A One-Legged Duck?

I’m still not sure. Is this guy included a Mandarin duck? When I captured this duck in the swan lake area (Nusantara Flower Park Cipanas, West Java, Indonesia), the weather was a bright one. While two mute swans were swimming around the lake, this guy preferred to stand still under the shade.

When I saw it for the first time, it looked like the duck has only one leg. But then I noticed that he lifted and bended one of his legs. How can he keep the balancing? I can’t do it for a long time. I thought this duck is a male one as in animal kingdom; the male is the colorful one.

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Couple’s Corner : I, as a Mother or Aunt…According to my Husband

In many parts of the world, Mother’s day will come in the short time. But not here, Indonesian people commemorate Mother’s day in December 22th. That’s why Liz, the host of this lovely meme, arranged all this month’s topics are about us, girls.

I can’t share here how about I’m as a mother, I have no kid yet. I can’t share much about my hubby’s saying me as an aunt either, as they are live far from me. All my siblings’ nieces and nephews live in different town and province. Sometimes I say hello to them via facebook and sometimes I chat with them. In their birthdays, my husband always reminds me to call them.

Nieces and nephews from BILs and SIL are live closer. I more often visit them. It takes about 45 minutes to reach their houses. They live in three houses that are close each other. In every visit, we always bring their favorite cakes.

My hubby said that I’m close with his nieces and nephews, but not that close. He means, I can enjoy play and chat with them, but I’ve never bathed them and I seldom carry our baby nephew. I admit that. In fact, my youngest nephew is a big baby boy, I'm afraid of carrying him; he's too heavy for me.

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Saung Dolken: a New Fishing Place

This fishing place has just opened for one month. We decided to visit the place after we saw its promotion banners at some spots before. Though the place isn’t totally ready yet; we still like it. Some facilities are still under construction. There would be a swimming pool for kids and a meeting hall there. A lovely wooden house has been ready to rent. I’ll share the photos next week.

Saung Dolken (Dolken Gazebo) isn’t far from our home. It only takes fifteen minutes ride to reach the place. The owners are very friendly couple. They asked for our opinions and inputs about their fishing place. We chatted for long time enough.
Though we must pay more for the caught fish, I think it’s worth.

My entry for Watery Wednesday

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Welcoming the New Bride and Groom

After the most sacred part in a wedding ceremony has been held, the next event is the wedding reception. My cousin’s wedding reception was held in a hall of a hotel. When the new bride and groom reached the place, a traditional ceremony was done to welcome them.
In areas Pasundan (West Java Province, Indonesia), Peacock Dance is often played when welcoming the guest of honor at an event. In a traditional Sundanese wedding, Peacock Dance is often a dance to welcome the bride and groom who want to walk toward the altar. I love their costumes! Peacock Dance is a dance that’s very interesting to watch. The dancers moved so gracefully but still lively!

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Benefits from Having Family Pet for Your Children

My nieces and nephews are cat lovers. Their parents allow them keeping cats at home. Here I share some of their cats.

Having family pet can give benefits for your children. Here are the benefits:

ResponsibilityIt can be the best way to teach your child to become responsible. Teach your child to feed the pet on time, keep clean the habitat and pet and exercise the pet. Don’t forget to select a pet that is right for your child's age and abilities.

CompassionResearchers in Poland studied the impact of caring dogs or cats at home on the social development of 530 children (4-8 years old). Kids with pets had higher scores in pro-social behavior and self-confidence than those without pets.
An adult who had a pet as a child will not be mean to animals. Pets also decrease violence and encourage empathy for other people. Caring for a pet involves learning how to read its feelings and this is an ability which can be used in all communication.

CompanionshipChildren are likely to develop a very strong bond with a family pet, which will provide them with companionship and build self-esteem. Many children share their innermost hopes and dreams with their pet. Since pets provide children (and adults) with unconditional regard, they provide great psychological benefit.
A study in which a group of children were asked to name their 10 best friends found that pets often ranked higher than human relationships.

Of course, there are also things that you must be aware of. Check these out possible consequences:

Dealing with a pet's death. Since kids can become extremely close to their pets, it is vital to help them through the death of a pet with sensitivity and tact.

Some pets may bite small kids or react violently to a kid's attempt to play with it. That’s why it’s very important to choose a pet which is appropriate for your kid's age and temperament.

Some kids are allergic to pets so you should have your kids tested for allergies before bringing home a pet.

Often kids persuade their parents to adopt a pet by promising to care for it. Be reasonable about how much your kids can really keep their promise (considering age, amount of free time and your kid's personality) and be prepared to take over if your kid doesn't follow through.
Data Source: thepetwiki.com

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Couple’s Corner: When He doesn’t like What I Cooked

I can cook but not as good as my hubby. He’s a good cook. By tasting a food, he knows the ingredients and all cooking spices inside. If he wants to eat something special that I’ve never cooked before, he’ll cook it by himself and I’ll become his assistant.

He seldom criticizes my food. If he likes the food, he’ll say it. But when he doesn’t like my food, he says nothing. I notice that if he doesn’t like my food that day, he still eats it; but only a little. Sometimes he goes to the kitchen to fix the taste and one other time he’ll go out later. I guess he leaves home to eat other food in an eating place, hehehe.

In the morning, I often ask him what food that he wants me to cook that day. He also often gives me a menu suggestion first. It’s an advantage for having a hubby who’s a good cook!

Sorry for only sharing a short story. For husbands every where, your wife is cooking food for you with love and affection. Whatever the food’s taste, do appreciate it. If you don’t like the food, say it nicely…

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A Pond at a Restaurant

Last Sunday, we had lunch at this restaurant (Warung Ampera -Bandung, West Java, Indonesia) to celebrate my father’s birthday. It’s a kind of eating place that I recommend you to visit. The food, the prices, and the atmosphere are all nice. There are several fish ponds there, but I only captured one.

My entry for Watery Wednesday

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