Sang Kee Congee

Monday - Jap set lunch. Very enjoyable.

Marga went to consult HKU Space Chinese doctor. Hope the herb teas will do her good. Dinner with her and Kevin at Sang Kee. We had fish congee, chicken and pork liver.

Lorraine & the boys are so delighted to have our visit.

Chatted with Min over Skype. She is starting to think about her future.

Having a bad cold.

new pingpong racket - 6 stars HSH

Single side with rubber. The other side woody. That will become lighter.

Pingpong at Victoria Park. Then, lunch with Paus at Sagano.

Flora's Beauty Parlour.

Dinner at Porpor's home. Will bring her a set of blue towels - 3 different sizes - face towel to bath towel. Some red packets for the Lunar New Year.

Very cold.

The Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel

Saturday roster - the monitor could not function. Got a new Philips 17" LCD mon. Chatted with the guy who serviced. ICT is more a subject for boys. So Min is working very hard on it without much satisfaction. Maybe she can drop it after Lower 6. The young generation has a lot of their own anxieties as well. Being parents, we must be careful. Perhaps we think we have provided so much for them already and which are all that we were deprived of when we were small. However, their difficulties are certainly of another kind that we can help very little. Their competition is keen in differnt forms.

Lunch with Ella at the Jade Cantonese Restaurant at Citiplaza, Taikooshing. Bought some scarfs at Tie Rack. One for myself, one for Irene and one for Joycelyn.

Tea at Delifrance at Central. A hot green tea with fresh milk. A piece of Magdaleine. Jimmy's Kitchen was closed for some hours between the meals.

Taliana. David, Helen & Mike. How could a woman be named Mike. But she is really pleasant and offers very good services. I like David cos he never talks too much.

Waited at Citysuper, IFC, for Van and Andrew. Then we took a ferry to Discovery Bay. Dined at a Thai restaurant KohTomYum's. Most customers were westerners. We had tongyumgung soup. prawns with peppercorns, stir-fried potatoes, fried kale and some drinks. An atmosphere of a club for the whites. Strolled along the places nearby the pier. Relaxing. Felt like on vacation. It was a bit cold. Who says global warming? Complimentary ferry tickets from the restaurant to return to Central. Below the Thai restaurant, there was a pub or something called Hemingway's at the Bay. I like the name. We will go again. There are some similarities with Stanley.

Oh, just could not resist the temptation to have a drink in the Four Seasons Hotel - 2 camomile teas and one non-alcoholic Smile. They served with cashew nuts, olives and songzi (forgot about the English name). 6 Stars service - the guard in the Lobby, the waiters/waitresses, the live band and the attendants at the taxi-stand at the Entrance. Will go again, for sure.

Planning to visit Lorraine and bring along Mom. She deserves a break. So I do.

27 dresses

Thursday - one day off. The chicken broth with dried abalone + shark's fin & pork bones was added to boil congee with conpoy. Very delicious.

UCH - test. Then, dermatologist in North Point. My body needs so much attention and maintenance. Dinner at home with Van.

No news from Min.

Friday - lunch with Ellen at Police HQ - officers' mess. Very stylish & exclusive.

Tea Reception.

Movie at AMC, PP, with Agnes. American film. Relaxing. Absolutely different culture.

Late dinner at Zen. Glad to have her company.

jewels not worn

Tuesday night - able to chat with Min over Skype from 11 pm to 1 am. She has received the armani foundation. My girls are using far more expensive skin care products than I do. She is very happy with all the birthday presents she has received this year. She had once thought she would have a very lonely birthday in the foreign land. Caring English people. I like them. Or western culture is more expressive.

Wednesday - lunch with a retiree. Dinner at home with Van & Andrew. Nita boiled some very delicious soup for us.

It has been a few months I had not been in the Admiralty shop. Indeed they helped me to relax a lot. Too tight, too much tension.

Herb teas seem to help, perhaps psychologically.

I have taken out some jewels not worn for a long long time. Each item recalls memories. I love diamonds and gems. I love all kinds of things that keep me high-spirited. They are more reliable than people.

Chatted with Min over Skype this morning. She has no interest in the Bridges workshop. She sent over 2 photos - one with Wingki and one is flowers from Pam. Is it the first time she receives fresh flowers?

noodles in Landale St

Yee Hin noodles shop. Very tasty.

Il Bel Paese - bought a twin bottle for olive oil + vinegar and a bottle of ground black pepper. Fine food from Italy. Just wish to make life more pleasurable.

2 meetings for the day.

Van is still working in her office. No trace of Min.

Pam no response.

Dinner at home.

Bought a new novel by Yik She.

arucola from Italy

Lunch at Victoria Restaurant.

Dinner - a great dish of arucola with extra virgin olive oil + balsamic vinegar + mashed blue cheese. Fantastic! The funny point is that I did not go with risotto but plain rice. Save Nita's work.

Agnes assisted me in settling the bill of Pam. Very convenient and a bit cheaper.

I went to consult the Chinese doctor in HKU Space again. He said I am in very good condition with my medical history.

Good news! I bought 10 packs of tonic herbs for my body's maintenance.

Talked to Lorraine for many many things in daily life. Thank God I have got 2 lovely sisters and friends always supporting.

Hardship & bitterness can be better managed.

If I ever encounter nasty people or hard luck, I will just treasure all the more those who are kind and those which are enjoyable. Time passes invariably anyway.

Wenbang is doing well. Glad to learn that.

Had a long chat with Ella.

Cannot locate Min yet.

Connie went back to work for Sammy Lee.

Kwong is an interesting pal.

beverley hills

Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & lunch at Helen's place. I lost. But the game was very enjoyable as we are a good-willed company. We care for each other and support each other. Since 1971. Kingsui will retire a few months later.

IDD Min. Pam had sent her some flowers. She was in Tesco. She plans to go to London in half term break with Rosa.

Had some stomach ache last night. Pray for a peaceful sleep tonight.

bbq at waterfall bay park

Gathering of fun. I have bought some sausages and 3 "big eye" fish. Really tasty & healthy. Next time, I will buy more - at least 4. Martin is teaching children the national painting. We must do something after retirement. For physical And mental exercises.

Browsed around near Sogo. Mayee called my name. Then she invited me to visit her new home at Blue Pool Road. So, they are so close to Kingsui. Talked to Gordon, Tiffany & Alicia. Girls have grown tall.

I consulted the Chinese "doctor" downstairs and got herb teas for 3 days. He said I am weak and need to strengthen my body. Tonic is always right.

Dinner at home.

Van is coming home now from the Airport. She was in Sapporo this morning. However, when I tel her hotel, she had already checked out.

u are so funny, mom

Min said, "You are so funny, Mom. You told people around you to send me sms."

Lunch at Chiu Chow Garden to bid farewell to Irene. A terribly good working companion. I am very fond of her. She is so supportive and tolerant towards my blah blah blah.

Dinner at Marga's home - congee with stir-fried vermicelli.

BBQ tomorrow and mj on Sunday.

min is 18 today

Wednesday- could not join the Wanchai lunch as meeting overran. Played pingpong in the recreation room. Happiness is pingpong.

Slept after dinner.

Woke up at 5 am and IDD Min. Wished her a Happy Birthday. She is already 18 in HK but 17 in UK by then. So funny.

Thursday - went over to S Kln. Had lunch in the Penthouse, Nathan Hotel. Full house and noisy. People must have earned a lot of money. Last year, it was still quiet due to half of the tables were occupied. Rushed back to office after a brief meeting.

Dined at home. So cold. Just want to sleep.

Event of the Year 2008

Monday - an annual event done. Lunch at City Hall and dinner at Wanchai. Did not hear from Min.

Tuesday - A's birthday.

I have received the book HITMAN from Canada. Overloaded by Kwong's kindness.
I have not sent him any gift.

Talked to Min over Skype at about 10 pm. She is busy with her prep work for Business Studies.

Thanked Kwong. He intended such to be my birthday gift. Now much earlier. Wonder if he would send along another gift in Feb.

I enjoyed playing pingpong with Raymond and another guy after work today in the Recreation Room. I intend to bring a racket tomorrow and try to play during lunch time.

pingpong at victoria park

That acoustic there is not as good as that in Fa Yuen St. Very loud echoes.

We will stop for one time on 20th. I will go to play mj and Marga will fly to Thailand for a long weekend.

We had lunch at TohLee. Browsed at WingOn.

Dinner at KT. I bought the CD player for Porpor. She likes it.

Talked to Min over Skype. Her mobile activated. I am glad that I can communicate with her easily again. Very relieved to learn that she will not drop ICT and she promises to try hard. She had visited Guildford, Surrey, not Gillford where the Football Park is.

Bought a protective film for my LG. Should have done earlier. There are a few scratches now.

To be happy & healthy is my choice. Must sustain. Nice to talk to friends with wisdom and kind hearts. Avoid the devilish and bad-mouthed. But I think it is difficult cos I need to work and work with some of such people. They will not change for anyone. They think they are very smart and can bully others or boast about themselves.

Never mind, a sweet dream, a good sleep and a delicious meal will be my boosters. Virtue is its own reward.

Sai Tso Wan Recreation Playground

Van got up before 7 am & departed with high spirit.

Talked to Min over Skype from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. She wants very much trust from me. She will be mad if I say I worry about her. Sensitive child, like me. Glad to learn that she has worn the pale blue North Face down jacket. Nice & fit & warm. Good enough for the freezing cold. She likes Ollie so much. He is a very considerate and well-behaved young gentleman. He appears on the leaflet for the drama "Acorn to Oak". He is the leading role who comes from the future and meets some boy in the Bethany. Then he likes Bethany. Min said it is a silly play solely in praise of the school. Hahhaha! What a critic.

I then took a walk for about one hour with Nita in the Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground. Sunny, breezy, fresh air and all the beautiful trees and plants. I like this big park heartily. It is a blessing to have it nearby.

Then, I had tea/lunch with Porpor and Nita. I think Porpor is getting weak in her hearing. She had 12 missed calls despite she had hung the mobile at the front. She always says, " I don't hear any calls." She is like that recently. Nothing can be done. I advised her to ring me up if she is late since she does not hear my calls. But she does not follow my suggestions.

Bought Gungung a dish of glutinous rice as take-way. Upon his request, I bought them a CD player + radio - Philips with some classical CDs for them for entertainment.

I had sago tea at 5 pm and then went to Park N Shop to buy some oranges, dumplings, Chinese mushrooms and dried noodles, abalone and conpoy flavours. Then I went to Flora and Ah Yee.

Dined at home with Nita.

Porpor had tried the CD player. She likes it. She listened to Roman. His voice was really excellent.

Min's phone works again. But she did not answer my call. Sent along a SMS.

BTW, should I have my hair permed?

where is min?

The Seaman has returned. SMS can bring along much fun and keep-in-touch.

Kwong gives a very sensible account of what would be the consequences. He is a good listener and a reliable adviser.

Chasing after Pam for the bill. She is very courteous. Most English people are very educated. It is a comfortable experience to talk to her and receive her emails. She will wait for Ann to do it next week. How slow! She does not mind waiting.

Party with colleagues. I got the lucky draw & got a Park & Shop cash coupon of $100.00. I bought 5 water bottles with different colours and a set of towels for the lucky draw. The cash coupon could be the one I contributed. I enjoyed such parties.

Cannot got hold of Min since 4 am on 10th. Does she know I am missing her so much? Presland has not replied to me either.

Hilary will win? Or Obama? One woman and one black. Nita said Hilary looks pretty. She did not cry before the camera when Bill clinton was involved in scandals with other women. But she had tears when the votes were low. Were such tactics or she cares more for the voters than her husband's fidelity?

The broadcast matters are hot potatoes. See how it will settle.

I like the rocket with oliver oil, vinegar & blue cheese chips. Dining at home saves a lot of money. Lucky to have Nita who is a good cook.

Van came home very late. She will fly early in the morning. Porpor still cannot go to sleep well. Pat seems liking his present post. I am glad to hear that.

Just caught Min on Skype. She finds difficulties in ICT. She will go to Gillford tomorrow. Where is it?

packed lunch on Wednesday & Thursday

Talked to Min over Skype from 4:30 am to 5:00 am. She has received the brithday card & 3 books. She will open the envelop so to read the card on her birthday. She enjoys reading the books written by Dr Au. Presland wrote to say Min is absolutely fine in school.

Reminded her to hand in the bank draft for school fee and taught her to activate the new sim card. See when will she perform & succeed. Min sat for the maths exam. She thought she could get B hopefully. She said it was not terrific at all.

Van will come back for dinner this evening. She will go to Hokkaido in Saturday morning. She got a very pretty white wind-breaker with fleece inner for skiing. Hope that everything would be safe. The travel agent she introduced is very good.

Pam is not keen to send along the bills. Typical decent English lady who feels ashamed to be mercenary.

Porpor could sleep for a while in Kam's place. Old age is certainly the cause for all kinds of discomforts.

thankful prayers

Kwong has forwarded his little girl's prayer to share with me.

I must learn from the simple soul.

Everything is better today. So I should not be anxious and annoyed so easily. I must learn to remain composed, humorous and forgiving.

Lunch at Wanchai with the usual group. Pamela will leave us for about 6 months. Dined with Van at Fish Bar. Luxurious. Life is enjoyable after all.

Talked to Min over Skype. She is happy that her mobile was left in the cab on the way to London and not stolen. The honest driver will return it to her in the school a few days later. She had received the vf card and the warm coat. She is fond of the Pam's family. She has pity on Maryjane & the 2 girls. Min is stuck in ICT. What could I do?

The discomfort on the lower right abdomen that worried me yesterday disappeared this morning. Probably I had been too tense - 4 meetings per day and emails and talking to people. Nervous.

Min returns to school

Pam drove Min back by Monday evening. Just hope that she can have a fruitful time and score higher marks for the admittance to a U of reputation. Fussed about the charger for a few minutes. Naughty girl. Much for her to learn. Needs more discipline.

C came back. I asked him many whys. He said the sun shines on both the good and the bad. People are entitled to their own ways of life and opinions. We just remain what we are and do whatever we think is right. He said jealous people are unhappy people and that is sufficient punishment. We need not bother at all. So he is a Christian, a Christian who refrains from criticizing, a Christian who always responds with a smile without letting you know what he thinks, a Christian who will definitely keep his mouth shut when people pass on some unfair & nasty comments on you and he listens neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Pauline has just given me 2 booklets on her grandma who passed away recently. In return to our condolence money, she gave us the white packets and told me about her grandma. She died at the age of 101. A kindly face.

Van was very excited last evening when she came back. Her blueberry cheese cake was a success. Life, after all, is joyful, if we care to love and accommodate and give more/demand less.

thanks for the gatherings

Sat - Min had a walk in the sunny weather with MaryJane + her friend, Ruby, Isabelle & Flicker across some turf farms. They also bought some snacks from the ministore nearby. Glowing faces. One hour in the morning was so healthy.

I dined with Porpor & Nita at Telford for Jap food.

Sun - Pingpong in Victoria Park. Lunch with Marga & Kevin. HKUSpace tel Kevin that he had been admitted to the Master degree offered by Leicester U. They received a list online but everything would be subject to written confirmation.

Kevin drove Margar, Gungung, Porpor and me to Saikung in the afternoon. We had some Thai food in a lane. We were full but just to keep Gungung company.

Dinner at Porpor's home with everybody. Van also joined. She made a cheese cake for A as a birthday cake.

Nothing matters more than family members and food to me. Hahahha!

Rang up Pam's house at 9 pm. Pam told me that she had gone to the city for cinema with MaryJane, Ruby & Issy. It seems the 2 presents from Pam for Min & me were mislaid somewhere. She would follow-up. MaryJane will accept a job related to China trade. Poor single parent. Luckily, she's got great support from her parents.

I have been asked to do a stupid thing by 2 people. I must handle it carefully. One of them has been malicious by nature. Do I appear to be "no brain" to others?

i like ming kee - $45 a very decent lunch

I like Ming Kee in Wanchai. If our canteen would be similar to it, how nice!

Talked to Min by IDD. Van talked to her too. Very different life pattern there with 2 oldies. She had sausages and cheese and soup and a glass of tap water for dinner. She has a toast for breakfast. She watched DVD most of the time in her room. Sometimes she read the Chinese books I gave to her.

I had bought a birthday card for her and 3 books by the doc. She has to stay there for 3 more nights. Hope that she will study hard instead of idling around.

lovely sunny day

Talked to Min last night by IDD. She sounded cheerful and settled. After all, children are very adaptable. She has been doing the assignment on Business Studies. Flicker was right in front of her and some cats would go into her bed room at any time. It was snowing outside but the heater in the house made her warmer than in HK.

Today is sunny. I feel light-hearted.

Van got her appraisal for the year. Scored grade B. Not easy. Promised to be promoted in 6 months' time. Very glad that the girls are striving hard for their own paths ahead.

Had the washing machine repaired - $850.

The North Face down jacket would be Min's birthday present. A pale blue wind-breaker outside, can be zipped up with a beige inner with down. Should last for many years. Nita also sent by sea mail a big box of drinks and food for her. Spoiling her.

Yesterday, I had a delicious lunch with colleagues in Lippo.

I will buy Min a birthday card and she wants books written by a doctor. Quite humorous & positive.

margaret ng

A woman, an author, a scholar, a counsel & a politician. Recently, I have been reading one of her books - proses. Just tender & beautiful. Just wish that I had never known her face & her speeches. So nice & distant when she tells you about cooking, English backyards, cats & bridges ...........

Spent the whole morning in S kln. and came back to buy a lunch box from Great. I picked a bottle of Balsamic vinegar (di Modena) as New Year present. I am indulged in many delicate items in life. I make sure they are affordable. Don't worry.

I treasure every day cos I don't know as no one knows how many more are lying ahead.

New Year Eve & New Year

31st - Bought bank draft for the Spring Term school fee. Had Jap food for lunch - fried pomfret. Min had friends wathcing thriller with her at home before she departed. Dined at home with Van & A. She brought along the set of pink LeSportsac bags. I bought her some chilli oil and some choc for Pam. I also gave Pam a Coach coin purse. May drove her to the airport with Porpor, me & the 2 boys. Had some fun time at Burger King. Although Min had checked in online in the morning, the plane was over-booked and she luckily got up-graded to business class. She was excited. I know the departure will cause me some great sentiments as expected.

1st - Went to S Kowloon in the morning for about 2 hrs and treated some staff to lunch. Relatively cheap when compared with those restaurants in PP. Bought her a 2 jackets in 1 in the Outdoor Shop. Pale blue. The old one had faded colour. Will have dinner with Porpor.

Talked to Min and she has safely arrived Pam's home. Pam later confirmed that she has gone to sleep. Too tired. And the luggage is big.