Troop 863: Fire Department Visit

The Cub Scouts (and respective families) went to visit the Plymouth Fire Department. We had a wonderful and informative time.

Fireman Pete was our guide and took us on a tour of their facility including their kitchen, workout area and the garage where their lockers and vehicles are located. He also gave us a tour of the different vehicles that are used on their runs.

(L) Here is look down Fireman Pete's gear. It is as heavy as you imagine!
(R) Minnie is getting his oxygen level tested by Pete in the EMS vehicle.


(L) Anita, Sam, Zack (top of his head), Minnie and Spencer.
(R) The kids with Fireman Pete. Cheese!

Snow Fun and Snow Days (03.01.2008 - 03.05.2008)

Winter 2008 has been one of the more serious winters we've had in recent times. Apparently, it's ranked # 12 since they've kept track of these statistics. Due to several snowstorms this year, the kids had more snow days than I can remember (too many I think!) But, in honour of the cold and snow this year ... here are some fun pictures of the kiddos playing around in the backyard and in the front of the house!

Pack # 863: Blue & Gold Party (02.21.2008)

On Thursday, the troop had its Blue & Gold party that included a speaker who discussed his experiences in Boy Scouts. He also brought the badges that he had earned as a Scout which were neat. Then, after dinner, some of the older cub scouts participated in a ceremony and crossed over to be Boy Scouts. Finally, a magician ended the evening with more entertainment.

The Tigers posing for the Yearbook picture.


The theme at this meeting was Chinese New Year (how novel). Below was our centerpiece. I think a Chinese take-out box won the centerpiece competition.



Minnie & the magician ... the kids with the balloon "fish"! (Minnie asked for a fish, and the magician made a dog instead 'cos he didn't know how to make a fish.)

Lunar Eclipse (02.20.2008)

Wow ... last night's lunar eclipse was spectacular. It was black and clear as night could be here at home. We literally saw it from our front porch and windows. The kids tried to stay up to watch, but eventually fell asleep. We ended up waking them up to see the full eclipse 'cos it was one of those not to be missed events! There were tired, but came down and outside to witness the event.

It was my first time watching a lunar eclipse live as it happens. Thanks to MJM for the heads up ... Otherwise, we would have missed it! We followed the official page on NASA's website and consulted their timetable and the expected path of approach.

We're going to stay tuned to the other scheduled lunar eclipses for the year, too!


NASA's Timetable


NASA's Lunar Eclipse Path


The lunar eclipse above us and the kids!

Many Holiday Greetings (literally)

It's been several months since I've last posted. Christmas, New Year's (Traditional and Chinese), the Plymouth Ice Festival, Yummers NINTH birthday and Valentine's Day have come and gone. We've had several snow storms all in that span as well which have been very interesting to say the least. During this time, the Cub Scouts had their Pinewood Derby Race which was fun (even if Minnie's car, Sharkey, placed fourth in his troop).

We also had a visit from Auntie Marilynn and cousins and turned around to visit everyone in BNA last week. It was 60 degrees and sunny there while it was cold as heck here at home. Anyhow, on to the pictures as I'm sure you have had enough of my dialogue. Just FYI ... Kids are on Winter Break this week and heading back to school on Monday.

01.20.2008: The cousins at our house


01.22.2008: Sharkey in the display case at school with the other Pinewood Derby cars.


01.27.2008: Plymouth Ice Festival (Wild Horses & Scooby Doo!)


02.07.2008: en route to BNA!


02.08.2008: The cousins outside of Granny & Grandpa's house.

Apologies for the delay in posting ...

here's a short recap...
1. Labour Day was fun & we had a great time at the cabin. View some of our photos here.
2. Kids are back in school & doing well. We just had first quarter reviews with their respective teachers.
3. The kids were pirates again this year. We also went to get pumpkins and of course, Pizza Pumpkin Night.
4. We went to have dim sum at Shangri-La and then to my parents' house for Thanksgiving Dinner. It was a blast, and we had a wonderful dinner prepared by Fai and Tien. Also, I finally learned how to play Euchere. Pictures here. Wahoo!

... oh and the house?
1. The old boiler has been removed and replaced.
2. Porch is almost done ... looks GREAT!
3. Exterior of the house and garage have been painted.
4. Interior walls have been installed with Georgia Pacific paperless moid and moisture resistant drywall. They are also primed.
5. Getting ready to get floors on the first floor. Obtaining quotes now...

July Fun & Late Summer Fun

Well, apologies for the long delay between postings, but we have been busy! Fai was home visiting from her Peace Corps adventures in Mali. We have been diligently working away at the house removing the front porch and getting it rebuilt among other things. Fourth of July was way cool. We went up to the cabin and had two sets of guests (Auntie Marilynn, David B, Olivia and Amelia) and then my dad, Tien, Fai, Aunt Lily and Eddie. Sheesh ... It was busy, but fun! Beautiful weather, good company ... you really can't beat that. I posted pictures on my Photobucket site here. I hope you enjoy them!

The kids are still spending their Summer vacation with me which has been interesting to say the least! The Art in the Park where Anita infamously performed for a crowd in 2005 happened in July as well. See below:


The kids decided to make money and use our driveway / front lawn as a make-shift parking lot on Friday and Saturday during Art in the Park. They made $ 25.00 USD altogether for two days worth of work. Not too bad! :O)

Tony Bennett Live @ The Detroit Opera House (06.15.2007)

MJM and Yummers went to see Tony Bennett perform live at the Detroit Opera House on Friday. I had to study for an exam, so I did not go, and Yummers went in my place. From the pictures and video that MJM took, it looked like it was a fun show.

They were back by 9.45 PM! Minnie and I went to see Music in the Park and had a blast! We stayed there until about 9.30 ourselves.

In any case, enjoy the pictures and video!

We had Row H tickets on the main floor. Here is Yummers in her seat!


The great Tony Bennett himself.


A cool arty farty picture of Mr. Bennett.


A song clip for your enjoyment!

Last Day of School (06.15.2007)

The kids finished another school year which is really hard to believe. I'm proud to say that they advanced another grade... Thank goodness. :O)

Anita doing a fun activity on the last day of school.


Minnie and his buddy, Adam, on the last day of school.


The kids in front of the sign.

Gratuitous Garden Pictures (06.06.2007 - 06.17.2007)

Some more pictures of the backyard for your enjoyment!

The kids picking the tomatoes from the Dwarf Tomato plant...


... which went really well with my salad!


The Chive plant with its pretty purple blooms.


Blooms from the Catalpa tree in our yard.


Close-up of our Redwood Rose.


Close-up of our Polareis Rose.


Close-up of our Eureka Rose.


Close-up of our Souvenir de Mal Maison Rose.


Close-up of one of our orange daylily blooms.

MRM's First Tooth (06.05.2007 ~ 06.06.2007)

Minnie's had a loose tooth for a while that has simply not wanted to come out. This has been going on for almost three months now. Finally, Minnie decided to use a pair of tweezers and "operate" on himself to pull the stubborn tooth out. I finally interjected and said that I would pull the tooth out for him. With a little twist, the stubborn tooth came out with minimal pain. Yippee! Minnie's first tooth!

BEFORE: Minnie tries to operate on himself.


AFTER: Mom yanks out the tooth.


Minnie's tooth is in a (plastic) tooth!


"Look what the tooth fairy left me!"


The Tooth Fairy pays out!