Post Exercise Wallaby 2011

Arvo!

(that's Australian slang for "Afternoon!")

Two exhilarating weeks have passed us by and I have returned safe and sound from Down Under!

The weather has been as unforgiving as it has been eleven years ago; scorching hot during the day and freezing cold at night!

I'm at least four shades darker now!

Due to classified and security issues, I will not be able to post much information and photos on this blog.

All I can say is, it was definitely a tiring, siong yet memorable trip with my new comrades.

Outfield is no fun at all but sleeping on the three-tonner (with whatever space there is left of) and going to pee together at night in the wilderness without knowing what is in front of you is quite an experience to go through with your friends.

Of course, there are more pleasant activities like watching the Kangaroos from afar and waking up to the calls of the Kookaburras.

It was pleasurable for me to say the least as these sights and sounds are indigenous to the Australia outback and not anywhere else.

Sixth Death Anniversary

I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden

well maybe that is true.

I never wanted memories,

I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,

a million times I cried.

If love alone could have saved you

you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,

In death I love you still.

In my heart you hold a place

no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway

and heartache make a lane,

I'd walk the path to heaven

and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one,

the chain will link again.

Happy 13th Barkday!

Member of the Family

What would I do without you,
My precious, furry friend?
Part mischief, but all blessing,
And faithful to the end!

You look at me with eyes of love,
You never hold a grudge...
You think I'm far too wonderful
To criticize or judge.

It seems your greatest joy in life
Is being close to me...
I think God knew how comforting
Your warm, soft fur would be.

I know you think you're human,
But I'm glad it isn't true...
The world would be a nicer place
If folks were more like you!

A few short years is all we have;
One day we'll have to part...
But you, my pet, will always have
a place within my heart.

- Hope Harrington Kolb 

Recipe: Watercress Soup 西洋菜汤

In the west, the Watercress is widely used in salads, sandwich and even made into juice. In Asian countries, however, we like to use them in soups. I love Cantonese soups - the kind that have been simmered over a mild fire for an entire day, preferably over a charcoal fire. Such lo fo tong (老火汤) are extremely wholesome and hearty! When I was young, soup is a regular sight on the dining table and I was so easy to feed then. As long as I have soup in my rice, there is no need for any other dishes. I remembered growing up drinking [Lotus Soup] the most, followed by the Watercress Soup. This is a much beloved soup in my family for it's "cooling" abilities. As with all vegetables, I know Watercress contains certain minerals and vitamins but what I do not know is that it even contains cancer-suppressing properties till now! There are so much goodness in this vegetable it is no wonder why they called it a herb in the west. Here are some other benefits of the Watercress: - Antioxident - Eases coughs - Aids weight loss - Controls blood sugar - Aphrodisiac (really??) - Treats failing eyesight I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Bon appetit!

Recipe: Roselle Tea 洛神花茶

Don't you love those old school coffee shop glasses?

I was first introduced to this strange-looking flower by Mum who has bought a bagful of it from the market. Due to it's odd appearance, I was apprehensive to drink the tea brewed with the flowers. "It tastes just like Ribena," Mum said. The color looks similar but I cannot be too sure about the taste. You know how parents tend to lie through their teeth just to trick us into eating/drinking something that is "good for us"? Remember when you were a kid, how you had medicine forced down your throat while your parents chant, “甜甜的” nonstop？ Taking care not to incur her wrath, I took one small sip just so to appease her. One sip led to another and before long, I finished the entire glass of tea. Mum is right afterall! I was amazed by it's similarity to the Blackcurrent drink except this is a little sour but so much healthier without all the unnecessary sugars! This flower, a relative to the Hibiscus, is rich in antioxidants and minerals especially vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamins B1, B2 and B6. Here are some benefits of Roselle: - Diuretic - Controls fever - Aids digestion - Soothes colds - Controls diabetes - Clears up mucous - Controls cholesterol - Clears blocked nose - Controls high blood pressure - Promotes proper kidney function I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Bon appetit!

Recipe: Huai Shan With Spare Ribs Soup 淮山排骨汤

Huai Shan (淮山), also known as Shan Yao (山药) or the Nagaimo, is a root vegetable belonging to the Yam family. Although I have seen them plenty of times at the wet market, it is still my very first attempt cooking the fresh variety. One interesting thing about this root was how slippery it would become the moment you started peeling off it's skin. It is almost like trying to grab a live eel which is desperately trying to wriggle out of your grasp! The soup is exceptionally flavorful that I do not even have to add any salt or MSG and I am amazed to find that Huai Shan tasted almost similar to the potato in texture. I am so loving this soup! Here are some benefits of the Huai Shan: - Antibiotic - Antioxident - Lowers blood sugar - Prevents osteoporosis - Lowers blood pressure - Improves digestive system I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Bon appetit!

Blog Action Day 2011: Food

I have been trying hard to come up with a title for this post but seriously, my mind just went blank after watching this video.

Would you eat something that has been discarded by others?

No?

Well, I wouldn't do it myself and yet, there are people who actually depended on these food scraps just to survive!

What do you think of that?

Please spend a few minutes to view this award winning video (while I go grab a piece of tissue).

This video is a wake-up call to all of us and it gives me the opportunity to reflect how good I have it better than these people.