tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57617545866645306252024-03-14T11:51:40.923+08:00Growing with Guidance......of dolphins and whales, mops and pails. Laughter and wails, little ones, great tales. Growing with Guidance. @poundthegarlic.blogspot.comMartha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.comBlogger354125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-20277752023410840372022-01-05T14:47:00.011+08:002022-01-22T15:01:42.554+08:00<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-JNSvuh0rrfWIcSghG45sRKRmIkX-Bio3sca6pY1woaSMwRb1Hx8g_SKxdRb0pUVXg_Nmv2dbZl48sOg_QULiiIa5HwaDXYY9lRpJTUICkVgo2-GlZckiQ8u9W-Tu-aiG2II8Vd0h4EcXxckc22rqjgOL1w8HYgvtTfModsQhiP6jMgMI6lEN8wjI=s4624" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-JNSvuh0rrfWIcSghG45sRKRmIkX-Bio3sca6pY1woaSMwRb1Hx8g_SKxdRb0pUVXg_Nmv2dbZl48sOg_QULiiIa5HwaDXYY9lRpJTUICkVgo2-GlZckiQ8u9W-Tu-aiG2II8Vd0h4EcXxckc22rqjgOL1w8HYgvtTfModsQhiP6jMgMI6lEN8wjI=w300-h400" width="300" /></a><br /></div><div>Happy New Year. December was wonderful, except for the floods that brought massive destruction affecting many that I know too. At our home, it was a restful December. I did finally take the opportunity to catch up with close friends over outings and food. In between, we baked gingerbread cookies, watched family movies together, shared songs on spotify, played more board games, read more books, checked out different restaurants and went on short trips.</div><div>The highlight I guess, was a week's getaway to the highlands with close friends. It was lovely to get away from the city, to breathe in crispy fresh, cold air, watch the morning dew on flowers, catch beautiful sunrises and sunsets, laugh, play silly games. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='431' height='288' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxxCQ9Cs2yj6p0Ot0icIgWEtHMj_IahFZimlMBqp9o5CaIzP7oP3nhLOnfIarnIcucm0psdUr3oYc09L1KCiQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div> Christmas Eve dinner in the highlands</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitDT30_9asf5eSm0qicND5xD3h35fA8gAM1avO5hgA3aH51hPnACqvGP5KmqcKLQADilISID063_T0oK1lB3Esh_vmSg9kvtGYSSLUSWwLXFC0v5U5airqUQqzndAnnLAwIMLpBlT9ykhDKakVLBlSxTHRVn_HXMNJjcrkMGicet5mxlkYvK3lhIcw=s4624" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitDT30_9asf5eSm0qicND5xD3h35fA8gAM1avO5hgA3aH51hPnACqvGP5KmqcKLQADilISID063_T0oK1lB3Esh_vmSg9kvtGYSSLUSWwLXFC0v5U5airqUQqzndAnnLAwIMLpBlT9ykhDKakVLBlSxTHRVn_HXMNJjcrkMGicet5mxlkYvK3lhIcw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a><br />Danelle and I made these together,<br />she being the perfectionist arranged them neatly in rows.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH2pA13ffBxPwNbNu20v62Jsfq9QzuS-VKBcdYApBH0xaKYrHjcN4ussrHolxO9z5Wdpi1HgU81RkIw_1yj4P_bMEqtzuEaLmHXc-vNm0GFA_OXh3MOrlrtCz_nZjhKeU_FZ19jOmECDBe3190ZRKy0x0Vdk3hgUuo9OC2I-aAtPuw8PcN8ttSJhsv=s4624" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH2pA13ffBxPwNbNu20v62Jsfq9QzuS-VKBcdYApBH0xaKYrHjcN4ussrHolxO9z5Wdpi1HgU81RkIw_1yj4P_bMEqtzuEaLmHXc-vNm0GFA_OXh3MOrlrtCz_nZjhKeU_FZ19jOmECDBe3190ZRKy0x0Vdk3hgUuo9OC2I-aAtPuw8PcN8ttSJhsv=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo and I made this. She of course made the beautiful<br />pandas, while I have no patience with<br />food decoration. So the ugly pink alien<br />in front and all the ugly lumpy 'tang yuan'<br />were made by me. </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some new year goals: Take more nature photos, paint more, write music, continue to keep fit, family time and bonding. Hopefully some travel, get back to some letter writing and journaling, tidy up the garden that's become a jungle! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2022</div><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /><div><span> </span><span> </span></div>Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-40719092154071770382021-11-11T14:05:00.006+08:002021-11-11T23:32:42.926+08:00Mum and dementia<div>Hello blog, it's been a while. My kids are grown, Nel in college and Jo has a little bit more to go before she's done with highschool. There are no more homeschooling tales to tell and there are strict restrictions on what I'm allowed to share of the teens (imposed by them) because privacy of their lives matter. I will update a little about them though in days to come, if I don't neglect this blog again after today.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead there are aging tales, of me trying to figure out where should life head from here and how does one deal with peri menopausal symptoms. There are also frequent thoughts on how to make the most of my time with mother as her Alzheimers disease progresses. </div><div><br /></div><div>Having little knowledge of the disease at first, I assumed it would merely be a gradual loss of memory, and she'd turn into a mellow little old lady, with talcum covered face, sitting in a rocking chair watching Chinese dramas peacefully. How wrong I was.</div><div><br /></div><div>Firstly a brain scan showed dead brain matter, and I was informed by the doctor that there's no real cure, and the disease will progress, sometimes slowly, sometimes rapidly. I wasn't prepared for this, but I've read up more on it now and am learning mostly from observing mum. Dementia affects, memory, cognitive ability, sense of time and space, and even the ability to control moods</div><div><br /></div><div>She's now vulnerable, subject to people's stares, gossips, "advice", jokes, judgements and even deception.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just the other day, at a restaurant, she looked at the mirror on the wall, reflecting our seated image. She asked loudly, in a child like manner, "How come you're there too? Look, I can see your back. It looks like you. How come ah?" She repeatedly asked same questions over and over to the guest seated on her right. I sensed and noticed the stares from others at the same table, people began avoiding conversations with her, answering impatiently.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our weekly routine includes a must-stop at Mr. Diy to buy scissors and knives, a lingerie shop to buy the same rm15 bra, and a pharmacy to buy an eyebrow pencil. This is always followed by her buying her own lime flavoured ice cream at Baskin Robbins. She doesn't ask to walk into any other shops. The sales people know her now. But two weeks ago at Mr. Diy, she filled her basket with the usual, knives, scissors, flower pots, and decided to add a whole bunch of things for Christmas. We then queued to pay. When we finally got to the cashier, she looked at her basket in confusion and asked aloud, "Who put all these things in my basket? These are not mine!" Then she began unloading the basket onto the counter, slowly looking at each object one by one, deciding if she wanted them or not. The queue behind us grew, and people watched us impatiently. I admit, I was a little embarrassed and sorry too for keeping the line waiting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mother now wakes at odd hours. She calls at 2am, 4am, she doesn't know if she's eaten or not. She doesn't know when a day begins, and when it ends. She also gets lost easily. One time we went to her favourite Malay store to buy lunch. I gave her a tray, and told her to pick her own dishes. They say allowing her to make her own decisions is good therapy for her. So I left her for a while to pack my own lunch. I saw her ahead of me in the growing crowd of people. By the time I paid for my food, she was missing. In a panic I ran out of the shop and saw her a distance away from me. I called out loudly, "Mum! MUm!!!" She turned, stared at me for a moment, as if not recognizing me, and walked on. I called out again, "Mum!!! It's me, come back this way." After several seconds she said "Oh, and walked back to me." In her mind, she was walking to Angie's music shop. But that shop had moved away years and years ago, and she knew that before.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just last weekend, she and I, visited dad's favourite shop. We ordered all his favourite dishes, and then she looked at the menu and said, "I want this too," and pointed at the Hokkien mee. I asked if she was sure coz we sure had ordered plenty already. She insisted and ordered it herself. When the hokkien mee arrived, she looked at it and said, "Yuck, why order this? I hate this noodle."</div><div><br /></div><div>I was about to explain that to the lady, when she winked at me, and whispered, "I understand. I understand."</div><div><br /></div><div>For some reason, hearing those words nearly had me in tears. I'm not mum's full time caregiver, I see her only about 3 times in a week coz I work, and still have the teens to manage. But it's been getting increasingly difficult and frustrating. I'm able to be patient with her, but I can't stand it when others treat her or talk to her like she's senile, or when they whisper behind her back. And I also can't stand it when people give lots of unsolicited advice or pile guilt on me. "You Should's".....you should give her this, you should do this and that, "Why Didn't You's" ........</div><div>How quick are people to give advice and judge when they're not in my shoes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pCezI93kxyg/YYywZzweouI/AAAAAAAAOhA/5HAqvFz7qoohiiMYDIcn_awWhkH17tsEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20211104_132308.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pCezI93kxyg/YYywZzweouI/AAAAAAAAOhA/5HAqvFz7qoohiiMYDIcn_awWhkH17tsEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20211104_132308.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Finally here's mum, standing beside a willow tree which grows by the river near a restaurant where she frequently came with dad</div><div>before his passing. Taking photo with this tree made her so happy because she said, "Taking photo here makes me think of dad. I wish I could show him this photo." Five minutes later in the car, I showed her the photo and she said, "When did I take this picture? What tree is that?"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>@ MarthaJ, poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2021Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-6352164836256951902020-10-17T13:56:00.005+08:002020-10-17T14:11:11.475+08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Where did time go? Much has changed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2020 has been a tough year. I lost my dad on the 11/1/2020 and we lost <a href="http://poundthegarlic.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-doggie-my-hero.html?m=1">Camel</a> our faithful dog in early October. To top that off I have frozen shoulder which is painful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a more positive note, as I write, my girls are having a light hearted conversation with each other and their dad. I'm glad that the frequent, usual sibling squabbles have reduced significantly and they've become close sisters. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prsxmpxFf8k/X4qKgBVOMDI/AAAAAAAAI-g/42MCAnXDKOYPqHT_SJzxpmsG5wwqOpzogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201017_140736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prsxmpxFf8k/X4qKgBVOMDI/AAAAAAAAI-g/42MCAnXDKOYPqHT_SJzxpmsG5wwqOpzogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201017_140736.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We have a new adopted retriever, adopted in March. Sierra was a nervous weak puppy and refused to walk unless Camel walked with her. She's been sad since Camel died but I see her slowly recovering from that loss. As my teen told me, 'Everything that lives must die.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ0L2y5BaHg/X4qCbPHHCuI/AAAAAAAAI-A/7jzUlivub5w7mmBkzs2upJzPQ6pgQ4wDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200815_090448.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ0L2y5BaHg/X4qCbPHHCuI/AAAAAAAAI-A/7jzUlivub5w7mmBkzs2upJzPQ6pgQ4wDACLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_20200815_090448.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">Slowly we continue in life, embracing new adventures, life changes. Often these days my teens counsel me too and bug me to keep fit as I continue to counsel them. 😁</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I continue to give thanks for every moment shared as a family, for God's providence, for everything, especially family.</div></div><br /><div><br /></div>@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2020<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-5763418433267658492018-01-24T09:48:00.000+08:002018-01-24T09:48:24.025+08:00Mermaid ArtJo and I painted mermaids together. She painted the little child while I painted the mum. Painting was given to a lovely lady who loves mermaids too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk0PI5FhjqI/WmflUzVvjHI/AAAAAAAAIaA/6aWJoiHEE847cjix66LC9NGoswzBiyR3QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170810_143036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="499" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk0PI5FhjqI/WmflUzVvjHI/AAAAAAAAIaA/6aWJoiHEE847cjix66LC9NGoswzBiyR3QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170810_143036.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<br />
A big achievement for me, to have knitted my first doll. Not perfect, and I did it without following a pattern. Was just knit along and see what happens! I'm glad it came out quite well!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QyeI1Kukwrw/WmflUjdk-iI/AAAAAAAAIZ8/QrKNxfp_-wc9efKi_zpAXpmuPj79TmkHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_161335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="484" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QyeI1Kukwrw/WmflUjdk-iI/AAAAAAAAIZ8/QrKNxfp_-wc9efKi_zpAXpmuPj79TmkHwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180121_161335.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2018Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-55300963118266842052018-01-24T09:44:00.001+08:002021-11-11T22:58:24.682+08:00Christmas 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This year, we decided to attend Christmas service on the 24th so we could have a short getaway before 2018 begins. So on the 25th early morning, we drove up to Cameron Highlands and spent four lovely days at Lutheran Bungalow with WW and family.<br />
<br />
As always we had a lovely time up there in the cool weather. Thank God for clear skies almost everyday. While kids played, we adults spent too much time eating under the gazebo in the garden!<br />
:)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzgRs3xrHc8/WmfkR2CH0tI/AAAAAAAAIZs/8t2cMmlfRwUDr_iRFV3LyL_7zFPfcwxBQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171227_135045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="603" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzgRs3xrHc8/WmfkR2CH0tI/AAAAAAAAIZs/8t2cMmlfRwUDr_iRFV3LyL_7zFPfcwxBQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171227_135045.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
This year Jo asked to bake a Gingerbread house again. So we did. Compare this to our house of Christmas <a href="https://poundthegarlic.blogspot.my/2012/12/ginger-bread-house.html" target="_blank">2012</a> .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbfD3Yxrw70/Wmfp7KNsM1I/AAAAAAAAIag/gkomM5zBzZ8hbamEbCTivTMLKRPiIe10QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171219_230524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="876" height="382" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbfD3Yxrw70/Wmfp7KNsM1I/AAAAAAAAIag/gkomM5zBzZ8hbamEbCTivTMLKRPiIe10QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171219_230524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miYR6HV5A58/Wmfp7EWd3pI/AAAAAAAAIao/JgeWKfYpfvwK_wt79lQx8SDgSKoXroOqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171219_230558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="754" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miYR6HV5A58/Wmfp7EWd3pI/AAAAAAAAIao/JgeWKfYpfvwK_wt79lQx8SDgSKoXroOqgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171219_230558.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3936Fffu3so/Wmfp7FXa78I/AAAAAAAAIak/_uosuWwIizoqbt7jRDuKIyMRWCxQdLqngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171219_230709.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="799" height="448" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3936Fffu3so/Wmfp7FXa78I/AAAAAAAAIak/_uosuWwIizoqbt7jRDuKIyMRWCxQdLqngCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171219_230709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
This year I decided to knit my own Christmas decoration. Bit by bit slowly over months....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtpNAMqkTJc/WmfrW91vINI/AAAAAAAAIa8/ZFORKCNgvLg5RHeNp7OWEXUyAmJvfR9HgCLcBGAs/s1600/23844691_10155213188856325_3721740416087633267_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="718" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtpNAMqkTJc/WmfrW91vINI/AAAAAAAAIa8/ZFORKCNgvLg5RHeNp7OWEXUyAmJvfR9HgCLcBGAs/s320/23844691_10155213188856325_3721740416087633267_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
Finally...a Christmas Improv I played on my piano.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n-gXX6lVrpI" width="542" youtube-src-id="n-gXX6lVrpI"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/n-gXX6lVrpI" target="_blank">Christmas improv</a><br />
<br />
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2018<br />
<br />
.</div><br />Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-56640700518868309252017-11-09T22:19:00.000+08:002017-12-30T22:22:19.049+08:00KanchanaburiIt's been many years since we've been to Thailand. Our <a href="http://poundthegarlic.blogspot.my/search/label/Travel%20Thailand" target="_blank">last visit in 2011</a> was really memorable...especially staying in a very remote village and visiting the wetlands in Pathalung.<br />
This time we went because my dad requested us to come along to keep mum company while he played golf. I'm glad we went.<br />
<br />
Never did it cross my mind to visit Kanchanaburi but there we were, on the first day taking a 2 hour train journey along the Thailand-Burma railway ( Death Railway) from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok. The day was hot and humid, only an old fan blowing in our carriage. We sat on wooden benches watching fields of sugar cane and tapioca, rice fields, and villages pass by. In the carriage, vendors walked by every few minutes selling banana pancakes, Thai goodies, drinks and dried produce. The train went over the bridge of River Kwai, passed many towns and finally slowed down as we rolled along the Wang Po viaduct, a long bridge that hugs a cliff on one side and the river Kwai on the other. We learnt that thousands and thousands died building this railway.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XznNwRW4j8Y" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Second day we visited the <a href="https://www.tbrconline.com/" target="_blank">Thai Burma Railway Centre</a> and the<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g297924-d550761-Reviews-Kanchanaburi_War_Cemetery-Kanchanaburi_Kanchanaburi_Province.html" target="_blank"> Kanchanaburi War Cemetery</a><br />
I highly recommend the Thai Burma Railway Centre. We learnt a lot of history there, and both Nel and Jo were intrigued by every picture and poster in that museum.<br />
<br />
We also visited a waterfall at Nam Tok, and then spent two days in Bangkok where we shopped at Platinum mall, and walked a night street where Jo got her hair braided with blue and purple strands of yarn.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
Something I posted on FB about a funny moment in Kanchanaburi...<br />
<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We were walking on a street in Kanchanaburi when it began raining heavily. Taking shelter in a provision shop we tried to get a taxi home, but almost every public transport (truck n bike) that stopped by had wet seats. So for the sake of my mum, dear hubby went to the shop owner n asked if they could get us a cab. But unfortunately, hubby doesn't speak Thai, and the shop owner doesn't speak English at all. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So dear husband, with big gestures said to the shop owner, "I want taxi, car...taxi...cover, no wet."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The shop owner smiled, and imitating hubby's big gestures said, "Ahh,..ok, taxi..." (motioning a big covered roof). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A few minutes later, our COVERED taxi arrived....still a bike, but covered with plastic!! hahaha. </span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;" title="smile emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/f4c/1/16/1f642.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">:)</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> What a fun, cramped, bumpy ride it was, mixed with occasional splashes of water from puddles and rain!! Haha </span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;" title="grin emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/f51/1/16/1f603.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">:D</span></span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8S2qDVV5dc/Wh0QovnRkaI/AAAAAAAAIYc/Wu4FAYK5siwWiUroQYJnCjsgdni0cFUJQCLcBGAs/s1600/22228195_10155098774606325_1362126033955013456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8S2qDVV5dc/Wh0QovnRkaI/AAAAAAAAIYc/Wu4FAYK5siwWiUroQYJnCjsgdni0cFUJQCLcBGAs/s400/22228195_10155098774606325_1362126033955013456_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Covered taxi. :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGdpqgNwB2U/Wh0QolecgDI/AAAAAAAAIYY/smxSBcG8BYUA84sdVrORlJliWeqCVJExACLcBGAs/s1600/22310684_10155098780621325_3011784289640392283_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGdpqgNwB2U/Wh0QolecgDI/AAAAAAAAIYY/smxSBcG8BYUA84sdVrORlJliWeqCVJExACLcBGAs/s320/22310684_10155098780621325_3011784289640392283_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our unforgettable bumpy, very tight, splashy fun ride!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2017<br />
<br />
<br />Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-43372750844758069382017-09-21T20:03:00.000+08:002017-09-21T20:05:12.910+08:00A Day in Kuala LumpurKiddos and friends spent a day in Kuala Lumpur visiting some historical places. We began the journey on LRT to Central Market, where we walked through rain to this old shop (picture below) for a bowl of beef noodles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOjeYJ7mRbo/WcOkWwmfacI/AAAAAAAAIUs/AtxNLPEGsdwikcMfH8OsKZ_QaveusackgCLcBGAs/s1600/a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOjeYJ7mRbo/WcOkWwmfacI/AAAAAAAAIUs/AtxNLPEGsdwikcMfH8OsKZ_QaveusackgCLcBGAs/s640/a.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ew16d2kZys/WcOknZ-hUVI/AAAAAAAAIU0/gjlvfUmCMh0m-fQEy7y4NBZe-9HAz_UGQCLcBGAs/s1600/b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="728" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ew16d2kZys/WcOknZ-hUVI/AAAAAAAAIU0/gjlvfUmCMh0m-fQEy7y4NBZe-9HAz_UGQCLcBGAs/s640/b.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This bowl of noodle tasted lovely on a cold morning. It cost RM10 though!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNZUY_I46Ck/WcOkgqI2KSI/AAAAAAAAIUw/Nn7v2ye_2Dg-yWMpB1tpEH5uXJHTLM8nwCLcBGAs/s1600/a1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="832" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNZUY_I46Ck/WcOkgqI2KSI/AAAAAAAAIUw/Nn7v2ye_2Dg-yWMpB1tpEH5uXJHTLM8nwCLcBGAs/s640/a1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a hearty breakfast we made our way to Central Market. After window shopping at Central Market we made our way to the new MRT station to get to Merdeka Station. At the MRT station, someone commented, "Wow it feels like Singapore or Korea all of a sudden!" </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XenJu8ooJNU/WcOlDixRNyI/AAAAAAAAIU4/5I7mJsb7GyIlrLF7NQIGWA2MrvwmJ4uMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_130353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="1012" height="262" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XenJu8ooJNU/WcOlDixRNyI/AAAAAAAAIU4/5I7mJsb7GyIlrLF7NQIGWA2MrvwmJ4uMQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170811_130353.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the Merdeka MRT Station, the kids recited the Rukun Negara (National Principles) and we hung around a bit, enjoying the cool aircond!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ01Fxh8YYM/WcOlDhJ63kI/AAAAAAAAIVA/Em8m0DoUrbozFs37i5sjk0hvF1TazRBxACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_130412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="832" height="462" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ01Fxh8YYM/WcOlDhJ63kI/AAAAAAAAIVA/Em8m0DoUrbozFs37i5sjk0hvF1TazRBxACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170811_130412.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_t0rflhiFKQ/WcOn1tepp6I/AAAAAAAAIVo/0d7-bx_ehF0r7kxOZbD5-iUe0jpSEG1DgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_131038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_t0rflhiFKQ/WcOn1tepp6I/AAAAAAAAIVo/0d7-bx_ehF0r7kxOZbD5-iUe0jpSEG1DgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170811_131038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the MRT Merdeka Station, a photo with the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Bapa Kemerdekaan” (Father of Independence) and first prime minister of Malaysia.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nu497aJCB0U/WcOlDuHSNQI/AAAAAAAAIU8/Aj-He3Ip-rUgZgbyWwulDyNYh3sqcddqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_132246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="728" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nu497aJCB0U/WcOlDuHSNQI/AAAAAAAAIU8/Aj-He3Ip-rUgZgbyWwulDyNYh3sqcddqQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170811_132246.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8QdC0pXMUI/WcOl5UtAUbI/AAAAAAAAIVM/c8eA2qP_Bb4kV4b4Dm_RBhg5k9l5VNZ_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_132901_HHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="832" height="464" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8QdC0pXMUI/WcOl5UtAUbI/AAAAAAAAIVM/c8eA2qP_Bb4kV4b4Dm_RBhg5k9l5VNZ_gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170811_132901_HHT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our next place of visit was Stadium Negara, the first indoor stadium in Malaysia, built in 1960. The guard allowed us to enter, and the children loved singing in there because of the echo and the way sound travels. Visiting the stadium brought back memories, such as the time I watched Holiday on Ice with my parents when I was probably about 10 or so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBmhUfIUfMw/WcOl5f2bM4I/AAAAAAAAIVQ/Am3mCUjIsSQvoaVTNpu9VUDyuFkgTuV0wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_133330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="980" height="216" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBmhUfIUfMw/WcOl5f2bM4I/AAAAAAAAIVQ/Am3mCUjIsSQvoaVTNpu9VUDyuFkgTuV0wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170811_133330.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Batik painting in the lobby of the stadium.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7JT4Zic22oo/WcOqzeKo7FI/AAAAAAAAIV0/0AwqivKayI4Pb8n0YCPvvL64RbFx5ckqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_135426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="557" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7JT4Zic22oo/WcOqzeKo7FI/AAAAAAAAIV0/0AwqivKayI4Pb8n0YCPvvL64RbFx5ckqgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170811_135426.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The children were hungry again, and after a big lunch of Nasi Kandar by the roadside near the stadium, we made our way to Masjid Jamek.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0ELxojNFFM/WcOl5F6VCII/AAAAAAAAIVI/0aaGcglja88tSm5JhvAPhRFF_MqpHGq6gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_145621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1022" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0ELxojNFFM/WcOl5F6VCII/AAAAAAAAIVI/0aaGcglja88tSm5JhvAPhRFF_MqpHGq6gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170811_145621.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvL1u3chdd4/WcOl5_8pclI/AAAAAAAAIVU/bpH_c6sQsyYmDkThbEU4shp4zSAzxzBnwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_151724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="728" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvL1u3chdd4/WcOl5_8pclI/AAAAAAAAIVU/bpH_c6sQsyYmDkThbEU4shp4zSAzxzBnwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170811_151724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kids at Sultan Abdul Samad Building, built in the late 19th century.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YA8J45Bu_Vw/WcOl6fbw3fI/AAAAAAAAIVY/az1uNbkaHp0pF1cD6uYSqvwObT48ELgfgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_152334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="814" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YA8J45Bu_Vw/WcOl6fbw3fI/AAAAAAAAIVY/az1uNbkaHp0pF1cD6uYSqvwObT48ELgfgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170811_152334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of preparation going on for Malaysia's 60th birthday </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0H6a7tE2fk/WcOl6fKXuDI/AAAAAAAAIVc/iEulI0sP2-YuaVDmNshEdaUPsOL1kEfoACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_203059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="856" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0H6a7tE2fk/WcOl6fKXuDI/AAAAAAAAIVc/iEulI0sP2-YuaVDmNshEdaUPsOL1kEfoACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170811_203059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prime Ministers of Malaysia</div>
<br />
We ended the day with ice cream and cold drinks at 7-11, walked back to Central Market and took the LRT home. What an exciting day it was!<br />
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2017Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-38313569882689210322017-08-14T14:29:00.000+08:002017-08-14T14:29:48.068+08:00~Jo bakes and craftsYou've been fattening me up with quite a few good bakes! Not good for my tummy Jo!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUUDIusYKFU/WZFBrpOsBGI/AAAAAAAAITM/fAthvAKCd00Vf5REZMWbH6OtI93JZNTrwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUUDIusYKFU/WZFBrpOsBGI/AAAAAAAAITM/fAthvAKCd00Vf5REZMWbH6OtI93JZNTrwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Like this super delicious Chocolate Torte that was devoured in two days...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk5Xz_PXd0U/WZFCXAYWMCI/AAAAAAAAITU/ikIAvjFMa58vhTwAHPlLo8d_VbqBNeLsACLcBGAs/s1600/20708004_10154946055901325_2318159902106033151_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk5Xz_PXd0U/WZFCXAYWMCI/AAAAAAAAITU/ikIAvjFMa58vhTwAHPlLo8d_VbqBNeLsACLcBGAs/s640/20708004_10154946055901325_2318159902106033151_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And this beautiful cake that you baked for yourself. You had K over, and together you did the decorations together. What a beautiful cake!!! Love it that you're now independent enough to make your own!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0e5hlZpMClM/WZFB-wgMk0I/AAAAAAAAITQ/2B3bRgbTry0m2tPSQrIcGBpyOun2Tw8cgCLcBGAs/s1600/aaa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0e5hlZpMClM/WZFB-wgMk0I/AAAAAAAAITQ/2B3bRgbTry0m2tPSQrIcGBpyOun2Tw8cgCLcBGAs/s640/aaa.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
You've also been crafty and doing a lot of art. Here's something you did for Doodle for Google. Yours wasn't selected, but I think it's still beautiful and unique. Keep going in your art, you're getting better and so good at it!<br />
<br />
And one last picture, you asked me to purchase you a glue gun, and the first thing you made was this beautiful waterfall piece for me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljjYWRc_M5o/WZFDE04VcpI/AAAAAAAAITc/HyKH6O4eVo443dJSJXJLXuzPLMjb5qvIACLcBGAs/s1600/20431659_10154931474701325_7487045674586617820_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="526" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljjYWRc_M5o/WZFDE04VcpI/AAAAAAAAITc/HyKH6O4eVo443dJSJXJLXuzPLMjb5qvIACLcBGAs/s400/20431659_10154931474701325_7487045674586617820_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2017Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-64016386441490224662017-08-14T10:17:00.000+08:002018-01-24T10:22:46.099+08:00Camping Blue Valley CameronsA wish come true for Jo and Nel, to camp with their Co-op friends, and WW's family. Upon a recommendation of a friend we drove to Blue Valley...to some location that's not on the map. It was basically a dead end road, at the end of a farm, and an extrance via steep stairs to a water dam and high altitude farm. Weather was cold, it rained almost non stop! (thankfully light rain), and we didn't get to see the meteor showers which was our original intention for camping. Nevertheless we enjoyed the cool weather (14C) and great company.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4VNJRrYRR4/WmftkLDGa7I/AAAAAAAAIbQ/9ycoyrP8Yp8N7kIBfYXrB7yBQVkNDYsJwCLcBGAs/s1600/20729605_10154964130586325_1082370231507039118_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="960" height="412" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4VNJRrYRR4/WmftkLDGa7I/AAAAAAAAIbQ/9ycoyrP8Yp8N7kIBfYXrB7yBQVkNDYsJwCLcBGAs/s640/20729605_10154964130586325_1082370231507039118_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aw9OwOpnhoU/WmftkDtQBRI/AAAAAAAAIbM/Lw6K5svwaz45yGPH-hQmp9TMLpq64vmoACLcBGAs/s1600/20799518_420628961667554_8321842855865367331_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aw9OwOpnhoU/WmftkDtQBRI/AAAAAAAAIbM/Lw6K5svwaz45yGPH-hQmp9TMLpq64vmoACLcBGAs/s640/20799518_420628961667554_8321842855865367331_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLrAdKbi2D8/WmftkwxmLxI/AAAAAAAAIbY/1jh0zJn2nwk35cZjhwx_Phsn4IEovZsqQCLcBGAs/s1600/20800263_10154964107671325_269107716918152436_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLrAdKbi2D8/WmftkwxmLxI/AAAAAAAAIbY/1jh0zJn2nwk35cZjhwx_Phsn4IEovZsqQCLcBGAs/s640/20800263_10154964107671325_269107716918152436_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2017Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-29288012721793005722017-07-09T14:19:00.000+08:002017-08-14T14:20:21.955+08:00Nel- Spartan Super!<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wM6w3ctjjEA/WZFA3OmKJPI/AAAAAAAAITE/YAwxEwWkaz8aW6gAlYigfvfW28YZVW5xgCLcBGAs/s1600/19748384_10154858887071325_2268026505913601756_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wM6w3ctjjEA/WZFA3OmKJPI/AAAAAAAAITE/YAwxEwWkaz8aW6gAlYigfvfW28YZVW5xgCLcBGAs/s320/19748384_10154858887071325_2268026505913601756_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
Today Nel, you conquered Spartan Super (15km, 29 obstacles)! I watched you conquer that vertical wall </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">by yourself, watched you attempt the rotating bars again and again and again despite the falls. You showed great determination n perseverance. Im proud of you. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">But today you also showed yourself a super spartan because you stayed true to your word which was to stick with the slowest member (because of her injured ankle,) to make sure you all cross the finish line together. For that I'm doubly proud of you. Well done Nel!! And of course well done to your super team that trained together every week. Proud of you all!!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2017Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-32466174158529061632017-06-19T14:51:00.000+08:002017-08-14T14:52:58.889+08:00Endau Rompin againAnother beautiful trip to Endau Rompin. What makes a trip beautiful is the beautiful nature surrounding us, the sound of children's laughter and the fellowship between likeminded people.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGknuEbdvT0/WZFG3kNAmyI/AAAAAAAAIUA/RuwQVAJUd9IcNi8CXuNydUwo1TdVTBshACLcBGAs/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="777" height="406" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGknuEbdvT0/WZFG3kNAmyI/AAAAAAAAIUA/RuwQVAJUd9IcNi8CXuNydUwo1TdVTBshACLcBGAs/s640/a2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jo spotted these beautiful caterpillars while on a short trek.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4OhtCM7sww/WZFG4jAMcUI/AAAAAAAAIUE/VqKubqQ2rMkssD5SNy9c__gXhA9gtrGWwCLcBGAs/s1600/a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="550" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4OhtCM7sww/WZFG4jAMcUI/AAAAAAAAIUE/VqKubqQ2rMkssD5SNy9c__gXhA9gtrGWwCLcBGAs/s640/a4.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While Nel was busy taking a leech off her foot, I spotted this spider going in for the kill. What great timing for some photography.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fE-375B9GhA/WZFG50dU5NI/AAAAAAAAIUI/7jVIQQQY3LsaYS03O43MKUjZLmhOq5LtgCLcBGAs/s1600/a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="706" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fE-375B9GhA/WZFG50dU5NI/AAAAAAAAIUI/7jVIQQQY3LsaYS03O43MKUjZLmhOq5LtgCLcBGAs/s640/a5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A close up shot of the spider paralyzing and wrapping it's prey in web.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dSxD7sc5IE/WZFG7bgESiI/AAAAAAAAIUQ/S0Fn4iAxdmQQLLhamg9BwTQ1M8po3rI_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dSxD7sc5IE/WZFG7bgESiI/AAAAAAAAIUQ/S0Fn4iAxdmQQLLhamg9BwTQ1M8po3rI_ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2242.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To our joy, we managed to secure our favourite spot again, and the children as usual spent most of the 24 hours in the river or by the river, playing pretend games, building their own world with rocks and sand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdmAnWxwGw0/WZFG6kx5_wI/AAAAAAAAIUM/o06Lx4irpa4hARRsol59yoVoc33SSQX-wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdmAnWxwGw0/WZFG6kx5_wI/AAAAAAAAIUM/o06Lx4irpa4hARRsol59yoVoc33SSQX-wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This time WW brought PVC pipes and the fathers built a raft, which the children loved and spent hours on rowing up and down stream.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pY9HOrwBZE/WZFG2uBYewI/AAAAAAAAIT8/2CvqI65ontAs8PSl2wLVqxpJEsRpD-KqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pY9HOrwBZE/WZFG2uBYewI/AAAAAAAAIT8/2CvqI65ontAs8PSl2wLVqxpJEsRpD-KqwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2547.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Night time is where the adults fellowship over some drinks....and we get to hear some interesting stories, while the children made their own campfire to roast marshmallows. I'm proud that the children are now able to chop their own firewood and start their own fire!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2017</div>
Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-5697796794223218912017-06-19T14:34:00.000+08:002017-08-14T14:40:41.236+08:00Frasers with Co-op<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We had a beautiful time in Frasers with our Co-op Members. We'd just finished studying Botany and decided to conclude the unit with a field trip'.<br />
<br />
We hired Mr. Durai Birdman to be our guide, and had a fabulous trek with him through Hemnant trail where he pointed out interesting flora and fauna, as well as birds. We spotted at least 30 different types of birds. The trip was also interesting as we learnt about the history of Frasers, how things were during the time when British ruled, the Japanese and the Communists.<br />
<br />
We also hiked along part of Pine Trail, but didn't finish the trek as it threatened to rain. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXrgMpv-ikg/WZFEZESBk8I/AAAAAAAAITo/qSnfM6XI5psroDmJN-Qm8-wdK7mv9Kg-QCLcBGAs/s1600/a7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="680" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXrgMpv-ikg/WZFEZESBk8I/AAAAAAAAITo/qSnfM6XI5psroDmJN-Qm8-wdK7mv9Kg-QCLcBGAs/s640/a7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6O-UxdjZ348/WZFEa6lWhHI/AAAAAAAAITw/hTb6s0SaOk4h3AZ8-hyE-tuuqJDff_BsgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6O-UxdjZ348/WZFEa6lWhHI/AAAAAAAAITw/hTb6s0SaOk4h3AZ8-hyE-tuuqJDff_BsgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3276.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On a trek with Mr. Durai as our guide</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some interesting highlights were our afternoon tea at Smokehouse, a father's day sermon by WH, a Father's day presentation by the children followed by a prayer of blessing by the dads.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
During rest time the kids spent most of their time playing Chor Tai Tee!! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Overall it was a memorable trip!</div>
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2017Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-86934754599163286522017-04-21T23:59:00.001+08:002017-04-22T00:01:55.209+08:00We made macaroons! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is lovely having Junee back with us. She's finished her studies in India n will continue the rest of her studies in Malaysia. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To celebrate we attempted macaroons n succeeded! There were cracks in some but overall they just tasted delicious when fresh out of the oven. A lil crunchy on the outside n warm n fluffy in the inside. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7N1KhyIfXKc/WPork3BEN5I/AAAAAAAAIQ0/cKpXumlQWw03tm3KzCqwbIwV5SiCNqn9QCLcB/s1600/IMG-20170323-WA0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7N1KhyIfXKc/WPork3BEN5I/AAAAAAAAIQ0/cKpXumlQWw03tm3KzCqwbIwV5SiCNqn9QCLcB/s320/IMG-20170323-WA0021.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQPSLzzcGTs/WPoq0SNml1I/AAAAAAAAIQo/cflenowhvoMoSEqgwsMqwC2T7tIjxQehQCEw/s1600/VID_20170323_144914.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQPSLzzcGTs/WPoq0SNml1I/AAAAAAAAIQo/cflenowhvoMoSEqgwsMqwC2T7tIjxQehQCEw/s320/VID_20170323_144914.mp4" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;">@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2017 </span></div>
Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-472640541641926322017-04-21T23:33:00.000+08:002017-04-22T00:11:58.161+08:002017 so farA lot has been going on and we have been busy. Though my intention had been to slow down this year, instead it seems to be busier than ever before.<br />
<br />
I don't even know where to catch up on this blog. Some things the kids have been up to:<br />
<br />
Jo sent in a resume to Kidzania to be congresskid. She made it past the interview, did a video of herself and campaigned at Kidzania. Unfortunately she didn't get in though personally I think she did great at her speeches. I guess, it's as they said, "if you wanna get in, try singing a song or something."<br />
She didn't sing. Still it was a great life experience, all that public speaking, video making and interview was a worthwhile experience.<br />
<br />
Both Jo and Nel are now part of ICC Words Alive group, a group committed to helping young people become better public speakers for a good purpose. Earlier this year the whole group visited Pulau Ketam as a chapter, and presented a drama. They also volunteered by playing games with the local kids and taught them English. For Nel, just being in this drama was a BIG deal!<br />
She really struggled in her first rehearsals, not wanting to say her line because she was so conscious of people looking at her. In the end she did great! She had the role of a teacher, while Jo had the role of a busy body, which she played really well! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0wvWKAFxEc/WPoiuBW8AhI/AAAAAAAAIP0/CWUKDqGZbt4Fp-flMYY42WGBL6v8DAiewCLcB/s1600/IMG_1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0wvWKAFxEc/WPoiuBW8AhI/AAAAAAAAIP0/CWUKDqGZbt4Fp-flMYY42WGBL6v8DAiewCLcB/s320/IMG_1992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The first quarter of this year has also been memorable. Both girls auditioned to be in our church's Easter presentation and got in. Hubby and I decided to hang around their first few practices to observe, but what do you know, hubby got "sucked" in and ended up playing three roles, which he did amazingly well! I'm astounded, having discovered his hidden talent for acting! Proud of him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqARxpShx8g/WPoouUr_PZI/AAAAAAAAIQI/ZnrXQiOe1twl0uqd60eLmno8BgB9Lrf5QCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170414_182734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqARxpShx8g/WPoouUr_PZI/AAAAAAAAIQI/ZnrXQiOe1twl0uqd60eLmno8BgB9Lrf5QCLcB/s320/IMG_20170414_182734.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Jo played a little child, as well as a seller at the market scene. Most of the time she was observing the director (Vince Chong) and producers, being very curious about how a whole production is put together. I think she learnt a lot about theatre through this experience.<br />
<br />
As for me, I accompanied Nel to her dance rehearsals to encourage her. My goal was to get her out of her comfort zone and try performing arts (dance with drama) to help her blossom out of her "shy"self. So I too hung around and joined in the warm ups. But guess what, I got roped in too, and ended up dancing! We had fun preparing our own costumes, which included ripping and smearing them with paint. Fun was also painting our own faces to look the part of occupants in hell.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2R6n7TZOa14/WPoqCNKfXeI/AAAAAAAAIQU/OirFcP_lJbkVSD6P7dXR_vDLFc_3wQnOwCLcB/s1600/IMG-20170410-WA0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2R6n7TZOa14/WPoqCNKfXeI/AAAAAAAAIQU/OirFcP_lJbkVSD6P7dXR_vDLFc_3wQnOwCLcB/s320/IMG-20170410-WA0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The most beautiful part of it all was that, we were actually once, all together in a performance, serving our dear Lord together, as one unit, together with other like minded people. We enjoyed the weekly rehearsals, going together, rehearsing together, it was well worth our time!<br />
<br />
Apart from that, there are our usual homeschool activities, too many to list. One memorable one perhaps was the camping trip we had in Perak in the month of March. The river was beautiful, we had great company of good friends and lovely food all cooked by the OAs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s27HHAcSi_o/WPoqcd7_U2I/AAAAAAAAIQc/1g3Ik_94KgEWKXS8RzclUSVVQflxBpoIgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170217_163644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s27HHAcSi_o/WPoqcd7_U2I/AAAAAAAAIQc/1g3Ik_94KgEWKXS8RzclUSVVQflxBpoIgCLcB/s320/IMG_20170217_163644.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh I forgot to mention, a new addition to the family. It was Chinese New Year, and I was preparing Heng Hua Mee Sua and making homemade pizza when hubby brought back a kitten!! We named him Blue. Hés turned out to be quite a tyrant...an alpha kinda male, but I've grown to love this lil fella.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3XK95xtHmI/WPouE1ckYdI/AAAAAAAAIRI/mygZiO_yFMYZQB3XZA26QXKVJDdCMdnhgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170125_181200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3XK95xtHmI/WPouE1ckYdI/AAAAAAAAIRI/mygZiO_yFMYZQB3XZA26QXKVJDdCMdnhgCLcB/s320/IMG_20170125_181200.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yJUof2JN18/WPouLyXeELI/AAAAAAAAIRM/SxUSz5QgeIcyOkvG4QkrZVHzsy2ZnIMPACLcB/s1600/IMG_20170106_202913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yJUof2JN18/WPouLyXeELI/AAAAAAAAIRM/SxUSz5QgeIcyOkvG4QkrZVHzsy2ZnIMPACLcB/s320/IMG_20170106_202913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll conclude by saying 2017 has been a really fruitful memorable time so far. God is good!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2017<br />
<br />
.Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-42297664901214670422017-02-28T00:21:00.000+08:002017-04-22T00:22:08.051+08:00My first painting for the yearThe space between time I paint is getting wider and wider...I hardly produce anything nowadays it seems. but nevertheless, I managed to paint something in between preparing CNY food for the family. Am happy that at least, I've so far managed one painting this year. 👀<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2hpPeekF_Y/WPow_MDeLPI/AAAAAAAAIRo/CpV5L3PRaFERrbQbuol_eQgdrX4sYM80wCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170201_144058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2hpPeekF_Y/WPow_MDeLPI/AAAAAAAAIRo/CpV5L3PRaFERrbQbuol_eQgdrX4sYM80wCLcB/s400/IMG_20170201_144058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Acrylic on paper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOoOFo5ua7M/WPowPxjqPAI/AAAAAAAAIRc/yJBqEIYQv0Qgcz96O4TvcUiBH_CHd5xzQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170131_193055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOoOFo5ua7M/WPowPxjqPAI/AAAAAAAAIRc/yJBqEIYQv0Qgcz96O4TvcUiBH_CHd5xzQCLcB/s640/IMG_20170131_193055.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Heng Hua mee sua, which I prepared. Lots of hard work, but worth it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlC4OZI99Hc/WPowVvX3KdI/AAAAAAAAIRg/li7MJ3yGdH8b8NKx10hkcbqIxMdqgGIGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170131_193015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlC4OZI99Hc/WPowVvX3KdI/AAAAAAAAIRg/li7MJ3yGdH8b8NKx10hkcbqIxMdqgGIGQCLcB/s320/IMG_20170131_193015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home made pizza with smoked duck and other ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2017Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-71314589851330721002017-01-01T18:48:00.000+08:002017-04-22T00:25:49.769+08:00Langkawi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2016<br />
Written by Nel.<br />
<br />
We decided to pay a trip to the exotic island of Langkawi for our 2016 coop field trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rlOqir52j28/WF1ZK83qnXI/AAAAAAAACG8/dAowBeJNi9kzkNvCUvSUaXqy4_jxVd94ACLcB/s1600/van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rlOqir52j28/WF1ZK83qnXI/AAAAAAAACG8/dAowBeJNi9kzkNvCUvSUaXqy4_jxVd94ACLcB/s400/van.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This was our transport throughout the whole 4 day trip! An Ursvan van fit for 14 people. <br />
<br />
We had a really joyous time together in the van, singing silly songs and telling jokes and laughing our heads off. I think we would be best described as uncontollable and exuberant children!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gcviWYCgIs/WF1Y6lYVXSI/AAAAAAAACGk/T361DtUabUURv94gHYsvuTWfLh8vsr4awCLcB/s1600/cablecar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gcviWYCgIs/WF1Y6lYVXSI/AAAAAAAACGk/T361DtUabUURv94gHYsvuTWfLh8vsr4awCLcB/s400/cablecar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8hv_pIgV74/WF1Y5VaP9FI/AAAAAAAACGg/YUuEqfO4-w0IZgfOlQ12IQ2rHsYtlsziQCLcB/s1600/cable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8hv_pIgV74/WF1Y5VaP9FI/AAAAAAAACGg/YUuEqfO4-w0IZgfOlQ12IQ2rHsYtlsziQCLcB/s400/cable.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBNS0vBIv_U/WF1Y4GgF1LI/AAAAAAAACGc/K5TKvF0k0JUFvpBD373sFG7u9l6E4hsgwCLcB/s1600/cab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBNS0vBIv_U/WF1Y4GgF1LI/AAAAAAAACGc/K5TKvF0k0JUFvpBD373sFG7u9l6E4hsgwCLcB/s400/cab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Having googled all about Langkawi, we concluded that we should go on one of those cable cars people always talked about on travelling websites. On the 2nd day, we took a sky cab (it was kind of expensive but still worth the experience) over the valleys and mountains of Langkawi to.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSGPO4cTMc0/WF1ZJseTzcI/AAAAAAAACG4/fA45ntMns7YwN4DiTOJcDNLxVQMEO1G9ACLcB/s1600/up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSGPO4cTMc0/WF1ZJseTzcI/AAAAAAAACG4/fA45ntMns7YwN4DiTOJcDNLxVQMEO1G9ACLcB/s400/up.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smXHwxDF_PU/WF1Y2tdWHlI/AAAAAAAACGY/VCJyO9qsFe8iu_KDdBpJ84ep5LxZsx-HwCLcB/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smXHwxDF_PU/WF1Y2tdWHlI/AAAAAAAACGY/VCJyO9qsFe8iu_KDdBpJ84ep5LxZsx-HwCLcB/s400/bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The sky bridge!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The view was breathtaking! Mountains surrounded us from all directions at different angles., </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We inhaled the cool, refreshing air into our lungs. There were tons of heart shaped locks and key chains hanging on some parts of the sky bridges side railing. (A great place for people for taking selfies, just kiding!) But yes, there were quite a number, but still considerd not so much, tourists dawdling back and forth on the bridge taking photos. <br />
One really cool fact about this trip is that even though my mum gets nervous around heights, She made it!! All the way across and back, we were so proud of her! Trust my mum to overcome her fears! <br />
We raced each other back to the cable car!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the 3rd day, we rented a boat to take us across the river along... The</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aawACzwHtmA/WF1Y_wzgwHI/AAAAAAAACGw/ZlyUwQkhUvwCm_20GHuDiAbM76YU4OqXwCLcB/s1600/forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aawACzwHtmA/WF1Y_wzgwHI/AAAAAAAACGw/ZlyUwQkhUvwCm_20GHuDiAbM76YU4OqXwCLcB/s640/forest.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wniqZDPUok/WF1Y8-dj7WI/AAAAAAAACGs/WdKuSJruUMMy5mws0dsIxV-qfFn90BCsgCLcB/s1600/chin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wniqZDPUok/WF1Y8-dj7WI/AAAAAAAACGs/WdKuSJruUMMy5mws0dsIxV-qfFn90BCsgCLcB/s400/chin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saw this cool mountain, looks like a human with a large chin. Haha...<br />
We chugged along a swampy kind of background. I mean it wasn't muddy, but the trees alongside the river had really long roots, reaching out of the water as well as long branches. Our boatman stopped awhile near a monkey infested area to let us feed the monkeys and a monkey hopped unto our boat screeching for food! It was so cute standing on its hind paws and reaching out with nits cute and warm little hands to us children for more food. Hilariously, the adults (well some of them) were the ones scared of the monkey. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn1bZ3Qc3mQ/WF1ZDhztXaI/AAAAAAAACG0/-Plnef-vYLgA4cpSoLaq6GRxvc-lRKP5QCLcB/s1600/teeny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn1bZ3Qc3mQ/WF1ZDhztXaI/AAAAAAAACG0/-Plnef-vYLgA4cpSoLaq6GRxvc-lRKP5QCLcB/s400/teeny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We visited the Art in paradise Museum! It has very detailed and cool Art!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry-IL4REXgQ/V_tACnxWuOI/AAAAAAAABEo/PzqUmaOyiYgkqM7X09ldRAxVey9_tox3QCPcB/s1600/IMG_20160830_145652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry-IL4REXgQ/V_tACnxWuOI/AAAAAAAABEo/PzqUmaOyiYgkqM7X09ldRAxVey9_tox3QCPcB/s400/IMG_20160830_145652.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I totally enjoyed that awesome, full of close friends holiday..!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Written by Nel</div>
NelleTheRollerinaCamperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14172705500447396752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-19721982858553731242016-12-20T13:16:00.000+08:002018-01-24T10:13:50.443+08:00Carolling Christmas 2016<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "droid sans" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">. Like wandering minstrels, accompanied by ukulele (by Nel n friend), we walked from house to house singing beautiful carols. There were the occasional back up sounds of dogs barking, the lapping of waves, the ringing of bicycle bells, the squeaking of mice... roarrs of spectators watching a football game on TV and the appearance of a puppy that had everyone going ooh and ahh! . It was warm and humid... But oh my girls sang with Gusto.. And commented.. Best carolling ever mum. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "droid sans" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">At this time I'm reminded that we love and bless others by giving of what we have, because God first loved us. </span><img alt="Emotikon heart" class="img" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v6/f6e/3/16/2764.png" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto, 'Droid Sans', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; line-height: 18px; vertical-align: top; width: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "droid sans" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> Counting down the days to family reunion on Christmas day and Christmas itself. Blessings to you and all.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w06Ext12qZA/WFdSmRWxSKI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/VQrSu_fCd049XKoRipzHk9jLVQoFsSBjwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161217_194243_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w06Ext12qZA/WFdSmRWxSKI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/VQrSu_fCd049XKoRipzHk9jLVQoFsSBjwCLcB/s320/IMG_20161217_194243_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gingerbread house for this year</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KADWJtjsKZE/Wmfr0Va28lI/AAAAAAAAIbA/7k0cktBKya8PeVTso4Oa_7etrE8h4a12QCLcBGAs/s1600/15317772_10154191022266325_1133454774241894510_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KADWJtjsKZE/Wmfr0Va28lI/AAAAAAAAIbA/7k0cktBKya8PeVTso4Oa_7etrE8h4a12QCLcBGAs/s400/15317772_10154191022266325_1133454774241894510_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;">@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2016</span></div>
Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-63602052232982314442016-12-17T11:56:00.000+08:002016-12-19T11:57:07.047+08:00Art from Dec.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nz45MRUzsLo/WFdRfK8rMoI/AAAAAAAAINk/ACqT_30UWKYxzGPGGzcvPVS1uVP0PCktQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161113_173145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nz45MRUzsLo/WFdRfK8rMoI/AAAAAAAAINk/ACqT_30UWKYxzGPGGzcvPVS1uVP0PCktQCLcB/s640/IMG_20161113_173145.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Charcoal drawing of a wild flower. Another art piece after a long break. I wish to do more frequent art, but I never have the mental energy to do so after the hectic week. Thankful for a little extra time in December.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kwt1MqZIX5Y/WFdRiVGM9wI/AAAAAAAAINs/ZIF_NujMgxs-_kFSTVdnuhPNW7L5r3VwQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161215_082954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kwt1MqZIX5Y/WFdRiVGM9wI/AAAAAAAAINs/ZIF_NujMgxs-_kFSTVdnuhPNW7L5r3VwQCLcB/s640/IMG_20161215_082954.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jodie picked a watercolour book at the book sale. As we were on limited budget, she insisted it was a book she really wanted. And true to her word, at home, she immediately got all the tools and said, "Mum today I'm going to learn watercolour using the tutorial in this book." And she did, she sat for half a day and followed instructions and learnt the art of watercolour. Where there's a will, there's a way. We've learnt, you can pretty much learn anything you want to when theres a real desire.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2016</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
.</div>
Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-48754437666281475792016-12-05T11:48:00.000+08:002016-12-19T11:56:51.646+08:00The way to a Man's heart and a Child's HeartLately I've been baking breads. One loaf and sometimes two a week. Today I decided to bake herb bread, and roast chicken to go with it. All hubby, Jo and Nel were overjoyed.<br />
<br />
Jo commented, "You know mum, there are two things that send me to bed with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart and tummy. One is a good good book, and one is a delicious meal like this.."<br />
<br />
Yup so it's proven, they say, food is the way to a man's heart, but looks like it's the way to a child's heart too. :)<br />
<br />
I marinated my chicken with butter (softened and mixed with thyme, oregano, salt and pepper) rubbed under the skin. Added tumeric, paprika, salt and pepper. Placed chicken over lots of onions, covered with more onions and carrots. The carrots really added flavour to the gravy which I made after.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTDic0slEJc/WFdQ41kfCWI/AAAAAAAAINU/X2C6ZtV_jQYBpK4AdcxdpbtLHcJhsMLkgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161206_213039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTDic0slEJc/WFdQ41kfCWI/AAAAAAAAINU/X2C6ZtV_jQYBpK4AdcxdpbtLHcJhsMLkgCLcB/s640/IMG_20161206_213039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2016<br />
.Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-66870838458483338192016-12-03T11:58:00.000+08:002016-12-19T11:59:24.086+08:00Graduation Ceremony of PKetam StudentsWe helped the local school decorate their hall for a form 5 graduation ceremony. The first they've ever held in the history of the school!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-TPACDtqCY/WFdR1gyjfAI/AAAAAAAAINw/kio4xJIUtfACmF83CAIeKZX_yj9TrYIJQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161125_093702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-TPACDtqCY/WFdR1gyjfAI/AAAAAAAAINw/kio4xJIUtfACmF83CAIeKZX_yj9TrYIJQCLcB/s320/IMG_20161125_093702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZBaffS2la4/WFdR4w7IBEI/AAAAAAAAIN0/wkjsNRvfXRkGPrAFamZ2L_Uajd-o4-ATwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161125_093654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZBaffS2la4/WFdR4w7IBEI/AAAAAAAAIN0/wkjsNRvfXRkGPrAFamZ2L_Uajd-o4-ATwCLcB/s320/IMG_20161125_093654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdPdGbecGZ4/WFdR8Z9wyDI/AAAAAAAAIN4/khcibINIq24eH8pyS8ovN239J_3chh2rQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161125_093628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdPdGbecGZ4/WFdR8Z9wyDI/AAAAAAAAIN4/khcibINIq24eH8pyS8ovN239J_3chh2rQCLcB/s320/IMG_20161125_093628.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c39VV426wek/WFdR-dvAVRI/AAAAAAAAIN8/cQY7t_3yPPA3xpCn0KSY8Jn7WsMHA8qKQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161125_093609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c39VV426wek/WFdR-dvAVRI/AAAAAAAAIN8/cQY7t_3yPPA3xpCn0KSY8Jn7WsMHA8qKQCLcB/s320/IMG_20161125_093609.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-25568535089458428222016-11-17T01:05:00.000+08:002021-11-17T01:06:01.677+08:00<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOQ3y9ipLbI/VzU0sR1LeWI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/WTf_cVx9nUEAhPGBWBqQFkF6Y-RAhFmnQCLcB/s1600/393598_10150404435006325_1250918247_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOQ3y9ipLbI/VzU0sR1LeWI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/WTf_cVx9nUEAhPGBWBqQFkF6Y-RAhFmnQCLcB/s1600/393598_10150404435006325_1250918247_n.jpg" /></a></div>
Being with my children almost 24/7, sometimes changes they're going through creep up on me without me noticing. Makes sense?<br />
<br />
Talking bout child no. 2 here, and since they now read my blog, I won't go into specific details...<br />
<br />
Anyways, ..one night, before bed, No.2 asked, <i>"Mum, may I have a counselling session with you? Just 15 minutes. Private, ALONE, just you and me. I'll pay you whatever your therapy fees is...with chores or a few ringgit."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I'd never expected that...coz Nel now a teen, never asked for that, although we've had random heart to heart moments when a situation prompted one and provided an opening for such a conversation. But here, my second child was requesting for one.<br />
<br />
I began thinking back and realize that little and major changes had been happening in her character. I won't go into details, but if you have a preteen/teen, you'd know about all the changes that happen emotionally, mentally and physically.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
To ease her worries and assure her, so she'd be able to sleep soundly, I took out my calendar, penned down in red, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">"Appointment with Jo, 9pm, by library's quiet corner." </span>She clapped her hands in excitement and went to bed with a smile on her face.<br />
<br />
We met in our little space the next day as planned. I, a little worried, wondering what serious matter she was going to bring up. Turns up they weren't such serious matters, but a lot of questions and reflection about self and others. She brought up issues about self expectations, her self image, her perception of how others viewed her and expected of her...demands of life, purpose of life...emotions...reactions etc etc etc. 15 minutes turned to an hour...with me discovering so much about my girl.<br />
<br />
During the course of our conversation, I used a diagram my counselor used with me, when I went through a bout of anxiety disorder last year. Only I modified it to fit our conversation.<br />
<br />
In a gist, the picture is of an iceberg. The top which is seen by others, is the image we choose to carry when we're with others. It's about our roles in various public settings, expectations of others, public image, how we're expected to act or react etc.<br />
<br />
The bottom part of the iceberg is hidden by the ocean. That's where our real self lies. The unheard thoughts, buried emotions, desires, inner conflicts, etc etc etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HydNCPcPwGg/VzVKQIuUUGI/AAAAAAAAH80/kxTVCEXH_TwWkBP17sY9vL2enw6HMP6QQCLcB/s1600/ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HydNCPcPwGg/VzVKQIuUUGI/AAAAAAAAH80/kxTVCEXH_TwWkBP17sY9vL2enw6HMP6QQCLcB/s640/ice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I listened to how conflicts between her public self and what she defined as "real self" disturbed her sometimes. About her effort to be the ideal person...yet her disappointment when she fails. Her self expectation to be different personalities with different friends in order to fit in, to be liked. When friendships change.... etc etc.<br />
<br />
We talked about emotions. is it ok to get angry and upset? Is it ok to feel negative emotions? When do we express them, when do we have to hold them in? The meaning of true friends. Is it ok to express one's true self? Rejection of friends when she wasn't able to fit that expected mold. The purpose of education, the purpose of life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2016Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-73008985659847015802016-11-11T20:03:00.003+08:002016-11-12T09:55:04.212+08:00Homeschoolers Unite at Tribe Fest and Lembah BarakahJo and friend ZH wanted to present a short drama for a HS Tribe FEST. So together they recruited a few friends and in 5 weeks prepared a short skit to present. They called themselves, "Homeschoolers Unite." Jo wrote the script without my help. Then every Wednesday, 8 of them would meet at a friend's apartment lobby. They didn't want the help of adults, so we mums would sit far away and eaves drop now and then.<br />
<br />
Despite quarrels, disagreements, play, chit-chats, jokes and moments of unfocused wondering, they managed to discuss and rehearse the script, create their own props, chair their own meetings, block their play and all. It wasn't always smooth going, sometimes they had major disagreements on certain things....but in the end, they performed so well to a wonderful crowd! I'm really proud of them! <br />
<br />
This to me is a well worth-it experience. It's nice to see how they resolved problems and disagreements without adult intervention, made decisions that they were proud of and came up with the concept, theme and everything by themselves. Because they totally owned the production they were really proud of their work! There were moments I was tempted to provide input, but I'm glad I held back. Though the final performance was great, I think, greater was the experience they took with them throughout the process.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyg_Ax-DXuw/WCWvuTT-GUI/AAAAAAAAILw/f-Em12M-X68VRINnjlL-Tbt_kJ2lLbo2ACLcB/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyg_Ax-DXuw/WCWvuTT-GUI/AAAAAAAAILw/f-Em12M-X68VRINnjlL-Tbt_kJ2lLbo2ACLcB/s640/a2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Smiley added to protect identity of child.) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To reward their hard work, we took a two day break at Lembah Barakah, Ulu Langat. Though we mums were tired, the energetic children cooked their own dinner, and had a crazy fun time together. Night time, 16 of us slept, aligned like sardines, in the beautiful kampung house we rented. They had a midnight feast, and the chattering and whispering did not stop till after midnight. They certainly deserved this getaway together!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJh7AJlhTdo/WCWvyZH7chI/AAAAAAAAIL0/Ah_8UmhEXyUHGaFqsUQPyCcrRhcYcV4eACLcB/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJh7AJlhTdo/WCWvyZH7chI/AAAAAAAAIL0/Ah_8UmhEXyUHGaFqsUQPyCcrRhcYcV4eACLcB/s640/a1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On the second morning, a cold one! brrrr...., we had a brief tour of their place and had an interesting session on kelulut bees (stingless bees.) It was interesting to view the structure of the hive, and the highlight was when the owner removed a tiny portion from a honey pod and put in a syringe to draw liquid gold. The honey tasted like a mix of honey sweetness and apple cider vinegar. Delicious! Then some of the kids jumped into the river for a quick dip while the rest played cards.<br />
To rent this lovely kampung house, message them via their FB page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/barakahorganic/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Lembah Barakah Organic Orchard</a> .<br />
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2016<br />
.<br />
<br />
.Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-19878135291327377912016-11-11T19:37:00.001+08:002016-11-11T20:06:50.269+08:00Scout CAmpWe had a nice three day camp with the HS Scout Group. This time the venue was a private cove in PD.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0ZknBuVji4/WCWqAacVVuI/AAAAAAAAILA/n5MBJZ5e_8UrHYd03NfZ6UN_kVLyURfKACLcB/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0ZknBuVji4/WCWqAacVVuI/AAAAAAAAILA/n5MBJZ5e_8UrHYd03NfZ6UN_kVLyURfKACLcB/s640/a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Setting up tents</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtvUnhBpr8k/WCWqBV2ozAI/AAAAAAAAILU/1O9wGh1W5jM4JBQr_cInrmCl0IETiRgIwCLcB/s1600/b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtvUnhBpr8k/WCWqBV2ozAI/AAAAAAAAILU/1O9wGh1W5jM4JBQr_cInrmCl0IETiRgIwCLcB/s640/b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First things first...digging a toilet. The girls did a good job, digging it about 3 feet deep, but a little too wide for the littlest scout girl. :/</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_3BY1haMsg/WCWqBcLwgnI/AAAAAAAAILY/jVvIOFsHpDcdR8UmyT7dn3lSIUsTYEg6QCLcB/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_3BY1haMsg/WCWqBcLwgnI/AAAAAAAAILY/jVvIOFsHpDcdR8UmyT7dn3lSIUsTYEg6QCLcB/s640/c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nel helping Scout Master Quek to set up the Tarp </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhBW5mhSt5I/WCWqBo-QaUI/AAAAAAAAILc/48YrYX7-ZJwfZuJD0rqOjAoKtLoEzuE_wCLcB/s1600/d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhBW5mhSt5I/WCWqBo-QaUI/AAAAAAAAILc/48YrYX7-ZJwfZuJD0rqOjAoKtLoEzuE_wCLcB/s640/d.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls' friend, ZE made this cute cute sign! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpo8W8LfFSo/WCWqAMIr9xI/AAAAAAAAIK8/UjUtJMCBLx4nLHsyi2dCmkjN9VNTjO5iwCEw/s1600/a11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpo8W8LfFSo/WCWqAMIr9xI/AAAAAAAAIK8/UjUtJMCBLx4nLHsyi2dCmkjN9VNTjO5iwCEw/s640/a11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loving the activity of digging, Nel decided to dig further. During the point of this photo, the hole was about 4 feet deep. She eventually dug it to about 5 feet, and found a source of fresh water!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxFMX_UyWV0/WCWqA2v25uI/AAAAAAAAILQ/ECM2yI5JLnkcVo2AGDhe4w9PmErLXNIpgCEw/s1600/a13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxFMX_UyWV0/WCWqA2v25uI/AAAAAAAAILQ/ECM2yI5JLnkcVo2AGDhe4w9PmErLXNIpgCEw/s640/a13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During this camping trip, scouts had to chop their own bamboo, and find random pieces of wood. Then attaching used bottles, they made their own rafts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WldvRRF0Hbo/WCWqASEcgDI/AAAAAAAAILE/x1HWTkRJGogMB05Pe7gBBxRiPei1YF38QCEw/s1600/a12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WldvRRF0Hbo/WCWqASEcgDI/AAAAAAAAILE/x1HWTkRJGogMB05Pe7gBBxRiPei1YF38QCEw/s640/a12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Testing raft time. All the rafts floated well!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8kHB2P3WtnQ/WCWqA4yRjiI/AAAAAAAAILI/KXXi-JVqOME4iN3l2n8ayOpezIjJNrgrQCEw/s1600/a14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8kHB2P3WtnQ/WCWqA4yRjiI/AAAAAAAAILI/KXXi-JVqOME4iN3l2n8ayOpezIjJNrgrQCEw/s640/a14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is one of several shots taken after a day of work. Girl scouts playing while it was the boys' turn to cook dinner. This photo makes me happy. Perhaps it's capturing joy and carefree moments that makes the photo beautiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUAAaLuyo50/WCWqA-p4HSI/AAAAAAAAILM/Bf8LsZyM2yge5S57D2XW06mfBopPpn0DwCEw/s1600/a15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUAAaLuyo50/WCWqA-p4HSI/AAAAAAAAILM/Bf8LsZyM2yge5S57D2XW06mfBopPpn0DwCEw/s640/a15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoying some quiet time while having dinner by the gentle waves.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Though it was supposed to be two nights on the beach, we had to abandon campsite on the second night. Strong winds hit us on the second night, snapping my tent poles in two. Embers from the large bornfire blew towards our tents threatening to set them aflame. Some of the children panicked and about two had panic attacks...and it was truly a state of emergency when we evacuated the beach.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It reminded me of the scary experience we had camping on Segadas when storm and lightning demolished our friend's tent and flooded ours, while we literally fought against the wind with our hands so the tent wouldn't cave in on our children. But I told myself despite the panic that hit me, I had to remain calm for my children. So thank God, He gave me strength as I calmly gave instructions to my children to load our belongings and calmly unpeg our very large tent to evacuate.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We all ended up taking refuge in YL's house in PD...20 + of us. It was a "refugee"moment. :) But oh what a memorable trip! :D</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2016<br />
<br />
.Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-4045235175138891392016-10-29T10:13:00.000+08:002016-11-12T10:14:39.787+08:00Plant IdentificationWe joined MNS Flora Selangor group on a field trip entitled "Tree Observation and Identification." It was held at Bukit Cahaya Shah Alam, and the planned walk was to "<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> focus on the observation of identification characters of trees that are currently fruiting and belonging to the family of Dipterocarpaceae (Shorea and Dipterocarpus), Fagaceae (Oak family), Anacardiaceaa (Mango Family), and Rubiaceae </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">(Coffe family)."</span></i><br />
<i><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The walk was headed by Dr. Jean Weber and Dr. Siti Khadijah, who are to me, walking plants encyclopedias! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">We began by looking for seeds to identify trees, then studying the structure of seeds. Then we were taught how to study leaf structures (the petiole, shape and veins), flowers and bark. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRwwtI6emkY/WCZ2oAVlBbI/AAAAAAAAIMI/TqsvFxEDGhsZEk4aeHCgeGTywsF7ShqdwCLcB/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRwwtI6emkY/WCZ2oAVlBbI/AAAAAAAAIMI/TqsvFxEDGhsZEk4aeHCgeGTywsF7ShqdwCLcB/s640/a1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This leaf has a stipule, and is hairy, characteristic of Keruing Bulu</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zvj64ndeu1E/WCZ2oFCu1WI/AAAAAAAAIME/wcs0V-zk9J05OMICqn6v_WssNgrC3vC1wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zvj64ndeu1E/WCZ2oFCu1WI/AAAAAAAAIME/wcs0V-zk9J05OMICqn6v_WssNgrC3vC1wCLcB/s640/IMG_1180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Children taking notes and listening intently at the beginning. I said beginning, because about one hour later, they more interested in other stuff like birds poop. ;)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzm1chkIS8c/WCZ2outAp-I/AAAAAAAAIMU/uoibKFZ6_uE0Mm24B5Rg-V-cxUXCJxDbQCLcB/s1600/a12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzm1chkIS8c/WCZ2outAp-I/AAAAAAAAIMU/uoibKFZ6_uE0Mm24B5Rg-V-cxUXCJxDbQCLcB/s640/a12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1oy05DLxFQ/WCZ2oKSo5oI/AAAAAAAAIMM/nuAi9BolB4oaQbvinOPoOFV32MXIh--nACLcB/s1600/a112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1oy05DLxFQ/WCZ2oKSo5oI/AAAAAAAAIMM/nuAi9BolB4oaQbvinOPoOFV32MXIh--nACLcB/s640/a112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnDyiWebePA/WCZ2om9orOI/AAAAAAAAIMQ/TlYhD1fuC50_0GWVNmJ8OxnsxxQD4n4fwCLcB/s1600/a113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnDyiWebePA/WCZ2om9orOI/AAAAAAAAIMQ/TlYhD1fuC50_0GWVNmJ8OxnsxxQD4n4fwCLcB/s640/a113.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dr Khadijah. I love how she willingly and enthusiastically answers EVERY question!! I asked if she'd conduct a walk for our Science Coop, and she immediately said YES. It is a rare to find someone who passionate about plants and so willing to share information with children. Looking forward to our next walk.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2016<br />
<br />
.Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5761754586664530625.post-67887053069380256772016-10-26T23:46:00.000+08:002016-11-29T23:25:54.334+08:00Some recent artSome recent random art work\<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDEdAjwa5-0/WBDPCjx9idI/AAAAAAAAIKU/TjI0pAY2C18nNR04QouhZ1-1f3KI2rGQACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160910_231623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDEdAjwa5-0/WBDPCjx9idI/AAAAAAAAIKU/TjI0pAY2C18nNR04QouhZ1-1f3KI2rGQACLcB/s400/IMG_20160910_231623.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Painting with only three colours. Yellow, Blue and Brown. The </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">three shades create quite a spooky effect. Jo thinks this looks like a female</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">version of SLAPPY!!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flTuIbE1Hto/WBDPCpR-PdI/AAAAAAAAIKQ/NbKe2x_l2q8Dr7xKssFPk2fJHKOw8MloACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160911_224034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flTuIbE1Hto/WBDPCpR-PdI/AAAAAAAAIKQ/NbKe2x_l2q8Dr7xKssFPk2fJHKOw8MloACLcB/s640/IMG_20160911_224034.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I painted this picture to accompany and inspire Jo to get back to some art work. (watercolour)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gM6gl_DGSEQ/WBDPCsPq1bI/AAAAAAAAIKM/Jz98aaVMxK4g-C5DvKnlFY4kSVpAsKt6ACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160911_224059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gM6gl_DGSEQ/WBDPCsPq1bI/AAAAAAAAIKM/Jz98aaVMxK4g-C5DvKnlFY4kSVpAsKt6ACLcB/s640/IMG_20160911_224059.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jo's art work. Acrylic.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2016Martha Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471552594693298200noreply@blogger.com0