YEAR END CUTI CUTI SABAH

We started our annual cuti cuti Sabah a day before christmas.
This time around we have added Kudat as an additional destination.
As the law only allows four passangers to a vehicle,it was a bit of a problem initially for my parents and Atlas to join us.
Mom had again insisted that Atlas join us for his christmas holidays. Poor guy . She didn't even asked if he had other plans.
I have no comments.... he is such a mamma boy
Dad opted not to join us as he had much to do .... so he said but I guessed he was just trying to make way.
Anyhow, since Nicole was the only passanger in Rocky's car, Tisha willingly offer to join her. That way there was enough 'space' for mom and Atlas to join in ours.

Our first stop was Tambunan. Ah.to be amongs nature. The thought of someplace with cool temperature, peace and quite came to mind. We were here last chirstmas too.Goes to show how everyone love the place.
Reservation had been made at the Gunung Alap Resort much earlier on.
Holidays seasons normally sees the limited resorts fully occupied.
Two cars that started from Sandakan were joined by another two in Tambunan.

We took five rooms in all. I could go on with my complains with how shabby the place looked but hold on to it as it was still bearable.
( ...and it was Andrew who recommended the place )
The only other complain that was very ovious on the place we had 'picked' to stay was electricity. They were using a generator set !
That would mean electrity was limited.
It was only available at the time given..which was 6pm-12am
(note: the water heater doesn't work either)



Christmas eve dinner was spent at the restaurant at the lodge itself.
The weather was extremely cold but we were still having dinner outdoor.... no other option as restaurant room was closed for the holidays.
Overall it was really wonderful...fellowshipwise and the abundance food.



Christmas day was spent hiking up to the power station hill that was located just opposite the lodge.
Well... not me . Andrew drove us right up to the top and back .



We proceed to another 'must see' site... the Malua waterfall. About 15km away from our lodge.
We still had to walk a distance before 'the sight'. The initial thought of swimming in the pool changed once we touched the water. It was soooooooooooo cold!
Only the little ones were daring enough although had to 'pay' the price later on as everyone of them who went in had somewhat caught high fever by the evening.... Nicole included.
Evening programme was dinner at Roy's place ( again!)..with roasted pig as the centre piece ( again!)...it was an annual event so what can I say. The villagers had had them every year and Im sure thats what they were expecting this year too.
Nothing out of the usual...food...drinks....singing...dancing....drunks.. :)

We came back way past midnight to a totally dark lodge. They have forgotten to keep the generator set on . (goes to show they unlike us town folks...... sleep early ...hahaha)
Come on...it was christmas ,they should have remembered that partying were everywhere. There shouldn't be any curfews on a holiday. Electricity should have been 24 hrs.
Still... that was what happened.

The men still went back to Roy's place the next morning to collect the abundance fruits at his 'kebun'.
- langsat, chempedak and rambutans.
The thrills of plucking them yourself was good enough a reason to do so I surppose.
We took lunch before driving down to KK .
Rocky stayed with us while Charles and his 'gang' put up at Leonara's place.

Evening was for the cousins to meet and catch up with their 'lives'.

Leon's christmas open house was lunch time. I hardly know anyone that came. They were infact relatives from Andrew's side.


Dad joined us for the trip to Kudat.
We stayed at the RIA hotel. Supposed to be a four star hotel. It gave such good vibes at first impression but by the end of the trip , we all would only give it a thumb down to any enquiries and recommendations asked.
We were accused of taking a teaspoon and the feet mat!.
Andrew just paid for those missing items but not before I gave them a piece if my mind.
It was actually not a big matter but the way they were 'finger pointing' ...boy did that get my blood boiling...a well as Rocky's...Florence's...and everyone else infact.

Here we were joined by three more famalies. The Chee brothers.
Kudat actually has nothing much to offer except for the hot sun, coconut trees and beautiful beaches.
But the main attraction would be at Simpang Mengayau...the Tip of Borneo, the place where the two seas meet.

A Date with Annie 5/3/2016

Had a very busy day today.
The fact that I started my routine work late contributed a lot to my shortness of time to complete all that needs to be done in time.
Lydia 's school PTA meeting was held today.  Absentees were made to contribute RM20 to which I find very unjust. What if one had to work?  A prior engagement? It's like they practically force you to attend.
I asked for a receipt  to which they said will be issued.  I will follow up on this since they cant issue one on the spot.

With me rushing for time I noticed the car's petrol was running  low and since  I needed to drive from one end of town to the other filling in was a must or I might add more trouble if it broke down in the middle of nowhere.
Sent Lydia for bowling half an hour late . Aarrrr....hope her coach won't get upset.

I had to return home before going to Annie's because I was having a bad stomach upset. I meant it was  real baaaaad.  Thank God I wasn't at the studio yet.

At Annie's they had a larger group today . Almost fifty people.
Well known Chef William Tan from KL.
Simple  and easy recipes but again I was there more for the free tips from these experienced chefs.
We finished early. Less than three hours in all for four items.

*
Another day for story of the hearts

A Date with Annie 12/3/2016

Today I had another date with Annie at Prima studio.
Jeff 's flight to Kk was boarding at 1.55pm while my date was at 1.30pm.
He took Mama cat Toufu to the clinic as she was already  in a bad state. This was to be our last act to try and save her. The wait was long so she was admitted without getting any diagnosis first.
We only hope she could be help.
Bought Mc D for lunch but it was early so got the Mc D breakfast deals instead.
What I can conclude about today's class.
- chef was a very young man
-nothing new that I don't  already know
-first time in all the time I went to have a very bounty "try outs"

Four Certificates

19 & 20 March 2014
Within this two days I add on four more certificates to the lists I've  collected along my journey  to a lifetime of learning.
I had 'dragged' Jeff and Jessy to participate along.
The first three certificates were for culinary while the last and most challenging one was for the 2km night heritage walk in conjunction with earth hour. We were totally unprepared for the '1000' steps climb. We did reached the finishing line alongside the other 4000 or so participants but not without the aches and pain. Not for me and Lydia but more for my two other buddies ;)

A Date with Annie 6/3 / 1016

A continuation of yesterday's date with Chef William Tan and his chocolate and cappuccino products.
Today's workshop was however done at Tshun Nyen studio.

Mood For Baking 15/3/2016

With the weather so darn 'hot' during the day,  laziness to do much of anything was a constant excuse.
My attending baking workshops however invited the mood to do some home baking. Mores with much of my baking ingredients nearing to their expiry dates.
Today I baked sweet buns and a fruit cake. Both turned out successfully.

A DREAM

A power nap turned out to be a two hour affair.  My afternoon slumber gave me a dream so real tht I woke up sobbing. Probably because I 'saw' Andrew again.

* We just moved to a new house with three bedroom. I saw the rooms with few stuffs but no beds. We were sleeping on the floor though with mattresses. Though I didn't see it but my knowledge was that
Everyone slept in the master bedroom which was meant for me and Jeff. Another room was given to Lydia while another was for the two girls when they come home for holidays. 
House was in Mandalipau in my mind but in the dream I saw a link house in a housing estate.
Next scene. ..Justin Dangatil was in my dream. We were having a house warming gathering. He gave us two grown male dogs. One was very vague but another one was a black and white spotty furry dog. I asked where he got them from. He answered with a smike and said they were ones I gave him before. I say need to neuter them already and I can see them running around sniffing  the compound.  That's when I saw the neighbourhood with few other houses that looked alike.
Andrew came to the picture. ...he agreed that them dogs must be neutered.