Down by the Riverside

Courtesy of a D&D prize, Pet and I spent one lovely Saturday evening ensconsced in a large suite at the Furama Riverside. He was thrilled to bits with his new Olympus SLR camera, purchased a few hours earlier, and was poring over his book and testing his new acquisiton. We then took a walk along the riverbank, cameras in hand; and that proved to be very pleasant. We returned to a lovely dinner at the Indonesian restaurant in the hotel, which by the way provided very good service. The following morning, after a delicious breakfast, we again strolled by the riverbank, up to Clarke Quay and had a beer and a coke float to while away the late morning. It was quiet; hardly any people traffic; we just sat there and watched the boats go by.

Dinner at Kismis

Last evening saw us at the Kismis/Upper Bukit Timah/Jurong Kechil - take your pick -apartment, where we had a good time, albeit a loud one, with all of us talking at the same time. Tuffy and Jamie prepared dinner for us - delicious grilled lamb chops, her own special mash potatoes whose colour indicated one other ingredient which was to be kept secret from Mischa; who hates sweet potatoes. By the way, Mish enjoyed it, without knowing... Mish and Edward also drove up via the circuitious route of Mandai - "Ma, do we live that far ??" as there was an accident along Bukit Timah Road. Jamie had prepared snacks of cheese, crackers, pistachios and cashews, which we walloped, as we were ravenous after having been in traffic jams much of the evening. Back to the dinner - colour was added in the form of steamed 'asparagoos' and pan-fried pumpkin. Delish! Mish and Edward partook of grilled honey chicken breast as Mischa does not eat lamb chops, and Edward was a last-minute guest! The 2 sisters were revelling in some song from some movie over the dinner table, but the rest of us just tucked in. Dolce provided more action with her maniacal running around, so excited to see everyone; jumping all over the place; till it was discovered that her early afternoon entertainment had been chewing on Tuffy's item of black lingerie which had now become a strapless bra. Reprimanded; she hid under the bedspread and later ventured out to the safe haven of Edward's arms. She is so clever. Our meal was complete once the chocolate came out. We took our leave at 9.15 pm and made our journey home. Thanks, Tuff and Jamie, that was very nice. Thanks also, Tuff for our meal tonight of macaroni pie sans cheese! I also need to add here that Pet and I were so touched as well by Mischa and Edward supplying us with packed meals during the time that Atun is away. A few days ago, we received a meal of delicious minced meat, vegetables and fruit, all neatly packed. It made us so happy. Thanks, Mish and Edward!

To Cliffy in Dubai or not, that is the question

Seeing that we had no success in purchasing tickets directly from the Dubai organisers, I went online yesterday. Clicking on "Front Block", I was asked to give my name and other details (but not credit card number). That done, I found myself asking to confirm "Back Block". So I went back and re-did it, and this time, got a page for "Front Block". No seating plan, no suggested seats. Just the price of SGD 396 for 2 seats. Hmmm. So, Abandon Website. Beti called Dubai and it seems that for the 22 rows in the Front Block, there are no seat numbers. Free Seating. Aiiii - can you imagine Beti and myself queueing for hours outside the doors, then trampling down hordes of middle-aged women all dressed up to the nines. With my bad back, they will have to peel me off the floor just as he starts Devil Woman. Idiots. Scrap Dubai!

The good news is - I contacted the Vice President of Marketing at Genting; the same gentleman who agreed that we should be refunded for their 2003 debacle of shifting Beti and I to Row 15 after coming up with more front block seats at higher prices. Dear Mr Chow will book us 2 seats somewhere in the front block; I may find myself next to a royal luminary, who will probably point to the Sir on stage, and ask me "Eh, Ini Siapa?"

Singapore - I want to pay up now for my seats but I've been told "not yet". Sigh.

We are now looking at going to Hong Kong and Manila as well. For Hong Kong - the site says "Your search for Cliff Richard is unsuccessful". For Manila, I was directed to a French website for his French concert. Oh, that I would like very much!

Stay tuned for the continuing saga of Beti and Adrienne at Cliffy concerts 2007.

Boy, can she yell!

Pet and I popped by Mischa and Edward's place yesterday and managed to get an hour with Caitlin, who was showing off her new turning skills, which involved us all standing where she could hear, but not see us; and in frustration, she would grumble and yell and then in one quick move, she was on her tummy. Alas, she still could not see us as she was facing the wrong direction. Her cot mattress was brought down a few levels - thanks to her Daddy and Grandpa; and a suspiciuosly large amount of tools. This move was accompanied by tears from her mother. How fast she has grown.

Pepper was studiously avoiding being too close to Caitlin to avoid having her fur tugged. All in, the evening was rather noisy as Caitlin was intent on keeping us all advised that it was her bed time. Oh, and did I say that we had some other loud people with us ?

"Tall, Tall Trees" - By Alan Jackson, a nice song to line-dance to

Trees are fascinating. I came across these in Marina Bay when we were making our way towards the Fireworks. This shot shows them set against the setting sun; isn't this a stunning shot?

I particularly love tree skeletons - here's one, also found in Marina Bay. so beautiful.

These swaying palms were shot from our chalet at Mayang Sari. A storm was brewing and we just sat there, watching the trees bend, and listening to the sound of the wind sending the fronds this way and that.


This next shot was also taken at the Mayang Sari, against the early rays of a setting sun

Thorny issues

When Pet, Mish and Edward headed north for the Grand Prix 2 years ago, I packed my gear and took off to the Esplanade, in Mischa's dear old Esme, the car I could park so well! The area around Marina Bay is really pretty at night, and lots of people are about, taking in the sights and sounds. I bought myself a hot dog and enjoyed the scenery. These photos were captured by my Canon S1. The (last) photo of the Esplanade theatre at night was published in Photo-I magazine, which made me feel proud. Sitting near the Merlion, I watched the Durian change colours. I have not seen that happen since. The downside of that trip was that my diamond bracelet slipped off my wrist without my knowing .... sigh.

More photos of the little minx

Here are two more more photos of the little minx.

The Sir turns 66 tomorrow

Imagine - Cliff will be 66 tomorrow, 14 October; yet he is doing a whole run of concerts in England through November, then comes to Dubai and S.E.Asia in February and then back to continent Europe for more concerts till the end of March. He has tons of energy, as can be verified by my husband who has had to endure the front row experience with me a couple of times. Depending on whether we can get front 3 rows tix for Dubai, Beti and I will make our way there, (I have never visited the Middle East) then to Bangkok, then back here for the 11th Feb show. We may go to KL but are hesitant in view of the fact that our previous experience placed us in Row 15 when we paid for Row 2. Apparently the "royalty" from Row 1 got extended 14 rows! In case you are curious, yes, we got our money back. Now with Siti whats-her-name and her Tengku, chances are we may be all the way back. The battle is on now to purchase tickets before they go online this Monday. So far, I have not been successful, even for Singapore. Sigh. I shall remember my 2 girls when he kicks off with "We Don't Talk Anymore" - I hate that song, but they love it!

I became a fan when I was 12. This is the first album I owned; and till today, my all-time favourite song is "The Minute You're Gone". I still own all his LDs, much to the chagrin of dear Hubby who maintains that there is no more space in the house!

I have been extremely lucky in meeting him 3 times. Thousands of fans are still asking for the chance.... I'd like to say thanks to Cliff for all the years of lovely music and for your time to indulge me - not once, but 3 times. Happy Birthday, Cliffy.
www.cliffrichard.org

Boat Quay - Old and Grand

One Saturday when work compelled me to spend much of the day in the office, I brought the Nikon along and took off at 4.00 pm to Boat Quay. I enjoyed my time alone, wandering along the river and later to the Esplanade. I got home at 8 pm, happy. My favourite photo that day is of these 2 boats. This photo stayed as my home desktop screenshot for a few weeks. Thanks to my new LCD screen bought recently, Tuffy and Jamie actually realised that that the little black things on the boats were actually birds!


This enchanting picture shows a cat sitting by the River Taxi kiosk, watching the last boat leave without him.

As I strolled towards the Fullerton Hotel, I came across these bronze statues; very European.

Empress Place looked very stately, bathed in the warm rays of the evening sun. Stamford was seen contemplating why the Travellers'/Raffles Palm in front of him was not doing too well. As I am typing this, "Down by the River" is being played on the radio. Very fitting.

This next scene appealed because of the lines involved. The Fullerton Hotel means something to me; it was the old Inland Revenue office, where my father worked, and died in. We went into the hotel one night, after Mischa's Palm Beach birthday dinner, and of course, everything is so different; beautiful. From outside though, the building is so grand; it is particularly stunning when seen at night from across the bay.

Mischa and Noelle - my favourite photo

In connection with the thread on Mischa's blog, yes, I must say that Caitlin does bear a resemblance to her Godma, who by the way, also has a curl in the middle of her forehead.
This is the photo I carry in my wallet.

I am so proud of my two girls.

I always enjoy my greens

This lovely photo of a Travellers' Palm ( l like it as the "Raffles Palm") was taken at the Orchid Garden on a Sunday morning a few months ago; with Pet, Edward and Philip. As my photographic skills were not honed enough to capture the beautiful red birds, I left them in the little grove, and walked around the lovely grounds.


Take a look at the water lily leaf cupping the raindrops from the previous night. It was 7.30 in the morning at our favourite resort; and the light was great for photography.

Sometimes we pass these things by without a second thought, don't we ?

Have you found the child in you?

In my mind, nothing brings out the child in us as much as fireworks. For two years running, I have, along with various companions, notably among them Pet, Edward, Mischa, Edward's friends, and lately, Glen and family (who sat at a nearby construction site!), spent many delightful minutes watching the truly amazing displays of light and sound. All my shots have turned out to be far from decent, but I have retained a few to remind me of how much dazzling beauty fireworks can produce, and just how much enjoyment it generates. Many evenings can turn out to be just routine and mundane, but walking around Marina Bay, watching the cityscape at sunset and watching these fantastic fireworks explode over your head in a riot of enthralling colour and sound, is a very entertaining way to spend evenings. I stopped photographing after a while and just watched, 'wow-ed' and clapped along with the rest, enraptured.

Steaks, Chicken and a sock in the jaw

Sunday saw us at Mischa and Edward's place for lunch. Tuffy tried to beat us to it but we arrived earlier. The reason for her doing so was to have Caitlin all to herself, but as the photos show, the Grandpa got her first. Godma got her wish, and had the darling to herself, but didn't expect the quick sock in the jaw from one chubby arm! After her bit of cereal, (most of it which landed on her chin), Baby was despatched to her bath and enjoyed reading her book and splashing water all around! (Note the long curl). While Pepper devoured her Begging Strips, we enjoyed delicious steaks, sausages and mash, and Tuffy's lovely original spring chicken, which Jamie contentedly finished. Thanks, everyone for a fun time!

Noodles and a naughty doggie

Pet and I were entertained last evening by Tuff and Jamie at their abode. As with previous times where we have been similarly entertained by Mish and Edward, there is something so totally gratifying about your offspring laying on the hospitality for you. Last night, while we were glued to the E Channel, Tuff and Jamie prepared fantastic cantonese noodles, and served bought-at-the-australian/NZ-section-of-their-angmoh-type-ntuc a delicious dessert which I can best describe as a refreshing mango parfait. The rousing welcome from Dolce was entertaining, to say the least. It was only when she refused to come out from the under the sofa that suspicions were aroused as to a dirty deed having been surreptitously committed; it was the Gammy she chose to seek solace from when her mama got angry. We had to hide our chuckles. Thank you, Tuff and Jamie; that was a pleasant evening; who cared about the lack of decent furniture and chopsticks ? This Sunday for lunch, we will be entertained by Mish and Edward, (post photo shoot), and we are looking forward to it. Begging Strips for Pepper, too, Mish!

Sunsets are a gift from God

I truly believe that sunsets are a wonderful gift from above, and Adrian and I have spent many, many hours sitting and watching them. In Phuket, I hired a car to drive me an hour north to Prongthep Cape. There must have been 200 people there but yours truly was early enough to snag a good spot. While there was no red ball dipping into the sea, there was this kaleidoscope of lovely colours; I thought the shot of the mother and daughter silhouetted against the landscape was interesting. There are also a couple of photos taken at Patong Beach, where I contemplated the sun's beautiful rays highlighting the horrendous devastation that Christmas. If you look closely at the last Patong photo, you will see a paraglider, whom I missed catching against the sun. Ah well...

Lines and Curves

On a couple of jaunts to the Bugis/Victoria Street area, I shot these photos which showed some beautiful lines and curves. I have unfortuntately lost the original photos of the first three pictures due a computer crash, so have posted the smaller recovered versions. Photos were taken at Bugis Junction, Chijmes and the old SJI.