So, I thought until Ces reminded me of out shotgun wedding ceremony before the Mayor of Whatever-that-town was in Rizal Province during a typhoon on November 20, 1964. Her aunt after having been told that we were seen coming out of a movie theater (lovers meet in movie theaters in the Islands), picked us up from our college newspaper office that literally stormy day and married us off because she was afraid of the repercussions of her failure to “watch” over her niece who was living with her. Actually, Ces and I went to a restaurant near a movie house to celebrate my birthday. We got married even before we kissed!

December 24 was our church wedding. Legally, we were married on November 20, 1964.

So, for the first time in 43 years, we recognize that date because our dear friend Zeny Barlaan, who is also a client, gave us a gift of love. She made a down payment on a Hyundai Entourage Limited Edition family van and gave it to us as a gift! We will, of course, assume the monthly payment.

What a friend!

Surprisingly, this limited edition is a wonderful vehicle. It is fully automatic. Side doors electronically open. So does the hatch at the back. It has a six-disc stereo system and a surround sound DVD player. It drives very smoothly and picks up speed in no time at all. The ride is so comfortable one could forget the speed. That is why I always set the cruise control so I stop myself from overspeeding.

Look at the vehicle.

The Hyundai Entourage 2008 Limited Edition

Electing Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin appears to many to be crucial in making or breaking the United States. Passion is strong. What is a person to do?

Me? I entrust my decision to God. It is His will, not mine. If Obama wins or McCain does, the world will go on living, unless the Lord wills it differently.

If the polls are true, many despise the administration of George W. Bush. Yet, the United States lives despite the difficulties.

The reason? The Will of God! God will never put us in a position where His Grace will not save us. Put your faith completely in Him. There is a purpose for everything that happens. Everything happens ultimately for the greater glory of God.

Don’t worry. Be happy because God loves you unconditionally.

I think Barbara should really do some catering with her baked salmon. She loves to cook. So does Bill. Together, they make a wonderful chef-couple. They, in fact, do a lot of cooking for the Knights of Columbus Council 4488. Barbara and Bill are both retired, but they could make baking salmon as hobby and make a lot of people happy. I’m certain that once you will have tasted their baked salmon, you will not want any other but theirs!

Rhan, Bill and Barbara Dickinson at a reception that featured Barbara’s famous baked salmon

What do you say, Barb?

Now, I know why I became a teacher and have remained one to this day. Now, I know why I am deeply involved in and administering the Social Justice Project, a social amelioration program that helps disenfranchised and suffering people, especially the physically and mentally disabled children and old people in Metro-Manila, Philippines.

It is my practice to go to Mass early in the morning on my birthdate. After Mass yesterday, I came back to my hotel in San Bernardino, CA where I am putting the finishing touches to a charter school petition that Ces and I have been working on.

When I turned on the TV, the King of Siam was on. The King spoke, “The road is for journey, not destination.” It struck me that I have been on the road for 69 years, on a journey to meet my Creator, my destination!

What am I to tell Him about journey? What have I got to show Him at the destination? Heavy thoughts. I must relax and delve on those thoughts later.

So yesterday was party time with some selected friends at the Knights’ Hall in San Bernardino. I wanted 69 of my friends at the party. Not all showed up. There were not 69 guests because you were not there. You could not make it, but I knew though that you were thinking of me and wishing me well.

The party was subdued and simple. Here are some photos. Just place yourself somewhere among them, okay?

This is a very delicious Alpine chocolate cake from Portos, a Cuban bakery in Glendale, CA.

Oh, this tart from Portos is to die for! It really has a fabulous taste that takes you to dreamland.

Let me introduce some of my friends who enjoyed the get together. From left, Joe Burns, Jane Gaura and Ike Gaura. Joe is a strong supporter of the Social Justice Program. So are the Gauras. In fact, Ike is the Financial Secretary of the newly formed Social Justice Project, Inc.

John Henry, left, joined the group for dessert.

From left to right are Mrs. Lobato, Ray Lobato, Bill and Barbara Dickinson. The Dickinsons, accomplished chefs that they are, thought the food served was totally delicious.

The big hitters: From left are Jim Haubner, Bruce Ewing, Kathy Ewing, Angie Haubner and Elena Hamilton.

This is Jim Haubner, Jr. An accomplished, pool shooter, he gamely pairs up with me against other players.

John Rozzi is the Grand Ole Man of the group. He loves his sweets!

Jerry Doubek supports the Social Justice Project as well. He has visited the several programs under the Project during one of his visits to the Philippines.

Lupe Perez, right, joins us for a drink at the bar. Gina Reynolds, far left, anticipates the visit to the bar.

Ahhhh, lumpia! Lots and lots of lumpia at the party, guests had the opportunity to take some home.

This rotissiere chicken from Juan Pollo is my favorite chicken. It tastes much like the old Robinson Farm rotissiere chicken in the Philippines, then.

The chopsuey went very fast, too. I had the food cooked to my specifications at the Manila Food Express in Colton, CA because I had no kitchen in the hotel I could use.

How can a Pinoy birthday party go without PANCIT! Using miki noodles and shrimp Manila Food Express cooked the pancit to the discerning taste of the guests.

In addition to the fruit tart and the Parisian chocolate cake, Portos gave us truly sweet and delicious cheese rolls for dessert.

Standing from left are Ted Atencio, Bob Herness and Luis Arciniega. Seated beside me are Chuchi and Jerry Doubek.

Around the table, clockwise, are Bob Herness, Luis Arciniega, John Rozzi, Ted Atencio, Chuchi and Jerry Doubek, Me and Bill Sutcliffe.

In case you’re wondering why Ces is not in the pictures, just imagine her holding the cameras in front of the subjects and taking the pictures.

Truly, I wish you could have joined us at the party. The journey goes on!

I will share my experiences, thoughts and drives. I serve with no expectations of reward or recognition but His greater glory!