Fun Day
Posted on | July 12, 2008 | No Comments
We ate lunch at Filippo’s Ristorante Italiano. Troy took the shot because Rinoa tripped on the step on our way out and I had to comfort her.
The owner of Filippo’s gave us tiramisu as complimentary dessert but we still had to stop by our favorite patisserie – Vanille – which was a few stores away for some entremets. Look how gorgeous they are.
Then off to Brookfield Zoo. That’s my sister Jona, Mica, Rinoa, and Troy.
Rinoa said she wanted to see a friendly bear.
This polar bear is special. It pooped right in front of us. We were surprised, Rinoa was delighted.
Mica, Auntie Jona, and Rinoa at the primates exhibit.
For dinner, we decided to eat at Weber Grill Restaurant in Schaumburg.
Time to head back home.
Fun with Sparklers
Posted on | July 11, 2008 | No Comments
Grandpa dropped off some sparklers last Saturday and we lit them up that night. Tried to capture the moment. After shooting some fireworks, this was actually not as easy as I thought.
Here’s one messy light trail. I like the hue of the sky though – this was 9:30 at night. (f/8 at 30 seconds)
I don’t know what happened here. No light trails but my sister became a ghost. Spooky. (f/4 at 15 seconds)
This one is not so bad. (f/8 at 1.3 seconds)
Fatwallet Turkey Day
Posted on | July 10, 2008 | No Comments
Ever wonder what Troy does at work? Here you go …
(He’s the one sleeping on the massage chair with the Dr. Seuss book and playing pool with the camouflage shorts.)
Kung Fu Panda Soup
Posted on | July 8, 2008 | 1 Comment
I was talking to my friend Rhea this morning when she mentioned that she made Chinese noodle soup for the family after watching Kung Fu Panda. Funny because I also craved for that soup after watching the movie. Must be real good animation.
Here’s how she made the soup:
1. Buy a rotisserie chicken and debone it.
2. Saute minced garlic and onion in a stockpot. Add the chicken meat, season with salt and pepper, and let it sweat for a few minutes. Then add the bones and chicken drippings from the pan, if there’s any.
3. Add about 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for a few minutes. Add a few drops of sesame oil after simmering.
4. Prepare individual portions of thin chinese noodles, as directed in the package.
5. Place noodles in deep bowls. Add some shredded Chinese cabbage and chicken meat from the soup. Pour soup in each bowl and top with slices of boiled egg, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon minced roasted garlic, and chopped scallions. Sprinkle powdered white pepper before serving.
She said, “The trick is to use store-bought rotisserie chicken and bottled minced roasted garlic. Five minutes and you have wonderful soup … Oh and don’t forget to put a few drops of sesame oil in the soup … And you know that thing that makes your nose drip? It’s powdered white pepper, so don’t forget to add that too.”
I made it tonight for dinner. I told my family it was “mami” from Kung Fu Panda. Rinoa said, “There’s no mommy in Kung Fu Panda.”
Thanks Rhea! =)
Fireworks Show
Posted on | July 7, 2008 | No Comments
Here are my fireworks shot from last Friday’s celebration. I’m quite satisfied with them, considering it was my first attempt at shooting fireworks.
All shots were taken at ISO 100 and with an exposure of f/8 and 5-sec. I had a great teacher (Master Troy). =)
At this point, the air was getting really smoky already. In my opinion, the smog just adds character to the photo.
4th of July Picnic
Posted on | July 4, 2008 | No Comments
This is our second year of celebrating 4th of July at Baumann Park. Last year, Troy took pictures of the fireworks. This year, it’s my turn. I’m so excited!
My sister Jona, Mica, and Rinoa settled themselves on the blanket while Troy and I sat on camping chairs.
Auntie Jona and Mica playing text twist.
My 11-year old daughter, Mica.
Troy, with his big, strong hands, defending himself from Mica’s attacks.
Finally took a break from the camera to play frisbee with Rinoa.
My fireworks shots would have to wait until next week to be posted. =)
Crinkles for Rae, Part II
Posted on | July 2, 2008 | 1 Comment
Today is my second attempt at baking cookies for my friend. As always, I’ve got my small elf (Rinoa) and big elf (Mica) to help me. No surprise that the first batch we made two days ago is ALL gone!
Here’s Rinoa cracking the eggs all by herself.
We made a lot so I decided to send some to my brother Jay and his wife Ivy. =)


