Habitu Restaurant

Sat - Irene has kindly treated us for an Italian lunch buffet. I enjoyed the bell peppers, rocket salad with olive oil + vinegar and the smoked halibut. The main course is not my favourite. She ordered a glass of white wine for each of us. It was like champagne. I cannot remember the name. The desserts were fine.

Then I walked around with Min at Times Square. She bought a cardigan and a tee from Moussy, the trendy shop for the young. Charmaine came to join her before 5 pm. I went home.

I brought Porpor & Nita for dinner at Lei Garden at APM. They deserve a break after a whole year's cooking and serving everybody in the daily life.

The year end is drawing near. I pray for health and peace of mind. Happiness is the fruit of both.

Both girls came home quite late. Min had seen a Cantonese film in the Grand Cinema, Elements and had dinner with Charmaine at Causeway Bay. Just hope that I am able to support her for many years to come.

Sunday - pingpong at Victoria Park. Ate a bowl of Viet beef noodles in soup. Then the 42nd HK Brands & Products Expo. Bought mushrooms, dried whelks and camillia oil for skin care. Kind of fun. Drank some offers of soup. Checked the knife for chicken.

Will probably go to Porpor's place for dinner. A bit cooler today.

Last Friday in 2007

Lunch at Canteen with colleagues. Then we took a walk in the HK Park. We all enjoy simple life.

BBQ in Marga's roof top with Paus, Porpor, Jeffrey, Jason, Van, Min & A. Dolly & Nita also.

Irene will give us a treat tomorrow for Italian lunch buffet at Habitu, Lee Garden.

Last evening, I had dinner with B at Zen.

Tam & I really treasure his talents & efforts in work. Just hope that he would be able to fit in the game & be on the right rack.

My health my main concern!

UCH

Medical appointment in the afternoon. Further test is required in Feb.

What a soul and what a body! Should I worry? No use. Just remain calm. That is the best I could do.

Chu has returned to HK. He is goodie goodie to me.

Gungung has spent one night in UCH and went home.

UCH - how you are serving my family.

Bought Caesar salad for Min.

i am legend - will smith

I went to Mongkok around 11 am. Bought dried oysters & 3 silver finger rings. A pr of sapphire ear-rings with tiny tiny diamonds.

Lunch at Sai Kung - Van gave us a treat ie Min & A & me.

Elements - Min's first visit. She preferred IFC. We saw a movie in the Grand Cinema there. Will Smith was very 'ying'. I like Samantha. How could they make her act?

Then Xia Mian Guan - just so-so. We had noodles in chicken soup & a smoked egg.

We bought nothing cos everything was expensive.

Both Gungung & Porpor are not feeling well today. Coldness is threatening to the aged.

X'mas Day & Boxing Day

25th - arranged Porpor for body massage. Then I had lunch with her & the 2 girls at Dan Ryan, Festival Walk. Surf & Turf, delicious but expensive. Sth uncommon for Porpor. Cole Hann had sale. A previously marked $500 coin purse now $360. But display items only unless I order from Sogo. Very beautiful decorations and people everywhere. Queen's Cafe & Cova only served X'mas dinners. Min & I had some drinks (mango nectar) at Starbucks after Van had gone. We had lengthy discussions/debates over generation gaps and expectations from parents vs children. An eternal topic. She is much maturer and has her ideas as usual. She told me a lot about her school life in Kent. Lots of adaptations to be made. We also discussed about religion and God. Glad that we can talk zealously though with different points of views over some areas sometimes.

We went to visit Chrystal. Her mother died when she was 4. What more could I complain?

Dined at home with Min. Wanchai Pier dumplings - watercress + pork. Delicious & economical. Nice to have Nita around.

Exchanged greetings with Pam on 24th. English people are polite. Her class, of course. Her friend Peggy wrote a book about Marden and touched upon her house - The Old Vicarage. She promised to send me a copy later.

Bette Li forever gentle and contented.

Kwong is intelligent and hard-working and self-motivating. Very re-assuring.

26th - What lies ahead? I must choose to be happy! Next week, I will be missing Min terribly. Poor schedules of flight bring along regret.

X'mas Eve - home alone

Worked the whole day.

Dined at home with Nita.

Van dined with A at Stanley. Min permed her hair in Causeway Bay and dined at TST with May.

Nita had gone out to Mass with Dolly etc.

All will return after midnight.

I better have a hot water bath & read some books and enjoy a good sleep.

World Peace!

I pray for everyone endeared to me!

The Golden Compass

Saturday - Wing On TST East again.

Reunion dinner at Porpor's home to celebrate winter solstice. Gungung was teriribly happy.

Sunday - Pingpong at Victoria Park. The facilities and conditions are disappointing. They are quite worn out. I had much higher expectations. Strolled along Tsing Fung St, Lau Li St and Electric Road with Marga. We had the beef brisket with noodles in soup at Tai Lee. The name is overstated. We found the beef brisket too lean and hard. Not cheap neither.

We then went to Sogo. All the pink Longchamp nylon tote bags were sold out. Min longs to have one.

Had dinner with Min at APM - Jap. Then we saw The golden Compass starred by Nicole Kidman. She is an excellent modle for clothes. Noble, good figure, fair complexion and nice, teeth, hair and figure.

Received X'mas presents from A & his mother. Very happy!

I have got a new LG mobile. Slim & silver.

Back to work on Monday.

Min is fine after a wole day's rest

Min went to Dr Tong Friday afternoon. Wirings were tuned. No swollen cheeks and the wounds were healing. She bought a bottle of red wine for Uncle. Wolf Blass Shiraz 2006.

X'mas lunch in the office. Usually I could not eat much food and as usual, I did not get any presents from the lucky draw.

Both girls had their respective fun groups for dinner.

I tel Ella. She was in similar situation. So we dined at West Villa, Taikooshing. I gave her a treat as post celerbation of her birthday falling on 20th. I like the famous 'charsiu' there. Spinach & stir-fried fish were also ordered. I am glad that I could have saved nearly $40,000 as Min got the surgery in QE. I only paid $49 for her bedspace for one night. Medical benefits are overhelmingly huge for me these few years. The younger generation must get adequate insurance. Illnesses are just ordinary happenings.

The year end is drawing near. I pray for the world peace and my family to be in love & harmony.

Min is home

Monday evening - fetched her from the Airport.

Tuesday & Wednesday - QEH - surgery successful - in between we had lunch at Yun Mei, shopped around at PP & Festival Walk on Tuesday. I am glad that I could accompany her. In fact, I had to sign for her operation. Lots of anxieties.

I went to work today and she rested at home the whole day. Her X'mas present is a LG Shine KE 970 - cherry pink.

I bought a purple cardigan for Porpor and a green cardigan for Mayee from Wing On as X'mas gifts.

J tel. Quite a number of serious problems.

Life is full of ups and downs.

I pray that I must keep my peace of mind and health.

Van is not coming home for dinner.

I think there is some misunderstanding with Pam.

Today is Ella's birthday. She had dinner with her children. I tel her & wished her all the best. Karyan had the same surgery by the private doctor. $38,000 + x-ray charge & consultation fees. Nearly $40,000. I only paid $49 for the bed fee for one night. Even the medicine - mouth wash water & pain killers were free.

a peaceful sunday

A pc of white bread dipped in olive oil + vinegar and a cup of coffee to start the day.

Pingpong in mongkok for the last session. Next week, we will go to Victoria Park.

A tin of steamed rice, I took beef, Marga took chicken w/mushroom. $20 each. So we can survive anyway at all levels of life.

Charisma - hair cut & colour treatment.

KT - dinner.

Home.

Van's mobile was not functioning.

Min sms that she is going to the airport now.

Pray that everything is fine. I will fetch her tomorrow.

I love sunshine & roses.

honey citreon tea

Worked in the morning. Had honey citreon tea and grilled ham/cheese sandwich.

Had lunch with Van & A near Sogo - Jap sushi set. Delicious.

Went to Ju. Then Wing On TST East. Then afternoon tea.

Had facial at Flora Beauty. I am not sure whether I become more beautiful but it was really relaxing.

Dined at home with Nita. Potatoes soup + beef steak + bitter gourd + rice.

Talked to Min with IDD and over Skype.

My memory mainly catches food & clothes. A very material girl.

Life is not bad.

PS I am reading Kenny B's book, some sort of autograph. Should he disclose so much about his ex-wife? That would be terribly hurting to the children though I have no sympathy for his ex-wife but contempt.

9.9 to be 5.1

Thursday - lunch at Jiang shan Xiao - YM gave a treat to Ag & me.

Arrived Eastern at 3:30 pm and waited for 1 1/2 hour by myself. Very puzzled and uncertain. The lady doc told me about the report from UCH on ct scan. Terribly good news. Examinations with normal conditions.

Went back to join the seminar. Dinner at Sheung Wan. I laughed with tears. So amusing was the company. Perhaps the main cause was that I was relieved from some anxieties.

Friday - lunch at Chiu Chow Garden.

Had a chearty chat -

Lorraine & family got an upgrade on the way home. So lucky.

i am happy

I know I can't ask for more.

God has His Will.

Monday lunch with Ju. Her diamond ear-rings are so pretty. 4 chains - 2 on each side.

Afternoon visit at Eastern.

Dinner at Yaumatei near the fruit wholesalers. The Singaporean man & boys enjoyed the roast goose so much.

Bought Michael a Cross ball pen as birthday gift. He liked it. One for myself and one for Min. Both of them have the silver ones and I have the black one. All with names engraved.

Tuesday lunch with Meg etc. at Zen.

3 meetings from 9:30 am to 7 pm. In between all emails & writing reports & phone calls. Crazy schedules.

Min will stay in the school for the coming weekend and share a taxi with 2 girls to Heathrow. Have cancelled arrangement with Pam. Hope she would not be upset.

elements

Pingpong. Noodles. Elements. Nikon camera. Macaroon. Cakes. Hairy crabs from Hou Wang Road, Kowloon City.

Dinner at KT. IDD Min. She sounded cheerful. She will stay in school on Sunday.

Maria home leave again.

Truffles. Coach handbag - black shoulder bag. See's candies. 2 coin purses.

I pray for energy and joy.

Wing On - the Dept Store

It is a day for the 3 sisters yesterday. We had tea at TST east - Good Luck Restaurant at Imperial Centre. Then Wing On TST east to Wing On Yaumatei. Walked all the way via Park Lane on the Nathan Road.

Dinner at MegaBox, Kowloon Bay, a table of 17.

Wenxi birthday on 29/11, Michael 7/12 and Wenjun 8/12. All celebrated together.

Wenjun got a Waterman ballpen and Wenxi a Cross ballpen.

Tops from Italy/Spain, chrystal necklaces and leather handbags. A day for ladies' spending for lots & lots of fun.

We found out that the public toilet in the Kowloon Park is a clean one.

Min was getting better. She went to Maidstone yesterday. We talked by IDD. She has got the 2nd school report. She is able to partcipate more in the class by oral expression. Business Studies is the hardest subject for her so far. Food Tech is the easiest for her to grasp. She wants to buy some warm clothings when she returns.

computerized tomography

I took 2 pcs of bread dipped in olive oil & vinegar + 2 cups of plain water at 7:30 am. Kept fasting until everything was finished around 6 pm.

Took 8 pills at 7:30 am and another 8 around 2 pm. Should be last night before sleep and noon today. Too tense and made things gone wrong. Luckily, doc said it would be fine as such were just for prevention of allergy. Had to hold the breaths at some moments.

One day vacation leave.

Weak, I feel weak.

Porpor accompanied me to UCH and then to APM Red Ant for a bowl of porkchop noodles + cabbages. Mama is God's representative to take care of us.

Van & A will dine at my home. So I asked Nita to prepare chicken broth and some delicious food.

Lorraine, Jerry, Wenjun & Wenxi will arrive around 8 pm. Michael & May will fetch them and they will stay at Marga's place. A busy weekend. We will let Wenxi play pingpong for the Sunday sessions.

Suen said work brings along pressure but retirement and idleness make people feel hollow and useless. It is indeed a phase for us to well plan in all respects.

King Fat Shop has moved to a smaller space opposite Osim. I made some purchases there.

If anyone finds me terrible recently, I ask for your indulgence & understanding. Of course, no one should tell me, "You are not terrible recently but always."

CT scan tomorrow

Killed by anxieties and unreasonable loads of work.

Need tremendous patience & tolerance & energy to deal with everyone & everything.

Could life be kinder to me?

Eventually, Min phoned back. Porpor was at my place. They talked a while. She is still sick. 2 days, at first sneezes. Today, headache & bone ache all over the body. She is sweet.

Van finished her work about 8:30 pm. Did not come back for dinner. Probably in A's home. Not yet returned.

New boss gave us a treat at Grappa's. Pacific Place is gorgeous.

Meg said she bought trousers & jeans from iBlues. About $2,000 each.

Even the most good-tempered man I ever know is a bit upset. Another few complain to me irrespective of our "shallow" relationship. Or some just do not want to suppress & blah blah blah. How long this will continue?

dried oysters

Could not get hold of Min for the whole day. Dunno how she is getting on. Feeling better or what!

The dried oysters are delicious. Stew with mushroom and pork ribs and black moss is fine. Steamed with ginger shreds and wine is another taste.

Lunch with the usual group in Wanchai. Dinner with Van & A at home.

Gungung has undergone a minor operation today. Results very satisfactory. Porpor is happy to accompany him to & fro.

I like Harvey's question that whether S had been ill-mannered to me. He cares.

I like the Swarovski crystal brooch so much. Have quite a collection of such.

Talked to some guys working in the bank. They think Anson should be able to survive the queries on 100% mortgage on her flat 10 years ago. Wait & see.

Met Deneb on the way home. We are fond of each other despite the short encounter in 2006.

min is ill

I was able to chat with Min last night over Skype. She was having a cold. She went to the Medical Centre & got a pill. Today, it became worse. She sms me to ask Presland to grant her sick leave & permit her to stay in her room. I did email Presland. As I was kept busy and away from my office for 2 hours, when I returned, I found that she left me a message for calling her. Poor darling!

Kwong had a terrible experience. I wonder who was so wicked to play a malicious trick.

I pray for Min's getting well soon.

I bought a lunch box from Zen with daily soup. Dined with Nita at home.

anson wins

Woke up to learn that Anson Chan wins. Quite expected.

Lunch with J at La Fourchette.

Dined at home with Van. We went shopping after work in Pacific Place together. Not happening frequently.

The dried oysters are very delicious. I bought some food from the Great.

Min could not go to internet. Their wireless environment is not very steady. Luckily, she sms.

anson v regina

Received a twin bottle of olive oil + vinegar from Irene. I like it very much. Did not buy it though I eyed on it for long.

Pingpong & lunch with Marga at Mongkok. Shopping around nearby. Bought a grey vest with lace for Van.

Went to Flora.

Causeway Bay was terribly crowded.

Dinner with Van & A at Stanley - Chilli & Spice House. Van had a pair of black long boots from Agnes b as X'mas present. Van gave us the treat. Fish, beef/noodles in soup, pork rib soup, satay chicken, minced pork with string beans etc. There was a polling station in Stanley.

Who will win? An unprecedented election between 2 ex high-ranking officials.

Have not heard from Min for 2 whole days. Where has she gone on Saturday? Disappeared? Not on Skype for many hours already.

The Rules of Parenting

Sai Tso Wan Park - morning walk with Nita from 9 to 10:30 am. Best weather for the brisk walk. Sunny, breezy and dry.

Lunch with Porpor at Lei Garden APM. Enjoyed her company so much. She is the forever tender Mama.

Van played tennis with A.

Sago tea downstairs.

Dined at home with Nita.

I am reading a book by Richard Templar. How to be a good parent? The standard is so high that it is next to the sky.

I bought 2 Swarovski brooches. One for myself, one as gift. They usually cheer me up around X'mas.

ray charles

His voice is so charming. His songs are soothing - soul musician. He had many duets - some with Natalie Cole. He was born in 1930 and died in 2004. He had overcome blindness and poverty and became a towering figure in the pop music. He was a legend. His nickname was "Genius" as Frank Sinatra gave to him.

He divorced twice and had 12 children. "I got a woman" "Honey Honey"...........

Lunch at Summer Palace.

I must treasure the weekend and allow myself a good rest.

Dinner at home with Van & A. We had a new induction cooker with a hot pot - so delicious.

Consulted Dr Lee this morning. He brought along comfort & confidence.

I will buy a Sw. chrystal brooch tomorrow.

ginger tea

Had 2 cups of hot ginger tea.

To do or not to do?

Bought a set of roast chicken with rice + vege from the Great as the meeting ended by 1:30 pm.

Min sent 2 songs for me: Georgia on my Mind by Ray Charles & Don't make my Brown Eyes Blue by Chrystal Gale. She told me Frankie sang "Georgia" and John sang Bob Dylon's "Don't Think Twice" and played guitar & harmonica at the same time in their mini concert and assembly.

Ray Charles had been blind since 7. He was born in Georgia. Now the song has become the State song. But it should be meant for a girl called Georgia. Frank Sinatra said he was the only genius in the field. Ray Charles 1930 - 2004. A pioneer American pianist & Soul musician. Wonderful!

Min has to do kitchen duty - to clean up the place by roster.

Had dinner with Van and Andrew at home. Van cooked 3 dishes and boiled some soup. Fried shrimps w/eggs, beancurd cubes with minced pork and fried beef lices w/kale. Corn/carrot with pork bones soup. Nice.

Just been able to say hi to Min at 7 am on Friday morning. She then went to bed.

Read her little diary written in 2001. She was only 11 years old. She wrote a note in 06 after post reading - she thought she was naive. But they were interesting memories.

How I wish I could have spared more time and attention to her then.

workshop + medical appt

Day 2 of the Workshop. I made a presentation which attracted some praises from the Boss & some colleagues.

Job satisfaction.

Medical appointment - some decision to be made. Quite puzzled.

When I went home, Van has finished her dinner already.

Had the shower hose changed - $170.00 for materials and service.

Today is cold. I have not yet fully recovered from my illness.

vivien westwood

Min has gone to Cosmo last night - Old Pops Monitor dinner. School bills again. Just imagine how much I have paid for her. She sent 2 photos via Skype. One with Wingki & Axelle and one with Wingki & a few European girls - all making grimaces. She is wearing the black pullover I bought her before she left - Vivien Westwood. Spending money on beautiful things is so enjoyable that it can offset my "pains & sufferings" in work. She once went to a church in Marden in memorial services for those Bethany boys who died in World War I. So her school was founded for more than 140 years. Previously for boys only, later co-ed.

In December, I will have an increment in my salary - enough to buy many packs of abalone macadamias. Lorraine & family have set off for US yesterday. I forgot today & tried to talk on Wenxi by MSN. He is off line. Then, suddenly, I remember.

Van came home very late. Long hours of work for both of us.

The weather is turning a bit cold tonight. I must sleep early, have to get up early tmr morning.

No news from Mr Nanny.

we are all sinners

Or should I say no one is perfect. Anger, jealousy, greed, selfishness, laziness, lust & gluttony.

Kam said "You won't be able to find a 100% true friend since no one is perfect." Sure, another reason is that people change. We change & others change, too, responsive to circumstances.

Van has arrived the airport one hour ago and has not yet come home. Is it for retrieval of luggage or what? Should not take so long.

I continue to take herbal tea. Quite determined to do without Dr Lam. He is hard working and is rich. He owns several shops downstairs.

Marga said both Peggy & Kevin said she should buy the Longchamp purplish grey or red or wasabi instead of beige which is too common looking.

Van has just returned.

no macadamias for me?

Without knowledge that some nuts were for me, Jerry told the maid to open up all the packs and put them into food boxes. However, Wenxi promised to buy some from US for me. This time, he will look for the wasabi flavour.

Kingsui taught me to blend lotus seed for dessert. She also taught me to add fa diu wine to soak the chicken before boiling the soup. Really fantastic. She will retire next year. So by the time I retire, there are quite a number of retiree friends waiting for me to join them already.

The notebook is noisy. See how long it can function!

Talked to Min over Skype from 6:30 to 9:15 am this morning. She is getting maturer. She learns a lot. The education is multi-faceted. Caring and disciplined at the same time. She did not go to Canterbury nor Maidstone yesterday but will go to Tesco to buy some food today. She is taught to make a picture frame. All her teachers are multi-skilled. Driving, ironing, computer, cooking & art/music.

Anson Chan & Regina Ip debated or quarrelled?

Christina was unhappy in the middle of the game. The purpose of entertainment ws defeated. I was taking cold tablets & felt very drowsy. I am naughty & always get up in the small hours trying to catch Min over Skype. Would it be like that for the next 5 years? My dear.

a bad cold

Dinner at Fung Shing Rest in Causeway Bay on Thursday. The deep fried chicken and the fish rolls were good. Not the deep-fried dumplings with superior soup nor the sago pudding. Sweet & sour porks and the glutinous rice alright.

Yesterday, I visited Shatin. Very busy - the New Town Plaza. Shing Mun River is there with the park. Quite good environments. Jo's husband is working there.

Dinner with Marga. Each of us bought a Longchamp nylon bag. Foldable. She picked the beige one, I picked the wasabi one. On sale.

I found that abalone macadamias are sold in the Great - very expensive - $99.90 for 12 oz. To my surprise, Wenxi told me (he returned home at 7 pm last evening) that he could not find abalone flavour in Perth. He bought the wasabi for me.

Helen said I am free & alone, not lonely. Van has gone to Phuket early in the morning yesterday and will return on Monday around midnight.

I will go to Kingsui's place tmr to play mj.

I went to Sogo 21 floor with Helen. We bought woollen cardigans (light blue & mauve for me & grey for Helen) from Brooks Brothers & Aquascutum (red).

I went to chinese doctor & will take herb tea.

busy schedules

Tuesday: lunch with Ag & Tam at Jiang Shan Xiao.

Went ot Taliana after work. People there have known me for 20+ years. A special kind of connection. Even Luk Hoi Tong Building is being demolished. No more Queen's Theatre. Sheung Yu's shop has been moved to Pottinger Street.

Wednesday: remained in one room for the whole day. So closely packed programmes. Lunch at Wanchai with the usual group.

Will go to Whampoa Garden for a wedding banquet hosted by Gungung's friend - one of his best friends still living.

Chatted with Min over Skype last evening. She will cook Thai food next week: chilli prawns, sweet & sour chicken and curry pork.

I am very tired now. However, I have to go to the banquet with Van. I am very tired, tired, tired ........................... Lots of work to be followed-up ......................... Loads ..........................Help!

Hitman

Bret Hart's nick name is Hitman. The full title of the gift book is:

Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling.

He comes from a family of wrestlers. Who is not wrestling in the cartoon world? We need to make a livelihood and our lives drain away minute by minute.

Raymond will study in Australia next year. So all the children have grown up and we have aged.

My CD ROM in the office was not functioning this morning. They sent along a new set with keyboard + mouse. Hahaha! The privilege of being at work.

I like the dogs with words of wisdom. Shared with all grade members & some others. Hope they like it.

Cannot contact Min yet. She says she is taught about hacking & fraud & commercial crime.

Will drink the dark herb tea tonight. See if it is tonic to my health.

this is entertainment

Her voice is sweet & far-reaching. The musical band is terrific. This is entertainment? Not good enough for me. No dancers, only 2 dressess worn for the whole evening. One black & one white - quite plain. No talks, except "thank you". None of the songs is known to me. The acoustic is renewed & enhanced and the free supporting shuttle services are excellent. Shuttle is equally important to Megabox.

5- Day week is good. It gives us a break from the office works. We rest & keep our brain fresh. Our mind goes to where we can seek amusement and comfort. I had a browsing in Sogo. Too crowded. No mood to pick & buy anything. The price for gaining the cheque is ........ So, enjoy the fruit and accept the process. It could be funny if I learn enough to step back & watch. That needs a bit of wisdom to remain detached.

SuperStar at Times Square - lunch with V & A. Sago tea downstairs.

The above account is for Sat.

Ollie is the leading actor for the Christmas drama - school production. Min will cook some Thai food next week as a part of fusion.

Today is again pingpong & dinner at Porpor's home. Regular & xing fu.

Ollie has won my heart

Ollie is playful in lessons. Keeps making class-mates laugh. But he is following the teachings well and can answer questions smartly. He can have divided attention and yet scores high marks.

Life is so easy for him. It seems. Wait. He is in the rugby team. He was bumped onto the ground and got his face swollen. He did not cry, did not withdraw and finished the game. My God! He joined the choral speaking on the following day in the Upper Dining Hall and won.

Min did not participate in both events. She was but watching or in the cheering team. She was too excited to be permitted to mingle with the seniors and to take caviars + red wine and talk to students from other schools. She has been a country duck.

In the Vanity Fair, the game is indeed interesting and challenging. I pray that I should be granted more intelligence and strength. Both of these, like money, are which I never have had enough. Players are so various in characters. How can I win? I focus on winning gracefully. That is difficult. I insist to win gracefully & sustain.

Have I won the trophies by accident? Or what? Never mind. My trophies are there. In my cabinet. Keep smiling & relax. One of my weaknesses is that I get tense & over-reacts too often.

Ollie is his pet name. He is Oliver. I envy his parents.

PS I will be receiving a X'mas gift - a book "The Wrestler" of 600 pages by Bret Hart.

crap, not crab & Quando Quando Quando

2 things I leant from Min:

A) She described her lunch as a whole of crap. I thought she meant crab. She said no, it was some shit. I used to think my English language standard is high. So, another example of our always estimating ourselves a bit higher.

B) She sent along a sweet love song "Quando Quando Quando". So soothing to my soul.

The dinner last night was inexpensive and comfortable.

chinese herb teas

I have finished the 10 herb teas prescription. Perhaps I shall go for another consultation.

Agnes is very very caring to me. I do not know why I should deserve that much from her.

I suppose I have written too much about food & clothes in this blog.

Believe me, I am people oriented. My sentiments towards folks are well above a meal or a suit.

Oh, but I must record that I have bought a pair of pretty jeans with stones sewn on it and wore it last Saturday. Chrystal beads? The bad thing about it is that I lost in mj game wearing it. Shall I try again on the 25th?

wenxi will buy me some macadamia

Wenxi will visit Perth on Saturday. He will be visiting a macadamia factory. He promises to buy me some abalone macadamia. He will bring it to me in December. He is a good boy & says he will not spend all the pocket money his Mom gives to him.

I will go to YMCA this evening at Harbour View International Guest House at Wanchai with 4 lady colleagues.

Kingsui will cook us some wined chicken pot on 25th when we play mj at her home.

Kwong is mad about his little girl's behaviours. Who isn't? When you are a responsible parent, work hard to support the family and have expectation on them unavoidably, there are times that you want either to kill the devilish kids or yourself. That is a privilege, a burden, a sweet dream & a night mare ........... Having said all these, to be a Mom is so far the best part of my life. Thank God for that!

TT is terribly expensive. I have to pay charges on both sides. That adds up to my bill. However, the postal service in UK is so unreliable & takes such a long time to deliver. Perhaps I may choose to save money next time.

Porpor was upset by Gungung's picky manners. Sometimes, people tend to be venting on those who love them most or support them most. No consequence, they know. They will be accepted & forgiven. In Chinese, we say "Step on the kind-hearted & run away from the fierce".

I wish I could be more scary ......... Or someone would say. "You are scary enough." Hahaha!

Axelle & Christian

Axelle is a Belgian girl & Christian a German boy.

Gregory & Remy are Belgian twins.

There are X'ms gifts sold at Bluewater.

I must get up early tmr.

Gungung had been admitted to UCH last night. He will be transferred to Haven of Hope tmr. It is but the medication that keeps him alive. Or his will power. He is too sensitive sometimes & gets irritable easily. This is not sth that I should inherit. Rather, it should be Porpor's tenderness & patience and tolerance that would be invaluable for me.

Wenxi said Lorraine would hardly scold him. That is wonderful! A wonderful Mom she is. The more we love our children, we tend to be gripping & pressing. He will be going to Perth in a few days' time. I like his gauging me to be strong. He may never learn how helpless & stupid I could be. Jane said being too sensitive is a source of pain. She is probably right.

What will Min make in the Food Tech lesson today? Can't wait to know.

Bluewater

Met a number of people during the past few days:

VSo, Elaine & Melody at Lippo on Thursday. VSo will move to North Point. We can hardly have lunch with her unless we take half day leave.

Van for dinner on Thursday. She treated me with Jap food near Sogo.

Lunch on Friday - rice with salmon roes, sea urchin & tuna. Yummy - first time taking it. Dinner with Helen at Jade Garden, CWB. I bought 2 cans of abalone macadamia from Sogo. Tasty but expensive.

Sat - Yau Yat Chuen Club with 15 social workers + D's wife, Margaret. I am very much at home with them. We are never very close to each other but the social link has lasted for more than 20 years. To be with them for mj game is fun. Listening to them is also fun. Lo talked about the case of indencent assault. Fu showed me some photos during his trips to China. He was in a hurry to Bangkok. He did not join us for dinner. Lung footed the bill as she got promotion.

A few have been keeping dogs & they regard the dogs as their most faithful companions. Spouses may be busy or with passion cooling down, children have grown up, dogs will bring along warmth & sentiments. However, I do not think I would be enjoying it. I am a bit afriad of animals. I do not love them enough so to look after them. My living environment would not permit. My friends tell me that they spend quite a big sum on their pets every month. Medical care & beauty services could be substantial bills.

I have not seen Kwan for many years - since his retirement in 01. They said he is now busy working as volunteers in Mainland. He stays in the hosue there most of the time. D is working in NGO after retirement. After all, his youngest daughter is even smaller than Min. Margaret got 2 nails in her foot. Chan has become much fatter & older since I first saw him in the 80s. Would he make the same remarks about me?

I wish I would be able to do some volunteer work after my retirement which will come within a few years.

Helen is loving. When we were at school, we were not that close. As years go by, we have become very mature & treasure our friendship more & more. Her 2 girls are in UK. Dear me. The GBP!

Pam is being considerate. She offers to charge me half rate for Min's Christmas stay.

I did not join the school's reunion dinner yesterday.

I bought a flatheaded grey millet for Van & A. It was served cold & with brown beans paste dip - chiu chow style. Very economical to dine at home - the fish was $18.50 and the small bottle of bean paste $4.00.

Today I will play pingpong in the afternooon and dine at Porpor's home.

Lorraine & Jerry had gone to Vietnam after her trip to Shanghai. Wenxi will go to Perth by Friday.

Min had gone to Bluewater yesterday but I have not heard from her for 2 days. Missing her .........

lunch & dinner with Van

Good that she is nearby that we can have lunch together at Shiki.

Dining at Man Ho with Marga, Kevin, Van & King. Nice chat.

Kwong will sponsor me though at the last minute. He blames me for not telling him earlier. But I told me it is not too late yet.

No news from Min.

Pharaoh & the Golden BRICs

Flora the bautician asked me how to spell Pharaosh. I hesitated while doing facial, I could not check from dictionary or e-dict. Puzzled as to ao or oa in the middle. She also asked me how to pronounce "index". She asked me about Golden BRICs as well. Never heard about it.

She joined some NLP course. My Goodness!

A woman of late 30s who came from the Mainland. Pursuing knowledge & money & she is now the boss of a beauty parlour.

Brazil, Russia, India & China .........Golden bricks?

Talked to Min over Skype.

So difficult to arrange for a meal. Lunch or Dinner!

The T Team should feel better today.

I like the abalone macadamia, from Australia. Could not find it in HK though I checked with ParknShop. Plain ones only. $120 per lb.

balsamic vinegar

I walked 5 km this morning for charity. Lunch at Zen. Bought 2 Laura Mercier base from Lane Crawford. One lipstick.

Balsamic vinegar is highly regarded for its quality. $160 for 100 ml from the cask - aceto ....Modena. 18 years old & 6% acidity. Dark, thick & sweet. Supposed to be good for blood circulation? It is made from grapes, not wine.

Dinner at Porpor's home. Van, A & Paus played tennis downstairs. I skipped the pingpong lesson.

Talked to Jo to encourage her. Hope she can do well.

How's Min re her skin allergy?

I met Laoshi 2 days ago in MTR.

Lions for the Lambs

That is the film I want to see.

Friday: Wenxi home, very exhausted. 8 hrs for rowing & 8 hrs for hiking. From Monday to Friday. I asked him to sponsor me for HK$100. He was very embarrassed & asked me why I wanted the money. I told him that it would be for the cancer patients. Lorraine is at Shanghai for a business trip & Wenbang still in Taiwan for military training.

M & J & I had lunch at TaiPingKoon, Jordan. We shared the Swiss chicken wings, smoked pomfret & stir-fried beef w/hofun. Very expensive for the stuff.

Went to Jardine House to alter Min's date of flight in January. $1,000 charged. Poor me.

Min told me she suffered from skin allergy. Very itchy & painful. She got some pills from the Medical Centre.

Saturday: went to OLC to get Min's School Cert.

Min would go to Maidstone again today. She is a bit better but still itchy. The weather was too dry.

Tea with milk & sago downstairs.

Will go for Cancer Fund Walk tmr morning. Must remember to buy Laura Mercier base for Min.

Kwong has emailed a very beautiful ppt for me, with music. Lovely.

Lobster Bar, Island Shangri-la

2 course set lunch.

Dined at home with Van. Talked to Min over Skype.

Busy busy busy!

I wore the pinkish top. Nice with the dark striped suit.

I want to see the movie starred by Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep & Robert Redford.

I like CK 'views: If you are betrayed by your beloved or friends, you feel hurt naturally. Otherwise, why bother? I remember Juliet's golden rule, too: some people must be ignored.

swiss roll & jim

The herb teas seem to be effective. I feel better than 2 weeks ago.

Min has made a swiss roll & described it to be yummy. I could taste the sweetness of having a little girl growing up & getting better equipped in life.

I saw her writing the name Jim in her Skype feature. I strongly suspected she has been attracted by a boy Jim. I carefully tried to fish information from her. She said in her sms "BTW Jim is a song". The forever worrying Mom. What a joke? It is but the title of a song. My thoughts are far more complicated than her life.

Peter's daughters are named Phoebe & Stacy. Few people are called Stacy in HK?

Pam sent very kind messages to me. Bette, too.

Marga bought some shrimp roe noodles from a factory in Kowloon Bay near Megabox. Delicious & inexpensive.

Thank God I have had a nice day. Lunch with the usual group in Asiania & dinner with Agnes/Helen for Hakka food in Causeway Bay. Florence is very interested in fashion.

I discussed with CK about management of people. He advised me that it would be impossible to win the whole world. We must distinguish who are friends, who are working team-mates, who are rivals. I know the rationale, but it takes some intelligence to protect oneself gracefully.

Wenxi has gone to Outward Bound Camp for the week. I miss the fat boy who talks to me so intimately & innocently.

Today is Halloween. For so many years, I brought Min out to Marco Bistro, Hillwood Road, TST. Ah Wai would draw a ghost face for Min for $50.00 and took a photo. Pleasurable time. Miss the little girl so much!

Pak Loh Chiu Chow Restaurant, Elements

We celebrated Patrick's birthday by having a dinner with him and bought him a Nike T-shirt as present. Navy blue with red trimmings.

A busy day of work. Must know what to expect from whom. To be able to remain detached & watch all the folks around could be fun. Mental strength is essential. How to handle all situations well is a great test.

Chinese herb teas seem to have done me good.

Went to Xin San Yang, Kowloon City, yesterday. I bought some soy duck kidneys, Twins Liu processed bean curds with chilli & some sweet lemons.

Quite a journey to go back from Elements to my home.

As regards to prayer, how could God listen to & grant to so many at the same time? Even rejection takes time?

Kwong is so well posted of HK news. He never skips any headlines or talk of the town. HK is where his heart is, other than Canada.

The black jacket that Marga bought for me is trendy & pretty.

No time to talk to Gungung & Porpor today.

Min sounds well settled over the phone. Missing her very much.

HKCEC

Last year it was in PP Two, this year HKCEC.

I vistied Mr Dorey at the booth. Met several parents - all mothers. Kitty's Mom & elder sis; Hilda as she was there last year & Wingkee's Mom. There was another one of a boy who had graduated & got married. She came to show photos to Dorey.

Several parents made enquiries, including one boy. When I left, I saw Josephine with her husband and 2nd daughter.

Min safely arrived at Pam's place. Ann received the bank draft at last. They would go out for a drama after lunch.

Lunch with Van & A at Super Star Restaurant, Wyndham Street.

Min is grateful for King's presents & coaching which proves to be effective. Pam likes her for her good manners.

Talked to Lorraine by IDD.

Karin & Min are close friends. See if she will go to UK next year.

a post record of min's half term stay at home

Min bought a pair of Levi's black jeans, tight; a brown leather belt with copper buckles & a grey t-shirt from Moussy. Total amount round up to $1,500.

She brought the black jacket w/fur collars & a grey DKNY cotton jacket. She wore the red Agnes b tee on board. 3 warm underwears, too. 10 small cans of "white piglet" luncheon meat, a bottle of chilli sauce & a few packs of Doll's instant noodles.

I also bought her a Reebok pants for gym and a Giordano loose black pants for evening gatherings.

Mike drove me, Min & Porpor to the airport. Min bought 2 novels for reading, written by the Nie brother & sister.

Ann had received the 70 GBP eventually by post. They are so used to postal strike, my Goodness! 3-4 weeks just for one letter. I bought them a box of "After Eight" this time. Hope they like it. Min said it is a very good teaching that she should serve tea & offer to do dish-washing. They praised her a lot. She likes Custard most. Pam obviously likes her much for all that.

Gungung is so brave. He unerwent a 15-minute operation. He had gone home & taken a rest yesterday. I wish this will improve his physical condition.

I will go to HKCEC this afternoon from 3-4:30 pm to see Mr Dorey, listen to Min's progress & will promote Bethany as a parent. Just see how it would go.

Min misses her school & pals. She looks maturer & more confident.

min going back to school tonight

Kwong is so witty that I am really lucky to have a pal like him. Always make me laugh.

At lunch time, I learnt that Mavis has suffered colon cancer in Canada & has undergone an operation. Aged 60, a retired clerk and a divorcee. Quiet, gentle character, crippled.

Discussed the film "Lust/Caution" with Stella last night. She is a fan of movies. Her sis-in-law is just known to be suffering from blood cancer. Aged 45, accounts clerk, quiet, sportive with a loving husband and a son of 16. Regular life.

Bought Van for prescription of herb teas. She needs some booster.

I like the taste of the herb soup. See if they work on me. It is close to religion.

Time flies & Min will fly tonite. Pa will undergo another operation this afternoon in UCH.

Asiania & Yung Kee on Wednesday

It seems the Chinese medicine has saved me. I have started a course of 10 herb teas & 3 soups. See it it can kick away my stomach gas, enhance the quality of my sleep & strengthen my internal organs as a whole. Nose allergy, too.

A cheerful company at Asiania with Gus as the rare guest. He enjoyed casual talks as usual.

We had dinner at Yung Kee. Roast goose, fried garoupa, bitter gourd w/goose webs, doumiu, beef brisket & prawns w/deep fried bean curds. the usual thousand year eggs w/pickled gingers. A table for 9. Nothing more comforting than family members/friends + delicious food. Porpor is definitely happy to be with us.

Both pcs failed last night to connect to netvigator. No internet is equal to a tragedy or grave accident to the young guys. The whole world stops. Me, too, finds great inconvenience. How heavily we are relying on the online activities.

McDonald breakfast this morning for Min. Life becomes normal again.

min is coming home

Talked to Min. She has stayed at Pam's house overnight. Supper was potatoes & sausages + some fruits. A bottle of Coke. She does not like the pipes in UK buildings. Hotels & residence alike. No constant temp. The problem is she prefers shower to tub. When the water temp goes up & down, she cannot take a bath properly. She complained about that even when we were in London and Paris.

Pam fetched her in Friday evening. Now is their 4:25 pm. Perhaps she will leave their place one hour later and go to Heathrow. I asked her to phone once she has checked in, disregarding the hours.

Looking forward to seeing her soon.

I have my hair cut with colour treatment to welcome my darling home.

K is very amused about someone having a new girl friend.

Chung Yeung Festival

Andrew drove Van & me to Langham Hotel, Tang Dynasty, for tea. Ate some congee. He is very considerate.

Tel Pam. She has made arrangements for Min to stay at her place for one night. Min is sociable & popular according to Pam. Ricahrd Whiffen is a reliable cab driver. I like him.

Min is excited over Skype that she is coming home. Andrew & Kevin will drive to greet her with Van, me & Marga.

Marga is feeling much better now in her present acting appointment. Fortunately, she did not turn away the second chance.

No more stomach ache. The appetite is still small. I know I cannot indulge in negative thoughts any more. Just for the sake of myself, I have to be positive & cheerful. Nothing more valuable than a joyful spirit. OK. Be a good girl & start to kick away the stupid & harmful emotions.

Min is coming home. That should be sweet enough for me ignore the unpleasant.

Had dinner with Mom in Telford. She needs my care. Better concentrate on her more. Min tel to ask about some details. She must learn.

3 days ahead for rest

The Chinese herb tea worked. Stomach ache stopped after one night's sleep.

I wonder when will I become strong again?

With the retirement of many close to me, will I have down moods?

Help!

i have been ill for 3-4 days

Min tel me & told me about her results of half term. Her tutor wrote an email, too. Other than Pam.

I am ill. Very anguished & painful. Went to see Ch medical practitioners in HKU in Admiralty Centre.

I wish to remain healthy & live long - very long.

Dined with Mem, Suen & Chu. Bought her a mug of the month. Ate so little. Just to honour my promise.

Lust Caution

Went to see Lust Caution after work. 7 pm at AMC, PP. Alone. By myself.

2 & 1/2 hrs. Ensured that the mobile was switched off. And checked the handbag. Any cameras or video recorder would be detained until end of the movie. This is the 3rd time I went to movie alone. First time when I was about 20. Saw "A Touch of Class" in Majestic. The other 2 times were recent as Min has been miles away.

I know I have a test again. See how I can go thru it.

Car. sponsored me with $200 for the Walk.

I long to seeing Min.

pingpong

Normal activities. Dined at KT.

Talked to Min over Skype & on IDD. SMS, too.

She is far more capable than before. I must have been overdoing and overprotecting out of love.

Tummy not feeling well.

Will have a meeting at 9 am.

Want to see Lust Caution tomorrow evening.

Pray for my good health!

vodafone

The need 14 days to send me a blank form. They refused to e or scan. After 16 days, I made enquiry, they said they had sent already but would send another one upon my request. I checked with my given address. They wrote "Oh sorry, we sent to the wrong address." My Goodness!

Why should HK people pressurize each other to death. Vodafone is a great brand. Yet they just take things easy.

Chatted with Min over Skype again Sat morning 5- 6. I enjoyed the chat so much.

Su let us have very healthy & nutrious dinner. Corn, Chestnut, cabbages & mushrooms & tomatoes + fried eggs. Fruits, of course.

My left calf cramped before I woke up at 5 am.

Min made a very yummy blueberry cheesecake. She would go to Tunbridge Wells for Saturday activitis. She wore the black pleated skirt with a blouse. She likes the duvet cover & the skirt.

I like the photo depiciting the shadows of 2 people. I asked her who they were. She said "U & me". So I remember. She is so artistic.

Ho drove me home. As usual, he turned on the radio & spoke nothing thruout. He has retired and spent half of his time in China.

The wedding party on Friday had a cable car carrying Gary & Fonteyne from entrance to the platform. I am really out-dated & old-fashioned. I prefer quieter & more sentimental dinner.

wedding party again

Felt better on Friday.

No meeting but just report writing.

Played mj before the banquet & lost $200. A group of happy mates for the whole evening. I need nice companions.

Woke up at 5 am and got Min online from 5:30 am. Chatted with her over Skype until 6:00 am. She sounded cheerful & confident. She has some Belgium friends - boy twins (Gregory & Remy) and a girl. Speaking good English & mature. Pleasant pals.

Kwong has bought me a mug. It is supposed to be my retirement gift. I would like to have it soon.

Pam wrote for Min's flight details. She is a sweet lady. Hope everything goes right.

ate alone in my room - packed lunch

Must learn to be alone. Brought packed lunch & ate in the office. Minced pork + pickles and rice. A box of rucola w/olive oil & vinegar (il Bel Paese). 6 grapes from Japan bought in the Great.

Chopsticks made of bones of cows/oxen and a pretty glass plate for the grapes.

Meeting in the morning.

Life is interesting to be in the midst of a crowd of varieties. See how u face it. Challenges, wars, games, just a means to a fat cheque or social links, continuous learning, services to the community, responsibilities to maintain a family .........

Could not contact Min up till now.

Wrote to Kwong. He is my empty bottle. He would tell me sth about Sault Ste Marie.

Sault Ste Marie

It is pronounced as Soo Saint Marie. Somewhere in Time.

Seeds of hatred, jealousy & insecurity are growing. Warmth, understanding and strength are shrinking. Bitter experiences recur in the mind. Losing confidence & trust. That is quite near to depression, if not death.

Who can cure that?

I have been looking after my brother, sister & daughters. I need pampering. I am heavily loaded.

Dined with Van & Andrew at Zen.

Luckily Min is MSN with me now. She is my darling.

SOS

I know I am tired. Getting agitated & frustrated. Feel like dying. Why is my way so difficult?

Agnes & Judy have been very very kind to me.

I met Ng, Yiu & Fu this morning on my way to work. Too many questions & too little help.

Heard sth about I. Quite surprised to learn such.

Dined at home with Nita.

Van is working very hard & yet bosses are forever pushing for more.

Kwong has gone on vacation with family on an island where "Somewhere In Time" was shot. Can't remember it s name. Sounds like French.

Lille is where Min had visited last Saturday. She said 3 hrs single journey was a long one.

She likes the duvet cover.

Lorraine is coming back in December with Jerry & 2 boys.

Wildfire in Elements

Sunday - pingpong 1-3 pm.

Wildfire in Elements - metal, wood, water, fire & earth. Road signages everywhere. Italian food, yummy & expensive.

Dined at KT. Tel Min. She sounded cheerful. Gone to Lille as arranged by school. Very tired - one single journey was 3 hrs by school bus.

Monday - Lippo Restaurant for lunch.

5 meetings plus many emails + decision makings. Real trying. Have to have high EQ, physical strength & will power.

Wedding party of Twinky & Ivan at Yat Tung Heen.

Sentiments have won. Am I weak & silly or too desperate?

Telford on Saturday

Lunch in Imperial Kitchen. I like the deep-dried small yellow croakers.
Shopped around in the arcade. Got some food from Marks & Spencers - jam, muffins, pilau rice & almond biscuits + ginger biscuits. Bought 2 Van Gough ball-pens. One black lacquor top + deep purple & one black lacquor + marble white. Both were pretty. Even the one + dark green was nice, though I did not buy it. Van picked the marble white for Joycelyn as birthday gift. She likes it. Van & A bought a hair band from Alexandre. They celebrated her birthday in Lei Garden, Elements. I also bought a copper-brown wind jacket from Columbia. A small purple water bottle, too.

Lost a lot in the Xigu mj game - about 6,0000 marks within one day. Luckily, it was not real money.

I have won $20 + $160 from 2 Mark Six Random tickets. 3 numbers and 3 1/2 numbers. If put together on one ticket .........

Had dinner at Simply Thai with Nita. Just 2 of us. Let her have a treat. A dinner set for $198. Telford is a very good shopping mall and provides so many cuisines.

Could not contact Min until now. Missing her. Don't know anything about her day trip to France.

Will play pingpong today with Marga.

Must post-record Friday:

Lunch with usual group at Wanchai and dinner at Dong Resturant in Hotel Miramar with the Tsinghua pals. I enjoy the company of them all. I feel so safe & relaxed with all these people. What may seem disturbing in work can be just some jokes when shared out on table. Work keeps people smart & informative & flexible & broad-minded. It is more than money earned, experience earned and buddies earned.

Lei Yue Mun Seafood

Jap food with Van in Causeway Bay for lunch on Thursday. She is working very hard. A bit frustrated.
Dinner at Lei Yue Mun for Seafood.

Min will go to France on Saturday. School activities - start at 5 am & end at 3 pm. May be a visit to Museums or oultets etc. No extra fees to be paid. All included in the boarding charges.

Medical reports so far so good.

trench coat & brogues

Yesterday, farewell lunch for Suen in Central. Dined at home. Van finished her work late.

Today, salad bad at Marriott Lounge. Dined at home again & Van finished her work late again.

Life is so inspiring when I can pick up any topic & always get responded with knowledge & sense of humour.

Tmr I will see doc at 3 pm. Very scared. I become tense. Wow!

Min is playing badminton just now. Skype is so wonderful. It brings us together across the miles.

national day

Tea with Porpor at Lei Garden APM. Bought a down blanket with duvet cover for Min.

A special gift for the National Day. So unexpected. Jeffrey got a Nokia mobile phone issued.

Dined at KT. Talked to Min over Skype. She has got Food Tech. See what she will cook or make.

lan fong yuen & heichinrou (Sunday)

Van & A & I went to Gage St for tea and noodles in soup. It is one of the famous cafes in Central. We had tea w/sugar & milk and some instant noodles. Many customers looked rich. A young man sitting opposite me wore a Daytona. Another girl wore very bright & big diamond ear-rings. Another man held a handbag for his girl friend - LV. There was a tiny French resturant opposite but closed. We would go there some time.

Pingpong from 1-3 pm. I had to rest after 45 mins. Marga could sustain better. I just like to do some exercises. Usual confee + dough shop for snacks.

Dinner with Van & A's family. First time to meet his Grandma (aged 94) and his Pa. Very humorous & friendly people. Travel around after retirement. Enjoy dine & wine. We had 2 bottles of red wine. The abalones were very delicious. They are frequent patronizers in Heichinrou (Times Square). They asked me whether I would like to go to Penang and New Zealand with them. J will go to Gold Coast for a meeting. Her Mom will go with her.

Min did not go out on Sunday. She would do the prep work. Wenjun & Wenxi stayed at home doing revision for exams. Lorraine will return on Tuesday. The boys have to be very independent with such busy parents.

dinner at home

Wenxi & Wenjun were staying at home by themselves studying for exams. Lorraine is in Malaysia for management retreat & Jerry is forever busy. Poor boys! Wenbang must still be in the military camp.

Dined with Porpor, Van & Andrew at home. Lots of food: steamed clams with garlic + vermicelli, bortsche, choy sum, rocket, steamed turbot. Ice-cream as dessert.

I bought a pr of black walking shoes for Porpor & a suit of pyjamas. She likes both.

Min will go to Bluewater - 2nd largest shopping centre in Europe. Just hope that she can buy a blanket and/or a coat.

Min is able to socialize cheerfully. Teachers' comments are favourable.

il Bel Paese

Thursday - lunch at Zen with Tam & Agnes. Cioppino with B at Dan Ryan.

Friday - buffet at Marriott coffee shop. Met Chui Ip.

Dinner at Harbour International Rest at Wanchai next to YMCA. Jane + Kam + Ella. Chatted until 10 pm.

This morning went to il Bel Paese. Bought olive oil & vinegar w/ a wooden stand, some rucola (rocket) & capers & white truffle pate & a cheese loaf. Then went to Sogo shoes department.

yachting

Van surprised me by telling me in the morning that a yacht had been booked today. We arrived Star Ferry No. 9 pier at 11 am. A's Mom, sis, uncle, auntie & their daughter for the pleasure trip. We anchored at Repulse Bay. His Mom is a good cook & she likes Italian food so much. Olive oil, vinegar, ham, raw beef, rock salad, prawn salad, honey dew melon, avocado + nachos, fruits, tomatoes.......... champagne & fruit juices & sparkling water ........

Then, stopped at Lamma Island, we took a walk for a while. Then we had drinks & clams in white sauce in The Bay Bistro at Mot Tat Bay. Many Europeans were there having coffee. Their kids were very sportive and confident in rowing the rubber boats & swimming around very free. Chinese parents would usually either forbid them or keep yelling. Different mode of rearing.

A balanced life is like this. And tomorrow I have to go back to work.

Min has eaten 1/4 of the mooncake & she said yummy.

mid-autumn festival

Yesterday should be the 30th anniversary, but it only lasted about 7 years. The 7 years after that was but a fake & a torture.

Only the 2 girls are real & lovable.

Arthur brought us to the Police HQ in Arsenal House. Very impressive.

Lunch with Judy & Joanna at a Jap rest near PP3 in Wanchai.

Langham Place is such a place for young people. The man-made sky at the top of the building was so pretty.

Van got promoted for one grade & have 10% increase of salary. I am so glad. Gungung Porpor, too.