New York City It might not be far off base if I say part of an active #life is mobility. In our home town we find ourselves hopping into a car to go places. Our destinations are often far away. Even the closest convenient store for simple things like milk or bread is at least a mile away. Walking there is not something we normally do although it is not uncommon that we walk at least that far most days for our exercise. Here in Manhattan we go places on a subway. The nearest station is about a quarter of mile up the hill. I would walk up the same hill for my morning coffee, only a little farther down the other side for the desired coffee flavor and distance. We have done the subway routes many years now and every time we would go with Sue and Colin. They took care of our tickets and direction. That leaves us as unknowledgeable about NYC subway as anyone else who have not used it except for our riding experience. Today we are heading south to China town. Sue, having brought the stroller, had to go to a different station that is equipped with an elevator while we walked with Colin and the grandchildren to the closer station. We saw them from our car at the station but they got into another car and stay on the train while we got off to take the D train. The ride to our destination may take us eat least 1/2 an hour but it is pretty relaxing when you don't have to deal with the anxiety of your route. We are heading to China town to attend Zai's birthday. There will be at least 25 adults and five children at the party. Zai Zai as we call him tuned one on Sep 3. His parents planned the party on the weekend so that many friends and relatives could attend. That is the purpose if our trip this time. On the last trip two weeks earlier we did the cruise around Manhattan and snapped plenty of pictures. I mentioned to my wife that we still have not done a show in NYC and we agree that some day soon we should do just that but we will have to pick the best show of all. That undoubtedly is an exhaustive exercise. Maybe then we will do the train ride on our own...

Lost journal The author had a habit of writing a lot when traveling. On one trip, he inadvertently left behind on the plan a journal he had written over a couple of years. Heart-broken, he vowed to start another. A book is like a child. If gone, another child could never replace him entirely. To begin another may bring one to totally another direction. it may be possible to touch on the same subject that may have been covered before but it is doubtful the attention is anywhere near the previous. Like a child, it is only a hope that they can resemble somewhat.

Hotter California Sitting in Banh Mi Cali Che Cali waiting for the order of cha gio for my grandson's birthday party, I realized that I am in the right place. The weather outside was much hotter today. That made the Vietnamese cold ice coffee even tastier than other times. I can see why Banh Mi Cali is quite successful here in Southern California. Lizzy and her friend Ruth also came for a snack before the party and joined up with me. We held party for our grandson Kirin. He will turn three tomorrow, July 4th. Today Zai also turns exactly 10 months old. All the relatives came, the family of Britney, Katie, Jade, Angie, and Toa koo were here. As usual the heat disappeared after 4 pm and was totally cool at 7. We bought plenty of banh hoi noodle from Hawaii market, meat from a shop behind Garvey, and cha gio from Che Cali. Everybody took a lot of pictures. Kirin and Zai enjoy the party crowd and did not want to go to sleep even past eight. The day went fast and everyone left before nine.

Hot Pot Lunch Our first time Chinese fondu for lunch today in Alhambra, CA, will give us long lasting memory, one for the good food and also for the time we share with our siblings. The menu was reasonable. While serving, I kept thinking my friend David would really enjoy this type of food. To really eat a good number of restaurants in Monterey Park you have to stay here at least a month and make daily plan to visit recommended restaurants. I bet you will find it hard not to like most of them.

District Coference Yesterday we left home around 8:30 AM. Interstate 5 was congested over a few miles and we were slowed down somewhat. Fortunately we got to the conference several minutes before the sermon and was able to listen to the special praise sung by a young woman whose voice was so powerful and expressive. She sang "How Great Thou Art". We were able to participate in the offering as well. The sermon was given by the District Superintendent, Mr. Nguyen Huu Thach. It was very long. Today we could not get up on time because the alarm was set up too early by mistake. It woke us up and we could not go back to bed for a long time. We arrived at the conference in the middle of the Alliance president's sermon. He was very good with his message. I remember his story about a pilot who dropped nepalm bombs in Vietnam who finally could relate to the soldier who pierce Jesus' side. He knew he was forgiven.