Full Bloom

Kiva

This organization makes it possible for anyone to help developing businesses all over the world. Kiva provides micro loans, which people like you or me can help fund with as little as $25.

After reading about Kiva I checked out their website and lost myself in the profiles of small businesses in need of loans and the lenders who have joined in to help.

I found Kodjo Gabadjin's profile and decided I wanted to participate.

"A welder by trade, he has opened his workshop in one of the busy business areas of Tabligbo. With his elementary study level, Mr. Kodjo GABADJIN has always showed a perfect mastery of his profession, and through his well done work, he has been more and more sollicited. But his financial means are very limited to meet to the needs of his customers. This is why Mr. Kodjo GABADJIN requests a credit of $1,200 to buy a machine for manufacturing spare parts for "TOUR" motorcycles. The acquisition of that machine will allow him to increase his production capacity in order to better serve his customers. This will increase his income and therefore improve his family living conditions."

Hey, I ride and know how important a good bike shop is. I like small business -- I'm trying to make my own. Lots of people have helped me along the way, what a great opportunity to help a fellow entrepreneur and motorcycle enthusiast. What a cool idea Kiva is. Thanks, Kiva!

A New Toy

Last night Jason and Michael put together Michael's new computer. Leo was nearby the entire time, of course, he's Inspector Varmint. They assembled it in the livingroom and then moved it to Michael's office and installed the surround sound system. That thing has better sound quality than our "real" stereo! Maybe we'll start watching movies in Michael's office on his fancy new computer...

Temporary Truce

This doesn't happen too often. (Note that Peanut is ever wary as I fiddle with my tripod and camera.)

Usually if Leo is this close to Peanut it's quickly followed by Battle Cats, BC for short, an eruption similar to... a rabid raccoon with a mouthful of mentos chugging a diet coke. It's something to behold! Chase scenes, standoffs, much hissing, growling, clawing and take downs.

Then there's Old School BC between Peanut and Punk... very martial arts, standing posture sparring and staredowns followed by explosive strikes. Boy Cat BC (BCBC) between Leo and Punk - which ranges from coy chases to alpha cat wars to touchy-feely smooch fests. What we really like to see is Trifecta BC when all three of the dirty critters are jumpin' in. Basically, if there is more than one cat around, it's rock 'n roll.

AND Punk doesn't usually want to share bed space with either of the other cats.

So, the three of them together and behaving? I had to take a picture!

A Christmas Gift from John

My brother gave Michael and me this metal sculpture for Christmas. It's the coolest thing! The wheels turn, the front fork rotates and the bike is balanced so well it stands on it's own. If you look carefully you can see parts of it are made from nuts and bolts and the foot pegs are segments of a bike chain. John lives in Venice, CA and bought this from a local artist. I've got to find out the guy's name, because I dig his work. Thanks John!

African Violets

I've had this all-purple African Violet since around 1995. Last year I chopped off a couple leaves, rooted them and started a smaller pot. A couple weeks ago both plants started to bud and when the flowers opened, this is what they looked like: photo of original plant on top, new plant on the bottom. Cool, huh?

Who are These Handsome Guys?

I asked Jason to take a picture wearing the Guayaberra shirt I gave him for Christmas. Rafael, his father, is standing next to him wearing a traditional Filipino Polo Barong. Not only are these two gentlemen smart and well dressed, they can dance! Ballroom... salsa... tango...

Okay, before any reader starts thinking this blog is just a venue for my virtual wallet photos -- I promise my next post will not be about my niece, nephew or brother-in-law! I'll even venture to promise it won't be animal -- it will be vegetable or mineral. See? Who keeps pictures of minerals and vegetables in their wallet?

How Cool is Cynthia?

My neice is amazing. Excuse me for a moment while I brag, and don't take this as assuming any credit for a bit of it, I'm not. She's smart. Damn smart. A whole lot smarter than I was at her age. She's strong in mind, body and spirit -- and resiliant. Since she was a little girl she's had the ability to focus her energy to achieve her goals. I mean, look at her... she can fly.

Blueberry Pie

My nephew Jason visited recently and I made this for him. The berries were picked last summer at Berry Bog Farm in Strafford, NH. I love going early in the morning and picking during the cool, quiet hours. A couple times, I rode my motorcycle and filled the saddlebags with 'em. I ate many quarts of them fresh and froze a bunch too.