Why are you here?

I had to drop packages at the post office on Tuesday. I could have scheduled a postal pick up the night before but it totally slipped my mind after packing packages late at night. I just went straight to sleep, then woke up so frustrated with myself.

I had no choice but go. It was a very important package bound to New York.

The grocery store was in the same complex as the post office, so I dropped by and bought some supplies and some plants for the front yard and for our vegetable patch.

The boy's best friend works there, Christian. The moment he saw me while I was on my

 way to the self check out counter, he said....

 "Tita Lili, why are you here? I told you guys that I can do the grocery shopping for you!" 

 When the mister started working from home a month ago, Christian sent me a text message and offered to buy supplies for us. He knew the boy's and my health condition --- we are immunocompromised.

The first people I made non-medical grade fabric face masks for were the boy's friends who are working in grocery stores.

By the way, Andrew, also their close friend who works with Christian, was also there. I heard Christian telling him,

"Did you say hi to Tita Lili?"

"I did." he answered.  "Hi again, Mrs. Divinagracia!" 

As what would Mr. Rogers say "Look for the helpers."  

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world."  - Mr. Rogers 

In this time of pandemic, I don't have to look far for the helpers. 

Pesto Pasta Recipe

I was at the grocery yesterday, and saw a large pack of fresh basil leaves. I decided to prepare Pesto Pasta today served with broiled chicken breast for the mister and the boy. The boy's best friend , Christian is here since early this afternoon. They're watching old VHS tapes.

"Christian, are you staying for dinner?"

"If you'll have me, Tita Lili," he answered.

Of course he can. Always.

He also said that Pesto Pasta is okay with him.

While cooking, I was talking with my little sister on the phone via Viber. I promised her that I'd share the recipe on the blog today.

I was also cooking my oatmeal with fresh avocado and half of a banana. I wanted something warm and light for dinner tonight. I let the boys dig in while I was fixing dinner for the cats too.

When the boys started eating, I asked our guest what's the rating for my pesto pasta and chicken. He said...

"Tita Lili, they're not good. They're great!"

Yey!

"Ma, I wish you made 2 pots of it!"

Because the boy is family and of course his rating would be in favor of the chef--- ((( ME! ))), I had to confirm it from Christian if it's really good. Read: An okay rating is never acceptable for me because that simply meant not exceptional.

He said it's really great. Not just good. But really great.

So, I told the boys that I'll make a fresh pot tomorrow evening for their lunch on Monday. The boy will be bringing lunch for Christian.

When I checked the pot on the table, they ate it all up. Look!



So, I guess, I'll just share the recipe next time with the photo of the dish.

On Monday, maybe.

Fast!

Good morning!

I woke up the boy and his best friend, Christian for breakfast. He's spending the whole week with us for spring break. 

" 'doy, paspas  ang internet no?", I told Jason about the internet connection.

"Christian, do you know what's 'paspas'?

"No, Tita!". He calls me Tita like how Filipinos do to their friend's mom even if he's not Filipino. 

"'Paspas' is the Visayan term for fast in English. But we, Bisaya-speaking people only say it faster than English. Fast! Paspas! See!?"

I think the boy's best friend is picking up more Filipino words this week. Every time the boy answers to me in Bisaya, he'd always ask for the translation. He can even say adobo in perfect Filipino accent. Not adowbow!