When Wednesday - Will the rain go away?

It's raining again and as much as the land and the river needs it, sometimes I wish the sunny days come back soon.  There's less than two weeks before my daughter's visit and it would be nice to have warm and sunny days.  She's coming from a cold climate which is why it's very important to have our normal California weather.  I told her she can wear flip flops and don't have to bring very warm clothes.  I really don't want her disappointed so today I am wishing for great weather in San Jose and the area.  When I see the flowers in my dining room, it makes me feel like Spring has really arrived.  My MIL bought these flowers from the farmer's market last Sunday. 

Yellow Freshia, Orange Tulips, and little green flowers

Another great lunch last Friday with my girlfriend at a place called Buca di beppo located at the Oakridge Mall.  I thought we should try it out because another friend of mine suggested that it's a great place for lunch.  The food had so much flavor and the portions are huge, enough to share.  This would be one of those restaurants that I would recommend for my visitors if they are craving for Italian food. www.bucadibeppo.com/menu

Eggplant Parmigiana with Spaghetti

Half of the portion of Salmon and very spicy broccoli

Tremendous Tuesday - PGA vs LPGA

So Tiger finally won the Arnold Palmer Tournament but he is still not really back the way he was prior to the incident.  It was very interesting listening to the commentators about his putting.  Each time they would say that Tiger should have no problem at the particular hole and should not miss the putt, as soon as he strikes the ball you could see that he was not happy and of course the ball does not go in.  Shortly after watching the PGA players, I switched and watched the LPGA Kia tournament.  The leader was also at -14 like Tiger's score, but the big difference is that the leader Y. Tseng and the others that are in the top 10 are making their long putts.  The caliber of these young Asian golfers are amazing.  Maybe they don't hit at far as the men's but their skills are more precise.  I am only making these comments today because I am surprised at how many of the PGA players were missing so many putts.  You would think that after the 3 rounds of playing the same course, they should at least have figured it out.  Although I am making these negative comments, I still love watching any of the tournaments specially the ones that Tiger is participating.  The thing is, he still has a lot of fans and if he is not there, it is not as exciting and might be a bit boring.

There's only a week and a half before the Master's.  I am sure Tiger will try his very best to win it again.  The only problem is that I still think that emotionally he is still hurting and maybe it does affect his game.  It has been almost 3 years but these things take time.  Good luck, Tiger and I will be cheering you from my living room as I can't be there in person because my daughter is more important and she will be with me during the week of the Masters.

Maybe Monday - It's still not done

Renovations seems to be a never ending process and one must have the patient to live in a home with a little bit of mess, dust, tools all over the place and sound of power tools.  The only consolation is that when a project is actually completed, you can enjoy the finished product.  It has been almost 3 months since Jeff started the different projects and so far I am very happy with all the changes he has accomplished.  Since he is still working full time, he can only work at these projects on weekends and maybe some weeknights.  Sometimes he needs a little motivation to get started and then he would be on a roll.  The only part that I can help is with the painting and so far he has been happy with the way I paint.  Two more weeks and my daughter and son-in-law will be here and I am hoping he can at least finish the fireplace mantle and tiles around the fireplace.  Jeff has one more weekend left to do complete this project. 

The tiles around the fireplace still has to be placed and the mantle needs another coat of glossy paint.

The great part about Jeff doing all the work is that we really save a lot on labor cost.  While doing this post, I could see from my window the squirrel eating some of the flowers that I planted.  It has been snipping it from the middle of the stem so the top part of the flower box are missing some of the flowers.  I guess this is the reason why I can't get the hang of gardening specially if the squirrels are ruining the plants.

Soulful Sunday - Eleven more sleeps

Like a kid I start counting sleeps whenever I am looking forward to something, whether it's a vacation, a party, my birthday, an occasion, an event or a visit.  Starting tonight I will be counting sleeps prior to the arrival of my daughter and my favorite son-in-law. I have started shopping for some of the items I would need for their visit.  I am also getting excited because I will be doing an Easter Egg Hunt with my daughter.  I cannot forget one Easter that I spent with Jeff.  After breakfast he told me to get my Easter basket as I would have to the egg hunt.  If I remember correctly, I found most of them except two which were hidden very well.  My daughter still remembers the big Easter egg hunt that I did for them when we lived in Whitehorse.  It's at least 20 or 25 years ago but she still remembers how much fun it was.  For some it's only for children, but I believe there is no law or rules about doing Easter Egg Hunt for older kids or old people still feeling young.  Only 14 more sleeps before the hunt and I am going to get more treats both special and regular for that special day.  Of course we cannot have Easter without thinking of my son and remembering some of the Easters we were together. 

Sometimes I wonder I listen to some of my son's CD that I have kept, if he liked certain songs.

Special Saturday - Surprise Mailbox

After finishing our mail box for our home, I thought it would be nice for us to make one for my MIL.  I ask Jeff if we still have enough wood for another mail box and would he have the time to cut the wood and put them together.  The rest will be up to me to design it, paint it and be creative.  As you know or don't know, my MIL loves anything with lady bug.  I guess it was just fitting that I create the special mail box with lady bugs. 

Front view of Annette's mailbox

Left side view of the mail box

Right side view of the mail box

Because it is our second mail box, I found that we were able to finish it in less time.  We were able to use some of the materials that we have at home.  I was able to use some of my nail polish as well as my nail tools to create the art work on this mail box.  All it needs is the hinge that connects the box to the top cover that can be lifted on the sides.  This time I will not add a knob to lift the cover as there's enough on the sides for the postal worker to use to lift.