Sunday, May 31, 2009

Pentecost Sunday


Breathe in me O Holy Spirit that my thoughts may all be holy;
Act in me O Holy Spirit that my works, too, may be holy;
Draw my heart O Holy Spirit that I love but what is holy;
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit to defend that is holy;
Guard me then O Holy Spirit that I always may be holy.
St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430)

Pentecost Morning

JM after this mornings Pentecost Sunday mass.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Altar Servers Recognition Day

JM with CCD altar servers coordinator Michelle Harney and husband Michael during this mornings recognition program for altar servers.

Weekend Trip to the Forest

Our destination approaches. We took an unplanned nature trip after mass today for a change of environment. Forest and waterfalls were good choices.

This landmark guided us to the forest and the waterfalls. The air around us was cool and fresh after many days of rain. We hiked the way to our destination uphill. Everything there was beautiful !

JM standing beside an old tree.

JM at the forest.

JM and dad pose beside the creek.

Visitors enjoy the cool and clean water from the waterfalls.

Boulders line the downhill flow of water from the waterfalls.

This shade uphill to the waterfalls is a temporary shelter from the rains and the Sun and a resting place for weary travelers.

All around us was green and fresh during these rainy, cool days.

Dark, heavy clouds met us on the way home.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Trip to the Mangrove Forest

This afternoon, we took a trip to a mangrove forest in the province of Samutsakhon. It was good to take a walk, the weather was sunny, but not so hot because of the rains. The experience proved to be educational and interesting to JM as this is first trip ever to a mangrove forest. The sign above tells us that the place is not only for educational purpose but for recreation as well. Materials about mangrove forests are available in this government office.

Not so far from the office, I found seedlings of mangrove trees planted in a nearby pond of salt water.

JM poses in front of the Mangrove Office Learning and Development Center.

The mangrove forest

We found the inland waters dry because of low tide, but mangrove trees grow abundantly on the seashore. Crabs with a variety of metallic colors came out of the holes they dug on the mud. Mudskippers also abound the nearly dried mud. And yes, flies abound this forest and they bite.

A scenic view of the mangrove area. The background is mud, not sea water.Birds from Europe, the Arctic region and Australia stops by in this place to feed on crab and mubskippers at certain time of the year.

JM and dad rests on a bench after reaching the end of the bridge that connected the moist and muddy trail to the sea.

JM on the mud trail.

This bridge connects the muddy trail and the seashore. Notice the mangrove trees on both sides of the bridge.

JM and dad heading back to the mudtrail.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Grade 5 CCD Class 2009

Mrs. Ruby Hoskin with her grade 5 CCD class pose for a souvenir photo after this mornings farewell party. Clockwise, Mrs. Hoskin, Erin, Olivia, Ashley, Stephani, Migo, JM, Harry, Zachary, Irwin, Cris, Sofia, Eri and Mickey.

JM during this mornings farewell party.

Farewell Summer

Driving along a road lined with Fire trees on a cool and cloudy Sunday afternoon with an impending rain in sight.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Cat Fish


Hundreds and thousands of them went up the water to feed on bread and fish food thrown in by local tourists. A common sight one will find in Thai Buddhist temples located along canals all over the country, these giant cat fish are owned and taken care of by the Thai temples.

Orchids Plant Shopping

We went to this orchid farm and supermarket today to shop for orchid plants.


While looking around for new orchid plants, we noticed this beautiful orchid garden located adjacent to the supermarket. JM obliged to pose in several spots of the garden for souvenir photos.

He loved this spot with garden furnitures !





We took home the sweet pink Burana Pearl dendrobium (topmost orchid photo) and the classic dendrobium Sonia (photo above).

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Happy Birthday Dad !

Wishing you happiness on this special day and always ! We love you !

Friday, May 1, 2009

The Month of Mary

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen