Working life

Working till 68?(The Singapore government may increase retirement age) And why not? I know of one whose sole purpose for getting up in the morning, is to go to work. Comes home have dinner, sits in front of the telly, goes to bed, wakes up the next morning and cycle repeats. Upon retirement at 65, still healthy and hearty, he was at a lost as to what he should do next. Slowly a little discomfort, a little pain a little soreness creeps into the body.

These are individuals whose entire life evolves around work.

I know of a doctor in his late 60s who intend to work till his faculty fails him.

Siput Siput

It's siput I used to find on the beaches of Penang. Digging the wet sand as the waves come in. In Bintan, youngest picked them during our early morning stroll along the beach in Bintan. Blanched it in hot boiling water and presto, fresh seafood.

Fox, Micheal J

Still the best trilogy which I never get tired of watching now and then. "Back to the future" Produced some 25 years ago.

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".