2014 Snapshots

Saturday, May 30

Party, Party.

25 kids,

Games at the park, splashing in the pool

Then some food, cake and goodies.

All adds up to

some very excited children and

one very special day for a  special girl!!

IMGP0256 

Happy Birthday Tanysha – we love you!

Party, Party.

25 kids,

Games at the park, splashing in the pool

Then some food, cake and goodies.

All adds up to

some very excited children and

one very special day for a  special girl!!

IMGP0256 

Happy Birthday Tanysha – we love you!

Wednesday, May 27

Corner View # 7 – Tuek Soong Soong (Skyscraper in Thai)

"This weeks Corner View theme is “Cityscapes/skyscrapers”.  Thanks Cele for the theme.

The definition of Skyscrapers is to give a viewpoint toward a city or a heavily populated area .  So to  me I’ve always thought skyscrapers=city.

Well not so.  Not in Bangkok anyway.  Bangkok, the capital city of  Thailand is a city of many contradictions.  Just take a look at this photo.

DSC06610 It has the tall skyscrapers and then a poor mans shed.

Bangkok has a lot of skyscrapers but they’re not just in the city.  They are scattered all over and so it denies Bangkok of any real skyline.

Anyway here below is a picture of the tallest building in Thailand – The Baiyoke Tower II which is 304m/997f, 85 stories, 1997).  I haven’t been to this building but I’ve been told that the middle and upper levels are part of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel.  The lower levels have parking for the hotel and a couple of shops.  There is also an observatory  which obviously has a great view of the city (when it’s not smoggy or overcast like my photo)

I took this photo in my car on my way home from the expressway.

DSC06666

This next photo is where we went for dinner last Friday.  I told my husband that for Corner View the theme was skyscrapers so he suggested that we go out to one of Bangkok’s sky dining restaurants.

Just our luck it had to rain so the Vertigo was closed and we had to have dinner inside.  I was a little disappointed but the food was great.

So with a little help from mother nature my husband got this great photo.  It is a view from the 59th floor from the Vertigo at the Banyan Tree Hotel.

sector42176 

We were suppose to be on the 61st floor but because of the weather wasn’t so great we had to come in.  The picture below is what we would have experienced. 

I will be going back once the rainy season is over, because I just have to experience sky dining. Just as well we aren’t afraid of heights.

vertigo dining

For more skyscrapers click on the links below.  Be sure to visit everyone for some great views.

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie,esti, sophie, cele, modsquad, caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch,c.t.,jeannette, outi, schanett, ritva, dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise,cabrizette, bohemia girl, dianna, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari,jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin,otli, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virgina,april, rebecca, b, sunnymama, kyndale, samantha, karen, kristina, angelina,  dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, nicki, ruth, mcgillicutty, desiree, di, travelingmama, aimee

Corner View # 7 – Tuek Soong Soong (Skyscraper in Thai)

"This weeks Corner View theme is “Cityscapes/skyscrapers”.  Thanks Cele for the theme.

The definition of Skyscrapers is to give a viewpoint toward a city or a heavily populated area .  So to  me I’ve always thought skyscrapers=city.

Well not so.  Not in Bangkok anyway.  Bangkok, the capital city of  Thailand is a city of many contradictions.  Just take a look at this photo.

DSC06610 It has the tall skyscrapers and then a poor mans shed.

Bangkok has a lot of skyscrapers but they’re not just in the city.  They are scattered all over and so it denies Bangkok of any real skyline.

Anyway here below is a picture of the tallest building in Thailand – The Baiyoke Tower II which is 304m/997f, 85 stories, 1997).  I haven’t been to this building but I’ve been told that the middle and upper levels are part of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel.  The lower levels have parking for the hotel and a couple of shops.  There is also an observatory  which obviously has a great view of the city (when it’s not smoggy or overcast like my photo)

I took this photo in my car on my way home from the expressway.

DSC06666

This next photo is where we went for dinner last Friday.  I told my husband that for Corner View the theme was skyscrapers so he suggested that we go out to one of Bangkok’s sky dining restaurants.

Just our luck it had to rain so the Vertigo was closed and we had to have dinner inside.  I was a little disappointed but the food was great.

So with a little help from mother nature my husband got this great photo.  It is a view from the 59th floor from the Vertigo at the Banyan Tree Hotel.

sector42176 

We were suppose to be on the 61st floor but because of the weather wasn’t so great we had to come in.  The picture below is what we would have experienced. 

I will be going back once the rainy season is over, because I just have to experience sky dining. Just as well we aren’t afraid of heights.

vertigo dining

For more skyscrapers click on the links below.  Be sure to visit everyone for some great views.

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie,esti, sophie, cele, modsquad, caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch,c.t.,jeannette, outi, schanett, ritva, dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise,cabrizette, bohemia girl, dianna, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari,jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin,otli, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virgina,april, rebecca, b, sunnymama, kyndale, samantha, karen, kristina, angelina,  dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, nicki, ruth, mcgillicutty, desiree, di, travelingmama, aimee

Sunday, May 24

Soy Milk really doesn’t smell.

Okay so in my last post I said something about the smell of soy milk. 

And it’s true.  It was the smell of soy milk that made me  not want to give it a go.  But that was the smell of the Soy S26 baby powder formula not the normal Soy milk.

Tanysha had eczema when she was a baby.  A really bad case.  She would have breakouts which were just so horrible it would break my heart to see here skin like that.  Today she still has eczema but only a very mild kind.

IMGP0556

Anyway so because of it it was suggested to me that I change her milk  from the regular s26 to the Soy s26.  I was willing to try it.  In fact I wanted to try anything to make the  itching go away and the redness of her skin disappear.  Anything.   But when I opened the can of Soy formula I couldn’t do it.  The smell was so disgusting  I could not bring myself to make her a bottle of milk with something which to me smelt so horrible.  I couldn’t get past the smell.  And  so I never did.

So when I say that Soy milk smells, I mean the powdered stuff.  I never changed her milk.  She grew up so I stopped the formula and it did help.

Today though like I said she still has eczema but only very mild.

For which I am thankful.

Soy Milk really doesn’t smell.

Okay so in my last post I said something about the smell of soy milk. 

And it’s true.  It was the smell of soy milk that made me  not want to give it a go.  But that was the smell of the Soy S26 baby powder formula not the normal Soy milk.

Tanysha had eczema when she was a baby.  A really bad case.  She would have breakouts which were just so horrible it would break my heart to see here skin like that.  Today she still has eczema but only a very mild kind.

IMGP0556

Anyway so because of it it was suggested to me that I change her milk  from the regular s26 to the Soy s26.  I was willing to try it.  In fact I wanted to try anything to make the  itching go away and the redness of her skin disappear.  Anything.   But when I opened the can of Soy formula I couldn’t do it.  The smell was so disgusting  I could not bring myself to make her a bottle of milk with something which to me smelt so horrible.  I couldn’t get past the smell.  And  so I never did.

So when I say that Soy milk smells, I mean the powdered stuff.  I never changed her milk.  She grew up so I stopped the formula and it did help.

Today though like I said she still has eczema but only very mild.

For which I am thankful.

Friday, May 22

Friday’s Fave Five - #12

 springtime FF5

Yippee ….. it’s Friday again.  I think to make it to the end of the week is reason in itself to be thankful.  But here’s 5 more for good measure.

1.  At the top of my list has to be the Lakers making it to the Western Conference Finals.  After 7 long games against a good team, and getting me worried because I just didn’t know which Lakers team would turn up, they made it through.  Now we have to get through this series .lakers-logo

2.  My son is now taking a couple more steps, than he was last week.  His legs are getting stronger and his coordination getting better.  He’s getting there and it won’t be too long till he’s walking.  I’m excited about it but I’m also aware it’s going to be a very busy stage.

DSC06573

3.  Approved Visas.  Oh yes and now I can start counting the days till we get on an airplane.  Did I tell you I love planes?  I always feel anxious when submitting paper work for visas.  You just never know whether or not they’ll be granted.  But I got our passports back this week and I’m excited.  Can’t wait!!

passport

4.  Friday Nights Out.  And tonight we will be sky dining .  Thankfully we don’t have problems with height.  I hope to share more pictures later.

vertigo dining

5.  Trying something new.  Yes I tried soy milk .  I’ve never had soy in my life.  I think it’s the smell that has always turned me off but I got past that this week and tried some.  The verdict: I think I’ll be making the switch.  Especially if all the benefits are true.  Yeah to soy and yeah to getting past bad smells.  I don’t know if I can do the same for Durian though!

soy milk

Have a great weekend everyone.  And thanks Susanne for hosting Fave Five.

Friday’s Fave Five - #12

 springtime FF5

Yippee ….. it’s Friday again.  I think to make it to the end of the week is reason in itself to be thankful.  But here’s 5 more for good measure.

1.  At the top of my list has to be the Lakers making it to the Western Conference Finals.  After 7 long games against a good team, and getting me worried because I just didn’t know which Lakers team would turn up, they made it through.  Now we have to get through this series .lakers-logo

2.  My son is now taking a couple more steps, than he was last week.  His legs are getting stronger and his coordination getting better.  He’s getting there and it won’t be too long till he’s walking.  I’m excited about it but I’m also aware it’s going to be a very busy stage.

DSC06573

3.  Approved Visas.  Oh yes and now I can start counting the days till we get on an airplane.  Did I tell you I love planes?  I always feel anxious when submitting paper work for visas.  You just never know whether or not they’ll be granted.  But I got our passports back this week and I’m excited.  Can’t wait!!

passport

4.  Friday Nights Out.  And tonight we will be sky dining .  Thankfully we don’t have problems with height.  I hope to share more pictures later.

vertigo dining

5.  Trying something new.  Yes I tried soy milk .  I’ve never had soy in my life.  I think it’s the smell that has always turned me off but I got past that this week and tried some.  The verdict: I think I’ll be making the switch.  Especially if all the benefits are true.  Yeah to soy and yeah to getting past bad smells.  I don’t know if I can do the same for Durian though!

soy milk

Have a great weekend everyone.  And thanks Susanne for hosting Fave Five.

Thursday, May 21

Hold that Coffee, Thank you….

It’s probably safe to say that after yesterdays corner view we’ve all had 1 cup to many!!   Whether  you made your own cup, went to your local coffee shop, stopped at a Starbucks or bought it on the side street – we got through a lot of cups.

So here is my question, especially to those who grind and make their own.  What do you do with the grounded coffee beans after all that grinding and that you’ve made your 1 or 2 cups from it.

My local Starbucks here puts all that grounded coffee beans back in the soil.

DSC06601

How do you dispose your Coffee grounds?

Hold that Coffee, Thank you….

It’s probably safe to say that after yesterdays corner view we’ve all had 1 cup to many!!   Whether  you made your own cup, went to your local coffee shop, stopped at a Starbucks or bought it on the side street – we got through a lot of cups.

So here is my question, especially to those who grind and make their own.  What do you do with the grounded coffee beans after all that grinding and that you’ve made your 1 or 2 cups from it.

My local Starbucks here puts all that grounded coffee beans back in the soil.

DSC06601

How do you dispose your Coffee grounds?

Wednesday, May 20

Corner View # 6 – gar-fae (กาแฟ) in Thailand!!

This is where I buy my coffee (I know not very original, but please keep on reading). 

DSC06598

And these lovely ladies (I asked them if I could take a picture and use here – they were nice to say yes) serve me my coffee most mornings.  A Hot Caramel Macchiato.

DSC04618

I go there way too often though because as soon as I walk in it’s “madam, the usual!”  

I know I love Starbucks too much and it doesn’t help that this Starbucks is just minutes away from my house. Literally. I can walk to it for my daily coffee fix.

Anyway Starbucks is everywhere in Bangkok and it is universal but because this is Corner View, I will share with you where I grab my cup of  “Authentic Thai Iced Coffee”.

DSC06587

Yep on a side street,  just outside the compound I live in. 

See all those red and white cans well that’s carnation milk -  sweet condensed milk.  I used to think that Thai Iced Coffee was just a strong espresso mixed with sugar and sweet condensed milk.  Wrong.

After searching the web (because we would get lost in translation if I was to ask my street vendor barista how she’s making my coffee), here is what I learnt. 

Thai Iced coffee is actually a special blend of coffee mixed with sugar and sweetened condensed milk.  The special blend  is called Oliang.  It’s a mixture of coffee, corn and soya beans.  To think that my coffee has corn and soya beans in it doesn’t sound too appealing but it actually has a nice taste to it.  It does have a stronger kick to it and some say a better taste.  I don’t normally like my coffee too strong but this works for me every now and then, especially in this heat.

   oliang coffee

   So this is my Thai Iced Coffee – gar-fae (กาแฟ) yen

It can also be served this way:

coffee in a bag

  yes in a plastic bag.  This is actually a common sight.  (picture from flickr)

**********

So how do you say, "two coffees with milk" in my corner ? 

Barista: kun ja duem chaa ru ga-fare kaa? (Will you drink tea or coffee?

Me: ja duem ga-fare-yen kaa ( I will drink Iced coffee, thanks)

What are the most popular ways to drink coffee?

From my observation with ice. Coffee  here is very rarely taken hot and that may be because of the heat.  Iced tea (which is very sweet) is also very popular.  Again this is only  from my observation.

How do you take your coffee? 

With lots of milk or “Coffee Mate” and 2 sugars.

French press, percolator, espresso, or other?

Stovetop 

Am I a dunker?

no way, not with coffee anyway.  I prefer to drink it.  But I do dunk with tea, black tea.

What was the funniest topic of conversation over a recent cup of coffee?

Can’t think of funny right now.  It’s late!!

Well to get your daily dose of Corner View and some good cups of coffee from around the world check out the links below.

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t.,jeannette, outi, schanett, ritva, dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, dianna, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virgina, april, rebecca, b, sunnymama, kyndale, samantha, karen, kristina, angelina,  dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, nicki, ruth, mcgillicutty

Kap-Khun Kaa..(Thank you!!)  Looking forward to next week.

Corner View # 6 – gar-fae (กาแฟ) in Thailand!!

This is where I buy my coffee (I know not very original, but please keep on reading). 

DSC06598

And these lovely ladies (I asked them if I could take a picture and use here – they were nice to say yes) serve me my coffee most mornings.  A Hot Caramel Macchiato.

DSC04618

I go there way too often though because as soon as I walk in it’s “madam, the usual!”  

I know I love Starbucks too much and it doesn’t help that this Starbucks is just minutes away from my house. Literally. I can walk to it for my daily coffee fix.

Anyway Starbucks is everywhere in Bangkok and it is universal but because this is Corner View, I will share with you where I grab my cup of  “Authentic Thai Iced Coffee”.

DSC06587

Yep on a side street,  just outside the compound I live in. 

See all those red and white cans well that’s carnation milk -  sweet condensed milk.  I used to think that Thai Iced Coffee was just a strong espresso mixed with sugar and sweet condensed milk.  Wrong.

After searching the web (because we would get lost in translation if I was to ask my street vendor barista how she’s making my coffee), here is what I learnt. 

Thai Iced coffee is actually a special blend of coffee mixed with sugar and sweetened condensed milk.  The special blend  is called Oliang.  It’s a mixture of coffee, corn and soya beans.  To think that my coffee has corn and soya beans in it doesn’t sound too appealing but it actually has a nice taste to it.  It does have a stronger kick to it and some say a better taste.  I don’t normally like my coffee too strong but this works for me every now and then, especially in this heat.

   oliang coffee

   So this is my Thai Iced Coffee – gar-fae (กาแฟ) yen

It can also be served this way:

coffee in a bag

  yes in a plastic bag.  This is actually a common sight.  (picture from flickr)

**********

So how do you say, "two coffees with milk" in my corner ? 

Barista: kun ja duem chaa ru ga-fare kaa? (Will you drink tea or coffee?

Me: ja duem ga-fare-yen kaa ( I will drink Iced coffee, thanks)

What are the most popular ways to drink coffee?

From my observation with ice. Coffee  here is very rarely taken hot and that may be because of the heat.  Iced tea (which is very sweet) is also very popular.  Again this is only  from my observation.

How do you take your coffee? 

With lots of milk or “Coffee Mate” and 2 sugars.

French press, percolator, espresso, or other?

Stovetop 

Am I a dunker?

no way, not with coffee anyway.  I prefer to drink it.  But I do dunk with tea, black tea.

What was the funniest topic of conversation over a recent cup of coffee?

Can’t think of funny right now.  It’s late!!

Well to get your daily dose of Corner View and some good cups of coffee from around the world check out the links below.

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t.,jeannette, outi, schanett, ritva, dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, dianna, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virgina, april, rebecca, b, sunnymama, kyndale, samantha, karen, kristina, angelina,  dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, nicki, ruth, mcgillicutty

Kap-Khun Kaa..(Thank you!!)  Looking forward to next week.

Tuesday, May 19

No Red Please !

Remember this……… DSC06282

A bus that was burned during the protests here in Thailand.

Well because of it my daughter’s don’t want me wearing red!   They fear that I could  be blamed for the torching of this bus.

In case you are wondering  things have quieted down in terms of the protesting.

No Red Please !

Remember this……… DSC06282

A bus that was burned during the protests here in Thailand.

Well because of it my daughter’s don’t want me wearing red!   They fear that I could  be blamed for the torching of this bus.

In case you are wondering  things have quieted down in terms of the protesting.

Monday, May 18

Happy Homemaker Monday # 11

happyhomemaker[1]

On my bedside table:

Bloodline by Sidney Sheldon. (I like his books)

On my TV:

nothing.

On the menu for tonight:

Thai Food – I have someone cook for me every Monday.

On my To Do List:

Organize Tanysha’s Birthday party.

Re-book mom’s airline ticket.

Submit passports for tourist visas (yippee, I love vacations)

New Recipe I tried last week

Nothing.

In the craft basket:

No craft – but instead I’ll be making birthday invitations on the computer

Looking forward to:

A Coffee morning this week with some friends.

Homemaking Tip for this week:

Don’t put it down, put it away.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):

I’m really enjoying all the blogs that participate in Corner View, hosted by Jane.  I love travelling the world from the comfort of my own home with my computer.

Favorite photo from last week:

DSCF4985

Lesson Learned The Past Few Days:

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

On My Prayer List:

My Church and the  leaders.

My friends and their journey with God.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Deuteronomy 6:13

Happy Monday everyone.  To check out more Happy Homemakers click here.  Thanks Sandra for hosting.

Happy Homemaker Monday # 11

happyhomemaker[1]

On my bedside table:

Bloodline by Sidney Sheldon. (I like his books)

On my TV:

nothing.

On the menu for tonight:

Thai Food – I have someone cook for me every Monday.

On my To Do List:

Organize Tanysha’s Birthday party.

Re-book mom’s airline ticket.

Submit passports for tourist visas (yippee, I love vacations)

New Recipe I tried last week

Nothing.

In the craft basket:

No craft – but instead I’ll be making birthday invitations on the computer

Looking forward to:

A Coffee morning this week with some friends.

Homemaking Tip for this week:

Don’t put it down, put it away.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):

I’m really enjoying all the blogs that participate in Corner View, hosted by Jane.  I love travelling the world from the comfort of my own home with my computer.

Favorite photo from last week:

DSCF4985

Lesson Learned The Past Few Days:

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

On My Prayer List:

My Church and the  leaders.

My friends and their journey with God.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Deuteronomy 6:13

Happy Monday everyone.  To check out more Happy Homemakers click here.  Thanks Sandra for hosting.

Sunday, May 17

Market Day, Birthday Party and Hospital Visits.

The weekend was busy.  Having to be here and there and everywhere.  It’s not very often that we have a busy weekend.  We try not to over commit ourselves.  But although it was busy it was also fun.  Craft market, birthday party fun, visits to the hospital, chili contest and a church meeting. 

Highlight of the weekend, market day.  And I love a day at the Market – Thai Craft Market to be specific.  Oh the Art of Self Reliance.  There is at least one every month somewhere in Bangkok, but this one was at the ISB school.  That’s right no sitting in traffic to get to this market so it was great.  I love walking around and seeing all the wonderful things that are for sale.  So much to choose from.  My favorite, the crafts made from recycled paper.  What a wonderful way to turn what would be trash into small, colorful treasures.

DSC06401

 These flowers were made from recycled paper.  Aren’t they beautiful?

DSC06403

More products from the Craft Market.

DSC06354 DSC06390   DSC06407DSC06356DSC06380DSC06341  

Just a quick update on Dad.  He is doing well.  We visited and I’m happy to say that his chemo session is going well. The last “big session” we had (when he has to be admitted for the chemo for a couple of days) his blood pressure and blood sugar levels were so high that it caused a mild stroke.  So they are watching these things very carefully.  Other that that his spirit is high and I think he’s thankful that it’s almost over and that he’ll be heading home soon.

Well I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too.

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