Fruity Friday - Just a little excited

If you can recall the post that I did about Jeff's gardening in our front yard, you will remember about the three separate fruit trees that have been grafted to several other types of the same fruit.  Now I would like to show you how it has grown after a couple of months or maybe more.

They are actually still very small but it's exciting to see them on our front yard.  Hopefully the squirrels does not ruin them.  One of our neighbors has a big apple tree located in the corner of their front yard.  This year they were not able to harvest anything because of the squirrels.  They pick on it or knock them off the tree before they are ready.  Jeff is keeping an eye on all the trees, flowers, vegetables and others.  So far he is winning against the squirrels 15 - love.

Timely Thursday - Birthday Report

Nothing has changed, I still feel the same after turning 61 yesterday.  There was something very interesting that happened yesterday and I remembered to take a photo.

The odometer reading on my car yesterday after my birthday dinner party.

Jeff and I sat in our driveway to see if the temperature will change to 61 F but unfortunately we sat for at least half an hour with not changes.  Here's some photos of the gifts I received.

From Jeff

From my MIL

From Jean

But the best birthday gift of all is from the two tennis players at the French Open, Garbine Muguruza (who defeated Serena) and Anna Schmiedlova (who defeated Venus) during their second round match.  Now the Women's Final at the Roland Garros will be much more pleasant to watch. 

Wishing Wednesday - It's all about me

If you are reading this today and suddenly you remembered that you have not sent me a message, there is still time to send your wishes by adding a comment.  Oh bother!  It's my birthday and this post will be about me and only me.  Wait a minute that sounds a little needy.  Since this is not as special as last year's birthday, I am not making a big deal about it although it might sound like that when you are reading this.  How can I make this interesting for my readers.  If I can make a list of what I have done, what I still want to do and what I would never do, then I am sure I can make some sort of list. But honestly, I can just say that I am happy that I'm still able to do a lot of things that I love.  I am very happy to have my family that lets me be ME and of course, all my friends who are always there fore me. So really, there's nothing to complain, whine nor hissy fit because over all, life is good.  

             

Misubi Monday - Trying a new eating place

Whenever I get together with my friend Katrina, we would always want to try something new.  Last Saturday we finally were able to see each other and I picked the restaurant this time.  It was located in a shopping plaza called The Plant.  This is the same plaza where Guy Fieri's restaurant called Johnny Garlic is located.  Of course this is a great place for lunch and dinner and happy hour.  Almost forgot, the new place is called Burnt Rice.  I had the chance to check the menu prior to going there.  This time I remembered to take some photos of our meal and even our drink.  It is not a very big place but it perfect for small groups.  The service was great from the beginning to the end.  If you are ever in the San Jose area, you have to try this place.

Grape Soju Drink (Katrina) and Arrogant Bastard (my beer)

Pork Belly Misubi

Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Glass noodle with veggies

After our lunch we realized that we should have ordered one of the Burnt Rice entree because that is what we choose this place for lunch.  Oh bother, we will have to go back and try what they are famous for - Burnt Rice.

Fretting Friday - I can't stand the white stuff

Sometimes it takes another couple to get us in the mood of taking a mini vacation.  That's what happened during the last four days.  Our friends J and G asks us to join them for a quick get away to South Lake Tahoe.  Since both Jeff and I have not been there for over ten years, we decided that it was time to see a different part of Tahoe.  Although we knew that the weather was not going to be hot, it was still a nice change of scenery,  The drive there was a perfect day with some clouds but mostly blue sky.  Some sections of the highway was a bit windy and a little too high or deep for my liking.  It sort of reminds be of being in the Yukon Territory where you can still see the snow capped mountains.  Since our friends have been there many time, they were our own personal tour guides.  We took a tour around the lake and saw some of the most amazing colors of the Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay.  The photos that I took were not the greatest but I like to share some of them.  The only part of the trip that I did not appreciate was the arrival of the white stuff.  That's right, SNOW.

Emerald Bay on a beautiful warm weather.

The sign from the Hard Rock Cafe

I guess the sign actually works.

It was a very enjoyable get away although none of us won big money at their Casino.  Who does?  We stopped by to check out the cabin owned by Jeff's coworker/friend.  It didn't look like a cabin to me because it had an awesome kitchen, lots of bedrooms, a wrap around deck and many more interesting items inside.  I wish I had taken some photos to share.

Memorial Monday - Family Reuniting

Not to get confused with the Memorial Day which is actually next Monday, this post is about a memorial day we had during the weekend.  Jeff and I plus my MIL attended a memorial for the father of Jeff's cousin Gracie.  It was very simple but very touching as their family gathered and remember their Dad.  No big speeches but a few members of the family told stories of how they remembered Larry (father, grandfather, uncle, step dad, friend).  I have never met this man but it was important for us to be there for Gracie.  We met the rest of her siblings, some even came as far as Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, Nevada, and other parts of California.  What I did not know about Larry was that he originally came from Newfoundland, that's Canadian eh!.  There were some other cousins who we met for the first time.  Although it was a sad day to remember Larry, it was a happy day because the family got together to help celebrate his life.  Sometimes when you attend one of these memorial, there's a rush of emotions that comes back because for whatever reason, each and everyone have lost a loved one.  Do you understand how you get a cousin once or twice removed?

 

 

Superficial Saturday - What I'm following

Like most of the people who watches TV, now a days everyone seems to be following different reality shows, or drama or comedy.  Since the finals for almost anything even with sports is happening this week or next week, I wanted to share what I'm following and who I am cheering for - except I don't actually vote.  I am still not into Twitter, Instagram nor Facebook and I have my reasons.

• The VOICE - I would like Jake "cowboy" country singer to win.
• The American Idol - I believe the "rocker" Caleb will win.
• DWTS - Lately I have been missing shows because of DVR issues but when I have time, I watch it on demand.  Maybe the Derek and his partner will take the mirror ball.
• Stanley Cup play offs - Eastern Conference - I have to cheer for the Habs - the only Canadian team left.  Western Conference - Maybe the Blackhawks will take it without going to the 7th game. I can't cheer for a team that beats the Sharks. I'm truly hoping the Montreal Canadiens wins the cup.
• NBA - not following as close but still watches it every now and again.  I think I will predict Miami Heat will win it.
• MLB - I actually don't watch this until they get to the world series.  Whether or not the Giant makes it or not, I would still watch the last 7 games of the MLB.
• French Open is just around the corner.  I am sure you have heard the good news about Roger's wife expecting another set of twins.  Will this be the year he retires.  I don't think so.  This could be his year to win the French and Wimbledon and the US Open ( Triple Crown)  oops - believe that is only in Horse Racing.

That's all I have for this weekend.  Oh I just remembered, Happy Victoria Day weekend to all my Canadian family and friends.  Hopefully they will get some warmer weather for a change because they deserve it.

 

Flowery Friday - It's so beautiful

Warm, hot and hotter.  That has been our temperature here in the Silicon Valley.  I am not complaining because I have a lot of friends in Canada.  They are just getting some nice weather and I hope that they get the nicest summer and fall this year.  Even when it's hot both inside the house and outside, there are still some beautiful flowers to enjoy.  Just the other day I was at my friend Jean's home and I couldn't help but take photos of the flowers she received for Mother's Day.  Their colors are so pretty and they truly make the house very homey.  One of the photo I am sharing today is from the dash of my car.  Have a wonderful weekend and if you like you can count sleep with me.  Only 12 more sleep before my birthday.

Trendy Tuesday - Nail Art

When it is time to do my own mani-pedi, I try to check out the latest colors and design.  Most of the time I just pick the colors that go with the color of my purse.  Some of you might pick colors depending on the season, the occasion and sometimes just the mood you are in.  Last week I decided to chose two different shades of violet or purple or lavander.  My apologies for the photo of toes as they are never cute but I wanted to show you the details of nail art.  As a surprise treat, my daughter gave me the permission to share her current nail art.  Like mother like daughter, one would say.  The only different is that I do my own and this time she had it done.  Although I have seen some of her nail art and they are pretty and classy.

Sincerely Sunday - Happy Mother's Day!

Just because I am a mother, it doesn't mean I should be doing anything today.  I couldn't let this day go by without doing a post, even if it is a very short one.  So here's to all the mother's who are following my blog, my faithful readers and for those who just happen to stumble on this page.  Happy mother's day and hope you are enjoying your special day.  Today I dedicate this song that I love (mother and daughter's love).  

Fumble Friday - My 6th year anniversary

It's amazing how time flies.  Today we celebrate our 6th year anniversary.  Someone once told me that long distance relationship doesn't work.  Like anything in life, there's always an exception.  Ours did after seven years of being apart we decided to tie the knot in Vegas.  That day was special because we did not realize how many of our friends would actually make it, but they all did.  The one regret was that my son did not make it.  He had a valid excuse.  Although getting married in May of 2008 was a very happy day, it always brings me back to the month after, June 2008 when my son passed away.  The words heaven and hell truly describes that part of my life.  One month you're in heaven then the next month hell. Oops, I got side tracked.  The fumble of the day is when Jeff gave me a card and a gift for our anniversary when I thought we agreed not to buy card and gift.  The fumble is that when I opened the card he gave me turns out to be the Mother's Day card.  He got mixed up. (I bet you I will be have an anniversary card on Mother's Day).  But the gift was perfect.  A wooden item - bamboo chime for our backyard and a package of wooden green tees for golf.  Wood is the symbol for 6 years - traditional.  Candy is the symbol for the modern.  At the end of the day, I bought him a card and a couple of his favorite candy.  And we lived happily ever after.  The end.

Maybe a cake would be nice but I'm diabetic and this would be way too sweet.

Woozy Wednesday - No idea what happened

Is this what happens when you get old?  It all started on Monday morning when I woke up feeling dizzy and feeling sick.  I did my usual checking of blood sugar and blood pressure - results - all normal.  But why do I feel like I have been hit by something and all the energy got zapped.  My solution was to take it easy and rest.  Since my appetite was not there, I need to make sure that I still eat to keep my blood sugar regulated.  After three days of this, I started feeling better.  So I decided to do laundry and a little house keeping.  Well, by the time it was dinner time, I was too tired to prepare our meal but I did it anyway, because it was my job.  Of course Jeff would have just gone out to get some take out food.  I still have no idea what was causing this and I am tired of being home and not being able to be myself.

I lost my bounce and it's not like me.  For those of you who really know me, I like to be active and busy.  I have no time to just sit at home and take naps (although I must have needed it).

Hate is such a strong word, but I have to use it - Ahhh I hate not having my bounce.  Tigger will agree with me.

 

Similar Saturday - Do they sound alike?

As the saying goes, it's better late than never.  I started this post last Saturday and since I have not been feeling well, it just sat on draft until this morning (Tuesday). I couldn't help but compare these two songs.  I heard the first one while watching TV and I have never heard of the group.  Then I seem to recall some other songs and checked it out. Maybe the lyrics are all different but definitely there are some of the main melody and even the chorus are sounding alike.  Listen and you can be the judge or you might have better things to do, which I definitely understand.  I need to find more interesting posts for the next few days.

Free Friday - Quitting was easy

When you start feeling that your volunteer time is not worth it, the only solution is to quit.  After much deliberation, my MIL and I ended our volunteer work at our local library.  I guess part of it was the incident that happen during the last book sale.  You can say that it was the straw that broke the camels back.  Hopefully I got this right.  I also think that the amount of work was getting less and less that it was not worth wasting gas when the rates went up.  We finally sent our notice last night and now I have an extra free day during the week.  My schedule is getting a bit busy with golf, my two other volunteer work, house chores and other hobbies.  For now, I will enjoy this free day and start researching for another volunteer for me and my MIL.  I am sure there are many other agency or organization that would need some of our precious time.  We need to find something that we would enjoy and  location is important.  My MIL has another volunteer with her other friends once a week but we want something we could do together.  Maybe we will just enjoy our summer and start a new in the fall.  If and when you are retire, would you volunteer, if so where would you go and what type of work would it be?