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.