Opening of Christmas gifts

Christmas Eve 2006

At the strike of midnight, December 25, 2006,
everybody headed to the Christmas Tree to open
and present their gifts to loved ones.

Christmas is that time of the year where
we put away are cares and worries and focus
on the birth of our savior. Gift giving often
make us forget about those worries, they enchant the kids,
but it also brings out the kid in our hearts.

Here's a brief video of everyone opening their gifts.
If you can't view it, go to the website:
http://buhaysinlao.blogspot.com/2006/12/opening-of-christmas-gifts.html

Christmas 2006

Saturday, December 24, 2006

Christmas 2006

Dear friends,

Hope you all had a great Christmas celebration.
Its that special time of the year to be with
family and friends.

Although some of us, we have to contend with
being on our own this Christmas season.
You know who you are, LOL.

I spent Christmas Eve with Manang Christine,
Carl, Calvin, and Caroline. I drove Carl & Calvin
to LAX then by nightfall, went home to my three kids and Gloria.
Lots of food was prepared so its a blessing to spend
Christmas Eve with Justin, Trevor and Kristen.

I characterize my Christmas as being toned down,
but spiritual. I attended about four Simbang Gabi
masses, and it really brings home the message and
spirit of Christmas.

I hope you all had a great Christmas celebration.
If you don't mind, please post a narration
of how your Christmas Holiday went.
Thanks.

View a Christmas video of me and Calvin
by going to the site:
http://buhaysinlao.blogspot.com/2006/12/christmas-2006.html

May you all be blessed with a bright New Year as well.
Peace!

Julius

Baguio City Association , San Diego Meeting November 2006

November 18, 2006

I was privileged for being invited to attend the
officer's meeting of the Baguio City Association of
San Diego (BCASD) here in (where else) San Diego California.

What an interesting mix of officers and
supporting members.

From the meeting's discussions, it has been
brought up (which I found interesting) that the
Baguio City Association of San Diego is among a
few, if not the only organization dedicated to
former Baguio residents here in the United
States. Other Baguio City organizations such as
a San Francisco chapter have since folded up.

Anyway, Lillian Ares (also a fellow Louisian)
presided the meeting and commanded
everyone's attention. Lillian is the outgoing President of the
Association who served for two successive
terms , for a total of four years.

Other members such as Rudy Liporada (elected and incoming president),
Hermie Sarmiento (elected and incoming vice-president),
Rico Bona, Lalaine Velasco-Uvero, Vina Phelps,
Natalie Navarro , Ric Reclosado, Rico Bona, Fred Madriaga, John Culhi,
and a lot more members present (I apologize if I didn't
mention your names).

The meeting was help at Vina Phelps' residence.

-Julius
(Sinlao)


 

Boys High 81ers Lunch Hooters

SLU Boys High 81ers Lunch at Hooters Pub

November 14, 2006

San Diego based Saint Louis Boys High batch
81ers recently met for lunch at Hooters Pub
at the Gaslamp District in San Diego California.

These men who were once class/school mates
back in high school (25 years ago to be exact)
took a chunk out of their busy work schedules
to have a get-together and reminisce the
good old high school days and just to
plain update how each one is doing.

Of course there was laughter, camaraderie, even
amazement among the men about how they were
able to find each other after 25 years.

Future meetings and get-togethers were planned.
There is a plan to meet on lateDecember 2006
to co-celebrate the 25th Anniversary Reunion
of Batch 81 in Baguio City.

So, calling all California based and other interested batchmates,
Eric Paragas, Sammy Valencerina, let's plan a get-together
for late December 2006. Initially agreed venue is San Diego,
although this is open for discussion.

Top picture, left- right:
Charles Balmaceda, Hector Gacad, Jerry Laraya,
Julius Sinlao

Bottom picture,left- right: Hector Gacad, Jennifer our Hooters waitress,
Alfred Bajet, Jerry Laraya, Charles Balmaceda

Check out more get-together pictures at:
http://members3.clubphoto.com/julius268210/5059412/guest.phtml 

Picnic and Fishing by the Pier

November 11,2006

I took Justin, Trevor, and Kristen to an
afternoonof picnic and fishing at Shelter Island,
San Diego CA.

It was a perfect day to be out, the sun is
shining,clear blue sky, somewhat windy.

I filled the cooler with sliced apple, pear,
orange fruits,water biscuits, slices of
Monterey Jack cheese, Capri Suntetra packs,
bottled water, Chex Mix cheese flavor,and off
we went.

The high tide this day is Noon time, but alas
we arrived 30 minutes after the high tide so
we came in rather late to catch any fish.

The kids had fun casting out the fishing pole though,
watch sailboats pass by, shoo away sea gulls wanting
to eat our food, feed the pigeons, or just plain
enjoy the outdoors.

After spending three hours out by the windy
coast we just had to warm up. I took the kids to
Vietnamese restaurant and ordered a couple
of hot Vietnamese Pho Soup. Its a nice way to
recap the day.

Here's some picnic pictures:
http://members3.clubphoto.com/julius268210/5039275/guest.phtml

Julius
 

Meditation and Prayer along the Bay

Meditation and Prayer along the Bay

Having worked till 3 AM the night before,
I had the luxury of working a half work day.
I took this opportunity to spend an afternoon
at San Diego Bay for an afternoon of
prayer and meditation.

It is a nice autumn day, the blue sky above,
temperature in the mid seventies, a fairly quiet afternoon,
the afternoon sun shining on my face,
occasionally a Pelican bird flies low along the bay to hunt for fish,
the San Diego city skyline on the left of my view,
the Coronado bridge crossing over to Coronado Island
to the far left, the USS Lincoln Aircraft Carrier resting
peacefully in its home port
and the San Diego bay in front of me.

I sat on a bench, made the sign of the cross,
closed my eyes, took a deep breath
and just took the time to be in the presence of God.

Quietly, I meditated and tried to listen to what might God
convey to me this afternoon.

I prayed the Rosary, the Act of Contrition and allowed the
calm afternoon, the presence of God penetrate and
instill peace in my heart.

After an hour and fifteen minutes, it was time to
return to hustle and bustle rat race
of everyday life. Right away walking to my car,
I could feel the calmness and peace
of God enveloping my heart.

Here's my impromptu prayer:

O God please heal my heart for it is filled of
anguish, resentment, sorrow.

I lift up to you my burden, for you said
"Come to me all you weary, and I will give you rest".
You carried your cross and showed that we should
carry each other's burden.
Teach me to do the same, to help lift my
neighbor's burdens in life as well.

Heal and give peace in my soul O Lord,
as I try and learn to carry on my life.
Bless our children whom
we carry along our journey in life.

Amen.

Autumn Camping with Justin

November 3, 2006

This weekend November 4th and 5th is the best
quality time I have ever spent with Justin
alone, having spent the whole weekend
with him during his Boys Scout camping.

Talk about communicating, playing, interacting,
fishing with my son Justin.

We joined the Webelos Annual Webelos Camping
2006 at Camp Mataguay, Santa Ysabel California.

Santa YSabel is located along Highway 79, and
still part of San Diego County in Califiornia.

We arrived at the Camp Mataguay at 11:00 PM
Friday night since I still had to work the Friday
before heading out to the camp.

Justin got tired from being in school all day Friday
so I was left without a driving navigator. I discovered
that a Mapquest driving directions printout, my car's
Odometer and Odometer reset button is my best
friend when driving on dark, desolate and remote
country roads such as the roads leading to Camp
Mataguay. Forget about relying on road signs
because during dark nights such as this,
the road becomes so dark that road signs are
hardly seen.

We didn't get lost and the directions lead us
to our destination accurately the first try.
Finding your Cub Scout den's campsite
in such a big Campground though is a
different story that Mapquest can't be much
a help.

A Camp Reigistration worker gave me a map
that was hard to follow not because the map
was sketchy but because finding landmarks
at night is next to impossible. It also didn't
help that the the different Cub Scout dens
didn't identify their campsite with their
den't pack number. I got to stop my whining though.
I can't complain, 'coz we had fun and the whole
weekend was great. What more can I ask.

Saturday was filled with activities for
Justin and the Cub Scount pack that he was
a part of from fire making to familiarity with knots,
to potatoe gun shooting, tug-o-war, Bungee Cord
Canon, Monkey Bridge crossing.

Oh yes, we had a Tug-O-war match, the Dads (six of us vs. our
Cub Scouts Sons, there were twelve of them, plus one Boys Scout who
helped out. Man! I can't believe we still lost!! )

I became an improtmptu Camp Chef. I cooked California Grilled Cheese
(a concoction of Avocado, Moterrey Jack cheese, Chipotle peppers)
for lunch, Lemon Garlic Shrimp for dinner, and French Toast for breakfast.
I shared the food with the rest of the parents and kids in Camp.
Fellow campers loved it so much they suggested I be the official Camp Chef
next time around, LOL.

Finally, the day was concluded with an evening
program called The Campfire where different Boys Scout
Troops presented their group's skits.

Check out some of our Campsite pictures:
http://members3.clubphoto.com/julius268210/5019395/guest.phtml

Julius
 

Halloween Night for the goblins

October 31, 2006

A halloween night for the goblins

'Tis the night when the kids wore their Halloween costumes and roamed the neighborhood asking for Halloween treats.

Justin, Trevor, our neighbor Nicholas with his Mom Jeniffer, and a host of kids joined together to roam the neighborhood and celebrate a happy halloween night.

Candies of all sorts, play doughs, and yes marshmallow eyes my favorite, just a kid's delight.

Click here to view more pictures:
http://members3.clubphoto.com/julius268210/5003119/guest.phtml

Julius
(Sinlao)
 

Jump Start Club Eyeball October 28, 2006

October 28, 2006

Having missed a scheduled eyeball meet a week prior , the Jump Starters in California decided to get together this Saturday,October 28, 2006.

Lalaine, Julius and his kids Justin, Trevor and Kristen, drove to Cerritos California to meet up with Natalie, for lunch at Goldilocks Restaruant at the Cerritos Mall.

Officially, its the first ever Jump Start Club get-together. We talked about a lot of things about our lives and how we've been coping up.

Kristen felt at home and allowed to be carried by Tita Lalaine like she already knew her for a long time.
Mind you Kristen, is very picky when it comes to strangers.
Sheila Calado was also present during the luncheon of Krispy Pata,
Lechon, Seafood platter.

We brought the kids to the Cerritos Town Square to run and play around the courtyard, then
visited my cousin Manong Dan (Nino) to get pointers on how to market and advertise the Baguio City Association of San Diego Ball in January 2007.

By nightfall, we visited Natalie's home to meet up with Natalie and Pearl and headed on to a Halloween Party. The party was a nice way to unwind and chance for the Jump Starters to socialize.

It was a nice get-together. I wished Tessa was with us to enjoy the get-together as well.

Go to :
http://members3.clubphoto.com/julius268210/4993714/guest.phtml
to view more EB pictures. 

Kristen's Third Birthday

October 21, 2006

Kristen's Third Birthday

Kristen's Birthday is November 1st
but I wanted to celebrate her third
brithday today to coincide with our
visit to Sacramento and to celebrate
it with my extended family.

Its a fairly simple celebration, a Fruit Basket
Birthday Cake, Pancit (of course can't take
that away from Filipino Birthday celebrations),
Lumpia Shanghai, Korean Barbecue,Chocolate
Cake. Its also a quality time spent with my three
litle ones. I continue to count my blessings.

With exception of Manong Eugene and his family,
Manang Christine and Manong Fidel and their
families were present to celebrate the event.

Check out some of the Birthday event pictures:
http://members3.clubphoto.com/julius268210/4930381/guest.phtml

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY MY DEAR KRISTEN.
MAY YOUHAVE MORE BIRTHDAYS TO COME.

Julius
 

Nocturnal Long Drive

October 20, 2006

I had to make a long drive to Sacramento to
take care of matters that have been on my
to-do list for a long time. I had to fix and
maintain the house to get it rented as soon
as possible.

Anyway, after a long day at work, I had to
rush and pick up Justin and Trevor at
After-School ESS Care. We bought In-and-Out
Burgers to take care of dinner, picked up
Kristen from my Kristeen's home then
off we left San Diego for Sacramento.

In the past, I travelled with the three kids
to Sacramento with no problems. My secret is
I travelled at night so they are asleep during the trip.
Usually, the kids doze to sleep around 9 PM.

But tonight, Kristen for some reason won't sleep,
and wanted Dad's attention and kept saying:
"Dad, I want you" until midnight.

Luckily, I travelled with my eldest and only sister,
Manang Christine. She was kind enough to rent a
Mini-Van, and that saved a lot of time. She drove
the van at 65 miles/hr from Riverside to somewhere
in Los Angeles. She even missed her I-10 Westbound
exit which got me irrate.

I took over the steering wheel until Bakersfield so we
can make good travelling time. She says the Grapevine scares
her to death because She has fear of heights. I told her
then you can't drive lake Tahoe then 'coz there's a lot of ditches and cliffs
off Highway 50.

I had a tough time doing the long drive tonight considering that
I worked the previous day and went right into doing a long drive
tonight. I used bottled water to splash cold water on my face
and put the fan on blast just to keep awake. By the time we got to
Sacramento, I finished a bottled water.

We arrived in Sacramento around 5:10 AM, covered 375 miles
in 8 hours 10 minutes, one gas stop , and 2 rest area stop overs.
No bad eh....

Check these pictures out:
http://members3.clubphoto.com/julius268210/4927214/guest.phtml

Justin, trevor and KC asleep during the trip 

Lulu's Birthday October 19, 2006

October 18, 2006

Ate Lulu celebrated her 55th birthday at home
with Kuya Nol, family and friends surrounding her.
There was lots of food to share with everyone, chicken, pork ribs, chicken barbecue, etc. Of course a
birthday can't be a Birthday without without Pancit.

Thanks for the celebration Ate Lulu and may you have more birthdays to come.

Please click on the link to see more pictures:

http://members3.clubphoto.com/julius268210/4915184/guest.phtml

Julius
(Sinlao) 

A day at the Air Show with the two boys

October 14, 2006

Miramar Air Show 2006

I took Justin and Trevor to the Miramar Air
Show, Miramar Marine Corps Air Station,
at (you guessed it right) Miramar California.

I promised Justin that I'll take them to the
show and this Saturday morning both boys
were excited to attend the show.

The day started out gloomyand rainy but the
weather got better as the day drew on.

Both boys like playing with toy soldiers, fighter jets
models, draw battle scenes. Not that I encourage them,
its what they chose to play and I respect that.
Finally it is time to see the real 'stuff 'by going to
the Air Show.

The two boys were delighted to watch the display of air acrobat,
pyrotechnics, Jet aircraft maneuvers, tactical attack exhibits.

Various groups performed during the show:

THE PATRIOTS TEAM did an aerial exhibit of performance.

An AV-8B 'HARRIER' jet take off vertically like a helicopter,
then zoom off like a normal jet.

An V-22 Osprey Aircraft which is a medium lift, vertical takeoff aircraft,
with its two large rotors take off can take off like a normal jet.
It plans to replace the Marine Corps' aging fleet of CH-46E helicopters.

The U.S. Navy's BLUE ANGELS performed their amazing show on flight.
The Blue Angels showed their amazing skilled performance and aerial
maneuver using their F-18 Hornet Jet aircraft. It was an wonderful time
to spend the day with the two boys, that I shall cherish.

Alas, Murphy's Law got the better of me. By the time the Blue Angels turn to perform
was up, my camera's battery failed so I couldn't take any pictures.

I count my blessings though. Thank you Lord for a wonderful day with kids.

View some of our pictures at:
http://members3.clubphoto.com/julius268210/4871690/guest.phtml

-Julius
(Sinlao) 

Baguio Association Potluck Picnic 2006

Baguio Potluck Picnic
September 30, 2006

There's something about
Baguio City that draws my
affinity to her despite not
living in the city for
twenty years.

The Baguio City Association of
San Diego held a Potluck Picnicat
Rohr Park, in the City of Bonita
(about 8 miles South East of San Diego,
California) last Sunday September 30, 2006
from 10 AM to 4 PM. This time I decided
to join the picnic out of a desire to
reconnect with former Baguio residents.

This is the second time I attended a Baguio City Association of
San Diego function meeting so people in the group were not
familiar to me. Various Officers such as the President, Vice
President, Secretary, etc.. were elected during the picnic.

I am acquainted with Manang Lillian Ares. She is the outgoing
organization presidentafter fours years of service. I also had
the chance to meet Manong Rudy Liporada the President elect
who will replace Manang Lillian in a few months.
Manong Rudy also happens to be an active member of
Baguio Web International Yahoo Group.

Natalie Navarro (also an active member of Baguio Web
International Yahoo Group) drove all the way down
to San Diego from Cypress with friend Sheila Calado
to meet Baguio City Association of San Diego members.

A sumptous Variety of Filipino dishes were available
for to everyone to enjoy.Ngem, nalipatan samet dyay
inapoy, ta awan ti naka-serve. Various door prices were
given to picnic participants.

I'm impressed with the Baguio City Association of
San Diego group. I will give my best to support its
activites for the coming months specially to draw
the younger generations (Baby Boomers and X, Y Generations)
so that the group will survive for the years to come.

More power to you Manong Rudy.

Please view some of the Picnic pictures:
http://www.clubphoto.com/perl/app.pl/albums/large_image_view?id=4804976&link_code=sa01_17

Julius
(Sinlao) 

Cub Scout Justin

September 30, 2006

I was a member of the Chiro Orgnization as I recall from my years of youth in Baguio. It was a group whose activities are similar to the Boys Scouts of America but more emphasis was placed towards reverence to God.

Grade Schoolsers held meetings on Sundays at Home Sweet Home for an afternoon of camaredrie with other Boys and Girls, outdoor games, singing, and prayer. Occasionally the Chiro Organization would go out to various campsites around Baguio for adventures sake. The group was ran by the CICM* Missionaries.

Thirty years later, I find myself wanting to share that experience to my sons Justin and Trevor. Trevor's only in Kindergarten so he'll have to wait for another year to be able to join.
He joins the den meetings though as looks forward to being a part of it someday.

But alas, Chiro Organization is nowhere to be found in America.
The closest I can pass down that memorable experience to my kids is the Cubs Scouts movement. Justin is only 10 at 5th grade so he'll tackle a year of Cub Scouts then move on to Boys Scouts.

View more pictures:
http://www.clubphoto.com/perl/app.pl/albums/large_image_view?id=4800560&link_code=sa01_17

Have fun Justin, and carry on the tradition.

*The CICM Missionaries is an Catholic religous order that have various Christian Missions in the Philippines particulary the Northern Luzon.

Dinner get-together with friends at Goldilocks

September 16, 2006
Leo and Rose , Nanay, I, and a couple friends I recently met ( SLU Alumni Reunion, @ San Pedro CA 04SEPT2006) : Natz and Sheila got together at Goldilocks Restaurant, Cerritos Mall, Cerritos, California.

The food Seafood Platter and Chicken BBQ platter was great. Nakakabusog! I got to know more about Natz and Sheila. I learned that Natz has Ilongga in her blood line and she connected with Leo and Rose really fast because she spoke their native tongue.

I'm glad to have introduced you guys. Hope we get-together again sometime in the future. I also had the chance to catch up with Leo and Rose, not having seen them in a while.

Its really nice to visit and get together with you Leo , Rose and new friends Natz and Sheila. You truly are dear friends. Sheila and Rose, looking forward to years of friendship. I'm really blessed to have friends like you all. Praise God.

-Julius
(Sinlao)

Santa Rosa Plateau late afternoon hike and evening picnic

September 9, 2006
The three kids (Justin, Trevor, and Kristen ) ,Manang Christine , Kuya Chito, and myself
went out for a nature hike at Santa Rosa
Plateau Ecological Reserve , somewhere
between Murrieta and Temecula California.

It was a spur of the moment hike so nothing
was really planned. View some of the Hike and evening picnic pictures by visiting our Online Photo Album:
http://www.clubphoto.com/perl/app.pl/albums/large_image_view?id=4742582&link_code=sa01_17

After a couple hours of walking, naturally everybody had a big appetite for food.
We couldn't prepare food within the park/trail since the place is a State Park,
campfires, even stoves of any sort are prohibited.

We drove to Menifee Park instead, found a nice picnic table and cooked
some char-grilled Burgers and experimented with Lemon Garlic Shrimps recipe*.

The Lemon Garlic Shrimps came out pretty decent, actually. Kuya Chito
who is normally allergic to Shrimps tried it out. I think its the
aroma from the white wine that just tickles your appetite.

Here's the recipe:

Lemon Garlic Shrimps
Ingredients:
Olive Oil
Juice and zest of one Lemon
1/2 cup white wine
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds shrimp peeled and deveined
3 tablespoon butter, cut into peices

Materials:
Alumnum foil
Charcoal Grille
1 bag of Charcoal
Mixing bowl
small 1 1/2 inch brush

Cooking Procedure:
1. Prepare 4 squares of alumnium foil
2. Use a small brush to pspread Olive Oil on the surface of the foil.
3. In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice and zest, wine, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Toss with the shrimp
5. Place about 1/2 pound of the shrimp in the center
of each peice of each foil.
6. Top with Butter peices.
7. Fold up the sides of the foil. and drizzle about 1 teaspoon of the marinade over each pile of shrimp.
8. Fold the edges of the foil together to form a tightly sealed packet, leaving space for steam and heat to circulate inside.
9. Grille the packets over high heat, 15 - 20 minutes until the shrimps are cooked through.
10. Serve immediately in packets to maintain a nice pool of sauce for dipping.

*If you're interested in Camping Recipes, try out the book "Campfire Cuisine: Gourmet Recipes for the Outdoors" by Robin Donovan, ISBN: 1594740852

Disneyland Family Outing

This is a delayed entry
August 20, 2006

Our family went for a day's outing at Disneyland in Anaheim California.

We timed the event as a last Summer activity before Justin and Trevor returned to school.
It was a busy day, I should say considering all the activities the kids went to.

My feeling though about large theme parks is that I will never get used to large crowds, long lines, expensive fees that are characteristic of such amusement places.

I'd rather take out the family in a secluded setting say the Beach on a weekday or some place in the mountains where you could hardly see any human soul except my family's.
Just a thought.

View more of our Disneland outing pictures at:http://www.clubphoto.com/perl/app.pl/albums/large_image_view?id=4704648&link_code=sa01_17

Julius(Sinlao)

 

SLU Alumni Reunion Sama Sama na Naman Sa Sayawan 2006

September 2, 2006.

Saint Louis Alumnus from all over, got together at Simon's Waterfront Banquet at San Pedro, California on September 2, 2006.

Alumnus from far away places such as Australia, Detroit, New Jersey, Nevada and of course California celebrated the night filled with Music, Dancing, and games.

Several prices were awarded to various Alumni partipicipants throughout the night. The Maui Girls gave the attendants a treat of various forms of Polysnesian dances such as Hawaiian, Tongan, New Zealand, Samoan themes.

View some of the festivites pictures by going to my Online Photo Album site:http://w
www.clubphoto.com/perl/app.pl/albums/large_image_view?id=4681452&link_code=sa01_17

Of interest during the reunion, I met Pearl Asiatico Bada (SLU Girls High Batch 81); Natalie Navarro (SLU Girls High Batch 81); Eric Igama (SLU ECE Engineering class 1989); Sheila Mayadol (SLU Girls High Batch 85).

Its funny to note that Pearl and Natalie were seated on the outside balcony table overlooking the San Pedro harbor and observing the Reunion festivities inside the Dancing Floor fom an outside vantage point.

At one point, I think they felt bored and were deciding to leave after an hour. Somehow Pearl, Natalie, myself, Sheila, and Eric decided to start an Eighties reminiscing session.

We had a blast, giggled and laughed at the stories we could come up with, and before Pearl and Natialie, realized it, decided to stay put to enjoy our stories session. I think the participants inside the dancing hall at one point were distracted by the loud laughter we were generating outside.

Its good to see fellow Louisians come together and celebrate the night away.
We sang the Saint Louis Hymn after the night's festivities.

Why don't you sing along? I am sure you sang this song at a Monday morning Flag Ceremny
if you attended Elementary or High School at a Saint Louis School.

Saint Louis Hymn

Chorus:
Let's all sing a song, gay and cheerful,
Bursting forth from our young and joyous hearts,
For our life is so bright
For we study right,
We choose a smile for our part.

Here we are students of St. Louis
That is why we are so proud,
We'll always stand in defense for it
For it makes us brave and fit.

Training our body and mind,
That in this school we find,
Bright future smiles on us,
Let's be ready thus.

We'll deserve well of our land,
Go ever hand and hand
For God's and country's sake,
This is the pledge we make. 

Summer Camping III

I took Justin, Trevor, and Kristen out for Summer Camping part III last August 26th and 27th, 2006.The camping site is William Heise County Campground located near a town called Julian still within San Diego County in California. The setting is about 4500 ft above sea level.
70% of this Park was devastated from the 2003 Cedar and Scripps Ranch fires and the cars of the fires are still evident. Slowly, the natural growth is slowly recovering.We were lucky enough to get a group camping site. A pretty spacious campsite with no camp neighbors to bother.Justin, Trevor, and Kristen, as well as my co-worker Dan's daughters Vanessa and Desiree had fun playing at the campsite for two days: build their make believe Fort and enjoy a couple of kiddies nature trail. Of course they got to enjoy classic camp must-haves such as toasting marshmallows and make SMORES.
I get to experiment with my Shrimp and Sirloin Kabobs. Shrimp and Sirloin Kabobs Recipe is provided below.First day, we hiked the Cedar Trail which is about 2 miles. At .5 miles, I experienced cramps on both legs. The cramps could have been from not warming up before the hike. It subsided after a while. Luckily I had a tube of Ben Gay ointment in my first aid kit which I applied on both leg. That relieved a lot of the muscle pain.Second day, we hiked Canyon Oak trail which is about 1.5 miles. The kids loved it and the finished it in no time. At one point, Trevor veered off from the trail and bees started attacking his head. Instinctively he ran, screamed and the bees eventually left him alone.

Check out some of our Summer Camping III
pictures by visiting our photo website:
http://www.clubphoto.com/perl/app.pl/albums/large_image_view?id=4672177&link_code=sa01_17

- Marinated Sirloin Steak slices in cooler shown in figure.

Shrimp and Sirloin Kabobs
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds Sirloin Steak
- 1.5 pounds Shrimps, skinned and de-veined
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil or enough oil to immerse the sliced steak
- Salt and crushed Pepper
- Lemon Citrus Fruit
- Calamansi Citrus Fruit
- Red and Yellow Bell Peppers
- 2 cups vegetable Oil
- Cloves of Garlic
- Italian Spices : Oregano, ground coriander mix
- Onion bulb- Zucchini SquashMaterials:
- Large Zip Lock bag
- Cooler with crushed Ice
- Bamboo skewers
- One bag of Charcoal
- Charcoal Grille
- Basting brush
- Lighter

Cooking Procedure:
1. Slice the Sirloin Steak in 1.5 inch squares.
2. Pour the vegetable oil in a large Ziplock bag.

3. Squeeze the juice of both Lemon and Calamansi citrus into the Ziplock bag.

4. Add the Italian spices mix. Crush garlic with a mallet and add to mixture.

5. Add Salt and Pepper.

6. Put the sliced Sirloin Steak in the Oil/Citrus juice mixture.

7. Seal the Zip Lock bag with your fingers and allow for three to four hours of marinate time by dunking the sealed Zip Lock bag in a Cooler filled with crushed ice.

8. Prepare the Charcoal Grille. Ensure that charcoals are glowing red and no flame is evident.

9. Peel Onion, and slice in quarter wedges Slice the Zucchini in 2 inch wedges Slice the bell peppers is square wedges

10.Prepare the Shrimp and Sirloin Kabobs by alternating Sirloin slices, the various vegetables, and Shrimp.

11. Do not throw the left over marinate juice. This will be used to baste the Kabobs later.

12. Lay several Kabobs on the Charcoal Grille.

13. Baste each side of the kabobs with the marinate juice left over. Turn over the kabob using a tong taking care not to burn it.

14. Serve Kabob over rice while still warm.