If you are from a place where coconuts abound, then you probably know what this is :-) In our dialect, we call this "botbot" which could also mean "joke" or "lie." In other countries, this is known as coconut pearl or coconut cotyledon. This is the embryo or the baby coconut which is found inside a mature coconut shell. If left undisturbed, this is what develops into a coconut tree. We ate this when we were little and quite adventurous. My bros, cousins, and I liked to try…
@camgoOnNoiseApp in July 2021
Gasteria nigricans (monstrose). This is one of my gasterias, and it's looking a little... bleh... I have been planning to repot this, but I always forget. I promise to repot this tomorrow coz I just repotted 10 pots of caladiums and it's getting really hot outside. Care of the gasteria is a little tricky. They are like succulents since they do not like moist medium. It's best to pot them in well-draining medium, like 80-90% pumice as they are prone to rot as well. Mine here…
Kit-Quat already lost his baby teef! Puppies also have deciduous teeth, which are also called baby teeth or milk teeth. Puppies begin to lose their baby teeth as they turn 4 months old. Most of their permanent teeth, which are 42 in all, are already in place by the time they turn 6 months old. A few weeks ago, I was able to get a photo of Kit-Quat's baby canine tooth beside the newly-grown permanent canine tooth. Today, I noticed that he'd already lost his baby canine tooth.…
I just realized that we have quite a few photos where I am a few feet behind them ^_^ I always get left behind because I'll be stuck somewhere taking a photo of a blade of grass, a petite flower, weeds, and all sorts of things that'll catch my eye. There's beauty all around us if we only care to look. If we appreciate even the smallest of things, the things that we were led to believe were inconsequential, then I think we'll be able to lead happier and more content lives.…
This is a seaweed dish that goes really well with fried or grilled meat or seafood. We call this "guso" which is formally known as eucheuma. There are two types of edible eucheuma - the E. spinosum and E. cottoni (red guso). The green variety, like in the picture, is the E. spinosum. Guso is readily available in our market, but you have to be early to get some. The texture is a little slimy but the inside is firm, crunchy even. To get rid of the sliminess, the guso is washed…
Before I turned off the lights to sleep, guess what I almost bumped into?! In our language, we call this "tuko," which is a type of gecko. (Google says it's tokay gecko or gekko gecko.) This here is still a baby. They can grow about shy to a foot. I haven't seen huge ones yet (and I don't want to!) Anyway, he comes and goes as he pleases. We hear him and his family at night saying, "Tuk-ko... Tuk-ko..." Hence, the name, I guess. We just leave him alone coz he eats some of…
What kind of spider is this? I've seen quite a lot of types because we caught spiders when we were kids. It's surprising how I was not scared of them before, but now... They give me goosebumps. (The movie, Arachnophobia, which I watched as a kid made me afraid of spiders 😁) Anyway, this is the first time that I've seen a spider that's all white. What could it be? Is it an albino spider? I read that it was believed that spiders did not possess melanin, which is responsible…
I took this photo during our visit to a zoo in Yokahama in 2019. I used an app to help me identify this plant, and it came up with "mahonia." There are many varieties of mahonia. Judging from the colors of the fruit, it is possibly a Leatherleaf mahonia or Mahonia repens. I'm not sure though. According to Google, it is a type of mountain berry. What attracted me is the color of the fruits. I guess it is in different stages of ripeness based on how the hues go from green to…
This is my island home. To the left is the sea, to the right are mountains. At the foot of one of those mountains is where I live. Before developers came, our place was quiet. Some were even scared to go there once night falls because it was rumoured that an "aswang" lived in the area. An "aswang" is said to be an evil creature in Philippine folklore. It fed on babies, taking them from their mothers' wombs while they slept. Anyway, I took this pic the other day. Missing…
Locally known as Dauis Church, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption was built in 1697 by Jesuit priests. Today, many might not know that the Philippines was under Spanish rule for more than 300 years, which is why the religion, even up to this day, is largely Catholic. What's strange, and many deem as miraculous, about this church is the spring that is found underneath it. An opening to access the water from the spring is located near the front of the altar. Here, they…
If a person is confident in herself, and she affirms that each day, there will no longer be a need for her to seek affirmation from others. Seeking affirmation from other people could perhaps cultivate insecurities, especially if one doesn't get the affirmation that one needs. So, be confident! Tell yourself how wonderful and talented you are. Appreciate yourself first. Once you do realize your worth, others will follow. ***Photo taken one super early morning when Kit-Quat…
Some say this is an orange caladium. Others say it's a green spider caladium. It doesn't matter what it's called. To me, it's one of the prettiest caladiums that I have. (I mean, they're all pretty and unique ❣️) I love how the green veins are so vibrant against the pink. It really adds a pop of color in the garden. I replanted a few pots of caladium a couple of days ago. My other pot of green spider is still recuperating because its roots were infested with bugs. This one…
Our "dessert" after breakfast - fried bananas sprinkled with sugar. I forgot that I had these "saba" bananas in the fridge. They had gotten quite ripe, so I decided to fry them instead. Saba bananas are the type of bananas that are for cooking, although they could be eaten raw. These are widely available in the Philippines, and I guess it could be likened to plantains in a way. However, saba bananas do get sweeter as they become more ripe. I prefer to boil saba bananas that…
What a way to start the day! I went to put the trash away (coz it's trash pick-up day), and I didn't notice that the neighbor's dog (my in-laws) was let loose. Our gate is closed but the iron grills are a few inches apart. This dog, which is also an American Bully, started to sort of scratch the ground and he will often pee through the gate. This was fine, (although I believe it is territorial behavior, am I correct?), as long as my dogs were not being hyperactive coz Skye,…
Calvin and Hobbes... In college, I had a few dorm mates who collected these comics, much like those Archie books. I borrowed what I could and read these whenever possible. This was how I came to love Calvin's antics with his best buddy, Hobbes. These comics always entertained me. Now that I'm older, I still love the comics in a more poignant way, I guess. I've come to realize that Calvin had a lonely childhood with only his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, as his companion. Calvin did…
I came across Liziqi's videos on FB. Her vids are inspiring, if you are the type who loves gardening, planting, farming, and other DIY stuff. What's inspiring about her is that she chose this life so that she would be able to take care of her grandmother. From what I've read/seen somewhere, she worked in one of the big cities in China before. But when her grandfather died, she went back to the province to take care of her grandmother. This is when she began to make her…
Aptenia. This was my aptenia plant that died due to being peed on by my fur babies 🐶🐾 I had two types - one with variegated leaves and one with non-variegated leaves. These are photos of their tiny blooms. Aptenia is also known as aptenia cordifolia or baby sun rose. They also belong to the succulent family. So, watering is only once medium is dry. Do not allow plant to stay moist because it will rot. Propagation is through cutting. Cut a healthy-looking stem and plant.…
Most 90s kids will get this... Can you guess what's the hidden image below? What you see here is a stereogram/autostereogram where a 3D image is hidden in a 2D image. It's an optical or visual illusion. We had so much fun with these when we were kids. The first one to "see" the hidden image wins! It's a challenge to actually see an image in a stereogram. It takes some practice. Here are some tips based on my experience 😁 1. Put the picture very close to you, like almost…
My brother and baby niece came by yesterday, and he told me something disturbing. I didn't want to write about it last night coz it scared me. I didn't want to think about it coz the image he described was stuck in my head, and it was hard not to think about it. So here's how the story goes... The other night, my bro and his partner woke up because their baby wanted some milk. They both got up - my bro carried the baby as J got the milk ready. All of a sudden, J gasped. She…
Covid, why...? I just heard that a good friend of mine died early this morning because of Covid. He was in most of my college memories. Whenever we were all together, we'd always be laughing and joking around. He told the funniest stories and was always just a call away. My college life was definitely more fun because of him. Although we sort of went our separate ways after college, we still chatted whenever there was a chance. The last time that there was a mini…
There is a time to bloom and a time to die. But not all dead things are truly dead. Below is a photo of dead flower heads that carry the seeds of the plant. I scored these from the lady who works at the place where we order our drinking water. (Yes, we buy our drinking water because faucet water isn't potable.) Anyway, I was attracted by the bright orange flowers of this plant. So I asked the lady if I could have some seeds, and she immediately plucked a few dead flower…
Victoriae-reginae or Queen Victoria agave. I like this plant coz it's easy to care for. I planted it in a small pot, but it grew to the point wherein it had begun to tear its plastic pot. The Queen Victoria agave has thick, very firm leaves (more firm than aloe vera leaves). Each leaf has a pointy spine (second pic) so it's quite painful if you do get pricked. The pointy end is no joke. It is hard and very sharp, so you should be careful when handling the plant. What I love…
Tea and Meiji... My snack after I did some gardening. This is roasted green tea, which I prefer. I like the aroma, which is like that of slightly burnt rice. Meiji chocolates are also among my favorites, especially this black chocolate variety and the one with whole almonds inside. I love chocolates with all sorts of nuts, except peanuts. I don't know why, but I prefer to eat peanuts on their own and not with chocolates. Aside from being not too sugary sweet, I find Meiji…
Throwback to 2019... These were wildflowers growing in an untended part of a zoo that we went to. (If I remember correctly, the zoo was in Yokohama.) I love the contrast of blushing pink amongst the deep green. There were tiny white flowers that dotted the area too. This was somewhat of a secluded place. We went down wooden stairs and ended up in an open field where wildflowers abound. To the left was a small waterfall, which made the area cooler. It was a great day. The sky…
Odawara Castle, Japan. Here's a 2018 throwback to one of our visits to Odawara Castle. We've been here a few times because one visit isn't enough to explore the entire place. Right before you get to the castle, you'll cross a bridge that links the main street to the castle. There are large sections of water that spans a part of the perimeter of the area. The front part is home to a large number of huge koi fishes that gladly swim towards you if you but come near the edge or…
My thoughts... Some people say that it's better to "forgive and forget." I agree with the "forgive" part, but I don't forget so easily. I believe it's best to forgive and learn from mistakes, and to try to not repeat these mistakes. I also learned to stay away from those who've hurt me. I guess I do hold grudges, which isn't good. 😔 ***My photo - This was a pretty cactus, but it died because of mealybugs. I forgot the ID too ❣️🌵
Currently watching The Good Doctor on Netflix. It's a medical drama that revolves around the story of the main character who is an autistic-savant. So he is autistic but he is also highly intelligent; and he actually works as a surgeon. While my daughter and I were watching yesterday, she suddenly blurted out, "I want to be like him." "What?" I asked in surprise. "Because he's very smart," she explained. I hugged her and I said, "I don't need that type of smart. I don't want…
"Damned if you do; damned if you don't." This saying is so applicable these days when people get hurt or offended too easily when you do or don't do something. The same goes for when you say something. People will quickly criticize you for saying something, but then they'll also criticize you for keeping silent. I really don't know where to tread. Most of the time, I prefer to keep my mouth shut and do nothing. Because whether you do something or not, there will always be…
Yesterday, I was munching on sunflower seeds when the sunny day suddenly turned dark, like twilight. It was as though someone had covered the sun while the wind picked up and lambasted the branches and leaves of the trees outside. After that, the sun shone again like nothing happened. It didn't rain, but it's been a bit windy for the past few days. Nature is really amazing and scary. One moment, everything is so peaceful. The next minute, it could change; and we are…
Look what I found lurking in the garden?! This critter is less than an inch long, but I know that it can easily decimate a lush pot of caladium. The bigger ones are worse! 🐛 I'm not sure how they find their way here. One minute, everything's clear, the next minute, I'll see chunks of missing leaves and even entire plants. There's also a certain season when it feels like it's the "caterpillar apocalypse"! I believe it's almost that time now, and I pray that the wind won't…
I'm craving for some sweet dessert. This is matcha ice cream with a stick of matcha-flavored KitKat. We had this when we ate at a Japanese restaurant before the quarantine began. I like most matcha-flavored desserts or drinks. The pure powder is a bit bitter, but it does go nicely if lightly sprinkled on a sweet dessert, like a macaron or fudge cake. Matcha is healthy as it contains vitamins and minerals, and possesses properties that increase metabolism and aid in detox.…
Hypoestes phyllostachya. This plant is also known as polka dot plant, flamingo plant, and freckle face. There are several color combinations or varieties, and mine here is green with pink. This is the most common type available here. I have yet to see other colors, like the red and white types. Propagation is fairly easy. It's done through cutting. When the plant blooms, its flowers readily get fertilized too and its seeds can spread anywhere. I've seen them grow in the lawn…
These are apple mangoes, which are slightly different from the local mangoes that are readily available here. Apple mangoes are seasonal fruits. These are also bigger than the usual local mangoes, and their skin develops a rose-blush color when ripe instead of yellow. Taste-wise, apple mangoes are sweet when ripe, but I prefer the sweetness of local yellow mangoes. For me, apple mangoes are best eaten just before they get ripe, like the pix below. These are almost ripe -…
Sleeping Beauty woke up, and she's more beautiful than ever. She went on hibernation for more than a month. After I replanted her, I thought she would wake up quickly. But she took her time. Now, she's awake and producing this beautiful foliage. When I bought this, I was told that it was a red emperor caladium. But to me, it looks more like a ma had Thai caladium. Whatever her caladium variety may be, she's giving me good vibes this morning 🌅 have a wonderful Friday to us…
I was taking photos of some leaves when I spotted this cute spider staring back at me. I am scared of creepy-crawly things, but his Bambi-like eyes are adorable 😁 Spiders, to me, look a bit sinister. But this looks so cute. It just sat there, so still, as though it was waiting for me to take a good picture of him. This was a lucky shot. I used detachable macro lenses, and my otherwise shaky hands cooperated a bit so the pic is quite clear. What do you think? Isn't he cute?…
There is just something so beautiful about anything that is about to bloom or unfurl. To me, it somehow signifies new beginnings and second chances. It also means hope and peace, growth and wisdom. 💮 This flower is from a plant which I think is a boxwood shrub..? I'm not sure though, but I've had it for years. Also, it's just been a few months since I noticed that it actually produces lovely white flowers that smell like jasmine, though it's very faint. I took this picture…
Cinnamon rolls for breakfast coz of the power outage and I couldn't use the rice cooker. I ordered these online and had them delivered the day before. Reheated them and - yum!!! Still really good ❣️ My half (3 pieces) is a loaded cinnamon roll. So called because it's packed with all sorts of nuts - peanuts, walnuts, almonds, etc. The other half has a delicious cream cheese topping. Both are good and the cream cheese actually tastes like dessert. It's a sinful breakfast; but,…
When my friend died, people naturally expressed their condolences to the family and many also began to tell stories, anecdotes as you might say, about this beloved individual. Some smiled or laughed in remembrance, but one was a bit offended... Because he said that a person is more than these anecdotes. He is correct, I suppose. But then it made me think that maybe, when we lose someone dear, our minds scan our memories of times spent together. We'd find sad and happy…
Spring Fling Caladium. It's been hibernating for a few months, and the warmer weather awakened it. I'm happy to see spikes and new growth, and its color is showing even though the leaves are still young 💮 Once mature, the leaves will turn a candy pink color. It will be beautiful ❣️ With caladiums, propagation is usually done by cutting up the bulbs, preferably once it goes into hibernation which is usually during the colder months. I have not yet tried this method. For now,…
breviloquent - an adjective that describes someone who uses a few words; concise; brief I'm currently rewatching The Blacklist on Netflix. One thing that I like is how eloquent James Spader's character is. He used this term and many more, so I'm learning a lot of new words. Also, his descriptions can really paint a picture in your head, like in S1:E4 around the 6:13 mark before the episode ends where he describes how the "Stewmaker" came to be. You'd think he'd have some…
For the culmination of Nutrition Month, my daughter's class was asked to make 2 dishes, which they made via zoom. The process is similar to that of Selena+Chef wherein Selena (Gomez - singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, etc) recreates dishes as she watches and cooks with a guest chef. All is done online because... Social distancing. Anyway, my daughter made fresh lumpia (fresh spring rolls) and a veggie fritter with sauce. She's only 11 and I had to help her through…
What am I? I really think that slow-moving animals, like slugs, snails, and caterpillars, have the power of teleportation. Because one minute, your garden is clear of these pesky critters; but then the next minute, they've eaten an entire pot of plant! This caterpillar here was not there yesterday morning. When I came out to play with my dogs in the afternoon, it had already munched on an entire plant, leaving only one baby leaf. It was my Gypsy Rose caladium, so I guess he…
Sad boi? 😁🐶 He is actually waiting for me to put more water in the plastic basin because he wants to play some more. He just finished his bath and had been playing for awhile. I just wiped him down, so that's enough playing for today. Kit-Quat is a water dog 🐕😁 he loves getting wet and playing in the water. He chases me around when I water the plants. He is an overall happy, playful puppy. Because it's been so hot lately, I make doubly sure that my dogs have access to…
Quick question about FB messenger etiquette - How long should the time between a message and a reply should be for the reply to still be considered as a "late reply"? For me, a reply after a few hours, even a day, could still be considered as a "late reply." But if it's already been like 5 days to a week, that's not a late reply anymore. It gives more like a "You're message wasn't a priority so I ignored it. I will only message you back when I feel like it" vibe. This kinda…
Bulalo... It's been really hot these past few days, but I still ordered this tasty beef bone soup because I was craving for it. This dish is called bulalo, which is a soup made from beef bones, usually the shank. This has been allowed to boil for hours, rendering the meat soft and the cartilage just the right amount of chewy. Plus the marrow melts like butter in your mouth. It has cabbage, scallions, pepper, and more. The broth is delicious, and this one is a bit spicy which…
"Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?" -- is the intro question to the popular SpongeBob series song...😁 Isn't this too cute? I came across this article here -- https://www.cnet.com/news/noaa-discovers-real-life-spongebob-and-patrick-star-deep-in-the-atlantic/ I may be old (-er) than most fans of Spongebob and Patrick, but I do still watch the show, even reruns 🙂 According to the article, it's unusual to find a yellow sea sponge as most are white or even orange. This…