Tricky Tuesday - Too many things so little time

It has been a few months since I've done nail art for my nails and like any type of skills, if you don't use it, you lose it.  I'm embarrassed to show them because it was such a rush job on my toe nails and it's a little messy.  As for my finger nails, I kept it simple and it turned out not so bad.  My excuse is that in between doing my nail art, I baked a lemon nut bread and I did one load of laundry.  So you can imagine what I am going through.  It was one of those days where I was multi tasking.  I almost forgot that I also made some spaghetti sauce and I went out to check out some blazers at Kohl's before lunch.  I've been busy and it's only Tuesday.  

Glitter nails

Lemon pecan bread

Ground turkey spaghetti sauce with mushroom and red pepper

Messy nail art

Soulful Sunday - There's not a Sunday when I don't think of my son

Just another short and late post, but it's something that I need to share.  There's never a Sunday where I don't remember my son.  It's going to be almost five year since he passed away and I still miss him specially on Sundays.  When I got separated and then eventually got divorced, we had the every other weekend schedule with our children.  Later on when he was older, we would get together on Sunday for lunch, maybe shoot some pool and sometimes he would show me how to do an alley-oop. When he was old enough to have a drink, I was very lucky mom because my son would not be embarrassed to have me join him and his friends at a bar where they hang out.  After he passed away, I would meet some of his friends at their local pub and it was good to see how they are coping but it was really hard for me.  For some reason, I did it because I somehow felt his presence whenever I see his friends.  I know that all his friends have move on and it's good to hear that but I know that they all still miss him as much as we do.  Sunday is my day with Gino and today I am missing him. 

Very happy brother and sister.

Sporadic Saturday - Babysitting again

Since we don't have the schedule of having Gamble spend overnight every other weekend, we now just have him and his sister whenever the parents can't find anyone to look after them.  It's usually a day or two notice and if we have some plans, Jeff will usually cancel his because he is such a nice Grandfather who wants to help his son.  Today we will have them from around noon to almost after dinner or maybe even longer.  There are times that they ask Jeff if he was able to babysit and of course Jeff will say yes and then after a day or two things changes and he ends up not babysitting at all.  It just seems that they try to see if we will refuse so they can say we are such bad grandparents.  Unfortunately each time they ask, we are able to accomodate and we are still not sure if they are just testing or they are just so flaky and unable to organize their schedule or just playing some sort of head games.  We do try to not make a big deal out of all these drama that they create.  As you know Jeff and I are such easy going people and we just want to help out without being judged.  We know that the grand kids loves staying with us and that's all that counts.

It would be nice if we can take Gamble to Cars Land

Not sure if Greenlee likes the princess - she might enjoy the Cars Land instead.

First Friday - Card and birthday gift

Only 32 more sleeps before my big birthday and so far I have received two birthday cards and two gifts.  The first gift was from Jeff which was really early - the trip to Maui which was a couple of weeks ago.  The second gift arrived a couple of days ago and it was from my friend from Mississauga (Edith and Percy).  I am guessing she did not want to be late so she sent it early.  How thoughtful of them to remember my special day which I believe is the same day as their daughter's birthday.  

100% Pashmina

 

This weekend I am going to try to finish my guest list so I can send it at least one month before my birthday.  My sister and I have been planning some of the menu which will be finalized when she arrives.  For a while I thought that I was not going to make a big deal about it but now I am getting a little excited specially after completing the design of the invitation.  Thanks to my daughter who gave her most honest opinion and awesome suggestion in order to come up with a special birthday invite.

Truthful Thursday - Tiny Book Collection

These are my tiny book collection which I found at the library where I volunteer.  Some of them I bought during our book sale and the others are from our NOOK sale.  So far I have only look at a few page from each of the book.  My latest addition is the GOLF for dummies which I have read from beginning to end.  I have placed all of them in our stair shelves as part of my decoration/display.  Have you seen these kinds of book and if so what subject do you have?  If you also have a collection and would like to add more, just let me know if you are looking for a particular one and I will try to find it. 

Where Wednesday - Mexican Food

If you were to visit our area and you ask where you would get a real authentic Mexican food, I would recommend Casa Teresa on the corner of Santa Teresa and Snell.  Since my move to this area, Jeff and I as well as my MIL have tried several Mexican Restaurants.  Today it proved even more that we shouldn't be trying out others because they don't even come close to the flavor and the service that Casa Teresa offers.  Of course you can try the others yourself and here's the list of where we have been and in no particular order.

• El Amigo
• Castillo's Mexican Restaurants
• Burrito Factory
• Casa Lupe
• Aqui's
• Chipotle Mexican Grill
• El Torito 

Casa Teresa is truly our favorite because anything in the menu taste like home cooked meals and it taste the same every time.  We have taken friends and family who were visiting from Canada and they all enjoyed their meals.  So if you are in the area, make sure you stop by and I know that you too will agree.
   

Located at 6039 Snell Avenue (corner of Santa Teresa and Snell)

Tour Tuesday - PGA Store

One would think the field trips are only for school kids but when I was asked by my ladies golf league to join them in to a trip to the the new PGA golf store, it was a no brainer.  We all agreed we would go one day when everyone could make it.  We also agreed that we would park our car somewhere convenient and just take one car so it's easier to find parking.  Since one lady in our group has a really cool car that revs a little loud, we all agreed to take hers.

I believe it's a Mustang but not sure what model, but it is similar to the photo below.

Since all four of us are golfers, we would be checking clubs, outfits and of course accessories.  I checked their website and here's some of the items that I like but not necessarily buying.  As I am the only tennis player, I will be checking out this section as well.  I don't need anything but it's just nice to see what are new in equipment and outfits.

 

We are all looking forward to our field trip to the store and of course riding this really cool car.  Hopefully we can find some great deals and not spend a lot at the store.

MIL Monday - It's her birthday!

Happy birthday to my MIL.  She's one special lady who is so loving, giving, patient, understanding, kind and who enjoys life to the fullest.  She also has the greatest sense of humor.  We have a great time whether we are volunteering at the library, or going grocery shopping or having our weekly lunch.  There's never a time that we don't have a great laugh.

May you have a day filled with love and laughter and wishing you many more happy birthdays.  Happy birthday, Annette!

Shower Sunday - Baby shower gifts

One of the girls at the place I volunteer is having a baby sometime this summer.  The girls are planning a baby shower this coming Friday.  I was asked if I can make some things for the baby - she is having a GIRL.  As you may remember, I was able to do a bit of sewing yesterday even with the grandkids around.  Today I am just sharing what I have done without buying new fabrics since my friend told me to just use whatever I can find in my collection of fabrics.  In case you cannot figure out what I have sewn, here's the list.

• Two small baby bibs
• Two baby blankets (one with pink and one with yellow flannel on the reverse)
• One baby pillow & pillowcase
• One burp pad
• Two medium baby bibs - my friend already picked it up and I forgot to take a photo.

 

 

Surprise Saturday - The two G's came by

We planned our day with house chores and sewing for me, while Jeff was taking my car for a smog check and continue with some more yard work.  After Jeff' received a phone call from his son, everything got changed.  The grand kids were coming over and spending a couple of hours or so.  We needed to do a little adjustment and yard work was postponed as well as the house chores but I manage to continue the much needed sewing.  Gamble has a new hair cut and Greenlee was wearing a foot ball jersey that's matching to her dad's.  She seemed to be happy to stay with us and did not cry when her dad left.  While I did a bit of sewing, Jeff was watching both kids.  It was very nice to hear every now and then Gamble would say "I love you" to Jeff.  Greenlee on the other hand is learning how to speak and so far she can say, "bye", "aye", "stop" and Dad.  She also loves to blow kisses, clap her hands and dance a little.  When Gamble started playing video game, Greenlee started getting tired and needed a little nap which she did for about half an hour.  It was very tiring to look after them as they need a lot of attention.  Their dad came back and picked them up and I am sure you know what happen to Jeff and I.  Yes, that's right, we both took a nap because we were exhausted.

Gamble's new hairstyle

Greenlee wearing #14 Florida Seminols Jersey

 

Festival Friday - That's how you know summer is here

My MIL gave me a clipping from a news paper about the upcoming festival and then while on the bus to the Casino, I noticed an ad for the the Arts and Wine Festival on Berryessa Rd. somewhere in San Jose.  That's how I know that summer is really around the corner.  If I remember it correctly I had featured all the different festivals we have and today I just want to go by where we have been in the past year and where we might go this year.

• Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival in Morgan Hill - May 25 &  26
• Garlic Festival in Gilroy - July 26 to 28
• A la carte and Wine Festival in Mountain View - May 4
• Rivers of Chocolate in Saratoga - April 28   
• Sausalito Art Festival - August 31
• Artichoke Festival in Watsonville - May 18 & 19
• Strawberry Festival in Roseville - May 11 & 12
• Maker Faire Festival in San Mateo - May 18 & 19
• Taco Festival in San Jose - May 25
• Campbell Boogie on the Bayou - May 18 & 19 

Of course if you are up to listening to live bands, getting together with friends, having a bite or two and maybe even a drink, then you will enjoy the free Music in the park/street.

• Sunnyvale summer music series - Every Wednesday from June 19 to Aug 28     
• Mountain View music downtown - Every Thursday also from June to August
• Los Gatos music in the park - Every Sunday from June 16 to August 25   

Some of the dates have not been posted for other festivals in the bay area as well as other surrounding community.  As you can see, you could go almost every weekend but then, who is going to do the house chores and the yard work.  That's why we would only pick one or two that we really like to check out.  Since my sister will be here in May, I am sure she will be interested in going to at least a couple.  Let me guess - Mushroom and Artichoke Festival.

 

Truthful Thursday - Disappointing places to dine

This will be the last post about our Maui trip.  As you can tell I am late again so I will make another short post.  Here's some of the photos of the food we tried in some of the restaurants in Maui.

Snapper dinner from Kimo restaurant

Chicken dinner - also from Kimo

Free Hula Pie as our dessert

One of my weird breakfast I had - left over steak, coffee cake and fresh papaya

I made this chicken pot pie last Saturday - Jeff said it's the best ever

 

When Wednesday - Just more excuses

When I miss a day without a new post - it's because I am really busy with something really important.

When I am late in responding to a message - it's because I did not have time to turn on my laptop.

 

When I don't answer my phone - it's because I have it on silent mode and most likely I am golfing.  Although I know I won't get a penalty stroke, it's just golf etiquette.

When I don't call my friends in Canada - it's not because I don't miss them, it's just that I think that they are busy with their life too.

Since there's only a few more hours before this day ends, I thought of just doing a quick post.

This was taken at a Strawberry Farm in Maui

Tourist Tuesday - Photos from Maui

Just photos today since I already wrote a lot yesterday and I am running out of things to say.
My apologies if some of the photos are not as exciting as your vacation pictures.

Lahaina Shores Beach Resort

Sunset - I was a little late and couldn't focus

Napili Beach Resort

One of the cruise ship docked for the day - view from our pool

Sweet smelling flower in the garden

Famous Banyan Tree

Chioppino - just ok - two pieces of each shellfish

 

Mango tree with lots of fruits but not ripe

 

Mahalo Monday - Maui Review

The great part of our recent vacation is that we went with a great couple who we have travelled at least three times prior to this trip.  Another benefit was that they have been in Maui prior to this trip so they knew a lot of the good spots to see.  It was relaxing and although I cannot say a lot of WOWs, it was still a good time to be away for seven days.  Here's a few disappointments:

• I did not see any exotic fruits that were described on a lot of the website
• The Hawaiian Airlines staff should review their boarding procedures
• The resort we stayed should update their website and should warn their visitors of upcoming renovations/repairs.   

Although we ate some of our meals in our room (small kitchen available), we all went out for some of our meals, mostly lunch and dinnner.  There's so many restaurants to choose from but the majority are very expensive and the ones we tried are just ok.  The best dinner was actually when Jeff and Gil BBQd steaks (from Costco) and grilled some asparagus and squash, while Jean prepared red potatoes in the microwave.

As for entertainment, we all went to the Warren and Annabelle show (magic and comedy).  The reviews were very good and everyone enjoyed an evening of magic and laughter.  One of the other tour that they (excluding me) went on was the snorkle and whale watching.  While they were away I enjoyed my walk into town and had lunch at the Pioneer Inn.  You probably won't believe this but I was brave enough to go in the pool by myself to play NOT SWIM.

Hopefully I will be able to download the photos from my camera and share in post tomorrow.