GOT FOOD? WE HAVE LOTS AND DRINKS, TOO

The main course included lumpia, morcon, rigatoni pasta, seafood chowder, sinigang, roasted turkey, honeybake ham, edimame, shimp salad and laing. Drinks were Callaway champagne, Napa Valley cavernet, Remy Martin cognac, Martenilli Sparkling Apple Cider and Pellegrino Mineral water. And the desserts were plenty: Extraordinaire chocolate cake (Fletcher) Leche flan (Mommy), homemade baklava, suman, ube and kutchinta (Nette) and beans, garbanzos and macapuno balls (bought by me) and assorted nuts. No wonder even Santa Claus to join in the fun and merrymaking.

A GATHERING OF FAMILIES AND SPECIAL FRIENDS

What would Christmas be without families and friends to spend it with? Shown are the Aguiluz Family, the Callanta Family and the Hopkins Family. Known whose family is missing? My family. Wishing would we could be together again on this joyous day.

CHRISTMAS EVE 2007

This is the view from the front gate, the back patio and the colored lighted peach tree. It's just amazing to look at these lights which goes well with the full moon and the chilly night's air. These are the times we feel blessed that of all the places to live, we ended up here--an almost perfect site and good people.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SUNNY OCEANSIDE

A Merry Merry Chrismas To Al My Love Ones! This greeting comes from us here in Oceanside, California. Home of the US Marine Training Base-Camp Pendleton, the largest such facility. It is also here that you can find, actually about 3 miles from our house, the San Luis Rey Mission, the largest mission church established by the Franciscan priest in 16th century. The photos shown is that of the Oceanside Marina and Harbor, just southwest of Camp Pendleton. There are small quaint retail stores and covered picnic tables near the Pacific Ocean. After a dip in the water, Kuya we can bring you to the Joe's Crab Restaurant which famous for their shrimp and seafood fares in a pirate's hideout setting. With year-round sunny weather even during Christmas day, Oceanside, being the first city you'll reach in San Diego County, would be the best start when you visit us. But, there's more to see like the Oceanside Pier that extend about a mile from the downtown area. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip and we'll be your hosts. Have a bright day any day.

WINTER SUNSET

This was taken this year along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) 101 in Cardif-by-the-Sea, next to Encinitas where we stayed temporarily shortly afer arriving from the R.P. way back in 1987. It was an autumn day when I took that shot and it will be winter starting December 23. This is our winter sunset which made Bing Crosby sing about longing for "I'm Dreaming of a White Chistmas." The song was in reference to weather in San Diego during this time of the year. Have a Merry Christmas where ever you are. For Christmas is in the heart not the gifts, although, I must admit it's nice to have both.

The very very tall Christmas tree at South Coast Plaza near John Wayne Airport in Irvine, California

A wreath near the living room

"When I was small and Christmas tree was tall", as the song goes. Well, our tree is smaller than any of us.

The giant Christmas tree in front of JC Penney at the El Camino Real Mall, now Westfield Plaza, in Carlsbad

CHRISTMAS IS HERE TO STAY

Our parol blinking bright as a star

IT'S BEEN A WEEK

Is it already a week since I last posted an entry in my blog? Pardoname! Pardon me!
Excuse my absence from your presence. There's no essence for such thing. It's just that we are busy decorating the house or busy driving around the stores for the cheapest bargain on Christmas items. It can be pretty overhelming, overdreaming and overbudgeting. Last Saturday, we went to the Apple Store at South Coast Plaza in Irvine, about 70 miles from home and you'll get what I mean. All the latest gizmos are there like the IPhone, ITouch, the Touchscreen GPS systems and I touch my temple cause I'm starting to have a headache. Next we went to IKEA. We looked at the Christmas decorations which Nette was planning to buy. Then, we went home a 2:30 and late in the evening, the three of us planned to see Will Smith's "I Am Legand." Only to find out it was showing yet in the theater near us. So, we went to Jack in the Box for Gino's Cookies n Cream milkshake. So, we just watched "Dreamgirls" on HBO at home. Next thing we know it's the sun had set. And all in all, right there is where our whole day went.

And Sunday was spent with me pruning and trimming the flowers and trees around the house. And putting up more Christmas lights at the back patio and the left side lawn. All of which I have to do in the morning, while Nette went to work, because the San Diego Chargers football team are on TV vying for a playoff spot. I cannot miss that one for this might be the year they'll be finally win the Super Bowl. America is really a sports nation the whole year round. If you're a sports fun, you'll love living here. As the NBA slogan goes:"I Live For This!" and is true. At least for me, even while I was still in the R.P., I was watching oval car races and rally car races on TV even if I didn't have a car yet. And when I finally had one to drive, there was no stopping me. There and especially when I got here. As one singer would sing:"I've been to many places in my lifetime, I"ve sung a lot of songs that made some bad rhymes." I driven to many places here and listened to many music along the way. And it wasn't a bad trip after all. Not at all.

Monday is work, work, work. So are Tuesday and Wednesday. And in the evenings are rest, rest, rest. And writing and dedicating more Christmas cards I forgot do and sent. Even though my apologies to those who won't be receiving one this year. So you see ten days is not that long. If my days are longer and my night shorter, maybe then I would be able to spend more time with you. But, even if I don't, be sure to know I'm thinking of you all always. Till we meet again.

TATTOO OR NOT TATTOO, TOO

"To tattoo or not tattoo." That's the line I have been seeing the past months. Whether to have one or not. Whether you want a clean body like a blackboard without any writings because you don't know the answer. Or a body like a mural of canvas like that of Juan Luna's Spolarium. If you want one, how many do you want? If you know how many, what part of your body you want them put on? If you now know where you want them, what's the design you want? A face--of yourself or that of a fish or somebody you idolize. Or any design you fancy or worship or any object to protect you from harm, like a rosary, a snake or sword. If you know what design you want, will be in black and white or in high definition color? Lastly how big or small would them to be? If you now know the answers to all of these, go ahead and have them. You're the Master of your Body.

I just have one question to ask: Oh,are they going to be permanent or just stick-on?
Is it more harder or painful to have them removed than when they were done the first time you decided to have them? But, as they say:"No pain, no gain." You're a man now. We can decide for ourselves. But, now is the point of no return. But, also be proud of yourself for having the guts to tattoo. To me, this is still a question. "Tattoo or not tattoo, too."

Hey guys, I mean no pun intended, I was just playing with words, whether those words have wisdom or not. Just the same, I love you. So don't be surprise if one day, one place you see me with ..... Wait for my next post(s) on these.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOC!

After 51 years here on earth, what do you supposed you have something to show for it? Have you been good? Have you been fair? Have you loved and have been undertanding? Have you been helpful and cheerful? Or have you been bad. Or have thought of yourself only? Or ALWAYS frawning?

Lynn has only been good to others and most specially, to himself, courage to do what he think is right and what it is that what really make him happy. He has accomplish so many successes and I'm sure will continue to do so. Okay, let me be truthful--he has on ocassions frawns. But, doctors are also human. They get sick, too. Hehehe.

Because you've been good all these years, my wish is you'll finally see Santa Claus this Christmas. As it is said:"Yes Scrooge, there is a Santa!" Even if I know we were not bought up believing in one, just like in a White Christmas. To you, my favorite kid brother (hehehe) and doctor, a happy and delicious birthday.

No Words, Just Chat

No words, just signs to tell us what or what not to do. No words are enough to let them know how we feel, even if i try hard. Nor no words are needed to make others change if they don't want to. A little chat, a little type, a little emotion icons are some to make us feel better. I did feel... Have a chat, join a conference. If you fall asleep, no words are needed. Sleep weel. Have nice weekend.

Got Food?

Belated Happy Thanksgiving Day to all of you. Most of all I want to thank God that He made me come down (or be born) and be a member of this family. I feel blessed that you and my love ones, good friends and extended families alike are part of my life. I couldn't ask for a more perfect members, not like some families I know who constantly fight with each other. The only fault I can find, though, not that very serious, is our love or too much love of food. And that's explain our happiness on expecting birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and soon next year the wedding of my niece. Or the togetherness we share when we all go out for a simple lunch or dinner.

That's why I haven't had time to post is because I can still taste the turkey, stuffings, mashed potato, gravy and cranberry juice we had last Turkey Day. And there's some more left-over in the fridge. Though I don't get too big, unlike some people I know (guess who? Hehehe!) even if I over-eat, I made it a point not to eat a lot. That's because it's got to do with my metabolism. Got to do with my age. And most of all, it's got to do with my doctor. There's some health parameters that's a litte high. And most of all, it's got to do with my wish to spend more time with you all.

But, sometimes I cannot help it. Got some food? Some wise old man said: the way to live healthily is--Eat like a king at breakfast, eat like prince at lunch and eat like a pauper at dinner. That maybe true, but I don't have time in the morning. (Gino doesn't even breakfast.) Lunch at work is limited for I have to take my power nap. (while Nette doesn't eat lunch, depending if she has a tour to do) That leaves me a dinner I look forward to especially when I can compete with you guys on who eats the most during Chat Friday.

So what's for Friday? Got Food? Pork chop, tempura, shimps or batchoy? Whatever it will be, just take care of yourself and exercise. And after that let's go to Hana or Asian Buffet. As Pinoy, we say: We live to eat, not, eat to live. To all--TGIF= Thank God It's Food! I'll see you at this same table.