KFC

15 crunchy pcs. thighs and legs
1 bowl gravy
$12.99

Pittsburgh,PA. We are 1/3 of the way home from our trek to Rochester. We made it there in 15 hours. The first 2 hours were driven with my hands in a strangle grip on the steering wheel. As my right leg was starting to feel numb, I realized that I could use the cruise control. By 6am, the sun was struggling to emerge as it was a very cloudy day. Actually, a good day to travel east to as not to squint into the sunrise.(Less wrinkles). Bryan was a supportive navigator. He opened up my oj and sandwich and didn't complain when we had to make numerous bladder stops. After noticing my yawns, he offered to drive but I opted to get an extra large Starbucks and that really helped wake up. I was on a roll. We did get sidetracked in Cleveland by missing an exit but we found our way back aand proceeded on. We made it to Ra cha cha by 7pm. It did feel good to be able to finally face my driving demons.

As we get ready for the major part of our journey home, the KFC Chesca fed us was a bit of comfort food. It was a special treat growing up in the Philippines. None the less, the thought of driving in Chicago again is daunting. Part of me wants to try and drive straight through if we are on a roll again. It is good to know that we have options. We can stay the night at Peggy's. Thank goodness for sisters. What would I do without you?!?!

Adobo

2lbs. chicken, cut up
garlic
vinegar
soy sauce
sugar
bay leaf

Classic adobo. According to Bryan, his lolo makes the best adobo. No matter how well I make this dish, it still cannot compare. On Sunday, (a day and a half from now), Bryan and I go on a road trip to Rochester. One of the reasons for going is a college visit and the other is to visit family. Honestly, I am freaked out about the long road trip which we have never done without Steve. I have decided to just take it easy and when I feel tired, no matter where we are, we will stop and take a break or if necessary spend the night. I am definitely stepping out of my box by doing this. Expeditionary learning at its best!

Inihaw

1 kilo tadiang, sliced, salted and peppered
vinegar
garlic, minced
steamed rice
charcoal

Over hot charcoal, grill the the pork tadiang until done. Serve dipped in vinegar with garlic and a mouthful of rice. Delicious.

Daddy always liked to cook. My memories of Kamias are many yet one that stands out are the days when he would cook the pork over the tiny hibachi grill we had on the washout. He would sit on an overturned metal Magnolia ice cream bucket and make paypay the charcoal with a piece of cardboard to keep it going. Understand that the charcoal did not have such modern amenities as pre-soaked or in briquets. They were merely pieces of burned wood. In the mean time, the rice would be cooking. When the pork was done, we would sit down either at the table with the benches in the kitchen or have a picnic in the side yard, eating over banana leaves with our fingers. It was a feast!
Today, my parents live in Rochester, NY and have for many years. Daddy continues to love to cook. I look forward to the meals he will prepare for us when we come for a visit in a week. I know that I can always rely on having a good meal when he cooks. Thanks, Dad. I love you.
Happy Father's Day.

Churros

1 cup flour
1 cup boiling water
pinch salt

Mix together. Put mixture in the star shape of a cookie press.
Fry in oil until golden brown. Then roll in sugar. Serve immediately.

After a long absence, I am back. School ended for me a week ago this time. We were sent home early because of a tornado threat. Yes, a tornado threat. It was boiling hot in my classroom and most of the day, I was just gathering odds and ends and storing them away, hoping that I will remember where I put them come August. I was thankful that the days prior to the end of the school year, I had balanced shutting down my classroom with the help of my students and continuing to conduct lessons. Two days before school ended, I gave my students two spelling tests and had a division math lesson with them. While other classes were showing movies and having parties, yes, I was having regular classes. As a matter of fact, on the last day of school, after our mini celebration, my students were reading poetry out loud to increase their fluency in reading.
Honestly, my students reminded me about the spelling tests and the unfinished math lesson. Who am I to discourage more classroom learning? I gave myself a pat on the back for that. I am proud of the fact that I had instilled in my students the focus and drive to continue learning.
Of course, realistically, once they walked out the school doors as third graders and played all summer long, I'm sure the last thing on their minds was school. Yet, I remain hopeful that they will retain something that I had taught them.
Why churros? I think I learned to cook churros as a third grader. Auntie Lin showed me how and I remember it to this day. There is hope.