Blooming Christmas Cactus

 

After several false starts (buds that formed but then dropped off), my Christmas cactus that I started from cuttings 2 years ago finally bloomed! It may be only one little flower, but it sure is pretty... 

Seattle people are crazy... including me!

Last year I missed out on the opportunity to jump into frigid Lake Washington with some friends on New Year's Day, so this year I decided to do it. It was cold, but not the coldest water I've ever been in. Surprisingly, I didn't get chilled after getting out, but that didn't stop me from enjoying a nice hot shower when I got home.

As a souvenir of the experience, they handed out patches to everyone who went in at least up to their shoulders: