Oh Cactus, My Cactus!

June 2008
Garden@Home, Davao City

Along my road trip from Cagayan de Oro to Davao last year, we passed by Buda and bought a cactus plant. One year after, it produced this lovely offspring. I'm getting better at gardening but still have a lot to learn ^^

A friend dreams of having his own farm one day, maybe I'd like a farm of my own myself. ^^ Almost convinced my mom to buy a 3-hectare Mango farm. hihihi ^^

Bird's Nest

May 2008
At our garden, Davao City

On the start of the month, we noticed a bird building a nest by the tree closest to our terrace. We left it undisturbed so that it would push through with its plans of laying the eggs there and rearing its young.

First picture is how the nest looked a week ago. It got bigger and bigger as the days progressed and as strong winds challenged to rattle it off its branch. Our constant peeks and glances must have contributed to that as well. Although we didn't touch it or anything, it must have despised the extra attention. At one point, I tried feeding it earthworms! hihihi

Second picture, is the nest with the bird. If you look closely, you'll see a white triangular speck inside the hole. This is actually the mother bird's beak! It's the closest I could get, any closer, and she instantly flies off. This shot is again thanks to my new lens! ^^

Third picture, is the best I could take of the eggs inside the nest! Needed to use a flash to see the insides and it has to be angled in a certain way so the light is directed towards the hole.

And just earlier TODAY! When I checked the nest, there are baby birds already! whew! I can't wait to take their photos but I'm afraid that using a flash might affect their sight so I'm keeping away for now! whew! Using a flashlight as a light source might be a better idea. I'm still thinking of ways to do this better. I just hope I don't affect the growth of these baby birds in any way. I wonder how long it'll take for them to develop their wings and fly off ... :(

Saffron Robes

Ayutthaya, Thailand
May 5, 2008

First picture is a beautiful painting being sold in a souvenir shop near Wat Pho. Since I couldn't afford it, I just took a photo of it and planned to have it printed.

Second shot is my take on the first photo. While walking along the ruins in Ayutthaya, I saw a group of monks walking away, since I didn't have that much time to spare I just snapped away whatever was infront of me. Post processed the photo using Fake HDR technique and applied the Orton effect, making it appear more like a painting, which I learned/heard from my friend Ken.

My Basil Tree

February 20, 2008
Garden@Home

Can you call a Basil plant a tree? or is it just a shrub? Bought this one from a local mall for 50 pesos. The roots have started developing already so it was not hard to replant it. It has been the source of many pesto dishes for me! Since then I've bought Tarragon, Rosemary, Dill, Mint, and Parsley as well! Planning to start my own herb garden! Haven't used any of the other herbs, except for the Rosemary, in any dishes though. Still looking for recipes for them ^^If you have one, please share! ^^