Walking Back To Life

During the whole morning, I had been getting calls and photos from Doc Rey as he was in the farm. Thanks to cellphone cameras, it helped me visualize what he was describing to me. It was hard to really appreciate small photos. Then tonight as I was fixing my desk, I saw this small USB cord marked Nokia. Yes you may laugh...am not techie. Hmmmm...this might be a way I can view my small pics sent to me.

Figured out how to remove that cover in my phone's USB and plugged the other end to my notebook. Aha...it did download the pics...and now I can enjoy it in IMAX :)

Now I can tell you the story that kept me excited from breakfast to dinner (as dinner was a different time with friends)!

We developed a new farm by resting it. Left it untouched for some time. The first time we touched it was when a fence and gate was put up. Water pump installed. Earth was moved to make a dam all around and a feeder road was made.

When the rains came, we paused and held our breathes again. Let it drink naturally....

Today, because Doc Rey had some time to make a quick trip to the farm, we inaugurate it with planting some 150 or so fruit trees of different varieties. Ones that we enjoy to eat...Durian, Mangosteen, Atis, Langka, Lanzones, Rambutan, Pummelo, Chico, Duhat, Mango, Kamachile, Rimas, Macopa, Tamarind, Key Lime, Dayap etc.

As they were planting, Doc Rey saw a nest. He said it was called Tikling in Ilokano. He walked the property and excitedly texted that he saw seven (7) nests and an 8th with newly hatched ones :) Over dinner tonight with natural farming practitioners, we were talking about rested lands. Be patient and it will recuperate and bring more back to you in gratitude.

Tomorrow, they might be close to planting all my trees. I can send a new batch for planting and we can get the fingerlings that are to be released in our dam that goes around the property.

Slowly developing...just like our Sunshines...slowly developing gives it character, and it gets the peak.

My Dampa

Who hasn't been to Dampa? The strips of wetmarket, where you point to what you want and it is cooked for you.

Better for me...it is pointed while still in the plant, picked off fresh, and steamed for a few minutes. Even our drinking water! It is taken from the well and boiled. By the time we are done with breakfast, we are able to drink warm water to wash it down.

We went home to Isabela, amidst reports of calamity area because of the drought. True it is soooo hot here. But, because of natural farming and open housing and free ranging chickens...we are OK!

More so that we encourage everyone to grow your own food. You can do it in containers in your backyard, frontyard, rooftops or hang containers in walls. That way, whatever flood, power outages or whatever comes our way...you may atl east feed yourselves.

Go back to basics :)

Know What You Are Eating

Dinner last night was so good...why?

1) Sweetest and juiciest Atis. Those large, eyes.

2) The Guayabano was firm when sliced. Picked with a fork to eat and they gush out with the perfect sweet sour blend. They come up with the fork, with no resistance, yet firm and not smudgy.

3) How can you not know that you will get your needed fill of fiber in this Pechay? This is just a one bunch, or do I say a plant or a whole Pechay? You hold it in your hand like a bouquet..its that pretty because fresh and succulent wehehehehh. I just wishy washied it under tap water, more like a shower for dust in my hands. Tenderly tore it into like 5 pcs from stalk to tip of leaf. You can hear it crunchilyy tear...that fresh. Used my microwaveable dish and set it on high for 2mins. Voila, perfectly steamed Pechay! I had to steam another whole plant as the moment the 1st one peeped out of the door, you knew it was a goner.


So why is it the best? We grew it. In our own farm. No pesticides, no chemicals. You can't compare. Picked off the tree, plants or soil...you get the sweetness of freshness...and the juice...ohhhhhhhh

I hope to get another harvest for tonight.

SIDCOR Market at the Green Street

Yes, we will be there starting next Saturday. For the whole of December, it was open Saturdays and Sundays. Starting January, it will be Saturdays at 7am-8pm.

You know the Capitol Hills Golf Clubhouse? Ayala Heights, Celebrity Sports Plaza area? The Green Street is how that area is now called . You walk down to the putting green...that is where you find the SIDCOR weekend market.

I used to play golf at Capitol at least once a week, so this venue is close to my heart.

Go and visit. Safe parking, open air, nice view, several options for eating places...a weekend market in a literally, green setting.