Pa’s birthday
My dad’s birthday fell on a Sunday in March this year and so happened that my mum was on a trip to Genting over that Sunday. Even though we had planned a celebration dinner the week before, but that didn’t really work out as my nephew was sick so my sis was unable to join us. Not wanting my dad to spend his birthday quietly, I rise to the occasion and offered to whip up a meal for him and the family at my place.
Again I laboured almost the whole day in preparation – going to the market, cleaning house and preparing dinner, in our haste to eat while the food is still hot, we forgot to snap photos of the food, which was REALLY a pity as sad to say, that was the first time I cooked a meal for my parent(s) ever. I mean a full meal and not just a dish, which I hardly cook anyway while I was living with them before marriage. So on hindsight, I really should kick myself…
But anyway, I cooked garlic prawns, steamed snapper steak, yong tau foo soup (many ingredients) and a braised duck (nah, bought from market, wanted to do thai-styled chicken initially). Also wanted to fry Dou Miao but gave it up as there were already too much food for 6 persons – My pa, 2 sisters, nephew (who doesn’t count as he had his own porridge), Mic and I.
Ok lah, review for the food is “not bad”, “quite good”. Haha. I am satisfied with the results myself. Hee hee.
Luckily, Mic had thought to take the camera out when we came to cutting the cake. Mum was in time to join us for cake, thanks to a cousin who went to pick up our mothers.
Left: Oreo Cheesecake from Baker’s Inn – March’s flavour, courtesy from Sis
Right: Pa and Ma in lovers gear (coincidentally)
Left: As usual, any birthday celebrations all seem and felt like the kid’s birthday party. Look at Max’s cheeky face!
Right: Max: Yum yum!
Kodak moment
Celeste’s First Birthday Party
Our niece Celeste (from Mic’s side of the family) has turned one year old in January. A birthday party was thrown in her honour at Aloha Loyang Chalet. Here are some snapshots of the little cutie.
Reunion Dinner for Year of the Ox
This year’s Chinese New Year reunion dinner is especially strong in numbers, as my aunt’s family and mine are able to join in of those of my parents’ and uncles’. We had 3 steamboat sets, 2 of which comes with bbq function to serve dinner for 15 adults and 4 kids. It was noisy and messy but all these add flavour and fun to the annual highlight of the Lunar Calendar.
Celeste comes to visit
On 11 Jan, our adorable niece (Mic’s sister’s little princess), Celeste comes to visit. Here are some photos of the little cutie.
Enjoying a nice Saturday Evening with BBQ and Prawn Fishing @ Marina South Prawn Pond
We celebrated Mother’s day one day earlier this year and at the suggestion of S & E, we headed to Marina South Prawn (and Fishing) Pond (Near Superbowl Golf & Country Club). The weather didn’t hold up too great in the afternoon and down came the typical afternoon showers we’ve been having lately. Luckily, the skies cleared when we reached and we managed to secure a nice spot with a BBQ pit at around 7pm.
The costs for the rental of the fishing rods with cockle baits for 4 hours (3 + 1 free) was $36 per rod. We got rods for 2 and proceeded to start our evening with some prawn fishing. The initial part was pretty slow since we noticed a couple opposite us had already netted themselves 2 full bags of prawns! Luckily, S managed to get a special hook (more flat at the end) that seemed to make it easier to catch the prawns.
Dad also got the BBQ pit going and the food started to get prepared on the chargoal grill. Seems like quite awhile since our last BBQ (can remember our childhood days when we used to frequent Pasir Ris Beach with our families).
Our grand total catch for the day was 12 prawns which was unfortunate for those prawns that ended in our net and went on to the grill. The night started getting a little busier around 10pm with more people streaming in with their fishing rods and nets. For us, it was a nice end to a great Saturday evening as we packed up and headed home.
Who knew you could save money by having babies?
Yup that’s right, according to salary.sg’s latest article below, Singaporeans have enjoyed many perks on having babies.
In Singapore, you even get financially rewarded for having babies. As the country is facing a dearth of babies, the government encourages procreation by giving baby bonuses and parenthood tax rebates.
Source: Baby Bonus, Parenthood Tax Rebate | Salary.sg – Your Salary in Singapore
I think as we start our own family planning, I’m starting to do more reading up on this type of stuff 