Monday, October 15, 2012

Monday, Monday...

I've never had a diary or a journal, so this is a new experience for me.  I think its going to take a while to get used to this blogging stuff. 

At any rate, since this is mainly about my orchids, let's get on with it.  I've had a couple of recent blooms, some on plants that have already bloomed this year, some are new.

First up is my Haraella retrocalla.  It started blooming about a month ago, but there are three spikes so far, and they are quickly budding up.  I have two flowers on it now, with another one or two soon to follow.



Next is Prosthechea Green Hornet.  Got this one last year, and it struggled a little after I mounted it.  Its looking pretty good now, though.



This is one I am particularly happy about.  Its a Bulbophylllum Elizabeth Ann 'Buckleberry' FCC/AOS.  I also got this one last summer and it sulked a little after I repotted it.  But, I got a spike!!  Loving the blooms...



This is a new one I picked up at Lowe's a couple of weeks ago.  THe crazy pattern on the blooms blew me away.  Its called Burr. Austin Powers 'Sweet Summer Morn'...YEAH, BABY!!!




The whole plant



I'm finding it a little hard to focus today.  Although I did manage to get my orchid stuff posted and out of the way, I'm blurry and feeling out of sorts.

Some very dear friends of my family lost a loved one in Afghanistan yesterday.

Those of you that know me know that I have very strong political views.  Call me what you will, Flaming liberal, etc. but I guess I prefer Progressive.  I didn't believe that we should have gone into Afghanistan or Iraq, I think our military should be here at home protecting our country, not fighting in other countries where you don't know your enemy from your friend.

However, our men and women chose to enlist and fight for us, whether they agreed with the location / reason or not, and we have to support them.  Its our duty as Americans to do so.

Bobby Billings was a husband, father, son and brother.  Nephew, grandson, and friend.  He died as a result of a landmine explosion, and left 4 little ones behind.

I hope that our country will take care of them the way that it should.  Veteran's benefits and support for those they leave behind are sadly lacking and may disappear completely if people don't speak up.

You don't have to believe in the war, you just have to believe in the people that have to fight it.

R.I.P. Bobby, we love you.