treat every day as if it was your last

One day you will be right.

We never know when is the day. So treasure today.

I gave up taiji for baby-sitting. Will she do anything similar when I become old? To impose responsibility on her is unfair. I better spend time thinking about my weekend entertainments.

I like my Aquascutum trench coat & scarf.

Good news: Wenjun got admitted into LSE.

work is rewarding

Disregard my grumbles. I enjoying working. Work is challenging. Work is bringing along knowledge. Work keeps us associated with people. Work enriches our experiences. Work is rewarding. Spiritual and monetary. Work maintains my dignity.

Love it!

The main cause of my feeling so good is Min 's home.

Nury Vittachi says

God must love stupid people. He made loads of us. No matter how hard we work, how busy we are, we always get works undone, mistaken, delayed. We are blamed and criticized and beaten up. Who can work smart? Hands tied. So slow and clumsy and crazy.

A mad mad world of loads of stupid people.

peaceful day & night

Prayers bring along peace. For all those whom I love!

i know i would cry

But I did not expect to cry that much.

Echoes of the Rainbow

Memories of childhood. I am impressed by the 2 brothers.

The Park Lane and Wing Lok Street.

Hideo Wakamatsu

A gold-coloured calf-skin handbag. Large size. For lady executives.

A finger-ring of tourmaline - 5 stones. A pair of smoky quartz ear-rings and a pair of purple blue ear-rings. Oxette - a good brand from Egypt at iSquare where Hyatt Regency Hotel was.

Woodhouse in Chung Hing Building, TST. Lan Fong Yuen since 1952.

Min in Nottingham.

Dinner at KT. We bought a cake for Porpor and we sang a birthday song for her.

A's grandma celebrates her birthday today. How close!

translate love into actions

Score higher marks in the next semester;
Eat healthy food;
Drink more warm water;
Remain cheerful;
Wear retainers at night;
Skype and email Mom reguarly;
Pick positive people as friends;
Take care of your properties and take care of your body and soul. (A heart could not be broken too often. We need time to repair it. And the scars will never disappear.)

Cook me some yummy food;
Buy me a coin purse or a scarf; a book or a comb;
Be punctual when we go for movies or tea;
Make Mom laugh, best with tears!

The list is not yet exhausted.....

citygate outlets

A big big shopping spot. All except the most most luxurious brands. Enjoying like a tourist. I find that the sales teams there are not as sophisticated and courteous and smart as those in Central, Causeway Bay & Pacific Place & Tsimshatsui. There is a big difference.

Gungung & Porpor were very happy.

Anis tried the swing and she was so fond of the boy's bicycle. I long to buy her one. As soon as she can ride.

Happy Birthday to Por & Van

Double Happiness!

exceptionally high EQ

If he ever gets jailed, he would come out like Jeffrey Archer, write and earns credits by his experience in the prison.

Did he ever collapse, worry or regret? Or as he said, he just faces some changes in life as everybody else everyday everywhere.

Cant believe it. So calm and well organized a press conference including clothes and tone.

Anyway, today is a happy day for me. I like all the people I have met today. Yu told me about the roast pork lunch in TW. Terrific. I am pleased.

God grant me sweet dreams!

it's Friday again

Racing with work schedules. Kept busy all the time.

Will have a long weekend with family members.

great joy of the day

Awesome!

I am able to get a young reader to my blog and he permits me to read his.

Then we chatted on Skype as a conference with Sum, too.

Not every Mom has the wonderful chance to join their children's groups. I do.

Love you all, young friends. The world is yours. Many thanks for permitting me to be amidst you from time to time.

The feeling is respect and fun and warmth. So nice to start the day with ........

:)

Andrew feels so great about Anis b. When I told him that she insisted me to repeat singing "I am a Big Apple", he said, "you indeed have face." LOL How lucky Anis b is!

agree to disagree

To live with ........ when we have no choice.

Old Age

Retired people who considered themselves to be as energetic, happy, hopefull and useful as they were when they were younger lived more than 7 years longer than those who reported more negative perceptions of aging.

Physical exercises and mental stimulation help a great deal. Self-acceptance & self-esteem.

Recruit positive people to support you in your effort to stay on the sunny side of the street.

If you feel unhappy, remind yoruself of the things in your life that you have to be grateful for.

necklace w a cross pendant

A gift of great sentimental value. 20 years?

he falls from height

What goes up must come down? Many seem to be pleased with this piece of scandal. Some are keen enough to deny knowing him or being familiar with him. With his intelligence, did he not expect such? He is talented and has contributed a lot. However, a misconduct is a misconduct, if proven.

Whoever gains fame & riches will invite jealousy? Human nature is wicked sometimes and people are delighted with others' misfortunes though they may not benefit from it.

Power corrupts? He has really been mean, harsh, greedy and taken unfair advantages?

The basket of orchids we presented yesterday was really pretty. I like roses, forget-me-not and orchids.

Is it an exciting game or an exhausting game? Is it healing or killing? Who determines what and whom? When and why and why not?

Bangkok Bangkok, if there are no natural disasters, you get destroyed by men just well?

ageing gracefully

- low fat/high fibre
- the Mediterranean diet - olive oil & balsamic vinegar + olives + fruits/veg, onions
- sardines
- apricots & figs
- blueberries & bilberries
- red wine
- water
- sleep

- forgive & forget
- stay away from the negative, if not possible, ignore
- declare the end of youth and welcome the harvest of maturity

- love yourself, respect yourself, feel good about yourself
- fresh air, blye sky, white clouds, seaside, lawn, moonlight & meditation
- laughters & tears - go natural

getting warmer today

Fu has got promotion and will treat us a delicious dinner to celebrate.

Event to start at noon.

Fortunately, I have friends who are always positive and encouraging and kind.

Baby cries whenever I leave. Poor me!

taiji & yoga

What is the difference?

Which is more enjoyable?

Which is more beneficial to our bodies?

Kathryn Bigelow

An American film director. Aged 58. Married to James Cameron from 1989 to 1991.

This year, she won an award for the Best Director for "The Hurt Locker" which won an award for the Best Picture. James Cameron was her competitor by "Avatar". He sat in the row at her back and joined in the standing ovation.

Hollywood is a glamorous place and the Oscars mark the successes!

Sandra Bullock

The Worst Actress from Razzie and The Best Actress Academy Award. She received them within one week, equally gracefully.

We get praises and criticisms interchangeably. Normal. Her case is a magnified version. Amusing!

a natural rhythm of change

Letting unsatisfactory situations persist unnecessarily is a source of unhappiness.

How to pull ourselves out of a predicament?

How to feel good and sleep well?

The Oscars

Must see:

The Hurt Locker
It's complicated
Alice in Wonderland
The Blind Side
Crazy Heart

May see:
Avatar

cross-over

Traditional Cantonese opera and contemporary Cantonese drama.

Love is the theme.

Weather is turning cold again. Drizzling.

lots of fun

Dine & wine. Morning walk. Pingpong. Mahjong. Coffee and fruits. Carefree chats & laughters.

No complaints.

lunch time baby-sitting

Happy hour!

fixed

3 cards re-issued and activated.

The main door. The cupboard door. The notebook.

Another card to be re-issued.

Everything needs maintenance. Our bodies need most. Broken hearts, too, could be repaired if you are lucky enough.

Medicine cures. How determined you are?

humid

So humid.

Chile has a gret disaster! Grade 8.8 Earthquake and tsunami!

the green mile

Tom Hanks, like Meryl Streep, is just awesome.

I went to see the Cantonese opera - 4 love stories - with Mama and YeePor.

The Lanesborough - a St Regis Hotel

Difficulties are challenges. Endurance is strength. The more demanding the job is, the more worthy to pursue.

She told me so this morning.

Wish her all the best for a meaningful sail! A rewarding career!

too occupied

Busy schedules.

Wanchai lunch. Dinner home. Sleepy!

work work work

Busy for the whole day!

i am contented! absolutely.

Chatted with little girl in the morning.

Chicken congee for lunch.

Afternoon with Anis.

Dinner with AVA & Porpor at QRE .

Greetings from ...........

red roses

56 to 57.

life health love family security friends fun peace

books/ movies/ mahjong/ pingpong/ emails/ skype/ shopping/ tea/ dining/ travel/ chats/ walking in the garden

They are good friends!

Friendship is invaluable. They are fun and support!

Times flies definitely!

Count down! 3 more years to go.

Aquascutum

The understated British elegance with the waterproof fabric.

A reversable trench coat fawn/navy check on one side and navy on the other with collar and cuffs folded showing the other colour.

A scarf with the club check in black, white, red, & brown.

Timeless items.

8 degrees Celsius. Freezing cold!

global freezing!

It is so cold. No central heat. Freezing!

fai & bongbong for vacation

Both have come back from LA. A family known to me for over 30 years. Always dinner & mahjong.

Valentine's Day

A romantic comedy. Romances can turn sour, chaotic, problematic and tragic. But Los Angelenos keep on kissing and falling in love and hugging. They survive well whatsoever. The clue is perhaps the words "always" and "forever" shall mean "as long as it lasts".

roses for shamrock by shamrock

for little girl mic

cold & rainy

Happy reunion dinner at KT. I like Anis's red Chinese silk & cotton padded coat.

Festivals mark our days with lots of meaning.

Happy Valentine & Kung Hei Fat choy!

Some may choose where and with whom to spend the vacation, I simply choose between "Happy" and "Unhappy". For obvious reasons, I choose "Happy". Life is great worth itself irrespective how many wishes are granted by the Supreme. I cannot ask much from others nor Him. I can decide how much to expect from people.

No pneumonia, no fever, no waiting in the casualty in a hospital on the first day of the lunar year, life is good enough!

Cheers!

lunar new year puddings

Time for red packets and New Year puddings.

Will go to a movie in the morning - budget tickets.

True Legend - wushu, intensive love and hatred, patriotism - 3D technology.

Martial Arts and David Carradine.

Reunion Dinners

Valuable time - Thursday in Kwun Tong, Friday at Causeway Bay.

Thankful!

3 cards stolen but no losses incurred. So lucky! Please learn the lesson and be more careful.

sweet dreams!

Sweet dreams are the greatest comforts urban folks could have.

tell me your dreams by sidney sheldon

See if I can find it unputdownable. He used to be a wonderful storyteller. His works helped me to go through some very difficult time. An escape from the bitterness of reality.

music lesson in the morning

Will take the morning off to bring Anis for music lesson. Must be more enjoyable than meetings.

the garden downstairs

I like the garden downstairs.

So sleepy.

u jump, i jump

If u are happy, I am happy. If u are upset, I am more upset. Lovers, mother and child ........

So cold and wet. I must keep myself warm. The nightmare of penumonia is still prevailing.

Having been clearing up books, magazines and notes. We need to throw away clothings and books if we often buy new items. Shopping and purchasing seem to be pleasure. It could be a therapy for fun and satisfaction. Yet, the risk is you will empty your pocket and fill up the rooms with stuff. Not many books will be re-read and re-read. Some clothes may even be forgotten unless you have a big enough wardrobe displaying each single piece and make it easy for retrieval.

Lunar New Year is coming. Any resolutions and which would be realized?

marina

Long time no see. She kept on talking for 5 hours or more. That is why she has got a hoarse voice. We chatted as if we never departed from each other.

How much do we know the difference of how we see ourselves and how others see us?

The flat after renovation is great. A comfortable home. The food was delicious. I wish I could be a good cook a few years later like my friends.

tired

So tired. How could I be energized?

mother & child

The mother role is the role I like most, though the responsibilities are sometimes dreadful.

:)

Weather remains cold.

hello beautiful world

Rich and poor. Healthy and sick. Old and young.

Enjoy this moment. Enjoy today. Enjoy your presence in this imperfect world. Enjoy the company of your imperfect lovers, family members and friends. Being imperfect ourselves, life is a passage of time for us to go through with endurance and to seek happiness with broken hearts.

baby guard dog akita

hachi

akita puppy

snow storms in northern hemisphere

Classes cancelled. Flights cancelled. Students stuck at airports and in dorm taking instant noodles.

Is that the effect of global warming?

snow in surrey

Every cloud has a silver lining

Dealing with setbacks is essential in life. Thomas Edison experimented more than 10,000 times before producing the first incandescent light bulb in 1879. He is quoted as saying, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

So we have to tolerate failure. It is an integral part of the process of trying to accomplish something. Edison has another famous quote, "Genius is one per cent inpisration, ninety-nine per cent perspiration."

Hard work and dedication lead to success. However, there is always a long and winding road. Before you see the end of the tunnel, do persevere.

There is hope for a better tomorrow unless one gives up today.

Fresh & colourful

Fruits & vege are most recommended for the modern healthy life. Meats seem to be equated to toxin. How true is it?

2010 - laughters wanted

Hey! I look for laughter as a therapy. To be light-hearted, good-humoured and relaxed.

Who and what can make me laugh? Movies, stand-up comedy, jokes or some naughty friends?

Laughters should come along natural like fresh air, clean water, silver moon-light and the warm sun. However, nowadays, pollution and change of climate make all such not easy to be available any time. Laughters, too, have become rare. Laughters hearty and loud and spontaneous. Laughters, laughters, where are you?

Peekaboo, I miss you!

MacDonnel Road

Anis is now far away from me. How I miss her!

Such a tiring Monday! Luckily I could have a sound sleep in the night.

Too many deadlines, not enough time; too many interruptions, not enough quiet; too much technology, not enough simplicity; too much work, not enough leisure; too much clothings and accessories, not enough space at home; too much expenditure, not enough income ........ A world of stress. A long list for the urban folks.

Problems: Muscle pain, insomnia, fatigue, sadness, heartburn, nausea, anxiety and headaches. So common for the clinic treatment.

Cure: Rest, games, movies, music, exercises, chats with friends, shopping and dating. Medicines should be the last resort.

Oh - Gifts. Gifts should be healing.

Roses are red

"The rose is red, the violet's blue,
The honey's sweet, and so are you.

Thou are my love and I am thine;
I drew thee to my Valentine:

The lot was cast and then I drew,
And Fortune said it shou'd be you"

3rd January 1981

On a highway in Toronto, probably snowing, a car crashed and the young driver died almost instantly. He was 20 years old 2 days before the fatal accident. 1st January. The rest of the passengers survived.

Being heavily pregnant, she could not fly to fetch his ash home. Hearts broke and tears shed. The wound is never healed. Sometimes in the middle of the night, you just feel the heart throbbing with pains. His face so handsome and what an active, cheerful guy.

It is the same day that is her sis' birthday. How sarcastic! How shattering! How could one forget?

a walk at sai tso wan

About one hour. Quite a number of people did jogging, stretching or brisk walking. Greens, flowers and winds. Nobody talked to others.

We watched "Friends" while having vermicelli in soup. Min taught me lots of terms that I do not know. A language has to be learnt for life.

I miss Anis b. We had dinner at Nga Trang last night at old Wanchai. That is another kind of atmosphere unlike Tsimshatsui or Causeway Bay. Quiet, a taste of its own.

roses for myself

Cheer up!

clearance

Thinking of 2 girls and Anis. Children are growing up and I am aging.

I have cleared some stuff from the flat. How much do we need and how much do we want? The rooms must be cleaned and cleared regularly. So are our hearts. I miss the girls terribly. How far and how near we are with our beloved.

Becoming very very sentimental and I cannot sleep.

beautiful!

a morning walk with a sea view

The first wish of the Year is to walk along the seaside warm and cheerful and feeling pampered. It has been granted!

Lunch at home with Min. We will do house-warming for Van. I miss Anis b.

:)

sweet twenty ten

Busy schedules of work on 31 Dec 09. Min came over for lunch. She was so indulged in the iTouch games that she ate very little.

Van moved house. We had dinner after 9 pm at San Xi Lou at Coda Plaza. Anis is very lovable. She knew to point at Paul Frank (money) on Van's tee when we asked her about it and laughed a lot.

Talked to Miranda.

Min went to a New Year Eve party.

I was terribly exhausted.

Today is cold and I am wondering whether I should take a walk at Sai Tso Wan. I really need some exercise to give a treat to my body & mind after all the stress.

I wish all my family members and friends a most delightful and smooth-sail 2010!

Silver Service

Silver service is the name given to a method of table service in the United Kingdom. This usually includes serving food at the table. It is a technique of transferring food from a service dish to the guest's plate from the left.

It is often performed by a silver service "waiter" using service forks and spoons from the diner's left. In France, this kind of service is known as "English Service."

Features of silver service

Silver service food is always served from the left, drinks from the right.
Meals are served to the diner from platters, not plated in the kitchen.
The guest to the host's right is served first. (Usually a female guest)
Service continues clockwise.
Plates are cleared from the right, glasses from the right; again starting with the guest to the host's right.
Glasses are stacked in a diagonal to the right and away, with wine (by course) in order, and then lastly, water glass in front.

A modification of Silver Service is known as Butler Service. In Butler Service the diner helps himself from a serving plate held by the waiter (butler). Traditionally, this type of service was used on Sunday evenings when the waiting staff had the evening off and the butler helped out at dinner.

Yoga

Yoga is a holistic way to become healthier, physically and mentally. Yoga postures and breathing techniques decrease anxiety, depression and chronic pain and increase optimism, self-confidence, concentration and calmness.

Mind-body therapies.

girls have their paths

One is moving home to HK; one is returning to study in UK.

friendship is precious

Min came over to have lunch with me. She bought a book about Warren Buffett from Kelly & Walsh. She is growing up and has acquired interest in reading.

Friendship treasured is a treasure. We had dinner together and chatted freely and heartily. An enjoyable evening after a hard day's work.

audrey hepburn remembered

Charisma! She looked amazing, graceful and enchanting throughout her life time. Elegant at different stages of life.

Sherlock Holmes

Robert Downey Jr & Jude Law.

Times Square.

X'mas magic

Festivals bring along magic. We feel days are marked with sentiments and uniqueness. We do special things to each other and life becomes more meaningful.

Min went to Armani Bar, Charter House; on Dec 22 she went to Beijing Club, Lan Kwai Fong. Youth is unbeatable. She is enjoying her social life. Nita went to midnight mass at St Joseph's Church, Garden Road with Feheley.

Home alone.

Irene sent me a bottle of champagne and a fruit basket. Andrew gave me Sogo coupons. V bought me and Min packages to Bangkok earlier. I got 2 bottles of red wine at the lucky draw in the office X'mas party. I received a X'mas cake and a set of Crabtree & Evelyn skincare product - lavender.


Gungung, Porpor, J & J are all happy with our presents. The maids as well. When we bring happiness to others, we are the angels of the world.

So glad that I am still breathing comfortably. 2 nights ago, I thought I would face another knock on the door. Too scary.

anis b cries a lot

Her crying gets on our nerves. Who should be a parent if one is not prepared enough. A great task to raise a child.

Merry X'mas!

Lots of exchange & lucky draw of presents. I give and I receive. That is how love & care are generated amongst people.

Joy & peace to everybody!

winter solstice

Illness. Stomach ache since 6 pm on 22 Dec. Vomitted during the night.

It is fine today and I feel much better. Santa Claus! Where are you?

Merry Christmas!

Joyful Season!

Joy to the world!

a busy sunday

Pingpong at QE Statdium. Shopped at Marks & Spencer. Lunch at Golden Bull. Afternoon spent in PP. Dinner at KT. Babyccino at Star Bucks. Latte & ginger/cranberries cookies. Anis knows how to catch our attention. X'mas gifts bought at Chinese Arts & Crafts. AVA.

Papa is getting old and his thoughts begin to become confused.

a cold night

The heater was out of order when I came home and when temperature dropped. People and things may be unavailable when they are wanted most.

a time for mother & child exclusively

We chatted, read, ate, shopped and laughed. We exchanged views on people and events. It is happiness, absolutely. Thai food, massage, Skytrain, boating and looking around. Siam Paragon. Sala Daeng. Baan Karitha & Gallery. So many gays freely holding hands or kissing or dining together.

High tea at the Peninsula. Jim Thompson. Dusit Thani Hotel.

how absurd!

Comfortably seated in a limousine in the company of a loving daughter, cooled by a towel and drinking bottled mineral water, heading for the Peninsula Hotel, anticipating to have a massage for the whole afternoon and a Thai dinner in a 5-star hotel in the evening, I started to complain that Fate could be kinder to me. The trip has been prepaid and so is the limousine for return journey. How absurd!

hey in bangkok

Count the blessings! I do. 5 years ago, December was a month of illness for me. I am still surviving now. So life is not bad after all.

Enjoying as much as I can!

who is she?

Is she lovable?

charlie brown's girl friend

feel all your feelings

Life means experiencing strong emotions; fear, delight, sadness and joy. Don't try to run from the ones we don't like; experience them all. Even feelings like fear, guilt and anger tell us things about ourselves, give us energy to change, and remind us what we consider important. Acknowledge painful emotions; recognize that they are part of us. It is not painful emotions that are bad; it's denying we have them.

Lorraine & Wenxi have gone back to Singapore. I am going to Bangkok tomorrow with Min. Life is a journey comprising many journeys. Merry trips to myself!

accept ignore & live with

People & things:-

Unpleasant, unkind, ungrateful, undesirable, unfortunate, unbelievable, unreasonable, untrue, unfair, unfaitfhful, ungracious, unhealthy, unfeeling, uncomfortable, unhappy, unsavoury, unscrupulous, unbearable ................

No choice.

XiaoNanGuo in Megabox and sports wear outlets, Wing On, TST East. Shanghai cuisine and shopping spree extended.

Dinner at KT.

wonton noodles in soup, beef brisket & vege

Yummy dumplings & noodles in soup.

Min has come home. I was in the airport Friday night & Saturday evening. J J & Porpor dined at my home after fetching Min.

Anis went to baby class in the morning and the Ocean Park in the afternoon. AVA visited the Great Grandma for dinner. Anis b will be a main feature in my retirement life.

I got the layer cake from Singapore.

home sweet home

A nice time in Shanghai. Xiaolongbao. Hairy crabs. Noodles. Cheungsam. Embroidery on clothings and table cloths and pillow/cushion cases. I see the fine details in the old time. I see the modern hi-tech application. The East meets the West here and merges with sophistication. Jade, pearls and silk. Bars for the foreigners. Japanese find their place, too.

A fascinating city for me.

But it is so comfy to be home again. I have seen my baby Anis this morning. She is so cute. I was afraid she might have forgotten me. Luckily, she has not.

shanghai shanghai

Okura Garden Hotel. 4 breakfasts at Rose Cafe.

Monday: Old Shanghai Moon Restaurant for dinner
Tuesday: Lisboa Hotpot with Eric & Wing-lun for lunch
de Olde Station Restaurant for dinner
Wednesday: Chu Jia Jiao - farmer's cuisine for lunch
Yi Fang Congee Hotpot for dinner
Thursday: Chang Sheng Kee for lunch
Xiao Nan Guo for dinner
Friday: KFC for lunch
Dinner on plane

We bought lots of things. I like my double-sided woollen shawl most, one side rosy pink with embroidered peonies and another side black.

I bought 2 cashmere jackets from Shiliupu. Lots of fun bargaining.

We went to the Museum and Xintiandi. We went to Lorraine's office. We all like the Hotel very much. It was indeed hospitality management. We did morning exercise there in the garden.

I missed everybody whom I love.

papa in haven of hope

We 3 visited Papa with Mamma. He was absolutely pleased though he kept on saying we need not worry about him. I gave his head, neck & shoulders some good massage for over 20 minutes and Lorraine massaged his legs and feet. Blood circulation would help him to have a quality sleep.

This morning, we skipped pingpong. Marga teased my dark purple down jacket old-fashioned. Lorraine complained about the Paus having no wi-fi at home. We then discussed intensely what to wear in Shanghai. Cannot find a warmer Sunday! Just love it. I will wear the new down jacket - green & white checks. My sis said women in Shanghai are certainly trendy people. We should not be left behind. Right!!! I will bring my camera.

Taliana & CC Club

I went to Taliana again on Saturday morning and spent the rest of the day in CC Club. I lost in the mj game. I taught them to play to 4 wildcards - a blank tile. The game had become more exciting for the 4 intelligent women. It is beleived that mj game can keep our brains working more actively and with fun. Hence, we will be entering our old age with wits and happiness. The wisdom of Chinese. If we can maintain a group of friends, have casual chats and share food cheerfully, it is indeed a good programme for the body and the mind. The money involved must be well affordable and players' attitude must be friendly. Bad losers must be out.

Lorraine has arrived late night and Wenxi this afternoon. We will have tea/dimsum for lunch in celebration of Mike's birthday in Nikko Hotel. A month for birthday parties and holidays.

I am thinking what to wear for my trip in Shanghai tomorrow. I know I am lucky!

fun time

Parties, presents & pleasure trips.

Busy in the office. Busy in social events as well. Haircut at Taliana by David.

Reunion dinner with Tsinghua pals in Whampoa - Wing Lai Yuen. Dan Dan noodles, chicken with dumpling soup in casserole, deep fried sweet & sour fish in squirrel style, sliced loin in spicy Sichuan source and the steamed Wax gourd with chicken soup (grape like). Interesting chats from different professions and trades.

Will play mj at CCC with Kingsui group.

prayer for ym

You need it.

I never pray for exemption from pains, difficulties and tests. I pray for strength and blessing to overcome and turn out to be more resilient. Life is a game for survivors, especially those who are capable of laughters even at dark hours.

bronze dye & teflon dye pasta

Much stimulated by Min's mentioning of pasta, I seek from internet some knowledge about the subject.

It is always nice to retain the curiosity of a child.

Italy is a country for pasta - so many names, shapes, flour and modes of manufacturing. Source to go with. Fresh and dry - with or without eggs and naturally dried or machine-dried. People from the northern and central have different likes from those of the southern. Some families run the business for generations.

Imagine some bowtie shapes pasta in an array of colours. Spinach green and squid ink black and the natural wheat white.

In cooking, the Italian expression of "al dente" describes pasta cooked enough to be firm but not soft; resistant to the bite but not hard nor sticky. It is considered to be the ideal form of cooked pasta. Using plenty of salt helps achieve the "al dente".

Yummy food is my salvation. Pleasant companions are unbeatable. 1 + 1 is perfect. Hurray!

Star of Bombay - 182 carat

In gemmology, an asterism is an optical phenomenon displayed by some rubies, sapphires & other gems, e.g. star garnet, of an enhanced reflective area in the shape of a "star" on the surface of a cabochon cut from the stone.