Saturday, December 31, 2011

It's NYE 2011...

It's New Year's Eve 2011. There's only a couple hours left for 2011 and 2012 will be here!!!

I had busy day. Woke up at 7:00AM. Took a couple of pictures of the sunrise. Then, took a shower. Went to McDonald's for breakfast. Took my clothes to the cleaners. Then, made a stop to Walgreens for cleaning supplies.

I decided to take on the Chinese tradition of getting ready for the new year by cleaning. It started yesterday when I did all my laundry. 3 loads of laundry in 4 hours. There's only 2 washers and 2 dryers in the apartment building. So, I made several trips up and down the stairs to get all the laundry done. Since, I don't have the van with me, I have to do my laundry here. Otherwise, I'd take my laundry to laundry mat. My usual routine is to go on Sunday morning at 7:00AM, when the laundry mat opens, and do all my washing and drying at one time. I would up to6 washers at a time. Then, I would use 6 dryers at time. I would be finish within 3 hours. At least, I don't have to go up and down the stairs like I would at the apartment building.

I finished with bathroom. I just have to clean the mirror and glass.

Tomorrow, I will be working on the kitchen. On Monday, I'll be cleaning the windows. I will be finished with the New Year's cleaning by Monday night.

But, for tonight's NYE, I will be watching on DVD Madea's Big Happy Family and Glee in Concert before ringing in the New Year.

If the sky's clear tonight, I'll watch the New Year's firework on the SF Bay from the apartment's windows.

Happy New Year everyone.

Especially to my sweetie, who I really miss at this time of year.

Ed

Today's Image - SF Skyline

Enjoy...

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Crispy French Fries...

The other day, I bought a chesseburger with an order of french fries.

When I began eating my lunch, thoughts of my sweetheart came to mind because sweetie loved french fries. Especially salty and crispy ones. I remember that sweetie would check his fries and then my fries for the crispy and crunchy ones.

This is one of my cherished memory of sweetie.

Love you and miss you sweetie.

Ed

Today's Street Art - Shy Girl

Enjoy...

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Monday, December 26, 2011

Mr. Tyler Perry...Madea..brillant man...

For Christmas, I received from my sister DJ Tyler Perry's "A Madea Christmas - The Play".

I just finished watching the DVD and my must salute Mr. Perry and his talents.

I loved this play. The play was about family, love, God, self worth and self identity. The message of play was so powerful. I was moved by the original songs and the traditional holiday songs. The cast were very talented.

Thank you Mr. Perry for bringing your play to the world to see.

Thank you DJ for the gift.

Ed

Today's Street Art - Dinosaur Attack

Enjoy...saw this today..had a good laugh...

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas has come and gone...

What a day. It started with Sunday mass. Then, baking the turkey and sides dishes. Then, the 45 commute to the East Bay for Christmas Dinner.

Dinner started a little late. But, the food great and abundant. With all the cooking I did, I only managed to have just 1 helping of dinner. That's okay. I was able to sample everything.

Then, it was time for gift giving to the younger kids. There were many gifts given and all the kids were very happy with they received.

Now, I'm back in the City and enjoying the rest of Christmas evening.

Love and happiness to all.

Merry Christmas sweetie. Love you always.

Almost ready for Christmas Dinner...

Almost ready for Christmas dinner.

I've finished baking the turkey and the sweet potato au gratin is in the oven. I'll make the deadline of 3:30PM to have everything ready for pickup.

Dinner is scheduled for 5:00PM. I'm starving. Only noodles for lunch.Can't wait to have prime rib, turkey, with all the fixings.

Ed

Today's Image - Heart #6

Enjoy...these 2 hearts are in memory of my sweetheart, who loved sailing and sailed on San Francisco Bay many times..






Merry Christmas...

It's Christmas day. It's finally here.

I'm headed to church for the 7:30AM mass at St. Patrick.

After church, I need to head back home to start the turkey, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato au gratin.

Can't for dinner tonight.

Merry Christmas Sweetie wish you were here to celebrate with me. But, I know you're here in spirit.

Love and you sweetie.

Ed

Saturday, December 24, 2011

All I Ask Of You...

As Christmas nears, my thoughts are of my sweetheart.

This is my second year without him. I miss him dearly.

While checking Youtube, I found this clip of my favorite singer, Michael Ball with Sarah Brightman signing "All I Ask Of You" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera". I love this rendition of this song.

And think of my sweetheart.

Love you sweetie.

Ed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEtvYqMSpBg&feature=related

T'was the night before Christmas...my tradition..

It's the night before Christmas, not a creature was stirring...just me.

It's been my Christmas tradition that on Christmas eve I do the following: wrap gifts for the kids, do my cookie baking, and prepare the dished I bringing for dinner.

This year: I've baked snickerdooles, sugar cookies, and chocolate chip cookies. I also bake potato au gratin. Next will be the sweet potato au gratin. On Christmas day, I will be baking the turkey and making mashed potatoes.

I enjoy this holiday very much.

Ed

Today's Street Art

Enjoy...

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

I Believe I Can Fly...

Watching the X Factor finals tonight and when Melanie Amaro and R. Kelly sang "I Believe I Can Fly", tears came down my eyes because I was thinking about by sweetheart.

I thought we would be together always. But, it wasn't meant to be.

I do keep keep my love and memories of sweetie close to my heart all the time.

Miss you and love you sweetie.

Ed

Today's Image - Heart #5

Enjoy...

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

In appreciation...

Yesterday was Terry J.'s birthday. I went to St. Patrick's church to see Dot be lecturer for the 5:15PM mass. She did a good job. It was her 2nd time doing it. I told her that she need to speak a little louder and pronounce the works clearer. She'll get there in time with more practice.

Today, I was checking my Facebook page and noticed that Katie J. posted pictures of her Dad Terry. It was really nice.

This lead to me to check the "Star" that I launched for Terry on the Stand Up 2 Cancer website. I was looking at the date that launched the "Star" and it was 3 years ago in August.

I went ahead a made a donation in Terry's honor and shared the "Star" on my Facebook and Twitter accounts.

As I said on my Facebook page, Terry will always be in our thoughts and hearts.

Love,

Ed

Today's Street Art - Hands

Enjoy...everyone needs a helping hand now and then...


Sunday, December 18, 2011

Iron Chef America...

One of my favorite cable channel is the Food Network.

One of my favorite show on the channel is The Next Iron Chef - Super Chefs. Tonight was the finals between Geoffrey Zakarian and Elizabeth Faulkner. Within the 60 minutes and 3 Chairman's surprises, Chef Zakarian was name The Next Iron Chef.

Can't wait to see Iron Chef Zakarian's first Iron Chef America battle.

Ed

Today's Image - Golden Buddha

Enjoy...

Winter In The Park..Holiday Sairee...

It was the yearly company Christmas party. This year it was at the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park.

I asked my good friend CG to join me at the party. The food was good and music wasn't bad. CG was able to see her old friends and get caught up.

The De Young was great venue. It was big and broken into 3 sections. A receiving section. A dining section with a dance floor. A martini bar room with the desserts.

It was good night. I'm glad CG was able to come and join in the festivities.

Ed

Friday, December 16, 2011

Thursday, December 15, 2011

10 days before Christmas...

Christmas is almost here!!!

I've started received the gifts I ordered online from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Toys R Us. The kids will be getting what they wished for this year.

I received 2 Christmas cards. One from Tennessee and one Pleasant Hill.

I still have a number of gifts to get the kids but I'll try not to stress out before the big day.

Love and kisses,

Ed

Adele...21...

Adele...what can I say...she's a fantastic singer.

With her 2nd album "21", I love this woman. Her voice cut through my body and soul. She sings with so much soul, heart ache, pain, and love.

With song's like, Rolling in the Deep, Turning Tables, Rumors has It, and Someone Like you, you can't just love Adele.

Ed

Today's Image - Heart #4

Enjoy...

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Fix You...

The first time I heard Coldplay's "Fix You" was on Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" when Robert and his all star partner, Allison dance a piece choreographed by Travis Wahl.

Just recently, Fox's "Glee" covered Coldplay's "Fix You". The show paired this song with Wil's and Emma's story line.

For me, this song brings a tear to eyes and makes my heart heavy because I think of my sweetheart.

Miss you and love you, sweetie.

Ed

Today's Image - Rose 3

Enjoy...I love this color rose...yellow...just like the sun...bright and warm...

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Friday, December 9, 2011

Winter Concert...

Tonight was my niece's Winter concert. She was beautiful in crepe purple skirt and tinted star glasses with beads. Her 2nd grade classmate sang 2 songs and danced. She even did a couple of cartwheels. But, to our surprise during the end of the show when the school was showing photographs of year's highlights, we noticed that an Adele song was song. We thought it part of the music for the slide show. But, no. It was my and her classmate sing live to Adele's "Someone Like You". We all looked at each other and said "It's her singing.". We were very surprised.

Afterward, we had a mexican dinner.

It was a fun night.

Ed

Today's Street Art - Medusa

Enjoy...

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Today's Street Art - "News"

Enjoy...this artwork is by J. Seward Johnson Jr. and it's titled "News".


What can be the "News" be???

It can be either good or bad news. I'll go for good news. The couple looks very much in love.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Legacy...

We all have one.

I'm still figuring out what mine's is.

With the loss of my sweetheart, I'm more aware of my time here and what I'm leaving as my legacy. Sweetie and I had 31 years together. We had good times and we had our bad times. All in all, the legacy we had was our deep love for each other. Time tested our relationship. But, survived because of love.

So, I guess the legacy is unconditional love.

Love you sweetie always.

Ed

Today's Image - Ribbons over SF

Enjoy...ribbons blowing in the wind over SF...

Monday, December 5, 2011

Tradition...

Sweetheart and I had many traditions.

One of them was to have breakfast every morning before I left for work. We would a hot bowl of cream of wheat or oatmeal. Sweetie really enjoyed the breakfast streusel.We would have at least 4 different kinds in the freezer to choose from.

Another tradition was that we always sat down for dinner together. It was time where we would tell what happened that day. After being away all day, sweetheart really looked forward to our time together during dinner.

Another tradition was having Sunday breakfast, sweetie would like works: eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns, coffee, and juice. On a good morning, we would sometime have breakfast in the veranda. We would look at the sun rise while having our meal. When we had our pets, Clarence, Truffle, Yuki, Alba, and Amy, they would join us on the veranda. The whole family would be together.

As you can see, most of our tradition here was around food. Sweetie and I really enjoyed cooking and eating. Sweetie had cooking skills taught to him by his mother while they managed a restaurant. And then, the developed his cooking skills, when Sweetie ran a restaurant in So. California.

For me, I learn my cooking skills from Sweetie and his mom, Marie. She was great a lady. One of the traditions Marie had was she canned during the summer. We would a care package of pickled beets (my favorite), chow chow, green beans, etc. Marie was the best. I always wanted to learn from her. But, I didn't get the chance to spend a summer and watch and learn from her.

With my Sweetheart gone, these traditions are memories for me that I hold deeply in my heart. As I think of them now, my eyes begin to swell and tears begin to form. But, these are good tears.

Miss you Sweetie. Say hi to Mom Marie for me in heaven.

Ed

Today's Image - Support

Think...saw this artwork..thought of man's resolve on nature..we need to take care of our environment or nothing will be left for our future generation...

Friday, December 2, 2011

Today's Image - Rose 2

Enjoy...


I've always loved roses. These were take at the Rose Garden in GGP in SF.

My sweetheart loved roses. These roses reminds me of the kind he brought back from MI from his grandmother's house.

Miss you sweetie.

Ed

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Carpenters...and pumpkin pie...

Yesterday, during my visit with Dr. Mark, my sweetheart came to my mind when a holiday song by the Carpenters came on. While hearing Karen's voice, my eyes swelled up thinking about Christmas without him again.

Today, while looking for something to eat, I found leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner. It was pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie was sweetheart's favorite dessert. Especially topped with a lot of whipped cream.

I think of sweetheart everyday. I miss you very much.

Below is the Carpenter's sing "Merry Christmas Darling" I found on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dTzTMZx1qI

Today's Image - Heart #2

Enjoy....

Monday, November 28, 2011

Let the holidays begin...

Thanksgiving has come and gone.

Then, at the stroke of midnight it was the Black Friday. It was busy at the stores. Best Buy had a 42" flat screen tv for $300.00. But, you had to be in line to get one. From the news I saw on Thanksgiving Thursday, people were already camped out on Wednesday to get that first spot. I braved the madness on Friday and went downtown. It was busy. I went to Old Navy and saw a couple of things that I might get.

Today, is Cyber Monday, where a lot of purchases will be made online. I checked Amazon and Target. I was tempted by didn't make a purchase.

I think it's due to the fact that I didn't have any spare cash to spend on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. One of these days, I'll be able to partake on this holiday tradition.

But for now, the recent paycheck went to paying the monthly rent and storage.

But, I did buy a lotto ticket. One of these day, one of these lotto tickets will come thru for me. And as the say, it only take one ticket to win. So, I play my $1.00 and keep my fingers crossed.

Bye for now.

Today's Street Art - Comfort

Enjoy...

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Once upon a time ...

Once upon a time…

It was a Tuesday night in May. Two tennis buddies decided to drive to the East Bay and go roller skating. This was the first time skating for the younger guy. They drove to the roller rink in his buddy’s beige VW. His buddy was the expert. He can skate forward, backward, jump and do spins. The younger bud laced this skates for the first time. He slowly walked off the rugged floor and to the hard wood floors. He did his best to skate taking one shaky step at a time. Everyone was going clockwise. Other skaters were passing by. The music was disco. He loved dance music.  He kept head down, trying to keep his balance, and trying not to fall. Unknown, to the young bud, another skater was there that night and was admiring him.

At mid-point of the evening, the DJ announced that was couples’ skate. The young bud started to skate off the hard wood floor. Then, all of the sudden, the admirer came behind him and asked him to the couples’ skate. He said yes. From then on, the two was inseparable.  They skated together until it was closing time.

The admirer headed back to the city on the chartered bus while the two tennis buddies head back in the VW.

The admirer and young bud made a date for the following week.

To be continued…

Today's Image - Santa

Every year this home dresses up for the holiday. Enjoy....

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Photography...

As you might have noticed, I've included digital photos on my blog.

Since the day I lost my sweetheart, I've picked up his Nikon D60 and started taking pictures.

My sweetheart had a passion for photography. He moved from his manual Nikon SLR to digital Nikon D40 and D60. He took pride in his photo works.

As a result, I've decided to take on his passion. So, I've decided to include one of my digital photos every day on my blog.

This act is in appreciation for my sweetheart.

Love you sweetie.

Ed

Today's Image - Heart #1

SF Heart #1 - Enjoy....

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I spent the day at Concord getting Thanksgiving dinner ready for my family.

We had the turkey with the fixings. Also on menu was ham, potato gratin, sweet potato gratin, mashed turnips, baked salmon, steamed rock cod, garlic shrimp with noodles, spaghetti, pancit palabok, chinese baked goods, spinach dip, baby croissant sandwiches in ham, turkey, roast beef and pastrami, cookies, german chocolate brownies, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin cheesecake. It was a feast!!!

But most important, family was there celebrate this Thanksgiving day. I'm very grateful that most of my family was here tonight.

For me, one special person was missing for today's celebration. This is my 2nd Thanksgiving without my sweetheart. My heart is heavy today. I miss him always.

I know my sweetheart is in heaven celebrating this day with God and his family.

Miss you and love you sweetheart.

Ed

Today's Image - Christmas Ornaments


Thanksgiving is over...

Christmas is now here.

Enjoy these holiday ornaments.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Let It Be...

I'm watching TheX-Factor USA and Chris Rene's rendition of the Beatles' "Let It Be".

This song brings tears to my eyes because of the deep meaning of the lyrics. With it's first line: "In the time of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom..let it be..there will be answers... let it be".

There will be times when there will be no answers. One will just have to give time and the answer will come.

When I hear this song, I think of my sweetheart. Oh, I miss you so.

Ed

Today's Street Art - Smiling Bird

Enjoy..smiling bird...

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Family...

With Thanksgiving only 4 day away, I am grateful for my health, having a job during this bad period of the US economy, and having my family.

Coming from a large family, I cherish my family get together where we can bond and support each other.

But, I am missing one special person in my family. This will be my second Thanksgiving without my sweetheart.

But, I keep our memories in my heart and mind forever. I'll be thinking about you this Thursday sweetie.

Miss you and love you always..

Ed

Today's Image

Enjoy...






I've always loved these puffy clouds.

Isn't nature wonderful!!!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Today's Image

Enjoy...

Ed

For Good ...from Wicked

Thinking of my sweetheart...

"....because I knew you, I've been changed for good..."

"..you'll be with me like a hand print on my heart..."

This song from "Wicked" expresses my feeling toward my sweetheart.

I miss you and love you very much.

Ed

Friday, November 18, 2011

Longevity...

Today, Regis Philbin hosted his last "Live" show with Kelly Rippa.

Regis spent 28-1/2 years on "Live". He has given the viewing audience a wonderful time. He'll be missed. Can't wait to see what he'll do next.

Tonight, on my TV schedule was Chuck, Grimm, and Fringe. All shows were great and wait for new episodes in December/January.

Bye for now.

Today's Image

Enjoy...


Isn't Mother Nature wonderful!!!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Posture...

Mantra: shoulders back, chest out, ears aligned with shoulders, shoulders aligned with hips and this is my ritual now.

Ever since my neck injury in March this year where a MRI detected a herniated disk in neck (C-5), I've been going to physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic therapy to help me in dealing with my neck injury. With the help from Dr. Mark and his staff, I've been working for the past 8 months trying to re-learn how to work and live with new guidelines. I used to work on the computer with hunched shoulder and bad posture. During my treatment with Dr. Mark, he noticed the my shoulder area had developed bump due to scare tissues that built up. He also noticed that my left are was not as developed as my right arm. Apparently, veins weren't shooting correctly and my left are began to atrophy. But, with exercises with a rubber band and stretching, my left arm is slowing building muscle mass.

I'm very grateful for Dr. Mark and the treatment he's giving me for my neck injury.

Ed

Today's Street Art - Colors

Here's today's street art:






Enjoy...

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

1st time on my own...

It's almost 2 years that I've been living on my own.

In January 2010, I lost the love of my life. During 2010, I felt lost without him. I was on automatic pilot. I would go to work for 8 hours and come home to an empty apartment. I felt alone and lonely. Sometime, I cry myself to sleep.

I'm taking life one day at a time. Keeping my memories alive. 31 years together is a long time. We had a good life together. I was hoping that we'd grow old together.

But, he'll will be always be in my heard and mind.

Love you always, sweetheart and miss you so much.

Ed

Today's Street Art - La Mujer Rojo

Here's today street art:

  
I love this one.

Enjoy...

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Redemption and Love...

My all time favorite musical is "Les Miserables".

It's a story of redemption and love.

From Jean Valjean's life after being imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread for his family to making a good life for himself and Cosette; to Fantine's scarfice of giving up her child; Eponine's love for Marius; Marius' love for Cosette; Enjolras' and Marius' love for their country, Victor Hugo writes about how love and redemption effects everyone.

There are many songs to love in this musical. But, my favorite is "I Dreamed A Dream". It's a heart breaker.

I've seen this musical 5 times. I really enjoyed the 10th year anniversary edition.

Live on Les Mes..

Today's Street Art - "La Mujer"

Here's today street art:


Pretty woman with a nice smile.

Enjoy!!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Today's Street Art - "Hope"

Here's today street art:


Enjoy..

Swan Song..."Home"

It's Monday. On the TV schedule, Dancing with the Stars, The Sing Off, and Castle.

On the DWTS, it's semi-finals week. With J.R., Hope, Rikki and Rob K. dancing to get into the finals. It's look like it will be JR's to lose or Rikki to win. Long shot Rob K. looked good tonight.

No Castle tonight. Pre-empted by a 20/20 special on Gabby Gifford.

But, the surprise was on The Sing Off, one of my favorite group, BYU's Vocal Point was voted off. Their swan song was Michael Bubel's "Home". One of my favorite songs.

Also, watched Bob Costas' phone interview with Jerry Sandusky regarding the Penn State sex scandal.

Bye for now.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Fairy Tales..

I'm getting ready to watch the next episode of ABC's "Once Upon A Time".

I'm also following NBC's "Grimm".

Both shows are giving new view of children's fairy tales.

Enjoying both shows!!!

Today's Street Art

I found this artwork during my walk today.

Enjoy:

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Today's Street Art

Enjoy.. bike ride to the beach...

Blessed day...

Today, my family celebrated the baptism of my niece, Arianna and nephew, Grayson.

My sweetheart, Cliff would have enjoyed this day seeing his god child's ,Arianna's, christening. Cliff was so happy when Janet asked him to be the god father.

I know Cliff was at the church in spirit to see this blessed day.

Love and miss you Cliff.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Veteran's Day 11-11-11

It's Veteran's Day in the USA. Just wanted to say thank you to all the military men and women who are serving our great country with pride. I salute you and say thank you.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Bright moonlight evening...

As I wrote yesterday, I'm big TV junky. On tonight's schedule, the X-Factor results show, Person of Interest, Grey's Anatomy, and Private Practice. I'll be DVRing the Person of Interest.

News of the day: the Penn State sex scandal. I watched the riots on Penn State due the firing of Joe Paterno and school's President.

Local News: The Occupy encampment in SF and Oakland is still going. There was an attempt to setup an Occupy encampment on UC Berkeley's Sproul Plaza. There confrontation with police. The protestors were asked to leave this morning but they said they would be back this evening in bigger numbers.

That's it for now. My shows will be starting. Gotta start watching.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Today's Street Art

Here a picture of street art work I found in my neighborhood.

Enjoy...

1st day of my blog...

It's Wednesday 11/9/11 and just created my first blog.

My goal is to jot down my daily experiences with this blog.

I'm a big TV buff. On tonight's schedule, X-Factor USA and American Horror Story. Update on my thoughts of tonight's show on tomorrow's entry.

Bye for now.