Mini White Cucumber Seedlings

Ottawa city, ontario, canada
March 22, 2013

Last Monday, i mentioned that I put my seedlings for indoor germination. the tray was consist of asian hot pepper, bitter melon, and 4 mini cucumber seedlings for test germination. I think i have not check the set up in 2 days, and i was surprise to see these mini cucumbers pushing against the tray cover.

So, here are the organic mini white cucumbers -- 4 of them, ready to spring to life. :)

How awesome is this surprise to me? Lift my winter tired spirit! God is  good:)

The original source of these Miniature White Cucumber Seedlings was from Seed Savers Exchange, Decorah Iowa USA.

These were happy growing in a pot last year, and my daughter loves to pick it. About 2-3 inches at maturity and very watery crunchy. I recommend this cucumber for those living in apartments, a pot good for tomatoes are good for these cucumber. The trellis you use for the tomatoes does wonder for these mini cucumber.

My toddler Karlina enjoyed harvesting them..."note: let your toddlers wear gloves, cucumbers have prickles on them".

So, despite the snow covering my backyard, spring has arrived in my home, at least in my basement where the seeds are lovingly growing.

Bitter Melon: on Pancreatic Cancer

March 18, 2013,
Ottawa, ON, Canada

Yesterday, I planted my bitter melon seeds in my basement.

I know, from now till May 25th at least, it will in my basement. For 2 months, I will be watching these seedlings like a hawk. But hmm...who cares, I love my bitter melon. I planted at least 5 plants last year, and it was superb in my backyard.

My dear aunt grab all the young leaves for Filipino soup, while I am loving it for the the fresh stir fry. I did few not expect a lot of fruits, but the heatwave last year made this happen. Tons of bitter melon fruits...and guess what, even the creatures in my backyard did not like it. Mr. Squirrel leave it alone, as he happily munch on the cherry tomatoes. Raccons, skunk, birds leave it alone.

And yes, lots of bitter stir fry for me.........hear that squirrel...for me!

I read somewhere that this fruit helps prevent Type 2 Diabetes, good...because I like my Boston Cream!

And yes, I will be planting this one again for season 2013....so, what are you planting this season?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/17/bitter-melon-pancreatic-cancer_n_2869131.html?ir=Canada%20Living&ref=topbar&utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/17/bitter-melon-pancreatic-cancer_n_2869131.html?ir=Canada%20Living&ref=topbar&utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

Cucumber & Beans- Harvest from my garden

Rock Climbing Fun with Friends and Photographers

Rock climbing!

We have the honor of having a meet up with the local Ottawa Photographers for a Photo Session at Vertical Reality on Jan. 27, 2013.  We have model guest as well, which make it more diverse.

I have fun, totally I gained new insights about modeling: it is a tough job! But it get's done and rewarding.

Like rock climbing, it is not for everyone. You can get hurt. You can fall. You can die.  But the best part of it, the sport is pure, just you and the rocks. And isn't life about a rock and a hard place?
My son joined me, he did few bouldering shoots and like me, he thinks the rock and a hard place is a peaceful place to be.

Special thanks for the organizers: Mike Giovinazzo
  and the photographers who survived the chalky atmosphere, and crazy rock climbers.
Links to the pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pierre_et_cathy/8429196070/in/photostream/lightbox/

http://www.meetup.com/Ottawa-Photographer-Model-Meetup/photos/12870112/202664612/?a=pu3.1_l

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8rcerki3v3ewv03/eRcHqbosDo

Some of the ones I downloaded:

Fine Saturday ( Chinese Dragon Dance and Winterlude)

I have experience seasonal depression and i hate to admit it, but its true. It seems each cold day, my motivation to do stuff need a push.

Today is a different day, i promise my kids to take them out.

We went to the dragon dance in chinatown and we watch the winterlude downtown. we invited friends over to play with my kids.

Looking at the pictures I took yesterday, I feel better today. Now, bring on the laundry!

Baking to Warm up my Winter Home

Jan. 15, 2013

Ottawa city, ontario, canada

I never thought I will spend a lot of time in the kitchen, yet today I did. Not just washing dishes, washing the floors, I actually bake. Yeah, me ...baking? And that's right, I have 2 phones beside me, homeline and cellphone, just in case I need the Fire Department.
After the Cheese Bread, I manage to load the Craneberry Banana Muffin, and even try to scribble some heart, practice run for Valentines day!

Craneberry Banana Muffin - practice run for Valentines day for kids

Craneberry Banana Muffin

Cheese Bread

Coleus: seed germination

dec 3, 2012
ottawa ontario canada

this year, i promise myself to stay focus on my kids, and not take on many winter project. I did have many seed packets waiting for me to work in my basement shop.

today, I pick up the seeds of coleus that i collected from my garden and start the seed propagation. I hope it will germinate, as I am hoping to replace my collection. I did not save any cuttings for myself.

so, here is some cheers hoping to get more colorful collection for next season.