Rain is not Heavy This Morning

My prediction of the heavy rain causing flash floods is totally out to lunch!!  Rain did come but it was quite light even though the clouds look menacing.  I also noticed no lightning or thunder.  Just rain and then it is over.My plants are well watered and they are happy.

Looked likes it going to POUR!

Very heavy rain cloud gathering  The clouds are dark and low.  So we may get flash floods on this Monday morning. 

The climate change formerly known as global warming is giving us heavier rain.  However, we are still better than in Japan where record temperature and record rain cause death and destruction.

Our floods caused inconvenience.  It is also because our buildings are made of concrete.  They can withstand more stress.  We are also flat and no landslides.  However, we can get sinkholes as I saw one at Punggol construction site.

Busy Day

I am going about town today.  Mostly waiting for my Mrs to do her stuff.  We went to Bugis Junction and she went to her meeting while I waited for her.  Then she decided to go to People's Park with her baby sister.  I was waiting there for her as well.  Finally, we went to pick up B3 from his tuition.  Even then, we have to detour to buy dinner home.

The weather is very hot and humid.  I am glad to be home where I can laze at the poolside and cool off.

Boh Tong's 2nd Life Blocked

My dear friend's popular blog is blocked again.  Maybe he is updating from Japan and the Google analytics and algorithms is finding it funny as it is from a different location.

I always had problem whenever I travel even though I used the same computer.  Sometimes, Google sends security questions to enable access, sometimes it is the great wall of China.  If it is the great wall, nothing can be done unless you use VPN.

So BT, please take note.

Sleepy Head

Nowadays, I feel sleepy in the afternoon.  Maybe I am having sleep apnea and not getting restful sleep.  My weight is up again.  I need to exercise to reduce my weight.  Or I should snack and eat less.  I am enjoying my food too much.

The days are passing fast.  Soon, B2 will be going back to Toronto.  I am also going to HongKong for a short trip.  Will enjoy my beef soup!

Jade

I like the wet market that has roving vendors.  This morning, there is a China lady who sells jade.  I quite like her pieces and some of them looked nice to me.  Finally, I bought one piece from her.  She wanted $280 and I negotiate down to $200.  I am her first customer.  I like the piece because it is translucent.  She called it Relaxed Sitting Kuan Yin.  Kuan Yin is my favorite goddess as she is the Goddess of Mercy.  So I thought I will get it as it is wearable since it is quite flat. 

There is another piece which I was quite interested in.  She says it is a Pee Yao and holding on to wealth.  Purple in color with yellow stripe.  The purple is quite light.  I did not want to buy 2 pieces, so I gave up on that piece.

What Lazy Sunday

I have an easy day.  Just send B3 to AMK station for his tuition and then pick him up at Old Cath High School.  After that we go to Chinatown for lunch.  We had zhichar.  Claypot Tofu, Prawn Paste Chicken and Pork Rib King.  With 3 bowls of rice, the total come to $37. 

After lunch, we walked around the Pearl Center a bit and then come home.  B1 fell asleep on the sofa in the living room.  I also feel sleepy and go to the bedroom to have a nap.  I felt so much more awake after my nap. 

No dinner as I ate the snacks bought at Pearl Center.  The end of a lazy Sunday.  Tomorrow, the start of a school week.  So it back to routine again.

Uno, The Western Food Shop

Last evening, we went to pick up B3 after he finishes his CCA.  Since everyone is at home, we get B1 and B2 to follow so that we can go for dinner together.  I drove to Toa Payoh Lorong 5 and thought we can eat there as the older boys said they are not hungry.  So I can eat my dinner and they watch.  Although there are carpark lots right at the entrance, it was a far walk, so I try out to see if we can get lucky.  Unfortunately, all the lots are taken, so we moved on.  B1 suggested to go opposite blocks of flat as I did say I like to eat Westen food. 

There is only one coffee shop at the row of shops.  It was very busy.  The price was quite high.  The person in front of me pays $58 for 3 set dinners with additional order of chicken wings.  I order Ribeye Steak, $15, Chicken Chop, $7, an order of french fries $3 and two deep fried chicken wings $3.  Total bill $28.  I thought the Ribeye was average.  This may be because I usually buys higher quality cut and grill myself.  The ribeye was tough even though it is cooked medium.  The chicken chop is better.  Overall, it is average value.  But it is very popular.  I think the beef steak is at good prices as it is cooked resturant style meaning the steak is sizzling and put on a iron plate with the shape of bull.  The mashed potato is a roll up ball and deep fried.

We have to wait for long time for our food but it is fine as we were just talking and enjoying our time as a family.

B1 and Mummy is Back from Guangzhou

This afternoon, we went to airport to pick up B1 and mummy.  They returned home from Guangzhou.  They enjoyed the trip.  They visited ancestral hometown and had meals with all the different relatives.  They also had a good time shopping for leather and good resturants.  Overall it is a great trip for them.

My Eldest Niece and My Eldest Sister

Yesterday, my eldest sister came to pick me up to eat the Soi 19 Wanton Mee.  She came together with her eldest girl and eldest granddaughter.  Actually, she has only one grandchild with the 2nd on the way.

After the meal, the party of 3 came to my house for visit.  I was worried about my grandniece as we do not have toys suitable for her age anymore and she may find our home boring.  She is very happy to play with the big ball that I use for my back exercise.  She also like to climb up the stairs.  I am glad she is occupied and had fun in my home.

Home Alone

This week, I am basically home alone during the day.  No adventure like the movie, no snow, no nincompoops try to break in, no adventure.  Just plain me.  It is a little lonesome. First time in my life, I washed the front door and now understand why my wife want to repaint it.  The spots cannot be removed!!  I go to the poolside for a while to relax.  Somehow, I cannot stay as long when I am alone at home.

Yesterday afternoon, I found my cousin and it was great to catch up.  Today, I called my sister but she is busy with her granddaughter.

I downloaded Anaconda, Python 3 programming language to my new computer.  I hope to work on coding again. 

I also have to go the beach road to buy a new cast net.  My old one was catch in a metal stud and the night fishermen forced it up, tearing and destroying the net totally.

In a way, this reminds me of many times when I am travelling - all alone with the TV on and waiting to get to my next appointment.  I am always happy to spend time walking around the hotels I stayed even though it has not changed much.  The key is I go there a couple a years.  So there is a need to refresh my memories.  However, at home, the places are here everyday.  So the attraction is not so great.

What do I want to do?

I am thinking of my purpose in retirement.  I am still busy with my garden, cycling and fishing.  Also supporting the kids in their activities.  I spend more time reading and watching tv.

What will make me happy?  Is the pursuit of happiness empty?  Can I do more projects i.e. build something?  Or should I explore other interest to develop?  What is life about?  Will the world come to an end?  What is the meaning of it all?  Can pursuit of philosophy or religion help?

Water Pump Repaired

This morning, I decided to fix up my water pump.  It took me a some time to troubleshoot.  I first fix a plug and plug in, the pump spin and the UV light is turn on, albeit weakly.  Since the pump is still working, I decided to fix it up to the saltwater tank again.  It stopped pumping water after a few seconds.  I tried the 2nd time, same problem.  So I used the tap to force water into the inlet and it was occluded.  So I have to take out the swivel mechanism and found it is clear.  The water hose was also clear.  I reassemble the whole system and this time it works like a charm!  I am so happy.

B3 in "Musical"

Raffles Institution Street Dance has a muscial cum dance performance for tonight, tomorrow night and Sunday night.  B3 has been rehearsing and practicing hard.  I am exhausted waiting for him every night.  I have to go tonight to wait for him.

The good thing is 3 nights left.  He is enjoying himself doing performances.  I am so proud of him!

Whiteflies

My sweet potato plants are infested with white flies.  I sprayed with baking soda solution and it does not seems to work.  I sprayed vinegar and a lot of my leaves are dying.  I have to figure out a better solution.  So I may have to find glue or vaseline on a yellow surface. 

Best News Ever!

All the "Wild Boars" are extracted out of the cave and under medical observation.  The rescue team done great work!  It is a showcase of International cooperation.  So many countries and medical personnel with caving expertise.  As the last rescuer left the cave, the rescue part is over and now it is recovery for the boys.

This is great where everyone is saved.  Unfortunately, one diver died in this operation. 

Everyone involved is a big hero.

Waking Up Early in the Morning

It is only half past 3 when I wake up.  I could not sleep, so decide to blog.  It is the pain in the wound causing me to wake up.  Although it is not throbbing, it is enough to disturb me as it is quite uncomfortable. 

Remembering years ago when I first had my wisdom tooth taken out, the dentist gave 7 days MC.  Later, I think it became 4 days.  It is still a traumatic procedure although it is quite simple to remove as the roots are all fused together.  However, I believe the big gaping hole will take sometime to clog up well and for the gum to repair itself.

Wisdom Tooth Out!

Originally, I set my dental appointment for tomorrow.  B1 has his lunch appointment cancelled.  So I shift it to today.  The dentist want to X-ray first before he proceed.  Then go ahead to extract it out.  The root is fused together.  So it is easy job.  But it is so expensive as it is a wisdom tooth.

I am glad it is out and now need not worry about toothache.  The tooth was cracked and hence a steel band was put around it.  This cause food to be trapped and make it easy for this tooth to decay.  I am glad I took it out before it cause me problem.

Wisdom Tooth

My wisdom tooth had crack a few years ago.  I tried to get a crown but most of the dentists I consulted tell me to extract.  So I booked my appointment to take it out on Wed but now thinking I should take it out even earlier.  It is starting to be sensitive and I should removed it before it become infected or inflamed.

Beautiful Morning

It is past 7am, I am up to download The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Zander and her new book Pathway to Possibility.  I bought her latest book from Kino at $17.95 last October and now it is available for free.  I am glad to support the author.  I also find it is much easier to read with a physical book.  However, the e-reader has the advantage of convenience.  Now, I bring it along wherever I go and read snippets when I have spare time.

I can check out 309 books anytime.  No bulk, no taking one book and then another.  All available at the touch of my fingers!  However, it is no so easy to skim through the books which physical form is so much easier and give better impression of what the book is about.  Enough on books.

While I type, plenty of birds chirping and singing.  There at least 5 different types of birds I can differentiate.  Common mynahs, parrots and the others I do not know their names.   I enjoys the sounds of the birds, it is nature brought to me.  The greening by Nparks help bring more birds here.  When I first moved in more than 10 years ago, there are not so many types of birds, mostly common mynahs, sparrows and pigeons.  Now I can see doves, woodpecks, parrots and a big bird which may be a kite but I am not sure.

Then at Punggol Point, the bird watchers will photograph the Bee Eater.  Now, it is going to be different as the Bee Eater nesting site is developed by the Outward Bound School.

All My Boys are Out

It is a Saturday, and all my boys have programs.  Baby has CCA, B1 and B2 go out with their friends leaving me and my wife at home.  We are just passing time watching youtube, or reading and now blogging.

At least we are still having a lot of meals together.  Soon B2 will have to leave for Canada.  Then we will be missing one boy for a few months.

Meanwhile, my garden is doing well.  I need to find a way to clear the white spots. It is attacking my sweet potato leaves.  The pandans are growing well and B3 uses the fresh basil leaves to make his paste. 

$60 to Fix Leaking Mixer

We have a bathtub that we never use.  The hot water end leaks.  My wife notices and we have to get a plumber in to fix the leak as I have no idea how to dismantle the mixer.  When the plumber comes in to remove the mixer, it is actually quite simple.  Simple but not easy.  Need strength to push the cover and then a big spanner to loosen the nut.  He just replaced the washers and it is good as new.

Now I know why my water and heating bill has gone up.

Printing Photos

We had taken family pictures when B1 had his commencement.  He has a friend who is good with photography.  He brought all his lights, camera and fixtures.  We had our photos taken.  After that he gave us a file for all our photos.  We had paid him for his services.  Now, that is almost a year ago.  B1 will soon be called to the Bar.  We have not done anything even though we had intended to print the photos.

Today, we decided to print.  So The Wife check out the internet.  She has tried several photoshops and did not like the photos as they fade after a while.  I remembered my schoolmate who own a photo shop.  Actually, he owns a chain of shops.  So I went to his shop in City Square to print the photos.  He says he uses old technology and the colour will not fade for 100 years!

We went and he gave me 50% discount for those he prints himself i.e. using the machine in the shop.  For those he outsource, he gave me 20%.  The Wife is very happy with the results.

The pictures have vibrant colours and very sharp.  We also print on that is 24" by 36", the largest available.  That is our most expensive piece.  In total, we spent just over $100 for all our photos.  We are pleased to get a good deal and high quality pictures.