Enjoying our garden...

Merry Christmas!

Snow covered East Coast II

It's been snowing since last night and hasn't stopped yet. Although we have made some attempt to shovel the snow, the wind kept blowing it back to the shoveled area. We gave up the fun and stayed inside watching the snow fall...

There was a small bird looking for shelter in our back yard. It scurried from bottom of one tree to another. There was also a bird dodging under our back neighbor's deck. That made me wonder; where do birds go for shelter when the leaves are all gone?

An old card catalog

After fixing the legs [with dad!] and cleaning for hours [with mom!], a rescued old card catalog is reborn as our treasure holder. The pencils, erasers, bookmark collection etc. I remember the college days when I actually used the cards held in one of these catalogs. I didn't see one when I visited my alma mater. Sigh, I wish somethings stay the same forever...

I am back... with homemade ice cream!

It has been really busy [work + home + travel] in the last couple of months. I am hoping I'd have more time to create fun things, to paint some [picked up some acrylic paint awhile ago], and to organize!

To celebrate summer, we made some homemade ice cream today. I have gifted my young chef, Gem, with Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker in red for her birthday. She opted for strawberry ice cream and it turned out so delicious! Even though we used slightly less sugar than the manufacturer's mini recipe book recommendation, we could have used lot less. Still yummy!

A walk around the house...

Azalea by the dining room window...


An oak tree on the front lawn...


An Asian pear tree in the back yard...


Next to a persimmon tree... harvested 7 two
autumns ago and 5 last autumn.

Spring onion flowers... reminds me of Korean

vegetable gardens.

A pine tree from a sapling Gem received from school

when she was in 3rd grade...

Spring Cleaning

It's been too long since I updated my blog last. I have been quite busy with many tasks at work and home. In many ways, it's a good thing. It's been awhile since I have felt rejuvenated and motivated at work. I actually love what I do at work! My, did I say that?

Of course, this is all good but there are many projects and to dos I want to accomplish along the way as well. I have been meaning to take some time to organize my thoughts and my home to create environment to put some order in my hectic, energized life. So what do I do?

I watched a movie, Twilight, with Mad, keeping up with the sort of "FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE" bonding time. It all began with Casablanca, which apparently was mentioned in one of Gilmore Girls episodes. Mad had to watch it with me and loved it. I enjoy watching movies with her because she loves to make witty and silly comments about the scenes, sets, costume etc. Ever since the movie came out, we had discussions, even though I haven't seen the movie yet. Rob Patterson? What were they thinking? Edward Cullen supposed to be devastatingly beautiful in a very elegant way. What happened here etc. Hm. I must admit I have to take back some negative things I have thought. He does have very nice voice. Many times, a person's voice could either repel or attract despite everything else.

Now, here I am before my laptop, close to 2:00 in the morning, thinking: how to organize, sort, weed, and organize again my thoughts, work, creative projects, and home. Spring is here, finally, and it is a fine time to do all those things. And of course, get the dust bunnies out as well. I am going to give myself about two months to put some order all around me. Sigh. Now to bed. Good night...

Lost flowers

I took these photos before a deer came by and wanted to play with them...with her hooves...

Snow covered East coast

Winter didn't want to leave...
Wanted to spread its character a bit...
So overnight, it snowed and snowed...

Covering my azaleas...


Recovering the car tracks...


Blanketing the hedge row below the windows...


Covering the front porch...


Covering the back yard...


While we were dreaming of the coming spring...

Looking out for sun...

It went up to 60 degrees today; although not exactly balmy due to overcast, it was still very pleasant. However, the forecast for tomorrow is 38 degrees! Bummer bummer... While taking a break from work [luckily at home], my house plant [fortunately taken care by mom who has green thumbs] and I peeked out the window. I have no idea what it's called, even though I saw the same plant with an identifying tag at the U.S. Botanic Garden near the Capitol. Theirs were nestled in two huge pots near the entrance one summer. I made a note of the name and promptly forgot it. In any case, I thought it was quite endearing how the short stalks all leaned towards the sun, just as I was, looking out for the spring to arrive.

Covered with ice...

With two days of no school due to snow and then ice in our region, we were ready for normal day. However, it was two hour delay school day for the girls and slippery ride to the Metro station for me! Argh, I was holding on to the steering wheel like a mad woman. If I had a magic wand, I would have been wielding it to move the parked cars on to the yards. I was in fear of slipping into them. The main roads were pretty much cleared up but I had to maneuver through a few small roads littered with parked cars and icy surface... Now that I am in the office, I should be thankful for not losing the electricity, having to work from home for two days, seeing pretty snow scenes...
To alleviate her immense boredom, Mad took her camera outdoors and took some pictures for me, capturing the prettier views of snow and ice storm...

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone!
I wish everyone joyful and safe holiday.
Here are all of our Christmas trees I have mentioned...

Mad and Gem's trees:

Wishing you a peaceful holiday...

Blustery Monday

Today must have been the coldest day so far this winter! It was also very windy, adding extra chill in the air. People literally stood still to steady themselves from the gusty wind this afternoon. With the Christmas just three days away, the Metro trains were filled with people and their loads of shopping bags. There was hardly enough room to relax your shoulders as you pull yourself in to make more room for others.

Before I get myself lost in the festivities, I thought I post some photos of our Christmas decorations. I managed to get photos of garlands but for some reason, the photos of the trees [we have three; one for me and one each for the girls] didn’t download but the close ups did. Hm. Perhaps tomorrow. As you can see, past decade or so has been my “opulent extravagance” [for lack of a better phrase] period when it came to my Christmas tree. Deep burgundies with elaborate ornaments. However, my taste has evolved to simpler lines and designs. I was seriously contemplating not putting up my tree this year at all until my Mad and Gem practically jumped on me in protest. Perhaps one more year of “opulent extravagance,” until I sort out my changing taste… So here we go and if things go accordingly tomorrow night, the photos of actual trees will surface.