G'head....Guess!

Can you guess what these are?

They look like grotesque space alien paws or some junk but they're wild yams that grow in the boonies here. They have white flesh and taste a lot like the regular white potatos that we have in the mainland. They have a rough exterior, with a very course layer of abrasive, hair-like fibers. Peeling them is a chore and it's best to wear gloves, because they'll tear up your skin. To my taste, they have a smoother, silkier texture than regular potatos. I'm quite fond of them!

Bonzai Dana joined us today. It wouldn't be accurate to refer to her as a visitor because she's our Niece. She lives in a different part of the island but drops by whenever she's in our neck of the woods. I gave her the nickname Bonzai when she was younger, due to her enthusiastic demeanor. Her cool nickname would be great for a restaurant or similar business and "Dana Bonzai's" works as well as "Bonzai Dana's".

The younger Sunday School kids wanted to sing to the adults today and chose "Jesus Loves Me". Annie (not in frame) led them through the hand movements as they sang. Our kids love to sing!

They also decided to sticker up their Sunday School Teachers and plastered a couple on Annie's cheek. She was busy getting snacks ready when I noticed and took this shot.

Annie, Lani and Lena of our youth group made bannana lumpia for our fellowship today. We break tradition a mite by rolling some of them in sugar and cinnamon. Guess who came up with that idea?

Clayanna and Clayton brought drinks to share with all their Sunday School Buds. Clayton and the older kids want to become Junior Soldiers, so we're planning an enrollment ceremony for them. Thank you, Clayanna and Clayton!

Home League Takes Triggerfish

Our Home League ladies had another fishing fellowship today. They've been several times and are pretty lucky, usually catching several. Today, they caught two Picasso Triggerfish. Our ladies prize these, as they like them best of all fish, when grilled or sashimied.

I used to keep saltwater aquariums in the mainland and would have paid about $35.00 for one this size fifteen years ago. They're probably a lot more expensive now. It makes me cringe to see them eaten.

Triggerfish are so named because of a trigger-shaped bone on the very bottom of their bodies. I forgot to deploy the trigger of this one for the camera.

A word of caution about Triggerfish. There are many kinds and most of them will swim right up to you, if you are diving or swimming. They are very bold but totally unpredictable. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they are docile...but they most definitely are not. Although their mouths are small, they have lots of large, strong teeth and can move with amazing speed. They're very tenacious when they attack and tend to bite repeatedly and not give up easily. They will get in a large number of severe bites before you realize what's happening. Always be cautious around Triggers!

February, 12 2006 Meeting

Our special visitors today were (from the left) Luanne, Flor and Ronian, and Lec Lec (in the front). They were hosted by our regular members Rita and her mom Sally (on the right). Welcome to our group!

Naive types like me consider that black thing to be a castinet but Ronian knew it was really a baby rattle.

Annie and I were in Guam for a day and I impulsively bought some congas and bongos that were on sale. Those who know me are probably rolling their eyes, because I did this with two other instruments in the past couple of years and didn't really enjoy learning to play them. Methinks I'll enjoy getting back into drumming....and both "Congabillie" and "Bongobillie" are great nicknames, huh?

Justin, who is also a drummer, stepped up to the plate and managed to play along with our congregational song. Neither Justin nor I are hand drummers but we're confident that we'll make the adaptation.

The 3 Amigos, who are our musicians, find it more comfortable to play while sitting on the floor.

Annie led the singing and had to sit down to see the music. Dustin saw that as an opportunity for a piggyback ride, for some reason.

Amanda made it to Youth Fellowship last night. She and her Dad are excellent guitarists and I caught Amanda playing a tune or two for the group. We don't have a guitarist, so Amanda is about to learn all about the word "draft".

Our dear friend Bea and Chewbang. Bea is a tremendous help to us. She has jumped into the trenches with us and works very hard. She attends another Church but leaves services in time to teach our childrens Sunday School class. We haven't figured out how she fits all this into her schedule but she seems to manage, somehow. We appreciate you, Bea!

Newbies

We were happy to have a couple of new kids join us for today's services. Clayana and Clayton (from the left) had a great time with us and will be coming back next week.

They posed with Dustin and Marica just before they all jumped into the van for an afternoon beach outing.

Dustin has been confused for 3 weeks now. While his Sunday School Teacher was teaching a class on Adam and Eve's temptation, Dustin yelled out that he wanted dibs on being the serpent. He doesn't seem to care that there's no play. He just wants to be a serpent and runs around hissing like a snake and scaring the younger kids. He's in sore need of repentance!

Home League Activities

We have several Womens' Ministries in The Salvation Army. One of them is called Home League. Our Home League has met several times. They do a lot of cooking classes and have had a couple of flower arranging classes. Here's an example of a valence and silk flower arrangement they created.

Today, some of them got together for a fishing fellowship. They did pretty well, bringing home six fish. William seems fascinated with his fingers, for some reason.

After the fishing fellowship, William hung out with us while his parents were off at play practice. He chose "i preem" (ice cream) for dessert and the usual cuteness ensued. Good thing the camera batteries still had a little life in 'em!