LAFF (Ligaya, Aida, Fe and Fides) with the captain of Royal Caribbean’s Adventures of the Seas. Two sets of sisters and first cousins, this year’s bonding trip took them to Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten and the US Virgin Islands. Stay tuned for more of LAFF’s other trips.
From the left, Aida Abayon-Dimaranan, Fides Abayon Delgado, the Head Waiter (just kidding!), Fe Abayon-Ford and the author, Ligaya Abayon Delgado Sublett.
I found this rare photo of LAFF’s mothers. On the left is Tiang Petring (daughters Aida and Fe) and on the right is Pureza (mother of Ligaya and Fides).
Coincidentally, it is my father’s 17th death anniversary today. On the back of this photo in his distinctive hand it says – “December 25, 1983 – Aida’s House.”
Matthew Alfred Delgado’s plans involve a Junior College-UCLA Program. This proud aunt will be attending his graduation in Los Angeles.
Sabrina Delgado will graduate from the West Ranch School on Jun 12, 2008. Her aunt is very sorry she could not be there to hear her speech.
Katrina Cauckwell will be attending Richmond College in England. This “godmother” will be at her graduation in Fort Bragg, Ca AND in London in four years.
Behind this prized Italian vase is where I toil in hospitality most days. My co-worker Pat (currently checking-in a guest) shares the sights and smells of her spring garden.
Maria Joao Pires has been playing my favorite Chopin Nocturnes for hours. Teri has just changed the CD to Il Divo. Charra is on the phone hopefully booking one of our homes for a dream vacation.
Through the lace curtains (I kid you not!), I see that my dwarf fruit trees in half barrels have the promise of fruit. The Golden Chain tree is starting to show thousands of tiny tendrils.
Old-fashioned roses and yarrow spill over the white picket fence (no kidding again). Hand-painted wooden angels are surrounded by lavender and geraniums. Locally-made bird houses stand guard by the back gate.
My dogs Teemu and Pangga are in the yard barking hello at the neighbors next door. Earlier, Cristopher’s spaniel, Moira came in for her usual cookie and huggie. Our adopted office cat Tucker is asleep next to my chair.
My husband (36 years) and business partner (13 years) is out on the field doing home inspections. But he will be taking me to one of our frequent board of directors meeting-lunch for two later.
This is my world. Welcome to it!
Tucker and his people live next door or at least his people still do. Tucker now practically lives and works with us. He is head of guests relations at Mendocino Coast Reservations.
Tucker is at his post for check-ins and check-outs. He does meetings and he will definitely do lunch. As far as he’s concerned, we’re his staff. There’s Pat who I suspect is his favorite. He and Teri (who is the Office Manager) enjoy an office power struggle. He is still training Charra who is a new hire.
He tolerates Moira, Cristopher’s spaniel who works in Maintenance. He is indifferent to my dogs Teemu and Pangga as they are just lazy layabouts.
Tucker, now seven years old, was named after his people’s friend who is a famous stunt pilot. Apparently when he was a kitten, Tucker would do amazing aerial feats like his namesake.
As my husband constantly reminds me, Tucker is not my cat. Be that as it may, but that does not mean that we don’t belong to each other anyway.
