Kassandra’s Graduation

                                                                                                             

                  

                                                               

Day Off

      

 

 

 

A rare day off this week was spent with Pangga and Teemu and doing chores. For RGS, it was putting up the much-postponed birdhouse subdivision. For the author, buying leftover bare root roses with plans to plant…soon. 

 

RGS didn’t say this was my anniversary present but if it quacks like a duck, it is a duck! After months of “buelo,” the birdhouses amazingly and coincidentally went up in time for our 36th.

Matthew’s Graduation

  

                

My nephew Matthew graduated from West Ranch High School, Stevenson Ranch, California on May 30, 2008. Photos from top to bottom: The graduate with his parents (Pat and Nora) after the ceremony at the College of the Canyons. Pizza and Chinese food at my sister Naynee Fides’ house (it was coincidentally also her birthday) in Van Nuys. The celebrations continued the next day at one of Matthew’s favorite restaurant – Zen Buffet. From left to right – Matthew, Bree, Nicolas, Nora, Pat, Patrick, the author, Naynee and Mommy. The birthday girl still seems to be smiling even after she’s seen the staggering bill. 

 

                  

 

 

 

 

Second set of photos that weekend: Father and son Pat and Nicolas give new meaning to “all hat no cattle;” Pat and his fine first born, Patrick; my niece, Beautiful Bree who will also graduate from Middle School June 12, 2008; the Delgado sisters; Nicolas and his grandma and immediately above, visiting with cousins Boloy (stripe shirt) and Nenet.

Wedding Anniversary

June 10, 1972 – Paco Cemetery, Manila. RGS remembers the searing heat in spite of the light drizzle. His was the only white face among LDS’ closest relatives and friends – about five hundred strong. The din of unintelligible Tagalog, Visayan and heavily accented English must have been beyond babel. He was many culture miles from Chicago, Illinois. He was running a fever. Philippine food did not agree with his midwestern stomach. Yet he married me that day, 36 years ago. He is the bravest man I know.     

LAFF Cruise

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. 

Mother

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.”

 

My Father

                      

                                                

 ”To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Thomas Campbell                

 

 Papa – all these years, you have been in our hearts.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                               

 The Family would like to thank Father Lew of St. Anthony’s Church in Mendocino for remembering Papa at the mass today.  

 

 

 

 

Graduates

      

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. 

 

Introduction

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

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.