Happy Birthday...

1st May is the first birthday for Jessica and Jennifer of Robert and Vonny.

5th May is Agnes' birthday.

6th May is Julianto's birthday.

May our God and Jesus Christ bless and lead your future footsteps.

Have a wonderful day!

Sunset at Labrador Park

27 April 2008
About 6pm we reached Labrador Park to wait for sunset.
Taken from the platform.

PSA Port before dark

Spider eats fish???

Sunset at Labrador Park

After sunset

PSA Port after sunset

Singapore Civil District, Night Scape

Singapore, 13 April 2008

After dinner, we went out for hunting night scapes/photo at Civil District area. We started from Padang with the Old_Supreme_Court_Building and City Hall, then accross the road to Art Museum at Old Parliament House, Boat Quay, Asian Civilitation Museum at Empress Place, Fullerton Hotel, Cavenagh Bridge then back to Padang.

Enjoy the photo........ taken by Bagio using his baby, Nikon D50.

More information about Civil District area in Singapore, you can click Civic District Trail
And for some historical landmarks in Singapore, you can take a look from here.

Have a good day.!

Visitors from Taiwan, 4-7 Apr 08

Friday, 4 April 2008, one church's friend, Chang Shih Chih, from Min Hsiung, Chia Yu, Taiwan came and stayed with us. The other family (Br. Hu with wife and 2 children) stayed with Br. Ding & Robert.

After picked them up from Newton Hawker Centre, we went for dinner at Liew's house. Early sleep for Chang, as they woke up very early that day (3 AM!) to catch up the flight from Taipei.

Saturday, 5 April 2008, morning after breakfast, they went to Sentosa with the whole group. Afternoon we had a dinner with the youths at Robert's house. Then I brought Chang to Mt. Faber to see night scenery of Singapore.

Sunday, 6 April 2008, afternoon we went to East Coast Park for cycling... then dinner at Fisherman Village. Then we went to Merlion Park for night scenery again.

Monday, 7 April 2008 about 7 o'clock we sent them to Newton Hawker Centre to flock with the rest of the groups (68 of them). They will have half day tour to Botanic Garden then proceeded to airport to fly back to Taiwan. Bye--bye.. hope you enjoy this short trip to Singapore.

Welcome you back ..

Jakarta Bandung, 27 Feb-3 Mar 08

Wednesday, 27 Feb 2008, by SQ I flew to Jakarta for business meeting. The meeting only for 1 day, and another day for farm visit. After that I proceeded straight to Bandung for holiday. Sisca & Lila, 2 friends of mine always ask me to visit Bandung for shopping and eating.... My only and last visit to Bandung was about 30 years ago... so I used this opportunity to visit Bandung again. Wilujeng Sumping.. that means "Welcome to", Selamat Datang ke Bandung......

First night stayed at Sisca's house at Kopo Elok and second night stayed at Lila's house at Batununggal. Friday night, they brought me to Factory Outlets (FO) at Jalan Riau. I visited heritage, Cascade and Stamp. Bandung is famous with its FOs.. 2 or 3 days will not be enough if you want to shop at each shop.
Saturday morning, we went to Kawah Putih (meaning "White Crater"), located at Mount Patuha, Ciwidey, Soreang, South Bandung. The road to Kawah Putih is smooth but zig-zag. Be prepared with the motion sickness... The entrance fee is Rp. 10,000 per adult and if you drive is Rp. 5000 per car. After you got your ticket, if you not drive, you can walk for about 30-60 minutes before you can reach the crater. Bring along your jacket or sweater, as the weather is about 10-15 degree C. The view is nice... incredible panoramic views. Kawah Putih is located at 2,194 m meter above sea level with the strong smell of sulphur.

In the evening, we went to Dago, is one of the trendy areas of Bandung, with shops, shopping malls, cafes, boutiques, and many restaurants and entertainment centers. It is situated in a mountainous area that makes for a refreshing cool climate and luscious green views. We had our dinner at Neo Calista, a cafe with nice food and view. Then we also visited The Valley another restaurant located at Dago, the hilltop of Bandung.

Sunday morning, after a short walk at the near by bazaar for breakfast, we went to Lembang, about 30 minutes drive from Bandung. If you plan to buy plants, then this is the place. For us, we just came here for lunch at Kampung Daun ("Leaves Village"), serve Sundanese Food in an kampung private gazeboo.. If you come here for dinner with your love ones, you will experience a romantic dinner...

Bandung, I will come back......... with my love ones..

Dinner at May Leong's House

Saturday, 16 February 2008

We went to May's house at Toa Payoh for dinner.

Richard & Sally

Jason

B. Lie

Sam

Bagio & Susan
and Emily, the sister, and Angie

Starting with Lo Hei... and continue with dinner (Pork Ribs Coffee, Shark Fin Soup, Seafood cooked in coconut, Fish with mango sauce, Prawn, and Vegetables, all prepared by May alone... tks May!!). After dinner, we just sat and chatting..

We were busy chatting until forgot to take photo...

This little princess is Zoe, May's niece. She so sweet and good girl.

Love Letter from Traffic Police

Today I received a letter from Traffic Police.. (with pray I hope is not a love letter... eventhough no faith at all!!!). The content is: SPEEDING!!!!!!!!!!
Ah............ last Friday on the way to Jurong Bird Park after sending Antonius, without realize it, Bagio was speeding at PIE (toward Tuas). The patrol police caught it.
The speed limit at those particulars area is only 80kmh and Bagio drove at 99 kmh. 19kmh exceed the speed limit allowed.
Since this is the first offender under our car, the letter said that NO summons will be issued to us. The letter is served as a warning (Thank God!! otherwise the driver could be find $130.00 with 4 demerit point!!!).

Below is the latest price list from the Traffic Police, Singapore:

Price increase without further notice.

Speeding:
Exceeding 1 - 20km/h = $130 + 4 demerit points.
Exceeding 21 - 30km/h = $150 + 6 demerit points.
Exceeding 31 - 40km/h = $180 + 8 demerit points.
Exceeding 41 - 50km/h = >$200 + 12 demerit points + Court.
Exceeding 51 - 60km/h = >$200 + 18 demerit points + Court.
Exceeding > 61km/h = >$200 + 24 demerit points + Court.
If you want to be hero and fight the court case yourself, and you lose, you pay the court charges yourself, which will add up to your fine. I guess the court charges is at least $2000 and above.

Careless driving = $150 + 6 demerit Points.
Inconsiderate Driving = $170 + 9 Demerit Points + Court.
Dangerous Driving = >$200 + 24 Demerit Points + Court + Vehicle Compounded.
Illegal Racing = >$200 + Vehicle Confiscate + Court.
Fail to put Seat Belt = $120 + 3 demerit points.
Crossing Double White lines = $130 + 4 points.
Phone and Drive = $200 + 12 demerit point + Phone Confiscate.
Do not hold your hp in your hand when you drive even with loud speaker or ear piece.
Drink Driving:
For first offence = Up to $5000 Fine And, or jail Term + License Suspended + Court.
Second time offence = Jail term + Fine + Court.
Making an illegal U Turn when there is no U Turn sign = $70.
Fail to Signal when changing lanes = $70.
Driving at night without headlights or taillights switch on after 7pm = $30.
No Number Plate = $70.
Obstructed Number Plate = $70.
Obscured Number Plate = $70.
Number Plate Of Unapproved Type = $70.

As for Demerit Point system: Let ' s say you have 0 points on 1st January 2005, and you committed the offence of Failing to Put on Seat Belt. So now, you will have 3 demerit points and this will last for 1 Year. If during this 1 year you have no demerit points offence at all, your 3 demerit points will be gone on 1/1/2006. But, if during this one year, From 1/1/2005 - 1/1/2006, you committed another offence with demerit points, your very first offence will be extended for another year until 1/1/2007.

Drive well - and save money
Be very careful .
Don't let traffic police earn yr $$...

Visitors from Denver, USA

Bro. Stuart, Heidy and Warren Tay coming for holiday and visit their relatives in Singapore/Malaysia. This family was staying in Singapore for about 7-8 years before they decided to go back to United States in the year 2002.

Thursday, 14 Feb 2008 is our turn to meet up with them. To save their time, a few family of us came together and had dinner with them at Lao Beijing, Novena Square. Thoo Jiang & Sao Lin, Richard & Evonne + Jonathan, Peter Tan & Kathy, Bagio & Susana, so total 5 family, 12 persons.

We really had great time during the meals, like big family reunion (since still in the mood of Chinese New Year celebration).
At about 10.30 we left Novena Square (as the restaurant need to be closed soon..) and since Heidy & Stuart enjoy eating durian, we went to Geylang to buy some durians and brought back to Richard/Evonne house at Palm Lodge to enjoy the durian.
After midnight, we have to say goodbye to them with hope that one day we will meet again, either we go there or they come again...........
God be with you...!

Happy Valentine Day, 14 February 2008

Jurong Bird Park, Singapore

Singapore, 9 Feb 2008

Morning we sent Antonius (Pipie's son) to airport, Changi airport Terminal 3 on his way to Tokyo.

From airport, we went straight to Jurong Bird Park.
The ticket is S$18.00 per adult without monorail, or add $4.00 for the monorail ride.
We enjoy almost all the shows that available that day. To make the ticket worth, we spent 7 hours in JBD.. More information about Jurong Bird Park, click Bird Park . Is advisable to come as early as 9AM (when the park is open) to avoid the hot sun.

Enjoy the photo....

Sentosa Flowers 2008

Just for your viewing........ the photo that I took yesterday at Sentosa Flowers 2008.. Enjoy it!

Lunar New Year - 7 Feb 2008

Lunar New Year Eve, Wednesday 6 February 2008

We went Sakura Restaurant (at Orchard Shopping Centre) with Duncan's family and Patrick/Grace for buffeet. The food is not bad.. quite wide spread, from Local food, Chinese food, Japanese Food, Western Food, Thai Food ...

After dinner, we went to Chinatown to see the situation. Since not yet very late (we arrived Chinatown about 8pm), the crowd is not that bad.. still can move. If you need last minute chinese new year goodies, you can go to Chinatown to grab some at cheaper price.. the nearer to 12.00pm the cheaper the price will go ...

Thursday, 7 February 2008

At about 9.00AM with Br. Jimmy Lee & Sis. Joanie we went to Sentosa to see Sentosa Flowers 2008: Tales of Spring. Usher in the Year of the Rat and celebrate Spring, Sentosa flowers displays milllion blooms of flowers. For this year, the blooms will be on display until 17 Feb 2008. You just need to buy the island admission ticket (i.e. S$2.00) and the admission to the event is FREE.

The display is very nice.. do not forget to bring your camera... or if you forgotton your camera, just ask the available photographer to take your photo with your love ones...My advise is.. come as early as possible (the opening hours is 9AM - 10PM), or late afternoon to avoid the hot sun.

Language of Love.. Traveller's Garden, Learning Journey, Floral Display... also some photo points are available for the visitors..

Happy Lunar New Year... may this year of Rat bring us more prosperous, healthy and happy living..........

Something new...........

Saturday, 2 Feb 2008

From today onward, something new is added into me...

Guess what?????????

Like it or not, I have to admit that I am getting older.... so I need help to see you clearly..............

Yeah............. new spectacles is now sitting quietly on my nose.

Good Bye, Pak Harto...

Sunday, 27 January 2008, Former Indonesian President Suharto Dead at 86, died in a Jakarta hospital Sunday after more than three weeks in critical condition.

Mr. Suharto's eldest daughter, Siti Hardiyanti [aka mbak Tutut], was emotionally spoken to the news media, said that the family asks for forgiveness for any of Mr. Suharto's faults, and appealed for all of his mistakes to be absolved.
For the past decade, Mr. Suharto and his family have been embroiled in legal investigations over charges of human rights abuses and corruption during his 32-year rule.
The former leader had lived in seclusion in central Jakarta for nearly ten years after stepping down during widespread unrest.
Regardless of what he done during his time as a President, many Indonesians remember him as a leader who developed the nation, built its economy, and ensured stability and life was easier during his reign. Some says when Mr. Suharto was president, the people were well off. He adds that the poor people, such as bicycle taxi drivers, were all happy.

The former general's rule was marked by rapid economic growth and political stability, but marred by massacres, human rights abuses and endemic corruption.
Suharto came to power after an abortive coup on September 30, 1965, that was officially blamed on the communist party. Up to 500,000 people were killed in an anti-communist purge in the months that followed.

He was forced to step down in 1998 as the Asian financial crisis sparked economic and social chaos, leading to calls for greater democracy.

But some Indonesians look back with nostalgia to the Suharto era, when Indonesia was one of Asia's tiger economies, and refer to him fondly as the "father of development''.

Selamat Jalan, pak Harto... Bapak pembangunan Indonesia.

*pictures and news was taken from many sources*

Chinese New Year is coming.....

Chinese new year is arriving soon........ the spring is here........

According to Chinese Calendar, the year 2008 is the Year of the Rat, which is fall on 7 February 2008.

Like the years before...... its means that Bagio will often go home late, as his company dealt with plants, many people, especially those who celebrate Chinese New Year, will like to buy to decorate their house to welcome the Spring.

Some people believe that certain plants will bring good luck to those who have it..... believe it or not...?

Flowers hold a special significance at Chinese New Year. They are believed to be symbols of wealth and high positions in one's career.

And the price is either start or end with "8" which sound like 'fa' means "Luck".

I just want to write about certain plants that you will easily find during Chinese New Year, and why people like to buy it:

1. "Assorted orange or Kumquat"...... small - medium - big - very big fruits. The bigger the plants the more expensive the price. Oranges in Canton is "KAM". The sound of 'Kam' and the colour of orange is similar like 'gold'. So.. with the orange tree at home.. the gold will come too........

2. "Lucky bamboo".. actually is dracaena plants... with many type of model and arrangements. I believe, in the beginning, some creative people braid the stems something like pineapple.. and people associated it like pineapple, which is 'wang li', meaning good luck will come.....

3. "Pussy Willow” or “Yin Liu” in Mandarin. Is it because the pronounciation is something like 'the silver flow"..? Olden days, people is using silver as money, right?

4. "Chinese Jade Plant/Money Tree (Crassula sp.)". The leaves is resembles coin, money. Everything that associated with money or luck is saleable during Chinese New Year.

5. "Cockscomb/Plumos (Celosia argentea)", especially the red and yellow colour. For Chinese, the colour red is a auspicious colour and it is used for decoration during Chinese new year. Yellow is symbol of Gold...

Also all types of plants with beautiful flowers, such as Chrysanthemum, Zinnia, Orchids and others will also be brought back to the home for decorations and celebrations.


Want to know more about Chinese New Year with all its meaning, history and so on.. please click All about Chinese New Year

新年快乐 Xīn nián kuài lè,
"Happy new year"
恭喜发财 Gōng xi fā cái ,
"Congratulations and be prosperous".

January's Happiness

January...... the birthday month for my beloved husband, my sisters, my friends....

1 January............ Shirley - my sister

6 January ........... May Leong, ex colleague

9 January............ Anna - my cousin

18 January ........ Bagio - my husband

20 January ........ Richard, ex colleague

23 January ........ Sam, ex colleague

Happy birthday to you all......... Many happy return of your days.

On 4 January 2008, May Leong and I went in JB for lunch (a treat from May's boss for Amy), so Richard and I happy go lucky to tag along...... We went to TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) in JB.

Since May and Richard born in the month of January, we asked the restauran the birthday cake to celebrate their birthday........