Flower Friday is here again. The photos of flowers are so lovely that I have decided to feature them in the larger format. So much better to appreciate them. In this case, bigger IS better.

This dendrobium spray has been happily blooming in my house for a month now. It sits on my altar but I took the orchid plant outside for some fresh air and better light to snap photos. Unfortunately, the name of this dendrobium orchid has been lost to me. But here is its story. My great friend Kiyo knew the older Japanese gentleman who had recently potted up a whole slew of orchids in addition to various other plants. He died and Kiyo thought that my green thumb would nourish the little keiki. I commented that his death was most likely unexpected seeing that  she had passed along about 30 newly potted young orchid keiki. Orchids that would take a couple of years to healthy growth then eventual flowering. Plants that were newly potted say…1 month-2 months, max. Nope, she responded, he was 96.

I love that story! Regardless how old you are, you must have something to look forward to. Plan for the new begining. The old and tired and worn is behind you.

So here they stand so tall and pretty. The first blooms. And perhaps they have the old man’s longevity, because Lucky Me! they have been adorning my house for over a month!

These dendrobiums have no scent. And yes, some regard them as common. But I remember to adjust my attitude about life every time I see them.

The Big Island of Hawaii’s Hilo Airport has got to be the prettiest little International Airport in the State of Hawaii if not the entire western hemisphere. Pictured here is a lovely orchid perhaps of the Vanda type-just guessing, but please correct me if I guess wrong. This orchid was growing in a puakenikeni tree which was also beautifully flowering and both were silently wowing for all curious and observant eyes to see. I took this photo from about 12 feet away.

Then, glancing up and up, I spotted this hapu’u fern shoot reaching up and up and up into Hilo’s cloudy morning sky. It was getting its wakey morning kiss from a sunbeam. I managed to sneak a photo shot from the trunk of the hapu’u through its lovely green fronds.

What a special treat. One of my orchids bloomed for Christmas. Although it is December, many flowers still bloom in the winter in the Islands. These in particular have a lovelydelicate scent and the colors are  stunningly vivid. It is a Blc. Momilani Rainbow specifically named ‘The Gypsy’. I’ve had it for a couple of years and it continues to bloom and amaze twice a year.