Communing With Nature

Ah, it's been awhile since I've posted here. I've just wanted to chill out and take a break. But here I am now after a few days. It just shows I can't stay away too long from blogging. I miss interacting with my online friends.

One of the most relaxing activity for me is going for a hike with hubby and communing with nature. (Not forgetting the camera, of course. ) It's a way of releasing your negative energy and renewing your spirit.


Last Sunday, we went to the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Berkeley.

"It's a naturally beautiful and tranquil living museum of California native plants. This enchanting 10-acre garden is a sanctuary for many of the state's rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state. Since the garden's establishment in 1940, its collection has grown to include thousands of plant species and varieties, many identified with interpretive labels. "-http://www.nativeplants.org

There's a scheduled tour of the garden throughout the day
and this group is waiting for the tour guide.

Majestic Redwoods.







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Elusive Hummingbird

I love watching hummingbirds. I haven't seen many this summer, so I decided to buy salvia plants.

Last Sunday, we bought the blue variety called Salvia guaranitica or an anise-scented sage. After 2 minutes of arranging it in the balcony, a brave hummingbird sampled its nectar immediately even if I was just a meter away from it. I called hubby and we watched it together. Alas, we didn't get to record the wondrous occasion that day. But it's imprinted in our minds.


Just in case it showed up when I was home, I readied the camera in the kitchen on video mode. Finally, I got a chance yesterday afternoon. I was so ecstatic! It was so fast but I managed to capture it for a few seconds through the screen door. So here, I'm sharing the joy with you. Enjoy!



The Native Americans believe that the hummingbird is the creature that opens the heart.


"When we assume hummingbird consciousness, our life becomes a wonderland of sensuous delights. We live for beauty, delighting in flowers, aromas, fine mist, and delicate tastes. When it becomes our totem, the hummingbird teaches us to laugh and enjoy the creation, to appreciate the magic of being alive, and the truth of beauty. Hummingbirds awaken us to the beauty of the present moment."-http://hummingbirdworld.com



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Savory Bistek

"Bistek is a Philippine dish typically made with onions and strips of sirloin beef slowly cooked in soy sauce, and calamansi juice. It is best prepared by marinating the meat first in the mixture of soy sauce or calamansi juice. Bistek is not always made with sirloin beef steaks since pork chops and liver, or even fish fillets, can be used as a substitute. The word "bistek" is derived from the Spanish word Bistec or Beef Steak."- wikipedia.org

Ingredients:

* 1 lb beef sirloin or beef round steak, sliced thinly
* 7 tbsp. lemon/calamansi juice; vinegar can be
used as substitute if calamansi isn't available
* 4 tbsp. soy sauce
* 1 tsp. minced garlic
* a dash of salt & freshly ground pepper
* 1/2 cup onion rings
* cooking oil, as needed
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 tbsp. flour


1. Marinate the beef in lemon juice, soy sauce,1/2 tsp. garlic, salt & pepper for 30 minutes to an hour.

2. Heat oil, remove meat from marinade & then fry in batches until seared or browned on both sides.


3. Put 2 tbsp. of oil in frying pan, then saute remaining garlic with onion rings until the latter is translucent.

4. Remove onion rings and set aside.

5. Mix flour well with water for the purpose of thickening the sauce.

6. Pour the marinade & flour-water mix into the pan with the beef. Let it simmer for 8- 10 minutes.

7. Adjust taste by adding soy sauce, calamansi & spices according to taste.

8. Garnish with onion rings when bistek is served.


Hubby really enjoyed this one when I made it last week. Try it and enjoy! :)
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