Well here it is, the remaining 31 days of 2010... Enjoy it !!!

Dec 01, 2010

Well here it is, the last month of the year and the biggest holiday season also. This will be the first Christmas that I have spent out of country since 1968 and that was spent in VietNam... Not a good time then... This one I will spend with my new family, wife and children and grandchild... Much different, but likely better than the last one I spent in the States.

Slept fair last night, too warm though, I thought this was supposed to be the cool time... I wonder who invented that malicious rumor??? But, sleep we did. Nora and I were up about 6:50am and she made coffee then commensed to get the brood going.

Nothing particular planned for today, I gave Nora her weekly budget this morning and also 2,000p to lend to a lady named Maricelle who is the landlord for the house Father lives in in Basud... she promised to repay it by the 16th... we will see how that works... Alex has yet to repay me the 1,000p I loaned him for ("2 days only"). Time and excuses abound when it comes to money, they are quick to borrow and take forever to repay... I understand it, but don't like it. It is not the way I like to do business at all.

Lollie, I know about the out of town visitors and the setback, don't worry about that and as far as a different address goes, it comes to the same place as I told you and will include here:

Dennis Stanley
% Nora Ribaya Stanley
192 Rosal Street
Sta Rosa II Marilao, Bulacan
Philippines.

That will get it here, but I am not sure when, usually they say 6 weeks so maybe by my birthday. Not to worry, that way they get two christmases this year... good for them.

Take care and we will chat when you can... I've tried to call you twice already this morning, it is now 10:16 AM and I tried about 15 minutes ago.

Have a great day and if the impossible becomes plausible, I will write about it...

From denny's iPad...

The 'Short' week begins... the last of November is here.

Nov 30, 2010

Yesterday passed uneventfully, we did make one trip to the Divine market to get a newspaper for Joyce as she had a current events project to finish for school. Other than that, the family watched some movies and I read books on the iPad. Nora is in the beginning stages of her monthly so she was tired and crampy so didn't want to go anywhere and I complied... Nice little hubby that I have become.

We slept, not overly well as it was just a shade sticky but certainly tolerable compared to what it has been and shall surely become when the hot season arrives in Feb.

Tuesday, and the beginning of another 4 day St. Lukes clinic routine for Nora. I will give her the budget for the week tomorrow and we shall see how that goes... and go it will as it always does... it just remains to be seen what unforseen expences will crop up their ugly heads.

One highlight of yesterday was an extended talk that Nora and I had with Lollie and Gareth... I cannot put a price on the pleasure we both get from talking to them when the connection is clear... yesterday was quite wonderful.

Well, I am sipping my first morning coffee now and Nora, given that she is a creature of habit is probably in the midst of lavishing love on the baby and herding the children into the days activities, which will include school for Joyce Anne and college for Kenneth and only God himself knows what for Jenny.

Anyhew, as the world turns, so it churns. We will keep you informed on any pertinent activities that might or might not arrise as this day unfolds...

From denny's iPad...

Holiday routine, another 4 day week for Nora and I love it.

Nov 29, 2010

Gosh, here it is morning, I have had my coffee after a refreshing nights sleep, the day is starting out cool and wonderfully aclimated to my gregarious body and my hopes are that the coolness will continue thruout the day... fat chance. By this afternoon or before that it will begin to warm and the intensity will only grow as the time passes...

Last night, Ana, Alex's wife had to go and retrieve her two girls, Alyshia and Alissia (plus Jenny and the baby) from one of their cousin's house that they had gone to visit... they lost track of time and we didn't get them home until almost midnight... Ana was not a happy camper as her youngest daughter Alissia is only 11 and of course we thought that Jenny should have been home in time for the baby to go to his normal bedtime... so much for parental thinking.

Nora and I played "Words with Friends" until we could no longer keep our eyes open again last night, didn't quite finish the game though. We will continue the battle today I am certain of that. She mentioned wanting to do something today, perhaps eat (big surprise there) again at the mall... she mentioned having a hamburger. (she has no idea what a good hamburger really is like... the undernourished things they sell here are a joke to American standards. Enemic cows probably contribute to the problem ;-)

I haven't been paid yet for the 1,000p that Alex borrowed but should be in the next day or so I hope. Because of the fact that there is a cloud cover this morning, we arose later than we would have if the sun had been streaming in the window... but still, it felt sooo good to just sleep.

I will keep you abreast of the days activities and post those later on this afternoon... take care.

From denny's iPad...

Clean clothes and bedding will be the result of the toil expended this day...

Nov 28, 2010

Peaceful night, Nora and I played "Words with Friends" until we couldn't keep our eyes open any more then went to sleep... it was a cool night and I must say we slept well. Nothing to wake us up, no dogs barking, turkeys gobbeling, cats crying or goats goating... I liked it...

We stopped yesterday at Globe, they are supposed to be sending a technician out sometime this morning to check the modem and see why our connection is so slow and poor... relative to what it had been up to a week ago anyway... We will go to church this morning or so Nora says anyway.

Nothing planned for today, Laundry is being attacked by a neighborhood lady that Nora hires for 250p and that pays for a full days labor doing laundry... not too bad a deal and it keeps Nora from having such pain in her hips and back from being stooped over all day long and scrubbing laundry. (yesserie bob, even today as in our Pioneer days, laundry gets hand scrubbed... for some it is on river rocks and others use a brush and a flat board).. Me, I throw it in the washer and push a button... Ah, for the want of Oregon rain and conveniences only imagined here.

God bless you all and may he shed his blessings abundantly over you. I love and miss you !!!

From denny's iPad...

Saturday, the Mall and the Table and WoW what a day...

Nov 27,2010

Slept pretty good last night, no dreams nor nightmares which I don't have anyway...

We got up about 7am, I took a shower and Nora made coffee and we greeted the day with no particular expectations. I did, want to go to the SM mall and see if we could find Nora some anti-bacterial body wash to help keep down the inflamations that are resulting from the vitamin 'B' complex that she is currently taking...

We had lunch at the mall, 325p which wasn't bad... It was at JolliBee restaurant (a large chain) and one we frequented often in Daet.

We went to Ace hardware and got a corner shelf for the bathroom shower and also a couple of toothbruth holders that are actually pretty nifty.

We stopped at the Hypermart and I bought snickers for the kids, Nora and I and a couple bags of extra for just her and I to share at a later and more private time.

We then came home and almost immediately went to Divine to get some paper to cover the top of a folding table I bought for the family this morning for 500p. A vendor came thru the province with his little tricycle loaded with home made ones and I couldn't pass it up... to beat all, he wanted 650p for it and Nora jewed him down to 500... she will save me money some day...

Home now and Kenneth is covering the table and Nora and I covered a little attached table here in the sleeper bedroom apt.

I may have missed telling you that I gave Nora the money to buy our tickets to Basud for the Christmas holiday run and also gave her 400p to buy an everyday purse. I've had the same wallet for over 20 years. but then I am a guy... girls don't think that way.

When we were on the way home from SM, Nora got a call that the money guy from RemitHome was here so that money is safely tucked away now also...

We did manage to find some body wash that is anti-bacterial and Got her some skin lotion that contains Aloe Vera also which is good for the skin. We will try them and see how she reacts/likes them... Much cheaper than the Dermalotion stuff we bought from the dermatologist a week ago.

Had a nice conversation using both voice and text with my sis, she is sending some head earbuds for the iPhone 4 cause mine are constantly being commandeered by the kids and Nora.

Not sure what the evening will bring as yet, hopefully peace and quiet.

Take care and keep the "Words with Friends" alive.

From denny's iPad...

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble Happy Thanksgiving to you all...

Nov 26, 2010

Sleeping we did, after a marathon of "Words with Friends" in which I gave my wife her come uppence... try to beat me will she... good thing I have the advantage of size because her vocabulary belies the fact that she doesn't speak fluently in my native tongue... she does know many words some of which really surprise me... good on her !!

It was cool last night so sleep was good and restful.. we didn't waken until almost 7am when the neighbors started their days with noises that although discomforting to my ears in the early hours of the morning still was a welcome sound, knowing as I do that it is my Friday and Nora will now have 3 days off (monday is some obscure holiday).

Nothing happened in the house yesterday afternoon or evening so we were somewhat stress free except for the competition of "Words with Friends".

I know my family in the States is going to be setting down to a great meal or already have... Gosh, I miss you guys. I hope your Thanksgiving was absolutely wonderful and the dinner fulfilling and the friendship you shared full of love and respect and appreciation of each other.

Have a great day, take your naps and enjoy...

From denny's iPad...

Ahhh, the smell of Napalm and scorched flesh...(huh ???)

Nov 25, 2010

Had a beer with Alex last night about 8pm, then went to the sleeper room and was reading some of the book 'White Fang', by Jack London... this is the 3rd of his books that I have read hear, they are the free books that you can download from the Gutenberg press.

Anyway last night after dinner, it was revealed to Nora and I thru a paper (actually a printed copy of some correspondense Jenny had sent to a Neighorhood girl, the daughter of the store owner next door) that was very slanderous full of foul words and accusations and threats (evidently they are not best friends)). At the revelation of this printed paper, Nora went Ballistic and we had the second of the 3rd world wars. The probable outcome of this last episode by Jenny will be her having to go before the leader, Baranguay, of the Province to answer charges that will be levied by the neighborgirl's parents and the girl herself... (a 'Baranguay' is like a mediator).

Anyway, Nora has put Jenny on notice that she is in this one all by herself and that we take no responsibility for her actions. I don't know what exactly will be the outcome as this is my virgin experience in matters like this. In America, the position of a 'Baranguay' might befall some good friend or an aunt or Uncle but would not extend to the community level, merely the family level...

Dammit, I told you guys that every day was an experience so read on. I am hoping that just sending Jenny to Basud will appease the neighbors and the Baranguay person. I told Jenny last night that she suffers the same weakness that befell me when I was young and stayed with me the majority of my life and that is a vengeful mouth and a constant diatribe of foul words and thoughts whenever we feel crossed or betrayed in some ligitemate or precieved manner. I have finally almost conquered mine, I hope she does is much sooner than I did.

We played some "Words with Friends" before bed and then we slept quite well thanks in part to cooler weather. I gave Nora 6,000p this morning to take to the bank and send to her Aunt Linda and that will pay off the rent for the sleeper room until we leave. I am expecting my money transfer this week from RemitHome... I have used them twice already and the experience was just wonderful... I recommend it to anyone wanting to send money to the Philippines. I will be staying home the rest of the week, waiting for the delivery of the funds.

Gosh, today is Thursday here, your Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I do pray that it is most rewarding and I want you to know that I dearly will miss all of you at the table... Not only the food, but the friendship and wonderful company... enjoy what you have my most dear friends because you most likely don't appreciate it nearly as much as you would if you had to miss it... Bless you one and all.

From denny's iPad...

In 'War' who really wins???

Nov 24, 2010

World War III... or at least you would certainly have thought it had broken out in our little apartment last night... I was here in the sleeping apt and Nora was in the main apartment with Jenny, Kenneth and Joyce when Kenneth and Joyce got in a cussing, throwing things pushing and shoving argument, this is the second time this has happened since I have been here. Nora tried to stop them but they just ignored her. I heard the rucus and immediately went over there and had Kenneth come outside where I talked to him and Nora was reading the riot act to Jenny... Sad to say, Jenny has a real potty mouth and when she losses her temper she starts throwing things... Kenneth responded to being attacked and it escalated from there. I told Jenny the last time that this happened that if it should occur again, I would send her and the baby back to Basud... which I am going to do this week.

I am sad to do it as it takes the baby away from Grandma and that really bothers her. Jenny is very very headstrong and won't listen to reason. I told all the kids that I expected better from them and that I am disappointed that they would act this way while I am here. Jenny hasn't talked to me at all since Nora told them last night that she will be leaving here. We cannot afford to have such actions happening in such a small area and Nora and I cannot take the chance that if we go to the mall, that there will be another outbreak that could end up very bad for one or both of them. I will have to buy tickets for Jenny and Uncle who will accompany her to Basud and then a return ticket for Uncle also. We won't see her or the grandchild again until we go to Basud over Christmas break. It really makes me sad that it has come to this... I cannot back out of this as I told her what would happen and keeping my word is important in establishing a relationship with the children even if it hurts.

I may go to Manila with Nora today and see what the money changer rates are... it is over 44.1p per USD today on the internet.

Anyway, we did sleep good after the fireworks, but I would certainly have foregone a good nights sleep to have avoided that situation.

As I alluded to before quite often, every day seems to provide situations, some good and others not so good. Overall, it is good and it is pleaureable to be here 'cepting the weather which I have no control over anyway...

Gosh, what a storm has hit the Pacific NorthWest. I cannot believe it... maybe a white Christmas for everyone... how nice that would be for a change... drive safe and be good to each other...

From denny's iPad...

Tuesday is gone or mostly gone now so tomorrow is the 'hump day'...

Nov 23, 2010

The remainder of yesterday was mundane, nothing to really write about so we will let it go at that... Nora and I played some "Words with Friends" and then off to bed with us.

Slept well, 'cept for when Nora woke me up to put some medicine on her back because it was itching a lot. I don't think that will go away until her treatments are finally done.

Today, Nora got up at 5am to get Joyce ready for her 6am departure to class... (they have odd school times here). Then she brought coffee over and we had some home made rice cereal which was good but had too much ginger in it for my taste buds.

Later I made the bed and changed the sheets and pillow cases as per the request of the Queen of the castle.

She puttered around most of the morning and I took her to catch the bus about noon. It is 3:47 PM and she is on the way home but just barely started.

She told me she had to buy some project for Joyce, news to me as Joyce said nothing about it last night. Wondering how much that cost me... then there is the running pants for Kenneth, another 550p expense we'd not counted on...

Yesterday I ordered the money from RemitHome, this time it cost me 1,010.00 to get 43,000p. I will pay the rent on the bedroom apt in full thru June of next year. Probably after the first of the year I will also pay the rent for the main apt thru June. I just hope my taxes are small or non existant this year... I don't need anymore surprises.

Have your selves a dandy day and evening and I will add to this if it becomes necessary...

••• Well, the remainder of the afternoon provided nothing notable to write about, Nora made it home about 3:45 or so and I found out the project that Joyce had involved a yard or so of material and some elastic banding... don't know what she will make with it but I am sure we will find out sooner or later... Alex told me today that he will likely pay me back the loan I gave him tomorrow or the next day... Lollie, I am sorry the connection was so lousy today.. we have had some sterling conversations though so I suppose we can chock this one up to Murphy's law.  Nora is in the midst of cooking some chicken for dinner, that and the proverbial rice... plain and white just the way I don't like it... Life is wonderful. I should get the money I sent for sometime this week which will include her December budget and some extra for me that I usually end up spending on her anyway.  I must keep some to pay for the impending trip to Basud which will take the better part of 5,000p for 5 adult round trip tickets.  I may convert some USD before we go so that I have money to support whims and whimsical thoughts and impulses that may descend upon me during the season.  I don't plan any extravagent spending though, it just isn't in the budget. I will close this off now and hope that it updates you enough that you can get a good nights sleep... yuk yuk yuk...

From denny's iPad...

Yet another week starts and the end becomes closer...

Nov 22, 2010

Ah, the freshness of a cool morning... I shall enjoy it ever so briefly as the sky is very clear and blue which indicates that the heat will come in a short time.

We slept good, I gave Nora a nice hot oil massage to soothe her back and hips from doing all the laundry while squatting all the time... It is so hard for me to see her do that work when I realize what I have to offer her a mere 7,000 miles from here. Oh well, they say that good things come to those who wait so I suppose that applies here also.

Joyce has school at 9:30 today so Nora is getting them ready and also hanging up more of the clothes... we could have hired a lady to do the laundry, but Nora chose not to. I am hoping that the php rate is up pretty soon as I want to exchange some USD for php before we go to Basud next month.

Another week of treatment for Nora, perhaps this week they will tell the patients what the holiday schedule will be like.

Lollie, I really like playing the game "Words with Friends" with you guys, Nora is pretty hooked on it also. We've also played the game where you pass the iPad from one player to the other and it automatically loads the other users tiles so you are playing each other independently.

I will write more if the day provides more...

From denny's iPad...

Sunday... The end and the beginning

Nov 20 & 21, 2010

I feel your pain... No post yesterday, nada, nothing.. invisible ink and in the worst case, nothing important to write...

Ah my dear readers, none of the above I am afraid... just lazy on my part and, I can blame my Sister for it too, as she is the one that got me hooked on "Words with Friends" so that it occupies most of my waking moments of cognitive thought processes. I truly did get caught up in the game, playing simutainously 4 opponents and waxing and getting waxed by all of them.

That, coupled with a trip (of course it was) to the SM mall again where we made some purchases that were required. Yesterday, for the first time in my life I had some 'fried ice cream', not at all what I had thought it would be but good non-the-less. Sadly, the process of producing it takes a lot of time and Nora stood in line for over 1/2 hour to get ours. Having had it, I can tell you that my all time favorite still sits atop the heap of contenders.. Breyers 'butter pecan'. Sorry, it is just that good !!!

We got home later, about 5:30. We had dinner then did various things, I came to the bedroom apartment (aptly named as all we do is sleep here) about 8pm and Nora followed about 9. We continued to play our game of "Words with Friends" which I did win, but not by much, she is a worthy opponent. She is so funny when she makes a word that has a good value, cackles like a little witch.

She told me last night that she wanted to go to church today, but there is an imposing batch of laundry waiting in the wings so I don't know whether she will get caught up doing that or not... right at the moment, 7:54 AM, we are in the midst of a 'brownout' so no power to run the washing machine and of course, no internet either. Not a big deal cause I can always post this blog a little later (I promise, it will be today). You have to admit I have been very consistent with this daily diatribe that I manage to post for your perusal.

From denny's iPad...

Friday, yet more will follow the one just gone... I miss home.

Nov 19, 2010

We really slept pretty darn good last night after battling it out on Words with Friends. I sure enjoy that and am now playing Nora, Lollie, Gareth and Sue Bose... dang that sue is good.

Well, Nora wanted to leave about 11am for Manila, but as is typical, she didn't leave the house until after 12:15. I spent the day reading a book on the iPad and munched some multi-grain chips and a RC for lunch. Nora Text'd me about 3:30, she is on the bus headed this way and Immigration said to check back later... It is a month now.

Sadly, the state of affairs over here really sucks when you want to get something accomplished in any type of a timely fashion... just don't happen here. That and the Ants drive me crazy. It is raining here now so I told Nora to take a tricab home.

We are truly enjoying the game "Words with Friends", a great investment I think.

Nothing much today either, a roaming thunderstorm just meandered thru the place and dampened things a bit and with any luck dropped the temp a few degrees...

From denny's iPad...

Nothing exciting today...

Nov 18, 2010

The rest of yesterday passed without much to talk or relate about so I leave that where it lies...

We slept good, getting to bed a little close to 10pm and listening to the boys in the back singing Karaoakie... they don't sing well, but they certainly do try hard. I was hoping they would quit soon and somewhere during that thought process I fell asleep.

It was warmer than usual last night so sleeping was a little fitful and not as rest providing as the night before. Didn't seem to get bitten last night so that was nice.

Joyce had school at 7:30 so Nora and I were up about 6:30 or so to get the ball rolling in the right direction.

Nora told me she wants to go to Divine this morning to get some vegetables, but she just got some yesterday and I don't understand why she doesn't use them and she is too preoccupied to give me a straight answer right at the moment. Hmmmm maybe I am being ignored?? that happens.

Lollie, if you want to instute a game of Word for Friends with Nora, her user name would be Nora1971. You can search for her.

It rained last night or rather early this morning, the concrete was wet and the air is a little cooler and fresher this morning. Not too sure what is planned for the day, nothing outside of her request to go to Divine so far.

Hopefully I will write more a little later for you, this is not exactly an awe inspiring post I am afraid...

From denny's iPad...

New lights but the same old Ants... Gosh I hate being bit all the time.

Nov 17, 2010

Well, I must say that last night went quietly... we slept exceptionally well and actually lying next to Nora was enjoyable as it was not so blasted hot. There are some issues with the ants though, I sprayed and will likely have to do so again... they are the little man-eaters that have been tormenting my pocket snake... today he is swollen again from yet another unseen attack upon his virility.

Small and furious are these little destable little creatures. They are only about 1/8th of an inch long but have incisors that would embarrass a sabre toothed tiger... and surprisinly they carry enough venom to cause a pretty good sized welt to appear on your skin.

I am thinking that perhaps they get into the hanging clothes and then are there when the clothes are folded and by the time I wear the clothes they have developed quite the appetite. B@#$ards !!!

Anyhow, about 12:15 I took Nora to the bus stop and then I went to the hardware store in Divine hoping to find some replacement switches for the light system... unfortunately, they didn't have any so I had to ride half way to Marilao, past the Expressway entrances to another hardware store where I found a suitable replacement and then I came home and installed them and the lights work great now. Nora will be please that they work and upset cause I spent some money (actually only cost me about $2.25. But I have been preaching to her to watch her budget so I must therefore appreciate the fact that she inturn wants me to watch my spending.

I am now playing simultaneous "Word for Friends" with my Sister, Lollie and her Husband Gareth... worthy opponents I might add.

Nothing left to add just yet but stay tuned, this station receives updates by the moment...

From denny's iPad...

Yikes, that hurts and who turned off the light???

Nov 16, 2010

Slept like a couple of logs last night, Nora and I both and woke about 6:30am. Had coffee and then the day started with getting Joyce ready for school and various other things that captured Nora's attention including the baby... We had Rice Cereal for breakfast, not bad.

My plan which was concieved last night with the blessings of Nora failed to take fruitation at the appointed time (I seem locked into the idea that being prompt is a virtue). Anyhow, being in the Philippines, the leaving time was about 11:30am. We elected to take a tricab all the way to the Mall... a ride you would not envy me of I guarantee you that.

This blog entry is being typed at bedtime, as I didn't get around to it this morning... Nothing too exciting happened, called and spoke to Lollie and Gareth which is always a nice thing and they got me hooked on the game "Words with Friends" and I stomped Gareths little asian butt tonight but he sure gave me so tense moments of competition... is is like (very like) playing scrabble except that you are playing an opponent of your chosing or the game, (your choice) and the game play occurs online.

Tonight, the dragon who lives in my underware was violently attacked by some creature, me thinks a bloody ant, and now the poor fellow's tail is swollen and he is of a bad attitude... nothing a good nights rest won't cure I am sure but of all the places to be bit... dammit.

I am typing in the dark so this account of the day won't be as long and tedious as some of the others have been... we got to the mall and bought some legal size typing paper for Joyce, some project or other needed it, from there, we stopped at shakey's and had a pizza and two bottomless glasses of diet pepsi and two small bowls of soup... it cost me 715p and I told Nora when we got home that we are going to limit ourselves to no more that 250p for lunch from now on. Damn money doesn't grow on trees... how I wish that rumor had been true though.

We looked around the mall for a bit, then Nora went to the Hypermart to do some needed shopping and I sat that particular part of the afternoon out on a set of stairs just outside the market in the mall central. I went to the hardware store and bought a new shower hose and sprayer head and diverter faucet as the one in the little apartment was completely useless. I will transfer it to our bigger apartment when we leave this one. From there, we eventually made our way home again. I installed the faucet set and ran an extension cord from the other apt. to this one as only one side of one recepticle worked in here.

I found that both the light switches in this place are flaky so will have to install new ones probably tomorrow... Maybe Uncle will do it for me I don't know yet.

Enough for now, I am tired and being eaten alive so must close this issue of the comics for today... Take care all.

From denny's iPad...

Another 'Monday' and two more days away from St. Luke for Nora... Yipeeeeeee!!!

Nov 15, 2010

Awoke at about 6:50 this morning, last night was the first time we slept in the little apartment next door to ours. Nora's auntie Linda said we could sleep there until they came here to Marilao. Gosh, it was nice, no smell of cooking oil and it was nice and cool for a change. Nice and quiet and cool and it rained like crazy... I want to buy an new shower hose and nozzel for the CR there so that taking a shower will be nicer. First shower since leaving the States last night and it was nice. Still cold water though.

I think that the turkeys who live here, (no, not the people, the birds) are becomming aggressive, they want to attack every scooter that comes and goes and seem to be aggressive towards people also. I suppose if it escalates, something will need to be done with them... they belong to Alex's father in law.

Nora is in process of doing some more laundry this morning, we intend to go to SM a little later, after lunch I guess. That is where I will buy the new shower hose and nozzel. I will probably take another shower sometime this morning as will Nora, especially before we go to the mall. Both Kenneth and Joyce have school today.

Lollie, I was unable to open the movies you sent but they will be waiting for me when I get home, the pictures of your wrist are good, looks like the surgeon did a bang up job on you and of course regaining full use of your hand will be wonderful.

Nora seems to think that she needs to invite you to be a friend again in Facebook, she asked me but I don't really know anything about the social network other than that I have a page and post occasionally to it. Personally I find it to be invasive and a potential place for trouble. People are generally too open with their personal information and fail to realize how exposed they become once posting on a social media.

Anyway, hope all goes well today, not only here, but there, for all of you who are not here.

From denny's iPad...

Laundry, cleaning, moving bedrooms... adventure...FRICKIN ANTS !!!!

Nov 14, 2010

Nothing earth shattering happened yesterday, it was a wonderfully non stressful day, we spent about an hour at Joyce's school before seeing the teacher and divesting ourselves of yet another 180p... PTA and associated graft... the Philippines mafia never sleeps.

Joyce is being move up to a higher level within her class because of sustained good grades and attitude... she is a wonderful girl even though she is now a teen... I am proud to list her as a daughter.

From the school, Nora and I proceeded to SM mall and browsed there for awhile, grabbed a quick bite to eat, stopped at the bread store on the way out and then proceeded home again. Not one argument did we have and it was just pure unadulterated fun. The mall is truly in the Christmas season and was literally packed with people, (it generally is though).

I hope Nora doesn't read this, but I really have to tell you... Philippino women have really beautiful legs. (the rest of their bodies is nice too but I have always been a leg man...) I know, it's a curse, but I will live with it for now. Not to say that Nora doesn't have nice legs too, because she does...

We slept well until early in the morning, probably about 1 or 2am.. we were both bitten by those frigging ants, little bastards that they are. I don't know from where they came but we ended up having to shake out the sheets and hope for the best... each bite produces a welt similar to what a mosquito leave so I have numerous lumps on my torso. The buggers are so small too, maybe a 1/16th of an inch long but have dragon teeth and pit viper venom... I should send some to Cecil.

Anyway, we've had coffee and have hired a boy to clean the little apartment next door where Nora and I will sleep in the future... it is the apartment that Uncle Edwin and Aunty Linda will stay when they come to Marilao... they are Alex's parents and own the complex. They will probably only stay 4 to 5 days.

We will sleep there cause it has windows and will be more private (something direly lacking in our present abode...) added to the fact that the windows will provide some cross ventilation... just being out of the kitchen will be nice.

Nora's plans for this day involve laundry so we won't be going anyplace that I can think of with the exception of Divine market I suppose. God how I miss american food... One doesn't really appreciate the decadent nature of our diets until we are deprived of them... Lolly you are so lucky !!!

From denny's iPad...

Another long weekend and 4 more days off for Nora... Yipeeeeee !!!!

Nov 13, 2010

During our visit to the dermatologist, the Dr. prescribed some pills for her to take at night that alleviate the itching... she took one about 9pm or so and by 10 she was history. She slept good, but woke up a couple times complaining of being hot... it was warm in the kitchen/bedroom so that was understandable.

We woke up this morning about 7 or 7:15 and now are having our coffee... the baby, dammit, wakes up about 5:30 or 6 each morning and has taken that specific time to exercise his lungs which seem to have grown faster and larger than the rest of his little annoying body has... they should come with a volume knob and and on/off switch. He is cute... most of the time.

We plan another trip to the mall today I guess... that may or may not happen depending. Nora told me last night that Monday and Tuesday are holiday at St. Lukes clinic so she won't need to go into Manila for 4 days... I like that and she loves it.

I just asked her if St. Lukes clinic had revealed their upcoming holiday routine involving christmas and she told me that they've not posted or given out the schedule yet. Well, as the morning is just getting started, I will post this and later perhaps a little more depending...

From denny's iPad...

Fog, water 'fall' and xRays... what a day.

Nov 12, 2010

For Nora the remainder of yesterday was just tedious, she finished at St. Lukes clinic about 11:30 and from there went to DFA to have her passport renewed and her status changed from widowed to married. She told me there were over 3,600 applicants there yesterday... she didn't get to leave DFA until after 6:30pm... and they still had almost a thousand people to process. With that many people applying for a passport or passport modifications, and I cannot help but feeling this is a normal day, that the Philippines is a much more popular place to be from rather than going to.

Anyway, she got home about 8pm and had a splitting headache so I gave her a couple of Excedrin and massaged her temples.. in about 30 minutes she was feeling better and took a bath and redied herself for bed...

••• On to this day, we slept pretty well as it had cooled off due to a rain storm and sleeping, although still much akin to lying on the rack inside and oven set on low was at least more tolerable than some other nights. Nora seemed to sleep very well, cover hog that she is.

One exciting thing that happened (for the second time) is that the 5 gallon water jug managed to fall off the stool we set it on and dumped a copious amount of water on the floor that we had to clean up before going back to bed... As I mentioned in previously penned posts, excitement abounds on a daily basis here...

This morning I awoke before the 6am alarm I had set last night. I got the water boiling and fixed our coffee then roused the kids, Joyce and Kenneth as they go with Nora this morning to St. Lukes clinic for their quarterly chest xrays. It will be Jenny, the brat and I for the majority of the day.

As it is busy here this morning, I shall close this post with well wishes to each of you... God bless and stay safe.

•••  ••• Well, Nora and the kids got home about noon or shortly thereafter.  Nora was tired so nappy time came and she awoke about 2:45pm and we decided to go to Marilao to a dermatologist... that one wanted 350p for one consultation... we chose to go to SM to the place we were at last time.  After the consult which was also 350p (with one followup visit included) my total bill including their own brand of pharmaceutical creams and ointments came to a staggering 2,800p.  Their Anti-biotic skin wash was almost 1,200p.  Found one at another store after we had left for 495p so we will shop that one from now on. We then went to Chow King and each had a Halo Halo and Nora also had to have a sandwich... dang girl has an endless pit for a stomach I think or at least an overworked team of tape worms.  Earlier today, Nora went to get her cellphone from Kenneth and he didn't want to give it to her so I am banning him from using any devices until Monday... Hells bells, it isn't his phone anyway... tends to get a little bossy at times but he for sure knew that I was serious.  Sometimes you have to set the bar... End game is that I rule, right, wrong or otherwise and I hope it is mostly right.  But I am the first to apologize if I am in error so they see both sides of the filippin coin. Now we are home, it is 6:21 now and dinner is in the works... hava dandy evening ladies and gents...

From denny's iPad...

Passport renewel is the plan for this day...

Nov 11, 2010

Slept good last night, Nora was exhausted and seemed to really sleep good, I did also.

This morning, we were woken by Joyce as she was preparing for school, she needs to be there by 7:30. I was proud that she was up and organized. She is such a pretty girl but, all teenager also.

Nora will leave the house at 10am to go early to St. Lukes clinic and then to DFA for her passport renewal. I don't have any idea how long that might take so her arrival back home is unclear at this time. She says it costs 1,200 + 120p to get it... about 1,000p more than I thought... it is always more, never ever is it less.

Lollie, seeing as how you always read this blog, below is a list of the sizes for the children...

Baby: 1yr and up
JennyLynn 28" waist 26" inseam she likes sleeved and sleeveless t-shirt type tops and wears a medium and a 34b bra, size 7 shoe (philippine size).

JoyceAnne 27" waist 26" inseam she likes sleeved only t-shirt type tops and wears a medium and a 34b bra, size 7 shoe (philippine size).

Kenneth 33-34" waist 30" inseam. He likes t-shirts with sports related themes, he wears a size 10 tennis shoe but the length of the shoe, measured on the bottom of the sole from toe to heel is 12" and he would wear a wide as his toes are broad.

Regarding the girls clothes, they tend to wear more shorts here, JoyceAnne likes short ones and Jenny is a little more conservative... It seems that they all like cheery colors and all the children are into music so band themed stuff probably would work well. I don't know their favorites as they seem to like a large variety of music. Because it is so hot, I would steer clear of fabrics that hold heat or are of a heavier nature... cotton seems a good bet. As all children, they like designer stuff. regarding shoes, don't over spend in that area, they are still growing so the lifespan of shoes isn't the same as that of an adult. plus, kids are harder on shoes.

Lollie, the girls all have long hair so hair twisties and headbands and such are used abundantly and you needn't get anything real spendy in that area... When shopping remember that what you would consider cheap, they will consider a treasure... one thing that they don't equate with is oppulence, simple and nice is good for them, they are not impressed with the money but the thought means the world to them... you can buy everything at K-mart or Wal★mart and they will be ecstatic about it... just use your own common sense. The girls like ear rings and such things like all women. maybe send a variety of ribbons, spooled or otherwise in various colors, they are used in many ways here.

Also, Nora asked that you send 4 or 5 tubes of Hydrocortizone 1% cream... Wal★mart has it in a tube that is about 5 to 6" long and under the 'Equate' branding... it is used here a lot to combat bites from bugs...

Also, for me, would you throw in a can of course ground black pepper and one of the round cans of Morton salt... hard to get here.

anything else, you can ask me about in email or when we chat on YM.

Well Nora is sweeping the kitchen/bedroom and I am out of things to write at the moment...

From denny's iPad...

Warmer last night... must remember to sell winter clothes... ;)

Nov 10, 2010

Yesterday proved to be boring, Nora texted me from the Immigration dept, they told her that it takes about 3 weeks or so to receive and process the application for a Visa modification so she will call them in another 2 weeks and hopefully it will be processed. From there, she went to St. Lukes clinic then home.

My day was spent basically reading a scifi book on the iPad. Nothing of any significance happened so there really was nothing to add to the journal.

Last night was warm so sleeping was a little on the fitful side and tended to be a shade sticky also. I hope it is cooler today and this evening.

Nora is having a hard time adding friends in her FarmVille game, I will probably have to investigate that for her. She receives gifts and wishes to return but cannot add the people in her invite window for some reason. I took the game off the iPad and my iPhone because it constantly gave me the 'Out of Sync' error and was too frustrating to play... I like We Farm better anyway.

Nothing special is planned today, Hump day is all. Nora will go to the DFA tomorrow to renew her passport but that is all we have planned I think.

Joyce is preparing her breakfast as she will need to be in school by 9:30. The family is up and the time is 7:26 AM. We've been rolling since about 6:50am. I started the coffee and Nora finished it, she is in the living room (I should just say other room as there are only two of them.

Anyway, the spider webs in my mind are clearing a path to rational thought processes so that means it is time to cease writing in this log. May God bless each of you in a very special way today and I ask that he take care of each of you and guide you to happiness in your life and help you spread that happiness to all who know you and you know.

••• The day, in itself was rather uneventful, warmer than I would have liked, but tolerable I suppose.  Nothing happened, I did some reading on the iPad. Nora Text'd me to meet her at the SanTran station in Marilao and so I did that, and while there, she Text'd me that maybe we should meet at the SM mall, I am sure she was thinking of me hanging out there in the bus terminal in the heat.  I caught a Jeepney to Sm and went to the food court to await her. We went up to the second level where Globe has their offices and paid our cable bill for the month, 995p.  From there, we stopped at a dermatology clinic and got an application for an appointment, Nora thought I meant for her to do it today, but she had mentioned a dermatologist in Marilao and so I said maybe we should check that one out also, the one in the mall is 350p for the initial visit and one followup visit. From there, we caught a jeepney to Divine where Nora did some shopping and then we made it home thru the rain storm.  Dinner was prepared and then some TV and games on the phone/iPad.

From denny's iPad...

Fighting the goverment Tigers...

Nov 09. 2010

It is now 6:47 AM. I must say we slept pretty well, it was warmer than usual, but not stifling hot.

Nora has this little what I would classify as a baby quilt that we are currently using as a blanket for early in the morning when our bodies have cooled to the point of feeling a chill from the fan. The interesting thing about the blanket is that it is only about 5' long and maybe 4 1/2' wide. Trying to cover two bodies, one that is 74" long makes for an interesting time. It can be done diagonally, but as one can imagine, that tends to leave large portions of human real estate with no cover at all... I will be glad when we change to a larger sheet/blanket.

Nora told me yesterday that she finally got hold of someone in immigration and they said that our application had not been submitted by the attorney we say two weeks ago... so today, we both go to Manila and to immigration to see what the story is. I can imagine that if like most of my dealings with this government, I will be required to resubmit and repay all the same stuff again but we shall see. 'tis a magical world we live in my friends.

I am not certain what time we will depart the apartment for town, but it will certainly be geared to whatever urgency My wife feels is necessary.

Coffee is in the works, but Nora is ouside buying fish from a local vendor... they go door to door carrying 5 gallon buckets full of fish to sell the local residents. Gosh, those buckets must be heavy after a bit I would imagine, but one does what needs to be done to make a living, meager though it is. Be thankful my friends for what you have and... what you don't have.

More will surely be added as the day progresses... perhaps my imagination will flourish as the day gains momentum.

From denny's iPad...

Monday, Monday, so good to see... (Age of Aquarious), you do remember????

Nov 08, 2010

Ah, the sweet aroma of a cup of hot coffee... even if I did make it myself ! Nora asked me for a Benedryl last night, or rather at 12:30am after she tended to an irritable baby... After giving her the pill, she made it about 15 minutes and lights went out. I think that the 50mg pill is a tad much for her so will next time buy the 20mg version. She did sleep soundly though, I am not sure she even moved during the rest of the night until I woke her at 7:15 this morning.

I don't pertend to like babies, sure, they are cute (at times) but to me they are more of an annoyance, constantly wanting what we rational adults know will harm them and fussing about unimaginable things that to this day remain unseen by adult eyes... and the crying for no reason (at least one we adults can fathom), but then there are the times that are filled with the inexplicable little smiles and chortles and chuckles that they make. I am going to go on record with my most unpopular belief, at least among women... Birth, is the miracle, conception included in that realm, babies are not.. they are just the product of the miracle. Sorry ladies, thats my story and I refuse to budge from it.

Having said that, even though baby denny tends to annoy at times, there are many times and they've increased lately, that I find being around him is a pleasurable experience... I personally prefer children who are about 2 years and older.

I might also go on record as saying the one primary thing that irritates me about children in general is the pitch at which they wail... it literally brings pain to my audible system and other loud high pitched sounds do the same so it is not just the children, however, they can instantly reach that level with absolutely no warning.... but, I still love them. Sucker that I am.

The people from the store up the road came in search of the two 500 ml bottles of Red Horse... I will have to get them from Alex today and return them to her.

I slept pretty well although I seemed like I had a fight with one of Nora's long black hairs that kept appearing in my face... it was a random hair, not attached to her any longer but seemed to be intertwined with my own because I could not for the life of me brush it away. I took a bath early, before Nora awoke and managed to get rid of it along with sleep leftovers.

It is Monday again and Nora starts another week of treatments. I cannot help but believe, if she were in the United States, that there would possibly be a newer and more effective and certainly shorter treatment available to her. Here in the Philippines, we are not, I believe, afforded the absolute latest in pharmaceuticle wonder drugs and the treatment for TB has evolved over the past 50 or so years. But, it is what it is and we have that to deal with.

Whatever posessed you to remove your body from a nice warm bed will I hope in some way contribute to your happiness today my friends. Later I will pen more should it deem worthy...

From denny's iPad...

Sunday in Marilao... with some of those I love so dearly...

Nov 07, 2010

Rather than append the past day's posting, I thought that this morning I would catch you up on the remainder of the day...

We went to SM mall again yesterday, had lunch at Shakeys and then did some grocery shopping at the HyperMart (the grocery store in SM). Nora had just a few items but I wanted to make my Galaxy famous 'Ghoulosh' so I needed to buy the noodles and ground beef and spaghetti (Italian) sauce and some diced tomatoes... we had the garlic and the onions but also needed to purchase some mushrooms.

I reminded Kenneth how the process goes and he proceeded to put the meal together... Allow me to wrench my arm as I pat myself on the back... it turned out just grand and everyone loved it (takes a bow). After the applause dies down I shall continue my overture of how the day went... yuk yuk yuk...

Anyway, after dinner, Alex came by and brought a package of a different style of Kimchi that his Korean friend provided... it is made using radishes ( the hot variety of white ones). I didn't like it as well as the cabbage based Kimchi though. We consumed the two bottles of 'Red Horse' beer 500ml. and lied to each other as much as we could and then, and only then, did he approach me about why he could not log into my wireless internet...

I told him that I had been informed that the name of the site had been revealed to the neighbors and that they were using it, free of charge and slowing down my connection so I had to do some preliminary housekeeping and kick the leeches off my connection... I then went to his apt. and hooked him back up with the subtle warning that he needed to keep the name of the port to himself... although inebriated, he concurred and we concluded the evening festivities in a most pleasant manner.

Nora was tired, but I feared that she would have yet another night of interrupted sleep so I told her to take a tylenol pm which she did. She slept very nicely all night so my attack on her insomnia seemed to be effective. She, like most of the human species, gets a little testy when we are deprived of sleep, my sister, Lollie, can attest to that fact as she often has battles with the sandman and ends up awake or in a fitful sleep state.

Gareth on the other hand, seems to have completely overcome the problems he used to experience regarding sleep issues, for that I am thankful.

We tentatively will attend church today, but as with most things here in the Philippines, it remains to be seen or should I say occur?..

So much for this issue, Have a wonderful day whereever and whoever you are, remember it is written and will happen in spite of your desires so roll with it and enjoy the day God has given you...

From denny's iPad...

Short and to the point... I am foggy this moment...

Nov 06, 2010

Slept deeply last night, Nora on the other hand had a difficult time falling asleep and told me she finally did about 1am. She has started her monthly so that could contribute I would imagine. She is getting paranoid about other people using the internet again and wants me to lock it.

We have some running around to do this morning and likely it will involve going to the SM mall, for one thing the Globe bill came so that needs to be paid.

I am refreshed this morning, I took two tylenol PM pills last night before bed and they really do allow you to sleep deeply.

Short and sweet is the post this morning, I will add more if it occurs...

From denny's iPad...

Friday... another week bites the dust

Nov 05, 2010

The evening went quietly with no struggles into the dark and comforting past. There are times of course, when it struggles a lot and takes time to achieve solitude and quiet, but last night was smooth, like a baby's butt... nothing out of the ordinary.

I slept well, Nora, on the other hand, had a very restless night, one in which she got up a number of times, got on her iPhone to check her farm and made various trips to the other room to check the family and overall condition of the surroundings. She usually sleeps well but last night was the exception. It will be a long day for her, I am glad that it is Friday.

Her intention, is to go to the Police Dept. and get a copy of her police record and perhaps to call immigration to check the status of my Visa status change... it is supposed to be ready in two weeks and we are on the cusp of that timeframe.

Tomorrow, if plans prevail, I will take her to see a dermatologist and see what can be done about the skin eruptions she has experienced as a result of the medications she takes from St. Lukes clinic. What was a very smooth body is now largely covered with these blemishes that I can only pray disappear when her treatment stops or sooner if the dermatologist can steer her in the right direction using some topical ointment or other medication to counteract the reaction from the other medicines.

I have to give her credit, she is for certain a trooper. Another week in the bag so to speak... I know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I can almost see a slight glimmer of it but it will become clearer as time progresses.

I just asked Nora how she felt, she says 'Not bad' and I asked if she is tired and she tells me 'No'.

I don't have any plans at all for today... perhaps I can find a good book in my iBook library on the iPad to become immersed in... if nothing else, they allow me to mentally leave.

Later my good friends.

From denny's iPad...

Hopefully a quiet and uneventful day shall unfold...

Nov 04, 2010

Last night passed without incident, we both were tired and slept well. This morning, the baby and the TV were the alarm clocks that roused us from a refreshing sleep... at 6am no less. I would like to reset his clock a couple of hours but life is what it is.

Joyce is preparing for school and her breakfast is in the offing as I pen this.

Nora may go to get her police record report today, that is a minor thing and easily accomplished... for 150p. It should be a pretty normal and quiet day, at least that is my desire. No mall trips nothing with the possible exception of a quick trip to Divine market when she returns from St. Lukes clinic.

Short story so far today my friends, should anything of importance occur, I will put it to paper later on today.

From denny's iPad...

Another "Teen ager" enters the fray we lovingly call Life...

Nov 03, 2010

Last night ended quietly, we both were tired... a little innocent chit chat and then the sandman came calling.

We seemed to sleep well and for the most part comfortably. I used to wonder how the ancients, especially back in the Roman days, made those torture racks, like the bed of nails etc... after sleeping on this bed I can see where they got the innovation. Thank you God for the 4" foam mattress.

Joyce enjoyed the birthday cake that we bought her, and of course Momma Nora made her famous spaghetti, which happens to be a favorite of both Joyce and I. Some of the boys from the back (where they make the cookies Alex sells) came for helpings of the spaghetti also. They are a nice group of young men who actually live far from here in mountain villiages... they have lived here for some number of years, working for Alex.

We awoke before 7am this morning, the baby was playing and found some audio torture devices that he could bang together so that sufficed for the alarm clock. Today, Nora and I will go to Korean Air and see about rescheduling my return ticket, Korean air told me before I left Oregon that I could have one reschedule for free and use the ticket for up to 1 year from the purchase date which was May 15th. I will see how that goes.

It is so nice, today is Wednesday so that means that Nora only goes to treatment 3 times this week. Good for her, as she detests going any times at all. It is more than 6 months now that she has been going to St. Lukes clinic for the treatments... half way home more or less.

No rain this morning, I haven't really looked outside so am not too sure what the potential weather might be for this day... I hope it doesn't rain though at least until later on this afternoon.

I shall post this dribble, injest and enjoy...

••• We left for Korean Air about 9am and road a tricab, a bus, 2 jeepneys and two different cabs before eventually ending up at Nimoy International Airport.  Nora and I argued about whether we would have to go all the way to the airport, ended up I was right.  The trips with the various conveyances were not good, packed in like sardines in a can and it was terribly humid. In the end run, the first cab driver took us about a meter then decided he didn't know how to get to the address and dropped us off (thankfully no charge), the second was a grump but did get us to the Airport (but the baggage terminal, not the passenger)... by this time, I am livid !!! my temper was short and my personality turned to swamp gas... ignited even ! From the baggage terminal, Nora and I walked to the passenger side which was not a long walk, but hot.  Once inside, the AC managed to quench the rage that I was beginning to experience and we easily found the Korean Air passenger area.  Talking to two very nice young ladies there proved quite fruitful and both Nora and I left knowing that I can rebook my return flight to the USA clear till the end of August of 2011 and it is at no charge to me.  That will leave me 3 one way tickets to purchase and hopefully all on the same flight.  I am praying that we leave closer to June than August though. I was in a great mood after a nice cab ride from the airport to St. Lukes clinic. We stopped at ChowKing and got some lunch and then went to Richardson's mall in downtown Manila where Nora finally found a purse she liked and I a wallet to keep the funds in (it had many compartments).  The bus ride home was OK and once home, after having been home (arrived home at about 5:30pm) we started to prepare dinner, Alex offered a beer after dinner which I accepted.  Ana paid us back the 5,000p so that makes us even. We were tired and went to bed not long after 9pm.

From denny's iPad...

13... yep, ThirTeEn... My youngest daughter enters "TeenWorld"... pray for her.

Nov 02, 2010

Today is Joyce Anne's 13th birthday, her entry, if you will into the mixed up and complicated world of teens. She is already mature of body and quite fetching. I am fortunate, all of my children whether of the past marriages of mine or the present are quite handsome and beautiful. God has seen fit to bless me abundantly in that respect. I hate to say it, but some children are, without a doubt, butt ugly. Quite often following the trend of their parents...

I don't consider myself at all handsome, but butt ugly I am not and all of my 4 wives have been beautiful women... some moreso than others and all in their own unique way... in all fairness to the race, all of Gods children are beautiful, just some manage to miss out on the physical characteristics that we've come to admire or despise depending upon our own preconcieved tastes.

In reflection of my above statement, I recind my thought of a child being as I said "butt ugly'. All humans are beautiful, the problem lies in the humans that don't appreciate or are blind to the beauty that is there... enough philosophy for this A.M, I've not even had my coffee yet...

We slept very well last night, both having basked in the exilir of life provided by an amourous romp. The coolness of the night seemed to promote an evening of peaceful rest without the constant tossing and turning that usually accompanies a humid and thus sticky environment.

We are up early, thanks to the children who in their preoccupation with the TV managed to allow the baby to topple over and whack his head on the floor... thankfully, the floor is covered with 1/2" foam tiles with various animal shapes in them so that cushioned the fall and it was only from a sitting position. Nora launched herself like a cheap chinese missle from the bed in her response to the sound of his wailing. Funny, she can sit right next to me and not hear a thing I say. Women have a unique ability that way I think.

We tentativly are to take a trip today to Nora's mothers crypt, it again will depend on Alex who is her cousin but not in my mind the most responsible person I know. Culturally different in their appreciation of the supposed urgency that we Westerners put on almost every aspect of our lives... They seem more like the Spanish and tend to approach things in a much more leisurly fashion with urgency only shown at the sight of arterial bleeding or some other such trauma.

It rained last night which I am quite certain attributed to the coolness in the air. This morning there is no humidity that is noticeable 99 percent of the time here.

Well, I shall hit the "Post" button and thus expose you to the result of my fermented thoughts... May the day bring you happiness.

••• Well, we did go to the SM mall again today, we stopped on the way in Marilao and got some medicine for Nora's skin itch and some binder clips for Joyce. From there, we went to the mall where we had lunch at Pizza Hut and the pizza really was pretty darn good.  After Lunch, Nora went to the gorcery store to buy stuff, she dumped an easy 1,000p there and then we went to the cake store to buy a birthday cake for our birthday girl, Joyce Anne... she is 13 today, starting a new saga in her life... the life of most teens that I know are quite exciting and tumultous at times coupled with a lot of peer induced stress and surrealistic expections on their own behalf.  She will manage though. We arrived home again at about 2:40 and Nora is arranging things so that all that needs refrigeration will be duly afforded that luxury.  She will go to Divine market later and get the ice cream that will accompany the birthday cake.  Not much happened outside of what I've written here, we never did make it to Marikina to Nora's mothers crypt, but another time I suppose. It is not raining at the moment so that is nice, I am sure that it will at the earliest possible inconvenient moment.  Murphy's law and all considered. Lollie, sorry the connection was so lousy today, I did enjoy talking what little we were able to though, You will maybe never know the joy it brings my heart to hear your voice.  (never thought you would hear me say that now did ya???). Anyhow, this about concludes this posting... at least for the moment.

From denny's iPad...