tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45283258178402376942024-03-12T21:42:40.165-07:00A Diary of an Organic Gardener in the PhilippinesA journal of a woman's organic garden adventures with nature, the weather, and struggling with the urban sprawl in Silang, in the province of Cavite, Philippines. Set in the watershed area, where forests and mountain streams, a retired elderly lady spends time writing about her experiences in the upland Tagalog region where there used to be thousands of hectares of grove of coconuts, coffee, mangoes and vegetable farms.The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-53283935026041767712020-08-17T06:36:00.000-07:002020-08-17T06:37:55.643-07:00FOUR-O-CLOCK FLOWERS The name of this plant explains what time of the day to expect blooms to appear. They are prolific bloomers, and they emit a fragrance in the evening that will last all night. This plant has a root much like a carrot. Once it secures the root system, this plant will begin to spread on its own. It is a hardy plant that will grow in any soil condition be it dry in summer, or soaking wet during the rainy months.
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Each flower will produce a seed that looks like a black peppercorn. Gather these and store to give to friends or grow some of these Four O'Clocks in different areas of your garden. Once it sets in, the plant will dominate your garden.
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Butterflies love this plant and are not toxic unless eaten by mistake, or chewed on by young pets. Every part of the Four O' Clock is poisonous since they are a member of the nightshade family. This may cause vomitting , skin irritation, nausea, so do not plant it near the house, or playground areas where children could pick them by mistake.
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-22572271111843439882020-07-09T04:43:00.000-07:002020-07-09T04:43:24.436-07:00THE INSULIN PLANT<div class="ff2" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">
Some time ago, a friend of mine introduced me to her sister who had this insulin plant in her </div>
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backyard. She told me how eating the leaves dsily of this plant lowered her blood sugar.</div>
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I found it interesting because it seemed here in Asia, there are herbal cures for almost</div>
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all illnesses. She gave me a cutting and I went home right away to find a nice semi-shaded</div>
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place for it in my garden.</div>
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The Insulin plant is clasified as a Costus. The scientific name is, Costus Igneus. </div>
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This plant originated in India, and is used as an Ayuvedic medicinal cure for the </div>
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common illnesses like colds, and flue, diabetes, high cholesterol and fatty liver. The leaves </div>
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reduce inflammation, and promotes smooth airflow in the lungs, relieving muccus in patients </div>
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with bronchitis, and Asthma. </div>
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The leaves can be crushed and drank as tea, or eaten in a salad. The effect is to reduce</div>
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stress and damage to healthy cells, and is good for cancer patients undergoing chemo-</div>
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therapy. </div>
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HOW TO PREPARE THIS COSTUS PLANT FOR LOWERING BLOOD SUGAR:</div>
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Crush dried leaves of the plant to make a powder. Have half a tsp of this powder twice</div>
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a day. </div>
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You can also chew one fresh leaf, twice a day.</div>
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Tea can be made by boiling 2 cups of water, and dropping one leaf in the hot water. Let it </div>
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seep in for about 10 minutes, then drink a cup of the tea, twice a day.</div>
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Flowers of the Costus Igneus plant:</div>
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<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 810px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 5658px; word-spacing: 46px;">Various phyto chemical investigations </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 810px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 5746px; word-spacing: 44px;">reveal the presence of carbohydrates, </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 553px; word-spacing: 2px;">terpenoids, proteins, alkaloids, tannins and </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 640px; word-spacing: 33px;">amounts of trace elements along with </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 728px;">flavonoids. </span></div>
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<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff13, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: 1px; left: 2562px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 959px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 982px; word-spacing: 2px;">C.cuspidatus is known as Insulin plant. As </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1070px; word-spacing: 18px;">it is having the virtue of the promoting </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1157px; word-spacing: -1px;">insulin by human body. </span></div>
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<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff13, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: 1px; left: 2562px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1226px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1250px; word-spacing: 43px;">Aqueous extract of this plant would </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1337px; word-spacing: 16px;">prevent the formation of calcium kidney </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1424px; word-spacing: 22px;">stones by the inhibitory effect on plant </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1510px; word-spacing: -2px;">growth of calcium oxalate. </span></div>
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<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1603px; word-spacing: 49px;">The dry leaves of this plant show </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1690px; word-spacing: 11px;">significant control over blood sugar level </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1778px; word-spacing: -1px;">in laboratory rats. </span></div>
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<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff0, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: 1px; left: 2527px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1871px;"></span></div>
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<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff13, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: 1px; left: 2562px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1847px;"> </span></div>
<div class="ff2" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1870px; word-spacing: 2px;">This plant is used for the reduction of post </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 1957px; word-spacing: -1px;">prandial blood sugar levels during fasting. </span></div>
<div class="ff0" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff0, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: 1px; left: 2527px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2050px;"></span></div>
<div class="ff13" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff13, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: 1px; left: 2562px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2026px;"> </span></div>
<div class="ff2" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2050px; word-spacing: 8px;">It is now accepted and widely used as an </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2137px; word-spacing: -2px;">Ayurvedic medicinal herb. </span></div>
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<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff0, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: 1px; left: 2527px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2231px;"></span></div>
<div class="ff13" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff13, Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: 1px; left: 2562px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2206px;"> </span></div>
<div class="ff2" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2230px; word-spacing: 19px;">It is possible to consume the leaves by </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2317px; word-spacing: 25px;">drying and grinding the powder of the </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2664px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2405px;">leaves. </span></div>
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<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff3, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-weight: bold; height: 1px; left: 2391px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2568px; word-spacing: -1px;">Pharmacological Activities [4] </span></div>
<div class="ff2" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2391px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2654px; word-spacing: 31px;">This plant has been proven to posses various </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2391px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2741px; word-spacing: 1px;">pharmacological activities on diuretics, antioxidant, </span><span class="a" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: ff2, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; height: 1px; left: 2391px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 2829px; word-spacing: -2px;">antimicrobial and anti cancerous</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-76787946689553370032020-06-07T04:02:00.001-07:002020-06-07T04:02:40.026-07:00AGNES..A NEW HOPEI am hoping again to revive my farm in Silang, after the last few years have brought me to a standstill. My farm has become a venue for weddings, parties, retreats, and just a place to meditate and pray.
There have been many fruitful years, but as the time passed, so did many people, animal friends and pets. Time has been cruel. Losing Gloria, our dearest yaya who became part of our family , was painful. She and I planned and executed some of our projects in the garden and working side by side with our other employees has been both a joyful and fun experience.
Our animal friends and pets, I remember them in a very intimate way, a personal relationship with God's creatures that has convinced me there must be an afterlife for them. Ariel, my faithful Belgian shepherd, who lived 10 years then unfortunately died suddenly. Hart, my little yello, brown and white furry cat with a perfectly shaped "heart" on her back begat an entire pride of little felines who guarded us from snakes and rodents. Then there were our goats, Ruffa Goattierez the most charming, and friendly goat we ever rescued from the butcher's block.
Then there were the horses. Gretchen our sweet and lovely snow white pony who lived 35 years before she started to lack appetite and then she just wanted to go to the vast green pastures in the heavens. Gretchie was my daughter's first introduction to owning her own horse. She loved to take children for a ride, was always happy to snuggle and be hugged. SHe was a very gentle being. Lani, our Arabian horse, full of mischief and at the same time, obedient when ridden by her master. Alexandra, who was with us for a short time, was a polo pony who would have been my grandson's horse. And of course there was that gallant, robust Shazzie, who gave my children and other young riders confidence they could take a jump safely on his back. All these steeds are all there under the trees and in the bosom of our open fields except Lani. . These mighty beasts now passed on, are enriching the earth with their flesh and bones, but their spirit is running free in the garden. I feel them sometimes when the wind blows, I hear them neighing comforting me in my sadness. I miss them all!
I have avoided going to the farm for several months, almost a year when Taal Volcano exploded earlier this year, Jan, 2020 spewing ash as far as 40 miles, and covering our town of Silang with a thick layer of fine sulphuric dust. We had to abruptly stop our plans for this year's launch of a new concept in "Do-It-Yourself" weddings for those who want a simple garden service and reception. Right after Taal calmed down, and we were able to clean up the gray ash, the entire world was faced with anew threat to life. These invisible microscopic viral monsters began to roam the earth looking for lives to consume, as it went from host to host, causing serious illness and even death to it's victims.
Again we had to close down after the government imposed a 2 month lockdown. I knew we just had to wait till Almighty God's wrath passed. I started to reflect on my happiness in the early years when I first started the farm...I looked at photos from the early beginnings, and how my husband enjoyed building the cottages and planting vegetables with me. I started my poultry, and had my little duck pond. The days I spent reminiscing brought me to re-read the Dalai Lama's rules for a happy life that I kept in a box with my aging and dusty momentos.
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The past few weeks, I have been praying for a sign whether or not I should go on with running the farm, I encountered a lady so devoted to Almighty Father in Heaven, who is willing to move in and live at the farm. She is eager to help me, and it has made me quite happy that she will grace us with her presence and help re-set the farm to make it productive again.
I should also regain my enthusiasm to write regular posts, and this time I know with God's blessings, we can start again! Till next time...Peace, and Good Cheer Be Upon Us!
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-51759087256622053552019-06-25T02:37:00.005-07:002020-06-07T03:22:44.600-07:00Never Got To Say Good Bye... The day was just starting to feel warm after the cool season was over. My dog Ariwari came to greet me as usual but there was something about her. I felt inside my gut, that I should take her home with me since my farm's housekeeper was taking a long vacation in her province.
A week later I was going to pick her up on a Saturday when I planned to bring the pick up. Ariwari gets car sick and she doesn't like to travel if the windows are not open. She will sit on the back seat with her nose sticking out, savoring all the scents of the air as we pass through the countryside.
The week was almost done, it was an early Friday morning that I received a call from my administration worker who had gone to the farm to repair the fence. He asked that I should not go up to the farm to get Ariwari, and then he added that my dog had died...just collapsed in the shed where she and I used to hang out when I am with her outside.
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Three months since that time, I have avoided my farm. I realised my dog didn't just die...she was poisoned by robbers who had gone into the farm and stolen electric wires, and an old, but useful manual water pump near the poultry house. I feel very discouraged, hurt and very sad.
All the years of my labour and enjoyment at the farm was also because of my animals there. Yet after 25 years, urban sprawl has come in, developers cutting down forests to make golf courses, and subdivisions, and along with those, commercial centers with fast food outlets with their tall signs standing instead of tall narra trees.
I never got to say good bye to my beloved Belgian Shepherd, Ariwari. She was my companion , protector and loving friend.
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I also did not get to say good bye to my cat Hart, and her two kittens , Nadine and Pia who have also died. Victims of young boys from the area around the creek, who caught them only to slash their necks....what kind of people do these things to innocent animals?
No matter how cruel these people are, but I did not go after them because I realize it is pointless. Eventually they will reap karma from their evil deeds. We were told drug addicts in the area were responsible for the rash of robberies and the police are now hunting them down.
A neighbour installed electric fences and one night a robber was found electrocuted trying to break in to steal some fighting cocks. I wondered if this man that had been killed on that fence was one of those who hurt my animals? If so, karma came early enough...
A lot has been said in the news about the current President going after drug lords, pushers and users.
There are truths and also fake news about the President. He is doing a lot of good projects to improve facilities like water distribution, and there is progress especially in cleaning up pollution around beach resorts. This is a beautiful country so neglected by previous administrations who couldn't fix all the problems around the country. This President is trying his best, and as usual, there are haters and supporters...I just hope there will be peace in the land, and cooperation to protect agriculture.
I heard from my farm hands that the subdivision next to us has caused a lot of squatters from the big city of Manila to be evicted from prime city land by developers of our country area. Robberies have started to happen to those who owned farms around me. These squatters are poor people from the city slum relocated down the highway from our place. I do not believe that poor people are thieves...but if some of these are into robbing their neighbours, in time, they will be caught and punished. However, I wish the rest of these underprivileged can get jobs, earn an income to better their lives and have their children get an education.
It seems our area has turned into a suburb, rather than a rural community because of rapid transition from agricultural land to a multi-zoned area. I am in fact moving back to my own place in the big city of Honolulu, Hawaii.
I have since a few weeks ago decided to finally put up my farm for sale, because my animal friends are gone with exception of two old retired horses, 2 old goats, and a few free range chickens. I am ready to leave, and go back to my former home in Hawaii. My children have since moved to California, and married and I have grandchildren now and I want to spend more time with them.
Unless there is a change in events, there is little to add to this blog. I think going over what I wrote about the pleasant times I spent in the uplands of Cavite, in the Philippines has made me smile, shed a tear, and also helped me write down a lot of good memories.
I won't say good bye, no, not just yet! As we say in Hawaii...ALOHA is both hello and goodbye!
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-81783443701667527842019-02-28T09:09:00.000-08:002019-02-28T09:09:05.572-08:00MY CATS...Sadly HART , PIA, and NADINE crossed the bridge into their next lives.The very first cat I ever had was a white and yellow spotted cat. HART had a heart shaped yellow spot on her shoulder area. She was the only cat that leaped into my arms, and would always greet me when I arrived. She would stay with me, and come when I called out her name.
She had a long life of 15 years and populated my place with at least 54 kittens. HART was the matriarch of the farm. Even our dog, a large Belgian shepherd deferred to HART. In fact, since HART was the elder, the dog respected her and in some odd way, tolerated each other.
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HART was both the mother, and the great grandmother to all her kittens who then beget more kittens as the years passed. Two of her most recent kittens I named Nadine and Pia, both looking similar to their mother, but all had sort of brown-yellowish eyes, except Pia that had blue sapphire eyes. I neutered Hart, Pia and Nadine, hoping to keep them and bought them each collars with little bells so the chickens and birds would hear them coming.
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I felt very sad to know people can be very mean to cats. I knew there were children in the area that tormented cats and HART being very docile and genuinely affectionate, had been abused by farmhands and street people. I describe street people as those passing by who kick or throw stones at cats wandering outside.
I saw scald marks often on some of our cats, and I am assuming that HART and her family of kittens and grown ups had wandered into kitchens and had eaten some food they were not allowed to eat. HART was always polite and did not leap up on counters or tables if I wasn't around. Sometimes she just loved to sleep on our granite counter top since the weather was rather warm, and the granite was cool. I miss her, and mourn her passing.
This blog has existed for a long time...the story of my farm and all the animals who have lived and passed on have affected me now that I am a grandmother....I am growing older, and find new animal friends, but I can never forget HART, my first beloved cat....may she come again, and let me know she is back! *wink*
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-37896147906785699012017-12-29T13:44:00.000-08:002017-12-29T14:48:33.143-08:00GOOD BYE 2017....and farewell my dear friend, a kingfisher named RAMBO..... Year 2017 Finally Ends
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The date : December 31 is eagerly anticipated! I can’t begin to welcome but, perhaps I cannot celebrate the New Year, 2018 unless it is over. I am sure that 2017 was good in one aspect, my family made it through. There were serious health problems of family members, and one of my daughters who lives abroad survived through those horrific fires in southern California. She had to evacuate her home in Santa Barbara City, as fires were surrounding the area nearby. I am grateful to God for all HIS blessings, protection and mercy.
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2017 is over in a few hours, and though I am feeling apprehensive about certain circumstances, being sad about these problems that will carry over into the new year is not a good thing. Crying over spilt milk is not something I do. I am just happy me and my family made it through alive, and everyone is doing good.
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I do want to mention and honor an animal friend that passed on.... I want to pay my respects, by remembering a beautiful wild and intelligent, kingfisher, named Rambo, that lived on a mango tree in the area where my garden is located. I remember that Rambo always greeted me when I would stroll about at my garden. He recently passed on around October, and my farm hand showed me his lifeless body, with his bright red and incandescent blue coloured feathers still beaming. He was found lying beside the chair I normally sit in to watch him perch on the metal bars of the horse stables.
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I will miss him very much like all those animal friends that have passed on, but he like them are part of the good memories I have.
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The day I met Rambo, he was a curious little kingfisher, about 12 years ago, when I started a lotus pond at the south end of my garden. I placed the lotus plant in a rubber pot, and set it in the center of the pond. Then quite unknowingly, I added tiny fingerling guppies to keep the water clean of mosquito larvae and other falling insects. I noticed on one of the bamboo plants near the pond, a small, juvenile kingfisher. His parents went fishing in the nearby creek. He did not go with the others of his kind to the other side of the creek. Instead, he watched me. He was like most birds, he trying to understand what I was doing. He would come closer, flying from bush to the bamboo, then stop, cock his head towards me. He was curious as to why I carried a transparent plastic bag filled about 30 tiny guppies floating in air and water. He knew these tiny creatures were fish by their shape and movement. My workers filled the pond with water, and laid the lotus plants in the center. I then lowered the bag of guppies and set them free to swim about, sheltered from the heat by the lotus leaves, and all the fish hid under rocks I provided for them at the bottom of the pond.
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Next day, I went to see how the lotus pond was coming along. I heard the piercing shriek coming from the top of my water tank, about 15 feet high, on the northwestern side of the property. I looked up to see the kingfisher poised with wings slightly open to take in the breeze, then it dived down directly towards the ground, picking up an earthworm that made it up from the shallow depths of the compost pile to get air. Well, Rambo swooped up his morning meal, and flew right back up to enjoy his breakfast on top of the water tank grid. He was eyeing the pond, but he knew that I was busy with installing the fixtures and arranging other plants within the perimeter of the pond. Rambo then disappeared into the forest, but he knew there were delicious treats hiding in the soft, damp bedding of the horse stables.
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I saw Rambo flying up to the coconut tree beside the stables, and the sun was rising directly over the stables, and squinting, I saw the flash of his stunning, glossy blue wings as he landed on the metal fence of the horse stables. He had swallowed the earthworm earlier that was longer than his entire body, and now he was hungry again. Perhaps he flew away into the fruit trees of my neighbour Magno, and had a family to share his meal? I wasn't sure how much a kingfisher can eat, but a few minutes later, Rambo cocked his head, and was eyeing something on the grounds of the stables. The horses ignored him, like the chickens that were rummaging through the sawdust which was the bedding for the horses, searching for the moth larvae from the giant Atlas moth. The adult moth dies within a week of its life, right after laying eggs that will hatch into caterpillars and grow about 6 inches long. These caterpillars eat the sawdust soaked in the urine of the horses, and they will wiggle out, much to their peril to be seen by predators like Rambo. The caterpillars will live for about as long as they can eat enough to begin to form a chrysalis but won’t emerge at fully formed moths for up to a year. These Atlas moth larvae are easy prey for hungry chickens, and birds that know where to look! Rambo was peeking with his keen eyes on any movement on the sawdust, then seeing the white head of the larvae pop out, he would plunge into the horse bedding, yanking out a very fat caterpillar, clamp it with his beak, then fly off again to the mango tree to eat his meal.
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Rambo was aloof to everyone, but he seemed to be an observer of my farm, fascinated that a human like myself actually gave him his very own pond. He would wait for me to arrive and my workers would point at him sitting by the rails of my stables, watching me, and I would sit on the terrace and enjoy seeing him hunt and fly about.
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He laid claim to my lotus pond. I was very upset to know that Rambo finished off all the guppies by the end of the month. I did not expect what came next. Rambo had plans for my lotus pond. This intelligent bird amazingly had his own ideas how to use the pond, he would dive in the creek across my garden's south walls, and pluck out a fish from the water. I first observed him flying overhead, and noticed he dropped something into the lotus pond. I did not know why he was doing this about three times that day. I thought, the fish must have accidentally fallen from his beak. Then it became apparent that he deliberately dislodged the fish from his beak and drop it alive into the lotus pond. He was flying up to the water tank grid, and then to the bamboo near the pond to watch the stunned tiny fish fingerlings swim about. He would then disappear into the forest, then come back, only to watch my pond from the safety of the water tank. Eventually, I figured out, Rambo was intelligent enough to understand that his deposits into the lotus pond of fish, was like stocking his very own refrigerator of food, he intended to save for a future date!
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Rambo was with me for 12 years, and he continued to stock the pond with his favorite fish. Some even grew about 8 inches long, and matured, to spawn and produced more fingerlings. Rambo would eat the fingerlings, and leave the adults to continue to breed, and lay eggs beneath the rocks. I enjoyed seeing him, swoop down, for grasshoppers, beetles, and a variety of insects, even small snakes. Years passed, and one day, I got the bad news. Rambo's passing was very noticeable. I stopped hearing that familiar shriek that I had come to relay on as a greeting from an animal friend, that I had come to know and love. I knew something bad had happened to him, but my workers said, it was early morning, and they found his remains by my chair. No sign of foul play from the cats, or my dogs. He was 12 years old or more...it was his time.
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So, this is one of the many stories of my experiences in my garden. I hope to write more, as I can , because time is cruel, when those animals we have befriended leave us. I can remember all my animals, and the people who made this garden a lovely place to come and enjoy the vanishing countryside. My farm has become my sanctuary, and my place of refuge from the fast enroaching, metropolitan sprawl of Manila.
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-16032911208067217192017-12-29T13:41:00.001-08:002017-12-29T14:04:39.007-08:00DORMANCY...URBAN DEVELOPMENT ENROACHING ON MY FARM PERIMETER
The year has passed so I can be forgiving of whatever menace has been done to my farm. However, as I offered all the troubles to God, I have had to admit, I cannot do anything to fight a politician who thinks he can do anything, even hurt other people's property in this town and get away with it.
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My daughter wanted to get married and have her reception at the farm. The wedding had to be held elsewhere at such an exhorbitant cost just because a politician, whose name I will not mention, rented out his land which is adjacent to mine to the Bureau of Highways to use as a dumping ground for soil dug up while expanding the highway next to our properties. The politician allowed this, and in so doing, raised the level of the land to the point, the soil dumped on his property, was higher than my wall. This posed a security risk, and eventually, two gas tanks were stolen, and vagrants could just hop on my wall and walk in.
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My farm handss caught sight of someone, or maybe more than one person huddled in the dark, early morning last December, trying to break into the house. Our dog, a Belgian Shepherd barked furiously, but was wise enough to remain in her unlocked kennel, for fear there were more than 1 intruder.
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I could not risk holding a wedding party that would last into the night, with this situation. During the day, the dust from the soil would fly in the air, causing a health hazard for my people.
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Did I sue? I should because the weight of the soil dumped by the ton, was pushing against my wall, and causing it to bend. I was so distraught, and rather than spend for a lawyer considering I probably could not win against the politician, or the government in power at the time, I am just glad, the year passed, and now tall grasses and shrubs are growing over the soil, preventing the dust from flying into our faces, but the security problem is still there.
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I am now afraid to spend a night on my farm. A neighbor is suing the congressman, and I am hoping I can reach a decision to do the same when I know the costs of litigation. Small farmers like myself, cannot afford to go up against these powerful, and very corrupt political lords that act like they can do no wrong. One day, I hope what he did to me will be remedied.
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Anyway, the wedding of my daughter was beautiful, and she was so happy with the way things turned out. She married the most wonderful man, so her happiness was complete inspite of these obstacles.
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-7273354222376028412017-07-22T15:10:00.001-07:002017-12-29T14:03:30.371-08:00A New Life For RexToday I went to pick up a dog that was recommended for rescue by a friend, Penny who saved an 8 month old puppy dog from the local dog-meat market. She was moving house, and she already has 2 big dogs, and 2 small ones. She was looking for a good home for this dog. She told me that she met this man in her neighborhood. His name was Eloy, and he had several dogs in a small cage, offering them for sale to her or to anyone who would want to adopt these strays he picked up all over town. Only a few people would get these street dogs called "askals" or "Aso'ng Kalye", which when translated into English means "Street-Dog". These street dogs, are usually a hodge-podge of several breeds that after several generations, of mixed breeds makes their original breed features unrecognizable. If these dogs don't get sold as pets to the people in town, this man Eloy will take them to the local dog meat market. Penny then posted the photo of the dog on Face Book, and that is where I saw it for first time.
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I responded right away. The dog looked like it was starving. Penny did recognize the dog's features to resemble a Belgian Malanois. She posted that this dog was a one particular dog to be a Belgian Malanois juvenile. The dog was saved, but kept in a cage, for he displayed his teeth, snarled and snapped at anything that was going to touch him. All he wanted was food, lots and lots of food. Penny fed the dog, but noticed during feeding, he would literally snap at the hand that feeds it!
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Penny explained that after one week of feeding and talking to him, the dog finally allowed Penny to touch him. I arrived, and saw the dog, and I understood that he would not like me at first, but I wasn't prepared for his fierce nature. I was bringing with me treats, a collar, leash, some puppy toys, and some dog food, a new food bowl, a towel, but all these things did not matter to him. The dog was only interested in eating. He had become savage, wild, totally untrusting of humans.
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This is what an 8 month ( more or less) Belgian Malamois looked like--skin and bones...
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I saw the dog and immediately my heart was breaking. I knew this dog had been living on its wits, with very little food and clean water. I agreed to take the dog and bring it to my veterenarian to have it tested for parasites, diseases, and to have an overall check up before I would bring it home. I sat in front of the dog's cage, and spent almost two hours tossing it treats, and giving him some chicken heads that Penny already had cooked for him. Rexy was very distrustful of anyone but Penny. What love can do right?
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I brought the dog to my vet for 3 days and 2 nights for observation, tests and vaccines. Here are more photos of this rescued dog who I named Rex. He has put on weight, learned to fetch, started eating a proper diet, and had shots, and treatment for heartworms. Generous people helped me pay for his vet fees, and after a month, Rex transformed into a friendly, lovely pet.
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He was eventually adopted by the Veterinarian and his family.
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-56780040935298953942015-03-10T17:25:00.000-07:002015-03-10T17:25:52.671-07:00I have refrained from writing about my farm in the countryside of the Philippines because of the urban sprawl around me. My 180 feet deep well is dry! Why? golf course nearby draining all the ground water to keep the green, "green." I have seen the destruction of the rainforest on all four sides of my farm. The Metrogate subdivision is on one side of my farm. I witnessed the destruction of orchard and forests in the hundreds of hectares being cut. The buzzing of saws went on for 6 months. Then the noisy groans of bulldozers came, scrapping the top soil that took thousands of years to produce. This rich soil is something which cannot be replaced. The countryside is now dry as a bone, with the leaves of trees becomming crisp from the lack of moisture. The canopy is gone. The front of my farm is bordered by what was once a lanzones and mango orchard. The lady that owns it has cut down all the trees and left a two hectare dust bowl. The soil is baking in the sun, and when the wind blows, all the dry earth turns to dust.
Why? progress, corrupt officials giving permits for conversion of agricultural land into commercial and residential to increase revenues from property taxes. My response was to plant more trees. <div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-6982155070635797282013-12-02T10:04:00.000-08:002015-01-29T12:17:14.239-08:00AN ORGANIC TIME PIECE..SUNDIALS..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRfWKqMicDYjEYsz5HTVMdvZdJee5VkqFTIFKB5J6_UboyITAyNIfrZc6rudM-SVPinac_UFWBmF5Dpnxv30bQzQAohZ7b5pvFVysYhobpJyfEKdgfHflgLR6pxt6hCCHUrekTyA977E/s1600/Sunduials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRfWKqMicDYjEYsz5HTVMdvZdJee5VkqFTIFKB5J6_UboyITAyNIfrZc6rudM-SVPinac_UFWBmF5Dpnxv30bQzQAohZ7b5pvFVysYhobpJyfEKdgfHflgLR6pxt6hCCHUrekTyA977E/s400/Sunduials.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>SUNDIALS</b>
This blog entry is going to be about TIME!
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WHAT TIME IS IT?
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I keep hearing the phrases " Oh, time is up," or " there isn't enough time". Keeping time doesn't seem to be possible, but telling time in a natural way, using the sun is the best way to know where to plant the next crop. I want to add on my "wish list" , a sundial for my Christmas present. I also want $1Million dollars, so if Santa Claus is reading blogs this season, these are the two items I really want!
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THE RIGHT TIME :
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I've been tilling in my garden and this is the time to plant. We have such a difficult time getting things moving with the late rains, but we have to get the seeds in the ground soon.
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My eggplants , tomatoes, beans, cucumbers have to be planted now. Lettuce seeds in the nursery, and herbs should be re potted.
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My new Hawaiian orchids that came from the greenhouses in pampered farms in Waimanalo, Ohau, are now feeling the heat. These plants must have realized, they are not getting the pampering they are used to. I am always watching any sign of rot from the recent rains, or heat exhaustion... they are not having such a hard time, but I do see a bit of shrinking in their stems. This means that their stored water supplies are near empty. They will need a good soak.
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WHAT A HECTIC TIME OF THE YEAR..
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Till then, the hectic time is Christmas season. I avoid stores as much as possible. Christmas for me is a religious festival, and having 2 grand children, I love seeing their smiles on Christmas when they open their presents. My older grandson of 12 says, he rather know what we are getting and enjoy the gift, than to open his presents on Christmas day and find out he is disappointed.
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Oh well, as I said, Christmas is for kids...teenagers and pre-teens take the opportunity to hit us grandparents with items their own parents won't or cannot afford to buy them. Well, I am spending all my holidays in the rapture of being near my plants and animals ...
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Till next time..
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.MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-64697972905596733912013-11-01T05:51:00.002-07:002013-11-01T06:29:30.586-07:00Fragrant Hawaiian OrchidsI have acquired a few new orchids for my farm. All the orchids originate from Hawaii, and I was delighted to see these were adult size, and already in bloom. I purchase these pampered plants from their growers, who raise them in greenhouses, and feed them chemicals. I do the reverse...I allow these plants to go and live in the tropics, in their natural environment on my farm.
If they make it, I am very pleased, but if these plants cannot cope without the attention they are used to in the greenhouses, then they will collapse and die. However, even in death, these plants can suddenly come back to life, and produce new shoots, to start life over again in a more natural setting.
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<b>CATTLEYA FROM HAWAII</b></center>
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<center> <b>CATASETUM ORCHID</b></center>
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<b>TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT ARE THE MAIN CONSIDERATION IN HAVING A HEALTHY ORCHID PLANT </b></center>
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My garden is located in the highlands of Cavite, in the Philippines. The weather can go from extreme heat of 100F to a cool 63F. Our weather in the Philippines is very hot during summer months beginning in early March, to late May, then the climate can change to very damp, and soggy, as the monsoon rains start in June and end sometime October. The hurricanes that normally come in from June to late September, can bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, dark skies during the day. There may be periods of hot and humid days during breaks in the monsoon rain. In summer there will be radiant sunshine in the morning, to scorching heat in the afternoon.
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<b>"PELE" RED CHERRY CATLEYA ORCHID</b></center>
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Silang and Tagaytay, has salty air because it is near the China sea . The monsoon months, have heavy rainfall for weeks at times. Even during the rainy months, the evaporation of water from the China Sea and Laguna de Bay, and Taal Lake causes the high humidity. factor In these parts of the Philippines, there are many elevation changes – many within very close proximity to each other. So one variety of orchid will do better for you than others, in one area , so it just depends on how much vegetation you have in the garden. Large trees planted around my home, keep my gardens cool all year, and prevent strong rains from directly drenching my orchids that I place on the terrace.
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<b>SPIDER ORCHID </b></center>
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I have noticed that I have different climate areas in my garden. Full sunlight will be the hottest area near the cement wall, where the heat is absorbed by the concrete. Orchids like the coolness of gravel stones on the ground, or red lava rock on the floor in greenhouses. Orchids also love to be preched on tree trunks, or on driftwood displays. These plants cannot stand very hot weather with full exposure to the sun. There has to be some shade, and they can tolerate the warm air in summer provided they are watered very early in the day. The other areas in your garden may have a cooler temperature in summer, or in the rainy season, areas to be avoided are those with full shade. Orchids like to be cool with sunlight hitting their leaves in the morning, and during the hot afternoons, they prefer semi shade. Some ground orchids can tolerate full sun, but most prefer to be hung on trees and like absorbing humidity from the air.
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I find that I like quite a variety of different orchids in different areas of my garden. I observe them closely, and monitor the way their leaves look, and that in itself will give you clues how they are doing. Their stalks are their water reservoir. The leaves must be plump and green. The commercial growers will tell you to feed weekly or monthly with chemical fertilizers, but I am lucky if I remember to feed them a special mix of a “tea” made with bird manure gathered from leaves of my large hardwood trees!! I know that it may be difficult to locate bird dung, but leaves usually has residues of bird droppings, especially fruit trees. Orchids that used to thrive in the wild, are fertilized by bird droppings and they still flower in abundance when rain dissolves the high phosphorus content of the droppings off the leaves of trees where these orchids hang with roots firmly anchored on the bark.
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One of the biggest things I have learned is to be sure to water at least once a week, and more than just spraying moisture in the air. They actually want some warm water – just do not let the roots sit in water, soaking. The water should not pool in the pot, and one has to make sure they are in an area where their roots will dry out. Watering during the week, should be at least 20 minutes of drenching the roots, because the leaves are very sensistive to too much water, and can cause fungi growth that will soften and rot the leaves. There must be a potting mix for the orchid, that allows the roots to drain out, because they tend to also soften. Roots must feel firm to the touch.
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<center><b>GOLDEN SHOWER ORCHIDS</b></center>
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Orchids are not that hard to grow and these plants will bloom naturally 1 time during their preferred season.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-67275013909496626302013-08-18T21:36:00.001-07:002013-11-01T05:21:52.390-07:00Deluge Monsoon Season August 2013 I had a lovely weekend, despite the monsoon rains with my girlfriends who stayed over in my little farm in Silang. We had lunch in Marcia Adams, at a new little restaurant in Alfonso, Cavite. We stayed at the farm, just chilling and experiencing the peace and quiet of the upland Cavite countryside.
I am glad we all came down late afternoon, Sunday, because that evening, the monsoon rains started to fall in sheets!
How timely our return to Manila. We missed the closure of the Southern Luzon Express (SLEX) by a few hours. Southwoods exist towards SLEX, is always a shorter route back to Manila However, Sunday evening, the monsoon rains flooded the exit. Had we come down any later, we would have been stranded ! <b><b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TEgf9k4GaK9Xm13Kal1cOejTvPM2EZr7Ash6KdPQs1eyy-x2O-1QsvFZ1Dh0DA3BcbhFMyiwQFgixfwidLFy8csXubGe_wL3lAT6W6WDSPsRjzFS-qc68CAkKDbFjvTlKAxVm0EtXlw/s1600/Soutwoods+exit+Philippines.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TEgf9k4GaK9Xm13Kal1cOejTvPM2EZr7Ash6KdPQs1eyy-x2O-1QsvFZ1Dh0DA3BcbhFMyiwQFgixfwidLFy8csXubGe_wL3lAT6W6WDSPsRjzFS-qc68CAkKDbFjvTlKAxVm0EtXlw/s320/Soutwoods+exit+Philippines.png" /></a></div>( Photo from ABS CBN News, August 19, 2013)
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Government isn’t concerned about saving the rainforests in the uplands of Cavite, or protecting small farms from being a target of elimination ever since the SLEX was extended towards Calamba and Batangas. The political leaders have even encouraged urban sprawl towards the South to increase the earnings of the province from tax revenues . The land in the agricultural areas have been converted to commercial/residential. Shopping malls, cemeteries, and subdivisions have replaced the idyllic mango groves, and miles of rice paddies that lined the highways leading to Tagaytay. The big 8 lane expressway, or “ SLEX” did not exist in my younger days.
I have been posting for so long how the hills of the uplands of Silang have been deforested, and the large mango farms and orchards, coconut plantations are gone. Those huge trees hold water in their roots, and keep the soil from being eroded...these floods have happened before but very few people were affected . The government has more maintenance costs in these highways...not to mention the many who are living in those subdivisions who are now stranded not being able to go to work in the Metropolis!
The government of the Philippines, should set their priorities straight. This is going to cripple the economy eventually.
Unless the rainforests and agro lands are protected, the people in the main city of Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces will just have to get used to closure of all businesses due to the flooding of major highways during the monsoon season!
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-64066061517766802962013-08-09T15:39:00.001-07:002013-08-09T15:39:34.444-07:00Rainy Season 2013<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">Rainy season automatically raises my flowers up from their sleep, and my little farm is now ablaze with color! I don't have a manicured property...in fact right now my project is to scatter flowering seeds on the big field, and just let it bloom wild! yehey!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTncOvImCXGLHO2mXAQ6H46GRgWfUi2MbyV9BJUoZ9HRbh6KjRMEbe6KVhFGl533HYoA72KtRKU4SG3vqgItF2wFoe_q3Xflh6De4POum7S5fJt6IHD0uz8_lSdwSjxuHVD3jMTzobzK8/s1600/zinnias4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTncOvImCXGLHO2mXAQ6H46GRgWfUi2MbyV9BJUoZ9HRbh6KjRMEbe6KVhFGl533HYoA72KtRKU4SG3vqgItF2wFoe_q3Xflh6De4POum7S5fJt6IHD0uz8_lSdwSjxuHVD3jMTzobzK8/s320/zinnias4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent"></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-88733609240452736682013-08-01T09:45:00.001-07:002013-08-01T09:45:32.799-07:00Summer Harvest 2013I know it has been years since I came to blog something about my farm. I was devastated about being infested with pythons. The town where my farm is located has suddenly become the center of urban development. Everywhere it seems are these new projects for subdivisions and shopping malls.<br />
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The town of Silang is not yet a city, but the population is growing by the thousands of rich people settling in swank subdivisions. The poor are following, by squatting on the roadside and around creeks and rivers. The people are streaming in from squatter areas of Metro Manila being relocated in low cost housing built in the saltbeds of Tanza, and Cavite City. Industrial districts have opened up new factory sites on what was once sugar cane fields. Local farmers are giving up trying to plant vegetables on smaller plots that render their income as negligible considering they had access to more lands that were cheaper to rent. Silang is bordered by Tagaytay City in Cavite, and Santa Rosa, Laguna, and Metro-Manila. <br />
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Silang was this quiet town, with coffee plantations, coconut lands, orchards, forests, and grazing cows The .area was a good area to buy fresh produce. The 300 hectare Riviera Golf and Country Club was already the first development whereby it was necessary to cut down one of the oldest standing virgin forests in Silang, Cavite and replaced it with a subdivision and golf courses.<br />
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We no longer can draw water up from our wells, even at the depth of 300 feet...there is no water!This area is considered the watershed with abundant under ground rivers that supply my farm with fresh, sweet water. Water is now being syphoned by the millions of gallons to provide tap water to subdivision homes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYPk3VScdbGcAXOIUG1ax-a2JzTPpY_Eaif3mjA5e6FE6v2WYXhj2HARMtxFUY7gG4GPILBeLhAIGe-dXuVuXJenrK9ADaR4fJVlxTxA6SCEwr1tmjnGQjAnEJ9iTo2hduqLaakZ2zy8/s1600/cucumbers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYPk3VScdbGcAXOIUG1ax-a2JzTPpY_Eaif3mjA5e6FE6v2WYXhj2HARMtxFUY7gG4GPILBeLhAIGe-dXuVuXJenrK9ADaR4fJVlxTxA6SCEwr1tmjnGQjAnEJ9iTo2hduqLaakZ2zy8/s320/cucumbers2.jpg" width="249" /></a>In my small little farm, I practice organic farming methods. I grow vegetables from non-GMO seeds. I have culinary herbs and spice trees growing abundantly. Recently I had my summer harvest of tomatoes, spinach, pole beans, string beans, alugbati, okra, cucumber, sweet corn, eggplant, peppers. We also harvested rambutan, and sweet santol off my trees. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYtyr-E1J20CZZpuna9O1-0eRWXt-bqnKtLp72NZo_dB-xt__-yekkWB9F4cqSCsRmnfg3jDu2znr3xNYj3X9hOz7OK8GtXodgC5V2gDJZACeXssUJqbf-U_y_9Mzqxmz6VeVLGwFoH4/s1600/veggies+and+fruits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYtyr-E1J20CZZpuna9O1-0eRWXt-bqnKtLp72NZo_dB-xt__-yekkWB9F4cqSCsRmnfg3jDu2znr3xNYj3X9hOz7OK8GtXodgC5V2gDJZACeXssUJqbf-U_y_9Mzqxmz6VeVLGwFoH4/s320/veggies+and+fruits.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-30115338818583181652012-09-03T21:20:00.001-07:002020-07-16T05:56:00.863-07:00I can watch butterflies all day!I was canvassing the internet on blogs that are about my favorite insect...the butterfly. I also love bumble bees! The Bumble Bees are huge, black and they love to pollinate my flowers! They don't harm me but sometimes they get all excited and fly right for my face! I just have to freeze, stay calm, and they excuse themselves and go right back to the flowers!
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SWALLOW TAIL BUTTERFLY</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFQU_7z9SfNjkBtQnZ0OaHLdFtG6fFeZcSIfL8FOs6K0ERCwo0O5YFic7vGhmwJGTTuPUYz2-vTUzP2w7d30GlufJ6btyKMHp-_mXKqwz4asOH9tU_Yt_cdSLzuZSEBx3FStrMXFob18/s1600/Carpenter+Bumble+Bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFQU_7z9SfNjkBtQnZ0OaHLdFtG6fFeZcSIfL8FOs6K0ERCwo0O5YFic7vGhmwJGTTuPUYz2-vTUzP2w7d30GlufJ6btyKMHp-_mXKqwz4asOH9tU_Yt_cdSLzuZSEBx3FStrMXFob18/s320/Carpenter+Bumble+Bee.jpg" /></a></div>
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GIANT CARPENTER BEE</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju28O8GcmkmXo978psQ-h3zWMGn32KMRg-pd16PmGcrFZCV2pza3PA_-1u_u0fU9aUiSMbigv1plbVf3Yvt5q9YLgaCJUvBtXk2FGXnBJV8Bfea-trcRTsxsG0Kub67J2IMGKD_C0jfM/s1600/Black+00butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju28O8GcmkmXo978psQ-h3zWMGn32KMRg-pd16PmGcrFZCV2pza3PA_-1u_u0fU9aUiSMbigv1plbVf3Yvt5q9YLgaCJUvBtXk2FGXnBJV8Bfea-trcRTsxsG0Kub67J2IMGKD_C0jfM/s320/Black+00butterfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY</div>
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BIRDSWING BUTTERFLY </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fQtAUns3yA_Acam2-XUgiaxWtoRDnzNyDckBFvvMnVg6YPA4kiknD8Ff5d_CnFEzG-5AWNmHtQAFhk1HA4BFJiTY33SXjFOpawHfBlOFGMPAGMYOKaLxd7d3LaVlbDLfmy14JiHUYCE/s1600/Blue+an8d+Black+postman+Butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fQtAUns3yA_Acam2-XUgiaxWtoRDnzNyDckBFvvMnVg6YPA4kiknD8Ff5d_CnFEzG-5AWNmHtQAFhk1HA4BFJiTY33SXjFOpawHfBlOFGMPAGMYOKaLxd7d3LaVlbDLfmy14JiHUYCE/s320/Blue+an8d+Black+postman+Butterfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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POSTMAN BUTTERFLY</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvignvwKhd0yBg8tOdGCv2gQFwioaUb_lBDqC85tOHUpVihOjiLGPlYG9FZwiywKnQxQxl-0stQ5ztOZlk295FzmCrItxBYI9Buz4PcZDtb76nJrIqg2UBMLxqMQqepJimtC0n8mrwadU/s1600/Butterflies+emerge+during+the+rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvignvwKhd0yBg8tOdGCv2gQFwioaUb_lBDqC85tOHUpVihOjiLGPlYG9FZwiywKnQxQxl-0stQ5ztOZlk295FzmCrItxBYI9Buz4PcZDtb76nJrIqg2UBMLxqMQqepJimtC0n8mrwadU/s1600/Butterflies+emerge+during+the+rain.jpg" /></a></div>
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FRITTARLY</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIMGaL1KKzX8nIuHL79yonZOkfnCIsTOyLSDhUPyv4rm7ufdup3OmwYAe4UOmwQyMVZwFG_yaBmp6fbDTGET2YU9JveVKLqaifQjZQzwrJbc9aqnC_B-kQw7LXXL8UoXo69Ds1mSROj4/s1600/Butterfly+222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="400" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIMGaL1KKzX8nIuHL79yonZOkfnCIsTOyLSDhUPyv4rm7ufdup3OmwYAe4UOmwQyMVZwFG_yaBmp6fbDTGET2YU9JveVKLqaifQjZQzwrJbc9aqnC_B-kQw7LXXL8UoXo69Ds1mSROj4/s320/Butterfly+222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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CABBAGE BUTTERFLY</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_bVowwyqgHQMFUozNfo-5gUEQXa0X09d4-npf5LA3sHwT9su8LMMiCy-pEzeZOLidG425rtT3jxqwm-ia4vZ0xTvLDtL63lLuNjDJhByxoXZDG3UJevK2pZkK83wr1I9ws2-fY7ZSo8/s1600/Butterfly+on+duranta+blooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_bVowwyqgHQMFUozNfo-5gUEQXa0X09d4-npf5LA3sHwT9su8LMMiCy-pEzeZOLidG425rtT3jxqwm-ia4vZ0xTvLDtL63lLuNjDJhByxoXZDG3UJevK2pZkK83wr1I9ws2-fY7ZSo8/s1600/Butterfly+on+duranta+blooms.jpg" /></a></div>
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BIRDSWING </div>
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PAINTED LADY</div>
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PAPILLION </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkGA3rswIcXHSPpa9Cs80IFLpJy8rvlfhbLi5nQxM2u4oundqXV4-kfUuP_01iGA0Yok1lEp3DaleogzHbIdn6AZOypWhUdnLIwlhtuVXn2YKJOCR115dzEK1KlU8qaDohiNhe06hX7I/s1600/orange2butterfky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkGA3rswIcXHSPpa9Cs80IFLpJy8rvlfhbLi5nQxM2u4oundqXV4-kfUuP_01iGA0Yok1lEp3DaleogzHbIdn6AZOypWhUdnLIwlhtuVXn2YKJOCR115dzEK1KlU8qaDohiNhe06hX7I/s1600/orange2butterfky.jpg" /></a></div>
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SULPHUR BUTTERLFY</div>
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SPOTTED JUDY BUTTERFLY </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism1qg7Bg3NRaAj2SakEySa-ozqgw6YIzd4nsabWMftv1gAB9hbXplMiJfCVMqvjWQWO7YVSGHGLA5zQ38QLFd-gK6-wWozVE3USi-8YY-DcLBrMzw2cr-xC3mpBqEEyGe-czxfOGN3bQ/s1600/rose+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism1qg7Bg3NRaAj2SakEySa-ozqgw6YIzd4nsabWMftv1gAB9hbXplMiJfCVMqvjWQWO7YVSGHGLA5zQ38QLFd-gK6-wWozVE3USi-8YY-DcLBrMzw2cr-xC3mpBqEEyGe-czxfOGN3bQ/s320/rose+butterfly.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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ROSE BUTTERFLY</div>
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LEMON EMIGRANT BUTTERFLY</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-76869920407566996952012-02-23T10:31:00.006-08:002012-02-23T10:39:58.150-08:00Rice FieldsI was traveling around my province of Cavite and it was still drizzling. Uncommon during this time when we are about to get into our tropical summer season. I stopped to admire farmers harvesting rice, and ready to plant a new crop while the rains still were coming in very regularly.<br />
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There is that song I learned in grade school, that keeps playing in my head when I am near a rice field..it goes something like " Planting rice is never fun, bend from one to setting sun " <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3gVaXm8Z2Q"></a><br />
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Anyway....these muddy fields were side by fields with tiny rice stalks already planted<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywryqWu5WpwEpxhH6S98xrE21wmynsuopos5eJBwOfZP6bX-ZPGvQZJsO7BpBmuQUbM_umw1AbPvUIfqI1EnLLSBhMZ4oK5V9emJmJ-mBkRGA9ZRqoFDzR8B4-5ieWmKO8IVOEnbuoY4/s1600/rice+fields+irrigated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywryqWu5WpwEpxhH6S98xrE21wmynsuopos5eJBwOfZP6bX-ZPGvQZJsO7BpBmuQUbM_umw1AbPvUIfqI1EnLLSBhMZ4oK5V9emJmJ-mBkRGA9ZRqoFDzR8B4-5ieWmKO8IVOEnbuoY4/s400/rice+fields+irrigated.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The tiny rice plants are actually monocots...or grasses that bear the staple starch food of Asians..<br />
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And then the harvested rice stalks are all cut and passed through the grainary to produce at least a few sacks of rice.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUAwteLd4naMcldmpIP2kBKoZyu3so2YDGpbVr-Seg2jVidSf6K5qskoOXvuuwtqLjyZn1vuxbQ5K4zvMyQSY6PRmUrZKAUfWQvw-DIw0Z-eorqz9-4eR_QG92N1UECJu4CvDvdKlZvE/s1600/The+rice+fields+new+harvest+2-18-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUAwteLd4naMcldmpIP2kBKoZyu3so2YDGpbVr-Seg2jVidSf6K5qskoOXvuuwtqLjyZn1vuxbQ5K4zvMyQSY6PRmUrZKAUfWQvw-DIw0Z-eorqz9-4eR_QG92N1UECJu4CvDvdKlZvE/s400/The+rice+fields+new+harvest+2-18-12.jpg" /></a></div><br />
What a beautiful scene...like an Amorsolo painting...the rice fields with the spire of a Church in the background and the tropical sky above!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBWk3kQ0kl_qU5f4xEmKTtlTTfF2vK5aJ0UdCgvz-RxzKb8WnOBSqO7AFyfePmIXNELmTZBTCA7odBqzqcGdyBKZ1tqOZu88RLOf7RVIGU3ZMviWg6qdT_x2IFs0ZPKmjRZQKpmJkGDY/s1600/rice+field+ready+for+harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="261" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBWk3kQ0kl_qU5f4xEmKTtlTTfF2vK5aJ0UdCgvz-RxzKb8WnOBSqO7AFyfePmIXNELmTZBTCA7odBqzqcGdyBKZ1tqOZu88RLOf7RVIGU3ZMviWg6qdT_x2IFs0ZPKmjRZQKpmJkGDY/s400/rice+field+ready+for+harvest.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-90770297627040546722012-01-18T10:50:00.000-08:002013-08-09T16:14:01.088-07:00Banaba Tea -- Cure for Diabetes and Kidney failureThe banaba tree is a rainforest tree growing in Southeast Asia and India. The scientific name is "Lagerstroemia speciosa L" and it is a flowering tree that has lavender blooms. Banaba is also known as the "cape myrtle" tree. The bark, and leaves of this tree is used in the Philippines by herbolarios or herbal medicine men/women to treat "manas" or swelling of ankles or other parts of the body. Banaba's principal ingredient is corrosolic acid, a substance that has the same effect on the body as insulin medication, only without the harmful side effects that chemical medicines have on the human body. <br />
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India and parts of Thailand, and the rest of Indochina and Southeast Asian countries are familiar with herbal meds. Ayurvedic ways of cooking, and preparation of teas from bark, flowers and other parts of plants can heal the body and restore health.<br />
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Even the most illiterate provincial people are aware of the benefits from drinking banaba tea, even if they are not fully aware of why. The very significant problem that is treated by drinking banaba tea is inflammation of the kidneys and kidney stones. Drinking banaba tea will safely melt down stones and plaque in the kidney restoring it to normality after only a few days.<br />
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Banaba is also used to treat diabetes and kidney failure, obesity and high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The only thing is be careful of the dosage. Too little is ineffective, and too much can actually send one into shock! <br />
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Banaba tea must come from dried leaves. The leaf of a banaba tree must be a mature leaf almost ready to fall from the tree. The tree leaves are then washed then dried carefully with a towel. Place leaf in an airy and sunlit area on a matt, and dry for 2 weeks. Cover with gauze to keep dust and insects away from the drying leaves. Crumble the leaves after it has dried totally.<br />
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Small amounts of crumbled leaves are then infused into a pot taken off the heat. First start boiling water. Turn off heat. Pour boiling water into a tea pot. Do not boil the leaf, merely drop a few dried leaves ( about a teaspoon) into a pot of about 4 cups of hot boiled water. Wait at least 3 minutes or until the water turns a light brown color. Then drink 1 cup after a meal. <br />
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Patients who are on insulin or cholesterol medication must start taking banaba tea slowly. Banaba tea has an insulin like effect of lowering the glucose in the body. Banaba can lower cholesterol, and high blood pressure, but the dosage must be one cup after a meal, and no more unless there is clear indication that the patient is suffering from swelling of the ankles or other parts of the body. <br />
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Patients must talk to their doctor before attempting curing themselves with banaba tea. Banaba tea is very effective for those just beginning to show a high normal to slight increase in glucose after check-ups reveal there is an onset of diabetes. <br />
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Doctors can take medical blood exams to establish their patients level of diabetes before they will advise them to take banaba tea after meals. As the glucose levels stabilize towards a lower level, many patients find themselves gradually decreasing their insulin intake, or tablets, but increase the dosage of banaba tea to two cups after meals until the glucose levels are back to normal.<br />
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Obese patients also find that after taking a meal, the drinking of banaba tea helped them cope with incessant cravings for sweets or more food. Eventually, drinking 1 cup after every meal, patients reported a drop in their weight, and loss of inches! After using banaba tea as a after meal drink, instead of coffee or regular tea, patients report that their weight has stabilized after about 3 months. Banaba tea is a safe way to lose weight, because the enzymes in the tea restore the normal ability of the body to regulate the absorption of carbohydrates. Banaba tea after a heavy meal of pasta or rice, will delay the absorption of starches and the conversion into glucose. This will prevent the body from storing excess fats.<br />
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Banaba leaves are also rich in vitamins and minerals including zinc and magnesium which help regulate colon functions, allowing more bile to be passed out of the body instead of being stored in the bile duct. Banaba is also rich in dietary fibers that can ease constipation too. <br />
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The drinking of banaba tea is beneficial for flushing out toxins and harmful plaque in the kidney. A blocked kidney results in higher creatinine, and high uric acid build up in the body. Drinking banaba tea can help kidney failure patients restore their kidneys back to health, and avoid dialysis. Drinking banaba tea should be increased only if patients are no longer taking medicines for their kidney or diabetes. Only those who are cleared by the doctor should attempt taking banaba tea.<br />
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Drinking a higher dosage will prevent patients from bloating and the effects of a blocked kidney will show in a matter of days. <br />
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The taking of banaba tea should be maintained until swelling decreases for those suffering from what locals call "manas," or inflammation. Usually, just 1 cup after meals must continued for several days with remove blockages in the kidney and promote cleansing of the blood cells that are full of toxic substances. <br />
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In the province, banaba teas are used to treat kidney ailments and constipation.<br />
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Studies done in Japan have shown that banaba tea contains corosolic acid that acts like insulin by lowering the blood sugar in the body and in some circumstances totally cure diabetes patients. The corosolic acid is also equal in improving cellular uptake of glucose, restoring organs that were malfunctioning due to a lack of glucose in patients taking insulin. The chemical in banaba ," triterpenoid glycoside " can restore the pancreas to normal.<br />
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I had a slightly high level of glucose in the blood, but after 2 weeks use of banaba leaf tea, my glucose level is now normal. <br />
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Patients suffering from "manas" or swelling of the ankles, or limbs must take at least 2 cups after every meal until kidneys are back to normal. Do not take banaba tea on an empty stomach. This may cause a mild reaction by increasing the secretion of stomach acids provoking vomiting or gas pains. Always drink banaba tea after a meal.<br />
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Banaba is not toxic if prepared properly. Consult with your doctors who are familiar with this Asian herbal cure. In the Philippines, there are many doctors who may even encourage herbal teas instead of putting patients with mild diabetes symptoms, and those with kidney stones on chemical medications. Always consult the doctor first and take tests to confirm if banaba tea is helping lower glucose levels, and alleviate swelling of ankles.<br />
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The only negative effect of banaba tea is sometimes the effect causes sneezing, phlegm excretion if taken in excess. This is because the corosolic acid removes toxins in the blood, and debris in tissues of the lungs, kidney, liver, and other organs. <br />
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A study was done by a US drug company, using a synthetic version of banaba tea's main ingredient, corosolic acid. There was a significant reduction of weight in obese patients. Non-diabetics blood was not affected by corosolic acid and did not create hypoglycemia as do diabetic drugs. Big pharma however, filed to patent corosolic acid to make a lot of money selling a synthetic version of banaba tea to treat obese patients.<br />
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This makes my quite upset because in the Philippines, God gave the Filipinos herbal cures for free. Only some companies have created packaged tea bags to make it more convenient to get banaba tea, but it doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and is readily available in supermarkets!!! That is how safe banaba tea is!<br />
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Although according to studies done in the Philippines by the local drug and food administration, there were no known toxic or adverse effect from drinking banaba tea. However if discomfort occurs, stop using Banaba herbal tea.<br />
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Those with high blood pressure, or those with cholesterol problems can substitute 2 cups of banaba tea after a meal to decrease the bad cholesterol in foods.. <br />
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Be careful about taking banaba extractions that use harmful chemicals and gases, solvents to get the potent substances in natural banaba leaves. Buy banaba tea from reputable organic sources...and don't be fooled because banaba trees are abundant in Asia. The leaves of tree is not at all difficult to acquire in the Philippines. Ayurvedic practitioners who are educated and have some degree of competency won't charge you for dried banaba leaves to make into tea. Be careful of the "faith healer" who masquerade as "herbolaryos" , because these fake healers are guilty of making too much money from sick people who are desperate for a cure. The fake healers sometimes charge almost as much as regular doctors to cure diabetes and kidney diseases by passing off "magic" potions, that are just banaba extractions. The Department of Food and Drug here in the Philippines allow licensed herbalists and pharmacies to sell banaba tea along side many other Filipino herbal teas. <br />
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I would never trust a Filipino herbolaryo, or faith healer who uses slight of hand, extraction of bloody tumors that are just chicken guts, or who use any mumbo-jumbo spells, and rituals to cure. A real herbalist will reveal their ingredients that can be found in any garden like my farm, and just explain what to do to get the tea done properly.<br />
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Any questions, please go to any Filipino pharmacy and they will help you find the right herbal tea for your ailment. However, remember that you need a licensed doctor to evaluate your condition first..so don't assume you have some disease unless it is confirmed by a doctor.<br />
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In the Philippines, I can be happy to find doctors in the local community who understand how to blend medical technology and knowledge with Asian herbal cures. After all, I believe that all the cures are in the plants.<br />
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I've seen birds take sage leaves, lavender and eucalyptus leaves to their nests and eat these leaves during rainy season to cure them of whatever maladies they have. Keeping my garden full of flowers help feed wild birds and even my free range chickens are free to eat my herbs to maintain their health.<br />
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We can live with nature, and though viruses, fungus and bacteria make us sick, we can find all the cures too in plants if we just ask native people about their herbal cures. You would be surprised how simple to maintain good health using Filipino herbal medication.
Here is a photo of the BANABA TREE in the Philippines. The tree grows abundantly in the Philippines, but deforestation has resulted in many important plants, bushes, trees even weeds to be destroyed! These plants have medicinal qualities that tribal folk have used for thousands of years as their own pharmacy to cure their ailments. The Banaba tree blooms all year, even during summer and rainy seasons. This tree stands out among all other trees because of the flashy purple flowers in bloom.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0OMNPFjZB8yiBaP77bC_kaIo-dS6Ypmgd6q0EtLt5OS10PQRYLa_HADe8N-etUBqHvZI0riEY7sDY38VliwsqSKDiS-PbD1_rBrJAzv1PtxnXDMqrmlFzr1voiYYRHdwE-ON9FTaFH8/s1600/BANABA+TREE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0OMNPFjZB8yiBaP77bC_kaIo-dS6Ypmgd6q0EtLt5OS10PQRYLa_HADe8N-etUBqHvZI0riEY7sDY38VliwsqSKDiS-PbD1_rBrJAzv1PtxnXDMqrmlFzr1voiYYRHdwE-ON9FTaFH8/s320/BANABA+TREE.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzhfGvlwYeyEaaiXttqL-qKXKkFy1Ka_FQFLHxLMLKu498OD1VKDf8Ms08kJaA0LlCnFPmTolVMkrMrx7e06NNxPiRpLQtQ5xEDH1WKHDT4gehfkPykIUXukrgL5XWTM3UqmkZ9hQj60/s1600/banaba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzhfGvlwYeyEaaiXttqL-qKXKkFy1Ka_FQFLHxLMLKu498OD1VKDf8Ms08kJaA0LlCnFPmTolVMkrMrx7e06NNxPiRpLQtQ5xEDH1WKHDT4gehfkPykIUXukrgL5XWTM3UqmkZ9hQj60/s320/banaba.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-31914917858583195952012-01-07T15:47:00.000-08:002012-01-07T15:49:11.273-08:00The FlashI visited my farm yesterday, and fell asleep almost when I got in. The air was so fresh, the oxygen in the air totally relaxed me to the point I recovered many months of insomnia during a three hour nap. Waking up, I heard my favorite kingfisher screeching, and went out right away to see what he was up to. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RNI3MWPKTa9-IOYhNbIpn0_lcSidCdBao6hwZNtboJM0mmYcqQgxvgH9tp00LbCP61o_wuq-yatGX6NfuiQda7PVRc4G5qEb33W7JSFTPtHcFRksaSQ0M6NZaZkTP1nveBjc0FTM7lk/s1600/blue-eared_kingfisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="302" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RNI3MWPKTa9-IOYhNbIpn0_lcSidCdBao6hwZNtboJM0mmYcqQgxvgH9tp00LbCP61o_wuq-yatGX6NfuiQda7PVRc4G5qEb33W7JSFTPtHcFRksaSQ0M6NZaZkTP1nveBjc0FTM7lk/s400/blue-eared_kingfisher.jpg" /></a></div>My kingfisher lives in the coconut tree next to my bedroom. He senses I am there, because my farm hands tell me the bird never performs antics when I am not around. Again, I see him perched on the bar beside the stables. He jumps up and down, flashing his aqua colored feathers at me, then flies high into the air, does a spin before diving and catching something in the grass. He returns to his perch beside the horse stalls, and starts beating up a worm or grasshopper against the metal, then gulps it down. When his appetite is satiated, he sits and wanders around the farm, going up to have a view of the entire farm from the water tank tower. <br />
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His flashing me the iridescent colors of his feathers is a sign of his dominance over the farm as his territory, but I interpret it as his way of saying he is happy I am there to see him!<br />
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I feel the animals on the farm seem to want me to know they are around, appreciating the flowers I plant, or the fruit trees, and citrus bushes that give them plenty to eat like caterpillars and other bugs that flock to my flower bed. <br />
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The weather was cool, about 71*F, or about 21*C thereabouts..I estimate the temperature is pleasant enough, like someone turned on the airconditioner outside my garden.<br />
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Ahhhh...such a wonderful day watching "The Flash."<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-56189059160925147222012-01-04T13:22:00.000-08:002012-09-03T21:13:16.886-07:00Remembering the energy of 20 years ago..and making a serious decision..I've been staying too long in the city. My lungs hurt from inhaling the foul air, especially during the holidays when fireworks go off for hours after the clock strikes midnight during the New Year celebrations. Metro-Manila's smog was full of dangerous chemicals in fireworks that blended with the regular pollution. It was time for healing and meditation once more at my countryside hideaway in the uplands of Cavite province.<br />
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The small place that I own has become a haven for me and even a few of my friends who like spending a few days while they go about their business in the nearby towns. My little house and garden has been neglected for the time being. I notice the need for repairs, and reviving the energy that my husband and I had when we started building the house back in the mid 1990's. Imagine that...it has been 20 years!!! I can still see my daughters running to play with our country ponies...and my first farm dog, Keannu was alive and running about.<br />
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We had so much fun, and lots of dreams that seem to fade as each year brought me deeper into the golden years of my life. In fact, those same challenges still exist, but the farm has allowed me to gain back my strength, recover and sometimes heal from many challenges I had to face. I felt the pain of grief as I had to deal with passing of my mother, and then my father...older brother. The farm, with the perpetual renewing of life, helped me appreciate living more than dwelling on the hurt that death brings to those who are left behind.<br />
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I miss my father, who always showed interest in organic gardening and helped me understand that the purpose of having a farm is to provide good, nutritious food and herbal medicines to the community. I miss my grandmother and my mother and all her delicious home made food I enjoyed growing up. <br />
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I have not been selfish at all, and shared my knowledge and encouraged others who may be interested in improving their life,to grow vegetables and flowering plants around their homes. <br />
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I want to live in a country that is proud of the people's efforts to preserve the forests, and protect the watersheds that are vital to all life. I want to wake up to birdsong, and take walks again in parks and safely go about my daily routines without having to own a gas guzzling, maintenance costly, vehicle.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-5347330133957789362011-12-07T14:29:00.000-08:002011-12-07T14:39:50.943-08:00Should I now learn to make snakeskin leather?I will discuss one of the problems that is an indicator of the future changes that may happen at my farm as a result of global warming. I am now host to the wildlife that has decided to move nearer to the urban community that has invaded my quiet haven in the town of Silang. <br />
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At my farm, wildlife are now turning up in the wrong places. This may seem trivial to most people who will claim it is a normal thing to find snakes in the gardens in the tropics. I think it is not abnormal to find snakes, but not dozens of 15 foot pythons in the area where I have my farm.<br />
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For the first time, the annual deluge has brought me some very large pythons that are showing up very hungry! These larger pythons are showing up on my farm more and more frequently, and all I can think about is, whether or not this is a normal or strange effect of the 2o years of subdivision development upland? <br />
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The pythons are attracted by my free range chickens, they have been hunting and foraging nearer and nearer to our area, and now finally have invaded my farm. These large pythons come over during the rainy season,carried by the floodwater from the higher elevation that was once full of coconut and fruit orchards. In the past, it was a normal thing that we lose a few chickens, but mainly the younger ones that don't come in at night. We only feed our free range chickens in the late afternoon, and bring them inside the barn area where they safely nest at night.<br />
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These large serpents coming in have changed everything. We are now catching them coming in through drains, and through the roofs, and killing more than 5 chickens at a time. They can get part of their bodies into the shed by breaking down portions of the screen with their heads, then killing the chickens by crushing them in their powerful embrace, but they cannot swallow and leave with their bellies full. In fact, one very large python got into the chicken coop, swallowed three chickens then regugurated them back because it could not squeeze back through the opening it made before the sun came out for a new day. There was the large python lying with dead chickens beside it, and it was cowering in a corner, a massive coiled serpent. How does one wrangle with a massive male python? We are sorry to say, it was necessary to kill it, than for our farm hands to lose a limb and or their lives in trying to catch them.<br />
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This is what a dead chicken crushed by a python looks like. This chicken belonged to another farmer. I just pitied the chicken to see it like that. The chicken in this picture, had every bone crushed by a 10 foot python. <br />
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My chickens are not tied, and they can run if they see a snake, but a sleeping hen has no chance to get away from a big python that has fish-hook type teeth and bone crushing force to squeeze it to death.<br />
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A few female pythons we caught on our farm were smaller, about 9-11 feet in length. I personally found a big one that took refuge under the overgrown plants near my horse stable. The snake couldn't hide for very long since the color of the one we caught was a beautiful yellow and ochre color. <br />
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When we roam around our property, we now have to check for snakes before they find us. I am careful because some snakes that may be poisonous try to catch geckos and can wander their way into our house. <br />
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Boa constrictors give birth to live young, and will find a spot that is away from people, whereas pythons lay eggs in nests of mud and grass, and tend to be very bold about moving into property that has a ready food supply. <br />
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Our poultry farm is near the river. Boas prefer to stay in trees waiting to lurk around sleeping birds at night, or sleepy bats during the day. Pythons like to make their way up sewage pipes and big drains to get into an underground tunnel where they will sleep for weeks until hunger wakes them up. Pythons will then start to hunt by using their heat pits to locate prey. They are very effective during the darker days of the rainy season and it is often when they are sighted slithering away with a big belly, and desperate to get back into their tunnels and holes after feeding. <br />
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This large python was killed by a security guard in another poultry farm in Batangas. The guard shot in the head after it was caught inside the barn after eating 4 chickens. The python regurgurated the chickens and tried to flee but there would be no way to catch a 15 foot python without being seriously injured. <br />
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Pythons also feed on anything they can catch. Their favorite food are birds and bats, and when orchards are cut, a lot of these pythons that roost in trees or caves eating bats, and birds will be very hungry and start looking for prey in poultry farms, or homes where there may be small mammals like rats. <br />
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I used to catch and release the pythons far in the neighboring area of Indang, or Amadeo, but I realize these pythons can lay as much as 80 eggs that will populate the countryside at an alarming rate if these are not managed somehow. Pythons usually forage during the early morning or late afternoon, or on moonlit nights. They usually eat birds, rats, small mammals, lizards and of course the occassional feral chicken, dog or cat.<br />
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We have caught at least a dozen large pythons this year. We used to rarely catch one over 4 feet, but now these serpents are showing up looking like they are big enough to eat an entire goat. <br />
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I wonder if I should shift from raising free range chicken to raising free range pythons for leather?<br />
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The few we caught were given over to the natives to eat. They value the meat as tasting like chicken !! well, of course...they ate my chickens! Now they are eaten...karma..<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-55790982674552308972011-12-07T13:06:00.000-08:002012-09-03T21:18:33.743-07:00Why I haven't posted anything for months...I have been avoiding expressing my anger at my surroundings because quite frankly, I cannot do anything about what is happening. Global warming is affecting us all, but it is very true that majority of people, including me are just shrugging and saying " What can we do anyway?" <br />
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I feel like screaming sometimes because WE CAN DO SOMETHING...as inhabitants of this province of Cavite, there is a bunch of leaders who are just not getting it! <br />
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Rain is now pouring down, and out of control because the natural balance was destroyed when millions of rainforest, and orchard land was cut to make way for these land developers to create an upland suburbia. <br />
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The watersheds were sold off by the thousands of hectares, and because bulldozers have uprooted all the trees to create those soft, rolling hills that can be subdivided as lots to sell to people, there is nothing to hold the earth from washing out with the rainwater. What happens after the rains stop, is silt depositing on the land, raising the level of the river. Succeeding years of heavy rain, will further erode the uplands until huge breaks in the surrounding banks of the river will also wash away.<br />
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This balance has been tampered with. When the rivers are overflowing, and there is NO MORE WATERSHED, certain adverse changes will happen! The river is rising and bringing all kinds of problems. All this water once was stored in acquifers in the upland region, and in the roots of forest trees in the watershed. Watersheds are set aside as forested areas that should be left untouched to prevent rainwater from eroding the soil. All this mud and water then pours down into the lowlands and becomes a flood, and mud landslides can kill people living in the lower areas. <br />
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The rain, and outpouring of the river into the lowlands was a normal process that fertilized rice paddies, and gave us many centuries of abundant harvests. The rice fields, and estuaries benefited from the rivers swelling and depositing rich minerals and silt that diluted estuaries salty brine, giving us a new generation of fish fry from spawning ocean varieties that come to lay eggs in that silt.<br />
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The river that blessed the lowlands, is now the factor that is destructive, instead of productive. What used to be a normal circumstance, and a beneficial relationship between water, earth and sea, is now instruments of disaster.<br />
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I have to post certain events that have convinced me that maybe I need to migrate to another country with strict zoning laws, and policies that protect the land. We who are organic farmers want to flee from these agents of commercial agriculture and get away from areas where they are spraying pesticides, and the using GMO seeds! <br />
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I got ridiculed and dismissed by many who believe everything is for the good of the nation. WHAT? Spraying poison, and dumping chemicals in rivers, having garbage in the streams, cutting down rainforests for stupid urbanites to have a rest house in the uplands they use like once a month, is good for the nation?? Excuse me, I am no longer enthusiastic about the area as I was when I first got here.<br />
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I dread the thought of leaving the province and stay in the polluted city until I am paralyzed with fear of going out for a walk to inhale poison in the air... <br />
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There are more urban housing projects to come..and I can't remain in this area and suffer the effects of watching the beautiful scenery of coconut plantations, mango orchards, and narra forest land end up as the sight of the rooftops, and traffic jams of a rising urban community at my doorstep. Staying and looking around at condos in the middle of what once was beautiful grazing land is painful. <br />
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After writing this blog to let off steam, I decided to write leaders of this nation and also try to post facebook messages, send emails to people, and a lot of successful business people. They can influence the leadership, and both business people male and female alike. However, progress, and the increase in revenue for the city blinds the politicians to the simple beauty of their countryside. Every single provincial government wants a big city and that is sad. This area is not suitable for the kind of pollution, density of population that comes with the city style. Poverty will only spread when more people crowd in, using up more resources than the area can provide. What is the simple answer to the question on how to end poverty in the Philippines? The answer given to me is " go abroad!!."
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I wonder if there are some who care enough to go out and convince people to vote for strict agriculture zoning in CALABARZON. What I was told was, it is okay for me to continue to keep my farm, and it would even be a novelty because a lot of city folk are moving to Silang, Cavite to enjoy the weather, and it is about time I started putting up a restaurant or some business dealing in organics!<br />
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My principles are not for sale. One CANNOT HAVE AN ORGANIC POULTRY FARM in the middle of a metropolis. The free range chickens will pick up filth and debris, making them unhealthy carriers of disease, and the pollution from vehicles using lead in the gasoline or diesel will corrupt the air. Plants do absorb lead, and other toxic elements...so do animals absorb pollutants, and toxic substances in their blood! I do not know how people who graduate from college do not understand this? Sure, one can have an organic garden and grow vegetables in their backyard..but in a city that is polluted, one has to be very, very careful about going about it!<br />
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I was told to be happy there is progress in our town. Here is what I see is the result of that "progress" beside the creek near my farm. The amount of garbage is increasing every day. Is this progress? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykC0d6V0FIyGdtIEQcnpKKYxoH1DzmlnssN1a8uD4J8Oh65rCNTjOuIV8myr3QnGo9Fgbc-yqyh1_7avQNhR1OBm5VFtvHuvQVmVyni6DEsHVstAHWruOFziV43RNXxpHuHbCXEquZpc/s1600/plasticbagpollution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykC0d6V0FIyGdtIEQcnpKKYxoH1DzmlnssN1a8uD4J8Oh65rCNTjOuIV8myr3QnGo9Fgbc-yqyh1_7avQNhR1OBm5VFtvHuvQVmVyni6DEsHVstAHWruOFziV43RNXxpHuHbCXEquZpc/s400/plasticbagpollution.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-58251890539232681602011-06-25T04:13:00.000-07:002011-06-25T04:15:03.092-07:00PASSION FRUIT CAN CURE CANCER AND MANY OTHER AILMENTS!My passion fruit vines are full of unripen green fruit. In a week, I expect more ripen fruit to harvest. Passion fruit is being studied by many medical laboratories to learn how it can cure serious ailments like cancer.<br />
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Passion Fruit has Phytochemicals that is a powerful anti-toxicant. These phytochemicals are called :Passaflorine, Harmine, Harman, Harmol, Harmalin, Carotenoids, Vitexin, Isovitexin and Chrysin, Scopoletin, Carotenoids, Theobromine <br />
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The juice, but mainly the leaves of passion fruit contain the alkaloids, including Harman, which has blood pressure lowering, sedative and antispasmodic action. The passion fruit leaves are used in many countries as medicines for a variety of illnesses, but the latest find is that passion fruit juice can kill cancer cells in vitro.<br />
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The flower of passion fruit has a mild sedative and can help to induce sleep which is good for insomniacs.<br />
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Passion flower has also been used in the treatment of nervous disorders, epilepsy and hyperactive children, bronchial asthma, insomnia, nervous gastrointestinal disorders and menopausal problems. <br />
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Passion flower however was sometimes used as a mild hallucinogen by native Caribbean natives, similar to marijuana. The Caribbean natives would drink a tea made from the leaves of the passion fruit, and go into a trance to speak to their ancestral spirits. This practice was stopped after the Spanish conquered them, and converted them to Catholicism. <br />
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There is a study done in the USA, that studied the effect of fruit juices on those who have cancer. The results proved that yellow passion fruit extracts can kill cancer cells in vitro. The phytochemicals which are responsible for this anti-cancer effect are carotenoids and polyphenols. <br />
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The variety of passion fruit we have in the Philippines is the yellow one. The Spanish brought in the passion fruit vines of yellow passion fruit to the Philippines. The purple passion fruit grows in Central and South America, and the peel extract can reduce asthma symptoms. Another study focused on 42 asthmatic patients and gave them an oral administration of purple passion fruit extract. The passion fruit extract supplementation reduced the wheezing by 75 percent and increased forced vital capacity. <br />
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Passion fruit peel extract also cures knee osteoarthritis. Medical doctors did a study on patients suffering from arthritis. The results was that it was discovered that the flavanoid rich extract significantly reduced pain and stiffness. <br />
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Spanish priests who arrived with the explorers that eventually conquered Central and South America discovered native medicine men using this passion fruit as medicine. The passion fruit juice made people relaxed and sleepy. The leaves were made into a tea, and used as a sleep-inducing medicine. The name 'Passion' was given by Catholic missionaries in South America. The corona threads of the passion flower were seen as a symbol of the crown of thorns, the five stamens for wounds, the five petals and five sepals as the ten apostles (excluding the two that betrayed Jesus, namely Judas and later Peter who denied knowing Jesus after the arrest of Jesus at the garden of Gesethame) and the three stigmas for the nails on the cross. <br />
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How to make passion fruit juice:<br />
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Take the yellow ripen passion fruit. <br />
*Cut in half<br />
*Scoop out seeds and pulp around seeds.<br />
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Add 1 tablespoon sugar for every 1 passion fruit (two sides = 1 fruit) and then mix with the seeds/pulp extracted. Add 1 cup per fruit, and mix well. This juice can be mixed with pineapple juice or guava juice too. <br />
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Use pineapple juice instead of water…add sugar to seeds like making simple passion fruit juice, but the pineapple juice is already sweet. Just mix to taste! ENJOY with cool ice cubs and a bit of mint leaf!<br />
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Drain off seeds (for replanting…just place in fertile soil, and wait till vine sprouts).<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-70894172824550369892011-06-23T08:49:00.001-07:002011-06-23T09:01:09.378-07:00SNAKES IN THE GRASS -- JUNE 2011I usually take a walk-about my farm to check on every single area. My walk will start from the main house garden, to the flower beds along the center pathway, to open field, checking drains, and looking out for the animals. <br />
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Many years ago, I learned to speak “duck” and observed the quiet attitude of my poultry whenever a storm, or monsoon rain was about to start. Usually, the chickens are everywhere, making their sweet clucking sounds as they forage through the grass and bushes. The ducks are often very playful once the rains soak the grounds, bringing a new generation of water snails which is their favorite food. I know the ducks have been out, by the number of snail shells I see empty, devoid of their luscious content. I don’t eat edible snails, or any kind of mollusk, even clams. Ducks are always wagging their tails, and quacking at each other, except when they know something dangerous lurks nearby.<br />
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This code of silence is clearly noticeable. I’ve never failed to enjoy an enthusiasm among the birds when there are breaks in the rain. When I walk around, I am welcomed by the shrieks of happy kingfishers, and the loud chirps of Malaysian Fantails hopping from the fountain where they bathe and drink, to the delicate quips of the nectar birds. <br />
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However, there was nothing but stone, cold, silence. I knew right away, this stillness meant there was a large snake somewhere. The ducks, chickens, even the birds of the sky see it, but I don’t. Suspicious, I ask our farm hand, Buhat to walk around the farm with me, and where there is an over abundance of weeds, and a plant I call “Corazon de Jesus,” I know that section of the farm has been unattended to. <br />
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Almost immediately, I saw the large elephant like ears of the “Corazon de Jesus” plant, which has a pink, heart shaped design in different sizes. The biggest leaves were against the wall, and it is very evident, the area beside the coffee bushes, lanzones, and “Dona Imelda” bushes, with their pink leaves, was overgrown. I had to have these plants cut back. <br />
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Buhat and I broke off some tall, red colored Ti plants to spread around the farm. I love their flame colored leaves, and I asked that these broken off stems be inserted in that area I wanted cleared of the “Corazon de Jesus “plant. This plant got its name from my Lola’s banishing this swamp plant because it attracts snakes. Snakes somehow like to coil themselves around it and just enjoy the coolness of the puddles of water during hot humid days. Sure enough, Buhat leaped back as he was just about to plunge a red Ti plant stem into the ground. <br />
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He saw a huge snake. He told me not to come near, as it was a large, and very bright colored snake. Buhat called for another farm hand to bring a long pole and help him catch the snake. When I heard “catch the snake,” in the vernacular, I knew it was not poisonous. I ran to the house to get my camera. I handed the camera to Esko and asked him to take photos because I did not want any large snake to chase me. <br />
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As soon as Esko made his way to the bushes, Soling leaped on the fence and started to scream. She said it was a huge snake, and it was hissing and opening its mouth, threatening the men.<br />
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Buhat was able to catch the snake, and I knew from the beautiful patterns, it was a boa constrictor. Buhat said the bigger male was caught a few weeks ago, and this smaller 7 footer must be the female.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxtf5StUZHeaF1aFWbeh7Z1Tu2PHzxRR6FB9asIhAFYjKt5C-BWf5HbuJ76ibdPgBu9zqUyKIrRS9kWify2L2wEr4vEf_9vgET9oVmLUwAdY7QGau0ZD6j62VFT288-nRlq12UdJgOiE/s1600/Monsoon+Visitor+---python6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxtf5StUZHeaF1aFWbeh7Z1Tu2PHzxRR6FB9asIhAFYjKt5C-BWf5HbuJ76ibdPgBu9zqUyKIrRS9kWify2L2wEr4vEf_9vgET9oVmLUwAdY7QGau0ZD6j62VFT288-nRlq12UdJgOiE/s400/Monsoon+Visitor+---python6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Boa constrictors are quite colorful. The difference between pythons and boa constrictors is that pythons lay eggs, and boas give birth to live young. I’ve never seen boas that are as colorful as this one that my farm hands caught. The snake had patterns with gray, black, white and gold markings. I marveled at the beauty of something that could easily kill a large chicken, and probably helped her to a few of my pullets, wandering around foraging for food. This is one of the risks of having free range chickens running around the farm, especially during the rainy season where these snakes, stalk the smaller chickens, sleeping birds, and climb trees to catch bats eating ripening fruits at night.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-6wt2t9UbwLX1Okr0g2aWdK6aq3nfj_5xoKk4adeVzVrzZ9EG1xRdWJ9AAmiFerbjiHlp2IAnWrKw_c4s1yvBC7A_dt-u-CO0yzacv-IgL60JuqwkninX3nJZEp0UUw4SyhQspcS_DQ/s1600/Monsoon+Visitor+--+python.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-6wt2t9UbwLX1Okr0g2aWdK6aq3nfj_5xoKk4adeVzVrzZ9EG1xRdWJ9AAmiFerbjiHlp2IAnWrKw_c4s1yvBC7A_dt-u-CO0yzacv-IgL60JuqwkninX3nJZEp0UUw4SyhQspcS_DQ/s400/Monsoon+Visitor+--+python.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The snake was set free many kilometers away, in another area. I wonder if this beautiful, bright colored snake would continue to evade people. A few exotic Chinese restaurants have been cashing in the latest craze of gecko napping going on, and the chefs at these oriental kitchens often serve snake, especially during the rainy season. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v-msU_FdWRyN9FtQa_1Qng8P-vEO5EO7C1TIrNJ9Iu3gtMEqCwFZVyOZfFwPqRmHt1W_dSoDW4XY_pHwA5Vh5bA8zswmJAVzOjbYuC_xt-Uq7isUb6LSNyZMBqXU53ynSpmXB3oCCGQ/s1600/Monsoon+Visitor+---python2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v-msU_FdWRyN9FtQa_1Qng8P-vEO5EO7C1TIrNJ9Iu3gtMEqCwFZVyOZfFwPqRmHt1W_dSoDW4XY_pHwA5Vh5bA8zswmJAVzOjbYuC_xt-Uq7isUb6LSNyZMBqXU53ynSpmXB3oCCGQ/s400/Monsoon+Visitor+---python2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I immediately heard the noisy ducks clamor for their chance at playing in the rain, and the birds once again filled the sky with their joyful song. <br />
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Till the next snake hunt, hopefully not in the near future…I will avoid walking around the farm most especially just in slippers. Never go barefooted in wet grassy lawns. You never know what may be lurking about during the monsoon season!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-1237468433046974142011-06-07T02:22:00.000-07:002011-06-07T03:19:57.999-07:00A Walk In The Grasslands of Cavite, Philippines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk4j__GqzpsBDCk-sQV9JtU3UytXBcR_hr8ByQOqUd1kvzw-pJHMqfG1Mb1FqnaMcLvhG9QipCcgVTtIVEwK9hy4DsgfS_q8cOSydUnL90jE-hPhHPiRDC8toFsFGTdEKFxIfSGAmgB8/s1600/Tagaytay+Upland+Grasslands+June+4+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk4j__GqzpsBDCk-sQV9JtU3UytXBcR_hr8ByQOqUd1kvzw-pJHMqfG1Mb1FqnaMcLvhG9QipCcgVTtIVEwK9hy4DsgfS_q8cOSydUnL90jE-hPhHPiRDC8toFsFGTdEKFxIfSGAmgB8/s400/Tagaytay+Upland+Grasslands+June+4+2011.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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June is the first month of the monsoon season. A week has passed since the announcement of a major typhoon named "Chedeng," was headed for the Tagalog region where Cavite is located. The storm brought some coolness, and lots of rain, but right after "Chedeng" exited the Philippines, and headed for Taiwan, the heat went back up to about 39*C. This heat, is joined by an intense humidity, that feels like my blood is being pumped out of my body. The sweat falls down my face like large wet beads, soaking my shirt, and pants as if someone doused me with warm water. Even at high noon when the sun is right above, the heat combines with the extreme humidity, to form a steam. The air feels like I am standing above a rice cooker. The earth gives out an odor, which locals call "singaw ng lupa" in Tagalog. This is an intense evaporation of the superficial water from the ground, that is softened after soaking from previous rains.<br />
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Silang is located at the foothills near the highlands of Tagaytay Ridge. At the highest point, one can see the peak where Imelda Marcos built a "palace-in-the-sky" with a 360 degree sweeping view of Taal Lake, Laguna de Bay, Balayan Bay, and the skyscrapers of Metro-Manila. <br />
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Walking around noontime, the humidity from these hilltops is not as severe as down in city of Metro Manila. I could bear the heat and the humidity as I strolled up and down a small biker's pathway to see the 100 hectares of grazing land. A gentle breeze flowed ever so slightly, and the expanse of green grass before me, is a feast for tired eyes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErfSGysRjjP4jTrerrXPYFqsfnRsOnqXIQo6FZM6XRTXTlvuc__qVWljgP1Zcus-nSifCaYVipnddqcy59l0tNevxR73tbXWQ33Uc_eKamDMRT2L4Lghd8ogULIF5414e58hsxbB29ak/s1600/vast+lands+for+grazing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErfSGysRjjP4jTrerrXPYFqsfnRsOnqXIQo6FZM6XRTXTlvuc__qVWljgP1Zcus-nSifCaYVipnddqcy59l0tNevxR73tbXWQ33Uc_eKamDMRT2L4Lghd8ogULIF5414e58hsxbB29ak/s400/vast+lands+for+grazing.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I love animals, and feel bad that these very happy, contended cows will someday end up in the meat markets. I really wondered what happened to the Magnolia Dairy Farm that during my youth produced the best, fresh milk, and cheese found in Metro-Manila. Asian people are not found of milk or cheese. Perhaps Filipinos are highly lactose intolerant, and prefer meat to milk, but the grasslands in this area are plentiful and rich. I am sure if more of these pastures are kept for the grazing of cows, the country will not have to import milk powder, or frozen fresh milk, butter or cheese. There is plenty of land here. If a foundation could be set up to buy this land, the community of farmers in this province can form a coop, and start a dairy farm within this same area. Otherwise, the land will end up as housing projects.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfT4Q1fWSOqmtWGipjNMjhB2KXBw1bZXJyhd3NGOE9B8Oq4kVPDQTZF49emCpYn0ylGceFy-FVgw-wwkLbHgd7qc-NdyfKS_-S_8qgRmOpPPoQPseKlFTPJfmFTOK2vKBsi6HiykEAAjY/s1600/grazing+calves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfT4Q1fWSOqmtWGipjNMjhB2KXBw1bZXJyhd3NGOE9B8Oq4kVPDQTZF49emCpYn0ylGceFy-FVgw-wwkLbHgd7qc-NdyfKS_-S_8qgRmOpPPoQPseKlFTPJfmFTOK2vKBsi6HiykEAAjY/s400/grazing+calves.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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There are several dozens of newly born calves and baby goats playing and grazing near their mothers. The mother cows and goat's udders were loaded with milk. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlNvX8X6H7tGitWlf7bjy4FffGrTC_LBEhQmcYOohY-rFT4-9dUULbPRWY7A5YqcmghBynhHfxXqYVYap48mg9bNvbWhhM-sd2si5VcoD6DhAlMaAqNsb9_kvuN1PiqFMhd4EHXRXhiE/s1600/goats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlNvX8X6H7tGitWlf7bjy4FffGrTC_LBEhQmcYOohY-rFT4-9dUULbPRWY7A5YqcmghBynhHfxXqYVYap48mg9bNvbWhhM-sd2si5VcoD6DhAlMaAqNsb9_kvuN1PiqFMhd4EHXRXhiE/s400/goats.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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These goats and cows were full of milk. Imagine that the Philippines imports milk powder from China, New Zealand and Australia, and right here in this pasture, there are many lactating females. No one seems to care to make use of all their converted nutrients from these luscious, green grasses. The land is still unpolluted because the grazing animals have lots of room to move around. The ratio that would be suitable is to space the cows, about 1 cow per hectare. In 100 hectares, 10 cows, and 2 bulls would quickly multiply to about 100 head in a few seasons. This land is way up on the foothills of Cavite, right before Tagaytay. The weather is much cooler, and the ground cleaner. I did not feel stress to walk around the property.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dY4lGvUPe4Pwg99tf0kMN-QHzw7cCAU_bcQAuUOzSJujPcyyslS076NEK2qbLv4BBV84O71V1ypatWk9uWfSMF9lpw-mk0BUp1Z3d7YSAwyoNBX9sKe0zS0Fp_X4AwXyVdx2QLFmhBI/s1600/baby+goats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dY4lGvUPe4Pwg99tf0kMN-QHzw7cCAU_bcQAuUOzSJujPcyyslS076NEK2qbLv4BBV84O71V1ypatWk9uWfSMF9lpw-mk0BUp1Z3d7YSAwyoNBX9sKe0zS0Fp_X4AwXyVdx2QLFmhBI/s400/baby+goats.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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In the distance, I noticed a few urban housing projects going up. Unfortunately, I was told, this beautiful grassland would eventually be developed into another subdivision. I enjoyed this day, for as the Philippine real estate market predicts an increase in demand for middle class houses, there is little time before more of the beautiful pastures of Silang, Cavite countryside will be gone. In just a few years, this peaceful setting of tranquil cows and goats feeding on a carpet of green, will end up once more, as part of the urban sprawl.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528325817840237694.post-58601780013705862382011-05-22T04:37:00.000-07:002011-05-23T05:23:16.413-07:00Mango Fever Sets In The Month of May, 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1ATxzhO99xTTH5ZKDoZFX3bZyHGPC2C1g0bTLKmJlU8Ayds2Zgu2uwOCmSRx6OPaJ4DYAK_-ijpQoZ_cBFZAAWW4k1GaQZR5wlzLiUD842FApNwCwMa1qPMzvhQ-pF3Fu1gvIZhyphenhyphen5EY/s1600/mangoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="271" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1ATxzhO99xTTH5ZKDoZFX3bZyHGPC2C1g0bTLKmJlU8Ayds2Zgu2uwOCmSRx6OPaJ4DYAK_-ijpQoZ_cBFZAAWW4k1GaQZR5wlzLiUD842FApNwCwMa1qPMzvhQ-pF3Fu1gvIZhyphenhyphen5EY/s400/mangoes.jpg" /></a></div><br />
May is the month of mangoes. We are all waiting for these green mangoes to ripen.<br />
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The idea of picking mangoes myself from my farm was always a vision I had as a little girl. Mangos are my favorite fruits. Filipinos everywhere pride themselves in having the sweetest and most juicy mangoes on earth! <br />
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Here are my mangoes still on the tree, right in my driveway at my farm.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW-VzTAmHlZHaP_OS1B2JZFCKrP4rpB58JZPrKlwkUagUdSfdFA51TRet4l5UWK0iu96DXvat07_7Ffx0KoPBp7sY0t4WxRAXwbrF8Q1LXqvpcPjllnwhjeroiymB5ffpSNStEVxfywU/s1600/mangos+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW-VzTAmHlZHaP_OS1B2JZFCKrP4rpB58JZPrKlwkUagUdSfdFA51TRet4l5UWK0iu96DXvat07_7Ffx0KoPBp7sY0t4WxRAXwbrF8Q1LXqvpcPjllnwhjeroiymB5ffpSNStEVxfywU/s400/mangos+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Mango Trees are actually equipped with their own self defense. Mango leaves and stems have a poisonous , sticky, white sap that insects do not like. There may be a lot of ants on the tree, but they do not mess with this sap. Birds, and other insects stay away, or merely sit and wait for the mangoes to ripen. That is when everyone races to get to the fruit. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNX4Tdu5AmpPQW1NQSeNEvp2q-sg8dAfLjkKgrJXYWmTjnSlX6sBwJ62suDfcVHXUmA3DDI8rgyhM4Xrieim0_svC7dUNfxAMdOmOIpV45_SzAhtQg_ko5ZDF73IGDKhgpp4W3eHXntug/s1600/kamuning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNX4Tdu5AmpPQW1NQSeNEvp2q-sg8dAfLjkKgrJXYWmTjnSlX6sBwJ62suDfcVHXUmA3DDI8rgyhM4Xrieim0_svC7dUNfxAMdOmOIpV45_SzAhtQg_ko5ZDF73IGDKhgpp4W3eHXntug/s400/kamuning.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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We plant a lot of flowers around the fruit trees to encourage pollinators like bumble bees, honey bees, butterflies to come and do their job in spreading the pollen of the flowers.<br />
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Fertilized naturally by these natural pollinators, we do not spray our trees at all with any enhancement chemicals, bloomers, or insecticides.<br />
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Bats, birds, insects will then taste the fruit, and once this milky sap turns to sweetness, the mangoes will allow the fruit to be eaten and the seed to drop to the ground and begin a new generation.<br />
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We can only eat some of this queen of tropical fruits, but the rest of the fruits will become jams, juice, toppings for cakes, and just enjoyed right off the tree for a wonderful treat!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt15hKnmY1HH1_Y7G-t1xq_s76o4zAt4LxiA9rFHq7DWVMzri-sAb0HHcIHXlCOct9XTigBODsytAJ_CXLCqd8PROT6Ytw2gnpzGZbRHsMO09LllGpOIlvgNwkuJCOA2zyL4kUZBaV9mQ/s1600/fruit+of+the+Indian+Mango+is+yellow+orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="203" width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt15hKnmY1HH1_Y7G-t1xq_s76o4zAt4LxiA9rFHq7DWVMzri-sAb0HHcIHXlCOct9XTigBODsytAJ_CXLCqd8PROT6Ytw2gnpzGZbRHsMO09LllGpOIlvgNwkuJCOA2zyL4kUZBaV9mQ/s400/fruit+of+the+Indian+Mango+is+yellow+orange.jpg" /></a></div>The luscious taste of the ripe Philippine mango is fabulous. Used in many types of Asian cuisine, from the Japanese "California Maki," to "Mango Chutney", "Mango tarts" and " Mango jubilee" deserts, this fruit is considered a prime export all over the region. I personally love it cut into two halves, and I have one half for breakfast with cottage cheese, and a cup of my own home grown herbal teas. Whichever way you eat it, Mangoes are a treat as precious as gold!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please send comments to:theorganicmom@gmail.com</div>The Organic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17643951501132021632noreply@blogger.com