Telling a tale

Traditionally, MIL would start making almond, peanut, walnut, pistachio cookies and baking chocolate, orange and carrot cakes weeks before Chinese New Year. She then packs them into bags for her many friends and relatives. However last year, due to her progressive dementia, we had to discard more than 10 containers of cookies as, upon tasting, some were found to be inedible.

This year, SIL, has decided for the 1st time, to order cookies and cakes, deck them out, and guiltily tell MIL that she has already done all her baking. Hopeful MIL will not get confused for not remembering. Don't know if what we're doing is right. It was painful see all the cookies she has spent so much time making to be thrown away.

Growing Pains

When in pain or discomfort, some are willing to try any new health gadgets, supplements, ointments or therapies recommended by friends/colleagues or even sales personnels . Of course, on the far side of the scale, there is the sceptic, namely, me. Who view these die die must try recommendations with great suspicions. After all, one man's meat is another's poison.

Of late, MDH's knee has been giving problem. Upon checking with friends, a cream was recommended. After applying nightly for a week, the pain subsided. The cream worked!

I too had this problem, aggravated by my trotting. After much hestitation and seeing the positive result, I tried. For now I'll stick to the cream. As for popping multivit, probiotic, omega oil, psyllium husk and glucosamine, it'll will have to wait.

Because it's there

An excerpt.

7 June 1924

"My darling, I'm sitting in a tiny tent some 27.000 feet above sea level, and almost 5,000 miles from my homeland seeking the paths of glory. Even if I were to find them, it would be as nothing, if I am unable to share the moments with you........
I can see you at The Holt, sitting in your winged chair by the window, reading this letter and smiling as you turn each page. Look up, my darling, for at any moment you will see me march through those gates and come striding down the path towards you. Will you leap up and rush to greet me, so that I can take you in my arms and never leave your side again? Forgive me for having taken so long to realize that you are more important to me than life itself.
Your loving husband,
George"
Written in his final hours before ascending Mt Everest.

Read many of his books, but this one had me reading through the last few chapters again and again. A semi-autobiography on the man and what might had been in the last hours as he pushed his limits to be the first man to conquer Mt Everest. George Mallory.
He died while attempting. The question still unanswered. Was he ascending or decending when mishap struck him some 29 years before Edmund Hillary.
On the 14th of May 1995, his grandson fulfilled his grandfather's dream.

SomeoneSaid

"Insecurity and fear of changes breeds pettiness. The inability to share and accept changes show the lack of confidence in one's belief" Anon.

Adventure Wildlife

Kinabatangan River, at 560 kilometers is the second longest river in Msia. This wildlife santuary is known for it's remarkable wildlife and fascinating habitats. My last trip to the Pahang National Park at Kuala Tembeling was 20 years ago. The unforgetable sights and night sounds. Then, sleeping in tent by the river campsite, with 4 legged creatures running around and maybe a slithering snake. The only thing I could not do in the bushes, was the big business. No matter how uncomfortable the tummy was. The Nature Society of Spore is organising a 5D/4N trip in March to Kinabatangan river wildlife santuary. This time comfortable lodging.

saturday@home

Movie Night
Venue: Sitting room @ home
Movie: 2 episodes of Fringe
munchies: Cheese and Cracker
Drinks: white wine/Juice

Desk Bound

One resigned to care for her child. The other went on a two week medical leave for a minor hand operation. Meanwhile, here is one looking for a change. With more time on hand, A self earned income would mean a little guilt free indulgence. So it's back to a 9 to 5 keyboard tapping in the freeze zone. Being away from the desk for so long means having to ask many questions. It's a start.

Old and forgotten

Eldest spent two weeks of her break, behind the scene. Attached to a nursing home.

After the initial jolt, dressed in white, spent time observing and assisting in the works of caring for the elderly in the all female level.

During activity time, they chatted while exercising with them. Many in their 70s and 80s, suffering from some degree of dementia or health problems. A welcome reprieve for both the Myanmar healthcare personnel and the elderly. Having a helping hand and able to converse with the residents. Dialect was not a problem as eldest took a crash course of cantonese, hokkien/teochew and malay. From me of course!

Though, patient's information was strictly confidential. Eldest just had to report the daily happenings over dinner. Kicked at by one who refuse to shower. Spit at, for one refuse to eat. Had her hands held tightly as one grandma thought she looks so much like her granddaugther. With a thank you by these sweet old ladies, all was forgotten. After all they never meant what they did.

That was three weeks ago. Yesterday, she visited them. This time as a volunteer. She was delighted that many still remembered and welcomed her. For the residents, it's the weekend visitation that they so looked forward to. Sadly many spent the weekends hoping and longing in vain sitting at the activity room listening to the hustle and the bustle downstairs at the visitors' lounge.

Friend In need

A friend in need Is a friend indeed.

So true when coming home from a holiday with loads full of laundry. The washer stop dead mid-way.

Messaged my woes to my girlfriend next-door, hoping. The reply was instant. "Come over" When living away from families, it's good neighbours that makes a difference in calling a place home.

A brand New Year

The notebook malfunction,but it's fixed!
The washer when on strike, after persistent electronic tweaking,it's working(for now)
The misunderstanding with a relative, we met had lunch and, reconciled
The long lost cousin I so want to meet, I met(by chance) while holidaying
December has been a month of tying lose ends.

Here's Wishing all a Hearty, Healthy & Wealthy 2010