The ideal balut is actually about 17 days old. That is
what's called "balut sa puti" ("wrapped in white") — the
white is the albumin, which is the source of protein food
for the developing chick embryo. Although pronounced
as balút, with accent on the second syllable, the root
word balot means "to wrap". The chick inside should
not be mature enough to show its beak, feathers or
claws and the bones should be undeveloped.

Balut is NOT unique to the Philippines. The idea of eating
fertilized duck eggs came from the Chinese who traded
with the Philippine islanders a long time ago. And I read
that the Vietnamese, who also got it from the Chinese,
prefer the chick in their balut a little older— they prefer
their baby ducklings with feathers and bones already
developed!!! Different yolks for different folks.

Doesn't look like much, does it? Looks just like any
ordinary egg, doesn't it. But do not be deceived —
the balut is for the consumption only of the daring
and the adventurous. And if you do dare, I assure
you that once you taste it, you'll be an addict ...
for life! Like Simon (gryphonheart)! ;-)

Gori, Juliet & Abe's cutey Pekingese, came along to visit
Coco and pick up the little Jack Russell terrier.

The female Jack Russell puppy is ready to go with
Juliet, Abe and Gori (who doesn't look too happy).
Soon, she'll be in her new home with Juliet and
Abe's friend.

After running around the backyard and chasing after
Coco, the puppies take five and catch a little snooze.
They look like they're wondering why there's only one
Alpha dog and little else. These pups were born in a
big and busy farm populated by a thousand fighting
cocks and thousands more hens and dozens of dogs,
you see.

Justine finally found dogs that are just her size!

After a long drive from their home in Calamba
(which they slept through), a thorough flea bath
and spray (a very strange experience for them),
a bowl of puppy-kibbles softened in warm broth
and a little whining for being boxed-up, these
Jack Russell puppies are ready for bed.