What Happened to the Calamansi Seeds I Propagated?

Thirteen months ago I bought 2 kilograms of calamansi from a neighbor. They were big and juicy so I decided to propagate the seeds. I know it's easier to graft a piece of a plant, but I like growing plants from seed. It's more exciting for me.

It grew very, very slowly. I grouped the seedlings into several pots since I wasn't sure if it would survive. Every so often caterpillars would eat the leaves, so I had to be consistent spraying it with Neem oil. I also gave it rice water weekly and topped it up with compost when I remember. 

I was surprised to see that most of those I transferred to soil grew steadily. I started to re-pot them to bigger pots this month. They're definitely calamansi because the leaves smell like citrus. Here are some I re-potted earlier this month:

Here's two before I re-potted them.

I now have 7 big pots! I'm going to be so stoked when they start bearing fruit.

Happiness Everyday

I go through highs and lows every week. Having aedical condition makes my daily life unpredictable. We've learned to adjust when needed. 

I used to get so frustrated when I couldn't complete my to do list. I eventually accepted my situation and I now do monthly to-do list and wishlist. I just carry over whatever is not finished to the next month.

I stopped beating myself whenever I'm not able to complete things. I had to change how I look at things. I also adjusted my expectations. You can find happiness and peace no matter you're going through. Just count your blessings and live your life in love 💕 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Caturday!

Well, everyday is a cat/kitten day for us since we have 8 cats and kittens who live with us. It's overwhelming when they are all swirling around my legs, haha. It's hard taking care of them, but they are blessings for me. 

The photo above is Grogu when I was watering plants earlier. He likes hanging out with me whenever I water plants. Every so often he would lie down on my feet. He does this to get belly rubs. He's all grown up now, but still loves belly rubs. His twin, Mando Laura, still just stays in our laundry area. She's so shy, she doesn't even want to go to the garage. Her siblings visit her during and meals and oftentimes naps with her. 

Brimsley's second litter, Eevee and Pikachu, are our most elusive kittens. We rarely get to pet them and they only come near if you have a treat. Eevee's growing bigger than Grogu. He's almost as big as Papa Grey now. Pikachu is the smallest, but she's a fighter. She fought off the intruder cat earlier. We have to train her not to hurt her housemates during meal time. 

Since Brimsley got sick a few months ago, she weaned off her kittens permanently. The weird thing is she doesn't want any of them going near her. She swipes at them if they come near. She doesn't do that to Anakin and Bailey even though they brush against her. Weird noh? Brimsley keeps to herself and every so often gets stuck on the garage roof. We think she's avoiding the busy garage because it's like a cat bar the whole day, haha.

The kittens, Bailey and Anakin, were both neutered last week. They were at the vet for a few hours and came back home like nothing happened. Well, Bailey was still a bit drunk from the anesthesia, but he soon came out of it. They were their usual playful self when I went out to play with them. 

Meredith has ended her tampururot season and has come back home. For a few weeks she stayed out and would sleep at our neighbor's. She'd only come if we call her and let her inside. When she came back she stayed at our front door. We're not sure what spooked her, but she's back living in the garage now. We've been bribing her with treats, haha.

The sad news is Kaley hasn't visited us for over two weeks now. She drops by several times a day for a snack. She was well although sneezing the last time I saw her. We can only hope she's busy with new kittens. Or maybe she's getting the feast she always wants that's why she hasn't been visiting anymore. We also didn't see her sisters, Cheyenne and Sandra for more than 6 months now. 

I can't imagine living without our fur babies now. I'm just amazed how the three of us learned how to care for cats. None of us had an pet cats growing up. We've been winging it the past two years. I'm just glad we've been able to get all our 8 live-in cats spayed and neutered. Thank you Lord for sending us these blessings and for the provisions so we can continue caring for them. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Healing Your Inner Child

I was a child when my siblings left the nest. I am 16 and 13 years younger than them and they were adults by the time I started going to school.

It was not unusual for me that they were out most of the time. My parents had a rule that everyone had to be home by sunset. We were always complete for dinner, Sunday mass and lunch. I spent my days with my parents, Mama Lola or my yaya. We also had family outings every so often. We usually went to Bicol once a year.

The dynamics changed just before the EDSA Revolution. My siblings one after the other left home and got married within a span of 3 years. At that time I'd exchange snail mail with my sister until it dwindled to hurried long distance calls. I'd see my brother usually for Christmas. He'd either come home with his family or we'd fly in to see him.

Nothing out of the ordinary since that was the circumference we were in. It wasn't their fault they were born ahead and I came in very fashionably late. My sister did say once during my rebellious years that it was her fault she wasn't around for me. I told her there's no problem since the circumstance was just oddly normal.

I went on with my life and eventually my family was only complete physically again on my wedding day. The next time was when Dad got sick and then once after Mom passed away.

When I had counseling my doctor tried to help me figure out what was wrong. We didn't get to it since I felt I was fortified enough already and it was time for me to go back home. I thought I was fine, but dealing with the helper who emptied my Mom's savings, filing the case, making sure we were all safe and seeing my Mom change a lot after we got home, took a toll on me. 

I probably had an undiagnosed heart attack or a broken heart. My cardiologist refused to have tests done on me and just sent me home with increased dosage of my meds (I changed doctors after that). It took many months before I felt better. I cried everyday. I'm very lucky and grateful my boys were there for me.

It was then that I realized I was suffering from abandonment issues. My inner child never understood why my siblings left me. It got worse when they eventually couldn't see eye to eye. Dealing with fire and ice was an impossible situation. I talked to my Mom about it a lot and she advised me to just stop talking to them. She said it's their issue, they're adults and they should resolve it themselves. 

I followed her advise and only reached out to them on the day she died. I refused to see them until they had a ceasefire. We got together on my Dad's birthday. How things unfolded isn't what my parents would have wanted, but it is what it is.

I was lucky I had spiritual guidance from a dear Nun. I had prayed for many years to have someone like Br. Gene again. She guided me how best to get through things. I eventually also read that the only way to heal your inner child is to do it yourself. 

My inner child has accepted the fact that things will never be the same. The situation wasn't ideal and they have established their lives elsewhere. The best recourse for me is to just move forward and focus on those who are here for me. Through the years I had been blessed with many friends who have been like brothers and sisters to me. I keep a small circle of trust and they provide me a safe space, plus I have my boys. 

I was told once that I felt that way because I cared so much. It would have been useful to be told to live myself, protect my peace and focus on what's in front of you.

#BeKind #StaySafe

15 Years After Typhoon Ondoy

It's been 15 years since typhoon Ondoy. It also means that it will soon be our 15th wedding anniversary. Moving on from a disaster is hard. Sweetie and I thought about delaying our wedding, but both our parents insisted to go on with the wedding. Our relatives had also booked their flights already and a week after our wedding was my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. It was also set to be celebrated. 

Both our homes were severely affected. A few days after I had to fly to Iloilo for an event. It was a good respite since we learned from the Ilonggo people how they moved on from disaster. They also had severe flooding before typhoon Ondoy happened. It was also warm and sunny when we went, so it served as a reminder that things will go back to normal eventually. 

With my friend Mabel. Her baby is all grown up now :)

Since typhoon Ondoy (and Pepeng), we made sure we would take precautions so we don't experience it again. We made sure to avoid living in flood prone areas. We learned recently that it's not really fool-proof. Even areas that don't flood may get flooded too. It really depends on the rainfall and the tide. So, we've been taking a lot of precautions. 

The best way to move on from a disaster is to learn from it. Always expect the unexpected and live your life the best way you can. I always think about the things I lost. The only thing I really regret is losing irreplaceable valuable photos. I'm just grateful I had some that were saved. 

Always stay dry and be safe. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Watched "Lolo and the Kid"

I randomly selected "Lolo and the Kid" on Netflix yesterday. The boys were napping so I thought I should watch it. The boys are not fans of drama films. Also it was my Mama Lola's birthday and I wanted to feel the vibe of having a grandparent again.

I read reviews that the film is a tearjerker. I survived to almost the end without shedding a year. I started bawling towards the end. I was only 13 when my Mama Lola passed away. 

It was a strange day. I was dressed up for school and waiting for the school bus when the phone rang. I answered the phone and the person who called just blurted out that Mama Lola was gone. I immediately called my Mom and she took the call. 

I was in shock and just stood there. There was a sudden flurry of activity and they forgot about me. I started to cry, but was told it was nothing and I was sent to school. My parents didn't know I already knew and I hopped on the school bus and went to school.

During the day I was selected to be the prayer leader. During my prayer I mentioned that we should pray for all who died. My classmates didn't know, but I basically forced them to pray for my grandma.

Growing up I got to spend a lot of time with my Mama Lola. She lived with us for many years. Her past time was sewing and I usually hang out with her in the afternoons to play with her helper. Eventually she taught me how to use her sewing machine. That was the reason why I aced sewing class projects. I never learned to make clothes like her though.

My relatives told me that I was like my Mama Lola's mini me. I inherited all her quirks and I realize now that she was an introvert too. She left me her sewing kit and I now have her sewing machine. I'm looking for someone who can turn it into a console table since I don't think the machine will still work (vintage Singer electric sewing machine). 

Just like lolo in Lolo and the Kid, my Mama Lola always wanted what was best for me. I still miss my Mama Lola and I miss her paramdams. Mom didn't leave any of her stuff anymore, but who knows maybe I'll still find some random Mama Lola item.

#BeKind #StaySafe

The Quilt Project that's Testing My Patience

I wanted to work on a fun project. I found some Star Wars and Pokemon character grids on Pinterest and thought I could apply it for quilting. 

I was going to make a Yoda quilt, but I had a hard time sourcing brown shades of fabric. I decided to work on a Pikachu quilt since I had the fabric available. Miggy helped me choose the right colors for the project.

Since I was just working with squares I thought it would be easy. Oh my, I was very mistaken. Cutting the fabric took a week and I soon realizes that piecing 1"x1" squares takes a gazillion years.

Here's a time lapse of part 1 of 4 of the project. It will really take time to finish the project since I have to avoid triggering arm pain. Anyway, I'm having fun slowly piecing this project together.

Timelapse

This project was supposed to be a throw pillow case. It's too big though for the pillow so I'm debating whether I should turn it into a wall hanging or a chair cover. It's too cute to be a blanket. 

What do you think I should use it for? Comment below 🤗

#BeKind #StaySafw

Construction Fatigue

I thought a jackhammer was pounding besidey ear when I woke up. It was indeed a jackhammer, hammering the street. A team of Maynilad was drilling a hole for a new installation.

My ears probably have some permanent damage due to the construction noise we've been experiencing for more than two years now. Our property has also sustained damages, but our complaints have fallen on deaf ears of the owner. The association helped a lot, but the owner doesn't even want to acknowledge the responsibility. Maybe we should reach out to the Barangay already.

Today's jackhammering resulted in an accident. Maynilad finished drilling the street and just left a couple of hollow blocks to keep vehicles from passing. While watering plants we heard a loud crash. Someone didn't see the hollow blocks and crashed in it. A few minutes later we heard the homeowner's president berating the guard. I think ultimately it's the responsibility of the house construction owner to make sure no one is affected by their works.

Hope the construction ends soon.

#BeKind #StaySafe

A Rainy Sunday

The sky looked sad today. It looked like it was going to cry buckets of rain. 

It did while we were having some merienda. We have been stuck at home for over a week. We usually avoid going out when it's raining. You never know when it's going to flood.

We headed out since I booked slots to have a footspa and pedicure. My feet needed a lot of love! And it looks like we finally found a regular spot to visit. It's hard to find a spacious nail salon which isn't always full. After more than five years I also had nail polish put on my toe nails. 

I'm now energized for the new week. I hope I finish the accounting stuff I'm working on.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Ugh, My Bell Pepper Plants are Sick

I made the mistake of treating my bell pepper plants with garlic spray. I thought it had aphids just like my gumamela plants. I thought the white flies were aphids too, apparently not. Aside from white flies it also has fungus. Some leaves would just fall off. 

I was able to successfully grow bell peppers in Singapore. I never had pest issues there since we were on the 22nd floor. I've been trying to grow bell peppers here and it's been hard since there's so many pests. I watched a video on Epic Gardening and Kevin said you can try hydrogen peroxide to treat fungus. I've been spraying my plant for a few days now and it seems to be recovering. 

I noticed earlier that the white flies are still there, so I'll try baking soda with Castile soap tomorrow. I tried Neem oil already, but it burned the leaves. So, let's see if if it works or maybe I'll have to go back to square one. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Garage Sale Finds

A neighbor posted on a group chat that she's selling some pre loved Christmas decors. A cute mailbox caught my eye so I immediately messages my neighbor.

I know there are a lot of good pre-loved items you can find at garage sales. To be honest, I've never been to one. I just never had the chance. So I grabbed the opportunity to visit a garage sale a few streets away from our home.

I already reserved the mailbox, so I looked at what else was available. Ohhh! Most of the decors obviously came from the US and still quite new. She was selling at really affordable prices. Aside from the mailbox, I also got a Santa Christmas ball which was so cute.

Which reminds me, I should start thinking about Christmas 🎄 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Learned to Make Real Mac and Cheese

TBH, we always make ready to cook mac and cheese. I never tried making it with real cheese. A friend brought several pieces of cheese. Another friend explained what they were good for. One was gyuyere cheese which I learned was good for pasta. 

I watched a couple of videos to learn how to make mac and cheese. I chose to adapt Chef Tatung's Mac and cheese recipe. He used regular boxed cheese and mentioned you can add other cheeses. I used the food processor to grate the gyuyere cheese and found some leftover mozzarella cheese in the fridge. 

It was fairly easy to make and my boys absolutely loved it. Miggy said it tasted like mac and cheese from a restaurant we ate in once. I was so used to regular boxed mac and cheese and Kenny Rogers mac and cheese, it never occurred to me to try making it with real cheese. It mega leveled-up! Now I don't think I'll buy boxed mac and cheese anymore, LOL.

Here's how we made it at home:

Full recipe at: https://recipesformyson.blogspot.com/2024/09/recipes-for-my-son-mac-and-cheese-with.html

#BeKind #StaySafe

Suddenly Feeling My Age

It's funny how things can change overnight. My skin suddenly became dry and I felt itchy all over. My scalp was dry too. I started having dental issues. I continued to do my daily routines, drank my maintenance meds, but I just generally felt off. 

My friends warned me it would come. What I started feeling was definitely outside of my abnormally normal issues. I never had issues that required me to go to a dermatologist. My cardiologist declared I was perimenopausal many years ago. Everything was the same for me, so I just went on and focused on my other medical issues. 

Anyway, I couldn't sleep because I felt itchy all over. I did some research and found out that at my age estrogen production starts reducing. Estrogen helps keep your skin moisturized. I know I need to see my OB soon, but while waiting I tried to find ways to keep the symptoms at bay.

Apparently, the usual toiletries you use won't work anymore. I read that regular soap will act like detergent on your skin. The same goes for your shampoo. You need to use soap for sensitive skin. I couldn't find any Neutrogena soap, but found Grandma's Lye Soap (for sensitive skin). I was surprised to find out that Perla now has a bath soap variant. They both have reduced itching. Of course, I slather on Vaseline deep restore lotion after taking a bath. No more itchy itchy!

I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my scalp. I got a bottle of Johnson's baby shampoo and so far that has helped. I have been using a shampoo and conditioner bar the past few months. It used to work well, but now my scalp is drying too. So far Johnson's baby shampoo works better for me. 

I'm glad I have friends who have gone through this ahead of me. There's a lot more information available online as well, but having girlfriends helps a lot more :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Made a Quilted Gift for My Doctor

My doctors have been caring for me really well. They are all quite new since I moved back home and had to find new doctors. I always observe their clinics to find clues on what I could possibly gift them. I noticed not all my doctors have patient beds where they do physical checks. One did and had a pillow which I thought needed a new case.

I brought a tape measure and asked permission from my doctor if I could measure the pillow. I told her I wanted to make a throw pillow case for it. The last time I made one was for my cardiologist in Singapore. He was so stoked he actually put my work on a frame. It now hangs in his office (haha). 

I worked on the quilted throw pillow case between my vaccinations (haha). I wanted to make sure I'd be able to give it to her on my next appointment. I made a fairly easy design, but challenged myself by making small heart accents. That's where I got stuck for awhile. It wasn't perfect, but still looked like hearts (haha). I figured the patients who'd see it won't notice anyway since they'll be busy with the doctor. 

I handed it to my doctor and she was happy with the surprise. She immediately asked her assistant to put it on the pillow. Maybe I'll see it next time I come back for my next vaccination :)

Here's how I made the project:

Measurements and how to: https://www.needleadventures.com/2024/09/quilted-throw-pillow-case-for-doctor.html

#BeKind #StaySafe

Flood Proofing Your Home

We were really surprised a few weeks ago when it flooded on our street. It was the first time it happened. What surprised us more was water gathered on our side garden. 

That happened because the water in the drain got stuck because the street was flooded. Not a good sign for us even if our house is higher than the street. We didn't realize it could still flood in our house if the drains are clogged.

DOST-PAGASA announced that La Nina can bring more than usual rain. The flooding due to the typhoon happened just before the La Nina advisory was announced. I did some research to find out what's the best recourse for our issue.

The easiest way to prevent water from coming inside our basement is to keep the water out with sandbags. I ordered some bags online and then we bought sand at the hardware. One long bag requires 3 small bags of sand. 

I read you have to put the sandbag at your door to prevent water from coming in. We put the bag at the door nearest the drain. It's the door that's always been problematic for us. (Water used to leak in from the wall. We resolved this by adding a canopy.)

We're keeping the sandbag there until after the rainy season. At least we can sleep well at night and not worry about unexpected flooding. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Our Eugenia Plant Always have Red Leaves

The Eugenia Plant in our pocket garden has been there since we moved. We try to keep it at 4 feet high so it's easier to manage. One has grown to more than 10 feet. We suspect Brimsley buried one of her kittens under it and that's why it grew so tall. Birds have been making nests on it, so we just trim it.

So far the Eugenia plants have been the easiest to manage. It's not a water guzzler and just requires some trimming every so often. I spray it with Neem oil every few weeks. What I like best about it is when it grows red leaves and sometimes berries.

I discovered the easiest way to encourage it to grow red leaves by accident. I've been using sun dried coffee grounds for my plants and I out some on the ground where the Eugenia plants are located. A few days later it started sprouting red leaves!

Since then I feed it with sundried coffee grinds. It's really nice since it provides color to my otherwise very green garden :)

Happy Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Avocado Update: More Roots Plus a Tiny Stem

Ohh, I'm so stoked! The avocado seeds  propagating are progressing very well. There are more roots now and a tiny Stem is starting to grow out of one seed.

Three other seeds also have roots now. The two smaller ones are starting to crack, so I hope it will still progress.

I need to wait a few more months before I could move it to a pot with soil. My target is to grow a couple of trees for the future.

#BeKind #StaySafe

It's Like Our Second Home Came Nearer to Us

I lived in Singapore for a decade. As a creature of comfort I eventually found a couple of places that became go-to places for me and my boys. One favorite resto we frequented was Old Town. I first tried it in Kuala Lumpur. I always visited it at the airport while waiting for my short flight back to Singapore. 

It eventually had a branch in Singapore. It was located near our dentist, so, of course, that's where we would eat after getting our teeth cleaned (haha). My Mom also loved drinking milk tea and liked it a lot. I was happy when we saw a branch opening near our home. We immediately went to try it during its soft opening. 

The menu was surprisingly more expansive than the one in Singapore. We were set to do some errands, so just had breakfast (aka merienda) food. The branch certainly got the look of the branches in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, so it brought back some good memories. 

Here's a glimpse of Old Town's menu at SM City Bicutan, they basically have food for different times of the day:

They opened a month ago, so operations should be efficient by now. We just tried another newly opened restaurant, but should visit Old Town again soon. Wangfu opened recently too, but I'd be over the moon when Nanyang opens too. How I wish they'd bring Spotlight here too, or at least open a store that sells fabric, sewing and craft materials too. 

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Forgot to Mention that Flying Tiger SM Bicutan is Now Open!

I think it's been a month already since Flying Tiger opened a branch at SM Bicutan. I've been there a couple of times and it just slipped my mind to share the news! I think the only week we haven't visited SM Bicutan was when it was raining so bad due to the typhoon. We were cooped up at home the whole week and had to postpone all our appointments. 

Anyway, as I happily shared last July, a branch of Flying Tiger was going to open at SM Bicutan. It opened a few weeks ago and I was able to visit it a couple of times since August. The branch is spacious and I think a bit bigger than the one in ATC. It has the same maze-like layout, so it's best to start from the right side. 

The store has a lot of knick-knacks, useful desk and kitchen items, and decorative items. Items being sold I think change weekly (or a lot of stuff get sold out fast). I've visited the nearby branch almost every week since it opened and this week they're selling Halloween items already. If you find something you like, better to buy it immediately because it may not be available next time you come back. 

Go visit and have some fun!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Shhh... How I Reduce Noise

Social media has certainly made our world "noisier". I must admit, it was fascinating to be always online. Always on the know. Always connected. If you're not "on", then you'd be behind. It was fun, but it's not healthy to always be in the forefront of things. 

After my second PE*, my doctor mandated me to stay offline. Even in ICU I was still getting calls and pings from work. It was an aha moment for my doctors. They realized my personality is what will ultimately bring me peril. So I was mandated to stay offline. That meant no peeking at my emails or social media. 

Mind you, it took me months before I started appreciating being offline. I did not realize that I had to do that for my own good. I monitored my online time using my phone and watched my time spent online go down slowly. It was a habit that had to be broken.

I learned a lot from those months I strictly reduced being online. I forced myself to be more productive offline. I re-discovered my passion for quilting, gardening and baking. Movement was still controlled so I had to be creative at home. It was easy to fill up offline time, since I was asleep half the time (recovering from PEs requires serious rest). 

Things can get very noisy online nowadays. I don't check my phone when I wake up. I only turn it on after all my routines, eating and drinking my meds. I just take a peek and then move on to do some gardening. Gardening includes playtime with the cats. And this is why lately my posts are done late in the evening, haha. 

My doctors were right. It's really in your hands how you manage your stress. I mute when needed. I unfollow when it's too much. I'm at the age when I feel strongly about protecting my space and my peace. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Perfect Artwork for My Sewing Room

One thing I did not expect to find at the Super Manila Comic Con was an artwork for my sewing room. I've been on the lookout for sewing themed decor/art for my sewing room. The only sewing decor I have is a clock, a few sewing machine figures and thimbles which I collected from my travels. 

I was dead tired by the time we reached the section for artists. Top of mind for me was to find a Yoda artwork or figure. Unlike the Singapore Comic Con, all the works were original. What caught my eye was Marius Black's artwork, "Blum". It's a cityscape of Blumentritt and I found the colors fascinating. The booth also had cat artwork and a child playing under a sewing machine. 

"My Silly Passenger" is the title of the print made by Guada Ramos Funtilar. I liked the artwork because it reminded me of those days I used to play under my Mama Lola's sewing machine. I even had the same hair cut as the child. She had the same black Singer sewing machine. Of course, I had to get a print for my sewing room. 

I'm happy I got it and regret I didn't buy Marius Black's Blum print. They both gave us their business card, so I could just probably order online or go to an event they'll attend. In the meantime, I need to find a nice frame for the print I got. Also, need to figure out where to hang it :)

#BeKind #StaySafe