In terms of the Green Genes of my mother I sort of came up short, I have trouble keeping most plant life alive though I do a pretty good job with molds and fungi but that is another story. This year, though, is a bit of a triumph in that we have both of our Christmas Cacti blooming, which considering my track record is one hell of an accomplishment given all I do is occasionally water and let the Southern exposure do the rest.

The biggest cactus is a family heirloom that over the past six years my mother has had to take it in like a foster child and nurture back to health. I am truly grateful that there is not a DCF equivalent for plants. The little one was my own rescue of sorts, a former employee where I work abandoned it when she left and it was such a sad little thing sitting alone inside a cabinet so I took it home with me. It has remained that size for some five years but always puts out the most beautiful flowers; the first year I had it it bloomed every single month, apparently it really liked its new home. Needless to say I’m pretty happy that they are both in bloom, sort of lightens up an otherwise grim time of year.