The Last Day – 6am beauty or is it

I’ve kinda seen this view a million times and you a few, but everytime I look at it, I’m amazed at the wonders God has created. No, not the skyscapers but the view. The clouds, trees, etc. We take it and took it for granted until a certain Al Gore rocked up on the scene, using his Apple Keynote presentation skills to show us how we have destroyed this island we live on. Now waking up on the last day is certainly a first. Its the last time you gonna have this view. The last time you smell the grass. And the last time you watch as the sun slowly disappears and the rain clouds come in. Yep, it is rainy season here and all things weather wise moves in a flash. The folks here don’t use those yellow rain outfits you get in Taiwan – they just get wet. I guess it has something to do with the heat. But nonetheless, its still a wonder to watch from 29 floors up how the clouds speak to each other and how the wind disturbs their mood. And that folks how and why we get rain. The wind spoils the party and the clouds cry.

Now as I was taking the shots for this news story, my camera wsa distracted. Actually, it nearly broke after I snapped these two shots. B. & O. still snoozing.

hey must have clearly had a rough night or a drinking session outside. B. looks like she’s trying to avoid me and O. still has his pacifier in the mouth. I hope he wasn’t drugged or anything of that sort. Its all in the size of the pacifier. Cute aren’t they. Do you have any snapshots of your loved ones. Email them to me and we can compile a gallery of sleepy folk. Anyway, I’m the early bird but I didn’t catch any worms. Just a beautiful view and two sleepy bears.

A parting shot. Sleeping creates beauty and beauty is all around us. My mother didn’t say that but I thought I’d just add it in for short measure. Cheers. Come back tomorrow for another exciting story from the “garbaroli adventure” tales.

Barbara’s last hoora

Gone were the days of family reunions, big get-togethers, and BBQ’s. In today’s bustling world when families are located miles away, its good to know a good friend is always a floor or two away. At least this was the case with B. Its hard,especially in an Asian country to be accepted, acknowledged, or even recognised. However, if one looks at this picture one can clearly see B. was part of the family. This family, the Lee’s welcomed her with open arms and we thank them for their hospitality. Seated are Father Arnold (the priest who married us the second time round), B. and Julian Carmona (a retired businessman). Behind B. is Mrs. Lee, the host of the event and to the left in the blue striped shirt is B.’s friend Ana. We thank them all.

While G. & O. were sitting at home sipping Yogi tea, B. was whisked away (not literally ofcourse)to the “Summer Palace”in the Shangri-La Hotel in Quezon City. The place is quite swank and as expected Chinese food was the main course. Lots of fun was had by all and while B. is a vegetarian, there was plenty to go around. The whole family really enjoyed themsleves but most of all we’d just like to say, THANKS!

Did we get any “patkos”? Nope, but then again Oli and I still had memories of our great Mario Batali dishes we cooked the night before. YUM,YUM.

Mario Batali & feet

In August 2003 when we first came to Manila, Philippines O. and I were bored stark. We didn’t know what to do or watch but that all changed when we discovered the “Lifestyle” channel. Basically, it is a cooking and lifestyle channel that prides itself on good programming for the discerning chef and interior designer. Ofcourse, apart from our designing skills O. & I consider ourselves to be great cooks (that’s cooks not chefs). You see, we figure if Rachel Ray can do it we can do it too (wait for our video cooking classes in future under the video tab on our web site). But Rachel is another story cause we’re focused on our favorite chef Mario Batali. Mario, first caught our eye when we watched “Molto Mario”, then “Mario Eats Italy”, and lastly Ciao America. We really learned alot so much so that I cooked a few dishes for O. – great stuff,right? We even bought one of his cook books.Don’t ask which one but we have tried some of the recipes with a good bit of success. If you want Italian I highly recommend it.

The icing on the cake (excuse the pun) came when we decided to go orange on our trip. There was no other choice but to get a pair of Batali “crocs”. These crocs are primarily used in the kitchen but we diecided to go adventure trekking with them. I must say its a wise choice as I heard that you now have to take off your shoes at the airport. The “Batali” crocs do provide stabilityand comfort and that’s why we three gypsies are going orange. All I can say they are pretty sexy too and give us the travel edge.

So if you can’t cook not to worry, the shoes will make you a chef and then you’ll be surprised what you can concoct. Mostly Italian actually, but then we are olive oil lovers (extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest – well that’s at least what I heard). So cook,wear, and enjoy!

The New Kennel

First Beethoven was going to fly 2 days before us. Now, it appears he is going with us. So for him to fit onboard with us we need a kennel. This is a smooth ride man. It can be carried by two people. What? What you mean 2 people? Whose going to take care of Oliver then? Ooopps! I guess we’ll need 8 hands for this job or alot of prayer. Ok, so how are we doing it? We have luggage, oliver in a wheelchair, and beethoven. Smart move! We thrive on this adventure folks and we are ready. WE ARE???? Did I mention the top of the kennel can be removed for that convertible effect? Well, it can and we are also going to supe it up with a massive water bottle. Oh, the joys of being a dog. I’ll be singing “who let the dog out, wooff, wooffff”. Yeah, lots of woofs if we have problems. At least Beethoven will be smiling. He got all his shots, vaccinations and permits so wish us luck we have a bundle to do.

Th new Kennel

First Beethoven was going to fly 2 days before us. Now, it appears he is going with us. So for him to fit onboard with us we need a kennel. This is a smooth ride man. It can be carried by two people. What? What you mean 2 people? Whose going to take care of Oliver then? Ooopps! I guess we’ll need 8 hands for this job or alot of prayer. Ok, so how are we doing it? We have luggage, oliver in a wheelchair, and beethoven. Smart move! We thrive on this adventure folks and we are ready. WE ARE???? Did I mention the top of the kennel can be removed for that convertible effect? Well, it can and we are also going to supe it up with a massive water bottle. Oh, the joys of being a dog. I’ll be singing “who let the dog out, wooff, wooffff”. Yeah, lots of woofs if we have problems. At least Beethoven will be smiling. He got all his shots, vaccinations and permits so wish us luck we have a bundle to do.

The toes and tumeric – part II

In part one I spoke about the benefits of using tumeric to save your liver. But actually, I wanted to talk about O’s. toes, I just didn’t have the pictures to all to the story. So here we are.

For many years O. has been using the standing board to exercise and allign his spine. When he uses the board he wears specially fitted boots that were made for him almost 8 years ago. I think these boots have now served its purpose and its days are numbered cause the result is above. The boots have caused so much pain that both “big toes” have been damaged. This has not only caused pain for him but also a fever and I’m sure lots of headaches. It has taken 3 months for the toes to heal and as of August 13 it still hasn’t fallen off but through the grace of God we are praying that it won’t bring anymore distress to him. Please pray for him. It might seem small fry to some of you but this is a serious issue for him. I hope you understand. We all have ten toes and sometimes we tend to neglect them. So be careful where you put those “things” next time.

Catch our stories most days. And if you have missed an episode just head on down to our blog. All “breaking news” items are archived to the blog. So read it, rate it, comment on it. Its “garbaroli world”.

The Rubbish before the cleanup

Isn’t it remarkable how hangers always come into the thick of things. First, there was one and then all of a sudden there are millions – plastic, wooden, wired. They say you can gauge a peron’s style by the kind of hangers they hold in their closets. Well, not in my case. I just buy the cheapest there is and voila – put your clothes on and hang. I say, don’t pay attention to style cause I have none. At my age style takes a back seat to convenience. Maybe that’s why I like seven-eleven. Ah, what an asian thing! Yep, an African in Manila kind of thing. It took them two days to create this mess and another two days to wrap it up. Everything is done on the fly and they pack to accommodate. They’ll pack anything and around anything. Take that closs of hammock. Can you recognize it in the picture below? Wow, you can. Then you must have good eyes.

Anyway folks all is not lost. Lets hope they put it on the container safely. Ah, that means I’ll have to recreate that special atmosphere again.

The Last Dental check-up

Last Saturday was the last dental check-up for O. The verdict: all is well in cavity country. Oliver has been serviced, cherished, and loved by the same dentist (Dr. Navalus – that’s her on the right)for about 4 years now. A great professional, one with a nack for kids and providing service with a smile. O. has had the whole gambit of dental works and even the occasional tooth fairy has dropped by to give a helping hand. Why should O. get it? Well, for one, it keeps all germs out and any bad teeth will create bacteria and that doesn’t help with digestion either. But hey, who am I to speak – I’ve had 16 fillings done on me already (not Da Vinci vineers) but real mercury-looking fillings. Even though those things are a thing of the past, I don’t think those Da Vinci’s are the solution either. Dr. Navalus suggests that you take a look at those people who had their vineers done after 18 months and then you can see what they look like. Wanna try? Only if looks could kill.

Anyway, enough said, back to Oli’s story. It seems that all the dental work has really paid off (so kids, listen to mom and go to the dentist before you turn into dracula) I highly recommend Dr. Navalus if you are visiting Manila. No, she didn’t pay me for this plug. She is American licensed for all those concerned expats out there, great with kids, and has fingers that don’t hurt or tools that comfort the gums. What more does Oli need? Oh, and a caring heart. Oh, just one more thing. If you wanted to know what PVS was on Oli’s t-shirt, it means Persistant Vegitative State and …. On the front it says: PVS is a myth … and on the back it says: aren’t you awake. To order this cool t-shirt contact us and we will send you one

Anyway, some parting shots. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, that’s what my mother used to say! Cheers. Come back tomorrow for another exciting story from the “garbaroli adventure” tales.

On the Move

This was the scene moments before the packers came in and tidied up the place. Or should I rather say made the place even more untidy. There was a hurry and a scurry but eventually we got all the items out into the living and dining room area so they could pack. The whole event took 3 days and they said they needed another day to do the master’s bedroom. Anyway, they can do that on the last day! It was definitely eventful with something like 10 guys dressed in uniform packing here and there to accomplish the mission. Everything from the gigantic cross to the couch and sofa were covered in Tiger Lane box ware. I call it that because that’s how they do it. Now the house is barren and bare.

Await the follow-on photos of how it looks in “boxes”

Day 3

We are expecting the arrival of queen B. later today and hopefully some good news. Weather has been choppy here with intermittent storm showers. O. and I are chilling out here in the nest. The best part of it all is that we are mellow yellow. Made a banana split for breakfast and a great cucumber concoction. I say one point for the health freaks out there.