May day, my gosh, where did April go anyway??

May 01, 2011

Wow, I cannot believe that this is the Month of May already... by the end of this month, I will have been living here for 9 months... over 13 months total.

Nora finishes with St. Lukes clinic this month, either on the 14th or on the 16th. The kids have their Visa interviews on the 13th and we will leave for Basud the week of the 16th. Gonna be a busy month for sure.

Yesterday, I left here for the Mall at about 10:30am... I wanted to go there to get on the internet and print out the financial papers I needed from Wells Fargo and LinnCo, unfortunately I didn't have the right password for the LinnCo account so I couldn't log in and get the papers I wanted...

I went to the theater and bought tickets for the movie "Thor" and then went to the internet cafe. After I finished on the internet, I went down to the National bookstore and bought 3 folders to contain the packages for all three, Nora, Joyce and Kenneth and then to the coffee shop kiosk and assembled the various forms and filled out the I-864 form.

Nora met me about 2pm and we went to Jollibee's for lunch (rather late but she was famished and I was hungry too.)... After that we returned to the National Bookstore because Nora didn't like the size of folders that I got so we got legal sized ones.

Nora's Aunt Red is visiting so she decided not to go to church and then today also is Laundry day so we will remain busy... I took a bath then stripped the bed and carried the dirty clothes out to the lady who does the laundry.

Today is budget day for Nora so I will give her her weekly amount of 7,000p.

Tomorrow I will go with Nora to St. Lukes clinic but the first thing we will do is pay for the Visa Interviews.

From denny's iPad...

End of yet another Month... May will be exciting for us...

Apr 30, 2011

The remainders of yesterday were actually uneventful, Nora went to St. Lukes clinic and upon her return, she made a trip to the market with Loren to pick up stuff for dinner.

One thing did happen and I really got upset at everyone about it and that was when Nora was hurrying from the living room to the kitchen and slipped on a section of wet floor that everyone had ignored or at least not seen... she fell and of course dropped the plate she was carrying... Needless to say it scared the holy shi@ out of me and I did not notice anyone getting up to see what had happened to her and that fact alone pissed me off beyond belief... I unleashed the fury of 1,000 demons on the children for not making sure that they wiped up spills on the slick floor and then I beat the hell out of them with a guilt club for not getting up off their dead asses to see what had happened to their mom... I was a force to be contended with at that particular moment.

Luckily, she did not injure herself, but Lord how it scared me. After I cooled off, about 15 minutes, I apologized to each of the children while at the same time reinforcing the fact that they must make sure that liquids are wiped dry from the floor because the linoleum covering it, when wet, is like oil. I also explained to them that I would have been just as upset if it had happened to any of them and further told them that I love them and don't want anyone of them hurt due to the lax way that cleanup is performed... No crow was eaten by yours truly, just a calm and rational explanation was offered in the wake of the nuclear detonation that was my anger and a result of having years added to my already ancient frame. All is well now, but I assure you, they got the message loud and clear...

We slept very well last night even though it was hot, once you finally do go to sleep it isn't so noticeable...

We will be going to the Mall today, "Thor" is playing and I want to see that plus I need to print some information for the I-864 form, from Wells Fargo and LinnCo to help substantiate my ability to support my newly acquired family...

Have a wonderful day, each of you !!

From denny's iPad...

Friday... not many left before we hopefully will leave here.

Apr 29, 2011

Yesterday, we left the house about 11:30 to go to St. Lukes clinic and then meet with Wayne and Maria at their Hotel... we got to St. Lukes clinic and Nora was in and out quickly then began the trip to Makati/Pasig to get to the hotel of Maria and Wayne. Two Jeepney rides and a lot of exhaust smoke later we finally arrived.

Nora and I looked for them, but couldn't locate them so Nora Text'd Maria where are you and they had gone to the 'Hard Rock café' in Makati and said that they would be back in about 1 1/2 hrs. We decided to walk down to McDonald's and grab a snack as we thought we would be going to dinner with them. I tell you something, Pasig is very crowded area and the temperatures were soaring, close to 100˚ and so very crowded.

After we lunched a little at McDonald's, we Text'd them again and they said they were back at the hotel. We walked back and eventually found them. Maria looked good and Wayne has dropped 25lbs. I also found out that he got fired by Cascade Express because of an attitude but knowing Wayne, they probably deserved whatever attitude he gave them... He has a lot of money in the bank so is going to take a sabbatical from work for about 6 months and do some of the things he and Maria have always wanted to do.

We got to meet Marias daughter, from Hong Kong and her son Reuben who they have been trying to get to the States for 6 years now... both really nice people and I was quite pleased to make their acquaintence.

Nora and Maria stayed outside and chatted for most of the time we were with them, Wayne and I went into their hotel room which thankfully had A/C.

Maria bought a 14 passenger Jeepney, I belive a '94 vintage but obviously well kept by the owner... that is what they will travel to San Felipe in when they left. We visited with them for about an hour and a half then they loaded up the Jeepney and we said good bye and each went their own ways, Nora and I back to Marilao and Wayne, Maria, daughter, son and driver on their way South to Bicol.

We took the train back to Manila and then walked to the bus depot where we waited for an AC bus to take us home. We rode the bus into Divine and got off to buy some stuff for dinner, I decided to buy two broasted chickens as Nora didn't feel like cooking. From there, we went home, spent a quiet night and tried to get some sleep.

We woke this morning to people outside our bedroom window chatting and having a good time... 6:30 in the freaking morning... why they chose that location to chatter so early is beyond me. It will be another scorching day today but it is Nora's last day at St. Lukes clinic this week so that is good.

I received a email from RemitHome that 'money has been sent' so it will arrive here this afternoon.

••• RemitHome arrived about 4:30 with the money I transferred from my bank for Nora...

Hope you enjoyed the pictures Sis. Have a great day !!!

From denny's iPad...

Maria and Wayne arrived last night late.. we hope to have dinner with them tonight.

Apr 28, 2011

Heat permeated the area yesterday, hitting a high of 97˚ and 77% humidity. Not bad weather... if you are a clam. For people like me, the day was miserable with no escape available... fans that were running were more like a blast furnace. Then, to top it off, I got invaded by a roque squadron of man eating ants, little guys, sorta like pygmy ants I think... but they have alligator teeth... I managed to evade most of them and after Nora got home from Manila, we went to Divine and I bought a can of Annihilation spray with which to douse them with... it was a grand time.

The last little ant standing, placed his little front leg on his abdomen, stared me straight in the eye and squealed in a high pitched voice.. "We'll be Back"... Arnold I believe may have been his name.

Well, believe it or not, Nora only has two more Wednesdays to traipse off to Manila for DOT. (barring of course any...) but I do have faith that it will all turn out well.

Kenneth and Joyce will go this coming Tuesday and Wednesday to do their re-medical. It takes two days to complete so they should be in great shape by the weekend then the following Friday, the 13th (God forbid) they go to the US Embassy at 6:30am for their Visa interviews... Nora will attend with them as she is the parent and from all I have read it is a very quick and simple process...

This weekend, I will fill out the I-864 forms for everyone and compile and print out the proof of income needed to substantiate my ability to support them.

I took a late night shower last night which helped with the comfort of an already overwarm night. It never did get much below 80˚ last night so we didn't even use the sheet until about 5am or so.

This morning I am happy, hot... but happy all the same.

Hope you all have a great day.

From denny's iPad...

Today is 'Hump' day again... only a couple of those left and Nora is done.

Apr 27, 2011

Wow... Sweltering would be a relief compared to the temperatures of yesterday, Hotttest day so far this year and much more to come. Sleeping only came after getting up at 10:30pm and showering again to remove the sweat film from my body... Nora complained also of being too hot so I finally convinced her to sleep only in her shirt and panties rather than shorts... It's not much but it helps.

Nora asked me this morning while we were waking up if I still Loved her... Made me realize that I have been slipping backwards, especially with the arrival of the hot weather... I tried to explain to her that even though I may get angry with her, it in no way diminishes my love for her... Problem with that logic is that people most closely relate to how you treat them, not how you feel about them. I am once again shifting course in my attitude and taking inventory of my thoughts and actions with the intent of purging those that threaten my and Nora's happiness. I also told her that I appreciate her telling me that I am not being good or that my actions cause her to question my love... It is a stark reminder of how easy it is to become complacent in our actions to one another...

"Familiarity breeds contempt", I don't know who said it, but the way I interpret it is if you become too completely comfortable in any relationship, you start taking things for granted and lose the desire to keep impressing the person... not a good situation for anyone in love to be in and it is a situation that I am trying to avoid like the plague. I Love my new wife and family and am ever thankful for them and will do and sacrifice to any end to keep them and keep them happy.

God was so good to me to provide me with an ideal family and a chance to re-discover happiness... In no way to I plan to Jeopardize that gift.

I will be staying at home today and Nora will be going to another of the "FEW" remaining trips she makes to Manila and St. Lukes clinic.

It was 96˚ yesterday at about 4:30pm with high humidity... it is probably going to be the same or hotter today...

Have a great day and cherish those you love for the love they give you is a gift beyond compare...

••• Nora came to me and said Ate Linda wanted to borrow 1,800p again this month as LiliBeth had not yet sent them money... so I will collect the rent from the Neighbor again on the 10th of May.

From denny's iPad...

The Kids have their Visa Interview appts... 13 May

Apr 26, 2011

Sorry this post is so late, We went to Manila today, Nora and I and we nt to the US Embassy and after that we went to an Internet cafe and made Visa Interview appointments for Joyce and Kenneth for 06:30am on the 13th of May. I want them to get their re-medical started on the first week of May so that will be out of the way.

It was a difficult day, the lady at Immigration is really mal-positioned as a customer service rep... she has the temperment to be a street sweeper but dealing with the frustration of the public is not something suited to her. I haven't liked her since first meeting her two times ago. According to the label I gave her, she should be sleeping under the porch and wear a leash.

We had some breakfast at Jolliebee before hitting the internet cafe, while I was online, Nora took care of her St. Lukes clinic appt as it was only a block away.

After that, we went to a bakery where Nora of course had to buy a sweet cake... she has a serious and I mean SERIOUS sweetooth.

I was able to print out the confirmation sheets for the Visa appts for the kids so that is done now... Sadly, it is going to cost me another $1,212.00 to get the Visas...

I am glad that I have not kept strict track of all the money spent here in the effort to bring my family to the States... Had I done that, I likely would have given up a long time ago...

Have a great day, mine is rather sucky at the moment... It always gets better though so have no fear, the 'bounce back kid' will be back shortly...

From denny's iPad...

More Monday... not many left to go to St. luke for Nora...

Apr 25, 2011

Well only 5 days left in the month... it sure seems to have flown by quickly.

We had a good time yesterday even at getting up at 3:30am to get ready to go to church... Sadly, we had to stand during the entire service as there was no chairs available seating... even all the little stools were gone. It was a neat service and watching the sunrise was nice too. "He is Risen".

Then we went thru the market and Nora purchased some things for breakfast and such, Joyce did go with us so that was nice.

The day was pretty uneventful other than that... it was a long day though. Last night at 8pm I gave Nora an Ambien and she slept like a log... I slept good too.

Kenneth and the Alex crew didn't get back from the river part until after 10pm and he told me that they had a really great time...

As it is Monday, Nora starts another week of treatment, her time left is now 3 weeks and the last day is 16 May... Exciting that it is so close now...

Maria and Wayne should be here tomorrow night if I am correct. I have Text'd her a number of times and she seems very excited... I believe they will stay in Manila for 2 days but not positive of that fact.

••• Well can you believe it, we just got the letters from the US Embassy in Manila to make our Visa interview appointments... Nora and I will go to the Embassy tomorrow and request them for Kenneth and Joyce then we will get their medical done next week.

Nora just came to me and said that Ate Linda needs to borrow 1,800p again until our neighbor pays rent again on the 10th of May.

What the hell will all these people do when I am gone I wonder and what did they do before I came here??? From denny's iPad...

Sunday, the end of 'Holy Week' here in the Philippines... interesting time.

Apr 24, 2011

Well, as I am writing this, it is 3:20am on Sunday Morning. We will attend the Mass at 4:30, as it stands now, Nora and I and Joyce... Jenny will stay home and care for the baby and Kenneth...

We left for the mall a little after lunch time, on the way to catch the Jeepney to the Mall, we encountered Jenny and the baby on the way back from the hospital pediatric Dr. Nora and Joyce stayed to talk to Jenny and I walked on up to the intersection to wait for them. about 10 minutes later they arrived.

The three of us rode a tricycle cab to Marilao where Nora was going to purchase the medicine prescribed by the Dr. for the baby and then catch up to Joyce and I at the Mall at Jollibee's.

Joyce and I continued on to the Mall and once there, I treated her and I to an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen, she had never had one before and I got her the chocolate dipped one. She seemed to really enjoy it a lot. From there, we went to Jollibee's and I had an order of fries, she had nothing as she was not hungry.

We waited there for Nora over an hour but she finally appeared and then we decided to see what restaurant Nora would like to have her birthday lunch at... She ended up choosing Max's and I must admit it is a nice place and they enjoyed their meal, I chose to have a club sandwich and some mushroom soup. The soup was really good... the sandwich lived down to my expectations. I have yet to have a good sandwich in the Philippines. We also had a picture of iced tea and that was actually good. The food was great for filipino folks, but nothing resembling what we would consider 'good' in the USA I suppose. That is only my opinion folks, each must judge by their own taste buds... But let me give a little insight... the main course of what Nora and Joyce had (joyce ommitted the main course) It consisted of vegetable soup and tripe... yep, that is what I said... TRIPE. The stomach of a water buffalo (actually I believe it says that Tripe is the second stomach... did you really want to know that much...???

After Lunch, Nora and Joyce went to "Hypermart" and did the grocery shopping whilst I waited sitting on the steps of the stairs leading to the 2nd level.(many sit there). When they finished there, they left me the bags to watch and they headed off to Watkins drugs to buy Joyce some medicine for her cold and Nora then went to "Pan de Manila" the bakery that we buy bread from when at the mall.

We then proceeded home, and I here to the Apt to do some much needed reading. No nap though...

Nora has decided not to bath this morning, I told her she smelled like a water buffalo but she seems to dispute that issue. Actually she does not have any lingering body odor, ever that I have noticed. And I must admit she is one of the cleanest people I have ever been around.

It is 3:41 AM now and she is of course laying here in the bed doing what else??? FaceBook... If you think that I jest about her being addicted, wait till you meet her. You will see.

Jenny ended up owing me 1,000p. I also gave Nora an additional 500p to help compensate for the two Pizza's that she bought for Alex's family and the boys in the back... traditional birthday here is that the birthday person gives to everyone else, just the opposite of what we do in America... I like our traditional custom better.

Have a great day, not long and we will traipse on to church to give the good Lord his due..

From denny's iPad...

Nora's birthday today...a landmark of sorts as she is now "Over the Hill"...

Apr 23, 2011

H•A•P•P•Y B•I•R•T•H•D•A•Y Well today is the 40th for my lovely wife Nora, she certainly does NOT look her age. I am so lucky to have such a pretty wife...

Sorry about not writing anything further yesterday, I thought perhaps I would, but the day did not really amount to much, certainly nothing happened that got my creative juices flowing.

We plan a trip to SM Mall to help Nora celebrate her birthday, a Lunch I believe for her then I will buy a cake to bring home that we can have. I am unable to provide the kind of party I would like for her while over here but at least we are together and hopefully this will be the last one she spends here.

It was hot all night last night so we did not get any restful sleep to speak of. The fan, our only source of cooling the room was blowing tepid warm air all night. I hope that Ed and Bonnie are enjoying their stay with Lollie and Gareth... I am pretty sure they are.

Just finished my coffee so hopefully the day will be good.

••• Nora reminded me that her budget was due yesterday so I gave her the 7,000p for the week.

••• Jenny just came to me to borrow 700p so she can take baby denny to the doctor.  Usually it is Nora that asks, but she tells me that she wants Jenny to assume the responsibility of the debt rather than her.  I don't understand the reasoning of that as the money all comes from me.  Jenny will ask Father to send money to help pay me back... but I doubt that I will ever see any of it

Jenny actually borrowed 1,000p which includes the Dr. visit and the meds required by the baby...

From denny's iPad...

This is Friday, it will be Holy week until Sunday is done... very busy here in philippines.

Apr 22, 2011

We did not leave the house yesterday, the traffic would have been horrible what with folks going to Divine and also to Santa Maria and the Groto church there. Did a lot of reading which seems to be my best pastime anymore. Nora made chicken for dinner and that was good, I am needing to lose some weight so am cutting back on the snacky stuff and pop.

Sleep was pretty good as it was again cooler at night.

Nothing of any interest happened so I don't really have much to write at this time. We woke up when the boys opened the steel door to the warehouse at about 5:30am. Nora got coffee for us about 7am.

I am trying to watch the movie 'Shooter' with Mark Wahlberg but cannot hear it with all the outside noises... I will try later on.

Nothing for breakfast yet, but Joyce will likely make some toast and fried eggs.

I will try to append this days journal.

From denny's iPad...

Today is Thursday here in the philippines... just another day.

Apr 21, 2011

The remainder of yesterday was in a word, mundane... nothing of any interest happened but I did start another book, this one is set in the time frame of the Norman and Saxon wars around 1200bc. I've not read much in that time frame so this is interesting to me....

Nora once again changed her mind... she went from wanting to celebrate her birthday at the mall with a dinner for the children to wanting to cook food here and invite her cousins from Malabon and Manila to come and last night she told me she wants to do the mall thing... I reminded her that time is running short and that she needed to settle on one or the other... she told me the Mall so that is what we will do... she needs to write to her cousins and cancel the other.

Today should prove uneventful also... it will be hot, there will be sweat, and ants.... and those stinking little flies...

Sleep was pretty good last night as the temperature dipped before we retired so that was nice... it is relatively cool this morning with a light breeze but that does not last... the heat comes whether the sun makes an appearance or not.

I ordered the money from RemitHome the day before yesterday... they should start the transaction on the 25th.

Perhaps more will come later... Ed and Bonnie should appear at Lollie's place either yesterday evening or today. I would sure like to see them.

From denny's iPad...

Wednesday and the beginning of a 5 day vacation for Nora from St. Luke.

Apr 20, 2011

Well, yesterday Nora and I went to the mall, at her request, and I wanted to go also because I wanted to buy her birthday gift, which I let her pick out... two nice summer dresses so she will have something nice to wear to church. I like her choices, perhaps I will take a picture of them and post to facebook...

Sleeping was difficult because of the heat, it really never did cool off so it was uncomfortable most all the night.

At the mall, I bought us (her first) banana splits at the newly opened Dairy Queen. They have the same great soft ice cream that I came to love in the USA. Nora really liked the banana split. We then went to pick out her dresses, I bought her two of them and after that, I wanted some Jolliebee french fries so we went there.

We wandered around for about and hour or so and then decided to come back home. The ride home was miserable because of the immense traffic during 'Holy week' and people going to Divine Mercy Catholic church (which is the one we go to).

Nora shopped some at the market in Marilao before we finally made it home.

No response yet from Kenneth, I am not sure he has had the time or availability of either the iPad or iPhone to read his mail. Nora told me that his responce will likely be 'Sorry Dad' and that will be the extent of the verbal communications... I pray that we can develope a more meaningful communication over time though.

Nothing is planned for today, Nora is making some rice cereal for breakfast now.

We had a lengthy discussion about my views on religion and churches and how they interact and have become so terribly commercialized and actually corrupt in many cases... I belive in God and that Jesus saved me and the 10 commandments. What the churches add is not always in accordance with my beliefs... I also am a firm believer that Karma should be our ruling guidance... I read once in a book about witches (specifically Wiccan) witches which are not dark ones that their theory is "Do as you will if it hurts no one". Not a bad guide, too bad more people aren't Wiccans I guess.

Well "Hump" day it is, but thankfully, Nora is finished at St. Lukes clinic for the week and has a 5 day weekend so is 5 days off her DOT trips to Manila... Thanks to God for that.

Hope you all have a great day...

From denny's iPad...

Last of the "Sputum" tests should be today according to St. Lukes.

Apr 19, 2011

Well, falling asleep last night was difficult, very warm and sticky, I actually took another bath at about 10pm just to get a fresher feeling in the sheets. That did help and once asleep, I slept well as did Nora.

We both woke before the appointed 5:30am alarm had a chance to attack our hearing.

I sent a chat to Kenneth, but he hasn't seen it yet I don't believe. I am going to write him a letter, I am fairly good at using email and letters to get my point across and it will give him something to think about... No threats or anything close to that, just expectations and hopes for our Father/Son relationship and the promise of much in the line of opportunity for him in the States.

I decided not to go to the Embassy today, Holy week really disrupts schedules so I thought that maybe next week would be better. Today is the last of Nora's sputum tests... she told me she was going to Quiapo after St. Lukes clinic so she may be a little later getting back home.

We talked last night about her upcoming birthday and the fact that we really won't be able to make a swim party as planned as Alex and his family have different plans. She asked me if it would be OK if we just celebrate her birthday at the SM Mall and have a nice dinner there and of course I said that whatever she wanted to do would be fine with me. I also plan to buy her the two dresses she really likes so that should make her happy too.

I told her last night that I am going to go back to the United States towards the end of June, perhaps about 2 weeks before she would be coming... that will give me time to make sure the house is in order and allow me to purchase some things food wise that we don't currently have and I can get the vehicles running, batteries charged, utilities turned on and all that stuff. Plus I will be able to rent a van Locally to take to Portland to pick them up when they arrive.

She seemed receptive to the idea, but I know that the closer it comes to me leaving, her efforts to convince me to stay will become stronger.

I ordered the May budget last night, it will begin processing on the 25th. Same amount as last time.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful day...

From denny's iPad...

It is your day to howl Sister... have a great one...

Apr 18, 2011

H•A•P•P•Y B•I•R•T•H•D•A•Y To the greatest Sister in the world and my closest friend. I hope your day is wonderful.

Wow, it was hot yesterday afternoon, Nora and Joyce went to afternoon Mass, about 5:00pm. I did not go, just too hot for me so I stayed home.

After getting home, Nora began to prepare our 'Ghoulash' dinner which I must say, excluding the poor quality of ground beef, was pretty darn tasty.

The evening was mostly spent reading by me and games by Nora. We retired a little after ten with only enough energy to try to endure the stiffeling temperatures... I slept all night with nothing covering me and found that this morning, about 3am, Nora had pulled the sheet over herself. I got up about 4:15 to use the bathroom and when I got back to bed, covered my lower torso with the sheet, but it was still too hot to cover all the way up. I miss home, AC and McDonald's coffee.

Nora starts her final sputum test today and finishes tomorrow. I think I might go with her tomorrow so that I can check the status of our I-230 request at the US Embassy. It should have arrived or soon arrive in the mail but the waiting is killing me.

Another scorcher is predicted for today so that is nothing joyful to look forward to... I have to be thankful though, last year at this time the temperatures were mostly above 100˚ with horrid humididy, this year not nearly so bad but still... bad enough.

I've no particular plans, I went to the little store on the corner that sells the water we drink, (they have a small cafe there too) and wanted to buy some rice cereal for the baby, but they had just opened and it was not ready... I tried another little alley store close to the house but they had not opened yet either... it is now 6:50 AM .

I may write more later, Nora will be home much earlier today and that will be nice.

To all who read this, I hope your weekend was wonderful and hope that I see you in the near future...

Ana came to me this morning and borrowed 2,000p. To be paid back this afternoon when Alex returns from Santa Maria.

I told Alex that Ana borrowed the money and he paid me back... I don't think he was too pleased.

From denny's iPad...

Church this morning, Laundry for the remainer of the day...

Apr 17, 2011

Today is Sunday and if Lollie were here, in the Philippines, it would be her birthday. I will send her an eCard today to celebrate that wonderful day for her.

Yesterday Nora and I went to the SM Mall and I bought us tickets to see "Rio". I can honestly say she really did enjoy the movie, she was laughing thruout the whole show and it was good to see that it was one she really did enjoy. She had told me some time ago that she did not like annimation films... her memories of them were much older though, the animation of 20+ years ago vice the wonderous capabilities of Steven Spielberg and Disney and Pixar productions... we will see all that come here now I am sure, She wants to look in Manila to see if she can buy a DVD of it so the children can watch it too.

We slept well after finally overcoming the heat and allowing exhaustion to take control, I read until after midnight again. Thought I might get lucky this morning, but no lottery ticket for me.

Alex did repay me the 2,000p yesterday later on.

We are having coffee just now and will go to Mass a little later, the laundry lady is here starting the laundry so the remainder of Sunday will be spent toiling with clothes and such.

I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy yourselves.

From denny's iPad...

The beginning of the 'Weekend', next week will be special for Nora (short too !!)

Apr 16, 2011

Ah, a glorious Saturday morning greeted us as we woke about 6:30am. For some inexplicable reason, Nora woke early today and was full of piss and vinegar and raring to go. She seems in a good mood which is always a nice note to start the day. We will go to SM Mall today, probably between 11 and 12. I hope to attend the movie 'Rio' with her today.

I am at the main apartment, the baby and Jenny just got back to the house and of course the baby cried... I want so badly to be away from him for awhile, the constant crying and worse being exposed to it every single day is not a routine that I've enjoyed. There was a reason I didn't want to have children (clarify that to say baby). I never have like their incessent crying and the annoying screeches that they make on a regular basis... Oh well, I do love him, just not the things he does.

Last night was peaceful, Nora went to sleep about 10:30 and I continued to read until after midnight. When I bathed last night, I shaved so I should at least appear better now...

Kenneth has worked every day this week for Alex in the cookie factory, there were a few rough times getting him to realize that Alex was depending on him to do a job and to be there when he was supposed to be. Now it seems that he is in the routine.

Alex did not repay me the 2,000p yet, maybe today or tonight after We return from the Mall he will. As the time approaches for us to leave the Philippines, I will be more reluctant to loan him money and that is at the urging of Nora.

From denny's iPad...

Friday, ah the sweetness of the coming weekend in intoxicating...

Apr 15, 2011

Today is Nora's payday, and it has the added benefit of being once again Friday... the end of treatment trips for another week and another week closer to the end of that torturious year long ordeal... What a price to pay for freedom, though less than many have paid, still an inconvenience for sure.

Yesterday after breakfast I had a great call with Lollie and Gareth, I sure do enjoy the ability to talk to them live every day almost. I quietly thank YM Messenger for that ability... certainly not AT&T as they want your soul and first born to make overseas calls.

I am enjoying a cup of coffee as I pen this entry (I suppose, in the name of political correctness I should say "Keyboard"). But... 'Penned' works nicely for me. Nora wanted to give me cake for breakfast and I told her no and asked why in the world she bought it in the first place... Her response -- "It was on sale". WoMeN !!!

Tomorrow we go to SM Mall, my feet being in good shape that will be a good trip, we will go to the 2:40pm showing of Rio at theater 4. I asked Nora if she wanted to take the kids and she said no. I don't know why though.

Next week, she only goes to St. Lukes clinic Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then has Thursday and Friday off... Nice to have a 4 day weekend. Monday and Tuesday she will do her final Sputum test then we wait for the results, and that will take about 2 months they say although a culture grows in only 30 days... the reason given me the first time was that it took an additional month to determine what treatment was most effective... Nora just told me that it takes two months because they want to be sure that it won't grow a positive in waiting longer... two months with no Positive growth is considered a Negative.

Alex borrowed 2,000p again today, to be repaid tomorrow he says.

I am going to Divine this morning and get a haircut, my neck looks like I am becoming a WereWolf...

Have a Great Thursday to those in the States...

I might write more later...

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

Thursday, just another day...

Apr 14, 2011

Sleep was good.

Yesterday Kenneth decided to work for Alex in the cookie factory, I don't know for how long. I gave him his phone back late yesterday afternoon with the warning to use it only after work. I hope he listens, it is an important lesson to learn, that of seperating work and play.

I went to pick up Nora yesterday afternoon, about 3:30 and when she arrived, we went into Divine to pick up some stuff for dinner.

The evening was pretty quiet again, nothing exciting happened.

Today is Thursday here in Marilao and Nora will go once again to the St. Lukes clinic for her treatment. Then it will be Friday.

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

Hump day...

Apr 13, 2011

Sleep was good, we both retired with a big smile on our faces... sometimes life really is just plain great!! I downloaded the latest version of 'FaceBook' to Nora's iPhone and she likes it so that is a good thing.

Alex did not pay me last night, but this morning first thing he brought me the 10,000p he owed me. We are once again even up.

This morning, about 6:00am the turkey came sqwaking and woke us, then about 5 minutes later 3,452,567 children were yelling and playing in the field just outside our window so the day started with a bang and has since gotten louder.

I am having my coffee now, thinking about the email I got from Wells Fargo where they tell me that they have debited my 'Travel' account a $15,00 service fee (the account only has $50.00 in it), they did it last month and I sent them a letter demanding that it be returned which they did so this time I shall send the letter to them again and I must ask them what I have to do to avoid that recurring fee... I just happened for the first time last month and never ever before so I don't know what bank policy has changed but I won't stand for it.

Today is Wednesday, fondly known as 'Hump' day and even though I tried to convince Nora that that meant it was a nationally acclaimed day where one Mate could 'hump' the other, she wasn't buying it. Sometimes a guy just can't cut a break. ;-)

Everything went well for Kenneth today, he got his clearance from Marilao and also his NBI clearance so he is set to go.

The day is up and running so I suppose I had better get my butt in gear and see what is shakin.

Maybe I will write more later...

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

Tuesday, Kenneth gets his police clearance and NBI clearance today.

Apr 12, 2011

Well, this morning, Kenneth will go to the Police Station in Marilao, get his local police clearance and also his NBI clearance for travel to the United States. Joyce is fortunate, being 13 she is not yet required such clearances.

Nora will go again to Manila today and also to the Quiapo Catholic church (the oldest Catholic church in Manila). She goes there occasionally.

I have no plans in particular today, I might go to Divine and wander around the hardware store a little, it is pretty small, about the size of your bedroom Lollie.

Other than that, the day should prove quite ordinary... Bong, our neighorhood store owners son, and wife and child are moving away to another province where they take care of one of the family farms... actually a city block in America would be considered a large farm...

I see that last night he sprained his arm while playing basketball with the younger guys....

We slept very nicely last night as the weather did cooperate with us.

Alex came to me yesterday morning and needed some financial assistance to purchase suppies for a new and larger order... He borrowed from me 15,000p to be paid back today.

••• As I thought, Alex had an issue come up with the person who was going to give him money (emergency meeting) and so Alex was unable to pay me the 15,000p, he did give me 5,000p and says he will pay the remaining 10,000p tonight.  We shall see... It is always the case, where money is concerned it is like Oregon weather, totally unpredictable but always expect rain.

Always have faith that the "Unexpected" will occur, "Murphy's Law" is never in absentia...

Have a wonderful day and make something good happen...

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

Monday... another step forward and another less to spend here...

Apr 11, 2011

Well, it is Monday morning, I wonder what the day will bring aside from Kenneth going to get his Barangay clearance... Another week closer to Nora finishing her treatment and us leaving this country for the United States... gosh that is exciting to me for sure...

Weather is the same, a little cloudy and hot and projected to get into the 90˚ again. Hopefully the humidity will be managable.

No contact with Lollie yesterday, I hope they had a good Friday. I will call her today and see if they were able to make it to church of if they missed.

We are having coffee at the moment, the baby is eating rice cereal and I am taking Nora to the little roadside restaurant for breakfast this morning. They are enjoying something on TV this morning, of course I am in the dark as always cause it is in Tagalog but no matter, their television standards are so far behind our in the USA they have no idea what good broadcast TV is like especially with the choices we have available there.

Both feet are feeling 100% better now and the swelling on my left foot is almost completely gone now I figure it will be back to normal in 1 or 2 more days...

I will write more later perhaps... we shall see, won't we??

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

Ah, laundry day and the last day of the week... tomorrow continues the trek

Apr 10, 2011

Nora left yesterday about 2:30pm and went to Marilao and then to the SM Mall where she got some personal items and also our weekly supply of Cheetos.... damn, you would not think one could get addicted to those things but you can I tell you. She got home about 5pm and of the 1,000p I gave her, there was no change... surprised?? not me. The only thing she forgot and me also, was to pay the cable bill of 1,000p. Speaking of that, Alex has agreed to split the cost of the cable bill once we leave so Jenny will have a connection, having Nora's phone and all so communication will still occur even though it may be thru FaceBook or Messenger. So Jenny will just have to pay 500p per month

Nora will go to church this morning and while in Divine, she will buy a couple of brooms for the apts. The ones I bought are darn near worn out now... a lot like me.

I think that Nora will go to church later this morning or perhaps this afternoon as she told me she has something to do, which is to prepare lunch as Kenneth is helping out in the Factory today to make and deliver the cookies.

We slept good last night, the foot pain has subsided considerably and the pain that was starting in the right toe seems to have gone away so that is wonderful and relieves me of some discomfort. The other foot, the left one, seems to decreased in the swelling and the pain is nominal so I feel I am on the mend... BTW Gareth, I had Nora buy me a big jug of Red Tea, I am thinking that may become my drink of choice until I can get the medicine to circumvent these gout attacks.

Hope you are enjoying your beautiful Saturday and that you have some nice plans for tonight... take care and remember you are both always in our thoughts...

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

Saturday morning starts with 'Grilled Cheese sandwiche, coffee and meds'

Apr 09, 2011

Well yesterday afternoon proved to not be too exciting, except that I finally did get to talk to Lollie and reassure myself that all was well in El Dorado Hills... she had been depressed because of a situation involving a little Asian Shite bird and his problem (minor medical issue) but now I can say verily unto you that he is no longer 'full of shit' and that brings unmitigated peace to the world of Wong.

Alex repaid me the remaining 2,000p that he owed me so we are even again... for how long remains a mystery though.

What I assume to be Gout has attacked my left foot, beginning in the ball and arch area, it became so tender that it was very painful to just lift the leg, dangeling the foot, just the weight of the foot was painful... Nora got me some kind of pain pill that lessened that pain then later yesterday I noticed that the big toe on the right foot was having sympathy pains for it's left hand bretheren... I hate family connections like that.

Oddly I have found that the pain in my left foot is slowly subsiding in the ball and arch area but increasing in the area of the Achilles tendon (tender at the moment, but not painfully so. I hope that it's progression is halted by the antibiotics and pain pills that I am taking as that condition involving the Achilles tendon and the heel is excruciating and I am adverse to experiencing that again...

Our trip to the Mall today may get cancelled, especially if the foot continues to deteriorate to the point where it is painful to walk as there is a fair amount of walking involved in the trip to the SM Mall both in stairs and distance. I would hate to disappoint the kids but it could happen. I will try to keep you informed...

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

Another week finished... keep on rollin' along time...

Apr 08, 2011

Well I never did get to talk to Lollie yesterday, I attempted to call her many times but always just the message. Sister I hope you had a great day and it was filled with Joy and happiness for both you and your little Asian hubbybear. Our day was normal although I was confined to the bed almost all day with my lovely foot. The pain pills Nora bought at least afforded me limited movement.

We slept quite well though... I did, however, wake at around 1:30 or 2am in a sweat... I believe that I did have a fever and that it broke at that time. I felt good and refreshed this morning so that is a good thing.

Tomorrow, the plan is to take Joyce and Kenneth and Nora to the Mall to see "Rio" which even though animated, I think Nora will reall like it a lot...

Today, Friday and another week finished... Thank you Lord for giving us the strength to preservere...

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

Gout, pain, I don't like that stuff at all

Apr 07, 2011

The day was pretty good all in all, Kenneth got most of his stuff done, it will finish on Friday and Apr 12th for NBI.

Last night, the dreaded Gout attacked me, this time in the arch of my left foot, extremely painful, swollen and imobilized me pretty much. I took some ibuprofen yesterday afternoon and a couple of Tylenol PM tabs before bedtime... Unbelieveable, I cannot even make it to the bathroom or to the Apartment next door... I used to thnk that I had pretty good control of pain, but this bout has me wondering about that. I think that Nora is going to go to the drug store and get some pain pills, like what I took in Basud last year. They did help.

I tried to call Lollie with no luck so far so I just left a message for them.

I got the 1,800p that Linda owed me today and I also got 3,000p of the 5,000p that Alex owes me... says he will par the remainder tomorrow.

Well, I am signing off to enjoy my sufferage...

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

Today is Kenneth's clearance day and halfway thru the week...

Apr 06, 2011

Today is Wednesday and Nora and Kenneth will leave shortly for the Marilao Police dept to acquire Kenneth's police report and NBI Clearance. Outside of getting their Medical, that is all that is left before their Visa interviews. I still have to fill out the I-864 form but that should be it I hope.

Yesterday was quiet after we had lunch, nothing too dramatic happened although it was pretty hot here. Nora got home earlier than she thought, she had told me to pick her up at 4pm but she was home by 3:15.

I gave Nora 500p to pay for the processing of Kenneths papers. They probably will be back home by 10am or so. From then, Nora will make lunch then head to Manila and St. Lukes clinic. I am not sure where yesterday went, but it seems that I misplaced it somehow. I thought today was Tuesday.

My left foot around the ball of the foot is sore as a boil today, it started last night but I don't know why... No traumal, swelling or redness at all, just like it did in Basud last Summer... damn thing.

Anyway, halfway thru the week and progress is being made and for that I am very pleased... I hope it continues smoothly and quickly.

The day is yours, do with it what you may, I hope from it you can withdraw smiles and warm feelings...

••• 8:30am, Alex came to me to borrow 5,000p until tomorrow morning so I loaned it to him... This guy has no idea of how to manage his money, none at all !

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

Nora's clearances are now done, Kenneth will tomorrow.

Apr 05, 2011

Lollie was fine, we didn't do much the rest of Monday, had a good dinner then retired...

This morning, after coffee and breakfast, Nora decided that we will go to Marilao at 8:30 for her police certificate... Took a Jeepney then a tricab to the police station where to our surprise, we were not only able to get her police clearance but also the NBI clearance so that is all done for her now.

Kenneth and Nora will go to Marilao tomorrow morning to get his police clearance and NBI clearance also... after that, all he will have to do is re-medical and his visa interview.

It cost Nora 75p yesterday at the Barangay and another 365p today at the police station for a total of 440p. It should be less for Kenneth.

Nora is in the process of doing dishes then prepping for lunch after which she will go to St. Lukes clinic.

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

Monday and the first week of April is almost gone.

Apr 04, 2011

After church yesterday, we stopped at a little restaurant and I had rice cereal and Nora had some noodle dish. Both of us had a soft drink also as it was quite hot by then.

The day involved mostly laundry so there wasn't much to do except hang clothes and read which I did quite a bit of both.

Ana has taken to selling food at a little stand at the end of our lane in the evenings... she says it helps their income somewhat.

Jenny and Nora and I discussed what Jenny's plans are for after we depart the Philippines... she indicated that she wants to return to college and pursue the already started Nurses course. I believe she will stay in the big apartment here and she really almost has to because of all the furniture and appliance that is here... she will get it all, the furniture, dishes, clothes washer, refrigerator, TV, DVD and all the other stuff that made up our household here... Not a bad start considering what most single girls her age have... Certainly more than I had when I was on my own to start with...

Jenny will receive 10,000p from us each month as subsistance and Father can send her some too. I will need to see how to send it to her the most economically, perhaps direct deposit using RemitHome to a bank here would be the best. We will check that out.

We slept good last night, Nora and Kenneth will attempt to get the local police clearance reports for themselves today and tomorrow they will both go to NBI for their other clearances. Kenneth must also go to the college to finish up the paperwork for the previous session.

I have a exercise disk in the Philips music box and baby denny was standing in the doorway dancing, cute. His little horns barely showed. Now he is standing by an old tricab and is beating on it with a little stick... Nora came in here to change the music and baby wandered off into the court where there are holes he could easily step in and break a leg... I don't know why they (Nora and the Kids) don't pay more attention to what he is getting into or near. I have said from the beginning and continue to believe that they are strictly reactive to him and not proactive... you pay one helluva price for that kind of crap sometimes.

Well Mondays are always busy so I guess I will call Lollie and see how the world is treating them on this their Sunday evening...

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

Blessed Sunday, Thank you God for all you provide...

Apr 03, 2011

"Saw Vi"... What a devious mind has the producer of this series... Nora did really well after the opening scenes (about 6 minutes). She even asked me some questions about the show. But if you want a show that provokes thought, this ain't it. This is only to be described in one word...mindless 'slaughter'. My kind of movie for sure... of course I don't go to see the mayhem, but the special effects used by the studios to make such trash so believable... it truly is amazing.

We left for the mall about 11:15am as the showtime was at 1:30 and I like to get there just after the previous showing lets out to see the trailers of upcoming events. We bought Nora a comb and looked around some... we bought some stale popcorn for the movie and a couple bottles of water.

After the show, we went to the Department store and got the usual compliment of chips and a couple bags of different ones for the children... I convinced Nora to give them one bag when we got home and save the other for today. If we'd given them both bags yesterday, they would have gobbled them up so this way they get two days of treats.

It was a good day yesterday.

Kenneth just told me he would not be going to church with us this morning because he doesn't have any clean clothes left. He indicated that he would go with Jenny tonight instead and I concurred.

Looks to be another hot day today. The laundry lady is here so by tonight we will all have clean and fresh laundry to wear again. That brings to thought the change I need to make with this family once we arrive in the States... you wear only one set of clothes in a day unless an accident happens to make you need another, here they change causes of the sweating and heat but there they won't have that problem... I figure you dress for the day in the morning then you can put on you kick back clothes when the evening comes or you get home from work/school whatever. I am trying to avoid a stupendous water usage bill and that includes showers that are only 20 minutes rather than the Kenneth style of 45 minutes... it will be a learning curve for them, but I have the power to turn off the hot water and in Oregon, the tap water is frickin cold.

Nora and I will attend Mass this morning then we will unravel the remains of Sunday and see what it produces...

May God bless and keep you, each and every one of you !!!

••• Alex repaid the 4,000p this afternoon

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

Saturday and the 2nd day of the Month... again...

Apr 02, 2011

Great sleeping last night (Friday), the weather was much cooler and we were both tired out from the day yesterday which started at 5;15am. As I mentioned before, got all thru the Embassy stuff, now just wait for the letter is what the clerk said.

We decided to get Nora and Kenneth's police clearances done before he leaves for Basud then he will re-medical as soon as we come back from Basud in May. Joyce doesn't need any clearance stuff done as she is too young.

Nora is making coffee now, later after lunch we will go to the SM Mall and hopefully see "Saw VI" and of course buy some Cheetos jalapeño style.

I hope it proves to be a great day for you and me both...

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

"April Fools Day", Next month is May, it is happening peoples...

Apr 01, 2011

April Fools day, the time honored day of pranks and jokes on our fellow man/woman.

Last night, we slept well, realizing that we would make yet another trip to the US Embassy in search of answers and perhaps to further the process of getting my new family home to the United States.

We left the house about 6:20 am it seems and the ride to town (Manila) was pretty good and our time at the Embassy was OK 'cept the person that Occupies the job at window 38 had the personality of a piece of well washed car mat. No smile, no nice greeting, nothing to enhance the experience... I don't know how the hell people like that get a job representing an entire country. Bless them I say but with what would I bless them you ask... a basket of vipers...., what else would befit their personality??

Nora was tasked with filling out the I-230 forms and also a cover letter that indicated we are ready to continue in the process of obtaining the Visas.

We didn't leave there until almost 11:00am then stopped at Jollibee for breakfast/lunch.

From there on to St. Lukes clinic where fortunately we didn't have long to wait and after Nora got her meds, we talked to a supervisor who explained that it is actually the policy of the CDC that makes us wait so long to take the final culture sputum test and I will never know why it takes 2 months to get the results... Bottom line is that her results will be in by the end of June so hypothetically she should be able to interview the first week in July and perhaps board a plane during the second week.

Joyce and Kenneth can re-medical anytime and because they are on separate petitions, they can go to the US with me even if Nora had to stay here longer. She wants the kids to finish up and have their visa's as soon as possible. It is not a bad idea, their visa's are good for 6 months. Oddly though, Nora's visa is only good for 3 Months so she cannot drag her feet in leaving the Philippines. The sooner that I can remove her and the kids from her the better I will like it.

Last night, after we had dinner, I was here in the sleeper apt taking a bath and Alex banged on the door and wanted to see me... I told him I would catch up to him after I finished... Naturally it was to borrow again money, this time 4,000p to be repaid Sunday.

I see that "Saw VI" is playing at the SM Mall so my wish is to see it this afternoon, Nora is not to sure, worried about it being a 'Ghost' movie but I told her it is a walk in the park "Horror" film, no Ghosts.

Have a great day

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