Starlight In Her Eyes...

My Cute Little Niece, Katie

2011-07-29T20:53:00.001-07:00

Red Velvet Cake- Baked From Scratch!

2011-07-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

I baked this the 2 days after Thanksgiving 2010 in Portland, Oregon. Visited and stayed with my in-laws. This was my gift to husband's brother's 40th wedding anniversary! They love it!

My Little Garden in San Francisco- Summer 2010 File Photos

2011-07-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Look At my Veranda-Then- 2006

2011-01-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

JUST BEING COOL ON A COOL MORNING LIKE TODAY

2010-01-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

It has been raining in San Francisco for quite some time now. Last week, it did rain quite a bit and we only had Saturday for a sun shine. This morning, it is wet again. But I do not discount that blessing. Rainy days are great days. Between wet and dry, I prefer the former. Even as a child, the water brings in a sense of peace within me. When I am upset about something or stressed, all I do is soak in the tub for an hour or so, light a scented candle, then- take a nap. Later, I’d feel much better.

Even as a teen, I loved watching the mist, the drizzles and then, the rainbow. It is like deviating from the present thought and it somehow takes you into another dimension where only the peace and greenery of things, the wetness of the clouds and the mystic prism of nature awaits your presence, to award you with a gift of calmness for your spirit. So this is why rainy days are good days for me. Also, as one friend once uipped, "It is bed weather." Not bad weather. Haha!

Rain is magical. It makes the plants and trees to be greener. The nitrogen in the rain makes it all so natural for the plants to be healthier. Astounding, indeed. It is for this reason that we all are urged to use fertilizer in the spring and summer when only a miracle makes out the rain during these seasons to pour. Otherwise, we have clear skies but no rain.

This week did not start well for us at home. Little Boy Blue has been feeling sick over the weekend due to severe pollen allergy. I cannot believe how he has become as sensitive as I am to pollen. Is this marriage? You share everything even sensitivity to certain types of histamine? From simple nose clogging, his eyes are red, his throat sore, he has allergic cough at its worse and his total body make-up just feels weak and sick. So, I feel bad for my hero. This melancholia got extended as well today, and he is still in bed. n fact, I had to cancel his appointments yesterday and today because of this. Then early on today, he insisted that he is ready to go back to work for which I said no. Instinctively, you just know when your partner (or spouse) is ready or not ready to go back to work. And after much discussion, he consented and now he is fast asleep after having a hearty breakfast of poached eggs, broiled asparagus and grape tomatoes. I did serve him a toast of rustic Italian bread (homemade)that I did late last week and served this with butter and green grapes for dessert.

On my end, I was up early yesterday at around 5 AM. And I was at the hospital for my medical appointment. All went well for me and my medical procedure was done in five minute’s time which was the actual time period allotted for a sigmoidoscopy. And according to the gastroenterologist, who did the procedure, I have a very healthy colon- “pink and shiny” she said.

“Looks like you eat a lot of fruits and veggies!” I said, “Yes!”

Shortly after 8:30 AM yesterday, while I was at the second floor of Kaiser, a good number of people were already there waiting for their numbers to be called so their blood work could be taken for the test. And within 30-minutes time frame, I was called to have my blood be taken for my thyroid tests. Truly, I never like this part of my life, but you got to do what you have to do- to know if you are getting better or worse!

Finally, it was over. Then, I was down on level one at the pharmacy and proceeded to avail the free pill cutter that I so badly needed to use to cut my thyroid pill into half. The staff who attended to me was very nice. A mulatto, and a man in his 20s, he was very perky, nice and good looking! He gave me one cutter and wished me well. Wow!

I was home by 9:30 AM, complete with my goals accomplished for the day in that short period of time. And with me as I crossed Columbus Avenue in North Beach where two paper bags of fresh fruits and veggies that I bought at the Chinese merchant whose two stores seatright across Walgreens in Stockton. Then, I was home and called all the customers who were scheduled for the day and relayed to them the news that they had to be re-scheduled. So far, they were all nice and no one complained. I emailed them right after they confirmed their schedule then I let lose the knee high boots I was wearing. In a second, my clothes were off and were lying over the love seat we bought 6 monhts ago along Van Ness Avenue.

At 3 AM today, I saw the result of my blood test as I got an email prompt from my Iphone to check this online. So far, so good. My TSH is within the normal range. So, I am doing well. And very thankful, as a matter of fact. The positivity, good nutrition, exercise all paid off. Plus taking the meds on time and the vitamins and supplements, of course. Initially, I was a bit worried that my thyroid hormones could have sky rocketed again because I ate some crabs last week. So far, it didn't matter at all.

Last year, I refused to eat anything with iodine, like the crabs, shrimp, calamari or oysters. But then, my endo and primary doctors said that I could and must eat this food since I need my own iodine supply as well to keep me healthy. So, I listened and ate some crabs last week! Yipee!

Initially, at the onset of my hyperthyroidism in October 2008 and February 2009, I refused to eat anything with iodine. I thought this was the way to do it. Plus, I went to this support group and found out that members are totally into the extremes of taking supplements and eradicating iodine in their system 100 percent which is a mistake. In doubt, I went back to my endocrinologist and primary doctor, and I was given a more objective explanation that made me consent and believe them. So, in retrospect,it is best to always listen to your own doctor for advice!

Caio!

2009-10-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

Italian Heritage Parade

Celebrate Italia!

Nation's Oldest Italian Heritage Parade Takes to the Streets of San Francisco on October 11th

DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORMS
» 2009 Parade!
» 2009 Queen Isabella and her Court

San Francisco's 141st ANNUAL ITALIAN HERITAGE PARADE on Sunday, October 11, 2009, as the City's oldest civic event and the nation's oldest Italian-American parade and community celebration winds its way from Fisherman's Wharf to North Beach. A San Francisco institution since it was established in 1868, the 2009 Parade is promising to be bigger, better and more colorful than ever.

Highlights include dozens of handcrafted parade floats featuring Bay Area businesses, community groups, and Italian organizations; local high school Italian clubs and marching bands; special appearances by "Christopher Columbus" and Queen Isabella and Her Court; festive open-air dining and Italian wine and food specials at North Beach restaurants lining the Parade route; performances by a variety of traditional Italian musicians and performance artists; and special appearances by Bay Area and Italian-American celebrities.

The Route
The Parade action begins at 12:30 pm at the foot of Jefferson and Stockton Streets in Fisherman's Wharf, proceeds south through North Beach on Columbus Avenue, and ends in Washington Square in front of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Parade viewing is available throughout the route. Admission to all Parade activities-including the Ferrari Sportscar display in Washington Square Park and a variety of hands-on activities for children and families - is FREE.

© 2005 Italian Heritage Parade, All Rights Reserved.

54th Annual North Beach Festival, June 13 & 14, 2009

2009-06-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

Today opens the festival that would run until tomorrow. As of today, thousands are already here in our neighborhood enjoying the ecclectic color of the city's tapestry of people from cross-cultural countries.

Below are photos from the festival taken by moi just three hours ago. These vivid photos were taken along Grant, Vallejo and Union. Little Boy Blue and yours truly have not gone yet to the Washington Square and Stockton where it is known as the area for the main gig for concerts, beer drinking, barbeques, shopping and more! We are home for the mean time taking our down time.

As of last year, 30,000 visitors came by. This year, I have yet to know via the San Francisco Chronicle news info next week on a Monday morning. Meanwhile, Enjoy!

Going Greek

2009-05-07T15:25:00.001-07:00

Husband and I are back to eating out after our volunteering time at 6:30 PM. We volunteer 4 times a week on weekdays. We are dead tired from work, and still find the time to help out which is good. But this finds me to be outrageously exhausted at times, especially when there are a lot of customers to deal with in the office. Likewise for LITTLE BOY BLUE who drives to and from work on weekdays. At the office at home, the phone never stops ringing. Last weekend, the contractor of a large condominium building on Market Street (a.k.a. Financial District) called ASAP at 8 PM saying there was an emergency! Of course, I didn’t answer the business call. It was my weekend- give me a break (sigh). But I called back this Monday and he had his tantrum. He was rushing and said that I call back. So I did. Then, he canceled his appointment with us. Just like that. We had ordered parts for this contractor and now who is going to pay for those? The manufacturer won’t even take them back nor refund us! I tell you, sometimes I wish I had the power to have this bilocation ability so I could be at two places at the same time, and confront this man in 3-D! Well, with all the anxiety that I deal with daily, sometimes dear husband would tell me that he would cook instead and by this means eating out elsewhere in our neighborhood bistro (translation: he does not cook!). For the record, we have been living here in North Beach for 3 years now, yet there are restaurants that we have not tried out yet because they just do not appeal to us. Some look ood, cold or unwelcoming. Last week, we ate at our old Italian favorite place at CALZONI and at MARIO’s Café and Cigar on Union, right across Washington Square, facing Sts Peter and Paul Church where Marilyn Monroe and Joe di Maggio tied the knot. This is a great place to be, service is fast, food is good (mostly sandwiches and snacks). Their grilled focaccia(with grilled chicken, feta cheese and arugula) has now become a part of our repertoire in dining. Then, there is theNorth Beach Pizza which is just across our flat and the Thai TukTuk Café, and this new discovery place, MARIO's. Last night, husband "cooked." Prio to doing so, I told him that I don’t want to eat anymore Mexican Food. We had Mexican food for two days in a row last week at Broadway! For a change, I wanted something new, meaning a different place we have not tried out the least. Thus, as we were walking along Grant, we found ourselves being guided by our instinct to hop in at this Greek Restaurant ESTIA which we always dismissed as a boring one. But for once, we gave it a try. To our surprise, it was a smart decision on our part for the food was delectable, the price is affordable, the ambience~ simple as it is, is quite Mediterranean. Plus, the waiter is an authentic Greek and was quite attentive to our needs. We had gyro, flaming cheese, and of course, Greek salad with the famous whole Kalamata olives (still with seeds) which I find to be quite tasty, almost like wine- aged in time! The yield is Greek style, large and could feed two people in one large plate that for me looked like a serving tray. Hahha! We had baklava for dessert and black coffee. The bread served for hors d’oeuvres was good so, it seems that this will now be our favorite place to eat whenever we like feel going Greek in terms of dining. Ciao!

Estia Restaurant
1224 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 433-1433

PEOPLE PASSING BY, YEARS COMING BY

2009-05-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

After a 3- month’s reclusive existence without even caring to blog, here I am once more.

It is a quiet Tuesday morning here in North Beach. It is misty and nice. I always loved it when it rains ever since I was a child because the day after just seems to be magical and full of life. There is a lot of green where it spells life and beginnings.

Today, our alley is fenced in with silent consolation of peace and sanity. I woke up early this morning at a little past five. It was a beautiful day that started out with some mist.

The last week of April was special to me. My neighbor from my childhood years in CAVITE, PHILIPPINES came by to visit the city. She travelled across the continent with her best friend and met up with her aunt in L.A. All of us four women were the picture perfect portrait of people travelling and living overseas; re-connecting our ties; sharing old hopes and dreams and making them real in the NOW.

Back home in the Philippines where we were all uprooted from, we lived so close by as in a colony of bees. I could hear her singing and she could hear me playing music in my upright piano at my parents' home. Where her mother nags her to eat, mine tells me to sleep. We were just one house away from each other’s domicile.

MACHAY or CLAIRE, as she is known to many of us today, is a registered nurse and works as a school nurse in one of the convent school for girls in the Philippines. She travels far and near time and again and enjoys it immensely. She is just that way as I was before married life hits me. Travelling for most of us with this virtue of belief takes it as the true antidote to every day life's journey of work routine and play. This, CLARE, affirms, is her principle in life: to enjoy it while she is still young and able. Kudos!

MARISSA, Clare’s aunt or TITA, is my friend SALLY’s younger sister. MARISSA, CLARE and I all attended the same Catholic school as teen kids. Today, MARISSA and I both reside in California- she is in the southern part and moi, here in San Francisco. Growing up, we never even think of living our dear old ANIBAN.

So, finally~on that fateful day one Sunday high noon in late April this year marked our foremost reunion. Accompanying me was husband, a.k.a. LITTLE BOY BLUE and there was the gang of four from L.A. comprising of MARISSA, her wondrous life partner VICTOR, CLARE and her bestfriend (apologies for I forgot her name, mamamia).

At last, LITTLE BOY BLUE and I met VICTOR who is MARISSA's husband, lover and best friend. He is a quiet man, very sweet, candid and has a keen sense of humor. He is an accomplished CPA with a flourishing career in L.A. He is married to MARISSA for seven beautiful years now. He is a delight to be with~ a man of a few words. And his motto? To follow whatever makes his wife happy. WOW. Now, that is super wonderful!

Well, hot as it was on that fateful day that didn't seem to stop us at all from meeting at the wharf. We finally saw each other altogether after planning it for about a week. On the phone itself, nervous laugh and commotion of emotion was blaring in our headphones. We were thrilled to the maxim!

We met up gloriously at the FISHERMAN’s WHARF. There were lots of tourists that day. Guided by our cell phone for instructions, we ultimately saw each other in 3-D. Cha-ran! And like a spark of lightning rolling out in the hill, all of the day's splendor began so rapidly for us all: the yelling, screaming, giggling, excitement, the hugs, embraces and thrills of seeing each other outside of the Philippines! That was like a dream passing in interlude! It painted the air with a different scent of nostalgia! It was absolutely unforgettable! During our encounter, LITTLE BOY BLUE and VICTOR were the lone individuals who remained gentle, calm and sane. All three of us- CLARE, MARISSA and I (minus the silent friend of CLARE) were speaking fast and pronto, as if the firing squad/platoon of the army was about to shoot us that day! Oh, it was hilarious with us speaking in TAGALOG and reminiscing the past regarding our wonder years as kids and young women etching out a career of our own, in our homegrown town of BACOOR. Awesome. By and large, infinite queries of howdy and how-have-you-been-all these years legacy came through like a rattling sound of nuclear weapon of mass destruction!

PIER 39. While there, the blaring feel of the sun penetrating my flesh was unbearable but despite of that, every moment with them was heavenly and it felt like I was actually floating above the sea, for it was cool, in a way, quite soothing to the senses. Oxymoron of my emotion? Probably.

Earlier that day, there was an overture of breeze and mist. Then, the morning twisted in another rhythm. The sun just kept on moving up and up away from the horizon until it was stretching its perpendicular rays to the bowels of the earth. Duh! It was just damned too hot to that day! I regretted the fact that I opted to wear my jacket. Then, I can't take it off for my bulging tummy would pop. Ayayay! Who wants that?
And, golly- we had the heatwave that day as if it was GOD's way of welcoming CLARE with the replica of the great tropical breeze of OLD MANILA! Whew!

All six of us had a small lunch of fish and chips, chicken and soda. And before I could even blink my eyelash, it was time for them to say goodbye! Ugh! They were here just for a few hours, having began their tour from L.A. to SFO! The visit was not even half a day!

Short as it was and sweet as it had been, our impromptu reunion was framed with fond memories to live by. We have kept in touch and so far, we have been rolling in and out @ each other's INBOX like a field of sunflowers in springtime.

CLARE, your bestfriend, VICTOR and MARISSA...from SFO with love...

"Thank you for the memories. We shall meet again and make more indelible memories come real!"

CHARACTERS AT MY GYM

2009-01-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

Now that we are in business, there are busy days and tiring days that pull us away to exercise. Two days ago, I get to observe once more the bunch of interesting individuals around me. Here are some:

1. MAN WITH A CAP AND BACK-PACK ON HIS BACK CHARACTER- he was kicking it off at the elliptical machine, unmindful of what he appears to be as a weirdo- complete with skiing shades, et al. Whew!

2. WOMAN IN HER SKIMPY NIGHTIES AND PAJAMA LEGGINGS- she was sweating it out at the elliptical machine as well. Soon enough, she was doing her stretching, flying trapeze expertise at the stretching area of the gym. Husband and I had a feast looking at her magical wonder at the corner of our eyes. Did she forget to wear gym clothes? Perhaps, this was her option. She was wearing a loose empire cut nighties in silk, with a spaghetti strap and low cut back style. It was very flimsy and the hemline was cut isometric style that was diagonally hugging her hips to her knees. Then, her printed pajama leggings struts as she gyrates and shows us her muscle control on her butt, legs, hips, boobs and all.

3. MAN IN HIS TERRY COAT JACKET WITH THE HOOD SHATTERING HIS FACE- he was wearing this winter thick jacket. What for? I think he is trying to sweat it out fast or fronto. But he is not the type who sweats easily so be it.

4. WOMAN WITH GYM BAG BESIDE HER WHILE DOING HER CARDIO VASCULAR ROUTINE- it is such a sight to see this bunch of people drag their gym bags and or travelling bags wherever they are at the gym. Didn’t they hear of locker rooms where they could dump this stuff? Apart from its ungodly visuals, it eats space, man! Give me a grip!

5. MEN AND WOMEN WHO WEAR BASEBALL CAPS- I have no idea why they have to wear a hat inside the gym? We hardly see the sun in the winter so why wear it, for effect? Santa Banana!

6. THE MACHO TYPE- it is his first day at the gym, obviously, because he is trying to figure out how to use the machine. Then, he looks around, checks out the women then the men and then, who is looking where. And are they looking at his direction? Is there anyone checking out his six pack or his flabs? So, he does the impossible and sets the weight to the heaviest he could think of- what for but to impress? But because this idiot is not akin to using these weight machines, he bangs the machine he is using and makes a loud sound out of it with the whole folks at the gym trying to see and find where the sound originated from. And presto, from his direction!

7. SPECIAL EFFECTS PERSON- this type makes odd sounds when using the weight machine or the free weights. He or she makes this high-pitched sound of struggle because the weight is just intolerable to him/her. But, he/she does it anyway because of the thought that doing it fast could bulge their muscles, tone their flabs and be sexy all at once. FALSE! Muscle toning happens after months and years of training. And it does not happen overnight!

8. WOMEN WITH UNTIED AND UNKEMPT HAIR- it is such a turn-off to see them workout with their long hair tumble up and down while they do the cardio vascular routine.

9. FAKE BLOND CHINESE SLIM FIFTY SOMETHING WOMAN- she is slim and married to a Caucasian. She wants to be taken as an exotic animal and not a has-been. This one really freaked me out a week ago. She came wearing her Bermuda leggings and tight haltered party shirt that slightly showed her aging tummy and belly button. And then, she was wearing my pet-peeved of tightly cupped boobies wrapped in push-up style brassieres. Well, that is fine in casual clothing but not in a gym! And was she wearing trainers’ shoes? Nope! She was wearing a pair of high-hilled slip-on sandals!!! And she was cycling in a way I had not seen before (*SIGH*). She was RIDING on one side of the elliptical machine with both her feet there, and balancing in the narrow space of the pedal- que horror! And for goodness sake, she was cascading as if she were in a horseback riding scheme with King Arthur! No wonder I was kind of perplexed seeing that image at the mirror 20 meters across me! Well, she was gliding along heavenly in a full extravaganza of motion! And there she was, trying to attract the attention of veryone there to tell us that yes, indeed perhaps she was once circus queen? Yikes!

10. SAUANA MONSTERS- these are the creepy ones who come in their gym outfit complete with socks and shoes, towel in their hands, books to read, eye glasses, and water to drink- inside the sauna! The least they could do is wear their bathing suit! And mind you, they don’t want to get a splash of water when I get back from a quick cold shower- time and again, every ten minutes! Is it my fault if they get a splash (ha-ha)? When they are not supposed to be dressed that way?

11. WOMAN SPEAKING IN HER CELLPHONE AT THE WHIRPOOL- this is supposedly a holy place of peace and quiet where people just wish to be left alone in their solitude. But this bitch one evening was blaring out her lungs telling her boyfriend to get lost!!!! My eyes just kept popping out of my face while she was doing her monologue. After a while, I decided to go to the steam room which was a lot better and quieter.

12. SWEATY ONES WHO NEVER WIPE OFF THEIR DIRT AT THE MACHINE- they are a handful in terms of figures but man when they hit it with their sweat, the machine rains like water! And they don’t wipe it with the spray chemical to clean it up nor dry it out with the paper towel available in one corner of the gym. Yikes!

13. WOMEN WHO WEAR PUSH-UP BRAS WHILE WORKINGOUT- these are mostly newbies at the gym who come in full gear of make-up and provocative bras in leopard design. It is so tasteless I want to puke whenever I see their little titties or big pair of knockers juggling up and down because they are not properly supported by a pair of sports bra! A week later, they realize that it is not gonna work. And it is such a pain. Eventually, they learn their lessons and wear the appropriate sports bra.

14. NEWBIES- these are the pitiful ones who go through the introduction of gym life except, of course, that they are being tortured right between my eyes by their trainers. These certified personal trainers are butt heads who would discourage you to use the machine or the free weights but would encourage you tremendously to do the calisthenics they want you to suffer from. Where in the world you’d find creatures who would force the first-time enrollees to do those torturous sits-ups, stretching, bending, 30-minute cardio at the treadmill or elliptical machine, when it is their first time to do so?
I, for one, have not worked out for about three years when I enrolled at this gym with husband in December 2007. And I went through that hellish overture. After my first few encounters with my then Chinese American male trainer, I omitted coming to the gym for three months because all I felt was inadequacy on my part to reach up to my trainer’s expectations. Also, I thought he was unprofessional in his way of dealing with me as a client. I was aching all over right after my first encounter with him by following his advise. I remember having a tough time going downstairs from the gym to the ground floor. Creepy, right? So, off I went back home with dear husband and never came back. Then, boom! I remember us that we had paid three years in advance for this health plan! And it is non-refundable! So, our vendetta was to go back and workout, minus the last sessions each of us was entitled to have. Then, we did it on our own, followed our rhythm, and created our routine from stretching to cardio to weights. Now, I am one size down on casual petite size clothes for women. And I can fit into the medium size teen size! I lost about 20 lbs. I am still overweight with a body mass index of 26.5 buy I am getting there. My muscles are getting toned. My triceps look good. I look better in a bikini these days, not bad for a post thirty something, years and years ago!

Anyhow, looking at the world around me inside this cocoon of a gym makes me think that we all go there for a gazillion of reasons but mainly for health and fitness. We are from different life perspective. We vary in size, age, color, and life experience. Yet, we are one in the aspect of living a healthy life and hoping to live longer than what we expected to be. This is PIZZICATTO, reporting from San Francisco!

Ciao, for a Thursday morning!

Ferry Plaza In SFO

2009-01-17T15:08:00.000-08:00

Today, we had an early morning hike. We walked down Columbus and straight ahead to Stockton, and then stopped at Pacific. There, we hailed the Muni Bus Number 12, with the hope that we get into the Latino community at Mission. We wanted to check it out, eat their Mexican deli, have some margarita, and perhaps- shop, et al. The trouble was, we got into the wrong bus. Inside the Muni, husband asked the black driver about how we were to get into our destination. He advised that we stayed on inside and just to get off at Ferry building then hop into the next bus that would lead us then to the Mission District. When bus number 12 passed along Ferry building, we decided to get off instead because I needed to use the loo. Once there, we were invigorated by the hundreds of people who came in to see what's up and about in that area.

Outside the building, there were stalls of vendors that told me of the presence of the local farmers who were selling their organic harvest for the day. While last week was frustrating for us in not seeing the farmers market to be in action, today was unbelievably fascinating that it was there for us to enjoy.

At the courtyard facing the main street, the middle aged colored man was doing his gig and hitting the pots and pans in his great splendor. The spectators were amused. Nearby, was the attraction of the day. They were a bunch of anti- Bush administration who were in an ensemble of aprons in red and beige colors. They were encouraging people to throw away several pairs of shoes (sigh) on the US president's large scale portrait. This was done in the style of the Middle Eastern media man, who almost hit Bush on the head, and who later found a spot in the world news network, for striking a stateman. Did we get the shoes and joined a few of them? Nope. We were better than those imbeciles. Not that we are pro-Bush but husband and I do believe in good manners and right conduct. We advocate respecting other people regardless of race, color, age and political affiliation. After seeing this disturbing scenario, complete with a regalia of cameras, prompters and what-have-not, we had enough of it. We left shortly and headed towards the Ferry building where a battalion of people were walking excitedly. Inside, I suggested to husband to go have some coffee and pastries at Peete's Coffee and Tea while I proceeded to find the loo. Seconds later, he went on his way and I did find mine. It took a short minute, and then I was there.

Going to the ladies' restroom was frustrating because the line never seemed to end. However, after ten minutes or so, my turn came through. I entered the first available cubicle. There, time passed by so quickly. Once done, I washed my hands and wiped them out with a piece of white colored tissue paper. Later, I got out quickly, then walked past a crowd of people. Then, I noticed The Fish Store Restaurant that sells a variety of sandwiches, seafood and salads. There, I found myself getting glued to what I thought was an interesting haven for good food. Immediately, I was drawn to buying fresh oysters drizzled with cocktail dip, white horseradish, lemon and tabasco. Instinctively, I ordered two pieces of them. After a moment, I handed my payment to the young male vendor. I paid him three dollars for the two pieces of oysters which I then placed inside the rectangular box that had no cover at all. Minutes later, I was gliding and walking quickly to where husband was at Peete's Coffee and Tea.

"Surprise! I got us each an oyster!" I said in delirious thrill.

He grinned and responded, "Oh, you just can't resist it, can you?"

"Nope." I quipped.

Immediately, he stood up and offered me his seat. I thanked him and he said his monosyllabic, "welcome."

The place was getting to be swarmed by hungry visitors. It was noisy as well and poor husband was practically situated at the very end of the counter where a young college boy was grinding the black coffee beans. Apparently, he is one of the local employees there who was doing his share of labor to pay off his college fees. Obviously, husband was sitting there for quite sometime and improvised to use the counter as his "table" for lack of having it. It was that crowded he said~ that all he wanted ASAP was to find his space, pull a chair and to sit down. Ok, so now I understand why he had no table!

Once settled, I sat down at his chair and began piercing the oyster with a cocktail toothpick. Husband remained standing while he tried to take off the meat from the shell of his oyster. Then, we were both munching our juicy delight with much satisfaction. It was delicious! But, I had to pinch my nose time again from getting headaches because the horseradish took its toll inside my mouth, sinus, and skull. Yikes! All at once was an explosion of spices insidemy head that made it seemed to be cracking in orbit. Moments later, I asked desperately for husband to please hand me the bottled water he had with him earlier. I drank almost a third of it. After that brief moment of agonizing delight, we headed and walked at the back of the building where the bay of SFO could be seen in a closer perspective. Across us is the famous Bay Bridge. And outside, people from all ages and colors were walking rapidly, while others were shopping, eating, talking, waiting, sunbathing, and glorifying the day's promise of a warm weather amid cool breeze and bright clouds. In one corner near Sur La Table, I was hypnotized to find the farmer I knew who sells my favorite arugula leaves that I find to be enticing when added to a slice of rustic bread or green salad. When I saw her, the old lady with heavily tattooed body dressed in her tank top, looked at me with warm welcome. Initially, she was pacing back and forth to where her little corner of veggies was engineered by stalls of white canvas and steel. Around her were an orchestra of green supplies: chard, dill, arugula, cabbage, rosemary, parsley, sage, romain.

"Where is the arugula?" I asked.

"Oh, it's just there in front of you."

"Oh, ok. Thank you. May I taste it?"

She answered, "Sure, go have a bite."

I told husband, "Ok, I am buying this."

Finally, I got a plastic and filled them with the Italian leaves. I paid two dollars and twenty five cents for them.

As we began to walk further, I started to feel sick.

"I am nauseous. May be it was the oysters." (We had three more each, later upon my return from the restroom).

"But that is impossible." Husband quipped."We ate exactly the same thing but I don't feel sick."

" Yes.But I am more sensitive than you."

His shoulders went up for a little bit then he said, "Oh yes."

We walked some more to check on the lavender, kiwi, jams, cheeses, eggs, and wheat flour. After a while, I was really feeling sick.

"I feel very nauseous and I don't think I could stay any much longer."

"Ok, I need to take you home now." Husband said it firmly.

We walked faster than ever. As the traffic was building up in front of us, a cab was passing by slowly. Husband gestured and raised his right arm to signal the driver to stop. In a minute, he was in front of us and then, hestopped. I was just happy to note that we had a ride and that coming home would be fast and easy. We got in, me and husband. The drive was fast. Soon enough, the driver stopped by our alley and said,

"Be sure you did not forget anything. Have a great day you two!"

That was sweet of him. He was an elderly man from the Middle East.

While walking towards our alley and then to the entrance door of our flat, I was very exhausted and was ready to drop dead in our bed. I went straight to the bathroom and relieved myself from anymore discomfort.

Then, I went to bed and hugged my soft pillows.

I said,

"Now I know what made me sick. I ate two pieces of arugula. And they were not washed and cleaned yet. People were coming to see it, as in touch and go. So, that made me sick and not the oysters."

Husband was quiet as a zombie then went on to his office to do the accounting of our business. I went to nap and woke up just now, to write this entry for this week.

"When the Torres family calls, tell them we can have coffee together. I think I am good now and could join you all later this afternoon."

So this is how my Saturday evolved from the time we left home and gone back home.

Have a great weekend!

CARMEN AND MY BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR

2009-01-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

For someone like me who has difficulty sleeping due to insomnia, working out regularly six times a week helps a great deal. However, there are tough nights when my eyes are wide awake and my mind is reeling in between. Times like these I do try to read, go online and or do a project that I could think of like baking or needlework. Otherwise, it is hard to be awake when the whole world is fast asleep!

The past nights were a struggle in terms of getting to sleep after midnight. To my surprise, last night was good. I slept tight like a baby and woke up only because my blackberry was serenading me with “I DON’T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HIM.” I heard it again and again before I finally decided to dismiss it (music alarm) and get out of bed, finally~ to prepare for the day and get settled in with my morning routine.

I was having my usual hot coco this morning when I asked husband if he was on the phone? He said, "NO," so I shared my thoughts with him.

“You know, I dreamed of CARMEN last night. It seemed and felt so real. She even touched my hands, we were face to face, then I hugged her and we embraced tightly as if we were not going to see each other after that instance. We looked into each other’s eyes and we were just delighted to see each other again as the last time I saw her in July 2007.”

“YOU ARE HAPPY AND I CAN SEE YOU ARE.” Carmen said it. I smiled back.

"WHATEVER IT IS YOU ARE DEALING WITH LET IT GO AND LET GOD DO THE WORK. HE IS HERE FOR US.” CARMEN, added.

Then, we looked at each other for the last time. I felt the warmth of her hands, and the soft embraces her arms and body had enveloped me with. The sincerity in her voice always gives a light of hope in me when all is void and fragmented in my thoughts. I just miss her. CARMEN.

“GOD WORKS HIS WAY, MY DEAR.” She smiled again.

As she spoke, I became conscious of the time and place we were in. It was a bit odd and faint because the lighting concealed the exact time and place of our milieu. Nevertheless, the time seemed to be almost like dawn or early evening. Indeed, it was hard to tell. But CARMEN was just this beautiful and appeared to be here in San Francsico with me. We seemingly were chatting quietly in a corner street somewhere near Alama Square where old Victorian homes graced the panorama of our surroundings.

CARMEN was wearing this light peachy colored suit, neckline is cut- princess type, and short sleeved. She had this pencil styled skirt. Her feet, I did not notice at all. But her hands were warm, her smile and love, penetrating.

It was real. I felt her touch and heard her voice quite clearly. I saw her eyes, and the spark was there. Her hair was raven black, styled casually, and fell naturally just above her shoulders. She wore this fringe that slightly parted the center of her hair. She looked so beautiful and likewise, at the time of her prime. Also, she was slim and not skinny but just at the right proportion. Overall, she was quite attractive. Carmen always had problems with weight. But in this apparition she was just at her best. As soon as this vision was completed, the music faded, the singing of “I DON’T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HIM" diminished bit by bit until it came to a total halt. Then, all was gone. I had totally forgotten all about my encounter with CARMEN. It was over. Another level of mind, and another time paced in.

As I was sharing this memory with LITTLE BOY BLUE, my dear husband, it was then that it dawned on me that CARMEN is already gone and had died last August 27th, 2008 and all was just a dream.

In my Catholic faith and in the supernatural world, it is a belief that the dead comes back to share with the living, a certain message they have. All comes in the form of a dream to send to the recipient the message of their beloved from the other side.

Could it be that CARMEN came to see me because it was my birthday three days ago? And that it was my first birthday that we were not able to speak with each other?

You see, wherever I was posted and or where ever I was living prior to this year, CARMEN always called me on my birthday and vice versa, whether I was in France, Greece, USA, Philippines, Thailand or Switzerland. And now, this dream is all about remembrances of things past, of my birthday, for instance.

CARMEN, FOR ALL YOUR GOODNESS, THANK YOU. EVEN IN THE AFTERLIFE, YOU REMEMBERED MY BIRTHDAY AND THAT TOUCHES ME SO DEEPLY. HOW CAN I FORGET YOU? YOU WERE A DEAR FRIEND TO ME.

Thank you.

My Birthday On January 13th

2009-01-15T05:23:00.000-08:00

My birthday this year was plain and simple except perhaps for the time I spent alone when I came to hear mass at noontime. Other than this, it was unique and quiet. Husband was out at work and I was at home, doing the office management. I realized that the older I get, simplicity works best for me. I don't expect outrageous gifts anymore. Things change when one matures. When I was younger, I had secret wishes for extravagant desires. That is over now. Age gives wisdom and I believe I have it (laughs).

Still, I am touched when family and friends sent in their greetings by email, text messaging, snailmails, and overseas calls.

Really there is nothing much more memorable than being remembered especially when you are living overseas away from your nuclear family you originally came from.

Sunday before January 13th, husband and I decided to workout at the gym on California St. (24 Hour Fitness) after the 9 AM mass we attended at Notre Dame. We took our time and enjoyed our cardio, stretching plus weights routine. The finale was once again at the sauna where we were able to dedicate more time to enjoy the heat in this cold winter time. After that, we headed forth and walked from California St. to the Ferry building, wishing to see more of the farmers market. To our disappointment, there was no farmers market since it is winter. However, we thought there was one since the only way people in the Marina area could shop was through here. But we were mistaken. Nevertheless, the consolation was we were able to have some coffee and lemon scones at Peet’s Coffee and Tea. Moreover, my favorite upscale kitchen shop, SUR LA TABLE was open! There, I bought my alternative birthday gift. Yes! I had a choice and I selected one, a PASTA MAKER. It is an Italian brand, MARCATO and has an interesting features of four types to create from it, like spaghetti rotondi, lasagna, tagliatelle and taglierini.

Last year, in spring I think, husband bought me online, a RAVIOLI ROLLER from Canada. It was a perfect rolling pin because in one rolling, lots of raviolis are formed! However, the sad
part was, at that time, I didn’t have yet a pasta maker so the dough made on my KITCHENAID STAND MIXER was manually rolled and it was thick. Ideally, it should be thin. And although it looked great, and tasted delicious, the individual ravioli was a disappointment for me. Now, with this PASTA MAKER, I expected better results doing raviolis and or other homemade pasta types!

At SUR LA TABLE, I was also able to purchase cake and cookie decoration stuff like colored sugars, confetti, and gel candies. I also bought a tart pan that opens at the bottom so when you serve the fruit tart, the shape of the pastry does not get cut off or distorted.

Husband’s original choice of gift for me was a personal computer, the latest mini PC of ACER and HP that I had been eyeeing for last year. I thought they were handy and practical to have, small and ready to travel with me any time and any where. So, he gave me this PC gift to choose from these two contenders. They were both cute and to my liking. But there was a catch. ACER was less than a pound in weight, while HP was a little more. Excellent. But the features were minimal except for its WI-FI go-getter, and that is it. I bailed out. Although it was designed primarily for someone on the go, still it was not perfect. There is not much to these new PCs. It has the basic word program and that is it. To utilize your media needs, you need to add the accessory DVD player which for me is a deal killer. Why design a tiny PC when you have to attach accessories and carry them with you? That's a bummer! So, I told LITTLE BOY BLUE that he could get me this mini PC next year or the year after when the industrial design/technology has already improved. Still, I was thankful for his thoughts.

For my birthday, we had dinner at home. I made eggplant parmeggiano and homemade Amish white bread. I didn’t even drink white wine as I had enough the past days. And the past evenings, we have been eating out a lot at the Italian restaurants here in North Beach. We also had our share of Chinese and Thai dinners, so for a break- on my birthday this year on January 13th, we dined at home minus the pictorial, cake and wine. But it was a day deserving of fond memories. In the evening, I still went on to volunteer and be at the Porziuncola Chapel, two blocks from my domicile, where I stay on to guard it and guide visitors and inform them about its origin and history as a replica of the original St. Francis of Assisi Chapel in Italy. That one is awesome. I have been there in the late 1990s. This one in SFO is a beautiful replica of it, ¾ in scale as compared to the original. But everything else is all there, an original rock from the chapel that St. Francis built is one highlight of it, the stones used are from Assisi, plus the woods, etc. I will write an entry on this later.

Thanks to you all who remembered my birthday: my family~ Philip and family, Franco my brother doctor who is in Tunisia as of this writing, presenting his paper at the World Health Organization conference for cancer pain management; to Balloon and Emilie, my loving sisters; to Tito and Celia, my brother and his wife; to my charming niece Ann, thoughtful as ever, to Emily Putnam, my friend in Florida; to Inday, my friend from my old neighborhood- who called me from overseas; to Lulay and Nikki; to Bernice my friend from Australia who texted me; plus-Ute, my German friend who sent in her birthday card greetings, one week in advance, and to my better half, of course~ who always is there for me in good times and bad times as well. All these people added spice on my natal day’s quiet ceremony. And before I forgot, there was Brenda in Egypt who sent in her ecard.

As simple as it is, it was colorful in my heart and eventful in terms of memories. Thank you all!

TODAY, AT THE SAUNA

2009-01-11T02:09:00.000-08:00

Bear with me with my gym experience, ok? But this is another entry that I am sure you'd love!

After working-out, husband and moi agreed to meet at the SAUNA this afternoon, to enjoy some heat during this cold winter time. It was nice to have a quick cold shower outside then back again inside the sauna for some change of temperature. At the sauna, I saw husband enjoying his time on the upper level of the seater while this Chinese woman in her 30s was all by herself on the foot of the seater on the extreme right. Husband was on opposite end.

Dressed in her floral bikini top, and sweaty black jogging pants, she was seated on the lower level much closer to where the heater was. As I entered the sauna, I joined them and sat beside husband.

It was nice to be there having just gotten my cold shower outside near the whirpool. Silence was all around us and it was quite comforting. However, after a few seconds, I was surprised to see this Chinese freak who began doing her stretching, bending, panting, and jogging inside the sauna. Didn't she use the gym for these? As this was happening, my cornea was enlarging and my head was spinning in distaste.

Why is she doing this? What is wrong with her? Didn’t she know the etiquette inside the sauna that complete silence is a must because people want some peace and quiet inside it?

To my irritation, I pierced my look upon her then panned my eyes on husband for approval. He motioned with his hands that it was fruitless to say anything. Why? Because this little monster seemed to be enjoying the thrill of a lifetime as would any exhibitionist in town would feel! Okay, so we kept mum for the mean time. Oddly enough, we had a good but quiet laugh, hoping she'd notice our irritation even in the slightest degree. But she did not. From our perspectove, she looked stupid pushing the heater, kicking the wall, stomping at the pavement and clapping her hands, mind you! Jeez, she better just strip off her clothes so we could have a good look of her! She did this performance for a good 5 minutes at a time with an interval of silence momentarily on her part then the cycle moved on and on. Finally, husband and I had it and left hurriedly to be at our individual shower rooms for a quick shower. Later as I was dressing up, this creature came inside the locker room and undressed totally which was fine but what struck me was this: she began putting on the lotion all over her bvody without even showering first! Now can you beat that? She is not only a weirdo but also a slob! When she finally got dressed, she wore again the jogging pants that she did sweat on while at the sauna. Now, imagine if she were your lover or wife, would you sleep with her? Ayayay!

WRAPPED IN A TOWEL

2009-01-11T01:54:00.000-08:00

This thing happened to me about two months ago at the Bay Street gym where I work out...

...after having had a nice shower on a good day at the gym (right after a great workout), I was delighted to get through my stuff and dress up. But bang! That was when I realized that I did not carry on with me my keys to open my locker at the gym! I left them inside it! And of all days of my life I was just wrapped up in a towel with nothing underneath. YES. In other words, I was in my birthday suit. Oh my God! Helpless, I asked for help. And luckily there was this nice looking gal beside me. Off, she rushed to the office and asked for a female staff to break off my padlock, hanging nicely in front of me. When help came through, I felt resurrected. Finally, I was dressed and all set to get home.

At the reception, I related the incident to dear husband. And all he could say was "Ooh...Aah...Wow..." and he was grinning like a wolf as he was listening to my anecdote.

Oh, I almost kicked him in the ass!

AND ANOTHER $40.00 PENALTY!

2009-01-11T01:46:00.000-08:00

Because husband forgot to diagonally adjust the wheels of our van as he parked on a slightly hilly part of SFO!!! Give us a break, SFO! But we love this city- indeed! But it drives me nuts at times! Can you blame me?

$70.00 MORE!

2009-01-11T01:34:00.000-08:00

After husband and I went through a heartfelt trauma dealing with the $200.00 penalty charges for our van getting towed two weeks ago, I discovered to my surprise last week that there was a ticket that was nicely inserted in the wiper of our van. In it was an indication that we had to pay a fee of $70.00 for the penalty and paperwork relative to having our van getting towed! And to make it worse, we had to mail it inclusive with a check. And it had to be sent in by mail ASAP or another charges will be added. What the heck was that? San Francisco, give us a break!!!

WHERE IS THE VAN?

2009-01-11T00:42:00.000-08:00

After a good work out, I took a shower then headed out to proceed to the waiting room of 24-Hour Fitness on Montgomery Street. There, husband was seated at the reception and was waiting for me. He smiled and greeted me then suddenly, he stood up and said,

"Our vehicle was impounded."

My heartfelt response was, "Oh give me a break not for a Monday morning!!!"

"Gosh." I addeed. "This is not good." Then, I asked him about where we were to pick it up? He mentioned the address.

Then, I began to talk...

"Well, I thought that this is not working right because the day before, you lost your driver's license and you only had the photocopy of it with you. Now, the van is gone and towed."

Soon enough, we left the gym and walked fast Montgomery. We were lucky on that day since we saw this cab that was parked near the hotel entrance door. On regular days, there are no cabs available. If you need one, you would have to call a yellow taxi company by phone to request for a cab to come at your designated location. But that day, we were lucky to have found one. Husband asked the driver if he was taking passengers. He nodded then off, we got in.

Inside the cab, husband gave the address to the Middle Eastern driver on where to get impounded cars in the city. And after about a fifteen minute hike, we finally arrived at the place near Mission district. We got out of the cab and entered the small concrete building where three Latina women were handling the business end of impounded cars.

For our penalty, we were charged $200.00 for parking on Montgomery Street after 7 AM. Husband paid the penalty using his American Express.

Golly, that was a lot of money to give to the city of SFO!

Fifteen minutes later, we were led to the parking space where all impounded vehicles were parked. I saw ours in the midst of everything. Seconds later, a Latino guy manifested; collected the receipt from husband and said, "WAIT HERE." So we did.

Finally, he zoomed out and drove our van; got off then parked it right in front of us. Then, we hopped in.

Husband drove quietly then in a second, we both had a good laugh.

"Two hundred bucks! Haha! Oh, that's a lot of money!"

Yes. I told him that he better do things right since there are a lot of laws and penalties as far as parking is concerned in San Francisco and I tell you, it is not cheap living in this city!

HER KEYS INSIDE HER LOCKER

2009-01-10T23:48:00.000-08:00

I remember being quite surprised one morning at the gym when I saw the look of worry in the eyes of a young Caucasian woman in her 20s. Obviously, she had just finished her workout routine. Quite unexpectedly, I heard her monologue while she was speaking to herself, in a whisper. I heard her saying that she accidentally left all her keys inside her locker and that she couldn't get her stuff inside! Ayayay! That is a nightmare! Is that a big deal? Of course it is. The poor girl was shivering, motionless and desperate. She had this hint of panic in her face. Concerned, I asked if she wanted me to go to the front desk to seek some help.

"Oh no, thank you. Somebody has gone up already. Likewise, thanks a lot."

Right after responding to my query, she became scarlet then smiled faintly and nervously.

Later, I left her and I did my business. After a short while, a heavy weight black woman in her mid 20s came in wearing her tight fitting black terry jacket and leggings. In her right hand was a humongous pliers.

"Where is it?"

"There..." She pointed out right across me (referring to her padlock that was attached to the locker).

Seconds later, I heard the black woman reciting this in clear and sharp tone,

"1, 2, 3! There! It's done!"

My heart murmur said,

"WOW." That was easy (*sigh*).

The Bitch At The Gym

2009-01-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

I had always wanted to write my anecdote at the 24-hour Fitness where I work out but it seems time was never letting me do it. However, I am allotting this moment to write it for sharing purposes.

At the Bay Street branch of my gym, the crowd is thin between 5 Am to 5:30 AM. It gets thicker by 6 AM when everyone wants to have a turf to work out just before they hit the road to work or to go to school.

This happened to me a few months back. While I was about to finish my last leg of my weights at the machine, this young Chinese girl with raven eyes and thick eyelashes came right in front of me. To my surprise, she ordered me to exchange the machine I was using to what she had just used. To my annoyance, I took her for granted and acted as if I did not hear her command at all. Next, she came around and said it again.

“Hey, you…can I get on that machine so I could finish up my routine?”

I looked at her as if I was looking at a moron who had no sense of what she was saying. I snorted out and lamented this,

“I just started my routine and I need to finish it. If you want, you wait. Ok?”

Saying these all in a grain of salt, I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and wished she rotted in hell!

Next thing I knew it, she was speaking in crescendo and she repeated her demands about me getting booted out of my preacher curl machine. Can you imagine that?

Well, this time I was not that cool anymore and so I told her these with my eyes opened, chest expanding and adrenalin working like I were ready to metamorphose into a full blown assassin…

“I AM FINISHING UP MY WORKOUT AND THAT IS YOUR PROBLEM IF YOU CAN’T WAIT FOR YOUR TURN! YOU JUST DON’T COME IN HERE AND GRAB WHATEVER MACHINE YOU WANTED TO USE!

I was ready to get physical with the MAO DNA. God, I could kill her right at that moment! But seconds later, she was out of my sight! She walked past me, met her Chinese friends and spoke in her cheap Chinese singsong about what she just went through with me. Good for her!

Two days later, she acted arrogant in front of me while I was using the eliptical machine. I pretended that I did not see her ugly face at all as I did not want to start my day with a sourgrape. When her startegy didn't work, she retreated to the machines where all the men work out. By this time, she may have realized that her backward Chinese ways won't work for me or for anyone who has integrity and principles. And for one, bitches are not tolerated in my domain whether it is at home, at work, at the gym or at the marketplace.

Bow.

Catching Up With Time

2009-01-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

While our life is in action and full of surprises, we are still sane and are able to finally to get to working out regularly in the morning for a week now. Changes have been coming in full circle into our life, as husband and wife. For instance, the 24-Hour Fitness center we work out in at Bay Street is under construction! I mean, the bathroom room is leaking through the Safeway section on the second floor of North Point building. But for most of us who are sports buff not being able to shower after an hour and a half workout is a bummer. Who does not want to be refreshed after sweating it out?

When the repair has begun in late December 2008, we decided to move to another location in Van Ness and Montgomery St. The trouble is both of the places are crowded. Then we found another one in California St., three blocks from Market St. (financial district). To our surprise, it has a spa, whirlpool, sauna and steamer- aside from the weights room, pilates/yoga section, cardio area, stretching and free weights! On our first day there, we loved it all at once and decided to go to the Jacuzzi the next morning and we did!

Then, the next day- it was not working as it is under repair. Ayayay!

We went online to check on where else we could go and found another branch along Marina. We drove there early around ten past five in the morning and saw from the outside on how small is the gym. By the time the gym opened at 5:30 AM, we decided to drive home. Just a little before 6 AM, we were home and went back to sleep; later, we were up by 7 AM; rushed to our daily routine then set for our day dealing with our daily rhythm. By day's end at 5 PM, we were back on our feet again and ready to start the spark of the evening with each of us sipping our wine.

It's Been So Long

2009-01-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

My life had its changes so I was not able to blog for a short while. CHRISTMAS came through and I was busy with domestic chores. Then, there was the NEW YEAR, too, and likewise, with the emergence of work on my end, it was not possible for me to blog.

November 17, 2008 was the day husband and I ventured into a business we thought was good to keep us busy and would enable us to pay our monthly bills without pain in our pockets. Relatively, money is involved to get this started so we were on the look for investing it right despite the limitation of time and space.

A start-up busines has a lot of promise and risk. For us, it is more for sensibility and sensitivity needs. We played it by ears and by husband's vast experience in the business where his field of expertise speaks high and loud, I was confident it was going to be all right. I am second in command and I do only the minor thing. He is the big force behind it and I support him a hundred percent.

To organize our office scenario and business sense, we bought this costly software that was three grand and learned the ropes of having an office without a paper trail. It is cool but the program is not intuitive or shall I say- not a user friendly type. You need to learn it step by step in a rather methodical way. So for someone like me who learns things fast by exploring and opening up files on the PC and otherwise, it was a raw deal and toughie for me.

The trying times were all about feeding the info right in the software and making sure that it is in sync in all that we do as business partners. When we opened on the first day which was the 17th of November, we were rushed, pressured and vulnerable to do it right.

Moreover, I realized how difficult it is for a husband and wife to venture on a business together. There is a lot of emotional strain that comes in and because you two are connected by the ring of marriage, you can't help but become emotional at times. Stress is the dealer killer but it is inevitable. In time, we were able to cope. Now we are in better shape and in better tone. Thank God!

While our transition time was coming through, I was not able to cook for a week. We ordered food in the neighborhood cafes and bistros or walked into these places in North Beach. Otherwise, we both didn't have the appetite as we were studying the software at the end of the day and up until midnight.

During the first two weeks, husband called in at Washington office of the software company for daily consultation at 7 AM SFO time. He did this because there are some glitches in the program that only the tech support there could simplify for husband to know. Then, he taught me how to do it right.

Our life revolved around the internet and the software for a while. Despite the fact that I hated writing down notes on a huge notebook, I had to do it to keep me on track. When customers called, in the initial days, I get nuts trying to remember how to go to the next available space to enter the call sheets and job sale. It was chaotic but I survived it!

These days, I can bake breads in between times when no calls are coming in!

We had our share of dishonest people who wouldn't want to pay their bills even if the service had already been done regarding their homes. When this became a headache, we just write it off as an issue to deal in SMALL CLAIMS COURT IN SAN FRANCISCO. And the result? The culprit sent a check mid part this week and frees herself of anymore time constraint in court!

The great thing about living in an expensive city like San Francisco is- you get every penny's worth of what you pay the city hall regarding taxes. And all can be done online even in filing a court case. And you get a response ASAP. Now, isn't it great?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KATIE ON DECEMBER 16th!

2008-12-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Our loveable doll and baby niece of the clan celebrates her 7th year on earth tomorrow, MNL time. I have no clue about her plans. Will she have a party at St. Paul Pasig in the Philipines or in her house in Wackwack? I just wish her a happy birthday with lots more to come each year. Miss you, little pumpkin! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATIE!

BELATED BDAY GREETINGS TO YSSA ON OCTOBER 29TH

2008-12-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

Hope you had a great bash!

JOSIE IS SICK

2008-12-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

My highschool chum is sick and she is in Irvine, CA. She had her first ever colonoscopy last month and right there and then, they found out she has colon cancer. A week later, she went under the knife, has tubes all over her, oh- I couldn't believe the emails of our mutual friend, explaining to me the details of her health issues. It is sad. She is a wonderful lady with a loving husband who is standing by her through thick and thin.

Thank you RICHARD!

Raining In North Beach

2008-12-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

I thought I saw soap suds in the veranda this morning when husband called me. I came closer and couldn't believe they were icicles- meaning we had hailstorm last night? Hmmmm...winter is here. It has been raining on and off during the weekend and the week seems not to be far from being dry. Anyhow, I love rainy days. It seems peaceful and keeps me sane and comfy. More later.

BUSY AS A BEE WHILE CHANGES ARE ON MY WAY EVERY DAY

2008-12-15T15:21:00.000-08:00

This is why I have been absent and not blogging for a while. Many things happened since mid November. It seemed crazy at first but it all came to be for the best. That silver lining came through. Tee-ha. What a surprise of a lifetime!

So here I am catching up in between office work, baking, and blogging. Yes, I work in the office but at home and do remote work online through logme-in perspective that husband and I could check out on our business even if he is elsewhere in the world. That is how interesting the world of technology has become!

1636 Powell Garage- Beware Of This Place in North Beach in San Francisco!!!

2008-12-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

This is the worst parking garage in the area of NORTH BEACH and TELEGRAPH HILL. DO NOT ever have the mistake of driving here just because it is near WASHINGTON SQUARE. It is tempting I know but please, have some slack. Don’t do it! After all, you might find yourself better off elsewhere. Why? It is because of many things:

1. SUPPORT STAFF: They are morons and idiots. Attendants are a bunch of jerks. They smile and nod a lot but actually do not comprehend what you are saying. You get frustrated and exasperated. If you call the manager or the owner of the business, he won’t call you back or email, nonetheless. Strategic style is akin to this: “TEE-HA, WE GOT YOUR MONEY NOW, WHY DO WE HAVE TO DO ANYTHING FOR YOU? AFTER ALL, YOU ARE NOW ON OUR LOOP! YOU CAN’T GO ANYWHERE BECAUSE YOU ARE STUCK WITH US!” DANG! What a great work of art!

2. ENVIRONMENT: Trash is all over at the monthly parking area (basement). On a rainy day, the basement is flooded. You walk through the dirt water while your feet get soaked and invaded by microbes and fungus.
3. During the term of our contract with them, they never tried to improve the place to keep it clean and hygienic. Flies adorn the bin. Remnants of empty milk cartoons, soda bottles, and decaying substances could be found, time and again, at strategic places near the post, by the walls, and drive way. To pay $350.00 for this kind of ambience is, indeed, a joke. However, we did stay on as paying customers (FOR TWO AND A HALF YEARS) for lack of space and availability in other parking garage in the neighborhood. However, as of this writing, we are out of this damn place although our business with them is not over yet!

GET THIS: They have not refunded us the $350.00 they owe us. Since our bill payment is all done automatically each month via online banking, we paid them at the end of the month by default. So, we called in, sent a gazillion of emails, fax and voicemails to remind them that the payment we had facilitated online was a mistake! Guess what? They pocketed our money and never refunded us back! DANG!

Three months later since our first email to them was sent on September 3rd followed by an ensemble of phone calls, we got nothing but cold and silent treatment. Is this professional in terms of handling miscommunication of fund transfer? What happened to the integrity of this owner?

So tell me, is there where you want to park your car? Think about this. We were paying customers, for crying out loud- 2 ½ years, and they cheated us! What more for those occasional parkers who come to the city once in a blue moon? Take a grip, think twice before you come here. The money you saved in not coming here could be the sanity you want to keep while you still breathe oxygen in the air!

Better Late Than Never- HAPPY 13th Birthday, MURIEL (SUGAR PIE)!

2008-10-22T05:39:00.003-07:00

We love you and miss you! We are glad you like the card we sent you via Uncle Phie. Take care. You are in our thoughts! Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY last October 20th!!!

The Visit Of A Wonderful Friend

2008-10-22T05:39:00.002-07:00

*CLICK PHOTOS IN THIS BLOG TO ENLARGE*

Olivier planned his second visit to us two years ago. Last October 19th, it came to reality when he came home to our place with Little Boy Blue, fresh from their half hour's drive from San Francisco International Airport. Olivier touched down to SFO from a long haul flight from Bangkok.

As usual, I was franctic about his arrival. I cleaned our flat, cooked and baked way ahead of time.

In Thailand, in the international school, he was head of the Modern Language Department, and I, as department chair for Visual Arts (K to 12). Aside from our curriculum task, we taught as well. There, our close friendship was borne. We rode in the same school bus in the morning and the afternoon. Occasionally, we went to school on cab together. We were like a brother/sister team. And we had meals together!

In January 2007, Olivier met Little Boy Blue once more with me in tow, while we were on tour of the tourist destinations of Bangkok. Likewise, we met his mom and had dinner with her and Olivier at Bayoke Hotel.

When I was in France in summer 97, Olivier met me and my tour group in my hotel in Nice, France. It was funny. Everyone thought he was my boyfriend! But he was not! And never was! It is a platonic kind of friendship that grew deeper over the years. Olivier and I have a long history as friends that binded the birth and deaths of our loved ones. For instance, he had seen my nieces and nephews who were born at the time I was posted in Thailand. In photographs, their developmental stages as children were captivated in films. He had seen ANN, YSSA, PACO, LORD and MICHAEL in photos. He was with me looking cheerfully at those cute little photos of them as they learned to crawl, walk, talk, and write. At that time, the internet was just emerging so there was not a lot of photo sending attachment features in the email. It was all in text. Their photos were sent as snail mails.
For one, OLIVIER had seen MURIEL (Sugar Pie) in photos from the time her fax caricature was sent to me by my brother-in-law up until now when she just turned 13 last October 20th! We used to call her ZUMO WRESTLER because her photo as an infant, born with a 9.5 lbs attached to her name was not typical for a Filipino child to have that weight. Not this kid! She looked like a zumo wrestler and was like 4 months' old at the time of her birth! So the name was born, ZUMO. Up to this day, he still refers to MURIEL as the zumo! Mamamia!

As I moved to teach in other international schools under the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), we kept in touch. So although we were far by proximity, we are still abreast of what's up and about with each of our life. Emails help that and chat, too.

Having Olivier here in our domicile brought back lots of memories. Yet, it was a delight that he etched some more fond memories with me and Little Boy Blue.

In North Beach where we live, we brought him to places he didn't visit in October 2005. So far, one of the highlights of his visit was his shopping gallore at ROSS where he bought tons of clothes for him and for his family and friends. Olivier is kind, thoughtful and generous. In coming to SFO, he brought us a lot of Thai spices that I find useful in my Thai cooking. He brought vases, purse, hair ornaments for me, and many more. Can't believe how he had thought of those things to bring. His visit was short and sweet, a good 5 days away from his hectic schedule at school in BKK.

He will join us in Oregon in summber 2010 when we fly there to attend our annual reunion with Little Boy Blue's siblings and that happens each time at a cabin by the Oregon coast.

Thanks, Olivier! We love you!

And thanks to Emily, my comadre for sending the beautiful candles and Thai art- they are gorgeous! Thanks as well to Weena and Wasinee for the photos of them in CD and to Lalita for sending goodies!

Ciao!

A Cousin's Visit

2008-10-22T05:39:00.001-07:00

DING and CHE came by to see us last week in North Beach - on a Friday, October 17th. It was an impromptu visit and I had to rush, glide, skip, hop (*huhu*) to make sure that things were sorted out neatly the way I wanted them to be (i.e. the setting; food prep; baking; cooking and the entertaining side of having guests in our little home). Yeah, I know, it all seemed easy to manage but nope, it is not. Amidst helter skelter, I had to stay sane doing things all by myself. Husband on weekdays is at work in his home office. And it so happened that we had guests coming at a time he was still at work. So I was all by myself at work...ayayay!

At half past one in the afternoon, Che and Ding manifested in our alley, coupled with huge smiles wrapped unto their beautiful faces. I was thrilled to see them as I have not seen them for a while. And apart from us being cousins, Ding and I~ we knew little about each other since we didn't grow up together.

At around 3:30 PM, I got a call from Ding and noted that they were already waiting for us in our alley! Soon enough they were up in our flat, happy- smiling and sharing stories here and there!

Che was bubbly and childlike. He has this captivating energy that would make you break into a smile. He loves life and savors it. On the contrary, personality wise, Ding is the quiet, subdued, and introverted type who confidently stays on the background while her spouse gets the limelight.

We had Thai dinner at home. For dessert, I served them cinnamon rolls. However, I forgot the rolls inside the oven so when I served them they were kinda rock solid. Santa Banana! Hahahah! But it is the thought that counts, right? So, I felt bad that they tried to munch bits and pieces of it...haha!

As the night emerged, we (moi and Little Boy Blue) had some time to take them in our nieghborhood and to our local park at the Washington Square. There, we watched the autumn leaves get beaten up by the dark clouds, pigeons, visitors, and cool evening breeze. In a while, they were ready to go and to drive back to San Lorenzo, CA where Ding's brother's family awaited them. They flew in from L.A. Che is a retired family doctor while Ding still works as a nurse. The evening after their visit, husband and I drove to meet them in San Lorenzo and for dinner we all headed to go to the Italian restaurant with Ed and Armie's children. Ed is Ding's younger brother. Our reunion was short and sweet. The remembrance was indelible.

Thanks for the memories Che and Ding, Ed and Armie and to your wonderful children Victoria, Mark, Katrina and Maria!

COLUMBUS DAY 2008 Parade in North Beach- SFO, October 12, 2008

2008-10-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

COLUMBUS DAY in North Beach- SFO- October 12, 2008

2008-10-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

Baking Time In This Corner

2008-10-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

Sfilatino buns
strawberries and pectin, ready for jamming
the strawberry jam and blueberry jam over two slices of Sfilatino

Tomatoes From My City Garden

2008-09-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

Last week, I harvested like 6 lbs. of tomatoes from my garden. Well, it isn't actually a garden, but my mini haven here in the city. These beef tomatoes were planted in the pots. Because they are limited by space, the stems and the branches couldn't carry out the weights of the fruits. So they dry out and the main trunk of the vine gets to be weak. I pruned a lot of them and left only the stems that were healthier and strong enough to carry the weight. I also cut off a lot of leaves to enable a healthier growing process for the fruits so the nutrients can go directly to them and need not be distributed to a lot of foliage and stems. So far, I had to harvest the small ones, too,- the fruits. Last week, I found out that some birds come to my tomatoes and picked on them! They tend to choose the biggest and the ripest one among the group. Ayayay! They leave a large hole on the side. It is a nightmare. So far my first attempt to plant tomatoes last spring was worth it. Today and for the next few weeks, I still have some fruits and flowers, and likely, they would be more before the emergence of autumn.

Click photos to enlarge!

Strawberry & Blueberry For Dessert

2008-09-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

We had this after lunch sometime last week. The blueberries are sour, as typical of them. But I served them without powder sugar. Arranging fruits with a sense of order makes it all appealing to the eyes and makes such a great astronomic delight.

Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

2008-09-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

LEFT: MY HOME MADE PESTO

SWEET BASIL LEAVES

ROMANO CHEESE

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

GRATED GARLIC (inside the food processor)

LEFT: THE PACKED PESTO in canning jars; I was able to make 4 jars...we ate the first one (not in picture). It was sooooooooo delicious!!!

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups fresh basil leaves- cut the stems, use leaves only*
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts or ALMONDS*
3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Mix all using the food processor. I made 2 lbs of pesto and didn't follow this measurement but rather I did my own style, by estimate. I added a whole bulb of garlic as I want it to be tasty and I put on a lot of olive oil and Romano cheese as I want my pesto to be floating in extra virgin olive oil. I used ROASTED ALMOND as an alternative to the nuts written above. I served this pesto with my home baked Italian rustic bread, PAGNATTO. It was a perfect ensemble!

Email Fraud

2008-09-11T22:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight I received an email fraud from someone who is pretending to be CITIBANK, for goodness sake!

The sender in my inbox at yahoo said to be CITIBANK. But the subject alone made me suspicious. Why? Well, I don't think CITIBANK would ever right a subject with an exclamation point!!! And it said, CITIBANK AUTHENTICATION PROCESS! How is that for a comedy of error? At first, it almost tricked me because it had the CITIBANK ICON. Then I noticed that the graphics of CITIBANK was not sharp. Obviously, it was scanned or was taken as a second or third generation photograph, cut and pasted at the space given. The catchy part (tee-ha) was the wrong spelling of the word, REPLIED. It was written as REPLYED. Now, who wouldn't suspect that? The writer is not a native speaker apparently. And even if he or she is not, he/she has no flair to write in simple English. Santa Banana! This is where the loop hole is. Ayayay! But just to warn you, please read each of your email carefully! Sometimes the sender's name is tricky.

REMEMBER, IF IT IS CITIBANK THAT SENT YOU AN EMAIL- ITS ADDRESS SHOULD NOT BE FROM A YAHOO ACCOUNT.

If you have the same experience as I had, email and forward the letter you received at: emailspoof@citigroup.com and spam@uce.gov (Federal Trade Commission)- website:
Federal Trade Commission

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/video/avoid-identity-theft-video.html

US Citizenship Application Requirements

2008-09-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

Part 1- Understanding the paperwork, needs, and means to file regarding your Naturalization Application

Part 2- How to file and check the information of your Naturalization Application online via USCIS(United States Citizenship & Immigration Service)

Part 3- USCIS Citizenship Interview Sampler* (based on the application form sent to USCIS)- vdo file includes US citizenship and constitution test sampler, dictation test in English, announcement of test result, signing of documents submitted, passport and green card return, and the form, time and date of oath taking as announced by the interviewer*

Part 4- Mock US Citizenship Interview for people with mental and physical disabilities

Let's Talk About Blood Pressure

2008-09-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

The 1st Number: SYSTOLIC PRESSURE is the pressure generated when the heart contracts.
The 2nd Number: DIASTOLIC PRESSURE is the blood pressure when the heart is relaxed.

CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE*

Human Blood Pressure Range Diagram

Systolic - Diastolic
210 - 120 - Stage 4 High Blood Pressure
180 - 110 - Stage 3 High Blood Pressure
160 - 100 - Stage 2 High Blood Pressure
140 - 90 - Stage 1 High Blood Pressure
140 - 90 - BORDERLINE HIGH
130 - 85 - High Normal
120 - 80 - NORMAL Blood Pressure
110 - 75 - Low Normal
90 - 60 - BORDERLINE LOW
60 - 40 - TOO LOW Blood Pressure
50 - 33 - DANGER Blood Pressure

The Painted Lady Of San Francisco

2008-09-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

Text information was taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Photo credits by *PIZZICATTO*

San Francisco Painted Lady is a term used for Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings painted in three or more colors that embellish or enhance their architectural details. The term was first used for San Francisco Victorian houses by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their 1978 book Painted Ladies - San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians. Since then the term has also been used to describe groups of colorful Victorian houses in other American cities, such as the Charles Village neighborhood in Baltimore City, Lafayette Square in St. Louis, the greater San Francisco and New Orleans areas, Columbia-Tusculum in Cincinnati and the city of Cape May, New Jersey. Some preservationists use the term polychrome for the style.

About 48,000 houses in the Victorian and Edwardian styles were built in San Francisco between 1849 and 1915 (with the change from Victorian to Edwardian occurring on the death of Queen Victoria in 1901), and many were painted in bright colors. As one newspaper critic noted in 1885, "...red, yellow, chocolate, orange, everything that is loud is in fashion...if the upper stories are not of red or blue... they are painted up into uncouth panels of yellow and brown... While many of the mansions of Nob Hill were destroyed by the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, thousands of the mass-produced, more modest houses survived in the western and southern neighborhoods of the city.

Painted Ladies in the Haight Ashbury, San Francisco, CaliforniaDuring World War I and World War II, many of these houses were battleship gray with war-surplus Navy paint. Another sixteen thousand were demolished, and many others had the Victorian decor stripped off or covered with tarpaper, brick, stucco, or aluminum siding.

In 1963, San Francisco artist Butch Kardum began combining intense blues and greens on the exterior of his Italianate-style Victorian House. His house was criticized by some, but other neighbors began to copy the bright colors on their own houses. Kardum became a color designer, and he and other artists such as Tony Cataletich, Bob Buckter, and Jazon Wonders began to transform dozens of gray houses into Painted Ladies. By the 1970s, the colorist movement, as it was called, had changed entire streets and neighborhoods. This process continues as of 2007.

One of the best known groups of "Painted Lady" is the row of Victorian houses at 712–720 Steiner St., bordering Alamo Square park, in San Francisco. This block appears very frequently in media and mass-market photographs of the city and its tourist attractions. It is sometimes known as "Postcard Row." The houses were built between 1892 and 1896 by developer Matthew Kavanaugh, who lived next door in the 1892 mansion at 722 Steiner St. These houses also appear in the opening credits of the television series Full House.

Some Montessori Memories

2008-09-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Last month, I googled my friend with whom I taught with in a Montessori School in the Philippines in the early '80s. This was in Maria Montessori Cooperative School in Williams St., Pasay- near the ADB (Asian Development Bank).With my telepathy guiding me, I decided to write her name in GOOGLE SEARCH. Surprisingly, GOOGLE led me to her latest home address and phone number in Virginia. Tee-ha! Excited, I called her up, left a voice message then realized that the time difference we have was 3 hours, ah- well. She is ahead by 3 hours. Never mind, all was done in the spirit of friendship! Anyhow, the next day she called back and true to my instinct, she was the person I was looking for! However, when I heard her voice greetings the day before, it sounded like her but I was kind of skeptical but took chances just the same. Et voila, it worked! Mid part last week, she sent me a short email regarding her forthcoming visit to Sta. Rosa, California. Wow, that triggered my adrenalin! Sta. Rosa is close by and it is 2 1/2 hours drive from San Francisco. She said she was arriving via Oakland International Airport. Hm, that was cool! When I heard all these things coming up to be so fast like a strike of lightning, I was sooooo thrilled!!!

At the airport in Virginia, she called several times and asked how I was, and what time do we meet. Moreover, she added that when she touches down in Northern CA, she'd call back again. And she did. And that call was enough to make me hyper active, mamamia!

What came next was the prep time. All at once, I was busy as a bee! I cooked, baked, cleaned, disinfected every nook in our flat and prepared for her arrival. Finally I was done but I was terribly, teribly exhausted, tired, wobbly, cranky, stressed, dying and was about ready to collapse infintely in my bed! But alas, I couldn't afford to do it as every minute counted! Despite my aching legs hammering me like bolts of torture, I tried to withstand it as I was due to run to the nearest butcher in Chinatown to purchase some pounds of pork! She said she wanted to eat "ADOBO." Ayayay! But a friend is a friend! She wants ADOBO!!! So I bought the pork and cooked ADOBO!

In the evening at around half past eight, husband and I heard their car engine roared as it entered our alley. Prior to this, she called and mentioned that they were in the area but got lost. Husband directed them on the phone. Soon enough, they were coming over. Right then and there, I advised husband to go downstairs and to escort them at our monthly parking space, two blocks from where we live. Parking is always a bummer in NORTH BEACH, we had them to park in our old parking space (we already advance the payment of parking for our guests). Then, off my friend went upstairs! Soon enough, in a breeze, she was with me! She was in front of me- so cute and petite, she in her flesh, face to face- ayayay!!! Years ago and months back this encounter was just unimaginable. But with the emergence of internet, all is possible! We had lost track when I moved to differnt countries, and she- when she sold her house and moved elsewhere. But God is good! We got re-connected for a good cause!

In our homeplace, we had snippets of our life encapsulated over a span of 26 years. We were rushing and fastforwarding from 1982 to 2008! We were chatting fast because we were catching up with time! While chatting, I learned from her right at that point that her spouse couldn't walk with ease and couldn't get by walking the flight of stairs we have here in the city. By improv, husband decided to take them at a nearby restaurant so he need not deal with stairs and they waited for us there.

Whereas on my part, I packed the food stuff I cooked and baked in ziploc bags per item and finally packed them together in a medium sized plastic canvas bag. Then, I handed it to her. We had a good laugh thinking about this resolution we had about how and where to eat! While doing so, she had a small feast of LUMPIA in the midst of me packing the food. She asked for a bottled water.

"NO, WE DON'T HAVE. WE DRINK FROM THE TAP."

She asked if we had soda?

"NO, WE DON'T DRINK SODA. WE DRINK WINE. WANNA HAVE SOME?"

She had a staccato laugh. She said she doesn't want any wine and was good enough to have the water from the tap. Great. She added that she was starved having just gone out of the airport then drove straight to our place in NORTH BEACH. Later, she had to go to the loo. Then after a while, off we walked downstairs where we headed to Union Street where TUKTUK THAI CAFE is. There, we met her better half, moi Little Boy Blue and my friend's niece in-law. Together, we had a Thai dinner. It was good. We had some photo shoots for a souvenir. True. We didn't get to eat a lot because we were talking most of the time. Nevertheless, we all realized that the company was more delicious than the Thai food we had!

Well, having been there at TUK TUK THAI CAFE for our party of five was the shortest way to have us all together as one. We couldn't afford to make her spouse suffer walking up and down the flight of stairs when he couldn't do it. He is weak and is going for a dialysis thrice a week. It was touching that he came by to meet her at the airport in person and told me later that he wanted to see me, too, she said.

I was one of the bridesmaids when they got married. Our last connection was in TAGAYTAY CITY, PHILIPPINES in 1982 and together with our friend ESSIE, we stayed in their house for a short breather before my friend migrated here in VIRGINIA and he followed later.

Our reunion was short and sweet.

REMY, thanks for the thought! Thanks for the bag. You didn't have to give me anything at all- but that was awesome. Salamat po!

"A Drive To San Francisco Via GO CAR"

2008-09-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, September 1st- was Labor Day here in the USA. Since there was no work for husband, we planned the day before and reserved the GO CAR online. We made the drive in all parts of scenic San Francisco and rented the famous GO CAR. The cost was $165.00 plus tax (8.75%) and insurance. That's astronomical! Car rental for that amount is good enough for a week's use but the novelty is to drive around the city in this miniature car. It is actually operated by a motorcyle that is connected via the electric power in the main location of the company in Hyde Street, San Francisco.

GO CAR is a three-wheeler and you sit right on a seater that almost touches the ground! Your legs caress the inside of the wheel! It's so little, it could only accommodate a maximum weight of 500 lbs! But the good thing is- it has a talking GPS (global positioning system) and tracks you down on the right direction as you cruise along the city. You could also put on your backpack at the back compartment of this tiny thing!

During our drive, we saw many couples in GO CAR and like a fraternity, there was a strong connection among us. We met two sets of couples; had a nice chat with them while the others whom we saw on the street, gave us a wave or a honk on their horn! One runner even posed with our GO CAR! The rest, mostly onlookers took our photos, waved, smiled, and gave us that fun energy that said, "WOW- THAT'S AWESOME!"

One fellow gave us the dirty finger because we didn't drive that past in the most hilly part of San Francisco, OMG! This was revealed by the other couple who drove behind us from ALAMO PARK where the famous PAINTED LADY* is located.

(*It is a series of 6 Victorian Homes, depicted in postcards, placemats, posters in San Francisco).

RIGHT: "THE SUTRO BATHS IN SAN FRANCISCO"

For the most part of the drive, it was fun. However, on the comfort side, it was not that great. I had pain in my back and husband as well. While driving, we felt every bump on the road hitting through our spine because the shock absorber was not good. Each time we drive on a slightly rocky road or a road with just a minor crack, we just got shaken a lot by the impact of driving a tiny car!

Over all, it was a memorable 7-hour or so day drive. The aftermath is, I got a slight fever, cough, cold and tonsilitis due to too much sun exposure. Ayayay! I am still under the weather, mamamia!

Anyhow, enjoy the slide show and imagine you were driving on a GO CAR, too. Okay?

RIGHT: "OUTDOOR PHOTO OF THE SUTRO BATHS IN THE 1900s"

BTW, part of the drive we enjoyed was the visit to the famous SUTRO BATHS in San Francisco along Cliff House in Ocean Beach. This was a public bath built in the late 18th century and people enjoyed it up to the next next century. However, it burned down in the '60s and was never rebuilt. Cost of construction during the late 18th century was already a cool 1 million dollars!!!

RIGHT: "THE PAINTED LADY"

The other highlight of our drive was our visit to ALAMO PARK where the famous six Victorian homes are located, known as "THE PAINTED LADY." I have no idea why they are called as such. I need to research some more!

THE PREMONITION OF CARMEN AND I

2008-08-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

It happened on separate occasions.

SCENE 1: SAN FRANCISCO- early March 2007

Last year, I made her a slideshow for her birthday. It was so beautiful even I knew it was. She liked it.

“THANK YOU, COMADRE. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. BUT WAS IT REALLY ME- THE PERSON YOU DESCRIBED IN THE POWERPOINT PRESENTATION?”

I said YES in the email and a loud YES during my phone call to her.

In the process of me doing the slide, after editing it a hundredth times, I told myself,

“MY GOD, THIS IS LIKE A EULOGY."

The affirmation was real but to me at that time, I thought,

“What if CARMEN suddenly dies? Then- this-becomes her memorial.”

I dismissed the thought all at once. But it was dancing at the back of my mind.

SCENE 2: MAY 29, 2008- BANGKOK TIME

This was at the time of the call I made when I found out CARMEN had lung cancer.

“COMADRE, remember the slideshow you gave me on my birthday last year?”

I said, “YES?”

She laughed then said,

“I HAVE A PREMONITION. IT IS LIKE A EULOGY.”

We were both momentarily quiet. Then, I told her to forget it as it was not created for that occasion.

Well…that was CARMEN, sensitive to the world around her.

Three months ago, she knew she was going to die by snippets of her instinct- she knew way ahead of time even before her doctors could say it to her family.

She was avante garde- in many ways, in life and in death.

CARMEN just had this extra sensory perception about her forthcoming death and she shared this in confidence with me. I dare not tell her kids. I didn't want to scare them.

I shared this much later to my husband and good friend, EMILY SOMRIT when CARMEN was gone.

In Memoriam: CARMEN KATHAYA KAMPIRADA (3.27.1949- 8.17.2008)

2008-08-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

CARMEN was diagnosed with lung cancer (stage four) during the last week of May this year. After she had been rushed to the hospital at about that time her daughter WEENA emailed me via her mom's yahoo account to inform me of her health condition. This was upon CARMEN's request. On my part, after reading WEENA's email, I felt compelled to call the family at once. And after much attempt to call BANGKOK, at last I was able to have a clear connection and spoke with CARMEN. This was around May 29, 2008, San Francisco time. Despite her illness during my call, CARMEN was the same compassionate and caring woman I knew many years before. She was calm and accepting of her fate and was even the one who comforted me about it. It felt like she was always ready to face her Creator. In her soft and modest voice, she said...

"Comadre, don't worry about me. They (doctors) are doing their best. They are excellent. They said that I would have to go for a radiation treatment then I'd be fine."

Spoken with utmost confidence, I believed her and I wished her to get well soon. Calm as she was, upon hearing her speak- my emotion took off. There was this pang of devastation that hit me. In a second, I cried. Then, CARMEN cried, too.

"It's okay, comadre. I am in the hands of the Lord."

Honestly, never in my thought did I think that this moment in time would come when one of us would be gravely ill; that we would be continents apart when it happens but then, it did. I never visualized it and thought it would never come this early in our life but it did.

Speaking with CARMEN during the time of her confinement at the hospital at the ICU was tough. I felt her sorrow and she felt mine- yet, in the back of my mind, in the depths of my heart, I also sensed her peace and acceptance of everything. If it was her time, she was ready for it.

CARMEN was unique. She had her own way of coping. CARMEN was a real lady in every bit of the way.

During that overseas call I made, we spoke for about an hour and a half maybe then she started to gradually cough heavily. Right there and then she excused herself and bid goodbye. However, she gave me a reassuring sigh, to take it easy and not to worry much about her. All at once, she had a quick laughter from her end that somehow made up for my disintegrated stance. Shortly, she turned over the phone to her daughter WASINEE. And that was the last time I ever heard her voice again.

In retrospect, my consolation came about a few days before she died.

I was able to speak with CARMEN once more although it was a one way call. I spoke and she just listened because she was unable to do so. She had the machine connected to her so she could breath easily. On the phone, I told her how much I loved her and missed her so much. Then, again, I started crying in between sigh and words of assurance that she'd be all right.

As I was talking, I advised her daughters to please set their cell phone to "speaker phone" so they would know the time when I am done speaking with their mom. This way, I could then continue to give the girls advise on how to go about the needs to be done in case their mother passes away.

As I spoke, they told me about their mom being so happy while listening to me. CARMEN kept on smiling, they said, and raised her eyebrows to mean she understood that it was me on the other end.

Early on before she was attached to the life-sustaining machine, she asked if I had been informed already about her current state of health. Hearing about this made me feel how important our friendship was to her.

Before I ended my call, I reassured CARMEN that I will always be there for her daughters. And I will visit them whenever I can. I know she wanted this pact from me and I will do it.

After that last call I made to CARMEN, I called EMILY SOMRIT, my other Comadre (friend) in Bangkok, to ask about CARMEN's health. We are family- all three of us, all Filipinas who lived/live in Bangkok. Being together there was like having a family in absentia. There is so much love, support and caring.

As CARMEN's close friend, I am deeply sad that I was not able to travel in BANGKOK and be with her during her most difficult times. I was limited by time and space due to my travel restrictions dealing with my citizenship application. As it is, I could not leave the US while my paperwork is in process. CARMEN knew about this since I explained this to her during our phone conversation last MAY 2008. Her kids knew this as well. Still, I had regrets.

As a woman, CARMEN was always prim and proper, kind, elegant and was always well-dressed. She loved perfume and always went to the beauty salon twice or thrice a week to have her nails and hair done. Being neat and beautiful was important to her apart from her being the nurturing person she was to everyone.

She was compassionate to the very end and helped out the support staff at school where she taught. She gave them money during her pay day or gave them food to help them cope with their hard life. That was CARMEN. Good hearted, selfless, and caring.

CARMEN was humble, intelligent and confident. She had a great sense of humor and a very loving nature. We were like sisters. We laughed together. We cried together. We shopped, ate, chatted and embraced as friends.

When we were together, it was a riot in a peaceful way with lots of laughs and fun.

We remembered those times we were speaking last MAY and all came out to be a nostalgia for us, thinking about those impish times we shared. We remembered, too- our longest phone marathon during my last year in BANGKOK in 1999. It was seven hours. We talked nearly about everything in the sun~ of our life, work, family, friends, dreams, challenges and faith in God. We were that close.

CARMEN was passionate about life and enjoyed every minute of it. She was a woman who had a deep faith in GOD and great love for her religion- the Catholocism. She was prayerful and had that finesse, strength, stability, peace and tranquility that others admire and some envy about her.

CARMEN was one of the kindest and the gentlest people I ever met in my life. She was special, really.

On August 17, 2008, I received three succeeding emails from my close friends- OLIVIER FERNANDEZ and EMILY SOMRIT from THAILAND. They emailed to inform me with great sadness that CARMEN had passed away peacefully at 8:48 AM BANGKOK time.

On the day she died, husband and I were at church attending the 9 AM Sunday Mass at NOTRE DAME DE VICTOIRES in San Francisco and had just prayed for her. Then, the news came through to us so fast, like a lightning. One day she was healthy, then the next she was sick- hospitalized, dying and now- dead and gone.

I miss CARMEN. She was a very, very good friend of mine.

SHE WAS GREAT.

SHE WAS AWESOME.

She always had something good to say about everyone even if at times other people had given her a rough time. All she said was,

"It is okay. God is my witness and it is all up to HIM to give them what they deserve."

We were almost like blood sisters. Her joys were my joy; her sorrows were mine, too. Her triumphs were my victories. And I was always so proud of her- she who was always unassuming and humble, who smiled meekly and quietly in one corner of her world.

As friends, CARMEN and I were like twins in a multitude of ways. We both love everything ITALIAN. We love good food and great company. We like being with positive individuals. We do not dwell on aches and pain but see the beauty of the world around us.

Together, CARMEN and I had 15 wonderful years as close friends who supported each other during that span of time.

Our friendship blossomed like grapes in the vineyard, aged by time.

We became even closer when her daughter WASINEE was confirmed in the Catholic faith and I became her godmother in 1999. Since then, CARMEN's endearment for me was "COMADRE" until the day she died.

Our friendship will forever live and it will continue on through her children, WEENA and WASINEE.

CARMEN was 59 years old and a native of CEBU, PHILIPPINES, who lived overseas for most of her life. She met her ex-husband in ATENEO de MANILA UNIVERSITY where she was a graduate student of education. They met and fell in love.

CARMEN taught in the elementary section of RUAMRUDEE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL in Bangkok, Thailand for 29 years.

CARMEN is survived by her two daughters, WEENA and WASINEE NOPPAKUNTHONG.

CARMEN'S PHOTO DURING THE WEDDING DAY OF HER DAUGHTER, TAKEN IN EARLY MAY 2008, BANGKOK, THAILAND

This page is dedicated to CARMEN for her legacy as a mother, wife, educator, sister, cousin, aunt, neighbor and a friend.

WHEN A GOOD FRIEND DIES

2008-08-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

It is like the end of a drive that was designed to go on an on for a lifetime.

It is like fastforwarding your time together on a big screen then suddenly she had left you all by yourself in an island of sorrow.

It hurts immensely because you know there is no way she could come back to you to share your good times and bad times.

It is a mystic that she won't be there anymore to listen to your aches and pain, joys, sorrows and make-believe.

WHEN A GOOD FRIEND DIES, A PART OF YOU DIES, TOO.

When CARMEN passed away on August 17, 2008, I thought my world was spinning down to oblivion.

I thought it would never ever happen to me that one day I'd lose her to lung cancer but I did.

Three months ago we knew she was ill then she just expired as easily as the last drop of rain in the summer field.

CARMEN was the older sister I never had; the surrogate mother I had who was gentle and kind.

CARMEN was everything to me: a close friend, comadre, and colleague whom I met during the time I was going through changes.

"CARMEN, I know you are now at peace..."

I am happy that GOD gave you to me and even if it just for a short while- 15 years- we had so many memorable years together despite our proximity.

Our friendship crossed the bridges from east to west.

CARMEN... I prayed for you today and forever I would pray for your peace, love and happiness day by day in heaven where you are.

Your friend and comadre,

B.

She Made It!

2008-07-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

ANN as a child; and as a young college graduate

Congratulations, ANN! We're all so very proud of you for passing the National Licensure Examinationa in nursing!

More Baking Photos Here For The Week of July 14- 20, 2008

2008-07-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

"Stuffed Mushroom with carrots and pickled mozarella with Ciabatta toast"

"Strawberry Gallete"

"Strawberry Gallete Montage"

"Sicilian Bread"

Posting My Photo

2008-07-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

I seldom upload my photos here but for the sake of some friends from the past who might be wondering how time has changed me, this is how I look. Do I look the same as the way I was 20 years ago? Had I gone to look like your next door neighbor ready to drive her soccer league for the weekend kick? Anyhow, here is me- taken last May in our neighborhood (North Beach, SFO) when my cousin came by to have lunch with moi. Well, am currently baking a "Strawberry Galette" and will post some photos of it as soon as it is baked! Meanwhile, I am just pre-heating the oven so please come back soon. Ciao!

Sourdough Bread & Sinful Cinnamon Roll- My Version

2008-07-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Baked these two days ago. I wore my chef uniform, courtesy of my partner, Little Boy Blue. I got two of them and he has two as well, ordered online. Anyhow, this is the best I baked- cinnamon roll, my version. I added more eggs, milk and shortening. The height went up to 3"! Great! Here are some photos...cheers!

38th Annual San Francisco Gay Pride Parade- June 29, 2008

2008-07-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

MORE PHOTOS: 38th Annual San Francisco Gay Pride Parade- June 29, 2008

2008-07-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

The official Gay Pride Parade Flag

Video File- 38th San Francisco GAY PRIDE PARADE- June 29, 2008

2008-06-30T01:08:00.001-07:00

38th Annual San Francisco Gay Pride Parade- June 29, 2008

2008-06-30T00:34:00.001-07:00

Part 4- click photos to enlarge*

38th Annual San Francisco Gay Pride Parade- June 29, 2008

2008-06-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

Part 3 photos- click to enlarge*

38th Annual San Francisco Gay Pride Parade- June 29, 2008

2008-06-30T00:03:00.000-07:00

The rainbow color flag theme of the Gay Community in San Francisco, welcomes guests around the city as they are seen in each post all around the Financial District of San Francisco

Part 2 photos- click to enlarge*

38th Annual San Francisco Gay Pride Parade- June 29, 2008

2008-06-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

Husband and I walked down Market Street and ended up finding a perfect spot on KEARNY. There, we watched the much awaited GAY PRIDE PARADE of San Francisco this morning at 10:30 AM. It was still going on at half past twelve when we decided to come home and walk, had popsicle while walking.

There were over 200 floats. Homosexuals came in different colors; they paraded with their lovers, adopted children, friends and family who love and support them. Mayor Gavin Newsome was in the float as well as Cindy Lauper. I got a lot of loot- mosty beads, condoms, lubricants (haha), candies, stickers, etc. It was fun and colorful to see these people to come by and march to what they believe in~ equality of rights whether you are heterosexual or homosexual. Less than two weeks after same-sex marriage became legal in California, drag queens, kids, politicians, shirtless men, married couples, straight couples and tourists flocked to San Francisco for the city's 38th annual San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration, which culminated today with a huge parade. Thousands came by to watch this parade! Here are some photos I have taken during the event. More to come later. They are quite a lot. Video files coming soon!

Click photos to enlarge*

Bean Curd Wrapper (TAWPE or TAU PE in Filipino)

2008-06-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

This is the main wrapper used in making KIKIAM or QUIKIAM, TAUPE~ TAWPE or TAU PE. Just now as I am writing this it came to me that it sounded really like its word origin which is the TOUFU! Golly, wow.

The recipe is basically similar to making siomai but you use the 5 spice Chinese powder instead of sesame oil. And the wrapper used is this bean curd wrapper instead of the molo/siomai wrapper. My sister BALLOON's recipe is to steam it first before deep frying since frying it directly does not cook the insides of the grounded pork. I tried following the standard recipes online but like my sister, my experience was not good. The inside was raw and the wrapper was burned. So, the steaming process is really good before frying the KIKIAM. Best served with spicy sweet and sour sauce. I forgot to take the photo of the first KIKIAM I cooked last week. Sorry!

To use the bean curd wrapper, you need to soak it for 5 minutes in tap water. Then, you need to peel it piece by piece. Soak only the amount you need.

The bean curd wrapper is very fragile and tends to curl once it gets wet. It breaks easily but that should not be a problem since you can put one on top of each other and utilize the broken ones to patch up parts that have holes.

The bean curd wrapper after it has been taken out of the packaging is so thin and has the texture of a cookied lumpia wrapper.

Once soaked in water, the color changes and the tones tend to lighten.

Space Saver Magnetic Knife Holder

2008-06-25T09:12:00.001-07:00

We got this a month ago at the CONTAINER STORE in SAN FRANCISCO at Market Street. Eversince this store was featured in OPRAH, it has become a favorite habitat for husband and I to go to this shop time and again. Right after purchasing this item, I threw away our old and chunky wooden knife holder that was heavy. It also ate all the space in my little kitchen where an array of baking apparatus are lined up together.

This new MAGNETIC KNIFE HOLDER has made my life easier in working in my little kitchen. It is on the right wall near the sink. So all now is compact and very functional, space wise. The cost is reasonable, less than 30 dollars and that's including the 8.75% sales tax in SAN FRANCISCO. Sales tax varies from city to city and state as well. In other states, there are NO SALES TAX like in OREGON. Other cities in Northern California has 7.5 % sales tax charges like in the Central Valley where husband and I used to live. Of course since SAN FRANCISCO is a tourist destination, the tax cut is higher and cost of living is astronomical. Am not complaining as there are a lot of trade-off being here. Ciao!

Alternative To Baking Salami

2008-06-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Is by steaming it for about an hour and a half. It works! Of course, it is more tasty when baked. See the mustard seed in this salami? It really gives a punch of flavor in the taste!

Home Baked SUMMER SAUSAGE SALAMI

2008-06-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

LEFT: The three sets of salami measures about 12 inches in length and 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Here's the photo prior to baking them in the oven.

I baked this for 9 hours from noon to evening at 150* F. It tastes really good, served with the mable bread I baked two days ago!

Kitchen Needs For Making Homemade Ravioli, Baking Breads, Pies And Cookies

2008-06-24T00:54:00.000-07:00

Ravioli Roller which doubles as a cookie cutter as well and as a regular rolling pin once the smooth roller covers the textured one inside. Husband purchased this for me online in CANADA. It took more the two weeks before it arrived!

Dough cutter and pastry cloth (this covers the large round wood with tiny flat 4 legs). This is where I do all my mixing of dough when I bake breads, pies, or cookies.

The bread sower we bought two weeks ago during the North Beach Festival...this slices the bread very evenly and smoothly.

WHAT AM I DOING RIGHT NOW?

This is the triplet 6 pounds (or 3 kilos) "Summer Sausage Salami" that I prepared yesterday, ready for wrapping with foil then all is set to baking them for 9 hours on a 150* F (warm oven).

Nun's Puff, Pork Chop Served with Vinegar, Soy Sauce & Garlic Plus Broccoli- Stir Fried Style

2008-06-24T00:29:00.000-07:00

Some stuff I baked and cooked last weekend, in photos:

Morning Glory In My Veranda

2008-06-24T00:24:00.000-07:00

This is how the morning glory looks like when it is just growing into a vine. The fuschia flowers started to emerge this week.

Tomato Garden- City Living Style

2008-06-24T00:17:00.000-07:00

My potted beef tomatoes are flowering and bearing fruits! Each of the four plants have at least 45 flowers- meaning I will harvest that number per pot. Wow! I planted them last March 11 and by the end of the month, I'd have a good harvest! Here are some photos. Click to enlarge!

Flowers Abloom

2008-06-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

They are from my little garden in the city- right in my veranda! They are roses, marigold, unknown little flowers in fuschia, roses in red and fuschia, rosemary, and California poppies. The latter were planted from the threadlike seeds. They are beautiful!

Marble Bread

2008-06-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

Baked with bread flour and home ground wheat berries, I baked this today using mollases as add on to the wheat flour for taste. Taste good, though a bit sweet but just mildly.

The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll- Yummy!

2008-05-31T06:13:00.000-07:00

After some hit and miss plus lots of trial and error for the past 3 years, I finally found the most wonderful recipe for cinnamon roll ever in this planet! I have tried foodnetwork's recipes via Alton Brown's version and Paula's. But each turned out to be hard rock after a few hours or so baking. Definitely, a disappointment for me. However, this one from www.about.com is so far, the best!

Since I had no milk at home or shortening, I altered the ingredients with SOUR CREAM and OLIVE OIL.

For the SOUR CREAM, I used 3/4 cup water and 1/3 cup sour cream, mixed them together then I placed the small bowl at the microwave for 30 seconds. I didn't scald it. For added softness and volume, I used BREAD FLOUR instead of all purpose flour.

I like this recipe because it asked the baker to use a cake pan and not the typical cookie pan or the glass pan (pyrex) that burns the bottom of the bread what with all the sugar in it, that happens. But not with this recipe! Also, instead of using BUTTER to rub on the pan, I used the oil in spray can made purposely for this use.With the round cakem it kept the moisture in the bread during the process of baking. The height of the surrounding surface does the magic. If you are familiar with baking, seamless cookie pan is meant to bake crunchy cookies and those with minor seam are for chewy type of cookies.

The enormous drizzle of BROWN SUGAR and CINNAMON which was up to the baker to use made the bread quite tasty, delicious and really yummy! I poured thick layers of the two and it's great! Not dry or lacking in them.

I took this photo right after I got the roll from the oven so there was no frosting yet as it was super hot at that time. But you can see how good it looks right here! Immediately, after the photo shot, husband and I started cutting a piece each for us and I must say, this is really THE ULTIMATE RECIPE to try on!

The frosting is simple to do, not too sweet or watery nor it is too thick to enjoy! And it is even more economical. I used SOUR CREAM for this. The recipe asked for MILK or CREAM. My other recipes called for CREAM CHEESE which I think has a lot more calories and is more costly than sour cream or am I in denial? Here is the photo. Click it to enlarge!

Joanne says that she got this recipe from her aunt at a bridal shower in 1959. She says that the rolls freeze wonderfully and can be reheated in the microwave. Her other hint is that she also uses the dough as a refrigerator dough and bakes the rolls the next day.

ULTIMATE CINNAMON ROLL WITH VANILLA FROSTING

Cook Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 packages (about 3-1/4 teaspoons) dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
4 to 5 cups sifted flour
melted butter
brown sugar
cinnamon
raisins (optional)

FROSTING:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
milk or cream (2 to 4 tablespoons)

PREPARATION:
1. Add the warm water to the yeast and soak 10 minutes.
2. Scald milk; pour over the shortening. Add sugar and salt and cool to tepid. Add the dissolved yeast and beaten egg. Add 4 cups flour adding one at a time beating after each addition.

Dough should be soft yet firm enough to handle. Knead on floured board until elastic and smooth. Avoid too much flour. Turn dough into well oiled bowl. Let rise for 1-1/2 hours.

3. Press dough down and divide into workable size. Roll dough out into a rectangle. Cover with melted butter. Layer with a generous thick layer* of brown sugar. Sprinkle on cinnamon* as desired. If you like raisins, layer on a layer of raisins. Roll up jellyroll fashion.

4. Using a scissors or a piece of string, cut off slices about 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick. Place slices in an 8 or 9 inch round greased cake pan. Place one slice in the middle and other slices around it. Press rolls down to even out and fill pan. Let rise until rolls fill the pan generously...about another hour.

5. Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 15 - 20 minutes. If rolls get too brown, cover with a piece of tine foil until the end of baking. Do not over bake rolls.

6. Remove immediately from pan by inverting onto a plate and then tip over onto another plate to right the rolls.

FOR THE FROSTING:
1. In a medium bowl, place sugar, butter and vanilla. Then stir in enough milk or cream to reach a thick, hardly-able to stir consistency.

2. Spread over warm rolls as soon as they are placed on a plate to let the frosting melt and run into the rolls.

* I was pretty generous with both the brown sugar and cinnamon. I ended up with about a 1/2 inch layer of brown sugar completely covered with cinnamon. -Recipe
By Carroll Pellegrinelli, About.com as sent by Joanne K.

Feedback: User Rating- 5 star ***** 4.8 out of 5~

(19 reviews)

Joanne K. says that she got this recipe from her aunt at a bridal shower in 1959. She says that the rolls freeze wonderfully and can be reheated in the microwave. Her other hint is that she also uses the dough as a refrigerator dough and bakes the rolls the next day.

Shorty

2008-05-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

With the soothing breeze gracing through our haven, husband and I were watching Oprah at noontime today when the phone started ringing. We were in bed enjoying the quiet moment in our surroundings. When the phone rang, I noticed how familiar the ring tone is. When I answered, a sexy angel-sounding lady was on the other end of the line saying, "HELLO, DARLIN.'"

It was JOSIE, calling all the way from Irvine, CA where she lives. She was in her office on a lunch break. She and I were classmates in high school and occasionally, would email each other as needed. Today was quite a surprise!

Josie and I had a brief time speaking on the phone but as always, she has this oozing energy and cool quality that is so refreshing like spark of icy cold pinacolada on a hot summer night. Thanks, JOSIE, your call was one hell of a surprise that never fails to amuse me!

LITTLE KATIE in America

2008-05-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

*KATIE* (left), as she was photographed with a classmate, appeared in this billboard of SCHOLASTIC PUBLICATION when they had a book fair at her school @ ST. PAUL PASIG in the Philippines last March 2008. Nobody knew she was a model for Scholastic Publiction until her sister YSSA saw the billboard with her sister pictured in it. Ayayay! For this spread, KATIE's talent fee was three pieces of books from the international publication. Can you imagine that? She had it all PRO BONO. Santa Banana!
~~~~~
Last Sunday, husband and I were still at Holiday Inn in Houston, Texas because of the program we attended relative to writing and public speaking. Anyhow, it began Friday evening last week and ended after lunch this week (Monday). During our breaktime, I checked out my voice mail and text messages. Realizing I had just received a text message from my brother who is in the country with his family (two daughters and wife), I was excited to read what's up and about with them. He informed me then that they are now in California. In his short note he indicated that his younger daughter KATIE, who turned six last December, thought she was short changed by her dad. Why? Well, at the time when my brother's family was in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania- the weather had been great he said. His two kids, YSSA and KATIE loved the weather and the different places they visited. Both adore New York he said, because they like city life and the energy big cities like New York brings in. They enjoyed the rides in the subway, not that they really like it, but the thrill of going up and down the escalator was fun for them. Also, they enjoyed Central Park and the Museum of Natural History. All seemed okay until they travelled to the West Coast. Things changed. Touching down in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, the temperature went up in L.A. and SAN DIEGO area. It was muggy as in the tropics. Once in the homestead of their hosts, KATIE got annoyed, somewhat and asked her dad,

"ARE WE REALLY IN AMERICA, DAD? HOW COME IT IS SO HOT HERE? I THINK WE ARE IN MANILA! I DON'T LIKE IT!"

Poor Katie. She had enough of the heat in Manila! It was funny the way she thought about everything from her perspective as a child. (Now, isn't she smart to notice the similarities in terms of the weather?) She is just six and very articulate! I spoke to her on the phone for a couple of minutes then she was silent. Suddenly, a burst of noise came by from her computer game, screaming on my phone. Yikes! Her older sister YSSA said that KATIE has been so engrossed playing Nitendo. Everyone, in effect, was teasing Katie that she might ended up having lazy/cross eyes because of too much techno game stuff she has been up to! But that didn't help. She went on and on and just said, "Bye..." in a high pitched tone.

YSSA on the other hand, seemed to be acclimatizing better than her sister. She sounded at ease and cool. Her voice timbre had become deeper (this is typical of women in our family). Initially, I thought she sounded like her mom but after a while longer, it dawned on me that she just sounded like the rest of my younger sisters. So far, our connection altogether was good. I was able to speak with my sister-in-law as well.

Husband and I were driving by the freeway from the airport when I made the call. We were on our way home.

All four of them have yet another week to explore Southern California then their vacation is over. This whole trip should be an enriching experience for these two girls who are indeed very fortunate to travel this early in their life. I didn't start jetsetting until I was in my 30s. And it was initially in the Far East and not the continental USA!

*YSSA*, during one of her family outings last March

Agnes, Visiting North Beach

2008-05-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

My friend for all seasons, AGNES, came by two weeks ago and slept over at my place. I met her at the BLOOMINGDALE's concierge where I waited for her for a short while. She got off from the BART station which was convenient as it was connected right into the doors of the mall. From BLOOMINGDALE's, we took the bus that brought us to Washington Square, then- we walked. Shortly, we were home.

Agnes is a funny lady who travels to the USA at least every other year since I met her to visit her daughter in San Jose. Back in Manila, I knew her four years ago when she and I worked together in the academic milieu. Agnes was one of the few people who visited me early on when I first arrived here in the USA, just on my first week after I got married. All through the years that passed, she was able to track me down from the suburbs to the city of San Francisco.

Her visit was interesting. We did stuff together like young girls do. Talk, giggle, eat and catch up with time. At home, she was amused with my culinary expertise. I prepped a variety of cuisine to pamper her during her visit. The one that she enjoyed most was watching me bake a French baguette. It was like magic for it seemed to fascinate her infinitely at that moment.

Though very short her visit with me, it was okay since she left with a happy heart. Likewise, I felt great for she had enliven me again during that little time she spent with me. It's interesting on how positive people could leave an indelible memory. She is one of those that could perk up a gray day. That's way she is loved by many.

Thanks, Agnes for passing by. It was good while it last! Come and visit again next time :-)

Fashionista

2008-05-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

This is my cousin GIGI (on the right in white shirt) whom I have not seen since 1981. I didn't know she lives in Menlo Park, just South of San Francisco. She called me and suggested we meet. I told her., "Fine. Come over. I don't drive. This is the only thing I cannot do as I freak out on the wheels." She said, "I'd come over, cousin- no problem!" Our cousin GRACE from New York gave her my phone number and that was how it all started our re-connection as relatives.

Three weeks ago on a good day, she drove down my neighborhood and we had lunch at my favorite cafe in North Beach called, "CALZONE'S." It was a warm reunion for us despite the fact that we were not really close since we moved in different directions. Now much older, she wanted to keep the connection open between us since she said we are the only close relatives left here in this part of the globe. "We might as well have relationship since most of our older relatives are either sick or have passed away."

Gigi was a fashion model in the Philippines in the lates '80s and early '90s. After I have been involved in international education, I didn't hear much about her whereabout since I started to move around the globe with my work. So I had no idea she relocated here in the West Coast.

Today, she has a 17-year old daughter named Gabrielle. Gigi works for a real estate company and travels on the side. Ciao!

Our Beloved Father Chuck

2008-05-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Click photos to enlarge*

We were back at the airport here in SFO last night to catch up with an old friend of mine since the early 90s. He was having a layover for 4 hours and was coming at 7:30 PM for a connecting trip from Taipei to Wisconsin. We left our flat early and had dinner at Tuktuk Café in Northbeach. Thereafter, we drove to the airport and parked at the hourly parking which turned out to be costly. We arrived there before 7 PM and left the airport at 10 PM. Our bill was just a few cents’ short of twenty bucks. Now tell me, am I cheap?

We waited at the SFO International Airport at extension G for Father Chuck, a Redemptorist priest, to show up. After 30 minutes, he called me up in my cell phone and said his luggage was the last one to manifest at the carousel. Poor boy. I said, “It’s ok. Don’t stress out. We’ll wait for you or if it is getting to be complex, you need not come out. We'll just speak on the phone. This is good enough. Meanwhile, check-in your luggage at the American Airlines counter.” Then, off- the silence speared in.

While seated momentarily, I watched people who were in Exit G. Husband sat down quietly beside me while glued reading his paperback. I was seated but not reading. Near the entrance door of the airport where the influx is, I enjoyed looking at people zooming in and out of the area. To note, many of them are obese or overweight. In this country where everything comes in a bulk, even the obese do. Because many items are affordable and since a lot of stuff sold is mostly in large volume, people tend to max whatever they are paying for, food for instance. Compulsive eating makes gluttons out of men. What normally is served on the plate for one in America could easily feed two people in other nations. People could share a meal here if they want. Overweight people has become a major problem in this country since this involves taking care of their health care, body image issues, financing, etc. Anyhow, after a while...

Another call came through my phone. This time Father Chuck was explaining where he would be and where we could find him easily. Not to inconvenient him, I handed the phone to LITTLE BOY since he is more adept with places and location. Am not left brained and has difficulties with geography. I stayed on the background and just listened to what I was hearing from my end. Husband and Father Chuck chatted and decided on which terminal we must meet. Seconds later, we went up the escalator one floor higher, took the air train and landed in Terminal 3 where the domestic airport is connected to.

The long walk seemed forever when suddenly, I saw the humongous logo of American Airlines beaming at me.

“There! American Airlines!”

I screamed in excitement. I looked around then husband said,

“I think that is him!”

True enough, I saw Father Chuck from a distance~ waiting for our arrival~ waving, smiling and then laughing his usual self in clear stacatto rhythm. Finally, we were there face to face with him.

He hugged me so tightly. I thought his chest would crash every bone in my body! He was teary eyed (sigh) just like me. After a few minutes I introduced husband to him. Soon enough, we were walking towards the escalator. We went up to the Subway Café on the Third Floor. Once seated, I excused myself and went to the basement (to proceed to the rest room). What a long marathon it came to be. And after a while, I was done with my business. I dashed to where I left the two gentelemn. At Subway, we tried to update each other about the gap we missed since our last email. Together, we shared stories and did a summation of what transpired within the span of 12 years in our life. 12 years!!! Doing so made that moment to seem like a short revelry. In two hours we spoke of many things and recorded our remarkable meeting meeting in photographs. We smiled and hugged again. Then, it was time to say goodbye. Our reunion was short and sweet. Brief as it is, it has a strong impact on our friendship. It was wonderful though how short it has been.

Spring Time in San Francisco- FERRY BUILDING SCENES

2008-05-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

French Herb Baguette

2008-05-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

I baked these breads- French Baguette with Herb and Altrusca tonight. This French baguette has Italian spice, melted butter and lots of garlic. For the first time, I added corn starch wash in them. Sadly, they made the bread to burn easily. Personally, I didn't like it as it didn't really make the crust to be crispy but just shiny and dark. It does not have the crustiness of the Italian bread. After discovering the beauty and taste of Italian bread, I refuse to bake any other kind of artisan bread except Italian ones. Can you blame me?

Pane Altrusca

2008-05-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned before, Italian breads are quite tasty but it is one of the most difficult breads to bake. You must have the endurance, tolerance, patience, interest, skills and enthusiasm to enjoy making it. Otherwise, this is not the right kind of bread for you to bake! This ALTRUSCA bread ("pane" in ITALIAN-pronounced as PAH-NE) uses SEMOLINA FLOUR apart from the bread flour, water and salt. Typical of IL FORNEIO recipes, this recipe uses BIGA, cold water and warm water. This has an ivory color bread inside and has soft texture inside the crusty rustic bread that is dark in color outside. It's delicious!

Sfilatino (Italian Baguette)

2008-05-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

This is a delicious recipe from Il Forneio Book. It uses no oil or sugar so I classify this as a health food. It's very crusty and crispy. Italian breads are far more tasty than French or Spanish breads. Since the proofing time of SFILATINO is 4 hours and baking time is another half hour, the taste developed quite well. Three days before I baked it, I made the BIGA, a.k.a. sponge. Here are the photos taken in progression. Enjoy! I bought a triplet baguette pan at SUR LA TABLE. It is perfect for this thin baguette a'la Italiana.

Sushi Night on Anniversary Night- April 9, 2008

2008-04-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

Little Boy Blue (LBB) was in Hawaii the whole week before our super date. Then, the next Monday, he was again on another business trip (local) for 3days but came home for the night~ to enjoy a simple sushi dinner that I prepped at home with a bonus of cherry pie that I baked as well. I always cover the food with cling (surround) wrap (*see photos*) while I prepare to serve the rest of the meal to keep them warm and/or free from germs. Ours was a simple anniversary night celebrated quietly and well spent with fond memories to linger by.

Wheat Berries, Wheat Bran & Wheat Germ in Photos

2008-04-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

These are basic ingredients in baking some delicious and nutritious wheat bread. I bought the wheat berries (these are grounded to make the wheat flour) in Chinatown. I use my VITAMIX to grind it into powder form. They look like brown rice before they are grounded. Photos above show these wheat products. Those in rectangular saucers are wheat in different stages: powdered form; wheat berries as bought from Chinatown and the wheat berries, soaked overnight for another recipe called ("cracked wheat" and/or "sprouted wheat" bread).

My First BRAN BREAD

2008-04-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

I baked this at noontime today and used the recipe taken from "THE SECRETS OF JESUIT BREADMAKING." This bread used wheat bran. It's quite tasty and tender. The bran added some spunk and texture unto it. I purchased the wheat bran at the health store in my neighborhood. Where I live is convenient, it has everything.

The recipe also asked for honey and this adds up to the unique flavor of the bread. Some ingredients included "unbleached all-purpose flour" (I used bread flour). I substituted sour cream and diluted it in water instead of using buttermilk. So far so good. I realized how practical it is to have a huge container of sour cream all the time as it is quite practical for baking breads and cakes. Instead of using milk, I use sour cream. It adds up to a nice texture of the bread or cake.

Happy Birthday,Brother!

2008-04-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today is the birthday of Phie, my 4th brother. He is nice, sweet, caring and thoughtful. He is the handy man of the family, the reliable one~ in charge of our family taxes, real estate ventures, property lease holdings, etc. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHIE!!!

April 9, 2008: Fourth Wedding Anniversary

2008-04-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

We're going strong and more in love! We had sushi dinner at home, made by moi. I also baked cherry pie as well as Italian round baguette. I'd upload photos tomorrow. Am sooooooo tired baking and cooking, done in the name of love. Whew!

Pan De Sal (Filipino Bread Roll) By Brother Rick Curry, S.J.

2008-04-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Click photos to enlarge*

I got this recipe from Brother Rick Curry's book, "The Secrets Of Jesuit Breadmaking" on page 49. Brother Rick is a Jesuit. This is from Ateneo de Manila Jesuits recipe. This is a part of the collection of recipes that he made into a book in 1995. Today, this is known as the bible of breadmaking. The book features the traditions and recipes of Jesuit bakers around the world. I borrowed this book from my North Beach Library. I only photocopied the recipes I like.

PAN DE SAL *ATENEO DE MANILA Recipe*

1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup boiling water

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1 cup warm water

4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

4 ounces plain crackers (about 40), crumbled

Combine the shortening, salt, sugar, and boiling water in a large mixing bowl. Stir and set aside to cool.
Combine the yeast and warm water in a small bowl, stirring until yeast is dissolved. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Gradually mix in flour to make a dough.
Turn out on a lightly floured surface.
Knead for 8 to 10 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic, adding flour as necessary to prevent stickiness. Return it to the bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk--about 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425*F.
Flour two baking sheets.
Gently knead the dough again.
Divide into 16 pieces and shape into buns.
Roll the pieces in the cracker crumbs and place on the baking sheets, spread well apart.
Cover and let rise 20 minutes.
Bake for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Yield: 16 buns

I baked this bread last Saturday using a stand mixer *KITCHENAID*. It was my first time to bake "PAN DE SAL," a bread I grew up eating in the Philippines. But having been used to baking a lot of Italian and French breads lately, I find my homegrown bread to be bland. However, by miracles of all miracles, husband loves this bun. He quipped, "This is good bread for sandwiches!" Because the proofing time of PAN DE SAL is only for 45 minutes (first proofing) and the second rising time is 25 minutes, the bread is not tasty as would an Italian bread where 3 to 4 hours rising time is needed. But each culture has ways and means to prep their bread.

I served this with ALTON BROWN's ITALIAN SAUSAGE RECIPE. Alton's recipe is simple consisting mainly of ground pork, salt, pepper, parsley leaves and fennel seeds. No wine or vinegar whatsoever is needed. My original Italian recipe has red wine in it and husband prefers Alton's so far. I am delighted to have found this recipe of ALTON at http://www.foodnetwork.com/ Huband said that this is almost like his mom's recipe. The secret? I increased the volume of pepper to 1 tablespoon. Likewise with the fennel seed. The recipe is written below. Ciao!

Italian Sausage
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown

Show:
Good Eats
Episode:

Sausage: A Beautiful Grind

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seed

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves

2 pounds pork butt (2 1/2 pounds with bone)

diced into 1/4-inch pieces 5 feet of 36 millimeter collagen casings (do not allow to get wet at any time)

Shortening, to lubricate nozzle of stuffer

Special equipment: meat grinder with stuffing attachment or manual stuffer

Toast fennel seed in medium sized, heavy saute pan over medium heat, constantly moving seeds around in pan until they start to turn light brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool. Once cool, grind seeds and combine with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley in medium mixing bowl.
Add pork and blend thoroughly. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Using the fine blade of a grinder, grind the pork.
After lubricating stuffer or stuffing attachment with shortening, load casing onto attachment, clipping end with a clothespin.
Stuff meat into casings, trying to avoid air pockets. After stuffing is finished lay out on counter and tie off end.
Pinch and twist to form 4-inch sausages.
Wrap in parchment paper and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
Store in refrigerator for use within 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap in aluminum foil. If using immediately, saute over medium heat in a heavy saute pan with 1/4-inch of water.
Bring water to boil, put on lid and cook for 10 minutes.
Remove lid and continue cooking over medium heat, turning every 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Sausage should reach an internal temperature of 150 to 156 degrees F.

NOTE: I simplified this recipe and used only the GROUND PORK I bought and purchased in Chinatown where I shop for fresh veggies, poultry, seafoods, meat and pork. I also utilized the DRIED PARSLEY I got here at home as I don't get to buy fresh parsley in North Beach. Moreover, I didn't use casing as I have no instrument for putting on the ground pork inside it. Using an ordinary funnel is difficult and could be tricky so better try to do this without having to use the casings! The sausage tasted perfect with the PAN DE SAL! Try it, it's easy to do!

PAGNOTTA, Italian Round Country Bread

2008-03-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

I baked these two round pieces of PAGNOTTA yeterday after husband and I came back from the park. To bake this bread, I needed a mister so I went to Chinatown (close to our flat) near Walgreens and purchased one.

The bread turned out quite all right. It was quite tasty and authentic in flavor and appearance. It measured to 9" in diamter. Yesterday was just my first time to bake this PAGNOTTA and I did well. The crust is the crispiest crust I ever had! The inside had a nice a bit of salty flavor and has nice holes that say a lot of what a great bread it is. The cornmill and the bread flour mixed and sprinkled over the crust made it more crunchy. After tasting this bread for the first time, it has now become our favorite more than the CIABATTA or FRENCH BREAD. The sourdough sets the difference. The book I am using in baking this is called, "THE IL FORNAIO Baking Book" by FRANCO GALLI. There are shortcuts to do this bread. I watched in YOUTUBE. Some bakers use DUTCH OVEN or LA CLOCHE CLAY BAKER (round). It is like a garlic baker. I baked this the traditional ITALIAN WAY without the aid of these tools, just my plain cookie pan. And it worked just fine.

WHAT IS PAGNOTTA?

PAGNOTTA is a rustic peasant loaf with a hard, deep brown crust and a soft, white center. This bread keeps well for 3 days or more so long as it is kept tight in a ZIPLOC bag. PAGNOTTA is found in northern ITALY. It is baked without a tinge of olive oil so this is a healthy bread to eat.

As a beginner in making bread, you may not have the heart for this recipe as it takes a long process to do it. It has 3 rising time before it is baked in the oven. First proofing is for 1 1/2 hours; second is for 1 hour; third and last was proofed for 55 minutes. Baking time was supposedly for 1 hour at 425 degrees Fahrenheit but since my oven's temperature gets hotter than the norm, I only baked my bread close to 27 minutes and by that time, they were done and had a hollow ring when you drum it!

Easter Sunday in San Francisco

2008-03-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

We were up early at half past five in the morning. I, for one, was excited! It was our hosting of the hospitality. We left at around 8:30 AM and drove to NDV, parked the van on the street (it is tough to find a parking space in SFO). We brought our stuff as hosts for the Easter Sunday Mass at 9 AM. I baked different kinds of bread for this special day, days ahead. These are the kinds of bread that stays for good days and they still come out to be quite tasty. These are round breads or crusted breads. At the reception, people came in groves at around ten minutes after ten. They were impressed with the hall's decor (done by Mary, Maria and Christianne). The guests loved the food and complimented us all regarding the table setting that had the symbols of Easter: bunny, eggs, candies, etc. At the reception the one thing that went fast was the CIABATTA!!! Well, as a non-professional baker who only learned to bake bread (self-taught) about 3 years ago, I was thrilled! Many complimented me for the great tasting bread they ate yesterday! I made several yields of Greek Humus. The folks ate half of it and left the rest untouched. The brie cheese was barely eaten at all. Husband and I are trying to introduce different kinds of food to orient them with diffrent kinds of food as we are quite diverse, culture-wise. We also noted that most of our regulars and visitors (from other cities and countries) prefer regular sliced cheeses (cheddar and Monterey) as opposed to brie. Anyhow, after our time ended, we left all the food including fruits, candies, et al to the French hospitality group who handles the French mass at 10:30 AM. The Lithuanian Raisin Bread was well-liked by the way. Br. Joe, a Marist- raved about it. I just blushed and said, "Ooooooh. Wow. Thank you!"

Ciabatta

2008-03-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Click photos to enlarge*

This is the first of the 2 sets of Ciabatta I am baking right now. The last one is still in the oven. Weare eating this at the moment and boy, what a great tasting bread! It has holes inside it, also known as "OCCHI," (or eyes) made from elastic dough that must be "pulled" into its unique form. It bakes at 425 F oven. However, I made the mistake of setting it to 475!!! But I adjusted the temperature to 425, five minutes after I discovered my error! The baking time was shortened. So, in 25 minutes' time it had this hollow sound when you top it over which meant that the bread is done, baked and ready to cool down on a drying rack. Ciao!

Working In My Kitchen

2008-03-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE*

PHOTOS: (Morrocan bread with Greek humus); bow spinach pasta, ravioli pasta with white wine and apricot sauce; spinach ravioli; Ciabatta bread (second rising);whole wheat sourdough starter; Ciabatta bread (second rising).

Now that I am done with my quilt, I am quite busy experimenting in my kitchen with various recipes I have at the moment. These are items akin to making bread (CIABATTA and MORROCAN HOLIDAY BREAD), humus (Greek/Mediterannean dip), sourdough starter, flaky crust (using LARD), home-made spinach ravioli and bow pasta plus the delicious white wine with apricot for pasta sauce. As I am writing this, my second version of "CIABATTA" (Italian Slipper Shaped Bread- pronounced as CHEE-YA-BAT-TA) is on to its second rising. This is a different recipe because it does not set to rise (the dough) for 24 hours but rather, the sourdough starter was made to ferment naturally for 3 days. Naturally in what sense? Averagely, you add yeast to make a sourdough and you use regular bread flour or all-purpose flour to do it. However, this sourdough starter from the famous book, "THE IL FORNAIO Baking Book" by FRANCO GALLI only asks you to mix organic wheat flour and water in equal proportion (2 cups whole wheat flour + 2 cups water). And true to its promise, in 3 days' time it fermented quite easily and bubbles formed. For you who do not bake breads, sourdough is needed to add that soury flavor in a bread. In ITALY, sourdough starter is called "BIGA." BTW, three days ago I baked my first CHERRY PIE this spring time- the filling was taken from the whole bunch of cherries I canned last summer 2007. For the pie crust, I used another recipe from an Italian book I borrowed from my North Beach Library (I forgot the title). Alternately, instead of butter- I used LARD (as per suggestion of my sister-in-law GLENDA who lives in Oregon and also upon husband's prodding. And they were right). The crust is so flaky and crunchy!!! Even now, husband raved about it after he had eaten the last piece this morning.

PALM SUNDAY- March 16, 2008 at NOTRE DAME, Basque Mass

2008-03-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

It was our first Palm Sunday at our parish and our first time to attend a Basque Mass, as participated in by the Basque Community of Bay Area. The mass was said in French, Basque and English. The trumpet music and traditional hymns in Basque were unforgettable. Click, to enlarge *

Who are the Basque People?

The Basque people are the oldest indigenous living group known in Europe. They live in the north central Spain, and there are also a couple of Basque regions in France. Their language, culture, customs, and land are all distinctly different from the rest of Europe. They have their own newspaper, radio, and educational system.

The Basque people have strong traditional ties to their families and to their land. They have an independent spirit, respect for liberty of the individual, and a love of freedom. For that reason, they have struggled to become an autonomous region, with their own government, for years. During the Spanish Civil War, the Basque and Catalan people fought with the Republicans as seperatists groups, in order to try to gain the independence that they have desired for so long. However, when the Republicans lost to the Nationalists, and Franco took over Spain, it looked as if the Basque people would forever remain under the rule of Spanish government. However, the Basque people have now been granted more freedom, such as the right to speak Euskara (the Basque language), the right to educate in Euskara, and the right to teach about the Basque culture. Most Basque people are satisfied with the freedom that they have been granted, but there are still some extremists who are fighting for the right to have an entirely autonomous region. These people are usually associated with the ETA (the Basque seperatists group) and go to extreme measures to try to win what they believe to be rightfully theirs. However, for the most part, the Basque people are willing to make compromises and are happy with what they can get.

San Francisco's St. Patrick's ParadePhotos- Saturday, March 15, 2008

2008-03-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

More ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE PHOTOS- March 15, 2008

2008-03-16T01:30:00.000-07:00

The gay community is represented by these men in black and red ensemble. They were collecting donations to help give back to the community.

St. Patrick's Day Parade- March 15, 2008 at Market St., San Francisco

2008-03-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE*

Our handsome mayor, Gavin Newsom, 42nd Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco joined the parade.

We were in Market St. 10 minutes before 11 noon. By exactly 11 AM, the parade started. It was the longest parade I have seen in SFO! Irish folks came by in different costumes as they celebrated St. Patrick's Day! We all joined in. The parade participants threw candies at the crowd. Husband and I enjoyed it so much. Whoah! My share, I put the chocolates and hard candies inside my loot bag while I ate the rest. Haha! Actually, my bag initially contained the chewable lactase enzyme we bought at the specialty shop in Grant. But as the parade progressed, I decided to utilize it to store my goodies! Notice our green and gold beads plus husband's sticker on his jacket? Well, we all got them at the parade. That's the fun side of being a spectator! You get a lot of freebies! Moreover, I got myself a nice key chain and a green rubber bracelet (see photo) as well with Happy St. Patrick's Day embossed in it. At around 4 PM, we walked to Civic Center and joined the crowd there for the party. There was a band playing music I hardly knew. Beer was served of course! Husband and I sat on the pavement and ate our snacks. Coming home, we took Bus 9X and nestled in our flat.

NEWSBIT: St. Patrick's Day used to be celebrated on March 17th but the Catholic law indicated that it cannot be celebrated on the week of Lent. So this year it was moved to March 14 and the parade-on March 15. Not bad. Here are some photos to enjoy. The video files~ I will upload tomorrow. And more photos to come, too. Ciao!

Notre Dame de Victoires' International Food Festival

2008-03-15T23:49:00.001-07:00

March 8, 2008- photo taken at the escoile..for $19.50 per head, we had a good meal!

The dinner was prepared by the parents of Notre Dame. Food served was a good mix of Mediterranean, French, Korean, Filipino, Thai, Italian, Iranian, Lebanese, Japanese, Spanish and American food. It was an event well-attended by the parish and school community. Wine was served, part of the cost of the entrance fee. Beer was sold at $4.00 per bottle. The dessert was superb. I enjoyed several pieces of caramel crunch with chocolates. Yum-yum!

The Finished Quilt

2008-03-15T23:18:00.000-07:00

Click photo to enlarge*

I worked on this king size quilt (my second work) for 3 weeks and four days. This is a beginner's pattern, BTW. Last March 13, I finally finished handquilting this project. Husband thought this is like a great work of art. WOW (sigh)! This Monday, I'd sew over it (at the back) my "quilt label" that would identify my name as the quilter plus the date I finished it and the location included. This gives a bit of info re: how this quilt came about. A quilt is like an heirloom and speaks a lot about its origin. I learned to quilt by myself 8 months ago after buying my first beginner's quilt ("Yellow Brick Road" pattern) in Lincoln City, Oregon.

The Graduates, Class 2008

2008-03-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Click photos to enlarge*

Two beautiful nieces of mine graduated most recently. They are ANN (BS Nursing at St. Paul University) and KATIE (Kindergarten 2 at St. Paul College). Ann graduated with a recognition in journalism. Katie, on the other hand, had a special solo number during her stage performance with her classmates! Here are their photos prior to their respective graduation ceremonies.

NOTE: MURIEL's graduation is on March 26 and only then will I be able to upload her photos. She is graduating from 6th grade at O.B. Montessori.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Quilting News

2008-03-04T19:06:00.001-08:00

Click photo to enlarge*

This is where I am at in terms of my progress with the king size quilt (99" X 100") I am making. I am half way done with it. Piecing together this quilt was done by machine and quilting, is done by hand. So far, hand quilting works for me and it's a lot of fun doing it on days and times I am free. Ciao!

Marcho Cinco, Ann's 21 Birthday!

2008-03-04T17:42:00.001-08:00

This is Ann...hahahah! The real ANN is actually the one on the right ---> She's pretty. Hey, beautiful~

Happy Birthday!

French Baguette For The Hospitality Team

2008-03-03T06:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning at 9:40 AM, we arrived at the NDV Church Hall and came by to help out Mary and the team to do the "spring cleaning" of the church hall. It was a productive time. We finished off at half hour earlier before 12 noon. Husband and I cleaned the kitchen and re-arranged serving trays, coffee makers, China, baking apparatus, etc. All turned out well. Once done, we said goodbye to everyone. We brought the "Herb Baguette" (with lots of garlic and Italian spice with butter and salt) that I baked at 6 AM on the same day. All of us in the team brought snacks to eat while taking a break in cleaning up our church hall. We had fun altogether and camaraderie was there- awesome!

BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS:

The French baguette (after the 30-minutes r ising time) have expanded twice the original size. The baked baguette turned out to be super big, about 16 inches long!
This baguette is so aromatic. Those who it ate and tasted it could only sigh and say,
"Oooh, ahhhhhhhh! To die for!"
Wow.

Valentine's Day Photos In Reno, Nevada and North Beach

2008-02-25T00:16:00.000-08:00

At the Tuscany wing of our hotel in Reno (Peppermill)*

Extreme Left: Sierra Nevada, Right: San Francisco Cityscape from Bay Bridge; Flower Shop @ the Financial District; Columbus Avenue in North Beach; Coit Tower;

and Washington Square~

Seafood Paella For Supper

2008-02-24T22:58:00.001-08:00

Click photos to enlarge*

This is what we had for dinner tonight, Spanish "Paella." I bought the safron from Spain at Trader's Joe in North Point. The rest of the ingredients, I purchased them at Chinatown this evening. I cooked and baked this dish with dry white wine and served with lemon wedges. Drinks we had was red wine for lack of Sangria in our little castle. Husband raved about this meal tonight. Wow.

Are You Lactose Intolerant?

2008-02-22T09:04:00.001-08:00

I asked because I am. This inability to absorb milk and other dairy products into my intestine makes me sick especially if I am unable to recognize visually beforehand about the presence of this in the food that I desire to eat. Normally, I would pop in the chewable lactase pill (milk enzyme) into my mouth just before having a feast. However, occasionally, I forget- especially when I do not see any evidence of cheese, cream, yogurt or milk in the food. And this was a mistake last night. So I got sick.

On the average, when husband and I eat in restaurants- we sometimes had to call back the waiter to ask the chef if there was any beat of dairy products in the menu. Why so? Because fifteen minutes later after eating, I would have the symptoms of lactose intolerance: stomach cramps, gas, bloated feeling, and diarrhea. Last night was one of those times when my judgement went wrong.

Dear Husband (DH) and I were at Notre Dame and attended the lecture on "WHERE HAVE ALL OUR DEVOTION GONE?" Prior to the lecture, dinner was served at the church hall. Soon, I was there at the banquet; checked out the food; got a disposable saucer and fork; got myself some green salad (with olive oil and cruttons )and at last, my tiny plate had a bunch of healthy greens in it. I thought I was smart in selecting this in synch with my health status. Then, I sat on our seat (at the extreme end of the long table) and started munching my salad. In between snippets of introducing who I am to those strangers around me, I began at last to enjoy my food. I gulped my white wine (dry) after several mouthful of salad so I won't chokewhile enjoying my meal.

Looking back, as I am writing this blog right now, I realized that indeed there were tiny crumbs of feta cheese in the salad and that was the culprit!!! To think that I took my pill just before eating the stuffed shell pasta with spinach and cream...but no wonder it didn't work. It was damn late!

Minutes later, I was on a marathon from my seat to the loo (if only to let loose the gas in my tummy to no avail). Next, I was mentally planning to walk out and go home at once. But the time seemed to move so slow and beyond my control. Tic, tac, tic. The clock went on a rhythm. At last, the lecture was over. By courtesy, husband and I stood up and congratulated the lecturer. Part of me felt guilty so I explained to the lecturer why I had to be up three times at least. He was a good sport and a funny man, too, for an old priest like him. He took it well without batting an eyelash.

After a while, everyone had bid their goodbyes, Fr. Dennis came to me and asked how I was doing and I said I was sick.

"Was it the food?" He asked.

"I don't think so." I replied.

Aware of how I was feeling, he offered to drive husband and I home realizing we came on foot. He insisted and asked me at least three times. On the last minute, I accepted as soon as I started d to feel that excruciating pain again.

"Yes, Father Dennis that would be great if you could drive us home! Thank you!"

Minutes later, we were all aboard his car. And despite the rain, we were home at once. It was a good short drive, in fact. Once in our domain, fast I went upstairs and buried myself in bed, surrounded by my pillows that made my world to be safe again, it seemed. In bed last night, I wondered how bad my evening has turned out to be just because I had eaten accidentally the cheese and cream at dinner. But I am just sensitive and delicate in make up. I have allergies and reactions to so many things.

As of this writing, I am still nursing an upset stomach. Ooh-lah-la!