Mum's surprise cake

Clarissa had to sneak the cake in (under her jacket) only to be scolded by Mum for not leaving her things in the car. A dumbfounded Clarissa was unable to respond, but to look helplessly and pitifully at (you know who !!!). This was the only time that she didn't carry her own stuff and got picked on !!! After the order for dinner was taken, the cake has to appear otherwise, it may just melt under the heat of Clarissa's jacket. A quick birthday song was sang and the cake was quickly gobbled down before the seafood dishes started appearing. Happy Birthday (in advance) Mum !!!

They're off again !!!

"26.6 Kg" .... that was the total weight of her 2 bags (Phew !!! No surcharge !!). It was back to the Terminal 3 routine where its seems to be a ritual for "Xiao Long Pau" at Crystal Jade before departure. Happily, Sarah-Marie ordered 3 portions (like consuming her whole year's entitlement), followed by a 4th portion when the trays were somehow emptied very quickly . Albert & Family + Kong-Kong & Poh-Poh also came by for the send off. The family shot was taken just outside Crystal Jade before proceeding to the Departure Hall where Sarah's Godparents also came by, joined by friends from the church. Then the surprise popped-up .... Father Brian also came along with the Youth Vineyard (YV). Lots of exchange of well-wishes and without failed, Fr Brian started his round of "Church Wardens" Recruitment. Whilst Father was busy with his "convincing talk", the rest of the send-off party took the opportunity to have their snap shots taken ... for the album/record. As the time ticked by, more members of the YV came along and the group grew. As Father was about to make his way back, he prayed over the Sarah-Marie and Kristine. (That was the only moment of silence, in that send-off !!!). Once that was done, it was back to noise and more noise. Talks of National Service began to fill the conversation and the attention was drawn/directed to the only military officer-in-attendance. A final snap-shot with Fr Brian and the UV was finally organised. (Those not too decently dressed stood behind !!!) As Fr Brian and some of the YV took their leave, another member of the gang showed up. Mary-Ann Lee with her Dad and brother were heading for Brisbane. So, it was another group of hug-hug / kiss-kiss and long good-byes. With a slightly longer chatting session, it was finally time to head for the departure gates. A final snap-shot was taken, with all 3 girls and Mary-Ann's family. (With Sarah-Marie & Kristine in their UWA sweaters, it was like a "Go Aussieland" advert. All that was needed was a Kangaroo or Koala Bear to complete the picture. All the very best and have a safe "down-under" trip.

3 more weeks

The day finally came for Grandma to have her cast removed to review the condition of her bones which had two spot fractures. After the digital X-ray, the doctor had the "Good News/Bad News" look. The Good News is that the bones have healed and the Bad News is that the cast will have to stay for another 3 weeks to ensure that the healing is more permanent.

A rather upset Grandma was most uncooperative to have the cast back on but after some LOUD discussion, she resigned to her faith. We then proceeded to the Serangoon Gardens Market for her to have dinner followed by a short wheel chair tour of the market and the nearby Neighbourhood Police Post where she posted next to "The Explorer" landmark for a snapshot (also quite reluctantly !!!)

Lynne's Visit

After some 22 years since we have first met at London, Lynne Lim stopover Singapore, after visiting her home town at Kota Kinabalu. Aside from a good seafood meal, had quite an internal struggle on "whereabout in Singapore" to bring her to. Her interest in plants certainly helped narrow the options. Botanic Gardens was a must and the HortPark was certainly a new venue to explore. Braving the threatening sky (all dark and ready to rain), a quick drive to both venues provided her a sneak preview of the places. It was convincing enough for she made her way there the following day to explore both places.
The evening prior to her flight home, had a taste of Singapore Chilli Crab + some other seafood dishes at the Long Beach (Dempsey Hill). It was certainly good to meet up after all these years.

CNY Overdose

"Custom & Tradition" calls for Spring Cleaning, New Clothes, Mass celebration ... so it was no surprise for the traditional GRO's family CNY Lunch to be held on the 7th Day of the CNY .... supposingly to celebrate Everybody's birthday. Complete with Lion Dance to usher in the guests, tossing of Yu Sheng (the 5th for this year !!!) and distribution of oranges ... it was another tradition day to get-together. A one for the album shot with the two lions and friends to wish one and all ... Kong Si Fa Chai !!!