to. I abandoned it.
ReplyDeleteThat is a sweet little bloom on the rhipsalis. Another week and that daffodil bed will be solid yellow.
ReplyDeleteIt's not always fun getting old.
ReplyDeleteI know how Olga feels! Getting old is not for sissies! ;)
ReplyDeleteThat video is just precious. You chose exactly the right music. I hope that when it warms up some, Olga's old bones won't bother her quite as badly.
ReplyDeleteOlga's bones are just like my bones! Poor old girl. We're still living pretty good lives though!
ReplyDeleteSweet Olga, she will feel better when the warmer weather arrives. My dog is also 10 and he takes Cosequin for bone health. This seems to be helping.
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