12 Aug 2026 – An Amazing Trip

Sat: bus36 to T3/Basement and had sometime to spare for 20mins with MrCoconut, no would not normally stand in line for it but today the craving was there! Then to SIA-BusinessCounter/Level3 to check in – seriously do not recall when last on an SIA-flight, not even to mention BusinessClass! Tkx to Shawn for arranging this and glad to see his family+helper arriving in time to get us into the BusinessLounge.

A stunning lounge offering an infinite selection of food&beverages to satisfy both your heart&appetite and this is only the start…

Complete seat to myself with comfort&space enjoying the sunset takeoff and dining on ChickenRice w Champagne – omg if this is the way to heaven let me be in…

Furthermore, Kai was present, as adorable as ever, to maintain the joyful atmosphere on this ~1+hr flight.

Landed on schedule in PhuketInternational – Kai enjoys the robot cleaner, and he uses a cute sign language to explain how it needs to go away for charging. ~1+hr drive/~20k in the dark on curvy roads was the least favourite part of this trip. Les&family had a scrumptious spread ready at their villa@IndoChineResort&villas/PotongBeach but could not stomach more food. https://www.indochineresorts.com/

Sun: Happy National Day to SIN. 55 steps up a staircase to my room is either going to make me fitter or break me but with this view+the pool on my patio, need not go anywhere…

Pool,gym,public patio and restaurant, unfortunately these pix do them no justice as the lens had too much condensation from the overnight AC-room and did not realised it with the sun in my eyes.

Scrumptious Thai-Lunch@BaanRimPa by the sea with pleasant seabreeze, what a good idea to serve the CoconutJuice&IceCream inside the fresh young coconut. The drive towards old town Phuket was cut short by just grocery shopping and thank goodness as the roads again curvy and after too much good food was not feeling my best – after 55 stepsX4 up&down the staircases finally broke me! Tkx to Shawn for Nuberlizer meds – a short soak in my pool,showered&off to bed.

Mon: could not bear the sight or smell food and such a headache – stay-put in the room for a well-needed rest, no complains when there is a view! Relaxation is not a luxury; it’s necessary for our well-being. Downloaded the 2above pix to show what it is really like when camera fails me while the younger gen are out with the elephants.

Tue: took the buggy to the bottom of the hill and crossed the road but there was an eatery in front, so not possible to get near the water and believe me that was the closest near the sea on this trip! Made it up with a 1hr oil massage,another soak+a snooze in  the room. Massage is both an art and a therapy,offering relaxation,healing, and a moment of self-care.

Enjoyed the afternoon watching the family in their cooking class with their chefs.

The food tasted yummy. A early night for an early flight tomorrow.

Wed: bright&early, the last 55steps down the staircase make it a total of 10x55steps=550 up&down the steep stairs and still alive to catch another SIA-BusinessClass back to SIN. This time round asked to sit in front so as to concentrate on the road to discover that there are still rubber-plantations here and they are still tapping for the latax – have not see that since childhood days! Also to learn that our driver’s parents are from Ipoh&Penang/Malaysia and that he survived the 2004Tsunami but sadly not his wife. Still remember vividly on that day where I found my cousin sitting on the stairs in tears when we were in Laos.

Looks like a full plane and long lines for Aeroflot but thank goodness no line for SIN-BusinessClass and even managed 15mins massage at the PhuketAirport BusinessLounge despite having to take a bus to the plane.

SmokedSalmon,HokkienMee with Bellini for lunch – can certainly easily get used to travelling like this – hahaha! And so ends this amazing holiday tkx to Les for the 5*accommodations+F&B; Shawn for arranging the tickets+meds; Gladys for her pix; Kai for his adorable company.

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough – Meister Eckhart

7 Aug 2026 – Future

Tue: the present renovation of the playground below evokes memories of the time we had to lift #6-Grandchild to the MonkeyBars during his initial visit here. By his visit in 2025, he was able to swing independently from the first to the last bar. Hopefully they will install new MonkeyBars. Embracing change does not imply that you forget your history. Progressing does not mean you overlook the past. You are simply evolving…

Wed: tkx to FB for the memories from 2013/13yrs ago was hiking UKc2c; 2021/5yrs ago the passing of my beloved eldest broLawrence; 2023/3yrs ago hiking on the PEI/Canada. Memories encapsulate the core of our experiences and contribute to our identity. They serve as a reminder that our past constitutes a personal archive we bear throughout our lives, impacting both our present&future.

MarineParadeRd by MarineParadeMRT-Exit4 now and then in 2000 when I just moved into this area. Do miss the old trees…

now its underground in the AC for shade!

This is the only solitary old tree standing on this section of MP-Rd – sincerely hope that this magnificent tree will be permitted to remain for as long as possible in a location where the elderly strive to keep pace!

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man ― George Bernard Shaw

Earth’s temperature rise has shifted into overdrive, with the past decade warming faster than any other since modern records began. Recent news on natural disasters such as avalanches, floods, earthquakes, and heat-waves are unavoidable due to the impact of human activities on MotherNature; however, I find myself at a loss for words when it comes to the subject of man-made-wars. It is distressing to hear&read about it, not to mention viewing the images, so no downloading of any pix…

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260801093239.htm

Because, underneath all of this is the real truth we have been avoiding: climate change isn’t an “issue” to add to the list of things to worry about, next to health care and taxes. It is a civilizational wake-up call. A powerful message—spoken in the language of fires, floods, droughts, and extinctions—telling us that we need an entirely new economic model and a new way of sharing this planet. Telling us that we need to evolve ― Naomi Klein

Thu: PrawnMeeLunch on EC-Rd and dessert@TimHorton/I12 – tkx May for this Nebulizier and to Shawn for the medications which were useful the past few days.

Where has all that time gone now with #4Sophie starting in her SeniorYear of HighSchool – seems like yesterday when we found this adorable toddler sleeping in the laundry-basket in the laundry-room!!

Fri: haircut and running errands@PP before taking off to Phuket/Thailand tomorrow. Glad to have an early start and not aware that it is a short-school-day today, was just about done with the crowds started. Will be offline away from the RedDot for her 61stBday this long weekend with Monday being a public holiday. Looking forward to catching up w nieces&grandnieces from NY/USA and to seeing NDP pix from all. NDP-2014 first&last one attended for me.

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

Postings here to be edited&updated sometime next week…

3 Aug 2026 – The Crown

Sat&Sun: hello Aug – under the weather with a runny nose+slight temp, staying within the 4walls catching up with reading&screen-time after May’s visit. Seems like my immune system is on vacation without me! but this too shall pass, hopefully gone by the weekend before trip to PhuketHKT/Thailand. New rental neighbours moving in who informed me that his wife+baby-boy will arr sometime in Sep who are now still in China.

Feed a cold, starve a fever… or just feed me everything – Modern twist on old proverb

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Tkx to Linn for this share from Facts They Don’t Teach You/FB – interesting read and for me everything is a balance in life including books&tablets, digital&handwritten, up to today still read books and hand write some notes as well as using the laptop&iphone for digital notes.

The world spent years pushing screens into classrooms. Tablets replaced textbooks. Digital assignments replaced handwritten notes. Schools were told that the future of education was sitting behind a screen. Now some European countries are starting to reverse course.

Denmark,Norway,Sweden(Scandinavia),Finland,France&Italy are all moving away from heavy classroom digitalization and bringing back something many schools thought was disappearing: printed books, handwriting, and traditional reading. And this shift is not happening because of nostalgia.

It is happening because researchers have found that writing by hand and reading physical books can improve memory, concentration, and understanding compared with relying only on digital devices. Sweden was one of the first countries to change direction. In 2023, its Ministry of Schools paused the push for mandatory tablet use and redirected hundreds of millions of kronor toward printed textbooks. Then other countries followed.

Denmark committed 540 million kroner to replace tablets with books, sending thousands of new printed copies into classrooms and moving toward a plan to make schools completely mobile-free by 2027.

Norway reports that most primary schools have removed mobile devices from learning spaces, while Finland introduced similar restrictions in 2024. And in Scandinavia, the change has been widespread.

France and Italy have already taken steps to limit smartphone use in primary and middle schools, bringing back paper planners and more traditional pencil-and-paper activities.

For years, the assumption was that more technology would automatically create better education. Now some of Europe’s most advanced educat ion systems are asking a different question: What if the best tool for learning was something students have used for centuries? A book. A pencil. And the ability to focus 

Mon: took more than a week and finally completed watching Netflix 6Seasons/60Episodes of The Crown released in Nov2016 with the last season Dec2023. Spanning ~6decades, beginning shortly before the wedding of PrincessElizabeth&PhilipMountbatten in 1947 and ending with the 2005 wedding of PrinceCharles&CamillaParkerBowles. Have always held admiration&respect for QE2; otherwise, would not be able to endure this historic drama. https://amylamsg.com/2022/09/10/queen-elizabeth-ii-1926-2022/

It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and to cherish is much more difficult – QE2

All pix in this posting downloaded.

31 Jul 2026 – ByeBye July 2026

Tue&Wed: wet-market+GiantGrocery done before sunrise – todays total Promo+SenSavingsS$10.14. Major cleaning&laundry days with extra runs on the machine after May’s visit. Such a blessing&privilege to still be able to care for oneself fully at this stage of the life journey but do appreciate help family&friends from the YoungerGen for High-Tech issues&matters. Hopes&prayers to continue staying mentally,psychologically&physcially able,active,alert,self-sufficient,etc… as long as there is life within!

It’s probably not just by chance that I’m alone. It would be very hard for a man to live with me, unless he’s terribly strong. And if he’s stronger than I, I’m the one who can’t live with him. … I’m neither smart nor stupid, but I don’t think I’m a run-of-the-mill person. I’ve been in business without being a businesswoman, I’ve loved without being a woman made only for love. The two men I’ve loved, I think, will remember me, on earth or in heaven, because men always remember a woman who caused them concern and uneasiness. I’ve done my best, in regard to people and to life, without precepts, but with a taste for justice ― Coco Chanel

Thu&Fri: The Odyssey – attributed to the Greek poet Homer, is one of the oldest surviving works of Western literature(27books), composed around the 7-8th century follows Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he attempts to return home after the 10yrsTrojanWar. His journey took another 10yrs, during which he faces perils with mythical creatures, divine interventions, and moral challenges.

Comtemplating about watching the movie so as to be able to discuss with the children&grandchildren who liked it. Expecting much action,conspiracies,treacheries, had to psychologically prepared as I do not usually go for these kind fo movies! But Odyssey with ancient mythological about kings&warriors, gods&monsters did trigger some DublinSchoolDays memories of MrQuinlan’s LatinClasses from Ulysses(latin name for Odyssey), especially the TrojanHorse!

Not to confuse Homer’s Odyssey with JamesJoyce’s Ulysses where JJ was inspired&borrowed from the ancient epic while transforming his heroic framework into a modern setting with similarities between Odysseus and LeopoldBloom’s as reluctant heroes, comparisons between the Cyclops and the Citizen… all pix downloaded.

I wonder whether we have become inclined to treat mythological material as though it were historical material – Prof Susan Deacy

Liked the movie with different reflections&thoughts as compared to when we had to read Homer’s Ulysses in my teen-days for Latin! Also enjoyed a TexMexLunchS$10.90@Guzman y Gomez/I12

It’s okay to treat yourself once in awhile. I’m not going to stop eating Mexican food – Jennifer Aniston

27 Jul 2026 – FullertonHotel Courtyard Afternoon Tea

Fri: more than just an outfitters, Campers’Corner steps beyond the trail embracing contemporary art to a new chapter and level of experience. Do like this piece of wood carving by some unknown local young wood-craver and the birch-trees/AspenGlow photograph by PeterLik.

EchoesInTheEmbers where CHOK YueZan fromTawau,Sabah/Malaysia(eastern shore of Borneo)now stationed in KL/Malayia tells that if he ever becomes rich, he will move back there since it’s too costly to live there now – seemingly even more expensive than SIN! His captivating creations demonstrate his affection for the natural environment of his rainforest home. Echoes symbolize the reflections of our actions,memories,emotions resonating through time&space and of people we loved might still linger in places frequented with them – that is why we return to remember as well as to feel them.

https://www.bing.com/copilotsearch?q=Chok+Yue+Zan+website&FORM=CSSCOP

Appreciations to Campers’ for hosting the opening of this exhibition – enjoyed meeting the artist and catching up with friends serving them champagne,whisky&wine… but had a craving for SupKambing/MuttonSoup from TekkaCentre, tkx to Seb for that and to Chris for the ride back to the EastSide.

Champagne’s funny stuff. I’m used to whiskey. Whiskey is a slap on the back, and champagne’s a heavy mist before my eyes — James Stewart

Sat: FullertonHotelCourtyard for StraitsClassicAfternoonTea when it’s a cherished ritual that brings comfort&elegaance+a touch of serenity to our busy lives. A delightful time was had by all enjoying the company,food especially with the sounds of heavy rains falling on the glass-ceiling.

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea – Henry James

Chinatown for May to look for some trays – would like to check out this HeritageCentre when time permits, preferably on a quiet weekday morning… https://www.chinatownheritagecentre.com.sg/

Extra time to discover some interesting angels@OrchardGateway. Like the MarineParadeLibrary, OrchardLibrary is still undergoing renovations; hopefully, both will be finished by the end of the year! Always convenient with this nice overhead bridge https://sg.trip.com/moments/detail/singapore-53-13710023 leading directly to Bus16 stop. Good to hear&see young ppl drumming and moving to their beats.

BondingKitchen/OrchardGateway – both other times here at this PeranakanCuisine were with KK, tkx again for this 3rd visit. KuehPieTee 精美拼盘小金杯shells filled with JulienneTurnips(not Jicama as I always thought!) braised in prawn stock,mushroom+belly pork – topped with prawn,pork lard,quail egg+ChilliCuka delicately&tastefully presented for doing it yourself is one of my favourites – everything we had was delicious, especially the rice.

AyamPanggang 香料烤鸡 ChargrillChicken,LemonGrass+spices marination,KicapManis dresşing+local herbs
BuahKeluakFriedRice 参峇黑果炒饭 FriedFragrantRice with egg,SambalBuahKeluak+herbs&spices
BabiPongteh 娘惹豆酱三层肉 StewedPorkBelly with fermented Soybean,StarAnise&Cinnamon
NyonyaChapChye 娘惹杂菜 BraisedCabbage,mushroom,BlackFungus,DriedLilyFlowers,BeancurdSkin,PorkBellyPrawnBroth
BarramundiAssam Pedas 娘惹酸辣鱼 Barramundi fillet with AromaticSourTamarind+spicy gravy
BungaTelangLemongrassPandan(Cold) BluePeaButterfly juice-inspired drink
SagoPudding 椰糖西米布丁 served with CoconutMilk+GulaMelaka/PalmSugar
https://bondingkitchen.com/

Sun: visit with sisJo/88 who is amazingly steady with the hands with paper-quilling.

FoodRepublic/Jewel completely revamped with parts still behind barrack and had to walk a few more steps to find my usual spot! Murals including a mannequin-letter-writer of the old ChinaTown+some formica-top-tables giving the 1950s ambiance.

Glad that my favourite OdeonBeefNoodle is still there. May had some satay before her FinnAir flight back to Norway – safe journeys to her until we meet again.

Mon: looking forward to blending these fruits with some honey for juice, picked yesterday from sisJo’s garden – Balonglong/Kedondong (Spondias dulcis) 沙梨 Ambarella,JunePlum,PolynesianPlum,TahitiApple may be eaten raw, crunchy&sour – best when the flesh is golden in colour and still somewhat crunchy, then a pineapple-mango flavor with a hint of tart acidity with health benefits.

https://oze.my/10-health-benefits-spondias-dulcis-kedondong-juplon-golden-apple-body/

19 Jul 2026 – Chinese,Eurasian,Singapore Culinary Indulgence

Thu: 客语HakkaYu/ParkwayParade founded in 2013 Guangzhou/China serving family-style Hakka cuisine –
Traditional HakkaPorkSoup 傳統客家豬肉湯 tasty clear soup
CantoneseCharSiu 廣式叉燒 too much fat for me

TraditionalCantoneseClaypotRice+CuredMeats 廣東臘味煲仔飯 decent
HakkaStuffedTofu客家釀豆腐 smooth tofu

CantoneseStirFriedChoySum 廣東生炒菜心 OK
HakkaPreservedVegetable+MincedPork 客家菜干扣絞肉 on the bland-side

Fri: in search of a good SIN-Laksa and KatongLaksa/George’sLaksa@307ChangiRd must be one of the favourites for me so far. A bowl of laksa can only shine with a spicy coconut-based soup, which is the soul of this Peranakan dish and most of them overshine with too much rich-coconut-milk but this one seems to find the balance. A great deal of preparation goes into making a Laksa –  traditional mortar to make the SpicePaste/Rempah, coconut milk is made daily for its freshness. Highly recommended and will most certainly return for more.

https://sg.style.yahoo.com/katong-laksa-george-george-solid-060048292.html

CnergyGasStation@DunmanRd with a wall-mural – must be the only one I know of where you can be served with coffee,beer,wine liquor…

All of Iraq’s oil fields are under U.S. control which is ironic considering all the gas stations here are run by Middle Easterners — Jay Leno

Sat: Quentin’sEurasianRestaurant – excellent RetuTintaChoka/BlackInkCalamariS$21 is a unique squid dish that stands apart from its Malay&Italian counterparts. Squid stewed in its own ink, Quentin’s version is made with chilli,garlic&onions to highlight the natural flavours of the squid. Unlike the Malay version which tends to be sweeter, spiced with lemongrass or chili. Or the Italian seppia al nero, rich&mellow with olive oil&wine which are also yummy.

DessertPlatter+Chendol
SugeeCake/almonds,butter,SemolinaFlour
Putugal/RiceCake w tapioca,coconut,banana,PandanEx;
Breudher/Dutch-influenced buttercake w fermented coconut-flower

TheEurasianAssociation has cancelled the open tender and extended the restaurant’s lease until 2027!  That said, the long-term future of Eurasian-cuisine is still uncertain, and continued support is more important than ever. This beautiful blue-and-white azulejos reminds me of the SãoBentoRailwayStation,Porto/Portugal but of course covering just a small of a wall instead of the all the walls from ceiling to floor.

Sun: appreciations with tkx to Theresa&CJ for scrumptions Sunday-Dinner@SoGood,Takashimaya/NgeeAnnCity. . https://sogood.sg/

WinterMelonSoup 冬瓜湯 long time ago since been served in a whole melon and this one done to perfection
Calamari lighty breaded and tender
RoastedChickenStuffed w GlutinousRice 糯米雞 excellent

Fish done in 2 different dishes – fresh enough for me to think about the days in Norway where fresh fish was the main diet.

Desserts – HKG PoloBun/PineappleBun 菠蘿包 despite the name does not contain pineapple but refers to the look of the characteristic topping which resembles the texture of a pineapple served with butter. RedDatesJelly紅棗果凍 RedBeansShavedIce 紅豆冰. Dinning with Theresa&CJ is always a delightful culinary experience.

Electricity tariffs have hit a record high here driven skyward by the MiddleEast conflict have pushed up the cost of producing electricity. For the Jul-Sep quarter, the household electricity tariff will rise by 17% adding ~S$17 a month to the average electricity bill for a 4room-HDB-flat. With this hot&humid weathers+with May for a work-visit, AC&washing machine on more than usual, looking forward to having her but not looking forward to higher power bills ahead – pix downloaded.

We believe that electricity exists, because the electric company keeps sending us bills for it, but we cannot figure out how it travels inside wires – Dave Barry

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/electricity-tariffs-fixed-price-plan-cna-explains-6227501

15 Jul 2026 – Power-Cleaning Art by Marcus Pang

Sun: woke late after a busy&overwhelming social week, did not see the burning of the paper offerings which probably happened last night but saw the cage set-up yesterday. Did not lose any sleep to learn that Norway lost to England 1-2. Oh well! you win some, you lose some and such is life and good that they made it that far. From cousinYatSoon/UK: looks like we will be on different sides in the football tonight! and my reply: HeiaNorge! but on the same sides where family&food are concerned – hahaha. To RY/HKG who will probably watch the soccer&tennis games – with such amazing screens+all kinds of systems there and what a view from his window, would probably not go out much if I had that – pix credits to RY

Mon: glad to see that someone is enjoying his lunch here on the ArtBench/Scienta=knowledge in latin@NationalLibrary, as long as he clears&cleans up his mess!

The only Chick-fil-A in SIN and my first visit today(opened Dec2025) – disappointed that they have not brought my favourite Chick-n-Strips on the menu, just had a ChocolateMilkShake. Will not be going there again until they bring in the Chick-n-Strips. USA family&friends have been asking if they are open 7days week here and today discovered that like in the USA, also closed on Sundays here.

Edited 2Aug2026: just discovered that the second Chick-fil-A opened in SIN 30Jul –

https://www.chick-fil-a.com.sg/press-room/chick-fil-a-millenia-walk-to-serve-singapore-july-30/

Tue: early Tue grocery@Giant done by put away by 07.00hrs.Enjoyed this Teochew movie@GV/SingPostCentre DearYou 給阿嬤的情書=A LoveLetter to GrandmaS$5 abit of a tear-jerker but feel-good flick about family&memories on decency,letter-writing,loyalty,misunderstanding – worth while the time despite only seats avaliable were in the 2nd-row from the screen and having to read subtitles! CoffeeMilkShake take-away treat from Swensen’s to reflect on it – wow 2Milkshades within 2days! Happy Bastille Day to those celebrating&marking the day. Read that that tourism is up 30-40% in Chaoshan,E-Guangdong/China where this movie was filmed.

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/i-am-still-malaysian-why-the-hit-film-dear-you-struck-a-chord-with-chinese-malaysians

People will now go to films with subtitles, you know. They’re not afraid of them. It’s one of the upsides of text-messaging and e-mail. Maybe the only good thing to come of it – Kristin Scott Thomas

Short stroll to Bus13-stop/SimsAve to discover this ParkConnector under the MRT-line where the MRT gets above ground. Welcome May and looking forward to having her work-visit here.

Happy Bday KeithW,one of my of Irish-friends from our Dublin-school-days and as he so eloquently(being Irish with a gift of the gab!) puts it – indeed we are not getting younger but heading towards 80s and not that we feel old but do get a shock at the mirror – hahaha! ThankU with appreciations for a most memorable stay 2021 Etourvy/France where we swam&drank champagne,driving around in the 2CV standing up on the seat singing,playing on a grandpiano in tasteful refurbished old farmhouse. Blessed to have visited now that it will be put on the market for sale – https://propriete-a-vendre-en-champagne-etourvy-chaource.fr/

but the memory stays and will never be on sale and most grateful for us crossing paths in this life-journey. https://amylamsg.com/2012/08/21/etourvy/

Wed: on MarineCresent by the postbox – interesting PowerCleaningArt by MarcusPang who told me that his message NeverGiveUp on the sidewalk in time for NationalDay will fade within 6months but let’s hope that HOPE never fades and also hope that this idea of clean art can also stay. Now see the original colour of the sidewalk underneath the layers of tear&worn over the years since 1975 – hahaha! Good job Marcus, carry on…

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/power-washer-flooded-with-support-business-inquiries-after-smrt-removes-artwork-near-mountbatten

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope — Martin Luther King Jr

11 Jul 2026 – Food Glorious Food

Wed&Thu: need to rest&recover after busy days with cultural exhibits,opera,etc+eating&walking. Time to reflect over how blessed we are to be able to be grateful experiencing & living a good peaceful life here despite of the hot&humid weathers! McD&OldChangKee debut CurryBurger+Fries collab for NationalDay from 9July. Will give it try for a bite if any of the younger gen are getting them but not sure about this combination?? Pix downloaded.

The most powerful social media… it is not the internet, it is not Facebook – it is food. This connects all human beings – Alex Atala

https://www.straitstimes.com/life/food/mcdonalds-and-old-chang-kee-debut-curry-burger-and-fries-collab-for-national-day-from-july-9

Enjoy food and good InternationalCuisines but taste is personal and seems that nearly everybody has their own favourites dishes,places,etc and still learning&tasting around to find my own favourite dish for the different foods, thus impossible for me to pin-point where is the best eatery as there are so many different dishes to suit our individual palates&moods. Here in SIN, we are blessed with endless eateries to try whenever&whatever is affordable within your lifestyle.

Food is not just fuel. Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well – Michael Pollan

After a new law is passed, those caught holding a smartphone while driving could get into trouble even if they were not using the phone. The tightening of laws is in response to its roads becoming less safe which is true but not sure if there are other ways to get ppl off their phones and to be more aware of their surroundings? Have observed that most ppl are on their phones even when walking on the sidewalks or sitting at bus&MRT-stops while waiting where some kind bus-drivers honk when passing by! Pix downloaded.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/jail-fine-those-caught-holding-042641981.html

Fri: appreciations with tkx to Gel for a delightful Oyster&Wine evening@FairPrice/PP and ppl must have caught on – remember just about having the place to ourselves when we were there when it started some years ago.

Sat: what a pleasant surprise to receive a message from CK that he is in the area – have not seen him for years and despite the stomach not at its best after last night’s feasting! wanted to catch up since he is in the hood. Had a cuppa while he had Bfast@MT-market/KwayTeowSoup and even has a thermo-backpack to take-away for his parents. What an amazing young man who takes good care of his parents who also sounds to be a lovely couple(my age)and its no wonder they have a son like him. Have always enjoyed his cycle trips on the StravaApp he shares on FB. https://www.strava.com/activities/19262143002/flyover

Tkx thanks to my amazing bro who made scrumptious BlackPepperCrabs+his SteakRochalie. Appreciations to Chris for driving me back to the EastSide. Here is to his latest gadget, an ElectricWineShaker+Built-inAeratorDecanter for ppl who has everything for wine – hahaha!

7 Jul 2026 – NParks and Gardens by the Bay/GBB

Tue: SGF(started in 2006)10th edition organised by NParks and Gardens by the Bay/GBB from 4-12Jul returns to GBB since 2018, previously held@Suntec&SBG. https://sgf.nparks.gov.sg/ Would usually do my best to attend, flowers being another F-word on the top of my favourite list and a treat to celebrate Norway’s win over Brazil.

Memories of helping to set up many of these festivals including the first one in 2006 when a group of us ~0300hrs had to walk down the circular carpark@Suntec staircase as the whole building was locked. Was so tired checking then into a new Hotel81 on MiddleRd for a shower+few hours of sleep before heading back to complete the setup! One of my all-time favourites where Flora Meets Fashion displayed then SGF 2010@Suntec. 

09.30hrs MRT-MT-sta-GBB diversion walk away from the river(constructions for F1) into the park – no worries when in no hurry and no crowds around this section.

With SeniorResDiscount S$7.20 entrance into the FlowerDome for the OrchidExtravaganza.

Dragon, peacock+many more motives.

Some of the prize-winners.

Still enjoying the permanent displays watching the rains running down the glass dome.

First Shake&ShackLowCarbBeefBurger (belated 4Jul treat since I did not get one then!) with a ChocolateShake for lunchS$19.20 and this rooster must be glad that it is not a ChickenBurger despite it not crossing the road – hahaha

Was not aware that it cost another S$7.20/Senior for entry to the SGF – first display when entering from near the SuperTreeGrove is the FloralMirrorMaze, there seems to be many entrances near the car-parks around the whole park.

Good job to the participating CommGroups for their QuantumFair3026.

Nice ideas at MyLivingSpace for condo or HDB-living – no intentions for any responsibilities to care for any other life than my own for now!

FloralDesigning: from SIN and from Korea’s winner.

ShowGardens: TokonomaGarden,BeneathThe Stars,BetweenThe Lines.

FloraWindows: Germany/GrandChampion.

Very pleasant on this hot day thru’ the FloralVotex in the mist.

Ending at these MotionSensorInstallations which are probably pretty at night when the lights are on – exiting towards the Meadow-Carpark/BaySouth.

Thanks for this 2026SGF and grateful to get off the concrete paths to peaceful quiet boardwalks to myself where these fatigued but HappyFeet likes to be on.

PlantersMarket: not too bad a crowd but did not meet any old familiar faces@OSSEA.

MRT-Bayfront-sta–NichollHighway–bus196. Been a long while ago since being on the feet on the go for ~6hrs, no complains when there is still energy,interest&mood to be out galavanting!

We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses – Abraham Lincoln

Back to the old faithful CanonCamera – old iPhone from May which has battery issue and when taking more than 5pix wearing the battery down giving a black&blank screen! Lost the newer version from Clement in Penang and now tkx to him always a battery charger with me just for phone calls&messages! Grateful to have these younger Gen to help out with High-Tech…