Rice and Beans for Two

St. Paddy's Day Week-end with Elektra

2009-03-14T15:18:00.009-04:00

So far this is what we have done with our lovely granddaughter, yes, we are having fun.

First Emperor - China's Terracotta Army

2009-03-13T08:07:00.010-04:00

Maria and I went to see the 2000 year old clay soldiers from China

Everything about them is amazing, you must go see the exhibit. Rent the audio, you will enjoy the informative narrative.

The second soldier is my favorite, he looks like he is dancing or performing a martial art move.

There were horses with carriages for the Emperor's use after death.

Musicians:

And even birds were to accompany the Emperor into eternity.

They don't let you leave without going through the gift shop, bring something home to remember your visit:

I can't wait to use my tea straining cup....with lid to keep the tea warm and dust free, I guess.

This is the coin the Emperor designed for China's univeral use, I wonder how much it is worth now?

The view from the High Museum of Art's glass walk-way....

Maria examining an art work....viewing it from below.

Zach is 5 months old, look how cute and happy he is!!

2009-03-11T14:26:00.006-04:00

Pokey, Gumbi's horse was a gift to Jase but Zach found it delightful to chew on and Jase didn't mind letting him play with it.

Jase loves laying all over Zach, he got real excited when I put the blanket on the floor for Zach, he was right there with him....such a great brother!!

Zach is on the verge of rolling over, of course it will be totally accidentally.

Driving with Abuelito in the Corvette

2009-03-11T14:22:00.001-04:00

These are Zach's cute shoes, same color as the Vette, nothing to do with riding with Abuelito, but aren't those cute toes???

Swinging

2009-03-11T14:18:00.003-04:00

It cracks Zach up to have his brother push him in the swing, and Jase pushes his brother very gently....thank goodness.

Carmen must have pushed Jase over 50 times, such a great Mom.

At the Mall

2009-03-11T14:12:00.004-04:00

Carmen and her boys....shopping!!! Jase needs a distraction, hand-held DVD player will do wonders to allow Carmen time enough to shop.

I had a coupon for a free bear at Build-A-Bear. The extras were not free, I guess that's their plan.

Watching how it works...

Zach is always happy....fun boy.

"Give me a kiss, Jase."

Jase loves his Mama.....

Did I tell you it snowed in Georgia?

2009-03-10T06:56:00.009-04:00

Elektra's first view of snow, she was so excited. She insisted on playing in the snow even though we had no gloves for her.

Time to get off the road, we were on the way from Lawrenceville to Athens when we ran into this snow "storm" with cars sliding off the road. We stopped in Bethlehem, thank goodness there was room at the Inn.

After 3 hours of snowing on the truck....there must have been 6 inches on the ground.

First dip in the pool for 2009

2009-03-08T14:31:00.006-04:00

Zach didn't mind not being able to move, as long as he could watch his brother...
Jase was playing with his trains on the railing.

Snack time...

Abuelito loves holding Zach and Zach will always reward you with a smile.

Time to warm up that water.

Fun at the Park

2009-03-08T14:12:00.006-04:00

What a cutie!!!!

Abuelito spent the whole time following Jase, helping him out, keeping him safe...

Carmen couldn't resist going down the slide...

Jase loves falling off things, he doesn't mind discovering his limits.

Such a good Mom, helping Jase walk the wall...

Some ice cream to end the day....yum, yum.

Isn't that a cute tongue....

Zach

2009-02-23T14:46:00.003-05:00

Jase at the Park

2009-02-23T14:43:00.003-05:00

Visit to an Art Gallery - Meet the Artist

2009-02-23T14:38:00.002-05:00

Zach is already 3 months old, but let's see how it began.

2009-01-11T22:03:00.007-05:00

Carmen is due with her second son, Zach, two days after this photo was taken.

Even Jase came to the hospital to visit Mom and Dad and wait for his brother, Zach.

Jason is updating everyone on the delivery by posting LIVE on the Internet, while Carmen texts her friends between contractions....and Abuelita is taking photos.

Baby Zach is here and finally Carmen can eat, she is starved!!

What a lovely guy!!!

Some Abuelita time.

This photo is very recent, sitting up in his Bumbo seat...funny contraption.

Did I tell you about Zach?

2009-01-11T21:39:00.008-05:00

Carmen and Jason had their second son on October 2nd, Zachary Howard Ames...beautiful boy....let me show you.

Jase just LOVES his brother!!!

How do you handle two boys?

Nursing Zach in the park.

Love my Mama!!

Elektra has friends across the street

2009-01-11T21:11:00.006-05:00

Devin is Elektra's age and they play well together.

Delaney plays well with her younger sister and Elektra.

Time to head back home, up the steep driveway.

Elektra hugging her new cat toy, she loves cats.

Photos from 2008

2009-01-11T10:30:00.013-05:00

I had not been posting on a regular basis last year, so here are a few occasions you missed seeing.
For Halloween we went to the nearest local pumpkin patch and had lots of fun. There was face painting, pony riding, bunny petting pen, jumping areas and things to buy and eat.
Posing in the patch with Dad.

She loved the pony ride, even if it was just in a circle.

She is not too sure what this lady is doing, probably thinking the lady was pushing her face around too much....

But she loved the results.

She bounced for a long time, there were several small inflatables that suited her fine. We put her in a large, enclosed one and she immediately screamed bloody murder to get out.

Now this was her favorite area, she didn't want to leave the bunnies.

Loved her some cupcake....or cupcake frosting, that is!

Nothing betting than resting in Aba's lap after a long day.

It was too early to carve the pumpkin so we painted it. I decorated one side.

And Elektra decorated the other side of the same pumpkin (aren't I smart?). I gave her a whole bag of eyes, thinking she was only going to use two, but she found the need to use the whole bag, so there it is....a mouth full of eye teeth!

We love each other's company, life is great.

A warm day when the neighborhood pool was closed, she loved running through the sprinkler but especially loved playing in the mud the water was making.

We stopped at an ice cream parlor, I do love taking pictures of my grandchildren eating, why is that? They are so cute, that's why.

Here she is riding the wooden horse in her playroom....I didn't teach her how to do it but she loves rocking on it.

And this was my gorgeous grandson, Jase, with his Dad's hat on, looking at my iPhone, he loves those cell phones.

Isn't he so cute? Look at those red cheeks, having him some fun in the "park." How did he get dirt on his face?

Gifts from Sweden

2008-12-27T16:38:00.010-05:00

Our Blog friends Linda, Stefan, Olivia and Isak sent us wonderful gifts from their land for God Jul, or Christmas. We are so lucky to have great friends who think of us. I got 4 handmade straw mountain goats that I will make into Christmas tree ornaments so I can remember them every year as I decorate my tree. Zach got a fabulous blue onesie with black stars, that looks adorable, I can't wait to see him in it. Carmen got handsome kitchen towels and Jase got a cool melting bead kit which we have already put together.

Everyone got bags and bags of delicious Swedish candy.

It was all delicious except for some black bits of sour/salty licorice that doesn't taste like licorice and doesn't even taste like candy at all. We thought it was a bad joke on us but we looked it up on the Internet and saw this candy is loved by many in Europe. What a memorable occasion, all the wonderful gifts we will treasure for a long time.

Carmen's having a baby

2008-10-02T08:04:00.000-04:00

Here I sit with my daughter, waiting for her to deliver baby number two. We are nervous but excited!!!

What beauties

2008-09-09T22:41:00.001-04:00

Fun at the beach

2008-09-09T22:20:00.000-04:00

Fun with water

2008-09-09T22:12:00.001-04:00

Feeding Jase

2008-09-09T21:18:00.000-04:00

Watermelon at the pool.....aaaaaa.

Cereal on the front porch.

Yogurt for breakfast.

Looks like steak...

His favorite is Rice and Beans!!!

Abuelita makes the best rice and beans, yum!

Elektra Time

2008-05-18T15:15:00.000-04:00

Soaking hands in water.

Making a face on tricycle.

Frog wind chime.

Eating soft boiled eggs and discovering spinkles on cooked cereal thanks to Abu.

I enjoy having this lovely child around, she is delightful and full of surprises. Today she told me she was being a good girl. When Abu finished his bowl of cereal Elektra announced "2 points". I love the way she purses her lips when she says certain words. And she is so precise when she is composing a sentence, making certain she has all the words she needs in the right place.

Can't pedal so she is walking her tricycle.

Helping Aba wash the porch, she loves to clean, and especially play with water.

Connie Talbot

2008-05-17T13:58:00.000-04:00

This looks like an angel - Elektra!

You will not believe what I have come across on the web. Britain's new talent...she is only 6 years old and without any voice lessons she has a capacity to sing like Whitney Houston. Listen to her and you will want to buy her latest CD, coming out Monday.

I happen to have Elektra on my lap when I was viewing Connie sing and Elektra said to me, "I want to be Connie." Then in the kitchen, later on, she starts walking around singing notes and motioning with her hands and arms as if she were on stage. So cute.
Later on I try to get her to sing, but since she doesn't know the words to any songs she is timid in her voice. She is singing but mostly typing, one of her favorite things to do.

Amazing Grace

2008-04-29T18:56:00.000-04:00

I love that song, both the words and the tune. Bagpipes are my favorite but I recently discovered Elvis' version. It always makes me cry and especially if they play it with sad memorials. This lady Nana Mouskouri has a wonderful voice. Wintley Phipps is giving a presentation on negro spirituals and he gives the history of this song, written by John Newton, former captain of a slave ship who gives his life to God and put words to this melody he first heard being sung by captured, black Africans on his slave ship. The stunning Diana Ross gives a beautiful interpretation that is not so sad. For those who like Willie Nelson alone or with his friends or maybe holding hands in the street. I wish I could sing as mellow as this woman. Here is a nice saxophone version. On these two version the music is touching but the Iraqi war is depicted so don't watch the video is you don't want to see slain soldiers or live bombings. Tent revival version Blind Boys of Alabama sing Blues. A little unbelievable but here is Aerosmith? I can't sing so I'll have to settle for learning to pick quitar or maybe this slide quitar, this one or this one which were my first music lessons back when I was about 10 years old on a Hawaiian quitar. Now let me leave you with a final and impressive version of my favorite song. I don't care for Jazz but this Celtic Harp player does a great version of Amazing Grace in various jazzed up melodies.

Having fun with Abuelita

2007-09-30T16:27:00.000-04:00

I didn't know my Abuelita rode a bike, it is a cool motorcycle!

Maybe next time she will take me....errr...maybe not, it's kinda loud!

I love wearing her shoes, they almost fit me.

They don't make me fall, either, I walk just fine!

Time to rock my baby, she loves this swing, it plays music!

Yum, my favorite, soup, thanks Abuelita!!

Those tiny noodles are the best!

I can feed myself real good.

Fun with Titi Carmen

2007-09-30T16:13:00.000-04:00

Having fun with Titi....first she cuts my fingernails.

It takes a loooong time to cut all 10 of them.

Now come my toe nails, my Titi is terrific.

Now comes the nailpolish, a feminine pink for me.

I love spending time with Titi, she colors like a pro. Fun times!

Four Eyes - CUTIE

2007-09-30T16:03:00.000-04:00

Erin was holding Jase and when he grabbed her glasses Mommy put them on him, not bad? He is cute no matter what he is doing!!

HUGGING

2007-09-30T15:28:00.000-04:00

Elektra loves to hug and kiss. So far the kids don't hug back. Here she is hugging Devin from across the street.

And Jase surely doesn't know what is going on, but she loves to hug him.

And how about a kiss, kid?

Here she is hugging her 5th (???) cousin (her grandfather's cousin's grandson), Cristofer.

He moved so now she is hugging his feet.

OK, here she comes in for the kiss and another hug.

The SHRUG

2007-09-30T15:20:00.000-04:00

Have I told you about the 'shrug'? This is what Jase does when....when....well, we don't know why he does it. What do you think?

He is trying to communicate something to us, look at that stare, but we don't know what it is.

I guess we'll have to be more diligent with those sign language lessons so he can tell us what is on his mind.

In this picture we think Grandpa was not quick enough in feeding him and he was getting anxious. He was eating guacamole, what do you think about that, pretty cool kid, no?

Stuff on my Cat

2007-09-29T11:38:00.000-04:00

My granddaughter, Elektra, LOVES Sasha, my cat (OK, officially he is Maria's cat). When Elektra came to spend the week-end with us for the first time she was 19 months old and didn't know who we were. I knew everything was going to be OK, however, when the first word out of her mouth when I went to her room to get her that first morning was, "Sasha."

He lets her hug him, kiss him, bite him (this is not too injurious to him because all she ends up with is a mouthful of fur), twist his head in all directions as she is loving him, pull out chunks of his fur and hold onto his tail. He's not too crazy about the tail holding so he will try to get away, thus the tail holding quickly becomes tail pulling as he is making a dash for it. Elektra has not quite grasped the concept that tail pulling is not fun for the cat. She makes reference to it several times a day, "I pull tail." as she smiles and demonstrates with her hand in a fist as she jerks it above her head.

She has discovered laying on him, which she enjoys and Sasha will tolerate for all of 10 seconds before he decides he needs to be somewhere else. Luckily I had my phone with me and was able to take a quick snapshot before he bolted.

Have you ever heard of Unclaimed Baggage?

2007-09-17T15:58:00.001-04:00

We went to Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro, Alabama this past Saturday to see what we could find. We had heard about this store in the news and it sparked our interest; this store is filled with the contents of airline luggage that gets lost when people travel (after 90 days of trying to find the rightful owners).

When I first walked in I was shocked at the size of the place and the amount of merchandise for sale.

It was very sad, especially the 50 wedding dresses on display; all I could think about was the poor former owners of this property and how sad they must be. Then it was creepy, thinking about all those people's stuff, ick. But then it turned to fun as I checked out some items to possibly purchase.

I got about 10 brand new Dr. Seuss books, that came from unclaimed freight and cargo, for $2 each. Then there is a book with no words, that should be fun to 'read' to my grandkids. There were even books in foreign languages (sorry, none in Swedish but some in Danish) from foreign travelers. I got a pullover and some fun slippers for my granddaughter and a shiny, evening jacket for me.

Then there is the Christmas gift I bought for over $200 for one of my kids, but I'm not telling you which one (although that dress Mario is holding up costs over $200!!)!!

Here is a map of the trip we took, taking the scenic route through the mountains of Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia, 466 miles total in our Corvette, just for fun and relaxation.

The calm Tennessee river in the background, we are on top of Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Plant reservoir that uses river water to generate electricity for the surrounding area during peak demand.

See the relaxed look on my face? Fun day, top down, sun shining, cool breeze and Mario's driving.

We saw great rapids and several hundred rafters in rented rafts, looking like they were having a blasts, hey, kids, let's plan on a ride down the river.....what do you think? Where I'm standing in this photo is where they put the rafts into the river (why are they wearing helmets???).

Jase and Elektra

2007-08-15T21:54:00.000-04:00

I find my Tio Quique veryfascinating.

Abuelita lets me bite the spoon when I eat.

I lovhugs.

Abuelito was running some rapid snapshots of me climbing on the stool with Abuelita's sneakers on. I love walking around in them.

I didn't mind having a Ladies size 8 shoe, it didn't get in my way or anything.

Elektra is walking her doll, she has put her shoes on the doll.

Now I am in Dada's shoes, those are not so easy to move around in.

Week end with the Girls

2007-08-07T21:24:00.001-04:00

Here we are all four of us at Lake Lanier at Robbie's lake house. She was a fabulous hostess and made us feel like the lake house was our own. We made a great gang and relaxed for three days, soaking in the sun and the water.

This is me, enjoying the full sun of the South (with Sun Block Spf 8) with the lake breeze blowing though my hair and cooling me off.

Monica did not like her fingers shriveling up with extended water soaking, she is drying them....funny, Monique.

There was Daisy who had to swim with Momma even though she is only 6 weeks old, such a doll she was.

Monica was our designated driver because she knew how to avoid running into the other boats. She has many hours driving experience and knew all the rules and courtesies of the water.

Beth and I went tubing, here she is, having fun and relaxing. I, on the other hand, thought this was a back breaking experience that I am sure chiropracters enjoy watching their patients endulge in.

Here I found mud under my feet in the shallow water and remembered and copied what Maria did 25 years ago in the street in front of our house. It was a soothing mud bath which didn't cost me a fraction of what a Spa would charge.

I don't have any more pictures because, "What happens at Robbie's, stays at Robbie's."

View Sturgis Live 24/7

2007-08-06T22:08:00.000-04:00

Sturgis is going on now and we are not there this year. Of course we have wonderful things happening in our lives such as two wonderful grandchildren, but Sturgis goes on. Click on the link and you can view the street web cams that take still photos every 5 minutes or so. Above is a photo of last year in Sturgis, Carmen, Jason and Yvonne amidst the bikes on Main Street.

Having fun

2007-07-17T10:25:00.000-04:00

Abuelito bought me a doll, a soft Cabbage Patch doll with a pacifier (bobo) just like baby Jase. The first thing I did was take off the socks, then I took the pacifier out of her mouth so I could see what it tastes like....it isn't much fun holding it between my teeth (it's not a real bobo). I put the baby to rock in Jase's swing and I even give her kisses, she is so sweet.

Now we are going across the street to play with Devin, she is my age. She was super nice and let

me play with all her toys. OK, there was that baby sippy cup which is her favorite and that toy cell phone which must be another favorite. But other than that she had a million toys I could play with. My favorite was the play house with the door. I helped put the toys away when it was time to go home. Thanks for playing with me, Devin!

Sasha was waiting for me outside and I tried to walk like him on all fours, that was not easy on that concrete driveway.

Abuelito thought I should have some of my own toys so he bought me a bicycle. OK, it's a tricycle....and I need help with the petals so Dada or Abuelito push me and it is super fun. Thanks Abuelito. We go out every day now for some outdoor fun and I love it. It is a Radio Flyer and I know Jase will love it too because Abuelito says I have to share.

Elektra was starving!!

2007-07-16T23:47:00.000-04:00

Wow, this is the best chicken I have ever had in my whole life!!! (notice the apple I'm eating in my other hand!!)

They tried to take the meat off the bone but I wouldn't let them come near my drumstick!!!

This is one delicious drumstick, abuelita can really cook good!!!

This is my fourth meal for the day, even though it looks like they didn't feed me at all!!!

And now for a few handfuls of delicious Puerto Rican style rice with olive oil and everything to top off my meal.

2007-07-10T19:51:00.000-04:00

Here is Jase sitting in the high chair, he thinks it is cool.

And now for his very first taste of solid food, baby rice cereal.

It was not tasty, he thinks it is horrendous!!!

Absolutely disgusting stuff, but he kept eating it.

Here is Elektra trying to show Jase how it is done, eating solid food is wonderful.

Elektra is throwing one of Jase's balls while sitting on Titi Carmen's lap, Jase thinks it is so cool!!

If I am eating Abuelita is taking my picture, she loves to see me eat.

Happy girl!!!

These baby sausages are yummy.

Abuelita lets me help her in the kitchen with the pots and pans.

Here is proud Grandpa with his first born granddaughter and first born grandson.

This is the baby seat and Elektra loves to sit here and chill, listening to the music and playing with the toys.

I don't know who is having more fun Abuelita or Jase, they are laughing up a storm. He is easily entertained, he loves to laugh.

Elektra's First Visit (in over a year!)

2007-07-08T23:22:00.000-04:00

Our first day shopping, we had to go get lots of things since this was her first visit and she didn't come with an overnight bag. We sure had fun!!!

Abuelita loves watching me eat, nothing makes her happier than to see me feed myself!!

Grapes, those are wonderful to eat, also!

I didn't need any help walking around, looking for Sasha.

On Abuelita's porch, looking for the kitty, Sasha. I spent all day talking about him!

Devin came to visit me from across the street, she brought her mother, Dawn. I'm 4 days older than Devin, I can't wait to go outside and play with her.

It is nighttime, it has been an exhausting day.....Abuelita fixed Maria's bed, a four poster bed from Puerto Rico, to accommodate me, with side railings and everything after an ingenious manipulation of the mattress. I love my bed, it's big enough for me and all my friends!!

Magnet Hands

2007-06-20T09:23:00.000-04:00

I've been having so much fun I have forgotten to post anything.

We are really enjoying watching Jase grow up, every time we see him he is doing something new. He gets more alert and aware of things, I keep waiting for him to say "Abuelita" when he sees me!!

Abuelito spends lots of time with him and involves him in common boy activities...trucks and cars.

Here he is learning how to park the truck. He says he already knows how to drive, you can tell by the way he holds onto that steering wheel as if his hands had magnets on them.

One week-end last month Jase was trying out the Corvette....he loves that color. Sitting with Abuelito, helping him drive like he has done this all his life.

He can't walk but he sure can stand, he's checking out the trunk to see if there is enough room for his toys.

Poor baby has a fever

2007-05-06T21:44:00.000-04:00

I'm only 5 months old yesterday and I can fit into 12 month old Carhart coveralls. This chair my grandparents bought for me over 10 years ago, crazy, but I'm finally here to sit in it. Mom thinks I am cutting a tooth and that is the reason I have a low grade fever. With a little Tylenol I am able to smile and be social. I couldn't help Dad and Abuelito with the heavy work but I promised to someday pitch in. I sat in the wheelbarrow just to get the hang of it. Everyone who mets me loves me, I am so lucky. Abuelita can't wait for me to grow a little bit more so I can walk and talk. I am so lucky to have great parents and grandparents who love me to pieces.

Eileen Interviews Mrs. V.

2007-04-30T19:17:00.000-04:00

Eileen's Interview Questions to Me:

1. What are the best and worst parts of working at the CDC? Hey, this sounds like two questions. OK, for your insider's view of what it is like to work at such a prestigious place, what I like best is being able to tell everyone I meet that I work at the CDC. Then, after they finish their ooohs and aaaahs, I love telling them I do molecular biology research on the measles virus RNA. That's usually about as far as I can go, no one can stay focused enough to let me explain how PCR works, I know, because I've tried. That even boggles my mind, not a mundane job, for sure. Being on the cutting edge is definitely the cool part of my job.

I've worked on Patient Zero's viral RNA, the first known case of HIV back in the 80's.

The most exciting case was the Florida dentist (Dr. Acer) who we suspect intentionally infected (I could explain it to you but it involves molecular biology and your eyes might glaze over.... ysvilla@comcast.net if you really want the explanation) some of his patients with the HIV from his blood so that the medical research community would look at the virus as a serious threat to everyone, not just gay men. From this case alone the establishment of Universal Precautions was introduced into the medical community. Before this milestone doctors/surgeons would go home drenched in blood from surgery, proud to be able to wear this badge of honor of their profession.

In another interesting case a child living in the States had just received his MMR (measles, mumps & rubella) vaccine and fell ill, the parents suspected the vaccine gave him measles. The measles viral RNA I extracted and sequenced from this patient showed it to be a wild-type genotype located in China and not the vaccine genotype. The epidemiologists went back to the parents and asked them if they had done any traveling recently. Yes, they had just come back from a visit to China and their child got what was diagnosed as Roseola Fever while there. It must not have been Roseola Fever, after all, but wild type measles virus that caused the rash. ta-da, case solved and our nations measles vaccine supply is once again declared safe....cool stuff.

Another interesting story where folk lore is substantiated by science comes from an outbreak of the Nipah virus in Bangladesh. Young boys were coming down with this little known virus which CDC identified. The folk lore in that region where it is the custom to eat fruit bats (those large bats that have faces that look like foxes and their wing span can reach 6 feet) is not to eat the bats during their mating season or your young boys will come down with fever and die. What was actually happening was this Nipah virus is associated with the reproductive organs of the bats and they shed this virus in the urine and other body fluids during the mating season. What the young boys were doing is climbing trees to eat the same fruits the bats would eat, even eating partially eaten fruits the bats would drop from the trees. The boys were being exposed to the virus in the fruits and on the barks of the trees, making them ill. Superstition and science tell the same story.

The worst part of working at CDC (since this is the Federal Government) is that it is almost impossible to get rid of incompetent people, they just get moved around and/or promoted.

2. If you had to move to another state, where would you go? If I had my choice to move to any State I would choose Hawaii because it is tropical like Puerto Rico. This would only be temporary because I wouldn't want to move so far away I would not be able to see my grandkids every other week-end.

3. What is your favorite movie? I loved Christopher Reeves in Somewhere in Time (www.somewhereintime.tv), that was so real to me I'm waiting for it to happen to me. My next favorite movie would be Monster's Inc., especially the scene where Sully repeatedly passes out cold when he thinks Boo has been crushed in the compactor, it's making me laugh right now just thinking about it.

4. If you could pick anyone to be President of the United States, whom would you choose? I think Condoleezza Rice has what it takes to be President, she is confident, intelligent, knowledgeable and calm; she always impresses me.

5. What is something you've always wanted to do, but haven't yet? I would love to write a GREAT children's book, Maria would be the illustrator. I would like to write a story that would become a classic and my great, great, great grandchildren could find it for sale in book stores. Maria has already given me a "How to Write Children's Books" book but I have yet to start.....sigh.

Ok, that's it, want to play along?

Rules of the game:

1. Send an email saying, “Interview me”, or words to that effect.

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions of my choosing.

3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You have to include this explanation, and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions...

Abuelita gets to feed Jase!!!

2007-02-22T23:39:00.000-05:00

I got to give Jase his first bottle of milk. He loved it so much he fell sound asleep. This was so much fun, I can't wait to do it again and again and again. See how he is looking at me with those adoring eyes????
Look at his sharp outfit, came all the way from Sweden from our blogger friend in Barlingbo, thanks, Linda!!!

Einstein

2007-02-18T22:56:00.000-05:00

Here's my husband "Einstein" at the IKEA restaurant in Atlantic Station in Atlanta having a freedom fry dipped in mayonaise, Belgium style. We shared a salmon plate with several refills of Pepsi Cola. Can you believe it, they are selling Pepsi Cola in Atlanta just a few blocks from the world headquarters of Coca Cola! How bold is that of Pepsi?? Open WIDE!! The food was delicious.

Visit to IKEA

2007-02-18T22:06:00.000-05:00

Bathing Jase Feb 2007

2007-02-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

OK, you can't see anything so go to:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6439033301441537362

to see this 5 minute video.

Cool hobby

2007-02-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

The Danes have "invented" a new pastime, competing bunny races. You take a BIG rabbit, put him on a lease and tell him to go down a course of hurdles which he jumps and jumps and jumps apparently content to do so. I say we bring this cool sport to the States, where do I get this bunny?

http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2007/02/danish_bunny_st.html

New Hooters in Town

2007-01-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

Dad and I stumbled onto a new Hooters, the corner of Hwy 316 and GA 120. Amanda took good care of us, she was a cheerful waitress and made us feel like old friends. I love the lit up palm trees in the front, looks real cool at night. We've been twice, already, the second time we rode there on our motorcycles. Dad is wearing a t-shirt sent to him from Spain, it says, "I speak like my grandfather spoke." in a Spanish dialect that we don't understand, "Falo como falaba'l mio Guelu."

Ladies in Las Vegas

2007-01-22T20:44:00.000-05:00

The Las Vegas landmark Stardust Hotel and Casino are now dust, closing in Nov 2006. The Thunder from Down Under boys got their start here and played for 6 years!!
These Australian boys sure know how to show a girl a good time. I got invited on stage and asked to perform a 1 minute skit for which I won First Place. Aren't you girls jealous? Would you like to hear the whole story? Sorry, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! I lost my voice and was hoarse for three days, what a delightful way to lose your voice!!! You can read more about these fine men at www.thunderfromdownunder.com

It looks warm, but it's in the mid 40's and we are freezing. I am trying to mimic the red headed, black and white swan....the buttons on my glove are suppose to be his eyes, but it just looks like I have a cramp in my wrist.a>

Outdoor moving sidewalks and inclinators, sidewalks that go up an incline....for lazy people!!

This inclinator is going down, be careful!

There are outdoor escalators to reach the elevated crosswalks, what a great way to cross the street!

We can't tell you what we did with these soccer players....we don't remember much from that evening encounter!

Duplicate plaza from Venice, Plaza San Marcos, we think, quite charming.
Looks like outdoors but actually very much indoors, Venice in Vegas with Italian singing gondoliers.
Beatles Cirque du Soleil entrance......we didn't make, darn!

What a great time we had at the Pure nightclub....drinking martinis on the roof next to the VIP's and their Tree Heaters to keep us warm in the 27F night temperatures.

Later that evening we lounged around the Beatles Revolution Club, making small talk with a hungry soldier from a bachelor party. There's nothing like a having a can of nuts to make friends, Josy can tell you the details.

Our first limo ride....they had plenty of decanters and glasses but nothing to put into them...what's up with that?

How to scale a fence....we were not really trying to avoid the cover charge nor entrance fee. This was just for fun, we were following someone who looked like they knew where they were going until we came to this wall. It was too cold to go around, so like proper women that we are, we climbed over the wall!!

Remember the blue man? He wouldn't talk to me, he acted like I wasn't there....and neither was he!

One last gambling at the airport, do we look like we didn't sleep very much the night before? Well it's about 5 AM and we would rather be in bed.

Read me a book, Grandma!!

2007-01-11T08:53:00.000-05:00

Junior loves to be read to. Isn't he soooooo precious. He is hanging on to my every word, and maybe even reading along. Ha ha ha

Carmen is performing the eternal task of burping Junior. I wonder what he is thinking. He is a happy, quiet baby and my even sleep for 5 hours at night if Carmen is lucky. He is always ready for his next meal and just packing on the pounds, over 12 lbs already.

Santa Claus came to our house!

2006-12-26T23:54:00.000-05:00

Santa brought lots of gifts!!

Santa and Mrs Claus get caught placing gifts under the tree!

Santa's newest elf, Jason Matthew, joined the elf staff on December 5th, 2006.

A proud titi Maria with her nephew.

Doctor Evil - aka Jamie - in his new jacket! link

Buck Rogers - aka Jason Matthew - on his one and only Space Rocket!

Carmen, Quique and Maria with the best Christmas gift of all, nephew Jason Jr.

Locks of dad's long hair after mother took him to the beauty salon! What else can mother come up with? Great idea mother!!!!

Santa brought Jason a ladder stand so he can get a better shot at Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Jason Junior

2006-12-26T21:45:00.000-05:00

The proud parents, Carmen and Jason, Sr.

Born Dec 5th at 8 pounds 21 inches

The delighted Abuelita, Yvonne, that's me!!!

Our little stevedore, he hardly ever cries, such a good boy.

He's the boss, he's got the remote, already!

Is he the cutest thing ever?

All the Way from SWEDEN!!!

2006-12-14T14:39:00.000-05:00

Linda Alm sent us a wonderful onesie for my newborn grandson, Jason Jr., in the Swedish colors and crown!! He's going to be a hit in that!
Olivia, only 3yrs old, wanted to write me a letter so here are her sentiments written in her own secret coded message.

More delightful drawings from the other side of the world by Olivia. Thank you, darling!

A Christmas stocking and bunches of favorite Swedish candies. I can't wait for Carmen and Maria to get here so we can try them together, yummy!!

The Tree

2006-11-30T21:21:00.000-05:00

This is my son-in-law, home from the Hunt, looking so much like a big tree.

Jason was teaching Mario the tricks of sitting for hours, silently alone in a tree stand.

Jason is checking on his very pregnant wife who is resting on the couch.

And Yvonne gets into the act, posing with the head gear used to keep warm in the frigid forest.

Dad gets a haircut....

2006-11-30T18:46:00.000-05:00

Long locks and bearded man....hmmmm....

I think it's time for a trim...

Oh, yeah, that feels good, I've never had this done before....

Wow, just like the movies, a warm towel...

Where are we going??

Did you say 4 inches off the bottom?

I'll take a little off the back...
I don't want to look like a girl!!

Let me trim that beard for you, too.

Don't tell anyone I was in a ladies salon.
Don't worry, Mario, no one will ever know, your secret's good with me.

Kat's last days....

2006-11-30T17:49:00.000-05:00

Pink is her favorite color, and I had plenty of pink, Mary Kay paper left over from my failed attempt at becoming a millionaire, but that is a story for another post.

Kat was leaving our Branch to continue her career in Chicago, so we thought we could make her last days memorable by pelting her with balls of pink paper all day long. She felt truly loved and enjoyed our onslaught, I think.

Week-end in Colorado

2006-11-30T17:07:00.000-05:00

At the Notre Dame vs Air Force football game

Yvonne, Juana and Rob in the crowd.

Mario and Juana aren't cold at all!!!

We were there really early before the crowds.

The stands are filling up.

Now everyone is here, a record crowd, over 60,000??

Irish dancing by young girls.

Fantastic dancing techniques and wonderful dresses.

That's our mascot, a great image and a great spirit builder.

Fun times at the Pep Rally with Mario, Juana and Rob.

Mario and Rob share time in front of the computer together.

More talking on the carpet....Yvonne braids Mario's lovely hair, fun times.

MJ came to visit CG

2006-11-29T21:51:00.000-05:00

Do we look alike?

Posing with the big blue ball!!!

Santa's reindeer!!

Catching up on all the gossip!

Breakfast of champions!!!

Boy, what a big boy in there!!!

MJ showing CG how to make envelopes.

In between craft making I have time to learn how to aim a rifle!!!

I think I can blow the top off that salt shaker in the kitchen!!!

Boy, am I tired, that was a fun two days!!

One Year's Old Already!!

2006-11-07T21:50:00.000-05:00

See my pretty cross, I can't wait to wear it!

I have two new outfits, they're not just pretty but also going to keep me warm.

See my teeth?

Aren't my fingers just so adorable?

I haven't finished eating my Halloween candy...if only I could unwrap them!

Trick or Treaters....not too many this year.

2006-11-01T17:57:00.000-05:00

This was an adorable frog basket to collect the treats, it is left over from Easter the mom says. It deserved a picture of his own, I knew Carmen would fall in love with it.
Here is a 6 foot tall lawn ornament that has a pump that fills the ball with air and turns the merry-go-round inside of it with ghosts and witches.
So Happy!
So sad???
The older bunch, not wanting to quit trick-or-treating!
Lovely angel!
Another angel with a hippie??
What a crowd, and this is only half of them.
Here is the mummy as she retreats down my stairs, it was hard to walk in that costume, it looked very original.
Here is my pet sitter, McKenzie, the pirate in the middle.

The prize for originality goes to the iPod; I didn't get a good picture of him, he is in the corner of this photo. Use your imagination.
Must be brother and sister, so cute!

The prettiest trick-or-treater goes to Diana, she is the tiger.

Happy Halloween!!!!

2006-10-31T11:02:00.000-05:00

The only day in the year you can dress up silly and not get yelled at by your boss. Not many people dress up like this at work but eveyone enjoys the laugh....not at my expense, though, I hope.
In case it is not obvious I am dressed as a cow although someone thought I was a dalmation dog or a cat. ???

Don't feel left out, LuLu

2006-10-24T23:57:00.000-04:00

Lulu was out with knee surgery and we wanted him to feel loved, like Nobia.

I thought filling his cube with balloons would be cool....BUT....we didn't have enough time or money. So we settled for a small wall of balloons, giving the illusion that the cube was filled to the top. It wasn't as easy as we thought and after 250 balloons we barely made it up to 5 feet....before they began to settle. Well they were colorful and it did make him laugh, so mission accomplished. But he wasn't as nice...what did he do with the balloons?

He put them in my cube!!!!! That rat!

Well everyone wanted to join in on the fun so they proceeded to pop all the balloons before the bosses got in.

Uh....what a mess!!!! Who's going to clean this up???

It didn't take too long....and I don't think we got in trouble...?...

Hippo

2006-10-16T10:07:00.000-04:00

Nobia's Foiled Cube

2006-10-14T13:50:00.000-04:00

NOBIA HAS RETURNED!!!! And she found her cube had been personalized by someone who loves her. See that grin, she knows she is loved. This made her laugh out loud and shake her head.

Here she is peeling off the foil and finding she can probably get a sun tan by the reflections. It feels warm in her cube, she says.

Nobia went on vacation and a couple of her best friends decided her cube needed redecorating.

Here she is adding foil.

Not quite finished, yet....

Adding still more foil!!!

I think it's done! We've run out of foil! Wait until she sees it on Monday!

Let me OUT!!!

2006-10-03T22:37:00.000-04:00

OK, door, OPEN....OPEN....OPEN!!

I know they turn this handle...now lets see if I can do it.

Hey, Mom, are you there?
Hey, Dad, let me out!
Yeah, at last, I'm out. OK, so I'm tied down, so what, I'm out aren't I? Look I think I see Sam, aka Cow Kitty. I think he's my friend, but I'm not sure, that hissing kinda scares me but I think he likes me.

Hey, buddy, where have you been?

Wash that Dirty Cat!!!

2006-09-28T17:23:00.000-04:00

Who says I needed a bath? I don't think so....just don't let it happen again!!!

What is that girlie smell?

Shampoo???

I smell like flowers, yuk!!!

How do I get it off?

Let me see ....

...43, 44, 45

...68, 69

..483, 484

...sigh

If I keep on licking maybe I will dry off.

V-ROD Mama

2006-09-09T14:26:00.000-04:00

I wanted you to see that indeed I do ride my own bike...a Harley V-Rod. This is one fast bike but I have not pushed it to its potential. I do want to live to see my grandchildren grow up.
Here I am 10,000 feet above sea level in Montana, beautiful country and plenty scary mountain roads. This is Beartooth Pass.
You have to take my work for it that this is me with Jason behind me on his Harley....curvy roads high in the mountains with no shoulders nor guard rails....yikes.
It's not a flattering look but I love my full face helmet because it keeps the wind out of my eyes and I feel safer with my jaw protected in case I meet the road. I especially love the chin section pulls up so I can take off my helmet without taking off my glasses.

Target Practice

2006-09-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

Here is Jason and his .50 calibre muzzle loading rifle...look at that smoke!!

And here he is firing his .45 calibre pistol....

Here is Mario with his new toy, an A3 Bushmaster 5.56 mm rifle.

They are at the rifle range with a few of their toys, zeroing their weapons and trying to better their skills for deer hunting season. Mario looks like he could bring down a big animal with that thing. He'll probably want me to shoot the thing some time. Uhhh, I don't know if I can do it without crying.

2006-08-26T13:12:00.001-04:00

This was our trip to Sturgis, South Dakota, a meeting of families, Carmen, Jason, Jason's parents, Don and Cheryl, and neighbor, Peter, from Virginia, his aunt Judy from Ohio, Maria and her boyfriend, Jamie, from South Boston. We traveled over 1500 miles on motorcycle and 4500 miles by truck. Here are a few of the over 1000 photos we took.

We camped for three days and saw Ted Nugent, Alice and Chains and David Lee Roth concerts in Sturgis. Not bad for an old lady; I tried not to do anything illegal. We ate in Buffalo Bill's Saloon and slept in his hotel, the Irma in Cody, Wyoming. The sites to see were many: Devil's Tower, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Old Faithful, Needles Highway in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Beartooth Pass, the Grand Teton and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Some of us (5) were riding motorcycles and some of us (5) rode in trucks. We had happy hour every night and one night we were even able to join in on some Karaoke in Dubois, a small town in Wyoming at Outlaw Saloon. This was especially enjoyed by my daughter Maria and her boyfriend, Jamie, an avid karaoke enthusiast.

It was Carmen's and Jason's first year wedding anniversary as you can see by this sidewalk brick I had layed in Sturgis, home to the yearly motorcycle rally.
This is slightly over 10.000 feet above sea level, a breathtaking view of the mountains and sheer cliffs, not visible here, in Montana.

Below is Old Faithful, in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, it shoots steam 150 feet into the air every 90 minutes or less.

Here is some Karaoke fun, Yvonne, Cheryl and Judy warning Jason not to name his son 'Sue'!

Mario and Maria having fun on his Harley Street Glide, maybe his beard is too long???

First leg of our trip

2006-08-08T12:56:00.000-04:00

Here we are on the first leg of our trip our West. We have three bikes to haul 1400 miles to Denver, Colorado. Rob, Mario's first born son, along with his new bride, Juana, have put us up for three days.

Resecuring the cargo (bikes).

Here is Mario as happy as a lark because he found some extra straps to better strap Jason's bike, 'you can never have too many tie-down straps or bungee cords' is his motto.

Here is the lovely couple on their first year anniversary.

We are meeting up with Carmen & Jason along with Jason's Mom, Dad, Aunt and neighbor plus Maria and Jamie. In total there will be 6 motorcycles and 10 people. I hope we prove to be good guides along the 2000 mile trip we planned (ok, Mario planned).

Delaney and Devin visit us!

2006-07-24T00:30:00.000-04:00

This is Delaney and she is just such an angel, isn't she? And eating yogurt is Devin, such a good baby, she almost never complains. They come over in the evenings and week-ends when I am on the front porch. Delaney likes feeding the 'tortles' and will either ask for a cup of ice or a banana or some nuts or all three.

Carmen recounting bachelorette party!

2006-07-23T23:46:00.000-04:00

This was the face the bachelorette was making at the end of the evening after kissing the glass window, see next photo!! Of course Carmen did not partake in any of the alcoholic drinks because of photo number three! But she did wear herself out, none the less, and needs to now kick up and relax on the front porch with Mom and Dad. We love it when she visits us.

Delaney found a turtle egg shell

2006-07-20T22:29:00.000-04:00

Delaney was the first one to find an empty turtle shell in the turtle tank in the living room. At first I was disappointed but then I discovered 5 more eggs in tact behind the brick support in the tank!!!

Wow, I am going to have to take the day off tomorrow to deal with these eggs after I read up on what to do (sigh...just kidding).

I am so excited. I was going to get rid of these turtles because they had outgrown their tank and I felt sorry for them but now I have new issues to consider.

I'll keep you posted on what I find out and how the situation is changing.

Dinner on the porch

2006-07-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Summer night/day....hot, humid, mosquitos biting...but you can't really tell all thisby looking at the photos, it just looks relaxing and fun!!! I love it....Dad finally agreed to meet me on the porch for dinner after 20 years of begging. Breakfast and lunch are fun, too, especially when the kids come over.

Chopper comes to visit

2006-07-16T14:21:00.000-04:00

Now that Leo is not around Chopper, Carmen and Jason's dog can visit inside the house. Sasha, however, is not amused. He wants to know who let this dog in the house and when is he leaving.

Sasha

2006-07-12T21:37:00.000-04:00

Sasha is a little lost in the house all by himself. All he does is meow for food and it is getting on my nerves! His pal Leo is in doggie heaven and Sasha is waiting for him to come back.

Mario Paparazzi

2006-07-12T20:34:00.000-04:00

I just finished my mini- documen tation of Dad ....I call it 'Mario Paparazzi'; he got pretty annoyed with me but I was having fun, fun, fun. I did get some strange looks from other customers in the stores, but I didn't care. We went to Lowe's first then Wal-Mart; I felt like I was documenting my life, like a photo diary. There were over 100 photos in the camera by the time I finished, thank goodness for digital.

Hello, everyone!!!

2006-07-09T21:52:00.000-04:00

Hello, guys, it's your mother! I'm trying to post my photo to my profile but this photo is too big, darn. I guess I'll leave me up here as a post instead, then. I'll work on the small photo later. giggle, giggle, giggle.....is this fun or what?

Arroz con Pollo

2006-07-09T21:30:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite dishes, arroz con pollo or chicken and rice, Puertorican style like my mother makes it with olives and capers....yummy, yummy, yummy!