Hari Merdeka

Sekali merdeka, tetap merdeka!!

Independence Day in Houston

We just returned from a weekend trip to Houston. We attended the Independence Day celebration at the Indonesian consulate. The 17th of August was sandwiched between the two massive tropical storms Dean - still raging in the Gulf - and Erin, dumping water on Oklahoma. Apart from one downpour at 5pm, the celebrations were spared further rain. Ina stocked up on Indonesian food items, and caught up with many friends. Greg and Sammy played baseball and caught frogs. And I enjoyed the Indonesian music and dance.

Ina's new kitchen

Greg's new room

Sammy's new room

Our new home

We found a new home in Texas. In McKinney, 30 miles north of Dallas. It's still under construction. The builder tells us it should take another six weeks or so. It's fun, we can watch the construction from week to week, and we can still choose how some areas will be finished.

Greg and Sam are registered in their new school - Wilmeth Elementary, located just outside the La Cima subdivision.

La Cima is part of Stonebridge Ranch, a huge masterplanned community on old ranch land. We were attracted to this development because of its rolling landscape, the green belts, parks, and the brand new homes that are being built over there.

The turtle whisperer

There's a huge pond here in the Legacy Town Center. And like many other ponds and lakes in North Texas, it is turtle territory. You can attract them by throwing some food in the water. Or you can simply stick a leaf on a twig, put it in the water and wait for Mr. Turtle to bite it. "Whoa, Dude. Mister Turtle is my father. The name's Crush."