The Patty Pan Squash Seasons - Food 43

The Patty Pan Squash includes in the family of Cucurbitaceae. Some of well known this family members are melons, zucchini and cucumbers.

Image 1- First patty pan squash of the season.

This vegetable has a round shape with scalloped edges, hence it is also called as a scallop squash.

We may see the colors of Patty pan squash could be white, green, yellow, orange and stripes in the commercial market.

In our areas, Baton Rouge, the Patty pan squash is a summer vegetable which has the best time to harvest from July to September, and even until October.

We love to buy the Patty pan squash in the nearby farmers markets during late August to early September, since the price pretty much lower.

Image 2- the Patty pan squash plant.

As you know that the Patty pan squash plant has a slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture. It is a delicious vegetable, can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Image 3- The patty pan squash, sold in Walmart

Do you like the patty pan squash?

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The Eastern Box Turtle Visited Our Yard - Nature 92

The name come from the habitat where turtle live, yes, habitat of this turtle is the eastern of United States, include our state Louisiana.

Image 1- The Eastern Box Turtle on the grass

The size of the turtle was about 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) in length. The carapace has brown color with markings. 

The scientific name of this critter is Terrapene carolina which is a terrestrial turtle. The Eastern box turtle may be found in habitats such as woodlands, meadows and forests (little forest).

We saw them have visited our yard several times. We gave them fruits, vegetables and fresh water. Actually, in nature, the Eastern Box turtles consume these foods in addition to worms and insects. 

Image 2- The antique car, just for illustration.

Just to let you know, it is illegal to remove or capture the wild Eastern box turtle in our state, Louisiana. However, we may buy them as a pet from certified breeding or legal pet shops.

Image 3- The turtle moving away.

Is it legal to capture terrestrial wild turtle in your areas?

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The Wildflower at the Corner - Nature 91

We have the tomatoes plants, and we saw a kind of wildflowers grow between them. Suddenly, the flowers blooming during the hot summer.

Image 1- The red wildflower, blooming

GoogleID has identified this wildflower as a Common zinnia, a scientific name for the flower is Zinnia elegans.

Yes, our neighborhoods have zinnia (The Rainbow Before Evening : Zinnia Flowers Grow Well in the Neighborhood – Nature 80), but we never planted this kind of zinnia.   

We believed that zinnia seed carried by wild birds, animals (raccoons or squirrels) or blown by the wind from nearby neighborhood, then voluntarily grown in the small garden. It is possible that zinnia will grow at other part of the yards.

Image 2 - Two wild zinnias in the garden

Actually, Zinnia elegans is one of the popular ornamental plant grown for its colorful flowers (red, yellow, orange, pink, purple and white). Blooming from summer to fall seasons.

Image 3 - Three wild zinnias in the garden.

Do you know about common zinnia?

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A Rooster on the Run - Nature 90

 We saw a beautiful rooster at the corner of our area this morning. Actually, he was moving from one spot to another.

Image 1- A roster at the roadside.

Just to let you know that our city, Baton Rouge allows for raising chickens, but depending on property sizes.

In case of properties smaller than an acre (4,047 square meters), we are allowed to have up to 3 hens only, and roosters are prohibited at all.

It is because roosters make noise quite loud, they are very vocal, especially in the early morning. 

The roosters may crow as early as 4.00 am, so who lives in a close-knit neighborhood will complain.

Image 2- Flowering, just for illustration.

If we have more than one acre land, we may ask a permit from city to have more hens and a rooster. Some people said that raising roosters may be a rewarding experience.

Image 3 - A rooster at the same spot

Have you experienced raising chickens?

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Have you Seen and Tasted Okra Flowers? - Food 42

I believe that almost all of you have tasted Okra, but you might never see and tasted Okra flowers. 

Image 1- Okra flower, look pretty.

The flower looks trumpet-shaped with color of light yellow. Okra flowers have 5 petals with size of 4 to 8 cm (1.5 to 3 inches) in diameter.

They do self-fertilize which means the flowers no need pollinators for pollinating. In our area, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the blooming in summer months since its warm season crop.

In the August month when temperature average is about 84* F (29* C), hence, a perfect time for Okra flowering. Okra flowers are edible, and could be mixed with soups, salads and other local dishes.

Image 2- Okra vegetable, sold in Walmart.

Okra flowers are known as a good source of vitamins such as vitamins A and C, and contains antioxidants to protect our body against damage from free radicals.

Image 3- The Okra flower, light yellow

Have you Seen and Tasted Okra Flowers?

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The Leaf-footed Bugs on the Plant - Nature 89

We saw insects on the leaves of bell pepper plant. After first searching through Google, we doubt about the kinds of insects.

Image 1- The Leaf-footed bugs on the bell pepper plant.

We wonder whether they are the Leaf-footed bugs or assassin bugs. The Leaf-footed bug is a bad buck, while assassin is a good bug.

We did further research, then we believe that the bug is the Leaf-footed bug. This bug is found in many countries, especially in the tropic and sub tropic regions. They look like love warmer climates.

Actually, the bug is commonly found in the southern states of America like in our state, Louisiana, and there are about at least 90 species of leaf-footed bugs across America. So, no surprise that the bugs attack our plants are leaf-footed bugs.

Image 2- The leaf-footed bug Vs Assassin bug (credit to LSU Ag Center).

Leaf-footed bugs consume on variety of plant, just some of them are vegetables, nuts, ornamentals and fruits. If the bugs present in great numbers, then they may cause significant damage to the plants.

Image 3- Tomatoes and peppers, illustration

Have you ever seen the Leaf-footed bugs?

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Storms in the Middle of Hot Summer - Nature 88

As you know, this hot summer may reach more than 100* F (38* C) in many places in the world. Unfortunately, summer is storms season too in our city.

Image 1 - The tree hit by storm at our areas.

We have experienced hit by several storms recently. We saw, there was a tree struck by wind, just few branches fell down.

However, other quick storms knocked down trees which brought down a slew of powerlines, then causing residents in the dark. 

Across our areas, outage effects on more than 2 thousand homes. Can you imagine darkness and no AC in the middle of higher temperatures?

Few stores around our neighborhood outage as well. Stores just accept cash, no credit or debit cards.

Image 2- Dark in one of Dolar General stores.

Moreover, actually, some storms brought much needed rain like several days ago. Our neighborhood got 1 to 1.5 inches of rain.

Image 3- The same tree, hit by wind.

How about in your areas?

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