A Time Just For Planting

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens… Ecclesiastes 3

When rain falls almost everyday, what time do you suppose it is?

Time for planting!!

It was time to plant the seeds I got from my mother’s “Peacock Flower” shrubs  in Cebu last summer.  

Pretty Peacock Flowers in a vase

The Ultimate Retail Therapy

I was feeling out of sorts.  My body clock had gone haywire since I arrived from the States.  I was missing my State-side base siblings and friends.  I was having separation anxiety after being the companion of my mother for a month (or was she the one being my companion?!)

Then I get a text from a close friend and neighbor. 

“I’m thinking of going to Divi tomorrow since Monday is a holiday. Want to come along after mass?”, read her text.

“Yes, yes!”, was my immediate response.

Nothing like a trip to Divisoria, Manila to shake the jetlag blues away.

The Quest

The annual visit of my mother to the States always includes visits to her doctor for the once-a-year routine check-up.   She used to confidently manage these visits on her own with a sibling offering to drive her for the appointments.  But a year ago, she needed to be accompanied to these visits.  We took charge in filling out the usual questionnaire given out and sat with her as she met with her doctors.  (Still Mommy)

Maybe, we reasoned, it was because she was getting on in years.  Slower, more careful with her steps; quieter, more introspective.  On the other hand, she was easily agitated in unfamiliar surroundings; and quick to declare, “I cannot!” 

Friendship Across the Miles Series: It’s Yesterday Once More

“All my best memories

Come back clearly to me
Some can even make me cry
Just like before
It's yesterday once more”  by the Carpenters

“Remember me? “, was the first line to a message I posted and sent off to a classmate who I found via FB.  She immediately responded the next day.  And we soon were sending off messages back and forth to each other.

The FB encounter is now a little over four years old.  Before FB, my contact with P was via slow mail probably more than 20 years ago before I lose touch with P again.  My lame excuse “life got in the way”.

Friendship Across the Miles Series: Best Friends in Florida (BFF)

My nephew, P, had finally found work in Orlando, Florida.   It had been an emotional parting for my sister, G, and her husband.  Their only child was off to conquer the world on his own.  But as fate would have it, he was not totally alone.  A very close cousin, C, had graciously taken P into her wings. 

And when a couple of months passed, my sister, G, decided to take a vacation and visit her son.  Not to let the opportunity pass, the rest of us felt we needed to visit as well.  Besides, it was finally time to accept my cousin’s long standing invitation to visit.

After five hours of air travel, our party of seven (my mom, my niece, brother-in-law and sisters: G, J, M plus me) had finally arrived at the Orlando airport.  My brother and his wife would follow two days after.  That’s how much we take family visits seriously. 

To most travelers, Orlando means a visit to the happiest place on earth: Disney World.  To my sister, it was a chance to be with a sorely missed son.  And to our group, it meant a grand reunion among cousins who were a part of our very happy childhood.

Friendship Across the Miles Series: Forever Special

San Francisco will always be special to me.  It was the entry point to my first visit abroad 25 years ago.  At that time, I was enthralled by its many man-made structures.  The bridge, the cable cars and the quaint houses on both sides of its many winding streets.  Let’s not forget the touristy boardwalk with a variety of shops, street performers and restaurants. 

With each visit, I saw a different side of San Francisco. One year, a sister and I took a ferry and explored China town. Another time, we checked out the thrift stores.  There was an unforgettable car ride on a foggy afternoon that ended with a big bowl of clam chowder on a chilly night out.  

 A year ago, accompanied by two other sisters, a brother-in-law, my mother and a nephew, we ventured out of San Francisco city and op to explore nearby Half Moon Bay. (if interested, here's my take on that day: When Serendipity Took The Driver's Seat)  I can still remember how the cold wind wiped my hair into my face as we walked along the beach.

Friendship across the Miles Series: A Home Away From Home

“You didn't have to be so nice
I would have liked you anyway
If you had just looked once or twice
And gone upon your quiet way…”   The Lovin Spoonful

Asking for a favor let alone asking to stay in someone else's home in America (or anywhere else for that matter) does not come easy for me.  But with friends like D, there was no hesitation, no second thought to send off a quick email to make such a request.

"Hello D, would it be possible to stay at your place for a few days while I wait for my mother and sisters to arrive at a later date?", my email read.

D's response came soon after, "Yehey!!! Yes I will pick you up and you can stay with us for as long as you like :-) ”

The smiley face at the end of her message sealed it for me.  The stress of finding hospitable accommodations was replaced with happy anticipation of seeing a true friend and her family again.

Nothing Doin’

Sometimes, when I have much time on my hands I end up with even more time  doing nothing.  Does that make sense?

Well, there are days when I have nothing to pre-occupy my time-- all errands done, no friends or places to visit, not even a meal to cook.  So I sit and ask myself, “what shall I do today?”

Suggestions come to mind.

• What about finishing the bead work around a bottle I started a year ago? It sits forlorn on a book shelf.

• The bookshelves could do with a little straightening up.

• Did I notice how the mint needs a little pruning?  My hair is getting to be on the long side too.

• Will I ever finish the cross stitch project you started when you first got pregnant?

• Maybe now I can finish that book I  have been reading for the last two months already. (It’s still under the bed)

On and on a litany of possibilities pour in but not attractive enough to move me to action.

Daddy can you hear me?

Hi Daddy,

Remember how stressed out you were when you got a phone call that I had bit off my tongue as a result of being side swept by a provincial bus? Do you still remember the relief that went through you when the doctor told you that I would be alright?  Did you laugh to learn that it was not my tongue I bit off but it was the hotdog I had been eating at the time I crossed the street?

Free to Be

I celebrated Independence Day with my kiddos.

My son had been living on his own for 10 years now while my daughter is a newbie and is still learning the ropes of living on her own.  When I hear them talk and compare notes about water and electric bills, I get nostalgic. Was it not only yesterday, when they were chasing each other around the house—with water pistols?!?!

“What do you feel like eating?”, my daughter asked.

It was mid-morning and we had time to kill before my son joined us for a late lunch.

“How’s about a visit to a pastry shop where we can have good bread and sit around?”, I countered.

Guided by a magazine article on out-of-the-way eateries on the edge of the business district, she declared,  “I think I know the perfect spot.”

Green Tongue

For a whole week I fretted.  Every time I sat at my terrace and happened to look up, I apologized.  Was it necessary? Could it not wait—another week, a month, a year? The questions of the guilty.

But in the end, with the rain clouds darkening the blue summer skies, it had to be done.  There was no telling the extent of the damage that could be caused in the event of a strong typhoon.

Hello Again

Over the years since I retired, I have made it a habit to start my day by attending the 6:30AM mass at my nearby parish church.  Doing so puts me in a positive spirit that would serve me well throughout the rest of the day.  These daily ritual has also afforded me the chance to make the acquaintance of several parishioners.  Mostly senior citizens, a sprinkling of empty-nesters and working folks who have time to spare before rushing off to work.

Two for the Road

A few weeks back, my husband surprised me with an invitation to spend a weekend at Tagaytay. This, I considered, was a major road trip.

Now if you know my hubby, you will just be as surprised.  For the longest time now, he would rather stay at home than go out and smell the gas fumes.   Traffic, weather conditions, house security— there was always a reason not to go out.

Giving Thanks: Pulilan Style

It is said that there are more fiestas being celebrated in the month of May than there are on any other month of the year in the Philippines. 

 And more often than not, St Isidore Labrador (San Isidro) holds sway over the celebrations.  This is with good reason for a country where a big number of the population depend on agriculture and their Catholic faith.   San Isidro is the patron saint of farmers and his feast day falls in May.

It is with reverence that farmers pray to this saint to intercede for a bountiful harvest.   In return, the farmers and their families offer gratitude in a multiple of ways during the saint’s feast day.

Fly Away

I was ecstatic when my daughter came back home after a year of being abroad.  (If interested, click HERE and HERE  for the stories)

Once more, she was my constant companion. We talked, we argued, we ate, we cooked, we stayed close by to each other.  At the back of my head, I knew she would soon go back to join the work force.  And indeed, with a strong intent to hit the ground running, she took in several assignments on a consultancy basis before shortly agreeing to take on permanent employment.  

A Love Affair

My love affair is a wondrous thing

That I'll rejoice in remembering
My love was born with my first tea set
Then came crystal bowls and fine Chinaware...... (adapted from the song “Our Love Affair”)

Yes, I admit. I am one of those women who continues to have a love affair.  Not the sordid kind but one just as spell binding. 

When the Living is Easy

The sea was very close to where I grew up in Cebu.  So close was the pier to our house I could hear the deep and lonely blast of a ship’s horn late at night as it got ready to leave port.  If I imagined hard enough, I could hear the ship’s porter’s warning call, “pwera besita, pwera besita”.

With such close proximity, it was only natural for my parents to bring us to the popular public black sand beaches of Talisay (famous for pinasugbo- bananas dipped in dark and thick sugar glaze) or brown sand beaches of Liloan (famous for whirlpools and rosquillos- a round, scalloped edge sweet biscuit) in the summer. 






 In the 1970s, when barges made it possible to cross over, the white sand beaches of Mactan Island became our favorite summer playground. 

Must Share

My alarm had gone off. It’s 4:30AM.  Anticipating what lay ahead made for a fitful sleep. Splashing cold water on my face gave me the jump start I needed.  Quickly, I got myself dressed. I tossed my camera and phone into my bag and headed down to the kitchen.

In less than 30 minutes, I was ready with my assignment: the group’s light breakfast and more.  Two mini coolers filled with solo bottles of frozen ice tea and bottles of cold water; two packs of chilled jello treats; a dozen each of ensaymadas and warm empanadas; mint candies and packs of wet wipes.

Nine pilgrims. One destination: The Divine Mercy Shrine in Marilao, Bulacan. 

Tic Toc Tic Toc

I am now on my sixth year of early retirement loving every free minute of each day.  So far so good.  I have not dyed my hair for the last five years and celebrate every liberated silver curl on my head.   

My brother-in-law has given me a new nickname: Silver Fox.  And am liking it too.

With the grace of God and some discipline, I have managed to stay relatively healthy.  I am on my third year without a live-in helper and grateful for the energy to do some housework and the cooking.  Last year, I started using weights in my exercises to slow down the rising level of my blood sugar.  So far, so good.

Until time finally caught up with me early this year. 

I have just recently been placed on a daily dose of 2.5 mg Amlodipine.  A milestone of sorts.  All because of a nagging head-ache that would not go away.  Everything’s normal one minute, then a headache creeps up from the back of my nape. I have palpitations and am a bit dizzy— and it’s not from watching Daniel Craig or Hugh Jackman on cable teevee.     (pics courtesy of the internet-- although wished I took them : )

Initially, I thought it might be a migraine or possibly my sinuses were acting up—as was my usual self-diagnosis in the past.  Lucky to have been given an Omron BP monitor, I did my check-ups in the comfort of my home.  With two weeks’ worth of BP readings, I decided to visit a cardiologist, Dr T.

After the initial interview, Dr T wrote up a request sheet for a variety of tests.  The tests, he informed me, would give both of us a better picture of my health in general and my heart in particular. 

Off I went to schedule and have these tests: Blood extraction and ECG (quick and easy); 2-D echo (I could hear the swishing and swooshing of my blood go through my heart); and, the bothersome 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor.  Of all the tests done, I did not like the ambulatory BP monitor—a BP monitor contraption you wear for 24 hours.  Every 30 minutes, the armband would tighten on my arm and I have to stay still for a minute.  Being the anxious type, this set-up was stressful the whole time I had it on. It was most uncomfortable at bed time.  I am sure my uneasiness contributed to a skewed reading. 

A week after, I visited Dr T and was a bit nervous to hear the verdict.  Needless really.  Overall, he predicted I would live to a ripe old age if I continued to take care of myself. The 2-D echo test showed a slight enlargement of one side of my heart-- not due to my friendly nature but from the build-up of pressure to pump blood through my body over the years. 

“What can I do Doc?”, I asked.

“Well, you could continue with more exercise, less salt, less worries or stress”, he stated.  “Let’s also start you on a small dose of Amlodipine.”

I sat for a minute and thought.  With a history of hypertension on both sides of the family, it was a matter of time I would have to resort to medication to control my pressure.  Sure, I can exercise myself to the bones and eat sparsely. But there is no way I can possibly control my volatile emotions ( I like to create my own dramas and panic attack scenarios) nor deny my family genes that run through my veins.   My father, mother and three younger siblings started taking meds to control their BP levels in their late 40s.  I, on the other hand, am just beginning.     

So far, so good.

----xoxooxox----

Dr T holds office at the Philippine Heart Center.  I remember the first time I visited said hospital.  It was in the late 80s. I was there to visit a 5-year old nephew who had undergone open heart surgery.  At that time, I was impressed with the sleek and no-nonsense feel of the place. 

Art in the Heart

Visiting it recently, I have to say that I was quite disappointed with what I saw.  The hospital could not escape the same sad fate suffered by government buildings.  Starting out all new and promising only to end up looking tired and dilapidated. 

Mural at the Lobby: Reminder of the Past

And what is it with all those little retail establishments inside and around the hospital?!?!  Granted, it makes for the convenience of getting a bite to eat but to have a bazaar (even if it’s in a corner) is stretching it. There’s a mini-art gallery at the lobby too.  Maybe the viewing provides an escape from thinking about one’s medical conditions plus there’s the rental payments that could go a long way to improving facilities at the hospital? Hmmmm….

The toilets, the hallways, the offices although clean could benefit with some R & R (renovation and repairs).  I wonder if the operating rooms and equipment are up to par with private hospitals.  I also wondered why the common areas were super cold.  I am sure this is fine for examination rooms with all those fancy electronic equipment.  But what about the patients and visitors freezing in the waiting area?  (Heart attack, No. Pneumonia, Yes!)

There is one thing though I cannot fault the hospital with.   The medical staff—from the doctors to the medical technicians to the security guards.  Pleasant, accommodating and attentive. Ready to explain procedures and guide you on your way around the labyrinth of medical jargons and hospital passages. I was relaxed and placed at ease.

So far, so good.

----xoxoxox---

Did you know that avocado is one fruit that is good for you?  They contain healthy fats that contribute to the reduction of bad cholesterol in the blood and lowers risk of stroke and heart disease.  But as usual, what you add to it (cream, milk, cheese, sugar) can tilt the balance from good to risky.  A matter of personal choice.

Just last week, my sister, G, (Click Here to know more about G) came over one night to drop off a bag of avocados and a deliciously addicting 5-layer spicy dip and a bag of corn chips to complete the indulgence.   Cheddar and cream cheeses, ground beef, tomatoes, avocados and chopped jalapenos (sili pang-sinigang or sili espada). Too good to turn my back on and so I chose to indulge.

But I eventually pulled myself away after half of the dip was consumed and turned my eyes on the avocados.  Using my sister M’s recipe for guacamole (click here for the recipe), I continued my avocado indulgence. This time on a healthier level.

Even so, there was still more avocados left over.  With the help of the internet, I found an avocado cake recipe ( click Joy the Baker).  The recipe can’t get any healthier with “Vegan” in its name.

So far, so good!

Vegan Avocado Chocolate Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour

6 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup vegetable oil (I used corn oil)

1/2 cup soft avocado, well mashed and strained about 2 small avocados (you may use a blender)

2 cups water

2 Tablespoons white vinegar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8 or 9-inch rounds. Set aside.

Sift together all of the dry ingredients except the sugar. Set that aside too.

Mix all the wet ingredients together in a bowl, including the mashed and sieved avocado.

Add sugar into the wet mix and stir.

Mix the wet with the dry all at once, and beat with a whisk until smooth.

Pour batter into a greased cake tins. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes

out clean.

Let cakes cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely before frosting with avocado buttercream.

Avocado Buttercream Frosting from Alton Brown ( I reduced the sugar by a third)

8 ounces (230 grams) of avocado meat, about 2 small to medium,very ripe avocados

2 teaspoons lemon juice (I used juice from lemoncito)

1 pound powdered sugar, sifted ( I used 2 cups)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Peel and pit the soft avocados. It’s important to use the ripest avocados you can get your hands on. If the avocados have brown spots in the meat, avoid those spots when you scoop the meat into the bowl.

Place the avocado meat, lemoncito juice and vanilla into a blender and zap away until smooth.  

Add the powdered sugar a little at a time and beat.  It will turn a darker green and will be gooey in consistency.

Overall, the cake has an intriguing taste. I got mixed comments from my tasters.  Some liked it immediately; for others, it took a second forkful; and  a few declared it would take some time to acquire a taste for avocados in cake. 

So like many things in life.

Notes: 

• As advised in the original recipe, you can store this in the refrigerator if not using right away. It won’t turn brown. 
• Use really, really ripe avocados to avoid getting an acrid (mapakla) after taste. 
• Do not cut the cake in half cross-wise.  It is very tender and moist. I did and it was a messy exercise.  Just slather the frosting on one cake and top with the other before pouring the rest of the frosting on the top cake layer. 
• Chill before serving.  This makes for easy slicing and serving.

Tree Stories (part 3)

I have been observing the tall Narra tree in my tiny front garden for some time.  It has been almost twenty years since I planted it.  I bought it at a nearby government tree nursery and without a second thought of how huge it could become, planted it on the side of my tiny front lawn.  

To Everything Turn, Turn, Turn

Not too long ago, friends and I would spend hours on the topic of child-rearing techniques.  The topics range from the best way to sooth a colic baby; how to prepare delicious meals for picky eaters;  proven approaches to easing the pains of separation anxieties; teaching methods to improve memory; sure-fire tactics on how to deal with rebellious and moody teens.

With our children all grown-up and living their own lives, my friends and I still spend time talking about the same things but this time we speak of our mothers and not our children.  Just like children, our mothers have come to need care, need understanding, need patience, need company, need help.

Reflect to Refresh

Since I retired, I find myself spending more time keeping a close eye on my spiritual growth.  Like most Catholics, my watchfulness peaks during Lent.  And why not? Mass homilies during the Lenten season focus on the need to pray, to change, to repent, to forgive, to listen, to follow. 

And I love that I am reminded again and again. Unlike some of my friends who can quote bible verses by heart, I stumble to remember the exact words or instructions.  

78 and Counting

The Special Morning

The morning sun’s rays were streaming into the window and onto my face. 

“Get up!”,  The sun seemed to say, “It’s your mother’s birthday.”

While I washed my face and tried to make my curls presentable, I recalled the events that lead to this bright January morning.

There really were no plans to celebrate my mother’s birthday this year.  My siblings and I had agreed to wait until my mom turned 80 to have that one big bang of a celebration. 

“But hey!”, One of us declared, “Why wait until mommy turned 80? Every year after 70, nay 60 is cause for celebration.”

Chillin' Time

I have been to Tagaytay, the nearest resort town from Manila, many times. Although the inroads made by tourism efforts has been responsible for the lost of Tagaytay's provincial innocence, the chilly air, foggy mornings and the awe-inspiring view of Taal Volcano makes for a good reason to return again and again.

And so, last Janaury, I found myself heading up the southern trail with seven very close friends.

Joy-filled Tagalog Morning

The Sunday before Valentines Day happened to be Mentoring Sunday. A one-hour, once a month program where volunteers, like me, spend time with the parish's scholars.

 (Know more about this by clicking here and here and here )

As I was absent the previous month, the committee felt I should make up for it by taking the lead.  This means coming up with an appropriate subject matter to bring to the attention of the children.  Although it had to be delivered in Tagalog, I gamely accepted.  My poor grasp of the language always made for comedy relief.   At the very least, I would have made the children and their parents smile as they try to make sense of what I was saying.