Salad without tomatoes? No way!

Whenever I mention salad to hubby, he knows it must include tomato, tomato of any color, shape or size. Once a year he starts his tomato planting ritual by saving all the peelings and vegetable leftovers from his cooking in a dug-up hole in one corner at our backyard. Then he would visit the stores and greenhouses in our community for his seed or seedling needs, and, mind you, not forgetting the countless catalogs advertising vegetables, fruits, flowers and trees that come with our mails. By mid-summer our visitors can not help but notice that every dish on our menu includes tomatoes in every form imaginable!
If only he knew of an organic tomato growing kit then he wouldn't be worrying so much about how to keep his tomato plants from bending and it's fruits touching the ground. The Stake It Easy included in the Safer brand Tomato and Vegetable Kit would have kept him free of sleepless nights. He wouldn't have to worry, either, of how to keep the bugs from eating the buds and boring holes on the leaves and young fruits of his tomatoes because an organic insect killer is also included in the kit. What he should be worrying now is how to answer his grandkids' questions why there are no more caterpillars that travel along the tomato vines!

Wind of Change

Before leaving for work this morning I had to grab a sweater after feeling the very cold air coming thru the open garage door. As I was moving out of our driveway I noticed the poodles of water on the road. So, it rained in the night and I didn't hear a thing!
When I reached my school's parking lot, the wet steps to my building confirmed the rainy night before.
After lunch, as I was recording my student's grades, I noticed that I didn't have my sweater on and I couldn't remember taking it off. I thought: "what's happening?"
Why the sudden change of wind?
That's when I remember: I am in California!

Hey, Moms, Hear Ye!

Hey, moms. Planning on travelling but having second thoughts because of a baby or toddler to consider? Worry no more. At babysafetravel.com you will find selecting and booking for your dream trip so easy that harness buddy can be a real friend soon. Testimonials from those who have travelled through it and are happy about their experiences will help you decide faster. Come on, give it a try!

THANK YOU !!!

image courtesy of http://hubpages.com

Through their eyes....

While explaining the different knife cuts to my 6th period class, I noticed two boys so engrossed with something that I was very sure was not related to the subject matter we were in. I slowly tiptoed towards their table and almost everybody was laughing when they were both so startled they instinctively threw the paper they were so seriously working on on the floor. As I was retrieving the paper I couldn't help laughing myself, as I silently uttered to myself: "Well at least I was grinning here!"

We could have felt cooler...

Nothing can be more uncomfortable than losing your car's aircon unit working on a summer day while cruising on a Los Angeles traffic!
It happened to my husband's car and I know what I am talking about, I tell you. We started looking for a mechanic right away without checking around. If only we learned earlier that we could have found auto a/c parts at a great discount with full warranty and free shipping, we could have saved a lot and feel much cooler!

AAAAHhhh, What a Drink!

Halloween's all behind kids' minds now. Costumes had been sent to the dry cleaners or tossed at the recycle bins. Candy bags are past half empty. Looking back at that night, were your kids tricked or treated right?
As moms our concern is to provide our kids the best nutrition we can give them. What can be more nutritious than milk? Milk is the food of life. It is an almost complete food. High in calcium that keeps children's bones and teeth and hair growing. It is a very good source of protein that helps cells grow and repair themselves. But, as important as milk is for children's growth, they can get tired of drinking it everyday, too. But, wait. If your child is silently shouting Trick or Treat Me right, then chocolate milk is the answer. There had been a study proving that a drink of chocolate milk brings back the energy lost during a sports activity. What can be more healthy than that? And correct me if I am wrong: almost every child likes, or loves, chocolate. So, what can be a better combination than chocolate milk?
We moms also advocate a safe environment for kids, so it is but natural for us to consider storing chocolate milk in cartons safe since the raw product is paper which is very low in harmful chemical content.
When your toddler cuddles to you and whispers Twick or Tweet Me, you know what to give him/her - chocolate milk in a carton!

Let There Be Peace !!

Thanks Mimi (Mimi writes...) for sponsoring this event.

TGIMBDR**

I have a phobia of calling parents, moms specially, back. If I initiated the call, it is OK but when I know that I have to call back because a son or daughter didn't do the right thing while in my class, I have the most unforgettable feeling one can imagine. Will somebody start yelling at me from the other end telling me how dare I get her daughter's/son's electronic gadget? That it was not my business? That I now cut the only comuunication she has with her daughter/son while she is at work? That she will call the highest of the highest authority baove me? Although I have not had that experience yet, every new call I have to make makes me feel so, or think so simply because I have heard so many stories warning me about parent calls.
Today was one of those days. I had to play all possible scenarios in my mind before I called the office to connect me to an outside line. After the third ring I was hoping, in fact praying, that no one would answer when a female voice answered and started apologizing for not answering the phone right away. A good sign, I thought. After I introduced myself she started apologizing again and promised me that she would see to it that her daughter doesn't do what she did, ever again. She even assured me that I had all the right to do what I did.
I gave a loooong **Thank God I Must Be Doing Right** sigh of relief, and thanked her for the request she placed to call her.

To Milk or Not To Milk

I delivered three sons and I fed each of them baby formulas. I am an advocate for breast feeding even before I had my babies. Unfortunately, after three weeks of breast feeding, my glands couldn't support my desire to breast feed anymore, even how hard I tried, so I generously supported my babies with food nutrients from prepared formula milk. I never regretted doing so. They grew up healthy. Aside from occasional natural baby sickness (measles, teething fever, colds gotten from classmates) they never suffered from any severe illnesses. In fact they grew up so fast they now have their own babies to take care of.
Now I currently have four healthy grandsons and thir moms supplemented their food requirements with baby formula too. Milk formulas for babies are safe because their production is government or FDA regulated. The nutrients that go into each formula, whether it be for infants or toddlers, are meticulously tested by scientists and nutritionists before they are place on the market shelves. Different formulas for individual baby's needs are scientifically formulated, like having one specifically for lactose intolerant babies, or for babies who can not tolerate the high fat content of natural animal milk. A cousin of mine had a grandchild who developed hives after taking cow's milk. They discovered that soy milk is what could sustain the baby. She is now a very active second grader.
On top of this, when saving is an issue, moms will also notice that she is actually saving on using baby formulas. Come on, I dare you to compare.

Why

Why does it hurt so much if it was because of someone you love?
Why does someone you love and care for hurt you more?
Why is it that that someone you love is the very one who doesn't understand that you care?

Why, why, why?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LESTER!!!

Your character shows!!!

Rachel and Kit had been inviting me to join FarmTown on facebook but I kept putting their invitations on hold simply because I thought I was not a computer game person. But once I gave in to their sweet come ons, I got hooked I can't even dust under my dining table! And to top it all, I am on break from work so I have the excuse to let the initial plans put aside for the later days instead.
Do you know that one's character, if I may describe it so, shows through one's computer?
There is a marketplace that one goes to if one needed a harvester or plower, since hiring someone to do all these would mean more coins/experience points for the farmer. In the market place, while waiting to be hired, one can "converse" with the other farmers. Some get so bored while waiting that they would type anything to attract attention. More often than not, I just type that I am available and wait, ocasionally greeting someone whose name I've become familiar to.
This morning I didn't have to wait long to get "offers" from three big farm owners (chuckle) who offered their whole farms to myself only. (If you are a farmtown player, and wanted so badly to get to the next level, you know what this means !) The last one who hired me has almost a dozen mansions in his farm. Nothing else. WOOOOOOW!! And here I am who can't even qualify to own one and I've been working and laboring for three whole weeks now.
Of course I complimented him on his acquisition and thanked him for "hiring" me. I used the words, may instead of can, excused myself when I thought I was working slow, followed up if I couldn't finish a job because of some computer glitzes, when all of a sudden he asked me from where I am. Told him where. He typed back: you were so polite even for a european or american... (I can't blame him for the insinuations.)
Told him my father made sure I do.
Then he asked me to be his buddy.

G'mornin'

I think there is nothing more inspiring (except hubby, of course) early in the morning than the sight of an orchid in bloom, as this one directly peeping at me through my kitchen sink window.......
A good day to everyone.

Andy Rooney's words of wisdom......

Japanese Azaleas

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I find Andy's words encouraging, inspiring,uplifting.

Sign of the Time

Tacos, anyone?

Was wracking my brain what I would serve Jacob and Joshua for snack and since I had been craving for tacos for days I checked the pantry for what I could put together, and voila!!
You be the judge!

Boil chicken breast in onion, pepper, thyme and salt. Let it cool and flake. Run chipotle through a sieve and mix two tablespoon with the flaked chicken. Dice some seeded Roman tomatoes. Chop cilantro, spring onion,and lettuce. Crumble some cotija and grate some cheddar cheese. Heat corn tortillas directly over the stove flame and top with the prepared ingredients. Top with a dollop of sour cream and enjoy!

Paella in the Farm Town

My blogging has a new rival for my time - Farm Town on Facebook. I got invited to try it (I can't remember who did first so I won't mention any one) and I did and I warn you, it can be addictive! Now I have a new skill to learn - how to plant and design my farm!
Rachel has a very beautiful, to-die-for farm I wish I had (well, I can dream, can't I?).
Oh, I almost forgot the Paella. Hubby has a new hobby - trying new recipes. This weekend, to impress my in-laws, he prepared Paella with all the works, you know, clams, sausage, pork, chicken, mussells, peppers and more. Like the farm, it was also to-die-for. Because it was so good I didn't have the chance to take a picture before it zoomed into our tummys.
What a prelude to a new week.

Ah, thy name is WOMAN!

Liked this poem that my goddaughter, Rondah, had on her FB yesterday so asked for her permission to publish it.

THE WORTH OF A WOMAN

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have the compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

What do you think?

Lose That Bulge

For as long as I can remember, losing weight has been my dream, desire, longing, coveted result, etc., etc., especially after I end up not buying a dress I like so much. Everytime I look away from those commercials showing the easy, yes, easy-no-sweat ways to lose those unwanted bulges, my desire is lured back by the colorful, yummy and delicious-looking plates of burgers, fries, salads, cakes, ice creams, you name it they show it dishes! Even a bowl of ratattouille looks so desirable.
So, tell me, how can one lose weight in this technohyper world?
Only if one diminishes the passageway of food into their tummys. If one will eat less, then one's calorie intake will be lessened and consequently one's weight will go down. But one needs assurance followed by discipline and perseverance in doing so. Better still, why not consult with a reputable, experienced lap band doctor?

It's Dream Time

It was during the early seventies, the song Ben was hitting my country's airwaves almost non-stop, when one of my hubby's uncles arrived from his tour of a commercial ship's captainship. It was also the year we had our first born. Everybody from both sides of my family was excited for the two arrivals. Excitement for our first son was understandable, especially on hubby's side since he would be their first grandson, and everybody had been waiting for his coming for almost four years already. But now, the excitement for my son was somewhat fading and overshadowed by his uncle's arrival.
I noticed hubby's excitement, especially. I found out why he was always smiling and so light footed only when Uncle finally arrived. At the height of our bienvenida celebration, his grandma called him aside and handed him a box. He slowly opened the box, almost afraid to see what was inside. When he finally did see it he approached me, hugged me so tightly I almost choked, kissed me and told me: "Finally, finally!" He hugged his grandma, who had been smiling lovingly at everything, and thanked her profusely. Finally I knew why he was so excited. In the box was a sparkling brand new Oyster Rolex watch, one he had been dreaming to own! Later, I found out that Grandma secretly told Uncle that if and when he got to Japan to please get one for my husband, even pre-paying him, as her belated wedding gift, in addition to what she had already given us on our wedding day. Although hubby's wrist had outgrown his beloved watch several sizes over, it is still with us.
My thoughts drifted dreamily to that day because of www.bestoftime.com, a friendly site where you can find the best collection of Rolex watches which are fully certified, authenticated and guaranteed with warranties.

What child didn't .....

What child didn't dream of owning a convertible car someday?
Our second son had his car totalled through no fault of his. He has to have a new car soon or else I'd be picking him up every morning (he threatened). Not wanting to pay more than the amount he received from the insurance company, he started looking for a used one.
One afternoon, Jacob came rushing to me and asked: "Grannie, do you know what a convertible is?" I knew he was up to something so I said "No". Pulling my hand he took me outside the house and excitedly pointed to a car:
"Look, Grannie, that is a convertible. And it is daddy's car. It is a cool car because it has no roof! Isn't it, Josh?" turning to his younger brother who was busy licking his lollipop .

Back to normal

As my husband and I were cruising down our community road one morning to take our children to school, we heard a loud thud on the passenger side of our car. My first reaction, and I am sure like any mother's, was to check on our kids. Were they OK? Did they bump their head on anything? Is there any part of their body that hurt? Since everything was okay, and because the kids didn't want to get detention hours after school, I got off the car while hubby continued to drop the kids off since the school was just some few yards away. When I alighted from the car, I saw a shallow dent on the side. Even with ours and the other drivers insurance we still had to put out some amount which was more than the repair would cost. We decided to go to a nearby auto body shop, but to our dismay, what and how the repair on our car was much much below the quality we expected.
How I wish auto body shop irvine, with its network of repair shops manned by collision experts were there at the time. We could have gotten the service we wanted like those many satisfied customers who had given their satisfactory ratings for the body shop network.

Better late than.........

Belated birthday greetings to our friend, Larry.

I wasn't sure if he'd notice, after all he has the whole country to celebrate his special day with (July 4th), but knowing him I knew he would. He is one kind of a friend. He checks my blog almost every day (but still has to leave a comment) and would show concern why I didn't post anything, which touches me deeply because I know how busy he and wife Fina are going ga-ga over their first granddaughter CJ (that lovely girl with the most gorgeous pair of eyes!).

Happy Birthday, our friend.

Goodbye and Rest in Peace

I think I know now why Michael Jackson is loved world wide.
While I can hum the melodies of some of his songs I never took the time to listen and understand the lyrics until this last week. I buried myself in his music videos. I went to lyric sites and got mesmerized with the message in each song. I hugged all TV news about him. I became an MJ addict from the time his death was announced. And every time I see and hear him, the more awed I become of his talent, creativity, gentleness and love for his family and fellowmen.

Now you can sing and play with the angels, Michael.

(Photos: Yahoo and google images)