My Christmas cactus bloomed beautifully this year. Last year, the plant produced only two anemic flowers, but it had been recently transplanted. The plant was a gift from my former and wonderful cleaning lady, along with orders that I was not to tend to the cactus - that she would do what needed to be done every two weeks when she came. Alas, she is now gone, so the care and feeding are left up to me, and I don't seem to have done badly by the little dear.
I included my pine needle baskets in the photo, because I believe they are lovely. The two covered baskets came from the World's Fair in in New Orleans in 1984 and were made by Native Americans, but I don't know which tribe.
The basket with the contrasting light and dark colors was woven by a Coushatta Indian tribesperson, but I don't have the weaver's name. The tray under the coffee table is especially beautiful, with its lacy design, and I know it was made by an African-American woman from this area, but I have no name. I wish now that I had more information on the baskets.
The baskets and tray are quite sturdy, as they have survived intact, despite handling and mishandling over the years by my grandchildren.
