Thursday, August 30, 2007

Survivor Roses

I prunned these roses in late spring this year because they were not looking healthy. Last week, there seemed to be a bug that penetrated the soil that ate all the leaves of my other pot of roses...all leaves had holes! I used the insect spray for plants and it worked. So far these two pots of roses survived! And as soon as I added the potting soil last Saturday, they flowered more and seems to grow much faster! I put on plant food (fertilizer) every 9 days. So far, the other pot of roses has two rose buds now and there are lots of leaves sprouting, so am happy to take note of that! Some photos here, folks- enjoy! Happy weekend!

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Sharing With Others

Adjusting to a small space always gets me to response differently at any given time. Where we are, it's heaven and earth different from our home in the suburbs. But, we both love SFO and this is where we wish to be and where we have been living since last year.

These days, whenever we shop for something for personal or home use, we make sure we take off the items that have been replaced with the new ones. We give them away to others so they could benefit from them. Since we do not have the leisure to do a yard sale or to drive to Salvation Army to donate our items, we just bring them outside of our alley. Husband and I have the same thought on this: we never liked hoarding since time immemorial and keeping things that we do not use anymore is taking in negative vibes so we let go.

Some people keep everything they own because some are too attached to them. Utilizing space wisely is what makes a man honourable. Regarding clothes and other home stuf we do not use anymore (and due to lack fo space), we set them up outside and print out the word, "FREE." We place this along our main street in Union and leave them there. We usually do this in the evening and hope that the next morning, they are gone. From experience, appliance items are a hit while clothes take a while to get the attention of people in need. Slightly used ones and those in great shape like new- always hit the top ten favorites of people wanting to have something new in their life. Ciao!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Starting On A New Hobby: The Art Of Quilting

I borrowed books on the above subject from our North Beach Library and bought a book in Lincoln City, Oregon two weeks ago on making baskets and purses using the clothes lines (cotton) and cut fabrics. I also purchased a quilting pattern similar to the one featured here in the photograph. These projects should pre-occupy my time these days since I have a new sewing machine to play on and work with. Meanwhile, my equipments for these projects arrived this morning from the mail. Our Chinese mailman buzzed in and brought up the rotary cutter and rotating mat- typical instruments used to cut 6 layers of fabrics in one passage. Husband tested the rotary cutter and it is sharp! It is also costly at 25 bucks a piece. But it is an instrument that would make life easier for me with my new hobby which is quilting.

Three years ago, I learned to crochet blankets, shawl, scarf and carpet. This year, I will learn to quilt. In Oregon two weeks ago, I fell in love with this specialty shop on quilting. There were arrays of designs on display, styles and techniques to choose from plus yardage of fabrics that celebrated different occassions of the year. Inside me I quipped, "I just wish I could handle my first project on quilting and do it with tolerance, patience and artistry!"

Personally, I always have fun doing things alone. Quiet hobbies are my cup of tea. Although I enjoy parties, I feel rejuvenated in solitude. This makes me neither introvert nor extrovert as a person. Am just slightly poised in between.

Rotary cutter is similar to a pizza cutter. It rotates as you work on a shape to cut off the fabric. Well, this is all. I need to leave to shop for what I need. So long for now. Bye!

Tracking down Old Friends Via the Internet...Is Wonderful

The inter-networking of computers has captivated me in the early ‘90s because of its user friendliness and unique features about information technology and fast track to connect with others. Since then, communication has never been easier than it is today. The time saving protocol of “file, save and send” has made my life and the rest of the world to be more upbeat and exciting. Likewise, job placements/interviews, conference information, hotel accommodation, airline ticketing (eticket), online banking and shopping plus writing personal notes to friends and family have become even much easier than ever before! For instance, during the time of our fathers, Kodak films get to be processed for ages before we even get to see how we were in those photographs. Now, we just print out our own photos at home using our personal computers and printers. Things change through the cycle of development in the field of technology. The norm seems to be every 4 to 6 months that a break through takes place in this industry.

Much of my needs are answered in an instance using the internet; queries in terms of information with just about everything could easily be found on the net- from recipes to surgery details to a lot more broad subjects as human anatomy, fine arts and online games, dating and gambling. Because of fast tracking, the benefits are wide. To know a multitude of things are infinite. In this aspect, internet has become an integral part of me. It is practical and it works for me and works for my spouse as well. We read the news online. We need not turn on our cable TV. It's easier on a broadband connection. 24 hours a day, we are online in each of our laptop.

Years ago, to work at home as a man is socially unacceptable. It is like a man is seen as the person wearing the skirt in the family. The only option then is to travel to his destination at work and then there, he does his work routine.

Things changed. Bob Dylan was right when he wrote his song, "Times They Are Changing." Today, all one needs is a PC and a cellphone to communicate. And presto, business is done and ready to go! This is how we two as a couple could travel a lot and still husband is on track with his work. I don't work anymore so my life revolves just around the two of us. Technology has groomed our way to an easier life style which is quite mobile and practical. I love it!

Last February 2007, a classmate of mine from high school back in 1974 found me via email. From then on, we have connected well and gelled. Today, we call at least once a week or send email as needed. ME-ANN and I have become closer than ever because of the internet. And despite the fact that I live in the northern part of California and she is in the south in San Diego, we are as close as two peas in the pod. Me-Ann and I were high school chums. I knew her mom and vice versa. Our mothers were classmates during their elementary school years and somehow that makes our friendship to have a sentimental flavor in it. That is the bind that ties. Today, we find the essence in communicating as mature women and not the young girls we were before- carefree and innocent. We tip each other on home grown survival kit to live longer and happier. Our friendship is growing and thanks to technology, it has brought us together again. Here is Me-Ann in different moods with Mike her handsome spouse and their beautiful set of twins. Through the years, Me-Ann has blossomed into an attractive and confident woman she is today. Suffice it to say, I am proud of her accomplishments in both her personal and professional life. Cheers!

Me-Ann and Mike with friends, photo sent *last week*


Me-Ann and Mike, on a night out- photo circa *six months ago*

The *adorable twins* I wish I had!

City Gardening Amid A Small Space In My Veranda

I have two pots of red roses. One is in danger, seems that it got a bug and a fungus derived from the cool SFO air. I sprayed the insect spray on it last night, the one that I purchased at Walgreens in North Point (Safeway). These roses here are big. Can you believe this- that this, in fact, was the sickly rose plant last spring. But after prunning it, the branches multiplied, and the flowers emerged beautifully this summer. The "endangered one" has currently been pruned so all it has are stems and branches and some buds of leaves. Meanwhile, enjoy the view from my vista. Ciao!

Photo taken last week

Photo taken this week, this is as big as my palm- isn't she pretty?

View from our alley down below

A rose by any other name is still a rose...

This is not red but fuschia!

My Sunflower This Summer

They are blooming! Look! I have never planted a sunflower in my life and last spring was my first time- so am kind of excited when I saw the bunch sprouting like jelly beans upon my return from Portland with dearest husband last week! This was the first sunflower to emerge this summer. The rest are popping out as well but no yellow petals are showing yet. I photographed this one in a span of two days. See how it opened from the bottom photo and observe the seeds...awesome!



Sunday Date At Yerba Buena Park and Movie Time ("Hairspray") at Bloomingdale's San Francisco


Bloomingdale top view from the dome


Rest area on the upper most floor of Bloomingdale's SFO, across this area is Boarders (bookstore)

From the French Quarter, we walked down Market then to the park. Had a picnic there for lunch of white wine, brie cheese, pita crunchy chips, crackers, strawberry and water. From there, we walked to Bloomingdale's and watched, "HAIRSPRAY." It was a very entertaining movie, well done, the story line is superb, cinematography is fantastic, choreography is fabulous and the cast, excellent. John Travolta danced well, acted so feminine, and the cute chubby girl in the lead role, is adorable! You got to watch this!

Will upload photos later. Ciao!

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Summer Vacation in Lincoln City, Oregon

OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

We left the Oakland International Airport on August 11, Saturday last week and we barely made it to the tube of Southwest Airlines that was flying at half past nine in the morning for Portland. The long queue outside of the curb was scary. We left at 6:30 AM from our place; said hello to our couple friends in San Leandro, CA; parked our van in their lot then we headed off to the airport, through the courtesy of husband's buddy who personally drove us there. Upon seeing the hundreds of people lining up to enter the gate, a faint of panic streak hit our nerves. Why? Because we nearly did not make it and have almost missed our flight to Oregon! It seemed that everybody decided to travel at the same time with us, arriving at the airport at the same hour we did! We ran and glided if just to get into our gate number (can't even recall what number it was, ayayay)! Finally, we arrived at the gate. There, I was dazed trying to grasp some air to keep me breathing and alive. It was a dreadful attempt to keep me poised. We were terribly stressed out about missing our flight and thank God, we still made it!

Husband and I were the last four people to arrive. Otherwise, airline crew would have shut the door of Southwest! We were not seated together as there was no pre-seating arrangement with this aircraft, for being the most reasonably priced airline to fly across the USA!

Well, after an hour and some minutes on board, sky high above the earth, we finally touched down in Portland. Prior to our arrival, I enjoyed the sites from where I was seated by the window. It was lovely site to see the earth on bird's eye view. Everything seemed little and yet those closer to me looked larger!

PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

At the Portland International Airport, my brother-in-law collected us and it was absolutely wonderful to see him again. This was like a mini-reunion for all of us there at the airport, since the last time we were visiting was because he was seriously ill last year. Today, he is kicking and as strong as superman!

COMING HOME TO HIS HOME

The drive to his house was a breeze. It was 15 minutes only. Then, we were home with him. At the back of the house (where the kitchen entrance door is) was my sister-in-law who welcomed us with warm hugs and embraces.

"Hello! Oh, it's so good to see you two back!"

The reunion was sweet. From their kitchen arena, we had our short talks and met their elder son. At once, the camaraderie was anointing and contaminating. Also, we found out he is dating someone he thinks "is the right one." So the more, we were thrilled that husband and I raved and yelled with excitement! NOTE: We are meeting her tomorrow here at the cabin. Yes, we are still in Oregon right now as I blog!

BTW, two of our luggage arrived 3 1/2 hours later, a repercussion for checking in late with Southwest, an instance in our life that was way beyond our control. Prior to driving to the coast, we stopped by at the airport and got our luggage at last. From there, we cruised in from Portland to Lincoln city.

On the way to the cabin, we shopped for our food supply at a large Japanese store that carries a variety of Asian food supply. It was cool to find a place close to my heart, where the price is comparatively low though not quite as good as Chinatown San Francisco!

We were arrived at the cabin just before twilight had set in. We were a caravan of two cars. Husband was with his brother, and I was with my sister-in-law. The driving time enabled us to bond us family which was awesome. We had dinner at the cabin then had a showcase of our dancing feet, all four of us! As usual, my in-laws coached us some more on new steps they learned from their ballroom dancing 2 class. Hurrah! We got free dancing lesson from them for almost a week now and it is great! We are driving back to Portland tomorrow, rest a day, then fly back to San Francisco. Ciao for now. Bye!

I can't post photos as my broadband connection is weak since we are up in the mountains. I'd do it once we're back in our abode, Cheers!

Friday, August 10, 2007

Our Ripon Friends Visited Us Last Night

Rex and his brood came by and had dinner with us. They are currently in the city and are staying at S &
W Hotel along Broadway. We served them some native Filipino dishes like "Lumpiang Shanghai," "Pancit Sotanghon," plus a combo of "Thai sea Food Salad" (Cuttle Fish) and "Chinese Chorizo," served with steamed rice. For dessert, we had "Ginger Snap and Oatmeal Cookies." These cookies were yummy and perfect with hot coffee! We showed them around our neighborhood, walked around, went to the gallery and browsed on some shops and candy store. They left our flat at past 9 PM, after an impromptu concert of Rex on the piano, LBB on the harmonic, moi doing some vocals with Rex. His wife and daughter watched us while we had our ensemble.

Something Old, Something New


My 3-year old Euro Pro Sewing Machine


My new Singer Sewing Machine

My New Toy: SINGER 80 STICH FUNCTION SEWING MACHINE

It arrived this evening- my new toy- while I was busy doing the drip system of my garden! I had to add more drips since I transplanted a lot of my plants into larger pots a few weeks ago. With the drip system, every plant is watered on a twice a day schedule, ten minutes each drip time. This is cool to have especially when you are going away on a trip. You need not worry that no one would water your plants. You just set the timer on then presto, it works!

We are leaving tomorrow (August 11th) for Portland, Oregon and then to Lincoln City for the annual summer reunion with my siblings-in-laws on my husband's side. It's an exciting get together where all of us get to cook and eat together as family; have fun; play golf (not me) and board games; shop at quaint botiques then go for a day at the beach and the casino.

This evening when the mailman buzzed in, husband said, "It's here! Your sewing machine has arrived!" I almost jumped for joy! He was ecstatic to see how joyful I was. Yes! It was his gift.

I was sewing last week and was doing a blanket quilt when he stopped for a moment while he was in his office. He said, "Would you like me to buy you a new sewing machine?" I was hesitant at first, then excited...I started giggling and responded, "Yes! Why not? Please buy me one!" And he did!!!

The next day, he ordered one online this was about 10 days ago. And now it's here! I haven't checked it out but I will in a while. SINGER SEWING MACHINE is the best brand so far in this field of technology~sewing machine. BTW, I am giving away my 3-year old EURO SEWING MACHINE to anyone interested. Husband does not want us hoarding stuff in our flat so we regularly discard things like clothes we don't use anymore (i.e. we brought out lots of clothes last week along Union and some folks got them which was good).

P.S.

I will blog from Oregon next week since we are bringing our aircard and my laptop so we could still be online while travelling by air and land.

We will return to SFO on August 22nd. This is all for now. Click on the photos to enlarge. Ciao!