Signs of Spring

Finally, the weather decided to give us a break from storms after storms.  I don’t remember the last time we had this much rain in January and February.  This weekend weather mostly sunny, some light clouds and temperature is in the high 60’s.  I actually got up little early today(9:45am) :-).  Spend few hours in back yard pulling some weeds and enjoying the sun before heading inside for lunch.  Because I didn’t want to miss the Olympic Hockey game live at noon .. the U.S.A. vs. Canada..  What a game!!!  Damnn Canucks!!!

Here are some of the pictures I took today..

this is a peach tree i got from my dad.. i planted it on this past october..

i hope it will bears a lot of fruit

a sign of life from my japanese maple tree

hhmmm.. i forgot the name of this flower:-). it survived the winter and always blooming with white flowers

i can't believe that all my lily are blooming year round...

Kaow Tome

Last night I drop by to give mom/dad some of oranges I bought from Costco earlier on the day.  Mom was busy finishing wrapping up the last few “kaow tome” and had some already cooked.  She knows I love “kaow tome” and make sure I take some home.  I had two last night when it was still hot, hhmmm so yummy:-).  Also had one for breakfast this morning with my coffee.  Nothing is like mom cooking and I’m sure everyone of us can attest to that.

here it is... i can easily put down a dozen..

Cell Phone Etiquette

I’ll be the first to admit that I probably can’t function for day without my iPhone.  Although I tried not to disturb others when I’m talking on the phone and plus I never like others listening to my conversation.  Cell phone etiquette test should be giving to everyone prior to issue the cell phone, just like driver license.  They should make it a law and I’ll vote for it:).

On Saturday I had a chance to join my parents at the local temple to merit ceremony for grandpa.  Most of temple goer for this temple are Cambodian-Lao and some Thai.  The monks are mostly from Thailand and maybe one local monk.  As everybody took their seats on the floor and proceed to pray.  Most of the folks are trying to repeat prayer after this elderly gentleman, then suddenly this loud cell phone ring tone interrupted the praying session.  Everybody was looking around to see where the sound came from.  Then finally I heard a voice answering the phone, ALO… blah blah he continue to carry on conversation for about 2 more minutes before hang up the phone.  Talking about being rude.. Plus I can’t believe this head monk actually answer his phone call, instead of turning it off.  I stop praying and pick up my camera begin to shoot the pictures.  I left my cell phone in the car to avoid this embarrassing moment and plus my ring tones are not for those elderly to hear.  Immediately I was thinking about blogging on this topic. hahhahahahha

carrying on conversation while all the folks trying to pray

My little princess enjoyed her time with grandparents at the temple.  She loves sticky rice and constantly asking for the rice from grandma.

priceless moment... spending time with grandma at temple

Tuk Bard “Giving Alms”….  This is my first time giving alms at this temple and everybody does it differently.  I feel little awkward to be standing at the same level as those monks.  I need to do this more often:-).

so much foods... those monks are eating well that day

Weekend Project

In the past 2 weeks, we had storm after storm went through our area.  All those days of rain and wind havocked my 15 years old wood fence.  I was glad that the wind didn’t blew the fence toward my side of property.  Otherwise, the fence will probably took out few of my trees.  My neighbor got lucky also, the wood fence came crashing to the side of his house and missing his window by an inch.  We both knew our fence life expand will be short, but I didn’t think it will come this soon.  I was hoping to install the new fence after the tax refunds:).

total of 5 sections of fence slam into the neighbor house.

as you can see.. all bottom of the fence got ate up by termites.

Later on that afternoon, we took the fence apart and what a back breaking job.  Those fences been soak with 2 weeks worth of rain.  Being the good neighbor I am… I said let’s stock pill at my backyard since I have more space.  It was so weird for not having a fence between the two properties.  After a short discussion about calling the fence contractors to come out and give us estimate.  Few days goes by and no contractors.

On Saturday morning, I was awaken by the sounds of electrical saw and someone hammering the nails.  I normally get out of bed really late on weekends.  So, I was curious to see which neighbor is making all these noises.  As I peek through the window blind I saw my neighbor installing the fence post.  Few thoughts went through my mind at that moment… where is the estimate from contractors? where is the communication?  is he going to ask me to split the cost?  should I offer to help?  Finally, I decided to get out of bed and went outside to talk to my neighbor.  At that point he told me that he decided to build the fence himself and didn’t want to wait for the contractors.  He had put in the claim to his homeowner insurance and already bought most of the materials.  My schedule for that day was totally booked and I offered to help him on Sunday.

We spend most of the Sunday to complete this project, plus taking the old fence to the recycling plant.  I was beat!!!!

The questions I have now…  Should I ask to see all the receipts of purchases?  Although he didn’t mention about splitting the cost, should I offer??  Normally, the fence between two properties are build to alternate facing property.  In our case, all the new sections of fence are facing his property and I get the back of it.  If I should ask to share the cost, I think I should have some input to this as well.  What you guys think?

the finish product. it looks pretty nice

not bad for a weekend job.. i need to do some yard work