16 Feb 2015 – Thru’ My Book & Blog

Wed:  a glint blazing thru’ such a memorable hike is tempting me to be on parts the trail again. Hope to be able to fit that in sometime in May-Jun…

https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/09/virginia/
https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/11/west-virginia/
https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/13/maryland/

https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/14/pennsylvania/
https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/15/new-jersey/
https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/18/new-york/

https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/19/connecticut/
https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/20/massachusetts/
https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/23/vermont/

Thu: visiting Chris at Marmot/Novena.

https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/25/new-hampshire/
https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/28/maine/
https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/29/maine-2/

App 3,500k, 5mill steps, 127days, 14 US states = One AT Thru’Hike 🙂

Fri: early appointment at NDC. Later at Changi Airport T2 to meet Lawrence arriving from KCH. Had lunch with him at the airport before heading to Les&Ivy.

Sat: Happy Valentine’s Day, a card for Linn&May and one for me 🙂 🙂 Did NOT wish and want to be out in the crowds and traffic on this day, also the last weekend of shopping for the CNY. Got a message from Ivy telling me that the crowds and traffic are horrendous. Just stayed indoors and relax chatting with family and friends on Skype. Nice to catch up.

Sun: Happy Birthday to god-daughter Guri in Norway and condolences to the Stenseth family for the passing of Anne Stenseth Sr. May she RIP.

Tkx May & Irene for sharing this interesting link. My comments –

Many of the mainland Chinese here and HKG too are not well received for good reasons, not because of race. I considered myself Chinese of race but Singaporean by birth and multicultural in thoughts.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/13/opinion/tash-aw-being-chinese-in-singapore.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share

Brought Malay breakfast over to Les&Ivy for their Korean guests, Mr&Mrs Kim and their lovely daughter HaeKyung. Nasi Lemak is familiar to most of us local but this savory snack Kui Bakar Berlauk is new to me, quite good, all that from the local Marine Terrace stall***

Tkx to nieces Judy&Daisy, nephews Vince&Clem and grand-nephews Stanley, Andrew and Darryl from bro Steven’s branch for including me to their reunion at Tiong Bahru Por Kee Eating House***Such a coincidence that 10&16aunts, 17uncle, cousins ChengChwab&Amy, Wilkie&Pattie/visitingfrom HI/USA, Sara, Wilson and Jason were also there.

Tkx to cousin Wilki for delicious durian treat in Chinatown. If the eating continues at this rate, it will be difficult for the heart to keep beating and pumping blood and I will only have myself to blame…

To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward – Margaret Fairless Barber, The Roadmender

10 Feb 2015 – Please Do Not Ever Flare Up Again!

Mon: yeah, the 3 different antibiotics taken last month killed off those H-pylori and hopefully will not be bothered by them again! Coincidently H-pylori was identified by Australian scientists Barry Marshall/1982 who is a good friend of PP&Ian in Perth.

In 1994, the National Institutes of Health (USA) published an opinion stating most recurrent duodenal and gastric ulcers were caused by H-pylori, and recommended antibiotics be included in the treatment regimen.

Info and pix from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori

Another weekend goes by and it was not good timing to video Skype with the grandchildren in USA but at least got to see Olai who was getting ready to watch Dora the Explorer. Look forward to the weekends when I get to see them on my screen.

When tests need to be done at Mt E, have to fast from mid-night until the tests are done, usually between 1000 – 1100hrs the next day. Mornings before 1100hrs are the few times I would set foot in Lucky Plaza Asian Food Mall. This place is usually crowded and on the weekends it is packed with Filipino domestic helpers! Also one of the few places one can find authentic Filipino food!

Plaza SIN deco for the CNY are in full everlasting bloom!

Have always wanted to try the Fruit Paradise****cakes and finally today bought a piece of the cake S$8 with an additional cost of .50c to go. It taste as good as it looks.

Still Alice****Alice, happily married with 3 grown children, is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a devastating diagnosis, Alice and her family find their bonds tested. Julianne Moore’s performances are usually good and this is no exception.

This movie hit a raw nerve, especially the scene when she prepares how the exit when her mind was still more or less in tact. As one gets up in age, more reason to document and update a blog with pix to help with the memory…

Tue: movies seen online the past few days and like Alice, these will soon be forgotten!

2005 AT memories (now this will not be forgotten as long as dementia stays away!) staring with the month of May from GA, NC & TN. Looking forward to planning a short hiking trip on the AT in the time frame between 15May-15Jun to meet up with fellow-hikers HiHills, MoFo, Pokey, Wiggs and whoever who wish to join. MoFo & Pokey will be celebrating their 20th reunion thru’ hike while Wiggs and I , our 10th. Only short mileage days so that Trail Angel can play the part this time round!

AT revisit thru’ the 14 states

https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/05/georgia/

https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/06/north-carolina/

https://amylamsg.com/2008/02/08/tennessee/

9 Feb 2015 – Negative Predictions In Every Way & All The Way 🙁

Wed: not liking what is in the 2015 Chinese Zodiac for the sign of the Ox. Bad enough that the Chinese consider that the goat and sheep is the same animal and if it proves to be correct I am in for a bad bad year – as if it was not rough enough for the year of the Horse! Jada time will show but no harm to tie loose ends 🙂

Thu: a visit to the local Polyclinics and was not that bad. There at 0800hrs and out by 1000hrs. Thought that the billing was incorrect but to my surprise that was not the case – consultation + 1 month supply of 3 different medications S$12.40.

Visited and lunched with Ivy, brought them the family’s favourite ‘paus’. Watched Wild****Driven to the edge by the loss of her beloved mother, the dissolution of her marriage and a headlong dive into self-destructive behaviour, Cheryl  makes a decision to halt her downward spiral and put her life back together again. With no outdoors experience, a heavy backpack and little else to go on but her own will, Cheryl sets out alone to hike the PCT –  one of USA longest and toughest through-trails.

Inspired to hike sections of the AT again. 10yrs ago thru-hiked the AT/USA (3,500k), MacLehose/HKG (2012/100k), C2C/UK (2013/309k). Only section hikes for now…

Fri: unusual cloud formations on the way to Chinese class. It will be another 3weeks before the next class. Colourful Chinatown with quite a crowd. Bought tangerines from China are sweet and good for the CNY. Bought 2 packages at S$4pp, not sure if I will dare venture into Chinatown the next few weeks. Nowadays one gets such sweet strawberries from Korea and now these tangerines from China. Should not eat too much of these ‘engineered food’ not knowing what has been added…

Fun to venture in my own neighbourhood/East Coast Rd to check out the area and discover eateries. Mexican restaurant Margarita’s***with Ting, CH & Henry for a pre–CNY dinner. There is something lacking in the salsa but just unable to pin point what it is?? Tkx for good company and food.

Quite a trendy area with many eateries which will be on my list. Like the way how The Peranakan Hotel conceals their AC compressors outside the building and their colourful alfresco sitting area. All these just 5mins walk from my place where we returned for cheese and wine.

Sat: shopped and dined at Liang Ct. Appreciations to Clem for Circle Mirror***with Pangdemonium performance of a play by Annie Baker. Centered on drama classes at a community centre in Vermont/USA about five wannabe actors.

Has been an Adrian Pang fan since the movie Forever Fever****It has been a while since the last DBS Arts Centre performance.

Changing colours at OC – like SIN never-ending constructions and re-constructions! The former Dubliner Irish pub is now barricaded but the bus-stop in front of it is still there. Whatever it is going to be, just hope that the old building stays as it is the only one of the old colonial charm on this road…

Sun: tkx for visit Carmel. A week ahead with cleaning which desperately needs it, especially the windows and the curtains. Spring cleaning before the CNY can hopefully reverse the non-favourable predictions for 2015… 🙂 🙂

Who needs astrology?  The wise man gets by on fortune cookies – Edward Abbey 🙂 🙂 🙂

4 Feb 2015 – In A Never-Ending Mode Of Learning!

Sun: at SIN Casket and Mandai Crematorium to bid farewell to KimLeong. Was there not long ago for another wake. At this stage of life will be saying more farewells…

Mon: not in the mood to be out anywhere or with anyone. The fact that 5 people I knew passed on since 14Jan in addition to the wet weather made it a day to stay indoors to eat, sleep and staying online. Will probably not remember any of these movies.

Three clever and creative logos: if you hadn’t noticed, there are two T’s partying over a bowl of salsa. The pink part in the “BR” stands for 31; which is how many flavours they’re known for having. Camera/place setting, nice.

Tue: enjoying these breezy days with no need for AC sewing and listening to music. Getting the CNY outfit ready is taking its toll on the eyes with threading of needle 🙂 Pix credits to ST & CHAN ChunSing of the crowds for the CNY light up on Sat night. Looking forward to seeing the lights.

http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/more-10000-devotees-take-part-thaipusam-20150203

Happy Thaipusam to those celebrating and to those who are not, just enjoy the diversities of all these fascinating celebrations. Thaipusam pix credits to ONG WeeJin of ST.

Some recommended interesting reads online –

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150202132611.htm

Tkx Linda for the share of this site. That explains why I listen and hear so well… hahaha! Have been at the piano for six decades and still at it; the cello  is history, now exchanged for a ukulele. Downgrading in size – lol.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/02/iceland-temple-norse-gods-1000-years

Tkx to Jules for this bit of interesting news. Re-reading some of these books and most interesting to realize how religion was to me when in my 20s, 30s, 40s 50s and now 60s. Having lived amongst these Nordic environment for over a decade, do have a slight idea about Norse Mythology and the Vikings! Good company for  Allah, Buddha, God, deities, etc. As the saying goes, ‘the more the merrier’ 🙂 🙂 🙂

http://www.ozy.com/flashback/5-evil-people-whose-past-may-surprise-you/30868

An interesting read where one sentence –  ‘A nascent megalomaniac may wear many hats before donning the service cap and shades of a despot’ got me looking up the dictionary 3times!!! But that one powerful sentence describes some people who many are not aware of 🙁

Wed: Happy Bday to bro Lawrence, wow it has been a year ago we were in KCH/Sarawak celebrating his 80th???

2 Feb – Happy Bdays Cathrine & Garry

4 Feb – Happy Bdays Lawrence & Kurt

14 Feb – ♥ ♥ ♥ Happy Valentine’s Day ♥ ♥ ♥

15 Feb – Happy Bday Guri

16 Feb – Happy Bday Mike/AT Trail name LOON

18 Feb – Happy Bday Henry

19 Feb – Gong Xi Fatt Cai and Happy 2015 Year of the Goat/Sheep

20 Feb – Happy Bday YatSoon

24 Feb – Happy Bdays Bjørn and Calvin

31 Jan 2015 – Goodbye Jan

Wed: strolling around the Tyrwhitt Road to the General Store searching this book for KK. Success and took some time to explore this area.

The new Coffee Up***the former Chye Seng Huat Hardware has interesting trees and hopefully they will survive in these pots here in the tropics.

These roof tops are all within 5mins walk from each other. Hopefully SIN will keep learning from the diversity of these different cultures and religions.

Lavender St is another interesting area to walk about when not too hot! It is quite amazing to see the contrast of the old and new in the backgrounds. There is even a 24hrs Michelin Star Dim Sum joint Tim Ho Wan at Aperia Lavender.

Lunch at Paragon’s So Phở, So Good**and trying to understand why this place and NamNam**are so popular, always with long lines during lunch hours? No second visits to these locations on my side. Sorry to hear of KimLeong passing yesterday. May he RIP. Condolences his family.

Met up with Clem for a picnic dinner on the roof top of the Esplanade. Nice to have a quiet and cool area.

Thu: nice to have cousin (from paternal grandmother’s branch – CHAN) Karen for a 3hrs lunch. Thank you for wonderful company and lovely Japanese goodies. We seldom get to chat during the CNY visit. Glad to know her better and to have her cross this life’s journey.

Fri: good to be back at Chinese classes which I enjoy. Had a bite before class. Our Chinese teacher makes the lesson interesting and easy to remember these characters, eg

ren 人 = person – looks something a body with 2 feet. da 大 = big –  a person with outstretched arms. tian 天 = sky – adding a roof on top of a big person becomes the sky.

In this way, will certainly always remember these characters.

After class, walked around Chinatown to soak in the pre CNY ambience before the crowds. Light up for the CNY is tomorrow, Sat night and I will stay far far away from here…

Dropped by to CC to say hi to people but both Calvin and Sam are in China. Was too tired to stay in town and headed back by bus, only to fall asleep and miss my stop. Decided to take a snooze back in the apt before heading into town again, which was a wise decision.

Has been a very long time since I have had such a good laugh, tkx to Clem HOSSAN-AH! Safe and Secure in His LEONG Arms*****at the Drama Centre Theatre. Hossan LEONG is a very talented local actor and comedian who has never failed to crack me up. Non-SIN might get lost in translation with him!

Thank you May for supper at Raffles City Marché**Hossan, Clem, Garfield! and May made my day! Still in search of a good smoked duck pizza after tasting David’s/Food For Thought where he was first located.

Sat: did not plan to go into town, but Clem is so considerate and sweet to get an iPhone for me, Unfortunately my budget plan does not include a data plan and unable to load many of the Apps. So remaining back in the dark ages for hp… lol. Tkx Clem for trying! Picnic lunch at the Esplanade amphitheater under a roof in a cool breeze with a Merlion view! Just happy being away from the maddening crowd in the sun.

Need to get a goodnight sleep so that there is enough energy to attend a funeral tomorrow morning

Perhaps in time the so-called Dark Ages will be thought of as including our own – Lichtenberg

27 Jan 2015 – ICA/Another Acronym!

Sat: rest rest rest and what a wonderful day to do nothing besides having one unit for the AC re-serviced.

Sun: bought this origami book at the Bras Basar used book store. Have been meaning to get one for many years and now that I have it, unable to locate my origami paper – typical, but no worries they will turn up when I am looking for something else 🙂

Thank you to Clem and his family for lunch at Grand Asia****The last time in this venue must have been nearly 10yrs ago for 4th aunt’s Bday celebrations, that was my first taste of salted eggs crab and it was delicious. Today there for dimsum. The purple generation is growing up too fast for me to even remember Stanley, Darryl&Andrew’s age. But what can I expect when I need Linn&May to remind me of my own 6 grandchildren’s age 🙂 🙂

Tea and dessert at Food for Thought***it has also been while since the last visit here. When David, the owner opened his first location at North Bridge Rd/opp the National Library was where he made the best duck pizza. That location has since closed and now they are located here, the National Museum and SBG. I do miss his duck pizza.

Interesting art décor outside SAM at 8Q=Singapore Art Museum at 8 Queen St, just looking at a long name, one can perhaps understand why we used acronyms here in SIN.

I, for one am probably the biggest culprit to using acronyms! So if any of my overseas families or friends get slightly lost in translation, plx do not hesitate to ask.

More interesting décor around the corner of St Joseph’s Church/Victoria St.

Sun dinner, the best mussels tkx to Les&Ivy. Isebella/SunSun, a sweet 7yrs was fun to chat with and surprisingly she likes the mussels too. She was telling me what Pri 1 is like nowadays. Les home-cooked mussels is soooo gooood and believe me, I have tasted, digested tons of mussels around the world and his is the best so far, the next is probably those in Iceland!

Mon: made an appointment online some weeks ago to collect my re-new passport at 1000hrs, Was there 0945 to get a Q# which blinked on the board on the dot of 1000. Am impressed. 5yrs ago, it was the same and did not even have to wait then as I was there 0800.

Watched White Bird in a Blizzard***a 2014 French-American drama thriller of a teenage girl, Kat Connor whose mother goes missing when Kat was 17, causing her life to turn into chaos. It is based on a novel of the same name by Laura Kasischke. interesting twist to the ending – anyone going into any of the Lido cinemas at Orchard Shaw Centre remember to bring a jacket or something to keep warm. The ACs there are really powerful!

Shopped and had dinner with Clem at IKEA as I needed to pick up some food there. Decided to buy a couple of plastic hanging containers to hang my herbs above the kitchen sink and these slightly new designed colourful plastic cups, bowls, plates and cutlery. There are 6 different colours and good for the 6 grandchildren! Also for outdoors, the disposable ones are too flimsy!

http://edition.cnn.com/videos/us/2015/01/25/newday-northeast-winter-weather.cnn

To all who are affected by this severe storm not only in the NE but also the South of USA, please stay safe, indoors and warm,

Tue: breakfast at Ah Seng Bak Kut Teh***Pork Ribs Soup on N Bridge Rd. S$6 is on the steep side for a bowl of soup but it tasted decent. Chunks of garlic are in tact in the skin, but when the skin was removed, it was the perfect consistency for this particular dish. Doubt if any vampires will dare to approach me today 🙂 🙂 🙂

Continued to the National Library and was so excited to find a map on display with #5 Temenggong Rd on it. Made my day and gave back some inspiration to continue with the family tree. Need to find a better way to download this map, but for the time being content to be able to take pix and see them thru’ the display glass box.

Always something new and interesting to see and learn at the library. 16Jan – 19Jul: Geo Graphic celebrating maps and their stories. When you know how to read maps and providing that they are correct, you can never get too lost…

This is the reason why I was in town today – World Press Photo 14 at the Raffles Hotel and the last day will be this Sun. Today is the last opportunity for me, and yes the pix are amazingly impressive but also depressing. Why does the majority winning pix have to be such? Anyway, took pix of the ones I like best and the poster is one of them. A must see for all photographers!

While waiting for the bus by Raffles Hotel – thoughts of Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling were in the mind as both were in this location with their writings.

I am not yet too old to learn – Maugham

A woman’s guess is much more accurate than a man’s certainly – Kipling

24 Jan 2015 – But What If I Received Old Blood???

Thu: Happy Happy 13th Bday to Katy my first grandchild. Cannot believe that she is now a teenager. Seems like yesterday that I visited them in OK/USA Jan 2002 when and where she was born and Gator was only a puppy. Then her baptism Dec 2002 when the condo in FL/USA was packed to be rented out. HI/USA for Thanksgiving 2003 visiting cousins. Now this is old when one has a teenage grandchild 🙂

Into the Woods***the musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales such as ‘Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Cinderella’, and follows them to explore the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. These plots are tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, and their interaction with a Witch and her curse on them.

Birdman****an actor, Riggan (Michael Keaton) – famous for portraying an iconic superhero, struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself.

The play in the film is an adaptation of Raymond Carver’s ‘What We Talk About When We Talk About Love’. Brilliant performance by both Michael Keaton and Edward Norton.

Fri: Mt E for blood test. Breakfast and movie The Imitation Game*****with Clem. Based on the life of British mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst and computer scientist Alan Turing. He was a key figure in cracking the Enigma code during World War II, which led to the Allies’ victory. The movie follows several periods of Turing’s life which include his unhappy teenage years, the triumph of his secret wartime work and his prosecution on the account of his sexual orientation.

Appreciation to Clem for dinner with Minos and his friend at SinHoiSai***Tiong Bahru. In search of coffee ribs and it was quite decent there.

Tkx to Minos for drinks at New Cape Inn/3 SengPoh Rd. This site with another building on it belonged to grandfather in the good old days. Wanted to show Minos where his father, cousins Lock, Yun & Chai used to live before migrating to Canada. Safe journeys tomorrow and nice to catch up with him who I used to baby-sit when he was born and now his is in his mid40s.

Just read a very interesting article:

http://www.nature.com/news/ageing-research-blood-to-blood-1.16762

If this proves to have some grounds in it, then, it also explains how it was possible for me to do the AT Thru’Hike in 2005. About 2yrs before the hike, was hospitalized for a major surgery – total hysterectomy! As far as I can remember, blood transfusion was necessary as I lost a great amount of blood after surgery.

About a month ago, was again given blood transfusion (2 packs) due to loss of blood by a serve bleeding ulcer caused by the Helicobacter pylori. So let’s see if it will be possible for another long distance hike in 2016 or maybe 2 packs of blood is not enough to rejuvenate? Seems like I got young blood the last time but what if I got old blood this time round??

Wow this is getting to sound like a vampire story, but would prefer PeterPan 🙂 🙂

Edited 7Jun 2017 – http://csglobe.com/elite-ingesting-blood-conspiracy/

22 Jan 2015 – Happy 13th Bday to #1Grandchild Katy

Mon: Happy Bday to my dear and first Norwegian girlfriend, Kari. We met in Dublin 40+yrs ago and our first-born Linn & Thomas are born in Dublin/Ireland.

Today we are both grandmothers of 6 grandchildren. Am blessed to have Kari in this life’s journey and she has taught me much over the decades. Thank you Kari for being my friend and for being.

Walked around the Esplanade, Fullerton Hotel, MBS Financial area with Minos showing him the underground links and leading to LeVeL33 Craft-Brewery Restaurant & Lounge***where he could enjoy the beers and the view. Lovely breezy afternoon to be on the sitting outdoors on the 33rd floor.

Appreciations to Les&Ivy for dinner at ME@OUE****the only place I know of that serves the best and delicious squid ink brioche rolls. Tkx for the company Clem & Sue and for driving, Sue.

Tue:  felt good with a day of rest. Needed the extra boost of energy to attend CHEOK YukChin, cousin John’s (4th aunt’s 2nd son) wife wake. Never really knew her name until tonight. Now I can finally fill in the correct name in the family tree and may she RIP.

Wed: everything is good and Olai made my day. Enjoy chatting with him on video Skype and time just goes too fast. He is now 3+ and no more the little toddler. Oh I do miss all 6 of them…

Received a notification from wordpress that it is exactly 7yrs ago I started blogging. Time flies! An afternoon with the dentist for a check-up was not too bad. Let’s hope that I can keep this up! Took this pix of the old and new Supreme Counts roofs when guiding Minos about a few days ago.

Posted on FB with this comment – former SIN Supreme Court with beautiful copper dome; now, the space-ship! Glad that the old building is intact and still standing to form quite a contrasting skyline with the new. In Sep the former Supreme Court will be jointed to the former City Hall to become the new National Gallery. Above pix of the two Supreme Courts downloaded.

FB dialogue between Liz, Pris (both living in UK) and I over the new Supreme Court –

Liz O’Regan: What’s that??

Me: this is the new Supreme court…!

Liz O’Regan Progress?

Me: ‘Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress’ – Alfred A. Montapert

Priscilla Hon: A Supreme Court that has an elevated, pedestal-like, panoramic view to keep an eye on everyone. We can see you! .. Symbolism in design?

Me: Big Brother sees you from this S$200mil location…

Thank you to Liz and Pris for their comments. Like these constructive with humour communications 🙂

18 Jan 2015 – For A Ripe Age Of 65 Years…

Sat: welcome Minos who arrived safe and sound, and starving from Toronto/Canada via HKG! A plate of SIN Carrot Cake and Fried Oyster at T3 Kopitiam***seemed to have satisfied his appetite for the time being 🙂 Dropped him off to his hotel after lunch. Amazing that he was not tired after nearly 20hrs in the air more hours of layovers! Will probably hit him later…

We picked Minos from the hotel to join us for a  belated BDay dinner at Clem’s. Did not really want to be out on a Sat evening with the crowds, especially just after Clem’s cataract surgery. Bought food back to his place. Tkx for the GinSeng Bird’s Nest, Sue.

Have been trying to look for coffee ribs and found some at Tong Ah on Keong Siak Road, the original Tong Ah being a beautiful white corner building with some personality. Due to raising rents it moved to #36, and as far as I can remember #36 was a club where father went to play mahjong in the 1950s! And the coffee ribs are nothing to write home about…

Cakes at one of my favourite bakers in Bk Merah, The Bakery Chef****looking and tasting good – Opera Cake, Chocolate Rainbow, Lollipop Cheesecake, Rainbow Cake and Praline Delight.

Sun: morning walk on East Coast Park. Not early enough as someone has already arranged these flowers 🙂 🙂 our native coastal tree Putat Laut (Barringtonia asiatica). Thanks and appreciations to Bian for providing the name. Found only one orchid plant in bloom and according to Peggy this is a Phal. Am so fortunate to know people who are knowledgeable about  our local plants  and orchids. Good to have a name to them when posting these pix.

Many barricades and changes there. The water skiing location is now closed down. East Coast Lagoon Food Village is definitely a night place. There were only a couple of stalls opened; the MeeSiam there was OK, abit on the oily side. MeeSoto was too spicy for overseas visitor – forgot to tell them to skip the chillies!

Happy Birthday to grandniece Isabella, Lee&Adeline’s sweet daughter and only child who just started Primary/Grade 1. Both she and grandnephew Lucas just started school 2 weeks ago and really it seems like yesterday that they were born!

As nephew Clem so blatantly puts it, ‘but you are old auntie Amy‘ – so this is how the younger generation views us, ouch! But then I am afterall 2 decades older than him, thus he has a point that I am old. To my 80-100yrs old aunts and uncles, I am probably young to them. So all is relative by relatives…hahaha!

To all in Northern Norway, this beautiful pix is posted by Ranveig and looks like the sun is slowly but surely showing an appearance after a dark long hibernation!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgiQD56eWDk

Condolences to cousin John WONG for the passing of his wife, and to nephews Jay & Raymond WONG for the loss of their mother. May she now RIP.

I have to be alone very often. I’d be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That’s how I refuel – Audrey Hepburn

12 Jan 2015 – Linn’s Running

Proud of my first-born and mother of 5, Linn who made this 2014 SC/USA list for 5k/19.59, 10k/42.23 and Half Marathon/132.19 races. Some of my favourite pix of her in action from the 1990s – 2014. Appreciations to Coach Hammontree for his coaching and way to go for Linn’s  discipline and dedication.

http://www.examiner.com/article/top-south-carolina-female-master-s-road-race-performances-for-2014

SC/USA area 82,931km² pop 5mil. SIN area 718-km² pop 5+mil. Noway’s area 385,178km² pop 5mil. Just to put some perspective regarding the areas and pop of SC/USA, SIN and Norway. Perhaps then can some understand why I need to go on long hikes after being in SIN for a few months 🙂

Here are what to expect from SIN for the coming years…

The National Gallery due to open before 2015 is over – will be the largest visual arts venue in SE Asia. These buildings were SIN formal Supreme Ct and City Hall.

Jewel Changi Airport under construction – a palace of glass with waterfall blend with retails, entertainment and leisure outlets.

Fantasy Island on the drawing board – off the coast and will be the largest eco theme park when completed. 3 SIN pix credits to CNN.

And this one of Mexico City’s future international airport reminds me of my rock from Ireland!!!

Sat: an afternoon at Marmot/Novena catching up with Chris & Benny and later at CC/Waterloo meeting up with Joshua who will be heading to Oslo and Tromsø. Lucky fellow! Looking forward to hearing about his first experience with winter and seeing his pix when he returns. Joshua works for Canon and he is the only person I know of in SIN who shares my Bday. Angie/USA is the other.

Never knew that SIN Post had a special wine label just for them – learn something new everyday!

Sun: yeah, the congee stall XinXian Pork porridge****at Marine Terrace Market is back in business with the formal owners’ cooking. Welcome back and delighted to have a decent congee place within 5mins walking distance.

Tkx to Clem&family for dinner at PorKee Eating House***at Tiong Bahru. 4th aunt&family used to frequent this place. Then it closed down for a while and now reopened, but unfortunately they have taken away the coffee ribs which was my favourite. Instead it is now champagne ribs! Miss the coffee ones. This is the venue chosen for Clem&famly’s CNY reunion dinner!

Passport renewed! With a little bit of luck and shoes fitting, valid for travels till 2020. A wonderful week to all. This image is with thoughts to Linn! Way to go my first born.