Muriel's Refrigerator Magnet

Prior to my trip back here in CA from MNL, we had a small family get together on the night before my flight to SFO last July 7th. And as a family tradition, the visiting family member gets some token, gifts and/or memorabilia from the family she leaves behind. So I got my share of goodies from them- not that I expected it but it is a tradition.

One of which I find interesting and touching is the gift from my talented niece, Muriel a.k.a. Sugar Pie. She made 5 pieces of sculptures in 2-D with a theme of "San Francisco" (with this being my city of residence for over a year now). Muriel, thanks a bunch! You are such a sweety. Please send me photos of your current sculptures and illustrations!

Foggy South San Francisco

*CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE*



Above: Baker Beach in South San Francisco, this is also known as the "nude beach" in the area. The beach was empty when husband inspected it. I decided to stay in the van as the dirt road was stiff. I was not wearing a pair of hiking boots so it would be a struggle for me to do so.


Left: Sea Cliff residence of Hollywood star Robin Williams. We passed this residencial area on our way to Baker Beach.


We went to Romeo and Gerry's place last Friday the 13th for our Love Circle. The drive was fine. On our way there, I enjoyed the panorama, the Baker Beach, the fog and the nippy weather that made me think that it was the height of wintertime in this part of SFO only to realize it was just summer!

Well, we were 8 couples who showed up and it was a nice evening of sharing and growing with the group. This is just the third Love Circle husband and I have attended since we have been with the SF WWME in March and so far, each attendance made all the camaraderie to grow one degree higher, and our commitment to our marriage to be stronger.

We had snacks before and after the circle and by half past ten we were home, back in our adobe and watched cable movie before settling in to each of our dreams. Well for me, the night was long and stretched to another day’s bounty. I was awake until about 6 AM the next day and just started to feel heavy on my lids afterwards. The whole day, I was asleep and waking up only at dinnertime.Jetlag is a bummer for me, you know but can't do anything but deal with it. In two weeks, my sleeping pattern and body clock should normalize, well- hopefully, speaking.

French Baguette With Cornmill Topping

I baked this set of bread after lunch today and am making "Minestroni Soup" for dinner in a while. Yummy!

I used half of the yield of the recipe and made just the right size of the baguette.

Back in Manila when I was there three weeks ago, I remember how my cute niece Sugar Pie loved the French bread I baked in her house.
She told me as she was eating it for snacks, "Wow! Mainit! Sarap!"

(Translation: "Wow! Hot! Delicious!")

She said these with a warm smile. I felt great as a bread baker! Days later my sister (her mom) said that Sugar Pie commented that it was the best baguette she ever tasted. Well, then I think she was right! Haha!

In photo: L to R~ Irene, Sugar Pie and Ann

Baby Finch In My Veranda

When husband and I were living in the suburbs, we just love the emergence of spring because a variety of birds like blue jays, bluebirds, sparrows, parakeets, and finch do come visit us regularly, almost on a daily basis. We were delighted and amused by the finch birds for their size and beauty. Relatively, we thought we wanted them to come to our place as much as they would want to. Therefore, we bought several finch bird feeders and hanged them out in our porch and window side.
Soon enough, after a week of waiting, they came by flourishing our domicile in groups of 10s then 20s then 60s! OMG! We were just convivial to hear them sing, munch their feeds, and make our place a happy home to live in. They mess a lot, too, but it is part of having them around, you see.

Living in the city has its trade off and one of which does not have to see a lot of spring and summer birds coming by to greet us each morning and evening time.

Today, husband woke me up at half past eleven (I slept at 6 AM since I am still jet lagging) to let me know there were two finch birds in our veranda!

Soon enough, I was getting out of bed, wobbly and drowsy. However, the moment I saw the yellow, green, and black color bird flying by our domain, I was dazed and finally I was awake and perky!

The green finch was resting on top of my green plant. We thought this was the mama finch not realizing this was the baby finch as a matter of fact~ newly hatched and could hardly fly! No wonder it was resting peacefully for several minutes now only to be moved by her mom right on the banister of our veranda where the umbrella plants are located. This little birdie blends along well with the rhythm of the winds!

After a while of watching this finch bird sleep and shiver in the cool SFO weather, mama yellow finch came by and fed her with that wormy thing. Yikes! At that time, we found out that this green cutie finch is just a baby!

Oh, it was so cute to watch him/her eat from her mother's mouth!

As we were watching, I urged Little Boy Blue to video record it but he said he wanted to enjoy it in real time. Fine.

Then, I thought I would wait for a while for another scene and record it. So I did. Here's one video file I recorded.

Enjoy!

MAMA FINCH and BABY FINCH VDO by Little Boy Blue

While The Rest Of The World Is Asleep, Here I am Counting The Stars In The Skies

Today I have been good. Although I was jet lagging heavily the past days since Saturday last week, I decided I was going to be productive this coming weekend. So, at 11:30 MN yesterday, I started making the flaky tart crust that I’d bake later this morning. I finished them at past 1 AM. Can you believe that? And now it is already 2:34 AM and I am still up! BTW, I just had a "Mediterranean Pasta" so now I feel full!

Well, despite my lack of sleep this week I was able to sort things out in my domicile which was good. I thought I'd never leave my bed. I was lazy and lethargic~ goodness gracious!

At MN this evening, I was able to make 24 pieces of tart shells! I arranged them nicely in two sets of cookie pans. Then, I placed them inside the fridge.I would fill them up later with various jams (i.e. peach, cherry, apricot, and plum).I made them before my visit to Manila and Bangkok two weeks ago.

Later in the afternoon, I need to make something for light snacks for this evening's Love Circle of the SFO WWME in South San Francisco. It will be held at Romeo and Gerry's place at 7 PM.

Well, this is a short note. I am starting to feel sleepy at last. Ciao!

Coming Soon: NORTH BEACH JAZZ FESTIVAL: July 25-29th 2007 in San Francisco

Alistair Monroe and Sunset Promotions present the 13th Annual North Beach Jazz Fest

Only a year after facing possible cancellation, the North Beach Jazz Fest breezes into its 13th year with an outstanding 5-day lineup and no controversy. After the 2006 event-redesign ran impeccably, those who doubted the festival were shown the wisdom of having faith in this beautiful event. "We were so appreciative that the community and the Mayor's office stood up to ensure our survival last year," explains co-director Robbie Kowal, "And we, our staff, and volunteers rewarded that faith with a flawless execution of the improved layout." "


Kicking off on Wednesday July 25th and spreading over the next five days, the visionary folks from Sunset Promotions and Alistair Monroe bring you what has been lovingly referred to as the "Soul of San Francisco."

Come Celebrate the 13th Annual NORTH BEACH JAZZ FEST!

The festival draws thousands to San Francisco's most hallwoed neighborhood and boasts an abundance of free programming, making it San Francisco's foremost urban music festival. In its thirteenth year, this independently owned and produced festival presents a collection of musicians who continue to push jazz into the future, while honoring its glorious past. Each show defines a theme, and then presents artists who represent its past, present, and future.

North Beach Jazz Fest has purposely maintained a distinctly grassroots, homegrown feel by consistently featuring local talent, and incorporating the neighborhood's unique jazz culture into the festivities. Almost every club, restaurant, café, and venue in the area has a part in the festivities and much to gain from the massive attendance. At the same time, the Festival always does its best to bring in treats from around the world, this year represented by Senegalese phenoms Daara J., And as always NBJF features a good dose of New Orleans flavor, this year personified by John Cleary and the Stooges Brass Band. This year the event's Thursday ("Latin Jazz") and Friday ("Jazz Forward") night shows have been expanded into "block party" style multi-venue-one-cover extravaganza centering on the festival's flagship venue, Mojito.

"This is definitely not your father's jazz festival," says founder Alistair Monroe. "The North Beach Jazz Fest is about hosting a great party in one of the city's most dynamic and storied neighborhoods. We bring people together to celebrate the cultural heritage of this neighborhood and this city."

NOTE: info here was taken from the website below.

Click this link for details: North Beach Jazz Frestival

Back To The Bat Cave in SFO

THE JOURNEY TO THE EAST

I was away from June 23 to July 7; my trip was cut short due to my missing my flight date last June 17th but all went well despite the short time I spent overseas. I met with my friends who are posted in Thailand. We had fun times together. Back in MNL, we had parties and re-bonding as family which was awesome. I met with my cousins, siblings, nieces, nephews and just a friend from my old neighborhood in Cavite. It was an exclusive visit meant for my family only because of the limitation of time and space I had. I connected with my chums via email, made calls and short messages sent through cellphone. At least the techno world has done its magic once more to connect us all in different hemispheres of the world!

IN SOLITUDE

I was alone in this trip minus the Little Boy Blue (LBB). I missed the LBB immensely and vice versa while I was abroad. He called every day when I was in MNL. But not in BKK because he couldn't get connected there for some reasons. We deviced our connection via email which was bearable, nonetheless, but tough, on certain times.

COMING HOME

I arrived here in North Beach in the arms of LBB last Saturday, annointed by the thought that I am back in my little palace where peace painted every nook of my breathing space I share with him.

Truly, I missed the cool SFO weather while abroad but I savoured the rainy days, too-the lightning and thunder- the works that made me recall my childhood~ listening to the pattering sound in the roof while I laid down in my antique bed trying to fall asleep when I was young. What a thought. Right?

Though muggy and humid, I couldn't complain really, much less say I dislike the heat because at heart, I am a tropical lady, who loves the sun. I only despised the fact that I developed baby rash in my tush due to the humid environment I was in for two weeks. Otherwise, I was jumping in joy to be in a familiar milieu where the voice of the past cajoles me with fondness and memories of my childhood.

CHANGE OF SEASON

When I arrived here in SFO last Saturday evening (July 7), it felt like winter is back yet it's summertime. Yeah, Mark Twain was right- the summer he spent here was the coldest winter he ever had!

Having been away for a short while made me observed how my plants have grown bigger (hola) and taller (wowie). Our domicile was sparkling clean and shining bright. Thanks to moi esposo who did a great job welcoming me with his own way of kindness, thoughtfulness, passion and warm embraces!

I was home, at last, and that what mattered most. Right?

Some photos and video files here for you my dear family and friends alike. Cheers!

BANGKOK- June 25 to 29, 2007

Time Off

I'd be away for two weeks but would blog from overseas. Have a great summer!

TRY GOOGLE MAP- It Works!

Enter this: Washington Square, Filbert St, San Francisco, CA at Google Map then GO TO STREET VIEW NEW! It's cool. You can cruise along as if you are here in our neighborhood! Enjoy!

Cherry Talk

I am baking my third cherry pie for the summer. So, I discovered- it is so easy to have a stock of cherry filling. Baking cherry pie is a breeze! Well, let's see what happens!

I always make lattice pies and I seldom do the whole crust style with just a slash of diagonal line on it to let the air out of the pie. I thought it's not challenging at all but if you are rushing to bake a pie, this style works just fine for all times!

Lattice pie is time consuming to make but it's fun and beautiful. It's like weaving a paper project in art! Tonight, I added some decor and cut out a floral motif at the center. I'd upload the photo once it's baked. Meanwhile, I thought I couldn't stand cherries anymore. But I still love it!

[And after jamming, preserving and making cherry filling for two weeks now- a total of 60 lbs, I think I am a cherry connosier by now. Whoah!]

Of Missing An International Flight And Being A "Stand-By" Passenger

This is not fun! I missed my flight last Saturday (call it dementia) thinking I should be at the airport ON SATURDAY not realizing I should have been there last Friday evening. Because of this, I have to pay $100.00 regarding the penalty for "no show up at the airport." It is imperative that I pay this amount this Thursday when I check in at 10 PM (for the 1:05 AM flight on Friday). Otherwise, I am going to be stuck on the ground. Not good, hm?

Because my travel time schedule from SFO to MNL got screwed up, my Bangkok trip was affected as well. I also paid a fine early on when I changed my flight schedule with Thai Airways International. Before I could even fly, I have already paid two penalties with two airlines! What a mess!

Indeed, my family and gfs couldn't help but laugh (especially my niece, Muriel) and wonder- why, me? What happened to me that I forgot my travel schedule?

Well, may be because I do not have a regular routine like a regular job that's why. Being a stay-at-home wife gives me my time to do things at my leisure and pace. In addition, I am not dealing with the pressure on the job, deadlines, meetings, etc. All I do is bake and cook (sometimes- I still play the piano).

But one thing that crystalized to me was knowing that since I stopped working, I could hardly remember the day and the date for the mean time. It's hard. And it's tough!Ayayay!

Anyhow, Sunday evening, we tried out to be at the airport (am just travelling by myself this time). Husband drove me to the airport. As advised by China Airlines SFO Office, I went there as “chance passenger” (they call it "STAND BY" here in the USA) and waited until 1 AM only to find out I was the only one who could not fly that morning. Ouch! My heart sank (sigh).

So we drove back home tired, stressed, and exhausted (who wouldn’t be?). We got lost zooming in and out of the extended day parking area at SFO International Airport, which was a bummer.

Finally, we were home at 2 AM.

Next morning, I was up at 6:45 AM and had to wake up moi husband (he had a meeting at 7 AM). After he has gone, I started jamming the cherries and the half of the 40 lbs. in the box; I made them into cherry pie filling I would use during the winter.I believe I wouldn't like to see, smell and eat cherries anymore next summer!

Since the jam is a lot (as I have already jammed and preserved cherries two wks ago), I am bringing home to the Philippines 4 quarts (16 coups) of them and 1 quart (4 cups) of blueberry jam.

Had I not missed my flight, all would have been perfect with me traveling with heaves of fresh cherries and blueberries apart from the chocolates I always bring home repeatedly.

On Thursday, I would buy probably just 4 lbs of fresh cherries just so my family could have a taste of this fresh fruit since they only get to eat the canned ones or the ones in the jars colored bright pink (not cherry red) in thick syrup. So since last night, I have been busy making this stuff.

Late afternoon, I had to go to Safeway to buy more Pectin for my jam. Little Boy Blue collected me on his way home, which was sweet. Ciao!

The 53rd North Beach Feastival

Celebrate Father's Day, Italian-style on June 16-17 at the 53rd Annual Precious Cheese North Beach Festival.

The Precious Cheese North Beach Festival is the oldest urban street fair in the country, attracting more than 150,000 visitors annually. Each year the event promotes the Italian and Beat history of the San Francisco's North Beach area as well as highlighting entertainers and craftspeople from throughout the nation.

Listen to music in the heart of Washington Square Park, stroll through booths of juried arts and crafts or taste fine cuisine from some of San Francisco's best restaurants - the Festival has something for every taste - from the artistic to the eclectic and everything in between.Festival highlights include:

• Juried arts & crafts

• Artist Terry R. Marashlian will showcase his limited-edition North Beach Festival recycled "coins"

• Animal Blessings at the National Shrine of St. Francis


• Arte di Gesso (Italian street chalk art)

In addition to vendors offering attendees great Italian fare, the Precious Cheese North Beach Festival will host two beer gardens, one at Green St. /Columbus Ave. and Union St./Columbus Ave. Beer and wine will also be sold at other local North Beach bars and restaurants.

Live entertainment:
Alternative, Rhythm & Blues, Latin Rock, Pop Rock, Reggae, Salsa & Swing

Sponsored by: Precious Cheese , North Beach Chamber of Commerce

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

North Beach: A major tourist attraction located in a prime area between Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown, North Beach is San Francisco’s Little Italy and the West Coast Home of the Beat Generation. One of San Francisco’s top 10
tourist attractions.

Attendance: Consistently over 120,000 representing all parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, and including visitors from across the country and around the world. This is a destination event.

Demographics: Broad age and race, with sophisticated tastes and mid to upper income. (Not a lot of children.)

Statistics: San Francisco receives upwards of 13 million visitors annually. Four plus billion dollars in related sales.

Marketing Varied and extensive. Sponsorship opportunities can be through Opportunities: custom tailored association, specific level or through underwriting of specific components or activities.

Producer: Team PRO Event, Inc. in association with Garland Public Relations and the North Beach Chamber of Commerce. The North Beach Festival is organized under the highest professional standards.

Event: The 53rd Annual North Beach Festival is a famous and well-established, two-day event. It is the oldest street fair in San Francisco and is believed to be the oldest, continuously-held urban arts and crafts festival in the
country. It was started in 1954 by a group of Beat Generation artisans. This is a juried show.

Location: The event takes place on (Upper) Grant Avenue, Vallejo, Green and
Union Streets and Washington Square Park, in the heart of San Francisco
in North Beach, in the northeast quadrant of San Francisco.

Dates: Father’s Day Weekend - Saturday, June 16th and Sunday, June 17th,
2007.

Hours of Event: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Attendance: 120,000 plus

Media Coverage: Television, Radio, Magazine, Internet and Newspapers.

*COMPONENT OPPORTUNITIES*

Washington Square Main Stage: Showcasing a strong and diversified program of music. Sponsorship options include high visibility signage and specific representation at the Entertainment Main Stage Area in Washington Square Park adjacent to and visible from Columbus Avenue, one of San Francisco’s major thoroughfares. This is a Sponsorship Level all to itself ($10,000), or associated
with the General Levels or Custom Levels of Sponsorship.

Green Street Stage: Showcasing a program of Swing and Salsa Music with a dance floor. Sponsorship options include high visibility signage and specific representations at the Green Street Stage Area. This is a Sponsorship Level all to itself ($5,000), or associated with General Levels or Custom Levels of Sponsorship.

Arte Di Gesso (Street Chalk Art Competition): Presenting the traditional street painting or chalk art of Italy, this component features a beautiful representation of classic and modern artwork. There are approximately 30 professional artists who compete and work on 10’x10’ sections of Stockton Street.
Sponsorship in this area can be associated with the overall presentation ($4,000), or through the underwriting of individual artists and spaces.

St. Francis Animal Blessing: This component has become so popular that it is now held both days at the historic landmark, the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, a world-renowned site located in the heart of North Beach. The 350-seat shrine is filled to capacity both days with dogs, cats, reptiles, and
birds and always garners excellent media coverage. A Franciscan friar conducts the blessing ceremony. ($4,000)

NOTE: Information here and logo (except for the photos)were taken from the official site of North Beach Festival at: www.northbeachfestival.com or click the side bar and go to link.

Sugar Pie's Doodles Via Yahoo Instant Messenger Chat- June 16, 2007

North Beach Festival 2007

I missed my flight today at 1 AM, Saturday- can you believe that? I should have psyched myself to be at the airport last night (Friday) at 9:30 PM. Now, am trying to get a flight tomorrow midnight (for June 18 flight) Monday, so I need to be at SFO International Airport at around 10 PM tomorrow if Fairy Good Mother helps me get a seat. HELP!I should learn my lesson well. Geez whiz! With a 100 dollars penalty, I sure hope my airline could give me a booking. Otherwise I'd leave on the 22nd- yikes! I have a reunion on that day in Bangkok! Anyhow, my airline urged me to call them at 7 AM and from there, I'd find out if I could have a seat! Am crossing my fingers! Relative to this, I only realized I was supposed to be at the airport last night when I was on chat with my little niece (Sugar Pie). She had a good laugh when I told her that, "I think I missed my flight!"
In retrospect, she made several illustrations of me on my realization and disappointment (I was bringing fresh cherries and blueberries), and found humor in my forgetfulnessto fly on the right date and time...mamamia! While on chat and on doodle at yahoo IM, she did several illustrations of me. She was very spontaneous and candid; has a grasp of visualization and perspective. She is great for a 12-year old kid! Take note: I will load our chat with doodle later. You'd be amazed!



Meanwhile, here are some photos today, being the North Beach Festival. We relocated here last year on North Beach Day on June 18th- Sunday. Today is the first day of this two-day affair. There were jazz bands at Grant Street earlier, drinks for sale, street artists on Vallejo, stalls of arts and crafts on Grant and a lot more at Washington Square. We have yet to check that out. Meanwhile, here are some scenes I captured. Enjoy!