The Historical Snow in Our State

Wednesday, January 29, 2025
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

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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?

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

Friday, January 24, 2025
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.

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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?

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

Monday, January 20, 2025
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

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The Eastern Phoebe Hummingbird - Critter 89

Wednesday, January 8, 2025
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.

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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?

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The Roselle in the Yard - Gardening and Hobby 64

Saturday, January 4, 2025
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?

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A Lonely White Parakeet - Critter 88

Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Parakeets are not native bird of our state, Louisiana. They come from other countries about hundred years ago


Image - A white parakeet

We saw a lonely white parakeet close by our neighborhood area. We believe it is a pet belongs to a neighbor.

This bird is one of popular pets in our city. People love this pet, based on internet resources, it is because of some reasons that are: 
- social bird
- colorful 
- small size
- could bring happiness 

Who interests with Parakeet may find it in the pet shops for adoption with reasonable price in the city.

Do you familiar with a White Parakeet?

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The Homemade Cranberry Sauce - Food Variety 37

Tuesday, December 24, 2024
I believe there are no specific Cranberry Sauce in our state, Louisiana. Yes, Louisiana people have several names of its. 


Fig 01 - Cranberry Sauce.

Due to local influences or inspired, other names for Cranberry sauces in our state, Louisiana are:
1) Cajun spiced Cranberry sauce
- Spicy things up with cayenne pepper, onions, and garlic powder. Add some herbal such as thyme or oregano

2) Creole Cranberry sauce
- Achieve a savory flavor profile by utilizing Creole seasonings, a flavorful blend of herbs and spices.


Fig 02 - Fresh Satsuma

Tastes of Louisiana Cranberry sauces may also be influenced by seafood, sweet and savory balances.


Fig 03 - Cooking sauce