27 Jul 2015 – MPCC
Sat: jetlag has its advantage that the speed for uploading images online is less than a blink of the eye 🙂

An early grocery shopping and breakfast morning at the wet market and done before 0630hrs. Been awhile since I bought fresh and was quite taken in that this tiny local ‘plaice’ cost S$10! Large bag of chicken bones for stock is more reasonable, S$2.

10eggs, 1 large Taiwan mango+all these fresh produce for S$15 and all good and fresh. Calamansi, LemonGrass and Pandan leafs (the tall pointy ones) are good for flavoring food and drinking water. The leafs give nice aroma and decoration in the kitchen + keeping the roaches away!

Was too tired to cook after washing all the produce. Good nap before heading into town. Only in SIN will you find such charm and hospitality – the preparations of a Malay wedding at the common area in a public housing estate. Was just taking pix as I passed by and was invited to the celebrations…

Dropped by MtE as Ivy’s mom fell and was hospitalized. Lawrence is in town. Tkx to Les&Ivy for dinner at Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House at Heeren*****where the food is top quality and the whiskey is good.

This is my first experience at the Heeren after it has been revamped. The bus from town took over an hour with diversions, being Sat night and the NDP rehearsals! Crashed on the sofa and fell asleep…

Sun: at MPCC, designed by a family friend William Lim. Was there to collect the ‘SG50 fun package.’ Have not been to the top floor since the opening, where the basket ball court is located. Can even see block 45 Marine Crescent from there! Quite a fascinating banana-leafs concept shaped roof. Wonder if the rains get in or if the sun-rays will distract when shooting baskets?? Must get up there again when it rains to check it out.

Was there for the opening when it was officially opened by Goh Chok Tong on 28May 2000.

Like the bag for SG50 with the map of SIN on the other side. Tkx for all the stuff in the bag.

The old standing fan has seen its days and had to get a new square one – S$23 at Giant in Parkway Parade. Wish I could remember how much I paid for the old one to just compare prices from then and now! Appreciations for keeping me cool for nearly a decade!

Too tired to attend any wedding but do enjoy the sound of the drums as I drifted into LaLa Land 🙂 🙂

Mon: a fabulous week ahead to all.

25 Jul 2015 – For Those Who Are Well-Equipped

Thu: to be back in SIN is also to be back in ‘Food Paradise’ where the food choices are endless and yummy! Looks like SIN national dish is the ‘Chilli Crab’

Only in SIN and less than 5mins walk from the apt, can I get a decent meal for S$3+

An educational and interesting evening at CC has convinced me that serious-professional photography is for those who are well-equipped + the accessories and gadgets to go with this hobby. But this is not going to stop me to enjoy my pix with my idiot-proof camera 🙂

PixCredits Athena/SIN

If I had to carry around all these, the joy of taking pix will be gone from me. A caddy or porter will be hired if I ever go on one of those photography trips, lol. But it does not mean that I do not appreciate the art of good photography, Here are some good ones from FB friends and tkx to them for sharing –

PixCredits Francisco/USA

PixCredits Kim/Australia

PixCredits Martin/HKG

Thank you to Richard, ‘Tourism Western Australia’ and to those in CC who made this a fun and informative event.

Appreciations to Calvin for all the booze and to Chris for the yummy fried-rice. Very considerate of him to guess that I was in NO mood for ‘Délifrance’ With a beer named like that in the green bottle, then nothing can go wrong for the night 🙂 🙂

Fri: a good weekend to all from a zombie in SIN who will be trying to get out of the zombie stage this weekend 🙂 🙂 🙂

‘One Picture is Worth a Thousand Words’ when the pix is a good, sharp composition taken in perfect lights. I like it best when I can feel and relate to the pix too! Two good quotes regarding this context, so just enjoy the memories and moments…

23 Jul 2015 – Are In The Air & Everywhere

Mon: CAE-ATL 35mins with 1hr+layover in ATL and my first experience at this new F gates. ATL-NRT 13hrs+ with 2hrs+layover at NRT. NRT-SIN 6hrs+arriving into SIN 23.30. Only in SIN is one welcomed with food themes!!!

Tue: after immigration at T1 is this giant chilli crab before your checked baggage even gets on the belt! T2 giant durian at the departure hall. Welcome to SIN, the Eating Haven of the World. Downloaded from some site, this plane in a hangar is getting ready to show its colours…

Wed: in zombie mode, but had to make a trip to ParkwayParade to ensure that the mobile is back to SIN SIMcard with M1. The local ‘Giant‘ grocery there has undergone a complete revamp to be a better store, and it is taking this zombie all morning to find the stuff…

Thu: the advantage of jetlag is that I am done with breakfast 0600hrs at my favourite ‘congee’ stall by the wet market. A stroll in the neighbourhood to admire the colourful decoration, especially the dressed-up HDB block. Hope to collect enough from different areas to make an interesting SG50 posting.

New containers for the offerings people burn. The old containers were rusty and worn out, but still do not agree with all these burning causing pollution. Disagree also with prayers broadcasting outside places of worship on loud speakers. No disrespect to any religion or race, but why can’t people just worship quietly within without polluting or disturbing others??

My neighbour and I are still keeping the common corridor clean and neat on our side, but unfortunately must turn a blind eye to the stairway and other side. Too tired to deal with it now but will write or talk to the people who can do something about this. Why make a rule when it is not enforced????

Ignorance and inconsideration are no excuses and certainly no way to live with a pop of over 5.4mil in an area of 718.3 km². Have only been back for 2 days and already sounding like a true SIN 🙂 Blame it on jetlag 🙂 🙂

PixCredits Richard Koh/SIN

Need to nap if I am to attend the slide show at CC tonight! ‘Shooting Home alumnus and instructor Richard Koh is conducting a travel photography talk sponsored by Tourism Western Australia’

Happy 4 Birthday to #5 James and also happy bday to Lucas. SIN is 12hrs ahead, so not quite James bday yet in the US but for grand nephew Lucas it is his day.

Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things – Winston Churchill

20 Jul 2015 – So Long To The Fabulous 5

Fri: what a lovely surprise with a visit from Scott (#1’s godfather) who was on his way to meet his family. Have been many years since we crossed paths. Today he is a father of 3boys, a PhD in Agriculture and still looking like the kid I first met at Linn’s first Bday party in FL at the skating ring 🙂

The family headed to Sugar Mts for the weekend while I stay put to pack and rest before the flight back to SIN.

Sat: life is full of surprises, These just arrived! Thank you Karen/Miss Wiggy for her thoughtfulness. Can now have my personal unbreakable traveling wine goblet. Must get it engraved someday.

Exciting places to renew in reading and more adventures (to hike the Camino) to explore in the mind! The mind is willing but the body says otherwise 🙂 🙂 New chocolate to try.

Strange to be in a quiet house without the family. Should be used to it considering that I live alone, but this is different from being in a studio-apt!

Things and clothes left here for the next round!! Rained a little in the evening, power intact but was later told by Linn that the neighbouring Lexington county where 1,800 homes lost power.

Sun: Happy 18th Anniversary to L&J who are celebrating with their family at Sugar Mts/NC.

Tkx to Jeff for dinner at Top China Buffet***Linn had a date with her running buddies.

Until we meet again, thank you for everything. 

Mon: while waiting for Linn to complete her morning run, here at a Dunkin Donuts/Devine St which opens at 0500hrs! Better here in the AC with a cup of coffee than waiting in the car!!

Good omelet with Linn at Eggs Up Grill/Devine St***before heading to the airport. Appreciate the ride, tkx Linn. Strange, took this pix at the car-park at Earth Fare while waiting and then saw the same person on the way to the airport. So long the US of A…

And so it is that time again with 20+hrs flying time and 4+hrs airport layovers CAE-ATL-NRT-SIN.

I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time – Cavin & Hobbes/Bill Watterson

17 Jul 2015 – With His Dog

Congratulations to Scott for running the record time on the AT where good memories are within. There are some points from the Baxter State Park which justify this link. To all my AT fellow hikers, take a few minutes to read this…

https://www.facebook.com/baxterstatepark?pnref=story

Tue: Berry Hill Farm located on Bluefield Rd in Lexington Co/SC has provided people with self-pick blueberries for 30+yrs. Good picking with Linn and helpful hands who were rewarded with dinner with Jeff who met us after his work.

Chick-fil-A, one of my favourite fast food chains. Beautiful sky at the blueberry patch!

Wed: a wonderful day with #1 – #4. From Minions*** to HuHot*** in this hot weather  and after that, had to have a nap 🙂

The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Minions begins at the dawn of time evolving thru’ the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters-from T-Rex to Napoleon and finding themselves without someone to serve, they fall into a deep depression…

Thu: while the family is on the lake with the Bennetts, here I am dreading the most dreaded to do! The shopping is done and now to figure how to get stuff into one suitcase and one backpack! No I refuse to buy a bigger suitcase than what I already have…

Tkx #1 for the pix of a boy, #5 and his 3 top priorities – thumb, laptop and dog. Some random pix downloaded to humour me 🙂 🙂

Fri: TGIF. Happy Bday Nancy in Clarksville/TN. To all my Muslim friends, Happy Eid Al-Fitr/عيد الفط

Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures –  Cesar Chavez

15 Jul 2015 – The Confederate Flag

Thank you to Jan & Al for putting me up in their beautiful homes in Orlando and Ormond By The Sea. Appreciations to those who took time to meet. Jade Plant with a couple of leafs was given to me by Alonzo (Jan’s father) when I first moved to FL in the late 1980s. Gave it to Jan when I left FL in the late 1990s and today it is still thriving and growing.

Thank you Alonza for another gift, but this one will not grow!

Mon: arrived bright and early 0515hrs in the CAE Amtrak Station. Thought someone left me a car 🙂

Took some time to take a bunch of pix while waiting for Linn to finish her run before picking up a zombie!

This happened in my absence from CAE/SC. Am told that there will be groups from both sides of the black and white supremacy from NC to demonstrate here this weekend. Wonder why these people in NC will be here to cause trouble when the people here in SC do not even make such a big deal out of it???

Hope that the storms will move in that day!
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/11/opinions/sellers-confederate-flag/index.html

Appreciations to Barbara & Justin for taking time to share a meal at Gervais and Vine Mediterranean Wine and Tapas Bar and Restaurant***Enjoyable evening in great company.

Tue: Happy Bastille Day to all celebrating today especially to Jean-Baptiste, Marianne & Happy Birthday to Keith, who will have all the flags flying and fireworks for him, ie if they are in their home in France! Salutations pour st jour de bastille!

Still feeling like a zombie after the travels and disrupted sleep. According to an informal definition of a zombie…

A person whose behavior or responses are wooden, listless, or seemingly rote; automaton or an eccentric or peculiar person.

Word Origin and History for zom-bie

1871, of West African origin (cf. Kikongo zumbi ‘fetish;’ Kimbundu nzambi ‘god’), originally the name of a snake god, later with meaning ‘reanimated corpse’ in voodoo cult. But perhaps also from Louisiana creole word meaning ‘phantom, ghost,’ from Spanish sombra ‘shade, ghost.’ Sense ‘slow-witted person’ is recorded from 1936.

Hmmm, considering that the origin is the name of a snake god and knowing my thoughts on snakes, is it time to stop using that term???

14 Jul 2015 – Way To Tasty Healthy Living

Mon: no there is no payment involved for this posting but healthy living is something I believe and support.

‘If you don’t take care of your body, where are you going to live?’

There are many sites you can visit to read about the benefits of all these natural juice, so take your pick and try the combinations on the menu below until you find the taste to your palate.

Congratulations to Amanda & Jed for their new venture into a business that will benefit your health and lifestyle, thus a win win for all. Best of luck to their present branch at Winter Park and another new branch in College Park.

Highly recommended to try any of these juices with all the natural and organic ingredients for healthy living. Appreciations to Amanda & Jed for the privilege of sampling them all.

Personal favourite is the #3, beets and ginger. Also tried some of the other juices in Popsicle and they are refreshingly delicious and perfect for the weather in FL.

Like their choice for location, the charming entrance to the Park Plaza Hotel***** on Park Avenue in WPK. For those are fortunate to have their memory intact, it used to be a candy store there! Was at this hotel many moons ago and one of my favourites in FL. Built in 1922, this small boutique hotel has carefully preserved the simple elegance and serves as one of its most gracious landmarks.

If you are in the WPK neighbourhood, do stop by and ask for a sample to find your choice of juice and you will not regret it when you make this your daily morning juice.

13 Jul 2015 – From LHHS Days

Thu: such a small world, Jan and Jackie have grandchildren attending the same pre-school! Great to catch up with Janice, Cee, Jackie and Judy, ladies from our days volunteering in the schools. Much to catch up…

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant***combines an upscale casual restaurant, a working winery, and tasting room with specialty food and gift items. Good burger – wine OK.

Heading towards Ormond Beach after a short visit at Alonzo and Marlene. Drove by familiar streets and neighbourhoods. Carmel By the Lake looks the same. Pix taken from the car are not the best shots…

Thank you to Jan & Al for dinner at High Tides@Snack Jack***on Flagler Beach – tasty crab-cakes.

Miles and miles of beach with the endless Atlantic Ocean.

Fri: grocery shopping at Publix and cooked for the afternoon in this cozy beach house.

Picture perfect at Ormond By The Sea by the A1A.

Sat: tkx Vanessa & Benny for meeting up and for lunch at Lagerheads Bar & Grill***Good fresh ‘Peel & Eat Shrimp’. Pleasure to meet you both and appreciate the drive and the chat.

A walk with Jan to the inter coastal waters for the sunset.

Sun: tkx Jan for the drive around the loop.

Back to Winter Pk to catch the train at the new Amtrak Station. Brian, the station master is from UK and the only Amtrak and bus station which I have understood a full announcement!

The garden and park is still as beautiful and seems like the peacock is the new mascot there!

Winter Park was my favourite area when I lived in FL and a stroll thru’ Park Ave convinced me that it is still my favourite area here in central FL. Glad to see that both The Park Plaza***** a hotel with charm and personality and Timothy’s Gallery are still around, Both L&M worked on Park Avenue hosting and serving in this no longer existing restaurant, La Venezia. Also there was a Gap that May had part-time job there. Today many new eateries and shops.

In fond memories of Ann Gerken as I pass the Morse Museum. She has taught and shown me much of what I know about Southern Living & Hospitality. Thank you for crossing my path as a neighbour and a good friend. May she RIP.

9 Jul 2015 – Hello Orlando
Mon: cab from Clearwater to the Amtrak downtown Columbia US$34 with a senior discount. Train was delayed into thee station due to a long cargo train which had the right of way.

Bitten by mosquitoes (6bites!) while waiting on the platform. Must remember to bring the repellent if I have to be in this station again!

Too tired and dark on the last wagon to see what stations we passed by until I saw some water tower with SC around 0600hrs. Must have been really delayed since we were still in SC.

Savannah/GA a quick stop to let off and pick up passengers. Had a cup of coffee and a breakfast biscuit at the cafe wagon and was pleasantly surprised to find this package of snack and water on my seat upon returning.

Jacksonville/FL was a longer stop to with more passengers getting on and off, refueling and a change of crew.

After 2 more quick stops, finally rolled into into Winter Park with nearly 4hrs delay. Not easy to take pix on the fast moving train with not so clean windows! Thank you Jan for your understanding a patience.

Great to catch up with her in their lovely home while the afternoon storms (felt more like a mini hurricane) opened up the sky.

Tue: nice to see Al back from their Ormond Beach house. Made dinner for these wonderful people and a privilege to be able to do so, especially for Alonzo and Marlene and are now in their late 80s.

Wed: good to catch up with Gayle. Nice place at Rus Teak***with ‘pencil art’. Good burger and the mussels were OK.

Doggy-bag the rest for dinner together with the rest of last night’s dinner

Picked up Colt (Jackie’s youngest while his two older siblings are with their paternal grandparents out West for 3 weeks) from day-care and got to visit with Amanda & family in their delightful home.

Liam and Lily are same ages as #4, #5 & #6. Tree-house in the back yard is just the perfect size for me. Could live there if there was an AC installed 🙂 Thank you Jed for bringing home all the juices from their new business for us to sample. Grounding Roots****will need a whole posting for me to do a write-up.

If you don’t take care of your body, where are you going to live – from sources unknown

5 Jul 2015 – 4 Mile Race

Fri: lunched with Linn and Debbie downtown at Le Peep Cafe***good burgers. Many places were closed on this 4th Jul weekend.

Passed by the SC State House with the demonstrators for the Confederate flag issue. This is as far as many demonstrators go here in CAE/SC 🙂 Some people have too much time to get technical about a flag!

A pleasant ‘Family Neighbourhood Social’ on this lovely evening. Appreciations to the Clearview home owners’ association for setting this up.

The dock is now repaired and newly painted. A good time was enjoyed by all under interesting clouds with a peep of the rainbow.

Sat: bright and early at the ‘Born in the USA 4Mile Race’. Neither Linn or May are born in the USA! But they spent most of their schooling years here. Jeff and the grandchildren (except for #3) are born in the USA. Congratulations to Linn for placing (27.16). Way to go to #2 and Jessica. Good job to everyone who took part in this.

Waiting for the last runner and what a touching sight of a grandfather running with his toddle grandson. Made my day.

On the highway after the race – #2 was not happy when we suggested that someone is going to have BBQ pork for this 4th 🙂 Happy 4th!

Thank you to Haley & Brian for sharing where the fireworks are best viewed from. #3 and Wil enjoying their swim before the fireworks. Blessed with good neighbours and even got to see Jupiter and Venus before they start to drift apart. Only one decent shot after the sunset. Appreciations to Linn & family for a beautiful evening on the lake.

3 above pix to various sites.

Congratulations to SIN for its 1st World Heritage Site, my favourite garden there. Bringing back fond memories of the best SIN Orchid Festival in 2003 I helped to set up there (ie personal rating)..

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore

Sun: getting ready for another adventure – catching the Amtrak to Winter Park/FL. Random pix of downtown CAE around the area not too far from the station…

2 above pix credits to various sites.

Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white – Mark Jenkins