Few of my friends here learned that I had friends come all the way here
just to visit me, and they commented " you must be very special that
they travel that far"....

     Those words perfectly describe my friend, Lanie, who organized a joint birthday party for me, and Triz her sweet sweet daughter, last August 23.

     I, together with two other friends, Judy and Ger (and her soon-to-be-proven-genius son Evan) travelled 6 hours by train to see Lanie and her family. Another friend, Vanessa, flew in from Texas to join us in Michigan. We all knew that the trip would be worth it.

     Lanie and her family (John, the patient husband, Jonathan the pilyo, Garin the baby who is no longer a baby, and of course Triz the future ballerina)  are hosts par excellence with their genuine hospitality and generous spirit.

     Their lovely home, specially their modern and spacious kitchen, is a scene of non stop cooking (which is not good if you are watching your weight), laughter, easy banter, friendly sharing with kids running, playing, crying, laughing and asking for hugs. There was karaoke (thanks to Vanessa for saving me) and dancing (Judy's not so hidden talent). Kim, another good friend, who lives near Lanie's house was not to be outdone. She stayed with us for the night because she did not want to miss out on the "talk-eat-talk" session. There was also my long missed "hilot" courtesy of Donna, the unexpected guest, who immediately warmed up to the group.    

     We were there for two days and we had such a blast that Ger made a proclamation...."going to Lanie's once every two years is mandatory!".

     I celebrated my first birthday in the U.S. at Lanie's and it was so much fun to celebrate it there again this year. 

     Thank you Lanie and family for another memorable birthday. For more details, click here: http://geri.tabulas.com/ , and here: http://orienntal.bravejournal.com/ .

Tom and Jerry

(Tom and Geri's Evan)

     I have not watched the animated series Tom and Jerry but someone told me that these two cartoon characters were always getting themselves into trouble.

     Fortunately, that is not the case with the loving and harmonious couple Tom and Geri who opened their home to me when I flew to Chicago. It was refreshing to stay with a couple who are easy to be with. Spending time with Evan, their handsome small bundle of energy, was an added bonus.

     I felt at ease conversing with the soft spoken Tom who talks affectionately about their little would-be-hockey/golf-player-2-year-old at one moment, and engages in an earnest discussion on politics and spirituality, in the next. 

     Geri, on the other hand, is one of the few "women of substance" that I have had the priviledge of being a friend to. She is a creative artist with the intelligence and sensibility of the modern day woman who has managed to balance the demands of family and work.       

     I wish there were more married couples like these two special people. It warms my heart to see married couples who love, respect, admire and appreciate each other.  

     Tom and Geri, thank you for having me as a guest in your home and for introducing me to Greek food . I look forward to the next visit.

 Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

    David said, "Your birthday started with a gift card for Kohl's and ended with a coupon from Mongolian Barbecue...you must be birthdayed out"  

     Indeed, I am grateful to the many people who have made my birthday pleasantly different this year, starting with the joint celebration at my father-in-law's yard to  Lanie's party at Michigan, Judy's lunch treat in Chicago and David's welcome home birthday table back in Ohio (http://gildavid168.blogs.friendster.com/gildavid_bulletin/).

     Thank you Tatay, Leslie and Joe, Hope Ann and Steve, Geri, Lanie, Judy, Aunt Peg and Bob and of course, David, for the gifts.

  (some gifts from David, Lanie, Geri and Judy)

     Thank you too for those who sent their greetings... my family in Cebu, and my friends Daisy, Paula, Lilibeth, Luzlin, Julius Martin, Fr. Purcell, Gemma, Juvy, Nang Ruby, Lilette, Corazon, Tess, Ligaya, Rhebs, Darl, Mel,  Kim, Vanessa, (I hope I mentioned everyone).

     I am most grateful to all of you for an amazing birthday celebration. I am so abundantly blessed indeed.