As I post this, it is again below zero outside. Brrrrrr. Snow is on the ground. It's been cloudy and dull all day. More snow is predicted tomorrow. The three heaters, out in our Solar Room, are going full blast in an attempt to keep my house plants from freezing to death. With all the glass, it's really cold out there!!! This is the 4th time, we've been through this (for days on end) just this year. Sadly, I've lost quite a few plants to the cold. The Hibiscus plants are also now showing signs of extreme stress.

Nevertheless, flowers are blooming in our Solar Room. This 30 year old plant is beautifully covered in blooms. This is just one cluster. The plant started to first bloom this Winter around New Years Day and is still putting on a very nice show. And that is why we have 3 heaters going to help most of the plants survive during the worst of the cold - not only survive but also share their beauty.

I find few things, which can lift one's spirts, on a dull Winter's day as much as enjoying live, growing flowers. It brings the joy of Summer to Winter. Besides this succulent, my indoors Marigolds and Geraniums are currently also full of blooms. I love our Solar Room with all of the plants!!! It's a cheerful place all year round.

Fighting extreme cold each Winter is always a difficult task. However, Spring will come again. Then, many of my plants will return back outside to our deck. Others will continue on indoors in the Solar Room with warm weather growth and flowers. Having flowers growing now (when it is minus 5 outside)is a reminder that Winter doesn't last forever.