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.

Visiting 2 Classmates

My Art classmate is working in Queensway Shopping Center.  Since I have to send my wife there for her work, I drop by to visit her.  The shop is at level 3.  It is a bookshop with toys and games.  So it is like a regular gift cum bookshop.  The theme is Christian and some business.

I am afraid of retail knowing the long hours.  Also it is time for me to take a break and "retire" properly.  She keep asking me to attend courses.  She loves the leadership course she is currently taking.  Her trainer has the same name as me and worked in a MNC.  He went for plenty of coaching and training during his career in American companies.  I went through similar programs as well.

She is very excited as she is now using the tools for leadership training.  The learning styles, communication styles developed by American psychologists.  I am very happy for her.  She is very encouraging.

We have a lot of similar experience!  Her son is a lawyer but now working in IT.  My son is just starting out as a lawyer.  Her son's girlfriend broke up with him and so did my boy's girlfriend.  Seems like boys' hearts are broken by girls.

I also visited my Baking classmates.  They have a shop in Alexandra Center.  The carpark there is free for 3 hours if you buy something at the shops.  I was there and a few old ladies were curious and I offered them the free samples!  I also tell them the benefits of the bread which has low GI and how it is very difficult to get these type of bread from regular breadshop - rye and sourdough.

My wife loves the Cranberry and Walnut bread.  So we bought one loaf for $12.  This time my classmates give us free Spinach Bread and a bottle of kueh bangkit!  My wife is embarassed and try to reject the free gifts.  I, only the other hand is very happy and says very loudly I will keep coming back!  I have no problem accepting free gift or samples as I have to give out plenty of samples for my work.

Latest Count... 209 Books

This morning, I continue to transfers the books I downloaded to my Kobo.  Now I have 209 books.  It is so much more convenient to read.  Also no need to borrow from the library and pay fines if you forget to return in time.

The only problem is picture books are not readily available in the internet.  Books like gardening or landscaping which I also like and get inspired in order to work on my garden.

E Books

E-books are available for free.  I bought a lot of books from Kinokuniya.  Now I hold most of my books in my personal library in my Kobo e-reader.  It is really nice to that it is so easy to carry around and read wherever and whenever.  Only problem is I do not get the thrill of the physical book, cracking the spine, smelling the paper and feeling the texture of the newsprint.

I have now about 150 books in my Kobo.  The reader is not bad in EPub format.  And really slow in PDF format.  So it takes getting used to especially changing the font size and shifting the page around in PDF and putting up with the screen blinking and then displaying which can take a couple of seconds.  A couple of seconds does not seems much but when compared to instanteous with the flip of a page or multiple pages, it is eternity.

Temples in CBD

There are 4 or 5 temples in Telok Ayer.  We went there to pray on Saturday afternoon.  This afternoon, we make another round trip offering our prayers to all the temples again.  We are lucky to strike 4D to defray the cost of the accident even though it is very minor.

Car Accident

I was involved in an accident on Friday evening.  I release my brake and my car moved forward and hit the other car while we are waiting to get out of the main road.  This guy drives a KIA.  Anyway, I thought we just report the accident since it is just a touch.  However, my brother-in-law suggested to do private settlement.  I tried with him this morning and he declined.  So I guess just let it be.

The good thing about this accident is I bought 4D and the other car number popped up 3rd prize.  2nd prize is the same numbers but in different order.  I bought iBet and won a little bit of money.  I hope it is enough to compensate for the increased in my insurance premium.

Instruction Set of Quirkbot

I am stumped by the challenge of understanding the instruction set.  Going by trial and errors is taking lots of time and progressing slowly if any at all.  I am trying out varying instruction so that I can do running lights but so far no joy.  There is no time delay or trigger in the instruction set.  So I am still trying out to work out what instruction I can use.  Man, this is a huge challenge!

Fans of Boh Tong

My blogger friend is in Japan.  He has been updating his blogs regularly and has interesting stories about his adventure in Japan.

He talks about his daily life and the nice delicious and reasonably priced food.  He also gives glimpse of healthcare system which is important for everyone wherever you are.

This link to his blog is at the top of my fun places to go on the right column of this blog.

Quirkbot

I went for an introductory class in Quirkbot last evening.  It is interesting and challenging although it is designed for kids above 8.  I guess I am a new kid above 8:)

The Quirkbot keep hanging in my system.  I have to reset my computer as well.  So it is not so easy to use with my Windows laptop.  I am also trying to figure out the instruction set.  It is not intuitive for me anymore.  I will spend more time figuring it out and make some projects.  Right now, I am still trying to figure out how to make the lights go around and it is not easy!!

New Life

I am reading Boh Tong's blog.  He is now 3 months old in Japan and beginning to like living there.  I completely understand the feeling.  Initially, it is strange and everything is quite different even though it is nice.  There is this discomfort over the newness.  Over time, life gets into a routine and there are new hobby e.g. vegetable gardening(tomatoes), walks that is very comfortable...no sweats!, work on the house, etc, etc.  Then it is a real pleasure to experience different lifestyle.

I remember I had a hard time adjusting to life in Canada the first time.  The cold is frigid and goes straight into the bones.  Then the long days and enjoyable walks in the evening which is still very bright as the sun sets at 8 pm or later.  The neighbours or their kids will always say hi as it is their custom.  We can always talk to the kids we met during our walkabout and they will answer.  Whereas here, the kids look at you suspiciously or if it is a girl, she will hurry away or scream for her parents.

When we went back the 2nd time, it is so much easier.  We know the system and just ease into the life there easily.  Buy our car, get the insurance, go for weekend trips, fishing, farmer's markets, Home Depot or Canadian to maintain our home...  It is quite comfortable.

The only problem living in Toronto is snow storm and having to go to office.  If we ever go back now, this will not be an issue as I will not be working.

It will be nice to live there during summer and fall and escape back to Singapore in winter.  The only problem is airfare is so much more expensive than anywhere in Asia.

3 Weeks!!!

I have not been blogging for 3 weeks.  My blogger friend, Boh Tong has been checking on me.  I am no so conscientious in updating my blog as I stopped working and no longer needs to be in my home office everyday.

What have I been doing the last 3 weeks.  Well, first as you know my kim bak lor or Asian Seabass was kept in the freezer as the pump was leaking electricity.  I changed all the wiring which takes me two days as it did not work every time I re-wire.  So, I thought I have to buy a new pump.  This pump is expensive as it is integrated with a large filter.  So I googled and one guy experienced the same issue.  He changed to a new pump and the issue did not go away.  Since he is an electrical engineer, he did some research and found a solution.  Earth the water.  So I did as he suggested and hey presto! it works!. 

Since I no longer have to feed my Asian Seabass, I stopped cycling as well.  However, my garden needs maintenance.  I have to clear my plants.  I also acquired a banana plant from my physiotherapist.  The banana plant is growing.  So I am happy.

Since B2 brought back the Kobo ereader, I have downloaded lots of books for free.  I am reading a lot.  It is my old hobby.  I reduced my TV time a lot as well due to reading.  Unfortunately, I still watch Youtube a lot on my phone.

We had friends over for dinner one evening.  I spend two or three days preparing and cooking.  I cooked ranch beans and baked chicken.

It is mango season and they are cheap and plentiful.  I prepares dried mangoes for the family.  It is hard to keep up as the mangoes rarely last more than 2 days.

Today, I started cycling and fishing again.  So I will be back to exercising more regularly.

Tooth Broke!

Yesterday, while eating roast pork for lunch, my pre-molar broke!  The skin of the KL roast pork was tough.  My teeth is quite weak after repair for several times.  I went to 2 dentists for assessment right away and there is a way to temporarily patch or get a crown which cost more than a thousand bucks!!  Unfortunately, I will need to pay up as what will be life without ability to eat all kinds of food?

The treatment nowaday is quite advanced.  There is a milling machine that will make my crown and my teeth can be fixed in a single day unlike old technology which will take a week.  Price is a lot dearer.

Fish Farm Disaster!

I had 2 kim bak lo or Asian Seabass in my fish tank.  Unfortunately, I had electric shocks two days ago.  I tried rewiring and it did not work.  So I took off the water pump.  Unfortunately, my seabass did not do well.  One was dying.  So I freeze both.  They are still quite small.  Together, they weighs 480 grams.  Anyway, we will have to eat it now that it is in the freezer. 

I spent lot of time troubleshooting and was unable to solve the problem of leaking electricity.  So I have been busy with rewiring a couple of times and clearing up the garden.  Hence, I have not be updating my blog.

Today, I google the problem and one electrical engineer ground the water and it works for him.  I tried the same solution and it works!  So now, my saltwater tank is grounded, I no longer get electric shock from it.  The problem is all the fishes have died.  So I will have to put in fresh fishes and see how it go.

Beautiful Sunday

It is a quiet morning.  The whole estate is waking up late.  My family wakes up late.  So it is me and the birds chirping.  The garden cum cleaner is out and about doing his chores.  I have trim off my honey melon to focus the growth on the main branch.  So far, I have two melons and hoping to get a couple more.

My barramundi are alive and well.  The small fishes are diminishing in numbers.  Soon they will run out of live fishes and I have to get lucky to catch more fishes.  It is quite hard to have good fishing days with clean water.  I hope the pollution will go away and fishes will love to come to the shore.

Excitement of Opposition Winning

The excitement of opposition winning in Malaysia is over.  Now it seems to be business as usual.  I hope the conditions in Malaysia improve for the citizens.  They have been suffering for long time and ringgit has devalued.

I hope the opposition will continue their ideals and work hard to improve the economy and the life of a regular Malaysian.  I enjoyed my trips to Malaysia but the safety is always a concern.  Once petty crimes are taken care of, it will be one of the best country to live in in Asia.

Lucky Luke!

I am envious.  It is so nice to live in another country that is 6 hours away.  My good friend and fellow blogger is now living in Japan with his in-laws.  He loves Japanese food and is now putting out the sights and natural beauty of Japan.  He does not life winter but it is really mild there.  If I have the chance, I can only go to Canada.  It is 26 hours and the winter is 6 month with a few episodes of -20 degress celcius!!  It is easy for him to travel back to Singapore whereas Canada is a long long flight and cost a lot more.  Boh Tong probably has free flights for his retirement benefits.  However, even if not free, the budget airlines are far more pocket friendly vs the long flights which no budget carriers are ready to touch.

Even now with B2 in Canada for school and mum is there, I also think very hard for visit.  It is exhausting travel to say the least.  So yes, the best long term visit is another country within Asia where flight time is reasonable.

B2 Homecoming

B2 has checked in to his flight in Tokyo.  He went there for short holiday before returning home.  He will be home this evening as he has a transit in Hong Kong airport. 

I think he misses his hawker food which he must have told his mummy.  I am glad we will be a full team again tonight.  He will spend his summer here and maybe take a couple of exchange courses in NTU.  His baby brother will have to go back to sharing room with him.

I met an old classmate who suffered a stroke and he seems to have recovered well.  I am very happy to see him in good shape.  This is the first time I met him since Sec 2!  He is now working in a Christian organisation.  He has 5 kids, 2 girls, a boy, girl and the last is another boy.  Baby boy is in Temasek IP program.  All his kids do not have tuition.  So the kids are doing extremely well indeed!  2nd girl is in NTU doing her PhD program in Biomedical  researching on superbugs.

First grandchild is coming along.  Always with the eldest being a girl becoming grandparents will be earlier than peers with boys.

Wonderful Bapsang Korean Resturant on Saturday

We brought B1 and B3 to Wonderful Bapsang.  This time we had the hotpot with beef and the fried chicken.  The free flow kimchi is change with steamed eggs, green vegetable(baby bok choy), a root vegetable that looked like ginseng but not and eggplants.  The kimchi are very good. I like the root vegetable, eggplant and the steamed eggs.  This time the bill is about $70 or $17.50 per head.  It is a weekend, so the price is much higher and also there are less people. 

Steamed rice is $2 per bowl which is quite dear.  Otherwise, I think it is pretty good value especially during weekday lunch.

Prices are up at Nanbantei

I decided to eat my favorite yakitori resturant again after long time.  I used to go very regularly.  After they changed their menu with much higher price, I had stopped patronising this resturant.  Today, I check their lunch menu and the old favorites are back albeit at much higher price.  The standard bento set is now $15.80 instead of $12.80 but at least it is back.  I guess many regulars may have stopped patronising with the new menu.  The problem is the standard bento set now do not have any dessert and also the shredded cabbage do not come with a slice of lemon either.  Not only price is up, the serving is less.

Wonderful Bapsang Korean Resturant in Suntec City

Wonderful Bapsang is beside DBS Bank in Suntec.  We were attracted by the kimchi for sales.  I have a weakness for cucumber and the cucumber kimchi looks delicious.  So I decided to check it out.  I am not hungry during lunchtime.  So I decided to try the lunch menu of ginseng chicken.  Half a chicken and soup with no sticky rice cost $10.80 plus tax come to $14.  Regular white rice comes with the soup.  Kimchi is free flow.  So I get to enjoy 5 different types - radish roots, chinese cabbage, fried tofu and cucumber.  It is pretty good deal.

Nanyang Seaview Aquarium is Closed

My favorite aquarium Nanyang Seaview is closed since April 2.  It is my favorite as the range of aquarium products is pretty good and it is only 3 mins drive from my home.  The moving notice states it is going be be in 8 Lor Chencharu but it is just a dilapilated building there.  So I have to go to Yishun Central to buy my fishing net.  Unfortunately, it did not have the large size type.  So I have to buy the smaller alternativ 10" which is too soft for fast violent scoops.

Hair Cut

My last haircut was before Chinese New Year.  It is more than a month and it is uncomfortable especially when I cycle with a cap on.  The trapped heat cause my head to sweat and my hair becomes unmanageable and smelly.  So I have to shampoo twice a day.

Yesterday, I went to my regular barber in AMK central.  Now I feel so much lighter.  The airflow through my hair is so nice and I feel light!

Specific Anaesthesia to my Nerve

This morning I was at Khoo Teck Puat to have anaesthesia injected directly into one of the nerves to see if it can stop the pain.  However, I was just suffering from numbness and not pain.  So the injection is not having it effect so far.

Have a wait for a few weeks to see my surgeon and see what else he recommends.

Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP

Yesterday, I went for my 2nd injection of my own platelets.  It was injected into my right knee and both side of my low back at L4 L5 region.  The PRP is supposed to help the muscle and ligaments heal.  After the first injection, I actually has less pain for my right knee but 2 days later, the pain is back and is more intense.  Today, after the 2nd injection, my right knee seems to improve but I get sporadic episodes of sharper pain.  However, it is no longer a continuous pain.  I hope the pain will reduce, if not I may have to go for mensicus cleanup.

Good Friday Morning

I am up at 5am.  It is a public holiday and no school yet I am up early.  My boy need to go to school for his PW or project work in late morning.  He was so tired last night that he fell asleep on the sofa and did not wake up to go to his bed.  He is still in his school uniform.

I think his social life is taking up much time.  The amount of texting and watching his and his friends photos, videos and messages dominates and I am a little worried he does not spend much time on his school work.

Seems like this is a common problem as the Deputy Principal and other school leaders talk about making the students drop CCA in J2 if their results is not up to par in J1's final common test.  B3 is quite engaged making new friends and trying out the CCAs he enjoys.  He is experiencing the time of his life.  I do not recall B1 being so enthusiastic in JC.  B1 did well as he was pretty focused on his work.

I had my morning coffee and breakfast at the poolside as I do not want to disturb B3.  It is nice we can go outside when the living room is occupied.

Now that the sky is bright, I am back in my home office just to blog.  It is going to be a beautiful day.

Happy Easter!!

Free Books

I am downloading free books to my Kindle or rather B2's Kindle.  It is fun to read fairy tales.  I feel like I am in Primary School again.  This time I am reading the Folk Tales from Japan. 

Although I have the Kindle for sometimes now that B2 is studying in Canada, I did not use it much.  I have asked him to buy Kobo Aura One.  It has bigger screen at 7.8" and has lighting and so can be read in the dark.  I am looking forward to more reading as it is quite convenient to bring around.

Still I like physical books.  The smell, the thickness and the feel of the paper.  It is something I loved so much growing up.

Red Cross Youth Charity Night 2018

B3 is in Street Dance CCA in school.  This is the first time he is learning dancing from a coach and for free!  Nowadays, the schools engaged CCA instructors who are specialised in their field of expertise unlike during my school days where a teacher takes on additional duties even though he or she is not trained for it.

Last night, the Street Dance group performed in the Red Cross Event.  Considering he is just a couple of months into this program, I am quite proud of his achievement! 

Chong Pang Nasi Lemak

Today is tiring.  We have to do special delivery for B1.  So we go to 5 different locations. From Sin Ming to final location of Woodlands.  It took us about 2 and half hours.  We finish just after quarter past 4 and go from Gambas Avenue to Yishun.  On the way, mummy thought of the famous Nasi Lemak that the boss' son lost millions of dollars in the local casino.  We reached there at 4:30pm.  The store is open and cooking but it is not ready for business.  It start selling at 5pm.  So we kill time by walking to the Northpoint Nasi Bryani shop and buy a takeaway. 

Then go to Gin Thye to buy authentic Teochew peanut candy.  We go back to wait and the nasi lemak store start serving at 5 on the dot!  There are a number of people waiting and the queue formed quickly.  The service is quite slow.  We have to wait for 10mins even though there are only 3 persons ahead of us.

We bought 2 takeaways and one dine-in to share.  The rice has good coconut flavor!  The dishes for quite good.  The total cost is $14 for 3 sets.  Quite reasonable compared to the Punggol Nasi Lemak in Kovan.  The food also taste better.

Monday Morning!

I have not sit down at my workstation for a week!  I noticed my last blog entry was a week ago Sunday!!

It is the start of a brand new week.  Soon I have to send my boy to school.  Then I go fishing.  May have some errands to do.

I also need to consult a doctor on PRP.  PRP is platelet rich plasma.  I have check it out on the internet.  It could help in my healing my sciatica. Or at least reduce the pain.

Home made Yakitori

Last night, my eldest sister came to visit and I invited her for dinner.  I was preparing to cook yakitori.  Early in the morning, I bought a large naked neck chicken.  I deboned the chicken following the youtube video on 1 Michellin star yakitori resturant in San Francisco.  I am quite happy with the results.

I made quite big sticks and my meat pieces are in big chunks.  So it is harder to grill.  I also follow the Japanese way i.e. no seasoning, only salt during grilling.  When the chicken is about cooked, apply the teriyaki sauce.  I managed to reproduce the smoky chargrilled taste and it is so similar to those in a yakitori resturant rather than the Tori-Q which is very sweet and heavily flavored.

It is the first time I used the portable high heat torch to light the charcoal and while disengaging the torch from butane cannister, I burned my pinkie.  Now I am sporting a huge blister.  I will need to pay attention when dealing with high temperature metal devices.

Chong Boon Hawker Center

We had our dinner there. After reading Boh Tong's blog on the oyster omelette, I was cracking my head trying to figure out which stall as I do frequent this food center. after.  It was the carrot cake stall.  The price is pretty reasonable at $4 a plate.  The oysters are plump.  However, I prefer Ah Chuan's as it is more crispy.  Ah Chuan is in Toa Payoh and opens only after lunch hours.

We also had the bak kut the.  The soup is very peppery.  I like the braised pork leg.  It is quite nice.  We only ordered lean pork leg, vegetable and bean curd skins.  The total comes to $11.50 as we have only one rice.  The price in Chong Boon is pretty reasonable.

Quiet

My place is dead quiet save the whirling of the fan.  The sky is cloudy yet, some stars are visible directly overhead.  I am reminded of the clear sky in Reno.  The millions of stars dot the nightsky.  No wonder UFOs are usually sighted in US.  The horizon is not covered by tall buildings.  No clouds, so any moving lights can be easily spotted and video taped.

My throat is quite sore and I feel not so good.  My low back is giving pain.  I am up early.

Now I will wait for day break to send B3 to school. 

Down with Cough

First started with phlegm in the morning.  Then sore throat and now I am down with cough.  I am taking the medication and they makes me tired and sleepy.  With my low back pain, it is difficult to cough as pressure on the abdomen cause shooting pain.

I will need to seek treatment for my lumbar problem.

Fixing Up Additional Lights for B3's Study Table

We moved B3's study table to the visitor's balcony.  There is insufficient lights in that area.  We had spotlight and it is not bright enough for reading and writing.  So we have to figure a way to install additional lights.  This morning, we went to Philips in Toa Payoh to buy a 4ft strip LED light.  This is like a flourescent light but very light and low power consumption.  Cost on $17 and change.  We install the light right away.  It was not easy to fix the wiring as it is in a confined space up in the false ceiling. 

After many tries to connect the wires into a connector, I found a way to put both hands inside the false ceiling through the small opening that is used to put in the recessed light fixture.  What a relief it worked!  I am pretty proud of my handy work:)

Now the study area has bright light and B3 can study in a well lite environment.

Chinese New Year Day 2

It was mad rush to clean up the house during eve and also I got myself into a big project of changing the plunger for the toilet in my boy's room.  The water closet was leaking and I had to change the plunger.  I thought it is just take out the water tank and put in the new plunger.  Boy!, was I mistaken!  The metal that holds the tank to the toilet completely rusted.  It was almost impossible to remove. 

My wife went to Google this problem and the best recommendation is to saw off the part.  Sawing takes more than 2 hours.  The rust is stubborn, the tank is made of porcelain and I had spray the rust liberally with WD40.  First, WD40 is unable to work through the rust.  Then it made the porcelain extremely slippery and the rust is thick.  These combination made it very hard to work in a confine space.  Finally, I manage to remove the rust and fit in the new plunger. 

To add insult to injury, the leakage came back after 2 days.  So it maybe another part I have to replace.  Now the plumbing shop is closed until Feb 23.  So I will have to wait until then to get more parts.

Or I need to remove the tank and look at my installation.  I may have done something wrongly.

Stock Market Correction

Finally, the stock market no longer keeps going up.  The forecast on the stock market crash was on the video for so many years and stopped being produced about mid 2017.  The doom prophets had been proven wrong! 

All the doom prophets say there will be a crash and it will be the biggest ever seen.  But the stock market has been defying the forecast!  Now there is a correction which is 10% drop.  When will the crash happen?

Many people will be affected.  Many will gain.  So like elevators, stock market goes up and down.  The only problem is when it go down, it is so fast. 

Day 2 in JC1

B3 want to go to school early before the 7:30am official time.  I send him at 6:25am and we reached about 6:40am.  I thought the school was going to be empty and boy was I mistaken.  It looked empty but as I go to the Marymount entrance, plenty of students are going in. 

RI JC is a motivated group or maybe because they are taking MRT to school and it is better to be early as the crowd will be massive at the later time.  I can only speculate the reasons for being so early.  I know I was late many times as taking bus making bus skipping stops for overcrowding.

Day 1 for J1

Today is the first day of JC for JAE students.  JAE is joint admission exercise.  This is for "O" level students.  The IP or integrated program students started their J1 classes earlier as they do not have to worry about posting.  So now it is integration time for both "O" and IP students in JC.  They have orientation programs for a few days before the lectures starts.

There are lots of SCGS girls, one St. Margaret girl going to school after we drop B3 off.  We saw a boy in white with buttons on his shirt and long pant with his parents.  They are grinning happily as they go to into the school.  He must be from a ex-Chinese school maybe Chung Cheng.  I have no idea how the school uniforms looked in the different schools except for RGS, SCGS, St Margaret, St. Joseph and a few other brand schools.

It is nice the kids have a break after the grueling exams.  Now it is team building time before they get back to the grind again.

School Posting

B3 received his posting at 6:10am via sms.  This year, the cutoff points for RI is 5 higher than last year's 4 and before that 3.  It is now easier to go RI for JC.

The reason for this is there are less cohort and many JCs merged.  Luckily, B3 is in "O" level.  If he is in IP or Integrated Program, he will have to go Eunoia.  Cutoff points for Eunoia is 11 points.  The standard will be much lower than RI.

Sky Clear for Good Times!

I am so glad the sky clear up time to time.  So the total eclipse can be seen clearly before the cloud obscure it time and again.  I managed to take some pictures.  The pictures are taken with my cellphone camera.  It needs a stand to get stable picture.  Also the lens are not as good as a proper camera.

I am so glad to experience the lunar eclipse live and see it!  Most time, the clouds obsure these events in Singapore.  I tried to observe by naked eyes since young and the chance is usually low as our sky typically has cloud cover.

Lunar Eclipse 31 Jan 2018

Tonight is the Big Night for Lunar Eclipse!

I hope the sky is clear for tonight's lunar eclipse and blue moon.  It is a rare event to get a full lunar eclipse in Singapore.  Many times whenever we have solar or lunar eclipse, our heavy clouds spoils the rare event.  Since I was a kid reading science news in Straits Times, I have no chance of seeing the eclipses properly.  Recently, there was a solar eclipse which was not bad as the eclipse can be seen through the cloud.

Moonlight is weak and therefore once there is cloud cover, it will not be seen well.  I am hopeful as the eclipse will last for 3 hours tonight!

Working Late

B1 has been working late last week and yesterday.  So it is a surprise that he comes home at 8pm tonight.  He has been returning home close to midnight every night.  It is nice surprise for us that he is back in time to eat dinner with us. 

Life as a lawyer is tough.  The hours are long.  Most of his classmates work late as well.  The compensation is quite low.  So hopefully, they all get to earn more, much more in future.  Otherwise it is not a good profession to be in.

Enjoying the Front Yard

The temperature cools down in the evening at about 6pm.  So I make myself a cup of iced tea and sat at my front porch.  We have an outdoor table with 6 chairs.  It is nice to read and relax listening to the water sounds of the fountain.  The trees and plants are lush and green.  It is like living with nature.  My wife joins me but she started to talk about the shellac peeling off and started to clean it up.  She is such a perfectionist.  I just want to relax and do basically nothing or read.  So it became stressful.

I am like Dagwood Bumstead in the Blondie comic strip.  Plain lazy when it come to housekeeping and maintenance.  I just like my peace and relaxation rather than endless cleaning and keep the things in the house in tip top condition.

Anyway, we have to go for dinner and I am happy to have space to enjoy drinking iced tea alfresco.

Lucky Day!!

High tide is at about 5 pm.  I starts to cycle to Punggol seaside at 4.  The water is high and murky at the regular spot.  I throw my net and did not do a good job as the net did not spread out.  I was kicking myself mentally as the net lands on the water.  Then I saw a big fish jumps out.  I pull the net in and felt a little struggle.  I do not know yet but feels hopeful that I have caught fishes.  As I pull in the net, there it is a big Asian Seabass.  Another smaller Asian Seabass was also caught in the net.  I felt so lucky to catch a big fish in my first throw.  I put the big seabass in a plastic bag.  The small seabass goes into the bottle.

I feel very lucky!  After that I cycled to Punggol Point.  Again, my kakis are not there whenever I caught a big fish.  No matter, I showed my fish to 2 foreign cleaners whom I says hello to them everytime I met them.  The large seabass weighs more than 800 grams.  My wife put the fish into the freezer when I reached home.

The smaller seabass goes into the tank and it is still alive and swimming.  I also caught some mullets. It is feels good to be lucky!!

Tiny Houses

I have been watching Tiny House series on Youtube.  Tiny houses are usually shipping containers turned into a house.  There are also custom built house on wheels as well as just houses that is less than 300 sq ft.  The tiny houses are practical for small budgets or those "starter" homes.  The house will have to collect rainwater or put water in a container for use.  Toilet is compost toilet.  So have running water toilet if they are connected to the "grid".  Grid meaning water and electricity. Although grid is originally for electricity.

I love the concept of tiny house on wheels.  It mean I can travel around and live without paying for hotel.  I think it is also hard life as there is no running water for shower.  Some of the houses are self sufficient which mean it collects rainwater and use solar and battery for electric appliances.  It seems romantic idea although it will be quite hard as most of the video emphasize the views and outdoor space.  It will be easier in USA, Canada or Japan as the weather is friendlier to outdoor living.

Buying Plenty of Fruits

In Jalan Membina and in Jalan Bukit Ho Swee, the fruit shops with the same name attracts buyers who buy big quantities of fruits.  We were in Chinatown for char kway teow.  The price has gone up to $4 per plate instead of $3.  The queue is still as long. 

After lunch, we drop by the fruits shops.  We bought plenty!  We have young coconuts at $1.30 each, organic longan at $5/kg($6 elsewhere) and soursop at $10/kg instead of $15/kg.  The watermelon is at $3 each and D24 Durian is $8/kg.  Large Australian white peaches are at $2.50 each.  Unfortunately, there is no cut jackfruits which is at $5/kg instead of $6/kg in Yishun.  I have stopped buying fruits in Yishun.

I love my fruits!  They are health snacks.  Only problem is they do not keep weight down.  Only vegetable snacks can help in keeping weight at bay.

Cool Morning

The temperature is wonderfully cool the previous few days.  It is very enjoyable and comfortable temperature.  B1 commented our floor is cold at the level 1 when he open the glass door to let the air in.  I googled and found that the lowest temperature was in 14 Feb 1989 in Paya Lebar.  It must be really cool at that time!

It is nice to wake up in an aircond level type of environment in the open.  So I feel glad to open the door to let the coolness enter our home.  Then I boil water to make tea or coffee and do my other routines.  Many times, I just switch on the TV, this morning I try to write before B1 request I send him to the train station.  I find it relaxing to stay with the cool weather.

RI and Hwa Chong Open House

This morning, we went to the open house in RI.  The school now has astronomy club, runway(for aspiring model), modern dance and other CCA which were not available during our time.  I notice there is no drama or Raffles Players.  Maybe there is but I was moving too quickly to notice.

I left to send mummy to Toa Payoh for her class.  Then I just go home to fish.  Mummy went to Hwa Chong by train.  The station is Tan Kah Kee.  She has to climb up the hill.  Every visitor need to scan their IC.  So it is less welcoming than RI.  Also Hwa Chong is like fun fair.  There is no overall program.  RI is much better organised.  There is an orchestra, dancing on the circular stage, runway show.  So it is quite impressive or rather mum is more impressed by RI.  She noticed the girls from Nanyang i.e. Hwa Chong dance group are prettier and dance far better than those in RI.

"O" Level Results Today!

The "O" level results are released this afternoon.  We went to school and waits for the results.  The school did better than the last 4 years.  More students have 6 distinctions or better. There are 57 with 8 distinctions or more and 93 with 6 distinctions or more.  

B3 has 9 distinctions and was called to receive his results from the Principal.  It is a proud day for us. He has outperform his elder brothers and also the best performer on both sides of the family i.e. daddy's and mummy's.  We are quite relief after so many days of anxieties, worrying and preparing for the worst.

He has a raw score of 7 for L1R5.  He also pass his Higher Chinese which he received B4 and merit for his oral.  So with 4 points deduction, he has 3 points and therefore has a good chance with the 2 most popular school, Hwa Chong or Raffles Institution.

He has a classmate who scored only 6 points and the rest of his good friends scored the same as him.  One did not do as well with B3 for his English and D7 for Higher Chinese.  We feels sorry for him and his mother.  His parents have strong hope for his to go to Hwa Chong.  Now the chance is slim as he has 8 points minus 2 which mean 6 and the points for Hwa Chong is 4.  With the merger, the points may increased but it is still a big worry.  Sigh!  We feel sad for the parents and his classmate but have no idea how to console them.

My Japanese Ex-colleague

This morning, my ex-colleague wrote to me to say hello and ask about me.  I am happy to hear from him and ask about his family as well.  He is doing well but living in a different city from his wife and daughter.  Hopefully, he will get transferred back to Tokyo or Yokohama.  Then he can re-unite with his family as his girl like to stay in the same school when she goes to middle school or secondary school in Singapore terminology.

We worked together for 11 years and he got married while we were working together.  He also had his baby girl during our time together as a team.  So he became a married man, a father and family man while we were colleagues.

We had team building events, so had the chance to meet his wife and his two step children.  However, I did not get a chance to meet his daughter as we stop the team building events before she was born.

Food Poisoning in Bangkok

B1, B3, my wife and I went to Bangkok last Tuesday for holiday.  The first stop after landing and before checking in is Nara.  The lunch in Nara was very good.  It is far better than the one in Ion and great value.  It comes to about Baht 1,500 or approx. S$60.

We check into Holiday Inn where we redeemed our points for 4 nights.  It is wonderful to have free hotel stay coming to a total of 8 room nights.  It is B1 first trip to Thailand.  He missed a couple of times when we came previously.  So he is prepared to explore.  He went to the Dogs Cafe with B3 while mummy goes shopping in Jim Thompson.  Then they join mummy to shop in Patunum.  I on the other hand just wander about Central World and Siam Paragon.

We ate lunch in MK and B3 came down with food poisioning.  He was vomiting and has diahorrea.  So he stopped eating and drinking from Thursday afternoon onwards.  He was in the hotel since then.  I kept him company as I am not a big fan of being a tourist.  My poor boy was totally dehydrated and in bed until Saturday afternoon when we have to check out and go to airport. B1 had fever on Saturday evening and diahorrea when we reach home.

So B3 and I have only 2 days of the holiday out of the 5 days we were in Bangkok.  I had dinner with a friend in Bangkok and we have much laughter talking about a 62 years old man interested in her.  She is single and available.  She does not understand Japanese culture and wonder why this man send her pictures of him drinking with his buddies in Japan and treat to dinner in Oriental Hotel Bangkok.
Maybe she pretends to be oblivious.  But we had much fun to speculate his intention.  I told her he is interested in going to bed with her as Japanese do not have the concept of love.  Getting married and being married is social responsibility, family ties and responsibilities.  Not romance or love.  So visiting geishas, prostitutes is normal and the wife can accept as long as he discharge his obligations and responsibilities as a husband and a father.

She was flabbergasted when she hear this.  I told her she is using her Singapore mindset to deal with him and it is totally out of sync.  It was funny and joyful for her to have men interested in her.  It is a great boost to her ego especially since this man is quite well off and in senior position.

Good Day for Parties

2 of my neighbours have parties.  The smell of the bbq meats perfumed the estate. I realise I am the one who usually makes the estate smells of bbq smoke.  The only difference is I am cooking for my family only.  The kids invited their schoolmates.  So they have plenty of fun at the pool.  I loved parties.  It is great to have friends or family over and just chill.

Great Deals in Metro

We went to Wisma for lunch and we needed to change some cash for our trip next week.  B1 want to make shirt for his workwear but mummy insist on ready-to-wear or make to measure locally.  So B1 relented and go with mummy to check out the shirts in Metro.  There they found office shirt going for $10/ piece.  The quality is quite good.  So B1 tried them and decided on 5 which will help in his wardrobe as he will be starting work after we are back from holiday.

I bought 2 shirts even though I really don't need anymore. 

The cool weather makes it nice to walkabout along Orchard Road and the mood is quite festive with the decorations.  I am relax about the new year.

B2 in Montreal

It is good that B2 went to explore another city during the yearend break.  He took viarail train to Montreal and then travel by subway to the city center.  His apartment is right downtown and cost only $35 per night.  What a great deal.  I am not sure if $35 is his portion only or to be shared with is friend.  I am glad he is exploring the country.  In fact, he goes much further than my wife and I on our tour trip there.

B2 in South Commons

I just called B2.  He is having Christmas dinner in a friend's home.  It is good that he has a family style meal during Christmas.  South Commons mall is near the Mississauga campus of U of T.  He is quite lucky to have White Christmas as it snowed the day before.

Best Weather

It is nice and breezy.  Best of the all the air is cool.  I wish we have this kind of weather all year round.  Otherwise, we should 4 seasons.  I love the seasons especially fall.  The world turns into a myriad of colours and then all the leaves fall out leaving only bare branches.  Only cone shape trees are left with their spiky green leaves which looked beautiful when the snow falls on them.

I am enjoying the cool breeze floating into my living room.  It is relaxing.

Progress in Programming

Now I am making more progress with Python Programming.  My B1 tells me to go to the video and also use the StackOverflow or Github.  I realised my mistake and slowly making more progress.

It is a hard road ahead as I am still unable to get some basics right.  However, it is getting more fun as I can get some programs to work.

Electric Toothbrush Repaired

Last week, I send my toothbrush for repair and was told to replace with a new toothbrush as it is usual for the battery to wear out after a couple of years.  So I paid $75 for the replacement brush and then found that it is the charger that is not working.  However, I had already dismantled the old toothbrush which mean it is totally destroyed.  I took the charger back last Friday and they repaired it back for free.

I hope it will last me for a few more years.  I loved this toothbrush and it has served me well.

Lai Heng Fried Kway Teow

Lai Heng is a better known fried kway teow.   I have not eaten it for long time.  I tried it for lunch today.  I find it is not as good as before.  Like the fried kway teow in Marine Parade, the standard has dropped.  The price is still reasonable at $2.50 and $3.00 per plate.  The cockles are basically uncooked and there is a generous sprinkling of sliced lup cheong or chinese sausage.

The best fried kway today is Outram FKT in Chinatown hawker center.

Man Man Unagi

I had unagi takeaway last Saturday from Tampopo in Ngee Ann City.  So B1 reminds me of the place where the unagi is freshly slaughtered and grilled.  I had told him when he first tells me about this place is that I tried in fresh unagi in Japan and it did not taste good even though it was quite expensive. 

Today, he brought me to Man Man and there is a long queue outside the resturant.  We had to wait for at least half an hour.  We got lucky and sat on the counter seats.  So I can see the grilling.  I did not notice until B1 points out to me the fish is still moving.  Then I saw the mouth gasping for air and the fins are still moving.  It is a little gross even though the fishes has been split and left in the basin for a few minutes before being skewered.  It is probably moving about for more than 10 mins after it body was split, backbone removed.  

The unagi tastes pretty good.  The problem is the price.  It cost $38 for one bowl of rice topped with unagi.  It is quite a nice experience.  I do not thiink I will go back.  I prefers the char siew from the famous char siew wanton mee on Keong Siak Street.

Breakfast at Intercontinental Hotel

A friend from Korea is in town and invited me to his hotel for breakfast.  I had French toast.  The salad, fruit juice and cut fruits are self service.  The fruit juice is quite good.  The breakfast is quite high standards although I think it is better in Seoul.  I stay in Intercontinental there most of the time.  I also like Chosun Westin which has huge stretch of tourist foodstalls and market across the road.  Intercontinental has the Kuan Yin temple and underground mall.  The underground mall is not as nice since the upgrading.  The bookshop is gone as well.  However, the resturants are still familiar such as Friday's, pho and Outbacks.  Plenty of coffee chains like Starbucks, Coffeebeans and Korean brands.

After breakfast, I went to the library to borrow books.  Library has also been renovated.  No more librarians sitting at the counter.  It is now converted to a event hall.  So library services are automated and it is not easy to see a walking librarian anymore.

Programming Frustrations

It is really not easy.  There are so many ways to do programming wrong.  The smallest mistake such as not having ":" or no tab in the line or extra tab.  These quite easy to fix as it is visible compared to "attribute error" which may have something to do with my software setup or my file not downloaded properly.

Then there is version difference.  Even the simplest command such as "print" tripped me.  For python 2, print does not need "()" but it is needed in Python 3.

Slowly, painfully slowly, I am making small progress.  The joys is discovering the mistakes I made or the setup tuning I need to do.

Last Day of Exams

Today is B1's last day of his Part B exams.  He went out with his friends after the papers.  I am so glad he is done for now.  He has been working hard studying for the exams.  He deserves a break!

B3 is learning wonderful stuff like genetic engineering in Biopolis.  He is doing experiments and pipetting bacteria, making agar to culture them.  He is quite excited learning how to do the experiments.  He learn to splice the DNA and using eletrophersis and centrifuge to separate the DNA strands and insert different DNA into the spliced DNA.  After which, he has to culture the bacteria and ensure they mulitply.  It is very interesting and advanced science.

B2 is also studying hard in Toronto.  He is doing well in essay questions but not good with multiple choice.  MCQ papers, he barely clears but essay papers are 23/25 and 28/30.  He is good in articulating his thoughts and understanding of the topic he is writing about.

Sin Kian Choon Trading

The fruit shop that I was patronising and very impressed with in the past week is Sin Kian Choon.  I have taken a picture of the signboard which also give it address.

It will be a great place to visit if you have a party to impress.  Orange colored passionfruit, Japanese Premium Musk Melon, Fresh Cranberries, Fresh Blackcurrant, Beautiful Strawberries and regular fruits like R2E2 mangoes, Harum manis, longan ($3.50 vs $5 in Fairprice), jackfruit at $5/kg, watermelon $3 each.  It is fruit galore!!

Bukit Ho Swee Fruit Shop

I really like the fruit shop.  Not only the fruits are reasonable priced, there are exotic fruits.  B3 followed us this morning.  He loved it and bought blackberries, blackcurrent, white dragonfruit, tomatoes on a vines and was also keen to get more if not for the fact it was getting costly and we will be unable to finish.  Yes, I forgot!  Also Korean sweet strawberries.  I bought persimmons - Korean and Spanish, Japanese sweet potatoes from Vietnam and black organic raisins. There is also Japanese melons which until now I saw them in Meidiya only.

I am happy with the amount of fruits we have at home now.

Redhill Wet Market

My wife is taking classes beside Tiong Bahru mall.  So after dropping her off, I go to the Redhill hawker center.  The fishball noodle there is quite good.  It moved from Holland Drive market.  I also like the wet market.  There are some exotic vegetables sold there.  It is exotic to me as they sell different types from the supermarkets.

The prawn noodles is quite popular as well.  I like the fruits sold in that area.  It is quite competitive in price compared to Yishun.  For example, watermelon is $3 each, longans at $3.50/kg.  So it is a good place to stock up on fruits.

Beautiful Full Rainbow

Scary flashes of lightnings and followed by booming thunders this afternoon.  After the thundershower, there is a beautiful and complete rainbow.  I am so lucky to see it!  B1 was up at the roof garden with me as well.  B3 is sleeping as he just finishes his "O" level yesterday.

Foodie Market

We send our Epson printer for repair yesterday.  The service center is in Golden Agri building in Pasir Panjang.  We decided to go to Tiong Bahru for lunch.  It was very crowded with no parking.  The Loon Hainese Curry Rice has super long queue.  We went a couple of rounds including the multistorey carpark and decide to go to Foodie Market instead.

The meat in Foodie Market came be customised in thickness.  So I bought one slice of ribeye and one slice of striploin as they are the more value cut.  Each slice is just below $20 as I asked for one and half inch thick cut.

After grocery shopping, we went carpark hunting again and finally got lucky when a car just left but the carpark is near the porridge place.  So we ate porridge instead.  After lunch, I ta-pow curry rice for B1's lunch since the queue is more reasonable as it is almost 2pm.

In the evening, I bbq the striploin and use our meat thermometer until the core is about 140 degree Fahrenheit.  This will be medium heat.  The meat was tender and both B1 and B3 love it!  B2 is in Canada, so now I have to cook less.  I love having more to cook as it is fun to have variety. and the time taken is almost the same as cooking smaller portions.

Learning Zhichar!

My wife signed me up for Dry Heat Grill and Roasting Class.  She told me it is grilling steak.  However, when we attend class yesterday morning, it was not.  We feel cheated!  There are 4 types of cooking - Chinese, Thai, Malay and Western.  So we had a Chinese Chef teaching us yesterday.  We have to fry the fried rice and cut up some vegetables.  The chef do the charsiew and fry the green vegetables for us.  We have to eat up own fried rice.  It does not taste good.  The wok is hard to handle as it is heavy.  Then we have to flip the rice which only one or two managed to execute.  The fire is extremely strong.  We also learn tp deep fried chicken wings, squirrel fish mostly by observation. 

I am disappointed to go to class not to learn how to cook individually.  To add insult to injury, it is not what we thought we signed up for.

Learning Breadmaking

Today is day 2 of my bread making class.  My wife convinced me to joined her in this class.  Making bread is interesting.  However it is not so good business anymore due to heavy competition.   We have 14 other classmates totalling 16 in our class.  The dough is done by machine.  We get to measure as a group.  So if you are aggressive, you get to do a bit.  It is more learning by obsevation rather than doing.  So I am not so happy.  I rather we do less bread and do each bread myself.  Today, we get to bring back 5 different types of breads - sandwich, rye, country, somewhat and baguette.  The bread is quite nice but I love to do from start to finish instead of just forming the bread.

High Water

This morning I was at Punggol Point during high tide.  The water level is very high.  Tomorrow it will be higher as it will be the full moon and we have spring tide. It will be the next highest level at 3.0 metres.  The highest will be on Monday at 3.1 metres. 

The water is very dirty with oil slick on the surface and the hue is dark.  So no fishes are around.  It is tough when the water quality is bad.

By the way, on Thursday night at about 10pm an Indian man disappeared after going to the water to disentangle his fishing line.  He was drinking and decide to swim to the bouy nearby.  His girlfriend was purchasing something from 7 eleven and when she is back, she asked the kakis where is her boyfriend.  They had continued fishing and were disinterested until the girl friend started questioning.  They report to the Cisco police and there was a search with frogmen.  But he was not found.  Yesterday morning, SCDF ship was patrolling to search for the body.  So far no news in the net, so he must be still missing.

Tony Romas

B3 finished his papers at 10am.  After, we pick him up we continue our journey as B1 has an errand to run in Suntec at 11am.  So we go to Tony Romas for lunch.  We had the 4 types of ribs, deep fried shrimps, potatoes skins,  Tony sampler and a salad.  It is a wonderful meal.  My boys like the potato skins.  It is my favorite as well.  B3 likes them so much he had 3 while the rest of the family had one each.

I think the ribs and the potato skins are the best of all the dishes we ordered.  It is a nice party and I am glad we have both boys for lunch.

Phoon Huat 10% discount until October 31st

My wife loved Phoon Huat as she can buy her toys and ingredients to cook and bake.  Yesterday, after dropping B3 off for his exams, we stopover in Phoon Huat Toa Payoh.  We purchase some items and found that there is 10% discount storewide.  So, we brought B3 to get some of the stuff he likes as he enjoys cooking and baking.  He bought his favorites - marshmallows and jelly powder.  He just loved sweets.  Last night, he cooked the jelly and this morning toast the marsh mellow. 

My wife makes tiramisu after lunch.  It is quite enjoyable treat.

Quiet Morning

I woke up early at 3am.  It is very quiet.  Instead of just doing brain dead activity like watching TV or Youtube, I do some programming.  As the night get chased away and the sky turned lighter, the birds start to sing.  I can hear the parakeets squawking and the chirping of the small song birds.  It is quite nice to hear nature waking up.  I am glad my home has more wildlife.

iPhone - A Nightmare!!!

My wife just helped her father to get a new iPhone 8Plus.  He has a frustrating 2 days.  The new phone cannot work while his old i7 is locked out.  The problem with Apple is you need an "Apple ID".  So when you lost your ID or forgets or it is set up by someone else e.g. your son or daughter, you are at your kid's mercy.  Everyone is pointing a finger at everyone else.  Lots of discussions that gets nowhere.  My father-in-law is so frustrated he wanted to throw the new iPhone 8 away.

My wife is a staunch Apple fan.  Last night, after spending more than an hour with Apple call center and calling her siblings trying to figure a way to solve the problem, she finally admits Samsung may be a better choice.  This morning after spending 3 hours setting up the phone as a new phone, she very quickly go back to her Apple again.  It is impossible to learn the lesson.

Apple's security is so good that for an oldies, it is an impossible phone to navigate.  Every little things you want to do, you need to key in Apple ID and password.  It is a sophisticated machine but no designed for easy and simple usage.  There is no option which allow you to select an option to keep it simple.  This is why I am so sold on Android Phone.  You can select the different level of complexity and security you want.  In Apple, you are tied to their system which forces you to do it the Apple Way or the highway.  I decided not to be held hostage and go the Android Way.

Wang's Cafe Plaza Singapura

I am passing time in the cafe at basement 2.  My Mrs like to shop at Spotlight.  She is inspired recent to learn moe about cloth, textile and the raw materials.  I on the other hand just enjoys sitting in a coffee hop and watch life go by.  Sometimes, I draw, sometimes, I read, many times I surf the net and occasionally, I write like right now.  Writing captures my current thoughts and observations.  Patrons come patrons go.  I m the only constant for the time I am there.  As I write, I fantasize I am a struggling writer who may become famous and the place will be visited by aspiring writers of future.  It is a nice fantasy...

Wonderful Day in Orchard

My wife has cooking class in Takashimaya.  Also Kino has 20% discount for members.  So we tried to spend some of the money B1 won for his book prize in IT Law.  We had a good time browsing the books and selecting some that we had intend to buy from Internet.  The books in internet are cheaper but at 20% discount the difference is not too great and we can choose a good copy and have our books immediately.  Nowadays, even at 20% Kinokuniya do not have a long queue anymore unlike before.  Most book lovers like me has gone to the internet to do our purchase.

We have a late dinner at about 8:30pm.  It is a good day for us.  When we are done, we buy yakitori with rice for B3 as he is studying at home for his "O" level. 

It is a good start for the weekend.

Fat Rabbit Fish

I caught a fat rabbit fish this morning and gave it to a fellow fisherman.  He is quite nice and will reel his line to let throw my net.  He says the fish is very "leng" in Cantonese or beautiful.  I am quite happy he likes it at the same time feel a tinge of regret thinking I should have brought it home to cook.  Anyway, we had a nice fish yesterday.  It was silver body with yellow fins.  I have no idea what kind of fish it was.  It was quite tasty.  If I continue to get big fishes, we can have fresh steamed fish everyday!

RI gets new Principal

In my cohort chatgroup, the hot topic is on the new RI Principal who is not an Old Boy.  This is my first reaction when I read the news.  In MOE, it is just skills and capabilities.  The school spirit is not important or considered as they do not know how.  So Principals are rotated every few years to give the Principal exposure to different school and broad management experience.

The school is just a place for assignments for the people they wished to develop.  My wife's Primary School was run by a Principal who was not a graduate for many years.  He is the one to make the school very coveted and popular as it produces lots of top students.  I feel Pei Chun Primary is no longer like before when Principal Tan was running it.  It has lost the spirit.  My boys all had a few years in Pei Chun.  B1 in P1 and we relocated to Canada but back when he was in P4.  B2 was in Pei Chun from P1 to P3 and B3 from P4 to P6.

During B1's P1 time, for the morning flag raising there will be a student reciting the poems for 15mins to gather the student to the Parade Square.  By the time when B2 is there, Principal Tan was retired.  Since then every few years, there is a new Principal.  The traditions and spirit is gone.

I remember Principal Tan told us the parents in one of the school event not to worry about our cars parked along the road outside the school.  He has spoken to the Police to let them know there is a school event and not to fine us.

Immediately after Principal Tan's retirement, the new Principal get the Police to ensure we do not wait along the road when we need to pick up our kids after school.  I was so upset by the new Principal.  The police advise us to park very far away.  The new Principal thinks he is taking care of the students which is the opposite. 

Anyway, back to RI.  I still think a Rafflesian will be lead in the school as he will be able to understand and upheld the Rafflesian Spirit.  Green black white, green black white, Raffles Raffles fight fight fight!  White black green, white black green, Raffles Raffles win win win!

Graduation Day for Sec 4s

Today is the last day of school for B3.  He is doing his "O" level exams in two weeks.  The school held a "graduation" exercise and gave them some gifts and invited the parents to join.  In the old days, there is no such thing.  We just finished the exams, go back to get our results and if you wish to go to another Pre-U or JC, you apply.  Otherwise, you are garanteed a place in Pre-U.  At the time, JCs were still quite new.  RI is the only 2 years Pre-U.  All other Pre-U is 3 years and JCs are 2 years.

We went to support our boys and we also met the mother of his good friend.  After that, we had some light refreshments and B1 comes to J8 to meet us.  We have our lunch in Din Tai Fung.  B1 was updating us on his interview.  He is actively looking for jobs and evaluating the options as he will join the workforce in 6 months.

Progress!

Finally, I made some progress with learning computer programming.  I decided to give up Vagrant and stick to Python.  I now can work with Geany and Scite editor and type the commands as spelled out in the books and the programs behave as they should i.e. I can get output.  Right, I am still at print lists e.g. Hello World and manipulating list such as deleting words in the list.  I feel so much better!

Down with Sore Throat

I am feeling weak and bones are aching at the joints.  I am also feeling feverish.  So I take it easy today and no fishing.  I just drink Berocca and taking Panadol.  It is great to just rest and relax.  To past time, we went to Toastbox and sit there for almost an hour waiting for B3 to finish school.  I wonder if I fall sick because I was caught in the rain and then continue to fish for almost 3 hours.  I am no longer like before.  I should not try to be tough it out like my younger days.

Lunch Time Fishing

High tide was lunch time.  I managed to catch 2 fairly big rabbit fishes.  The smaller one, I release.  I give both fishes to my fellow fisherman who is a regular.  He caught one too.  But both mine are larger than the one he caught by line.  I feel so proud.  He eats the fishes he caught.  I was totally sunburned!  This morning after sending B3 to school, I went to the hawker center and there I met a good friend.  She is having breakfast with her son before sending him to school.  The boy is same age as B3 and is doing his "O" level as well.  She noticed I am very dark.  She thought I have been golfing.  I told her it is fishing and cycling.    Too much sun can make a person tired and lethargic.  I have less sleep as well since I have get up early to go to school:)

YaYoi Resturant and Tuna Cutting in Liang Court

B3 has been working hard on school work in preparation for "O" level.  So we asked him what he like to eat for lunch.  He chose Liang Court for Japanese meal.  We reached there past noon and the carpark is full.  So we have to wait for someone to leave before getting a carpark space.  He surveyed all the different resturants and foodcourt stalls and decided on a new resturant just opposite Meida Supermarket, Yayoi.  The food is good and reasonable in price.  We order 3 sets and upgrade a soup to clam soup from the miso.  B3 says it is the best karaage he has tasted.  The tonkatsu was crispy outside and tender inside.  The gravy of the mixed set with egg is delicious!  The meal for 3 comes to $60.

So my good friend and fellow Rafflesian, Boh Tong, this is one resturant I highly recommend.  You should try it.

After our very pleasant meal, we pass time in Meida Supermarket.  We plan to buy grocery for steamboat.  While browsing, there is a huge Tuna on display.  The Tuna is 68kg which B3 gets a kick that it is even heavier than him.  The announcement on the PA mentioned that there will be a tuna cutting at 2pm.  So we delay our purchase for the show.  It is the first time for my wife and boy.  I had seen it in Tokyo when my Japanese colleague caught a huge tuna in his fishing trip and gave it to the resturant.  In return, the whole office have a sashimi dinner and I happened to be there on a working trip.  The cutting took a long time.  In Liang Court it took less than 15 mins.  The difference is in the resturant, the chef cuts the whole fish by himself.  In Liang Court, the cutting is removing the head, slicing the collar and cutting the main body into 4 pieces.  Then an army of cutters take over to slice the fish into smaller portion for sale.

We had a very pleasant afternoon!

Fishing with B1

B1 do not have any classes today.  So he goes fishing with me.  There were many fishes and caught a lot of mullets.  However, even though I had a few chance for rainbow rabbit fishes, I was unable to net them.  I did not throw far enough or it is too rocky and they managed to escape.  We release the bigger mullets and brought the rest home for the tank.  Our arowana has a big feast.  I am happy with a big mudskipper I caught yesterday.  It is quite active.

It is nice to get something and feel good about the catch.  Best to release some back as well.

Curry Hor Fun

I accompanied my wife to Suntec as she has an errand to run.  So while waiting for her, I went around the mall to check the resturants and food courts.  Plenty choices.  I was hoping to go to my favorite Tony Romas.  The only problem is last order is 2:30pm and my wife is done at about 3:15pm.  So I settle for Kopitiam's Ipoh Hor Fun.  It offers something different, curry hor fun.  The food is fine.  I will not go for it again.  The pork chop looks fresh and appetitizing.  However, the oil use to deep fry it is stale.  So it is not good.

While I was killing time, I met an ex-colleague.  We had a short conversation.  She is not so nice to talk as she only want information from me but is very secretive about herself or her son.  So it is hi and goodbye encounter.

Retail is not doing well in Suntec.  Many shops are gone.  Mostly resturants or food outlets are in business.  We no longer need to buy new stuff from shops.  Internet shopping is much more convenient and prices are way better.  Also we can buy used stuff from other people through Carousell.

Punggol Sea

The strange chemical smell in Punggol pervades the beaches for a week now.  The water bottle which I used to bring the fishes I caught home smell of kerosene.  The news in Malaysia reported fire at a chemical plant.  I suspect it may be a aviation fuel discharge to the sea during the fire.  The pollution in Punggol is high.  The water turned black on a regular basis and when the water is black, there will be no fishes.  If there is heavy rain up North, the water and beaches will be strewn with plastic containers of all kinds - pails, bottles, etc.  Together will tree branches, planks and drum will make a huge flotsam.  I have see mattresses and armchairs as well.

I love the sea and it is quite depressing to see the poor conditions it becomes.