WiCKEDPantages Theater (December 23rd 2011)
Last Night, thanks to a generous Christmas gift from Mark and Shanna, we went at the Pantages Theater to see a presentation of the play WiCKED,
The "true" story of Elphaba and Glinda, the witches of OZ. Both I and Mayra agreed that we truly enjoied the play and the theater itself was
amazing. Thanks once again Shanna and Mark, we had a great time.
Return
New home for Mark and Shanna (December 23rd 2011)
Congratulations and welcome to Attorney Mark A.and Dr. Shanna Chirco to the world of mortgage payments, tax bills,
insurance bills, water bills, leaky roofs, plumbing problems and a myriad of other fun things that come with home ownership.
Yes, Mark and shanna have completed the purchase of their first home in Los Alamitos, a nice home in a very good area near Long Beach.
We are all happy for them and they are looking forward to moving in as soon as some minor improvements are made. I have already been
given a tour of the school their child will attend and shown the walkway where he/she will walk on, mind you that the child is still
over 5 months from beying born, talk about excitement.
Return
Bowers Museum (December 22nd 2011)
One of the things I would have liked to see for some time has been the life sized terra-cotta warriors from the Qin Dynasty
of ancient China. Thanks to the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana we do not have to travel thousands of miles to see them, we can now see some of them right here in the Museum only about 22 miles
from Downey. I could not find any family member free enough, or interested enough during this busy holiday season to accompany me so I went with my friend
Robert Arrowsmith, who also shares some of my interest in ancient cultures and history.
Return
Rosarito, Mexico (December 10 2011)
To celebrate JJ's birthday, today we traveled about 140 miles to Rosarito, MX. There we got together with Giuseppe, Marina and other family members.
The trip was for the birthday get together but at the same time I got to enjoy some great great scenary along Baja California, beautiful beaches,
great food and very friendly and helpful people at the hotel and sites we visited. Better than I expected and hope to come back and see other sites
in Mexico as soon as circumstances permit. Hotel Rosarito Beach resort where we spent the night is beautiful and we had a great ocean view from
our room. Only negatives to the trip, no hot water and no heat in the room and an expected long wait at the border crossing on our return trip.
Return
With Adrian to DISNEYLAND (November 9th 2011)
Today Adrian decided to escort his grandparents, Nonno Nino and Nonna Mayra to Disneyland. The tickets we got will allow return trips without extra
charges for one year so we will be able to stay until we get tired and then return another day. We got to Disneyland at about 9:00 am, prepared with
all the essentials, Pampers, baby wipes, milk, snacks etc.., for this first fun trip with Adrian since he was...
Return
Congrats to Mark and Shanna (October 21 2011)
Today Adrian decided to escort his grandparents, Nonno Nino and Nonna Mayra to Disneyland. The tickets we got will allow return trips without extra
charges for one year so we will be able to stay until we get tired and return on other dates. We got to Disneyland at about 9:00 am, prepared with
all the essentials, Pampers, touelettes, milk, snacks etc.., for this first fun trip with Adrian since he was born, I must add that having Adrian has
been a pleasure...
Return
Congrats to Mark and Shanna (October 21 2011)
Last Tuesday Shanna called to request a family get together to congratulate Mark A. for some new promotion he got at Hyundai. Well, we all got together
at Nonna's home to find out what this get together in the midle of the week was all about and eventually found out that they have both indeed been
promoted, but to 'MOMMY and DADDY'. Mike, Deanna, David and Adrian, Me with Mayra, Nonna Vita and zio Giuseppe waited to find out that Mark A. and Shanna have both indeed been doing a good job and announced that Shanna is expecting. We are are
looking forward to having a new grandchild around the midle of next year. Congratulations to the new parents, uncles aunts grandparents, Great-grandparents etc...
Return
(WHS) Glacier National Park (October 2/7 2011)
I'v wanted to drive to Glacier National Park,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Montana for some time, Mayra wanted to fly, so
in the sprit of compromise and due to the fact that we would have
needed at least two full days to get there by car, I booked a flight on Alaska air to Spokane and there will rent a car. On the day we
arrived we drove to Kalispell, Montana where we spent the first two nihts, and stopped along the way at Flathead Lake. On Monday we
drove to lake McDonald, Going to the sun road up to Avalange Creek where Road construction kept us frong going any farther, and we also drove on
Camas Road to Bowman Lake. 10/04 2011. Today we went to the East Glacier entrance to see St. Mary Lake and then drive up to Logans Pass, where
occasional clearing of clouds allowed us to see a spectacular view in all directions. Unfortunately Logan Pass was as far as we could go for
the road was closed due to construction. Next we headed north to Canada and into Waterton National Park where we spent the next two nights and Visited
the Prince of Whaes Hotel, a large herd of Elk, Cramden Falls, Lakes, Red Rock Canyon etc.. Both Mayra and I had a great time sightseeng and
sharing the overoll trip. It seems that we are enjoing these short trips more as we age. The only thing I was disappointed by was the closure
of Going to the Sun road between Avalange Creek and Logan Pass, although what we where able to see was pretty spectacular, I have been told that the best
Part is the one we could not see. It seems that this is the case every time. Well, a good reason to return someday.
Return
Shanna and Mark in Italy (September 1-11 2011)
Finally Mrs. Shanna Chirco got to visit Sicily, see many of the interesting places thoughout the island and got to know some of the
family and friends that Mark has known on his visits to Sicily. It seems they both had a great time and hope to eventually return.
Return
Washington, DC With Mark A. (August 16/19 2011)
Once again I'm in DC, and once again it's due to Mark. My first trips because he was in school there and now because
he is going on work related matters and asked if I wanted to go along. He should know better, if it's got to do
with travel and sightseeing I'm always ready to go, up to now anyway. Maybe next time he'll think twice before asking.
Return
Safety at home (August 2011)
After much procrastinating, Adrian has decided that I needed help in childproofing some areas of the Chirco home in
case his uncles decide to give him a baby cousin. Never too soon to be prepared. I must admit that if it was not for
him the job would still not be done and thanks to his assistance I have now installed security latches on all the
cabinet doors of concern. Thanks Big Boy, you are a great help.
Return
Santa Barbara (July 30 2011)
Today with Mayra, Deanna and Adrian I went on a very short vacation to Santa Barbara, David had to go to New York on family
matters and could not go. We got a room for the night at a Holiday Inn in Goleta, just north of Santa Barbara. The next day
at six am we got a knock at the hotel room door and found Mark and Shanna outside, It seems they got up at about four A.M. to
come and spend the day with us, isn't that nice of Mark and very patient of Shanna? We spent the day with most of the family
sightseeing. Mark gave us a quick tour of UCSB, then breakfast at a fine restaurant on state st. followed by a vist to the
Santa Barbara Mission and a ride on the Stearns Pier and lunch. Adrian, in his own way informed us that The trip was fine but
not to do it again with him for a few more years, so we returned back home and will follow his advice.
Return
Sturtevant Falls (July 18 2011)
I guess the difficulty of a hike is inversely proportional to the physical fitness of the hikers. in my case, as it turned out, I went with a
group of family members who found the trail fun, beautiful and easy to maneuver. The only difficulty the group encountered was slowing down
enough to keep up with me to the point on occasion to walk back to see if I was still moving. I am proud to say, I made it, thanks to the
help of Dr. Angelov who monitored my pulse, Mary who on occasion grabbed my shirt when I almost fell off a cliff and Vitina and Mike who
encouraged me to go on, I made it all the way to the fall, I climbed the steep cliff next to the fall to get a view
from above the fall, a fifty foot climb, and back to the car on my own power. The trip to Sturtevant Fall was about 1.8
miles, round trip plus the side trails we took made it about four miles of hiking trough some beautiful forest, for me
the most walking/hiking I have ever done. The most difficult part of the hike was the return trip on the paved portion
of the trail, other than that it was a beautiful interesting and exciting walk that I truly enjoyed along with all the
company that came along. thanks especially to Peter Angelov for organizing the trip an helping everyone who participated,
a truly good guy to have along. I wish him a happy stay in Hawaii and an eventual happy return to him and Vitina as well.
Return
Adrians Baptism (July 15 2011)
Today, Adrian has receive The Sacrament of Baptism, the first of the seven sacraments, reception of the other sacraments
depends on receiving this one first. The first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament
of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Once baptized he becomes a member of the Church. The ceremony was
held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 425 Berkeley ave. in Claremont. Following the Baptism Deanna and David had
a celebration of the event at their new home along with a birthday party and lots of food.
Return
La Máscara (June 21 2011)
Today with a large group of friends, family and neighbors we went to a presentation by LULAC-Bolivia in an evening filled
with music by the Bolivian group the Inka Kings, singing by the very beautiful and talented Adriana Denise and poetry by our friends Kethy Castedo and Nelson
Urey etc...Did I say large group?
Return
Happy Birthday Adrian Antonio (June 21 2011)
Adrian, ours and the Choi's Family first grand child is having the long awaited first birthday. As might be expected
both families are very excited about the event and plan to celebrate this long awaited milestone. We are all happy that the
baby is growing and becoming a healthy, intelligent, beautiful, energetic and funny individual who loves to joke around
and to share everhing he has, from the cereals he eats to his pacifiers to the clothes pins he plays with, he will
happily grab them and tries to stuff them in the mouth of whoever is next to him, and then back to his mouth all the while
laughing at the funny faces people make at his "sharing attempts". Adrian has greatly improved his walkingand is gradually
making it more difficult for me to keep up, he's got some time to go, not a lot. He has also, among other things, learned
to go up an entire flight of stairs unattended, plays peek aboo and is beginning to formulate some basic commands.
Return
Redwood National Park (May 23rd 2011)
We are finally on our way to Redwood National Park in Northern
California home to the world's tallest trees. The first time I tried to visit this site I took the coastal route and stopped
at many of the beautiful sites along the way so that after four days of travel we had only got as far
as Mission San Carlos in Carmel. This time with Mayra's consent I
plan to drive straight to the Redwoods.
OK, it was not a straight drive, we stopped for lunch at Andersons split pea soup restaurant in Santa Nella, we then drove
through San Francisco an enjoied the view of the
Golden Gate Bridge and an ice cream and some sightseeing in Sausalito but we still made it to a Best Western inn in
Humbolt County at about nine PM, somewhat close to the redwoods we came to see. May 23 after breakfast we went on a ride
in the Avenue of the Giants, a 30 mile drive through some of the big Redwood groves south of the Park, we then drove to
Euteka for lunch and on to the Park. Redwood Park is all spectacular, we encountered large quantities of
Rosevelt Elk, huge redwood trees spectacular scenery
and trails that go all over the park for those people healthy enough to follow them. We also visited Fern Canyon a narrow
canyon completely covered by ferns and mosses dripping with moisture. Fern Canyon, a natural wonder that Steven Spielberg chose as a location for Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World.
This level trail of about one mile follows Home Creek as it courses through the forest and carved a deep (50 to 80 feet)
canyon over a mile long. May 24th. On the return trip we visited Mission San Rafael Arcangel, the twentieth mission,
founded December 14th, 1817 by Fr. Vicente de Sarria as a hospital for Mission San Francisco de Asis 1823. The Francis
Ford Coppola winery was next, an impressive building with a very large selection of wines on display, here I used my
extensive knowledge of wines to purchase some of the finer selections to take back. Another interesting stop was Chandelier
Tree in Leggett where we got to drive through a huge tree carved to allow a passage big enough to let cars drive trough.
Last stop in Northern California was Mission Solano in Sonoma, Twenty-first, and last, Alta California mission. Founded
July 4, 1823 by Fr. José Altimíra. Named for St. Francis Solanus, missionary to the Indians of Peru. The Church was
dedicated 1824. We now followed US 101 through the Golden Gate Bridge and south to Paso Robles where we spent the night at
Best Western Black OAK. May 25th. Museum of Natural History in Santa Barbara has a interesting collection of itams from
the Chumash indians that inhabited the area before the arrival of the Europeans and information on animals and geology of
the area. Mayra was also fascinated by a butterfly display at the museum
Return
A memorable day May 7th 2011-
Today, is my sixty third birthday and I spent the
day with Mayra, Deanna and David, Mike and Mary, Mark Anthony and his brand new wife Shanna Chirco.
To celebrate my B-day, Shanna baked me some
cupcakes, then we went to lunch at Open Sesame in Long Beach and a
boat ride with the entire family at the long Beach Marina, we ended the day with a movie at Mark and Shanna's
apartment. A very nice day that we all enjoyed, thank you to all my kids and Mayra for making today a very
memorable BIRTHDAY. Sad, only retired and old people used to celebrate a sixty third birthday, now even young
people like me celebrate this milestone. I can't complain I'm overall
happy with my life, my health and my children. I almost forgot, I especially happy with my grandchild, Adrian Antonio Choi,
I could talk about him but there is not enough room in this page for all I have to boast about. Well, just a little, he is
10 months old, but already he walks, waves goodbye, orchestrates large groups of family and friends with his laughter and
his hand movements, combs his own hair and mine, talks on the phone ( does not matter what type of phone, it could be a phone, a
remote control, a lemon an orange or whatever, he puts it in his hear and starts babbling.), he is alert an knows what he wants, is demanding and
stubborn, takes the Bluetooth out of my hear and tries to put it back, Grabs the glasses from nonna Vitas face and puts
them back, eats with gusto, tries to insert keys into door locks, well my point is that this guy is a genius but I'll
continue this narrative at another time. Can you imagine what he will be able to do when he is eleven months old?
Return
Mission in Pakistan May 4 2011-
Not intended for a family page but I want to comment on the end of bin Laden. The story of how he was killed has been changing
from giving the impression that he was armed and firing to resisting to using women as shield to moving in a threatening manner etc...
My impression is that they found him there and determined that he was breathing, from what I gather that was threatening enough to
shoot him first in the chest to shop the breathing and then in the head, apparently in the face. All discussion on the legality
of what they did is nonsense considering the number of innocent people he killed. The other absurdity is the giving him a proper
Muslim burial but I imagine that is also catering to the sensitivities of the insensitive Muslims. I hope they strapped a suicide
vest on him before dumping him in the sea. Congratulations to the team that of special forces that did such a great job and to
President Obama for authorizing the mission.
Return
Prince William and Catherines Royal wedding -April twenty-ninth 2011-
Wedding fever came to our home today when at 3:30 am I woke up to the sound of voices from Anderson Cooper and others and
found Deanna and Mayra both glued
to the TV set watching the wedding ceremony of Prince William and Kate Middleton who Queen Elizabeth II gave the title
of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before the ceremony on Friday. Mayra who assures me that if she does not get a full
night sleep she will surely die and Deanna who has a beautiful baby to take care of and a job she needs to go to could
not turn off the TV and go to sleep, so I just joined them and enjoyed the event. Interesting, the glamour, the
festivities the regality of it all, the pump and circumstance and the way the couple seemed really to be enjoying each
other and all that was happening, It kind of reminded me of that other famous couple that got married earlier this month,
Attorney Mark Anthony Chirco and Doctor Shanna Koh, no fly-over by any air force planes but for me, a much more enjoyable event, and the titles they hold where actually earned.
Return
Death Valley -April 20th 2011-
« Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita
Mi ritrovai per una selva oscura
Che la diritta via era smarrita » Dante never knew about Death Valley but it must be the
closest thing on Earth to
his " Inferno" the hottest, Driest, Lowest: What is here is extreme Summer high
temperatures commonly run above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, 48.9 Celsius, while it also has snow-capped mountains,
multicolored rock layers, water-fluted canyons and 3 million acres of wilderness. Home to the Timbisha Shoshone
people and to plants and animals unique to the harshest desert. We arrived at our first site, Dantes View point at about 1:00
pm and started sight seeing from there, Devils Golf course, Badwater, Golden Canyon, Natural Bridge, Zabriskie point etc.
We finally arrived at the Furnace Creek Inn, where we got a room for the night, completely exhausted since most sites required
a walk of about a mile, and after a meal at the
Furnace creek visitor center, we called it a day and went to sleep. We where fortunate to find a room here since it is a very nice Inn
and perfectly located in the middle of Death Valley. April 20 2011. Today the main site we visited was Scottie's Castle, located in the northern part of Death Valley in a very hot, dry and desolate
location but close to a water source that allowed Chicago banker Albert Johnson to build this extravacant mansion and name it after his friend Scotty who lived in the mansion and eventually died ther and is buried at a neaby hill.
On the way home with Mayra we climbed the very impressive Mesquite Flat sand Dunes and stpped by the Devils Cornfield.
We got home at about 10:00 pm, exhausted but happy with our short trip and everything we experienced.
Return
Congratulations Mark and Shanna. -April 10th 2011-
It's been a little over sixteen months that Deanna got married to Dr. David Choi. The same thing is about to happen again
when Mark Anthony marries the beautiful, intelligent, sensitive and very energetic Shanna Koh. I like Shanna and
am very well aware that Mark is happy with her as well as with her family. All is going well except that both David and Shanna are dentists
and so we will need to choose which one we will go to when we need to visit a dentist. Kidding aside I don't believe this to be an
issue, Shanna is cuter and so I will go to her office, Case closed.
I am very happy to have Fanny and family here for the wedding, I know that it's not easy for so many people to put aside whatever
commitments they have to spend some time with us to celebrate this very happy event. Thanks Fanny, Daniela, Valeria, Salvuccio, Michele,
Sandra and Vitina. I am thankful to all of you for making this trip and help us celebrate this very happy event with us.
The wedding ceremony will be held at Soka University in Alisio Viejo, CA. the reception to follow at Pacific Hills in Laguna Hills.
Return
Soldados de Anza. -March 19th 2011-
In 1776, as Americans fought for their independence in the East, Captain Juan Bautista Anza
led almost 300 people over 1200 miles to settle Alta California. It was the
first overland route established to connect New Spain with San Francisco.
On January fourth 1776, the expedition stopped for two days at the site of present day Mission San Gabriel.
This expedition was closely watched by Viceroy and King and on October 2, 1774, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and ordered to lead a
group of colonists to Alta California. The Spanish were desirous of reinforcing their presence in Northern California as a buffer against Russian
colonization of the Americas advancing from the north, and possibly establish a harbor that would give shelter to Spanish ships. The expedition got under
way in October 1775 and arrived at Mission San Gabriel in January 1776, the colonists having suffered greatly from the winter weather en route.
Today, I will be at the mission with many others to witness a reenactment of the event and see what life was like in 1776 at the
Mission San Gabriel.
Return
San Diego naval event. -February 12th 2011-
Once Again I find myself on the deck of the USS Midway, this time to
witness a flyover by some 200 aircraft representing all types of flying machines from before WW-2 to the present
and all branches of the military services.
CORONADO-The largest formation of military aircraft since WWII will fly over San Diego
Bay in a history-making flight, Saturday February 12 at 1p.m., commemorating the
Centennial of Naval Aviation. The parade of flight will include aircraft from the
earliest days of flight up through the latest, most modern tactical aircraft in Naval
Aviation.
Rear Admiral Pat McGrath who leads the Centennial of Naval Aviation effort said,
"One hundred years ago Naval Aviation was on the heels of the Wright Brothers' first
flight at Kitty Hawk." This trip to the Midway was made possible, enjoiable and as informative as it was in large part
by my friend Bill Sanchez who got the tickets, knows some of the personell on the carrier and made it possible for me
to have front row seating during the show. Thank tou Bill and Joe Ciokon.
Return
Mark and Shannas Wedding -February 11th 2011-
Well, it seems that
Mark and Shanna are finally, really getting married. Mark has convinced the beautiful and intelligent Shanna Koh to marry him.
Once a young man asked Ben Franklin for some helpful suggestions to couples planning MATRIMONY to ensure a happy and long relationship.
Ben replied that it is helpful, when
dealing with your fiancé, to occasionally close one eye. After marriage it is wise to close both eyes. It seems that Shanna, her intelligence aside,
has decided to close both eyes and plug her ears. Kidding aside, they Make a great couple and I wish them both a happy and long life together.
Wait! am I getting ahead of myselph ? Should I leave these comments out for later use?
Return
Heritage Park -February 8th 2011-
With Marinella and JJ, today we went to explore Heritage Park, a historic site that in Santa Fe Springs. The City has
restored the buildings and grounds of a ranch that prospered here in the late 1800's. The park also tells the story
of the original people of this region, the Tongva/Gabrieliño Indians. JJ and Adrian got to get on board some railroad
exhibits featuring vintage A.T.& S.F. steam locomotives. The place also has ruins of a large adobe home, built during
Mexican rule. There is also a carriage Barn, which houses a museum but we did not get to see it since we wanted to leave
something for the next visit and the younger kids where getting tired.
Return
Pio Pico Mansion -January 30 2011-
Today with Deanna, Mayra and Adrian, I went to see the L.A. Arboretum in Arcadia, Ca. The County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a unique 127 acre botanical garden
and historical site is jointly operated by the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and located in the
city of Arcadia. Home to plant collections from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species...
Return
Pio Pico Mansion -January 30 2011-
I see the Pio Pico sign off the 605 freeway every time I go to Deanna's home, or when I am on whittier Blvd before I entere the 605, so
today, along with Mayra, we decided to go see it and find out what it is about. As we found out during the
visit, Pio Pico was a very succesful politician and
bussinesman who born in California while it was still under control of Spain, he was named Governor of California when it came under Mexican
rule and tried ot organize a resistance to American takeover of Alta
California when it became clear that it was their intention to annex the entire Southwest from Mexico. The Mansion is interesting and the
history that it has is even more interesting, I'm glad we went and so was Mayra, Ada and Jon Pebley who went with us and Deanna who Joined
us at the Mansion after we got there. A brief look at one of the important personalities in Californias history.
Return
Lunch with the Kohs. -January 23 2011-
Lunch is not always just about food. Today lunch was a meeting with Shanna's family, Dr. Philip and Angela Koh and sisters
Jane and Laura. I was there also with everyone in my family including David Choi, my son in-law and Mary Ogaz, Mikes
GF. As might be expected I had some trepidations as to how this "Lunch" might turn out, and I was not worried about the
food. As it turned out, I agree completely with Marks and Shannas characterization of the family. From the first moment we
arrived and where greeted by Laura and Jane as Papá Chirco and Mama Chirco we felt we had found some new family and friends.
Dr. Koh as it turned out also expressed some of the same concerns and worries I had, from our attire for the occasion to
what we used to hope for our children. I think we both agreed that what matters is that they both found someone that they
are happy with and will help each other in the years to come, they are both intelligent caring people together should have
a bright happy future ahead of them.
I was also happy to see how well Mayra gets along with Angela, the entire family is warm, intelligent and supportive. I
think Mark will have a supportive family that is a pleasure to be with and have lunch with and talk about all that matters.
One other note I don't want to leave out, thanks for the lunch, it must have cost a bit but the food was great and so as it
turned out was the company and the entire day.
The entire day went better than expected, except for the only negative of the day which came up when I expressed
to Jane my hope that the influence of the Koh family might foster some degree of maturity on her future brother
in-law, "Mark" and she informed me that, sadly, her experience in the medical profession indicates that Marks childish
behavior is not curable but she'll happily welcome him into the Koh family nonetheless. I
believe Laura feels the same. I look forward to meeting all of them again.
Boy I can really ramble on when I have nothing else to do at five AM.
Return
Canyon de Chelly. -January 15 2011-
Today we are visiting some unique sites somewhat close to Downey. One is Canyon de Chelly park which consists entirely of
Navajo Tribal Trust Land is owned by the Navajo Nation and
is home to the canyon community. Next we plan to see Monument Valley and then Wupatki Natiomal Monument,
all sites are located in North East Az. Access to the floor of Canyon de Chelly is restricted and visitors are allowed to travel in the canyons only when accompanied by a park ranger or an authorized
Navajo guide so we will most likely see sites along the North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive. Canyon de Chelly National
Monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 25, 1970.
The park's distinctive geologic feature is Spider Rock, a sandstone spire that rises 800 feet from the canyon floor at
the junction of Canyon de Chelly and Monument Canyon. Spider Rock can be seen from South Rim Drive. According to
traditional Navajo beliefs the taller of the two spires is the home of spider woman. We where going to leave Downey
for this trip at about 7:00 am, we left at 12:45 pm and arrived at the Ramada Inn in Flagstaff at 10:00 pm. we are somewhat
on sckedule on that regard, but there is a feeling also that something is different on this trip, is it that we don't have Adrian
with us? or is it the realization that Things are changing in a way we had not expected? Kids, friends and cultured that are
difficult to understand and even harder to get close to. Anyway we arrived tired and plan to start early tomorrow
to see the 3 sites we planned on visiting. First sites we visited today where the Wupatki and Wokoki ruins just north of Flagstaff,
after that we went on to the breath taking rock formations at Monument Valley about 220 miles north of Flagstaff. Late that night
we finally ended up at Chinle next to Canyon de Chelly, which was our initial destination. January 16, we started the day with a
ride on the southern rim of Canyon de Chelly, stopping at the different rim sites and spent at little time at the white house ruins
where we went hiking down the trail butwithin a couple of hundred feet had to make a hasty return due to the 23 degrees temperature
and the icy conditions on the trail. Another stop was Spider Rock, quite an impressive site. Although neither I nor Mayra would mind
returning to this site, there are lots of other places to see, but who knows if we are in the neighborhood and have the time we
probably will. On the way back to Downey we also went to see Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert. All in all
this was quite a full and had a good time but too little time to see so much.
Return
Last Night, thanks to a generous Christmas gift from Mark and Shanna, we went at the 
Congratulations and welcome to Attorney Mark A.and Dr. Shanna Chirco to the world of mortgage payments, tax bills,
insurance bills, water bills, leaky roofs, plumbing problems and a myriad of other fun things that come with home ownership.
Yes, Mark and shanna have completed the purchase of their first home in Los Alamitos, a nice home in a very good area near Long Beach.
We are all happy for them and they are looking forward to moving in as soon as some minor improvements are made. I have already been
given a tour of the school their child will attend and shown the walkway where he/she will walk on, mind you that the child is still
over 5 months from beying born, talk about excitement.
Finally Mrs. Shanna Chirco got to visit Sicily, see many of the interesting places thoughout the island and got to know some of the
family and friends that Mark has known on his visits to Sicily. It seems they both had a great time and hope to eventually return.
Today, Adrian has receive The Sacrament of Baptism, the first of the seven sacraments, reception of the other sacraments
depends on receiving this one first. The first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament
of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Once baptized he becomes a member of the Church. The ceremony was
held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 425 Berkeley ave. in Claremont. Following the Baptism Deanna and David had
a celebration of the event at their new home along with a birthday party and lots of food.
Adrian, ours and the Choi's Family first grand child is having the long awaited first birthday. As might be expected
both families are very excited about the event and plan to celebrate this long awaited milestone. We are all happy that the
baby is growing and becoming a healthy, intelligent, beautiful, energetic and funny individual who loves to joke around
and to share everhing he has, from the cereals he eats to his pacifiers to the clothes pins he plays with, he will
happily grab them and tries to stuff them in the mouth of whoever is next to him, and then back to his mouth all the while
laughing at the funny faces people make at his "sharing attempts". Adrian has greatly improved his walkingand is gradually
making it more difficult for me to keep up, he's got some time to go, not a lot. He has also, among other things, learned
to go up an entire flight of stairs unattended, plays peek aboo and is beginning to formulate some basic commands.
Wedding fever came to our home today when at 3:30 am I woke up to the sound of voices from Anderson Cooper and others and
found Deanna and Mayra both glued
to the TV set watching the wedding ceremony of Prince William and Kate Middleton who 