Trustworthy Thursday - A true friend

Today's post is all about my BFF, a true friend and someone you would want to have as your brother.  You know that expression "I got your back", well here's the meaning:

A person saying they have your back means they are there to help you out, they will watch out and take care of the things you're likely to miss, that they are a second set of eyes and hands for you.

This is the perfect description of Percy.  I am sure that I can speak on behalf of my former co-workers and the rest of all our friends .  He is not just a great friend, he is also an amazing father and a good husband.  If I am not mistaken, he has been married for at least 25 years - and yes, to the same woman.  So on this special day, I wish you a day that is as special in every ways as you are. May every moment of life be as wonderful and lasting as our friendship. Now let me take you back to some of the good times with some of our great friends.

Happy birthday to my BFF, aka Brother, favorite X-coworker, X-travelling buddy, 

X-designated driver, Spanish coach, etc.  

As the saying goes, "you will always be my friend, you know too much".

CHEERS !

Sixties Sunday - Is 60 the new 50?

Is it really? I prefer that 60 is the new 40, this way I can still have many more years to enjoy retirement.  My friend who is visiting will be joining the 60's club.  There's a few of us that are in this group.  Most of my friends, believe it or not are still in their 50's and some are in their 40's and a few are in their 30's.  As most people says, age is just a number.  I believe that it's all about how you feel when you reach a particular age.  When we were growing up, I thought my mother looked older when she was in her 60's.  But when she was in her 70's people didn't believe her age.  My mom's sister is now in her 80's and she has still that special genes that makes her feel and look young.  I keep telling her that I want to be just like her when I get older.  Her positive attitude in life is amazing.  She still loves to sing, dance and have a great time with their friends.  This week I will try and make sure that my friend has a memorable birthday.  Since she chose to travel the long distance to spend her birthday here in sunny San Jose.  I am hoping that the weather will be warmer so she can really enjoy the warmth of the sun.  Her schedule is already getting pretty busy, although she doesn't know that yet.  Hanging out with her this week is like being on another holiday. I am very happy for her that she took the leap and decided to get away for a week because she really deserves it.  Maria welcome to the Cranberry Portage Bed and Breakfast. Do you ever have one of those moments when you look at a photo and you say "who is that?" This is one of those moment.  Who is the girl beside Maria?  

This was taken 16 years ago. Maria is the one in the middle wearing a white Tshirt.  

Feeling Good Friday - My guest blogger

I can't believe it's already Friday!  It really should be called 'Feeling Good' Friday, because when you stay at the Cranberry Portage you can't help feeling good.  I'm being treated like royalty; from the gourmet meals (Luckie is amazing in the kitchen), to the memorable excursions, to the quiet times when we just talk (it's been great getting to know Jeff)!!! Luckie and I already have a 'pile' of special memories, and now, thanks to her commitment to our friendship, I have many more to think about.  I can't wait to place my ceramic dish (painted by me) and hand-made towel set (made by Luckie with Love) in my new kitchen.  Every time I see it, I will remember by dear friend. Thank you for being you!!! 

Your forever friend,
Lorna

Cinnibar Wine Tasting Room, Saratoga

Lorna's serving plate from Petroglyph, Willow Glen

Luckie's new syrup set for her B&B

Momentary Monday - BFF's visit

Just got a call from my BFF (Lorna) and she's on her way.  I am so excited because she picked me to be her first holiday after retirement.  Although I got a chance to see her last month, it is still something I look forward to always.  She mentioned that she has a little surprise for me but she's not sure how well it will travel.  At first I wonder, could it be a Beaver Tail (my all time favorite pastry from Canada).  Now I just need to be patient and wait.  We have been friends since 1995 while I was on a two year assignment in our national headquarters.  She was also on assignment and we got along right from day one.  We both have been present at our second wedding.  Sometimes we would travel together to places that are both new to us.  She's always been there for me, through good times and bad.  For my 50th birthday, my retirement party and most special when I lost my son.  She flew to be by my side, within a few hours after I told her the saddest news of my life.  Oops, I got carried away.  This is actually a special post to let everyone know what a special friend she is.

I have planned some interesting things for us to do while she is visiting.  In case I miss my daily post, it means I have having a great time with Lorna.  Today I have been busy sewing some things for her which I hope she will like.  It's a surprise so I won't post it until later.

This was three years ago when I visited her the week of her birthday.

 

Truthful Thursday - Missing my BFFs

A week has gone by since my friend's visit and I am having what I call BFF withdrawals.  When I wake up in the morning I am waiting for those voices to say "good morning".  While making breakfast I miss my coffee being made by Percy or Rose.  The first part of the visit Percy was making coffee and for some reason he got demoted.  Rose took over and that's when Percy decided to just enjoy our relaxing morning.  I know that they have to get back to their regular lives in Canada and I do understand.  It's just too bad that we live so far away from each other.  But I guess that is life, full of changes and we all just have to adjust.  I also understand that it takes a long time to build that kind of friendship and I know I am very lucky to have such great friends.  While I am starting a collection of new friends here, it is still very new and there's a lot of getting to know each other.  After they left, I was able to get a hold of my other BFF who lives in Ottawa.  She mentioned about taking some time off in the fall and visit me.  I know it is still a long way and I can't start counting sleep but it's something to look forward to.  There's also my other BFF who lives in Texas and she also mentioned about visiting us here but has not confirmed the month.  

Pebble Beach Golf Course

Having snack and a beverage after the Sharks/ Habs hockey game.

Truthful Thursday - It's back to normal

It has been one awesome week with my BFF's and that's the excuse for not blogging.  They were here for 6 full days and I really did not have time to sit down and write a post.  Some of my readers were aware who my BFF's are and they knew what it's like to party with them. They left yesterday the beautiful sunny San Jose and arrive at their homes with a lot of snow.  Here's the comparison.

At the golf course with some of the deers.

His brother's car is buried in the snow.

This is all for now, I have to get my photos and stories organized.  Like any B&B, now I have to get the housekeeping done and get back to our normal life.  We had such a great time with my BFF and instead of being sad, they told me to remember the fun and laughter we had.  In the meantime, they have to return to their normal life and lose some weight before coming back.

Last day get snack and beverages at California Pizza (outdoor seating)

 

Woo Hoo Wednesday - No more sleep

Finally, no more counting sleeps.  My two BFFs will be arriving tonight.  Yesterday I talk to both of them to give my last minute reminders and requests.  It was so good to hear them saying "see you tomorrow night".  The guest rooms are ready, the fridge is well stocked and the schedules are starting to get full.  Aside from listening to a live band, watching the Sharks, maybe shooting some pool (we all have our own pool cue and trophy - LOL), if the weather permits maybe playing tennis and of course doing some day trips.  I will be doing some home cooking but we will also be eating out to check out some restaurants that interest them.  And if we will be doing some eating and drinking, Rose mentions that we need to do some exercise.  Can she get me started on walking around the block?  I suggested we just do JUST DANCE3 on Wii or even do my own mini Olympic (Wii) - bowling, tennis, baseball or even golf.  Speaking of golf, we also need to at least do one round and even drag Percy to come along.  As for the weather, I really hope it holds up and have more sunny days than clouds or shower. I am guessing that they would be doing a little shopping which we can do when it's not sunny.  Check out the sample menu for breakfast.

I just realized that the three of us are at a different age brackets (40's, 50's, and 60's).  The question is, can we still party like it's 1999?  Here's our playlist.

•  Gypsy King Medley
• Tainted Love
• Where do we go
• Don't stop believing
• Love Shack
• Livin' On a prayer
• Don't forget me
• I gotta feeling
• I will survive
• Money for Nothing
• No Woman No cry

TL Thursday - Happy Birthday

Most of you will probably wonder what TL stands for.  Today one of my BFF is celebrating her birthday and her name is TL aka Terri-Lynn.  We met at work and somehow she decided to try a new position which took her away from our office.  Even with working in different offices we manage to keep in touch.  Our dates would involve movie, lunch or dinner or sometimes just hanging out in her local pub.  We gone on a few mini girly vacations and any other activities that we could have fun.  She's always been a truly great friend and we always have stories to share.  Last May she was able to stay with us for week and it was a lot of fun even if we are just doing things at home.  We still exchange emails and every now and again we would do a telephone date where we would talk for hours about our lives.  I remember the time Jeff and I went on a tour of the Grand Canyon after our wedding, TL was with us and she took my place when it was time to do the walk around the area because I was afraid of heights.  She's always there for me when I needed a friend.  So today I am wishing her all the happiness and all the love for her birthday.  

This was taken during TL's visit and we took her to Monterey.

 

Friendship Friday - Happy Birthday PJD

Today is my BFF's birthday and I am dedicating this post to him because he is the one hell of a friend, almost like a real brother and most of all one who will always be there for you, no matter what. I have known him for almost 25 years and we have never had a disagreement.

Instead of writing a poem or sending him a card (I am too late anyway), I would like to share some of the things that reminds me of our friendship.

• when we use to work together during a shift, he would always say the following; "it's better to have and not NEED, than need and not HAVE.
• it was always the rule that I am the DD when it's his birthday and he is my DD when it's my birthday.
• the song "Where do we go" by NO MERCY only reminds me of Percy.  When this song was a hit, he enjoyed dancing to this tune.
• sometimes when I feel tired and complains to him I am getting old, he would say, "you are not getting old, you are OLD", but I know he does not say it to be mean, just funny.
• during one of our out of town job, we were wearing all black clothes and someone told us we could almost be mistaken as brother and sister.  Not sure if that was a compliment or an insult.  Just kidding.
• at one other not so happy occasion, I introduced him as my friend/brother.  The person only heard brother and started talking to him in Tagalog.  Percy had to explain later.
• there was a time when he was given a nickname of Percy and his Harem.  A bunch of us (girls) use to go out as a group and sometimes Percy would join us, kinda like our body guard (security).  
• on one of our travels for work, he was giving me a hard time when I gave this woman "the LOOK".  He said "if looks could kill, that woman would be gone in a second".  My defence was that the woman grab my hand as if going to steal my watch.  I pulled away and then gave her the look.  After all that we both started laughing.

Happy Birthday Percy!  May you have all your birthday wishes come true and may you find happiness each and every day of the rest of your life.

Simply Saturday - Back to Normal

A week ago my BFF arrived and today she is heading home.  We have had such a great time but also relaxing time.  Each morning we take our time getting up and taking it easy, no rushing to go out shopping, just spending a lot of quality time in our back yard.  Yesterday we played tennis again and had a nice lunch in our patio drinking our ADIOS drink.  Since I had recorded the second day of the Players tournament, we watched a bit while relaxing in our living room.  It was still a very nice evening so we had our dinner in our deck and sat talking for hours after dinner.  I made Turon (Banana dessert) and served it with ice cream.  Shortly after it was time for bed.  I cannot believe that her visit was over but it's OK to get back to our normal life.  It was nice having her around as she is such an easy going guest - not really a guest as she was very comfortable at home and also giving me a hand at anything.  She enjoyed everything from the meals, our dance work outs, shopping at my favorite stores and sitting each morning in the backyard watching Ted and Sylvia take turns sitting/guarding the nest.

TL and our Adios Lunch

Appetizer Plates that TL painted at Petroglyph (Ceramic Lounge)

Unfortunately I cannot show the ones I did as it's a surprise for my daughter.  Maybe after she gets it from TL, she will post it on her blog or I can feature it some other day. 

What Wednesday - My 4 year anniversary

A little late on my post for today, but as for PST it is still May 9th.  My daughter was the first one to remember our anniversary and this is what she sent us.

Actually my MIL gave us a card/gift early but did not open it until Jeff came home from work.

Then we did our anniversary card exchange, then my friend TL gave us our card and took us to dinner including my MIL.  I also got an email from my niece with her wishes.  We decided not to have gift exchange because we will be going on a cruise as our anniversary gift.  It was a wonderful simple way to celebrate our 4 years of being married.  No complaints, no whining and still no hissy fits.

Friendly Friday - BFF is arriving

Introducing TL,my other BFF. This photo was taken in her part-time backyard in Stratford, Ontario

Yes, that's right Stratford, Justin Bieber's home town.  Although my BFF does not reside there, she is there a lot for special reason.  For the next eight days she will be staying with us and enjoy the warm weather of northern California.  TL and I have been friends for at least 14 years.  We both worked for the same department for a number of years.  She is my movie date, sushi partner, but most of all a true BFF.  We have shared stories and helped each other through good and bad times.  The last time I saw her was in 2011 when we spend some time in Stratford.  We went to see Bridesmaid in one of the smaller theater where you don't even get a ticket, you just pay and that's it.  She treated me to a very nice dinner at a special restaurant called Rundles. I am very excited because I wanted to show her all the special quaint towns around the area, the favorite shops that I love to get real deals, and of course some of my favorite restaurants.  While she is visiting, I will most likely give her my own special home mani-pedi as a treat.  Of course the visit would not be complete unless we take her to Monterey, Carmel or maybe Santa Cruz.  TL is a very special BFF and we are so happy she chose our CPBB for her Spring mini get away.

TL and Jeff during our honeymoon tour of the Grand Canyon. This is why we are such great friends.

Truthful Thursday - BFF's in Canada

Some people have only one BFF but I am one of the lucky one that have a lot of BFF's.  The best way to describe it is through the photos taken during my vacation in Canada.

Me and Lorna taken during our birthday celebration in Ottawa

Me and Russ on his new boat.  We have grieved and healed together.

Catnip, me, Lynn and Sue.  We are the retired Divas.

Me and Percy aka Brother. A long time ago someone mistook us for brother and sister.

Terri Lynn watering the plants in her part time home in Stratford, Ontario (home of Justin B).

My BFF of all time, my daughter.  We were both disappointed that we did not take any photo of us.

Are you one of the lucky one too that has a lot of BFF?  Are you still BFF even though you don't live in the same city?  Have you been dumped by a BFF due to something you were accused of doing and not knowing what it was really all about??? I guess that means she was never really a BFF.