AUNTIE PATTI KOH

EASTER SUNDAY WITH THE FAMILY

2009-04-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

It was a traditional thing with the family every Easter Sunday. We come altogether with the children, to have a good meal. As ide from the food on the table that has been prepared by my sister in law Angie, we have also brought our specialty meals. Then there will be egg hunting for all the nieces and nephews, after the hearty meal, which is the apex of the whole Easter Sunday.

My two sons came to join us with my eldest son's girlfriend, Aja. My dog Bombolino was included with the crowd and was also having fun with the dog of my sister in law.

The egg hunt was fun because all the children were all running all over the backyard. We have placed some money in the eggs aside from sweets and they are all so happy.

And so Auntie Pattie Koh, another day if family gathering has ended and we have already planning for the next one. We love family gatherings.

If you could just be with us.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

EASTER SUNDAY WITH THE FAMILY

2009-04-14T10:56:00.001-07:00

VISIT TO HONGKONG LAST MARCH 9,2009

2009-03-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Concierge at the lobby of the departure area.

Police security walking towards our counter at United Airlines.

These carts are being pushed by women, like a train.

Pictorial info on what cannot be inside the carry on bags.

A full blown ads of Prada at the arrival lounge.

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Dear Auntie Pattie Koh,

Last March 1 to 15, 2009 my wife and I took our vacation to Manila and Hongkong. We need to see our parents and of course my wife's trip to Manila won't be the same if we will not pass and stay at least two days in Hongkong.

The airport really mesmerizes me. It is so clean and so huge and it is a melting pot of all nationalities. You can hear different languages spoken on both the departure and arrival area. There's lots of flights that are posted in the directory and unbelievable restaurant that I did not took the pictures.

The duty free shops are also great , but I am more interested in the activities of people who are working at the airport. Every time we come to visit Hongkong, it looks like there is always new project and development. Another wing has been added to the present terminal. They said it was not enough.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I kept on taking pictures of the area, but some pictures did not show good because it is so bright at the airport because of the open windows. I am not a professional cameraman so I forgot about the positioning of the camera.

I hope you like it.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THIS CONFUSES ME

2009-03-22T13:08:00.001-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I went to the produce market yesterday to buy some fruits that I like very much. Since I just returned back from my trip from the Philippines, I still have the liking and misses the Mangoes back home.

So I bought a case of Mangoes and the name of the Mangoes says "Manila Mangoes", but they came from Mexico, not Manila, Philippines.

I bought a bag of oranges that I like very much also and it says Valencia oranges, but they came California, not Valencia, Spain.

So I talked to my son about this who is study Culinary Arts. He explained to me that this is just a name that was given to the fruits that I bought because it draws people to buy them, since the varieties of these fruits are already known to be good.

And so, Auntie Patti Koh, my ignorance was saved by my youngest son.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

PHILIPPINE MANGOES

2009-03-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Breakfast of Spam, Putok Pande Sal, Creme Cheese, Bangkok Guava and Mango.

Clusters of Mangoes called "Apple Mango" above my sister's swimming pool.

Close Up Picture of this mango they call "Apple Mango".

Cluster of "Apple Mango" nearly touching the swimming pool.

Cluster of "Apple Mango" already touching the pool water.

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Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Last March 03 to 09, 2009 - - I visited Manila to check on

my parents and my sisters at home.

It was a very nice and wonderful visit, but it was so hot there. I had some good times and kept on eating and shopping. I have taken my father twice for lunch after his Physical Therapy at Asia Hospital. We had fun and so did my father who is a gourmet eater.

I stayed at my sister's house, as usual every time we come home for visit.

I was so mesmerized when I came to take a dip at the swimming pool. The mango tree and the Bangkok Santol tree is hovering over the end side of the pool. The santol has all the flowers and I was told the fruits will come out by April. The mangoes at the pool is a different variety. They call it "Apple Mango" because when it becomes mature it will look like and shape like Fuji apple. I went nuts looking at the all the clusters of mangoes by the pool. It is not yet good for picking. I was told by the caretaker that it could be harvested by end April or first of May.

As I was driven from my sister's house to my parents house, I saw trees of mangoes from different house and they are all in clusters and not yet time to be harvested. I was like a little boy wondering in awe on the site of the mango trees with its clusters of fruits. My wife and I are always being served with ripe mango with all our meals and snacks with suman.

And so Auntie Pattie Koh, I have temporarily forgotten the apple trees at my backyard and was overwhelmed with all the mangoes that I have seen during my visit to my home country.

Wish you were there to see it also.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

MY SHORT VISIT BACK HOME AND SEEING MY FATHER'S THREE TIMES A WEEK PHYSICAL THERAPHY AT ASIA HOSPITAL

2009-03-15T01:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Last o3 March '09, my wife and I went back home to Manila to visit our folks and family including our friends.

I went with my father at Asia Hospital where he does his Physical Therapy three times a week of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I was so happy I did accompanied him at the hospital. I saw how he is being taken cared of by his therapist and how he was being treated. It was a very tough therapy, but my father is doing it, maybe to impress me or maybe he just want to do it for himself.

The many movements he needs to do and the machines that he needs to use was so impressive. It was very good for him...so he said to me. The therapist are very nice and friendly. I don't know if it was because of the payment or maybe because Filipinos are blessed with those kind of traits that they respect and really take care of the olds. I was very pleased and happy.

I made to understand by my eldest sister that my father looks for this therapy, and I really cannot blame him. He was in his element when he walks at the lobby of the hospital.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, it really broke my heart to leave my parents yesterday 14Mar 09. They have misty eyes when I said my goodbye, heading to the airport. I miss them too.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

IMPROMPTU BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR MY WIFE AT MY MOTHER IN LAWS HOUSE

2009-01-27T11:45:00.001-08:00

My wife's mother and the rest of her siblings.

My wife, her face looking so haggard, with all our grandnephews and grandnieces.

My wife' siblings.

My wife carrying our grandnephew and prepairing the cake.

My eldest son's fiance Aja wearing eyeglasses and Ailene, my youngest sister in law.

Our close and intimate friends.

My niece husband Mario in red shirt and glasses and in full beard married to my niece is Oien and my niece Joyce.

My nephew Kevin with his girlfriend Jill.

My brother in law Michael and his son Kevin.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

My wife's birthday is 26 Jan. the Chinese New Year. We already have plans on how we will be celebrating it. We will eat at a nice and cozy Chinese restaurant near Northwestern University with my eldest son Miki and his Fiance Aja. My youngest son cannot make it because he is in school which is 3 hrs drive away from us and his route is covered with snow. All set for the four of us. We even made reservation to this restaurant.

Then come Sunday morning, very early and I was still sleeping because Sunday is my only day off from work. My mother in law called us and said she cooked something and wanted to celebrate my wife's birthday. She even told us that she has already called the rest of the clan to come in the evening for dinner. When my mother in law says she cooked something, rest assure that something is not enough for the family and the clan. My wife asked me in a very cajoling way to give in to her mother. I told my wife, there is no cake and we still need to call at least some of our close friend in a very short notice and I still have to do some shopping. I cannot say no to my mother in law and much more so to my wife. So here we go,

I called my close friends and explained to them what is happening and they agreed to come after church. My eldest sister in law said she already bought the birthday cake and we need to supply the candles and some food. I went to the Asian store and bought some of the things I needed. We still have plenty of meat and fish at the freezer down at the basement. I was able to get back home with the groceries at 12 noon and I started cooking because the relatives and some of our friends will arrive at 6pm.

Here are the recipes that I have prepared. Menudo, since it was requested but without liver on it. I have made vegetable egg roll, fried sardines, boolgogi, baked chicken teriyaki and string beans cooked in sesame seeds with fried tofu on top and puto bumbong(another request). I was able to finish all this cooking at 6pm and everybody is already at my mother in laws house where the party was held.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, my wife's impromptu birthday did happened without any problem....... but I was so tired for the work the next day. No matter how plenty of food I cook for my wife's family, it seems like it is not enough. And of course they have to take home some they said for their lunch for tomorrow at their respective works and offices.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THE AFTERMATH OF THE STORM

2009-01-15T17:48:00.001-08:00

I just finished removing the snow on one side of my car. It is so cold outside.

This is the view of my driveway from the street. I just finished plowing the driveway.

This is the garbage bin. I have to dig the whole thing at the front house because it was covered with snow.

The view of the house from the backyard.

My car with the snow blower/plow that I am using to remove the snow.

This small plow helps me a lot in removing the snow. It is run by gasoline with special oil.

My son's Angelo's car completely covered with snow.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Last Monday, we were hit by a snow storm. It was so brutal and made lots of school closed and plenty of people has to stay in the warming stations. It is so bitterly cold outside. Right now it is 13 degrees below and the wind is brutally cold. I was at work early this morning and I was bundled up completely, including wearing an insulated gloves.

I just filled up my gas tank awhile ago because I don't want my gas line to freeze. I have already checked my anti freeze and the windshield wiper. I have also placed a blanket inside the car and some crackers. I have placed the cable jumper in the trunk in case there will be problems or in case I need to help some stranded motorists.

My wife and I went grocery shopping this afternoon and bought some basic necessities for the house, even it is only the two of us. We have plenty of can goods in the house and the freezer upstairs and down at the basement is fully stocked anyway. I have placed some two packages of chicken and steak inside the car so that it could freeze inside the van. I have no more place to put it inside the freezer in the house.

And so Aunti Patti Koh.....this is the life during winter in the States. I cannot complain about it because this is the place where I decided to live and stay.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

MY HOUSE REVISITED

2008-12-21T14:36:00.000-08:00

EAST WALL OF MY SMALL LIBRARY AT THE FRONT ROOM

THE WEST WALL OF MY SMALL LIBRARY

THE FRONT AREA OF MY SMALL LIBRARY

PART OF MY LIVING ROOM. THE TWO CHINESE CHAIRS I BOUGHT FROM HONGKONG AND THE CABINET FROM PILA, LAGUNA

THE HANGING CHINESE FRAMED WALL DECOR CAME FROM THE MUSLIM STORE AT BF HOMES, P.I.

PART OF THE MAIN DINING ROOM. THE CREDENZA CAME FROM PILA, LAGUNA

PART OF THE LIVING ROOM WITH XMAS DECOR IN THE HANDRAIL OF THE STAIRS GOING TO THE BEDROOMS.

PART OF THE LIVING ROOM SHOWING THE JARS THAT I BOUGHT FROM FARMERS MARKET IN Q.C.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I did not go to work last Friday and Saturday and I was off today Sunday. The snow is so bad, I cannot even move my car from the garage. The driveway alone has at least 12 inches of snow and all of our cars at the back garage are buried in snow also.

Since there is nothing else to do at home, and with this bad weather outside, my wife went to work and took the train, I decided to clean the house for the holiday and decorate some sections of it. I moved some furniture and tried to pull the sofa, but I cannot because it is so heavy. I still can't move and pick up heavy things because I had hip replacement surgery just last summer and my surgeon is telling me to be very careful of what I do and how I walk, especially in snow.

My house has plenty of things that I have bought from the Philippines and I was able to ship it to the States. I love the things that I have bought back home. It reminds me of home . Even my bed frame came from back home and it has been with me for the past 32 years. My dining room set is also an old piece from home. The credenza is old piece that I have bought from Pila, Laguna and the mirrored cabinet in the living room, I bought it in Pila, Laguna. I was passing by and saw this upright cabinet with now mirror, made of Narra with a small pig tied up to it. I immediately stepped on my brake and asked the old lady to sell it to me. She was asking why I want to buy such a thing when it has been under her house for a long time and she likes to tie her piglet there. With the prize that I have offered her, she immediately gave it me and I took it to a cabinet maker in Paranaque and asked him to clean it and put a mirror into it. Now lots of my friends who visits my house always ask me where I bought it, I don't want to tell them the history of it.

The dining room set and the credenza, I bought it from an old family in Pila, Laguna who was migrating to the U.S. and said they cannot bring their "Muebles" to where they are going. They are wrong, I know how to ship it to the States. I work for a shipping firm back home for 10 years.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I was able to clean the house, and tried to arranged some of my furniture in the living room and dining room and my small library during this winter time. I was able to put up Christmas decor also.

You should come and see it.

SINCERELY YOURS,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THE ONGOING SNOW STORM

2008-12-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

View of the snow storm at my my backyard showing my neighbor's car. View of the snow storm taken from my front door.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I did not go to work this morning because My backyard was buried in snow and I cannot move my car. The man that I hired to plow the snow has not yet come to plow the snow because the snow storm will be ongoing until 5pm tonight. The road is okay because the city has plowed and salted it. The problem is the side roads and my backyard.

This is the second snow storm of the first months of the season. I hope it does not rain tomorrow because this will cause more problem. The snow will turn into ice and it will be more problematic. I just bought three bags of salt for the pavement and my driveway. When the plow removes the snow in my driveway, I need to salt it so that it will not become ice and slippery.

This is the time of the year that I am always very careful and afraid to venture outside especially walking thru the snow. I don't want to slip and fall because I had already hip replacement surgery. I don't want to have another one.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, in pictures, our friends from back home is so excited about the snow. But when they are already here and have stayed in the States for a long time, they will be wishing to come back home to the Philippines.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

TOO HOT TO HANDLE!!!

2008-12-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

JALAPENO PEPPER

KOREAN LONG PEPPER

YELLOW PEPPER FROM NETHERLANDS GREEN HOUSES

BANANA PEPPER

RED PEPPER FROM NETHERLANDS GREEN HOUSE

GREEN PEPPER FROM MEXICO

Dear Auntie Pattie Koh,

Yesterday, I went marketing to buy some pepper for the catering that I have accepted that requires me to use some peppers. I did not know there are still some fresh peppers available in this particular place that I shop even it is already winter time.

Question:

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Which one is sweet in taste?

Which one is the one that is really hot and could burn your tongue?

And so Auntie Patti Koh, it is up to you to choose which one is hot and which one is sweet.

I am going to pick the ones that is needed for my Kaldereta and Afritada.

Thank you,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

LAST OF THE FRUIT HARVEST IN THE U.S.

2008-12-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

Golden Plums

Persimmons

Valencia Oranges

Granny Smith Apples

Red Plums

Florida Oranges

Washington Apples

Michigan Apples

Dear Auntie Patti Ko,

This is the last of the harvest in the U.S. for this season. After this, all fruits will be imported from South America, like Chile, Brazil and Peru. America always have fruits all year round.

We are now producing fruits that is supposed to be coming only from countries like China and Japan. Fuji apples are now planted in the states and even Persimmons are also harvested in the States. Some fruits like the Asian Pears are still being imported from Korea and Longan from Vietnam and China. Grapes are now coming all the way from Chile including Bananas and some watermelon coming from Mexico.

The American diet always have fruits, and so Auntie Patti Koh, I will miss the real taste of fruits that are really planted and harvested in the States. Anyway, there is nothing we can do, because of the change of climate and the abundance of fruits from other country during winter time.

I hope you liked the pictures of the fruits that I have posted for you.

SINCERELY YOURS,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

FIRST SNOW STORM OF THE SEASON

2008-12-01T18:40:00.001-08:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

The snow storm came late last night Sunday and when I woke up and check outside the window the parking behind my house is already blanketed with four inches of snow. I hate shoveling the snow and scraping the snow in the car. I needed to go out with my wife and I have no choice but to clean the car of snow.

The snow stopped at 12noon and so the pictures are all taken after 12noon. We have to go to the grocery and get some of the necessities for the house that the two of us needed. Even its only the two of us, we still need some necessities for the house. I have to buy a new winter boots because my old Timberland boots is so tight and feels like it no longer fits me. I need something that is fully insulated so my feet will always be warm and dry.

After shopping, I told my wife to check the Forest Preserve along St. Marys way. It was so white and as if the branches of the trees are covered with cotton. The lake was covered with snow, but we did not venture further near the lake platform because it might be slippery and I don't want to have another hip surgery. We took pictures from inside the car.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I have a feeling we are heading for a bad winter this year. According to the weatherman, there is another storm coming and it will bring another four inches on top of what is already in the ground. I have to shovel the snow and spread out the salt to melt the slippery spot in my backyard and front step of the house.

Do you still want to come to the States??

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THANKSGIVING 2008

2008-11-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

My youngest sister in law at the dining table with my mother in law.

Mike, my niece Kristen's boyfriend with their friend Allison and his boyfriend.

My brother in law in the middle and my nephews, left Noel, Drichmond and Vincent.

My Irish brother in law Owen and his children Cora and Aiden.

My niece Kristen and her boyfriend Mike.

Me with Wanda, Jake and my nephew Kevin.

My wife with the rest of the relatives.

My mother in law with her some of her grandchildren at the dinner table.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

It was a tiring day for me. I was working in the morning of Thanksgiving until 12 noon and then I have to rush cooking and helping with some finishing touches with the Thanksgiving party that was held at my sister in law's house which is only four blocks away from my house.

The relatives, especially the nieces and nephews came. They are hungry and made some space in their stomach for the feast that they know will all be for them. It was a lot of eating and drinking and most of all, plenty of sharing stories and other happenings in their lives.

Kristen with her boyfriend Mike flew all the way from New York city just to be with the family. They will driving back to New York city with a U Haul because Kristen wants to sleep in her own bed. Everybody was joking her, that she does not need her own bed. But she still insists that she can only sleep in her own bed.

Aside from the traditional Turkey, we have also pork loin roast, leg of lamb, mussels in angel hair pasta soup with baby bokchoy, spicy chicken wings, lentils, mashed potatoes, greens and lots of desserts in the sweet table.

It was a good Thanksgiving Party, Auntie Patti Koh. It was a time of being close to all the nieces and nephews and friends. I was not able to eat all of the sweets and desserts at the sweet table.

SINCERELY YOURS,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

MAN'S BEST FRIEND

2008-11-19T17:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Today is the birthday of my dog Bombolino. He is now three years old. A mix Maltese and Shitzu. Very obedient dog and properly trained. I always put news paper in the basement, together with his water and food. When he needed to drink water, eat or relieve himself, he goes down to the basement and do his thing. Then I will just remove the newspaper that has been soaked or where he relieved himself.

I cannot ask for anything about this dog. He is a member of the family and always guarding me especially I am sleeping during the afternoon when I arrived from work. He sleeps with me in the evening and does not make any noise or mess up the bed. Truly an amazing little dog.

The veterinarian said this dog will not grow big anymore. I love it and like it so that I won't have a hard time cleaning after him. The vet called this dog a MALTESEZHU. We named him Bombolino, just like the Italian name for a small boy.

And so Auntie Pattie Koh, since my two boys have decided to be on their own, I now again have a little boy in the house.

SINCERELY YOURS,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

WINTER IS COMING!!!!

2008-11-16T19:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Yes, winter is coming. It is getting colder everyday. In fact this afternoon, the snow started to fall but it did not stick onto the ground. Thank God!!

I went yesterday to visit my favorite forest preserve and check out the migration and movements of the geese and I took pictures of these trees along the river. They are not dead, but the leaves have all fallen to the ground. Winter is coming. These trees are like bears that will be hibernating for the winter and will come alive again come springtime.

I sat down in my van for some time and was in deep thought. This place is so nice and so quiet to do some deep thoughts and meditation. I will be coming back come spring time and check it out.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I can't say if I am welcoming winter. But I live in a place that sees the four seasons of the year so I don't have a choice.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

NOV. 2,2008 COSTUME PARTY THAT I ATTENDED

2008-11-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

I came as a Mandarin Merchant and also the Emcee for the evening.

Here are some of the entire participants at the Costume Party 2008.

Senora Flamenco Dancer.

Gondola (Bob) man from Venice.

Master Shaolin (Reggie) Monk.

Anna and her Polish Boyfriend Damien. Anna in a typical Malaysian outfit, Damian as a Polish football player.

The Goddess Athena or Fathena (Fat)

Native Mexican Dancer.

Bollywood (Alex) Dancer.

Mr. & Mrs. Omar Shalicom Barbaro (Tess & Jun).

Japanese Kabuki Warrior and myself.

Her Princess Jasmine Rice (Sandy)

Dona Hermana Puti (Mommy Balcita)

Mark Anthony and Cleopatra (Lisa and Boyfriend).

Madame Butterfly and Mr. Wong (Mr. & Mrs. Jing & Sharon Yap)

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

My wife and myself decided to unwind and attended a yearly November Halloween Costume Party that is being hosted every year by our close friend Alex and Bob at their house. It was a very nice evening and as usual I am always called to be the emcee for the evening introducing the participants with their colorful costume.

It was a nice affair and everybody that came to the party brought a special dish that they shared to everybody. We have Chinese cuisine to American, Spanish, American Fried Chicken, Malaysian, Filipino favorites, Indian Curry, Japanese and most of all a bountiful of desserts and other sweet things.

Some of the participants brought along their children with them and all children that came in costume automatically was given a prize. There prizes given to individual and most authentic costume. Pairs was given also selected prices.

We ended the party past midnight and everybody was tired and exhausted but very happy. All of us are working class and we were able to unwind ourselves for this particular evening and we went home happy. We even have to bring some of the food that was on the table because it was so much and there's plenty to share to all.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, another night of fun and of course my wife and myself was able to unwind and had a wonderful evening. Wish you were there too.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

TRICK OR TREATING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD

2008-10-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

This is the time of the year when kids are given by the parents the chance to indulge in all the sweetness in the world. Candies and chocolates and everything that is sweet, including their colorful and scary costumes.

In my neighborhood, the tr eaters starts ringing the doorbell after school at around 4:00pm. Kids will be coming to the neighborhood, running and sweating because they have been walking to so many blocks in the neighborhood, carrying their heavy load of their goodies and treats that they have received from the neighborhood.

The police department will issue a bulletin telling all the neighborhood, if they will participate in giving treats to the children to turn on their porch light or the garage lights and have the security door open so that the children could come to the houses and ring the doorbells. The children has been advised in advanced from the school, that if they will be going to neighborhood and it is already dark, they have to be accompanied by an adult or their parents. Children are also being given in formations and lectures never to accept any open candies and those goodies that they think are already opened and seems to have been tampered with. Parents are also being asked to check the treats their children have received.

The children with an adult or their parents when going around the neighborhood and if its already dark, to carry flashlights and something to be reflective so the motorists could see them. The motorists are being asked to look after the children and not to drive fast. Likewise, the children has been advised thru the school that the Trick and Treating is only from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. At 7:00pm, the homes and houses will turn off their porch lights and garage lights to signal that this is the end of the Trick or Treating.

My neighbor from across my house is the favourite place to visit by the children. They have a big bell at the porch of their house and each children to receive the treat that they needed had to ring the bell hard so that the entire street block could hear it. It was a nice thing for the children to do. Another neighbor of mine is a dentist and instead of giving out candies and chocolates, he is giving away toothbrushes. Some gives out pencil or crayolas and coloring book. Whatever one might think will be liken by the children. I go for the traditional sweets of candies and chocolates.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, the celebration has ended, there are some teenagers that goes around the neighborhood with the traditional eggs that has to be thrown and shaving cream that they spray to their friends. It was a very nice and festive occasion. I love to see the children having fun.

Wish you have seen it.

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

WHY ARE THEY STILL HERE IN THIS COLD PLACE???

2008-10-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

This is the south fork of the Deerfield river that will join the Chicago River.

Dear Auntie Pattie Koh,

The sun finally showed up this afternoon and it was not so cold yet, so I went inside the forest preserve by the river and I saw all these geese. I cannot understand why they have not left and flown to some place warm in the Southern States. I guess even the fowls are confused with what is happening with the weather.

I was also confused about the weather in my place. October is supposed to be cold and windy, but the weather is changing and last week we have 70 degrees weather and some people are wearing their shorts to school and some office workers are eating their lunch at the park, not inside any deli or restaurant that they usually have their lunches.

It is so nice to watch all these geese in the water. They are also wondering around golf courses to eat some of the weeds and move around the parks and other places where they can lay their eggs. The geese are so used to people that even in the soccer filed they go marching during the play and everybody has to stop to let them pass. Nobody tries to harm them when they cross the street.

And so Auntie Pattie Koh, I was so relaxed this noon time when I was inside the forest preserve by the river just watching all the geese and the birds. The whole area is so quiet an so peaceful I wish you have been there!!

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THE COLORS OF FALL FROM INSIDE DEERFIELD FOREST PRESERVE

2008-10-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

This is the entrance to the forest preserve of Deerfield.

This is an old Maple tree that is showing three colors at a time.

This is the road side of the forest preserve that leads to the Deerfield river.

This is the interior of the preserve heading to the horse trail.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

This noon, I was passing by the forest preserve near my work and decided to take my lunch inside the preserve. There were only few cars inside the forest preserve. As I have counted it, there were at least 6 cars parked at the parking lot facing the Chicago River North fork of the Deerfield Forest Preserve.

This was a former Indian Reservation and it is still being kept by the Forest Preserve people in good order and shape. No trees are being cut and the animals are still left to roam around. It was so beautiful and the colors of fall is so bright and colorful.

I love the entire place. It was so colorful watching the leaves being blown by the wind and then it falls on the ground. It looks like every minute and every hour the leaves started to change its colors and starts to fall. It was so quiet in this place, very tranquil and so nice to do some meditation.

I was watching the flow of the river where I parked and so some geese floating in the water waiting for the weather to change so that they could fly south.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I had a nice lunch break and was able to do some meditation inside the forest preserve of Deerfield. I wish you had been there also.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

I LOVE THE FALL FLOWERS

2008-10-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I planted these mums last August to catch up blooming for fall. I prefer the white mums because they are not very gloomy to look at. There are plenty of colors to choose from but they are so dead colors for me.

I planted some of these mums in big pots infront of my house and at the steps so that it will brighten up the front step of the house. The problem is that there are so much flowers in one of the pots that is closer to the glass door of the house, and everytime we open up the glass door, somebody hits the flowers and the stems of the mums easily falls off. Anyway, I did not know that the flowers will bloom so much that it is about to explode from the pot.

I have planted some in the planter box by the oak tree. I did not plant much on this planter box flowers because the squirrel when they climb up the maple tree always steps on the flower beds especially the mums. Likewise, the jackrabbits also play in this planter box so I decided not to plant too much flowers on it. But at any rate, it has bloom so much flowers and I like it very much. In one side of the planter box, last year's mum came out again and I was really surprised about it. Not bad looking color side by side with the white mum.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, Fall has come and the big oak tree infront of the house has started changing its colors and the leaves has already fallen onto the ground. The hybernation starts and preparation for winter.

I hope I am prepared for the upcoming winter of snow.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THEY CAME, THEY SAW, THEY CONQUERED

2008-09-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

My two sons, Miki and Angelo chilling out at Boracay.

Aja, my eldest son's girlfriend and Miki, and my youngest son Angelo, enjoying their time of pampering at Boracay beach.

Miki and his girlfriend Aja and Angelo at the pool of the Manila Hotel.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

My two boys Miki and his girlfriend Aja and my youngest son, Angelo went for a visit to see their Grandparents and attend the wedding of their cousin last August. They have not seen their grandparents for nearly 10 years and were so excited to come home and meet the entire family.

Then they decided to go to Boracay and was truly amazed by the place. They said the sand is like talcum powder and wanted to return back 2010. I am very happy that my boys are so happy with their experiences when they went back home.

They have given plenty of memories to their grandparents and to themselves. Now they wanted to learn the language and the culture, including the intentions to return back every two years to feel the closeness of their cousins and aunts and the rest of the family. They have plenty of stories to tell and they told me it was such a wonderful visit that they don't want to leave.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I have made my two sons and the girlfriend a firm believer that closeness of family in the Philippines is not only part of the culture but inherent in the blood of each Filipinos.

Thank you for listening.

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THE TIMES OF MY LIFE

2008-09-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I was checking my crate with all the old pictures that I am about to put in a big crate bound for to the basement. I came across this picture, although the picture is not so good, it showed my parents with their grandchildren and great grand children 10 years ago. I can't believe it and it really brought back lots of memories.

This was taken during the 50th wedding anniversary of my parents. It was such a wonderful even in our lives cuz all of my siblings came home and we are all having the Times of Our Lives.

We are now preparing to come home in two years from now to celebrate the 60 th wedding anniversary of my parents. We cannot wait and we will make it. My parents is also looking forward to it. Lots of stories will be shared again, each family will be showing and presenting our children to our parents who are having a hard time remembering things. They will make it.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I myself cannot wait for this time to come. My parents are both getting old and this is the Time of Their Lives also that they see all their children and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Sincerely,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

DO THEY REALLY HAVE TO GROW UP??

2008-09-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I took these pictures of my two boys, and started asking myself if they really have to grow up so easily and move out of the house to be on their own.

I remember my two boys when they were still baby, I love cuddling them and walking them out of the house even the snow is waist deep. Both of them was born during winter and as they grow up, they are very at home with the snow and the cold weather.

My eldest son -- in the picture wearing his diaper is very playful and very nosy and investigative little boy when he was growing up. He always wants to explore things that he cannot fit into and wants to take chances and test even the outlets inside the house, so I have to seal it properly so that he won't be poking it with his baby finger and with any blunt instrument.

My youngest son -- wearing his OshKosh outfit always wants to be in the leading role of anything we do and anything him and his brother will do at the house. When Beta Max recorder just came out of the marker, we purchased one for their bedroom so that the two of them could watch all the cartoons they want to watch. He was the one who placed his mom's sleepers inside the machine and I returned it to the dealer because it was only a week old, but when it was opened up by the technician infront of me, the sleepers was removed and was presented to me. I have to pay for the repair, because the sleepers is not part of the warranty.

Those were the days. I cannot bring it back. The boys have grown up and is on their own. Time flies so fast and it is so hard to stop the clock.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, it is only myself and my wife and my dog Bombolino at the house. I cannot stop the boys from their plans in life. They are now venturing in their future, we -- as parents are just in the background to assists when needed.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

PLANTS IN MY BACKYARD I DON'T KNOW THE NAME

2008-09-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

This plant has been growing underneath the apple trees. I love the color, but I don't know the name.

This particular plant is at the very edge of the fence. This is just a portion of the many branches that is at my backyard.

This particular one at the front door of my house. it kept on growing, so I have to tie it. It is now more six feet tall and is still growing.

This particular one is growing besides the apple trees. The bees loves it very much.

This one just kept on growing at the east side of the property covering the wooden fence. The color of the flowers are so beautiful.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I am starting to cut some of the greens in my backyard because the cold season is coming. I don't want the plants to dry up for the winter and then the snow will hanging into it. For some reason, I don't want to let go of these flowers. They are so beautiful, especially during the peak of summer. The problem is --- I don't know the name of these flowers.

My dog Misty plot, where I buried her is covered with some of these plants. Some of them have climb and covered the apple trees at the backyard. During summer, the bees are hovering over these beautiful flowers and they are a sight to see.

My wife kept on telling me to cut all of them because it is clinging onto the walls of the property. I was telling her it is better that way so that the plant could at least give colors to the wooden fence that we have at the backyard. The apple trees are just one more problem during fall. The leaves are falling and there are so much of it, not to mention the fruits that is falling in the ground and nobody wants to pick and eat it.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I am blogging these beautiful plants because the cold season is up and about and the trees and other plants are changing its colors now. I love spring time and summer. There are plenty of flowers and bees. I wish you could be here to see it.

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

VISITED NEW YORK CITY...THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEP!!!

2008-09-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

JR, my wife's nephew and his wife Grace doing the ceremonial cake cutting.

Kevin, my nephew with his girlfriend Heather and Kristen my niece, with his boyfriend Mike.

My wife and I, in one of the banquet room for the wedding reception.

The wedding ceremony at the terrace of the banquet hall.

NYC's china town where we bought our siopao in the place where there are some buntings. The place is called MEI LA WEI. Very scary name for those who speaks Tagalog.

This is one of the many gardens within La Guardia Airport of New York. I took this from inside the restaurant where we are eating and waiting for out flight.

Every body knows this place. I took this from China town. Too many limousines in front of the building and on the side.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

My wife and I just arrived from New York City this evening. We attended my wife nephew's wedding. It was one hell of a wedding. There's 350 guest, and the food is too much to eat. It is so hard to choose what food one has to eat.

The bride was Chinese and my nephew, although not Chinese is looking like a Chinese also. The wedding ceremony was done in Chinese and English. The printed prayer book was also printed in Chinese and English. All of my nieces and nephew was jokingly telling me that the prayer book is like a menu in a Chinese restaurant. The ceremony is very solemn and very nice. Too much crying from the side of the bride.

After the ceremony, which was held on the same where the reception was held, we all went down for cocktails and finger foods/appetizers. Too much food to eat for appetizers. Then in the same place, we went to another ballroom for the formal lunch and dancing. The food is too much again and I don't know what to choose from. There is a place for children also complete with games and children's food. There is also a baby sitter looking after the children while the parents are dancing and having a good time.

And so, Aunti Patti Koh.... my wife and myself was able to unwind for the weekend. We were supposed to return back Mondy, but because there is this big hurricane in Texas, it has passed by Chicago and we are scared we might be stranded in NYC, so we return back the next day Sunday, after the wedding. We did not attend anymore the brunch and barbeque. I already had too much to eat, but we had a good time.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

I AM NOW A MEMBER OF THE PIRATES SQUAD

2008-09-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

My eye doctor had a ball withme this morning. He said right eye first and then the left one after six months.

Dear Auntie Pattie Koh,

I did not know that i have an eye problem that I inherited from both my parents. Every time i wake up in the morning, i wanted to scratch my eyes and soak it in water. I feel like I am under the water while my eyes is wide open.

I don't want to see my eye doctor and kept on procrastinating the visit and appointment, until one day, my wife just don't want to talk to me. Finally, I was able to ask her to tell me what is the matter and how come she does not want to talk to me, when it is only us and the dog in this big haunted house of ours.

She told me, she does not want to see me having so many medical problem. My wife was telling me, that it is only the two of us now since the two boys moved out -- we need to take care of each other. So finally, I cam to my senses and visited the eye doctor. And when the eye doctor examined my eyes last Thursday, he advised me immediately that the right eye has to be repaired. And so the surgery was done this morning at 8:25am and it was something that I was not expecting. The other eye has to be surgically corrected after six months from now.

And so Auntie Pattie Koh, I will be temporarily using this eye cover and patch until the eye doctor re-examined me to see if everything is okay.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH YEARLY RUMMAGE SALE

2008-08-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church . Highland Park, Illinois.

Rummage sale for mens department.

Rummage sale for housewares.

Rummage sale for womens and shoes department.

Rummage sale for teenager, women.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

This first weekend in September, is always the annual summer rummage sale of our parish. This is a big event for the parish because plenty of people comes including those coming all the way from the city of Chicago and other outlying city. We are one of the biggest and the help of the police is needed to conduct and direct the traffic.

The place is at the gym of the parish and it is a huge place and the entire area is devoted to the items that has to be sold and dispose of. My family is in-charge of the men's wear and my wife is in-charge of women's shoes and hand bags and purses.

Surprising, people of all walks of life comes to this yearly rummage sale, because not all of the item that is on sale is dirty and used. Contrary to others way of thinking that rummage sale is always old clothes and smelly and dirty, this ones are not .

In the adjoining room of the gym are individual classrooms that are designated to hold and sell Women's High Fashion Clothes, there is a room devoted for Jewelries and Notions, there is a room for Computers and Nintendo and Electronic games, there is a room for Children Books, and Children Clothes, we also have a room for Books and Reading Materials. The entire parking lot at the back of the church is devoted to Furniture and other big items. Last year we have a running speed boat that was donated and sold by the church. This year we have car that is running and in good condition.We made good last year and hoping to top the earnings last year for this year's funding for the church.

One cannot imagine what people will donate to the church. There are complete sets of china for servings for 8 people. There are endless microwave and beddings, including kitchen stuffs that is still in the box with their tag prize on it that is beautiful and clean. Silver wares are tops. I bought last year some silver wares and it is very good condition.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, the time of this rummage sale comes again. Lots of parishioners have volunteered their time, including my entire family, almost every year to take care of the men's wear department and footwear for women's. I hope we make good profit this year. Our church needs more money to keep it going.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

MY LOVE AND YEARNINGS FOR CHERRIES

2008-08-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

My back door neighbor has a cherry tree and I have three apple trees at my back yard. We are trying to compete with each other when it comes to the fruits of our trees. I was talking to her this morning and was asking her why has she not harvested yet the cherries. She was telling me that even the cherries is already red, it does not mean to say it needs to be harvested. She said the cherries has to be harvested by the end of August. She said to me also, that just like me I will not harvest my apples even it's already red, because the harvest season for the apples are late September.

When I went to Vancouver BC before my surgery, I took the flight via Seattle, Washington and boarded the bus going to Vancouver BC. The landscape was so beautiful and when I left the boundary of USA in Tualip, Washington, there I saw the many cherry plantation along the route and of course the most sought after Washington apples.

When I arrived in Vancouver Bc, and stayed at my uncle's house in Surrey, BC, my cousin took me around the neighboring plantations and showed me the large tract of lands that is solely devoted to cherry plantation. Majority of the plantation in the environs of Brisith Columbia is owned by Indians from India. The fruits are not yet ready for picking and I was told it will be harvested starting August. I was told also that half of the produce goes to the United States.

This morning I went to the grocery and yes, there is an abundance of cherries on sale which was formerly $3.99 a pound but now it is on sale for $1.09 a pound. My friend at the wholesale grocery where I go said if I wait for another week, the price will go down to $0.99 a pound. I cannot wait, I love cherries very much.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I have hoarded cherries in my fridge and my two sons who went home to the Phils. yesterday, took with them a case of cherries for their grandparents and cousins. Did you know also that cherries is good for those who have kidney stone problem and for those who are having a hard time moving their vowels, this fruit is good to eat.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS!!!

2008-08-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

My favorite things from the corner French Pastry Shop in my neighborhood. When I had surgery, my friends brought to the hospital these goodies which they know I love very much.

Top to right.....raspberry tart, then in middle mango tart, then raspberry tart

Down left to right .....cluster of Jonathan apple tart and in the center is peach tart.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I still have the gift certificate given by a friend of mine last week and since I am now required by my Physical Therapist to go out and walk as far as I can, I decided to take a walk during noon time with my dog Bombo towards the downtown area of my place which is only a block away from my house.

It was a very humid and warm day. The weatherman said this will be going on for the whole week and the air conditioner in the house is blasting.

So I went walking with my dog to the french pastry shop. I have to leave my dog outside by the door of the shop and walk thru. There were arrays of sweet things that is really making me swirl. I have diabetes type II bu i can eat sweet in moderation since I am not taking insulin. These pastry shop is just right because their sweet things are not very sweet. I was given some item to taste and if I am not ashame, I will eat the entire sample plate.

I saw the mango tart immediately and pointed it to the baker, then the rest is history. There are lots of strawberry tart but I cannot eat strawberry. It has lots of uric acid in it and will not make me walk. I will have a gout attack.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, my craving for sweets for today has been solved. I am worried if I don't watch my appetite I will gain weight. I am still on medical leave of absence because I am still undergoing therapy for four weeks, three times a week at the physical therapy department of the hospital near my house.

I wish you are here to share the Sweet things with me.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

I COULD HAVE DANCE ALL NIGHT!!!

2008-07-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

My Niece and Nephews who attended the wedding reception. Christine and Kevin, on the right , are brothers and sisters. Noel is their first cousin from Sacramento, California.

My charlies angels. My wife in the middle with pinkish blouse and the rest are all sisters and sister in laws.

My nephew Drichmon, leading the the line dance on the dance floor.

My wife trying to support me because I am not holding my cain with me and standing infront of the camera for a long time. I am still hurting from my surgery last 01 July'08.

My wife with her nephew Noel who is always present to any family gatherings, even if he needs to fly from Sacramento, California where he works as a Physical Therapy in their family business enterprise.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Last Saturday 28th of July, I ventured for the first time outside the house using my cain. I have to attend my wife's niece wedding that we have already promised that we will be attending. We cannot absent ourselves because my two sons cannot attend it. They have their own occasion to attend.

I did not informed my nurse and physical therapy that I will be attending, but I think the physical therapist can sense that I will be attending the party. She told me that in case I will be attending the party, I have to bring my walker and cain with me, and I need to stand up from where I sit every one hour so that the muscle on the left hip where I had the surgery will not be stiff. So off I went to attend the party.

I was so jealous because everybody is dancing while I just sit and watch all of them having a good time and some are already wasted and drunk because there was an open bar. There were lots of line dancing and other funky music and dancing of the younger ones, that I really cannot relate into. There lots of ball room dancing that I really wanted to involve myself but I am imprisoned temporarily with this walker and cain. I stood up at the dance floor holding my cain and just watch people dance. My wife nearly had a heart attack because she was worried I might start dancing. She escorted me back to our dinner table.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I could have dance all night if I don't have these contraptions with me. Maybe next time, when all is well and my body is well.

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

WHAT I DID LAST WINTER

2008-07-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

My clinical instructor with one of the patient and with one of my classmate. She is an Indian/British nationality who was born in South Africa and speaks more than five languages. Very intelligent and A good clinical instructor.

My two classmates. The one with the eyeglasses has lived in the Philippines for more than five years. Her family lives in Quezon City at Scout Delgado. She graduated from Faith Academy in Cainta,Rizal.

This is my whole class. Nobody wants to enroll anymore in allied sciences and the school will not allow more than 13 students per class, if there are students enrolling. I was the only male in the class and I love the attention. The lady on my left is always seated besides me in class. We are the two senior in the class.

I love this picture very much. This classmate of mine studied CNA for her mother. She wants to take care of her own mother herslef. Isn't that nice.

The nice pretty young girl besides me is the youngest in our class and in the entire college that graduated for that semester. 17 years of age and the darling of the class.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Before my surgery last July 2008, I went back to school last winter of 2008. I was not able to download the pictures because I lost the camera. I just found it today, when I was not looking for it.

Since i retired from the airline business for 14 years, my eldest son told me I will just be bored at home doing nothing and advised me to do something. So, I looked for a part time job close to home and something that will interst me. I found one, took the exams and passed the exams, got qualified and now working and taking care of the mentally handicap. During the time that I have been working for these "Twice Blest", it hit me to further understand them and learn more in a clinical way to take care of them, so I enrolled at College of Lake County in Gurnee, Illinois. It was a 30 mins drive from home, depending on weather (since I enrolled during winter time).

I enrolled as a Nursing Assistant and graduated last May 2008. I got my certificate and now a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

I thought I won't make it because of my age and the schooling and the study is too much. I am at school from 5:00 pm till 10:00 pm from Mondays to Fridays. It was very comprehensive. We are only allowed to be absent for one day by the school. We cannot be absent more than the required days/hours by the government or else we will be removed from the program.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I am sharing you this picture and by the time you are looking at it and reading it, I will be in my physical theraphy for another four week s and will be back at work, by October the first,taking care of the mentally handicap, using what I learn from school.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

IT STILL HURTS

2008-07-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I will see my surgeon this 30th of July to see if the surgery is alright and if there is no further problem or complications.

While trying to let the hours and day pass, especially now that I am all alone, when the Physical Therapist and Nurse leaves the house after their daily routine check on me, I am again alone. I do some small things and light chores in the house if I am already bored of reading and watching the TV and pounding the computer. I decided to clear some of the files that I have in the filing cabinet inside the computer room/den in the house.

I tried to discard some of the file that has been inside the filing cabinet for ages, but not the income tax returns. I always keep it even it's already ten years old. One can never tell about the IRS of this country. So I pulled out some of the folder that is no longer used, then I saw a particular folder that does not have any title on it. I opened the folder and it was the death certificate of my kid brother who died two years ago. It brought memories again, when I was with him during the time he was having his chemo therapy at Manila Doctors Hospital. It was a sight that I don't want to go back to plus the sound of my kid brother crying and asking the doctor to stop. It was a dreadful event to recall and remember.

I placed the Death Certificate in another folder again and place it in the active files that I have. I don't want to throw it away. I guess I still want to cling on to the memories, even if it was so hard and painful. I cried in my room, me being all by myself made it more hard and painful. My dog was staring at me and most probably wondering what is happening with me.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I think I am still mourning. The death of my brother still brings back memories that is not nice to remember. At least he is at peace now and no more pains and aches.

Requiem Aeternam Donaes Domine, Philip.

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

I HAVE A VERY GOOD DOG

2008-07-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Now that I am always left alone at the house the whole day, during my recovery, life could be boring after watching TV, Cable, using the computer, reading a book. The Physical Therapist and the nurse just left awhile ago. They will continue coming to the house to check on me until the end of the month. As soon as they leave, I am all by myself.

I have a two year old dog, named Bombolino, who is always at my side. He is a mix Shitzu and Maltese. Two years old just last month and very a good dog. He will stay inside my room the whole day and night, will lie on the floor when I sit down on the chair to watch TV and will be on the floor if I am in the computer room. He is on the floor right now, while I am in the computer. He will only go down stairs at the basement to eat and relieve himself on the newspaper that is on the floor.

If I look at him and talk to him while I am seated either on the bed or on my special chair, he will stand up on my lap and kiss my hands and put his head on my lap. Then he will lie down on the floor and spread his tummy and asked to be scratched. Since I cannot bed down, I am using my scratcher or sometimes my cain to rub and scratch his tummy. I have a very obedient and very loving dog. I cannot ask for more.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I see to it that the love my dog is giving, I also give it to him in return. I cannot find any more loving animal than my Bombolino.

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THE LONELINESS OF BEING ALONE AT THE HOUSE

2008-07-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I am still doing my therapy at home and I was told that this is a long process of recovery. My wife has returned back to work since I can now move inside the house with the aid of my walker and cain and the Physical Therapist comes daily and the nurse to check on me.

But when they are all gone, I am left all by myself in house with my dog. I cannot watch TV and cable the whole day. I try to read books but at times it is so boring also. I need to do something but I was advised by the nurse and the Physical Therapist that I still have limited movements even at home until the surgeon gives me a clearance.

It is so hard to undergo this Hip Replacement Surgery. All of my movements during the recovery are as if being measured. I can only go down the stairs with my therapist because she straps me with a Gait Belt just in case. In the absence of my therapist, I have to call my son to assists me in going down the stairs and be able to sit at the veranda of the house to see some movements outside. I cannot sit in a chair more than two hours without standing up and moving a little bit. My hips has to be exercised.

Now I am all by myself inside the house, I have to wait for my wife to come home and help me go downstairs. I don't want to venture on my own because I have a nightmare one night that I have fallen on the stairs and my hip got hit badly. I was awaken by my wife sweating and screaming. That was a very horrible nightmare. This is the reason I am having a hard time going down the stairs because that night mare is still in my mind.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I take consolation in my computer at home.In time I am sure, all be well again and I will be active and will be able to move around without the aid of my walker or cain.

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THE AFTERMATH OF HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY

2008-07-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Pattie Koh,

Finally, the dreaded hip replacement surgery was done last 01Jul.'08 and it was very painful. I had the Epidural anesthesia, instead of the General Anesthesia last Nov. when I had the Umbilical Hernia Repair. The anesthesiologist said it is better because the General Anesthesia has lots of side effects.

I stayed at the hospital for four days and decided to stay at my house and do the rehab, using my own bed instead of going to a nursing home rehab center. I really prefer my own bed. The nurse comes to the house everyday and the physical therapist to check of me. The nurse gest sample of my blood to see if my blood is thickening . The surgeon is very particular about it, because when the blood thickens he says I might have internal bleeding and it might enter my lungs and it will be very dangerous. The physical therapist do the regimentary exercises to strengthen my left hip, where I had the surgery.

I am now all by myself art the house. I told my wife to go to her office, since she has been taking care of me for the last two weeks and a half. She needed some break and change of atmosphere also. The post operative was very hard on me. Even if I have taken the pain killer, it is so painful, especially at night. I cannot sleep properly because my best position in bed is in the left lateral position, but that is where I had the surgery. My dog keeps me company when I am left at home, but the stillness and the quietness is so deafening. I cannot watch TV and movies all of the time, much more so read all of the time. I fell sleepy after I have taken the pain killer.

Now, I can move inside the house with the aid of the walker and the cain. I am religiously following the regimental exercises that has been given to me. I want to get well soon. I am still wearing the TED hose, to prevent blood clot in my legs. The nurse said the surgeon will ask me to remove it, maybe by the end of this month.

In the stillness of the house, I have all the time to reflect on so many things. I tried to go down and be able to see the front lawn of my house, which is now being taken cared of by my brother in law. It is so hard to go down stairs. We have 16 steps and the last four steps going up does not have any railing. This is the hardest part and the therapist was telling me to take some baby steps on these particular steps. But still I dare not come downstairs if I am by myself. I either call my eldest son to stop by and help me go down stairs or wait for my wife. They have to strap me the Gait Belt, in case I slip, they have something to cling on to support me and stop my fall.

I tell you, Auntie Pattie Koh, I now feel what it is to be handicap. I hope I get well soon and be able to move around easily just like before.

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

THE GOOD SAMARITANS

2008-02-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Aunti Patti Koh,

Last Monday,11Feb.'08, we were dismissed early from schoo because of the winter storm. The weather is so bad, and it was so hard to drive and see the road. The snow was falling and the road was so bad because it has not been salted and plowed by the city yet. I had a hard time driving along the route I always take to get home.

My school is at least a good 45 minutes drive in good weather and good rod. But today, it is taking me forever. There's lots of accident on the road that I have passed by. Cars are on the ditches or just gets stalled on the road, waiting for assistance. You can see the driver of the road in their cell phone most probably calling for help or assistance.

I have been driving for at least 20 minutes, around 20 miles already, when I noticed that the dash board of my car is showing red lights on different symbols of the car. I was praying that if anything will happen to my car, I wish and hope I will reach my house first, because it was so cold and the storm is really doing its best. Snow is hampering all the movements of the cars on the road, and to top it all it is already 9:45 Pm and I am still far away from my house.

Then the inevitable thing happened. My car stopped right ar the corner of Martin Luther King Road and Washington St, underneath the stop light. The entire engine just went dead and there is nothing except the faint blinking of my emergency light. It was good there is not much traffic on the road because of the weather, and there is the BP gas station across from where I parked. I went to the gas station and asked the gas attendant if they have a towing truck that could tow my car to my house. She gave me instead a number to call, which I did.

The tow company was very nice and very polite. I know that when there is bad weather, and there's lots of stranded cars on the road, these towers have an attitude problem. This guy who answered the phone told me he is his way home because nobody is calling him for service. Then he said, his shop is only 10mins away from where my car is standing. I was very happy. My adrenaline was really pumping. The driver told me he has a flatbed truck to haul my SUV. He said he prefer cash, so I told him I will pay him in cash if he will stop by any bank and I can use the 24 hour ATM machine. It was then agreed upon, that I have to pay the towing company US$90.00, so the truck came and the driver is very nice and very polite.

During the time while I was waiting for the towing company to arrive, while I was standing infront of my car, in a blurry night of snow, there was this man who stopped and asked me if I need help and was offering his cell phone for me to use. I politely thanked him and told him a tow truck is on its way and I waved at him. Then after a few seconds, another car stopped infron of me and there was these elderly couple in the car asking me if I needed help and I politely responded that there is a tow truck on its way and thanked both of them for the offer of help. Then Dominos Pizza deliver car stopped infront of my car and the delivery guy asked if I needed help. Again, I politely advised him what is happening and waved at him goodbye.

Then the tow truck came.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I cannot believe that there are these Good Samaritans who have stopped for me, and I cannot believe that it happened in a place that is not that good of a neighborhood, in the aread called North Chicago. There's still lots of good people out there, no matter what you say and stories you hear about this particular place. Maybe I did something good, that is the reason I received something good also in return.

Sincerely Yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

KABABAYAN: YOU STILL WANT TO COME TO AMERICA?

2008-02-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

This is the 2nd winter storm for this 2nd week in February '08.

I took this picture at 2:30pm 06 Feb. 08 from my back door while the storm is on going.

I took this picture also the same day and time from my front door while the storm is on going and the blare of the storm signal remindering to residents to be prepared for the worst to come.

This is my back yard and my apple trees. I was able to snow blow some of the snow so that I could get out of my parking tomorrow morning. After I have snow plowed the back yard, an hour later four more inches of snow has fallen so I just went inside my house and warm myself.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Yes, this is the second storm for this opening weeks of the months of February. According to the weather man, there will be another one coming this weekend. I have already asked a private contractor to plow my driveway and my backyard because my snow plow cannot do the job anymore.

I was on my way to my hospital clinical in school, when the Head Nurse of the hospital, who is my instructor called my celfon and told me that she has cancelled the clinical and she has already informed all of my nine calssmates also not to come. The road was so bad and it was so hard to see the road. The snow plow cannot plow the road and salt the road completely because there are still lots of traffic on the road. Hopefully as the night progresses and the cars are all indoors, hopefully, the road will be cleared by tomorrow and will be more cleared of snow.

It was a very bad snow storm. My wife called me at home and told me their work was also cancelled and she is now on the flat form of the elevated train waiting for the delayed train. She was telling me there were lots of people at the train station waiting for the train to come. I told her to keep her celfon easy to reach at all times incase I need to call and check on her.

I got stuck on the side road infront of my house and the driveway was so heavily laden with snow that I need to shovel under the wheels of the car even my back is aching. I have no choice or else I will be blocking the side streets and will disturb the snow plow when it comes. Finally I was able to move my car with the help of the four wheel drive and the winter drive in my SUV.

After listening to the storm warning, I went to my basement and check if there are some bottled drinking water,candles and flashlights and new batteries, blankets and charger for the celfons and food. We have lots of canned goods at the basement and plenty of fresh apples and oranges that I have stored last week. Fresh fruits in the states during winter time is coming from South America. I have check my dog food also and my dog Bombo's food is okey. He still have still two big bags that will last for another three weeks for him.

And so, Auntie Patti Koh, I cannot understand why lots of our Kababayans still wants to come to America. Life is so hard during winter time in here. No matter how hard the road with snow, life has to go on and we still have to go to work.

Sincerely yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

ANOTHER WINTER STORM

2008-02-03T18:18:00.000-08:00

Last Friday 01 February 2008, we were hit by winter storm. My back porch with the pile of snow.

My back porch overlooking my neighbor's garage.

My SUV, partially buried in snow, because I already scraped some of it in order to get to work and sschool.

My barbeque grill that I was not able to cover properly. I cannot use it anymore for summer.

My son who is in college which is 3 hours drive from home, left his car. I don't have time to scrape the snow.

My front yard. The evergreeens still have the Christmas lights attached to it. Now I cannot remove it until springtime.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

We were hit by a terrible snow storm last Friday. It was very bad and lots of schools were closed because it was so hard to travel. I have to force myself to work because I have no choice. Nobody will take care of my patients in the Assisted Living that I am working. Even if it was only ten minutes drive from home.... the drive was terrible. I have to leave the house at 5:30 AM and the snow plows have just started to clean and salt the streets. The driving was so dangerous. My work place is also covered with at least 6 inches of snow and the maintenance crew will be coming at 9:30 AM to plow the snow.

Going to school in the evening is dangerous too. Lots of cars are driving at a very slow pace. The road is really bad and the snow plows cannot clean the snow and salt it, because there are still lots of cars. There were lots of fender bender and accidents on the road. We were sent home early. Instead of leaving the school at 10Pm, we were ordered to go home at 8:30PM. On my way home, the highway that I am taking was closed because there was an accident of 7 cars pile up. The snow was blowing and it is hard to see. It took me a good 1:30minutes to get home on a usual 30 minutes drive from school to home. The road was so dangerous and when the snow is blowing, I could hardly see anything.

The weather man said this Wednesday, another storm is brewing and people are being asked to prepare for it.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, this is our life in the States. Plenty of snow for Halo-Halo.

Sincerely yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

ANOTHER TURN OF EVENT IN MY LIFE

2008-01-26T19:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I have retired last year working from a major airline in Chicago in their call center. I am not yet that old, nor am I on the retirement age. But I have seen the writings on the wall, and so I retired early. A week after I have retired, my department was transferred to India and to the Philippines.

I was getting bored at home, doing nothing. I was always at the library, because reading is my passion. Then one day, my eldest son came home and we talked and he told me that I need to go and find another job or any field of work that is not full time. Last summer, I found a job -- working for the mentally handicapped.

It was a very challenging work. We have to go on a very extensive three months training and I made the training. I am now certified to work for the mentally handicapped and my name is now in the list with the (OIG) Office of the Inspector General for the State of Illinois.

Then, I have decided to go further and study the first step in the field of Nursing. So, I took the (CNA) Certified Nursing Assistant class at College of Lake County, in Illinois. I have done the the classroom instructions and now doing my clinical in one of the accredited caring institution of the College.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I am sharing you some pictures of me and some of my classmates in clinical. We all do the clinical from 5:00 PM till 10:00 PM three times a week. I love it and I find it very challenging. I hope I make it. I will be taking the government exams this 18April, 2009.

Wish me luck.

Sincerely yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

WHY ARE FAMILY GATHERINGS IMPORTANT

2008-01-26T18:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

We just had a wedding in the family from my wife's side. It was a very nice event and it brought relatives from different part of the states including those from Canada. There are also relatives from the Philippines who came just to attend the affair.

The younger ones in the pictures are my nieces and nephews and the rest is self explanatory. After the wedding, we were asking my eldest son when will be his turn, but he just told us he is not yet prepared for it, nor his girlfriend. I did not pursue the conversation of marriage because my wife is already giving me a look.

We did a lot of dancing and eating and drinking, but I don't drink. I am not fond of alcohol, not even beer. My wife is encouraging me to take a beer or two or a glass of wine, but for some reason, I am not interested in those kind of drink or vice. I don't even smoke and it does not bother me looking at people having a grand time of their lives, getting drunk and smoking like chimneys.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, another family gathering was just concluded and we are all talking about when can we see each other again. I guess, when my eldest son decided he wants to get married.

Sincerely yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

A GOOD LADY

2008-01-06T19:13:00.001-08:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

How do you like the new look of my blog. This was made exclusively for me by my God Daughter. I have already volunteered to be this lady's God father if she gets married, me and my wife will be the sponsors.

Very nice girl, very hard working and one thing that really touched me and my wife about this lady is her heart of gold towards her mother. She has crossed all the hardship in life to the point at times she has forgotten herself and have put her mother ahead of everything in her life.

You wont find anymore loving daughter like her. I kept on telling her at times not to be hard on herself and try to give herself some time to be a part of another person's life who will give her the love that she needed and the care and understanding that she needs in life.

Every time we attend mass, my wife and I always invoke her name. In fact we have enrolled her name in the perpetual adorations and prayers of the Society if the Divine Word (SVD) and the Holy Spirit Sisters. I was once a novice of the SVD and we have a group called PAX, who are former members of the SVD society. We have agape once a month with a mass being said by a priest friend of ours or any SVD priest from the Phils. who come to Chicago for a visit. During the time of remembering people close to our heart, I always mention the name of this God daughter of mine and always pray that she find peace and happines in her life.

I hope my God daughter will find in her heart the Love and Peace that she is looking for.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, be happy also that I have been given a face lift in my blog.

Sincerely Yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

RETURN OF LOST BLOGGER AND THE COMING OF A NEW YEAR

2008-01-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Auntie Pattie Koh,

I have been away for a long time. My computer had a problem, and I was so busy with school and my new job. School is exciting, even at my age. Likewise, at the start, I felt embarrass, because there's only two of us who is of rightful age of being called Dads by our classmates, because I am in the Nursing Program.

Anyway, the school and the Clinical work, plus the work that I do, makes me very busy and accumulates all of my time. Now that it is winter break, my classes starts on 22 of Jan '08, I tried to visit some of the blogs that I like very much and see what they are doing. I have been away for a long time and there are plenty of f progress and developments in the blog world.

My eldest son is so serious with his girlfriend and they are living together but won't marry. Both of them are telling me that they are still young and not yet ready. I jokingly said to my son, I might not see my grand baby from him and he got upset with and said to me that he will not allow me to die.

My youngest son, is still the same. Still a brat and spoiled by his mom. He has his own apartment near his school. My wife and I are now all by ourselves at the house and my dog Bombo.

I hope you had a nice year and more challenging for this 2008.

Sincerely Yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

I FIND MY NEW JOB EXCITING

2007-07-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Sorry, I don't visit you very often nowadays, because I am busy with schooling and doing my new job. I find it very fulfilling and very challenging.

Yesterday, Sunday, I was off from work and there is an ongoing summer fair in my town and I saw one of my patient who is active and can fend for himself, at the fair ground. I asked him if he wanted something to eat and he told me that he has already eaten and just wanted some ice cone. So I treated him for an ice cone.

I was watching him from a distance and see if there will be some problem, in case anybody mess up with him. I always carry my ID with me where I work and the certificate that I am authorized to look after these type of person.

They are God's Twice Blest and for me, there is nothing like being a champion for these God's creatures who cannot speak for themselves and are very innocent and pure in their minds and in their thinking. They are mentally impaired, but some of them has the ability to move around, express themselves and even work and earn money as normal human being, but of course with supervision.

As I watch my ward from a distance, he was standing in front of the stage where there is a live band playing and there are people dancing. He was also dancing and clapping with the rhythm of the music and the singing. I was with my wife and asked her to look from the distance my patient. He so innocent and I am so overprotective of him.

When the band said they will be singing their last song, my patient approached me and said he will just walk by himself to his home. He said I am off today and he does not want to disturb him. He walked back to his home to join some of his friends like him, Twice Blest, but he does not know that I was following him in my car with my wife from a distance.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, my deeds for today looking for that young man that is mentally impaired, has done its course. I felt great inside me and I felt happy that I am part of their daily lives, from Mondays to Saturdays of the week and I look forward in being part of their lives, as long as I have the ability and the strength to do so.

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

NEW CHALLENGES OF MY LIFE

2007-07-15T13:24:00.001-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

So sorry for the long absence. I miss you too!
I was so busy because after an early retirement from my airline job, I was so bored at home and will just get bigger and bigger everyday because my only relaxation at home is to cook and eat and cook and eat. My wife is complaining about it because it was only the two of us now at home. It is so lonely at times. The two boys have decided to be on their own. My eldest son is now living with his girlfriend and will still not get married, so they say until they are both 29 years old.

I was at the park one time and was watching a group of people that walk into the park. They are the Twice Blest in our society, because they are adults but they are like little kids. These are the mentally handicap and they were being looked after by an individual, whom at first I thought was the warden in a prison cell. I happen to catch her look and she smiled at me. I talked to her while we are both watching these people, she calls Consumers, play at the park.

We talk for a long time and she explained to me what she does and how she takes care of these Special People of God. She told me how she started and how she got her certification to take care of these Consumers. I was so enthralled with her story, so I asked her if I can watch their workshop. It is like a school. I was told, I have to volunteer in order for me to watch them. So I did.

After weeks of volunteering, I am now part of the people, or what they call (DSP) Direct Service Personnel and have undergone the trainings required, including the (CPI) Crisis Prevention Intervention, not to mention other certifications needed, including MedsPass. The training was hard, it was very rewarding. I am now listed as a DSP for the state of Illinois, caring and looking after the Mentally Handicap.

I went back to school, to top it all. I want to learn more and understand the need for this type of profession. So I enrolled to study LPN( License Practical Nurse). The College of Lake County checked my credentials including my TOEFL score. Since I have already two Bachelors Degree and also studied Respiratory Therapy as an undergraduate, all of the pre-requisites have been met and so I only have one semester left and could take the licensure next year, when I graduate this winter.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I now work for a foundation that looks after the mentally impaired and still go to school. I am assigned in a house that has total of five (5) Consumers. I was given a nice work hours so I can still go to school. I work from Mondays to Fridays, from 6:00 am to 12noon. On my first week, I kept on crying and cannot understand the sad state of life of these people. But now, with patience and understanding, I am now adjusted with the work and became closer to these Twice Blest children of God. I told my two boys how lucky they are and gave them a brief history of these people that I am looking after.

I love my work and it is very rewarding Auntie. I hope you are here to see and watch me care for these Special Children of God.

Sincrely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

IT IS NOW OFFICIALLY SUMMER

2007-06-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

It is now officially summer in the United States. There are now lots of activities that is happening all over the place and the cities. There are also fireworks now on sale at the highway stores. We have to travel to another state like Indiana to buy the fireworks because it is illegal in the state of Illinois.

It is hot and humid for the past two days and today alone the weather is really hot and humid. I left the air conditioner in the house working while I am on my way to pick up my wife at the train station. It is so humid inside the house by the time we return. The sun is directly shinning at the west side of the house and the entire three bedrooms on the west side of the house is being baked by the sun, so we have to cool it off with the air con. I did not installed central air because I have plants in my living room and the front room that I don't want to die. So the bedrooms and the living room including the kitchen has its own independent airconditoner.

Watermelon and all the fruits are in season. Yesterday, I went to a farmer's flea market and bought some blueberries and cherries. Very good and very sweet. The sweet corns are also in abundance. I love the mangoes that comes from Mexico. The Tilapia fish are also on sale and yes, summer grilling is here.

The start of the Taste Of Chicago starts today and will end on the eve of July Fourth with all the fireworks. Downtown Chicago is busy with all their summer programs and the beach are all crowded with people of all walks of life and women who wanted to show off their figures and men who wanted to show off also how their body is well curved and maintained.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, summer has come and of course with this are lots of activities. I love summer and the many bountiful harvest of summer fruits it brings.

I wish you were here.

Sincerely yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

CELEBRATING OUR 28TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

2007-06-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

ST. JEROME CATHOLIC CHURCH in HIGHWOOD ILLINOIS.

Dear Auntie Pattie Koh,

Today, June 10,2007.... we are celebrating our 28Th wedding anniversary. I still remember the time when we got married, it was a hazy June afternoon. There was a slight drizzle on the ground, and my sister in laws back yard was a little bit wet. This is where we will have our simple and mostly family and friends cocktail reception.

We got married at St. Jerome Catholic church, which is just across from out house that we have lived for 28 years now. It was a very nice church, predominantly Italian parishioners. I did the floral arrangements inside the church and prepare also some of the finger food that we will serve. We did not use the the traditional wedding cake that has layers of it with the statue of a newly wed on top of the last layer. What we ordered is just a flat cake, but big (I cannot remember the size) from a Swedish pastry shop. We asked the pastry shop to cover the entire cake with all the fruits in season and cover it with crystal jello. It was a beautiful cake.

It was a wedding with a celebrated mass, and only attended by family and friends. We have only total of 65 people that was invited and it was a very nice and simple wedding. We wanted it to be simple. I was wearing the typical Barong Tagalog and my wife was wearing a simple white dress that her sister made for her. When the priest gave his final blessing, he asked me to kiss the bride. I forgot that I was still wearing the microphone in my lapel and I whispered to my wife: "Honey, I forgot to brush my teeth". When we turned our back to the crowd, they were all laughing. They heard what I have whispered to my wife because of the microphone in my lapel.

We had hot finger foods and cold as well. There was champagne and wine and desserts. We had the reception till 7pm and then we head for out honeymoon at the Playboy Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The Playboy is still a big enterprise during that time, and my sister in law has a time sharing condominium at their resort. It was a beautiful resort, but after 2 days, I we both got bored and called our relatives to join us at the bungalow.

Today, we had a simple dinner with only relatives. We just finished the dinner of grilled pork loin, beef medallions with red and yellow peppers with Spanish onions sauteed in olive oil with a dash of red wine, mash potatoes, goats cheese in red tomatoes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, crab in mung beans stir fried in garlic and young ginger with aromatic soya sauce, vegetable egg roll, rye and wheat bread with garlic butter spread on it and dessert of fresh melon and cake. We ate a lot and the relatives was able to bring home lots of left over. We parted ways at 8pm because everybody has to wake up early for the work.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I look back at those moments in time when we were not yet married. Some of my wife's relatives even tried to reminisce the wedding 28 years back and our first baby. It was a time to replay back in our minds those happy times and challenges that we have encountered for the past 28 years of our life. We wish you have been here also to share the happy times with us.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

HIGHLAND PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY

2007-06-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Pattie Koh,

I was at the library this afternoon after work. I only work from 6am to 12 noon, so I have all the time in the afternoon to check out books and movies at the library.

I find my library very appealing to the type of work that I do and the researches that I am doing. They have so far all the books that I needed and if they don't have it, there is what you call the inter-library loan. They will email some of the library in the North Shore area where I live, then if any library in the district or area has the book that I am looking for, it will sent to my library and I can have it. The rules is the same as my library.

I was looking for some books about retardation and there is one that I am very much interested but it belongs to another library in the district. It has been borrowed by my library and I have it now. There are lots of DVD movies also that one can borrow from my library and CD's also. I was surprised that there were lots of Mexicans using the computer. I just don't know what they are looking for. I have borrowed two movies. Members are allowed to borrow two new movies and two educational movies and two more movies that is not listed as new titles.

One has to be careful for the delay in the movies. The late fees is $2.00 oer movies/daily. I think I have two titles that I have overlooked and I am sure when I check out something tomorrow, I will be charge.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, we pay additional taxes for these services that we get from our town, and I will not complain about it. It benefits the community and there are lots of students who also benefits from the services of the library. I have no complain.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

IT'S SO NICE TO HAVE MY TWO BOYS HOME

2007-06-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Resting after eating too much!

The start of the marathon eating.

Grilling at theback yard, near the apple trees.

Dear Auntie Pattie koh,

Today... Sunday morning, out of the blue - - early in the morning, my eldest son called me up and said he will come to the house with his girlfriend and his brother also with his friend. So hurriedly, my wife and I have to go to the grocery and buy some steak for grilling. My two boys are very carnivorous.

I immediately prepared the grill and moved the grill under the apple tree and see to it that there is still gas in the LPG tank. It was like I am going to have a big party with celebrities. But it is not that kind of a thing.

My two boys is coming and that is enough for me to get excited and become so nervous in the preparations for the backyard cookout and the lunch at the house. So the two arrived, in tow with their cousins and their respective friends and the backyard became alive with all the laughter and jokes and pushing and shoving.

I was so happy and so does my wife. The house is filled with laughter again and the noise. Even our dog Bombo is so excited and kept on running and greeting everybody including my two sons. They had fun and all of us where so exited in hearing some news and adventures of each boys including their cousins. It was as if I have not seen them for years including my nieces and nephews. But I was just excited because I don't see my boys very often much more so with the gatherings of their cousins.

Past noon time, the rain started to fall so I asked my eldest son to do the eating inside the house after he is done grilling. So we went inside, in tow the big platter of sweet corn, with green salad and my eldest son likes the tomatoes and cucumber salad, so we have to prepare it also. They have flank steak and skirt steak and Italian sausage with grilled onions and grilled red and green pepper in seasoned salt. Lots of bread, no rice because during summer time these boys prefer to eat bread instead of rice.

The table was bursting with laughter and joke. They tried to pick on each other and make jokes that I really cannot understand what they are talking about. But the most important thing ---- my two boys are home and their cour sins. All of them are having fun.

And so Auntie Pattie Koh, I was so happy that my boys paid me a visit, but at 3:30Pm, everybody has to leave. My youngest son has to go back to his apartment near his school in Champaign, Illinois which is three hours drive from our home. He is taking some summer classes. My niece has to go back to the city because she has to check a new apartment that she will moved into. My other nephew left because he will be working tonite and then my eldest son and his girlfriend has to leave also. My eldest is managing three restaurant and he said it is Monday, he will not let any of the staff takes care of the restaurants on their own.

Then the house became so quiet and so tranquil again. I started clearing up the mess, my wife threw all the dishes in the dishwasher and the house is empty again. Back playing with my dog Bombo again.

It is so hard to live in the states, especially when you're kids are born and raised in the American way.

Am I becoming to sentimental??

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

RETURN TO VANCOUVER,BC, CANADA

2007-06-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

CHECKING THE STORE OF CANADIAN INDIANS ARTWORK AT VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
NATIVE CANADIANS ARTWORK HANGING AT THE ENTRY OF THE CUSTOMS ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT.

THE GREAT EAGLE,HANDIWORK OF THE NATIVE CANADIAN AT THE ARRIVAL AREA OF AIRPORT.

THE GREAT HARDWOOD CARVING OF THE NATIVE CANADIAN AT THE FOYER OF THE AIRPORT ARRIVAL

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Have returned back to Vancouver, BC in Canada, to check on my uncle, the youngest brother of my mom. It was hectic schedule because I only spent one night with them, because I have to return back to Chicago for the trainings that I am taking. I cannot disrupt the training or else I won't be able to get my certifications. I need these certificates for my further schooling and studies this winter semester for Nursing.

I always come to Vancouver and never noticed some of the great artworks that was created and done by the Native Canadians. This time, I stopped by and check on it individually and was not in a hurry to get into the line for the immigration check point. I was attracted to these artworks.

The great cedar circular art work with carvings telling the stories in the lives of the natives was hanging at the top of the stairs leading down to the immigration checkpoint. It was placed behind a fiberglass and there is cascading water behind it for effect. It was so beautiful. As you head down further to the arrival area, you will be greeted by this hanging eagle, in the traditional interpretation of the native and was done in their artwork form. It is so spectacular looking at it hanging at the ceiling of the airport. Then as you clear customs and have picked up your bags, when you go upstairs on the first (second floor) level of the airport, which is the departure and the food court, you will be greeted nby this huge wooden artwork, depicting the passage of the native Canadian in their canoe. It is so huge and so beautifully handcrafted from the local trees that abound the in province of British Columbia.

And then when I was about to fly out, I decided to explore the stores at the airport that sells native Canadian artworks. My wife took the picture while I stand in front a stuff bear that roam the forest of British Columbia.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I am back again in Chicago, in this grueling training and schooling. My job demands that I get these trainings and be certificated, which I did. I had the last of the trainings yesterday and I am ready now to handle my new job!!

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

ITS SUMMERTIME!!!!!

2007-06-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

BELMONT HARBOUR ALONG LAKE SHORE DRIVE, CHICAGO

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Yes, it is now officially summer and the docks has been kept busy continuously the influx of so many boats that is being tied to their moors at the Belmont Harbor. I was at the place this afternoon, and it was already crowded. The place was already packed with people along Lake Michigan and lots of people are now doing their soccer and baseball in the park and lots of grilling going on.

There are so many activities along the lake and lots of roller bladder on the sidewalk having fun and the bicycle route are also having much traffic, not mention women and men doing their routine jogging exercise with their iPod on.

I will be sailing this weekend with some friends along the shore lines of Lake Michigan. I told my friends that I will join their drinking because I don't drink. Instead they are asking me to prepare lots of finger foods that will not easily spoil and the simpler ones that need to be warmed or cooked I will do it in the boat. Everybody is thrilled that I am coming because my friends has asked me already for a long time to join them in their boat, but I always have an excuse to tell them. This time they are all telling me that they won't accept anymore excuses. So I will be joining them with the promise from my friends that they will follow the rules of the harbor and the Chicago lake police.Since they all agreed that the designated driver for the boat will not drink but I need to feed him continuously, I am agreeing to go and join them along Lake Michigan.

We will be going all the way to the tip of Wilmette harbor and from there will be met by some of our friends who have their own boat also and we will all head out to Zion Illinois where my other friend has a house near the lake and they have a marina where to dock the boats. The we will have the barbecue picnic from them. My friends said the weather has been checked for tomorrow and it will be clear and strong winds.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I will be going to these friends of mine, but knowing them, I know they will not completely follow the rules and will keep on eating and drinking and I am sure will throw out overboard. I am so happy they cannot force me to smoke and drink. They will not force me, because they know what will happen if they force me.

Thank you,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

WHY DID I EAT THESE STUFF???

2007-05-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I had a family gathering last weekend at my sister in laws house in Wisconsin and we have lots of food to eat. Aside from the grilled salmon, steak and shrimp -- we had salad and lots of desert. One of the food stuff that was served was fresh strawberries and while we were having nice conversation and waiting for the food to be served, we were eating lots of nuts and dried fruits.

Fresh strawberries was served, my favourite and it was large, read a juicy.

I ate lots of these strawberries, not to mention the nuts and most of all the medium steak. It was after all a time for merriment and eating. So with all the cautions and scoldings of my wife, I still continued on to eat the things that was not good for me.

Come Monday morning until today Wednesday, I am having a hard time walking. My Achilles heel is aching and my knees. My Gout has finally attacked the weak parts of my legs and with all the food that I ate, I am now paying the prize. I walk with my walking stick and is having a hard time climbing up the stairs to my bedroom on this old, huge and high stairwells.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I am again on strict diet and taking preventive medications. I just want to have fun and have a good time, that includes also good food. But I was asked by my wife to swear not to eat again these food that is giving me Gout problem, or else.....she said, she will not help me walk anymore and will remove my Cain.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

IS IT A SIN TO DREAM???

2007-05-29T20:05:00.001-07:00

THE MONTBLANC GMT PERPETUAL CALENDAR LIMITED EDITION

THE MONTBLANC SPORT TANTALUM AUTOMATIC LIMITED EDITION

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I was at O'Hare International Airport two weeks ago and I was strolling around and checking out the stores and concessions at the airport while I was waiting for my flight to Philadelphia to be called.

I went inside the Montblanc store to check if they have the ink for my Diplomat pen that I had with me for the past 12 years which was a gift of my former boss when I was still working in Japan for this shipping company. When I walked into the store, I was attracted to the display of their watches and looked around and checked all the watches on display. It was so amazing and the collection is phenomenal. It is a very rate collection.

I sign in for the catalogue to be mailed to my house and I got the catalogue this afternoon in the mail and started to check on it. I saw the different watches and I went wild with the pictures and descriptions of the watches.

The Montblanc Star Chrono GMT perpetual Calendar limited edition has a safety locking crown with Montblanc diamond Silver dial. The case is 18 kt. yellow gold with alligator strap and they only made 100 pieces of it.

The Montblanc Sport Tantalum Automatic limited edition is a diver's watch This watch is equipped with helium escape valve that allows the gas to escape during decompression, protecting the watch against damage. Case is made of tantalum, an extremely tough metal which is highly chemical resistant. It has perfect readability, tough rubber strap,bezel with breguet numerals, automatic movement with hronometer certification for maximum precision.The crown is screwed down with Montblanc diamond featuring the patented Montblanc cut. It is water resistant up to 1,906 m. There are only 100 pieces made.

And so Auntie Pattie Koh, can you blame me if I acted like a little boy wishing Santa Claus is around so I could ask him for this for Christmas?Please don't ask me how much these timepieces are.... I won't tell you.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

MEMORIAL DAY FAMILY GATHERING

2007-05-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

My brother in law Jeff busy with the grill.

Nieces and nephews busy playing with each other.Aidan with the ball,Alex on the car,Jonathan behind the car Cora at the back, my son Angelo in shorts and my brother in law.

The smaller dog is mine, named Bombo. The bigger one is Cody, my sister in law's dog.

Bobby, in yellow shorts, friend of my son Angelo with a tomahawk hair and my nephew Alex.

Aja, my eldest son girlfriend.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

It is a holiday today, Monday 28May and it is called Memorial Day.

Our family gathered for a picnic at my sister in laws house in Wisconsin. It was fun and my nieces and nephews came together with my youngest son, Angelo and his friend Bobby. My eldest son Miki cannot make it because he is working at the Italian restaurant that he is managing. But his girlfriend Aja came along with my other niece and we had a great time.

We took along our dogs, mine is a mix Shitshu/Maltese called Bombo and my sister in law's dog is Spaniel called Cody and my nephew's dog is a Pomeranian called Kennick. The dogs also had a ball.

We ate a lot and I have to stop and curtail my cravings for sweets because my sugar might go way up high and I will be in big trouble. I need to make my sugar stable.

My brother in law Jeffrey was the one who was grilling the steak and chicken and the salmon kebab. I brought some Jicama(singkamas) and mango salad with sweet ginger dressing and mix vegetable Lumpia without the wrapper.

Kids where all over the place, with all three dogs running after them and barking. Then they started lighting up fireworks and roman candles. In the state of Wisconsin they allow firecrackers. So all my nieces and nephews had a blast. Then they played football at the backyard since my brother in laws backyard and property is big, the kids have space to play and throw balls. The kids was playing with the electric car and as usual I can hear lots of whining and crying from the kids. Then they will play again.

And so Auntie Pattie Koh, it was a nice family gathering and all had fun. The left overs as usual was wrapped and was taken home by each family. Then tomorrow back again to work and back to reality!!

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

UNBELIEVABLE YOUNG KIDS

2007-05-25T23:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I was at the Belmont Harbor along Lake Michigan the other day to pick up my wife from work. Since I came in early, I decided to go around the park area and see some of the activities and happenings. For some obvious reason, my attention was attracted to the noise that is coming from the area where there is an enclosed area for stunt cyclist and roller bladders. I then checked it out and see what is happening. I saw these young kids in their bikes and was amazed on how they ride their bikes on the obstacles. So I asked them if they could do some stunts and if I could take some pictures while they where doing it. They gave me the consent and I even told them that I will be posting it in my blog, so I did.

At first I was so nervous watching these kids did their stunts on all these obstacle. One of the boys approached me and told me not to worry about it, because they like doing it and they are good at it and none of them had an accident doing it. They even asked me when to shoot the picture and in what angle I should face the camera. They did all sorts of stunts and it was so unreal how they can fly up in the air with their bikes.

The Chicago Park Authority have decided to built an obstacle park for these kids so that they could practice and do their stunts in the park, instead of doing it in the streets and other places that is not patterned to what the Olympics have created for this kind of sports but in snowboards. At any rate, the park have done a good job and it was enclosed so that the bikers and the roller bladders will have their own place in this huge park.

So as I watched these kids do their stunts, my mind went back home and was thinking, if the government in the Phils. can do these kind of things, maybe the youngsters will have fun to do their own kind of sports and challenges and stunts.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I am showing you this pictures and am trying to tell you also, how I wish I could be young again like these kids and will have all the stamina and the abilities to do such dangerous sports.

I hope you will love these pictures.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

PLEASE MEET MY FUTURE DAUGHTER IN LAW

2007-05-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Please meet my future daughter in law, the girl with her sunglasses on her head, in black sleeveless dress. She is the girlfriend of my eldest son and her name is AJA (pronounced as Asiah). She is a very close friend of my niece Dianne, the shortest girl at the bottom picture with her hand on her hips. Aja was introduced to my son when we all came to attend the wedding of my niece, four years ago.

Aja is an Anglo-Saxon and they live in New Jersey, which is around 30 mins drive from my brother's house. A very nice and good girl, from a well educated and good breed family. At first I thought it was only a joke that everybody was teasing and only trying to push my son to Aja, but then suddenly I found out they were already boyfriend and girlfriend. Oh well, who am I. I am just the father -- and who am I to know the many things about the love life of my son.

It was a long distance love affair. My son very often travel to New Jersey on times that he is available and free from work, and then Aja comes to Chicago to meet with my son on the times when she is free from school and holidays. It was a very nice and very sincere relationship. I cannot say anything about it. At any rate, for me, no matter what the nationality of my son's girlfriend is -- it's alright with me. The important thing is that they Love and Respect each other.

I am happy for the two of them. I hope they will make it to the altar. I look forward into this and hope, just like what I always say to my boy -- I hope and wish I will still have the chance to see my grandchild from them.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I was so thrilled when last week we were invited to New Jersey by Aja to her parents home and meet with them and their family. They were all very nice and very accommodating, I have nothing to say. There are times when I look outside my window and try to picture my son and his gril friend Aja, holding hands and being wed in front of the altar...... in the Philippines.!!!

Is it bad to dream and fantasize?

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

PLEASE MEET MY TWO BOYS

2007-05-22T20:20:00.001-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Every time I introduce my two boys to some of my friends, the first thing they jokingly ask me is: "Are you sure they are your son?". So I always ask the same questions to my friends: Why did you ask that?". They give me the same answer: "They are so big and did not get anything from you!!".

The one in white shirt and blue jeans is my eldest son, Miki. He did a short cut of his name, MELCHIZEDECK. When he was three years old we applied for an American passport for him so that he could come home to the Philippines and visit his grandparents. The application form run out boxes for the different letters of his name and last name. The Federal agent at the passport division was asking us to shortcut the name, which we did not agreed upon. My wife and I told the Federal agent that that is not our fault that the box type form is not enough to accomnodate my sons name and his last name. This is a permanent document and I don't want anything altered. He is now in the last left of collegiate schooling.He is now in his mid twenties and has a girlfriend who is an Italian/Irish.

My youngest son, in a Mohawk hair do and in blue shirt and blue jeans is Angelo Francis. He was born on the feast day of St. Francis. He is on his early twenties, still single and studying Culinary Arts. Now on his third year of schooling. He is now dictating to me on how to run my kitchen when he comes home from school. I like having competition with him in cooking and argues with him a lot on how to handle the food and my kitchen. Very athletic kid and my wife tells me he has all the tantrums and all his personalities from me. I don't know if he has a girl friend, I did not asked him.

My eldest son said he is just waiting for his kid brother to finish schooling and get his Culinary diploma and they will put up their own restaurant since my eldest son is managing two restaurant. He was telling me that when they have already put up a restaurant, they just want me and their mother to sit down and relax and watch them with their restaurant and that the two of us could sit down and relax.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I kept all those things in my heart. I always hope and pray that all the dreams and aspirations of my boys in life could be accomplished and be fulfilled. I look forward in seeing their achievements in life and to reach all their dreams and may it all come true.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

MAY I INTRODUCE TO YOU MY GRANDNEPHEWS

2007-05-21T19:58:00.001-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

May I introduce to you my two grandnephews Jordan, the younger one and Christian. The mother is the daughter of my younger brother who lives in New Jersey, and we call her Dianna the husband is a German/Italian whose name is already starting with initial Dennie. Very nice kids and is the apple of the eye of their Lolo, my younger brother. My grandniece has taken her boy friend then, to the Philippines before they got married. She wanted her grandparents and all her Aunt to see and meet his fiance then. Dennie fell in love with the Philippines and the rest of the family. He was at home immediately with all the rest of the cousins and aunts and uncles. He took some time to know my parents and was very polite. The we took him to Calgary, to be part of the wedding of my other grandniece to a Hungarian/Canadian. Then Dianne and Dennie followed suit and got married. They now have two good looking young boys of their own.

When the first baby was born, I was thinking that the color of the skin will be a mix, some sort of tan in color but it did not manifest. The colors of two boys are from his father. My niece has more tan or rather creole in color and so I said it will be a very nice color of skin, but like as I said it never came up. Oh well!!

So dear Auntie Patti Koh, lots of my friends kept on praising that I am lucky to have a Caucasian blood in the family. I don't see any luck in it. What I know is that Dennie and Dianne are both in love with each other and that is what it counts. The good thing about having another culture in the family, is that there are certain limitations that we can only tell my grandnephew, he is the one learning and discovering it by himself.

The bottom line Auntie, I love my two grandnephew and so does their mom and dad.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

WEEKEND VISIT TO MY BROTHER IN NEW JERSEY

2007-05-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I went to pay my kid brother a visit this Friday 18May'07 to check on him and help him with the birthday of his second grandson. Yes...I am a grandfather to a very nice looking kid . He is a combination of a Pinay mother and an Irish/German daddy.

I was so excited to see my family in New Jersey. We don't see each other very often, but every time I have some time, I always fly out to them and do some bonding together with my nieces and nephews and grandnephews.The weather was fine and surprisingly, it was not so cold out there, compared to Chicago when we landed this afternoon, Sunday.

We had some great fun together and kept on telling stories until the wee hours of the morning. It was so fun to see my kid brother and much more so, I love to listen to his laughter. He needed a lot of it, because he is so serious with his work and his family, and of course being a grand dad for his two cute boys that he baby sits everyday morning before he goes to work at the Federal Reserve Bank at the engineering department.His wife is also likewise busy being an operating room nurse in one hospital and as a recovery nurse at Kennedy Cancer Research Hospital.

My two boys was there also to meet their cousins. These kids are so inseparable when they see each other. I cannot cope up with their night outs and their bonding until the wee hours of the morning.

And so, Auntie Patti Koh, I am back again at home and back to reality. Tomorrow I start with my training for this new job that I have undertaken. It will be a challenge, but I love challenges.

Check if you can see and locate my two boys and my wife in the picture.

Sincerely Yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

THE GOODBYE KID!!

2007-05-17T20:55:00.001-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

We call him Bobot, my endearment name for him is Bootchie.A nice young kid in his early twenties that came to our family from back home. Just graduated from nursing and wanted to see the life of a nurse in the states, which he did, with no complaints or any problems. He studied the trade, learn it and put it all in his mind and heart.

Last night he bid us all goodbye and then down at my basement, spent some time with his cousins drinking and doing some pranksters to some of his cousin and most of all to some girls his age who are also from back home in the Philippines. They stayed until the wee hours of the morning. I left them down at the basement, and can hear their laughter from upstairs inside my bedroom. I was still awake when he came home at the crack of dawn, but did not stand up anymore because I don't want to embarrass him.

He played with his young nieces and nephews and had a hard time explaining to them where and why he is leaving. Cora asked me when I returned back from the airport:

"Tito Mel, is it true that Tito Bobot is no longer coming back?". "He took all his things, I counted the bags from my fingers and it was like this" (Cora showing three fingers from her right hand) "Why is he not coming back Tito Mel?"

I just smiled, because I don't know how to explain to a 3 years old these questions she was asking from me about his Tito Bobot.

Then came the twins...with another inquisitive questions: "Tito Mel, is Tito Bobot still coming to our birthday party?" "He will love Chuckie Cheese and my mom said plenty of pizza". I just smiled and told the twoins the truth that Tito Bobot will not attend the birthday.

How do you explain things that will hurt the kids...silence is the only way out.

Then came the questions of Drichmond, Bobot's cousin who is his age and very close friend and comrade in arms during his stay. He asked: "Tito Mel...how's my cousin when he left?" I just said to Drichmond that Bobot was okey. I don't want him to feel bad about the loneliness in leaving the family and him of his cousin. Then he said to me something that moved me: "Tito Mel...can I keep the mini keg that Bobot bought last night as a remembrance of him". I did not stop him. This is the only way he could live up the nice memory that evening with cousin.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, the kid left....like my eldest son said to me: "He is like a mists Daddy that came to our lives and will disappear and will leave the things like as if nothing happened."

It did not dawn on me what he was saying, until I took this nephew of mine at the airport this noontime.

We will miss him so,

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

VENI, VIDI, VICI....I CAME, I SAW, I CONQUER

2007-05-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I am sure you know by now about this nephew of mine who arrived into our lives from the Philippines and became so close to all of us.

VENI.....(I Came)

He came only to follow his dreams.He graduated nursing back home and wanted to explore and see his future i the states. The only thing he has with him, is his honesty, politeness and love of people. He came with all these attributes and became so loved by all of us including his young cousins, nieces and nephews. One could see deep in his heart, how his parents reared him up by the way he talks to people using the polite "PO" and "OPO" all of the time.

VIDI.....(I Saw)

He saw the life in the states, the many challenges it entails to succeed. One thing he did see was the challenges that pays off when one faces it with an open heart. He work as a private nurse/care giver for a while to learn his trade and understand the life in a foreign country. He was a fast learner and he did Saw what there is to see and he faced the challenges and made the most out of it with corresponding reward.

VICI.....(I CONQUERED)

He conquered the threshold of things that was very alien to him. He wanted to see what was inside this threshold and wanted to gain experience. So he did. He befriended people of different status in society, he sat down with people he looks up as mightier than him and his status he did did good on his conquer. They love him for his sincerity and his simple outlook in life.

So Auntie Pattie Koh, this nephew of mine did CAME, SAW AND CONQUERED and learned so many expriences on this. I am sure he will go a long way with all his ambitions in life and his intentions.

We all love him.

Respectfully yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

DO I HAVE A FAVOURITE??

2007-05-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Look at the picture of innocence. These are my nephews with their girl friend....as in GIRL FRIEND only. The girls are like sisters to them....so my nephews said. But at any rate, even if they fell for each other, it will not bother me. That will be better, because I know these girls and they are good girls also.

The first nephew with dark frame eyeglasses is B----, he just graduated from Nursing back home in the Philippines and is now doing home care and private nursing at the moment. He is still reviewing for the NCLEX exams. I have faith in this kid, and I know he will make it. I have already introduced him to the Matron of Nursing in of the prestigeous and well named hospital in metropolitan Chicago, and he was promised that as soon as he passed the exams, he will have an assured place in her hospital.

The girl behind her, in a lovely embrace (let's say it's cold in the lake area) is a Pinay from the Philippines and is doing her post graduate studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago campus.

Do they look like they are IN LOVE?? hmmmmmmmm!!

The third nephew of mine also in eyeglasses, is K----, he is a computer engineer and is now working for a big company. K volunteered for two years with the Peace Corps and was assigned in Nicaragua. K speaks spanish and somewhere along the line, I really don't know why he did not end up bringing home a Latina from Suda Amerika. He is heavy set and a mix Pilipino with a father who is German/Irish. I was telling K, if Inday Badiday is still alive, I will take him home to the Philippines and make a star out of him. (The late Inday Badiday is a good and close friend of mine. We go a long way. God bless her soul). The girl that was supposed to be the partner of K, is not in the picture, she is the one taking the picture, I think who is related to the girl hugging my nephew B

Another nephew of mine, seated, wearing a gray fedora, is D--------. Studying Music Science at Columbia University. He plays five instrument. Don't ask me about the sixth instrument, I will not tell you. He is a very loving and energetic young man. Wants to be part of the orchestra that do the background music for movies. He volunteers for the Civic Opera House and loves doing it, for free. He said he is learning many things. The girl besides her is also related to the girl in the picture.

The young man in the background is their friend and I forgot to ask for his name. However, if he is in the picture and if he is a friend of my nephews, then I am sure he is a good young man.

And so, Auntie Patti Koh, the only ones missing in this nice and lovely picture is my two boys. My eldest son, M------, in his mid twenties is so serious with his job, managing two restaurant. I lost this boy of mine to his job, and he has already asked permission from me and my wife that he will be living together with his girl friend in his apartment, come end of this month. My youngest son, who is also not in the picture is busy with his culinary school, which is three hours away from our home. He is so focused on his career and was telling me that he is on his way to Le Cordon Bleu de Paris next summer.

All in all, I love all of these kids. Do I have a favourite....Yes, but I won't tell you!!!

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

MOTHER'S DAY

2007-05-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

It is Mother's Day today and my youngest son from college came home late last night and informed his mom last night before he went to see his friends that he will be the one to prepare brunch for his mom and his grandma and the rest of his Aunts who are already married. But it is already 1140 AM and my son is still sleeping like a log. My wife is doing his nail and I am doing my blog.

I was advised by my wife not to do anything -- so I won't. But my stomach is already making strange noises, I am hungry. I told my wife in an hour if there is still no cooking being done, I will step into the picture and cook lunch and all. My son who is studying Culinary Arts, is still sleeping.

I told my two sons when they were still young, that Mother's Day is not being celebrated only during the second Sunday of May. It has to be celebrated every day in their hearts and they have to show their love and their respect to their mother everyday of their lives. I even told them, that this Mother's Day celebration is just the way for business establishments to make money, especially restaurants, flower shops, candy shops and others. I am sure, Mrs. Anna Jarvis who started this Mother's Day is now very upset in her afterlife.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, Happy Mother's Day to you.

Sincerely yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE PICTURE

2007-05-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

This is the picture of our train station, which is just half a block from my house. Just built not more than two years and this serves lots of commuters from my area who works in downtown Chicago, including my wife. I cannot understand why the tower has four sided clock that does not work and give the same time.

When I took this picture, it was 6:15PM but the other clock is showing a different time and so does the other two on the other side. Lots of commuters are complaining about this but nothing has been done yet. I guess there is no clock maker yet who will be able to take the shot of making the four clocks run and work all together at the same time.

It reminded me of the great tower of the city hall of Manila, that has a big clock also. I don't know if the clock is still working or not. I passed by there last time I was in Manila last February of this year but I did not notice it.

Well, Auntie Patti Koh, we live by the clock in the states. Everybody is always in a hurry and very timely on all their undertakings here. I wish I am back home in Pinas, wherein the clock is the thing of the past. We live and get paid by the hour in here.

Oh well.

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

WHAT A COINCIDENCE

2007-05-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Today, I arrived at my house office early to pick her up, so I decided to stroll around Belmont Harbour along Lake Michigan and take some pictures of what I think is so nice of a subject.

There was this group of men, two Asian and two Caucasian that was taking picture of a pair of ducks that is seated underneath the crab apple tree and these two ducks was not being bothered by the people walking about the lake wall and the pathways for strolling and jogging. I was trying to figure out if these two Asians are Pinoys or not. One of the Caucasian broke the ice and said it was a nice picture that they have taken of the two ducks. so I explained that the reason these pair of ducks does not want to move, is that one of the duck is a female hatching her egg(s) and the other is the husband watching over his mate. Then we broke into a short story and then they have introduced themselves to me and what a coincidence.

One of the guy that I thought was a Pinoy is a Vietnamese. He is a theologian studying at the theologate school in Hyde Park Chicago and he is an SVD seminarian. I told him I was a former SVD seminarian myself and then the ice was then broken and we shared stories.

The bigger of the two Caucasian is a seminarian belonging to the Claretian Order. I told him that his order has a big mission in the southern part of the Philippines in Basilan and in fact one of their confrer was martyred by the Muslim. And he was so surprised that I knew about it. I told him I was in Manila when this thing happened. The other Caucasian belongs to the Religious Order of the Blessed Sacrament together with the other Pinoy looking, who is also a Vietnamese. We shared stories of the seminary life and gave them some informations about my formation with the SVD in Tagaytay City, Philippines.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, it was only a coincidence that I bump into these people. We all have same interest and same schoolings. It was a swell afternoon for me. They gave me their names but I have not written it down so I have forgotten it. Anyway, the only thing I could remember is they are all seminarians, studying at the Theologate school in Hyde Park, Chicago and all are about to be ordained by their respective religious orders where they belong.

Are you not happy with the story?

Respectfully yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

LET THE SUMMER BEGIN

2007-05-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

A group of young Pinoys at the park along Lake Michigan
I forgot to ask what they were cooking.!!!

I wonder what those two is trying to look at!!!!

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

It was a very nice day today. I just visited my doctor to check on my thyroid problem and get a urine test to see if my kidney is okey. Well at least I am not pregnant and that is a plus. I was to pick up my wife at 4:15pm, but I was at her office earlier than expected and so I called her up and told her I will stroll around the park by the lake so I went to Belmont Harbor and Montrose Harbor by Lake Michigan.

I kept on walking around and looking at those people who are at the park by the lake also enjoying the nice weather along Lake Michigan and Chicago. Then when I was about to make a turn down the bend after looking and checking the beach for the dogs, I saw a group of youngsters playing volleyball on the grassylawn and they even have a small barbeque grill with them. They were all having fun and their laughter is so contageous. I normally don't approach people and check and ask if they are Pilipinos or what not. So I decided to approach these group of yongsters and introduced myself to them.

Surprisingly, they are all very nice and responded to my questions and explained to them what I was doing and why I was taking pictures along the lake. I told them I have a blog spot and gave them the name of my blog. Then one of the guys told me that he visits my blog and so I asked their permission if I can take their picture and told them I will put them in my blog for this evening. They agreed, and they were happy about it.

They have lots of stuff to grill and would you believe I was nosing about and checking what they were cooking. I was very surprised these young adults are so polite with me and they even shared to me what they were studying in school. The only thing I can remember is that one of the girl is taking I think Criminal Justice or Criminology.

And so, Auntie Patti Koh, I would like to tell you that it is not that so often that one bump into a group of my Kababayans (countrymen) and will respond politely and become so friendly. Too bad I did not ask for their names. But thing for sure, I will always remember them and my next paseo along Lake Michigan, I will look for them on the same spot I saw them.

More power to all of them.

Sincerely yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

AN APPLE A DAY

2007-05-07T21:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

This is a picture of one of my three apple trees that I have planted. This one is at the front lawn of the house and the three others are at the back yard of my house. This is the season that I am not expecting any flowers from my apple trees because last year it was not so good and the weather recently is npt that good. I was expecting that my apple trees will not be bloomin this year.

I am tired already of fertilizing then prunning the branches of the apple trees, not to mention the fruits that fall on the ground and then the flies during summer time will mill around the rotten fruits on the ground which then I am compelled to clean and bagged it for the garbage. The fruits are sweet and good. When my two boys are still young, they love the apples. But now they are on their own and its only me and my wife and the dog at the house, I have lost interest in the apples and the caring of the trees.

My wife is asking me to take care of it and start fertilizing it and spray the flowers so that the insects will not bite of the fruits. But I was telling my wife that the sprays and fertilizer is not good for my dog who always play around the house and at the back yard.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, come September, if these apple trees of mine will bear lots of fruits, I will have a back problem cleaning the fruits that will fall on the ground. I wish I could send all the fruits to the Philippines so that they could have a ball with it. These are Washington Green and Red delicious apples. The bloom is so nice and it smelly too.

Can you come and help me gather the fruits this year??

Sincerely Yours,

INFRATERNAM MEAM

NICE DAY TO CHILL AROUND

2007-05-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH
MY HOUSE FROM THE BACKYARD

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

It was a very nice day today. The sun came out, the wind a little bit chilly, but the sun is still out and there is no rain and snow. I decided to stroll around the neighborhood with my dog, Bombo and explore the area that we have lived for the past 27 years now. It is in Highwood, the very heart of Highland Park, Illinois. While I was prepairing my dog, I decided to take the picture of our house from the backyard. I don't want to take the picture from the front lawn because there is nothing to see, since there is no green foliage yet. The roses has not yet came out, the flowerbed is still not showing any greens at all. The plants are so confused because of the changing weather and temperature. Then off we go to the park and the neighborhood of my small town.

I was passing by the church of St. James and decided to take the picture of the church where I got married 27 years ago. It is a very nice Italian community and now there is a great number of Mexicans who are attending the service so they have their own mass now in Spanish at 12noon.

My nieces and nephew was joking and was telling me that the angle on how I took the picture of my house and church is making the house looks like the side entrance to the church. I love my house. I bought it from an Italian couple and they even have a wine cellar down at the basement. The old man makes his own wine from the grapes that he has planted at the back of the house, making it the borders for the other property. When we bought this house, there were still some old wine bottles in the cellar. Would you believe, I have not checked out the attic of this house from the time we bought it!! My son does not want to explore it also. Nobody does, so I have just let it just like that.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I wanted to share to you this nice day and the house that I have raised my two boys who has now left me and my wife and now we are in this big house with my dog. My wife does not want to sell it because she said in case the boys gets married and wants to come home for a visit, there will be rooms and place for them. I wanted to tell you, that it is so lonely at times at this house, especially when my wife is at work and I am the only one at the house with my dog.

I hope you love my pics!

Sincerely yours,

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

TIME TO DO SOME EXERCISE

2007-04-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,
I am undergoing thyroid problem. My endo told me that I have hypo thyroid at this time after he saw the results of my blood chemistry. I was expecting it, and I don't get bothered about it so easily. One has to take his chances on what has been given to us by the Great Architect of the Universe. I will not complain. Anyways..... my son was telling me to do more exercise because I am beginning to show in the waist. At first I told my son I don't care because I have been married with his mother for the past 27 years now and who will I be showing off.

My son said it is not the matter of whom I will be showing off but the issue of health problem because we have high blood pressure and heart problem in the family. So I have to listen to my son. Now that I am semi-retired, I really need more exercise. So this morning since the weather is awfully nice, I decided to take a long walk with my dog Bombolini. I call him Bombo for short. We walked along the shores of Lake Michigan, and after exercising my dog at the beach front are for the dog, I decided to explore further the park at Moraine and check the artworks that abound the area. Very nice and beautiful art works. I am sure you will agree with me that me standing besides the artwork is not a piece of art anymore. I am so big in the tummy. I really need some help.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I am not starving myself but traying to do some sensible exercise to at least be able loose some weight. So I will do my best I promise and next picture that you will see, maybe my shape will be like that of the artwork where I am standing.

Sincerely yours,
In Fraternam Meam

WONDERFUL DAY OF FUN AT THE LAKE WITH MY DOG

2007-04-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

My nephew with my dog Bombolini along the shores of Lake Michigan

My nephew again, holding Bombolini infront of the sign that sez Moraine Beach for Dogs.

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

It was a very nice day today, the weather was so beautiful after the many days of rain and even snow. It was 82 degrees F, and I cannot complain about it. It is a nice and swell time to go out and do some exercise. I went out walking with my dog Bombolini, a mix Maltese and Shitzhu and just turned one year last month. I love this dog very much because he is very loving and very attentive.

After I have walked for at least three miles, I met my nephew who just came from work. He is a private nurse for two elderly patient, husband and wife and the husband just came out of surgery from the hospital on slip disc. He told me that he is not tire and not sleepy even he did a full not shift at the house of his patient. I asked him if he want to go to Moraine Beach for the dog and he said he will just changed and wants to come and join me and my dog to the dog beach.

I was so happy, it was early and there are no dogs insight in the area that we have picked. There are some dogs that I can see from a distance but the area that we have picked is all to ourselves. Bombolini and my nephew had a good time along the shores of Lake Michigan. My dog was frolicking along the shoreline with my nephew and even took a dip on the cold water of Lake Michigan that does'nt seem to bother my dog. I love this dog beach, because there are fence that was erected to hold the dogs unleash and they cannot go around and disturb the other beach goer. This is their beach and it was really intended for the dogs. There are even plastic bags provided for the dog owners to pick up after their pets and bagged it and dump it on the garbage provided.

After 2 hours of fun in the beach, we decided it is time to go home and dry my dog so that he will not wet the uplholstery of my car.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, another day of relaxation and fun and this time it was even with my dog. Tomorrow, the weather man said, the temperature will drop down again and there will be rain. I am so confused with this weather. April brings so much changes. April showers is very common and it is good I have just cut my grass and cleaned the front lawn.

Sincerely yours,

In Fraternam Meam

CHINESE APOTHECARY

2007-04-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

CHINESE DRUG STORE IN DOWNTOWN CHINA TOWN OF CHICAGO

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I was having a severe constipation and no matter how I tried to take care of it, I still cannot relieve myself. I took the pills to soften the blow, I was told to use suppository, but to no avail. My nephew nurse told me the only last recourse is the enema. Hell no I said. I will do some alternate solution and see if if will do. The two pain killers that I am taking is causing my stool to harden so much to the point I really cannot relieve myself in its natural way.

Then I met my Chinese co-worker and explained to her the situation. She said that I don't have to worry about it, she will take me to the local Chinese drug store in China town and the chinese herbalist is her Uncle. So I went with her, since I have heard so much good news and story about the Chinese herbal medicines. I related to the herbalist what is happening with me and what I have eaten. I told him how it all started and the pain that I am undergoing to relieve myself. He was listening intently and then wrote some Chinese character on a piece of paper and started checking all the cubicles on the walls of the Apothecary. Then he pulled some dry stuff from each individual boxes, placed it in a white paper and started weighing the ingredients. Then he wrapped it individually and advised his niece in Cantonese how to explain to me the ways and means on how to take such herbals during dinner time.

I did follow the instructions and mix all the dried ingredients in a steaming water and mix it altogether and waited for the water to absorbed the herbals that was in it. Then the color of the hot water changed in color and smell and it was not a bad smell. I took a sip on the hot tea like brew and the taste is just like an ordinary tea. After consuming the whole mug, I settled down and read and did some stuff in my computer. After a period of 30 mins. I was being called to the bathroom and was able to relieve myself easily with no problem and with nothing being inserted in my renal canal.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I am a believer now in Chinese herbal medicine. It did me good and I feel great and have no problem with my stool and relieving myself.

Sincerely Yours,

In Fraternam Meam

MY TULIPS AND FLOWER BED

2007-04-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Finally, my tulips are blooming and not longer confused with all the weather that is so strangely happening in my neck of the woods. First, my daffodils started to bring forth their colors ant then suddenly we had a very heavy wet snow last week. I think my flower bed became confused and the daffodils got frozen. There was frost on the ground and I really cannot understand the weather.

Now that there is constant rain, but the temperature is alright, we suddenly had hale. At least it is not as big as golf balls, but it is like pebbles and I hate it when it falls on the cars at my back yeard.

Now finally, we have some nice weather, in fact I was able to walk my dog for a long walk and admired all the different flowers in my neighborhood that has already came out from the ground. My tulips finally made it, although it is not that much, at least they are no longer confused with the weather. I am now awaiting for the blooms in my apple trees. I have a feeling it wont bear much fruit this season.

So Auntie Patti Koh, I wish you can see all my tulips and the different flowers I have on my flower bed infron of my house. It is very pleasant to look at. I will be adding up some more blooms when there is no more rain. We are having plenty of April showers. It's good for the ground anyway.

Sincerely Yours,

In Fraternam Meam

A FOUR DAY VISIT TO CANADA

2007-04-25T04:23:00.000-07:00

View of the Richmond Harbor with my aunt and cousins

Entrance to the Quay with my wife

The entry point going to Canada from Blaine, Washington,USA

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I was so bored with my semi-retirement, so I told my wife to get some time off from her work and we will visit my relatives from Surrey, BC Canada a suburb of Vancouver BC.

The weather was fine and it was so beautiful. The flowers are all abloom and the smell of the pine trees is really very gratifying. So we stayed for four days and we decided to explore again those places that we often visit everytime we come to Vancouver.

We went to the harbor and check on the fresh harvest of the sea from the fishing boat docked at the Richmond Harbor. It was so strange to see, there are lots of Vietnamese fishermen at the dock selling fresh shrimps and fish roe that is at the container inside their fishing boat. The Canadian fishermen are selling big fishes, like salmon and flounder. The latter one is still alive and kicking from the container onboard their fishing vessel.

We went and explore the city of Richmond and saw the many constructions being undertaken for the Winter Olympics that will be hosted by Vancouver. There is also a train that is being connected to the airport that is connected to the entire railway system of metropolitan Vancouver.

And then we took the bus to Seattle and one of the picture is showing the entry to Canada from Blaine,Washington.

And so Auntie Pattie Koh, I am sharing you these picture to tell you that we had a wonderful weekend. But the sad part after this respite is going back to reality and back to work and the salt mines.

Sincerely Yours,

In Fraternam Meam

VISITING VANCOUVER, CANADA

2007-04-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Pattie Koh.

I have taken a respite with all my busy schedules at home and visited my Uncle and Aunt in Vancouver BC, Canada. They have a nice a house on the hilltop side of Surrey BC, overlooking Blackmountain and Whistler Mountain from their balcony. Beautiful scene and the weather is awesome.

We will be here until Sunday. I am so excited with all the new things that is happening in Vancouver. They will be hosting the winter Olympics and the projects and infrastructures that is being done here is awesome. The airport is now being expanded and there is now a rail system that is now being built and connected to the airport which in turn is connected to the other rail system. There are lots of hotels that is being built and roads to the mountain is being widened and constructed. They even have snow maker built and installed up in the slopes in case there wont be enough snow for ski.

The aiport is so beautiful and there are now wings that is already taking shape.

And so Auntie Pattie Koh, I will be going around and check some of the progress and take some pics and then i will post it so that you can see it.

THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE ON MICHIGAN AVENUE, CHICAGO

2007-04-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I took this picture last Thursday when I went to Chicago dowtown with my nephews. The Philippine flag was showing. Too bad the wind blew it that is why the colors are not visible. Awhile ago, the flag can be seen but there is slight breeze from Lake Michigan, so it moved a little bit, but then I have already pressed my camera. Anyway, I am sure with close scrutiny, one can see the color of the Philippine flag. The building has a very nice location. It is across from the Millineum Park of Chicago, facing Lake Michigan, along the famous Michigan Avenue. During the time of the Marcoses, this office is beautifully decorated with so many printed materials showing the many beautiful places to see in the Philippines.

I went inside and wanted to see if there have been any changes. It is still the same, from the last time I walked into this Philippine Consulate 10 years ago, when I accompanied my sister in law to change her Passport.

The signs are still there "Special Longaniza for sale...Please call for order", "Empanada for sale, call for order",
"Morcon and Embutido Special"....etc!!

I was tempted to call the numbers written down and see if these are the phone numbers of relatives or employees of the Consulate but decided not to.

This office is in this building ever since I could remember. Maybe they have a better deal with the ownere and management of this building.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I wanted to post also a sign at the board that I make "Puto Bumbong, Kalamay na Ube, Sapin Sapin" and other delicacies...but decided not to. Maybe one day I will just come and bring samples for the staff and samples for those who comes to the Consulate to do business with them.

WHAT A SMALL WORLD

2007-04-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Remember I told you that I went at the downtown Chicago with my two favorite nephews with me and wanted to unwind and stroll around and see the many projects and dvelopements that has been done in Chicago which is trying to vie for the venue of the summer Olympics.

My nephew with eyeglasses, who just graduated from Nursing back home in Pinas, is his first time in Chicago and so I was showing him around and the other nephew of mine is studying at the Dowtown Chicago School of Music and Cinema Production.

We were strolling around the financial district and it was so dammned cold. The sun was shining but the cold breeze is coming from Lake Michigan and is really cold. I was taking the picture and my hands is freezing. While the two boys was posing infront of the Sears Tower, this old man approached me and asked me if I was a Filipino. He was such a nice man and immediately answered with pride, that I am a Filipino-American.

His name was James and he told us that he was in Olongapo, Philippines during the Vietnam War because he was in the navy. He was telling many stories about his many nice and good experiences everytime his ship comes to dock at Olongapo Bay and then they will be given their Liberty to go ashore and enjoy the night life in Olongapo. He said he retired from the Navy but still wanted to work, so he is still working at the Sears Tower Maintenance. Then I told him that my dad was a survivor of the infamous Death March in the Philippines, attached to the U.S.Army. He hugged me and told me that he admired those heroes of the Bataan Death March. He was telling my two nephews about the war and was telling both of them to be good and be proud of their heritage.

You know, Auntie Patti Koh.... hearing such good comments from a man like James, an African-American, gives me the greatest pleasure. After all those years, he still remembers and still respects my father, who is still alive and retired in the Philippines, and now age 89 years old. I told James that my nephew who is working as a private nurse in the Western Suburbs will always be passing my the Sears Tower because his Metropolitan train stop is only ablock away from the Sears Tower, will always pass by and look for him. He likes it very much and said will look for it.

Each of us gave James a big hug and bid him farewell and told him that we will always look for him everytime we pass by the downtown area and at the Sear Tower.

CHICAGO MY KIND OF TOWN!!!

2007-04-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

The stage at the Millenium Park. We are all ready to be chosen for the venue of the summer Olympics.

MY TWO NEPHEWS THAT I SPOILED TOO MUCH

2007-04-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

These are my two nephews who came with me this morning to the downtown area of Chicatgo. I love these kids very much and they have become a fixture in myhouse since my two boys have already went on their own. I needed somebody to fill in the void in the house which sometimes is too much for me. I have awonderful dog in the house to keep me company, but I cannot talk to my dog all of the time and for sure will not get any response except barking and jumping up and down. My wife is always at work and I am left at the house the whole day until its time for me to work in the evening.

These two young kids are always in my house and eats there and hang out all of the time and I love it very much. The younger one with a gray fidora on the picture is a student at Columbus College, Dept of Music. He knows how to play five instruments and still wants to learn more and wanted to be a musician for film and cinematic background music. He is such a joyful character to be with and laughs with much gusto that makes me happy and laugh also. The other one with eyeglasses on, is two years older, who just graduated from nursing and is now reviewing to take the board exam. Another joyful kid and full of fun and laughter. He wants to pass the nursing exams he told me so that he could make more money and send it to his mother back in Pinas, so that his younger sister can finish college. What a noble deed, I should say.

And so here I am Auntie Patti Koh, with these two fine young man and we explored the Millenium Park in Chicago and very hopeful that tChicago could be chosen as the venue for the summer Olympics. That will be awesome, because we are prepared to host it. Look at these two fine boys fooling around trying to pretend they are carrying the Bean at the Millenium Park in downtown Chicago. They look like they have no worries in life at all. Ilove these two nephews of mine and my two sons also, of course.

CHICAGO MY KIND OF TOWN!!!

2007-04-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Look at this giant bean, located at the Millenium Park in downtown Chicago. It is still cold, that is the reason there's not much people yet. This is along Lake Michigan and it is 21 degrees F when I took this picture

at 1:00 am Central Time. This is one among the many things Chicago can offer to tourists and locals and of course to all the people in the world when we get chosen as the venue for the Summer Olympics.

CHICAGO IS......... MY KIND OF TOWN!!!!

2007-04-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I was in Manila,Philippines last mMarch and of course I wandered around nice places and see what is new. I was checking my camera this morning and found a picture that I have taken at Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza which was formerly the Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel.

I went with my wife to their restaurant called, Spiral which was located at the lower level of the hotel lobby. The restaurant is a buffet style place and I was relly shocked when I saw the arrays of food in abundance at this place. It was beyond compare with the buffet at any of the hotels in Las Vegas.

They have Japanses, American, Spanish, Arabic, Indian, Korean, Chinese and Pinoy cuisine that is in abundance not to mention the sweet table that has also varieties of desserts that is sugar free.

I was so engrossed to this partiuclar seafood setting, which picture I have taken. It is a big couldron with all the fresh seafood varities planted on ice. There are the tiger prwans (cooked) there are also Kuracha( a type of crab that is found in Zamboanga only, Southern part of the Phils.), there are also oysters, mussels and other type of seafood varieties that I don't know the name. When I took the picture of this couldron, the hotel security guard approached me and told me that I cannot take picture without the permission of the Food & Beverage Manager. So I told him, that I will stop taking the picture because I have no intention of asking permission from anybody. I was explaining to him that they should be happy that me being a returning resident (Balikbayan) I am so elated with the setup. One thing I noticed, they did not stop the tourists and other foreigners taking the pictures of the place and the surrounding tables where all the food was displayed. I asked this hotel security about this and he does not know what to answer me. So I just drop the whole thing. I have no intention on arguing that evening because I was there to eat.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, that actions and policies of this hotel seems does not apply with any of the tourists and foreigners that is in this hotel restaurant. I was being discriminated in my own country. When I was paying the waiter, I told him about the incident and he told me not to worry about it. I told him that I was worried because I felt I was discriminated. And the strange thing about this, I was paying in cash and the tourists and foreiners are paying with their plastic money. I was sick to my stomach.

So, I will not return back to this place and will tell some of my relatives not to do so also. I don't want them to be discriminated in their own country by their own Kababayan.

REMEMBER MY WIFE'S NEPHEW I WAS TALKING ABOUT?

2007-04-07T21:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I told you on my previous letter to you about my wife's nephew who just arrived from the states and is a graduate of nursing. He was looking for a job while reviewing for the nursing exams in Illinois. He just applied on-line and is now doing review.

I was able to get a work for him while reviewing at the same time. I was able to get a home care job for him to look after a 92 year old man, who is married and his wife is 87 years of age. They live in the suburbs of Chicago and the old man needs somebody to help and assists him in the house and at night when he needs to stand up and use the washroom.

I took him to the house of this old man and wanted to see for myself what kind of house and what kind of people are these whom my nephew will be staying every Saturday thru Tuesday. They are nice looking people and they live in a very nice community. I was impressed about it. The present nurse that is taking care of these elderly couple gave my nephew the pointers on what to do and what these couple needs and wanted to be done for them and at the house.

My nephew was told that they only eat breakfast and dinner and does not eat lunch. Knwing that we Pinoys have a habit of eating, was thinking about what to do about it, since my nephew will be staying with them for three days and three nights. So, I told my nephew that I will take care of it when we finally bring him to start his work this saturday. So we did brought him this morning saturday and I packed lots of food stuff for him to bring to the house of these elderly couple. I told him to inform the couple that he will place his food in one corner of the fridge and advised them that he cannot skip lunch.

I even told my nephew to bring his review materials and his manuals for review so that when he is not doing anything to read the review materials and study. I even told him to bring some writing tablet papers and write letters to his parents back home, his sisters and brother and his friends on what he is doing and the things that he has seen and visited so far in Chicago.

So Auntie Patti Koh, this morning we dropped my nephew to the house where he will work, and handed him over to the nurse that he will relieve for the weekend. Then he brought his stuff inside the house and came out from the back door of the house, approached me and my wife inside the car, epen the passenger door and hugged kissed my wife, then he opened up the driver's door and gave me a big hug and a kiss also. Then I told him if he is ever lonely to call me on my cell fon and try to recall the nice things we have done together and his many nice evenings with his cousins so that he will not be lonely. I told him, it will be hard but he needs to sacrifice and not to cry when loneliness is eating him up. I told him, if any of the couple raised their voice on him to call me any hour of the day or night and I will pick him up immediately.

Then he waved goodbye to us. I felt the same way when I left my son at his dorm when he went to college which was 6 hours drive from us and has to stay inside a dorm. I was touched on how he looked back to us and wave his hands.

Then I just said to myselk...."hang on there kid, be brave and take the challenge"

I REALLY CAN'T BELIEVE THIS WEATHER

2007-04-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I have just called my nieces back home in the Philippines and they were telling me that they are doing the ritaul of "Visita Iglesia". They were telling me that it is so hot and humid at their place and it is so hard to handle the humidity. But they told me they are used to it already.

I told them, we are all bundled up here and we just had some snow yesterday and we are still going to have some more this coming saturday. The weather is still cold and the sun is not showing at all. The weather is so gloomy.

They were all telling me that it is a Holiday back home and everybody is in the provinces trying to cool off and there rest are just in the city enjoying the freedom of mobility because there's not much traffic since lots of people have gone to their respective provinces to spend the Lenten season.

I have explained to them that we still work and we cannot take some time off from work even during the holiest days of the Lenten season.

I miss those Holy Days of obligation and I really wanted to see again those religious processions.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I went to visit this photo blog in the computer to see some pictures of the many traditions that we have in the Phils. I want to recall the times when I was a small boy bein a participant in al these religious festivities.

A VISITING RELATIVE FROM PINAS

2007-04-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

My wife's nephew from the Phils. arrived last friday at the house of my mother in law. He is a graduate of nursing back home and wants to find what we call his "Kapalaran" in the states. He is such a good and polite kid. He is only 23 and I have never seen such a young gentlemanly and very polite young man. My wife at the dinner table was telling me she was surprised when this kid, who was with me to pick up my wife from work, step out of the car, and opened up the door of my SUV for my wife. My wife entered the front seat, looking at me and even her was surprised about it.

While we were inside the car on the way home, we were talking to him and he was using the polite "Po" and "OPo" on all the things that he says and reply to us. He is also using the polite plural and it was so strange to hear that from the new breed of young Pinoys. This is unheard of. Then I found out from my mother in law, this kid's Lola that they grew up with a very loving parents but stern disciplinarian in their character and they were molded up very nicely by both parents. That is an A plus for me.

I introduced him to all of my friends who works at the different nursing home and assisted living community, and these friends of mine has position in the respected place of work. They were all so happy also when they met this young man because all of them was telling me that this kid is very polite and very gentlemanly. Okey.

I was teaching him how to use the washing machine and dryer at the basement and how to use the fabric softener, which he said they never used at hom because they don't have any of the machines that we are using. He was telling me that they hand wash, including him their clothes at home. So, we were sorting out all his clothes, there was not much to sort. The entire wardrobe was only into two small load in the washing machine. Then I found out that he has only two pants with him, four pairs of white socks and 4 pairs of underwear that includes what he is wearing. He was telling me that they was and wear his undies from shirts and underpants at home. I was so devastated. Here I am and my children with all the convenience in life and all the things that we have, and here is this young man who is so happy and contented with what little he has with him. I was really touched.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I was so touched also when he told me that when he gets a job in the states, the first thing he will be doing is to send the money back home, so that his younger sister could finish college. I was telling my wife about this and both of us agreed that this is a fine young man. Then I have to bring him to the store to get two bags of undies for him and one bag of socks. He was so embarrassed and so to make him feel at home with me, I told him to think of me as his father in the states. And then this boy gave a big hug and thanked me.

Ay Tiya....que pobresito tambien!!

THE DOG FOOD SCARE

2007-03-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

There was this dog food scare here in the states. Lots of pets died eating a certain brand of dog/car food. Lots of pet owners was so scared on what is going on and of course, like myself who is a per lover is also scared and worried because I too have a pet dog named Bombolini..... a 13 month old mic Shitzu and Maltese was ash/blackish hair and a very loving dog.

The particular brand of cat/dog food has been recalled but at the death of some pets. It was so devastating for those who is very attached to their pets like me.

This morning, my dog who sleeps in bed with me, woke me up at 6:30 am and threw up on the floor. His vomit does not have any color. It was just saliva in its natural color. Then I heard my dogs stomach grumbling and that give me a scare. I was talking to my dog and caressing his tummy, like as if my dog is going to reply back at me and tell me what his ailment was.

Then I tried to observed him, but he did not threw up anymore but was not as active as he was. I was really worried. I was doing somethings in the kitchen and I brought up his dog food bowl from the basement to the kitchen and was really watching and observing my dog. But at 1300 hrs. I have decided that I will be taking him to the vet. And so off we go.

The vet checked him out. Did not see any problem, and then check the mouth, feel the tummy, and my dog did not show any pain or discomfort while the vet is stroking the tummy. He did not even howl or growl. So the vet said he needs to eat and asked the brand of my dog food and said thank God....it is not the one that is being reaclled.

This particular dog food that is being recalled is from Canada and they have traced rat poinson on it.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I was really scared for my dog. This dog is very good and overprotective of us. He does not bark but growl when he sense that there is another person near the house of if somebody approaches me or my wife that he does not know....he will growl and wait until I tell him to stop.

I really love this dog. My previous dog Misty, a prure breed Bichon Friese died on me last November and my new dog Bombolini has taken her place and even I missed my previous dog Misty....this new dog of mine has given me and my family so much joy and happiness. I love this dog very much!!

TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE WHO WORKS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

2007-03-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I ordered the cancellation and disconnection of my Internet and Cable TV. I am having somany problems with this company everytime I call them up and ask for things and informations. Not to mention that they are becoming very expensive.

So I called the Customer Service on the phone and advised the agent on the other end of the phone line that I wanted the cable and cable TV disconnected and cancel the service. They were asking me why and really wanted to retain me. So I told the agent on the other end of the phone my reasons and the price that I have to pay, which is very high compared to the other cable and internet provider. There were lots of excuses and promises and lots of negative info about the other internet and cable provider.

But I have already made up my mind and I told the agent I really cannot stay along with their service because it is really very high versus the other carrier and privider that I have now.

So, the agent asked me to return to their closest Customer Service office the black box for cable and the modem for the internet that I have with me. The agent on the other end of the line said if I will not return those items, I will be charge for it.

So today I returned the modem to the customer service. I was not able to return the black box for the cable TV because I don't know which company owns the two ones that I have at home. I need to ask my wife. So this woman behind a glass counter arrogantly and with a chip on her shoulder asked me to remove the modem from inside the plastic bag. Not even appreciative that I was taking care of it while it was in my hand.

So I let the attitude pass.

Then this woman, who is so big, most probably more than 200 punds, was telling me again with an arrogance on her tone of voice that if I don't return the black box I will be charge $150.00 . I have no more patience with this black woman who is as big as a gorilla, so I told her:

"The reason I am leaving your company is because of people like you. And if I get charge of the amount you arrogantly said to me.....I DON'T CARE because I will not pay for it. Your cable guy should have pick up the black box when he disconnected the cable."

And I was so furious and lashed back again to this big ape of a woman:

"You look great behind that enclosure. It remind me of something at the Brookfield Are".

Then I turned my back. Brookfield is a big zoo out side Chicago.

And so, Auntie Pattie Koh....I really don't want to insult other people, but this woman, if I will not answer back at her....she will keep on treating me like as if I owe her something or some money. This woman is an embarrassment to her race. I hate her actuations and dealings with me. Grrrrrrrr!!!

MY ONLY PINOY GROUP IN THE STATES

2007-03-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I belong to this group called PAX, it is a Latin word meaning to say : PEACE. This group is composed of ex-seminarian and ex-priest belonging to a German congregation and has big seminary, school and parishes in the Philippines.

We are now all married and our spouses are children are part of the group. We have members from different parts of the world and different states in the U.S. including Canada. We have members who are still currently priest(s) and some are still in the missions in Africa, Indonesia and other South East Asian countries.

This year, the Chicago group will be hosting the yearly get together this coming August. The president of the Chicago chapter is so excited and verybusy trying to take care of all the things that is needed for the said event for August. There are different groups that has been created and chairperson has been assigned. I was assigned for the food and the dinner party on the last evening of the events. I do catering and really knows how to budget money and take care of the food and meals. So the end of the month, we are all being called to submit the things that we have done plus the budget needed by each group and the one in-charge of the hotel will have to report the progress of their dealings with the hotel where the venue for the guest(s) and the meetings will be held.

I am trying not to discourage the president of the group, because I have given him hint that before the end of the month, I might give up the chair of the food and catering. I have not informed him yet that I might not be able to attend the four days event at all because of conflict with my work schedule.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, it is so hard to tell the president of the group my intention(s) and what is happening. I don't want to break his heart. He has plan this event since January and looking forward for the event. He wants to show to the members coming from other parts of the states including Canada that Chicago has something to give and show. I wanted to tell him, this should not be a competition...but I cant'.

I am now trying to see other options, because I really don't want to break the heart of the president of the group. He is a good man.

HE SEEMS TO BE NICE YOUNG MAN

2007-03-24T22:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

Last 08 March, I ordered a new internet provider for my computer needs. I have to drop the previous one that is becoming too expensive. So this new one that is now my provider sent the Modem and of course I have to call it in to start the computer. Since I was in Houston for that week, it took another three days before the line could be connected and the net to be running.

I have no knowledge or have any expertise about computer. I only know how to use it and thats it.

So I asked me nephew to look into it and start the process since the modem has been installed and was running. So we called the technical support and it was answered by this young fellow from the Philippines who will not tell us his exact location. So we started the process and this young man in the technical support was very accomodating and very nice on the phone. The line was then connected and the internet is up and running.

All of my nieces and nephews was inside my computer room during the time the tech support isn the Phils. is instructing my nephwe how to go about it. So they all heard this young man from the Phils. how polite and nice he was on the phone. They were so amazed about the public contact appeal of this young man.

After the service was done via phone, I took the phone and talk to this young man and thank him for what he did via my nephew on the phone.

From then on, I continued to communitate with him in the internet and even my wife like how this young man has conducted himself.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I have a new friend in the web. I have not seen how he looks like, but it really does'nt matter to me and my family. The important thing is this young man is very nice and very polite. I have invited him to come to the states and be our house guest. I hope all the call centers in the Phils. will have this kind of agents. They are an assetto their company that they represent.

More Power to you... E.L!!!!

DO I REALLY CARE???

2007-03-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I cannot understand this weather. I was out to pick up my wife at the train station because he commutes and take the Metra Train since she works at Chicago dowtown and we live in the suburbs. It is so hard to park at te downtown area, so she takes the Metra train and then to save some time in the afternoon, I just go to the terminal and pick her up.

On the way to the train station the rain poured like anything. It was pouring by the bucket and the sky is so dark. Then after driving for at least 5 miles to the train station....the rain turned in hale. It was so bad, I could see some car under neath the via duct waiting for the hale to pass by.

Do I really care?

I just kept on driving. I have to be at the train station prior the arrival of the train so that my wife won't be waiting for a long time at the terminal with this bad weather.

Three miles to the train station, there was this car who was driving so fast ahead of me and did not even bother to slow down even the weather is so bad and the clouds was so dark and scary even it was only 4PM. Then three miles before I exit for the terminal, I saw the car who was speeding ahead of me, at the side of the toll with a flat tire. Its good the car did not slip and created an accident.

Do I really care?

With this type of driver who does not have any respect for others and is not so scared about the weather and road conditions should be given a lesson. So I excited the toll and went straight to the train station to pick up my wife.

Then when my wife is already inside the car, and we were on our way home, the rain stopped but the sky did not cleared at all. It was still dark and there was still a looming bad weather and I can see from the distance that the rain is on going to where we live. So, then we kept on driving and we were inside the toll way system and there was bumper to bumper traffic now. Then we saw an accident on the other lane of the toll way. It was a chain of five cars that bumped into each other.

Do I really care?
Yes I do care. I hope there is no fatalilty on the five car accident. The road is very tricky and slippery.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, at times I cannot control myself, saying to myself that I don't really care. But there are some situations, that one has to care. We need to feel also at times the situations and feelings of others, like the chain of car accidents. I pray to God nobody is hurt.

I WAS AT THE MALL

2007-03-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I was at the mall today but have no intention of shopping. I am not a shopoholic. So I was just looking around, then there was this commotion at the jewelry counter of this store where I was just snoopin' around and trying to let the time pass before I pick up my wife at the train station.

At the jewelry counter, there was this lady, whose voice is already loud and was arguing with the manager and saleslady. I was standing at the next counter where all the sweet things are and I can still hear this whinning woman, demanding that she be reimbursed if the store cannot change the item that she bought. The manager was saying that he cannot reimburse her no can he changed the item that she is returning because this is a jewelry in a jewelry case and she has already destroyed the case and the earring in the set one of the stone is missing. The woman kept on yelling that it was given to her like that and she did not destroy the case and the earring.

The manager said, there is no way that we will sell jewelries like this, wherein the case is destroyed. So he was showing the rest of the jewelry sets the same ones that this woman has purchased and was returning back. Then the manager said, we will not accept and replace any item that you have bought more than 30 days ago.

The more the woman yelled and was making a scene at the jewelry counter. She was shoving the receipt and kept on saying it has not yet been more than 30 days when she purchased the item. The manager then scrolled back the computer/cash register and printed the receipt of the purchase and gave it to the woman. This time, the woman is yelling that the saleslady was yelling back at her. She has to be compensated because she was discreminated upon by the sales lady. The manager said that he was in the hearing distance of the saleslady and never heard the saleslady raised her voice on this lady, until another customer approached the group with all the onlookers and said she is willing to testify that the saleslady did not yell at this hysterical woman.

I was about to leave the sweet counter, when a little boy of ten came forward and said in Tagalog to the mother :" 'Nay, huwag mo na daw ipagpilitan yan isoli sabi ni ate, kasi ginamit mo na daw ng maraming beses 'yan".("Mother, dont force yourself in returning the item... my sister said, because you have used that many times")

Oh my God!! I said quietly to myself .
Then I walked out of the store without looking back.

And so Auntie Patti Koh, I wanted to sing "Woe, is me...shame and scandal in the family", but I stopped myself because I have no talent for singing nor do I have the voice and tempo for the song. I was just so embarrassed when I found out that this whinning woman was a Kababayan!!