Cold and Gray

This summer is unlike any summer. It hasn't been a happy one. Mom is recovering from stroke; dear cousin is clinging to the oxygen tank because her lungs are failing her; RK's mom succumbed to her illness; mom's best friend, Aunt Lily, passed away from cancer, Ling-Ling is going through her chemotherapy, and Uncle, Derek's father, passed away unexpectedly from coronary artery blockage. He was okay one minute and gone the next. No goodbyes and no last hugs...

It's a sad summer for many of us. The light summer breeze can't lift our hearts and the sun can't seem to dry all the tears. Yet, life continues to move on. There is nothing we can do except march on...

Act Now: Live each day and enjoy every moment like there is no tomorrow. Remember to say "I Love You" before that opportunity is taken from us.

No regrets.

No Code Required

So technology is getting easier and easier. Anyone can be a techie nowadays. Check out this "embed slideshow" function. One little click and presto! No need to learn HTML to make it happened. Can't all things be just this simple? But how much fun would it be left?

No complaints though. Very easy to show off. Here's a slideshow of one of RK’s interior design projects. It's Pamplemousse Bakery in Redwood City. RK designed everything from the counter to the furniture - not the pastries though. Luckily, pastries were still made the old- fashion way and not with a click of a button.

Bon Voyage!

Sue and her hubby are on this very ship cruising out to Alaska. I’ve told her that I see cruise ships in and out right outside my office window, so she said she would wave good-bye when they depart.

Blowhorn blasted loudly as the cruiseline announced its departure. This big ship backed out the pier pretty quickly and gracefully. I’m sure Sue was waving like crazy and jumping out and down out there as I snatched these pictures.

It’s the thought that counts. Sue!! Hey, you just might catch up with Delta and Dawn – the two lost Humpback whales that finally left the San Francisco Bay on Wednesday - on your way out to the sea.

Go Dutch!

My first dutch oven – not the top of the line Le Creuset, but it should be good enough for my entry level tryouts. My first try was rice cooking. OK, I know it wasn't exciting but I had to take baby steps first... My second try was a roast leg of lamb. It was pretty simple and yes, the lamb came out quite delicious. It worked! Wow! I will try seafood stew next. Stay tuned for photos of my finished product.

Cooking technique learned: there is a difference between dry roasting vs. dutch oven roasting. Dry roasting is done with high temperature; dutch oven roasting requires liquid and is with moderate heat.

Go Under

OK, I was wrong and I stand corrected. Muni Metro DOES take you to the AT&T Ball Park, aka Pac Bell Park. So, I guess the down arrow on the street sign is accurate. See... the City does know what they're doing after all (map from the SF Muni website).