Final Friday - Last day of May

There's still one more chance to celebrate my birthday as today is the last day of May.  I've been busy before and after my birthday that is my reason for not blogging.  For my true followers I know that you will understand and I don't want to disappoint you so here's my review of my birthday party. 

Surprise Birthday Flower Cake

• The food was amazing and thanks to my sister for all the cooking, my friend Jean who baked my birthday cake, my childhood friend Lito who brought a mango mousse cake, my friend Luz who did all the fyring of Lumpia, my MIL and her friend Sylvia who helped all throughout the party and of course my Jeff, who did all the grilling and a bit of entertaining.
• The party started a little after four in the afternoon and the last guest left at 930 pm.  That's right, it was early since half of the guests had to work the next day.
• Even after I noted on the invite that No gifts required, I still received some awesome gifts.  I have to thank my favorite daughter and son in law for the surprise flower cake. There 3 gift cards (Hancock fabrics, Golfsmith and The Ranch Golf Course), 2 flower bouquets, and two plants.  My MIL gave me a shoe box filled with an assortment of things I like plus a new Panini Press.
• Unfortunately we forgot take a lot of photos but the one below is a special one.  My sister Pinkie and Lito had been friends since Kindergarten.  Do you know how long ago that was?  We had a bit of time to reminisce about our childhood.  At our age it was amazing we can remember a lot of the stories.  It was truly nice of Lito to stop by with his family to celebrate with us.

Pinkie, Matthew(son of Lito) Nilda (Wife of Lito) Me and Lito

 

Memories Monday - Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day to my readers who are residing in the USA.  While enjoying a day off and maybe some celebration or even taking advantage of the big sales, it would be respectful to take a few moments to remember the men and women who died serving for their country.

For me it's a day to get busy to prepare for my big day tomorrow.  I am so glad my sister is here to help me with all prepping and cooking for my little birthday party.  I say little because if I compare it to my 40th or 50th, this one is definitely little.  The most important part is that I am celebrating life and very thankful that I am reaching this special age.  I am so thankful that I am retired and enjoying life each and every day.  A few of my friends have remembered because I have received birthday cards during the past couple of weeks.   Now I have to keep this post short as my TO DO list seems to be getting longer.

Sweet Sunday - Just could not resist

It has been a week since my sister arrived and we have been just going in full speed.  Some of the days I have to sneak a little nap just to get energized.  Yesterday we took her to the Mushroom Mardi Gras in Morgan Hill.  We were a little disappointed because they really did not have anything special with the mushrooms.  The vendors had deep fried mushrooms, stuffed mushroom, quesadilla mushroom and mushroom soup (who would want to eat soup when it was 80 degrees and no breeze.  There was one thing that was different that I thought I would try and of course I would like to share some foods that we've tried during the past week. 

Chocolate covered bacon - too sweet

Pineapple from Trader Joe's - very sweet

Tamarind - just right

Fudge, Rocky Road, Chocolate Chips, Double Chocolate Chips, & Brownie cookies made by MIL

Fair Friday - Sisters living in different country

Since my sister arrived, we have not stopped being busy with something, anything and everything.  I have taken her to a lot of different stores and she has found some great buys for her self and some for her son.  She loves checking out the food section specially the  different spices and sauces.  Today we decided to just take it easy but then end up playing a little tennis.  On our way home, we decided to check out the Mexican Market and the Asian market.  She was so excited to find a special fruit that she has not seen in a long time.  We found some other things that we wanted to try and ended up with a few items to make our lunch.  While she was cooking, I took a photo of our arms just to show you the difference between our skin.  She has fair skin because of their long winters. 

I am sure you can guess which one is mine.

Chirimoya - the fruit she found at the Asian market

Tonight we probably will be doing some projects - kitchen towels and a new scarf.  She wanted to learn how to sew them so she can make some and use her new sewing machine.

Truthful Thursday - Not a great trip

Last Tuesday I took my sister to Cache Creek Casino and Resort.  Instead of driving I opted to take the bus because it will be more relaxing and we can definitely catch up with our stories.  Unfortunately, I did not get the seats we wanted even with a reservation.  Our seats were a few rows from the back and right under the air conditioner which was too noisy.  This was the beginning of the not so great trip.  I brought the Kindle Fire for my sister so she could read just in case I fall asleep which I did.  The head phones came in handy because I really did not want to listen to some of the passengers that were talking a bit too loud and of course the noisy AC.  Two hours later were arrived at the casino and everyone on the bus was so in a hurry to get off the bus.  We were the last passengers to get off the bus and we headed straight to the restroom.  Then it was time to register and get a card for my sister and collect the $10 bonus play (she was not able to use it for some reason).  Since we took our time, there was no line up at the booth.  The employee who was assisting us was very rude.  She told us that we should have reported as soon as we got off the bus.  She was not very happy to do what we needed in order to start our gambling experience.  By this time my sister just wanted to leave specially when she found out that the casino was not a NON SMOKING casino.  This was not the only bad experience.  While trying to use one of the kiosk, we were rudely ask to get out of the way as they were moving the money card to an area close by.  There's a few more stories but I am guessing you get it already.  It was a very disappointing trip for my sister and she could not understand why everyone we encountered was not nice nor polite.  It's Thursday and that's the truth.

Maybe Monday - Artichoke Festival

This past weekend was the Artichoke Festival in Castroville, Ca.  After we picked up my sister at SFO, we went straight there to check out what it was all about.  There were several activities and rides for the children.  Some of the real classic low riders where on display.  Of course there was the usual arts and crafts and the variety of foods.  The first one we tried was the grilled artichoke which was not that great.  The second one was the deep friend artichoke which was really good and that is why I took a photo to share.  The other very interesting one is their Spiral Potato Spud.  This was an amazing snack as it was fresh, crispy and really good.  For desert we tried the funnel cake because my MIL has not tried it.  My sister and I were trying out some fancy hats but never bought any since we know we won't be wearing it.  Not sure if I can keep up with my blogging while my sister is here as I would like to spend as much time with her.  So far we've gone shopping after the festival and she was very happy to get some great deals.

Deep Fried Artichoke

Spiral Potato Spuds

Funnel cake with powdered sugar

We use to like these colors as kids but our favorites were reversed.

Soulful Sunday - The Four Tops

Do you remember The Four Tops?  If you are about my age then you will definitely know some of their hit songs.  We were invited by our friend G and J since they had two extra tickets for last Fridays show.  It was held in a smaller venue in Campbell but it was a sold out show.  We went for dinner first at Rock Bottom, a local pub/restaurant.  It was my first time there and they had great menus.  The food was great and since they have their own micro brewery, Jean and I split the sampler beer.  

My favorite would have to be # 3, 4, and 6

Since it is soulful Sunday, it is so appropriate to talk about the concert because these group had a lot of soul.  Although only one member is left from the original, their songs were still as good as they were some 40 years ago.  You know when they ask you to get up and dance, some people actually did get up.  Oops I forgot that the majority of the people watching were seniors (that includes me).  Here's the funny part, there were two ladies that stood up when they sang "it's the same old song" and started dancing a little.  When the song ended and they were about to sit down, all of a sudden the woman behind us, reach over and hit one of the ladies that was dancing on the head and she said " Do you know how annoying it was when you stand up because I can't see anything? A little later, Jeff and I were leaning towards each other to say something and the same woman said "do you know how annoying it is when you are leaning and talking.  You are not supposed to talk".  So Jeff said, "just lighten up".  Then she started kicking the back of Jeff's chair,  so Jeff told her to stop and just chill".  It was hilarious.  When the show was over, we spoke to the two ladies in front of us and they really did not know what happened and we all talk about that woman who left so quickly after the show which by the way lasted one hour and ten minutes.  I am guessing that everyone had to be in bed by 930 pm.   We couldn't stop laughing about the whole exchange of words between us and that woman who probably have never been to a concert before, at least that's what those ladies said.

When Wednesday - Just because

Nothing special today, just sharing a few photos and some new items I found while shopping with my MIL yesterday.

When my daughter ask me to check out something, I would usually go the same day or the next day.  She would then say, it's not urgent, just whenever you are out and about.  I guess sometimes she forgets that I am retired and I have much more free time than her.  I also love checking out new things for her because I ended up liking whatever she is testing.  So today is about food seasoning in a shaker bottle.  Here's what I found for her and I hope she likes them.

I know she likes the first one but I thought I would get her more to try.

If you have been following my blog you would maybe remember a post I did about flip flops.  When I saw these pretty things that you attach to your boring flip flops, I was very happy with what I saw and I am very excited to show you.  The first photo are my economy ones because I got them for a dollar.  Now add those clip-ons and I have some first class flips.

Plain, boring and regular

 

Fancy, bling and little special

 

Thumper Tuesday - just too cute

It has been a long time since I've seen a cotton tail bunny at the golf course.  I know I have shown photos of turtle, deers, etc.  Last week while golfing with a couple of friends, there it was.  Of course it reminds me of something close to my heart.  Of course I had stop and take a photo.  I did not want to scare it so it's not a close up.  It's still cute and it was a good feeling to see it again.

Just remembered that I took this photo of a little boy playing the drums at the Arts and Wine Festival.  He was so good everyone was taking photo and videos as well.  Not sure how old he is, but you can just see the comparison of him and his drums.

Last but not least, I have to share what my MIL gave us for our fifth wedding anniversary.
It's amazing where she finds the cutest little gifts.  

Our new salt and pepper shakers

 

Special Sunday - Happy Mother's Day to all

Happy mother's day to all mother's and even grandmother's.  As this is my day too, I am not doing anything that involves house chores.  Since we have Jeff's grandkids until about 1000 this morning,  I did not have a choice but to help him as it's too much for one person.  Jeff will be making dinner for me and his mother.  Last Friday, we visited the new PGA store in Palo Alto and there it was, my new set of golf clubs.  I have decided that I will be getting it for me as my mother's day gift to myself because I deserve it.  Check out my new set of friends.

Maybe this will improve my gave as these are better quality clubs that my five year old ones.  It has my favorite color green and the bag is really light.  The clubs are also lighter than my old set.  I am so happy with this mother's day gift and I look forward to playing golf next week.  What did you get you get for mother's day?  Flowers, chocolate, jewellery?

Selfish Saturday - It's not always about you

Since the American Idol finals is next week, this is my last chance to comment about the show.  I just heard that Randy is leaving after all those season.  It's too bad because I think he should stay there and maybe just find three new judges.  I don't mind Keith specially when he says "Babe or baby".  While Mariah seems like she can't spit the words out of her mouth and she always has to say something about herself.  Each time she comments any of the contestants, she would always have a story to tell.  I would say it out loud while watching the show "it's not about you".  Honestly, my favorite is Nikki because of her "tell it like it is" comments.  I love the way she gives credit and how she disagrees when she needs too.  Anyway, that's all for today.  I really just want to give my own take about the judges.  I think Candice will win this season.

 

Friendship Friday - Birthday Celebrations

May is a very special month for me because it's my birth month, my wedding anniversary, mother's day and some of my long time friends and new friends are also celebrating their birthdays this month.  These are my friends that shares this very happy month with me.

Lani - she's my childhood friend and after almost 40 years we reconnected in Burbank airport.  We were able to contact each other prior to this trip and it was like old times. We spend a day with her family and her husband gave the best tour of Hollywood and LA.

Al - we met in Edmonton, Alberta when I use to visit my family during the summer months.  We have become friends and kept in touch all these years.  He is now residing in Singapore with his wife and son.

PJ - while working in Whitehorse from 1983-87, we met through our line of work.  For whatever reasons, we have been transferred through our work to almost the same area for a few years and have kept in touch.  Unfortunately I have lost contact with him when left his job and I moved to SJC.  He was a good friend who agreed that when the time comes he would spread my ashes in the Yukon mountains.  I guess I have to think of something else.

Cherry - she was looking for a temporary place in Whitehorse while working with for Fisheries.  I invited her to stay with us and we've become friends.  We kept in touch, lost contact, and reconnected again.  The last time I saw her was during our cruise of June 2012 when our ship docked in Victoria, BC.  It was like old times, she took us to dinner and gave the five cent tour because our stop was cut short.  We've been friends for over 25 years.

Sandy - she played the flute and I played the guitar and we were part of the Saturday evening choir at our church in Whitehorse.  I moved to Mississauga, Ontario and she moved to Maberly, Ontario.  The last time I saw her was in Ottawa in 2008.  We still exchange our annual christmas letter.

 

Jean - her husband and Jeff works together.  We had travelled as couples at least three times and we always had a great time.  She recently retired and now I am looking forward to spending more time with her doing fun things.  She is an amazing lady and she even lets me style her hair when I have a free time.

Happy birthday to everyone and I hope someday we can reconnect again somewhere.  I treasure the friendship we have/had.  Truly I am so lucky to have these friends in my life.

 

 

   

Together Thursday - Our 5th anniversary

Time sure flies when you are having fun or when you spend time enjoying each other and every moment.  Although Jeff and I have known each other for ten years, two months, nine days, we have only been married for five years.  Part of this five years we were living apart for two years and I guess that was the secret.  Some of our friends cannot believe that we haven't had a big fight.  Our response is that we choose not to and because there's no reason to.  As the saying goes, we agree to disagree.  We have our differences, our opinions, our beliefs, our own peculiar habits but we don't try to change each other.  I guess we are both very lucky to have found each other at this stage of our lives.  It is such a great feeling each and every day to know that you will have a fun day with each other.  There maybe days when we have to deal with the drama of other members of the family, but we share our thoughts and then move on.  We are both very easy going persons and it does make a happy union.  Maybe because this is our second time, maybe it's life experiences, and maybe it's because we are now older, wiser and not as needy.  That's all my lecture on marriage.  It is now time to celebrate, unfortunately I cannot share what we are doing today. It's our secret.

February 2003

May 2008

April 2013

Wise Wednesday - Pre-planning of funeral arrangements

My apologies to my readers/followers as I realized this is not the best topic for today but it is important.  I don't have a lot of experience on this topic but I believe it is wise to do something about it while you are alive.  It is so much easier for the family left behind to look after this very sad event of our lives.  Yesterday I made one phone call to inquire about this and although it's difficult to ask all the questions, I actually made it through.  For a simple arrangements with cremation, urn, etc. without services, it will be about $2,600.00

The next step if finding the cementary which I have not inquired.  Local cementary will definitely less expensive than memorial gardens but really, it all depends on size of plot, niche, location, etc.  The only benefit with memorial gardens is that there is no charge to move urns to and from one city within same country.  Although we don't have a plan ourselves, after yesterday, I am thinking more and more about this in order to help who ever will end up making such arrangements.  What is your take on this or has it ever crossed you mind? We have experienced both situations with my parents having pre planned arrangements and one that was unexpected.  Truthfully, I did not do a lot when it was the unexpected because it was for my son and I was useless. 

 

Tiring Tuesday - Oops I did it again

When I am feeling really good, I sometimes keep going like the Energizer bunny.  Then all of a sudden, I'm tired.  That's when I have to remind myself that I am not that young.  This past weekend we did a lot and it continued until yesterday.  So as Randy Jackson would say,

"yo check this out".  We started our Saturday with a nice breakfast then I did inside house chores and Jeff did outside chores.  After we got ready it was time to enjoy outdoors and check out the A La Carte Arts and Wine Festival in Mountain View.  If you read my post yesterday, I've covered what we did.  Next stop was the Deep Cliff Golf Course where they are having the Hole In One Competition.  We got there a little too early and since they driving range was open to everyone, Jeff and I hit a few balls using a couple of golf clubs from the shop.  It was a bit too long to wait for it to start so we left and drove home.  We took a little break and then had our dinner.  The weather was starting to get a little cool but we already had geared up to play tennis, so we did for about an hour.  There were a few things I needed for my Sunday dinner so we stop by the groceries.  On Sunday I was suppose to do my volunteer but they were not busy at the course, I am guessing Cinco de Mayo.  I am sure you are now guessing what I did instead.  That's right, I golf with Peter who I relieve as a Starter.  After golf I picked up my MIL and she had dinner with us.  Monday morning comes and my tee time was mid morning and off I go again.  I played a total of 27 holes and had a great day and I even saw a bunny, a turtle, two blue jays, two red breasted robin, three ducks and three deer.  When I got home, Jeff still has not had dinner, so without taking a rest, I prepared our dinner.  Now you can understand why I am tired this morning.