Notes From the Guam Side

Guam in the Winter

2013-03-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

(Yes, I know, technically it's Spring now, but because life has been full and busy since my last post, it would simply seem out of place to ignore winter just to go straight into the Spring post. Hence, a slight overlap. I offer this statement not as an apology or even an excuse, but merely as an explanation.)

Guam in the winter means...a continuation of the Rainy Season. Or so it seemed this year.

Rainfall rolling off the roof onto our patio.

Guam in the winter means...it's cooler. OK, maybe only a little cooler in a place that has a rather routine and boring forecast, but still, it's a nice time of year to visit Guam. The ever-present humidity is a little more accommodating a little more often.

Our patio umbrella in its glory days.

Guam in the winter means...a lot of wind. The winds blow more during this time of year. It also means that if you have a lovely patio table umbrella you'll want to make sure you close it up when not using it, or else you may discover some morning when walking out your back door that the 100 lb umbrella that you thought was secure in its cast iron stand (when it really wasn't!), lending a false sense of security to leave it open after use, shows up instead on your front lawn near the road overnight...in a semi-crumpled heap....curse you, Rogue Gust of Wind [sniff].

Guam in the winter means...enjoying the outdoors a little more, like sitting on your patio, minus the now broken umbrella [grrr] to read a good book or grill hamburgers and watch the clouds roll in from the ocean, and then play a game called Will We Finish Eating Outdoors Before It Rains?

Guam in the winter means...the surf is rougher. This is a factor to take into consideration if you are a scuba diver. Guam has an abundance of dive locations around the island, especially on the western side and southern end of the island. Be prepared for some rough water during this time of year, and plan your dive accordingly. Or, if you're a reluctant diver like me, you'll probably wait for calmer water anyway.

It also means to be mindful of safe water entry on the beautiful beaches around the island. Sometimes water entry is banned altogether due to strong rip tides. Again, when visiting the beaches, plan accordingly.

Guam in the winter means...the absence of snow. And that can be a happy or sad thing, depending on how you look at it. It means you don't have to have that ice scraper and gloves in the car, but you probably will have an umbrella and a rain jacket. There is no absence of sunshine, unless it's raining, so less chance of suffering from light deprivation. But more chance of sunburn.

Guam in the winter means...making reservations to take your Sweetie out [or be taken out by your Sweetie] to dinner on Valentine's Day if you want to go somewhere nice. [The Hubs didn't do that and we went from place to place only to be turned away until we were accepted at Shirley's Diner.] Reservations + nice restaurant + Valentine's Day = Happy Spouse.

Guam in the winter...

And the Winner is...

2012-11-27T22:52:00.000-08:00

Doesn't it feel great to cross a finish line? Yes it does! And that is exactly what I have been able to do today in the National Novel Writing Month challenge.
Thirty days, fifty thousand words, zero excuses. At least, that's what everyone hopes for. And I did it!! [uncontrollable giggle]. It almost makes me want to break out in song and do a happy dance!
It has truly been an epic journey for me since I have never written anything on this magnitude before (except for my own personal journals, and I'm not sure that counts as the same thing).
With four days that amounted to zero words written, a sinus infection striking me one week before Thanksgiving, plus the Thanksgiving holiday itself where we had three additional people come join us (one unexpectedly nearly at the last minute) I was starting to be concerned whether I would meet the deadline by midnight November 30th. As soon as the Thanksgiving holiday was over (which coincided with me feeling better sickness-wise, but wiped out activity-wise) I knew I really had to punch it if I was going to finish on time.
If I hadn't, the world would not have come to a crashing end. Life would still have gone on with me plodding on to the conclusion of my novel draft. But something kept nagging at me to finish it by or before midnight on the 30th. I guess I just didn't want any left-over writing to still be hanging around so that I could let the novel marinate for two or three weeks before starting the editing process.
Whew!
Glad I'll be able to put the inner editor to work next month. She'll be happy to finally get her hands on the first draft with her handy-dandy red ink pen and start the job she's been so anxiously waiting for.

The Month I Write With Literary Abandon

2012-11-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

November is National Novel Writing Month and I am right in the thick of it!
Thirty days and fifty thousand words later, (beginning on November 1st and ending November 30th) I should have a completed first draft of a novel. That is the whole idea behind National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short. This year I decided to become a participant and so far I am enjoying the journey. As of the writing of this post, I have a total of 18,340 words written and backed up on a thumb drive and printed out. I cringe to think of trying to recreate what I have written if, by some catastrophic reason, I lost part, most, or [gasp] all of the material I've produced so far.
Another part of the NaNoWriMo challenge is to write with no thought to editing. Just write, write, write. All the editing one will require is to be looked to after November has ended. As I write this blog post, I am indulging my inner editor because in a few minutes, she is going to be put away again until December!
So, write on, WriMos, wherever you are. Write on. Write with complete literary abandon. Write knowing you can erase, change, throw out, rearrange, correct spelling and grammar, plus a gazillion other things starting in December. Your inner editor will be too busy to complain. Here's to the 50,000-word finish line by midnight November 30th.

A Remembrance Day By Any Other Name...

2012-11-11T00:20:00.001-08:00

In the year 1918, in the eleventh month, on the eleventh day, at the eleventh hour, the armistice between the Allies and Germany was signed in France marking the end of the War to End All Wars, also known as World War I. Although we have continued to endure wars, this day was set aside by many nations for a remembrance of those who fought and fell in the Great War as well as those who survived to come home. This day of remembrance has been expanded to include all those individuals who have fought in the wars since then, and may still be fighting. In the United States the observance, once called Armistice Day, is known as Veteran's Day today. In countries such as Canada, Australia and Great Britain, it is known as Remembrance Day.
No matter what we name the day, let us be sure to take a moment to remember what those poppies we wear on our shirts and lapels stand for, to especially remember all those men who did not come home, to those who served and gave all they had for the cause of freedom and its preservation. Remember...remember...remember...

Guam in the Fall

2012-10-19T18:56:00.001-07:00

Guam in the Fall means it's still the Rainy Season!

Guam in the Fall means sitting outside when it isn't raining. It means eating sushi made by sushi chefs who know what they're doing. It means green and orange coconuts [the colors of fall in the western pacific] It means continuing warm tropical breezes. It means reviewing typhoon readiness plans to be ready for the typhoon that can develop very quickly with little warning. It means wondering if you'll be able to take a walk without getting rained on.

Guam in the Fall means you still have to watch out for Boonie Bees. It means making sure you have a supply of wasp freeze on hand, and ant-killer for those pesky creatures that decide all or part of your home is their home-away-from-home when the monsoon rains flood them out.

Guam in the Fall means it's time for the coconut trees to be trimmed. It means painting those fallen coconuts to look like ghosts, pumpkins, bats, or whatever, just in time for Halloween [yikes! I'm behind painting last year's extra coconuts!].

It means buying tons of candy early and often to get ready for the mounds of kids that will come 'round on All Hallow's Eve. We're going to need more candy...

This may be getting close...

The last and smallest candy display. Don't forget to get more while waiting in line for Check-Out.

Guam in the Fall means the children are back in school and the holiday season is on a collision course with the calendar. It means going to the orthodontist's office, bask in the haunting spirit of Halloween, and then immediately go to Macy's and bask in the jolly spirit of...Christmas?? Wait. What?

Guam in the Fall means dressing up for military balls and dressing down for the beach.

Guam in the Fall...

Liberation Day!

2012-07-21T17:46:00.005-07:00

On July 21, 1944, after several days of US Naval bombardment to soften up the Japanese defenses, the United States returned to Guam and began its liberation of the island. On the west coast of Guam the 3rd Marine Division landed on Asan Beach, while the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed in Agat. The distance between the two was only seven miles, but in between these two landings was Orote Peninsula where the harbor and airstrip were, and the village of Sumay. Find more details of the invasion landing at: http://olivedrab.com/od_history_ww2_ops_battles_1944marianas_guam.php.

US Naval Base Guam now occupies what was once Sumay, but 68 years later, evidence of the war remains on Orote Peninsula and throughout the island. A series of Japanese defense caves can still be seen bored into the limestone near Apra Harbor on US Naval Base Guam. These caves have since been closed up, but the openings are still very visible.

Japanese defense caves in the former village of Sumay.

Along the harbor at San Luis Beach are the charred and rusted remains of the Japanese fuel piers, and in Apra harbor itself is the wreck of a Japanese seaplane, as well as the wreck of the Tokai Maru. The Tokai Maru came to rest beside another world war wreck, this one from World War I, the German ship SMS Cormoran.

What remains of Japanese fuel piers in Apra Harbor.

From the top of Nimitz Hill there is a breath-taking view of Asan Beach. Imagine what it must have been like to have had this view of the 3rd Marine landing! Imagine what it must have been like to look up the steep, and in some cases, sheer cliff walls, knowing that your enemy was well entrenched above and the objective was to take those heights as quickly as possible!

View of Asan Beach from the overlook on Nimitz Hill, June 2011.

View from the War in the Pacific National Park, Asan Beach, looking up at the heights above.
Memorial Day, May 27, 2012.

Other WWII historical sites include the South Pacific Memorial Peace Park in the village of Yigo. Down the slopes to the right of the Peace Park is the cave where Lt. General Hideyoshi Obata, commander of the 31st Division, committed suicide on August 11, 1944. There is also the War in the Pacific Museum just outside the gate of US Navy Base Guam that has a fascinating display of World War II and Guam, and well worth the time to visit. There are the bomb holes in the shoreline of the village of Piti, the Japanese coastal defense guns on static display in the village of Agat, to name a few.

South Pacific Memorial Peace Park, Yigo Guam

Memorial sign for Lt. General Hideyoshi Obata.

Cave where Lt. General Obata committed suicide.

There are the Chamorro massacre sites at Tinta and Faha Caves, at the caves near Fena Lake, Manneggon, and the Chagui'an massacre site nearby the South Pacific Memorial Peace Park in Yigo, places where Guam remembers those who suffered the greatest atrocities.

It is interesting, and makes you stop and ponder with awe the terrible events that took place on this island, those who fought to the death to hold it, those who gave the last full measure of devotion to reclaim it, those innocents who died and the ones who survived to carry on to help rebuild their island while carrying the physical and emotional scars from their terrible ordeal for the rest of their lives.

Since the invasion, Guam takes time every year to mark Liberation Day with a parade here on the island, and wherever Guamanians are around the world it is a day of celebration and remembrance.

TCCOR: Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness

2012-07-17T02:15:00.000-07:00

If you live on Guam it is important to know the current TCCOR status.

Guam is right in the middle of Typhoon Alley and, as a result, is always in a state of typhoon readiness, depending on the proximity of a typhoon threat. How would you know how close a typhoon is, and what should you do?

By staying alert to weather conditions by tuning into island weather reports on local radio, television, cable, or Internet, and by learning the TCCOR conditions, you will be ready in case a typhoon comes knocking . Guam, as well as Andersen Air Force Base and Navy Base Guam have five conditions of typhoon readiness, often referred to as TCCOR (Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness). They break down into the following categories:

* TCCOR 4 -- Normal Operations -- This means that sustained winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater from a tropical typhoon are possible within the next 72 hours.

* TCCOR 3 -- Caution -- This means sustained winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater from a typhoon are possible in the next 48 hours. At this point you should inventory your home emergency kit and replace any and all missing items as necessary. Fill up your vehicles, generators, and extra gas cans with gasoline. Secure outside objects -- move items indoors that can't be secured. Prepare your household for long term power and water loss (laundry, outdoor cooking, clear refrigerator). Tune in to your radio or TV. It is worth noting here that the island of Guam powers down before being hit by a typhoon, so be sure to have a hand-crank radio on hand for outside information.

* TCCOR 2 -- Caution -- This means sustained winds of 50 knots (58 mph) from a typhoon are possible in the next 24 hours. Close and secure shutters, place rags and towels around the base of windows and doors. Fill containers with water (bathtub, clean pails, trash cans, washing machine, etc.). Remove furniture and carpets away from areas where water may come in. Expecting mothers 38 weeks or in high risk pregnancies should report to the hospital. Move your vehicles to a secure and protected area. Pack your freezer with containers full of water to be used as ice or thawed for drinking.

* TCCOR 1 -- Caution -- Sustained winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater from a typhoon are possible in the next 12 hours. Go inside your home and stay there. Only essential and emergency personnel are allowed outside.

* TCCOR 1 -- Emergency -- Sustained winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater from a typhoon are observed to occur or are on Guam. DO NOT GO OUTSIDE. Wait for the storm to pass and for threat conditions to return to TCOR 4. Be ready to help with recovery and cleanup.

Here is a quick check list of things you should have on hand before a typhoon strikes:

SUPPLIES: flashlights, lanterns, portable radio, first aid kit, batteries, fire extinguisher, candles/matches, duct tape, BBQ, tools to possibly turn off gas and water mains, games and cards.
FOOD: maintain a sufficient supply of canned or dehydrated food, powdered mil, canned beverages or juices, 3 gallons of water per person for consumption, extra water for toilets, etc. for at least 72 hours.
SPECIAL: A week's supply of medications, personal hygiene items, special food for infants, food for pets, and cash. Keep emergency phone numbers handy and easy to get to.

For a more detailed listing, refer to the August 24, 2011 in the archive.

It is important to remember that while Typhoon Season occurs between the months of June and November, they can happen anytime during the year. Will you be ready?

Guam in the Summer Time

2012-07-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

Guam in the summer time means Guam in the rainy season. And that means that the grass is turning more green and growing faster. And that means getting out the John Deere and using the weed-eater for trimming and edging. And that means a nicer-looking lawn!

Guam in the summer time means the humidity is higher, because, well, we're in the rainy season.

Guam in the summer time means you're more likely to need and use your umbrella, because, well, you know...

Guam in the summer time means the surf is not as rough as during the winter months, and that means a lot if you like to dive, and if you're like me, you don't want to battle the waves before you can get under the water.

Guam in the summer time means it may be a good to time to "hop" to another location for a a time. Where? Oh, places like, other Micronesian islands, the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, other points in Asia or Australia, not to mention, the USA.

Guam in the summer time means tourists from any of the above places, as well as other locations, come to visit Guam. And that means more people. And that means it's good for the local economy.

Guam in the summer time means observance of Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Liberation Day.

Guam in the summer time means kids are out of school, and that means in a few weeks parents will sing the praises of the start of a new school year.

Guam in the summer time...

Guam in the Spring Time...

2012-05-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

Guam in the spring time means Guam in the "dry season". Although there are the scattered showers, it's still the "dry season. How dry? So dry that even those scattered showers aren't enough to green-up the otherwise brown-ish/green, crunchy grass. So dry that we can't use our new John Deere riding mower to mow the lawn because it just hasn't grown tall enough to cut. There are, however, spots around the house where I can put the ol' hubby to work with the weed-whacker, though. Those spots seem to have no trouble growing, no matter what!

weed-whacker spots

Guam in the spring time means watching out for those pesky Boonie Bees. The hubby took about six hits off of one of two or the little beasties last evening while closing the doors to the outdoor shed. It seems the retched blighters had built a couple of nests at the back of said shed. As soon as dark fell, however, he took them out with a can of wasp freeze. Two nests. Thirty-plus bees. Hubby recovering fine.

Guam in the spring time means sitting out on the back patio to read, and eat supper (whether cooked on the grill or in the oven, but grilled is better). It means slowing down at the end of the day, leaning back in the patio chair and watching the clouds sail by with the tropical breeze and notice the sun setting over the roof- and tree-tops.

Guam in the spring time means hotter days and thinking about the things you want to do or accomplish before the start of the "rainy season", also known as "typhoon season". By the way, are you typhoon ready? Now's the time to check.

Guam in the spring time means we joyfully get to watch our bright-eyed poodle Suzette play after we nearly lost her last month.

Guam in the spring time means getting the cameras out and taking as many photos as we can.

Guam in the spring time...

Happy Easter!

2012-04-07T07:05:00.002-07:00

He is risen. That's what it's all about. Through the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all mankind will be resurrected.

Happy Easter to you.

Easter Eve

2012-04-07T01:51:00.003-07:00

Here it is the evening before Easter Sunday. The weather could not have been more lovely today. The wind is gentle and there has been an abundance of sunshine on the north end of the island today. My husband has taken advantage of this time to go hunting, and so we shall see when he comes home if he has succeeded in bagging a deer or a pig. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the rest of the evening on our patio and read for a while.

In Like A Lion, Part 2: Out Like A Lamb

2012-03-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

March in Guam has come in like a lion, but is going out like a lamb. Two kinds of lambs enter my thoughts as I write this, with a question to go with them: Can pets who are close to death see loved ones or even angels, just as people who are close to death often see loved ones who have already passed away?

That question crossed my mind last night as my husband and I listened to the veterinarian after he showed us the chest ex-rays of our toy poodle, Suzette, one of our "little lambs". Suzette had been diagnosed the day before with heart problems, specifically, mitral valve prolapse. Her condition throughout Saturday deteriorated to the point that in the early evening she had become listless and suddenly stopped breathing. Some CPR on our part brought her back. Hence, the emergency visit to the vet's office...which nearly never happened because it was almost impossible to get through to someone who could contact the vet, any vet.

So there we were, a little while later, chatting with the doctor about Suzette's ex-rays and all that was going on with the visit up to that point when, Suzette, who was being held by my husband and had been reasonable alert, let out two very strong, sharp, almost high-pitched, barks: ARF!...ARF! Well, well, Roger and I wondered. What brought that on? There was nothing going on in the room that we could see that would warrant such vocalization. Yet, just as with a very weak and sickly child you are always glad to hear a good cry, so we were pleased to hear to good strong "ARF" because it told us that her lungs were still strong. At least for the moment. As we could see no apparent reason for the enthusiastic outburst I suddenly felt an impression that, perhaps, our Suzette was able to see something, or someone, we could not.

These situations are never pleasant to experience, when a loved one or beloved pet is close to death, but I am grateful for the calm, peaceful feelings that attend me when I am in one of them. I am always and immediately thankful to God for His benevolence in moments like this, because just a few minutes later, we nearly lost Suzette a second time in the same evening. In fact, this time, it seemed as though she would not be revived when the vet and his assistant took Suzette out of the room to try other methods of resuscitation. Mind you, the entire family is very attached to our little poodle, but Roger especially so. As such, he was finding it nearly impossible to keep his composure. Sometimes the ol' "stiff upper lip" just evaporates.

And sometimes, whether we want to or not, whether we are ready to or not, we have to be prepared to let go. Roger neither wanted to nor was he ready to. I can't say that I felt any different, especially since Roger had, on my birthday, presented Suzette to me when she was just a tiny puppy. She is now 13 years old (91 in dog years) but the calm feeling prevailed. I honestly was expecting that episode to have been the little five-pound poodle's final moments, but the vet and his assistant returned with Suzette, whom they had managed to retain. The vet reviewed with us the medications Suzette should take, but reminded us that all these measures would not "fix" her problem. He had done all he could do for her. The medicine could help make her more comfortable if she responded to them, but nothing more. He could only guess how much time she had left...minutes, hours, days?? He personally guessed she had minutes. While he could "put her to sleep", he encouraged us to take her home. I thought we should too, but my husband wanted to make no decisions, other than one: he would not be the one to sign her death warrant to put her to sleep.

We brought Suzette home, not knowing if she would even last out the ride. She did, and lasted through the night, and well into today. It is now April 1st, April Fool's Day, and while Suzette is showing marked improvement from last night, we are not fooled into believing she will be her ol' self again. With the knowledge that when that unsought-for moment comes it will come fast, we are bracing ourselves for the inevitable grief that follows.

It also happens to be Palm Sunday, the start of the final week that leads up to Easter, which brings me to the second lamb, the Lamb of God. I personally believe that not only will mankind be resurrected, but that animals will as well. After all, God is responsible for all of creation in the heavens above and in the earth below. Is anything impossible to God? When we are reunited with family after death, I like to think that all our beloved pets will be there to rejoice with us and continue on by our side. Right now, we are at Suzette's side, unsure of how long she will be with us, but with the sure knowledge of God in His heaven and the gift of the resurrection through His son Jesus Christ, how can we think that she will not be by our sides again one day?

In Like A Lion

2012-03-03T23:09:00.003-08:00

Well here it is the fourth day in the month of March and Guam is experiencing a lot of high winds, high surf, and periods of rain. Of course, it's been like this for about two weeks. Just the other day, I was musing about the old saying regarding March: if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. Conversely, if March comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion. Yes, I thought to myself, but does that even apply in this part of the world? I'm not exactly sure. Still, March was giving off all the signs of "coming in like a lion" to me, and frankly still is! So, whether it applies to the western Pacific or not, there it is. In like a lion, I say. There are twenty-seven more days to go to see if March in Guam "goes out like a lamb". It sort of keeps you guessing, this Pacific application of the Old and New World weather saying. I hear that as the world is tilting with the coming of spring (or autumn if you're in the southern hemisphere) the winds are shifting direction. Sort of like when you're stirring a glass of chocolate milk one way, and before that direction of swirl comes to a stop, you take the spoon and start stirring in the other direction. So, it must apply on the far side of the world after all. We'll see if the lion is tamed at the month's end or not.

Dark clouds blowing over Tarague Beach just before loosing a burst of rain on us.

On Tarague Beach looking north-west at the setting sun reflecting off more in-coming rain clouds.

Dark clouds moving in southerly direction after shedding some of the wet stuff
for a few minutes.

Saipan

2012-01-26T03:13:00.001-08:00

In the middle of last month, our family hopped up to the island of Saipan, the northern most island in the chain of islands known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It is a small island, but very pretty. Saipan, along with the rest of the Mariana Islands, is loaded with World War II history. If you ever visit the island, or Tinian, Rota, or Guam, be sure to bring a camera with you. In addition to the historical aspect of Saipan, it is also a good place to go hiking, biking, and scuba diving.

View from our hotel looking toward Mount Taputchao. The village of Garapan is in the foreground.

Sign at Bonsai Cliff, scene of a great tragedy in World War II.

Bonzai Cliff: scene where Japanese soldiers and civilians threw themselves and children over the cliff rather than be captured. No amount of pleading from the horrified American soldiers or captured Japanese could stop the suicides before hundreds met their deaths.

Japanese memorials atop Bonzai Cliff.

A Boonie Dog standing on the road at the bottom of Suicide Cliff seemed to pose for the camera..

Japanese static displays below Suicide Cliff.

Looking up at Suicide Cliff.

Japanese memorial near the static displays.

Looking up at another part of Suicide Cliff. Notice the holes in the cliff face, evidence of the heavy bombardment by the US Navy prior to the landing.

Market Night in Garapan.

Another shot of Bonzai Cliff, this one taken in around 10:00 in the morning.

Video I took of the waves at Bonzai Cliff.

Memorial atop Suicide Cliff.

Bird Island. Unfortunately, there were no birds on Bird Island the morning I took this picture.

View from the cliff top looking down into the Grotto.

Entrance to the Grotto. This is a popular scuba diving spot. It is best to be a skilled diver before attempting a dive here.

Stairs leading to the Grotto. Divers walk down these steps carrying all their gear. Parking is above and does not allow the convenience of pulling the car close to the water's edge first before pulling out the gear.

Scars of War: The cliff face at Suicide Cliff along the road to Marpi Point and Bonzai Cliff.

View from atop Mount Taputchao. Clouds were a problem, but once in a while I could get a shot of the shoreline. From the top of Mt. Taputchao you can see all of Saipan and Tinian Island just 3 miles to the south of the island.

Monument on top Mount Taputchao.

View of the village of Garapan from Mount Taputchao.

American Memorial Park.

Japanese pill box near the beach at Garapan.

Downtown Garapan.

I Love This Recipe!

2012-01-15T19:54:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was introduced to a couple of recipes created by my fitness instructor for body sculpt and spin classes, Sarah Vinch. I have to say the recipes are absolutely marvelous. One is for homemade peanut butter, and the other is for chocolate cupcakes made with spinach and soft tofu. I haven't made the homemade peanut butter recipe yet (that will happen after I go to the grocery store for peanuts) but I have tasted the samples Sarah brought to class with her a few weeks ago. "Yum!" is only one word that comes to mind when I think about this stuff. Other words include "great", "fantastic", "fabulous"... I could go on. I did make the cupcake recipe. Here's how things went in my kitchen between me and my hubby, Roger, at the time I was making the cupcakes:

‎[me putting the last of the spinach in the blender] [Roger] What are you making?

[me] Cupcakes.

[Roger] With spinach?! [Roger sounding skeptical and turned off by the idea, face to match]

[me] Yep!

[after the batter is ready] [me] Here, try this.

[Roger] It has a bitter after-taste. [sour look on his face]

[me] No it doesn't! [I taste batter again. Satisfied it's good]

[an hour later] [me] So, did you like the cupcake?

[Roger] Yes, I did!

[Victory!]

This cupcake recipe is a great way to get more spinach into your diet, and it tastes wonderful too! Even picky eaters won't be able to turn one of these down once they've had one. They freeze well, too, so you can make up a bunch of them and store them in the freezer for later.

Sarah is a genius in the kitchen when it comes to creating healthier style recipes. She is a great fitness instructor, wife, mom, and also the president and CEO of Fudoo Boards. For more information, go to www.fudooboards.com. Here is a YouTube video of Sarah talking about Fudoo Boards in 2009...

And, here is what may be the best chocolate cupcake recipe you've ever tried. Thanks, Sarah!

(From a link on Sarah's Fudoo Board ZumbAtomic Activities page:)

Healthier recipes by sarah@fudooboards.com

OMG – Quick Chocolate Cupcakes

I like to play with plain old cake mixes. Adding crazy ingredients, instead of the predictable eggs, oil and

water is my kind of weird science. Here is one of my latest and easiest healthy takes on that box of

devil’s food in your cupboard. You’ll have these in the oven before you know it!

Ingredients:

1 block ( 14 oz.) silken tofu

3 cups fresh spinach

1 box devil’s food cake mix

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

Directions:

1. Using a food processor, blend the silken tofu and spinach to a smooth and creamy consistency.

2. Add the whole box of cake mix to the tofu mix and blend until creamy.

3. Spoon cupcake batter into muffin tin or cupcake papers.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until firm on tops. They will crack beautifully on the

tops.

5. Makes 20-24 cupcakes.

6. Forget the frosting. These are so satisfyingly moist. Enjoy!

[me] Oh, they are, and you will.

Ringing In the New Year With Blogs

2012-01-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

I have been spending part of my new year reading some of my favorite blogs, like Mormon Mommy Writers, Nat the Fat Rat, Stacy S. Jensen, and The Outsider. I will proably expand my blog reading list as this year moves along. And speaking of moving, I'd better get moving right along to the fitness center. Later!

A Year In Review

2011-12-30T23:18:00.000-08:00

Midnight is approaching and so is 2012 on this December 31st. It has been quite the busy year for me. 2011 started out calmly enough, but before the month was out, we got word that we would be coming to Guam. So began six months of "Major Move Preparations". Sorting, and packing, and throwing out, and attending to more details than I thought I'd have to, etc. etc. etc. Then, the time to actually travel arrived. I had always heard from others how long the plane trip would be, but it really wasn't until I had to experience it myself that I gained a fuller appreciation for long distance endurance. It is a small world, until you get on a plane to fly to the other side of it! (Well, at least our little family didn't have to sail from one side of the world to the other, otherwise this post would take on a different tone altogether.)

After arriving on the island there was about a month of "down time" before our things arrived. Then it was time to unpack and set up house. That took a little while, and before I knew it, the beginning of the holiday season was nearly upon us as I looked ahead toward October. Now here it is New Year's Eve and I reflect back on how quickly this year has flown by. This time last year, I was looking forward to making 2011 the "Year of the Photograph" by making the time to organize and document family photos, and get them backed up on a hard disc. Instead, the "Year of the Photograph" rapidly morphed into the "Year of Our Move to Guam".

I still look forward to the New Year as one that will afford me the opportunity to do what I had hoped to do in this year, as well as continue to write, and pursue other interests.

May 2012 bring you good health, peace, love and happiness. Skol.

Holiday Greeting

2011-12-24T00:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve is fully upon us here on Guam and in approximately 30 minutes, the sun will have set and we will walk around our neighborhood to look at the lights on all our neighbors houses. Today's weather has been just about perfect: mostly sunny with some light occasional showers with the high temperature in the 80's. The wind was calm and so were the waves, making it a great day for scuba diving, which is exactly what my family and I did today. A temporary power outage caused us to eat our rueben sandwiches (made by my son Eric) to be made on the grill, and we ate out on our back patio. Can this day get any better? After our family walk we'll have some egg nog and watch "It's a Wonderful Life". It is a wonderful life (Merry Christmas Bedford Falls, and Guam, and wherever you live). Life is made even better when we remember the event we are celebrating to begin with: the birth of Jesus, our Savior. May God bless you and keep you. And by the way, we wish you, unabashedly, a very Merry Christmas.

Say It Loud: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-22T05:43:00.000-08:00

"Merry Christmas!" That sentiment is freely spoken from one person to another on Guam whether between friends or strangers, in neighborhoods or businesses. The wait staff in TGIFriday's write "Merry Christmas" on the check. Few people seem to be worried about political correctness. In fact, the closer we get to the holiday, the more people are saying the greeting with gusto, and that included two of Guam's Finest delivering a hearty "Merry Christmas" to my husband and me as we strolled along Skinner Park in Hagatna this evening.

Skinner Park. This evening was the first time we visited the park after we ate dinner next door at TGIFriday's. The sun had already set by the time we left the restaurant, and there it was...the park all lit up with Christmas lights and decorations. We couldn't resist. We strolled from one end of the park to the other taking it all in, and me snaping away with my iPhone photo app. The atmosphere at the park was great, and so was the weather. We wore short sleeves, no jacket required. There was no rain. There was no rush to see everything as then be on our way. More and more people showed up with kids in tow. It was just a great family-oriented atmosphere. Guam police were present and glad to wish us a Merry Christmas.

You don't see this everywhere: at one end of Skinner Park is a lovely manger scene, next to which sits a sizable sign reading: Merry Christmas from Gov. and Mrs. Calvo. No concern for politcal correctness there. Behind Skinner Park is the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica. I took a couple of photos and I think they turned out pretty well, considering I only had an iPhone to work with.

The spirit of Christmas seems to be everywhere on Guam. Even the KFC restaurants are decorated with Christmas lights along the roof tops. The only thing missing is snow, but you know, I really don't seem to mind the absence of cold weather. It's great to be able to walk around in short-sleeves three days before Christmas. On Christmas Eve I'll be scuba diving, or at least that morning, anyway. Not something I ever thought I'd be doing, much less on the day before Christmas. Guam is amazing.

Christmas at Skinner Park, Hagatna, Guam

Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, Hagatna, Guam

Two-Wheel Carabao Sleigh?

2011-12-21T04:22:00.000-08:00

Attend any Christmas party on Guam, or listen to the local radio station and you will probably hear the tune of Jingle Bells but with a very distinct Island twist. Well, read the lyrics below and you'll see what I mean...

Jungle Bells

Here we are on Guam,

Without a hope of snow,

But through the spreading palms,

A typhoon sure can blow.

Santa Clause will know,

What the tropics will allow,

Instead of riding eight reindeer,

He'll ride a carabao.

Chorus:

Oh, Jungle Bells,

Cocounut shells,

Sticker burrs all the way,

Oh what fun it is to ride

In a two-wheeled carabao sleigh.

Be watchful everyone,

He'll send a telegram,

That today he'll be on Guam,

Sent out by Uncle Sam.

Santa will be here.

To see what you have done,

So let's all greet him.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

And join him in the fun.

Gotta love it!

December 8th

2011-12-08T00:27:00.001-08:00

Just as the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7th, 1941 is remembered, so on Guam December 8th, 1941 is remembered. The Japanese also attacked Guam on that day, just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Here is a YouTube video that I'd like to share with you.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, Part 2

2011-12-04T01:49:00.001-08:00

These pictures were taken at the Hotel Nikko in Tumon Saturday night. I only had my iPhone 4 with me, so the picture quality is not as good as if I had had my Canon Rebel XL that night. Still, [sing] Deck the Halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la la la....

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, Part 1

2011-11-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

It's looking a lot like Christmas all around Guam these days. There may not be snow, but you can find crystal mistletoe at Macy's, and there is plenty of the ol' Christmas spirit not to mention lights wrapped around palm trees. And it isn't just homes that are putting up trees and lights; malls and businesses are too, of course. Here is the beginning of some of the holiday sights in Guam...

This photo was taken at the UnderWater World Aquarium in Tumon, just outside the entrance to the tour.

This photo was taken at the Sea Grill Restaurant at the UnderWater World Aquarium.

The following photos were taken at the Micronesia Mall in Upper Tumon. Unfortunately, the Christmas tree here has not been officially lit, so it's only partly impressive. I'll need to go back to photograph it all lit up...Yay, another trip to the mall, woot, woot! Plus, what self-repecting Christmas tree would be complete without a train to go under it? All aboard! Santa can be seen taking requests, and patrons in the mall were entertained by a man and woman (just beyon the tree) singing Christmas songs. What beautiful voices they had!

There are still a lot of places that have decked the halls. Time to go out and get some night time photos!

Weighty Thoughts

2011-09-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

Walking back home from the fitness center after attending a spin class is a great time to think. So is walking there, but then the mind quickly turns to the exercise class at hand upon arrival. Walking back is different. There is a wonderful calm, quiet, peaceful feeling about it. The perfect opportunity to think, and I was thinking. Not of the beautiful scenery around me: the cut grass, the recently power-sprayed sidewalks, a good stiff breeze, coconuts leaves swaying in the wind (and there is no shortage of coconut trees around here), blue skies with lots of clouds but not hindering the bright sun...what does Hawaii have that Guam doesn't? And yet, I wasn't thinking about any of that. I was thinking about two burning questions: 1. Why does the scale in my home read differently from the scale at the fitness center, and 2. How can the one at home tell me this morning I am one pound lighter than I was yesterday morning but the one at the fitness center told me I was one pound heavier than yesterday (which also told me the same thing yesterday)?

I realize I should be looking for trends, but I am confused. I walk along the sidewalk, sidetracked by a couple of small birds hopping around in the grass as I pass by. How long would it take to walk from home to the commissary? Too long, probably. Maybe the BX. I'll have to try that someday. But not today. The sun is strong and bright. I had brought my umbrella with me because it looked like it could rain on my journey to spin class. It's sometimes hard to know when it will rain and when it won't, but it probably will. We are in the rainy season, after all. I've seen it rain while the sun was shining, and not rain when dark clouds threatened. It rained. Just not where I was at that moment. As I said, it is the rainy season, after all, and there's always an opportunity to get wet...somewhere on the island.

The scale delima returned to my thoughts. The one at home is not "calibrated". I'm told that makes a difference. The one at the fitness center is, and it seems to be pretty consistent...but I'm not sure I believe it. I only consumed 190 calories at most before class, I walked to class, just like yesterday, and then it tells me I'm heavier than yesterday...and the day before? I looked at the scale dubiously. I considered how it spun its digital dashes until it landed on a number, as if it were some sort of weight monitoring slot machine: dash-dash-dash-point-dash. I stepped off the scale, paused, and stepped back on. It spun those menacing dashes only to come up with the same dash-dash-dash-point-dash. I didn't bother to have it mock me after spin class. I was satisfied to hear our wonderful spin instructor tell us that we burn off about 600-700 calories from the workout. I had left the class through a different door, deliberately ignoring the scale and hoping it noticed.

I cross a street and look to the left to see a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. I never get tired of looking at the ocean, and there are some pretty spectacular views of it from certain areas on base. I thought about how the base is well protected from tsunamis, being up on the "top of the rock" as they say. Six hundred feet up. The navy base, well, not so much. The sun is hot so I take a few more swigs from my water bottle and drop my umbrella. Putting the bottle in my bag, I open the umbrella for shade and immediately Mother Nature starts to add strength training to the cardio I'm still getting. I walk for a while, gripping the umbrella with both hands, politely waving off the base shuttle bus as the driver slows down to see if I'd like a lift. He turns around at the golf course and we wave at each other as he passes in the opposite direction. I've put away my umbrella by now. Hopefully I will not get sunburned. At least I have a hat.

There must be some sort of conspiracy with weight scales. Why can't they all read the same? Should I even bother with them? Trends. I just need to watch for which way the scale is trending. Well, I think the one at the fitness center is trending toward me hating it. On the home stretch I see a laborer across the street ahead of me with a weed whacker. He's covered from head to toe in protective clothing. Not even his face or hands are exposed. That's for a number of reasons. He is protected from the sun, the equipment, and boonie bees. Boonie bees seem like your average guinea wasp on the outside, only smaller, but they're not your average guinea wasp. Boonie bees don't buzz. That's right -- they make no buzzing sound. You can't hear them coming. They're like ninjas of the bee/wasp world. They can be very aggressive, so you never want to be on the recieving end of their wrath. You need industrial strength wasp-freeze sprayed from 15 feet away from the little beasties to get rid of them. They also make their nests on the ground! Watch your step! They're evil!

Home at last. I return to the scale that gave me a more favorable report at 4 am this morning. What?! How can I be three pounds heavier than I was then?? I haven't even eaten breakfast yet! I'll try to figure this out over a bowl of corn flakes. With raisins.

Are You Hurricane-Ready?

2011-08-24T00:12:00.000-07:00

With Hurricane Irene barreling down on the east coast of the United States, likely to become a Category 3 or 4 hurricane as it zeroes in, authorites are advising people along those areas to get ready. If you are in the crosshairs of a hurricane or typhoon would you be prepared for the storm? The following can help you be ready.

Set up a hurricane/typhoon locker in a closet or pantry area. If space is an issue, put together a Disaster Supply kit in a storage bin appropriate to your space. The locker/kit should include (but not limited to) the following items for a minimum of three days:

* Drinking water. At least one gallon per person per day. Remember to include enough water for the same duration for any pets you may have.
* Water to meet hygiene needs and for flushing toilets. Fill bathtubs and other containers for example.
* Nonperishable food and drinks. Keep pet food in air-tight containers.
* Special food for infants, elderly, and other health-related issues.
* Snack foods.
* Manual can opener.
* Cooking utensils.
* A portable gas stove with additional fuel containers.
* Paper plates and plasitc cups and utensils.
* Prescription medicines for infants, elderly, pets, other special medical needs.
* First Aid kit, medicines, ointments, aspirin and other pain relievers, rubbing alchohol or hydrogen perioxide, bandages, etc.
* Prescription glasses for those who normally wear contact lenses.
* Clothing, to include rain gear and closed-toe shoes.
* Sleeping bags, blankets and pillows.
* Infant formula, diapers, wipes, etc.
* Toiletries, hygiene items and disposable wipes. Include kitty litter or training pads for your pet.
* Garbage bags.
* Flashlights and batteries in multiple sizes.
* Emergency radio.
* Cash in small bills, and coins.
* Emergency whistle.
* Dust mask to filter contaminated air.
* Duct tape.
* Toys, books, games for kids and yourself. Don't forget toys for your pet.
* Paper, pens or pencils.
* Important documents and records (including those for your pet) in a waterproof container in case in evacuation.
* Tools to have handy to make quick repairs.
* Fill up your car.
* Lumber and nails/screws, hammer or powerdrill to protect windows unless you already have hurricane/typhoon shutters installed.
* Have a generator, if possible, and learn how to safely install and use it in case of planned or unplanned power outages.
* Prepare your pet's carrier as a place to feel secure.

Take time before hurricane/typhoon season to evaluate your readiness plan and have a plan ready in case of evacuation. Adjust it to fit your needs. Even in the middle of the storm season, it never hurts to go over your inventory list. Do your best to be prepared. For more information about storm/emergency preparedness, contact your local Red Cross.