I am so proud of my beloved Red Wings for a text-book hockey victory 6-1 over the Phoenix Coyotes. Keep up the good work guys! Here we go onto Round 2 - Let's take a big bite out of the Sharks :0 *** Happy 40th Birthday to Da Captain #5 Nicklas Lidstrom - Enjoy Your Special Day :)
I am sure my adoring fans were concerned for my well-being upon hearing of the bad weather passing thru St. Louis area last weekend. A large funnel cloud was spotted directly over West County Mall (I-270 and Manchester Road). We live about 12 miles west of the mall. These photos were the dark sky before the storm and clear blue sky after it passed thru. The sun came out but the ground was soaking wet. Des Peres Road was down to one lane due to large tree branches and electrical lines down. Luckily, we did not lose power nor had any major damage in our neighborhood.
On Saturday, at around 4:00 p.m. as I was in the main bedroom getting out summer clothes and putting away winter stuff when the siren of possible tornado warning went off. I went looking for my husband and found him in the backyard working away at re-building the new patio. I said to CP that we should go down the basement. Of course, CP and his typical response, "Not to worry. The siren is only a warning. I would have come and get you if it looked like a tornado was coming." I said, "Then it would be too late. You could stay up here but I am going down the basement. Just like last time when you slept thru all the ambulance blasting, fire trucks and police cars in front of the house!". Good thing I did not depend on my husband for emergency situations! After the storm passed thru, CP proudly announced that he was right about there was no tornado and we are still safe in St. Louis. 
This past week went by quickly (Has time ever slow down or we will forever try catching up?) and I could not recall what I did except going to work and watching NHL playoffs in the evenings. We are still on the "salad for dinner" plan that was started earlier this year. We fell off the wagon a few times when instead of the salad we thought we deserved a big filet mignon (just kidding) after a hard day at work. Last night, CP made chicken curry and I cooked the rice using the rice-cooker my brother TL gave us in 1989 for my bridal shower. It still works beautifully, mind you, it was not because I don't use it often - haa haa.
"On the east end of the Memorial stand the only remaining walls from the Murrah Building. These walls remind us of those who survived the terrorist attack, many with serious injuries. Today, more than 600 names are inscribed on salvaged pieces of granite from the Murrah Building lobby." www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org
"The Gates of Time - These monumental twin gates frame the moment of destruction - 9:02 a.m. - and mark the formal entrance to the Memorial. The East Gate represents 9:01 a.m. on April 19, 1995, and the innocence of the city before the attack. The West Gate represents 9:03 a.m., the moment we were changed forever, and the hope that came from the horror in the moments and days following the bombing." www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org.
"We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity." Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org 
And Jesus Wept.
From www.detroitredwings.com, "Henrik Zetterberg collected his first playoff hat trick, including the game-winner with 6:06 left, and linemate Valtteri Filppula added two goals and an assist as the Red Wings lit up Phoenix goalie Ilya Bryzgalov for six goals and evened their Western Conference quarterfinals series with a 7-4 win over the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday night."I stayed up late to watch an exciting but frustrating 2nd game between my beloved Red Wings v. Phoenix Coyotes. It was 1-0 Phoenix in the 1st period, then 2nd period it was back and forth with the Wings scored and 38 seconds later the Coyotes answered, game tied at 1-1. I got so mad when the Wings scored again but allowed Phoenix to regain the lead, 2-1, in a mere 49 seconds later. Wings 3-2 at the end of the 2nd period. I was glad that I stayed up to watch Zetty scored his first playoffs hat trick. Actually, it was the first hat trick of 2010 playoffs, take that Crosby and Ovechkin!Congratulations and hat off to #40 Zetty!
The above "instruments" hooks and key was used in the early 1800's for removing teeth. I took the photo last month during a tour of Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, Missouri. The items were on display at Grant's Drug Store/Pilaster House. I thought it is appropriate to post this photo today, April 15th as I am sure many Americans feel the pains of our tax dollars being spent foolishly by the ever expanding hand-outs and re-distribution programs!
The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today. I am very happy that my beloved Red Wings not only made it but managed to get into the 5th seed in the Western Conference. The Wings will play against Phoenix Coyotes in the 1st Round but no home ice advantage. Sadly, only four of the Original Six teams, got into the Playoffs. My American hometown team New York Rangers was close but left out in the cold while the Toronto Maple Leafs struggled being the worst team in the Eastern Conference. I hope my adoring fans will be understanding if I don't post regularly in the next few weeks. Let's the fun begin and may the better teams advance to the next round quickly! Life is good :) 
Congratulations to #8 Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals for winning the President's Trophy.
For this week Tuesday Two, I selected this photo of two hockey players, Ryan Whitney #6 of the Edmonton Oilers and Ty Conklin #29 of the St. Louis Blues, chatting during warm up before the start of the game. Because I love hockey and enjoy taking photos, I make sure that we get to the arena early so I could watch and take pictures of players from the visiting teams. Whitney, a defenseman and Conklin, a goalie, used to play on the same team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2008, the Pens traded Whitney to the Oilers and Conklin to the Red Wings. It was nice to see guys keeping in touch with a friendly conversation and cool hello before playing against each other. I also select two expressions from America's Popular Sayings:1. Two heads are better than one. (Except in a head-on collision!)2. Two wrongs don't make a right, but they make a good excuse (Thomas Szasz, The Second Sin)
I am posting these photos taken from previous years since I would not be attending the home opening game today. As you know I am not a baseball person so to take a day off, standing in long line to get into the stadium due to extra security for the first home game of the season and paying extra for the tickets would not be what I wish to do with my time and money. We usually go to one or two games per year, especially when the New York Yankees or the Mets come into town. Furthermore, I am not too thrill sitting in the hot sun watching a slow game like baseball (compared to the cool game of fast pace hockey). I understand it is all-American National pastime, so I would like to extend a warm welcome to the boys of summer and let's play ball!
Oh, the wonder of digital camera! With a 2GB SanDisk, I kept clicking away images, from different angels, of the pear trees lining the streets, more trees bursting with colorful flowers at the park, close-up photos under the umbrella of the flowers, against the blue sky, knowing that I have the luxury of keeping only those I like. No more incurring expense of developing negatives, not even printing (I don't remember that last time I printed copies of photos taken). These are a few photos I took last Sunday of the beautiful blue sky, the trees and the white blanket of flowers, and it was a comfortable sunny day to be outdoor. I used the sort-of new Canon camera my husband gave me last Christmas. I still have yet learned the touch screen feature. (Qaptain Qwerty knows I am slow when it comes to hi-tech stuff. Yet, surprisingly I am impressed with the iPad and actually considering getting one!)
I am so proud of my beloved Red Wings for a text-book hockey victory 6-1 over the Phoenix Coyotes. Keep up the good work guys! Here we go onto Round 2 - Let's take a big bite out of the Sharks :0 *** Happy 40th Birthday to Da Captain #5 Nicklas Lidstrom - Enjoy Your Special Day :) 
I am sure my adoring fans were concerned for my well-being upon hearing of the bad weather passing thru St. Louis area last weekend. A large funnel cloud was spotted directly over West County Mall (I-270 and Manchester Road). We live about 12 miles west of the mall. These photos were the dark sky before the storm and clear blue sky after it passed thru. The sun came out but the ground was soaking wet. Des Peres Road was down to one lane due to large tree branches and electrical lines down. Luckily, we did not lose power nor had any major damage in our neighborhood. 
On Saturday, at around 4:00 p.m. as I was in the main bedroom getting out summer clothes and putting away winter stuff when the siren of possible tornado warning went off. I went looking for my husband and found him in the backyard working away at re-building the new patio. I said to CP that we should go down the basement. Of course, CP and his typical response, "Not to worry. The siren is only a warning. I would have come and get you if it looked like a tornado was coming." I said, "Then it would be too late. You could stay up here but I am going down the basement. Just like last time when you slept thru all the ambulance blasting, fire trucks and police cars in front of the house!". Good thing I did not depend on my husband for emergency situations! After the storm passed thru, CP proudly announced that he was right about there was no tornado and we are still safe in St. Louis. 
This past week went by quickly (Has time ever slow down or we will forever try catching up?) and I could not recall what I did except going to work and watching NHL playoffs in the evenings. We are still on the "salad for dinner" plan that was started earlier this year. We fell off the wagon a few times when instead of the salad we thought we deserved a big filet mignon (just kidding) after a hard day at work. Last night, CP made chicken curry and I cooked the rice using the rice-cooker my brother TL gave us in 1989 for my bridal shower. It still works beautifully, mind you, it was not because I don't use it often - haa haa. 
"On the east end of the Memorial stand the only remaining walls from the Murrah Building. These walls remind us of those who survived the terrorist attack, many with serious injuries. Today, more than 600 names are inscribed on salvaged pieces of granite from the Murrah Building lobby." www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org
"The Fence - Today, more than 200 feet of the original Fence gives people the opportunity to leave tokens of remembrance and hope." www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org
"Field of Empty Chairs - Each of the 168 chairs symbolize a life lost, with smaller chairs representing the 19 children killed. Each bronze and stone chair rests on a glass base etched with the name of a victim." www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org
"The Gates of Time - These monumental twin gates frame the moment of destruction - 9:02 a.m. - and mark the formal entrance to the Memorial. The East Gate represents 9:01 a.m. on April 19, 1995, and the innocence of the city before the attack. The West Gate represents 9:03 a.m., the moment we were changed forever, and the hope that came from the horror in the moments and days following the bombing." www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org.
"We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity." Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org 
And Jesus Wept.
It's Saturday, thus a post about Benjamin! These photos were taken last October during our trip to Oklahoma. Above is Benjamin "standing" by the plaque with the description about Mickey Mantle's boyhood home in Commerce, Oklahoma. I thought it would be appropriate since the baseball regular season started this week. Not sure what Benjamin was trying to do/be in the photo below, whether he pretended to be part of a swiss cheese or trying to get out off a hole in a yellow sculpture at a park in Miami, Oklahoma.
Was Benjamin trying to get into the outhouse to take care of nature call? Or he wanted to feel like he was a "big man" among the miniture set along the train track in a gift shop.
From www.detroitredwings.com, "Henrik Zetterberg collected his first playoff hat trick, including the game-winner with 6:06 left, and linemate Valtteri Filppula added two goals and an assist as the Red Wings lit up Phoenix goalie Ilya Bryzgalov for six goals and evened their Western Conference quarterfinals series with a 7-4 win over the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday night."
The above "instruments" hooks and key was used in the early 1800's for removing teeth. I took the photo last month during a tour of Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, Missouri. The items were on display at Grant's Drug Store/Pilaster House. I thought it is appropriate to post this photo today, April 15th as I am sure many Americans feel the pains of our tax dollars being spent foolishly by the ever expanding hand-outs and re-distribution programs!
The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today. I am very happy that my beloved Red Wings not only made it but managed to get into the 5th seed in the Western Conference. The Wings will play against Phoenix Coyotes in the 1st Round but no home ice advantage. Sadly, only four of the Original Six teams, got into the Playoffs. My American hometown team New York Rangers was close but left out in the cold while the Toronto Maple Leafs struggled being the worst team in the Eastern Conference. I hope my adoring fans will be understanding if I don't post regularly in the next few weeks. Let's the fun begin and may the better teams advance to the next round quickly! Life is good :) 
Congratulations to #8 Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals for winning the President's Trophy. 
For this week Tuesday Two, I selected this photo of two hockey players, Ryan Whitney #6 of the Edmonton Oilers and Ty Conklin #29 of the St. Louis Blues, chatting during warm up before the start of the game. Because I love hockey and enjoy taking photos, I make sure that we get to the arena early so I could watch and take pictures of players from the visiting teams. Whitney, a defenseman and Conklin, a goalie, used to play on the same team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2008, the Pens traded Whitney to the Oilers and Conklin to the Red Wings. It was nice to see guys keeping in touch with a friendly conversation and cool hello before playing against each other. 
I am posting these photos taken from previous years since I would not be attending the home opening game today. As you know I am not a baseball person so to take a day off, standing in long line to get into the stadium due to extra security for the first home game of the season and paying extra for the tickets would not be what I wish to do with my time and money. We usually go to one or two games per year, especially when the New York Yankees or the Mets come into town. Furthermore, I am not too thrill sitting in the hot sun watching a slow game like baseball (compared to the cool game of fast pace hockey). I understand it is all-American National pastime, so I would like to extend a warm welcome to the boys of summer and let's play ball! 
As per Qaptain Qwerty's request, I put together these photos with Benjamin blending in among the yellow shrubs in my backyard. I hope you have fun finding Benjamin. Let's see how quickly you are able to locate him! 
Oh, the wonder of digital camera! With a 2GB SanDisk, I kept clicking away images, from different angels, of the pear trees lining the streets, more trees bursting with colorful flowers at the park, close-up photos under the umbrella of the flowers, against the blue sky, knowing that I have the luxury of keeping only those I like. No more incurring expense of developing negatives, not even printing (I don't remember that last time I printed copies of photos taken). These are a few photos I took last Sunday of the beautiful blue sky, the trees and the white blanket of flowers, and it was a comfortable sunny day to be outdoor. I used the sort-of new Canon camera my husband gave me last Christmas. I still have yet learned the touch screen feature. (Qaptain Qwerty knows I am slow when it comes to hi-tech stuff. Yet, surprisingly I am impressed with the iPad and actually considering getting one!) 
