FRIDAY SKY - A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DAY

We went to a Cardinals game last weekend.  (Come to think of it, we did not go to any game last year.)   It was sunny, in the mid 80s with frequent gentle breeze.  Our seats were in section 170, next to the left field landing.  We were in row 13 and completely out of the sun.  Others around us were families with kids and grand kids.  We shared peanuts and popcorn like a big happy family.  The tickets were part of the fundraising efforts from an organization that provide counseling and legal assistance to kids from families that are going thru divorces.  We had a great time at the baseball game while supporting a good cause.  The Cardinals won 4-2. 

There were four young people sitting a few rows in front of us.  They looked too young to be drinking beers.  We thought of reporting them because they might be using fake photos IDs to purchase drinks.  The young ladies spent most of the time with their phones taking photos then texting to their BFFs on "Buttbook" (I heard this term from someone).

Ralphie took a vacation day today.  He has been working long hours since the previous manager quit last October and the new manager who came on board since March still learning the ropes.  We are not planning any road trip this Memorial weekend.  Last Sunday was only the 2nd time Ralphie went golfing.  He Who Has a few pars likes to search for balls that have fancy logos.  He plans to golf everyday this 4-day weekend.

Enjoy the first long weekend of the summer and don't forget to display the flag!

FRIDAY "YELLOWSTONE" SKY

 Happy Friday ya'll - it is good to be blogging again!  I could not believe that I have all the free time on my hands, no reading hundred of pages of "legal mumbo jumbo", no research or drafting assignments, no looking thru cases to locate authority, statutes or court decisions.  All the chapters have been covered, (weekly) assignments have been submitted, I only have to make it thru the finals and I would be free until the summer semester starts!  

 Looking at these photos taken from our Westward adventure in 2011 makes me long to be on the road.  I love seeing America and there is so much to see (13 more States to be exact).  I have not taken pictures lately (QQ, are you surprised?) so for this Friday Sky post, I am sharing these photos from our visit to Yellowstone National Park.

 Just in case you heard about flooding in St. Louis, we are ok and don't live in or near flooding areas.  It was sunny yesterday but today is back to cloudy with a threat of possible rain late in the evening.  In addition to school schedule, I have been busy with going to the courthouse to observe "justice in action".  Did I share that I started a Legal Studies Club on campus?  We had our first club meeting on April 3rd and it was sort-of well-attended.  Election of officers will take place at the next meeting and I have been busy with campaigning, fundraising in between a few rounds of golf and family vacation - all expense paid for and funded by the club membership dues (just kidding)! 

 We had a nice and quiet Easter (can't believe that it was a month ago).  A new manager (let's call him NC) from my husband's workplace is from Charleston, North Carolina.  NC is actually originally from Boston.  His wife is still in NC as they are trying to sell their house.  So we invited NC to our home for dinner to celebrate Easter with us.  We did not talk politics, only pleasant topics like football and hockey!

This small church is right across from our hotel in Gardiner, Montana.  This is the view from our room on the 2nd floor.  It is a great view to see each morning or anytime when looking out the windows.  Mass schedule listed 8:00 a.m. during the summer but only 3 times each month and 4:00 p.m. Mass during the winter.  I tried but the door was locked so I could not take any pictures inside the church.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

The 2012 Home & Garden Show took place this weekend. It has been a few years since we last went to the show. We decided to go this year since we are planning to remodel our main bathroom and replace the cement slab in the patio with decorative concrete. Last year my husand being a handy man built the new roof for the patio and he plans to weather proof it this year. Did I tell you about the brick walls he built for the front of the house and in our backyard by the fence?

It has been my dream (and it will forever be just a dream) to live in a log cabin in Montana. I would love to have the furniture (above photo) for my bedroom, with a large window so I could wake up every morning looking at the beautiful view of the mountain. Do you have any remodeling projects? What would be your dream home and where would it be?

The show was at the America's Center & Edward Jones Dome (home of the St. Louis Rams). Most services offered at the show were home remodeling, maintenance and repairs, building materials, custom products, lawn and garden, a large display of gardens of the world (above is part of a Japanese garden), home and outdoor furnitures, decorations and plenty of services to make your home comfortable. We avoided all the giveaways. I know that some businesses held eligitimate contests but most of them are as bad as telemarketing. I thought of writing down a fetitious name and our disconnected land line!

HERE WE GO AGAIN - 2ND TIME IS A CHARM - PATRIOTS V. GIANTS

Our activities during the last few weekends were arranged around the NFL playoffs schedule. For football fans, it was the most exciting time of the year. It was full of surprises starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers being eliminated by the Broncos - thanks to Tebow's last minute touchdown. Moving on to the Divisional Round, more surprises with the 49ers defeated the Saints (36-32) and the most shocking was the Giants being the Wild Card sent the Packers (with a winning season 15-1) home with a major victory (37-20). I was nervous watching the Patriots v. Broncos game because I could not decide which team should win since I like both Brady and Tebow. The Giants were the only Wildcard team to move on to the Conference Round, facing the 49ers. The AFC game between Patriots v. Ravens - Brady did not play too well and the Patriots were lucky to win that game. The Ravens missed the field goal, unable to tie the game to send it to overtime. Interestingly, the Giants won the game with a field goal in overtime after the 49ers tied at the end of the 4th.
The XLVI Superbowl will be on Sunday, Feb. 5th in Indianapolis, Indiana. Watching all the activities leading up to the Big Day reminded of the excitement when we attended the XL Superbowl in Detroit. The Steelers won that year and the Seahawks never regained from that defeat. I am a bit nervous since this is the 2nd time my beloved Patriots play against my American hometown team the Giants. Five years ago I made the comment, "May the better team win". Not sure if I should say that again! I might just pay attention to the snacks (mini tacos and chicken wings are my favorite) instead of watching the game!
Hey Qap and Lone Gunman, would you care to place bets? You both could take the Giants against my Patriots. What would be your predictions (winning team and final scores)? How about milk shakes at Crown Candy for the prize?

THE LOOP 2012 ICE CARNIVAL

There was no alien like the one above, but there were plenty of regular folks (included a grumpy geezer named TOTA) at the 2012 Ice Carnival in the Loop. The event was scheduled for the weekend of January 14th and 15th. It was cold but not windy and the streets were not covered with snow like last year. We again parked a few blocks away and walked along Delmar where the ice scupltures were on display in front of the sponsoring businesses. The sculptures were created as promotional pieces for the stores, some were very clever but not all the art works represent what is being sold in the stores.

Above ice sculpture was sponsored by Gyro House and it was fitting that it was Socrates or a typical Greek philosopher. (Hey Qaptain, have you been to Socrates Sculpture Park on Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, Queens? I definitely would like to check it out next time I am in NYC.) We each ordered a house gyro with lamb meat and hold the onion for mine. Once again we are on a "diet" trying to cut back on sweet, so no baklava this time. Last year, I almost had to make an emergency trip to the dentist when a large chunk of honey would not let go of my dental crown.

Above sculpture was in front of a tattoo parlor. The line was long so I did not wait. Maybe next year I would get there early to be the first one in line!

WILD CARD WEEKEND

Since the St. Louis Rams (2-14) did not make it to the playoffs (again) and I don't have any new football photos to post, so these photos will have to do. After the whole week of nice weather in the upper 60s (it reached 74s on Thursday), the temperature dropped down to mid-40s today. You could tell from these photos I took after coming out of church this morning that it was cloudy and grayish sky. After Mass, I brought Holy Communion to a parishioner who was discharged from the hospital earlier this week and is at home under hospice care. "Martha" looks weak compared to when I visited her on Wednesday. When I saw the red berries on the bare branches against the gloomy sky, I thought how about nature end-of-life, and sometimes we try to hang on to things, unable to let go, knowing that there was very little left. Martha smiled when I told her I also brought her a copy of the bulletin. After we prayed, I said goodbye and that I would bring her Holy Communion again on Wednesday even though we both knew that might not be necessary.

This is Wildcard Weekend "Do or Die" round. Yesterday, Saturday, Jan. 7th, the Detroit Lions gave the New Orleans Saints a hard time in the first half but could not hold the ground. The Saints advanced with a win 45-28, sending the Lions back to their den. The Houston Texans also won 31-10 over the Cincinnati Bangels. Latest news - my American hometown team the New York Giants had a big win 24-2 over the Atlanta Falcons (I should have bet with my sister who is now living in Atlanta but she does not care about football.) It should be a great match-up when the Giants play against the Packers in the Divisional Round next week.

IT'S A MAD, MAD WORLD (ANY GIVEN SUNDAY)

"If we learned anything from Week 15, it's that anything can happen on any given Sunday or Thursday, or Monday", was the comment that was spoken by almost all the football analysts or the wannabe sport commentators like me. It was a mad, mad world in football last weekend and I will tell you what happened. The Colts (1-13) beat the Titans (7-7); the Eagles (6-8) ran the Jets (8-6) off the field with the final score 45-19 but the biggest surprise of all was the Chiefs (6-8) made history by handing the Packers (13-1) their first lost. Up until Sunday night, the Packers were undefeated, almost perfect season!

On Monday night (December 19th), the Steelers (10-4) lost badly 3-20 against the 49ers (11-3). Big Ben threw two interceptions in the 1st quarter and could not overcome his ankle injury. Of course, my beloved New England Patriots (11-3) won big (41-23) against the Broncos (8-6). I was torn between Brady and Tebow because I liked them both. I would not feel bad if the Broncos won - that would shut up all the anti-Tebow crowds!

On Thursday night (December 22nd), the IN Colts will face the Houston Texans. I don't know why they even bother playing since the Colts (1-13) definitely will miss the playoffs. (This entire season, they only won one game against the Titans). The Texans (10-4) already clinched the AFC South Division, so why take the risk that guys might be hurt. I am happy that the Lions (9-5), much improved this season, still have a chance getting into the playoffs being a Wild Card. Don't even get me started on the St. Louis Rams (2-12)!

(The photos above were taken at the October 30th game when the Rams got a surprise win against the Saints. The half time performance was from a local school band. The kids played well but I don't remember from which school.)

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS

When Benjamin saw the above sign "Rock Paper Scissors", he asked me what it was about. I explained that it was the name of a store selling paper products like greeting cards, supplies for scrapbooks, and anything "papertry". I also mentioned that "Rock Paper Scissors" is a universal game which I remembered playing when I was a child in Viet Nam. For adults, it is a way to settle a bet or to decide winner and loser.
Then Benjamin asked me how the game is played. I explained that there are usually two players, each either put his hand behind his back or shake his hand a number of times, then put the same hand out either in a fist (rock), out flat (paper) or with the index and middle figures extended, either pressed together or slightly apart (scissors). Winning is decided based on the following rules - paper wins against rock (paper covers rock), rock wins against scissors (rock crushes scissors) and scissors wins against paper (scissors cut paper). I told Benjamin that I had wonderful childhood memory playing this game because it was a lot of fun. Then Benjamin extended his two yellow hands -------------------

THESE ARE NOT FROM ZANESVILLE, OHIO

Here are a few more photos from our recent visit to St. Louis Zoo. When I first saw the above "art work" I thought it was real. My husband explained that sometimes predators such as tigers or lions would carry their kills up high on the tree to avoid having to share with other lions/tigers that are freeloaders, too lazy to get their own food.

Then there was the above hyena that stood so still like as if he was posing. There were about five of us taking photos. Only after we started walking away that the hyena moved. I waited but he did not laugh or even grin to show off his teeth!

It must be after feeding time because these two big cats took a long nap and did not move the whole time we were there. I went back trying to take a good photo of them walking around but no luck.

I would like to visit the zoo during the winter, especially when there is a thin layer of snow. It would make an interesting photo of the above leopard with the snow on the ground as if it was laying on a white blanket. Maybe this winter I will finally go to the zoo instead of keep talking about it.

NO MONKEY AROUND (A NICE DAY AT THE ZOO)

Saturday, October 15th was a sunny and comfortable day. After breakfast, we decided to go to the zoo. It has been a long time since we were there. When we got to the parking lot, the entire town was there too because the lot was 99% full. Everyone wanted to be outdoor on a beautiful day.

There is no admission fee at St. Louis Zoo. The operating fund comes from annual property taxes paid by the good citizens of St. Louis County. There is however a charge of $12 to park in the lot directly across from the main entrance. There are plenty of street parking but you would have to either get there real early or willing to walk a few blocks which should be good for our "big fat belly" anyway.

When we were at Yellowstone National Park, we saw very little of wildlife. We saw many large herds of bisons, a dozen antelopes, a few deer and I thought I saw a coyote. I am not complaining because I would not wish to encounter a black or brown bear. I think seeing wildlife behind the cages at the zoo would be just fine for my education.

It was the first time I saw an okapi, a native of Republic of Congo. It looks almost like a zebra with a large brown blanket covering its upper body. It has a face between a dog and a mule. It might look like a zebra but its family tree is more related to the giraffes.

It was a good day to be at the zoo seeing the animals and watching the kids having fun from the OctoberFest activities that included face painting, making craft items and riding the train around the zoo.

Sunday, October 16th - The day began with NFL games countdown and all the intelligent discussions about the players, the coaches and current standing. The 49ers handed the Lions their first defeat of the season. The Packers are the only undefeated team. I can't wait for next Sunday when the Saints will be in town (hopefully the Rams will put up a good fight).

SUNDAY IN THE COUNTRY

Beautiful white cloud in the blue sky made our drive to Hermann in the T-bird (with the top down) so pleasant. The temperature was in the mid 80s which made it very comfortable while letting our hair blowing in the wind.

We know we should enjoy the comfortable sunny weather before the extreme heat wave comes back. Autumn will soon follow and the long winter will soon arrive (it is always long when you are confined inside because of the snow and freezing temperature). The bright side is only 55 more days until the NHL 2011-2012 season begins - are you counting?

ALONG THE RIVER(S)

I took these photos on Saturday, April 30th to show how high the water on the Meramec River was. The two right lanes of Missouri Route 141 (photo below) had to be closed due to the rising water on the road.
My sister was scheduled to come into town on Thursday, May 5th. We were planning a road trip to Nashville on the 6th, then to Memphis on the 7th and back to St. Louis on the 8th. On Wednesday, the 11th, "Da Sistas" would fly to New Orleans for a few days. CH was going to a conference and I just came along to have fun in the Big Easy.

From these photos you would not know that there was supposed to be a walking trail but now completely under water.

Have you ever been "stuck in a rut" and could not get moving? There are so many photos and stories I would like to share but somehow I could not get motivated to get back to blogging regularly. I still enjoy reading other blogs but I have not been able to publish. I sure hope it is only a temporary setback. Perhaps I should just post cheesy photos and don't worry too much about writing. The world does not depend on my little boring blog for the latest news or useful words of wisdom.

TREASURES OF NAPOLEON

Saturday, March 5th was a misty day. The rain started on Friday night around 7:30 p.m. and continued to drizzle until Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday, March 6th, we went to Delmar Loop then to Missouri History Museum. It was a nice sunny day. Since we stayed in all day on Saturday, we decided that it was nice to get out. We went to Gyro House in the Loop for lunch.After lunch, we went to Missouri History Museum to see the exhibit of Treasures of Napoleon. The exhibition showcases some of his most personal possessions including Legion of Honour medal, clothing, handkerchief, private letters and many artifacts bearing his famous signature. There are many paintings depicted the famous Emperor leading the troops on the battle field to victory.I really enjoyed the exhibit and plan to read more about this enigmatic figure and how he changed the course of world history. CP commented that after attending the concert by Philharmonic of Poland on Wednesday, then this special exhibit, he felt so cultural! Too bad this exhibit ends April 3rd. Qaptain Qwerty would have enjoyed it as he also is very cultural - haa haa.

FETE DE GLACE - HISTORIC DOWNTOWN ST. CHARLES

On Saturday, January 29th, we went to St. Charles’ Fete de Glace (Festival of Ice). The festival took place on Main Street in the historic downtown. I had so much fun taking photos and watching the carvers and the master carvers working on their ice sculptures. Each carver was given 2.5 hours to complete their masterpieces. Now in its 13th year (this was our first time attending – we need to get out of our cave more often), the festival features 2-man 5-block monster carvings team competition and also individual artist using a single block of ice. Fete de Glace was so much better compared to the festival at the Loop because the crowd got to watch the ice carvers bring the ephemeral carving to life when they worked on the sculptures using chainsaws and chisels, grinders and knives, as well as hot irons and cold spray. Some of the carvers make their design decision on the day of the competition, based on the weather.We got to the festival around 1:30 p.m. just in time for the individual competition. The team competition was from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The temperature was in the upper 40s so the sculptures already dripping off. I have great admiration for these artists creating such intricate work and delicate piece of “cool” art. Check back often as I will share photos of many other wonderful sculptures.We ate lunch at Lewis and Clark Restaurant, across from the Visitors Office (No Qap, they don’t have .99 cents menu). We did not stay for the awards presentation. The Fete de Glace is unique because the sculptures are judged by the crowd. The people vote for their favorite pieces. I would have a difficult time voting for just one. Next year I plan on being there early for the team competition.

The little kids and a few big kids had fun sliding down the above "cool" slide.

IT WAS A BAD IDEA!

(Wooden sculpture in front of the community farmers' market in the Loop.)
We’ve been having nice sunny, not-to-cold weather the last few days. I did not even need a coat when I took the recycles out to my car. There are no recycle programs at the company or collections bins in the building where I work. I started and have been managing a “one man” Let’s be Green Initiative since 2005. Soda cans and water bottles would be taken home and put into the bin for weekly (Thursday) collection. The paper and cardboards would go into the bins at either my church or a neighborhood elementary school (if the bins at the church were already overflowed). I even tried to recycle plastic containers/fruit trays when we have in-house training seminars.

Wednesday (Jan. 26th) was a long day and I did not get home until almost 10:00 p.m. due to a Board of Directors meeting. The person who set up the NHL (the Red Wings schedule to be exact) must have a sick sense of humor because there would be good/great games in the same evening of the Board meetings. This time it was the Wings v. the New Jersey Devils. I was so glad that we had to wait for a few Board members who were running late. I watched the game as long as I could until the chairman yelled out, “TOTA, get in here for the meeting or you won’t have a job tomorrow!” During the meeting I had to excuse myself (for bathroom breaks) a few times to check on the scores. (Have you ever tried to watch a hockey game without making any sound for fear being caught for playing “hooky” from work?) I did not find out until I got home that the Wings won 3-1. Next time I plan to be sick from something I ate at lunch thus unable to be at the Board meeting!

OK, here it goes – I got kicked out of Bible Study on Tuesday night. I took the comment (words of wisdom) from the Lone Gunman aka Salabencher and got a Red Wings tattoo. When I showed off the tattoo at Bible Study, another woman who happened to be a St. Louis Blues fan, said the tattoo should read Dead Wings or Broken Wings would be more appropriate. Well, the Lord's command, "Love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34)" went out the door! I gave the woman a left hook and then an upper cut. She fell flat on her butt with a bloody nose. As I got up after being ordered to leave and never come back, my Bible “accidentally” knocked another woman off her chair. I checked the church website this morning and my face was on the front page above the word “unwanted” and also on the bulletin board. Thanks a lot for your comment, Salabencher. It was really a bad idea!

GREAT BALLS OF FIRE

Saturday, January 22nd – The last few weeks I started looking for another vehicle to replace my 8+ years old (100,000+ miles) Mazda 626. Previously, when I turned 30, I purchased a light blue 2-door Escort, then another Escort – Green color this time when I was 35 and owned the 626 in 2002. Since I will be turning 50 next month, it is time for me to get another new car. I selected three different models, did extensive comparisons and am very close to make my decision. One of the important factors is that the vehicle must have a high percentage of being produced (also parts) from assembly plants in the U.S. I am not in a hurry to get a new car during these winter months (don't care for snow, salt and mud) and the 626 is still running good. My husband keeps a good schedule of maintenance on our cars. The dealerships need to sell more than I need to buy.It started to snow around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday evening into Sunday afternoon. I thought it was nice that we already attended 5:30 p.m. Mass yesterday and we could stay inside all day. Though I am not against going to Mass on Saturday evening, I prefer attending the traditional Sunday Mass.Sunday was another exciting day filled with NFL playoffs games. The Packers sent the Bears “packing” with a 21-14 victory in NFC Championship Game. I was torn between wanting the NY Jets to win because deep-down I am a NYer (well, I have always thought the Jets were more New Jersey than New York team!) but I resented that the Jets kicked my Patriots’ butts. I also thought the Steelers already won the Super Bowl in 2006 (we were there) and again in 2009, so perhaps I should cheer for the Jets. The Steelers won 24-19 over the Jets in the AFC Championship Game.

Hey Lone Gunman, how about a friendly wager for the Super Bowl? What would be your pick, Steelers or Packers?