I woke up today hoping for a wonderful day because the sun was out, and there was more water by the lakeshore. By noon, the ice thinned out and the seagulls, the black birds and the ducks were seemingly gliding on glass.
It was a glorious spring day - 40's is not too bad, without windchill and with the sun out, I was able to watch some bird activities in the backyard in between housework and office work that I brought home. The two regular lawn guests - a pair of wild geese - were by the lower lawn almost the whole day, and all kinds - all colors and sizes of birds were happily playing, singing, maybe dancing... and of course sharing the birdseeds! The pebbles and stones just below the deck seem to be there forever, even if they are fairly new to the usual backyard guests. I cannot wait for my plants to come back. The trees' twigs are "budding" and bursting with the tiniest parts of reds and greens, and the cattails are attracting more red and orange-winged black birds everyday. My indoor plants are enjoying the afternoon sun, and a few are proudly showing their buds and a few actual flowers! Spring sans the rain and the mud is exciting. It promises hope for better and happier emotions from what this particular long winter has brought into my life. Maybe it is also spring in heaven, where my Dad went ahead to rest. By the time I was ready to bring out the trash bin around 6:30 in the evening, the ice on the lake was gone and our two regulars were happily wading!

Del Mar

Del Mar beach... relaxing walks on the sand reminded me of childhood beach fun with family. For almost any kind of celebration, we went to the beach. We usually had roasted pig (Leon would "Jewishly" cringe haha, or really enjoy), roasted sweet potatoes and other root crops, corn on the cob, vegetables and hot rice! And fresh fish... amazing how they came in different kinds and sizes from Tatay's fishpen, and the seashells, mussels and all... hard drinks for the adults abound, and of course, only coke, pepsi, mirinda and tru-orange for the children. Music was very much part of those beach parties. Guitars, ukulele and other local and native instruments accompanied singing by family and friends. Childhood memories... they're now JUST all memories... memories of my beloved Tatay, whose passing away from this earthly life brought about so many emotions, and still drives me crazy from crying tons of tears that won't stop falling. When the pain hits me, it hits me so hard, it is unbearably and excruciatingly painful. Why does life stop? Why did it stop for him? How he loved those family get-together events with family and friends by the beaches. Everything seemed so simple then, childhood was all about being fed, bathed and clothed by nannies, and the two beloved spinster Mamays. It was all about snacking on favorite champorado, or choices among native linupak, carameled sweet potatoes, maruyas, and other sweet potato recipes which I will soon try to make. Somehow, even my adobo does not seem to compare with how Mamay Ninang cooked it when we were all young children. During those times, I never liked food and it was such an ordeal to be fed. At this stage in my life, it is interesting to note that I crave for the same food I despised then, and which were forcefully fed on me by those caring hands who loved and cared for me and my siblings. How the beaches bring so much beautiful, and wonderful memories of childhood innocence... beautiful, clean, and happy young life!

2008 Summer in Del Mar provided some relief from worries about my Father's health at the time, and a much needed respite from in-between fiscal years' workload. Leon and I stayed in the Winner's Circle which initiated my mood for winning...well, not me who cannot part with a dime to spare and bet, but in my mind, there was no quetion that we were there to win. And so Leon did the firt day, and the next... and on some days, and on most days! Winning brings inspiration, good vibes, and good disposition.

Del Mar, we are going back this summer - I cannot wait to see the beaches again, to walk on the fine sand and feel them under my feet, to inhale the salty ocean air, and just revel in seeing the youth enjoy the beaches like my siblings and I did growing up. Ahhh...childhood summers, thank you for all those fun childhood memories, Tatay.

MY Backyard

Nothing can match the peace and relaxation that come across oneself in the garden, where you are directly enjoying God's creation...
A white or blue heron wading or "fishing" for dinner if not perching on our trees is just so wonderful to regard. Ducks flock and fly over to share the bird seeds with the squirrels and chipmunks!
Poor garden mice and their rodent cousins provide our dogs, Molly and Kaya their much needed excitement and exercise! Oh well, the foxes live by our lake hedges as well and know how to provoke Molly and Kaya who sense their lingering presence from a distance. "Our very own" Bald Eagle (yes, we have at least 2 regulars) flies lower than usual because a prey (a rabbit or a squirrel) is hanging heavily by its claws... It's survival of the fittest, even in your own bckyard!

MY Favorite SISTER

Sister to sister we will always be,
A couple of nuts off the family tree.
~Author Unknown

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.
~Isadora James

We acquire friends and we make enemies, but our sisters come with the territory.
~Evelyn Loeb

It is interesting to note that siblings are pitted against each other by design and circumstances, beginning the time of our awareness of each and one another. My sister and I were the most competitive relationship within the family, probably in the same way our two brothers were to each other. By grace of wisdom and time, we helped each of us grow in our unique ways and means to develop the strongest bond there is. How each of us turned out to be, who we are now, and how we communicate with the world or cope with emotions and reasons are consequences of those daily juvenile squabbles.