Horse Riding

After seen the many "Cowboys & Red Indians" movies on TV, horse-riding didn't seem like a very difficult thing to do. Just hop on an the horse would know what to do. WRONG !!! Some had a mind of its own. MASH, the name of my 15-year old horse, didn't like the hot weather and preferred to remain home. After a couple of steps, he would just fall back and make a quick turn around. It was like a kid refusing to go to school. (He probably realised that he has to walk back thereafter, so reluctant to go too far. The family had a 2-hr horse ride fun at JESTERS FLAT HORSE RIDING @ ROSA BROOK. Along the 2-hr trail was also a visit to an Olive Farm where we had a taste of pure virgin olive oil. Didn't realised that there are various version of Olive Oil combines with lime & garlic. Giddy Yap !!!

Meeting an old friend, teacher and mentor.

After leaving St Gabriel's Primary School some 4 decades ago, meeting Mr Mark Ferroa at Perth was a much welcomed re-union. Having retired from teaching, he now live in Perth with his wife, Mary and son Brandon. Mark was my form teacher in Primary 6 and my Cadet Scout Master since Primary 2. Fondly known to us as "Bagheera" (Bagheera is the black panther who finds the orphaned baby Mowgli and brings him to Raksha.....but he is adamant to leave him back into the village amongst humans as he thinks Mowgli doesn't belong to the jungle..... characters from The Jungle Book). Had a good chat of the old times and had a wonderful cup of freshly brewed coffee with Aaron. We were also introduced to his attack CAT .... which I thought at first was a piece of rag on the floor. Rather hugh in size and extremely homely. Was told that he loves FOOD .... no points for not thinking so !!!. Well, one thing for sure, we are having SIMILAR HAIR STYLE, after all these years !!

She did it !!!

Yeap !!! Sarah-Marie Teo has graduated. It didn't seem so long ago when we made the 1st trip to Perth to "kick start" the journey through the UWA course. Memories still fresh in making several runs to IKEA to get some basic essentials, locating the nearest restaurants, supermarkets and bus stops. Getting initial phone cards and opening bank accounts. Whilst all these are now behind us, it was by itself a learning experiences of being away from home where comfort and essentials were all within reach. The 2.5 years journey was certainly a quick one but was enriched with many lifetime experience.... ranging from road trips, sky diving, limo rides, canoeing, sand boarding, etc (beside the assignments & studying part !!!) ..... Well Done Sarah !!!

Who is thy neighbour ?

What seem to be a simple and innocent question that was asked in the days of "primary school" seem to evoke questionable answers, years after. Is the one that is in your immediate vicinity your neighbour ? or is it the one who is there when you need him/her ? It never don on me that the answer was important ... till now. Moving into a new neighbourhood (in fact, yet to move in !!!) complaints of noise during renovation was the start of the unsettling provoking thoughts of "neighbourliness". First it was BCA that had the complaint. When that didn't turn out too successfully, it was unauthorised fixtures that was drawn to the attention of URA. Guess the conversation that was exchanged some weekend ago about "The Difficult Neighbour" is a reality. Guess, its easier to obtain the answer from the question .... who is NOT my neighbour !!!

The "Loft"

My version of "The Loft" is taking shape. What used to be a venue for water collection from the rooftop to the 3rd floor balcony is now my little hideout. Complete with a wooden floor and a light weight see-thru roof sheet, the little getaway has a good bird-eye view of the driveway below. With some plants and perhaps a small water feature, its the perfect place to have some silent moments.

The wooden platform has just been varnished and the now awaiting for the "wife-designed" horizontal blinds..... enough to let in the light but not the direct sun. So much for WITS culture, applied at home. Seen from the road .... its just another partially covered place.

Enough !!!

Priceless shot !!! Even, in the animal kingdom, noise can be an irritation. Maybe that's why there's only a single bird in a cage in a bird singing competition. Some food for thoughts !!!

Taking shape

Daddy's Corner/Hideout at Level 3 is taking shape. The wooden floor and fittings were up and the finishing touches are underway to complete the ideal spot for quiet time. The other areas, namely the bathrooms were already tiled and the kitchen wall stands ready to receive the build-in fixtures. Lightings are expected to be in by the following week and the final coat of paint ready to be splashed on before the floor could be polished. Yes !!! Its taking shape and the anticipation of the water-feature is forming up very quickly. Fingers are crossed to ensure that all goes well @ The Highland Terrace.

Shawnna's Surprise

The Battle Plans were made in the most classified manner. The involved parties would meet at 313 at 1930 hrs. Quick meal at Nonya Delicacies. Ayam Buah Kuak, Sambal Kangkong, Fish-head & Assam curry, Curry Chicken complete with Chap-chye and Longnan drinks (part of the cover story !!!). Manoeuvring plans on the tactical move to 111, code named APPLEBEES for dessert were made in-between mouthful of yummy peranakan goodies. On deployment, the younger ones stationed at various locations as lookouts and the older ones remained "cool" (Actually, it was quite "cold", sitting under the blast of the air-condition outlets !!!). Candles were lined on the cake and the flame thrower was ready to set the cake ablaze. The stage was set. On sighting Shawnna's arrival, the candles were hastily lit and the traditional blast .... to the tune of "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" filled the air. Not too sure if Shawnna was surprised but the two younger TjJOENGs were more amazed than their mother. We had our share of the rationed cake plus a round of hot drinks to warm those under the direct influence of the cold APPLEBEES' cold air. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sister-in-law !!!