They drove away in an exciting tone along with a couple of things on their bag - towels, swimwear, some nitty-gritty stuff. They then picked up 3 young neighbors and sped off. Whilst on a bridge downtown, something flavorful caught their noses which they tried to ignore and continued driving. But they couldn't shake it off so they U-turned and headed back towards the bridge.
"Hahaha, you couldn't let it go noh?" she teased her husband. They spent about 15 minutes savoring the aroma coming from the traditional machine being manned by Manong Jun who is making sure the chicken won't toast. "Lechon Manok" they are called, BBQ chicken, kinda.
While waiting, she went snooping around taking photos and she was even teased that she might make money out of the pictures which she proudly admitted saying they would be in it too because their place is going to be advertised for free on the blockchain and people around the world would see. Manong Jun's smile was priceless! LOL!
Anyway, after getting their orders packed, they went on their way. Arriving at 10:30 am, the little ones ran hugging her as their eyes lit up. Her heart melted. Her brother's boys were there too, enjoying canned beers, grilled fish, hotdogs and deep-fried meat and squid balls as their "pulutan" (side dish). Feeling famished, she jokingly said, "you have all been waiting so shall we eat?" Haha!
They did... and she admired her brother for everything there was on their table. She felt guilty that she forgot about her niece's birthday. How could she? But the little girl was forgiving and excitedly shared moments with her as they enjoyed the sumptuous dishes which the girl's loving papa prepared for them. He shared he slept at midnight after cooking and packing them all. Poor brother, huh! She prayed in her heart the Heavens would pour more love, patience and blessings unto him.
Such times always give her bliss and joy. She felt so rich beyond any material things could measure up to. Looking around and seeing everyone having fun, laughing, teasing each other, having little chitchats in between... She wants more of those moments and she was just glad the time seems to have slowed down that day but then late afternoon came and they have to pack their things and get going.
The birthday gal was all smiles thanking her papa of the great day she had on the pools. "Pa, can we please have a mini-pool at the house so we could swim everyday?" She overheard her niece asking her father as they walked towards their car. "I will need to work for some years before we can have one and you will be a lady by then," the father teased. "Oh..." she mumbled and walked ahead.
"It would be cool to have one in the compound," she suggested to her brother, pertaining to the mini-pool. "Yep, just that it takes space" the brother replied. "How about an inflatable one?" she continued. He said he tried to find one around town but there was none so he will need to go to the city or find one online. She smiled knowing that her brother will buy one soon. The two girls would be pleased 'coz they enjoy swimming. It was sort of a family tradition to drive away to the beach or any resort several times a year which unfortunately came to a halt due to the pandemic. But they're getting it back for sure!
They bade goodbye somewhere along the way for her brother, his boys and the girls turned right and they took the left. Her heart was content and looking forward to the next time they'd meet and enjoy some more blissful moments...
She went to bed that night happy, grateful and loved after getting a relaxing whole body massage from her ever-loving partner in life...
I actually have simple ways to unwind like a short walk or simply going for an ice cream or a day out with the husband, but yesterday came right on time just when I really needed something more. It was an absolutely blissful experience to have created memories with those who truly matter.
Thank you, Happy Weekend and Happy Easter!
All photos are my own. 160422/12:01PH
Smile... laugh often... love more... be happy and grateful ALWAYS!
She muses mostly about life, adventure/travel, nature, food, coffee, gardening and random other things.
