GNOMING around the Christmas tree.

  I know Christmas and New Year have come and gone, and these pixs are

 so last season (as Savvy K puts it). 

One Utama Shopping mall is my "happy hunting ground" for ALL necessities in my life.

Ahh, if it is not available in ONE U, then I' Il rather go without it.

ONE U collaborated with Maybank (Malayan Banking Berhad) to produce an amazing centre court of shops.

 Lots of little fat irresistible

 gnomes to hug.

JUST ANOTHER DAY

 THROW OUT THE OLE, BRING IN THE NEW. Felis ano neuvo. 2021 is here for the next 364 days.      So many greetings that wished 2020 to be forgotten and booted out. To say I am glad it happened would be mean with all the suffering and deaths worldwide.

 But, 2020 has made me more appreciative of a zillion things I take for granted, like going outside WITHOUT a mask. This is ALL I HOPE for in 2021.      2021 started with a 10km jog for Gizmo Man and a 5km walk for me in the deserted neighbourhood roads. I don't jog, I smell the flowers.

I tidied the mess from New Year’s eve dinner. Gizmo Man says I cook with every pot and pan available even if it is a single dish! 

Then had to save my new plant from garden snails.

Quickly, changed into my new shorts from Uniqlo and the T-shirt Boey painted for me 

to breakfast in the hawker’s stalls. Looking GOOD!

 Thory jumped into the car for a short spin, it has become a routine. 

The laundry had to be hung out. That is not a hole in Savvy K’s jeans. It is a RM120 manufactured hole, courtesy of today's fashion. I call it the “Beggar’s Look!”

  Thory and Belle, what’s all that noise and racket?

 Leave Sayang alone,

 you can’t attack him even though he is always roaming around.

Then vacuum, STOP "moulting" Thory, you are giving me too much work.

 Finally, I sat down to write this as Gismo Man ironed his clothes. 

WELCOME 2021.

TUA DE LANGKAWI

Tis was not the Tour de Langkawi but the Tua de Langkawi.  "Tua" in Bahasa Malaysia means old. And aptly so, as everyone was well over 60 years! It started as a class reunion for Sahoca College, Class of 73 in Kedah. It was at least 40+ years since the group were in school together. I was invited to join although I did not study with them.

We were happily relaxing in the resort when some robust able-bodies declared, "Hey, we have bicycles here, why don't we just cycle  to the Beach." I could instantaneously feel the rush of …NOT adrenaline...but trepidation surging through the group. But did we admit that the most strenuous exercise some of us do was hanging up the laundry or changing a light bulb. NOOO, our pride got in the way, and everyone gave a resounding, "What a great idea!" Not all joined in the Tua de Langkawi. But I am never one to decline a challenge, although I had never been on a bicycle seat for well over 30 years. 

So Tua de Langkawi had an official wave off for 14 of us into the paddy fields for a warm up. A significant start as the Tour de France originated primarily from a field in France. Then came the real deal up the hills of Langkawi. I had to get off and push my bike. Oh, my weak pathetic lungs, my bronchioles were over worked. The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide was not going as well as expected.

    To add more pain to my already tormented body, the fitter bodies breezed passed me ringing their bells and giving the thumbs up. They were peddling like they were doing a Sunday ride, laughing and ribbing each other. These athletes frequently participate in cycling expeditions around the world. I was huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf trying to blow the straw house down. But, I remained strong. With rests at many bus stops and coconut water quenchers by the road side stall, I peddled on with a smile, albeit a strained one.

When I saw the scenery change from coconut tress to casuarina, I knew the end was near. I puffed up by chest (or breasts to be more precise), put on a victory smile and rang my bell as I cycled into the cheers and whistles. Then, when no one was looking, I struggled, staggered and collapsed onto the beach. Thankfully not beneath my bike. 

A buffet picnic on “menkuang” (screw pine leaves) mats was already laid out for us. 

Tour de France is a 3,500 km race over 23 days. Tua de Langkawi was gruelling, 30km in one morning. 

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

LEAVE 🎄CHRISTMAS 🎁 ALONE

 

DON’T SPOIL CHRISTMAS 🎄 PLEASE. AHHH, after 9 months of having life turned topsy turvy, I just want a PLAIN OLD FASHION Christmas.

CUT OUT THE  NEW NORMS of CORONA Christmas.

I DEMAND for the return of Santa Claus is coming to town, NOT THIS sanitizer stuff. My hands are already dried and cracked from overuse. Don't remind me anymore.

GOOD OLE' Frosty with his carrot 🥕 nose.NOT THIS.

My favourite carol is “Little Drummer Boy.”  I learnt this when I was about 10-years old. during caroling practice. Iwas so excited, but I caught a bad flu. “Mie” banned me from going caroling. 

C’mas is always during the monsoon season and a bit chilly (24⁰ C, haha.. it is chilly for us). I was so angry I hid in the kitchen when the carolers came. It took a lot of coaxing to get me out to see them sing. Father Florimond convinced my “Mie” to let me join them for the last two houses. Thus, whilst every girl was in her C’mas dress, I was in my pyjamas with my blanket. But I was so HAPPY. A REAL story – my first and last caroling experience.

NOOOO, LEAVE CHRISTMAS ALONE!

CHRISTMAS in Prof. Elizabeth's home,

subtle, but the decorations are up.

Christmas in Malaysian malls

Christmas Nails!

My very first decorations. We didn't have the means to buy a Christmas tree,  my uncle visited when I was four-years old with a tree and boxes of decorations. This bell and bear has followed me for 59 years.

PEACE AND JOY TO ALL MY BLOGGERS.