Ringing out the old year (2012)...

   ... thinking back, I can't really say that 2012 was not a good year for me.
The biggest reason of course, is my LaoPo! No matter how much we need to struggle/adjust to the sometimes lousy Economy, it always seems to be brighter when I come home and be with my Wife.

   In addition, Qing's Son being here too (since June) is in many way harder on us... but on the other side... more of a complete Family. Even though, I can see... my LaoPo sometimes would like to send him back to his Dad. I, on the other hand are use to Kids of any age at this point... from my first marriage. One thing I've learned and that is "Patience" and I have enough for both Qing and myself it seems.

   This weekend is kind of a disappointment in the sense going somewhere Fun, as Qing works four days in a row that I'm off work myself. So for New Year's, we are going to the Movie Theater to see the "Hobbit" movie and that at a 10:05pm starting time today. So we will be watching it from 2012-2013, as it is close to three hours long and in 3D.

   I think, it will be fun for all of us... I hope at least!

The "Unusual" Christmas Eve Dinner.

Because Qing and I decided this Holiday to stay at home and have a quiet Christmas for a change, we needed to come up with... what will our special Dinner be?

Thinking it over didn't actually take that long. Hence we had bought a "Hot-Pot"(*) heating unit a week ago, along with all the necessary items. Such as, the Broth-base (a Mild and a Spicy one) and whatever we were going to put in there to eat.

At first it sounded of course strange (to me at least) not having a Turkey or a Ham for Christmas. That faded fast though, the minute I saw what all Qing was preparing around this Hot Pot Bowl.

Let me see... I had very thin sliced Tri-Tip Steak ready to go, which was not easy... because Qing wanted it so thin that one could almost look through it. Then came... large Shrimp-Pork Balls-Shrimp Balls-Beef Balls-Fish Balls (good thing "Mine" were safe)- Spinach-Mushrooms-Noodles and to dip it all in before stuffing it down... a special Sauce (a la Shanghaiese) just for this occasion.

When we were done, I must say... this was as good as any Turkey/Ham Dinner (if not better) that I ever had.

Here is a Photo (sorry... I forgot to take it before we started) in the middle of this delicious Feast.

(*) Hot-Pot... for those that don't know what that is, I try to explain.

This dish is very common and loved by most People in China and by Westerner's ones they visit China, something they should NOT miss.
It is started by having a large Bowl (which can be "Single" or "Split" for two different Broth's) in the center of your Table. The Broth is heated from below during the whole time your eating and if the Broth ever runs low, will be refilled/topped-off by you or the Restaurant.

Then you Order whatever suits your fancy... Meat/Fish/Vegetables ect... and "You" cook it for yourself til it is to your taste... done.

Let the Baking begin!

    Monday was for us a kick-back day, so I decided... hence we bought a new Stove with a Convection Oven... to try my hand in Baking. On the menu was to be my "First" Cheesecake ever. Surfed the internet for a receipt that catched my Eye and of to the Market for a few items still needed.


   Made the Crust (that tested my patience right of the bat), because going up the sides about two inches on the Pan... the Graham/Walnut/Butter mixure did not want to stick in certain spots at first. Have "Elmer's" will bake! haha... I could see my LaoPo now?

   The filling was much easier and all went into the pre-heated oven, which was to be baked at 375 deg. (also 350 deg. Convection temp) for about 30 minutes (also Conv. time). Both of us kept looking every 10 minutes or so through the Glass door to see whats happening. When the timw was up, the Cake had risen to double it's height. Open the door and test with a Toothpick, not even near done?? After scratching the few hairs on my head, I put it back for another 15 min., still not done... and another 15 min.? But by now it at least showed some browning on top and after one hour it was finally ready.

   Cooling had dropped it back down to half the height again (normal) and it actually looked pretty good. We did not cut into it till yesterday, before going for a visit over to our Neighbor's house for some Coffee. Myself, I think my Aunt makes the best Cheesecake that I ever tasted... this one (my opinion) was quite good. I let Qing be the actual Judge here though. Her reaction was somewhat of a surprise, she look and sounded like... this is the best Cheesecake she ever tasted. Later our Neighbors did likewise enjoy it equally.

   Now on to more practice and more daring Baked goods, just have the get the timing straightened out.

Disappointed as usual...

Not that I expected it otherwise this time around.

Once again, as it is getting closer to Christmas... I've told Qing that it is time for me (us) to go to the Cemetery and leave something for Nancy. It was either going to be a little X-mas Tree or some Flowers. I decided on Flowers this time. As I was buying them, I also was thinking of Gary too.

So here we are, Qing-Tianchi and me driving from Palmdale down to honor/remember both Nancy and Gary. Both of which I see (or it at least seems that way), are never thought of much by any Family member... even though they live closer than us.

As I have stated before, out of the many times I visit the Grave-site's... they are 99% empty of any signs that somebody is thinking of them.

Over the years, yeah... talk is cheap like they say. Oh.. I was always the closest to my Mom, blah  blah blah... I can see that now. Well, it goes to show... "Action" always speak louder then "Words"! I don't want to hear "Excuses" why we can't or wont go... there are "No" excuses for acting/doing nothing. Not even on Christmas or their Birthdays?

Shame on all of them not willing, as I have nothing/zero/nada reason to be ashamed. 


Some of them (not need to mention names) always talk about how close to God they are and I am not. Let me tell them, are you really "Blessed" in your Life.. as I am? I truly feel sometimes, that I am blessed more than I deserve... then again, maybe God (since he know best) thinks I do deserve what I now have. I know exactly what I have, I cherish it and I also know whom to thank for it.


One more thing, I will thank my LaoPo... seems even she has "More" respect for my late Wife than her own Kids/Family does. 
Do I need to say any more?


Anyway, Nancy/Gary... you are in my Heart and always will be there! Merry Christmas, a day that belongs to the Son (our Lord and Savior) of God... Amen! 

Michel de Nostradame

... also known as Nostradamus!
Born on (now they are not sure I see)the 14th or 21st of December 1503.

By now I'm sure most People know that many Predictions by him actually came to be, well after his Death on July 2nd 1566. The latest goes along with the Mayan's Calendar, that states... the World as we know it will end or some kind of new beginning? There have been many times the World was to come to an end, but we are still here. Will we be, after the 21st.. we'll just have to see.

One thing that I know for sure will end on that day, is my Blog will no longer be "Public".

I will still able Friends and Family (that are interested)to come and read, but I do not care for People that I don't know (and most likely never will) from Countries like Russia/Ukraine. Don't get me wrong; I like to have Readers/Friends from all over the World (and I have), but I do like to know who these Person's are and I think I have a right to know!

So come Dec.21, anybody still wants to read my up-dates can send me a note to my E-Mail (if they already have it) or PM me through the www.chnromance.net website. I will be glad to invite everyone, after they Identify themselves.

Sorry if this cause's inconvenience and make it more difficult to get here, but it will give me added piece of mind and less worry.

12-12-12... do we still get a Baker's dozen on this day?

Not that I'm now going to ask at a Bakery, if I receive thirteen (13) and only pay for twelve.

Everyone reading my Blog, knows (or should know) that Qing and I got married (Ceremony wise) on 08-08-08... at the Marriage Registry on 05-09-08. So this is one of those days/months/year are sharing the same numerals. This will be the last for many years to come and we have to start over with the number one (1), like 01-01-2101... am I right?
This would be my last "Tripple"... heck it's everybody's last, that is out of School and enjoys today's special date on the Calendar.

Now, I'm going to try to post this... you guessed it! At exactly 12:12pm, if my trigger-finger is not too nervous... we'll see!

December... here already!

As December '12 has arrived, the last couple weeks were pretty interesting... TV wise.

If any of you have followed H2 (The History Channel), you'd know what I'm talking about.

Of course, what I was watching... had to do with a certain date in our time. December 21st 2012, which is now less than three weeks away. So many "Fact's", can one really say... this is all a Hoax? I for one are not afraid, if it in Fact was our last day on Earth. Don't get me wrong though, I like to continue living as all of you. I do have after all, the most wonderful LaoPo and I definitely don't want our exceptionally special Marriage to come to an abrupt end.

Also showing, was about Ancient Aliens. Again, so much proof of us being visited by more intelligent Being (or whatever you want to call them). Put both of these Programs together and one can see, they point to this very date in so many ways... it is scary.

Anyway, here in our part of town/home... the weekend passed now like any other. Both days filled with nothing else but... "Work"!

Saturday, it was time to put up the "Christmas Tree"(the first for Tianchi) and outside lighting on the house. He was very helpful, as those were exciting chores for him.
Sunday, was my day to use some of my remaining Muscles. Qing and I had purchased a new Gas Range to match our new cooking Vent, also all Stainless Steel. This unit had five burners (including one Turbo burner) and is a Convection Oven and much more.

I had brought it home on Wednesday, but I wanted to wait for Sunday... besides, I still had to buy a new Gas-line (connection pipe) for it.

Now I am here; relaxing and adding a Post/Photo's, what could be soon one of my last Entry......???

One after thee other....

One special day comes and goes, then there is the next.
Today is also a day for Qing and I to remember. Exactly five years ago, I wrote my first Letter to my now LaoPo. November 23rd 2007, I first saw her Profile and Photo's on Chnlove Website. The best thing I could have done, I did. Instead of sending "Only" a free Cupid Note, I send her a lenghty Letter. After a couple days, there was still no reply from Qing. That didn't shock me, as I  kept telling myself... that this Woman is taken already for certain. Well, to my surprise... the fourth day I did receive a reply. One with an apology for being late, can you imagine... she didn't owe me anything of sorts. It was the beginning of the beginning of a Friendship-Courtship-Relationship-Marriage, yes all in this order. What I have now, wasn't in any of my furthest/far-fetched dreams of mine. I could say, the ultimate happiness that a Couple could achieve.

All you need is Love!

... like the Beatles Song suggests, but then again... we do need more in our Life's!


Like this Photo shows...

one also needs to be Happy!

Well, I certainly have both of those in an seemingly never ending supply. All thanks to the most wonderful LaoPo, that I have with me now for exactly three (3) years to this day. November 21 2009 is when Qing and I were finally united after a year of Paperwork, Pain of being apart, fighting the US Immigration to get her Visa for a full year.

Having mastered all the hurdles that stood in our way, knowing that this day Nov.21st will come sooner or later and nothing will/can stop it!

Now in the three years that have passed, Qing and I (now Tianchi as well) are still stuck up in the "Honeymoon" phase! Ha-ha... are we complaining? Heck no... we're not crazy! We are just an ordinary Couple, that is everything... but "ordinary"!

The "Bee" is happy and so is the "Flower"! Plenty of "Honey" available in our Household and that is of course very "Sweet"!

So , thank you ***Sweetheart*** for making the Bee's life so much sweeter!

Are "You" being "Bugged"?

What kind of question is this... one might ask?

Well, it's not the kind you find outside in the Yard. Nore is it the kind that bothers you in your House/Home.

Come to think of it, this "Bug" isn't even an alive one at that. It does can get you quite upset and under your skin though! So the question now, how can this (not alive) Bug upset someone?

Actually, this kind of Bug... is just an expression so to speak. One we use in the Automotive field and lives under the hood or inside of your Car. This is where I come in and try to locate this Bug before it multiplies and the Bug becomes more little Bugs... ect. ect.

Of course I can't use "Raid" Bug spray, that would make me look un-Professional and would likely Generate quite some laughs from my fellow Mechanics. Heck, that would make me laugh as well!
Anyway, this is what I do... go and find the Bug/Bugs in and around your Car.

Sometimes this can be somewhat easy, as some "Bugs" do make a sound and are easy to locate. Others are silent Buggers and can hide very well, making my Job much more difficult. I'm up to that challenge, by using (not spray) Tools and Diagnostic Equipment to seek out them unwanted free Travelers/Hitchhikers. That down the Road, can cost "You" money... instead of them.

After finding and Dispose of them with none-infested parts, your lovely Car will thank me and I'm sure... so will you! Even if it means, emptying your Wallet to get this done! Good news though, if your as old as me and a Senior Citizen... I'll give you a nice Discount! Matter of fact, I'll make sure you'll have at least some Beer-money left... promise!  

Travel Fever is among us...

Being now well into Chapter 3 of my Book (somewhat 6500 words) and having just arrived in Germany (Mar.2007) after a 29 year obsence. It's giving me thoughts of going back with Qing&Tianchi as soon as next year, for a couple weeks.

This made me look into some Flights and when it is the most reasonable time to go. I came upon a Lufthansa Flight (only fly Lufthansa to Germany) non-stop for just $358 round trip, in late February/early March. Great I thought, but... yeah, here is the kicker! Fee's and Taxes added on brings that "Nice" Ticket price to $1,038! So, this of course feels like you are cheated somehow... somewhere. Especially when going to Asia (Shanghai) fee's are much lower... between $250-$300 per Ticket.

Travel fever will now cool down a little and concentrate more on Palmdale... oh joy!

Back to writing...

Yes.... I have started to burn up the Keyboard again, working on my Book. I now have Chapter 2 complete and started on Chapter 3 already. The first two came out close to 27,000 words and another 1,000 into the next.

I think now, the hardest part is behind me and Chapter 3 is concentrating on the funeral/facing being alone and my Germany trip to visit my Mom and Family... which (exception of my Mom) I have not seen for 29 years. Something my Aunt was pushing me to do and I'm glad I let her talk me into it. It was really good to see my other Aunt/Uncle and my many Cousins, that by now had married kids themselves. First thing, when back in the old Country... I knew time flies... but it was a big surprise how many things did not change much at all. I still knew my way around Town (walking or driving), like I only been gone a year or two. Besides that, my Accent (Pfälzisch)...    was coming back quicker then I could say...
where do we get a Beer and Bratwurst?

So, I do intend to finish my Book no later than the end of next year. My best Pal doing this?
Microsoft Office Word 2010 for better Grammar, so others beside only Me can read it too.

Flying high.. with a lot of noise!

Talk about noise, there is one place you'll find it!

It's at an Air Show of course. This year, I had purchased Tickets in July (Box Seats.. right up-front) for the Day time Show and for the Night time Show. The place; Miramar Marine Base in San Diego. This show was from the 12th (Fri.) to the 14th (Sun). We were to be there on Saturday the 13th. and spend the night in San Diego afterwards.

It all started with getting up at 5:30am in the morning that day. Going for Breakfast was first on the Menu of the day and finish no later than 7:30am, as I wanted to be at the Show before 11:00am. We actually made it there a little earlier than that, because it was clear Freeway all the way there.

Finding our seats was no problem, after the Bus.. that took us all from the Parking Lot to the Main Entrance.. it was pretty easy lay'd out. The thing that we did notice after a short while, was that.. it was Hot and Sunny and a Hat alone was not much of a shelter from the burning Sun. This forced me to go out and look for a Umbrella you mount on the Chair. Found them, but not cheap.. at $39, but what do you do?

Back to put up this very nice (Blue Angel) Umbrella and having done that.. I realized that wasn't a very nice thing to do. Why, you might ask? Well, think Air Show and the Folks in the Row behind you. I actually felt sorry for doing that to them. We were not the only ones, so the sorry part fated quickly on my part and Qing didn't care in the first place. You know the Chinese and their Umbrella's go everywhere. Got to keep that Skin "White"! Oh yes... even here, it has not changed much.

This, I must say... this has been the "Best" show I've been to so far. I have been going to Air Shows since I was a little Child in Germany. What made this Show special, was the 'Night" Show! I never had the pleasure to see one of those anywhere. The Fireworks alone was the most amazing display I can ever recall, so close/near to the Crowd... simply amazing.

I especially liked the "Robosaurus", that came at the night show and picked up a couple of Cars (parked in the wrong place) and bit it right in half in front of you. It is after all , the largest operational Transformer build in the World... awesome!

The next morning, it was "Denny's" for some Chow and Brew with my Cousin and Family first. After eating, we parted and Qing and I were going to stop on the way home... in La Jolla. That became an Adventure on it's own. Qing's Son, all happy/smiles the day before. Now turned into a spoiled brat, because this was something "We" (Qing and I) wanted to do for us and "He" wanted no part... looking at Birds/Seals on a beautiful Beach. Just enjoying the nice day and a relaxing (yeah...) walk. That's when his shoes all of a sudden became "Glued" to the Path near the Beach. Qing, oh ... she did let him know what she thought of all this in a not so quiet way, where it became kind of embarrassing to me... with People staring us down.

 Anyway, as the Photo will show... he was not too happy. Kid's... all smiles when you do stuff they like... but hell, when they need to join in what you like? In my day's as a Child... I would have gotten a "Kick" in the Pants... to move! Or be ready for "More" coming your way.

Almost finished with the Backyard steps

As the Photos show, I can be pleased the way they came along. All that is left now, is to fill in the void below the Steps with dirt and top it off with Bark for the natural look. After that, I will install 12Volt lighting on the right side along the Steps and add a nice California Palm Tree to the upper left.

This will have to wait a while, as I need a break.. that was after all pretty physical work and out in the bright Sun/hot Temp's too. To think, I've put in exactly 76 ( 3 1/2 in. ) screws to tie it all together. Drilling beforehand and using a Ratchet to drive them home. The lower base, which is made up of 4" Concrete with 10" stakes into the ground to strengthen the Staircase to the maximum.

It just surprises me, that I did not think of doing this earlier? It's not like, I'm afraid of heights!

So, that complete's the Stairs project! Now, whomever is thinking of going to the "Great Wall" can practice here... right in my Backyard.

Had me looking back....

ohhhh.. yes it did!

When one owns a Home and finds work is "Never" done, your mind start to wonder elsewhere.
So right in the middle of finishing the backyard steps, my thoughts are already in the near future.. whats next?

Actually, I have not just one major Project coming soon, but two. Oh Joy! Do I start with taking out the Carpet in Living/Dining Room/Hallway to Master Bedroom and lay Tiles throughout, or is it my 10 year old Plan (which most likely cost's me tripple now) to build a custom Cover over my Spa? see photo

This brought me to the "Headline" of looking back. What I mean by that, is.. to the time I was living in a Apartment Building. There was no such thing, working almost every weekend on something to improve your Home. I guess, I could say.. those were the days? I wont though, after all.. it "IS" much greater to have your own little corner.. to call your personal Paradise.

It does come with a price to pay, like everything else in Life.. nothing is "Free".. even if its only your Labor! It never is.. because there are always  $ Dollar's $ attached to your Labor.. "Outgoing" kind! That can be a Hurdle sometimes for anybody.

So, I just keep being a good "Mr. Do-it-all" and do it with a Smile of course. Which I think, I do too much of.....

This shoundn't take me too long to build.. haha!

Moving-on.. no, not talking about the old TV show!

So what am I talking about?

The last two weekends, I've made quite some progress.. doing my projects!
Two weeks ago I had ordered two "Treated" red-wood boards for my Springer boards, to get going on my Stairs in the backyard. While I was waiting for those, I installed our new powerful Hood-Vent that my LaoPo so desperately wanted in her Kitchen (see Photos).

All good!

After five days, I received the Boards to my House. I had them delivered.. because they were just to long for my Truck.. at 16feet x 12 x 2 inches. Now, if I was in China.. I could have put those on a Bicycle (no kidding.. I've seen stuff like that) but not here of course.
So Sat. and yesterday I rolled up my sleeves, put on my Hat and went to work on the outside obstacle. Making measurements and all, it came to cutting out the long boards as needed. 14 steps- on a rise of 89" and length of exactly 16feet.

All marked, let's start.. after only two cuts.. I found out something important. My Skill saw blade was too dull for this Job ahead. One un-planned trip to buy a couple (just in case), as I thought.. one might not be enough for 28 of these cuts. Back home again, now it was like cutting through butter. Had it done in less then thirty minutes.. I think. This was it for Saturday, as we had some other things to take to take care of too.

Sunday, I was determent to at least put the Springer boards into the ground and secure them in place.. so not to give them time to do a number on me and warp or get out of shape some other way. One does not or should not, let long pieces of wood lie around for any length
of time. You know what happens or you'll see what happens!

I did get it done before Dinner-time and from the Photos here, it now wont take too much longer to finish. I'll put on the "Risers" (no Runners) and fill in the void with dirt and top it off with decorative rocks.. which colour we still have to choose.

More Work.. inside and outside.

We now have the Wine-Making behind us, so this leaves time for "Other" projects from the To-Do-List.

Not that I'm complaining ( just crying), it was ask for my Labor as a Contractor again.. from none other than my sweet LaoPo.
We need a better Fan over our Stove, the one build-into the Microwave is useless. I must agree with the last statement for sure. It doesn't "Suck" nothing, only makes noise.. like it does.

After all, when the Woman cooks Chinese Food.. most of the time.. two Wok's are being used at ones. She had to close all the bedroom doors, otherwise we'd smell Dinner all night long. Complains about the Oils/Grease being on the walls, made me not hesitate with this project. Off the Microwave came in no time at all and the waiting for the new commercial style Range-Hood.

While waiting, I had the great Idea.. we need Steps on the hill in our backyard. With all the Rosemary from one side to the other (4' high), I was looking for a way "Up" to the top.. in case Sprinklers needed some fixing. So I tore a three feet wide path up on one side by the Neighbors Wall/Fence. Now I also found myself building Steps with the Springer Boards 16 feet in length and a Rise of 93" inches. So now I have to decide, is it 12-15 or 16 Steps that I want?

Anyway, I finished the installation of the HD Hood Vent.. which took two days. When I read Reviews, I was warned by many Posts.. that this Unit was very hard to install. I must say, it wasn't too bad. If it wasn't for a broken Transformer bracket, that was electric welded by a machine to softly.. for the weight of the Transformer. I had to drill holes and mount it "Correctly"! Something they should have done in the first place! Second; for Power to the Motor's, all there was.. three loose Wires hanging out of the Top. No Cord, not even a three foot.. those cheapskates! For the Price, it should be Silver-plated.. the darn thing.
Boy, does it work though! It's so powerful, it sucks up a Paper from two feet away and that on "Low" first Speed. Also, so quiet on "High" the sixth Speed. Another plus is the Light, twice as bright compared to the Micro.
Qing and I are very pleased now in the Kitchen, my Good!

Next it goes outside again! That should keep me busy for a couple weekends (maybe three or four..), by the time its done.. she/we will find something else to occupy our "Free" time. Ooops.. did I say "Our".. I meant to say "My"!

So, it was finally Time...

... as mentioned before in an earlier Blog post, after two months it was time to Bottle our Homemade Wine and of course taste it.

After four weeks of Fermenting and equal time locked up in glass containers, to let it get clear and all settlements drop to the bottom. Like said, we had about 4 litre's to be put into Bottles and Corked. Having done that, there came the much awaited taste test.

Two Glasses ready, Qing and I toast to our first attempt at this. "One Moment though", I said in a somewhat "Loud" voice! Just in case, this stuff is lethal and we wont wake up the next morning.. shouldn't we have a talk to Tianchi before we toast and drink it down? Qing's look on her Face, was worth a Million Bucks! haha

Anyway, as one can see.. I'm still here to write about it. All was well the next morning and honestly.. that was some great Stuff. No Hang-over or Headache, if I'm not mistaken.. I actually could see better without Glasses.

So what does it taste like? I'd say.. it is like a Moscato (Dessert Wine) with a Blush colour, which of course is due to the "Red" Grapes that we added to the mostly "Green" ones. It has a strong Alcohol smell, but it is Sweet and somewhat heavy.. with a lot of "Leg's". After a Glass, it does let you know.. that it is an Alcoholic drink and I am not kidding.

Here are a couple Photo's that shows the clearness and colour.

This Month is also....

.... a special Month!
Besides celebrating October Fest, it is also Qing's Birthday soon. As it get's nearer, I'm receiving hints already.. things she wants. Or better yet, what she doesn't want.
Because, she's telling me (with serious Face) "Don't" buy me anything! My Birthday is just another day (nothing special), so she tells me.. no kidding!

I of course try to change her mind, but.. remember.. we are dealing with a Chinese Woman here. One that knows anything about Chinese Culture, knows what I'm talking about quite well.

Now, when it comes to "Mine".. all of a sudden it turns to the exact opposite side of the Coin.
You got to Love this Woman by all means! Really what matters most, is NOT material stuff.. it is that I love and respect her for who she is and that is made so easy for me.. you can not believe it. Well , unless you are married to a Chinese Woman.. understandable!
They do what ever it takes, not to put any pressure on you.. and that is the Truth and nothing but the Truth!

Ahhhh.. September!

September, now for a German.. this has a different meaning. This to us means it's "Oktoberfest" time again.  Oktoberfest in September? Don't even ask... why? Let's just say, it's a huge Festival, that needs more than a couple of weeks to celebrate throughout Germany and the World.

Talking about the World, I want to bring up.. how the Americans (away from German Club's here) celebrate this "Ones in a Year" happening. First off, they changed the "Name" to their liking... "Fall Festival"! Why? I tell you why, because they did not want to be associated with the Beer drinking.. that is consumed during that Festival. Other word's, let's NOT have too much Fun! Remember, our Children are watching!

So this being Labor Day and all, we decided to head into the Mountains.. where there was a Festival being held that weekend. I have been to this particular one, three times. Each time it changed somewhat. By that I mean, more to the US liking.

First, if your looking for German Music.. nada! Want to go eat something, you would think of German Bratwurst/Sourkraut/Potato Salad.. Nada! Well, two out of two.. so let's have a Drink or let me whisper "Beer". German Beer? Haha.. how about a Budweiser? As I see, they managed to do away with everything.. that actually had to do with the German Festival.

Made me think, what if I took one of their Holiday and named it something else and made it German on top of that? I don't think that would go over very well now, would it? Of course not, but this is America and we can do whatever we want. Yes.. that seems to be the attitude here.. if I'm wrong.. I want to hear it.

I am not Anti-American, this does hit a Nerve though and there should not be one Person, that doesn't agree with the above.

So, we had a Samuel Adams.. some Country Music and made the best of it anyway. Oh.. I forgot, buying Beer.. it doesn't matter if your 59 or 69 years old.. they still give you an Armband " Over 21" and a Stamp on your Hand to go and drink a Beer or a Glass of Wine. By this, I think .. they have gone "Nut's" and way over the Edge. That is even Funny, but it keeps a Smile on your Face. Maybe this is want they want all along?

Anyway, had a great time Visiting Family.. all the none-sense was quickly put aside. After all, we did come here to have a good time and nobody can change that.. nobody!

Special it was....

Coming home from work, my LaoPo received of course some Roses.. one for each year we've been married. Along with a special card, which included my new Poem for just this.. our day.

Next, was taking my Sweetheart out for Dinner. Didn't want her to cook (which she naturally wanted to do of course), but I had none of that. Then, afterwards we break open a bottle Champagne for a Toast.. to the next coming year and beyond.

What closed out the special day, well.. that is our Secret and we leave that to your imagination... .

Tomorrow is a special day..

.... yes, our fourth Anniversary of our Wedding Ceremony in Shanghai is coming up.
The Romantic "Fool" that I am, I had of course to come up with something special for my LaoPo tomorrow.

Pen and Mind working together, I've come up with a short Poem again.

Time moves on....!

Four (4) years have passed
on a journey made together
knowing from the start
and without a doubt
this love will definitely last
only to be found much better.

On our way for a lot more
showing patience and good will
into time plus the future
always loving my sweetheart
from the top of her soft skin
to the deepest part of her core.

Wine anyone.. oh wait a minute?

Come to think of it.. there wont be enough for everyone.

As many may know, I have Grape Plants (Red&Green) champagne type over an Arch in my Backyard. Actually, now I have added two more on an Arch the opposite side of the Yard.
Anyway, I must have had the best year of Grape harvest ever.. which goes back some six (6) years or so. My guess would be about 50-60 lbs. of a Red and Green mix. So, Qing decided before I arrived Home from work.. that; "Let's make some Wine"!

You can imagine what my first reaction might have been? What.. what was that? Huh...

Surprised as I was, I quickly told her.. why not? So, we gave it a go.. using a little over 20 lbs. of Grapes. Now, this was not to be easy of course.. as I have mentioned before.. Champagne Grapes and they are "Small". After Dinner and clean up, it was Me and Tianchi on the Patio.. picking these little things (without stems) off the Vine. I had known already that this wasn't to be easy, because just eating them is somewhat of a battle.

It is now week three of the Fermenting progress and one can smell the Alcohol in the mixture, which is pretty strong.. putting your nose near the brew. In about one more week, I will drain it and put the Wine/Juice into air-tight containers for some more sitting and to see.. just how much Wine there is actually going to be at the end.

First time, so hope it all be worth it and it wont kill me when drinking it later.

By the way, looking at our "little" Red Apple Tree with 19 "Big" Apples on it.. makes you think? Am I later also going to be making Apple Cider?

A wonderful Weekend of Shopping!

Ohhh... how I love to go shopping with my LaoPo! NO.. I'm not kidding one bit.

By shopping, I mean Food shopping and not the Mall type. Saturday it was to start with a trip to Costco. As this place has been called the $300 Store myself and others, this time was to be different. Sweetheart, today we only get what we "Really" need and we stick by that. Of course one never knows what the outcome is going to be, after walking through their doors.

I took charge and just proceeded to walk at an accelerated pace this time, trying to avoid too much of a look at anything we didn't come for.
No need to tell you, Qing and Son were way behind in their effort to keep up with my pace.

Anyhow, checking in all items in our Cart.. had me guessing about half of the usual $300+ on other visits. I see the total, and my guess was pretty close .. $ 142, which brought on a "Wow" you are very close from my LaoPo.

This had to be the cheapest we ever got out of this place. I assume, they call this "Controlled Shopping"  hahaha.. which is hard to do at Costco. People that shop those Stores know very well.. I'm sure.

On to Sunday;
as a good Customer of mine, suggested a new (or newer I should say) Asian market not to far from the one we always go to. After an hour, Qing had noticed that this market has a couple things she did not like about it.
1st.; the Store was newer alright, but one had to pay for that luxury.
2nd.; this Store was mostly Philippino Food and not much Chinese.
Before getting it checkered out, it was a second look through our Cart. Qing decided, a handful items were either too expensive or really had no necessary need for it.. after all.

Now, it was off to the 99 Ranch Market.. our one and only nearby Chinese/Korean/Japanese with some western stuff thrown in for good measure. Seeing some of the items bought at the "New" market, Qing was sorry to see.. they over-charged us.. even if it was only a few Cents difference. One more reason, I love my LaoPo.. watching every Penny and that while she really doesn't need too. But this is the Chinese in her and I like it or better yet.. I love it.

Finally, why the Title " Wonderful Weekend".. when all (most of it) it was spend shopping?

That's easy, because I love to do anything with my LaoPo and be able to have a good time.. that's why!

Finally the Music has come....

Yeah.. Qing and I had been waiting for the new "Concert in the Park" season to kick-off this year. It started last Saturday, on the venue was a Johnny Cash look-alike/sing-alike act like him. As I am a big Johnny Cash fan and play quite a bit at home.. so Qing has become accustomed to his style and voice.
Others up-coming are The Beach Boys- The Eagles- Bon Jovi and ** ..... darn, getting old is a pain. Need to check again, as it slipped my Mind at the moment.


Anyhow, it was wonderful (boring for Tianchi) for Qing and I, as he started of course... "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" and proceeded from 1954 to the present.. up to his passing.. with song/live experience's and his Career's up's and down's. Including a special Tribute he himself had written to honor Johnny.

** "The Rolling Stones".. now how could I forget those?

Somewhat off the regular Post's..I'd say!

This is something that I myself was thinking about from now and then, what if...?

Qing and I have talked about this a couple times, but never really too deep into it.

Not something my LaoPo likes to talk about, it just happen to come up.. I guess ones too many times to ignore again. What it is, is what if  something happens to me and I did not survive whatever？Okay, let's go back a little more than five years. The time my first wife passed away. On the Cemetary Plot (which is a double) we had a marker made up, that also included my name on it. Of course that time, I had thought that I would never marry again. Now, having found Qing.. does that mean ..all must change?

So this is what our subject was that night.. where would I get buried? As one can see, this created a problem.. if you let it be one. Having my great LaoPo, it really isn't no problem at all. Hence most Chinese get cremated, she would be brought back to "her" families grave site.. after her wishes.

Now, how does that look to other's? Me having married twice and be together (as the marker reads.. "together forever"）with wife number one. I like to end it here, but our talk went a little further than that. Thinking it over, we had come to an point.. could this be.. why my first wife's kids are not going to visit the grave site? Because of my name being there too and I'm married again? I like not to think so, but I really never had any feedback concerning that nature.

Of course it bugs me a lot, every time on special days.. I go there and never have seen that anybody but me.. was ever nice enough to leave/bring flowers or any sign of having been there to honor their Mother. Like I've said, I go there because I have not forgotten or ever will. I have spend 30 years with this Woman, so why would/could I?

As this is now settled between my LaoPo and myself, I see no place for us (especially me) to worry about something that is and never was in/under my control anyway. I use to worry or let it bother me, what other People think.. I'm passed that and really don't care anymore. I have my own life to live, if it's with or without passed relationships.. as no-one can blame me one bid.. that I have not tried. Period!

Well, that didn't take long!

Of course what I mean by this.. is Tianchi (Tachi .. the English name we gave him) has learned to ride the Bicycle in just over two days. After a couple of spills (minor ones), he now rides it as if he's done it for years. Funny, looking back to my childhood.. it had taken me much longer to learn. That reason was due to, not having a Bike that was my "Size" back then. Had to learn on my Uncles "Big" bike, we had very little money at that time.. leave alone buying a Bike.

Anyway, Tachi and I ride it now a few times a week for about one(1) to three(3) miles close by our house.. while Qing is at work.

Having had Wednesday off, because of the 4th of July.. us and a Friend head over to Fillmore for the annual Celebration in this little Town near Santa Paula/Ventura. In store was, first of all.. seeing my ex-Son in-law (actually... I still consider him to be just that) plus the Car Show/Chili Cook-off and a Train ride with an old Steamer back a 100+ yrs. in time. Saying "Hi" to Lonny (Son in-law) which by the way.. is the manager of the Band "House Arrest". Having noticed that they have changed their Lead Singer again once more. I really think, they have a wonderful replacement this time. A very powerful/great voice, that makes this Band in my honest opinion... "Super".

Listening for some time, it was on to see the Antique Car's from as far back as the 20's I think. That was something special for Tachi, as he has never seen Classic's they had lined up on many streets around Town. We skipped the "Chili", as Qing thought.. they most likely be "Too" hot for both of them. Me, on the other hand.. I could handle most Peppers in any dish one puts in front of me.

On the list, this time.. was the Train ride towards Santa Paula (which I never had taken part of).. that was to last for an hour. We all are glad it wasn't longer really, not because it was no fun.. but because it was pretty "Hot" outside with not much Shade to speak off.

Overall, as usual.. a very nice day. One exception though, was the fact.. Tachi being kind of spoiled.. wasn't too happy when we told him that he had to work on his Puzzle at home. He'd rather "not" go on the Train, he said without thinking there will be consequences following such behavior. Dragging him along to the Train so to speak, til he finally gave in.. when no other way out was visible. Of course too, knowing that he pretty much (for the moment) only gets disciplined from Qing.. as I can not talk or scold him in a way I'd like too.. due to the fact there is a Language barrier. My Mandarin/Shanghaiese is not really up to par, but who can blame me for that? Believe me, I try.. but this got to be the hardest Language of any. If you don't believe it... try it!

Again, some Photo's here...

Interesting, a Chinese who doesn't know...

This is kind of strange, when one hears about a Chinese (in this case Tianchi) that really does not know how to ride a Bicycle.. even being 10 years old.

There is a explaination of course for this unusual predicament. Looking back, this was all we saw of China.. almost every Photo from there had People riding Bicycles in the street's of all major Cities. So here we have my LaoPo's Son, never been on a Bicycle in his life.. with the exception last week in Santa Barbara on a Tandem with me.
You see, in Shanghai (especially the inner City/Districts) all live in high-rises and when there is free time.. one stays inside mostly.

This of course is responsible for the lack/know-how to ride a Bike of any type. So one of the first things we've done, is buy him a Bike (Qing actually did). Yesterday, while my LaoPo was working.. I decided to get him started on learning how to. Up and down our own street, me holding him up/straight as he pedals away. Funny thing, as he pedals.. he looks down to his feet.. but never where he's going. That took a while to convince him, that this is "Much" more safe that way.. to look up.

I can see this will take a couple of weeks, til I can let go of him and not see the poor Kid.. meet the same faith Qing did a while back.
Anyway, for his lack of exercise also.. we are teaching him Ping Pong/Tennis/Soccer. We'll see what he is best at.. besides playing Games on the PC or Cell? The latter, which is going to be cut a lot (not to his liking) before School starts.

Come to think of it, it is quite a interesting sight to see.. 59 year old Neighbor running alongside 10 year old on a Bike. It's like, I don't need the exercise... he "Does"!