THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Today as we await the fury of the strong typhoon Rolly threatening yet to become a super typhoon, everyone I met in my walk this morning seem calm.  The sky was clear, free from clouds and the sun was shining bright.  I felt like it was too quiet for comfort since I learned that the calm is caused by the dry air left behind when the unstable, warm and moist air is being sucked into the typhoon system. . 

But I couldn't deny the undercurrent of nervousness around while others in far flang provinces maybe feeling fearful because of the damage it can do to their properties.  My heart goes out to people in provinces where the last typhoon Quinta devastated their homes, livestock and crops.  Now it looks like this next typhoon is headed their way once again.  On the flip side, many are also in denial, hoping against hope that it will change course so as not to disturb their lives. 

We all know the extent of what a typhoon can do, the falling down of trees and electric posts rendering loss of power.  The surroundings will be dark and our refrigerators won't work. Moreover, our cell phones and gadgets will not work as well to the frustration of many. 

Farmers fear for their crops especially at this time when harvest is near.  Some also need to protect their homes especially if they are made of lighter materials that could easily be blown away rendering them  homeless. 

Fishermen were already warned not to go out to sea and secure their bangcas instead.  There are places where the people's only source of food and income is fishing making thier situation doubly difficult. 

Of course we have no way of preventing nature's wrath,  we can only soften the blow if we are prepared.  Experts warn to anticipate hazards like falling trees, storm surge, landslides and floods so we know how to protect ourselves.  Broadcasters on tv and radio give hourly updates and advise the public to be ready with essentials like drinking water, flashlights, candles, ready-to-eat food,  batteries, etc.  To reinforce  plants; dismantle weak/ temporary structures, secure items in the garage and everything lying around outside the house. 

Lastly, lets pray for safe deliverance, the Oratio Imperata is a suggested prayer not only for protection against COVID 19 but also for other disasters. 

I like to quote my friend Nina's post on Facebook today telling us to have faith: hopefully, it will keep our anxiety at bay: 

"We may not understand why we are going through difficult times, but don't try to figure it out.  Not matter what happens, keep trusting God. Do not let fear and doubt rob us of our hopes.  He knows how to bless us in unexpected ways, let us not lean on our own understanding.  He will make straight our paths. Maniwala, Magtiwala, Magtiaga.( believe, trust and be patient)." 

Stay safe everyone, be prepared and alert. Hopefully the typhoon will not come during the night. 

COST OF ORNAMENTALS REACHED AN ALL-TIME HIGH DURING THE PANDEMIC

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 Our family has a knack in gardening.  All of us siblings and our children have at least a pocket garden at home if there is no yard.  This is also true in my husband's family. 

My younger daughter who lives abroad has acquired several ornamentals in recent months.  Early on she didn't pursue this because she and her husband often travel.  During this pandemic when she now works from home, she finally indulged in this hobby. 

I was chatting online with her last night after sending her a picture of a week-old, not yet established lemon lime rubber tree plant selling for 200 php in marketplace.   I know she has three kinds of rubber tree plant and I was curious how prices compare.

While it is true that prices of plants vary depending on location, I didn't realize how prohibitive rare ornamentals cost nowadays.  I was surprised to learn that it is being blown out of proportion; cost could run to thousands, up to 100k php or even triple that for special decorative plants. Though that could be an exception because of beauty and rarity.  With that money, I said I could already buy decent jewelry. 

I grew up in the province during the time when most of our ornamentals were from cuttings shared by neighbors.  Well, with the exception of my papa's magnolia tree and fruit-bearing ponderosa Chico trees that I know he purchased. 

In the late 50's and early 60's when bougainvilleas became a craze, people in our province shared mature twigs of their plants to friends and neighbors to propagate.   In the late 70's my housemaid grew several plants the same way.  

So why is there a  price spike on plants now?   Could it be the pandemic when most of us are at home that we diverted our attention to plants?   Or is it Instagram post-worthy since there isn't much to post at this time?  True, we haven't been dining out and most of us do not even go out at all so what is there to post except our activities at home?  I also noticed on Facebook that most dining out posts are throwbacks.

Moreover, I believe that acquisition of rare ornamentals has become a status symbol.  Nowadays I see zoom interactions of broadcasters, celebrities, politicians and resource guests on tv with tall and rare ornamentals in the background. 

Pre-COVID, a friend who is a flowering ornamentals aficionado said that some of her plants were bought online, like bougainvilleas costing 3k-5k php.  Not really used to buying plants, I cringed hearing that. 

Nevertheless, I myself was not immune to this current craze.  In July I also bought a 6-foot flowering bougainvillea for 900 php which is already a bargain.  Call me a scrimp but I still consider that a splurge.   On the other hand,  I was able to propagate at least 10 bougainvillea varieties from cuttings given by friends and neighbors.   Planted in June, most of them are now 2-feet tall. 

How about you?  Were you also lured by the plant craze?  Or did you prefer baking or selling items on line.  I'd love to hear your pandemic hobby.