Jan 9th and outdoor blooming pansies and orchids with SAD

Today is random, random warm weather, random thoughts, random Mondays. It was nearly 60 on F., and I thougth I should be looking at flowers. Then I realized it was the first week of January, and the old Christmas Eve. I have as small pot of trick or treat pansy that was on my porch, and is still alive, having survived erratic weather, a very little snow, and some early frost. It is now inside, with my African violet and orchids. It is the black pansy, of which I am so fond. I hope that my black holly hocks will bloom.

Last night, in Moby Duck, I read of chocolate orchids, really a deep purple. No one quite knows how they got their name, but the old joke is to tell someone to sniff it; they smell like orchids, but you are expected to think they smell like chocolate. My large orchid is now dropping blooms; does anyone have any ideas why? I have been very careful to give it the right light and not to overwater. Will it bloom again?

I would like to read/experiment with stews as recommended in the current Cook's Illustrated, but no time. Also, I'm still very sick and run down, and it is all I can do to get through the day. My hand is still bad, as well. Perhaps we should share Pick Me UP tips for the month?

Placed as finalist in a poetry contest, which surprised me; I wrote the poem many years ago, and didn't think anyone liked it. Go figure, but I'm very pleased.

Visited Eagle Days, and saw the owls, wolves, and
Eagles.
the River Action people were there showing items they pulled out of the river. Moby Duck discusses items pulled from the oceans, in various "garbage patches." The book is fascinating; it reminds me a little of Kon Tiki, a favorite of mine from childhood. More later, and let's all Pep up!