Seaweeds n Seashells

Strewn along the beach, seaweeds and seashell of all sorts. A morning of jogging along side the crashing wave while youngest picking up hermit crabs on an empty beach. Wouldn't it be nice if Singapore had such lovely beaches?

Sanctuary of the senses

Soothing music against the sound of crashing wave as she slowly rubs you down with aromatic oil. Ever so gentle, ever so mindful. Quite an experience for eldest and I. The Spa at Angsana Bintan.

Bintan

It's a first. Angsana Bintan.


Eldest needed a break from her studies, while son on his semester break just as youngest completed her year end exam. Had a busy 3 weeks entertaining M&D, here for routine medical check-up. Then a message from cousin. A timely invitation for a weekend at Bintan. With just T-shirts and shorts together with swimsuit and sun screen we set off.

BitterButterBettyBought

It's hard. Try as I may, I just can't have my piece of bread, fresh or toasted without a pat of butter. Spread over every inch of the surface from corner to corner follow by, A Sprinkle of sugar. Simply Heavenly. And it has to be Unsalted President.

Sun Fun n Punt

It's now incomplete to visit Singapore for the first time, without visiting Sentosa. Since my last trip in 2005, the island has gone through a major facelift. However, the gambling den did not impressed mum. Too small(den), too big(the stake for the slot machine) and too bare(hardly a crowd on a thursday morning) compared to the Highland den.

Decided to spent my $100(levy) on lunch instead.

OnPassing

On discussing the recent passing of MrsLee, mum told me her wishes. To be cremated and be scattered into the deep blue sea. All she wished is, to be cherished and remembered. I'm in favour of this arrangement for myself too.
It's all about leaving fond memories behind. Life still goes on, long after we have passed on. Was 18 when my paternal grandma died but, I can still vividly see her in my mind.

StayingStrong

After more than half a century together through turbulent years, in sickness and in health, cherishing and loving, it's going to be tough. To carry on alone.

Monday Munch

My colourful lunch when I want something simple. Friend beehoon with, Three little prawns, A sprinkle of chopped peanut , a dash of tiny dried prawns, a spoon of dried chilli power, a pinch of fried onions, a handful of fresh conriander as garnish and finally a squeeze of lime.

Evening@USS

With our humid weather and Very hot sunny daytime, Universal Studio, should seriously consider extending the opening hours till 10pm from 7pm. Last wednesday, Attended a private function at the park which started from 6.30pm till 11.30pm for this occassion and it was just thoroughly enjoyable. Breezy and cool as we strolled through the various theme parks and when youngest was through with the rides,(0nly one the enchanted wings) we had a late supper. Another walk round before reluctantly calling it a night. Must admit the souvenirs are a tad bit pricey but youngest could not resist the slush yard bottle of drink.

Hot & Cold

The story written by Sumiko Tan had me tickled pink.
Do click on article to read on her bedroom experience, blowing hot and cold. I'm sure she is not the alone on this issue.

8th Lunar month

To feel happiness, one also experience sadness. The theory of yin and yan. Negative and positive. Even in chinese tradtional snack. The Mooncake. Sweet lotus paste with saltish egg yolk. A play of saltish sweetness to the palate, epitomizing what humanity is all about.

Innocent Eye

Not dog ears but chewed books corner, neatly bitten off wires, tiny teeth marks on rubber mats and shoes!! Little did we realised fur ball with it's innocent eye and quiet dispostion was quietly gnawing away while we were not looking. In the wild, he would probably be spending his time wearing his teeth out on twigs, roots and barks. For the time being until he grows out of this phase, he is confined to the balcony.

08.09.10

One of my favourite, ang ku kueh. A dollop of sweetish mung bean paste wrapped in a chewy reddish coloured glutinous rice dough placed on a piece of banana leave. Discovered a shop near my home, selling this delectable snack.

YellowRibbon

It's amazing to see a sea of yellow shirts under pochos, making their way to the Starting Point in the early drizzly. Our first time participating in the Yellow Ribbon Run this morning. Youngest and I. As it was wet, we brisk walked way most of the way. Quite an experienced jogging, with the rain trickling down the face, fogging up the glasses and the feet thoroughly soaked. Ended at the field of the huge prison compound 6km and 70 min or so later, still raining. Next year? Yes, why not.

Nuts of Nutmeg

Nutmeg was of prime importance during the era of spice trade and colonialism in the 16th century. Considered to be a useful medicine in Asian societies. Arabs used to treat digestive problems and also valued as an aphrodisiac. The Indians used it to combat asthma and heart complaints and as a sedative. Nutmeg also was seen as having magical properties and is one of the ingredients of a magical perfume described in the most famous of all the grimoires, or black books of the sorcerers, The Key of Solomon the King.

Me, I just like the nutmeg scent. Simply therapeutic

At The Botanic

Saturday morning at the botanic garden. A guided walk on the medicinal plants. Armed with a hat, sunblock and a camera I was ready. At the main entrance of the botanic garden we were introduced to the oil palm tree, the star apple trees that lined both side of the walkway, the blue marble tree and the figs. As we made our way to the ginger garden we stopped to sample the ulams(tropical ferns and leaves the malay eats as salad with sambal) that can be found along the way. As the birders would say, seeing the cinnamon, camphor and clove and the nutmeg tree was a lifer for me. Next week 9am it's the rainforest walk. Anyone interested?

Fig Fix

Fresh turkish fig. A first for me. Have seen many fig plants here in Singapore but most are not palatable. An important food source for the birds and other small animals. Upon checking, found that fig has the highest plant source of calcium and fiber. Dried figs are rich in fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin K. Has laxative effect and contain many antioxidants. Looks like I'll be having figs on my "Must eat List".

Just Us

Saturday night dinner:
Eldest -not available. Taking the Arubian Noc and delegate for an outing.
Son -not available. Basketball game with his former secondary school friends.

Youngest-not available. Dinner followed by a school band concert with girlfriends.

So a simple dinner and a glass 0f beer at the Nirai Kanai Okinawan restaurant.

Oblivious

Boarded the mrt at Paya Lebar on a friday afternoon and I caught sight of this. Oblivious to the surrounding as he sat by the train door, reading his book . Even when the mrt doors open and passengers trouped in and out, with some accidentally nudging him. A sight so rare today. At Clementi he alighted. Alone. I'm sure his mother would be proud of him if she sees this photo of him.

Caged

Each time when I pass this place, the same thought comes to mind. What are they thinking of, as they gazed at the caged birds.Listening to their cries of freedom, that men call singing. Are the men unconsciously lamenting on the fact that they, like the birds are one in the same predicament?

ClockWorks

The secret in getting the clock ticking faster. Having most columns of the calendar filled with appointments, events, classes, things to do remember, make, attend, return and pay. Of late the house clock is ticking a little too fast.

Serious Competition

Finally many are sitting up and taking notice of the events happening at the YOG. Thanks to the daily 5 to 8 hours of media coverage. Showing determination and competitiveness the athletes are on their events. Definately no child's play. Some may even go on to compete in the Olympic 2012. Not forgetting the volunteers whom many had to work 3 shifts behind the scene to make sure the athletes, officials and the NOC are well taken care of 24/7 till 26th Aug that is.

A pesky wild weed in the garden but has anyone notice, it's flower? Tiny but delicate.

Cast Off

While waiting for mum's turn, spotted this room somewhere in PGH. All the tools of the trade hanging on the wall. The room where the plaster of paris is casted and removed. Notice the arm behind the curtain.

Muffin Lesson

When at first you don't suceed try again. And again. Youngest 1st attempt on making muffins at home on a saturday afternoon. The 1st batch did not turn out quite as expected. Undeterred she tried again. In my opnion, home econ subject, is both relevant and necessary. To introduce youngsters to the world of "independence". Independent from the constant reliance on ready cooked/fast food/tv meals. It's the 1st step to taking charge of your health, lifestyle and family values. It's just an introduction, the rest is up to them.

Memories are these.....

After eons, dad finally sat down and downloaded all his 40 years old negatives into the computer. A glimpsed into the past. The age of innocence and bashful glee. Of families, friends. Of Places no longer exist, people no longer with us.

It's an insect, a bird, it's........

Found this in mum's garden. Awesome. Mother nature and her antics.

Weekend In Pg

Changed into the sarong and the overall, removed all items and sat patiently for her turn. A serbaceous cyst that had gone quite big and unsightly on the right leg. All over in half an hour with a huge bandgage on her leg. Spending the next few days with mum as she recovers from the 3 stitches long incision.

Zooming In

Walking back after lunch, caught this still busy having his.

M for Magnum

Clarke Quay on a saturday night a buzzing with life. The cool breeze and the many events taking place there. The Food fest on the bridge selling all the favourite local fare and the flea market. A place for youngsters to show off their creativity and also to sell them. As we strolled down the stalls, something caught our eye and made a U turn back. According to the young entrepreneur, she handmade this. After scanning through her delicate/intricate ware, I too picked up a dangling swarovski earring.

FallingTrees

After all the reports in the papers, I shudder everytime I'm caught driving in torrential rain. Of sudden floods. Of falling branches and uprooted trees. For the past few weeks, there have been reports of branches falling on cars with one death when a tree uprooted and fell on a moving vehicle. This morning, along my area, I see the NEA/NPark not only prunning the brances but also chain sawing the whole tree up and removing those tall thick trees along the road. Planting new scrawny tree sapling in it's place. Preparing for more foul weather in the weeks ahead.

ToothyIssue

A board full of thank you notes. She is soft spoken and never fails to patiently explains to me each time I visit her, where and how to place the toothbrush correctly to get rid of that plaque. So much have changed. 20 years ago, if it's cracked, broken or loose, it's gotta go. Now, soothing background music to calm the nerves. The local anesthetic works wonders. Every possible means and ways to prevent the tooth from being extracted and if that is not possible, implanting is now recommended. And so faithfully I visit her every half yearly. It's Dentist day Today.

Food For thought

Recently had dinner at a Little Peranakan restaurant near my home. Ordered most of the all time popular peranakan dishes and waited in anticipation. Then, I glanced into the kitchen opening and I noticed. Just two kitchen staff inside preparing. No sound of the chef tossing his wok nor any sound of a bustling kitchen. Then I realised. Most of the items on the menu were dishes which need only to be heated up. Babi ponteh, ayam buah keluak, ayam rendang to name a few. The vegetable offered were either sayur lodek, sambal timun or rojak chinchang. In other words, no cooking needed. I found this disturbing. Startled when the food arrived in petite portion. Seems like we are being served in a restaurant, paying restaurant price, with reheated food. Will not be going there again.

DivaDrama

Drop Dead Diva. My latest wanna watch series. Comedy-drama, taking a refreshing perspective on some everyday issues. Been catching snippets of this series always missing the ending as I doze off during commercial breaks.

BpSahmYan

An invitation to tea on a friday afternoon? With friends I've come to know while reading each others' writes? A rare opportunity especially when one is back from the States, the other flew in from Sarawak while one made specially arrangement just for this meet. I could not refuse. After the initial introduction, there was no stopping. Chatting, laughing, talking and listening. Amazing how writing could bring us together. SAHM, the ever thoughtful one, even bought us a huge yumyum kueh lapis.Thank You Girls for the wonderful time.

Garden Fest

Amongst the huge collection of creatively displayed plants, this caught my attention. A pitcher plant so nicely nestled in the damp of the mossy log.

Garden Fest

The Singapore garden festival returns. Visited the exhibition on it's opening day today at the Suntec Convention Centre level 6 & 4. From the previous visit, the flowers and plants can only look fresh and perky for only 3 to 4 days in the week long festival. The varieties of exotic blooms, creative decoration and presentation was just awesome especially the wild orchids and flowers from Australia.

Cycling@EastCoast

On impulse, we rented a tandem and two bicycles and off we went. Cycling along the east coast park on a lovely cool sunday evening. Been a long time since we last came here to cycle. Youngsters cycling and blading, little ones running, dogs walking, famillies and friends barbecuing, it's Saturday!

After two hours and 16km later, we had to no qualms on going for a well-deserved dinner at the nearby restaurant. Our next family cycling trip will be in 4 weeks time.

Milo Truck

Youngest saw the truck and instantly moved towards it. Yes, a cup of Milo from the Milo Truck. A once a year treat for the students. On Sports Day. In Penang too, I remember as we patiently queue under the scorching sun, for that cool cool cup of thirst quenching sweet Milo. Only one cup per coupon . How we wished we could get just one more. According to youngest, The Milo truck makes the best cup, as she helped herself with another cup. The Milo truck, parked at the Health and Wellness exhibition at Suntec convention centre until tomorrow.