{History of the Poinsettia}

History of the Poinsettia

In 1825, Mexican Ambassador and Charleston native, Joel Roberts Poinsett found a pulchritudinous red flowering plant while wandering on a mountain trail in rural Mexico. He was so taken with the flower that he collected a few specimens to take home to his Charleston greenhouse. In 1832, Dr. Poinsett began to successfully propagate the plant species in America. The Poinsettia became synonymous with Christmas and it is now known as the Flor de Noche Buena" or "Flower of the Beautiful Night (Christmas Eve)." Robert Buist, a famed Scotch gardener and taxonomist named the plant after learning about it from Dr. Poinsett in the mid 1830's. For info, click on the name: Joel Roberts Poinsett. Now I like to show you our red Poinsettia together with our special leather deer from India...

This is a beautiful handmade deer from leather. A gift that we got in Pune, Maharashtra state in India, from the company we did consulting for.

The craftmanship is incredible! Even the antlers of this stag are made of leather...

Nice Christmas combination; Deer with Poinsettia...

Memories from afar...

{German Marzipan Stollen 500 years of Christmas Tradition}

For years while living in the US we have been enjoying the authentic German Marzipan Stollen, a 500 year old Christmas tradition. We bought our Oebel Marzipan Stollen this year at World Market in Atlanta. My surprise was big for also finding German Marzipan Stollen at our new, local T.J. MAXX store. We did buy them there often while on the road as consultants in Connecticut. But it sure makes us feel more at HOME with local supply now. Do you know this delicious German Tradition too? If not, you ought to buy one now, even 'after Christmas sales' can give you this great experience.

Enjoy this Marzipan Stollen with tea or coffee and I guarantee, you will be hooked!

So plan to add this to your Christmas to do list.

Served on a Rosenthal Sanssouci Roses Ivory plate.

{2000 Congressional Ornament of The Capitol Building, Washington, DC}

From a dear friend, I did receive this special 2000 Congressional Ornament of the Capitol Building, Washington, DC. She went to the Presidential Inauguration of President George W. Bush in January of 2001. This Ornament is quite a treasure and we cherish this already for over a decade. Such Ornaments are available at the Gift shop of the United States Capitol, Historical Society on line.

Very well done and it hangs from a green satin ribbon.

Our red Poinsettia is reflected in the top right...

Very hard to capture such a shiny ornament on camera...

Below I have tried to scan it also.

Season's Greetings 2000

United States Congressional

Holiday Ornament

Nice thing is, that it is Made in USA!