Random Threads

When I first put up this  blog in 2008 , our daughter  Alysha  was only a year old and wasn't talking yet. I was 59. I was wishing she could talk so that I could communicate with her. She is now 6, (going on 30).  I have to say, it's so much better now that she can tell me what she wants. It was never my ambition to be a mother, and since the Universe contrived a  situation which removed my ability to conceive , I simply accepted it. In fact, I felt I had so much to work out on in my  youth, that it would have been selfish and detrimental to myself and my child to have had one. Me and Alysha on our farm in July of 2012 taken by Dave Dewbre Now that I am going on 64, I have mortality issues. I worry I won't be around long enough to fully teach her all that I want her to know about our world, other people and life itself.  I know that is counterproductive, and I do indeed try to live one day at a time and make the most of it. But once in awhile...

Had an almost week long stay at St. Luke's Medical Center in Global City, Taguig. Some sort of unidentifiable virus, caused me to be in isolation with no guests allowed.  One of the things I have to work on is my immune system apparently.  One thing I am glad about is the cost of health care in the Philippines and it's no wonder that it is becoming a center for medical tourism. When I left the States, my health insurance was costing me $850.00 per month because I was over 55 years old. One night at a hospital in Tucson, Arizona, including my insurance deductible cost me over $7200.00 for a shared room. They left me alone so long that my IV was actually pulling my blood back into the IV bottle, instead of the other way around!  The visit did not include any xrays, or extensive tests either. At St. Lukes, I was given  X-rays, CT scans, extensive blood tests and a team of 5 doctors, plus a beautiful private suite with my own fridge and microwave....

It took 10 coconuts to make the 2 bottles of VCO. The one bottle was full but I  had to use some to cook with! We have been on the farm now, not quite 6 months and I've been noticing how many coconuts we have around the place. First I started using the coconut milk to make various curries from around the world as well as coconut based deserts and also, I've found the coconut cream is delicious in coffee as well. I have been reading of the benefits of Virgin Coconut oil and bought a few bottles to use in cooking. So it was a natural progression for me to do some research on how to make your own VCO. Having read up on the internet, it didn't look too awfully difficult, especially when you have a helper who can climb those trees and grate the coconuts! Coconuts from our trees. Recently I have also been using the VCO on my face and body after a shower and it makes my skin glow, although I have to admit, I'm not overly fond of the coconut smell on body, bu...

Click to enlarge We were fortunate enough to attend the historical Official Inauguration of the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, last April 21, in Manila. Unfortunately I didn't bring a pro cam so I just have a few snapshots to shot for the evening...but the opening show was great. It was made even more enjoyable because my family and close friends were able to attend and share it with us. Afterwards we sat near Mayor Edward Hagedorn and we were able to personally thank him for the evening and all his efforts in promoting eco-tourism to the PPUR. Former Under Secretary of  Tourism Cynthia C Norton, Cecile Limjoco, Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Diana Limjoco , Back: Dave Dewbre , Jerry Rollin and Avic Alcantara President Ninoy Aquino presented Mayor Hagedorn a plaque which will be installed on site at the PPUR The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a definite must see! We have been there three times! Mr. and Mrs. Rand...

This photo was added to the cover of Vanity magazine along with the other Awardee. Photoshop is an amazing tool. They placed all of us to look like we were all in the photo shoot together. I feel truly honored to have been one of a select group of women chosen to receive the Empowered Women Of Achievement Award 2012. The event is organized by an independent group of Filipino artists and fashion designers. The first gown designed for me, sight unseen, was truly remarkable. But then you be the judge. Photos taken by Toné McGuire. He made the photo shoot so fun and brought out the best in me. It's so different to work with a photographer who gives you feedback and direction. Hair and makeup by David's Salon on Rizal Ave., Puerto Princesa City, gown by Goullee Gorospe, location: Hotel Centro, PPC, Palawan. Click any photo on this page to enlarge. There will be an actual Award Dinner this coming Dec. 15th in Manila. I am hoping I can re-arrange my schedule s...

My blogging headquarters for now. Luzviminda, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines Here I sit with hair still wet from just having had a nice refreshing shower, blogging away. After a lot of work on both our parts, Dave and I finally have built a cozy place together. I am sitting here on my cogon thatched roof native deck, happier than I have been in, well I just can't remember, except perhaps the time I had another farm in high up in the mountains and far away Montague, California in the early 80's.  From the cool clean alpine abode in Northern California, and miles away from my desert home in Tucson, Arizona, I have finally landed where I want to be. Back in my native Philippines. Where I was born and raised. Our adopted stray kitten Ming Ming, AKA Ms. Stinky butt. Though not in my hometown of Batangas, I feel very at home here in little, sleepy Luzviminda. I am feeling so happy, content, blessed and grateful. It's so good that I ...

Our loft apartment above the barn/workshop/ kitchen/shower commode area downstairs.  I feel like I am living in one of Tarzan's lairs. So indoor outdoorsy....I'm listening to and watching the rain fall outside the deck. Wow, as of September 21 we started staying out on our land in our loft apartment above the barn/workshop/kitchen area. It's in Luzviminda, Puerto Princesa, Palawan , Philippines! Whew! It's quite a switch from our elegant Subic Freeport digs. It's sort of my tree house, although not built in the trees, we are at tree level when looking outside. A wall of green surrounds me, so peaceful, quiet and so very relaxing to live here. It all started as a huge barn to house the materials we needed for the master bedroom cottage we were initially going to build. We didn't want the building materials exposed to the weather while gathering supplies so we built this huge tin covered barn. Building materials aren't always easy to get ou...