Of two bulbs I received last year, one produced 1 scape with only 2 flowers. The other produced nothing. But they have grown well since then, and I think both have scapes currently.

This year mine is finally flowering. Only one scape but with four flowers. I think it was worth the waiting, it's a nice pink trumpet with a lovely green throat, frilly edges and a sweet scent. We will see if she likes some pollen...

I want to show you another picture because Rebecca was blooming right next to Estella and Emaryllis says that they are siblings. It took me some time to notice that Rebecca has a conjoined flower this time.

Please post pictures when they flower! Since mine bloomed inside I expect your blooms to be even more colorful. Do you have any pollination plans? I didn't get any pods on mine.

Anja

I will absolutely do that. I have right now "Charisma" in bloom and I will pollinate "Estella" from it, and I will crosspollinate between "Estella" and ("Exotic Star" x H.papilio) - just in order to see whether it/they can produce seed. Oh, I will take some picture of "Charisma" tomorrow. "Charisma" is the one Hippeastrum in my collection which is the favorite of my girlfriend!!!

"Charisma" (and "Exotic Star" x H.papilio in the background)

Liza in the drowsy state after a 1-hour-nap

Beautiful flowers and I absolutely love the picture of your woof :-))))

This is the loveliest picture of Estella that I've ever seen!! Not that the rest aren't beautiful but yours seems to have the nicest shape ever!! I love Liza too....

Thank you!

I like those pictures even more! They seem to be very happy, Liza and Estella :-) Is this green thing a "Nachttopf"? Does she use it?

Yes it is. She has no hind legs, so we must place her on this for her "business"

I was wondering how she does it when I first saw pictures of Liza, that's why I asked. The story of your little dog is really moving me and it makes me happy to see that she is in really good hands :-)

My old cat is slowly getting ready to leave this world. He doesn't eat anymore and is getting weaker every day but he still wants to lay beside me on the sofa. I built him stairs so he can easily reach it and spend as much time as possible with him and he still seems to like it...

Anja

Anja,

My thoughts are with you :-((( I know how tough it is to have a beloved pet preparing itself to move on. I don't know if you've heard of the poem Rainbow Bridge, but I attach it for your reading. It always comforts me when a dear pet dies to know I'll be together with them.

Fred

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Thank you, dear Fred!