25 May 2020 – Coincidence or Serendipity??

Sat: Rousseau’s Tiger in a Tropical Storm(1891) talks to me this morning. This tiger looks like an unhappy camper, unlike Blake’s Tiger Tiger burning bright(1794), and Tiger-Beer(1932) originated here in my birth country/city/island/state. Tiger(my 2005AT-Trail name) enjoys the wet tropical cool rains in or outdoors.

https://www.change.org/p/ndp-2020-opt-out-from-receiving-ndp-2020-funpack?recruiter=36727303&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium

At a time like this, app 1.4million funpacks (wonder how much that would cost???) could be put to better&constructive than just funpacks! By signing, hopefully not only help with the environment, but perhaps also to put food into some hungry stomachs. Do remember getting that funpack in 2014, the one&only NDP attended and gave it away.

https://amylamsg.com/2014/08/10/ndp-2014/

Mimosa pudica (from Latin: pudica shy, bashful or shrinking; also called sensitive plant, sleepy plant, action plant, Dormilones, touch-me-not, shameplant, zombie plant, or shy plant) is a creeping plant of the pea/legume family, Here it is considered a weed with thorns. Could never resist touching this Shy-Plant (that is what I have always known it as since childhood) to watch the leaf closing and believe me, still do it whenever they cross my path and this one is behind TNschool on my walk to PP.

Crossing Still Rd on the overpass bridge and so strange to hardly see any cars at this busy junction – usually at this time, it would be bumper to bumper with cars. Enjoying it while it last, can now breath better. Nice to see flowers blooming in these plants placed by Nparks on tree-trunks&branches by the road.

PP is like a ghost-mall, do not remember ever seeing the basement so empty – was running low on toiletries and Watsons is offering 20% member discount for some items, thus saving over S$10 there. Treats from BengawanSolo (the outlet across the road from me is closed) and FourLeaves to celebrate Hari Raya and Memorial Day over this weekend. If not for CB, Mon would be a public holiday here and the US.

World Turtle Day and SIN has a special&important visitor this afternoon – coincidence or serendipity?? One Hawksbill turtle has arrived on our shores at EC Pk to lay eggs in the afternoon, pix credits to NParks, also gives a good idea to my oversea friends about the 180°horizon sea-front here being packed stern to stern with ships – for real, no exaggeration! This by far is the most exciting news for me – now am so glad that the beach, the grass near the beach and all the jetties are closed here. Hopefully this turtle will NOT be disturbed and her hatchlings here will be the one in a 1,000 to survive into adulthood. Mother Nature now finally has a chance to breath and showing us the wonders of nature&what real beauty is. Even Mt Everest can be seen with the naked eyes from Kathmandu.

HAWKSBILL TURTLE SPOTTED LAYING EGGS AT EAST COAST PARK

As I was commenting in my previous posting how I was unable to walk on the grass or beach in the EC Pk to take pix, today I am so happy about that we are not allowed there when I read about the turtle. Just came to mind with the alligator snapping turtle laying eggs on the Virginia Creeper Trail VA/USA 3yrs ago which then brought back of childhood memories from 1950s when I watched the big sea-turtles laying eggs (first&only time) in Kuantan/Malaysia. 14uncle&guards equipped with guns to protect us from the tigers then, as they too, like the poachers hunt for those eggs. Somehow tigers seem to be lurking around today – hahaha.

https://amylamsg.com/2017/05/20/trail-days-2017/

Try to be like the turtle — at ease in your own shell – Bill Copeland

Sun: Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri – peace be upon all – thanks to Mil for the reminder. Nowadays it is not so easy to remember&keep up with these festive days when we are unable to be out celebrating with family&friends with the traditional foods. 

Mon: Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Mon of May (25May 2020), honoring the men and women who died while serving in the US military. Not to be confused with Veterans Day which celebrates the service of all US military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service.

Marking the day with a steak dinner which I have not eaten since my last visit to the US, a year ago. Prepareded it exactly to my taste – medium rare, still pink inside with all the sides&trimmings and good to know that I can still do it when the family request for steaks again.

The origins of Memorial Day – https://time.com/5836444/black-memorial-day/

The effects of loss are acute, and unique to each individual. Not everyone mourns in the same way, but everyone mourns ― Goodrich

22 May 2020 – CB Ends 1Jun Here In SIN

Wed: has been announced when&how CB will be ending in different phases – of course depending on the consequences after each phase before the next phase can be continued. If COVID-19 cases increase, then back to CB. Can imagine the prices of air-fares will shoot up rocket-high and not forgetting all these new procedures, not only with lines waiting for security-check now with health-check etc. Life&travels will never be the same as pre-COVID-19 days.

They can open things up next month but at this stage in my life, will still be staying mainly in SIN ie not travelling yet, to see what happens…

Last month, all SIN citizens were given a free black mask, but not so practical with black to be washed in bleach to disinfect. Inspired by some FB-posting of this mask (too beautiful to be used as a daily one), will try and see if the creative juice can be squeezed for a few more drops to produce something out of it.

To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it ― Osho

Have to dig up some material scraps+the embroidery threads from I do not even remember when, but was excited to find this book with from Dublin days (1965-1974). Hope that will not be blind before I can complete it.

Thu: memories of a spectacular, but the most dangerous&scary plane-ride I have ever experienced was from Kathmandu-Lukla+13k hike in 2017 to see with my own eyes the first visible sight of Sagarmatha/Mt Everest 8,848m/29,018ft world’s highest mountain. Today due to the lockdowns around the world, the environment finally has a chance to breath and Everest is visible from Kathmandu where I had to buy a mask as the air was so polluted then and was coughing so badly then&there.

https://amylamsg.com/2017/04/24/nepal3/

Mount Everest is Visible From Kathmandu, Nepal for First Time in Living Memory

The power of nature exists in its silence. Human words cannot encode the meaning because human language has access only to the shadow of meaning –

Fri: TGIF still like playing with my food and for real, it does take me much more time to make it look appetizing to my eyes than to eat it. Perhaps should stop as this eating is not good for me in every ways, but do enjoy decorating&presenting food, so will try to just do it only in the weekends.

Don’t count the days. Make the days count — Muhammad Ali

19 May 2020 – CB Affecting The Mental&Physical Being

Sat: tkx to AT hiking buddy, John (MoFo) for sharing his stunning pix from his long solo morning walk, sunrise – Isle of Palms&CHS (my favourite SouthernUS town) SC/USA. Will just have to live vicariously thru’ his pix till I can get there again.

There is no way I can shoot a pix of the sunrise like John’s with just a clear horizon background in my EC Pk neighbourhood. The 180°horizon sea-front here is packed with ships and the back 180°with buildings&trees.

At present, not even allow to walk on the beach or the grass near the beach and all the jetties are closed. Usually am done before 0630hrs (not crowded then) but wanted to catch the sunrise for after seeing John’s pix, but it was too crowded for my liking, will stick to walks before sunrise. 

Crossing the well-maintained over-pass bridge only with a few cars on the highway/ECP on the way to the market for my local morning coffee – used to cost .99c when I first returned to work here (OK granted that was 20yrs ago), it is now S$1.30, not a complain, just an observation to changes. The feeling of being lockdown with man-made surroundings&things is starting to take its toll. Missing being with family&friends all over the world and walking in nature with its natural surroundings.

We need the tonic of wildness. At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature ― Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods 

Sun: Happy 17May – celebrating the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in Eidsvoll/Norway on 17May1814. Constitution Day is the national day of Norway. Have been celebrating this day for 51yrs today, ie since 1969 in Dublin/Ireland with the group of RCSI Norwegian medical students then.

A few throwbacks of 17May pix from 1981/Norway, 1987/USA and the last one celebrated with L,M&B+#5&6 in OSL/Norway 2012. Today is the first 17May on my own, did not do anything special – have some Norwegian lomper in the freezer, but no hot dogs or Norwegian ketchup&mustard to go with it; ended up with some left-overs+an ice-cream treat for dessert.

From Northern Norway FBfriends for their 17May this year – would have enjoyed&liked to have been there today despite of the cold&snow. 

Interesting read from SIN ST

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/masters-of-a-14-trillion-fund-reap-rewards-of-a-very-good-idea?xtor=CS3-18&utm_source=STiPhone&utm_medium=share&utm_term=2020-05-17+15%3A05%3A03

Mon: Happy International Museum Day – sharing some of my favourite paintings from this part of the world by Lee Weng Fatt. Like his details of the tiles which is part of the unique Peranakan culture found mainly in Malaysia&SIN. For my oversea friends who might not know what the Peranakan culture is about, do take a look in the below link.

https://www.traveller.com.au/discover-singapore/singapores-peranakan-culture

Tue: with all the overwhelming on-going COVID-19 negative&sad news, am trying the best to keep focusing on favourite ppl&things+humour for not going insane!

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad – 

It would be easy to become a victim of our circumstances and continue feeling sad, scared or angry; or instead, we could choose to deal with injustice humanely and break the chains of negative thoughts and energies, and not let ourselves sink into it – Erin Gruwell

15 May 2020 – For The Survival Of COVID-19

Tue: grocery shopping fresh produce to wash&prepare for the week’s consumption, everything was affordable except for the US/asparagus$10.31, which I did not realize until I got home, will not get it again. One of my favourite ice-cream (the other being Ben&Jerry’s CoffeeCoffee) is on promotion, bought some to mark 17May for this weekend, another item that is not on my regular list unless on promotion. Trying to eat healthy to keep a strong immune system. Card&gift in the mail for #1’s High-School graduation .

Wed: stormy early morning from SIN, but nothing compared to today pix from Ellen/Tromsø – bringing back memories from when there was still snow on this day 42yrs ago there. Linn was 4 then (her pre-school pix made it to the local papers May1978), and I was pregnant with May. Our neighbour, Anne (Ola’s mother, Guri (my god-daughter)&Amund was not born yet) from Hedemark (southern Norway) was crying. Made a good strong punch and we had a good time playing cards the rest of the day – do wonder how those 5yrs in Tromsø went by so quickly? Sending some tropical warmth&hugs to all my Tromsø friends.

Thu: a fast trip to Chinatown to pick up some food stuff – hardly anyone on the bus and many stores still closed.

What I see from the front door down the road and what I see from down the road to my front door (the only white door in the far background block above the palm trees, but you will have to enlarge to see it!).

A short stroll down the road for an unhealthy treat&a cuppa+10mins of VitD!

Interesting flip-sides, insides&different angles of things. And as in life, when you see situations just one-sided you’ll miss out on the whole picture! Favourite on the below link is #2 – may seem like an unfurnished apartment, but it is the inside of a guitar. Least favourite #11 – Mt Everest at its top 8,848 m (29,029 ft.), just look what mankind has done to the world’s tallest mt…

https://en.247mirror.com/66-rare-photos-that-reveal-the-unseen-side-of-common-things

Fri: 30th Annual AT Days, May2016 – missing the reunion of AT hiking buddies Karen, John, Nancy, Lori, Glenda&Franklin eventhough 2020 AT-Days is cancelled. Now this is what I call REAL excess baggage! Would never hiked if I had to carry one of these – pix credits to John, Damascus, VA/USA. May our paths cross again sometime in 2021.

Thanks to Liz for the link below – interesting that Warren has so much to say, and no the Doyle Hotel does not belong to him or his family. Anyone who hikes the AT Thur’hike for 17times!!! must have issues with themselves and or this trail. Yeah, once Northwards and maybe another one more time Southwards, but 17time??? Appreciations for the comments from our core-group regarding this article.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52568184

Me -The Appalachian Trail/AT 2,175mi/3,500km took me 4months walking 127days except for 2days to the complete the thru’hike in 2005. 1st SIN and only SIN woman to do this thru’hike which made me what I am today – hahaha

11 May 2020 – Catching Up With Old Movies

Fri: Eating-Plant by #6, but he did not specify what kind of eating plant – wish it is a COVID-19 Eating Plant even thought it is quite an adorable looking plant – hahaha

Nowadays need to write the day&date to remind myself what day of the week&which month it is. Sometimes I even forget which movies I have watched, but as long as they are not horror or too much action. Do not remember when I last watched Gregory Peck&Audrey Hepburn where she won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 1953 Roman Holiday in B/W. Saw it on Youtube over the weekend after reading thru’ Oct2018 posting on the Rome trip.

Was pleasantly surprised that I found it quite delightful with the romantic scenes without the need to expose naked bodies&sex. Amazing by how just watching the body language and the expressions on their faces&speech could say so much, perhaps that is also why I like many of Colin Firth’s acting, especially The King’s Speech (2010). Saw that when it came out on the big-screen, will wait to watch it again to see if I am still like it that much.

Sat: pix is from exactly 5yrs ago today – hopefully #1 will still visit and play fetch with Zuno after she moves out. Will probably be missing her High School Graduation next month in SC/USA, just cannot imagine having a grandchild in college this fall. Seems like yesterday that her parents graduated high school. Here is #5 (what a sweet little bro) making a poster and in the meanwhile, am looking forward to seeing pix&video+the live-streaming event (when I figure out how to do that!).

Sun: Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers this 10May2020 from SIN. To niece&her hubby Pat Lynn&David, grandniece&nephew Beth&Lucas, these yummy home-baked cookies with the hand-written wishes are much appreciated with thanks. Pix from 6yrs ago in SC/USA with mothers – 1st&2nd-born and perhaps future mothers – #1,2&4. Do not remember when I last spent a Mother’s Day on my own.

Mon:  tkx to Jerome Lim&The Long and Winding Road for the share of these pix from Magnolia Snack Bar at Capitol bringing back sweet memories of rich&yummy chocolate milk shakes&banana-splits from there. This was located just across the street from when I was in CHIJ (1962-65), and it was certainly a treat when I saved enough for a milk shake.

…true that language and forward movement in the cinema are jolly hard to reconcile. It’s a very, very, difficult thing to do. There is still a place in the cinema for movies that are driven by the human face, and not by explosions and cars and guns and action sequences – there’s such a thing as action and speed within thought rather than within a ceaseless milkshake of images – David Hare

7 May 2020 – Over 10Days 

Mon: continuing with this challenge (last 3days), nominated by cousin Yat-Soon for 10Days of favourite travel images. Every day I will choose an image from my travel photos that has had an impact on me, post without explanation and nominate somebody to take the challenge. 10travel photos, 10nominations, 0explanations – though I will say something about it the next day, for the curious. In the meantime feel free to guess&comment.

4May: Day8 – nominating Lynda. After surviving Lukla/LUAairport&sections of this EBC hike, Nepal (somewhere between Namche&Tengboche in this pix), blessed to still be alive. To see with my own eyes Sagarmatha /Everest, world’s highest mt is another bucket-list item done. Appreciations to Calvin, Sam of Campers&Lum for keeping me safe and tkx to Deepak, Sherpa-Kuma&Co who made this trip possible. Hello to Ulrik, young Norwegian solo hiker on this path.  The way to Everest is not a Yellow Brick Road – Krakauer

https://amylamsg.com/2017/04/25/nepal4/

Tue: having not gone out for a few days, took the elevator down to realize in shock when I got down that I forgot my mask upon seeing someone with a mask, rushed up to put it on. Grocery shopping day – do not get usually get a whole chicken, but decided that I would today cook this chicken to freeze for 4meals and to my surprised the head was still intact.

5May: Day9 – nominating Helen. All Roads Lead to Rome, including this peekhole@Villa del Priorato di Malta. Another memorable trip with my childhood friends – they do pick exciting places for our reunion rendezvous. 

Princess Ann: At midnight, I’ll turn into a pumpkin and drive away in my glass slipper.
Joe Bradley: And that will be the end of the fairy tale – Roman Holiday movie

https://amylamsg.com/2018/10/06/italy-6-2018/

Wed: paying medical bill, no complains considering that it is actually S$40.81 after the S$600 paidout as part of the Solidarity Budget. Also doing my duty for the Census of Population 2020.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/coronavirus-covid-19-solidarity-budget-600-cash-payout-12635268

6May: Day10 – nominating Carmel. The Giant’s Causeway County Antrim N Ireland. Had wanted to make this trip since student days in Dublin and finally managed to follow the giants’ foot steps before turning 70. Appreciations to Ann Gibson (now Ann Kiely), 1st Irish friend from 1965 who invited me to her home and made me the most memorable scramble-eggs meal.

Blue-sky&map pix downloaded. Strange how places can strike the memory-chord. Jane, and I wish I could remember her last name, was my room-mate in boarding school and the only N Irish I knew then. Was driving into Port-Rush, N Ireland last year and suddenly recalled that she told me then that she was from Port-Rush. In 1965-67 she was more far advanced in her ways than I was, took me to some Dublin basement gigs where she was seeing this guy, Peter who introduced Mike Jagger to me. Of course had no idea who he was then, and had little interest in that kind of music then or now.

I can’t get no satisfaction
Cause I try and I try and I try and I try
I can’t get no, I can’t get no – The Rolling Stones

https://amylamsg.com/2019/09/17/the-giant-causeway/

Thu: Happy Vesak Day to those celebrating. Has been quite a challenge to pick only 1pix from these 10trips (from my bucket list), good memories and even rather surprised at myself for some of the after-thoughts&reflections as I read thru’ these trips which were all 1st time to these places except for Rome/Italy. Tkx cousin YatSoon for the challenge&appreciations to all for your comments. Feeling blessed to have been able to have visited&seen so many spectacular places in this wonderful world. Agreeing with the ancient Egyptians and do hope that you too have found some joy in your life’s journey. As for joy to others, as long as I do not intentionally bring others harm, hurt or malice in actions, thoughts, words (spoken&written), joy subjective is up to each individual to find their own joy.

The ancient Egyptians had a beautiful belief about death. When their souls got to the entrance to heaven, the guards asked two questions. Their answers determined whether they were able to enter or not. ‘Have you found joy in your life?’ ‘Has your life brought joy to others?’

3 May 2020 – As The Circuit Breaker Continues

Fri: TGIF but really it is like every day nowadays! Enjoyed the stormy night last night and feeling grateful being safe&sound indoors despite for all the amazing nature outdoors pix I have been posting the past 5days and the next 5days. Blessed to be sooo fortunate to have been part of this beautiful Mother Nature on this earth.

Happy May/Labour Day – a reminder for myself. SIN PM gave his speech last night to let the nation know –  The road to recovery will be long and hard 

https://mothership.sg/2020/04/may-day-2020/

Continuing  with this challenge, nominated by cousin YatSoon for 10Days of favourite travel images. Every day I will choose an image from my travel photos that has had an impact on me, post without explanation and nominate somebody to take the challenge. 10travel photos, 10nominations, 0explanations – though I will say something about it the next day, for the curious. In the meantime feel free to comment&guess!

Fri1May: Day5 – nominating Claire, one of the few who has been to Iceland&might know where this is. Landmannalauger Fjallabak National Reserve Iceland Sep 2014, another unforgettable trip with childhood friend Peggy&her hubby Ian. 

https://amylamsg.com/2014/09/10/iceland-day-7/

While there is life there is hope. I beg to assert…that as long as a man’s heart beats, as long as a man’s flesh quivers, I do not allow that a being gifted with thought and will can allow himself to despair – Jules Verne/Journey to the Center of the Earth

Sat2May: Day6 – nominating Yoshie who is native of this country. MIyajima Japan Dec2015. Japan is more than just the Itsukushima Shrine&Mt Fuji, but for a 1st time Japan visitor like me, they are a must. Tkx to KK for his experienced&knowledgeable guide

https://amylamsg.com/2015/12/02/japan2/

Would I go back?   Absolutely!!  May have to work on my knees – may be more weight loss will help – PP fully agree with her.

Sun: 3May: Day7 – nominating Mette Backer. Trolltunga=Troll’sTongue nearest town Tyssedal Norway Aug 2016 – one of the bucket list hikes that nearly put me in the bucket! Was admitted to the hospital the day after the hike.

https://amylamsg.com/2016/08/25/trolltunga/

Before the tongue can speak, it must have lost the power to wound – Peace Pilgrim

Foods over the weekend – Gravlaks from IKEA, wine from my bro (all my wines are from him), salads from Ting and yummy SoonKuey from AudreyW – blessed to have such thoughtful family&friends.

It’s so beautifully arranged on the plate – you know someone’s fingers have been all over it ― Julia Child. No worries, in my case I always use rubber gloves when I do not make food for just myself – for real.

1 May – Happy May Day
5 May – Happy Cinco De Mayo
6 May – Happy Bdays WONG Wai Kit & Jan SOSA
10 May – Happy Bday Andrew LAM
13 May – Happy Bday Susannah LAM
17 May – Hurra for 17 mai
18 May – Happy Bday Helen VICKERY-YEO
23 May – Happy Bday Yasmine AMEEN
27 May – Happy Bdays LAM SuiChang & Karen LIM
28 May – Happy Bday Vanessa LAM
30 May– Happy Bday Hans Kristian HUSTAD