Ouch !!

It started with irritations whilst wearing shoes. It hurts a little when walking a little faster. Hurts more when climbing stairs or walking up slopes. Didn't think much about it. It was within tolerance/pain threshold. Along the way a little swelling but it was still ok.

Then a door handle that gave way fell exactly on THAT TOE. It cuts into the wound and bled. Tried various cream and oilmen from GP and Polyclinic for healing. Didn't get better. Polyclinic referred me to TTSH were a consultant examined it and referred to a specialist in late Nov 17 for in-grown toenail treatment. (Can't wait that long !!). In parallel, GP referred me to SGH. The doctor looked at it and wanted to proceed with a minor op the following Monday but had to delay it by a week as I was heading to Kota Kinabalu for a forum.

So, the stage was set for 18 Sep 17, for the minor op @ SGH. In the meantime, frightened myself watching YouTube on the procedure.

Though the procedure (known as Lateral Wedge Resection - long word for "pain") took about 15-20 min, the Pre-ops preparation was long but the post-ops part was even longer. Waiting for the room to be ready whilst watching the BP and heartbeat monitoring was just as painful. The admin delay increased the beeps for the heart rate !!

Finally got into the room at Ward 75, Room 5. Had a slight fever during the night. Standing up with pressure on the foot hurts. Can't believe that one toe can cause so must anxiety. Ouch !!

Belated birthday greetings

The family was half way across the globe (UK & France) when Aaron turns 26. A single candle on a Kueh Surabaya that mark the belated occasion. Belated birthday greetings AJ !!

Graduated

After some 3 years in the United Kingdom, Clarissa-Anne attained her "Bachelor of Arts with Honours in International Media and Communications Studies" from the University of Nottingham (UoN) on 20 Jul 2017. It must have been a wonderful experience having been through the 4 seasons, in a distant land, so far away from home. Had probably completed some of her "bucket list" visiting "Harry Potter" filming sites, been through closely guard "secret pubs" and making short trips to various parts of the UK and Europe.

As for the Dad, it also the end of "potter service", bringing her Asian goodies and carrying back her "stuff" which she has gathered over the past 3 years. Thanks to WHATSAPP and SKYPE, the family has remain connected with her, as an when it was required. Technology also help much in funds transfer and interbank payment. Can just imagine the previous mode of "snail mail", carrying large amount of cash and overseas telephone charges.

The Family (less Aaron-James) was able to make a trip to be present for her BIG DAY. The theme for the Graduation - "The World awaits". Together with her friends, it was a day of celebration under the British Summer (not very hot !!!) before Mom and sisters embarked on a trip to France, whilst Dad attends an IMO Meeting thereafter.

London, was a place that I have visited in my earlier years whilst attending the IPWO Course, by the Royal Navy in 1986, Whilst there were changes along the way, there were many things that remained somewhat similar. I am certain that there will be lasting memories in time to come for her. A short video clip was done to mark the occasion : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7VHl1ROuZY&feature=youtu.be

No swimming

The stage is set for the reptile to hunt for dinner. Whilst the fishes call out for birds to come get me, the croc waits. All seem peaceful on the bright Sunday afternoon. Such is a day for imagination for the bored photographer, waiting for some excitement. Better enjoy it for Monday is slowing creeping in. Sigh !!!

Home building

This very busy sunbird been zapping in/out gathering materials to build its little nest at my artificial plants. Guess being sheltered and away from the heat are being taken into consideration. Sat at the patio, armed with the camera set at 1/1000 sec, just to capture the moment before it go among the leaves.

Almost 50% of the materials (dried leaves and twigs) found its way to the floor. (Lots of wasted effort !!). Ignoring my presence, it religiously construct its little home, all set to move in.

(Inflight moments of the sunbird !!!)

Mickey is back !!

How Mickey has grown from the last time when he visited the fish pond. Came by for breakfast, this time at the backyard. He has certainly upgraded the home intrusion protection system to RED Alert, for an immediate "lock-in". Out came the mouse trap and surveillance system. Definitely not a M-I-C-K-E-Y MOUSE Club Fan !!!

It's a Dog's Day

Pepper's walk @ Bishan park saw her meeting my 4-legged friends.  Not exactly at her best for self introduction besides the sniff ! sniff !!! at new found friends.

In matching attire (same colour code !!), she took me for a walk. Quite a camera shy a little lady .... refused to face the camera when asked to.

After a while, it was "carry me" ... paws aching !!!

Anointment

Attended the Mass for the "Anoiting of the Sick" at the Cathedral by His Grace Archbishop William Goh on 25 Feb 17. "Anointing of the Sick" is a sacrament of the Catholic Church that is administered to a Catholic "who, having reached the age of reason.

Archbishop Goh, together with a couple of other priests entered the church at 1100 hrs to a full house.

Though we were seated at the back of the church, His Grace came to the back and stopped at where we were seated. Pleasantly surprised, the ushers started at our row and Elsie was the very first to be anointed by the Archbishop for the day's event. Nick and Sarah were next in line, so technically the first family for blessings for the day by His Grace.

In attendance was Graciella. What a pleasant surprise too to meet her there. Must be good experience for her too.

A benediction was done towards the end of the sacrament. It is a short invocation for divine help, blessing and guidance. It included the exposition of the eucharistic host in the monstrance and the blessing of the people with it.

A parting shot with Graciella, as we made our way to CHIJMES for lunch at Ikkousha-Hakata Ramen. Not too bad; a little salty though.

Serangoon Gardeners Re-Union

R/V Time was 1830H at the Serangoon Garden Country Club. Didn't really know what to expect. It was a gathering of "Ex Serangoon Gardeners" dating back to the 50s, 60s till date. Some came all the way from Canada, US, Norway, Australia and UK whilst many die-hards are still in the estate.

There were many from CHIJ-Cooling Close Convent and several from St Gabriel's and nearby schools. Its the 3rd of such gatherings, done once every 2 years. Old pictures of the estate were flashed in the screen and many could relate to it. Though didn't know many there, we all had a common place in memory - "Serangoon Garden" (Ang Sa Lee !!!).

Singapore Chicken Rice Dinner

Had dinner with Ms Michiyo Morohashi, the evening before departure. Formerly from JICA-Singapore, she is now with JICA-Tokyo. Found a Singapore Chicken Rice restaurant, walking distance from the hotel. Smell .... well.... quite close !! Presentation .... OK !!!

Guess, we just had to try it. Unfortunately, nothing close to Pow Sing or Boon Tong Kee flavour but when you are that far away from the real thing, it will have to do.

Change weather of Tokyo

Arrived Tokyo on a breezing 7 Feb 17 morning. Nice and cool but the sun was out. Stayed @ the Southern Tower Hotel at Shinjuku with Takashimaya some stone-throw away. A perfect location to catch the Airport Limo Bus, Subway and walking distance from many yummy food place.

By the later afternoon, the weather changed quite drastically. The cool breeze was getting colder and the bright sunshine was being filtered by the clouds. Still manageable but the jacket was much needed. 

Once the sun gets switched off, the chill sets in. Still breezy but not so "cool" anymore. Not only the jacket has to be out, the gloves were also much needed for cold hands is not helpful for the evening stroll.

A quick soupy meal in a nearby soba outlet was most welcomed. This was followed by a cup of hot coffee; not for drinking but for holding. Whilst the night was deemed to be still young, body was not so cooperative to remain vertical. Gotta prepare for the next day's presentation, so it was back to the warmth of the hotel room.

Jacket was still needed the next morning, though the sun was out and shinning. Certainly appreciated the tie to keep the heat within. Made my way to the overly crowded subway. Certainly no complaints as it does help to warm the environment.

Oh yes, must have the same spot selfie before breaking off to the official routine. All ready to go. Laptop in bag with thumb-drive in pocket as backup.

At the meeting location. The wind is much stronger here so all the more eager to get inside to start the day. This same location was where the ReCAAP Agreement was negotiated many years ago. Lots of fond memories of where the negotiation had led to. 

CNY 2017

All set to leave the house. The traditional "one for the album" before leaving took place just beside the pond. If I have wore "green", would have been close to a traffic light combination.

Though we would be late but lo and behold. We weren't the latest. 

Popped by SGH for a more complete family shot

First year at Hong-Pow giving. Probation period over.

Meeting the si-fu with the "real thing"

and .... finally, the attendance taking shot. SMILE !!!