FIrst met John Keenan when he was the Duty Officer at HMS Dryad in during my International Principal Warfare Officer (IPWO) Course. He was attending to a trapped hedgehog that was stuck in our heater. Over a BBQ weekend, he brought Helen and his family where we got to know him better. In the later part of the course, not long before our graduation, we were invited to his house for dinner together with our Thai counterparts,
LCDR Jackchai and LTJG Khamron. We have not met since. Just the annual Christmas greetings cards and occasional email update .... we remained a distance apart. Had failed twice before to meet them at Malvern. Once due to the meeting programme and the other the uncertainty for return flight owing to the volcanic ash from Iceland. Had a third try and it failed again. This time due to massive snowfall and was slightly under the weather.
Instead, John & Helen surprised us with a trip to London, met us for lunch at Covent Garden to catch up. Helen even brought photographs that were taken when we visited them. (I didn't recognise myself). Our children were much in the conversation. Sarah, Arron and Clarissa + Anna, Katie and Andrew. Good, warm gathering on a cold London day. Simply wonderful.
Strolling along JungCeylon Mall, we were introduced to an indoor shooting range. A variety of weapons ranging from handguns, rifles to automatic sub-machine guns and shotguns were available for a short 30m range. The family had a go. 
Whilst heading for work this morning, chance upon this bamboo stool that someone had discarded at the void deck. It was something that I have not seen for quite a while. Very hardy piece of invention in the good old days where it has multi-purpose uses. To be sat on, to be stood on or be used as a little side table, just like many other piece of furniture in the house. 
However, it was one of those invention where, it could be used for troddlers too. Flip it sideways and wah-lah !!! It becomes a chair for infants who had yet to be able to waddle around and its side-frame becomes a little table. Used mainly during feeding time or when the poor kid has to remain in the corner whilst mummy is doing her cooking. It was an innovation of its time. Who need WITS then !!?
LCDR Jackchai and LTJG Khamron. We have not met since. Just the annual Christmas greetings cards and occasional email update .... we remained a distance apart. Had failed twice before to meet them at Malvern. Once due to the meeting programme and the other the uncertainty for return flight owing to the volcanic ash from Iceland. Had a third try and it failed again. This time due to massive snowfall and was slightly under the weather. 
Instead, John & Helen surprised us with a trip to London, met us for lunch at Covent Garden to catch up. Helen even brought photographs that were taken when we visited them. (I didn't recognise myself). Our children were much in the conversation. Sarah, Arron and Clarissa + Anna, Katie and Andrew. Good, warm gathering on a cold London day. Simply wonderful.
