Family Reunion Update, etc.

The much awaited first time visit of Yani, Anne, Migs and Gina is finally happening!!.  They arrived in the evening of October 21 and still here with us.

From the time, they set foot in New Jersey, it has been a continuous family fun time of togetherness and bonding.  My 2 grandkids are, indeed, lovable as I expected them to be.  They are so smart and a bundle of endless energy who instantly bonded with Rick and myself.  In fact, we thought they would be shy and wary of Rick, but we were all proven wrong.  They immediately connected with him.  The wish of Rick to have Gina sit on his lap has taken place and I made sure I took a picture of this.  "Yoyo Rick" finds the kids so cute and advanced for their ages....that Rick even engaged Migs in a junior mathematical puzzle jig...in which Migs gamely scored!

On a daily basis, we have been out of the house visiting parks, kids' fun places, shopping centers, supermarts, zoos, amusement parks, and New York!!!  We are really making the most out of this 2 week visit so no day is wasted! Gina leads the prayer once we are all seated in the car before I drive. Although Migs takes his turn occasionally, it is Gina who volunteers to be the leader most of the time...and she prays seriously always!

While I do talk to the kids once a week via the webcam, hugging them up close, listening to them and exchanging pleasantries with them have really made me conclude, they are special kids with different numerous God-given talents.  In the cold climate of NJ, their cheeks turn so rosy that are so visible since they are both oh so fair in complexion (mapuputi).!!.  They terribly love the cold weather and do not mind even if we the adults chill in our layered clothings.

Migs, especially since he is older, can engage anyone in an "almost adult conversation"  Last night, upon my prodding, he shared with me a story he himself has encoded on the computer. He printed his creation and even stapled the pages and gave me a copy....a copy which I will, of course, keep among the kid's stuff their mother has made when she herself was a kid!  (Yes, I still keep all of Anne's and Jade's writings, drawings, cards, etc. they both made as kids). 

Mig's story is inspired by Star Wars (of course) entitled "The Clone War Begins" and I was amazed because reading his creation along,  one will never think it was written by a 7 (almost 8) year old.  He said he started writing this only on the night of Oct. 27, when he was in bed, but not ready to hit the sack. The story is currently in chapter 3 ..but still unfinished as his story is still a work in progress.

Further to my amazement, he uses words  in his created story which I find " too big or heavy" for a boy his age!   Words like: confederate, approximately, finally, capture, data, bounty, encountered, recover, etc.  Would you ever think a 7 year old will use such words?  And, his grammar is perfect, and ...wow....the flow of the story is interesting even for an adult like me!  His story is really so intriguing for a 7 year old..which explains the fact that when I asked him what he wants to be when he grows older, his answer was "I want to be a writer!!". 

Gina, on the other hand, when I posed the same question said she wants to be "a pop star!"  And what do pop stars do, I asked...  She answered "sing!"  And at that, she started singing....and did her ballet pirouette. Gina is not shy, not timid---very gregarious. ...And  Gina even at her more than occasional "bulol" way of talking is  a  precocius engaging kid and I enjoy conversing with her!

There is no question Migs is an awfully smart and intelligent good-looking kid.  He knows every answer to some biblical facts and  that even I do not know by heart...and even his comments on new and certain things he sees as we drive around are sensible or funny!!  And he seems to never tire...but can tire you out!  And since both Migs and Gina are so at home using and speaking  English, introducing them to some of my adult friends wasn't difficult for they can exchange pleasantries and understand what is being asked of them.  It is with pride that I take time to introduce them to my co-workers, bosses and friends. And each time, the kids earn wonderful comments for their looks!

Gina is "demure" and very lady-like---very fair in complexion and dresses smartly (I guess she took after her mom as like most kids...chooses the outfit she will wear for the day).  She eats anything with gusto anything you put on her plate--- Migs, for his part, does not want to be identified with anything "girlish" like pink or anything that is identified with girls.

Finding a halloween outfit for them the other night at Party City was also something.  They can't seem to make up their minds as to what to be.  In the end, Migs chose to wear a gold and black pharaoh's headress, while Gina found an all pink fairy headress as well.  And these headresses cost Yani a fortune!!!!!

Of course, before I forget, there are countless silly "wars" between the kids.....who will answer first, who will sit on which side of the car, etc.  and they usually argue as to whol will hold my hands as we walk along.  But we end up with Gina and Migs on each side...and I in the middle so that Anne ends up carrying my handbag. 

We tendered a dinner at the Red Lobster for Anne last October 27...where the finale was a huge cocktail glass of chocolate and vanilla ice cream topped with a single candle as we sang a happy birthday to her.  Well...as expected, the kids dugged immediately into the ice cream after we sang.

Migs will have his turn to celebrate his 8th birthday on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Funplex hosted by his Tita Jade, although his real birthday is today, Oct. 31st.  My treat to him was the visit to 6 Flags Great Adventure.

Well...I do not want to steal the thunder out of Anne who I am sure will write about other exciting trips we went to.  So watch out and stay tuned for Anne's further blogs and photos she will post.

Lastly, I want to thank Him for making all these wonderful days and time with each other happen.  He is, indeed, the wonderful giver of the desires of our hearts.  And I know, some more good things will take place while they are here with us....But my greatest prayer to Him is that future visits (temporal or wishfully permanent) happen more often!  And I sincerely pray that these desires are within His plans for all of us!  And as Migs told me the other night....God is Good and right Migs is!

Answered Prayer

I can hardly wait for Thursday--Oct. 19---that is the day Anne and family will be arriving in LA--staying for 3 days and 2 nights and then flying off to be with us in NJ!!!  This is an answered prayer for me --and am thankful and grateful for His kindness and generosity.  Even if this was just a quick prayer request---still it was positively answered.  It will be a good, even if brief, opportunity for all of us to have a happy reunion and most especially for Migs and Gina to see us in person even if we continue to chat every week on the web!  Jade (my younger daughter) will also see Migs and Gina in person for the first time!

Lolo Rick is mighty excited too---and is looking forward to having the kids, esp. Gina, sit on his lap ...feeling grandfather to the max!!! I warned him though that  Migs might be too big and heavy (LOL) to sit I on his lap-- still Rick looks forward to hugging Migs and giving him and Gina a good time here.... Conversely, Migs will enjoy relating with Lolo Rick since Rick is so knowledgeable about a lot of subjects interesting to boys----history, astronomy, archeology...sports, extinct animals like dinosaurs, etc.  Migs will surely enjoy discussing mummies, safaris, etc. with Rick.  And since both Migs and Gina speak English very well (in fact the kids are more comfortable communicating in  English than in Tagalog since they converse in English at home---a strategy Anne kept since I raised her and Jade that way too-they only spoke Tagalog when they were like 9-10 years old)---so communicating with one another whether Lolo or anyone else here in English  will be easy and pleasant!

We have planned out how we will spend the days....what to visit...what to eat...where to take them for dinners and the like.  We hope that our usual backyard visitors (deer, turkey, red fox, etc.) will show themselves up if only for the kids to see!  Golf, New York, etc. is also part of our agenda.

Of course, heading the  list to visit is 6th Flags Great Adventure, and  New York's museum and Top of the Rock! And Jade has planned an 8th birthday party for Migs in Chucky Cheese. Migs will celebrate his 8th birthday on October 31st, while  Anne, on the other hand, will be celebrating her birthday also on Oct. 27--and we have planned to have a special dinner at a nice restaurant for her. So, it will be most memorable birthdays for both Migs and Anne.

Brrr...brrrr...It is unsually super cold--- it's almost like it will snow anytime.  And if it snows--that's going to be a terrific experience for Anne and family---a bonus to boot!

Well....we will surely post pictures and may I ask my dear contacts to please pray for a safe and pleasant trip for the Medina Family (Yani, Anne, Migs and Gina).  Thank you in advance friends and may God bless you for your prayers!

 

 

The wrath of a Super Typhoon (signal 4) in Manila!

Upon coming home last night, Rick asked me to call Anne in Manila to check on them as he heard from local news that Manila suffered from a devastating strong typhoon.  As I was about to call Anne, I got a text from her about the typhoon.  So, I quickly placed a call to her and found out that yes, Manila was hit by a very very strong typhoon last Thursday at 11:30 noon. It was super strong that electric posts (wooden and concrete alike) crumbled and split in half....trees were uprooted....corrugated roofings flew all around....billboards from atop buildings fell to the ground (some hit passing cars and pedestrians who took nature for granted).. schools were cancelled (thank God)...and the worst part of all is that there is no electric power in 90% of Luzon! 

This strong typhoon is the first ever of its kind in 11 years!  And then, it was told that another typhoon could be on its way! 

Anne said that the typhoon's wrath went on for a good three (3) hours but that after the 3 hours, as if nothing happened---no wind, no breeze, the sun was out--and then temperature was suddenly super hot!

My grandkids, Migs and Gina, are so restless because they are used to the convenience of airconditioned rooms, use of computer, tv, etc.  They hoped to check into a hotel but found out all hotels are fully booked!  I know how inconvenient it is for all of them, although as Anne said, she and Yani can bear the "heat of the aftermath --no lights, no aircon,  no refrigerator etc." but the kids can't.  In fact Anne said she and Yani hardly sleep to keep on fanning the kids.

Fortunately, phone lines are working.  At least, they can call outside or receive calls.!

It is a pity for all our families who suffer the consequence each time a strong typhoon hits our country.  And we all know that restoring power can be as slow as snail pace--so please include the Luzon in your prayers that somehow, if not all, power will be restored so that everyone can move on with their daily business.  I am sure business will suffer---who can work without lights and computers?  Oh sad...but it's really hard to beat nature's wrath. 

This is the reason why Anne has not been to her multiply site---and until power is restored, she will not be heard from.  I pray that she or the kids not suffer from relapse--for Anne is not too well yet. Please include her and her family in your prayers.!

 

Paella

Description:
Could be considered a one meal dish--as it is complete with rice, seafoods, meat, vegetables, etc. This is a very satisfying meal when done correctly.

Ingredients:
1/4 k. squid cut into3 pcs. per squid
1/4 k. medium sized shrimps unshelled
1/4 k. clams,washed and cleaned
1/4 k. mussels (optional)
1/2 k. chicken cut into serving pieces
1/2 k. pork cut into medium size cubes
1/4 k. crabs - cut in half, remove claws if you prefer
1 chorizo de bilbao (no substitution, please)
4 slices ham - cut into 1/2" slice
2 green peppers, thick slices
2 red peppers, thick slices
1/4 k. beans, cut into 1/4" size
1/2 cup. green peas (frozen)
1 can tomato paste (8 oz. can)
2 tsps saffron powder
8 cups rice (pref. long-grain)
1/2 c. olive oil
1 c. chopped onions
minced garlic (the more, the better - around 2 tbsps
10 cups chicken broth
salt and pepper
seasonings of your choice

Directions:
-Saute onions and garlic
-Add sliced porik, chicken, chorizo and ham
-Simmer for 6 minues and then add the chicken broth and
tomato paste
-Let boil, and season with salt (around 1/2 tsp and 1/2 tsp pepper)
-When boiling, add the crabs, clams, shrimps and squid
-Boil for another 10-15 minutes until meat is almost tender
-Then add rice, saffron, green pepper and beans
-Simmer for 20 mins or until rice is cooked
-Lastly when cooked, add the frozen peas
-Season to taste.

Garnish with hardboiled sliced eggs upon serving.

The 9-11 Experience of My Husband, Rick Mitchell

This is an account of the strangest day of my life. It was a beautiful day – warm and sunny, not a cloud in the sky. It was Tuesday, September 11, 2001. I had just come through the lower levels of the World Trade Center (“WTC”) about 8:30 AM as usual, switching from a Port Authority Trans Hudson (“PATH”) train from New Jersey to a New York City (“NYC” subway train bound for my office near Whitehall Street Station in lower Manhattan. I was in the office by 8:45 AM.

 

At 8:48 AM the first jetliner hit the North Tower. A co-worker told me that an airplane had hit one of the WTC towers and that the smoke from the building could be seen from the mailroom, which had a straight-on view of the south face of the south tower. The plane had hit the north tower, which was hidden from our view by the south tower.

 

As soon as I had completed a couple urgent tasks, I called my father in West Virginia to make sure he was watching the morning news on TV and to let him know that I had not been affected by the plane crash even though it had occurred very close to my workplace. After talking to Dad, I grabbed a disposable camera that I had in my desk and headed for the mailroom, which was also on the 19^th floor of the building I worked in at 2 Broadway, about 8 blocks south of the WTC. After photographing for a few minutes the huge column of black smoke billowing from the north tower, I noticed to my left a large airplane (later identified as a Boeing 767) heading from south to north, obviously flying much too low. As we watched in horror and disbelief, the plane smashed into the south face of the south tower, creating a huge fireball and causing a rain of debris to fall to the streets surrounding the tower. I had always thought that the first crash was no accident, but still I did not anticipate, nor did anyone else around me, that another aircraft would hit the second building. I was very shaken by the event, but somehow I managed to get a photo of the fireball and debris from the crash.

 

Since I had used all my film, I headed for the camera shop at Beaver Street and Broadway, bought two more disposable cameras and hurried over toward West Street and ran north toward the WTC. As I was photographing the burning skyscrapers, the first tower (the south tower) collapsed in front of me, sending a vast cloud of dust and debris my way. I managed to get six photos of the building as it fell to the ground, covering West Street with ten stories of wreckage and smashing the facade of the World Financial Center across the street. I soon found myself in a crowd of 2,000 or 3,000 people, all running toward the southern end of battery park to escape the rolling cloud of dust that was headed toward us at great speed.

 

The park ends at the confluence of the East River and Hudson River, so eventually the crowd came to the water’s edge, and a frantic scream arose from those who suddenly realized they had no place to run and were feeling the crush of the crowd behind them. In the middle of the crowd, I ducked behind a small building as the panicked crowd headed back north in my direction. As soon as the crush of people subsided a bit, I ran back east toward my office. The dust and debris overtook me, and I was covered with a layer of heavy gray dust. I pulled my undershirt up over my face, trying to minimize the amount of dust inhaled. That helped, I’m sure, but I still had a dry cough for several days. According to the local authorities, it was mostly cement dust, with a trace of asbestos.

 

I was still two blocks from my office, surrounded by several 60-story buildings, when the air was again filled with the roar of jet engines. I wondered which of the buildings would be the next one to be hit. For the first time that day I was frightened, and I looked for a place to find shelter from any debris that might come my way from the next attack. I didn’t know it at the time, but the roar I heard came from two US Air Force F-16s that had been sent to intercept the hijacked airliners that had already hit their targets.

 

When I got back to the office I found that hundreds of office workers had been moved to the lobby, which was considered the safest place to be in the event of an attack on our building. After a while we were permitted to walk upstairs, but only to the fifth floor, to escape the dust and smoke that had been pulled into the lower floors by the building’s air conditioning system, which was soon shut down. (Most buildings in the area were prohibited from using their air conditioning for about two weeks, because of the smoke from Ground Zero and a shortage of electricity in Lower Manhattan.)

 

A few minutes later it was announced that the building was being evacuated, by order of the NYC Police Department. We were directed to exit the building by the Broad Street doors and head for Pier 11 at the South Street Seaport – the southernmost tip of Manhattan, about half a mile south of my office. Everything in Lower Manhattan was covered by an inch or more of fine gray dust. By this time, about 12:30 PM, both towers had collapsed, turning a sunny day almost dark as night. A breeze off the water blew dust and smoke in my eyes as I walked down the middle of the streets, which were occupied by only abandoned vehicles and people trying to find their way out of the area and toward transportation home.

 

Although the building was evacuated, we were not permitted to return to offices above the fifth floor to retrieve briefcases, driver’s licenses, keys, money, purses, cell phones, etc. I had some cash, my wallet and a spare car key, so I was in relatively good shape,

 

But some, especially the women, were without articles needed to get home, such as money or prepaid subway tickets. We helped each other so everyone could get to safety.

 

I reached South Street Seaport in a few minutes and caught a ferry back up the Hudson River to Hoboken, New Jersey. Upon my arrival in Hoboken, I had planned to simply take the next train back to Dover, New Jersey, about thirty-five miles to the west, where my car was faithfully waiting for me in the train station parking lot. However, the “authorities” had other plans for me. They insisted on “decontaminating” me by spraying me down, clothes and all, from head to toe, with very cold water from the 4-inch hose of a fire truck. This caused a sharp, but brief, pain in my chest, but I was okay, even though I was shivering and soaking wet. Emergency medical personnel attended to me and gave me a sheet to use to dry off a bit. For about an hour I was held in a triage unit with scores of other people who had been decontaminated in the same manner.

 

I talked with a young Asian woman who had been late for work. Her office was on the 90^th floor of the south tower. She did not know the fate of her co-workers since she had not been able to get to work. An electrician who had been working in a building a block from the WTC said he had seen several people jump to their deaths from the towers. Others had stories they wanted to tell, but most simply sat in stunned silence.

 

After I was released from triage I caught the second train back to Dover. The first train scheduled to leave for Dover was so crowded that people were literally hanging out the doors. I easily found a seat on a second train, which was nearly empty even though it was only three tracks from the first train. Two hours later (around 3:30 PM) the train pulled in to the Dover train station. We were informed that the authorities wanted to decontaminate everyone on the train, even those who had taken the train from towns far west of Hoboken – because they had been sitting next to people like me who had been in the dust, smoke and debris of the towers. I made a rather strong argument that I had already been sufficiently decontaminated, so they let me go without the second decontamination. The others on the train were being lined up behind a fire truck as I quickly headed for my car.

 

A few minutes later I was perched in front of the television set, watching CNN explain what I had just experienced earlier that day. Those of us who were close to the scene in Lower Manhattan got the latest news (e.g., the collapse of the second tower, the attack on the Pentagon, the plane crash in Pennsylvania) only by word of mouth, from people around us. After watching CNN for a while I drifted off to sleep. I just couldn’t watch those images any longer.

 

My office was closed until the following Monday as all of Manhattan south of 14^th street was closed. Since my regular route to and from work had been destroyed, I had to take a ferry from Hoboken to Pier 11 at the southern end of Wall Street then walk about 15 minutes to my office. No more PATH train, no more subway and no more WTC. Just long lines at the ferries, frequent bomb threats and, of course, the anthrax “attack.” One lady in my office was badly bruised when the crowd trying to avoid the debris from the first plane crash shoved her up against a wall. Another co-worker lost his brother-in-law, who worked in one of the towers. My life was disrupted a bit, but the inconvenience I experienced was nothing compared to those who had lost friends, family members or co-workers.

 

Smoke continued to billow from the WTC site until mid-December and drift south toward my office. The smell of the smoke was a constant reminder of the horrible events of September 11, 2001. For several months passengers on the ferries and trains were much quieter than usual, especially as the ferries that passed the WTC site, where workers continued their search for the remains of those who had perished.

 

For a long time taxis were the only civilian vehicles seen on the streets. However, military vehicles, fire trucks, police cars, ambulances and trucks hauling debris from the WTC site were everywhere, as were police officers and unarmed National Guard troops in camouflage uniforms and helmets. It was a very strange environment, and it remained that way for a long time.

 

I took about 120 photographs of the 9-11 events and their aftermath. Since I have never been especially interested in photography, I have no idea why I left the relative safety of my 32-story office building and ran into the streets with my pockets full of disposable cameras. But I’m glad I did, as I was able to capture many good images of the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor. Several of my co-workers said they thought I was crazy, but most of those people wanted prints of my photos. Maybe I wasn’t so crazy after all.

 

Most people who were there in lower Manhattan on that day describe the events they had witnessed as surreal – like a movie – but one so bizarre that no human being could possibly have created it. I can think of no better description.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bangus (Milkfish) Relleno

Description:
This is anothe tedious recipe---the end of which will surely be a bonus to your family, esp. for someone who loves milkfish and for someone who avoids pork or beef.

Although boneless bangus is available in fillets--you need the skin and head of the fish for this recipe. So cooking this recipe, will be a labor of love for your family!



Ingredients:
1 large sized bangus ( milkfish )
1 medium sized onion finely chopped
Minced fresh garlic
1 large tomato, finely chopped (make it 2 if medium)
1 medium sized carrot cut into small cubes
1/2 c. green peans
1/2 c. raisins
1 or 2 hardboiled eggs.
1 raw egg (preferably large)
1 tsp. Salt
Seasonings of your choice
Dash of Worcestershire or Maggi sauce
1 green or red bell pepper, chopped finely
2 tbsp. Flour
oil for frying
1 c. lemon juice ) - for marinade
1/2 c. soy sauce )

Note: If you prefer to use an extender- chop a large uncooked
potato the size of which must be smaller than the carrots
or the bell pepper.


Directions:
-Remove fish scales (or have it done by your vendor)and thoroughly wash .
-Using the back of a big serving spoon or a flat knift, pound fish to loosen fish meat·
-Push down the fish tail without cutting it off to break the bone
-Push down the fish head carefully but not cutting the head off.
-Insert a handle of a big spoon or any ladle through the fish
neck--and turn the handle around to loosen the fish meat.
·-Gently scrape down between the meat and the skin.
-Continue scraping until the tail end and on all sides of the fish.
·Once the meat is loosened from the skin, pull spoon or ladle
out with the fish meat from its tail up the head TAKING CARE
NOT to cut thru the skin..
-marinate skin and head of fish in soy sauce lemon juice and
set aside.
-Boil fish meat in enough water just to cover the fish meat.
-When the color changes, remove from fire and drain.
-Carefully pick out bones while flaking the meat.
·Saute garlic onion and tomatoes.
-Add fish meat, carrot, and green or pepper.
-Season with salt, seasonings, ground pepper
-Add a drop or two of Worcestershire or Maggi sauce.
-Lastly, add raisins and green peas.
·Transfer cooked mixture to a plate.
-Allow to cool and then add raw egg and flour.
-Stuff this mixture together with the whole hardboiled into the
marinated fish skin.
-Dredge stuffed fish in flour and prepare your wrapping
-Wilt a big banana leaf by running it thru an open fire
.or you can use an aluminum foil.
-Roll a string around the fish if you are using banana leaf.
-Fry the wrapped fish.
-Cool before slicing.
-Garnish with sliced tomatoes, parsley upon serving.

Serve with catsup or lemon w/ soy sauce!

Pancit Palabok (Pancit Luglug)

Description:
Pancit Palabok is aptly called because of its numerous ingredients (palabok is often used when a person is rich with words). In the olden days, a bamboo skewer with a deep scooper is used to dip the noodles into hot boiling water to cook and strain the noodles--that's why it is also called "luglug" Nowadays, more often, the stainless steel strainer is substituted for the bamboo skewer.

This dish is quite heavy--so that just a little can stuff you. It also makes an attractive dish in any buffet table!

Ingredients:
Main :

-Corn oil
-Garlic, minced finely
-1 c. bean curd (tofu) diced
-1/2c. lean pork, diced
-1/2c. squid cut into rings
-1 c. shelled oysters
-2 to 3 c. shelled whole medium sized shrimps w/o the head
-Pinch of salt
-1/2 tsp. ground white pepper
-1 lb rice noodles (bihon)

Sauce:

-cooking oil
-finely minced garlic
-finely minced onion
-annatto liquid (around 2 tbsp) –bottled or from soaked annatto seeds
-lots of garlic toasted but not burned – set aside
-2 tbsp. Cornstarch
-1 cup shrimp juice **
-1 c. tofu – mashed into tiny pieces
-1 c. pork cracklings (chicharon) – pound to powdery consistency
-1/2 c. smoked flaked fish (tinapa)
-1/2 c. minced scallions

** Prepare by pureeing shrimp heads in a food processor or pounding them using an almires or mortar and pestle. Add 1/2 cup of water to the puree, mix, mash and strain. To short cut the work, I think ready-made sauces are now available---or any shrimp bisque will also be ok.



Directions:
-Heat oil and saute garlic until brown.
-Add bean curd, pork, oysters and squid. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, leave remaining oil and cook the sauce,
-Heat the oil. Saute garlic and onion.
-Add anatto water.
-Dissolve the cornstarch in the shrimp juice and add to the mixture.
-Add the bean curd and simmer over moderate heat
stirring continuously until thick.
-Season with fish sauce and pepper- and set aside.
-Meanwhile, soak the noodles in hot water for about 5 mins till soft.
-Drain noodles well and transfer into a serving platter
-Pour the sauce over the noodles.
-Garnish with pork cracklings, fish flakes and scallions
-Sprinkle toasted garlic flakes and top with hardboiled eggs
cut into rounds.
.- Serve hot with lemon slices and fish sauce on the side.