Fun with Weather

We have had 7 typhoons hit parts of the Philippines in the last two months. Fortunately, none have really come near us. We just get alot of rain. But we have one coming in the next 48 hours, typhoon Higos. It isn't very strong, but will go right over where we live. I haven't really been in hurricane since I was 6 or 7 (feel free to ask my Mother about what happened in that one). Anyway, being a guy, I am excited about it.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, it died down and all we got was a ton of rain. No wind at all. Very disappointing. Maybe next time.

Instructions

There are signs everywhere that explain what to do. Some are helpful, some are "well duh". This is one of our favorites. At least the male contingent part of this family. It is not located in all restrooms, but quite a few. So in case you didn't know what you were supposed to do, here you go.........

Isn't this guy a little off center? I don't think he is following the second guideline correctly. Also, I will avoid addressing the stains on this sign.

Live Dangerously

So, I had admit it, I "tried" to use one of these things. We have them in all of our bathrooms. Three thoughts popped into my head. Well they're not exactly thoughts, but guidelines to using one. So, before you use one of these things keep these in mind.
1. Make sure you aim the nozzle. The nozzle moves up and down and left and right.
2. It doesn't really do what it is supposed to do.
3. Don't, DO NOT, use cold water only.
Follow those simple rules and you should be safe and maybe, clean.

Shopping.........the national sport

If you like shopping this is the place for you. Unfortunately, Terri has us three guys who can tolerate no more than an hour a week. Three of the world's largest malls are in the Philippines. The Mall of America, if you have ever been, is number 17 on the list.


So, last week we went to the Mall of Asia. Four and a half million square feet of retail space. For those back home, I think the Parks Mall has a little over a million. It is right on Manila Bay. Not a bad view.
There are so many stores it is overwhelming. Most of the stores in these malls are very very small. Some are no more than 15 feet across and maybe 25-30 feet deep. Of course, there are some department stores. With this many stores, they obviously run out of names for them.

Our new church

We have been attending the Union Church here. It is a non-denominational church that many expats attend. Filipinos are still the vast majority of the church. We have enjoyed it. Here is a picure of the sanctuary from the balcony. We enjoy the sermons. The pastor is young, but knowledgable and enjoyable to listen to.

There are some new things for us. Because they are non-denominational they do a little bit of everything so everyone feels at home. Since the Philippines is 90% catholic, they are new things there that is new to us. We recite the Lord's Prayer and we have communion every Sunday. Our first time we all walked foward, just following everyone else, and were given a piece of bread and a small glass of grape juice. What Landon and I didn't know was that the glasses in the middle of the tray were real wine and the ones on the outside were grape juice. That was an interesting surprise.

I Have a Garden

Now that I have a have a garden, I also have a gardener. His name is Jun (sounds like gun.) He is a very good gardener, which is good, because I have no idea how to take care of the trees and plants growing there.

Here is a picture of Jun mowing the lawn.



Yes, those are gardening shears he is using, and yes they do really cut the grass with them!

Hurts my back just to watch him!



Here are pictures of some of the things growing in my garden.



I am not sure what this is called, because I can't understand Jun when he tells me.
He did say that it taste somewhat like a Kalamansi, which is a cross between a lemon and a lime. Wonder how to tell when it is ready to be picked?

Here is another fruit that is growing just behind the pool. I have no clue what it is, or when it will be ripe. Any ideas?



Now even I know this one. Everyone has a coconut tree in the backyard don't they? What I don't know is how to get them down from there. They certainly don't look anything like the ones that Gilligan got hit in the head with!

Me Llamo Landon!!

Hola amigos! Me llamo Landon. Muy Bien, Igualmete estoy bien es tu? Mi paro loco. Estoy bien A Si?. Bien.(not translation) Hey guys I wanted you to know, IM TAKING SPANISH!!!!:) Now I can say Cononona Conosco, without anyone understanding me! well check back soon. Hasta luego ADIOS!