Just past the peak of Fall colors, and foliage surrounding the house, while still vibrant, is beginning to get scarce. Nights have also gotten chilly.
Gifts from Michigan
[24 October, 2022]
Enjoying breakfast with gifts from friends from Michigan: an M-mug from Ann Arbor and Michigan blueberry jam with my toast.
The Eagle Has Landed
[22 October, 2022]
After my usual walk this morning, this greeted me as I returned to my car.
Watch Ultra
[17 October, 2022]
Watch Ultra unboxing.
Civic Duty
I don’t usually vote in midterm state and local elections, but I wasn’t going to miss it this time. Early mail-in voting started a couple of days ago and today, mine went out in the mail.
Romp at the Dog Park
Took advantage of today’s excellent weather and brought Jiro to the nearest dog park. Dog day afternoon!
Gyoza
[14 October, 2022]
Last night’s dinner was an old favorite: crispy, pan-fried chicken and pork gyoza, with a ponzu dip chock-full of garlic chili crisp. And of course, miso soup.
Today's 5K Walk
[14 October, 2022]
Fall is definitely now in full force and made yesterday’s walk quite pleasant and colorful.
Walking in the woods at Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Dublin, OH.
14 Pro, not Max
New iPhone arrived today. Camera is huge!
iPhone 14 Pro, 256GB, Silver
Hints of Autumn
[07 October, 2022]
Hints of autumn in the foliage colors and in the crisp air during my trail walk this morning.
Citrus Bounty
It’s time to bring the citrus plants indoors - a Meyer lemon tree and a calamondin (or “calamansi”, Philippine lime) plant. Just in time to allow the fruit to mature and ripen as the cold weather sets in.
A Birthday Party
[04 October, 2022]
It was my sister Emilie’s birthday so it’s a celebration complete with cake and as tradition dictates, some noodle dish (for long life).
Clearing the Jet Lag Cobwebs
[30 September - 01 October, 2022]
A good way to shrug off the effects of jet lag is to get out and do stuff during daylight and sleep at the proper time at night. A long walk on my usual trail and cheering my niece’s 11-year old at a chilly afternoon game of soccer were just what I needed.
A Long Travel Day
[28-29 September, 2022]
Scenes from my near 28-hr travel day from Manila to Columbus, via Incheon (Seoul, South Korea) and Detroit. Since I cannot sleep on a plane, I was awake for nearly 48 hours, considering I left at 11:30pm from Manila after having been awake since 7am that morning. Ugh, the struggle is real.
Departure Day
[28 September, 2022]
Final day of my trip, and a final lunch at Nono’s with the nieces to close out my fantastic month in the Philippines.
Last-Minute Get-Togethers
[26 September, 2022]
Last few days in town and a couple of last-minute get-togethers with a couple of dear old friends I rarely see. First, lunch with Ricky and Carol at Fely J’s, and then dinner with Jun and Mimi at Manam. My final taste of authentic traditional Filipino comfort food this time around.
Weekend with Family
[24-25 September, 2022]
My final weekend in town was spent with family, and guess what? More food! On Saturday, it was lunch at a Japanese izakaya restaurant, and dinner at home where we enjoyed a home-cooked meal (main dish of roasted pork with pineapple sauce courtesy of me!). Then on Sunday, it was brunch at La Luna Cafe with the nephews, and I closed out the day with a date at The Spa with my niece while a tropical storm raged outside.
Trip to the Highlands
[23 September, 2022]
It was my niece Kristine’s birthday so we went on a little out-of-town trip to Tagaytay City, a popular weekend get-away not too far south of Manila. Time for more traditional FIlipino food for lunch at Balay Dako, a popular heritage house restaurant overlooking Tagaytay’s most famous attraction, Taal Volcano.
More Reunions and COVID-19 Tests
[22 September, 2022]
Another round of reunions with long-time friends, another Covid-19 antigen test. And of course, more delicious food, this time, Korean and Spanish.
Afternoon Delight
[20 September, 2022]
I spent a good two hours today at Felipe & Sons, a local “barber-dashery” for a gentleman’s haircut and upper body massage (an Afternoon Delight in their menu of services) plus a skin-clearing facial. It was a wonderful experience, with Eddie my barber providing the wonderful service as well as the stories.
