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Random musings of a "•Twisted Limb•"

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Today... The next to the last day of 2010... Ah, the wonder!!!

Dec 29, 2010

Quiet evening, had fun playing with the baby and the rain... my gosh, you wouldn't believe the quantity of rain we've had... never ending, only changing in it's intensity... Monsoon storms... but this is the equator and as such, we are subject to that weather pattern. Everything, roads, fields, yards are flooded with a running river of brown water... An experience that viewed from the relative safety of a cement home on a raised foundation is enjoyable... can't go outside, well I suppose you could but the question nags me... why !!

We slept as though in a coma last night, the constant rain and the sound of it hitting the roof was immensly soothing even though we slept on a narrow slab of a bed with a well worn 4" foam pad...

We went to bed about 8pm, I don't know why, probably because there was little else to do.. Nora tells me we went to sleep about 10 after chatting and her having a chance to tell me that my looking at other girls really bothers her. A side of her newly revealed and a lesson learned... stealth mode !!! one must not be quite so obvious in the observance of the plentiful Pinay beauty that abounds here in this land of water. But I will quit, only because it bothers her and she is insulted by it. Perhaps my admiration of the beauty is not something she appreciates outside of her own aura. Anyway suffice it to say a lesson learned.

We have no plans to leave the house today, it is not a reasonable thing to be out in this type of weather unless one has no choice in the matter. There seems an abundance of pirated DVD's here that we can watch so that is probably going to be the routine we follow today. Kenneth is preparing an egg sandwich for me for breakfast as I have already had my breakfast coffee.

I had Joyce do the dishes yesterday afternoon, those were from the morning meal and then had Angel, Lalaine's oldest daughter do the dishes after the evening meal... I see no reason for Nora to do dishes while we are here considering all the available youth that can step up and take care of those chores. It teaches them responsibility along with the valuable lesson of knowing that there is no such thing as a free ride or free lunch... we all have to contribute to the existance of the whole...

Later I will add, if more happens... now I will watch the movie...

The movie was a horror film and not too bad, sort of a knock off of the 'Saw' series... plenty of spooky scenes though.

We had lunch, rice and fish and some au dente vegetables which were pretty good. Now the family is watching a daily series of the Filipino variety which I cannot understand, but which cements my theory that the Filipino TV industry is way behind us in the ability to produce quality TV shows.

It has continued to rain on and off and the ground has long since reached 100% saturation so surface water is everywhere... it will only get worse if it continues to rain which it will...

I just wrote a long letter to Nick, he had sent me a message yesterday wishing good luck and happiness so I felt compelled to return the favor as I haven't heard from him for a long time... that typically means that his life is more or less in order and that he is happy. It is always my wish that he be in that condition.


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Document from My Writing Nook: Dec 27, 2010

Dec 27, 2010

Surely as the world turns, 2010 is grinding to a finish and 2011 looms in the seeable future and just around the proverbial corner. This has been some year for me. I cannot help but wonder what next year will bring, now with wife and family I view the future in different colored glasses and wonder what shall become of us?? when will we actually be in the good old U S of A??. The processing of the I-130 will be the big factor, I don't see any problem in Nora finishing out the DOT and clearing medical at St. Lukes clinic. Money is not the issue, rather the slow grind of beaurocratic wheels on both sides of the pond.

Sleep?? not much, as I alluded to yesterday. Nora woke at about 3:45 and discovered Jenny and a couple of Lalaines boys watching TV and also doing laundry with the only available water in Basud... thus depriving the family next door of water for the day. She, Nora, had told Jenny not to do laundry here, but that we would rather take it to a Uncles's house who lives by a river and do it there so as to preserve the meager supply of water that we have available here... and then it is only available for about 3 hours out of 24.

So ensued yet another confrontation between headstrong mother and stubborn daughter... seems to be the storied tale of their entire existance. Love?? yes of course, but tolerance is short and both being bull-headed makes for a testy situation... it is better, I believe in the long run that Jenny stays in the Philippines when the rest of us go to America... perhaps later she can join us. I only regret that Nora will be deprived of association with our Grandson... she does dote on him excessively... as do most all grandmothers.

Today, as I said, we will be going back to Daet to the mall and we will search for some Neosporin ointment and some spf 32 sun block that she wants. Purchases will need be held to a minimum though as funds are in short supply until we get home. Perhaps I will go to the internet cafe and do some research on the I-130 processing times... gosh, I hope it goes as smoothly as did the approval process for the K-1 visa package which is now invalid because of our recent marriage as it only applied to fiancés and not married couples. However, much of the information asked for in the I-130 is duplicate of what I provided in the K-1 package so who knows...

13 days and I notch another place in the staff of life... my advice to Myron might be well taken by myself and get out the tape measure.

I've lost some weight, I can tell by the way my clothes fit. My appetite is not as strong as it was but I still eat plenty it seems to me. I feel good and don't look anemic and my strength seems normal... but then I also realize that he who experiences often doesn't or is at least the last to realize changes.

I pray that God will have his hand on all the things that are yet to happen in this long term saga of my life and that of my new family, I hope that he guides us safely thru the perils that await us and destroys hurdles that would trip us up... He is always my God and I do trust him completely...

I hope you all are having a great time, that Christmas was everything you hoped it would be and that you and loved ones were able to share quality, loving time together.

More on the 'morro...

From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Document from My Writing Nook: Dec 26, 2010 *

Dec 26, 2010 *

We slept good last night, but of all the things that I would ever have imagined that I would experience here, in the Philippines, the last thing I could have imagined is developing a case of 'Shingles', and this morning, I looked (as I was itchy) and both sides of my upper torso are covered with little bumps that itch... none on my back or on my chest, just on the sides. I've read that shingles affects people in different ways in the way it makes itself known.

Anything from one side, to the back only or the belly only but now I know that there is yet another combination of pain and discomfort that can be displayed by this long dormant cousin of the Measles group... amazing !!!

I gave Nora the remainder of the money I promised her for the Christmas/New Years expenses, mainly 4,000p. I also told her that there is no more money to be spent while here in Basud.

Anyway, today we went to the Central Mall and Nora and I had some soup at the HotPot and used their free WiFi service and then she went to the Supermarket to do some normal shopping and also to get some things for the New Years dinner also. I waited for her in the waiting area in the front of the market and just observed different people as they came and went doing their shopping.

When she was finished, we sat in the tri-cab outside the HotPot restaurant and continued to use a little of their WiFi and then we decided to go home. We were going to stop and fill up the water jugs, but the place we discovered the other day was closed so we sent her nephew into Daet to get water. The culmination of the day was spent inside as it was raining most of the time. Unfortunately, here where Father's house lies is a low area and the local flooding of the yard is something we deal with also... Makes walking around and such difficult.

We had dinner about 7pm and then watched TV. I went to bed about 10pm and Nora followed shortly thereafter.

Keeping this journal is something that allows me to recap and perhaps come to grips with the various things that happen, planned and unplanned each day. Some of the entires I realize are shorter than others, but then again, not every day is action packed with jaw gripping events either... much of what happens here is mundane and boring and thus does not warrant a place on the page. It does allow me to vent at times and rave at other times depending on the unfolding drama of the moment. I hope that it is not too boring a read for you and perhaps someday I will go back and read it myself.

It is after 4am in the morning of the 27th (I will explain later after I get up why I am writing this at this ungodly hour)... Good Night all.


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Document from My Writing Nook: Dec 25, 2010

Dec 25, 2010

Merry Christmas to everyone...

Today is Saturday, and it is Christmas... we rose alittle late, but after a bath we had coffee, at least I did. Nora was late in rising, just tired with everything. We slept pretty well, except for the infernal flies that are everywhere here... at least in Bulacan I can escape them in the house for the most part... here, they follow you wherever you go even into the comfort room...

No one came over last night and we didn't venture out into the stormy weather... we rather watched TV which left me out in the rain cause it is in Tagalog, not English... but if I paid strict attention I could sometimes gleen the plot as it unfolded... even then the Filipino plots are different than what I am accustomed to in American TV.

After coffee, we gave out the 100 bags of candy to the various munchkins that came to the door and it was not long and we had run out... I think there could have been some double dippers in the crowd but who really knows or for that matter cares. We walked down to Uncle and Auntie's to say Merry Christmas to them and I gave Uncle a t-shirt gift and had also given one to Father before we left. Auntie invited us to eat, but we were not truly hungry so we declined and came back home...

Father had rented a Karaoakie machine and it is on the front porch and the volume is such that my ears have began to drip blood and there is a ringing that I cannot quite identify... the dizzyness will surely pass if I consume some alcohol or get whalopped in the head. Those that partake and sing are of big heart and questionable talent. But they try and that is the qualifying factor where I am concerned... Nora is singing now, bless her heart.

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and I always like it, but it is also nice when it is done.


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Document from My Writing Nook: Dec 24, 2010

Dec 24, 2010

Today is Christmas Eve, the day before the event that changed the world. Forever shall man remember the day of the birth of the Savior of mankind... Jesus comes tomorrow in celebration of his birth (though he is with us now as this holy event happened over 2,000 years ago) but what a man, what a God and Savior he is !!! Never before in recorded history has such a man lived or impacted the lives of so many... even those who don't believe in him and the message of salvation are in awe of him either favoably or not remains the fact that his impact has been felt by everyone.

Ah, last night the sleep was good and the rain plenty. We woke this morning to flooded yard and running water in streams... a great day for the plants I guess. Tends to make me wonder if we will actually go to Daet today or not. If the rain continues, I may send Nora in on the tricab rather than taking ours and risking the poor weather driving.

Today will be a day of much preperation regarding the food and celebration that will occur after we all attend Midnight mass tonight. A very long day shall ensue with much coming and going of relatives and friends as is the Philippines traditional way of celebrating this the greatest of all holidays.

Nora's red aunt has come to visit so she has the typical accompanying symptoms but that is OK, she is getting closer to wanting to eliminate that particular aspect of womanhood as it only serves one purpose and we won't be having any more children.

Baby denny has been having a great time with the onslaught of so many new relatives and people to show attention to him. His newly found ability of transport, mainly walking, has given him a serious case of increased mobility. It is good for him though and he is of good spirits also this morning for which we are all thankful...

Nora has occupied herself mostly with getting desserts made and preparing for the dinner meal. I think that the big gathering of family may be less than expected because of the extreme damp conditions and local surface flooding.

Dinner was at 7pm, I had a large plate of Nora's spaghetti and then a little pusher helping to move things along... She makes a really good Graham cracker, heavy cream and pineapple dessert that is a typical Filipino dessert that I think all Americans would like as well. Lollie, she has told me she wants to make it for you also.

We might go visit Auntie and Uncle just up the road half a block for a little while, going to church probably will not happen as it is just too wet. But we will go on Sunday for sure.

Merry Christmas Eve to all there in the USA even though it is a day early, it is now here...

From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Document from My Writing Nook: Dec 22, 2010

Dec 22, 2010

We arrived at about 6:00am after a rather interesting but not too distressful of a trip... actually I got glimpses of sleep which is something I didn't get the other trips on the bus.

We went to the mall here in Daet this afternoon and Nora took a cab from there to the downtown market and did some shopping for the rest of the week, we will go to the mall again tomorrow and get the stuff for the christmas dinner and gifts that we will hand out to the little urchins that appear with smiles and open hands...

Nothing else is going on today, it was nice driving the tri-cab again, but if I were to do that again I have much better ideas on what I would build and how it would work...

Take care and tomorrow will come


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Document from My Writing Nook: Dec 23, 2010

Dec 23, 2010

Rough evening and night for Nora, she has had an upset stomach ever since the bus ordeal and diahhrea also and so far the imodium has not slowed it much. She has much gas that accompanies it along with stomach cramps which seems typical of having a bug or stomach virus that is fermenting a little. Hopefully she will be better today as there is a lot of shopping yet to be done and she would not be very happy if she missed that because nobody else would likely do it.

It rained lightly yesterday afternoon, the temperature here in Basud is lower that what we've experienced in Bulacan and Marilao although the southern regions being closer to the coast are typically cooler.

She didn't want anything to eat yesterday when we were in Daet, that in itself is a landmark occasion. She normally cannot and will not miss the opportunity to eat something.

Well, this house is like totally full of little munchkins and all of them have their volume controls stuck on 'blast em out' and there seems no relief in sight... they are in good spirits, now that they have cousins to see and visit and play with so that is good and it is a great change for my family to have different relatives to see.

It is busier than I like, but it is at the same time nice to be part of a loving and caring family again... 5 years almost I was just alone with no-one save my McDonald's friends... Thank you Lord for the abundance you have given me.

Nora has just gone thru some of Joyce Anne's older clothes and given a bunch to Edlin, that will make Ate Linda happy I am sure as they don't really have the money to give for new clothes.

We, Nora and I, sleep in a much smaller (single) bed so I am thankful that it is cooler here because she is like a little blast furnace. She would make a great partner if we lived in Alaska. 'cept she would melt the igloo.

She just told me that she wants to go see an eye doctor about her vision and the grainy feeling she has been experiencing in her eyes as of late. It is awfully dusty where we live in Marilao and she walks thru that every day to catch the Jeepster to take to the bus stop on her journey to Manila...

Yesterday, I walked behind father's house to the one that Al and Eilene built.. it is really nice and will be a wonderful home for them once it is finished... it is almost done now, but there is still the finishing touches on the inside and the outdoor cooking room and CR. The tile on the floors in the bedrooms and the main CR are really nice too. At some point, they will paint the inside and that will make a tremendous difference. Al told me he has already put 1 million Pesos into the building and materials and labor of it.

We went to Daet, to the Central Plaza grocery store and afer about 2 hours we had spent 3,000p on various foods and candies to hand out on Christmas day. We stopped at Lehman's meat market and Nora got some meat then we stopped at the Restaurant at the hotel and had some birds nest soup (so called anyway) It is a good soup with some quail eggs in it. We had bought some plain saltene crackers for Nora as they would be bland enough to not aggrevate her tummy.

On the way home, we stopped and filled up a 5gal water carboy, a new place, only opened for 1 month... the other one, by Lehmans, had closed it's doors. After coming home and unloading the various items, we went to a new pharmacy in Basud where Nora got some pills for her stomach. I had bought two packages of hard mints to keep for her and I, but the kids got hold of them and so now I have nothing at all... I have to guard what I want to keep, as nothing seems sacred and everything is up for grabs... I told Nora I wanted them just for us as we had bought ample stuff for the kids but that wish went in one ear and out the other. She doesn't listen well and we will have to address that fact at some point. Perhaps that is enough of a rant for today, but I needed to tell somebody and you are a good audience.

Good bye for now, I will write again tomorrow and hopefully of more joyous things.


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Document from My Writing Nook: Dec 22, 2010

Dec 22, 2010

We arrived at about 6:00am after a rather interesting but not too distressful of a trip... actually I got glimpses of sleep which is something I didn't get the other trips on the bus.

We went to the mall here in Daet this afternoon and Nora took a cab from there to the downtown market and did some shopping for the rest of the week, we will go to the mall again tomorrow and get the stuff for the christmas dinner and gifts that we will hand out to the little urchins that appear with smiles and open hands...

Nothing else is going on today, it was nice driving the tri-cab again, but if I were to do that again I have much better ideas on what I would build and how it would work...

Take care and tomorrow will come


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Document from My Writing Nook: Dec 21, 2010

Dec 21, 2010

We were up early today, because it is a day to be spent mostly at the Department of Immigration where I am go get my Status changed on my visa to a probabional 1 year as opposed to the 21 day tourist.

We went to Immigration and bounced from one window to the next and back again, then to the copy girl to have copies made, then to the payments window then returning to the original window with receipt in hand to obtain whatever document we needed.

It is a circus and the priority system they use is nothing short of extortion on a grand scale... they have, for instance, a fee to 'Expedite' processing and then for an additional 500p, you can elect to have double expedite service which in the end doesn't do anything faster but does fatten the coffers of the establishment... what you are promised at one window is forgotten before you reach the next so consternation runs deep in the processes... To sum up a long day, at 3:30, I paid the money to have my iCard processed and I can pick it up in a week. The sign said "In at 3:30 released at 4:30... well, we were in at 3:35 so hence the 1 week wait I guess...

Altogether, it cost me just shy of 9,000p to get the iCard and allows me to stay here for up to 1 year at a time...

We got home about 5:30 and even though Nora made repeated requests (via texting) for the children to prepare for the trip, when we got there they had done nothing except consume more air than I feel they were entitled to... But, we did manage to get on the road by about 6:30 with the crib and stroller and suitcases in hand... Problem is, the bus would not take the crib so we ended up sending it back to the apartment.

I gave Nora an ambien, and she went to sleep, but woke about halfway thru the trip, sick to her stomach so after leaving copious amounts of her tummy contents at the refueling stop, she returned to the bus and tried to defile a plastic bag with some more and then finally dropped back to sleep... I think only 1/2 of a tab is all she will get from now on.

Going back to the experience in Immigration, it is not that there is a fee for services that bothers me, rather it is because the fee is stepped to equate with a certain level of service... the fallacy in that situation is that regardless of the amount of "Extra" fee that you pay, the service level remains constant... either slow or with another fee...

Anyway done with that episode...


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Sunday, December 19, 2010

A day, and a wakeup then we leave... for Vacation time yea !!!

Dec 20, 2010

Good day to all... last night we slept very well, after Nora finished fidgeting, I think she is a lot like my Mother was with the restless feet... takes her about 10 or 15 minutes to finally drop off to slumberland.

Nothing too dramatic happened lastnight after we got home from the SM mall, we did stop at Kenny Rogers restaurant (the Philippines variety) and had a bite to eat.

We bought some hair color for me and some bread for the house... after coming home, Nora applied this goo to my hair and I let it set the first time for 20 minutes then showered it off and Nora was happy but it missed some of the grey so we did it again and I let it set for 40 minutes and showered it off and this time it looked good she said... funny, I don't have issue with the grey myself, I kinda figured it is a battlescar for raising 4 kids and having had 3 wives !!!

Today is Monday, Nora will go to St. Lukes clinic today and then tomorrow for the last time this year... she will get a supply of pills to take to Basud and tomorrow night at 9:30 we will board the bus that will transport us there thru the mine field they call a road. 9 hours of luxurious comfort in a 6 wheeled igloo of sardine packaging... I love it !!!

Oh well, hopefully I won't have to make that trip too many more times before we head to the States... It could be worse, I could have to ride a cycle or perhaps be on a wagon... Life is a bowl of pineapples. (Forrest Gump would not approve of that analogy I am sure).

Nice chatting with you and Gareth this morning Sis... have a great time in the bay and of course, be generous with the hugs and kisses from Nora and I !!!

Bye for now...


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Saturday, December 18, 2010

The last 'Sunday' before we are in Basud... much to do !!!

Dec 18 / 19, 2010

Sorry for no post yesterday, we actually woke up on the run and had a lot to get done so I forewent the normal writing time for my journal... yesterday, the 18th was a filled day with waiting mostly, Nora had told me earlier in the week that she wanted to go on Saturday (the 19th) into Marilao to a hair salon and have her hair given what they call a 'Hot Oil' treatment which is supposedly good for the Filipina hair... she also had it rebonded which I am assuming has something to do with split ends or the overall condition of the hair...

She had not been able to take the best care of her hair for a long time and it had become somewhat dull without the lustre one normally associates with a black haired woman. Anyway, she had the 'Hot Oil' treatment, had it rebonded and then had it shampooed, cut and colored... to the tune of 1,500p... but I must admit that the change in the condition and appearance of her hair and what it did for her ego was certainly worth the meager $32 bucks I spent on it. Lollie told me that would be over $200 in an american salon. I know it was extensive cause she was in the salon for almost 6 hours...

We stopped at a little bar just the other side of the salon and while I waited for her, I had 3 San Miguel beers and some fries... when she finally finished, we had dinner there and then went to the market to buy some vegetables for dinner. From there, it was back home again.

It was so funny, when we got home, Nora and I walked up to the front door and who do you imagine that the baby wanted to see first?? me of all things... I was really surprised... he has bonded quite nicely with me it seems.

We had dinner although I wasn't too hungry at that time... from there it was a short trip to bed where we chatted for an hour or so and then the sandman made his appearance.

••• We slept nicely, the boys in the back turned on the radio ( I swear they were broadcasting to the planets it was so loud...) they must have an order of cookies to get ready to ship.

I told Nora that I hope Ana doesn't forget to pay me the money I loaned her, she is supposed to pay it tomorrow, Monday. I need it before we go to Basud and actually need it at Immigration to pay for the iCard.

The laundry lady will be here today to take care of the laundry and I am certain that Nora will have some last minute things to wash on Monday afternoon in prep for the trip to Basud Tuesday night.

I am going now, if more interesting things occur thruout the day, I will let you know... Have a great day.


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Friday... at last and I might add, the last we will be here for awhile.

Dec 17, 2010

Well, having exhibited a rather severe case of diahrrea of the jowls yesterday and penning more words than I actually had ink for has left the brain bucket a little lite this morning... The evening passed admirably well with no major problems other than the baby needing to go to the doctor to find out what ailed him... seems he has a minor throat infection which, according to the medical sage to which he was taken, is the partial result of the powdered formula that has taken the place of Jenny's breast milk... she doesn't produce abundant enough and I think doesn't like to breast feed either.

Anyhow, after the demise of 500p and a few hours of time, we now have more medicine and a sick baby... well, this morning he seems better and not quite the fever he had yesterday... evidently he had 7 instances of squeegeable diapers which is not an appealing thought to me as I've not eaten breakfast as yet.

The night passed well and we, both Nora and I slept very nicely, the cooler weather was good and no emergency visits to the doctor interrupted our slumber. After having my coffee, I took baby for a little walk around the compound and showed him some ducks (ugly little guys) that were frolicking in a little sewage stream... the wonders I see ... Anyhow, he seemed happier and perhaps on the mend.

Nothing is scheduled out of the ordinary today, it is Friday and as such the termination of yet another week here, in the lovely and never boring Philippines. Tomorrow, Nora wants to go into Marilao proper (what a term) to have her hair treated, it is called bonding here, I don't know the equivelant in the US though.

I reminded Nora this morning that I was not going to change my mind about leaving Jenny and the baby in Basud for about 3 months (she will come back to Marilao before we leave for the States, perhaps a month before so that would place her return sometime in late April or early May I suppose but not totally sure as yet.

I bought two beers last night and after supper, shared one with Alex. I don't drink much at all but now and then a cold beer really seems good... Have to drink either 'Red Horse' or 'San Miguel'... no Bud to be found dammit !!! Oh well, I have a refrigerator full of beer at home so some day I will get my bud !!!

Take care each and every one of you, enjoy the day and your forthcoming weekend... do something to make yourself happy !

Later dudes and dudettes !!!


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Thursday and good news about my visa conversion... I am happy !!

Dec 16, 2010

Yesterday ended on a quiet note... until that is about 2am this morning when the bottom of what started out to be a quiet night fell out and in thru the hole entered the dragons of drink and sillyness as only expressed by two Filipino men arguing over a 100p win at the game of Mahjonng. Not two young studs mind you, but two middle aged grey haired dragons with little or no fire left to snort...

The fighting was loud and boisterous and there was a lot of posing and whatnot, both achieved the look of idiots and ending up being the laughing stock of most of the neighborhood. Sadly, drinking and acting the fool seem to go hand in hand. I have been in that situation, not since achieving middle age, but certainly during my younger 'tough guy' days. The father of Ana, the wife of Alex was one of the two contenders... if I were him, I would be ashamed to come back here for awhile.

We finally managed to drop back to sleep after the situation dissipated and the two villiage idiots returned to their respective cages. Oft it amazes me, the lengths that man will go to demonstrate his ignorance. I am certainly glad that that portion of my life is but a faint memory.

This morning, we were awoken before 7am by people outside our sleeper apartment who were discussing the events of earlier in the morning and also the street urchins that manage to drift into our compound at the most ungodly of hours. The slingshot would be a good deterrent, but I fear the reprocussions of it's use would not be good for me so it shall remain an unanswered threat... the buckets of water are by far less harmfull and still get the point across.

Nora and I will leave about 9 or so and go to Dept of Immigration to see if the paperwork is yet approved for my change of visa status... that will cost an arm and leg and part of my old torso I am sure....

We have no internet this morning, I don't know why, the wifi connection is very good but just cannot connect to the internet servers. Technology I love, but that of which is demonstrated in our experience with Globe leaves something to be desired.

I must get ready to leave now so will pick this up a little later in the day...

••• We went to immigration and were there about 1 hour in which time Nora managed to find out that my application was approved and should be ready for pickup on the 21st which will be nice if it precludes me having to renew my Visa for 3 months... it should now be a Non-immigrant visa (by virtue of marriage) and good for 1 year).

She also told me that Marisole texted her and told her that she was only going to pay me 1,500p of the 2,000p she borrowed and would pay the remaining 500p when we got to Basud... a broken promise is not good in money matters and she will find that out the next time she comes to me for money...

Ana, Alex's wife asked to borrow 4,000p from me tonight with the understanding that she will repay it on Monday... she has borrowed before and been late in repaying but she promised so we shall see how that all fares out.

We stopped at the supermarket in Manila and Nora did some shopping for groceries and kitchen items etc... I am not sure how much she spent, because I gave her 500p to compensate for the trips to immigration that she has made in my behalf and also she bought lunch which for me consisted of french fries and iced tea, she on the other hand had chicken and spaghetti and a coke. I don't begrudge buying her lunch, but that girl is always eating... her metabolism must run at 150% of mine, she absolutely radiates heat, and heat is energy so she must metabolize her food very very quickly.

Enough for today, I look forward to bed tonight... last night was to say the least, disruptive.

From denny's iPad... (my demented mind)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The middle is here now and the end lurks... quietly, subtly, waiting...

Dec 15, 2010

Ah the restorative powers of a good nights sleep, 'tis something to behold and cherish above all else... or so I am told. We did sleep pretty well though. I've come to appreciate it much more in the passing months than I ever did at any period in my life I believe with the possible exception of the period of '68 and '69 where the rockets red glare would oft disrupt slumber.

"Hump" day today, the week begins it's leisurely tramp to the weekend and the impending trip to Basud for an 11 day Christmas/New Years retreat of sorts. We will have a good time I am certain of that.

Last night, Nora was in a rather reflective mood and also one somewhat tinged with aphrehension about where she will be in her life and what will happen in the future... I suppose that growing up as she did here, the future can shed surprises that we don't expect and she at times ponders how her life will change once she and the children are entrounced in my home and the American way of life. It is my ultimate goal to make the journey as seemless and painless as possible, but I do know that homesickness will make an appearance and there will be periods of some depression as would be normal for any displaced person. Love and faith will carry her thru and I will be supportive in all areas to ease the trip for her.

Nothing is planned for today, although, last night I was thinking that I must initiate the I-130 Spousal visa request fairly soon, the first half of January should be an appropriate time me thinks.

Coffee has been served and I am enjoying my cup as I write in this journal. The weather is overcast and it rained at some point last night, about 7:30 I think as nearly as I can remember, it was shortly after supper so that time would be right. It will probably warm up considerably before the noon hour arrives.

Ah, Nora received her new passport yesterday and she is so happy that she is now Mrs. Leonora Ribaya Stanley... it seems to have cemented her identity for her...

Well, "Words with Friends" and God only knows what else will happen today...

Susie Bose, you consternate me with the words you play for such enormous amounts of points... are you sure you don't have a dictionary tucked away there???

Take care all, I miss and love you.


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Monday, December 13, 2010

2nd of many to come and one less to go...

Dec 14, 2010

Well, last night was not the most comfortable as the heat remained with us and made sleeping a sticky affair. Toss and turn to try to get comfortable but to no avail... of course, this steel bed and the lousy 4" foam pad over it is not conducive to a decent nights sleep and with my back it is rather a challenge. Oh well, not for ever thank God.

We were awakened by the street urchins, they invaded our yard about 6am with their incessant screechings... Nora finally went out and told them to go back home and play. Ah, but for a slingshot... no, actually a bucket of water seems to do the job nicely, plus they get the added benefit of a early morning bath and by the looks of them (squatters children) bathing is somewhat of a hit and miss affair.

I have, though it seems well hidden at times, great compassion for them and the life they live. Amazing that they can keep going from day to day. Most of the adult males seem to find money somehow, menial tasks, recycling garbage or selling harvested banana leaves or bottles found is the supplement of their incomes... there is no welfare here in the Philippines, if you don't have it, or have inherited it, it just ain't there.

Nora will do the second of her 5 day stint to St. Lukes clinic today and then tomorrow will be hump day... next week, we leave for Basud and 11 days of freedom from St. Lukes clinic and the urchins that haunt our property and cause me headaches...

Lollie, Kenneth revealed to me yesterday that he wants to spend some of the money I gave him to buy a new school bag (backpack)... I strongly hinted to him to wait and see what might appear after the first of the year.

Thank you for a great conversation yesterday, thankfully the connection was better than usual and we were able to converse nicely and not have but 1 recall.

I have no particular plans for today, don't yet know how hot it will be, but whatever the temperature, I will surely wish it were 15 to 20˚ cooler.

I shall leave you with this thought... God gave you to me as a gift and I cherish this gift given by him and will forever be thankful to him in his benevolence.

Love ya baby Sister !!!


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The last full week before Christmas vacation...

Dec 13, 2010

Good Morning from Marilao !!!

We slept good, cool night and only one instance of a critter making racket and that ceased once I got up and made myself known to them... a cat, sitting on a cement wall and two young and very stupid dogs barking at it... they left, might I add, quickly !

Last night was good, Jenny and a friend went to the mall to shop and when they got home, about 7pm, the most unusual looking little bald baby came with them... denny's first haircut and it was a buzz cut. Probably good for him as he did sweat from the head a bit and his hair was always damp because of the intimidating weather we have here in the Philippines. (God, I sounded like a native there).

Today, Nora will go to the St. Lukes clinic a little early as she wants to shop for herself and Joyce (the Christmas money will soon disappear). Jenny got her hair cut and bought a little outfit for the baby that was cute... she still has a lot of her money left. Kenneth will go to the mall and shop today he says... it will be interesting to see how far he can stretch his money.

Lollie, just to let you and Gareth know how much what you are doing means to this family... they have never, NEVER, gotten gifts for christmas... before it has always just been a really nice big dinner and of course the family get together and midnight mass at the church so you sending gifts to them has made a Galactic impression on them and they will never ever forget it either... I will make sure and take many pictures of the event of the 'Box'.

I have no plans today at all so we shall see what becomes a part of the history made today that will soon be yesterday.. (huh???)

See you later, I love you both and miss you.


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Laundry day, God's holiday... Sunday at it's best...

Dec 12, 2010

First and foremost... it was just wonderful talking to my Sister yesterday, we had a great chat even though I had to call back once to get a clear connection. Nora truly enjoys talking to you Sis, at some point I want to do a video chat between you and her also.

Sounds like you two have had a most wonderful time this last week, what with dragon fighting (Apple mail) and shopping for those abroad and small groups preperations... my goodness you do manage to keep yourself busy... Now for a pressing question, how is your hand doing?? you haven't said much about it and I am wondering if you got full use back from it. I suspect you did but a confirmation of that fact would ease my mind (what little of it I've managed to retain...)

I presented the Christmas money to the children last night and the additional 500p was a roaring success and also really surprised Nora and made her quite happy with me. I am going to give her 3,000p on Monday before she goes to St. Lukes clinic for her Christmas money also.

Last night was mostly a repeat of the night before, we played amongst ourselves, the game of "Words with Friends" until almost 11pm again and then sleep caught up to us. It was cooler last night so we both managed to sleep well except for one minor incident involving two male cats who had decided to face off in front of our bedroom apt. I promptly got up with stick in hand and sent them scampering for the north pastures and heard no more from them the rest of the night... we woke at about 7am this morning and after smiling at each other a lot, made the start of the day...

The laundry lady will be here so must strip the bed and pillows so they can be washed... It is nice to have her do the laundry as Nora doesn't suffer the lower back trauma from squatting down all day scrubbing clothes.

We are going to church this morning and then will see how the remainder of the day goes... I suspect it will go well.

Take care and God be with you each and every day of your life...

Sue, if you read this, I will try to resend the article to you...

bye for now friends. ;-)


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Friday, December 10, 2010

Saturday mornings should, and I repeat SHOULD be quiet...

Dec 11, 2010

Well my friends, 10 more days and we will leave here (Marilao) for Basud via the ever frigid SuperLines bus (imagine living for 9 hours naked in an igloo all the time traveling over a minefield... perhaps that is a minor exageration, but nontheless, it is a close facsimilie of what it is like.

We slept well after dueling out "Words with Friends" until after 11pm. Our normal retire time is about 9 or so. We were rudely awakened by a herd of unruly heathen children partaking in some noisy (involved yelling and screeching) game that seemed to have no tangible end in sight. After covering our heads with pillows and sticking our toes in our ears to forego the noise, we finally gave up and joined the ranks of the somewhat living... (it was after 8am). Coffee has been swilled and a fried egg sandwich embibed so the day is off to a good start.

Nora and I will be going to SM mall today, likely I will give the children their Christmas money and of course, the little brown monkey girl will be in line for what she so lovingly calls her 'Christmas bonus'... I could not sell her on the idea that I was her bonus...

No appearance by Globe yesterday either so the speed of the internet is still elusive and much wanted. I am sorry, Sister that you are having some problems with your system, however, it does appear that you've gotten at least somewhat of a solution... regarding mail, the things you described to me certainly sound like settings problems either in preferences in Apple Mail or even more likely, in the setup of your ATT.Yahoo mail service... also check out your YM messenger mail account and see what is going on there... All mail providers, (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail and even ATT.net) can be configured to forward their mail to you automatically... I cannot help you with the settings, but each of those entities have setup options you need to check out.

Hope you like the little letter for Jesus I sent... (to all my friends and family).

Please, both of you need to consider, seriously, weening yourselves from the Att.yahoo mail system... it truly sucks and leaves you not too many options... My heartiest recommendation is that Gareth and you both use Gmail as your mail provider and set it up to forward that mail to your apple mail program... then send out a blanket email, (create a new group with all contacts in it) and broadcast to everyone that you have a new email address... then it is also my hope that each of you have a separate address thus should someone wish to address mail to lollie only or to you only it is possible to do so and you can set up your rules accordingly.

Let me know your thoughts on this issue please as I would be willing to help in any way...

BTW Lollie, we can use 'Team Viewer' if you want me to look at something on your iMac for you, if you don't remember how to use it let me know...

Love and kisses from abroad...


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Thursday, December 9, 2010

TGIF, once again my friends...

Dec 10, 2010

Friday, ahh, the luxury of seeing yet another week fade into non-existance... at least the past.. one less to endure the misery of missing the luxuries of home. But not to be confused with not having the experience of my life with the woman and children that I have come to love so deeply.

Good News !!! as a matter of fact, great News... they butchered that frickin Turkey that was hasseling me and every motor scooter rider in the area... I actually ate a little of him yesterday afternoon and at the same time told him that is what you get if you mess with the goose. However, on a little bit of a downside, I also know that he helped or was solely responsible for about 8 new turkey chicks.... I will love having that slingshot.

Today is starting out good, Nora and I had a great evening and sleep was good so the day starts ahead in the green. We will both be going to Manila today as yesterday the Dept of Immigration told her that they had received the request for a change of visa status for me... they told her the last session for visa approvals for the year is on the 15th, but offered to "expedite" it for 500p (does this sound at all familiar to you???) anyway, we will go there this day and see what is to be seen...

I think that it is this weekend that we go to SM with the kids (or at least give them the christmas money so they can get the stuff they truly want. I decided to give Kenneth the Nokia phone as part of his birthday present and a little less cash.

Nora is in the throes of getting things going in the house and I am here sipping the morning coffee and penning this journal so you have something palatable to read whilst doing whatever it is you do this time of the day...

Have a wonderful afternoon and evening sis and Bro... I have "Words with Friends" to attend to now!!!


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Nothing, maybe tomorrow

Dec 09, 2010

Nothing today... See you tomorrow


From denny's iPad...
(my demented mind)

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Boxes and measurements and computer mail... my oh my !!!

Dec 08, 2010

Well even though it was noisy and windy, we eventually did go to sleep and slept pretty darn good also. We were awakened by our neighbor's loud scooter, idling right next to our bedroom (the only room) window... I must somehow speak to him about that, but in a way that won't create hard feelings.

Nothing save the visit from Globe is planned for today, Nora will go to St. Lukes clinic and the hours will dwindle by. I have cabin fever but no solution. If we can get this internet problem fixed, things will probably be better but for not it's the pits.

Called Lollie, trying to explain to her that Apple mail program is not a mail server and that all it does is go to the ISP provider and pick up the mail and then make it available on the desktop and also allows you to configure what happens to and where you store the mail you receive, such as mailboxes, sounds played when certain mail arrives, and catagorizing as you design...

She called me back to find out what size box LBC has and I always had thought that it was 2x2x3' but actually, after measuring it I found it to be 18X20" which worked for me but they might have to get a bigger box than that unless they are willing to crunch the stuff they got so it will fit... or ship two boxes.

In either case, I wish I could be of more help to her when she has problems, but from here, and only having an iPad or iPhone to work with the programs I have are not the full blown programs that are available on the iMac and other full sized computers.

Never fail to write and ask though Sis, I will do my very best to help you... I Love you and all you and Gareth are doing to help us...

p.s. I just ordered our January budget from RemitHome... $800 (I set it to process on the 28th of Dec as we won't return until the 2nd of Jan.)

I may post more later or maybe not... depends.

From denny's iPad...

Monday, December 6, 2010

Tuesday and the time just rolls on and on

Dec 07, 2010

Happy Pearl Harbor Day...

We slept good. Nora, in reaching into the baby's crib last night, managed to rise up and turn and pull a muscle in her hip, it was almost funny. I masaged her hip last night after we came to bed with some penetrating heated oil and this morning she says it feels fine so that is a good thing...

We will go to SM this morning to pay our Globe internet bill and lodge a complaint about the lousy connections... hopefully that will cause a technician to come and look into the problem...

Nothing at all special about yesterday evening, we had some crème of mushroom soup with quail eggs in it over rice (at least I put mine over rice) and it was good, that accompanied by our usual fried chicken. I truly believe that I felt the nubs of wings starting to appear on my shoulders... and my eyes, seem to have this slight slant to them... hmmmmmm.

Anyway, I will post some more as the day progresses... Lolllie, I cannot give you an exact width for Kenneth's shoes as I don't have any shoe device to use but I wear a D width and it looks abou right.

••• Well, we made it to the Mall and I paid the Global bill and a technician will come tomorrow between 8am and noon or so I am told. We ate lunch at a pseudo "Kenny Rogers" and it was OK, but I am about over the all Philipino diet plan... Gimmie a good old 2" thick filet, some baked potatoe and veggies cooked in anything except oil. Not much to make this old country boy happy... Back home, Nora got off the Jeepster to catch the Manila express and I continued on to my stop.  Quiet afternoon, 'cept for the store owners husband had a birthday so last night was pretty drunk for a lot of the locals... Nora and I layed in bed and played "Words with Friends".  Sue if you read this blog, know that I only declined playing another game with you to take a little break, I have been playing 4 games continously since I got it and needed a break plus the fact you beat me soooooo good that I have bruises all over... heheheh. More later...

From denny's iPad...

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Another week, a trip to Manila and more lent money... WoWee !!!

Dec 06, 2010

Wow, this particular entry is making a late appearance... sorry about that, things just got busy this morning and afternoon and I just haven't had the time to sit down and write.

We slept good last night, the weather was not too bad. We had been troubled for the last week or so with slow to downright unavailable internet due to, I discovered yesterday, to ip flooding which is a DOS (denial of service) attack and that was primarily thru two different sources, I have their IP addresses and will talk to Global about it tomorrow, what happens is akin to 10,000 people knocking in succession on your front door and you have to answer each knock... it leaves you no time to service the obligations you have to the house so they go without which is what we are doing just now.

I hope that Global can affect some kind of remedy as otherwise the 1,000 pesos that I pay for internet access is virtually wasted...

Alex wanted me to ride with him this morning to one of his cookie clients and then to Manila to pick up some supplies for his next order... but the underlying reason (and it always is) was to approach me for some front money, this time to the tune of 6,000p... supposed to pay back today but he was short so only gave me 3,500 and will pay (maybe) the 2,500p on Thursday. We shall see...

Right now, I have 2.000p out to Maricelle and 2,500p out to Alex... I should be all clear by the 16th if all goes as they plan. I have decided that I will give each of the children 1,000p for Christmas rather than the original amount of 500p. That will afford them a nicer Christmas I think.

It is now 3:44 PM and Nora just got home from her sojourn to St. Lukes clinic. She seems in grand spirits and that is good for both of us. I do love my little monkey girl.

Well, let me go see how her day has been and I will write again tomorrow...


From denny's iPad...

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Sunday, blue sky and laundry by the bucket full...

Dec 05, 2010

Well, as I said yesterday, the key word is of course, 'Maybe' and the maybe didn't really happen so we will leave the past in the past.

We played some more "Words with Friends" last night and I finally whupped her royally and she beat on me because of it... she is a little firebrand for sure... it is so much fun playing with her. Sue trounced me thoroughly and it seems that everyone did... my mind just was not in the game it seems. Sometimes the words just jump out at me and other times they seem well hidden... One thing I wrote to them about is the inability of the game to rotate as you change the orientation of the device... I hope that ability comes in the future...

We went to SM yesterday and had a little bit to eat and Nora did some shopping at Hypermart and then we came home... it was nice, just the two of us for a couple of hours. We will be taking the kids to the mall either next weekend or the following one and I will give them christmas money to buy what they want (clothing it seems) before we make the journey to Basud for the holidays.

I still haven't gotten an iCard which changes my status from tourist to non-immigrant alien and if it doesn't come pretty soon I will have to extend again to cover about 3 months... I wish I could get it sooner so I don't have the expense of extending my visa again... dammit !!!

Things here in the Philippines move, but the rate at which they move is certainly the inverse of fast.

Nora hired the laundry lady to take care of doing the wash today but Nora will still have her hands in it... she just cannot leave it to someone else to take care of it even though I pay for it... the girl is pretty stubborn, sorta maybe Okie style or Missouri mule style stubborn.

Nothing special is planned this day as I know, but then things remain in a constant state of flux here so I manange to go wherever and whenever the spiders web dictates... (maybe she is a black widow), but what it is is what it is and I take it a moment at a time...

Lollie, I wish our connection thru YM had lasted longer, it was sure nice to hear your voice and the skype deal, well I need to go to their site and read up on the conditions that rule international usage...

Later dudes and dudettes...


From denny's iPad...

Friday, December 3, 2010

Saturday, wet, rainy but non the less, Saturday

Dec 04, 2010

Yesterday, we sent Uncle down to Marilao to pay the power bill which was 2,302p. Gave him money for the ride and bought him a pack of Marlboro for his efforts as per Nora's request. That, the last one, went against my grain as I don't believe it to be a good thing to promote bad habits and surely smoking is one of them. But so goes it here, in the Philippines.

Today, we awoke a little early, about 6:30am as Joyce needed to go to school... she was very reluctant to go this morning and of course, the She-lion, otherwise known as my wife, jumped in the middle of it and scooted Joyce off, protesting all the way. It is a comedy at times to see the interaction between Nora and the children... she is a she-lioness and when she barks or growls (which is often) they tend to move.

It rained most all night so everything smells fresher and for certain it is wetter also.

Brownout... happened about 7:45am and is still in effect so there is no power for the connection to the internet yet today. We don't know how long it will be off, but it could be for hours. Thank God it is not a hot morning where the fans would be sorely missed.

Say, I was wondering, I sorta introduced the children here in the little community we live in, the concept of hacki sac (remember the little leather covered ball of sand (about the size of a golf ball) that we used to kick to see how many successive kicks we could keep it in the air??) is there any chance that you could see if they can still be purchased and maybe how much they might cost??? I might want to make a purchase of some to distribute to the kids. you could put them in the box that you will ship.

Anyway, check that out and see what we might find out... tell the vendor you want to send to an orphanage here in the Philippines and maybe you get a discount... (thinking like Nora of course).

Well, we sorta plan to go to SM mall today, tentavely planned for 11am but we will see when it actually happens...

We ran out of gas to cook with this morning so I had to have Kenneth walk over to the store and buy another container... it usually lasts about 1 month and the cost is about 580p.

I will write more later maybe, I always hate to promise that and then not fulfill the promise so maybe is the key word...


From denny's iPad...

Thursday, December 2, 2010

TGIF again, yet another week passes...keep moving time, keep moving...

Dec 03, 2010

The evening passed quietly it would appear to me, but wandering around in this stupor that has been the result of the head cold has isolated me somewhat... ringing ears and drippy nose and the beginning of the next phase, the cough make life a little less pleasurable at the moment... nice thing is that they only last so long and then they go away.

Slept rather good, the weather was condusive to sleep and in the horizontal position, the nasal drip is not quite so apparent although it sickens me to know where it goes if it does not exit my system... yuk !!

Nora and I got up a little after 7am and she has gotten coffee already and is in process of getting the family in gear... she came a moment ago and told me we need to go to Divine as there is little food in the house so that is a trip I despise, early morning traffic is atrocious here in the narrow vehicle destroying road we call a main road... I've seen better cow paths.

I must get dressed and prepare for the jaunt to town though, so will continue this in a little bit...

Back now, we went to Divine and got some stuff for lunch and maybe dinner also. I got the money to give to Uncle and he will go and pay the electric bill which is 2,300p this month. I gave him 2,500 so hopefully there will be some change... I also gave Nora 200p to pay for Joyce's trans and a little lunch for them after the St. Lukes clinic appointment.

Our internet here has been slow last night but this morning, it seems back up to it's normal sluggish speed... I won't pay extra for a faster connection as we really don't need it here. I pay for that luxury when in the house in USA...

The weather is cooler this morning, the sky is overcast and a little breeze is blowing, I don't know how long that will last, but will partake of it as long as it is here... Hope that Alex pays me the 1,000p he owes me today, been delayed already a week.

Well, Nora and Joyce are tentavely scheduled to leave the house about 11am but that, my dear friends is subject to the flexibility inherantly built into the Philippines time perception...

Later will come, if later happens. Otherwise, have a wonderful day and I will add more tomorrow...


From denny's iPad...

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Another day closer to Christmas and the New Year that will follow.

Dec 02, 2010

Another night has passed into the anals of history, nothing particulary significant, other than the fan has caused me to develope a head cold, happened in Basud also, I tell Nora that I cannot have the fan blowing air directly on my head, especially blowing upwards into my nose and mouth, but during the night she will get up to use the CR and on the way back to bed, adjust the fan to put the air more on her and it ends up blowing on my face... drippy nose and sneezes... something I could do without.

We awoke about 6:24 this a.m., Nora washed her face and went next door to the main apt to make coffee and make sure the kids were up and attending to the routines of the morning. She brought me a cup of coffee and I then took a quick shower and dressed and am now lying to you as best I can at this early hour here, in the Philippines.

Some days, it is a challenge to find things to write about as the preceding day will have yielded virtually nothing of interest so I have those times that creative though processes manage to elude me and the writing remains sparce.

Hey Lollie, don't worry about the box, it is not now and has never been a priority for me, it did excite Nora as getting presents is something that just doesn't happen here with any consistency at all, usually the big celebration with a big dinner is the extent of what they receive on Xmas. Church attending is big also and they, those who are lucky enough to afford them, will try to decorate a little bit. I am certain that we will when in Basud.

Well, lets leave it here for the moment, should something good or interesting take place, I'll let you know here...

Bye for now, I miss you dearly family and friends.


From denny's iPad...