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

We buy grapes in the farmer market sometimes, especially on Tuesday market close to home.

Unexpectedly, we noticed the grape like fruit recently.

Fig 01- The grape like fruits, Muscadine

The shape are similar to grapes, its called as Muscadine with scientific name is Vitis rotundifolia. Common grape for wine has scientific name Vitis vinifera. So, both Muscadine and grape have the same genus, Vitis.

Then, few differences of Muscadine compared to grapes are:

- rounder or oval berry shape

- thicker and tougher skin

- contain about 5 seeds in each fruit.

- flesh is clear and translucent

Fig 02- A statue, just for illustration

Fig 03- Plants, just for illustration

Fig 04- Muscadine jelly, sold in Walmart

I bought one color only, but many colors are found in the market, we believe common colors are:

- light bronze

- pink

- purple

- black

- light green

This fruit is native to America, grows mainly in the areas of southeastern and south central USA.

# To be continued to Part 2

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Goslings at the Neighborhood Lake – Critters 5

We have several lakes at our neighborhood area, one of them is called as “the lower lake.”

The size is not so big, but beautiful in my opinion.

Fig 01- Sleepy goslings

People come for walking, jogging or just watching wildlife around the lake. Crowd on Saturday and Sunday.

Canadian geese are pretty much in number. We easily spot them play around at our neighborhood.

Actually, they are “migrant refugees” from Canada or from some Northern states of America.

These geese avoid freezing temperature during winter seasons, and plenty of them have tried to adapt in Southern states of America.

Fig 02- A couple of geese

Fig 03- You may see “a little crocodile”

Fig 04- Look little closer of “crocodile”

Fig 05- Geese seem watching visitors

Fig 06- A couple might worry

Canadian geese have favorite locations, and they love to make nest on the sites such as:

- elevated areas

- top of little hills

- in the bushes and around lakes

Geese produce around 5 eggs per breeding season. Incubation period is about 28 days.

I think like other fowls that during incubation, female geese will not leave her nest for eating or other reasons.

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Neighborhood Watch in Communities – Sign 6

I have seen several signs of “neighborhood watch” at the some streets in my community.

The Fig 01 (at below) sign was old one, need to be replaced.

Fig 01- A sign of Neighborhood watch in a community

As you might know that neighborhood watch is a program to bond among 3 parties:

- residents in certain area

- businesses

- policies

This program was initiated by The National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) in 1972, about 50 years ago.

Fig 02- Sky and tower in the city

The main purpose is to help residents and law enforcement at neighborhood level.

Fig 03- At the farmer market

Now days, it is estimated more than 5,000 local agencies involve in the watch program.

Fig 04- Flowers in the garden

How to involve in neighborhood watch program?

The programs of neighborhood watch are run by volunteer. The volunteers come from neighbors. Just register to be a volunteer.

Is the neighborhood watch program success to reduce crime?

Since the members are volunteers, the “measure” of success is relate to:

- improving relationship between residents and polices

- giving crucial tips to law enforcement to prevent a crime (robbery or burglary)

- preparing residents to handle disaster

Have your neighborhoods this kind of program?

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

You may read previous posting (Part 1):

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

Fig 01- Yellow Canna at a corner

Season of Spring in the American northern states is happening about from March to the end of May.

Quite late compared to Southern states

I myself feel spring when temperature reaches above F 55 degree or above C 13 degree.

Off course, other people have their own convenient to call as spring temperature or spring weather condition.

Fig 02- Dogwood flowers

Fig 03- A small tree of magnolia

Fig 04- White dogwood flowers at parking lot.

In our area, especially in our neighborhood, the sign of spring relate to flowers blooming, two of them are:

- magnolia with scientific name, Magnolia grandiflora.

- dogwood flowers, Cornus florida.

When both Magnolia and Dogwood flowers are blooming mean spring is coming.

It is around early or middle of February every year. Strangely, flowers are blooming almost on March.

What is a sign of spring in your country or state?

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Fish and Shellfish Sold by Local Groceries – Part 2 - Food Variety 18

You may read previous posting (Part 1):

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Fig 01- Medium size shrimp

Shrimp landing about 100 millions pound at previous years, but less than 30% in recent years.

Surprisingly, the size of shrimp getting smaller as well.

Less landing due to some factors such as:

- Lower fishing activities due to lower price of import shrimp

- Flooding rains from nearby river

Fig 02- Non frozen Crab, shrimp and fish

Fig 03- Flounder at seafood market

Illegal import is increasing without control. Unfortunately, the import is lower quality due to using of :

- antibiotic

- and certain chemical substances

Law enforcement seem lack of resources to check illegal foreign shrimps. Thus, consumers need to rely on basic information before buying somethings.

It is important to know where our seafood come from and quality of what of food will we consume.

Buy local, help neighbors.

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Is a Good Friday a Holiday in Your Places? - Sign 5

In case you didn’t know, a Good Friday is a day to commemorate Jesus crucifixion.

Jesus Christ sacrificing and suffering are important part in the Christian faith, and his believers.

Fig 01- A little chick with a big egg.

A Good Friday is two days before Easter Sunday. Both days are not federal holidays in the USA.

Luckily, there are 12 states declare A Good Friday as a state holiday. Sure, offices are closed during this important day.

Hence, no public services in the administration levels of:

- counties

- municipalities

- state.

Fig 02- Sky in the public space.

What 12 states of 50 states in the America which have a state holiday of a Good Friday?

Fig 03- A little garden at the corner

Here are the list of 12 states:

- Connecticut

- Delaware

- Florida

- Hawaii

- Indiana and Kentucky

- Louisiana and New Jersey

- North Carolina and North Dakota

- Tennessee and Texas

Is a Good Friday a holiday in your countries or places?

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