After learning how to use macro mode on my camera, I went pretty bonkers about it. I was clicking at everything in closeup. Actually, even before I realized how wonderful macro was, I had unknowingly been using it all along. There’s a feature called “Best Shot,” where you tell the camera what you’re photographing and it adjusts accordingly. For example, one of the options is “food” and that automagically turns the macro mode on. I love cameras for dummies! Anyway, last month, I started taking pictures of my cereus as the flowers were just starting to develop and two nights ago, they bloomed. But the development of the flower is just as interesting. It’s pretty delicate and I started out counting about 10 or so buds. By the end of last week, there were 5 left and it looks like 2 more won’t make it, so that’s 3 out of 10. I suspect the cooler temps and shorter days had something to do with it.

October 18, 2007

October 21, 2007

October 27, 2007

November 4, 2007

November 11, 2007 (The one of the left didn’t make it, and neither did the bud on the right.)

November 17, 2007 (The shriveled bud on the right obviously wasn’t up to snuff either. Eventually the left bud petered out too. Something about being by the window - maybe too drafty and cold.)

November 22, 2007

November 24, 2007

November 26, 2007 (bloomed a few hours later)