Rotary Family Breakfast

Sunday morning on 8 Sept was cool after the past evening of heavy showers. Thankfully, District 3300 was able to enjoy a Rotary Family Breakfast at Rotary Square for brekkie with a good dose of fellowship.

It was also a chance to be at our very own Rotary Square. It was my third visit ; the first being the relaunch of Rotary Square. A home is where we come to roost. For Rotarians, we value this spot, smack in the city centre, dedicated to Rotary, our beloved organisation. Thanks to the mayors who recognise the immense contributions of Rotary. Our  Rotary Wheel logo stands tall and high for the public to know us. Herein the Square  lies our time capsule to be released 100 years later (2100)  It will surely be a momentous day when it finally arrives.

Back to the morning . Limbering up exercises  were led by our DG, Dato Dr Mohinder Singh. We surrendered our bodies to stretch and sway. Soon momentum picked up when qigong master and Rotarian,  Mr Tan, got us to find the chi in us as we followed his instructions.

I came prepared to tell a story for the children. Just 4 were there but the adults more than made up for them!! Be prepared for frogs croaking and mozzies buzzing  amidst the tyrannical chieftain's orders. All Things Are Connected reminds us to seek a balance in Nature . It is worth retelling  for the fun and interactivity and the message which is evident.

All in , it was a relaxed morning. The organising committee did a fine job. As usual, it was all hands on deck. We look forward to more happenings here.

Qiqong master with an attentive audience.

City Hall /DBKL towering in the background.

My fellow club members,spouse Ravi and fellow Rotarians.

Bend and flex

Gather here, all ye Rotarians!

Squirt in!

Love on  wheels. 

Helping hands 

Healthy start - come on!

Time capsule for the future generation

PP Mah ( RC Kajang) couldn't resist being  King Frog!

Tyranny got the chieftain nowhere.

I made them laugh.

Relay For Life - A World without Cancer

National Cancer Soc. Malaysia 's Relay for Life was a 16 hour overnight event. It began on 24 August,  starting from dusk and ended at dawn the next day. In KL, it took place at Dataran Petaling Jaya, Padang Timur.  I'm glad I was there with my hubby after dinner to lend support.

For the short period of 2 hours we were there, I must say it was heart-warming. As we walked round the track, we could see and feel that in the fight against cancer, through the darkness, HOPE prevails. The survivors, families of the afflicted, friends, and the public were there to celebrate, remember, and persevere the fight.

The youths were there in big numbers. The fun  was palpable. Lots of people entertained with songs and dances. Time did not permit me to play a game of bingo.

Education on cancer was certainly in the minds of the event organisers. For it is through awareness that we can be alert to detect cancer in the early stages. Money raised through this event educates and supports cancer - activities and helping the afflicted.

I tried something never done before. For a token of RM 5, there was instant tutelage to try my hand at Chinese brush painting.Soon the 'masterpiece' showed itself to big smiles and words of encouragement  from onlookers. Positivity! Beaming happily, I gingerly carried a still wet art piece home.

Applause!  And it goes to the survivors who were at hand to guide and give us a confidence boost.

I must spread the word  about the spiritedness of Relay For Life.  It is important to remember the loved ones lost  forever but also to celebrate the struggles and triumphs of the survivors. Relay For Life is a meaningful event that brings people from all walks of life, of communities coming together. The battle against cancer goes on...

To hold steadfast and pray for

Relay -  pass the baton and support the cause

Tents for those who wished to stay overnight to finish the 16 hour dusk to dawn event.

Lots of booths for games, food, organistions etc. 

Families, friends and public support  - all over the field to mark a meaningful event. Luminaria bags lined the arena of the field with messages dedicated to loved ones.  In the wee hours of the morning, the walk round the arena continued - for cancer never sleeps.

Victory conquers and shines

Remembering ...

Holding a Chinese brush for the first time!I could hear  my inner voice: Be brave, ink it ! Well, with a shaky hand, I did.

My bamboo - aiming for the moon! Thank you, teacher. 

Happiness is holding a new piece of art  taught by the survivors.. 

Birthday treat

How nice! To be away from the busy KL jams. And to miss the massive Raya exodus on the North South Highway. Getting to our destination was a breeze. A mere 15 minutes on the speedboat  from the Marina Island jetty and we were whisked into the arms of Pangkor Laut Resort.

We checked into one of the Hill Villas. A good view, peace and quiet.

Yes, we were told to expect to do nothing, if we felt like it. Chill out, we did , as the pace was sedate and relaxing.  The next meal was always more than welcomed; our tummies could just fill up without much bother! It must be the sea and the air around us that bolstered our appetite besides the great array of food, especially at the Feast Village.

The hornbills paid many visits, flapped to land on our villa rooftops and coconut palms. Another tourist curiosity are the bats that hang  on trees close by within view of our cameras. They appear rather large to us.

A pre-booked spa was waiting for us on the second day of stay - Balinese bliss!

After a 2N/3D  stay, it was time to leave the luxury behind.

Calming

At the Royal Bay Beach Club where we had lunch

View from Hill Villa 332

These bats are a tourist attraction.  In their upside down position, they wait till past sundown ; then they disappear to come home and merrily hang again!

 We had the opportunity to meet Uncle Lim himself. He shook hands and spoke with us. A sprightly and friendly man , past 70s, he began his career with YTL since Pangkor Laut Resort started!  Man, if he had known it was my birthday, he would have steamed a big pomfret for me!! 

A surprise Happy birthday cake, card and a flower bath  -  because I'm beautiful!

Indulge and pamper thyself at Spa Village. The late Pavarotti opened this Village .

Waiting to be pampered more after the unique Bath House ritual. 

Yes, there is a bed. Not one but two in the library. Just rest your cares away. Read, if you want to!

Our feathered  friend and many came calling. Recognisable by their loud calls.

Art and nature

We Love Ya Cupcakes!

Recently the Sunshine Ladies formed a truly sweet alliance with the Economic Empowerment Programme (EEP)  students in one of their skill areas - making cakes and pastries.

We stepped in when we heard that a lesser demand  has resulted in  low production in the bakery. Heads came together and on whatsapp, our ideas came flying in - a Cupcakes forum was formed.We worked out our business model, and even excited  some generous souls  among our friends who donated 2000 cartons for the cupcakes. Gosh, that's a lotta sweet cravings out there, somewhere!!

On that morning, some of the Sunshine Ladies came to witness the launch of our joint  enterprise with the students of Cheshire Home. President Khatijah marked the date in her busy schedule and was there when the legs of the tables were unfolded and a smart red tablecloth  just said in a simple, no uncertain  manner, 'Yes, we are ready for business!' Soon the cupcakes were attractively arranged, stickers of the vendor peeled and stuck onto the cartons by the EEP students. The baker, Mr Lai was beaming proudly. I wonder  what  was running through his mind.

The students were rather shy in the mechanics of selling. But soon they relaxed under the tutelage of their teacher.So for this morning some skills were learnt  on how to fold the cake boxes, pick up cupcakes with the tongs with a kind of dexterity to sit nicely in the boxes etc.

We stayed long enough to leave in high spirits.  Not without being our own supporters, we carried home boxes of cupcakes to tease some palates of families and friends. What will it be tomorrow and the next? Only consumers' tastes and pockets will determine our success. Fingers crossed, hope  the gorgeous icing that swirls the tops, the creamy butter, the cakes lovingly baked will melt mouths and bring us more customers. Ok, more cash!

Setting up shop

Our baker giving support to his students.

Resident learning the intricacies of a  business 

On the spot tips from our Sunshine lady, Janet.

A great team behind our main attraction !

Hurrah! Our first customers.

Physiotherapy Keeps You Moving

How the months have flown! After nursing  my ankle injury, it was time for physiotherapy sessions.

A friend reminded me 'not to cheat' when I told her her about the stretching exercises which I had to do daily. That was good advice for it is easy to be lax.

Being regular at the hospital, I have seen others make inroads to a faster recovery. The key is discipline.

The word 'pain' is on every patient's lips. I can understand that. The physiotherapists understand too well their state of  fear and pain. Yes, the road to recovery involves pain . Undoubtedly, targeting the affected part of the body , following instructions will speed recovery.

At the physio  I see a guy who has been plugging at  recovery for more than 5 months, doing  2 sessions daily thrice a week and one session  on the other 2 remaining days of the weekdays. It is a slog but he manages with some cheer and a great deal of determination. His legs are slowly responding  to walking on a stand up frame. It's been a long haul, 2 major operations  for a brain tumour which  began 9 years ago. His medical insurance has run dry. He is presently aided by former  school mates and friends who keep his rehab bills going. Daily, his faithful maid from Surabaya follows him every step of the way and helps him with his physio. 

When he saw the physiotherapist putting me through the paces, checking on my balance, his face lit up and  he gave me words of encouragement. I wish the same for him. Fingers crossed, I hope his tumour  'dries up', as he puts it when the next MRI is due.

Am glad to say I've been productive through these past months writing and collating for a special project. In the meantime, my blog was inactive, in  sleep mode. Sorry friends, hope you're still around and keeping well.  My mind went into overdrive to produce a book, all from the comfort of my bed!!! If you have guessed there's a story of some sort about my injury, sorry, it is far from it!

Thanks to my friends and family members who have kept me moving and recovering.

So what has been happening at physio  for me? Have a peek. 

Keep moving though it hurts ! 

Stretch band  - keep pulling  - keep knee straight,   aim the toes point to your nose.

A mini see - saw to increase flexion

Not a water baby  but water sure helps a greater range of movements. 

More stretching exercises on the stair case - foot flat , bend knee forward and feel the pull at the ankle. Keep back straight always.

The exercise ball -  make a dent and keep knee straight.  I found it particularly helpful. Aim to press on the lower part of the ball for a better stretch.

A cold pack to reduce the swelling after all the stretching  exercises. 

Stepping exercises on the Theraband pads - standing between the parallel bars to find my balance again  and to strengthen my left leg

Morning in Taiping Lake Garden

A visit to Taiping always warrants getting to rediscover our beloved Taiping Lake Garden. This time round, we were up with the dawn chorus. So were Taipingites .  The Lake Garden is a  pocket of haven, tranquil in the morning, punctuated by the animal calls of the Zoo in its midst. My hubby bumped into an ex -staff and his wife, 'Hey, long time no see!' Quickly mobile numbers were exchanged.

 The  100 year old rain trees still stand as sentinels. Long may they live! The old zig - zag bridge also stands, reminding me of the blissful hours with my school friends; one of whom has turned a granny. A few of us, young 15 year olds, snapped photos, each taking turns as we daintily posed, our hemlines spread out in semi - circles on the grassy turf. So, instead of walking the pavements, following the joggers, it was a good time to zig - zag and remember the good times, once again.

Still early but am so wide -eyed!

These trees bring fame to Taiping .

How low can you go? 

A hornbill must have strayed from the Zoo nearby.

What do we want to see? Clear skies and everything nice!

 I did the zig -zag, once again like those times . Only thing the teen days are gone with senior days to enjoy!

.

The sun had risen ; the world awakes..

A solitary jacaranda  stands out among the greenery.

Get your latest news from the vendor after your walk.

Time to clean up after the visitors. Please keepTaiping clean.