Knowing the Chinese Folks and ....

.... some of their Customs/Beheaviors certainly helps living with them a lot easier.
This came in handy yesterday on Qings Birth-
day. See, the day before we had it all set to be having Dinner at the Rib place near our Home. Well, the Chinese love to change pretty much everything (even if it's set in Stone) at a moment's notice.
Like she called me at work to ask me "Where" we should go, as if we never even talked about it the day before. So, back and forth it went... Restaurant after Restaurant.
This was going on and most likely still would, if I didn't mention that I received just the day before an $10 discount Card from the "Yard House". That was like Music in my LaoPo's ears and she made up her mind on the spot, nothing was going to change it now.
Anyhow, we did have a wonderful time/dinner to my Sweetheart's delight.
I think those great "Beer's" they serve at the Yard House help us along with having a good time... haha.
After arriving back home, Dessert was waiting in the Fridge. Qing's favourite Ice Cream Cake from Coldstones. She felt "Special" and that's
what it is all about!

LaoPo's special day!

Today is my Sweetheart's 45th Birthday and last night, she did mention that she would like to at least go out for a special Dinner after all.
I am glad she decided to make it somewhat special and not stick to her earlier guns of not wanting anything.
Here is the surprise though! She tells me, that "She" wants to Pay/Buy "Us" Dinner, because it's her Birthday. I know Customs are different in China, but how can I keep my "Face" allowing that to happen?
Anyway, we (she) have picked "Dave's" BBQ Rib Restaurant, the one I took her for an Anniversary ones and she liked it very much.

This is Qing's fourth Birthday here and whallah... she doesn't look one year older. Guess, it's time I try to keep my looks (Stomach)haha... to a minimum! Not easy with her good Cooking getting in the way!

Yikes...going Solar is a pain in the Sun!

As mentioned on earlier Blog, we are under way to have Solar Panels installed on our home. Well, all seems to be ready to turn the switch "Off" the Grid and power us to the good ole Sun.

But wait a minute said the "City" (of Palmdale) during the final inspection. These new installed Panels (17) are too powerful to be handled with "Only" 100 amp's coming to the Main Circuit Breaker Box.

"This system needs to be up-graded to an 200 amp system now" said the nice Man (Inspector) from the City Office.

Now let me see here; 1st: it is encouraged to switch to Solar, by getting a Rebate check from Uncle Sam.
2nd: even a check from Edison for going Solar.
3rd: from the City you live in, your getting the "Shaft"... by having to up-grade now(something that was never in the Cards during the work).

Makes me wonder, is it really the City or is it the Solar Co. wanting to make a little ($2000) more on the "Side".. so to speak? Anyway, they are willing to give us two options here.
One being, Pay cash in Full or pay on an twelve month plan with NO interest (isn't that nice).

I am sure glad they waited til all was 99% ready. As usual, the 1% gets you and bites you in the Butt.

Just the other night...

.... while lying on the Bed and watching the nightly News, I happen to take a look near our Bedroom door.

People I know well and some of the other's that do read my Blog, know that I have a Photo frame hanging next to the door on the wall. Only difference with this, it is not a Photo at all. It's a framed "Rose" from my late Wife's Casket.

Looking at it that night, it reminded me actually of a "Real" photo I took, way back in 2009... October to be exact. Yes, one month before my LaoPo finally came to be with me for good. It also was a time, when my Hot water heater took a dump and soaked some of my walls in the Master bedroom. That's why the plastic cover that is showing in the Picture.

This is not what I wanted to tell about. What is so interesting in this very Photo that reminds me of something that happened almost four years ago, is something seen just above the Rose.

What it is... is easy to see, but why and how it got there is a whole other thing?

Was it there for me to see? I'm sure it was! Why was it there though? Was it, to tell me something from the "Other" side so to speak?
That with Qing arriving soon, that it was okay and a sign from Nancy that she still loved me?
That last sentence, I do very much believe is true. Even if other's feel, it's only a reflection from something... from somewhere. Hey, it's still a "Heart" anyway you see or call it!

(FYI.. I did take Photo's of the same area later on... nothing but the color of the wall above the Rose.)

One now can see, why I do "Kiss" this "Rose" many times... as I walk by and being reminded for what it stand's for.

Photo # 218   dated October 2009

What can I do? When my LaoPo...

.... doesn't want anything for "Her" Birthday?

With Qing's Birthday coming up this month (26th), I thought.. I'd better check a few things she might like/enjoy doing or going to.
So, she's been here in the USA now almost four (4) years and Tianchi over one year. I was thinking, maybe she would like to go to Disneyland?
Wrong!

First, she'd ask me... how much is that going to cost? I tell her, about $300+ for one day... the three of us.
Her response... "Too much"!!

I have been to Disneyland in Tokyo and as it turns out, the Rides are a perfect duplicate to the ones here. How did I know? I ask her about each Ride that we have here.

Plan "B": How about Seaworld in San Diego? That will be around $100 less, without the drive to San Diego of course ( didn't even bring that up).

No...No...!!! Was the answer once more!

How about we just go out for a nice Dinner then?

No...No...!!! Ones again!

This Woman drives a hard bargain, for wanting "Nothing"!

I now hope a beautiful Birthday Card wont be too much for my LaoPo? As she even looks at those prices as well... no kidding! Good Grieve!!!

By the way; I also mentioned to her... why is it, that "My" Birthday is more special then?
Answer: Because your my LaoGong... she say's!!!

Okay!!! Poor me?