An Apple a Day

The Heat is On!

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:49:33 +0000

Ughhhh! It's been getting hotter and hotter everyday. I moved my gardening time to 5:30 already since the heat has been unbearable.

I also busted out my neck fan to keep me cool while puttering around the garden. Sweetie got it for me way back and I'm glad it still works. One of these days I'll probably bring out a portable fan already, haha.

Stay hydrated and cool everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Bataan Day

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:39:26 +0000

My Papa Lolo marched across Bataan in 1942. He survived and according to my Mom saved a fellow soldier, carrying him so he wouldn't be struck by a bayonet.

And today we honor all those who were forced to participate in the death march 84 years ago. I cannot imagine the horrors they went through on that day. It also brought a lot of heartbreak for the families of those who perished.

Let us remember them with love and grateful hearts 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

Improvement Due to Pulmo Rehab

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:29:18 +0000

I re-started my pulmo rehab sessions last January. I preferred it over physiotherapy for my knee. I've also been consistently using my spirometer everyday.

The annual PE included a chest x-ray. I put my previous x-ray side by side with the new one and was surprised to see some improvements. I have no idea how to interpret x-rays, but my right chest looked clearer than last time. The head pulmo rehab therapists also told me my lungs looked better.

I was supposed to see my doctors yesterday, but I wasn't feeling well so I had to reschedule. Our priority is to keep the healthy parts of my lungs stable, so any improvement is a big plus. My heart though is bonkers. Oh well.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Got a Bag for My Mom's Sewing Machine

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:02:00 +0000

Mom's sewing machine (the one I bought for her) is in my maker room. I tested it and it's working and it's my back up sewing machine. I just used my sewing machine's cover to keep it dust free, but I thought it needs better storage since it doesn't fit any if my cabinets.

I couldn't find any sewing machine bag locally. Found an affordable one on Amazon with free shipping. I received it last week and I'm pleased with the quality of the bag. It has a lot of compartments and would be great for traveling. Now I want one for my main sewing machine, hahaha.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Catifying Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:10:14 +0000

We all grew up with dogs in our home, so we didn't have any experience having pet cats. My Mom didn't like cats because they always ruined her plants.

Fast forward to 2022, when we noticed that our new home came with a cat. For a random reason we had brought home two cans of cat food*. We gave to him and soon enough he had a name, Grey.

Word spread fast and we eventually had other cats visiting to eat and the kittens were born! We scrambled to learn how to care for cats and kittens. Here's what we learned:

1. Feed them at specific times and in specific areas. Remove leftovers so it doesn't attract pests. Make sure their drinking water is always fresh.

2. Bring them to the vet for vaccination and deworming. Spay and neuter them. This keeps both you and your cats protected plus you get calmer cats.

3. Designate cat toilets by placing litter boxes. Keep it clean. Don't put it near where they eat.

4. Boxes are the best beds for them. Don't bother with expensive beds, they prefer boxes. You can use mats or old towels as their bedding. Keep it clean.

5. Protect your plants by placing used disposable forks (cleaned of course), so they don't use your plants as a bed or toilet. Keep poisonous plants out of reach from cats.

6. Playtime is important. Just make toys yourself, they'll appreciate it more than expensive toys.

7. Don't cut their nails. They use it to defend themselves.

8. Respect their boundaries. Not all cats like being petted. Let them take the lead.

Everytime I step outside, I call each of our fur babies by name. I ask them to call those who are not around and soon enough they're all present.

I ♥️ my kitties 😻

#BeKind #StaySafe

Happy Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:54:00 +0000

Happy Easter everyone!

I'm relieved that Lent is over and we can celebrate Easter! We were planning to have a Christmas-like feast, but Miggy isn't feeling well. We had him rest and will hopefully do our planned feast tomorrow.

We stepped out this afternoon to support our friends' pop-up cafe at the park. I've been missing their coffee so this was a perfect opportunity to try their new product, peppermint mocha coffee. Yum!

May you all have a blessed Easter Sunday!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Black Saturday 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:39:34 +0000

I'm still observing quiet time.

Have a blessed day everyone.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Good Friday 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:38:18 +0000

A prayerful Good Friday to everyone 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

Holy Thursday 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:52:52 +0000

Have a prayerful Holy Thursday 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

Annual Physical Exam

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:33:32 +0000

Before I take a break for a few days, I wanted to share my experience doing my annual PE at St. Luke's BGC.

There was no traffic, so I arrived 40 minutes earlier than my appointment. We also got lucky and was able to park easily since it was a Sunday. The facility wasn't full too since it was Palm Sunday.

Check-in was easy and we haven't warmed the couch when my 4-hour journey started. I chose the cardiometabolic program and added OB related tests since I'm due. In between tests I had breaks and Sweetie and I had breakfast and lunch at the center. They even had my favorite St. Luke's spaghetti! The medical staff and doctors were friendly and efficient. They just need to review how to assist patients on wheelchairs.

I have to be honest though, the path to the day was rocky. My insurance company promised I could do the APE overnight, but I was only approved for out-patient. They tried to appeal it, but the approver did not budge.

Reserving a slot wasn't a walk in the park. My doctor's assistant warned it would take a month to book. We went to the center in person and got an appointment. If you have inquiries, it's better to go there as the reservations team isn't very responsive on emails and their system has a lot of glitches. Imagine receiving a cancellation ping on Viber two days before your appointment even though you didn't cancel. They also keep sending annoying reminders for things you've already done. That's where they need improvement.

Overall, I'm hoping they improve their reservations team and system, I wouldn't mind doing my tests there again next year.

#BeKind

Can I Still Save My Mom's Bougainvillea Collection?

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:46:59 +0000

The front lawn of my childhood home evolved through the years. From my younger years I remember we had santan plants, palm trees Mom used for fireworks, then a santol tree and then the past decade Mom planted a smattering of plants and she grew a huge bougainvillea tree.

The past few months I saw different varieties of bougainvillea bloom. I've been getting cuttings to try to propagate it. I was told it will likely not survive due to the construction. I've had some success, but I honestly don't know what varieties grew. In my haste, I just propagated them without labels, hahaha.

One has produced flowers and another one is starting to produce flowers too. I think they're the same color though. We dropped by my childhood home today and with the summer heat creeping in, I'm worried the plants might start dying. I got some cuttings again and I'll try one more time to propagate. This time I'm labeling them, haha.

Wish me luck!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Unapologetic

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:18:52 +0000

We've been experiencing flooding and sewage issues since because of the newly constructed house beside us. The previous homeowners president was vigilant in flagging them, but the one who took over never even bothered to respond to our formal letters and informal complaints. The new neighbor just kept telling us they relayed the issue to the developer.

With no action, I eventually submitted a complaint to the City Building Official. They came to inspect and they advised to rope in CENRO and the City Health Official. We then submitted a formal 15-page complaint. Both CENRO and the City Health Official also came to inspect. City Health placed chemicals to kill mosquito larvae. CENRO took care of chasing the developer who kept promising they'll fix it.

It was a formal invitation by the Building Official for arbitration and CENRO threatening to charge the developer with violations and suspending their business that finally got the developer to work on the problem. The HOA finally called us after 15 months of complaints. They asked permission on behalf of the developer to work on the sewage issue.

It's a start. We'll only know if their fixes works when it rains hard. I'm glad we pursued this issue to be resolved because it can eventually cause water damage to our property. Be careful of these build and sell developers who are only after profit.

#BeKind #StaySafe

A Sobering Week

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:01:35 +0000

On the way home from the hospital yesterday (after Miggy's gym time), I was thinking about the noticeable effects of the war.

We were on EDSA when I saw a person lying down on the pedestrian lane. Part of his legs was stretched out on the road and he looked half naked. We were on the inner lane, so I only saw it for a few seconds. I pinged MMDA on X. I was hoping they could check on him since a vehicle can run over his legs. MMDA responded to ask for the exact location, but I didnt see any update anymore.

I said a prayer for the person. I hope he is okay and can get help. Most of us are probably feeling the pinch. We experienced getting more expensive gas today. We used to top up just 1k every other week, but now it's 150% more. Got some groceries also and the increase in meat prices was huge. We paid 4k for a few items and the cashier offered to use points for me to get a discount. Let's all help where we can 🙏

Dear Lord, praying for peace and normalcy 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

What's This Plant?

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 14:44:55 +0000

Rescued one of Mom's plants, but I have no idea what it is. Before I removes the plant from it's pot I saw it was planted in an ugly pot with a bit of soil and rocks! I don't know how it survived.

Anyway, I just assumed it's an orchid. I only watered it once a week because I realized a lot of Mom's plants don't need to be watered often.

I carefully removed the soil around the stem. It was a bit hard and I was surprised the root had a bulb. It reminded me of zz plants which has rhizomes.

I tried using a plant app and Google Lens to identify the plant. I used different photos and angles, but it always gives different results. Oh well, I hope I did the right thing just putting it in a pot with coco cubes.

If you know what this plants is, please let me know!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Parmesan Crusted Garlic Cream Cheese Baked Salmon

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:16:12 +0000

It's a mouthful to say out loud, but this is one of my favorite baked salmon recipes. I learned it from Chef RV's baked seafood video. My twist is adding parmesan after lathering it with the cream cheese+ mayo mixture.

I have a video of how I make it, but I'm so behind with editing videos, haha.

Coming soon!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Busy Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:45:00 +0000

Ugh! I can't wait for the start of Holy Week. We've been so busy the past few days I need a breather. Sometimes I watch our cats and can't help be jealous since all they do all day is sleep, eat, lakwatsa, repeat. They are all so calm, they only get stressed when there are other people visiting or when the intruder comes to raid their food bowls.

I've also been making sure to spend time in the garden. Aside from watering the plants, I've been trying to re-pot at least one plant everyday. I've made a list of plants to re-pot and that helps keep me from being overwhelmed. Usually Meredith or Grogu accompanies me. They usually sit near me and watch me like they're my supervisor, haha.

I thought we'd be free tomorrow, but I just remembered we still have a meeting. Zzzzz.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Weekly Pulmo Rehab Grind

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:05:00 +0000

I've been trying my best to consistently attend my pulmo rehab sessions. Miggy also goes to the gym twice a week, so I took the opportunity to schedule my sessions when he goes.

I super love my therapists. TBH, I was supposed to continue my knee PT, but I told my doctor I prefer to have my pulmo rehab therapists take care of my exercises. The physiotherapists were really good. It was their reception area that turned me off. I already gave feedback to them through the form and hope they take it constructively.

Anyway, I always look forward to my sessions. My therapists are fun and they take care of me well. Please help me pray for one of my dear pulmo rehab therapists. He's confined again due to an illness. I'm praying he'll get well soon 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

Crazy Gasoline Prices

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:38:41 +0000

Every Tuesday in the past few weeks, gasoline prices have been increasing. This is what greeted me this morning otw to pulmo rehab.

It's 2x more than when we last got gas two weeks ago. :'(

#BeKind #StaySafe

Are Your Ready for the Summer Heat?

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:28:03 +0000

We still enjoyed some cool weather last week. It's noticeably warmer now, but there's still a nice breeze in the afternoons.

Grogu was really enjoying the breeze while we were watering the plants. We didn't have water yesterday until late evening. Good thing I still had water in my rainwater drums for the plants. The direct line to the water connection stuttered for awhile when I used the hose today.

It made me realize that we really need to prepare for summer and the effects of the ongoing war. Water drums, rechargeable appliances, enough food stock. I remember my parents made sure we had supplies during the tumultuous times in the 80s.

Keep cool everyone and pray for peace 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

Unsettling

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:47:03 +0000

All of us has started to feel the effects of the war especially when gasoline prices increased. I'm sure everything else will get more expensive. My maintenance medications will probably get more expensive too.

Scary times! I know we're far away from the war, but we don't really know where it's going. The best thing we can do for now is pray and update our go-bags and home supplies.

Pray for Peace 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

The Sili Seeds Grew Like Crazy

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:05:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I did an experiment and planted all the seeds from one free sili which I forgot about and dried up. I chucked it in a pot and it immediately started sprouting.

I got busy caring for other plants, but I knew the Sili sprouts needed to be transplanted already. I found some time yesterday and divided the sprouts into 9 grow plastic pots.

Ahh, let's see if it produces healthy sili!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Scallops in Pink Pasta

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:46:28 +0000

Sweetie told me to cook the easiest seafood meal today. I proposed baked salmon with garlic cream cheese, baked salmon sushi or scallops in pink pasta. I chose pasta since we don't need the oven for it.

I made it a bit spicy this time around to give it a kick. We like adding tajin while eating it. We both feel BR now after eating a hefty serving, hehe.

Here's how I make it:

https://youtu.be/ScXnm5BUz7U?si=zpDDnqJpgnK8llZg

#BeKind #StaySafe

Remember the Nuvali Koi Fish?

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:32:45 +0000

When Nuvali was fairly new, I remember there was a pond full of Koi fish. They would converge near you when you give them somewhere to eat.

I always had fun watching Koi fish. Their color was so bright and it was interesting to watch how a gazillion Koi fish interacted with each other.

I wonder if they're still around?

#BeLinf #StaySafe

Squats

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:49:56 +0000

My PT had me do some squats yesterday. I was okay after and even did groceries with the boys.

My whole body hurt when I woke up. My thighs were very sore, haha. I still watered my plants and played with the cats. That's all I was able to do today.

Zzzzzz.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Toyota Sewing Machines?

noreply@blogger.com (Aileen Apolo-de Jesus) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:31:00 +0000

When I was scouting to buy my own sewing machine, I'd check out fabric/craft stores whenever I travel. The default for me would be Singer or Brother. My Mama Lola taught me how to sew on her traditional Singer sewing machine. I always thought it would end up with me, but Mom gave it away, huhu.

To be fair, I didn't show much interest in sewing after high school and I moved on to beading. It was many years later when I took up quilting and many more years before I decided to buy a sewing machine.

Anyway, I was surprised to find Toyota branded sewing machines in Sydney. They were really expensive, so I just took photos, haha. I don't even know anyone who owns a Toyota sewing machine...

Anyway, I got my Mom a new sewing machine for Christmas in 2018 while she was in Singapore. It was a Brother sewing machine, something she was used to. Her old one was also a Brother sewing machine, but from the US (c1980s).

Sweetie got exasperated with me since I couldn't pin down a choice. He got me one in April 2019 during a book fair in Singapore (they strangely sold sewing machines during the event). It was a good thing he got me one because it became very useful during the pandemic.

I'm still using Sweetie's gift. It's really sturdy and useful for my projects. I'm now on a gardening phase and will get back to sewing once the heat starts biting!