Colette's mother and my cactus

Over two years ago we bought this cactus arrangement and miracle of miracles it is still alive.

On our return from Geneva, we found an orange flower for the first time.

I was reminded of the story about the French writer Colette's mother, Sido.

She had been invited to visit with her daughter but she wrote that she couldn't. She had a special plant that only bloomed every two years and it was due to bloom during the time of the invitation.

I do not know if Sido visited after the plant bloomed. I do know Colette was inconsiderate of her mother for many years after but I doubt there is a connection.

Still I understand Sido's pleasure at a flower that appears rarely and her not wanting to miss its blooming.