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.  

With the 2 to 3 hour commute to and from work, it was not long either before she decided to get a place of her own that was closer to work. A place closer to work would be better for her sanity.   One can only take so much of the daily lines and the constant pushing of humanity to get on the trains. And this wasn’t yet the height of the government's 2-year massive road repairs and the rainy season.

Soon she found a suitable “nest”—adequate security, accessibility to public transportation and at a reasonable price. 

Of course, it pains me to have her “fly” away again so soon.  My hubby and I are empty nesters once more and I find that it will take a while to get the hang of it again.

---xoxoxox---

Unlike the first time my daughter moved away from home, this time I got a chance to join her in the excitement of choosing furniture, appliances and “nesting” essentials.  The experience was challenging to say the least— how to get the barest furnishings to fit a stamp-size room within the limits of a tight budget.

For most of one weekend, armed with tape measure and a calculator, we visited furniture warehouses, 2^nd hand outlet, hardware and department stores.  

We discussed the merits of a iron bed versus a wooden one; plastic or metal bins; plain or printed dish towels; 

light or dark cabinet finish; 

one-half or one horse power aircon;  a small fridge or a two-door fridge; blinds or curtains; rugs or mats.

Two weeks before the start of my daughter’s lease, she had made most of the big-ticket purchases and arranged for the delivery and installation. 

One month ago, with new locks and a bed in place, my little birdie flew off on her own once more.

---xoxoxox---

Temperatures were soaring the weekend my daughter and I did our visits and canvassing for furniture and appliances.  Quite memorable too were the cool breaks.  A halo-halo treat one afternoon and a buco shake the next. 

With the temperature still climbing, let me share with you a cool alternative to the usual fried banana-cues.  The final result can be made to your specifications:  fancy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served plain with shaved ice and sago (tapioca pearls).  Let this simple treat take your mind off from the blistering summer heat and bring you to your own cool place.

Minatamis na Saging

7 medium size ripe saba, peeled and sliced into 1/2 –inch rounds

4-5 T brown sugar (more if you want it sweeter)

A dash of cinnamon

1 t vanilla flavoring

Enough water to bearly cover the bananas

Place everything into a put and bring to a quick boil.

Lower heat to a simmer and stir once in a while. Remove bananas when tender but not mushy.  Reduce to remaining liquid to a thick syrup. Pour over bananas. 

Cool before serving with a scoop of ice cream or some shaved ice. Throw in some sago just for the fun of it.