Instead of the SOUA by the LoPVotUS-

Not as brilliant as the amaryllis,  but making up for its more modest coloration with its lush scent, this hydrangea is much more pleasant to closely observe tonight than the deliverer of the state of the uniom [sic] address.

Amaryllis Unfurling Over Three Days

Over the weekend this vermillion tide began to spread-

And unfurl-

Business As Usual

Warmish and partly sunny here today.  A well-deserved day of rest and  respite from this week’s icy blasts (of all stripes).

Just a few leftover piles of snow among the closely gathered steers,

Field Trip!

Yesterday a group organized by a friend of mine went on a field trip to the Oriole Mill in Hendersonville (http.theoriolemill.com) , where the Jacquard weaving process is used to weave elegant wool and cotton cloth and where the cloth is sewed into beautiful bedspreads, shams, bags, coats, and towels and napkins.  We got to stand inside a Jacquard loom while it was operating.  The colors were spectacular!  The details of the loom and warping machine were fascinating.  Some looked like tiny porcelain animals.  The rapier shuttles looked like silver fish and moved  60 times a second.

Meanwhile at home the lone hyacinth is still pouring its lush aroma and the tulips are still brightening the dark days.

Tulips Still

Warming up the room on this cold rainy night-

Tulips in January

Thanks Mike and Andi!

Final Catalog Ad Plus a Preview

I now have a supply of  the 10,000 Drawings catalogs on hand and have just shipped out catalogs to all of you who ordered them.  If you haven’t ordered yet but want one, just send me, by email or message, your mailing address (gdiehn1@gmail.com),  and paypal me at the same email address $23– sorry but postage ended up being closer to $3 than $2–or send me a check to 154 College View Drive, Swannanoa, NC 28778 ;  and I will ship your catalog right away.

Soon they will also be available through Malaprop’s Bookstore in Asheville or on - line at malaprops.com.

Jack Frost, Blue Pickeral Seeds

My earliest visual memory:  frost crystals on the window above my crib (my mother saying “Jack Frost came last night”) .  And now this morning:  frost crystals on the window near our bed.  How could I not draw that?

Last month’s blue water pickeral has ripened and is ready to spill out its luscious-looking seeds.