Blooming of Japanese Magnolia -

 Blooming of Japanese Magnolia is a strong sign that Spring is near in our areas. The flower come to USA about 200 years ago.

Fig 01 - White Japanese Magnolia flowers.

Amidst a world in chaos (for many reasons: politics, economics, security etc.), nature calms the spirit. 

In addition to the Japanese Magnolia, our state, Louisiana has own five (5) very well-known native species:

- Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla).

- Cucumber-tree Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata).

- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

- Umbrella (Magnolia tripetala) and Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana). 

Fig 02 - Dead Magnolia tree, illustration

We know Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) as large trees with evergreen leaves and fragrant flowers.

Fig 03 - Pink flowers of Magnolia.

What variety of Magnolia do you familiar with?

# Previous postings:

- Free Meal Register for Students in Our City – Sign 9 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Green Lizard on the Window Screen – Critter 6 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- High Occupancy Vehicle Parking Only - Sign 10 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Social Range in the Bird of Guinean Cock of the Rock | Tanza Erlambang Update

- We Have Seen Jumping Worms in Louisiana – Critter 7 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Special Visited from a Red Cardinal - Critter 93

We have a special visit from red Cardinal. From several resources in internet, it could be at least two meanings. 

Fig 01 - A red cardinal. 

First, the sick birds might not act as usual, hence, the birds perching on hand could be infected, their diseases can be passed to humans.

In fact, somebody in our state passed from bird flu from exposure to chickens. Moreover, there is a report on current spread of bird flu among wild birds, even in lower cases in our state (Louisiana). Other states include:

- Texas.

- Indiana

- Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

Fig 02 - Spiritual meaning (Source: Internet).

Second, Cardinals come to human could have spiritual meanings. From Googling, "a cardinal can represent love, hope, and a reminder of bonds with loved ones who have passed away. A cardinal can be a sign of God's love or the presence of an angel!"

Fig 03 - A cardinal in the winter

What do you know about Cardinal birds?

# Previous postings:

- How Important to Wash Our Hand – Sign 8 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- When Will We Have an Emperor in the Mars? - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Have you Tasted Alligator Meat? - Part 2 – Sgn 7 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Increasing of Suicide Rate in America | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Free Meal Register for Students in Our City – Sign 9 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Petunia Midnight Gold - Gardening and Hobby 65

We have several reasons to have Petunia Midnight Gold in our areas. First, it is well grown in early Spring. 

Image - Petunia midnight gold 

Their colors are stunning with purple and gold when blooming. Other purposes to plant Petunia are attracting pollinators such as:

- hummingbirds

- butterflies

- bees

- beetles

- and other insects

The visitors come to Petunia midnight gold due to its rich in nectar. We saw two species of hummingbirds frequently feed on nectar, they are Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds.

Do you know about Petunia midnight gold?

# Previous postings:

- When Will We Have an Emperor in the Mars? - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Have you Tasted Alligator Meat? - Part 1 - Sign 7 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Strange Looking Bird Called Guinean Cock of the Rock – Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Have You Tasted Fruits Called as Muscadine? - Part 2 – Food Variety 19 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- How Important to Wash Our Hand – Sign 8 | Tanza Erlambang Update

A flock of Robins at our Birdbath - Critter 92

We believed number of birds coming to our neighborhood tend to decrease than few years ago. 

Fig - A flock of Robins 

We have increased our bird feeding. But fewer birds come. Moreover, our own observations show that when we moved 20 years ago, our bird count was about 25 different species at our backyard. Now, 2025, the number was down to about 10 species only.

Decreasing of bird population might relate to:

- Less flyover territory because of urbanization.

- Loss of trees and wild areas where birds can feed and nest.

- Some problems still with pesticides.

- Loss of insect diversity is a huge problem for birds and many other animals

Did you see decreasing number of bird population in your areas?

# Previous postings:

- When is Spring Coming in your Place? - Part 2 - Gardening and Hobby 24

- Neighborhood Watch in Communities – Sign 6

- Goslings at the Neighborhood Lake – Critters 5

- Have You Tasted Fruits Called as Muscadine? - Part 1 – Food Variety 19

- When Will We Have an Emperor in the Mars? - Part 1 

A Nippon Chocolate Pot - Art 6

We got a pitcher from a community market close by our neighborhood. We believe it is called a hot chocolate set.

Fig 01 - A colorful pitcher. 

Unfortunately, the facts that:

- There is no marking as to who the artist is

- No made in any country label anywhere on it.

- Impossible to know its origin

- No brand and value

Based on the internet sources, this is a Nippon (Japan) porcelain piece without maker marks before 1891. Then between 1891 to 1921 were marked. The Maple leaf is the oldest and a favorite of many collectors.

Fig 02 - A pot, from another position

After 1921 the United States required all pieces coming in from Japan be marked. They started using paper labels because Japan products didn’t command high prices and once in the United States labels were removed.

Fig 03 - A pot faces left

Do you know about this Nippon Chocolate pot?

# Previous postings:

- Our Nearby Neighborhood was Visited by Alligators – Critters 4 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Is It Difficult to Study Art History? - Part 2 - Art 5 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Is a Good Friday a Holiday in Your Places? - Sign 5 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Fish and Shellfish Sold by Local Groceries – Part 2 - Food Variety 18 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- When is Spring Coming in your Place? - Part 2 - Gardening and Hobby 24 | Tanza Erlambang Update

A Cooper Hawk at Neighborhood - Critter 91

We believe the bird is a cooper hawk. The bird looks beautiful but make other birds such as cardinals and bluebirds scattered. 

Fig 01 - A cooper hawk at neighborhood

It is a circle of life in the nature, sad to know about this matter. However, the predators need to eat. 

What we can do that Keep small pets out of their way, even though the cooper hawks will not attack pets if not hungry.

The cooper hawk has several distinct characters:

- biggish head

- lighter nape of neck

- and rounded tail

Do you know about a Cooper hawk?

# Previous postings:

- Is It Difficult to Study Art History? - Part 1 - Art 5 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Do You Know that Plants can Memorize Information? - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Fish and Shellfish Sold by Local Groceries – Part 1- Food Variety 18 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- When is Spring Coming in your Place? - Part 1 - Gardening and Hobby 24 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Our Nearby Neighborhood was Visited by Alligators – Critters 4 | Tanza Erlambang Update

The Historical Snow in Our State

Third week of January 2025, our city, Baton Rouge, Louisiana got snow after 7 years. The last snow was in 2018. 

Fig 01 - A little snowman

This is a historical snow, and some people called it "a miracle" for warmer area like our state, a southern state.

Some interesting facts for southerners like us are:

- snow reached 9 inches (23 cm) 

- snow last for several days. 

- freezing temperatures at 10.4 F (minus, -12 C)

- many kids and pets see snow fall for first time.  

- some neighbors have enjoyed time 

Fig 02 - A Cat enjoys the snow

This kind of snow and freezing temperatures had been recorded in 1895. Quite very long time ago. 

Fig 03 - Snow in neighborhood

# Important postings:

- Our Neighborhood Getting Ready for Summer – Sign 47 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Herbs Show at Our City Park – Sign 19 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 04 - Pink Sky in the winter

What wonder me that the sky look pinky during winter season. Do you know the answer?

Fig 05 - View of pink sky

Fig 06 - A dog, first time snow

Fig 07 - Snow in the city

How about snow in your areas?

# Previous postings:

- Squirrels Population in our Neighborhood – Critters 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update
- Is It Difficult to Study Art History? - Part 1 - Art 5 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Do You Know that Plants can Memorize Information? - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Fish and Shellfish Sold by Local Groceries – Part 1- Food Variety 18 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- When is Spring Coming in your Place? - Part 1 - Gardening and Hobby 24 | Tanza Erlambang Update

A Blue Heron with Plastic Cup Stuck on Beak - Critter 90

We saw a Blue Heron with bottle or cup stuck on its beak at the Green Trails Lake, one of lakes in our city.

Fig 01 - A heron with plastic cap

Another day, we drove by the lake multiple times, then just a few hours ago in recently. We did not see the bird.

We have no idea what other lakes it might go to, though we have checked at least at five other lakes in around our city areas.

We have spoken to several people and institutions. Wildlife and fisheries will not help, they say let nature take its course or contact a wildlife rehabilitation group or person.

The same with LSU (University), rehab people told us that if we bring to them, they will take it, but they will not come help with anything.

Fig 02 - A confuse heron.

# Some Previous postings:

- The Banana Tree Produces Fruit in Our State - Gardening and Hobby 60 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Repairs for Small Engines - Sign 64 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 03 - The bird walks around

We hope maybe someone else saw it and was able to help

Fig 04 - Still with a plastic cup

Do you have any suggestions?

# Previous postings:

- A Little dog on the Street – Critters 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Lighthouse for Helping People with Disabilities – Sign 4 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Do You Know that Plants can Memorize Information? - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Local Honey in the Farmer Market – Part 2 – Food Variety 17 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Squirrels Population in our Neighborhood – Critters 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update

The Flash-Roasted Broccoli with Spicy Crumbs - Food Variety 38

Just simple recipe of the Flash-Roasted Broccoli with Spicy Crumbs. The recipe was modified from several sources.

Fig 01 - Spicy broccoli. 

Ingredients: 2 ounces sliced pepperoni 1 garlic clove, sliced 1 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs) 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 pounds broccoli, trimmed and cut into long spears Salt 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Fig 02 - Fresh vegetable

Directions: Preheat the oven to 425°. In a mini food processor, pulse the pepperoni with the garlic until finely chopped. Add the panko and pulse just to combine. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the crumb mixture and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Scrape onto a plate and let cool. Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss the broccoli with the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and season with salt. Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes, turning once, until tender and browned in spots. Spread the mustard on one side of the broccoli and press the broccoli into the crumbs. Transfer the broccoli to a platter, sprinkle with any remaining crumbs and serve.

Fig 03 - Broccoli, sold in Walmart.

Have a great weekend

# Previous postings:

- Special Parking for Low Emission Vehicles - Sign 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Talented Students to Display Their Paintings – Part 2 - Art 4 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Why Turtles Produce almost All Female Hatchlings Recently? - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Local Honey in the Farmer Market – Part 1 – Food Variety 17 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- A Little dog on the Street – Critters 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

The Eastern Phoebe Hummingbird - Critter 89

We saw the Eastern Phoebe Hummingbird quite early; the bird should migrate to our neighborhood around as soon as the end of February. 

Fig 01 - Perching, The Eastern Phoebee.

The best time to observe the Eastern Phoebe is about March, when peak migration from South (central) America to Southern Canada (North America), and stop by at our city, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

They may stay in our areas until late spring or summer, but very rare to be seen. The early migration for this year might be relate to severe weather at wintering grounds or lack of food sources.

The bird sounds like fee-bee. With “bee” slightly lower in tone. You can listen on the Merlin bird id app or the Audubon app. Probably available online as well.

Fig 02 - Cute little bird.

# Important postings:

- Goslings at the Neighborhood Lake – Critters 5 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Are Red Silkies a Rare Breed Chicken? - Critter 25 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 03 - Seeds for wild birds, illustration only.

The bird might be attracted by our foods in the feeder. Our main food that is dried mealworms.

Moreover, in addition to the mealworms, we have both white and golden safflower, black oil sunflower seed, sunflower seeds with no shell, white millet, shelled peanuts, and suet nuggets.

Fig 04 - The Eastern Phoebe, calm

Have you heard the Eastern Phoebe Hummingbird sounds in nature?

## Previous postings:

- Vaccinated but Mask Up - Sign 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Talented Students to Display Their Paintings – Part 1 - Art 4 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Why Turtles Produce almost All Female Hatchlings Recently? - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Ways in “Caching” for Speeding Up Web Server – Part 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Special Parking for Low Emission Vehicles - Sign 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update

The Roselle in the Yard - Gardening and Hobby 64

Roselle with scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa comes from warm regions and grow well in the tropical and subtropical temperatures. 

Fig 01 - The calyces of Roselle. 

Since our city has warm climate, we may find some of the Roselle flowers in our neighborhood areas.

As you might know that the plants have calyces which are red (light part) parts, not fruit of flowers. 

I don't know the benefits of calyces or never aware whoever consumed them in our neighborhood but reported by Southern University A&M College systems (2024, Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa): A Functional Food) that Calyces could be used as jams, tea (beverages) and other purposes.

Fig 02 - Leaves and calyces 

Do you know about calyces of Roselle?

# Previous postings:

- Zinnia Flower and Vincent Van Gogh – Part 2 - Art 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Hawks to Control Rats at Neighborhood - Critters 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Do you Favor to Certain Chicken Egg Colors? - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Ways in “Caching” for Speeding Up Web Server – Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Vaccinated but Mask Up - Sign 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update