IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY, SIS

Let me be the first greet Mabelle A VERY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. For that may I give you my cake. How time flies even if you're counting or not. Not very long ago, you were just a little girl playing cute and showing off our car to our neighbors in Project 8. Next I remember you being a grade schooler at St. Joseph's In Espana Blvd. Fast forward, you were a high schooler at Carlsbad High. Fast forward still, you have a family of your own. And with all that you've been through, I admire you for your strength and courage and independence to make your life work even if some things are beyond your control. Still, you continue to dream and are making the right decisions. Together with Billy's ambition and Julius being your inspiration, I'm sure in your birthdays more to come you would have attain your goals. I wish you happiness and the best in life. Be strong, be positive and that your life is a cause for celebration. May you enjoy your day with those who really matter to you.

By the way, watch for a package I sent yesterday. Don't throw away the paper wrappings, there are cards at the bottom. Take care of yourself because there many people who care for you, love you and need you.

FLOWERS TO GO TO DINNER

Don't you just wish the sides of all the off-ramps and on-ramps in the North Luzon Expressway and in the Michigan interstate, for that matter, were as pretty as they have in Carlsbad? Ending with shrimp tempura, miki-bihon lo mein with kikiam, Costco lechon manok, sinangag and egg drop soup for dinner at home with your most beautiful people.

A CAR DEALERS PARK IN THE MIDDLE

Next, we went to see the Flower Field, about half a mile long, on a hill at the back of the Car Country Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Premium Outlet. The pictures were taken a street-side viewpoint above. The rancoulus flowers bloom from late March until late April and has been a popular tourist attraction like Legoland nearby also and the Paul Ecke's poinsettia gardens in Encinitas. It's amazing view to make as your computer screen saver.

After that, the Strawberry Field was just a few feet near at the north side of the car dealerships. The strawberries were very sweet, which one can pick by themselves, or eat while doing so, after paying $11/KFC-size paper bucket. It's very popular with kids and the kids-at-heart. Ate Liz was very excited picking up her strawberries, eating some and putting some in her pockets like just the other kids I saw. And hey, some of the fruits just get spoiled and wasted on the field. Might as well feed a paying customer and letting others about this very wonderful experience. Contrary to what a musician said, strawberry fields are NOT forever, the memory is.

SPRING SATURDAY

Ate Liz arrived Friday evening with Nette from her work. It is always a treat when she's here. So after catching up with what has happened to her and her family, the next morning (yesterday), we headed out to Ross, the Flower Field, Strawberry Field and back to Macy's, JC Penney and last to the travel agent and back home to another good dinner. Kuya, Gwen, Gail and Lynn and Jon and everyone of you, we wish you were here too.

THE MENU

The restaurant has very authentic Japanese foods, setting and the hostess, except for the bar which has a neon decor and rock piped-in music. But the udon, chicken teriyaki, beef teriyaki, veggies, California roll and green tea ice cream, which wasn't shown before it was gone, was very, very good.

SPRING BALLET

What better way to start the season a ballet concert, Charles Maple's "Coppelia", a romantic comedy. Held in Irvine last March 30 starring with Astrid's daughter, Sandra as one of the Pulcinellas, Flower Girls as member of the Maple Youth Ballet of Orange County. The show was a big success as young as the performers are and I'm sure they'll have a bright future in the arts. Needlessly to say, Sandra's parents and siblings are very proud of her and so are we.

Photograph taking was not allowed inside, but, I have taken pictures after the concert and a little reception hosted by Rick at a Japanese restaurant.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN NORTH COUNTY

This year Spring started after Easter Sunday in time for the School Semestral Spring Break. It's the best season in North County as seen all around the places I'll be showing you. It may still be a bit colder than the other years, but, it's just fine with me and hope for our visitors and tourists we are excitedly waiting. Soon enjoy the views,