Yesterday I mailed my last Christmas box. It's always such a relief when that's done. I feel like I can finally concentrate on my immediate family and begin to enjoy the holidays at last. I hope that's not a bad attitude? After making 2 batches of fudge, 20 dozen cookies, wrapping a zillion presents and addressing about 40 cards, I think that's cause for relaxation! None of the aforementioned food items are left in our house either! They've all been shipped or consumed by other people. I am just now beginning to make some of the holiday dishes we enjoy, like Banana bread with candied fruit:
That might sound gross to some people but it's our version of a preferred fruit cake!
If it can last long enough, Amaryllis 'Red Pearl' will be our Christmas table centerpiece:
I've never cut the flowers off my bulbs before but 'Red Pearl' was leaning heavily to one side and had another bud stalk about to open so I took the plunge. I've read that the flowers actually last longer in a vase than on the bulb?? It will be interesting to see if that is true...
Amaryllis 'Novella' also opened her second bloom stalk the other day and you will never believe how many buds on this one!! (remember the first stalk had eight buds/blooms?) I photographed her because I wasn't sure you'd believe me any other way ~ count them ~ they total 10!!!!
Six blooms around the outside and four more buds in the very center! That is one exceptional performer! I've never had so many blooms on a single Amaryllis stalk before ~ I definitely got more than I ever anticipated from her.
There are more Amaryllis bulbs waiting to bloom in the greenhouse/bathroom too. Below are 'Clown,' 'Gervase' and 'Christmas Story' all lined up beside a Bird of Paradise plant (with a ginormous new leaf ~ 24" long!) and some of my orchids:
Looks like there will certainly be plenty of blooms to keep us company thru the holidays! Now we're going to be movie watching, piddlin' around and just generally laid back. Wishing you the same!
Your banana bread looks interesting....not sure if I could 'sell' it to my group. Youngest REALLY doesn't like fruitcake.
That overhead shot of the Novella is very nice. A different view.
Posted by: Janet | December 22, 2010 at 03:47 PM
I know what you mean about finally getting a chance to relax after all the other work is done. I always feel a little bad that I spend so much time making candy and then there isn't any left for my husband or kids.
You do have lots of flowers coming. I really like how you've got your plants all set up, if only I had a nice sunny spot like that in here.
Enjoy your time with your family and Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Catherine | December 22, 2010 at 04:29 PM
Focusing on immediate family is good, very good. I hope your fudge turned out well. Mine flopped, literally:(
Merry Christmas to you!
Posted by: tina | December 22, 2010 at 04:59 PM
Enjoy your relaxation and just being with your family.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Posted by: maureen | December 22, 2010 at 06:27 PM
Isn't it wonderful to reach that point during Christmas? I am almost there.
I hope you enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your family.
Posted by: Noelle / azplantlady | December 22, 2010 at 07:35 PM
Wow that red amaryllis is gorgeous! I love that you put them in a vase. I think they look great. Enjoy Christmas and kicking back a little!
Posted by: Kate (daisygirl_io) | December 22, 2010 at 08:10 PM
I love banana bread and just made four loaves yesterday. The candied fruit looks good in them. You have been busy baking and wrapping. Hope your holiday lets you actually enjoy it.
Posted by: Donna | December 22, 2010 at 08:55 PM
Your candied banana bread looks delicious and the centerpiece is gorgeous. Have a lovely holiday Kathleen!
Posted by: Kala | December 22, 2010 at 11:10 PM
Hi Kathleen. Now that sounds like a fruit cake recipe I would eat.It sounds good to me. Your amaryllis are so beautiful and makes a great bouquet.The deep red is marvelous.
I have a question about amaryllis because you do so well at getting them to bloom again. Mine are growing but they are growing all leaves and no buds.I wonder what I did wrong.They were in the basement in the dark all summer and then brought out in October where I started watering them and with a little fertilizer to start them off. Do you keep your as they are and take them outdoors in the sun to stay through out the summer and then cut them back and set them in the dark? Or what. I know you will know what I did wrong. HELP!! LOL!
Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas.
Posted by: Lona | December 23, 2010 at 09:29 AM
Kathleen - my Black Pearl Amaryllis is blooming it's head off now and I have it set out in my living room to keep a close eye on... The banana bread looks yummy!
Peace and happiness now and in the days to come.
MarkNDenver
Posted by: MarkNDenver | December 23, 2010 at 04:14 PM
I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing Christmas!
Posted by: Sweetbay | December 23, 2010 at 05:32 PM
Oh Mark ~ I'm SO jealous you have 'Black Pearl!!' I bet it's gorgeous. Peace to you and yours too ~ hope you have a great holiday. I don't know how you feel but I am not sorry at all we are not having a white Christmas!!! :-)
Posted by: Kathleen | December 23, 2010 at 10:52 PM
Love all your amaryllis. I bought two new ones this year and have really enjoyed them.
Posted by: Victoria | January 01, 2011 at 12:58 PM