Retiring in Canada

I read my friend, BT's blog with interest.  His teacher and a classmate retired in Canada and are very healthy.  Teacher is mid-80 and classmate just past 70 years old.  Canada is one place I consider to retire in.  I enjoyed living there and know the system.  Only issue is long cold and dark winter.  My mum is there and she is doing well considering she has medical condition that will be bad if she is living here.  I like to hear this kind of stories.

Seoul Nice Weather

Spring is nice.  It is a little cold in the morning and then warms up in the afternoon.  I had a nice walk from office back to my hotel.  I stopped by the Kuan Yin temple to offer my prayers.  It is quite busy today with the carpark full.  I always pray at the temple when I can.  In winter, it is challenging as it can be bitterly cold. 

I am not very religious but I am happy after visiting temples to pray.  I used to stay in Park Hotel beside TCAT in Tokyo and there is a temple nearby with "holy water" which I will go to bless myself with. 

The airconditioned like weather is so nice.  I wish we have this kindof weather at home.

COEX Mall

I have not been to COEX Mall for a couple of years.  It underwent renovation the last time I was here.  Everything is closed.  Now it is so bright and spacious.  I missed a lot of the old stores.  The bookshop, Bandi and Luni.  It is now in an office building opposite my hotel.  But no more textbooks.  The English books section has diminished into a few shelves.  I still like to browse as the smaller section means books that are must have in any library.

I had dinner in Outback.  Ribs, my favorite.  This time I think it is not as good.  I also wonder if TGIF is no longer there as well. 

Electrical Leakage in Saltwater Aquarium

I felt pin poking into my fingers when I touch the seawater in my aquarium.  Immediately, I know my pump is leaking out electricity.  I have two pumps.  The big pump is inside the aquarium and the small one is outside.  So I assume it is likely to be the big pump.  I used my multimeter to measure and indeed the voltage is there when I used my body as ground.  So I took out the big pump from the tank expecting the voltage to drop but it didn't.  What a surprise!  The small pump is like waterfall and is not in the water at all.  So I assume even if it is fault, the electricity will not travel out.  I was so wrong!  When I took out the waterfall pump, the voltage drops.  So I know it is the waterfall pump that is faulty.  It is quite interesting as the electricity has to travel out of the pump through the water falling into the aquarium.  It is still possible as saltwater is a good conductor of electricity.

Chong Pang Market

B2 drove to work this morning.  Under my guidance of course.  His camp is in Yishun.  So I go to Chong Pang market for tea.  It is still early before 7am and there is a long queue for the vegetarian stall in the coffeeshop.  I think the food must be good value as there is another vegetarian stall in the hawker center that is a few steps away and it was pretty empty.

My blogger friend, Boh Tong is right.  Jackfruit is $5 per kg - the best value in town.  Other fruits are pretty competitive.  The green seedless grapes from Australia is $5 per bag.  Each bag is between 800g to 1kg.  Mangoes are in season and at a good price.  The only teh halia stall is closed.  I also tried the good value chicken rice and it is quite good.  Of course the braised duck stall is excellent as well.

B2 has rotating shifts.  So I may come to Yishun more often to give him a chance to get more windshield time.

Music at AMK Central

We went to AMK central hawker center for dinner.  B1 wanted to go Fairprice.  As we walk there, loud music can be heard.  There is a musical ensemble going on at the square beside the old cinema where Popular bookstore is.  It is Arts for the Masses program.  The music is not bad and the song Frozen was quite good.  My family stayed to watch while I wander about.  I not a huge fan of such music.  I may stay if it was Chinese Orchestra.  Anyway, I heard the last and final piece.  It is Star Wars music.  Not bad except a little too long.

Wildlife Intrusion

I had trouble uploading the short video as my Internet Explorer is obsolete.  So I used Chrome to download into youtube.  You can have a closer look at the monster of a lizard.

 

 

A Closer Look

Monitor Lizard

 

Monitor Lizard

A two meter monitor lizard came to our estate.  It went to our neighbour's carpark.  According to our neighbour, the lizard is sick and vomitted.  Pest control was called but obviously they have not been trained or know what to do.  The guy used a L stick and a clamp to catch.  Obviously, he failed.  The tools he has is for catching snake and not 2 meter lizard.  I did not stay to watch how he finally catch the lizard.

New Ubin Seafood

B1 wanted to try this place as he read it in the internet.  His friend also told him about it.  We try it for tonight's dinner.  The place is in the industrial estate and pretty authentic (meaning a little like the good ole days).  Plenty of carparks!  Food is very hot and very good.  Service is fast.  I like the prawn paste chicken, hokkien mee and smoked pork collar.  The oyster egg is nothing to shout about.  Total meal for 4 is only $68.  We did not order seafood or the signature beef.  If we did, the cost will be close to $200. 

I like this place and will go back there to try the food again.

Madam Kwan's

I had nasi lemak in Madam Kwan's for lunch.  I gave my host the choice of Chilis, Canton-I or Madam Kwan's.  She chose Madam Kwan.  It is typical Malaysian food.  I had the nasi lemak and she ordered Penang Laksa.  Then I add on beef rendang and chicken satay.  We could not finish the food.  The nasi lemak is quite nice but not as nice as Sakura, the original nasi lemak resturant that Madam Kwan started.  The beef rendang is pretty good.  I prefer our local chicken satay.

Before going to airport, I go to Krispy Kreme to buy a dozen of original donuts.  I asked for free donuts and the girl just point a sign right in front of me.  I did not see what is right in front of me.  I read it and read it again to make sure my eyes are not playing tricks.  So I asked her, buy 1 dozen flavored get 1 dozen original free!  So I asked her why she did not tell me.  I think her English may not be good even though she understood what I say to her.  So I get another dozen of the flavored donuts.  The total price?  Ringgit 27 and change.  For Sin 10 dollars, I get 24 donuts.  B3 is so happy.  It is his birthday treat as his birthday is tomorrow.  So he and his gor gor pile the donuts up high.  All high in a single stack and took a picture to instagram.  He had fun!

Mid Valley

It's been a long time!  I am so glad to be back to this mall.   A lot of the resturants are gone and new ones are in.  I tried a new Japanese resturant that does bbq.  It is not so popular, so I thought maybe it is just expensive.  Actually, not only it is expensive, the food is no good.  So I tell my friends not to go.  Actually, I wanted to go to Madam Kwan's for Nasi Lemak as she was featured in Straits Times many years ago.  Unfortunately, they closed at 3pm for Annual D & D. 

I have to decide where to go for lunch tomorrow.  Madam Kwan's or Chili's.  I like Chili's.  It is nice to be treated by friend too.  Both Borders and MPH has strunk in floor space and the selection of books vastly reduced.  Mostly bestsellers are displayed.  Kinokuniya Singapore has bigger selection.  Book trade is a sunset industry.

Ace Hardware is still around but now no more fun gadgets.  The barbeque range has increased.  I bought the wood chips and smoker.  This time I will be able to smoke meats!  I am happy to try out new ways of bbqing meats.  Nowadays, I do shop and buy stuff I can use.  It is unusual products that are not available.  Best of all, the prices are very reasonable.

Broth Made with Naked Neck

We boiled the chicken bones of the Naked Neck.  The broth is yellow in colour rather than white with yellow tinge.  It is quite different as what netizens say.  The broth taste bland as we did not add any salt or seasoning.  However, it is quite satisfying. 

I bbq the chicken meat.  My wife thought I added seasoning.  She noticed the skin is crispy.  I noticed too when I was removing the meat from the bbq stove.  I do think the chicken is different from regular chicken as the skin usually do not become crispy when barbeque.  The taste seems regular although the texture is different.  I do not know if it is worth the premium.

Naked Neck Chicken

The sign continues... Chicken with no Antibiotics Residues.  This morning, we decided to try out this new product to us.  It is $14.20 for 1.6kg chicken.  Pretty high price.  My wife said the chicken soup smells good.  We have no cook up the chicken yet.  But today there are more and more differentiated eggs or chicken.  It starts to get hard to make decision on which type of eggs or chicken.

I am not sure about the benefit of the chicken since it is only one meal.  We eat Hainese Chicken Rice and I am sure the chickens are cheapest available at bulk price.  Anyway, if it tastes good, we may start eating this Naked Neck Chicken as a habit.

Low Back Pain

My low back pain flare up again.  I fell off my bike and bumped on my buttocks.  With my weight, I am sure the vertebra on my spine shift.  Also when I twist my back after, I felt the clicks.  Unfortunately, the clicks did not shift my vertebra back in their original position.  So I am having dull ache and I worry may cause my back to "freeze".  I have been suffering from backache since JC time(Pre-U during my time).  Spraining back once and it is chronic pain for life!

B2 Passed Driving and Sakuraya

Sakuraya is in Anchorage or Anchor Point.  I am not sure of the exact name.  The mini mall is right opposite Queensway Shopping Center.  We went there with B3 as B2 passed his driving test and is celebrating with his girlfriend.  And B1 is having dinner with his friend.

Sakuraya has a Japanese chef.  The food is superior to Sushi Tei or Sakae Sushi.  Pricewise, it is in the similar range.  B3 loved the cold soba.  The egg appetizer is pretty good, we ordered twice!  The baked brinjal is also excellent.  B3 feels the food is far superior to Sakae.  I agree.  So to eat reasonable priced Japanese food go to Anchorpoint!

Precognition!

Today, Straits Times publishes an article on the heatware.  It is due to El Nino effect.  Temperature is much higher than usual and will last for at least a week.  This is not the first time after I blog about something that it get publish the next day.  It is like precognition.  I like to improve my ability to forecast or predict the future.

Heatwave

The weather has turned to warm, very warm.  In the morning, the air smell of burning.  If the weather continues like this, it is a matter of weeks before the haze returns.  The grass patches are turning orange and gold.  Trees are showing heat stress by shedding leaves.  Rain comes but in small quantities.  My pond refuses to grow with the pathetic rainfall.  I need to top up with tap water.  It is start of uncomfortable heat season.

Lost Interest

I am looking at all my model planes.  I have not flown for more than 15 years.  There are not many places to fly in Singapore.  My planes are in various stages of breakage as they are not stored properly.  I did not have the desire to restore them neither do I have the heart to throw them away.  It is a dilemma.  My wife is pressuring me to clear.  B2, my middle boy has a growing collection and needed more space.  So it is a matter of time I have to bite the bullet.  It will be a piece of me that has to go.  I dread the day.

Hoping for Downpour

The sky has been trying to rain since early afternoon.  The raindrops were large in size but few.  So my pond did not get filled up.  My plants are parched.  Now it is raining again.  I hope we get enough rain.  I am hoping for a downpour but not floods.  It is windy and cool, so pretty nice weather now.  Looking out of my doorway right now, I am granted my wish!

Caught by my Niece!

My brother just whatsapp a photo of me catching fish in Punggol.  He was checking and confirming if it was me.  I thought he took the picture but it was his middle child.  She was in Punggol Point viewing deck.  I looked terrible! Totally "uncle"!

B3 on the News!

B3 was very excited to see himself on the news.  He is on the background while the interview was going on.  He went with his friends to the new bus convention at Takashimaya Square.  At first he was not aware of the camera.  He and his friends were walking away and then they walked back to look at the camera.  So all 3 of them are on National News Network.  He was laughing so loudly when he saw himself on the news.  He is so lucky!!

The Story of Obama's Mother

Today, on Capital 95.8FM, the presenter told a story of a woman who marry a black man and when she gave birth to a boy, the man ran away and she was only 22 years at that time.  The woman goes to Indonesia to further her studies.  She is studying sociology or something to do with poor people.  She has to do research and interview poor people.  She brought her son along.  Later, she marries an Indonesia and have a baby girl.  Again, she divorce and now mother of a boy and a girl with different fathers.  The girl has a doctorate and the boy becomes President of United States of America. 

How did a single mother bring up two kids who became very successful adults?  She always bring the kids with her wherever and whenever she works.  For example, when she goes to interview the poor family, Obama will tag along.  Obama will be chase chickens or stray dogs to past time while she is working.  She says she loved her kids frequently everyday.  She plays with them and look after their well-being. 

Western Food in Jalan Selaseh

We have to eat out for dinner.  B1 suggest we try the western food in the corner coffeeshop in Jalan Selaseh.  It is quite popular.  The food is not bad.  We had mixed grill, chicken chop and pork chop.  I like chicken chop best.  I will not recommend mixed grill.  The beef and mutton is quite tough.  The zichar is quite popular too.  This coffee shop is in the same row as Seletar Hills Resturant famous for General Tso Chicken.  Seletar Hills Resturant is no longer as popular before.  I read the reviews in the internet.  Quality has dropped.

Solar Eclipse

It is exciting to have clear sky for solar eclipse this morning.  I missed a couple of times due to cloudy skies.  My eyes suffers from retinal burns after looking at it for a few seconds even though I use at least two layers of sun glasses.  It is very clear with 3 sunglasses.  It is like the crescent moon.  I tried to use my Samsung camera but it does not work at all through the sunglasses.  The sun image is blurry.  My sunglasses are dirty.  I need to get special filters and camera.  So it will be easier to go internet and let other enthusiast share their photos.

Our sky look hazy now as the sun is covered 80% by the moon.  I love the astronomical event. Makes me feel we have a destiny.

Tui Na

I loves fishing with net.  But the fishes in the sea are very fast, superfast!  So in order to net some, I have to sneak up on them and slam the net down suddenly.  This put a strain on my low back.  Today, I went to Jurong East to tui na.  Have to get my backbone balance back.  He also adjusted my right as it was hurting as I walk.  Basically, I have a lot of bones misalignment.  The relief is immediate.  It is an hour's wait.  Luckily, I ate lunch in-between and so did not waste time twiddling my thumbs. 

This doctor was sick for a few days.  So he is back only today.  I am lucky to get him.  He does makes a lot of money as his skills are very good.

RSG Learning Journey and No. 1 Nasi Lemak

B1 want to lunch with us before he go to school.  Adam Road Hawker Center is just right there.  Our favorite nasi lemak is the corner stall.  The Malay auntie is type B plus plus.  We order two to-go and two for dine-in.  It took her for than 3 mins to get our order done.  Her neighbour nasi lemak stall is the popular one and service is a lot faster.  So they do much more volume than No. 1.  But my wife prefers No. 1.  I also like No. 1 as she has mutton.  But no longer any achar as she is now cooking alone.  I wonder what happen to her husband.

No. 1 nasi lemak is $5 a set for the most complete with mutton, chicken wing, potato cutlet and fried egg.  I forgot!  There is also a wee serving of ikan bilis with fried groundnuts.  I complete my meal with teh halia from the drink stall beside the sugar cane.

Today, there is a group of Sec 4 RGS girls doing "learning journey" with NEA and so help to clear the plates and a bigger group just stand around talking.  A pair came to our table to ask us to clear our plates.  After we finished, another pair came to clear our table.  My wife likes those that roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.  To her daughters-in-laws must be those who get work done.  I am in total agreement.  I did not like the pair that just talk to get their work done.  Reminds me of politicians who talks only and do not roll up their sleeves.

Cut by Flower Crab

I have a fairly big flower crab in my aquarium.  It is usually well camouflage during the day.  Algae grows fast on the side of the aquarium.  So I have to clean the glass regularly in order to see my fishes.  I was cleaning as usual yesterday.  B1 was talking to me and suddenly a sharp pain and I shake it off.  And I continue to clean but the pain persist.  I thought it is quick pinch.  When I looked at my fore finger, there is a red line which is about 2.5cm long and 3 mm thick.  So no problem, I thought.  But when I squeeze it, blood start oozing out quickly.  The quick pinch cuts right into my skin!  Now my finger is throbbing with pain.  It is hurts but still bearable.

Losing Memory Chips

The SD cards are so tiny.  It is easy to misplace them.  I bought quite a few of the SD cards with old songs.  After playing them for a couple of days, I take them out and kept them somewhere safe.  Now I can't find some of them.  It is so easy to lose them.  Each costs about $15.  The frustrating part is I cannot listens to my favorites songs when I feel like it. 

I wonder if you guys have the same issue.

Heat is Exhausting

This morning, I have to go to Tuas for meeting.  We had lunch in Raffles Marina and then heads to customer's site for visit.  The weather is hot.  When I am done, the first thing I do is to get a drink.  I felt thirsty and keeping drinking a lot even after dinner.  I think I am suffering from heat exhaustion.  My body feels dry, hot and dehydrated.  I keeping complaining about the hot weather.  I cycled in the hot afternoon and never felt this way before.  I guess when I am cycling, I have a bottle of cold drink which I drink at regular interval.

While at work, all I can do is to talk and listen but no drink at all.

Cycling to Lorong Halus

Since I was bitten by the free live seafood for my arowana, I had not cycled all the way to Lorong Halus for more than a year.  This afternoon, I decided to do the Lorong Halus route.  All the flats under construction are more or less ready.  The metal privacy fences that lined along the PCN at the different construction sites are gone.  There are a lot more traffic meaning people and cyclists on the PCN.  It is no longer a relaxing ride.  I have to keep a lookout for people all the time.  I used to daydream or pay more attention to my audiobook.  This afternoon I have to pay attention to all people coming in different directions.

The scenery is still good at the PCN beside Coney Island.  Best of all, traffic is light.

Working Fun

I enjoys working.  Today, I have two calls.  Thursday I have a call early in the morning at 7am.  So I will not be able to send my boy to school.  His mum will have to take over the duty. 

We were also every lucky to go to Shuang Lin Monastery in Toa Payoh.  We arrived 5 mins to 5.  The carpark was empty save a couple of cars.  The main door was closed.  We hurry in and managed to offer our prayer to Gods or Deities of Jupiter, Confucius and Wen Chang.  We hope B2 will go to school to further his studies.  We felt very lucky to arrive in the nick of time and accomplished our objective of praying for academic success for our boys.