PBJ = Plants, Books, and Joy[?}

I can tell you right now, I am ready for Spring!! At least we, down here in South Texas, would have some blue sky once in a while! Ever since September of 2018 we have had so much rain, and days on end without sunshine. I'm really tired of it. Gray sky, barren trees. soppy and muddy ground [the water table just has to be at the ground surface]. Okay, 'nough of me being of the crabby genes, it's time to move on.

First, I promised Ms. G at Connections More that I would update her about a Christmas cactus slip her friend sent me. The first photo is the day the slips arrived. I planted them in potting soil right after I opened the package. The second photo was taken just about a week ago. It's going strong! And thriving. Mostly, it's outdoors, unless the temp drops below 50 degrees. Then, I bring it in until it warms up during the day [if it does]....

When it blooms, it will have the reddest blossoms I've ever seen.  I can't find the photo she shared of her friend's plant 'cause I couldn't find her blog's table of contents.  Maybe she'll find it and share it with us in the comments here.  [nookworm]

ADDENDUM:  Here is the link

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Then the book I recently finished....it's a good one.  Trust me, it's FICTION, but the characters are real people.  And is it hilarious?  Yes, it is.  It's written in first person [Biden is telling the story throughout - but don't be confused, he is NOT the author], and naturally it takes no imagination to picture Biden and Obama on a murder mystery caper that takes you deep into the unknowns of Delaware with its citizens; and America's boundaries.  The book has been labeled a Bromantic.   Also, yes, as I said, it's quite funny but there are subliminal gestures you catch throughout...like friendship, retirement, old age with a bit of senility added in for humor, aches and pains, golf, memory lane like the 'good ol' days'. security, and more.  Which I found comical 'cause I've experienced a lot of the old age scenarios.  All this is mixed in perfectly with the two solving a murder like Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes.The subjects may not be to the liking of some, but the book is really entertaining.  No matter which side of the political fence you're on, keep and open mind and enjoy the story as intended....  I enjoyed it a lot. HOPE NEVER DIES by Andrew Shaffer.

From the website: 

Vice President Joe Biden is fresh out of the Obama White House and feeling adrift when his favorite railroad conductor dies in a suspicious accident, leaving behind an ailing wife and a trail of clues. To unravel the mystery, “Amtrak Joe” re-teams with the only man he’s ever fully trusted—the 44th president of the United States. Together they’ll plumb the darkest corners of Delaware, traveling from cheap motels to biker bars and beyond,

Now to the book I just received through Amazon...

The Ravenmaster.

I'm about half way through it already. It too is a good read. It's about the Tower of London's Ravens that reside in the Tower and are protected. There is a myth about the Tower's Ravens....if they die or cease to exist, the city of London and tower will fall. Speaking of London, as I am reading, legend has it that the name LONDON could possibly be derived [there are many theories] from the word, Lugdunum [page39]; Celtic, meaning the city of ravens. I don't know how true this is, but I find it kinda eerie in context with the subject[s] of the book.

Anyway, so far I've read about the recent ravens, have been introduced to each one and given their personalities and more. I've learned what the Ravenmaster's position and job details are along with background and history of the animal menagerie throughout the centuries. Some descriptions of the surrounding walls, age, construction and lots of interesting things. The current Ravenmaster, the author of the book, gives the reader a first hand experience of what it's like to look after and keep the ravens alive and well, and regales his Army experiences dealing with the ravens in the Tower, which will guarantee the Tower will remain for ages to come [or so folklore tells us].

The book is quite expensive, but I think it'll be worth the price eventually as I keep all books about birds.  lol 

Trying to take a long walk today at a park, the light mist turned into a downpour, I had to turn around, head back home and be stuck indoors longer than I wanted to be...so, lastly today...some bright flowers to lighten up the dreary day I'm having.  From our backyard on January 18th, 2019...