{Epiphyllum Bloom Missed Again}

On August 24 I did write about the very same Orchid Cactus, see link below post. Our bad luck must have something to do with us going to Atlanta as it happened again to us. On Tuesday, October 11, I had a business women's luncheon in Atlanta with The Netherlands American Chamber of he Southeastern United States. Pieter did join me and had lunch at the same restaurant where I had the meeting. Very pleasant day and we did some shopping as usual and got home at dark. We had heavy rain that evening and night. Much needed though. I had been monitoring our Epiphyllum, or Orchid Cactus, since September 28 for not wanting to miss out again on its lovely blooms. This time it looked even more promising as it started out with 3 buds. But on October 7, there was only 1 bud left. October 9 were the last photos taken before we went away and than the next day, husband Pieter discovered that we had MISSED it again. Probably during that heavy rain, at night it did open up. Poor thing!

On September 28 we got so excited for noticing 3 buds!

Closeup taken from one of the three buds on September 28...

By October 7, only 1 bud was left, the other two had fallen off...

This is already October 9...

Still the photo above is on October 9th.

Early morning on October 12, after heavy rains all night and evening before.

Either the rain was too heavy or we just missed it while we were in Atlanta.

There will be another year and we look forward to it already!

Related articles

{Epiphyllum Bloom Missed...} | previous post by me

{TURTLE}

On July 3, Pieter took some photos of a 'Mama' turtle, a big one, about 40 cm or 16" that was digging a hole to lay her eggs. It probably is one of the Cooter family. They always are on the side of our pond, basking in the sun. But you never can get close, as they jump in the water and vanish. Just wanted to share our garden critter with you.

Most of our grass is already dead here from the heat...

Related link:

{Our TURTLE KINDERGARTEN}| previous post by me

{White Waterlily Nymphaea odorata in our Pond} | previous post by me

{My Batik Creations}

• Since yesterday's post was all about Indonesia, a country that is dear to our hearts as we've lived and worked there for so many years, I will continue with Indonesia today. 
• While living and working in Central Java, Indonesia, about 15-20 girls from the Catholic boarding school for the deaf, did come to our home for a substitute Papa & Mama. 
• We've carried suitcases full of items for them to give away. Loads of handwork material etc. etc. 
• Being able to speak their native language, Bahasa Indonesia opened many doors and we often were overwhelmed by the stories we heard. 
• For those kids it was tough, only going home twice a year to their real parents. 
• Once in a while a visit by their parents to the boarding school, IF they could afford the travel expenses... 
• So gladly we opened up our hearts and our home to them. From two girls that came from Surabaya, East Java, we received once a parcel in the mail with two pieces of lovely batik in a high quality.
• In a previous post on November 20, 2010 about: {Batik Birds from Indonesia on Silk and Cotton}, you can find a video about the making of this artful waxing and printing on fabric.
• So from those two pieces of fabric I did sew a batik shirt for Pieter, using a Burda pattern, my all time favorite patterns. 
• And for myself I used another Burda pattern for a skirt with a button down top. Lined in Swiss batiste that I got at my favorite notions store of Britex Fabrics in San Francisco. 
• You can also get swatches and than mail order from them. We did a lot of consulting in California so I got lucky to make a frequent stop there for finding all my fashion notions.

• The ensemble is lined in red Swiss batiste and has buttons from Britex Fabrics, in San Francisco. You find the link above.
• The red coral necklace and bracelet came from China when Pieter went there for Campbell Soup with People to People Citizen Ambassador Program.
• The handbag and shoes are from Charles Jourdan. Shoes from the Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th at Potomac Mills (Simon Malls Outlet) south of Washington DC. Handbag from México City, México.
• Courrèges Paris watch is from Singapore. 
• If you want some Consulting from Mariette's Back to Basics about: YOUR OWN CLOTHES, ONLY BETTER! Just contact me.

• These photos are taken on June 12 with still green grass, before the heat and drought...

• October 20 to show you some more detail...

• Skirt has a slit and zips up in the back.
• I did make a hair barrette with the same batik fabric, batting and an antique button.

• The top does tie in the back.

• Buttons from Britex Fabrics.

• For Pieter I did sew a batik shirt.

• Detail of pocket with top stitching.

• Detail of the cuff and sleeve slit with buttons and top stitching.

Related link:

Silk Embroidered Birds from China Trip previous post by me