February Readings

Aloha Everyone,

Since last night, we lost our two WiFi router connections.  Initially we blamed the bad weather all over the USA to our inabilities to email or send text messages. Eventually we realized that our WiFi routers needed more loads. 

The good news which came out of this is J.J. and I went to bed at 7:00 pm, woke up 3:00 am after 8 hours of sleep. Extra time in the morning gave us plenty of time to gather and drop off our weekly laundry. More importantly, extra time was available to finish reading the four books I’ve been working on for February.

Among these, Age of Enlightenment is my favorite followed by Viking. One of our dearest friends, late Per V. always presented him as a real Danish Viking. Actually, the church our younger son, Jeff, was baptized had a small replica of a Viking ship hanging from its ceiling beam. Well from Viking, it was revealed that Vikings were from Sweden.

Greater motivation was required to finish Mongols and The Black Death. The latter’s explanations on how art, music (especially children’s nursery songs) and literature were influenced gave me “ah huh” moments.

Aloha -- Cathi

Two Women & Their Resiliency

Aloha Everyone,

I had to ask myself whether it’d be fair to put these two stories in the same blog. One undergoing tremendous challenges of suffering from sceptic shock after childbirth. She lost both of her limbs and will live the rest of her life as a paraplegic. She’s young, educated, happily married with a supportive husband, family, friends and community.
Most of all, her two young children will give her motivation and incentive not to give up.

The second story is a very different nature. Her challenge is financial related to safe and affordable housing which people of all ages are facing.  What makes her story worth mentioning is her solution and now sharing her turning point with others.

Aloha -- Cathi

Historically Bad US Weather

Aloha Everyone,

Stormy weather, historical snow falls, severe tornadoes and wind, warnings of dangerous road conditions are posted from the West Coast to Midwest and the Eastern Seaboard. Flights delays, rerouting or cancellations are common stories we hear.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wherever you are, please stay healthy and safe.

Aloha -- Cathi

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine - 1 Year Anniversary

Aloha Everyone,

Hearing from friends we made on board the Azamara on our Mediterranean Cruises is happy yet a painful reminder that one year has passed since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine and no clear ending in sight.

Understanding the history of Ukraine, it’s unique relationships with Russia gives one a better picture of the complexities of the regional politics, social, economic ties including shared ancestry and common languages.

Zelensky and Putin are looking for decisive victory. With commitments by the USA and western allies while China, North Korea and Saudi Arabia’s posture of what’s in it for me, we are looking at another painful period in our history.

Aloha -- Cathi

Milky Way’s Famous Halohalo

Aloha Everyone,

J.J.’s recollection is that Milky Way, located in Pasay City then, was a place to go for merienda (snacks) and to hang out with his classmates. Milky Way was known for its mouthwatering and stomach filling Halohalo.

Funny how often our conversations shift to food and restaurants. Over our lunch yesterday with Marita, she mentioned Milky Way if we are looking for authentic Filipino food and great Halohalo.

The nearest Milky Way Cafe is located less than a 5 minute walk from our current condo. Immediately after we were given menus, we perused for familiar Filipino dishes. Finding none, we asked the waiter if he has another menu. We had sat in the wrong restaurant. The second floor, where we were is a Spanish restaurant and the third floor is Milky Way Cafe.

The appearance from the entry to interiors were old and dated. Nothing to write home about the two dishes we ordered. But then, JJ and I were there for Halohalo. Maybe my mentioning to our waiter that we heard that Milky Way is where we find the best Halohalo and we would like to share one. He instructed the person who puts together the Halohalo to serve it in two containers with no compromising on ingredients. It was very satisfying and filling. J.J. was all smiles after he also helped me finish my serving :-)

Aloha -- Cathi