Our son participated in a school's talent show, his Funk Uncle band performed the closing act.
The video is now uploaded ... just click here to listen. Thanks my sweet friends for putting up with this proud mama! ;)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Snow Day
Since one of my blogger friend, Redlan, enjoys seeing photos of snow and since it snowed all night last night, this morning I went outside and took more pictures of our backyard.
Pictured here is our apple tree. You'll notice a tree house that is now falling apart. When our kids were little, they used to enjoy going up there.
... view at a different angle.
I love how the snow outlined the tree branches in this photo. This is an ash tree.
See what we have to go through every time we get snow? Uncover our cars! We don't have a garage so we park them on our driveway, exposed to weather conditions.
This is how much snow we have after the guy plowed our driveway...about 4 ft. tall which is not too bad, other times it's taller than this.
This is the same angle as the one I posted below, can you tell the difference?
Pictured here is our apple tree. You'll notice a tree house that is now falling apart. When our kids were little, they used to enjoy going up there.
... view at a different angle.
I love how the snow outlined the tree branches in this photo. This is an ash tree.
See what we have to go through every time we get snow? Uncover our cars! We don't have a garage so we park them on our driveway, exposed to weather conditions.
This is how much snow we have after the guy plowed our driveway...about 4 ft. tall which is not too bad, other times it's taller than this.
This is the same angle as the one I posted below, can you tell the difference?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ready in a jiffy
Picture of my backyard. It's been snowing for a few days.
This time of year and as the weather dips below freezing point, I love to cook comfort foods for the family. I normally "shoot from the hip" like looking in the refrigerator or pantry and see what needs to be cooked while it's fresh.
I only measure my ingredients when I'm baking cakes, cookies and pastries. For all others, I "guesstimate" ;) Pictured below is one of my...ahem, specialties. It has simple ingredients, tastes delish and it's one of those 30 minute meals. :) I love it with buttered French or Italian bread.
In case you dare to try, here's the more or less recipe.
1 lb 90% lean ground beef or ground sirloin steak
1 Tb cornstarch or flour
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp salt
4 Tb water
4 cups water
4-5 pcs thinly sliced fresh ginger
1 large potato, cut in small cubes
1 large tomato, diced
Mix first 5 ingredients; set aside.
Boil water with ginger slices. Add potato and tomato, simmer till done. Season to taste.
Turn up heat and add beef mixture. Stir to separate beef.
Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes. Enjoy!
This time of year and as the weather dips below freezing point, I love to cook comfort foods for the family. I normally "shoot from the hip" like looking in the refrigerator or pantry and see what needs to be cooked while it's fresh.
I only measure my ingredients when I'm baking cakes, cookies and pastries. For all others, I "guesstimate" ;) Pictured below is one of my...ahem, specialties. It has simple ingredients, tastes delish and it's one of those 30 minute meals. :) I love it with buttered French or Italian bread.
In case you dare to try, here's the more or less recipe.
1 lb 90% lean ground beef or ground sirloin steak
1 Tb cornstarch or flour
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp salt
4 Tb water
4 cups water
4-5 pcs thinly sliced fresh ginger
1 large potato, cut in small cubes
1 large tomato, diced
Mix first 5 ingredients; set aside.
Boil water with ginger slices. Add potato and tomato, simmer till done. Season to taste.
Turn up heat and add beef mixture. Stir to separate beef.
Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes. Enjoy!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Propagating an African Violet
I love African Violets, that is why when one of my friends told me how to propagate them, I was ecstatic!
I tried it for the first time this summer. I was intimidated at first but hey, there's no harm in trying, right? In this picture, I was also potting cuttings from my other indoor plants.
This is what I was told, and believe me, it worked! Snip a leaf from a healthy African Violet. Cut the leaf part in half so that the nutrients will be concentrated in the new plants. Cover the stem lightly with potting soil and keep it moist. I kept the pot on our front porch, with plenty of light, but not direct sunlight.
I used a potting soil especially for African Violets, but you can use any other potting soil, I believe.
After about 6-8 weeks, tadaaaa! ... new plants from the old! Isn't this rewarding? It only required a simple method, a little patience, minimal work and the result was successful! If you look closely, there are 2 new plants in here. My friend said she usually gently separates the "babies" from the "mother" leaf, and after a few weeks it will reward you with more babies. I opted not to do that.
I have to 'fess up though, the photo below was started in early summer while the photos above were taken in the Fall and because of the cold temps I kept them by our window. Sadly, only one out of three African Violets made it but it's not looking good ... not getting enough light, I assumed. Next time, I will attempt to propagate again in the summer now that I know it worked.
So there, you have it my good friends... how to propagate an African Violet. Happy gardening! ;)
P.S.
From reading about African Violets, (opinion varies though) you're not supposed to wet their leaves, so I let the pot sits on a tray or dish, and fill the dish with water. I took a picture of my African Violets that are in my office just to give you an idea. AND they like their roots crowded, so don't plant them in big pots.
I tried it for the first time this summer. I was intimidated at first but hey, there's no harm in trying, right? In this picture, I was also potting cuttings from my other indoor plants.
This is what I was told, and believe me, it worked! Snip a leaf from a healthy African Violet. Cut the leaf part in half so that the nutrients will be concentrated in the new plants. Cover the stem lightly with potting soil and keep it moist. I kept the pot on our front porch, with plenty of light, but not direct sunlight.
I used a potting soil especially for African Violets, but you can use any other potting soil, I believe.
After about 6-8 weeks, tadaaaa! ... new plants from the old! Isn't this rewarding? It only required a simple method, a little patience, minimal work and the result was successful! If you look closely, there are 2 new plants in here. My friend said she usually gently separates the "babies" from the "mother" leaf, and after a few weeks it will reward you with more babies. I opted not to do that.
I have to 'fess up though, the photo below was started in early summer while the photos above were taken in the Fall and because of the cold temps I kept them by our window. Sadly, only one out of three African Violets made it but it's not looking good ... not getting enough light, I assumed. Next time, I will attempt to propagate again in the summer now that I know it worked.
So there, you have it my good friends... how to propagate an African Violet. Happy gardening! ;)
P.S.
From reading about African Violets, (opinion varies though) you're not supposed to wet their leaves, so I let the pot sits on a tray or dish, and fill the dish with water. I took a picture of my African Violets that are in my office just to give you an idea. AND they like their roots crowded, so don't plant them in big pots.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
My Cookie Tray Runneth Over ...
I am brain-dead after the holiday celebrations, so this led me to post pictures of cookies given by friends and cookies I baked because, as they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words!"
Pictured below is a family favorite. The recipe came from my mother-in-law. I always have to double the recipe because they disappear fast. :) I normally take out my cake decorating tools and outline the details of the cookie but I was a tad lazy this year, so I just spread the frosting on top and sprinkled colored sugar crystals on them. I also baked chocolate chunks and Snowball cookies.
Because we have so many cookies, I fixed a cookie tray for our Pastor today (Sunday); he said he doesn't mind a few day old cookies.... that they will be eaten nevertheless.
This tray was given by a good friend,(pastry tarts) it's filled with buko (young coconut), blueberry and walnut. Yum!
Pumpkin roll! ... given by another good friend, ummm, ummm, good, yummy! out of this world!
Yesterday my friend and I were hungry for "ensaimada" (sweet bun). Since we do not have a recipe we made our own version, like stuffing it with macapuno (sweet preserved young coconut.) Just after they were baked, we brushed the top with melted butter, sprinkled it with sugar and grated cheddar cheese. Pardon me, but I have to say, yummy again! lol
Now, I have to work hard to get back to my old figure, not that I had any to begin with by the way. :)
Hope your 2008 is great, and my home is wishing you all the best in 2009! Have a safe and healthy New Year my friends!
Pictured below is a family favorite. The recipe came from my mother-in-law. I always have to double the recipe because they disappear fast. :) I normally take out my cake decorating tools and outline the details of the cookie but I was a tad lazy this year, so I just spread the frosting on top and sprinkled colored sugar crystals on them. I also baked chocolate chunks and Snowball cookies.
Because we have so many cookies, I fixed a cookie tray for our Pastor today (Sunday); he said he doesn't mind a few day old cookies.... that they will be eaten nevertheless.
This tray was given by a good friend,(pastry tarts) it's filled with buko (young coconut), blueberry and walnut. Yum!
Pumpkin roll! ... given by another good friend, ummm, ummm, good, yummy! out of this world!
Yesterday my friend and I were hungry for "ensaimada" (sweet bun). Since we do not have a recipe we made our own version, like stuffing it with macapuno (sweet preserved young coconut.) Just after they were baked, we brushed the top with melted butter, sprinkled it with sugar and grated cheddar cheese. Pardon me, but I have to say, yummy again! lol
Now, I have to work hard to get back to my old figure, not that I had any to begin with by the way. :)
Hope your 2008 is great, and my home is wishing you all the best in 2009! Have a safe and healthy New Year my friends!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
New York, here we come!
Last weekend, a couple of my friends and I took a well-deserved trip to New York City, the city that never sleeps, to do a little Christmas shopping and to see the fabulous Christmas displays. Since I have friends who are excited to see pictures, I posted more of them this time than usual. Photos can be enlarged.
NY skyline from New Jersey, taken from inside our tour bus on our way home. It was overcast, that is why the picture is as clear as mud! lol
Radio City Music Hall ...
The following photos were taken at Times Square, night life.
More Times Square photos ...
If you look closely, you'll notice "Lady Liberty"; but beware, if you have a picture taken with her, it will cost you $5.00! :)
This was taken from inside Columbia Circle. Those "stars" change color from blue, orange, yellow, white and red; magnifico!
Outside view of the Saks building, isn't it gorgeous? Those "snow flakes" are attached to the building.
The famous Christmas tree at Rockeffeler Center, taken at night... a little dark. I can't get closer because there were hundreds of people trying to have pictures taken. Those tiny lights that look like floating in the sky are Christmas lights wrapped around trees.
Brooks Atkinson Theatre presents, Grease!
This last picture is me (middle) and my friends in the lobby of our hotel while waiting for our tour bus on Sunday.
Our itinerary ...
Friday night, we went to a concert, courtesy of my friend's son who lives in NYC. Thank you very much, Brad! As always, you are always so gracious. The concert was presented by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center featuring Daniel Muller-Schott, who is an outstanding cellist and Angela Hewitt, an excellent pianist, both played beautiful masterpieces of gamba sonatas by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was enjoyable and relaxing moments...I closed my eyes and let the music took me to la-la land! :)
Saturday morning was a sightseeing tour, and when the bus stopped at Chinatown we elected to get off to shop as we like. As in the previous year, we ate at our favorite Chinese restaurant! yummy! Sometime in the afternoon and because we did a lot of walking, we treated ourselves to a foot and back massage ... ahhh, heaven, it was hard to get up! lol
Saturday night, we went to see a broadway show, Grease. One of the cast members is Ace Young (as Kenickie) who became popular because he was a finalist in 2006 singing competition, "American Idol." Ashley Spencer, who played Sandy, was also a popular finalist on the talent competition series "Grease: You're the One That I Want" on TV.
Sunday, check out time!
Hope you enjoyed looking at these photos as much as I had fun taking pictures and sharing them with you.
Wishing all of you the happiest, warmest, joyous and peaceful holiday! Merry CHRISTmas my blogosphere friends! Stay safe!
NY skyline from New Jersey, taken from inside our tour bus on our way home. It was overcast, that is why the picture is as clear as mud! lol
Radio City Music Hall ...
The following photos were taken at Times Square, night life.
More Times Square photos ...
If you look closely, you'll notice "Lady Liberty"; but beware, if you have a picture taken with her, it will cost you $5.00! :)
This was taken from inside Columbia Circle. Those "stars" change color from blue, orange, yellow, white and red; magnifico!
Outside view of the Saks building, isn't it gorgeous? Those "snow flakes" are attached to the building.
The famous Christmas tree at Rockeffeler Center, taken at night... a little dark. I can't get closer because there were hundreds of people trying to have pictures taken. Those tiny lights that look like floating in the sky are Christmas lights wrapped around trees.
Brooks Atkinson Theatre presents, Grease!
This last picture is me (middle) and my friends in the lobby of our hotel while waiting for our tour bus on Sunday.
Our itinerary ...
Friday night, we went to a concert, courtesy of my friend's son who lives in NYC. Thank you very much, Brad! As always, you are always so gracious. The concert was presented by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center featuring Daniel Muller-Schott, who is an outstanding cellist and Angela Hewitt, an excellent pianist, both played beautiful masterpieces of gamba sonatas by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was enjoyable and relaxing moments...I closed my eyes and let the music took me to la-la land! :)
Saturday morning was a sightseeing tour, and when the bus stopped at Chinatown we elected to get off to shop as we like. As in the previous year, we ate at our favorite Chinese restaurant! yummy! Sometime in the afternoon and because we did a lot of walking, we treated ourselves to a foot and back massage ... ahhh, heaven, it was hard to get up! lol
Saturday night, we went to see a broadway show, Grease. One of the cast members is Ace Young (as Kenickie) who became popular because he was a finalist in 2006 singing competition, "American Idol." Ashley Spencer, who played Sandy, was also a popular finalist on the talent competition series "Grease: You're the One That I Want" on TV.
Sunday, check out time!
Hope you enjoyed looking at these photos as much as I had fun taking pictures and sharing them with you.
Wishing all of you the happiest, warmest, joyous and peaceful holiday! Merry CHRISTmas my blogosphere friends! Stay safe!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Gift giving ...
Most of us love holiday traditions, but when it comes to gift giving, I believe that there's plenty of room for being innovative.
When our kids were little we chose what kind of gifts to give them, and of course we always chose something educational and at the same time fun for them. They were so easy to please then; I have these memories of them waking us up early on Christmas day so we could all go downstairs and be surprised at what Santa brought them for Christmas. I will never let go of the memories of seeing their faces light up, and the sound of their screams of delight!
However, as they grew older, their taste for gifts changed; they didn't seem to enjoy our choices anymore. So I thought it's time for mom and dad to be more creative, I started asking them for a wish list. It will still be a surprise because they do not know what they are getting but at least we know that whatever they will get, it will be something that they really like and not something that will go to waste. I have to smile at how innovative their wish list was. There were stars on each item ... you could tell what they really, really wanted by the number of stars marked on each item. To this day, I still have those earlier wish lists. Pictured below are a couple, dated 2003 and 2005. My son was only 12 and 14 years old then.
Now that they are 17 and 22 years old respectively, and with the availability of online shopping, we let them pick one gift for Christmas online so that one is no longer a surprise, in addition to a wish list. It's really sad to do it this way but I guess this generation is completely different from my generation; we have to flow with the changes life brings. We really don't have to, but I hate to waste a hard earned dollars for something that they don't like or need.
Now, I am interested to know how is gift giving done in your family?
I hope, my dear friends that you are able to join together with your families and friends to celebrate the ho ho ho season! Have a MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!
When our kids were little we chose what kind of gifts to give them, and of course we always chose something educational and at the same time fun for them. They were so easy to please then; I have these memories of them waking us up early on Christmas day so we could all go downstairs and be surprised at what Santa brought them for Christmas. I will never let go of the memories of seeing their faces light up, and the sound of their screams of delight!
However, as they grew older, their taste for gifts changed; they didn't seem to enjoy our choices anymore. So I thought it's time for mom and dad to be more creative, I started asking them for a wish list. It will still be a surprise because they do not know what they are getting but at least we know that whatever they will get, it will be something that they really like and not something that will go to waste. I have to smile at how innovative their wish list was. There were stars on each item ... you could tell what they really, really wanted by the number of stars marked on each item. To this day, I still have those earlier wish lists. Pictured below are a couple, dated 2003 and 2005. My son was only 12 and 14 years old then.
Now that they are 17 and 22 years old respectively, and with the availability of online shopping, we let them pick one gift for Christmas online so that one is no longer a surprise, in addition to a wish list. It's really sad to do it this way but I guess this generation is completely different from my generation; we have to flow with the changes life brings. We really don't have to, but I hate to waste a hard earned dollars for something that they don't like or need.
Now, I am interested to know how is gift giving done in your family?
I hope, my dear friends that you are able to join together with your families and friends to celebrate the ho ho ho season! Have a MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Four Seasons
My goodness me, is it winter already? I barely had time to take my dahlias out off the ground! We normally run the lawn mower all over our yard to mulch the fallen leaves before good old winter comes, but it always sneaks up on us. We've been having snow almost everyday; luckily the roads are still a little warm so that the snow melts as soon as it touches the ground.
I thought it was interesting to get four season pictures of my front yard. It would be a nice subject to paint. What do you think of these? Personally, I think that I should take a much better pictures suitable for painting ... lol
Winter wonderland ...
Early spring and a lonesome tulip ...
Early summer ...
Summer ...
Fall; pulling up the annuals before winter comes.
Sad looking Fall. I like and enjoy the temp and the fall foliage's rainbow of colors in the fall but after that it's all ... blah?
Hmmm ... my front yard really looks so bare in the fall and winter, maybe an evergreen shrubs might help, they provide color year round and bet they will look beautiful and attractive with Christmas lights. Why didn't I think of that before!...lol
I thought it was interesting to get four season pictures of my front yard. It would be a nice subject to paint. What do you think of these? Personally, I think that I should take a much better pictures suitable for painting ... lol
Winter wonderland ...
Early spring and a lonesome tulip ...
Early summer ...
Summer ...
Fall; pulling up the annuals before winter comes.
Sad looking Fall. I like and enjoy the temp and the fall foliage's rainbow of colors in the fall but after that it's all ... blah?
Hmmm ... my front yard really looks so bare in the fall and winter, maybe an evergreen shrubs might help, they provide color year round and bet they will look beautiful and attractive with Christmas lights. Why didn't I think of that before!...lol
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