On the hook

Irish Crochet - My last posted progress was in January 2019...doesn't sound that very long does it?  but its time to finish some of these crochet and knitting projects. Firstly, its taking up space and I need to declutter. Secondly, well, it's time to get it done before I go on buying more...lol

I began working on this  since the start of our MCO in March this year, but it was only in  May when I began to assemble the pieces and by August I was quite happy with how all the motifs came together (after some pondering)and was comfortable with how it looked. Thereafter it was just sitting there on my frame.  I was so near yet so far. I began working on it diligently about mid November to put everything together and finishing it before November ended

Pardon the wonky-ness

The Red Motifs - another one pulled out from the dark cold box in the corner. Working with motifs  is super easy and a very versatile project. I can simply tugged into my purse and  carry  it anywhere and everywhere I went. Easier said then done. Haha...it took me like ages but when I got it going, there was no stopping. The set backs I encountered  with this was assembling the sleeves Since I did not follow any given pattern, it took me two days on a weekend to figured it out and finally put it together. 

The most challenging yarn I have ever encountered. The yarn are hairline thin with tiny tracks of fibers in between. Working with three strands . This was at first a stole to be but somehow along the knitting journey, I decided a blouse/tunic would be of more use to me than a stole living in my hot and humid weather. 

And so there you go, striking out three  from my Crochet/knitting UFOs list...next some Christmas finishing.

I shall leave with this yummilicious Signature Watermelon Cake by  Naj & Belle Dessert House, so glad they opened a branch at this new mall  not far from my home. The mall finally had their official opening mid November after postponing it since March this year due to the pandemic.

Well I hope everyone stay safe .

Taiwan - The journey with Mom

A journey with Mom in the last five days of May  

Thou this is not the first time we travelled, we have travelled many times before but just that this is the first time we are travelling  just the two of us and most importantly,  we survived, LOL. Travelling with mom may be a joy for some, for me it's different, I need a lot of patience and compromise, for we can have our differences in many ways and I do not want our little spats to destroy our journey. Just because I like to explore as much as I can and doing all the touristy stuff in my travels, doesn't mean that I expect mom to do so as well, she prefers to shop and can take up conversations with just anyone, not me. At her 85 years of age, my concern is her walking long distances and her diet.  I also worry she will not be able to go on a long haul fight. Taiwan, a little birdie has told me is on her wish list and I thought I should plan a trip just the two of us so I could be in controlled of our itinerary. Moreso, Taiwan is slightly just over four hours away seem perfect.

Thou I began planning in March, I couldn't get away from work until after April ended and it was only May, end of May that we made the journey. I worked out a schedule of planned itinerary weeks before our departure and making sight adjustment along the way to accommodate mom. I have arranged her to be on wheel chair from airport to airport so she will not have to walk the distance within the airport especially our airport which is a very, very long walk

Our first dinner upon arrival we tried out the famous Yuan Yang Hot Pot in Xiemending,

 the most famous district also known as the Shibuya of  Taiwan where we spent 3 nights. Here's a brief details of how our journey went in no particular order.

Visited the Chiang Kai Shek Residence , Shilin like a tourist

 The former residence of late Republic of China President Chiang Kai-shek 

and his wife Soong Mei-ling, The residence consisting of Western and Oriental influence garden is now turned into an ecology park. It was a very hot day and mom took shade while I explore a little of

Madam Chaing's favourite Rose Garden, trust me I didn't go very far

In awe with the roses

The garden is huge and filled with many species of roses that I wished I could cart home

I managed to get mom to pose for a few shots and I was rather surprised that she was very obliging 

Later in that afternoon, we made our way to SunYat Sun Memorial, a tribute to the Nation's founding father and our timing was perfect to witness the changing of guards

Never knew Mom was ecstatic to be able to witness the changing of guards, it was drizzling a little that day, the only day that rendered a wet day for us. 

With an umbrella, I got her to pose with Taiwan's tallest iconic tower 101 in the background

Pineapple Tarts is Taiwan's most popular snacks food souvenir. The fruit itself hold a significant history behind its popularity . The crumbly bite-sized pastries filled with chewy pineapple filling mold into brick size symbolize golden bricks of prosperity. Mom and me had a fun time getting some lessons in molding the pineapples, set a side the thoughts that this is actually a gimmick to get you to buy it's products later and need I say that we did succumbed to it, LOL 

Taiwan famous dumplings Xiao Lung Bao must try, I told mom so

By bloggers' recommendation we went to King Ping instead of Ding Tai Fung the original restaurant, said to taste better since the Chef here originates from the later and had made a name for himself.

Two of the famous night markets Shilin and Roahe Nite market are most popular with tourist for their trendy fashion but most importantly fancy street food and especially the Stinky Tofu, seriously it's a Chinese form of fermented tofu that has a strong odor considered the most memorable and classic dish and oh boy! I ain't going to give this a missed.

This it's a must try when in Taiwan and HongKong !

How bad is the odor? Like rotting garbage , LOL

ewwww..not!

Thankfully, the taste is far less pungent than the smell. Normally served with either chili sauce or pickled vegetable to mask the smell and give it some flavor.

 Mom was all no-no at first, but I managed to coaxed her to try and she remarked 'not bad'

 There you go!

another on my must try from  the night market is  another signature Taiwan made famous 

Bubble Milk Tea. not that I can't get it locally back home, but this is it's birth land

so MUST TRY !! 

From Taipei we managed a night at this PeiKong Creek & spa Resort  in Nantou

A onsen style resort for a revitalising soaking session in hot thermal water with a breathtaking view

There is even a mini onsen styled tub in it's bath in our chalet for privacy, bliss

Our dinner at the spa was a packaged we took

Since mom is on no seafood diet, they were kind enough to obliged

still somehow, thou our ancestors may originates from the same Chinese land, 

food wise is somewhat not something we could get accustomed to while in Taiwan

With a  little assurance and encouragement, Mom made it midway onto the scenic suspension bridge, A lil'cheat just for a snapshot, LOL

The journey to Nantou was a bit long and so we had some fun with snapchat 

At the Dahu Strawberry Farm and Winery, unfortunately it's strawberries off season 

Still mom had a joyful time shopping for souvenirs for her friends back home

and she found the largest strawberry and lolly

Neiwan Old Street, a remote village nestled in the mountain next to a river . 

The old street will come alive on weekends with tourist sampling food from the Hakka culture but we went on Friday and thus the old street is almost deserted. 

 Taiwan was ruled by the Japanese for 50years and such villages existed due to logging and mining industry all over Taiwan and flourished prosperously. 

 Its popular landmark here is the Neiwan railway station. Mom went back to our van, (yes we had a seven seater van for the duration of our trip just the two of us) with the driver after lunch while I went exploring the streets a little on my own

<Mom looking out into Sun Moon Lake from the Wen Wu Temple 

> At the Puli Winery famous for its' earthen pots of wine

The Magnificent WenWu Templed replaced the old temple after the earthquake overlooking the  famous Sun Moon Lake . It is located at the foothills of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range and surrounded by forested peaks and has foot trails east of the lake.

By the Wishing Fountain - Her expressions said it all

Five Days In Taipei
Drinking like crazy
ONLY
Coffee and Tea
from the 7-Eleven that mushroom all over Taiwan
and there is one located just right outside our hotel

Coming back home I was thrilled that our local Family Mart has some of these on it's shelves

and so the drinking continues, hahaha

Finally

Our final shot at Taoyuan International Airport boarding gate

 She stole a lil'nap while waiting, our flight was  delayed for over 2 hours

Like any tourist, we took zillions of photos and mom was very sporting throughout, of the many photos ; selfies, wefies and some with the help from strangers, I love this best, a snapshot in front of the 101 Taipei iconic tallest tower

I am glad I took this journey with mom, I am glad for many reasons; glad that I did this when she is still somehow still able thou abit slow, glad that she still have the strength thou not as strong as she was a year ago, glad that I finally done it and not just wishful thinking but most importantly glad that we had some moments to bond and enjoyed the journey sharing a little joke and  laughter along the way.

We can now argue at home :D

Many thanks to all those who came and left comments in my last post 

Today we celebrate another festivity

Happy Dumpling Festival 

and this is the Nyonya Chang/Dumplings

Wishing all a Happy New Week !

A Wedding, A Charity and An Election

The Wedding - He was just a little boy when we and his parents, first  moved into the neighborhood. He and his little brother is just a couple years older than my boy then and went to the same school both in primary and high school.

Today, Adrian is a fine young man and has found a life to share with the girl of his dreams. The elder of two boys, Adrian weds Angeline on the last weekend of April just before our intense 14th General Election.

Two souls but a single thoughts, Two hearts that beats as one.
Congats Adrian and Angeline, wishing you both a blissful life and happiness always.

The Charity - The Penan Charity Drive is back !
Held at the same venue as the last, The Verdant Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on March 5th
I volunteered again this round  and like the last time couldn't resist not buying a few more to add to my collection . Well considered that  my contribution to the Penan caused.

This dish known as Sarawak Tomato Koay Teow (Flat noodle)

originates from Sarawak in the Borneo Island

June my partner in crime (Black dress) at the Charity sales with my long time friend, Datin Sally (in White overcoat) from college who came to shop in support of the Penan's plight managed to steal some time for lunch.

The Election - A moment of history : For the first time in our history, the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan not only won our 14th General Election but saw a huge wave of millennials going to the polls for the first time ever ending a 60 years rule by the then governing Barisan Nasional  who had ruled this country since our country's independence. It also saw our overseas voters was ever so determine to have their votes included despite some received their ballot papers late. A facebook was even created where  people  volunteered to be personal courier  from airport to the voting destination  so that overseas voters could reach out to ensure that their ballot papers arrive on time. That was how determine we are to want a change in government.

Since this Election date fell on a Wednesday, with much criticism and outcry from the people , the then PM announced the day as a nation's public holiday.

The win scored a historic shift of power and our now newly elected Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir who was our longest serving premier of 22 years and 4th Prime Minster from 1981 to 2003 is now the world's oldest premier to return to power at age 92. Another first in our history, is the newly appointed Deputy Prime Minster;  Dr Wan Azizah is the first lady Deputy Prime Minister in the country.

With the win, the newly elected Prime Minister announced a two days public holidays 

With a total of five days off from work, my kitchen was finally smoking , LOL

On election day I made lunch

Nyonya Herbs Rice served with Mustard Green Stew (Chai Boey),

Fried sesame chicken in soy sauce and Salted eggs

Breakfast for the day after

Blue Pea Kueh Sago with shredded coconut coating

(Steam Tapioca Pearls in Blue Pea Flower color coated with shredded coconut)

For afternoon tea on Saturday

Taro and Sweet Purple Potato sandwich with Sweet Sticky Rice Cake (Nin Gao) fritters

Sweet Dessert Nyonya Bubur Cha-cha

(Potato, Taro, Pumpkin in coconut Milk)

Lastly, my mother's day bouquet from the kids and the five days break ended

Thank you everyone for coming by and leaving me your comments in my last post. Hope you enjoy looking into another non-crafty post.

Travel, Food, Applique and Swap Partner

April began with Tomb Sweeping Day, a day family members gathers and go to the graves to cleanup and offering prayers. It's a yearly affair . A week after, hubby decided that we should make a trip back  to my birth place;  Penang Island , nicknamed Pearl of the Orient. It's located way up North from where I lived now. Penang Island is connected to the main land by it's most iconic transit, the Ferry crossing the Straits of Malacca that was operational since 1894. Today we have two bridges connecting to the mainland and the third bridge with an underground tunnel is on it's way.

I missed the sea ! Simply can't wait to get my feet in the sand ,

smell the salty breeze and

listening to the waves.

Sunrise by the beach

A relaxing morning by the sea before we start our day food hunting 

and doing what needs to be done

The Reclining Buddha Buddhist Temple

This Thai Buddhist temple has a history dated back to Queen Victoria

To me, it has been there like forever

 It was a short trip of one night and two days, yet we managed to squeeze some time for an Afternoon Tea at Eastern and Oriental Hotel. Sweet of hubby who is not a fan of Afternoon tea was very obliging and not complaining. LOL

Sinful indulgence by the sea at a place called Tanjung Tokong is this platter

This restaurant has been in business for as long as I can remember and was badly hit by the 2004 Tsunami . How lucky were we when we were told that this platter is the last lot for the night since we did not make any reservations   

Crafting venture - Sue Bonnet Applique pouch began sometime late March.

I received this as a gift from hubby's classmate who now resides in Hong Kong when we first met on a trip years ago.  I felt intimated with the applique and thus it's been sitting at the bottom of my stash cabinet for a very long time

Having this as a kit made it all the easier. Actually I was initially very blurry as to how to begin with. It took me a day, thinking hard before I finally realized that the fabrics from the kit are actually  replica of the pattern on the photo with the template provided. Gosh! sometimes the brain is just not in the head. Anyhow, imagined that I applique on the wrong side of the fabric , TWICE !!

Froggy must be in the house somewhere !

Still full of doubts !

At this point I am not too sure if I am doing right since the size is rather small and fit only one hand. The kit is from Hong Kong is somehow written in Mandarin, a language I can't read and not much of a diagram as to how it was done up , so I ended guessing a lot  and look it up in YouTube on how to sew a pouch and ended up hand sewn the entire pouch including the zipper.

The sewing mojo must have been aroused , I made a couple of  'No Binding Coaster', when I stumble on Monica's tutorial while searching for the Sue Bonnet finishing know-how . It's really easy , a great way to use your 5" charm packs and I am pretty sure this will  make an excellent gift.

Link to the Tut : http://itsjustsewing.com/binding-free-coasters-hotpads/

MUG RUG - another sewing venture for a sepecial lady and a no binding coaster

Can you imagine meeting your swap partner ?

Call it chance or coincidence ! but we made it happen

Wren was my 10th Mug Exchange swap partner hosted by Stephanie .

It was a delightful afternoon meeting Wren over lunch and coffee.here in my homeland.

Two strangers from a swap, meeting for the first time

and chatted like we known each other for ages.

If we told the people at the next table that we just met for the first time,

I think they would not believed us !

Thank you Wren for a lovely afternoon.

Thank you Stephanie for drawing our names together .