Christmas in the Islands

Francis Altares Canosa does not live up to images of the wimpy character his name may conjure. I met him and his super-special wife over seven years ago and a better brother-in-law and friend one could not ask for.
I know little of Frank, except his love for his family, photography and enjoying life to the fullest. But what else could be important about any of us?
Frank and Cindy are spending Christmas / New Year, 2010/2011 with us and it has been a wonderful time for all of us.

Cindy, more affectionately, referred to as 'Cutie Pie' is a truly special and outspoken person. I always got the feeling that Dad had two favorite in-laws, the 'weird foreigner' and the 'loud little Filipina'. I love to tease Cutie Pie about her size. When I met her, I guess she could have fit into a teacup! God blessed them and fulfilled their dream of moving to Canada. She has gotten a bit bigger, but only on Facebook, in person the same wonderful little sister.
Here is Cutie Pie in the islands.

Luvs of my life:   Hunny Frankie and family.	Missing Link?  Magellan bring mi ancestors here!	Lunch! You eat it, it wont eat you!
Bubbling with JOY!!  Thhis is Living...	Today I will be brave and  GET LUNCH!!!!	MALAMIG!!!!!  More like Canada than Caribbean
Every Filipina Needs...  A good loving man and...  SPONSORS!	kuya Frank, the sign of a good woman..  She knows what's important...  TOOLS!!!!	40 years ago... This looks familiar...

Happy Holidays to ALL!! As we continue to lean westward, may our eyes be focused on the EAST... And realize what is truly important: FAMILY, FAITH and good FOOD. Resolve in 2011 to embrace these values of the eastern cultures...

My Son, is home!

The song says "On March Sixteen Fifteen Hundred Twenty One,When Philippines was discovered by Magellam. They were sailing day and night,Across the big ocean,Until they saw a small Limasawa island. ..." It seems good to me that on March 16th 2003 I was in the Philippines with my newly discovered family.

I met my son for the first time in 2003.

Returning in to Baguio in 2005 with our daughter, Jessa, she meets her brother for the first time at St Joseph's. The boy I met 2 years earlier is becoming a man, taller than I.

In 2006 with serious plan for the future...

In 2007 he traveled to the other side of the world to spend time with us in Cayman. Quite an exciting time for all of us.

The next time we saw him was in 2008, back in Philippines. A man that makes the ladies heart melt. Ready to meet any challenge.

Now 'D Man' coming to us stops to visit Tita Grace in New York.We can see he is not a boy anymore.

Joy of joys, Nov 14 2010, my son has arrived in the Cayman Islands officially as my son. Randal Joseph Powell is here... Thank you Lord. We had a special party for him. There was much, much food and many friends.

There were pretty ladies there too, but dont worry there is only ONE Filipina beauty for kuya.

The one who makes kuya's heart sing, the love of his life... R O M A!

Merry Christmas to Everyone. God Richest Blessings Be Yours Each Day!