... so good to finally visit Rome

We arrived in Rome early in the morning and our hotel room was not ready. So we took the opportunity to explore Plaza Polobo which was like 3 minutes from the hotel. 

Since we were at the plaza, we did the Italian thing ... having alfresco coffee at a coffee shop facing the plaza, watching the world go back. What a life!

... so good to have trial run of empty nest

Jon was sent to Rockhampton, Australia for reservist since 14 October and wouldn't be back till 1 Nov. So for the last week or so, Connie and I have been experiencing the 'empty nest' - lots more space for ourselves; much more flexibility in terms of going to work (or not going). Plus Connie has been going to work at 8am because of some changes at the work place, so I have lots more time for myself. Trying to make good use by grooving in my new clubs before going on the Holy Land cruise from 2 Nov to 18 Nov. No golf for 3 weeks!

Also taking the time to get excited about the cruise. Really looking forward to Rome, Alexandria, Israel, Athens, Sicily ....

... so good to have her as my mother

This a break from the usual blog. This is a tribute to my mother, Mdm Koo Kwai Yong. The song above describes perfectly what I feel whenever I recall mother.

She was the eldest daughter of a brood of 8. Unfortunately, she was born at a time when education for girls was deemed was wasted resources. So she only had a couple of years of school before she had to stop to look after her siblings (particularly her brothers) and to help in the family printing business.

She was blessed that my father (a civil servant and considered a good catch) was attracted by her and married her. She tells of anecdotes where dad would bring her on dates and eat wanton noodles. Dad did not know her well then and ordered a plate with chill. She ate it despite not being able to take chill. That was the start of a life of devotion to her man. 

For the wedding, she made many cheong sam (long dress) as dowry. Unfortunately, Dad was a frugal man and she did not have many opportunities to wear them as they traveled mainly on buses and trams. Her married life revolved around my dad, her mother-in-law and the children. I remember when we were young and living in a single room on the second floor of a house in New Bridge Road with a shared kitchen and bathroom. She would have one kid strapped to her back whilst she chopped fire wood and cooked the meals. Indeed she did not live a life of comfort despite being married to an educated civil servant with a good pay. BUT never once did she complain then or ever.

My memories of mother includes her waking up in the dead of night to wash my feet. I had chronic athlete foot and the sole of my feet would be have lots of blisters that became painful sores. She would tenderly clean them up with warm water. 

She also taught us the importance of having integrity. She would put up with our nonsense but would not tolerate any lying or cheating. She always dressed us neatly in clean clothes (I was always one of the best dressed)  though we did not have any branded stuff. 

Until my dad's passing away, she would make sure she was home everyday to cook dinner for my dad. Not once did she travel as she would not want to leave my dad unattended. My dad has never cooked a meal or wash a dish or did laundry. That was her duty and she did it dutifully and willingly.

However after my dad passing away, she tried many things and went my places (New Zealand campervaning with me, Australia with Lai Ying, etc). She enjoyed traveling and we are amazed that she never once asked to travel with my dad. 

I remember my mother as a stoic survivor (she underwent several major surgeries late in her life and each time we were warned by the doctors that she might not make it but she did). She had a loud voice but equally loud laughter. She would love to joke and play pranks. My family gathering were centered around her telling us of our exploits when we were young or during her courtship days with father.

Mother ... thank you. As the song goes ... without you providing us a warm home, where would be; without you bringing us, who would be. We are who we are because of you. Rest in peace.

... so good for mum to be released

On 1st Oct 2012, 4am - mother was called back to the Lord at the age 90. Finally after 5 years in coma trapped in that frail body, she has been released. Of course, we will miss her and is sad that we cannot see her physical presence but we know that she is happier now. She was always a cheerful and lively person and to see her lying there for so long was even more painful.

Mother was the pillar of strength in the family - the devout wife, the loving mother, always giving not expecting anything in return. We are so blessed to have her in our lives. We thank God for you! Rest in peace... we love you.

... so good to see the changes in the Singapore skyline

Mark asked us to support the daughter of his friend from Hong Kong for a piano/saxophone recital. The photo was taken from on top of the Esplanade where we had cocktails before the the recital. I was just amazed at how much the skyline of Singapore has changed in the last 5 - 10 years. All these new skyscrapers with modern design popped up over the last few years. 

Singapore has really developed materially but unfortunately the society has not ... we are still not civil minded and overly focussed on material accumulation. Recently, the Minister for Education announced changes that hopefully will reduce the stress the children faces in school but the problems run deeper. As long as our values are stuck in the undeveloped nation of economic survival where asset accumulation is almost the only driving force, we will continue to be a nation obsessed with $$$. I really hope, wish and pray that the next generation will wake up and see that there's more to life. I especially am worried for Jon and Ken and their children - that they do not become lost in the pursue of $$$ and forget to smell the roses along the journey of life.

Life is great only if we can strike the right balance.

... so good to boost inter racial harmony

Another tradition that we have maintained for many years - Hari Raya lunch at Zainal's house. This traditional has been going on for as long as I can remember. We would all gather at his house - Chinese, Indian, Eurasian and Malay - all part of a community bonded by love of the game and the man (Zee).

It is a great time of just chilling - catching up with each other and the latest gossip. This year there is an overwhelming discussion of squashies applying or attending US colleges including Shi Yuan (who has decided that Yale was the coolest place to be), Byran Koh (following his brother to Harvard?), James at NYU (the team is fielding a 9 men team this year). There was also lots of excitement over Jo and Zee recent trip to the World Masters in Birmingham - how squash can be so much fun! 

Also the usual lament about the state of squash in Singapore and how badly we need to improve the squash scene. Perpetual issue with no solution in sight (Sigh).

Of course, I had to sent the photo of all the delicious food to Kenneth. Still the best Malay food we have each year.

... so good to celebrate 30 years of marriage

It also happens to be Connie and Oi Lin's birthdays. So we celebrated together with the core group of Dave/Wai Sin, Johnny/Oi Leng, OiLin/Fong Oi and Jonathan/Andrea at our favorite restaurant - Spring Court. Seems we always go back there to celebrate every couple of years. 


Maybe it is because we just love the suckling pig (the skin was really crispy), the  mini Buddha jump over the wall (lots of good stuff and so tasty - though Andrea skipped the shark fin and sea cucumber) and ....


The service was very good - the waitress was very attentive (topping up our wine, changing our plates) yet not intrusive. With a private room, it was a good time of reminiscing old times (like the various holidays) and talking about growing old! Great to have friends to celebrate such occasions with.