April 2017 Two Destinations

In April this year, I was very lucky to visit two places.  One was Singapore and the other Taipeh.

In Singapore, I saw beautiful parrots close-up. Their owners had brought them out to the park. They were so colorful. 

Beautiful Birds

Only God could have fashioned such beautiful birds in glorious hues.

Black Crested Parrot

Blue Parrots

They were obviously domesticated as I saw them fly off into the air and then return to land on their owner’s out=stretched hand.

Towards the end of April, I flew into Taipeh with a group of dynamic ladies who are members of a very active and well-known non-governmental organisation (SWEPA or Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association). 

We went there on a mission, to link up with our counterparts in the Taiwanese Women Entrepreneurs Associations.

The Old and the Young

A great combination! When grandparents get together with grandchildren, the fun begins!

We watch them grow from tiny new born to their teens, when they complete their high school and then see them off to the university. As they grow older, we in turn grow even greyer and more stooped.

Our two pairs of grandchildren bring us much delight. We had the privilege of having the older two grow up in our former home with its large garden. In fact, they returned from the UK as a baby and a toddler and in their teens, they left us to study in the neighboring island republic where the education system is much better.

                                             Chloe celebrates her birthday in kindergarten

                                                      Delighted with her Barbie doll

                                                              Stephen has a present too
Children’s birthday parties were loud and happy in the big garden, both for my son during his childhood, and for my grandchildren.

                                                         Chloe and her presents

                                               Stephen and Chloe's friends playing a game

                                                   Children enjoying the party food

                                              Singing Happy Birthday to Chloe & Stephen

Alas, the younger two grandchildren were born and live in the island republic where they do not have the luxury of a home garden to run and play in.

                                                                Isaac and his cakes
Our younger grandson is now at an age where he is full of curiosity and he loves having us visit him whenever we can, which is not often, as the airfares are prohibitive. He is very knowledgeable for his age (four years old) and he speaks very well in both English and Mandarin. We are very proud of him.

                                                                Isaac blowing bubbles

                                              Wefie of Isaac & his Dad beneath the Octopus
The little girl will be one next month and she is as yet unable to crawl or speak. However, she can scream and shriek her needs!!

                                                                 Abigail at 2 months

                                                   Abigail at 10 months with Aunty Grace

Our older granddaughter has blossomed into a lovely girl who is completing her A-levels this year. Her brother will be heading to the UK for his degree course, come September.

 

Chloe & her Thomas Sabo bracelet

We had a short family holiday in Hoi An, Vietnam last December. It was a wonderful holiday with the two older grandchildren and our two daughters and son-in-law.

                                            Grandpa and grandchildren, Stephen & Chloe

                                   Son-in-law took this shot of us, 2 daughters an 2 grandkids

                                            With our elder daughter and her 2 children

Grandchildren make a great difference in our lives. It's so wonderful to see them grow into lovely young adults. It will not be long before the two older ones leave for their tertiary education abroad, taking their first steps towards independence and a new chapter in their lives. They go with our blessings and God willing, we will visit them.

 

Goldie Grandmas Get-together Celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year

Another year has swung around. This time we welcomed the Year of the Rooster. There were only  seven of us this time as the others had prior commitments, this being a very busy period, especially for those who had house guests.

The place and food did not matter as much as the company of our girls, now grandmas in our seventies. We had been classmates since entering high school, The Methodist Girls' School, so we go back a long way and praise the Lord, we have been able to meet up at least twice a year to catch up.

                                                             MGS class of 1959

This year's lunch was slightly different as we witnessed a lion, in fact, two lions, performing their dance. Then they went from table to table to greet diners and of course collected their ang pau.

                                The drummer and hidden, next to him, is the guy with the cymbals.

                             Together they beat a very loud rhythm to which the lions perform. 

 

                                                                The God of Wealth

                                                     So thrilled to be right next to the Lion

The other significant difference was that my classmates had purchased copies of my latest book, a collection of poems entitled "Colors Of My Soul" and had brought them along to be autographed. I was truly touched by their magnanimous support. They had purchased the paperback from amazon.com.

To us, being able to meet up is very precious, now that we are advancing further into the winter of our lives. As one of us quipped, "We may not all be here the next time!"  Indeed, that truth struck home as we looked at one another, each with our own catalogue of age-related ailments, taking note of the extra lines on the face, the saggy jowls and shrinking frames, although a couple had blossomed sideways. The great thing is that no matter what we now look like, smiles always crease our faces when we see one another.  It is always such a pleasure to meet up and each occasion is a joyful one. 

Some Highlights of The Lunar New Year

It is a festive time where families gather in one another’s home and make merry. Below are some photos that speak for themselves.

                                       On the eve of the Lunar New Year, the younger generation

                                        toss the raw fish salad to wish for a prosperous New Year. 

                                            The oldies have their own tossing at the main table.

Ancestral worship. Honoring our ancestors is a cultural tradition which has nothing to do with religion.  A table laden with food and fruits are offered to our ancestors and they are served with liquor too. We ask for their blessings for ourselves and our children and grandchildren. After a period of time, a toss of two coins will reveal whether we can continue with the burning of Joss papers ( money for the departed ) and paper clothes, shoes, gadgets etc. When the ashes fly high into the sky, it is an indication that they are well pleased with us.

                      We had pot luck during the reunion dinner. Here are some of the dishes.

                              At my youngest sister's house on the 4th Day of the Lunar New Year

               Visiting my aunt who is seated next to me on the second day of the Lunar New Year.

Visiting old relatives and siblings are an important part of the Lunar New Year. This is where we catch up and bond once more. Sometimes it's just an annual visit but the old folks look forward to it.