CAT Patrol

For the 2nd night in a row, the neighbourhood cat came by the gate and remained at the driveway, guarding the cars. It happily purrs away whenever anyone came by. Daughter #1 had a good conversation with it, each MEOWing away. (Didn't know that she had mastered a 2nd language whilst in Aussieland).
As this is being written, the little kitty place itself between the two cars making sure no one drives it away. Hopefully, this tame looking animal is also a KINGFISHER Killer !!!!

Traditional X'Mas Day outing

We have been doing these for years. It the usual visit to our God-daughter's place followed by our God-parents place. With Richard & Julie moving closer to Novena, hopping from their place to the Lau's resident was much simplier. With college/classmates from CJC, the 6 families have traditionally met every X'mas day for dinner since the kids were young. Getting X'mas gifts for all of them then, was really a major exercise.
Now, all 16 of them are in their teens and X'mas gifts are no longer the SOP for the get-together. The snap-shot of 6 boys + 10 girls was taken at the dining area ... both for head-count and face recognition. The PHUA Siblings (Michelle, Amanda & Matthew) with the TEOs (Sarah-Marie, Aaron-James & Clarissa-Anne) met up once again and the shot by the Christmas Tree ...sealed the day's event, before we left for our Godparents's place.
Finally, we also had our annual X'mas Day family photo, with a borrowed tree .... but the with the same X'Mas spirit.

X'Mas Lunch 2011

The annual Tjoeng Family X'mas gathering commenced with a heavy downpour. That kind of cooled the day. With a nice gentle breeze blowing through the house, the food was quickly consumed before it got cold too quickly. Aside from the usual excitement of gift distribution from under the tree, it was simplified with a little "action item" by each of the "cousins" before it was dished out.
The annual photo was also a little easier with the split level dinning/living area. MERRY X'MAS everyone !!!

Its a BIRD !!!

After weeks of "missing fishes" decided to rig-up a net over my little garden pond to temporarily protect the remaining fishes from some pesky kingfishers that have been helping themselves to free breakfast, lunch and dinner. Came back today to find a young kingfisher, all tangled up by the net. Had to cut the net to dislodge it before bringing it to the neighbourhood bird shop @ Serangoon North as the Bird Park didn't want it. Fortunately, the mouse trap came in useful, to transport the feathered intruder to the bird shop. Since, its in the X'mas period, brought the bird to the nearby bird shop (No !!. It was not gift wrapped nor tied with ribbons !!!) where they will find a new home for it. According to the bird shop, its a "Collared Kingfisher", but a quick search via Goggle seem to suggest that its a "Common Kingfisher". Quite an action packed week !!!

A STAR, a star !!

After seeing it at IKEA and not finding it there, the search was on for the STAR. Finally found it @ Hougang Mall. With a re-cycle wire, a bulb holder and a much "dislked" LED orange bulb, the lighted STAR found its place in front of the house, overseeing the little fish pond. "LET THERE BE LIGHT !!!

Itsy Bitsy Spider

New foreign talent found @ my pond .... a rather hardworking Itsy Bitsy Spider has not only moved in to the neighborhood but has also brought its entire kampong along, each constructing their own little webs among the reeds. Occasional visitors/tourists (some without immigration clearance !!!) such as the dragonflies, grasshoppers and (the latest), a kingfisher also popped by !!! No real heartaches with the insects but that pesky kingfisher need to be arrested !!
Already having some great ideas on how to "sentence" that kingfisher.

Man "hunted"

It was supposed to be dinner but the hint hint was to have dinner in town. Before knowing it, we were already at Abercrombie & Fitch. Mum & daughter in line for a photo-shoot with "some" dashing topless guy. In the line were some 90% of "women" of various ages, all looking forward to the photo-shoot !! It was really "mind over matter". If HE does not mind, it does not matter !!

She zzzzzz !!!

From young, whenever "she" says that she is sleepy, believe her .... for within the next few minutes, she will just fall into dreamland. As a baby, she sleeps throughout the night, without having to wake up for a midnight feed. She can sleep in supermarket trolley, at the sofa, by the pool, in the car .... etc. (Really, user friendly !!!) Now, 17 years later .... .... she still sleeps wherever she likes and in any position. Here's the latest. Wonder if she was praying before she zzzzzz !!! Amen !!! ....

.... there's more !!! It gets better all the time.

Yeap .!!! This one, "style ada !!!" This was the scene two days after the above shot and it gets better by the day. Legs up on the bed but body remains on the floor. Handphone in hand, in case of urgent call. Not sure if this was the way she cleans her room but that patch where she slept on, certainly looks cleaner after her "nap". Probably, this is one sure way to get blood to the head !!! Way to go !!!

Family nite out

Sarah-Marie Teo home coming was just in time for a family night out at the Singapore Hawker Centre (below the Singapore Flyer) for an evening of "sinful" meal. The all time favourites - Hokkien Mee, Bak Kuet Teh, Oyster Omelette, Satay, Chinese Rojak, ... the works... found its way to our large table (formed by joining 8 smaller tables). Drowning the meal with bottled drinks in the traditional metal cup (which can also double up for brushing of teeth) was equally fun, noting the different bottles of "coloured" water. Getting a table for 16 was a little challenging that evening when unhelpful "neighbouring table" refused to compromise by switching tables so that we could join the empty tables. They rather sit and watch as we struggle to carry tables from elsewhere to form the bigger table. (So much for the younger couple there who wore SUPERMAN and SUPERWOMAN T-Shorts. They were SUPER Bo-Chap !!!) After the hearty meal, a slow walk to the waterfront to view the night lights of Marina Bay. Out came the cameras and camera-phones to capture the peaceful night scene. Whilst cousins were out experimenting different angles for the "wow-shots" from their SLR camera, idiot-proof / camera-phone happily snapped away as they please. Finally, another 3 generation shot among the ladies ....

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas !!!

The little pine tree outside our new house was simply too wasteful to be left alone for the festive period. Dashing to Grandma's place, found a box of old X'mas decorations and the "Santa that stood by the mail box". (Hopefully, the newspaper man will not force the next day's paper into the little mail box). With cable-ties and wires, up goes the RED Decorations on the tree to give the feeling of Christmas a start on a hot November Day. Let's hope the constant afternoon rain will not dampen Santa's Christmas Spirit. Ho ! Ho !! Ho !!!

Chilling out under the Goa Sun

After waking up in the early hours on a Sunday morning to be in time for a flight to Mumbai, the "slow down" pace at Goa, India was certainly a welcome changed. Nearly missing the connecting from Mumbai to Goa owing to a runway closure on Sunday morning at Mumbai, we were fortunate that the connecting flight was also delayed in arrival thus had a little extra time to catch a bite of donut and coffee for lunch.
After checking in at the Marriott Hotel, Goa, the planning team proceeded to have their final pow-wow with the Indian Coast Guard (our co-host) whilst those not directly involved roamed the ground to checkout the place. The hammock that was strung across two coconut trees, by the beach was simply calling out to me, to have a try. Could not resist and it was great. With the breeze and warm late afternoon sun .... it was simply ooohhhh !!! and zzzzzzzzz !!!

Instant God-daughter

How do you get an instant God-daughter ? A pot of tap water. Bring it to heat and boil the hell out of it. Add two table spoon of affection and lots of care. Stir well and wella !!! An instant God-daughter-Elaine !!! Had lunch at "HanWooRi" (a Korean restaurant in Serangoon Gardens Estate), meeting up with the God-brother and little (not so little actually !!!) God-sister, over BBQ Pork & Beef, Korean Pancake and of course, all the side dishes ranging from Kimchi, black beans, tau-gay, pickles, etc. This is followed by "udder" ice-cream to indulge to one's heart desire. Shared iPhone pic and "curry" jokes. Then, the parting shot, under the "bright spot" of Serangoon Garden Village heat. (Wow !! Was it hot !!!). Aaron-James took this shot, ensuring not to over-emphasize certain features !!! (No points for guessing what !!!). Strolled along the many shaded shops of Serangoon Gardens before the final "hug-hug/kiss-kiss" goodbye to get into the heated car, parked in the open..... ouch !!! (Still hot !!!)

Quite a nice way to celebrate the Hari Raya public holiday.

End of an ice cream snack

It was an afternoon of indulging at "udder" following a Korean meal, our newly found "god-daughter" treated us for ice-cream. With all the exchange of jokes, not sure if she will proceed with the "adoption". None-the-less, we have a new one. Welcome aboard !!

38 to Go !!

Normal circumstances would be to carry a card stating the NRIC No followed by a front and side view photo, but I guess for practice, its OK.

Happy Nerd Day

This is not the natural look (Phew !!!). Its a feeble attempt to look "scholar-like" or aspire to be like some old American High School "bright spark" more commonly referred to as "N__ __D" (Cannot say lah !!!. May just offend the real ones !!!).

Anyway, dressed in a checked shirt, she once again popped-by to take centre stage, in my make-do store room. Well, between the MASKED Adventurer (the day before) and this "look" .... I prefer the previous. (There is a MASK !!! haha !!)

Phantom of Highland Terrace

Not too sure the motive or intent of this outfit but it certainly created an impression. On the day, before all Saints Day, the "little darling" dressed in all black with a golden mask on 31 Oct 11 morning for ... "Trick or Treat !!!" Whilst its ok to don the mask at home and in class, I guess, it will not be too good an idea to do so in the MRT or at the nearby bank. Many elderly are armed with umbrellas, walking stick and other make-do weapons. Scare them and follow-up consequences make just evolve. May just have to bail her out !!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!

Streets of Ha Noi

Crossing the streets of Ha Noi can be a frightful experience for a first timer in Viet Nam. The wall of motorcycles and bicycles that swamped the roads would certain deter anyone from making an attempt to get to the other side of the road (Even the chicken gave up !!!). With so many motorcycles, where do they park ? Along the streets but in very organised fashion. To maximize space, its first come, first serve to join those that are already parked there. When its time to get it out, someone round the corner will pop out to assist in the removal process for a small fee. (Parking is free !!!) For those who are selling small items along the small lanes and narrow paths, two baskets over the shoulders on a long pole is a practical solution for easy manoeuves. Like the motocycles who will give way to the those crossing the streets, pedestrians too make way for those carrying the baskets. (Not very nice to be caught within the swinging circle of the long pole !!) For those with heavier loads and wanting to cover longer distance, mobile goods on wheels is a good solution. Though joint/collective efforts, a mobile fruit store could easily be set up, when the various fruit bicycles (each with different fruits) meet. At lunch break, the 2-wheel vehicle also becomes the resting place. Parked under some shades, out comes the newspaper, up goes the legs and r-e-l-a-x. Probably for massaging effect, the engine could be started. With bicycle as a primary mode of transportation, bicycle repair shops for emergency tyre repairs are found in many street corners. Some must have been in this trade for a long time. Just armed with a basin of water, some rubber patches with glue, a portable hand pump and an extra chair/stool, they are ready for business.

Thai (niece-in-law)

Maxim & Veronica's wedding dinner was held at the Fort Canning Hotel on 22 Oct 11. It was our first meeting with our new Thai, niece-in-law. As she learns English, Maxim learns Thai. Certainly an interesting cross-culture marriage. Also, met up with other niece (Lynette) and nephews (Adrain, Dennis and Fabian). This was the Singapore part of the celebration. They had their Church wedding at Thailand some weeks earlier. So, I guess, the there's now a new Thai cousin for Sarah-Marie, Arron-James and Clarissa-Anne too !!!

Bangla Pub

Our 3-in-1 cluster Meetng at Dhaka and Chittagong have  finally concluded today. Our Japanese staff wanted to have a beer to end the day so we accommanied him to the hotel's pub. 6 of us are now sitting in a Bangla Pub, not understanding a word from the Bangla band. Thank goodness its dark in here or our blank look will stand out ...

After 6 years

The 6 years effort concluded on 7 Oct 2011 with the convocation ceremony for the SIM Universaity-Class of 2011. It marked the final episode of the many nights of meeting deadlines, sending assignments from overseas, overcoming internet linkage failures at the 11th hour, etc. Yes !!! Its finally over !!! Congrats Mummy !!!

Back to Kimchi Land

Arriving at 6:00am at Inchon International Airport on a Sunday morning, was greeted with an 18 deg C cool Korean temperature. Made my way to the Imperial Palace Hotel but it was too early for check-in. The room was only available after 2:00pm. Dropped the bag for safe-keeping and off to Myeong-dong for a quick search for all the cosmetics (shopping lists from the office !!) before the Sunday crowd sets in. Within 2 hours, managed to obtain 80% of what was required. Great feat !!! Met up with Caroline Pak for a Brunch and to catch-up on what has taken place since my last visit to Jeju Island some months earlier. Weather was just perfect to remain outdoor on a Sunday morning for some sandwiches and of c-o-f-f-e-e !!! The conference itself was like meeting up with old friends from other International Organisation. IMO, UNODC, EUNAVFOR & IMB were among the first few speakers to meet-up for a quick pow-wow, before the crowd sets in, mostly from the Korean Maritime Sector. Also, managed to catch up with Mr Yong LEE and Mr HONG Jong Hae for a ReCAAP ISC re-union. Had some interesting exchange of stories before the conference began. At the end of the conference, Mr HONG took me to a typical Korean wet market where fresh raw ginseng were sold. Everyone there was shouting out to their customers. (I guess they were !!! Didn't understand a word). Thanks to Mr HONG, who did the negotiation and off I went with 7 kg of fresh ginseng. How to get the additional weight onboard the aircraft was another story !!!

Dubai by night

As part of the Social Programme, the meeting participants visited the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa *by night !!)

Located at the Dubai Mall, the participants had a quick Chinese meal at the Chopsticks. At our entry time (7:30pm) for the tower, we started the long passageway walk to the tallest building. A roof-top window gallery enable the visitors to view the top of the building, from ground level, before going UP !!!Headed up to its 125th floor, we had a bird-eye view of Dubai by night. It was certainly a beautiful angle of the desert city by night.

Tallest Building in the World

The Burj Khalifa, deemed to be the tallest building in the world is located at Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Surrounding its location is the Dubai Mall. It is large enough to be the One-Stop shopping centre, ranging from ice skating rink to a hugh aquarium with lots of eating places. As this was our first trip to Dubai, visiting the tallest building was a MUST DO Activity. Incorporating it as a Social Event for our meeting, the tickets were purchased a day before, to be geared up for the 20 Sep 11 outing. Maybe, this is the place where the song, TOP OF THE WORLD had its inspiration !!!

Just too hot !!!

The water lily was burnt (far right), under the heat of the Highland Terrace sun. All the leaves turned brown and the 3 lily buds that were waiting to burst out just didn't make it. It was just too hot and the poor plant, faded away, leaving only 3 small leaves. Hopefully, these can survive. Found a water reed plant at the nursery near the Heartland Mall for S$13.00. Seem hardy enough to give it a go. Shifted it to the nearer corner so that it won't be lost to the background of other plants. So far, quite a welcomed sight. Hopefully, it can outlast the water lily ....

Dim Sum breakfast

Whilst Mum & Clare were at Hong Kong, Dad & Aaron were at NEX having a Hong Kong style breakfast. No need to queue for 3 hrs just for Dim Sum !!!

The Birthday Gal

Birthday dinner and cake @ BAKERZIN to complete her day"s celebration. Her wish was to have an OREO Cheese Cake. Sang her own birthday song before the traditional blowing of candles and cutting of cake. She is finally 17 !!

Birthday Breakfast

It's her BB (birthday breakfast) with her favorite half boil eggs. Enroute for the part-time work @ BP, pop by the Toast Box to satisfy her craving for the yummy eggs (with some black sauce) & kaya toast. A traditional birthday breakfast, ya !!?

Fun by the Pond

It's a public holiday. Albert & Shawnna popped by with the kids to have a late brunch with the family. Noodles, dumplings and otak-otak with freshly brewed coffee. Didn't seem much though but was somewhat blotted up after the meal. Kind of a heavy brunch !!! (There goes the thoughts for dinner !!!) The kids then amused themselves by the pool, playing with the floating turtle and watching the fishes darting to & fro, in their state of panic !!! Didn't know that a static floating turtle on a lily-pad can be a real source of amusement. Eddie also dropped by to say hello to the fishes and carried out some minor repair works to our tap. A quiet but enjoyable Hari Raya Puasa, by the pond.

My little visitor !!!

Whilst watching the KOIs attacked their food, out came a little mouse who decided that he/she wants a little bit of the action. Happily walking along the edge of the pod, he/she help itself to whatever remains that floated by. It even was able to jump across to the foot slab to have a better view of the pond. After having its fill, it walk around the pond inspecting the sides, without a care of the KOIs popping their heads out of the water. It was like, hey ... I want to share some of your goodies. Was very tempted to give it a scare and see if it would jump into the pond.

Yesterday, watched two dragonflies have IT in mid air. Today, its a little mouse. What's next ? This pond is full of surprises !!!

The Lily Pad

For two days, the head count didn't seem right. There were supposed to be 9 KOIs in the pond but no matter what combinations, we could only account for 8. The 9th had vanished. As the pond is under the direct sun, the fishes took cover in whatever shades there was thus we had difficulties in checking. Finally, when the pump had some problems, we removed the filters in Compartment #1 and behold, 3 small fishes and a KOI was found. Not having sunlight for a while, it took that fish some time to readjust before joining the rest. A water lily plant had to be added to provide some form of shades before they received any unnecessary tan (Not any of the three who didn't get enough votes !!!). More GREENS to the already GREEN pond !!

Two casualities !!!

To complete the garden pond, Eddie provided 9 fishes (koi) for the water feature. Whilst they shy away in the presence on onlookers, they quietly creeps out when no one is looking. Had my first glimpse of them on my return from Bangkok. Nice !!!

At dawn, had a good look at them. Unfortunately, could only account for 6. After several re-counts, found one sunbathing on the newly planted carpet grass. Already terminal !!! No pulse !!!. CRP will not help. Looked under the plants and found a 2nd; also motionless. (Like a scene from CSI ....). Searched for the 3rd but nowhere to be found. Unlikely for the new-comer to stray away for a holiday !!! The sad news was finally extended to Eddie .... 2 down, 1 missing !!! The neighbourhood cat is now the prime suspect !!!