Winter Resort

Two ladybug beetles have taken up residence in our bathroom this winter.  Ladybugs are notorious for sneaking into human homes by the dozens to escape winter's chill.  They are relatively harmless and surprisingly difficult to remove because if you crush them, they release a permanent yellow stain and some of them release an unpleasant smell.

Bob and I have been enjoying our bathroom guests.  They are quiet and cute.  

We have hosted a few other critters in the past; the most memorable was a little tree frog who wintered in the bromelids.  As long as they don't make a mess and and don't bite, we enjoy our winter guests.

When spring comes, I'll coax them into a box and release them back into the garden.

Just in time

We are experiencing a chilly winter in central Alabama this year.  We've already had one significant snow event in December, with another one predicted for later today.  Temperatures continue to be much colder than normal for this part of the world.

In addition to that, I started a new job this fall and the project we are working on has required me to work six days a week.  Between the extreme cold (for us) and long work hours, I haven't been able to spend much time outdoors.

But God has a way of giving us just what we need at just the right time to bring us joy during the challenging times.   This very week, my precious Noble dendrobium orchid burst into bloom.

I've posted about this orchid before.  It amazes me that this orchid seems to thrive under my less-than-expert care.  Seeing its fabulous blooms remind me of my dear friend, Pam, who went to be with the Lord this fall.  She was an orchid expert who had confidence in my ability to care for this plant when she gave it to me several years ago.  When winter is at its worst, cold, wet and generally miserable, these gorgeous blooms grace my home.