Coles Mini Toys

The Struggle to complete a set is real! :-)

We have been shopping at Coles for 18 years now. I was never a fan of their promotions. Until this time.

Last month when the craze started, I was on it right away. Coles mini toys are not just cute but well made, accurate miniature of the real thing. I am partial to toys because of my work. I appreciate things that make the little ones smile. I have 2 full sets and another one slowly getting there. Rich and I rely on our own shopping and the goodness of 2 Coles Staff (just 2, the others, nah) who would ask: "what haven't you got?" Then expertly put their hand in the bag, pull and say: "here ya go, shampoo, vicks & yoghurt." ☺️

I do have doubles and spares but I don't trade. I sent spares to friends before I decided to start a new set. 😂 I have other doubles which I am thinking of crafting into jewelry or visual aids at work to assist children's communication skills. 👍

A few days into the promotion, a young man in his 20's was at the checkout and said he doesn't need the free toys. I was behind, swallowed my pride and said: "Can I have it?" He said okay. Then another older man yelled: "No! I need it!" He was the dad, buying cigarettes. He was angry at his son! Oh dear. Drama.

(Thing is: he was that same old man who begged me during my garage sale last year and got an original prada bag, 5 brand new Nine West shoes for $15 because that's all he had. I remember him.)

Anyhow, Rich and I bought food storage and so much more to get the minis. Rich would get the heavy ones after his work, collect the toys and wait for me so we can open these small packs together. Pantry is full w sacks of rice, boxes of drinks etc just to get these minis. 😂

People are raking in money on eBay with full set up to a grand! The display box was $4 but selling at $75 in eBay! Binuang! 😡

I have heard: "I don't understand people's fascination w this plastic dumb things. So dumb. What are they going to do with it?" <--- This kind of negativity got Australia 7 Prime Ministers in 11 years.😒

But have you seen the tiny jar of vegemite? Omigosh gorgeous. 😍

Let's all just be little happy vegemites.

2 full sets and growing...

Almost complete!

Happy birthday, Ding!

I love my sister very much. Today, her birthday I am reposting what I wrote 10 years ago. The feeling is still the same, just maybe 10x more. I hope you have the happiest birthday ever, Ding! We love you to the moon & back.

❤️

Our parents named her Angeline. Little angel. Those close to her calls her Buding which means Little Buddha. :-)

There is 8 years between us so we never really grew up together. She would even casually mention many times, "I do not remember you, Neng". Not to sound mean or anything but we never get to do things together when she was little. Not until we were grown ups and I moved away from home to build my own.

She would come here in Melbourne for a visit. She'd accompany me early for work and earlier for shopping sprees. We take trains, trams and buses and talk non-stop in Surigaonon. What fun! Revenge with some loud senior Europeans and God forgive them: noisy Asians screaming their way to get the full attention of someone sitting next to them. And that someone would scream back. Mga bungoy man siguro ini sila. Probably hearing impaired? But all of them in different trams? I don't  know, but one thing for sure, it was absolutely annoying. 

With Buding I do not have to sit, grin and bear the annoying people, I can be one. Kon todo katawa gajud and if we see mga upaw, kuyang rakan na mu-salute.

Buding is like Papa, disciplined, hard working, organized, loving, affectionate, wise with finances, well-dressed, great singer - all that, with a temper. They are also very kind, generous, funny and source of strength sa amo pamilya. One friend Toni,an American who lives and operates a Pub here in Australia said "OMG, Angie is sooo together, how can you look and smell this good in the morning!". 

Buding is the self-appointed eldest now. Reversal of roles. Nabali an kalibutan as she is the youngest. She took over the affairs of the household, the school, the gym, family’s health, etc. She is able. Very able, in fact she'd forget herself to aid others. Much like Mama, too!

Sija an ako pinaka-love na sister. Not just because she is my one and only sister. If I had other sisters I'd still love her more. In times when I falter, she not only help me up but tells me off as well. "Neng, ako role sa kalibutan an madepressed. Dili imo." Just like Judge Judy, she tells me to get over it. She would send me messages of comfort and inspiration when I least expect it. Many times I beam and tell Rich- ako ini bubby sissy. Baby sister. She is also a fan "Neng, I like reading your words kay it is like reading a book, tuwaw dajun ko." 

I love a few people but I like fewer. I love and like Buding.

One day once again, we can lie under the ceiling fan and belt out tunes that would bring any house down, raid the factory outlets for a dozen pairs of shoes, or organize a party in the house where over 15 Aussie youth played Pinoy games and broke my spoons, or we can sit in at the Conservatory for all you can eat steak, go to an outdoor zoo and ask for the rancher to put that snake on your neck…or just sit at church silently together and casually say "Neng, you smell like chorizo"…

Buding is one of a kind. No wonder she is Pare Bob’s favourite..

Come back soon Ding, and maybe stay longer, kay kalisod when I do not have anyone to sit in the hospital with. Simbako laman. Or maybe Rich and I can go for a trip again and stay there to savour once more barbq sa pier, sayongsong sa Ipil, dagat sa Mabua, lechon sa Togbongon, latik sa Lanuza. SM, Ayala, or stay up all night, as in all night because we consumed 2 liters of coca cola each, spread eagled on the banig and asked for heaven’s intervention: Diyos ko, Ginoo ko, pakatuyuga na kami!

And how about when we scared Mama of Papa visiting us that night, prompting her to drag her mattress on to the floor with us? Richard was oblivious of the commotion that happened that early dawn in Lanuza. Tuyog sija in the middle bed. The katawa and hagikhik, then tuwaw-tuwaw. Panga-useless gajud nato! Let’s do it again!  

I do not really have a lot of friends, but  with Buding, it's more than I need. Friendship is a blessing. I am more than blessed to have a sister and a friend in her. Ab yu my Bading. Happy, happy birthday! May our Heavenly Father bless you always, everyday and forever.

Rock Lobster

I love that song. I even danced to it with my church youth group years ago. So many years ago. In fact a life time ago. When we were young and beautiful hahaha. I do not dance now. :-)

There's a different lobster. A much better one. Succulent and delicious. I dream about it all the time and even started a savings fund for next order. :-)

We are spoilt for choice here in Melbourne. So many food places to go. You need not leave the city to get to different cuisines. My favourites are Asian of course, Vietnamese and Chinese. Filipino food I just cook at home. ;-)

Rich and I personally love going to Melba at The Langham. Our friend Aimy highly recommend this place. We used to just go to The Conservatory at Crown. We tried Melba and now we always go there for special occasions. We have been a few times this year. Thanks My!

Okay back to the details - last Tuesday was our 17th year wedding anniversary. We are so busy with so many pressing matters that we have forgotten to book anywhere special. Normally weeks before we already have a confirmed booking. We laughed and just said well there is always Nando's. Yummy as it is - it is kind of an everyday thing so I silently hoped it is not going to be there. Any other time will do, just not on our anniversary. :-)

So in between panicking (pressing matters, remember? Will blog another time) and making things in order - I checked a few of our special favourites. Can't do lunch on weekdays and our next few weekends will be hectic.

We need to find a place for dinner. But good luck with last minute booking!

We like a few places in Crown so maybe, Crown it is. I want something else though and I think there's no better time to be spoiled than now. I was tossing between Long Chim, Silks and Mesh. Parking at Crown Complex is easier than most places so it is always there that we spend more special occasions.

I looked at different sites then went back to our faves. That's when I saw Melba's Tuesday night LOBSTER.

Lobster. Are you kidding me? Lobster! I love seafood. I grew up next to a wet market where fresh seafood are still breathing and blinking. I need it. I need this.

As a good wife ;-)  I rang Rich before I booked. We both know it is expensive. I gave him options. When I mentioned it is lobster's night at Langham's, he said his usual: "okay sure, why not." :-)

I was so quick ringing the number, you'd think I dialled triple 0.  :-)

There was a place for us. Yay! I guess not a lot of Melbournians want to go out on a freezing Tuesday night even for lobsters. :-) We also have a 25% voucher from my Entertainment Book for Langham so another yay!

We parked with no problem. It is always good to dress up from time to time. I do not get to do that since casual is my middle name. :-) Tonight we also made sure we dressed warm.

It was windy too as we walked towards the Hotel. I was so glad I had a warm coat on.

As I slowly walked to the foyer I said a quick prayer of gratitude.

17 years. Wow. Congratulations us! We have ups and downs and it is not always an easy ride. But we have more ups. More important is that we love & enjoy each other's company. We try not to let external problems affect that. We are best friends and we look forward to 17 x 17 more years together.

And with lobsters from time to time - ain't life sweet.

Thank you, Rich. Love you to the moon and back.

We had the freshest seafood while growing up and I can tell you a thing or two about them - but these lobsters made me speechless...yum.
Steamed then grilled to order. I am proud to say that I upheld my family reputation of eating well and hard. 3 servings. Oh la la. :-)

Succulent. The garlic butter sauce was just so mild it did not destroy the whole lobster experience :-)

This is my seconds served with Bokchoyy and mushroom stirfry. The made to order stir fry is just next to the lobster grill so I asked if I can get it on the same plate. It was one of the happiest dinners I have in Australia! :-)

Melba's fresh seafood is very delicious. They also have a wide selection of Sushi.

Food Safari, my style...

As I was clearing up my phone of photos I noticed that these past few weeks Rich and I have been eating out more than ever. Though we both enjoy cooking, we also look forward to date lunches and dinners out. Here's some of the photos, nothing fancy but highly recommended.

Fresh seafood at The Conservatory, Crown Towers are always so delish, we are regulars.

 

 

Nando's what more can I say. Always a fan.

Vermicelli Noodle Salad with crispy roast pork at Mama's Buoi, GPO Bldg. is fresh, delicious, crunchy and at the same time - comforting! :-)

Nene Chicken has the best Korean Fried Chicken in Melbourne. The service is tops and also the extras are just so delish we do not stop with just one! Try the Swicy (sweet and spicy) or the Freakin' Hot or both. We have gone through the whole fried chicken menu and always come back with this two. Try them. :-)

The Churrasco BBQ chicken ribs at Nando's always hit the spot. Thanks, Nando's.

Congee with salted egg, pork, pickled vegs and crunchy wontons at Ten Miles at Crown is hands down my favourite congee. I have tried others around Melbourne but this one has the most toppings so it is my fave.

The rice dishes at Thien An in Footscray is our fave in the whole menu. This is the Lemon Chicken and Fried Rice. They have other choices and all oh so good. Oh la la.

Already famous as Rich's fave. Roast Duck in egg noodle Soup at Dumplings Plus is a staple this winter. Delicious does not even describe it. Heart and belly warmer :-)

Vegetarian Pho at Mama's Buoi has the yumminess of Vietnamese Soup sans the meat. Delish!

I do not have secret guilty pleasure, as all of my food choices are all out there for everyone to know - but if there is one - I'd have to say the grilled salmon and scallops of the ever simple but delicious Sushi Sushi. I cannot get enough of them! Plus the ebi tempura! Oh dear, yum!

Hainanese Chicken Rice, Roti Telur and Chicken Laksa at Roti Road. Very delicious, service very good too, but easy on the dips & spices as the after taste lingers :-)

Porter house, salad and chips at The Millers Inn Bistro. Deliciousness in a plate!

Veal schnitzel with mushroom sauce + roast and steamed veggies at The Millers Inn. Yummo :-)

Beef Pho at Hao Phung, Footscray. I just love how Vietnamese Soup touches your belly and makes you think everything will be well with the world. It makes me smile and feel so content!

Although our first choice is always The Conservatory, this seafood in Melba Restaurant at The Langham Hotel has also a wide array of fresh deliciousness to choose from!



Lemongrass fried chicken at Thien An! Yum and the serve is huge! Worth every penny.

Satay Chicken at Roti Road is not that spicy which is to my liking! Tender, juicy and veg crunchy. Delish!

These makes us grateful and eager to share with love ones. Salamat Lord.

Bit of an Angel

 

After a long day's work I stood in the cold for my bus. I just missed one because I was busy talking to parents & kids who were on their way home as well. A lady who waits on the same stop commented on my energy after work, laughing & talking to families as they picked up their children. She heard a few "love you Lena!" of former kinder kids picking up younger siblings. I told her, I am not always energetic but I always try to be cheerful.

As I boarded my bus I was so ready to go home, shower, eat Congee & sleep. I sat next to a pram with a little baby wrapped up so snuggly. I smiled and the baby smiled back making happy, gurgling sound. She must be about 3 months old. I looked away & my mind wandered to our warm home with steaming Congee that Rich just cooked. Baby kept on gurgling & smiling. A bit unusual on a cold evening out. I swear she wanted to talk to me! I looked at her again and said: "what a happy baby!" Mum said she is and slowly took her out to face me. Mum told me they recently just got back from Europe. She smiled faintly and said she has jet lag & migraine. I felt for her, she looked wan & pale. I suggested she press pressure points on her palm to help relieve the pain. She stretched out her right hand towards me with trust that I can help. I pressed it and spoke to the baby :" I am holding your mummy's hand and I am a good person." 😊 The baby giggled. I massaged her hand for a few minutes until it was my stop. The mum said it relieved her nausea and that I am an angel. 👼 I smiled and thanked her. An angel! 😂😊👼

I may have helped her a bit but she made my day. I had extra energy to pick up pork steaks at Coles to grill with Rich's congee. We had dins at 8:00pm and I had another one of my bus chronicles to share with Rich, who said, I really am an angel but also a silly wombat. Hahaha. That'll do. 😘 Salamat Lord for blessings.

Mussels Top!

I always love plump mussels. We call them "tahong" back in the Philippines. We get very fresh ones from the market harvested just hours before. Juicy, plump and sweet. Here, in the city - I am yet to be tempted with the ones I see on the Supermarket's icy shelves. They might look fresh but I doubt it. Maybe if we go near the coast I might buy some fresher ones.

I see trays unsold for days and days. I'd rather not try. I do have my fix at The Conservatory. Their seafood are fresh. We go there all the time. Only drawback though, their mussels just come in 1 flavour: Sweet-chili.

I crave for anything remotely Filipino but unless I cook it myself I might just have to wait.

Consider my surprise when Vic Market Instagram advertised "The Mussel Pot". From boat to shop! I saw the ad on Thursday. Then on Saturday, Rich and I were there.

Originally our plan was movies and Chinese lunch. It's been a while and felt it is over due. Rich was fine with my mussels plan so we went to the Market instead. Thank you IG and Rich!

We arrived early and walked around the CBD. The Grow Show Melb is still on with some plants in front of the Town Hall. Flowers, herbs etc are show cased in garden beds.

We thought that the Formula 1 car exhibit at Fed Square was on that day, too so we excitedly went, but it was for next week. We just walked around and basked at the quietness of the city. It is not always the case, believe me.

The people probably stayed home until later on because tonight from 7:00pm-7:00am the next day is WHITE NIGHT, in CBD. Light projections on buildings and literally a 24 hour Melbourne is open. Museums, restaurants, trains etc. Last year 500k people turned up.

We both do not like big crowds. We try to avoid it as much as we could. :-) So early visit it is to the city and the famous Queen Victoria Market.

Check out our photos leading to the bowl of mussels!




The Town Hall 



Tamarin Monkey climbing the Town Hall ready for the White Night! It is big maybe 7-10 feet. :-) I am a monkey girl. In a monkey world :-)



 

Yarn bombing is back again! I admit, they are rather cute. Rich said that
"trees do get cold sometimes" :-)

 

 

20/2/16     10 am is very quiet in the city. I think everyone stayed home until later on for the White Night.

 

 



I had to get this miss to look up because a bird might have landed on its stem and broke it. :-( I wish
I could take it home to put in water. It'd look pretty in my kitchen. But there was a guard and he
might think my rescue effort is actually vandalising :-(

Capturing Rich and the Melby sorroundings :-)



Zucchini flowers






Rainbow Chard. Yum in stir fry dishes or just plain steamed
with diced potatoes and butter

Sunflowers are the most friendly of all flowers. Daisy second.



Lush is love



Putting my feet up while Rich took his lenses at Michael's.
One was playing up...




Lunch breaks of the buskers!

                                                  then... TADAH!!!!

We arrived! Yum! I couldn't wait. I was fidgety! rofl :-)

 

The roof is cute. Like mussel shells

This is my steamed bowl with chili, parsley and coconut cream. This is so close to the taste I loved back in the Philippines!

Rich ordered the fresh kilo mussels with garlic butter and bread crumbs...oh my!

I adore this table. Just wood pallets and painted colourfully! Sustainable and eco friendly!

Weekend is not complete without double doses of our fave Boost Drinks.

 

The aftermath :-)
 while savouring my lovely meal, I was mentally mind mapping the entire market where to get some freshly baked sourdough breads to mop away this sumptuous soup! But they were far from where we were seated! Next time I will come ready with a big loaf of bread and a spoon :-)

 

 

 

 

What a lovely Saturday! Thank you Lord for blessings. :-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7- day Birthday

 

 

Early this year, we (mostly me☺) spent hours planning for our US trip on Rich's birthday. It was all carefully laid out. The only thing to do was to excitedly cross off days until November 2015 comes.

Then the exchange rate went funny and our health went crazy ☹.

We changed plans.

We thought of New Zealand. It's closer. Off to the Hobbits and Lord of the Rings for the big day celebration. I wanted to give him this and wanted to give him that. Rich deserves a great birthday.

But we changed the plans some more. There's no point rushing on to overseas holiday only to need more holiday to recover from it.

So we planned yet again. This time closer to home. We'd stay in Victoria. Why not play tourists on our own backyard?

The Aussie dollar still buys a dollar's worth of food, accommodation, air, road and rail travel right here. Fuel prices are low right now. Good time to explore this beautiful place we call home, just as many thousands of travellers from overseas are doing right now.

We do not need passports or visas, there's no long-haul flight, no worries about where to access cash. We can use data services with our regular mobile company without fear. No roaming charges! Yay!

Good, practical plan.

The best place will be: The Most Liveable City of the World!  Where else?? We chose and booked a nice hotel for a couple of days. The agenda is just to chill and relax.



Rich's birthday cake from Liz

Friday, 20th to Friday 27th November 2015 - we celebrated Rich's 50 years on earth. Yes he is 50, but he looks way younger. :-) He wanted it simple and quiet.

His mum Liz came on Friday 20th, with cakes, gifts and good wishes. We went to our favourite bistro for dinner.
Afterwards mother and Son watched a funny movie at home. Next room I could hear them laughing away. It was a great way to kick off the birthday week.









Saturday, we went to our favourite Dumpling Restaurant for lunch. Rich is a Duck Noodle Soup fan. Of course he got what he wanted. We also took the scenic road home, which our friend from the local Post Office said is romantic.☺☺☺





Quack






Lechon!

Saturday Dinner was Ward Luau at the chapel. It was a packed church activity that was fabulously orchestrated by Francine, Lana and Rey. I can still say that Rich got a LECHON on his birthday! (Not really, but hey... lechon is lechon!) Mama would have been impressed. Imagine a lechon in Australia?

My family thinks it is not a proper birthday unless there is a whole spit roast pig. It is the centrepiece of every Filipino celebration. Saturday Luau was good timing. It was a fun, yummy colourful time! Thanks so much to the organisers! Love you guys!




We made fresh pineapple, lemons, mint and passionfruit drink for our Luau. Yum!

Later that night I prepared my Relief Society lessons and snacks. We made ice cream: Oreo / salted caramel and also Nutella / honey. Sandwiches: Pork adobo /Tuna and pineapple. Left over Banana bread and Hungarian biscuits joined our basket for sunday snacks as well. Happy times!


Sunday : is always church. It was a good service. After I gave the RS lesson we all enjoyed the snacks. Everyone thinks I am fattening them all up. What do you think? :-)

Monday start of Rich's Mon-Fri off work! Hip hip hurray! Rich played with his computer games. Luke Skywalker seemed to find it hard to walk, jump or kick but Rich obviously had a great time playing StarWars.






 All ready!

Tuesday off to the City. We are taking the bus! We love it! City Bus is clean, mostly on time and not packed. It was just Rich and me. It took just half an hour to reach our destination. :-)







I love Public Transportation esp when it is empty like this :-)




Sunny Tuesday along the River Walk, Crown Complex.

Crown Resorts have 3 main hotels in Melbourne. Crown Towers - 5 Star, Crown Metropol and Crown Promenade both 4.5 Stars.

If you want quality stay in Melbourne you'll never go wrong with these 3. Last time we stayed at Crown Towers but this time we chose Crown Promenade. This is our first time at the Promenade. Very comfortable 4.5 star amenities. We requested a room with city view. :-)














Our room for a couple of days :-)












I do not know why I can be tidy in the hotels but not at my
own home :-(





The bathroom is very cute ☺

 



 

My favourite spot is this window ottoman where I can sit and stretch my legs
while enjoying the view below and above.

Wednesday : the big day.

Rich shares a birthday with our eldest brother Enrique who sadly passed away 5 years ago.

November 25 is always a special day in my life.

Happy birthday Richard and Mano Longkoy!

I woke up early and just watched the traffic from our top floor window. I let Rich sleep in. It is a rare treat for him because his work usually starts early or ends really late.

Melbourne is beautiful. The sun came out for the birthday boy with no signs of dark clouds. Good, because I did not pack a poncho. :-)

We gave Conservatory breakfast buffet a pass - big breakfast makes us sluggish. Other times we would, but we had so much planned for the day! ( BTW just to put it out there: Waterfront Cebu has the best spread of breakfast buffet in the whole world. )

 

So we got the next best thing. McDonald's! Hahaha :-) We had Soy hot chocolate, spinach, scrambled egg and feta wrap.


 



Then Rich blew his candle on a chocolate macaron.
He is not a cake person nor a candle person - but I have traditions to uphold here :-)

I read him all the well-wishes and he is grateful to all of you! Thank you especially to my brothers King and Mano and sister Ding.

We watched "Hunger Games" in Crown Gold Class. We are big fans of this action franchise. I like JLaw that is why I turn the other cheek on the gory and violent bits. We ordered Beef Nachos and finished our frozen Fanta :-) Happy are we!

Quiet Gold Class is just the way we like it. Good that our hotel is just next to the cinemas, I changed shoes, because I know that after the movies will be walkathons! Yay! 





I just love Melbourne Trams. They  brighten up our roads

We did roam like tourists. No stress on parking space or parking fee. No time pressure. We had the freedom to do anything we wanted in our own pace. It is liberating being in the busy Melbourne CBD not rushing to catch the tram for work! Try it! Savour the moment and I promise you that the spirit of gratitude will touch your heart.



Melbourne ceilings are gorgeous. Go around, find it out for yourself!

Town Hall today 28/11.  Last December, Anj, myself and King stopped by here to use the loo. :-) As
 proud City employee I have a badge and we were let in :-)
 

Myer Christmas Window 2015. I like it. Always have. My fave though was the one with the wombat a couple of years ago. It was so Australian. This time, window is so Melbourne! Love it.

Birthday Freebies! Boost and Nando's. I asked the birthday boy what he wanted for his birthday lunch. I asked him over and over this past month hoping for a different answer. Well, it is always: Nando's. "I want my free Nando's". On the day that he can choose any meal, no expense spared = Nando's. ROFL. :-)

Previous years we went to Conservatory and once in Kitchen Workshop (it was better then, than of late). But always Conservatory. I think Rich lost that lovin' feeling with Conservatory, lol.

 

 





4 personalised Nutella from Giftorium Myer! Very cute.

Earlier a resident Swan along the river had cygnets. They shared Rich's birthday. All cute.

Crown Signature Card promotions gave Rich $35 in birthday prizes too! We have Crown membership just for parking and restaurants (mostly Conservatory).We do not gamble at all.

Dinner.

We did not book anywhere else, we just followed the mood. Crown has dozens of places. There was a long queue but we were ushered in right away at San Antone. A new Texas bbq in Crown. It was good. Rich loved the chicken, the pork rack was okay. The serving was actually less than I thought being Texan BBQ.

We have had better barbeque in Melbourne but I think I was just expecting much. But dinner was quiet and okay. Staff were attentive and friendly.


After dinner, we took a walk on the Riverside. The night lights are amazing and river, tranquil. This is special. We are not night owls and not fan of crowds. But after tonight we thought of doing this again.

The breeze was fresh and a bit nippy. We shared Nutella and Timtam ice cream. I sat watching Rich take photos of the buildings and night lights. I grew up with close access to nature and I love it - but now that I am older, I like city night lights better.

 

The Famous Gas Fires along the Crown River Walk were not lit that night because of strong winds. It is always great up close, we saw it though the previous night through our hotel window. It was enough. For now.



Human eye is amazing - this camera could not even capture a quarter of
the night lights and the river's beauty.

Thursday it rained. I like sleeping in when it rains. We were chilled and relaxed. Later on we did a stroll around again.

Christmas Village City Square!

 

Friday is back home day. I had a medical appointment scheduled early morning.
It took a long time at the Doctors and I lost a lot of blood, so we re-scheduled Temple trip for another day.

Friday dinner was Domino's. We are not big fans of pizza but we are too lazy to cook or pick it up next door (it literally is!) It was fun checking our Pizza GPS delivery tracker. Who only took 5 minutes to get to us. :-)

Then we had a quiet night watching all the recordings of our favourite TV shows. Quantico, Blindspot, The Chaser (5 episodes!) and TBBTheory. We also watched old Star Trek and Star Wars. Our kind of marathon.

Mission accomplished. We had a relaxing birthday celebration.

We were blessed in so many ways this week. We feel Heavenly Father's love for Rich and also the care of our family and friends.

We are excited for our next trip around Christmas. This time for my birthday. It is still going to be quiet and simple, but looking forward for the 2 week break get away.

Meanwhile, we are still loving all the blessings we could get. USA or Europe is still in the vicinity of the plans but one thing for sure - Pilipinas anay. Salamat Lord.

.



Salamat for us


                                                    *****************

ps- Saturday, 28th Nov. I went with Rich to work, but asked to be dropped at the shops instead of the work site :-). In the afternoon, we visited Joan, a dear friend in the hospital. Joan is one of our first friends as married couple. She is in her late 80's but still agile, bright and cheerful. We love her very much.