Rodent’s rights !!

Caught the rat that has been attacking the fish food, tissues and my plants. It was squeaking away demanding its unlawful imprisonment. (Ya !! I didn't put up a sign). Thought all will be well thereafter. WRONG !! Daughter's "rodent rights" views suddenly surfaced. She appealed that it should be released. As it was squeaking away, I was to stop taking pictures/video of it. (Privacy involved here !!). Was asked to stop scaring it. Was not permitted to kill it (probably need a fair trial too !!). Guess her affiliation to Mickey Mouse Club still exist !!! (Not too sure, who is the guilty one here !!!) dRATs !!!

Getting EVEN

Almost a year ago, my lLEFT toe was injured. Had a "Lateral Wedge Resection" done at SGH. Though it was only a toe-nail injury, it hurts like anything. Whilst memory of that episode has yet to be eroded, the RIGHT toe just had to get EVEN. Can already feel the pain and the anxiety of getting another minor op & feeling "The Operating Theatre" setting It will be another ouch !! Moment of my Life.

The Pond

What started off as a "koi pond" took a turn when bags of little fishes were introduced into the pond to ensure the eradication of mosquito larvae since the larger koi seem to ignore the little wriggling thing (maybe due to poor eyesight or just not their daily diet !!!). The lifespan of the little fishes unfortunately, are relatively short, except for some pink looking ones that grew in size and soon outlived the lifespan of the koi. Soon, generation of it populated the pond and are the only surviving ones despite poor feeding attention.

With the reeds and water plants flourishing naturally around the pond, the fishes somewhat became vegetarian at times when meals were skipped. In it, several generations could be observed, based on the different sizes of the fish. Maybe, its time for a "fishing" exercise !!!! (Call in the neighbourhood Kingfishers !!!)

Back from Melbourne

After a delayed flight to Melbourne (via Sydney) and a further delayed flight home, it was an early birthday celebration for Clarissa at Swensen & T2. Though it was not on her actual birthday, they provided her a birthday ice-cream treat. Welcome Home !!!

84th Birthday celebration

It was another "mix & match" makan session, with lontong, otak, oat fried prawns, bee-hoon, mix fruit cocktail, chrysanthemum jelly drink,  etc at Albert & Shawnna's Condo Club house (located next to the swimming pool). All chipped in to get the dishes ready and the must have family photo shot/ video making.

Part 2 of the celebration was done at the 16th floor, overlooking Ang Mo Kio with Johore in the distant. The hot day certainly was no help in preserving the ice-cream cake. By the time, the birthday song was sung (twice ... for Ashley and Zach as well), signs of a melting cake was already underway.

The entire event was captured on still and video photography. (See: https://youtu.be/3CX56DHA1Lg)  . The Corp-Comm family at is best again. Happy 84th Birthday !!!

White & Blues

"Blue/White"was the order for the day. One of those uncoordinated dressing day where all three were in Blue & White stripe (of different thickness) top with Blue shorts..... Must be the hot day !!!!

One for the Road

It was "One for the Road" but there are many roads in Melbourne. Bail was a possibility but she talked herself out of it. Almost had free food and lodging in AussieLand. Guess it was an adventure all by itself. Good Day !!!

Catching up !!!

Had a wonderful evening catching up. 2 ex-Paya Lebar Methodist girls and 2 ex-St Gabriel boys meeting up after many decades later. Recalling names and places was the order of the evening. Great time catching up !!!

The Proposal

The stage was set. The proposal to Elizabeth will take place on the eve of Monday, 5 March 2018. Ring (checked), box with light (checked), dinner (checked). ALL SET !!! Not quite. Car battery didn't cooperate. The little red lady had her last say, by not starting in the morning. AA had to be called to put it right. The news had to be embargoed or the surprise will be zapped. Guess, the day cost him a ring and a battery !!! (Fully charged !!!)

Finally, the SMS came it. (One of them cried !! No declaration of WHO cried !!). Congrats Liz !!

Party @SGH

When both in-laws were admitted at about the same time, in the same Ward/Hospital, it was like a party during "visitation time". Family members could use up the full entitlement of 9 pax (4 per patient) plus a care-giver. When one of the ward attendant could not locate "Kong-Kong", he went round the ward looking for him. (PS : SOP for missing patient, as a few tried to "break-out" when no one is looking !!!)

Finally found him in "Po-Po's" Ward with all the rest, he smiled to himself, giggled a little and asked .... "his wife ?". I replied, "yes and with the grandchildren". He giggled again, smiled and went off (probably saying to himself ..... like that also can !!!)

Kong-Kong was originally at Room 17 but was moved to Room 14 (just across from Room 13 where Po-Po was). Easer to hop across, I guess !!! Hospital .... very customer focused !!! Kong Kong even commented to one of the nurses .... "Nice hotel !!!"

The scene was like a post-CNY gathering @ the hospital (minus the lo-hei !!!). Would have been quite a scene if they started tossing their hospital meals, shouting "Huat ah !!!Both were finally discharged on Wed, 21 Mar 18.

Had a Great Fall ...

Was sure she was just behind me but when I turned around, she was nowhere to be seen. Looking down, Clare was on the ground, having missed the 2nd last step at Kovan Market. In pain, in shocked with a bruised knee and deflated dignity, wobbled her to the car to assess the extend of her injury.

After some round of decision, she agreed to head for A&E for treatment, with due consideration that there maybe a fracture to her ankle as she was in great pain. Whilst heading to SGH, consultation was underway to decide "which hospital".  Having made 4 rounds at the SGH round-about, the advice came and it was off to Mt A (Thank goodness !!! Lots of car park space and closer distant to walk to the A&E).

She was attended to by DR HO LI CHIN. Several X-Rays were taken to certain the seriousness of her injury. Fortunately, all was well and was patched up for her bruise knee. Aside from deflated ego, having fallen at a public carpark (from the 2nd last step) and being wheeled in a wheelchair for the very first time. Guess, it didn't turn out too badly, considering she had pancakes & sushi whilst waiting for treatment. (Tummy happy, lesser pain to the legs !!!)

Returned home in a light drizzle, shared a packet of nasi lemak (+3 non-spicy otar) that was meant for lunch (at the office) and had a good, much deserved nap following the morning episode of the dramatic great fall !!!

Weekend getaway to Bangkok

          An opportunity arose from a 2-to-go SQ promotion to Bangkok over a weekend (26-28 Jan 2018). It was also the same weekend where Patrick & Josephine were also at the Capital of Thailand. Armed with 2 almost empty bags, it as off we go to the Land of Smiles. Met up with them after arrival/early check-in, for a quick trip to the tailor and our first Thai lunch at Central Mall.

After wondering around another Central Mall @ Asoke area, it was off to the Esplanade Night Market where lots of yummy Thai delights await our hungry-selves. Large bowl of wanton noodles (meant for 4), Grilled River Prawns, Thai version of Bak-Kut-Teh, etc, where we had our first indulgence for the day (PS : Lunch was normal).

It was then lots of walking around the night market, looking at the clothing and handicraft. It certainly helps after a full Thai meal. To complete the day, Korean dessert was the last thing before heading back to the hotel. (PS : Grabbing a GRAB was physical challenge in establishing the R/V Point)

The next morning venue was the Lat Mayor Floating Market. A flat rate of 300 Baht from the hotel to the well publicised market was certainly a breeze (by cab) without heavy traffic to negotiate. With lots of Thai yummies and choice of seafood, it was a difficult decision to make for the lunch menu. In any case, we had a good share of what the market could offer.

Our attention was also drawn to a stall selling pandan leaves, in the form of specially crafted roses. Hands-on lesson was also provided to demonstrate the art of folding the leaves. Innovative approach at 30 Baht per bunch !!

With all the shopping and indulgence met from the eating spree, it was time to head back to Bangkok. Hired a Long Tail Boat for a boat ride along the network of canals to the nearest BTS Station. (See : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxXGY78uurw&feature=youtu.be). The air-conned BTS was certainly welcomed, with the ride to the "Siam Station" and back to the hotel, in time for a good foot reflex before calling it a night.

The last mode of transportation that is truly Thai is the Tutu !!! From the hotel to the Holy Redeemer Church (off Phoenchit Station), it was a quick dash through the jams to the door step of the church, in time for the 0945 am Sunday Mass. (PS2 : Don't mass around with the Thai tutu !!)

The church is lined with themes for the Station of the Cross. High ceiling and natural breeze kept the mass in its natural state with sunshine lighting the place. Mass concluded in just over 45 mins.

Lunch at Jamie Olver at Siam Center before picking up some last minute stuff at Nara. Back to hotel in double quick time, packed and off to the airport making good for the late evening flight back to Singapore. Thank goodness, the buffer time was sufficient to compensate for the slow traffic. On the whole, a pack 3D, 2N stay at Bangkok.

 Sawardee-Karb !!!

Navy-mates

Always great to catch up with Navy-mates. Opportunity came-by on 18 Jan 18 at the Royal Thai Armed Forces day (@The Thai Embassy). Nicholas LIM & LEE Kian Tien (both Full House) were also there. Worked with them whilst in active service. Glad that they have progress well and duly recognised. Great to catch up on how the Navy has grown from strength to strength. A great Navy Family !!!

The 6th Decade

What was supposed to be a "High Tea" at a new place @ Keppel Bay, turned out to be a surprise birthday cruise onboard "The Admiral", a Grand Banks 52 Europa to Lazarus Island (beside St John Island). Complete with golf cart transfer on arrival to the dockside where the vessel was berthed. The cover story of High Tea followed by a pool side house warming somehow did not fully gel, given the time and space and the few reminders to bring swimming stuff.

Onboard, parents-in-law and family (+extended families) were already there awaiting for the grand arrival. Decorations of a pirate party were up with a "floating 60" ballon to mark the occasion. In-house media coverage were already in place for still photography can video recording coverage (the best to be expected from a media related family !!!). 

No birthday celebration can get by without a cake and indeed it was a nice one with the numeral "60" & 6 candles (the vessel wouldn't have permitted 60 candles - fire hazard !!), to a maritime theme complete with a life-buoy.

With the "must have" family ++ shots (when things are still in order !!), and the cake cutting process,  all hands mustered for the Captain's safety brief.

Instructions on donning of life jackets (+demo) and the whereabout of exits was certainly a far-cry from the type of onboard briefing on an aircraft. Whilst smoking was permitted (only on the main/upper deck), it was more for the crew than the passengers onboard.

Departed from Keppel Bay at about 1600 hrs, the vessels headed South-Easterly for Jong Fairway enrouted to Lazarus Island. On arrival, the anchor was dropped and the the kayak was launched. Those that preferred to get wet, took the plunged into "what seem like a bottomless" pool.

Some slowly entered the water in a gradual approached matter whilst others (actually, only one !!!) made a grand entry splash, jumping from the 01 deck. Soaking in the semi-warm water (as it was threatening to rain), the evening meal was being prepared onboard.

BBQ Chicken wings, sambal fish & sotong, sausages, beef, etc were grilled at the quarterdeck by the crew, while the others (not in the water), laid out the prepared food ranging from fried rice, salad and noodles, ready for the swimmers and kayak-ers to return aboard.

At about the 3rd hour after sailing, the anchor was homed for the final leg, to return to the mainland, cruising along to view the skyline of Marina Bay and the Western side of Sentosa Cove. A 2 sec firework display was seen whilst passing Sentosa. On berthing, it was a quick exit as it was beginning to drizzle. Thank goodness we have the perfect weather whilst out at sea. A short delay was encountered at the exit. (The crew didn't escort us out !!!)

 On the whole, a very pleasant surprise to mark the 6th decade of existence. Much thanks to everyone for making it happen. Special thanks too to Albert for the video clip to capture the "The 60 @ Sea". ( See : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqD4zi5ZClg&feature=youtu.be ).

Last day as 59 !!

In about 5.5 hrs, we officially attained the "Senior Citizen" status. Can now drop the "not yet" to the NTUC cashier, who without fail will ask even thought she saw me a few hours earlier. However, the term "Senior" various from Orgonisation. Some reckon it's 62 (retirement age) whilst others, it's 65 (age where CPF could be withdrawn). Whatever the case, if will gracefully accept the seat offered when on the MRT. 😁