The Rusted Hydrants - Sign 76

 The firefighters used the fire hydrant on the corner of Antioch and Monitor in our neighborhood areas.

Fig 01 - Out of service

The firefighters were able to swiftly access the necessary water from the hydrant at Antioch and Monitor.

Fire hydrants, particularly those with monitor nozzles, are essential for delivering a controlled, high- velocity water stream to effectively fight fires.

Now the fire hydrant is marked with an out of service tag. This really concerns many of our neighbors.

They haven't been maintained in years. Almost certainly, the hydrants will not work when you need them most.

Fig 02 - The rusted hydrant

When was the last time they were ready tested?

Not sure

Fig 03 - The hydrant needed to be replaced

We should call the city, mayor, local fire department, and city commissioner as well as state officials to replace these hydrants.

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The Whistling Ducks in the Water - Critter 77

 We talked about this critter previously: The Black-bellied Whistling Duck on the Roof - Critter 64 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 01 - Ducs and ducklings in the pool

Some people said that they are odd ducks. They stand on one foot like a flamingo, will roost in trees and stand on rooftops.

The little ducklings have black feet and bills, which then turn that pink/orange color as they mature.

Actually, we see them in the nearby lakes such as in the area called as "Green Trails" all the time. Last year we watched two broods grow up and fly away.

However, Whistling Ducks are quite comfortable in urban environments. There’s a family that enjoys our neighborhood’s pool.

Fig 02 - Ducks swimming in the river

Have you seen this critter? Where?

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The African Daisy - Gardening and Hobby 55

Refer to its name, the African Daisy natives South Africa, then grow well in the warmer climate regions. 

Figure - Blooming of the African Daisy. 

The African Daisy also called as Gazania is getting population in many places nowadays, it is because the plants:

- have vibrant blooms 

- adaptability

- and bring a burst of color to any garden. 

They spent winter in my house and have come back strong in the sun at the yard, during Spring and Summer seasons. So brilliant and might brighten in the morning till before noon.

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A Male House Finch - Critter 76

 We talked about a House Finch at previous post. The bird is one of common birds in North America. 

Fig 01- A male house finch 

You may read the previousposted: 

- We Have Observed a House Finch at Neighborhood - Critter 66 | Tanza Erlambang Update

We believe, the bird is a male House Finch with typical characteristics that has reddish coloration on his:

- head

- breast

- and rump

Fig 02 - Coloration of breast

The house finches often seen in backyard, especially at our bird feeders. They love seed and fruits.

Fig 03 - The bird turns his head

Do you familiar with this bird?

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Vegetable Plants at the Neighborhood Market

Some of our neighbors open a kind of markets during Spring or Summer seasons, the two-weekly market. 

Fig 01 - Seedling vegetable plants.

I think having neighbors sell their own goods can be more than interesting, even a great way to build a sense of community and support local businesses. 

Typical goods that neighbors selling are:

- produce 

- baked goods.

- crafts 

- arts

- Homegrown seedlings/ vegetable plants

Fig 02 - Two neighbors sell their plants

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Fig 03 - Some plants.

We observed some plants on the sells: cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, eggplants, squash, zucchini, ground cherries, passion fruit, and sweet melons.

Fig 04 - Homemade Jelly, made of several fruits. 

In addition to plants, they sell jelly too. We can find jelly of pepper, strawberry, pineapple and jalapeño.

Fig 05 - Plants for sale. 

The price of the seedling plants was about US$3.5 each, they are including eggplants, peppers, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes and melons.

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Caroline Wren Babies in the Mailbox - Critter 75

Surprisingly, we saw the bird made a nest in our mailbox. We have been watching the progress from eggs to these sweet babies for the last few weeks.

Fig - The babies' bird in the mailbox

The bird's mom won’t stay still for a good picture. We personally think it's a very heartwarming image.

After searching through Google, it is highly probably that the bird's species are Carolina wrens. It is because the birds are notorious for making nests in inconvenient places such as above doors or mailboxes.

Caroline wren nests are built from a combination of:

- leaves

- moss

- twigs

- and other debris.

The inside of the nest is then lined with soft materials, some of them are feathers and fur.

Have you enjoyed with this kind of experience?

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The Sign of We Pay Cash - Sign 75

 We saw quite a lot of signs around our neighborhood recently.  One of them is "We Pay Cash"

Fig - Sign of we pay cash.

It reasonable to buy second hand running car for resale, but what are purposes to buy wrecked and flooded cars?  

We find "surprising" answer that wrecked and flooded cars could be exported to under developing countries. 

Sure, these cars will be repaired before putting back on the road. These countries have "less stringent regulations."

Other reasons are (after searching through internet):

- vehicles often yield valuable parts that can be resold or used for repairing other vehicles.

- Although a vehicle may be beyond repair, it retains value as scrap metal. The buyer can extract and sell materials such as steel, copper, and aluminum.

- Certain buyers possess the skills and resources to reconstruct a wrecked vehicle, offering an opportunity to acquire a car at a significantly reduced cost.

What do you think?

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