Just wanted to share this. I have an orchid blooming in my garden in December.
They usually bloom in the summer.

Your friend is really talented, jm! I love wooden objects and agree he ought to sell them - probably get high prices in an art gallery.

Wonderful to have an orchid in bloom for Christmas, Dee!

That is a nice orchid Dee!

I've one in bloom myself, much to my surprise. It was from one of the big box stores originally bought in bloom in early spring (directions to water were the 3 ice cube script, I followed advise gleamed here not to abuse the orchid with that way. After it's initial bloom it was moved down stairs under fluorescents where it received small sips of water on an infrequent basis and then, lo and behold! it started blooming again about a month ago and continues blooming through these holidays...
w/ paperwhites >

What's left of my orchids are taking their chances out in the garden these days. I had this wonderful indoor orchid terrarium I built by repurposing a home made bird cage 2'x 2' x 5' tall. I glassed the whole thing in and bought a fancy grow light. They were doing great until one of the orchids I put in had scale insects. I fought them for two years before finally just giving up. All of my orchids in the garden have "fake" flower stalks stuck in them, they impress guests, LOL.

I bet your 5' display looked very cool!

Dee, your Orchid display sounds wonderful!

Thanks, I have to retrieve it from storage soon so maybe I'll redo it.
Here's some good Christmas pics . . . trying to get pictures with the new kitties.

Thank you for sharing pictures of your precious kitties with us, Dee!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry christmas
and a tasty New Year to all

(just out hot and fresh)

Christmas in Ohio

mantis trap

Got my cushy bed, got my fireplace, what more does a kitty need?

We're going on a short holiday (safari + beach) in February. I could do with some advice from our photo experts on a super telephoto lens (nikon FX mount) - I'd like something not too heavy and not too expensive - I've been looking at the Nikon 200-500 and the Sigma 150-600 contemporary (lighter than the sports model). Both look good, but heavier than I would ideally like. Also the lens must have vibration reduction.

Any help, or other lens suggestions, would be really welcome. Thank you!

And wishing everyone all the best for a brilliant 2017.

Winston

I sometimes shudder at these people who want long and sharp and cheap and light zooms. Give us some realistic ideas of length vs. cost vs. weight please. Gene

Mika, not a clue about the specific lens, but we did pick up a new Nikon this Christmas that is nicely light. I think you're leaning in the right direction.

Christie, here's ours... about bedtime.

Sean your chiaroscuro effect is very nice. Almost looks like two cats.

Chiarospurro ;-)