Author: Vilma

Orchids, Orchids Everywhere

Posted on by Vilma
peach color orchids
Yes, it seems odd that orchids, a tropical plant, start to flower (in my  house) late February early March but they do, as if to announce spring is just around the corner. I love orchids and I have been growing them them for many years. Some people say they are hard to grow, the answer is Yes and No. The easiest ones to grow are the Phalaenopsis family, anyone can grow these. I find orchids amazingly beautiful, mesmerizing and fascinating. Some fascinating facts about orchids can be ...
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It is Still Winter in Our Neighborhood

Posted on by Vilma
two cats in front of the fireplace watching the fire burn
Our spring-like weather we have been experiencing in February is gone, old father winter is taking advantage of the last few days of winter. Our latest snowstorm dropped just a couple of inches of snow followed by some rain making this snow very wet and very hard to shovel, it was real heavy. The temperatures fell below freezing with lots of cold wind making it feel even colder. Flowers such as daffodils, bushes and cherry trees started to bloom early this year but this snap of cold weath...
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Four Spring Events to Enjoy in Washington DC

Posted on by Vilma
Washington DC Tidal basin during Cherry Blossom festival
Hello Early Spring!? The calendar says it is still winter but I think springtime is coming sooner than we think. In the middle of February we are experiencing weather in the mid-70's! The birds are chirping, the grass is getting greener, the bushes are filling up with buds, and the daffodil bulbs are growing fast. With the warmer and sunny days my internal clock starts thinking of the many spring events I enjoy going to in my area, so around this time I start putting together my own personal...
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Luminarias, A Wonderful Spanish and Mexican Tradition

Posted on by Vilma
luminarias
Before Christianity, pagans used to lite huge bonfires to celebrate feasts dedicated to their gods. Shepherds also lit bonfires to stay warm and scare away predators. When Christianity arrived in Spain the pagan tradition was embraced by lighting bonfires (luminarias) along the roads and churchyards to guide people to Midnight mass on the last day of Las Posadas on December 24. Las Posadas is the reenactment of the Holy Family search for lodging in Bethlehem before baby Jesus was born. La...
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