Insects And Birds

I was enjoying the Cockscomb flower in my garden when I noticed this green insect on one of its leaves. It didn't fly away even when I moved near to take its picture.

It was too busy eating the leaf!

 I scooped it up with a garden spade and threw it out of my garden.

I hope it will not come back again.

Another cute insect but an enemy of my plants. It would enjoy the leaves of my plants and leave behind its black droppings.

 I don't know what this is. Is it a moth? I saw this on the garden wall.

 A glossy fly.

 Saw a few of these birds flying over me in the garden. Some settled on the ropes but when I tried to take their picture, only 2 remained. I don't know their name.
I apologize for the poor quality photos.

 And also on the road in front of my house.

Another specie chirping away under the awning..... 

 And this one below is chirping to the one above.

3rd specie - this is a small bird, likes to visit my red firecracker flowers to suck the nectar.

 A rooster walking by while we were at the fish balls noodle stall.

Linking to Saturday's Critters.

There are three things that walk with stately stride - no,

four that strut about: the lion, king of animals,

who won't turn aside for anything, the strutting rooster,

the male goat, a king as he leads his army.

(Proverbs 30:29-31, NLT)

Growing Spotted Evergreen In My Garden

There are 2 pots of spotted evergreen plants in my porch. Their common names are Spotted Evergreen or Malaysian Evergreen and their scientifc name is Aglaonema Costatum.

One has dark green leaves and the other has a lighter green leaves. Both has white spots and white midribs. The leaves are glossy, stiff and very lasting.

These evergreen plants are very slow growing. They are easy to grow and need very little attention. Propagation is through division or separating of the plants.

They are very hardy plants and can thrives in poor lighting and harsh condition. I grow mine in normal garden soil with good water drainage. I water them daily and fertilize them regularly.

Spotted Evergreen or Malaysian Evergreen are suitable as indoor plants because of their air-cleansing properties. They like warm room temperature and shady places away from direct sun.

Caution: They are poisonous plants. When cut, their milky juice or sap may cause skin irritation. If taken orally, it will cause lips, mouth, tongue and throat irritation.

Their common pests are mealy bugs.

They need to be regularly wiped clean with a damp cloth or regular shower baths to remove the dust on the leaves to bring back the glossy look.

But if we confess our sins to Him,

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins

and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

If we claim we have not sinned,

we are calling God a liar and showing

that His word has no place in our hearts.

(1 John 1:9-10, New Living Translation-NLT)

Dim Sum Breakfast On A Hazy Morning

Haze, haze, haze! I really miss the early morning fresh air and the clear blue sky that we have taken for granted. Our early morning walking exercise has been put on hold because of the haze. The only good thing is that we need not have to get up so early.

On this particular morning, we were getting ready to visit a friend in hospital.

Our friends came to pick us up from our house.

Haze being our common topic these days.

First we had dim sun for breakfast at Restoran Foh San.

This is my first visit since it relocated from its former place.

Our friend rinsing the tea cups with hot water and making Chinese tea with special tea leaves brought from his home.

First time seeing savoury yam cake served in a bowl.

2 red hot and spicy chilies stuffed with fish paste.

4 big fish balls for 4 people. 

1 steamed bun with BBQ pork filling (char siew pau).

2 steamed bamboo charcoal buns with yam paste filling.

Halved the bun to show the yam paste filling. I like this!

We were blessed with a dim sum breakfast treat by our friends.

On our way home after the hospital visitation.

When, O when will the haze go away.....?
When will we be able to see this clear blue sky again.....?

When, O when can we get to breathe clean, fresh air again.....?

Linking to Good Fences and Skywatch Friday.

An honest witness does not lie;

a false witness breathes lies,

(Proverbs 14:22, NLT)