Zooming with the Family ( The Amazing Bunch )

So the Tan Siblings got a time together to Zoom with our Mom, and even managed to get the kids/cousins into the act for a bit.

We are so scattered across the globe that this is probably the best way to get all of us together at once.  

Top Left : Malaysia, Top Right : Texas, USA, Bottom Left : Virginia, USA, Bottom Right : Singapore

A Sleet Day

Sleet is interesting.  At least to me. Visually.

It can be quite hazardous and slippery, but then again, so very interesting.

I mean, it is made up of little globs of ice falling from the sky and make mosaic-esque patterns wherever they land.

Snowflakes on My Shoulder, Make me Happy.

I like it when the snow is coming down really gently, and the snowflakes aren't brutally torn apart and amputated on their way down.

We had some snow flurries this morning, and I managed to capture a few of them on my arm :)

Wordle Feb 20 2022

Yes, I always start with HEART and AUDIO just to try and get all the vowels in.

Married Vocabulary

20 years ago, I would never have known this word. I was renting and the only "big" possession I had was my car.  I was unattached and had no idea the vocabulary of keeping up a "home" and all the maintenance required.

Now, I do.

#caulk

Hendrick Community Safety Dial

The Daily New Cases have come down since The Peak, and Hendrick has brought the dial down one more step, down to SEVERE.

I am grateful it is no longer at EMERGENCY or CRITICAL, but folks, it is still SEVERE! Wear your masks and get your shots, please. 

Fire

When you live in a drought-prone area, and where winds gust to epic proportions, you NEVER want to see smoke in the air.

Luckily, THIS one was a controlled burn conducted at Dyess. 

Morning Frost

There's just something about frost on the grass in the early morning that strikes me as pretty and dainty.  

I never tire of seeing them sparkle in the morning sun when I bring Jasper out for the morning, and there are still little nooks and shadows where the warmth of the sun hadn't melted their delicateness yet.

Bidding Farewell to Chinese New Year

In all the 18+ or so years that I have been here in The States, I have never attempted to make Tang Yuan, little sticky rice balls, for the last day of Chinese New Year. I have fond memories of my Grandmother making these year after year, and because it was a once-a-year affair for us, it was quite the treat.

Now, having a Part Chinese Child of (Semi)Tender Years sometimes puts things into perspective about my own heritage. I have never been really good at the cultural and traditional aspects of being Chinese, but I knew I had to let The Child in on as many of these as I could.

Needless to say I had neither Glutinous Rice Flour or Red Bean Filling readily on hand, and so those had to be ordered.  As for the second filling, I Sandra Lee'd it with some Generic Peanut Butter and Chopped Peanuts.

The Tang  Yuan I grew up with were always of the White and Pink varieties, and so that's what I stuck with.

The Child gave a thumbs up to the Tang Yuan, but I think he could have done without the Ginger Syrup that accompanied the little rice balls :)

Nevertheless, I would say, "SUCCESS!"

First World Problems

Snow Remnants

There are patches of snow, mainly in the shadows, that are still lingering about, this many days later.

Let's see how long they last.

Not Quite The Great White North

But to Texans, it's close enough.

The sun was finally out and strong enough for us to dare to venture outside.  

I have to say, we didn't last too long outside, but managed to get a short walk in.

And the little boy even managed to make some Snow Angel Art.

Snow Day

I woke up to a bunch of snow on the ground and on the steps.  

The hubs had laid rock salt on the RV steps, but they still needed to be redone after a night of snow and sleet.

The Dog was eager to get back inside and didn't linger or dilly dally like he usually does when I bring him out in the morning.

To be fair, though, it was very pretty.

I am NOT looking forward to these temperatures in the next few days, especially the night-time lows. Ugh.

Is February the Month for Winter Storms in Texas?

We were told on the news that it might get to pretty low temps for the next few days, with a lot of snow, but were assured that it wouldn't be a repeat of last year's Snowmageddon.

Happy Chinese New Year 2022

T'is the  year of the Tiger.

I believe my Grandfather ( My dad's dad ) was a Tiger. I really should have a better handle on these memories.

Me : Pig

Older Sister : Rooster

Younger Brother : Snake

Youngest Sister : Monkey

Dad : Rabbit

Mom : Monkey

The Hubs : Snake

The Child : Ox

Grandmom ( Dad's Mom ) : Dog

As per the usual here in the Heart of Texas ( Well, Brady refers to itself as the Heart of Texas, but it is a mere 93 miles away -  A Mere Stone's Throw when you consider Texas distances ), there isn't much in the way of Chinese New Year celebrations or festivities, and so it falls to YouTube to provide the much needed atmosphere.

The Little Boy received Lucky Red Packets / Ang Pows from Mum and Dad and Poh Poh :)

We had dumplings, scallion pancakes, pan fried salmon and green beans to usher in the New Year. Nothing too fancy :) 

Happy New Year 2022

We didn't do our customary New Year's Eve Photo Shoot in the wee hours of the morning, but we DID take a picture on New Year's Day :)

Sorry, honey, I know you don't like your pic out on the interwebs, and this was the best I could find as means of camouflage :P

The boy though, is exuding some strong Richard Ayaode vibes.....