Plant
Cris thought this was a clematis, but upon looking at pictures that are online, I am quite sure it is something else. In any event, it was outside all summer and appeared to be totally dead. I moved it into the shade and watered it regularly and it came back. / It is an appropriate flower, as earlier this morning I went to the doctor and was informed that I had “pink eye”. I almost laughed when he told me, as I don’t think I have heard those words since elementary school. It is still kind of fun to say….pink eye. It is a total drag though; certainly not a good condition for a photographer. He gave me some drops and I hope it starts clearing up soon. / The picture in the background is my mom and was taken in 1956 in Lermoos, Austria. Here’s a link to a previous post about that trip.
Jon Crispin's Notebook 
it’s a cyclamen
It IS a cyclamen, Patty’s correct.
Thanks to you both. I am terrible on plant names. Jon
It is a cyclamen, one of the very few plants that our Mom seemed to do well with. And they’re known to be sometimes hard to keep going. So you and she have one more thing in common. XOX
Sis, thanks. She also did really well with her African violets, a plant which Cris and I often struggle with.
absolutely a cyclamen – they love cold weather
It’s my favorite plant – a cyclamen, and absolutely impossible to keep alive in Arizona barring a greenhouse with a controlled atmosphere and humidity. I prefer them in white, but they’re lovely in any color. I buy them with the same attitude I buy cut flowers: I enjoy them while they last and toss them when they inevitably die.
I gave my Mum a white one for her birthday in May three years ago. It is still going strong. She says she cannot figure out why it is still alive, as she has an awful track record with indoor plants. They are so elegant. I am from Australia, Killian, but lived in Arizona (Tempe) for 2 months in 2009. I can well see why they would struggle there, as it was too hot for me even in November/December.
Jon, Hope your eyes get better quickly. I love the colour palette in the photo of your Mum.