tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89098152013-05-12T21:47:50.616+09:00Gardening, photography, food, fishing, traveling, scuba diving, life in Japan, plus of course, news and views of being away from home...Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.comBlogger521125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-45546439718772336352013-05-04T22:49:00.001+09:002013-05-12T21:47:50.626+09:002013-05-12T21:47:50.626+09:00<br /> Yes, it is time to say goodbye to Blogger...<br /> <br /> It has offered me a good platform to broadcast my views, my hobbies, my pictures, etc. to my friends in cyberspace...<br /> <br /> If so, why 'goodbye'?<br /> <br /> Well, the 'spark' is that silly thing called Google +1...<br /> <br /> I had not paid any attention to it initially but it kept 'pestering' me to sign up...<br /> <br /> So, one day, I casually signed up without reading what's in store...<br /> <br /> After all, it is Blogger that we are dealing with here... they can't be that 'wrong', can they?<br /> <br /> Or so I thought...<br /> <br /> Yes, they said that with +1, all comments will be taken care of in one location... how nice, I imagined...<br /> <br /> Imagine my horror when one blogger-friend told me that to comment on the blog posts, she needs to have an account in Google +1...<br /> <br /> Yes, two or three new readers with +1 accounts commented... and I am happy that they did...<br /> (Please accept my apologies as I honestly am quite lost as to how to reply to these comments through this +1 thingy.)<br /> <br /> But, Blogger yanked off that comment moderation feature that I was used to... and I was not planning to spend more precious time playing games with Blogger on this...<br /> <br /> So, what next?<br /> <br /> Yes, get the heck out of this so-difficult-to-understand-and-handle +1 thingy...<br /> <br /> Now, in Japan, I might be mistaken, but if a member of the 'yakuza' wanted out, he might have to chop off his little finger to present to the boss as a sign of 'regret'..<br /> <br /> And what did +1 say to me if I decided to get out?<br /> <br /> 'All the comments will be deleted'...<br /> <br /> Wonderful, said I... (and, with profound apologies to all who spent time to kindly comment on my posts)... so be it...<br /> <br /> My first post with Blogger was in 28th October 2004...<br /> <br /> Thank you Blogger, for all those nice things... but it is Sayonara for now...<br /> <br /> To all my friends, I am bringing my horses to Wordpress...<br /> <br /> The new url is <a href="http://kedahanmalaysian.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">here</a>...<br /> <br /> Would be a delight to see you there...<br /> <div> <br /></div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-17867269394655694292013-04-21T08:28:00.000+09:002013-04-21T08:32:06.521+09:002013-04-21T08:32:06.521+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> April in Japan is quite a lovely sight...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqw0m-Bd7lU/UXKMb3iqVZI/AAAAAAAADa4/kmZsz4Si6Hs/s1600/DSC_0960a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqw0m-Bd7lU/UXKMb3iqVZI/AAAAAAAADa4/kmZsz4Si6Hs/s320/DSC_0960a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This is a scene that we can enjoy from our property...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Each spring, we wait with anticipation, the wild sakuras on the hillsides... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The pond is used to store water for agricultural (mainly paddy planting) purposes...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJsyKbLXtlE/UXKMc1uOjVI/AAAAAAAADbA/76PwQny4V40/s1600/DSC_0977a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJsyKbLXtlE/UXKMc1uOjVI/AAAAAAAADbA/76PwQny4V40/s320/DSC_0977a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Taken from our vegetable garden, with the 'somei yoshino' sakura tree and our house in the background....</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbuj2J1dZHs/UXKMd7D2GnI/AAAAAAAADbI/bxwqp2wunyo/s1600/DSC_0980a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbuj2J1dZHs/UXKMd7D2GnI/AAAAAAAADbI/bxwqp2wunyo/s320/DSC_0980a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Our 'somei yoshino' sakura tree in full bloom... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTtpNrMAhbk/UXKMeBgr3hI/AAAAAAAADbQ/h7GF_nz9cl4/s1600/DSC_1012a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTtpNrMAhbk/UXKMeBgr3hI/AAAAAAAADbQ/h7GF_nz9cl4/s320/DSC_1012a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> View of our place from a distance...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qeKbjI_Q2R4/UXKMf9SgUDI/AAAAAAAADbc/zX0flfbkG6Q/s1600/DSC_1039a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qeKbjI_Q2R4/UXKMf9SgUDI/AAAAAAAADbc/zX0flfbkG6Q/s320/DSC_1039a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The wild sakuras on the hill slopes...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8d4thaN_W4/UXKMfj4U35I/AAAAAAAADbY/nb9SBh2uYQg/s1600/DSC_1033a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8d4thaN_W4/UXKMfj4U35I/AAAAAAAADbY/nb9SBh2uYQg/s320/DSC_1033a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And a final shot of the wild sakura that is just adjacent to our property...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> (For some close-up shots of the sakuras, please see <a href="http://potagery.blogspot.jp/2013/04/sakuras-2013-in-full-bloom.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-8451493940324878282013-04-07T11:01:00.000+09:002013-04-07T11:01:37.310+09:002013-04-07T11:01:37.310+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> I feel rather weak today...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Yesterday, we had the pleasure and honor to welcome 50 over new international students...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> As with all previous occasions, we have lined up a series of orientations and guidance sessions, culminating in a 'Welcome Tea Party' where we also invite (non-university related) folks who support our causes, to join...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It is tiring... but I think the real cause of my physical feebleness is, I suspect, bad elements or germs have entered my system...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> My body feels pain... my muscles ache... could this be a mild case of food poisoning, I wonder... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I had my 'suweeto haato' to gently yet forcefully step all over my back and shoulders, believing that this practice would banish away the harmful elements from my body...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Even if it were wishful thinking, it felt really good to be 'stepped on' as such... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I hit the sack last night an hour earlier than usual, and although I had recovered quite a bit, I still need to rest...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The weather since yesterday, had been typhoon-like and is still gusty and windy...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I tried to force myself to go to the garden but I could not withstand the strong gales that blew in from the Inland Sea...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Approximately at the same time last year, powerful gales came in and uprooted our ten-meter high 'Christmas' tree... (see <span id="goog_1713336260"></span><a href="http://lronglim.blogspot.jp/2012/04/gift-for-our-26th-wedding-anniversary.html" target="_blank">here<span id="goog_1713336261"></span></a>)</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Now, the real story of this post...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The Japanese folks, especially the older generation, still keep to the 'tradition' of sending new year post cards...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Being a resident in Japan, and picking up friends and acquaintances along the way, I was bound to get 'entrapped' in this practice...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Before the advent of the email and such, there was not much to do except to return the wishes in kind...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> But with so much development in the social network services, it becomes inevitable that we opt for this medium if not only for its convenience...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> However, it is not every day that one can receive a new year post card from a senior citizen... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I had known Mr. T (through the Lions Club that we belong to) for several years now, and he is such a joy to be with... and such a funny, hilarious conversationalist to chat with...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Mr. T was born in the 12th year of the Taisho era, which is 1923 if we go by the Gregorian calender... which also means that he is about 90 years old... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The Japanese prose... 長楽無極　ご多幸　心よりお祈り申し上げます</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> My interpretation, 'Continuous enjoyment to no end' or something to that effect... and 'wishing you happiness from my heart'...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPP4MMbIJxw/UV0P_I4M3TI/AAAAAAAADYU/fUI_T9WW1I4/s1600/Tanaka-san%27s+ny+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPP4MMbIJxw/UV0P_I4M3TI/AAAAAAAADYU/fUI_T9WW1I4/s320/Tanaka-san's+ny+card.jpg" width="216" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Immediately, I stood at attention... and responded... writing not with my hand but with the keyboard, and had the prose printed out...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> He was so delighted to read about my many failures and sparse successes with my vegetable gardening...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> So much so that he invited my missus and for lunch or dinner at any time that is convenient to us...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Arrangements was made through Mr. O, another long time, 'fun to be with' member of the club... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU-XzpNya7k/UTweD0Q2_fI/AAAAAAAADVY/ZPHU0bR2Cew/s1600/P3090182a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU-XzpNya7k/UTweD0Q2_fI/AAAAAAAADVY/ZPHU0bR2Cew/s320/P3090182a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Now, Mr. O is about 5 years younger at 85, being born in the 3rd year of the Showa era (which corresponds to 1928 of the Gregorian calender)...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCyscumdcYc/UTweDpWykHI/AAAAAAAADVU/Zfwei9Q9bj4/s1600/P3090183a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCyscumdcYc/UTweDpWykHI/AAAAAAAADVU/Zfwei9Q9bj4/s320/P3090183a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Both of them are still driving despite their advanced age...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And I must say, they look very healthy and strong...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The invitation was to have 'bento' (lunch box) together with their spouses while viewing the blooms of plum blossoms in the garden of Mr. T's house....</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfEg1QFT7Ss/UTweFXxFzsI/AAAAAAAADVs/nOoWNmkOrPM/s1600/P3090193a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfEg1QFT7Ss/UTweFXxFzsI/AAAAAAAADVs/nOoWNmkOrPM/s320/P3090193a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Had a really fun time chatting with the two senior folks while chewing on tasty bento...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> He is into calligraphy and I must admit that I am clueless in this area...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The stuff he showed us... wooh, was surprised at how much they costs... the brushes... the ink-stones... his works... the monetary value of these objects made my camera equipment look like child's play...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5X-KCiKpAhQ/UTweFR8oFdI/AAAAAAAADVw/REKbdfEvSsI/s1600/P3090201a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5X-KCiKpAhQ/UTweFR8oFdI/AAAAAAAADVw/REKbdfEvSsI/s320/P3090201a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And finally as we were preparing to leave, my missus casually commented on a flower bush...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> As if on cue, he took out a spade and dug a few plants for us...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I protested weakly... to that, he said, 'you better accept it before I change my mind...' </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> A very nice sayonara gift, I must say...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Back home, we searched the net and found out that this flower is called marsh marigold...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-76603675824810421522013-03-27T21:51:00.000+09:002013-03-27T21:51:11.704+09:002013-03-27T21:51:11.704+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Did a trip to Tokyo some time ago...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Decided to stay at a hotel near the Tokyo Skytree...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2NSf6emcpo/UTwe6Sd6GkI/AAAAAAAADWM/s9WoiTPM_9Q/s1600/P2250010a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2NSf6emcpo/UTwe6Sd6GkI/AAAAAAAADWM/s9WoiTPM_9Q/s320/P2250010a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Just as I entered the hotel room, I was greeted by this scene... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Hmmm, nice...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBGrmeaqHkE/UTwe6LQwxbI/AAAAAAAADWE/JcjNXUat71s/s1600/P2250031a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBGrmeaqHkE/UTwe6LQwxbI/AAAAAAAADWE/JcjNXUat71s/s320/P2250031a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Standing at 634 meters, it is the tallest structure in Japan at the moment...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ycu6KVdEPKQ/UTwe6Wi1brI/AAAAAAAADWQ/7TLF9bcjBqQ/s1600/P2250050a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ycu6KVdEPKQ/UTwe6Wi1brI/AAAAAAAADWQ/7TLF9bcjBqQ/s320/P2250050a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> For dinner that day, chose to have the 'chanko-nabe' which is a staple for sumo wrestlers... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRUUYuPnu7g/UTwe65QAviI/AAAAAAAADWY/c4sAsIOYjpg/s1600/P2260082a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRUUYuPnu7g/UTwe65QAviI/AAAAAAAADWY/c4sAsIOYjpg/s320/P2260082a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The structure shot the next morning before sunrise...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YJ05cH-feA/UTwe7-_sZII/AAAAAAAADWk/VliJs52zsGQ/s1600/P2260097a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YJ05cH-feA/UTwe7-_sZII/AAAAAAAADWk/VliJs52zsGQ/s320/P2260097a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />And on the other side of the hotel is the green-roofed 'Ryogoku Kokugikan' (National Sumo Stadium)...&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the far background </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">on the right, </span></span>beyond the high rise buildings, </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">stands </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">the</span> snow-capped </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mt. Fuji</span></span>...</span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-41606591115754780792013-03-17T21:07:00.000+09:002013-03-17T21:07:06.250+09:002013-03-17T21:07:06.250+09:00Was inspecting my garden one day when I saw this snake creeping out...<br /> It moved very slowly...<br /> So slow that I had more than enough time to go inside the house to get my camera...<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77aewUUp9Qw/USP3G4wm-bI/AAAAAAAADQ0/J6axjVN6XH8/s1600/P2170405a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77aewUUp9Qw/USP3G4wm-bI/AAAAAAAADQ0/J6axjVN6XH8/s320/P2170405a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake, or Japanese Striped Snake (shimahebi) is native to Japan and <span style="font-size: small;">is</span> non-pois<span style="font-size: small;">onous</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan" title="Japan"></a>.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It supposedly feeds on frogs, lizards, insects, rodents, and even <span style="font-size: small;">small</span> birds and their eggs.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This <span style="font-size: small;">one was a little over one meter...</span></span></span><br /> Looking at its slightly bulging stomach area, I imagined it must have swallowed a mole as we do have moles frequently digging in our garden... <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SDnQfgcPnw/USP3HZAxlHI/AAAAAAAADQ4/MHGN5vkPcl4/s1600/P2190406a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SDnQfgcPnw/USP3HZAxlHI/AAAAAAAADQ4/MHGN5vkPcl4/s320/P2190406a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> That afternoon, my missus saw a <a href="http://potagery.blogspot.jp/2010/06/japanese-black-kite.html" target="_blank">Japanese black kite</a> perched on one of our wood shacks, clearly eating a snake, she said...<br /> And I stumbled upon this half-eaten specimen near that same spot the next morning...<br /> <br /> First time for me to see a happening in our garden....Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-471988929495174002013-03-10T16:15:00.003+09:002013-03-10T16:15:27.717+09:002013-03-10T16:15:27.717+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Have been dreaming about keeping chickens...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> For the last few weeks, was busy trying to hammer out a mini-mini chicken coop... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The re-cycled wood is sourced from the stone masons in the neighborhood...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap5N7NvinEA/UTwcz4m-aNI/AAAAAAAADVA/CgQEB6TcrDE/s1600/P2030393a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap5N7NvinEA/UTwcz4m-aNI/AAAAAAAADVA/CgQEB6TcrDE/s320/P2030393a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This picture is a projection of the finished product... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> There are two main, detachable components to it...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The bottom part is for the chickens to roam about in the day time...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The top component is for them to sleep at night...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I have yet to decide where to put the egg nest...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This was photographed mid-way through the construction...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> My missus came by and commented, 'Ooh, those large gaps, the snakes will come in for the eggs'...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And being the 'clumsy carpenter' that I am... I scratched my head followed by two slaps on my forehead... thinking about how to close those gaps...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2ExKt8slq0/UTwczVN_1BI/AAAAAAAADU0/9t-cr6xFUhI/s1600/P3030140a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2ExKt8slq0/UTwczVN_1BI/AAAAAAAADU0/9t-cr6xFUhI/s320/P3030140a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Took me a few more weeks to build, un-build, and re-build again...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This is supposed to be the end product... and I am quite sure that no wild animals (ferret, raccoon), bird of prey (Japanese kite) or snake can penetrate this cage...&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> In the meantime, through my contacts with the Lions Club, the boss of a large chicken egg farm has agreed to offer us some chickens... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We ask for only two... yes, only two, for a start...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And I could not believe that he would take the trouble to come all the way to check out our environment...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Apparently, Japan is serious on the prevention of the bird flu... and the boss of the chicken egg company wanted to make sure that there is no risk on my part with regards to the possibility of 'starting' or helping to spread the bird flu...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> In other words, no free range chicken farming... too risky as the chickens will come into contact with the wild birds large and small...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> He came one weekend, and was satisfied with the chicken coop or cage that I made...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> 'Your chickens will lay eggs everyday, because the environment is very good'...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I cheered silently... heeeyyyaaaahhh... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> He suggested that we should get the 'Momiji' breed, which is developed by the Japanese farmers...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> 'Momiji' simply means 'maple', and is named so to reflect the reddish-orange feathers of the chicken... &nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The chicks are still small now and he welcome us to visit his chicken egg farm around May... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_o02oAzEGHo/UTwczjfpp5I/AAAAAAAADU4/MWGiDPjwqF4/s1600/P3040151a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_o02oAzEGHo/UTwczjfpp5I/AAAAAAAADU4/MWGiDPjwqF4/s320/P3040151a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> May is still quite a long time from now..</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> So, why not convert the top part of the chicken coop into a cold frame to start some vegetable seeds for spring planting?</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I did just that and immediately sowed over thirty types of vegetable seeds...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Now, I am thinking to make a larger 'hotel room' (the top component) for the birds to sleep... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And I have a few weeks to do that...</div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-3070585969830585692013-02-20T21:01:00.000+09:002013-02-20T21:01:05.182+09:002013-02-20T21:01:05.182+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> My missus recently started to put out cut Mandarin oranges in the garden...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> In no time, came a couple of Japanese white eyes...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Native to the Japanese islands... and the local name is&nbsp;mejiro (メジロ, 目白), literally, 'white eye'... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJfhyli1Vt8/USS6LAaZhAI/AAAAAAAADSc/Q12zNTv23LU/s1600/DSC_0349a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJfhyli1Vt8/USS6LAaZhAI/AAAAAAAADSc/Q12zNTv23LU/s320/DSC_0349a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We normally put out the orange early...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And before 7 am, the birds will come...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akddYR3AziQ/USP8K5IENSI/AAAAAAAADRo/MSub09mE_z0/s1600/DSC_0358a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akddYR3AziQ/USP8K5IENSI/AAAAAAAADRo/MSub09mE_z0/s320/DSC_0358a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> They appear to be the same couple... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXQwWS8GniM/USP4yt8IkSI/AAAAAAAADRE/CaK1no3ZZHE/s1600/DSC_0437a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXQwWS8GniM/USP4yt8IkSI/AAAAAAAADRE/CaK1no3ZZHE/s320/DSC_0437a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> While one feeds on the orange, the other bird waits nearby...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gorl5srZ2hk/USP4y6P00JI/AAAAAAAADRM/7Db3KiRJqz8/s1600/DSC_0387a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gorl5srZ2hk/USP4y6P00JI/AAAAAAAADRM/7Db3KiRJqz8/s320/DSC_0387a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Initially, the birds were cautious... the distance between us and them is about 2 meters...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I had to hide behind the curtains to photograph them...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vFRrw2HSAQ/USP4y106S4I/AAAAAAAADRQ/hxGfrQ6mn60/s1600/DSC_0400a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vFRrw2HSAQ/USP4y106S4I/AAAAAAAADRQ/hxGfrQ6mn60/s320/DSC_0400a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> After a few days, they got used to us watching...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This one has became brave enough to show me her tongue...</div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-29892248358596318652013-02-09T21:29:00.001+09:002013-02-09T21:29:42.820+09:002013-02-09T21:29:42.820+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Spent all morning this day chopping firewood...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Had to stop after my muscles began to ache...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Did something less strenuous thereafter... that is, to construct a chicken coop...&nbsp;&nbsp; </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tb3QCWDCCZg/URY_zF5EadI/AAAAAAAADQU/Z1wq4obUz0E/s1600/DSC_0322a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tb3QCWDCCZg/URY_zF5EadI/AAAAAAAADQU/Z1wq4obUz0E/s320/DSC_0322a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> When the day was done, was treated to a sumptuous dinner...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> All done up by my suweeto haato...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> First, the toast with red wine... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EyBSAwo4X64/URY6hmouH4I/AAAAAAAADO4/v2lmCp1WMZE/s1600/DSC_0315a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EyBSAwo4X64/URY6hmouH4I/AAAAAAAADO4/v2lmCp1WMZE/s320/DSC_0315a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Today's soup was winter melon with some pork lean meat... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xE22vNZV6Ww/URY6hQ4U9rI/AAAAAAAADOw/iCo91sc4skw/s1600/DSC_0318a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xE22vNZV6Ww/URY6hQ4U9rI/AAAAAAAADOw/iCo91sc4skw/s320/DSC_0318a.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The salad course was avocado with broccoli, celery, chopped onions, spread over some lettuce...&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dX26ykdyBCA/URY6hfms6oI/AAAAAAAADOs/wAzH-oy2YfY/s1600/DSC_0319a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dX26ykdyBCA/URY6hfms6oI/AAAAAAAADOs/wAzH-oy2YfY/s320/DSC_0319a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We don't normally take beef, but today's an exception, I suppose...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Aussie beef it was... and the taste was good... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWbbaXGPndU/URY6iJnm0-I/AAAAAAAADPA/6ZkIKwNGagY/s1600/DSC_0323a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWbbaXGPndU/URY6iJnm0-I/AAAAAAAADPA/6ZkIKwNGagY/s320/DSC_0323a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The 'main' course was tomato-based spaghetti with oysters and broccoli...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Ooh, delicious...&nbsp; </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDgKZWx-488/URY6indICtI/AAAAAAAADPE/-p5TymlPfVE/s1600/DSC_0327a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDgKZWx-488/URY6indICtI/AAAAAAAADPE/-p5TymlPfVE/s320/DSC_0327a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And to end the meal, home-made apple pie...&nbsp; </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4KOFDO2NbM/URY8pGdJzeI/AAAAAAAADP0/QlZslDuZFOY/s1600/DSC_0331a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4KOFDO2NbM/URY8pGdJzeI/AAAAAAAADP0/QlZslDuZFOY/s320/DSC_0331a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> No sugar added, as my missus said...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Only three apples and one lemon...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Happy CNY to all who celebrate the event... </div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-71783047712660470462013-01-20T20:53:00.001+09:002013-01-20T20:53:08.689+09:002013-01-20T20:53:08.689+09:00For the past few weeks, had been spending time to construct 'sheds' to store firewood for our wood stove... <br /> I use recycled wood sourced from wholesalers who import huge stones from abroad...<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ow_s6NBRHFI/UPRzoaogBMI/AAAAAAAADAQ/ORLxMBcdPUo/s1600/P1050135a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ow_s6NBRHFI/UPRzoaogBMI/AAAAAAAADAQ/ORLxMBcdPUo/s320/P1050135a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Am not too much of a 'skilled' person when it comes to these things... <br />Anyway, the above picture shows one of my newest 'masterpieces'...<br /> Notice the 'shelves'?... <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_bWIHlk3Ug/UPRzpP_WirI/AAAAAAAADAU/eyrdsh9QqLA/s1600/P1050150a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_bWIHlk3Ug/UPRzpP_WirI/AAAAAAAADAU/eyrdsh9QqLA/s320/P1050150a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The 'shelves' facilitate more air flow, thus allowing the wood to dry better...<br /> They also allow easier access to the wood especially those that are piled at the lower levels...<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx-QuTW9MVo/UPRzpYc-8kI/AAAAAAAADAY/flZhHUpQgrc/s1600/P1050148a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx-QuTW9MVo/UPRzpYc-8kI/AAAAAAAADAY/flZhHUpQgrc/s320/P1050148a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Prior to this, I had just piled up the wood, without the 'shelves', as shown above...<br /> 'Not very good', said my missus... <br /> I certainly need to re-do this one later on...Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-2570966635833082192013-01-02T21:12:00.000+09:002013-01-02T21:30:12.357+09:002013-01-02T21:30:12.357+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Returned to Japan from Malaysia on the last day of 2012...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Back to freezing temperatures, compared to those of Malaysia's...&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tukdOBK7kpA/UOPzquA5k8I/AAAAAAAAC9U/ivhZGd9TpAc/s1600/PC190073a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tukdOBK7kpA/UOPzquA5k8I/AAAAAAAAC9U/ivhZGd9TpAc/s320/PC190073a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Spent some time diving the seas of Sulu...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Nudibranches are one of my favorite photo subjects...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> From the guide books, the above specie is classified under 'Chromodoris sp.'...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> But frankly, these scientific names are quite difficult to comprehend for a layman like me...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Why? For there are apparently many, many different types of nudibranches that look so different and are yet classified under the same names... .<br /> My dive buddy (aka my missus) found this one for me to photograph... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTZ2R9670EA/UOPzpH_cCZI/AAAAAAAAC9M/9dQH6H_kvAE/s1600/PC190041a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTZ2R9670EA/UOPzpH_cCZI/AAAAAAAAC9M/9dQH6H_kvAE/s320/PC190041a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This one appears to fall under the 'Chromodoris bullocki' classification...<br /> Again, my dive buddy found this one for me to shoot... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We thought they were mating...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Apparently, 'each nudibranch has both male and female producing sperm and eggs. To mate, two nudibranchs come together side by side and pass sperm sacs through a tube in their 'neck' to each other. Both then go their own way and lay egg masses that may contain millions of eggs.' (<a href="http://www.reefed.edu.au/home/explorer/animals/marine_invertebrates/molluscs/nudibranchs" target="_blank">Source</a>)</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tv5nkKtSMEw/UOPzmSZvbAI/AAAAAAAAC88/0jxwFPe10us/s1600/PC170269a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tv5nkKtSMEw/UOPzmSZvbAI/AAAAAAAAC88/0jxwFPe10us/s320/PC170269a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Could not believe this was a nudibranch at first...&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Its scientific name? Yes, try 'Phyllodesmium briareus'... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> All nudibranches are carnivorous, meaning that they prey on other marine animals like corals and sponges. &nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This guy seemed to be feeding on the mat-forming soft corals...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJsLXVpRlRo/UOPzn2cKJyI/AAAAAAAAC9E/zKuQTI1P1-g/s1600/PC180030a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJsLXVpRlRo/UOPzn2cKJyI/AAAAAAAAC9E/zKuQTI1P1-g/s320/PC180030a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Have seen this nudibranch somewhere before...&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> 'Chromodoris willani' is the name... weee... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Would have loved to have an external flash on my camera for this shot....</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctWFYnX4Wqk/UOP0FYWFYVI/AAAAAAAAC9s/Cknr42S3Gfk/s1600/PC170264a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctWFYnX4Wqk/UOP0FYWFYVI/AAAAAAAAC9s/Cknr42S3Gfk/s320/PC170264a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Lankayan Island is a good 90-minute speed boat ride from Sandakan...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Despite the fair weather, the ride there was bumpy...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It is quite a nice island on the seas of Sulu...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk around the island...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmoS6gthwUU/UOP0EFVJHiI/AAAAAAAAC9k/r9c48lhrey4/s1600/PC170248a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmoS6gthwUU/UOP0EFVJHiI/AAAAAAAAC9k/r9c48lhrey4/s320/PC170248a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> All the bungalows were single standing...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Very well built with good materials and nicely furnished...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfrq9K7CFgM/UOP0C8l-eeI/AAAAAAAAC9c/aZU0cSdSUQc/s1600/PC170090a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfrq9K7CFgM/UOP0C8l-eeI/AAAAAAAAC9c/aZU0cSdSUQc/s320/PC170090a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The main building of the resort...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Imagine this, right in the middle of nowhere, in the Sulu Sea...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This building houses the restaurant, and offers plenty of spaces to relax in between dives...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EP8ojn6--hc/UOP0ZFT8ErI/AAAAAAAAC90/1XdRFKGfazs/s1600/DSC_0044a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EP8ojn6--hc/UOP0ZFT8ErI/AAAAAAAAC90/1XdRFKGfazs/s320/DSC_0044a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Of course, today is the second day of the year 2013...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We took our first walk in the nearby hills...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And stopped by the neighborhood shrine to offer our thanks to the heavens for the past year... plus, our wishes and hopes for the new year...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Happy new year to all who comes by this post... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-60903685961661671432012-11-18T22:01:00.000+09:002012-11-18T22:01:11.792+09:002012-11-18T22:01:11.792+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Was out of Japan for about 10 days...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N4ozFInrvIM/UKjXARz1vKI/AAAAAAAAC4I/Jcnfog2c3ds/s1600/DSC_0227a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N4ozFInrvIM/UKjXARz1vKI/AAAAAAAAC4I/Jcnfog2c3ds/s320/DSC_0227a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Returned home to see the temperatures dipping to the mid-teens...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And the trees in the hills taking on hues of red and orange...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3mArplwypw/UKjXCGuh6AI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/TwlInHHsWCo/s1600/DSC_0234a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3mArplwypw/UKjXCGuh6AI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/TwlInHHsWCo/s320/DSC_0234a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;This Japanese maple tree radiates as it takes in light from the morning sun...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MErxxEfHN0/UKjXDcGVx_I/AAAAAAAAC4Y/li1nQ6iMa2g/s1600/DSC_0248a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MErxxEfHN0/UKjXDcGVx_I/AAAAAAAAC4Y/li1nQ6iMa2g/s320/DSC_0248a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Large tracts of the hills here are inhibited by this 'wax' tree...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The Japanese name is 'haze' and the tree is apparently very useful albeit having toxic substances that can cause irritation to certain people...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The sap is used to make lacquer, and wax can be tapped from their seeds to make candles...&nbsp; </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voKzGuo3Aqc/UKjXExpmGOI/AAAAAAAAC4g/GIN7BLuEGRQ/s1600/DSC_0250a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voKzGuo3Aqc/UKjXExpmGOI/AAAAAAAAC4g/GIN7BLuEGRQ/s320/DSC_0250a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> My 'sweeto haato' taking in the sights, as we paced through the paths...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Wooh, autumn in Japan... lovely it is... </div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-52216974990600411632012-10-28T21:52:00.000+09:002012-10-28T22:07:54.975+09:002012-10-28T22:07:54.975+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Did a check on the history of this blog and found out that today is actually the 8th anniversary of my blog...<br /> <br /> Hosted a garden lunch party for fifteen of our neighbors last Saturday...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> That was the fourth straight year that we had been hosting this event...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aL8tIXGDwL0/UI0haOnCXsI/AAAAAAAAC1E/eCUzxKOMRKo/s1600/PA270401a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aL8tIXGDwL0/UI0haOnCXsI/AAAAAAAAC1E/eCUzxKOMRKo/s320/PA270401a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Hamburgers are not really in my normal 'to-eat' list of stuff...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> But this one was pretty good, I must admit...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> One of our neighbors made it for the party and hmmm, my missus was surprised upon seeing my munching on that plate... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSPrhmscBnI/UI0hbEriolI/AAAAAAAAC1M/NgtrogSprR0/s1600/PA270405a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSPrhmscBnI/UI0hbEriolI/AAAAAAAAC1M/NgtrogSprR0/s320/PA270405a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Bologna sausage, and smoked salmon... specially ordered from Kobe by another neighbor...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Good stuff... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eoUkGKi_eOM/UI0hb-ncZMI/AAAAAAAAC1U/v7jVDyMViI8/s1600/PA270407a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eoUkGKi_eOM/UI0hb-ncZMI/AAAAAAAAC1U/v7jVDyMViI8/s320/PA270407a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We were very happy to welcome the presence of the parents of one of our neighbors...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> They stay in another city and came all the way to join us...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Last year, only the mother came, but this year, the father came along too...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And the <i>maze-gohan onigiri</i> (mixed rice ball?) made by the mother... wooh, full of ingredients and goodies...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4wehEbHHNE/UI0hdaDu9cI/AAAAAAAAC1c/ZbbZnG1dJ8E/s1600/PA270409a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4wehEbHHNE/UI0hdaDu9cI/AAAAAAAAC1c/ZbbZnG1dJ8E/s320/PA270409a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Meanwhile, the daughter herself, who is our neighbor, made this walnut-banana cake...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Urmmm, very good texture and taste...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl8dNNPVGdw/UI0heVoKsAI/AAAAAAAAC1k/_EHCBXQHE78/s1600/PA270422a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl8dNNPVGdw/UI0heVoKsAI/AAAAAAAAC1k/_EHCBXQHE78/s320/PA270422a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Yet another neighbor, for the last three years or so, presented us with this made-from-scratch soba noodles...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It was just 'straight' soba... unpretentious, and to the point... very wholesome stuff...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> With all these good stuff to enjoy, am sure looking forward to hosting our neighbors again next autumn... </div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-3658428568616679252012-10-17T18:32:00.000+09:002012-10-17T18:32:37.534+09:002012-10-17T18:32:37.534+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Joined my <i>suweeto haato</i> for a walk last weekend... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R15yFT63odo/UH50zkZiOOI/AAAAAAAACy4/E6Cx_AnXIGA/s1600/PA130214a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R15yFT63odo/UH50zkZiOOI/AAAAAAAACy4/E6Cx_AnXIGA/s320/PA130214a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;Five minutes from our place lies the beach...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7MiQOSDc5g/UH501ASuWEI/AAAAAAAACzA/KX1FVHykv4c/s1600/PA130225a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7MiQOSDc5g/UH501ASuWEI/AAAAAAAACzA/KX1FVHykv4c/s320/PA130225a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;A fisherman or two trying out their luck on the <span class="prog_meaning">Japanese 'needle-fish'...</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BM2XfGxXsEs/UH5028AUKWI/AAAAAAAACzI/O9IHTmUYajg/s1600/PA140235a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BM2XfGxXsEs/UH5028AUKWI/AAAAAAAACzI/O9IHTmUYajg/s320/PA140235a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> A few more minutes down the path, we found some workmen felling trees in an area where there was a landslide...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tJOGrO8Ly4/UH504jxtMhI/AAAAAAAACzQ/5hL0uV-XTW4/s1600/PA140249a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tJOGrO8Ly4/UH504jxtMhI/AAAAAAAACzQ/5hL0uV-XTW4/s320/PA140249a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And some hours later, we returned to the site with our gear... wooh, very nice <i>ubame </i>oak (native to Japan) logs that are most appropriate for the wood stove.... </div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-6233076871002105782012-10-07T20:48:00.003+09:002012-10-07T20:48:54.694+09:002012-10-07T20:48:54.694+09:00Every autumn, the residents of Aji hamlet get together for a clean-up of the neighborhood... <br /> Precisely, it means cutting the grass and clearing up the roadways...<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVYnrHCGAsc/UHFpf0HhkMI/AAAAAAAACww/bfNH8oEPWrM/s1600/PA070131a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVYnrHCGAsc/UHFpf0HhkMI/AAAAAAAACww/bfNH8oEPWrM/s320/PA070131a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Took time out to snap a shot of two neighbors walking down the path after cutting the grass.... <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vsWa3XSOaQ/UHFphImhPDI/AAAAAAAACw4/x8d2Hgdp0Rg/s1600/PA070139a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vsWa3XSOaQ/UHFphImhPDI/AAAAAAAACw4/x8d2Hgdp0Rg/s320/PA070139a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Most of the grass is hauled away to another location for disposal...&nbsp; <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLio4QhNjQg/UHFpiT15ipI/AAAAAAAACxA/wHhO2Lj2J9Q/s1600/PA070140a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLio4QhNjQg/UHFpiT15ipI/AAAAAAAACxA/wHhO2Lj2J9Q/s320/PA070140a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> But the original residents of the hamlet prefer to burn the grass right there...<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZjt6FbCT_A/UHFpjZghxZI/AAAAAAAACxI/uFS4u-q3rRs/s1600/PA070156a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZjt6FbCT_A/UHFpjZghxZI/AAAAAAAACxI/uFS4u-q3rRs/s320/PA070156a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> There is a law against open fire burning, but... oh well, I always thought to myself...&nbsp; <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WY_VnR7DoFA/UHFpkz24ZXI/AAAAAAAACxQ/46F76WufMKo/s1600/PA070159a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WY_VnR7DoFA/UHFpkz24ZXI/AAAAAAAACxQ/46F76WufMKo/s320/PA070159a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> And today was such a lovely day spent...<br /> Autumn days in Japan is really, urmmm, pure delight....Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-53899959141010260322012-09-15T22:18:00.004+09:002012-09-21T21:47:01.514+09:002012-09-21T21:47:01.514+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Had been very busy lately... while traveling quite a bit since August...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5VEikr7Hxk/UFR3ZSyDmoI/AAAAAAAACtc/HEZtMl_WLKY/s1600/P8300029a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5VEikr7Hxk/UFR3ZSyDmoI/AAAAAAAACtc/HEZtMl_WLKY/s320/P8300029a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Took a handful of students to Chiang Mai as part of a class...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Besides the classrooms, we took time out for a bit of fun, doing things like riding cow carts, taking elephant rides, and experiencing bamboo rafting...&nbsp;&nbsp; </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ3brb76D1s/UFR3a-gtsUI/AAAAAAAACtk/Odcaep6aQHY/s1600/P8300133a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ3brb76D1s/UFR3a-gtsUI/AAAAAAAACtk/Odcaep6aQHY/s320/P8300133a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And when in Thailand, woah, food...&nbsp; </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHi5liGsji4/UFR3cGMbQAI/AAAAAAAACts/xc4g4Z6HjTc/s1600/P8310286a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHi5liGsji4/UFR3cGMbQAI/AAAAAAAACts/xc4g4Z6HjTc/s320/P8310286a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Thai noodles... oooh...&nbsp; </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FCjvw9eL9U/UFR3dJin_GI/AAAAAAAACt0/9ltleav7Om0/s1600/P9120474a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FCjvw9eL9U/UFR3dJin_GI/AAAAAAAACt0/9ltleav7Om0/s320/P9120474a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Upon returning home, thought I could take a rest...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> But no... had to do a quickie trip to Beijing to attend to an emergency situation...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iufsGsKjV2M/UFR3f4fBpdI/AAAAAAAACuE/mYwsmKfJ1P8/s1600/P9130498a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iufsGsKjV2M/UFR3f4fBpdI/AAAAAAAACuE/mYwsmKfJ1P8/s320/P9130498a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Was actually my first time to step on the streets of Beijing...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And my counterparts suggested, yes, what else but the Peking Duck...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The picture shows the supposedly most delicious parts of the duck that the host normally offers to the honored guests... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwT6w6RGuAk/UFR3e0oZeXI/AAAAAAAACt8/jYbs6CZrq8E/s1600/P9130487a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwT6w6RGuAk/UFR3e0oZeXI/AAAAAAAACt8/jYbs6CZrq8E/s320/P9130487a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And the duck liver was real tasty, I'd say... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0LZnsYTFLY/UFR3hBvSV6I/AAAAAAAACuM/Q8d28gi7R9s/s1600/P9130613a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0LZnsYTFLY/UFR3hBvSV6I/AAAAAAAACuM/Q8d28gi7R9s/s320/P9130613a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And after the duck, we did the touristy thingy of visiting the gigantic Forbidden City Museum... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> In the evening, yes again... the Peking Opera it was...&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Thought that was fun to watch... </div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-4999200239483226952012-08-12T22:09:00.001+09:002012-10-01T06:12:32.664+09:002012-10-01T06:12:32.664+09:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1J18XzWpIo/UCc1exE10bI/AAAAAAAACpg/3gAjfdQjzHc/s1600/DSC_0099a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1J18XzWpIo/UCc1exE10bI/AAAAAAAACpg/3gAjfdQjzHc/s320/DSC_0099a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Had not been walking the hills recently...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Reason is, there are tons of chores to do in the <a href="http://potagery.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">potager</a> during the weekends, and like all things, it is a matter of priority...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Anyway, thought I would take a break from the potager and accompany my <i>sweeto haato</i> in her regular walk last Saturday morning...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Before long, we met a neighbor (different from the one in the previous post) who was visiting another neighbor in the adjacent hamlet...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> After some brief niceties, we resumed our walk...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And oops, bumped into each other again a few minutes later as she was returning home on her bicycle...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Why not take home some tomatoes? She offered...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-demazfonNl8/UCc1bCvT4YI/AAAAAAAACo4/xwAMT6wUsaU/s1600/DSC_0076a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-demazfonNl8/UCc1bCvT4YI/AAAAAAAACo4/xwAMT6wUsaU/s320/DSC_0076a.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It was not for us to decline a good offer...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Pretty soon, we were standing at her vegetable garden, watching her harvesting the tomatoes...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Would you like some green peppers too? My husband dislikes eating them and told me not to cook any dish with peppers... she said...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycPxhgAYzSE/UCc1eMZBplI/AAAAAAAACpY/N1sl2pqsskY/s1600/DSC_0089a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycPxhgAYzSE/UCc1eMZBplI/AAAAAAAACpY/N1sl2pqsskY/s320/DSC_0089a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And how about some pumpkins? They are a bit small but they taste very sweet...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Oh, there's okra too... here, take some...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38w3iND8o8g/UCc1b9bkSxI/AAAAAAAACpA/28MyK7hOpK8/s1600/DSC_0082a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38w3iND8o8g/UCc1b9bkSxI/AAAAAAAACpA/28MyK7hOpK8/s320/DSC_0082a.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Hmm... what can I say except that it is so nice to reside in this hamlet amongst such generous neighbors...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And my, their vegetables are of a different class compared to the 'mini-mini' ones that I could only grow at my potager...</div> Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-70954027928583587842012-07-22T10:59:00.000+09:002012-07-22T10:59:55.336+09:002012-07-22T10:59:55.336+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Summer is in full swing here in Japan...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Temperatures hover around 35 degrees and it is quite stifling, actually...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uoHINCwsvS4/UAqc03EB2TI/AAAAAAAACmg/DqbItpWbiSg/s1600/DSC_0082a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uoHINCwsvS4/UAqc03EB2TI/AAAAAAAACmg/DqbItpWbiSg/s320/DSC_0082a.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The vegetable gardens in the neighborhood are thriving...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And, my <i>sweeto haato</i> continues her walks amidst the neighborhood gardens, meandering herself along the paths in the hills...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And once in a while, she receives some nice gifts from the farmer-neighbors... this time, cucumbers, zucchini, green peppers... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3wgSvp-tRQ/UAqc9SuUwtI/AAAAAAAACmo/iOaHIP_A_4c/s1600/DSC_0018a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3wgSvp-tRQ/UAqc9SuUwtI/AAAAAAAACmo/iOaHIP_A_4c/s320/DSC_0018a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> For the past few years, the local Honda car salesman had been sending me a pot of (normally, tropical) flowers for my birthday...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I had purchased our Honda CRV from him years ago, and had been sending the car to his workshop for maintenance all the while...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Each time, the plants die out when the cold comes in...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> With this pretty hibiscus, think I'd plant it somewhere and hope it will survive the cold...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBM11CCUaII/UAqc-Cgid5I/AAAAAAAACmw/UeyGJmYIGk0/s1600/DSC_0040a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBM11CCUaII/UAqc-Cgid5I/AAAAAAAACmw/UeyGJmYIGk0/s320/DSC_0040a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Was invited by our next door neighbor to visit her maternal home in another part of town...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Purpose was to pick up some firewood but there wasn't much...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Was an old farmhouse with orange grooves, rows of blueberries, vegetables patches, an irrigation pond... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Ate some watermelon (yellow and red)... and was offered these asparagus by her younger sister whose husband is a professional asparagus farmer...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> These asparagus were huge... over 30 cm long... and they tasted good...</div>Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-77236990135693512802012-06-30T21:39:00.000+09:002012-07-12T21:40:58.856+09:002012-07-12T21:40:58.856+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTZeJxNQ7Z8/T_11EXseptI/AAAAAAAACk8/jnTTkUvIJWY/s1600/P6300337a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTZeJxNQ7Z8/T_11EXseptI/AAAAAAAACk8/jnTTkUvIJWY/s320/P6300337a.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> These are not very exciting pictures, so to say...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> But just for the sake of recording the happenings with the wood stove... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--S8gL3679gA/T_11FtEknyI/AAAAAAAAClE/M8J1Xw_16IM/s1600/P6300340a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--S8gL3679gA/T_11FtEknyI/AAAAAAAAClE/M8J1Xw_16IM/s320/P6300340a.jpg" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Yes, we called in the professionals to do a cleanup some days ago...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6W0V0LiixLM/T_11Ad4GrJI/AAAAAAAACkk/oW3BHiVGyHc/s1600/P6300302a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6W0V0LiixLM/T_11Ad4GrJI/AAAAAAAACkk/oW3BHiVGyHc/s320/P6300302a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We have been using the wood stove for just about a season and a half... and this is how the insides of the chimney looks...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7uetBLNF44/T_11B6hUq_I/AAAAAAAACks/GFRouMryjLY/s1600/P6300305a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7uetBLNF44/T_11B6hUq_I/AAAAAAAACks/GFRouMryjLY/s320/P6300305a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Wrapping one end of the chimney with a plastic bag, the insides are cleaned with a steel brush...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYIauyBacMI/T_11DJ-jblI/AAAAAAAACkw/OlVKx0hYAM0/s1600/P6300306a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYIauyBacMI/T_11DJ-jblI/AAAAAAAACkw/OlVKx0hYAM0/s320/P6300306a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It cost quite a bundle to hire these professionals...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> As they were doing the cleaning, I made sure to took note as I intend to do the cleaning myself next season... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-32651677768912313262012-06-24T21:18:00.000+09:002012-06-24T21:18:42.206+09:002012-06-24T21:18:42.206+09:00<br /> I am really poor at throwing away old stuff...<br /> Especially stuff that I have grown to love... to cherish...<br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huz5snipqkM/T-Jaud-ATSI/AAAAAAAACig/TP73Hgfhyk8/s1600/DSC_0825a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huz5snipqkM/T-Jaud-ATSI/AAAAAAAACig/TP73Hgfhyk8/s320/DSC_0825a.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /> And this pair of hiking boots is certainly one of those 'difficult-to-throw-away' stuff, even thought it is worn out...<br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FJzOModGyA/T-Jaq022daI/AAAAAAAACiQ/TzyQ3FfP4EY/s1600/DSC_0734a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FJzOModGyA/T-Jaq022daI/AAAAAAAACiQ/TzyQ3FfP4EY/s320/DSC_0734a.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br /> These boots had accompanied me to Mt. Fuji, twice...<br /> I walked many a hill, most often than not, solo, at Nagano, Gifu, and Aichi Prefectures when I was a graduate student at Nagoya University in the 1990s... <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bf-_gp6weAY/T-JaszU1UPI/AAAAAAAACiY/c5LAWj0fhJg/s1600/DSC_0741a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bf-_gp6weAY/T-JaszU1UPI/AAAAAAAACiY/c5LAWj0fhJg/s320/DSC_0741a.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /> My <i>sweeto haato</i> says, 'you cannot bring them to your grave when you kick the bucket... better to off-load one's belongings as we age... go light-weight...'<br /> Good advice, no doubt... but still...<br /> Perhaps I can try to be imaginative and convert them into 'flower pots' for my garden later on...Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-46330553536931535332012-06-19T17:49:00.003+09:002012-06-19T17:49:43.516+09:002012-06-19T17:49:43.516+09:00Once or twice a year, my <i>sweeto haato</i> visits her mum and stay for a few days...<br /> I am always happy to see that they enjoy each others' company during such occasions...<br /> For those few days, I am left to my own devices with regards to food...<br /> The shot below shows yours truly trying to steam some stuff...<br /> Brown rice and sauteed <i>daikon </i>(radish) which was actually pre-prepared by my missus...<br /> And fish, yellow-tail... with vegetables at the far left... my 'original'...<br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Un7uD50E24Q/T-A2TYcnj0I/AAAAAAAAChg/jc6RHykDQbU/s1600/P5190181a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Un7uD50E24Q/T-A2TYcnj0I/AAAAAAAAChg/jc6RHykDQbU/s320/P5190181a.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /> During one 'lonely' weekend, attempted to cook some soup...<br /> The lazy way, actually, where I can literally throw any ingredients I wanted into the iron pot (dutch oven)...<br /> I did this outside, in the garden...<br /> I put in too many ingredients... tofu, mushroom, carrot, garlic, potatoes, onion... more than 10 different types...<br /> (When my missus returned and saw this picture, she couldn't help exclaiming <i>hidoi... iro ha nai... oishiiso ja nai...</i> &nbsp; (translation: terrible... no color... doesn't look delicious...)<br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vveh0Md5fGs/T-A2Sb1QcmI/AAAAAAAAChY/ZWmSIzzwxxM/s1600/P5190170a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vveh0Md5fGs/T-A2Sb1QcmI/AAAAAAAAChY/ZWmSIzzwxxM/s320/P5190170a.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /> And while sorting out the photos, I can across this shot...<br /> <i>Yaki-meishi kai ankake</i>... or fried rice with bamboo-shell clam gravy...<br /> Cooked not by me but by my <i>sweeto haato</i>...<br /> Compared to the rather bland concoction in both taste and appearance that I had churned out, it is times like this when I am reminded of my lucky stars to have someone cook so well for me... <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5349TWr7XA/T-A2NToOX4I/AAAAAAAAChQ/jcBuIOsS8zY/s1600/DSC_0116a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5349TWr7XA/T-A2NToOX4I/AAAAAAAAChQ/jcBuIOsS8zY/s320/DSC_0116a.jpg" width="320" /></a>Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-65157888635692819082012-06-09T21:34:00.001+09:002012-06-09T21:34:23.611+09:002012-06-09T21:34:23.611+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Heard quite a bit about the scuba diving in Pulau (island) Tenggol, off the coast of the state of Trengganu on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Made a trip there in 2009... and found out that the diving was not much to shout about...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Furthermore, my underwater photos were totally washed out as I was trying out to figure out how to operate the (then) new camera...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2HfQZkDMs4/T9Ce48ltBZI/AAAAAAAACdU/CEDSsqsXuRQ/s1600/P8090007a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2HfQZkDMs4/T9Ce48ltBZI/AAAAAAAACdU/CEDSsqsXuRQ/s320/P8090007a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> So, it was not surprising that the pictures above the water was better... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This peanut-nibbling squirrel came really close to us when we were relaxing in the bungalow... perhaps about a meter away?</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5aoX9RY9RBE/T9Ce50tkR9I/AAAAAAAACdY/eHx37sPN5j0/s1600/P8120617a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5aoX9RY9RBE/T9Ce50tkR9I/AAAAAAAACdY/eHx37sPN5j0/s320/P8120617a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Don't really know the name of this flower...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It was quite big, and the tree was thriving at the sandy beach...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSXZmk71HsQ/T9Ce7epOSmI/AAAAAAAACdk/lDMvztG7yAE/s1600/P8120621a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSXZmk71HsQ/T9Ce7epOSmI/AAAAAAAACdk/lDMvztG7yAE/s320/P8120621a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> After dinner one day, we strolled along the beach...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The scene from this distance was not too bad...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rca8qVwzvFk/T9Ce9AjAwsI/AAAAAAAACds/svdtejPjak0/s1600/P8130652a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rca8qVwzvFk/T9Ce9AjAwsI/AAAAAAAACds/svdtejPjak0/s320/P8130652a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> On the return leg, spent a whole day at Kuala Trengganu city...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The interesting parts of the city was within walking distance from our hotel...&nbsp;&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The shot above is the city market...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I was, as usual, looking for durians... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJECXaZ9iGM/T9Ce-lRwR-I/AAAAAAAACd0/soiNuxmvfWM/s1600/P8140754a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJECXaZ9iGM/T9Ce-lRwR-I/AAAAAAAACd0/soiNuxmvfWM/s320/P8140754a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We had enough time to take a ferry to the other side of the Trengganu River...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The specialty of the folks there were fish cakes and shrimp paste aka 'belacan'...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> My missus suggested that we try the fish cakes...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Tried we did, and almost immediately, I found myself groaning... serious diarrhea attack... ooh...&nbsp; </div>Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-16934634407193286792012-05-28T21:50:00.000+09:002012-05-28T21:52:04.313+09:002012-05-28T21:52:04.313+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Was chopping wood when my <i>suweeto haato</i> called out happily, pointing to a log that I had used as a stool for our guests in our outdoor gatherings...<br /> Baby mantises, looking quite a bit like ants, were hatching off a nest that their mother had laid on the log... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFQ4Moe6d70/T8IjpNqr-rI/AAAAAAAACck/3hV30k-ksh8/s1600/DSC_0232a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFQ4Moe6d70/T8IjpNqr-rI/AAAAAAAACck/3hV30k-ksh8/s320/DSC_0232a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Was the first time for me to observe such a scene...<br /> There were about 30 of them, each measuring about one centimeter...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYtXXlpqFq4/T8IjqJGCTkI/AAAAAAAACcs/u82DOqvSoAc/s1600/DSC_0252a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYtXXlpqFq4/T8IjqJGCTkI/AAAAAAAACcs/u82DOqvSoAc/s320/DSC_0252a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Was quite amazed to see that they already had their 'claws' at the time of birth... &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And it didn't take long for them to quickly disappear...&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> They must have been very vulnerable then, as there are many geckos and frogs in our compound that might prey on these babies...&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-82425576252991618472012-05-13T20:57:00.002+09:002012-05-13T20:57:53.963+09:002012-05-13T20:57:53.963+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Lovely weather these few days with early morning temperatures in the low teens and afternoon temperatures in the low twenties...&nbsp; </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ffJy3fxJz70/T65ZjVL36dI/AAAAAAAACcE/HUn6zQU23qo/s1600/DSC_0116a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ffJy3fxJz70/T65ZjVL36dI/AAAAAAAACcE/HUn6zQU23qo/s320/DSC_0116a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And spring is such a lovely time to walk the hills to enjoy wonderful views such as those provided by this field of mustard flowers...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwe-fUozUjo/T65Zh5pyNpI/AAAAAAAACb8/T4FYGR_Plc4/s1600/DSC_0111a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwe-fUozUjo/T65Zh5pyNpI/AAAAAAAACb8/T4FYGR_Plc4/s320/DSC_0111a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Our attention turned to the several <a href="http://potagery.blogspot.jp/2010/06/japanese-black-kite.html" target="_blank">Japanese black kites</a> hovering over an open field...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And woah, they were zeroing on this <i>tanuki</i> （狸） or badger that they had probably killed... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Life is tough, even for these wild life... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The intestines looked fresh so I imagined the kites just made the kill some moments before we came by...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> My <i>suweeto haato</i> said 'don't put this picture up... or all your readers will abandon you'...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3hdwMWXL9s/T65ZlEsY-zI/AAAAAAAACcM/6Sr31UD0GiQ/s1600/DSC_0124a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3hdwMWXL9s/T65ZlEsY-zI/AAAAAAAACcM/6Sr31UD0GiQ/s320/DSC_0124a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Our walk always bring us pass this <i>O-Jizoa </i>(<b>地蔵</b>) which is like a guardian deity for children...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The folks in the neighborhood always decorate this deity with flowers...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jVuoTJnuZI/T65ZmRgK-eI/AAAAAAAACcU/IrsZm5e0fi8/s1600/DSC_0125a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jVuoTJnuZI/T65ZmRgK-eI/AAAAAAAACcU/IrsZm5e0fi8/s320/DSC_0125a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And repetitive as it may seem, we never fail to pause and gaze at how our house looks like from the lookout point up at the hills...</div>Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-53413259720478915742012-04-28T08:27:00.001+09:002012-04-28T08:27:52.560+09:002012-04-28T08:27:52.560+09:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9P0LVXV6f8/T5smYN-s6rI/AAAAAAAACZM/wjWKxDL-w54/s1600/DSC_0153a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9P0LVXV6f8/T5smYN-s6rI/AAAAAAAACZM/wjWKxDL-w54/s320/DSC_0153a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> 'Freesia is a genus of about 14 species. All the 14 species of Freesia are African in origin. Of The 14 Freesia species, 12 are native to Cape Province, South Africa, the remaining two to tropical Africa. (<a href="http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/morepopularflowers/freesia" target="_blank">source</a>)<br /> <br /> Yes, apartheid ended in South Africa in the early 1990s.<br /> <br /> While apartheid continues to be one part (albeit a big one) of the many problems in modern day Malaysia, I am using the yellow of the freesia from my garden to make my stand on the impending Bersih 3.0 demonstration today in Malaysia...<br /> <br /> <br /> I am of the 'vintage 58' era, having been born just one year after Malaysia gained her independence from Britain in 1957...<br /> <br /> Today, I take time out to salute the efforts and commitment of Malaysians from all walks of life in this historic endeavor for a just and peaceful Malaysia for all...<br /> <br /> I am turning 54 in about two months time and I have been living outside of my beloved Malaysia since 1981...<br /> Which means to say that the years spent outside of Malaysia (over three decades) is longer than the years spent inside of Malaysia...<br /> <br /> All these while, I have been following very closely the political and social developments in Malaysia...<br /> And I for one, have been sick for a long time with the selfishness and the dirty antics played out by the ruling party since they came to power in 1957...<br /> <br /> Enough is enough...<br /> <br /> While Bersih 3.0 is non-political and fights for clean and fair elections, I would go further to say that I want to see the current crop of corrupt and inept politicians get kicked out come the next general election...<br /> <br /> Enough is enough...<br /> <br /> And I pray that the current government, the useless police and the KL city office people will not do anything stupid...<br /> <br /> No one can stop the will of the people in this fight for fair play and justice in Malaysia...<br /> <br /> God bless you all...Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909815.post-4389813544414276232012-04-22T21:49:00.000+09:002012-05-01T06:31:04.040+09:002012-05-01T06:31:04.040+09:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Sakuras again??</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Thanks to the previous owner for the 'strategic' positioning of our house, we are privileged to view wild sakuras blooming on the hillsides, without having to do much of a walk...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cN4ecY2tR2w/T5PuUNVBuEI/AAAAAAAACYw/mOJc082snIM/s1600/DSC_0922a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cN4ecY2tR2w/T5PuUNVBuEI/AAAAAAAACYw/mOJc082snIM/s320/DSC_0922a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This picture was taken in the morning, when the sun was lighting up the hillsides...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K38sDZqAUbk/T5PuM63CG7I/AAAAAAAACYQ/MdaPtCmInoU/s1600/DSC_0901a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K38sDZqAUbk/T5PuM63CG7I/AAAAAAAACYQ/MdaPtCmInoU/s320/DSC_0901a.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The pond (in the middle) is used for irrigating paddy fields... it is one of about 15,000 such ponds found in Kagawa Prefecture...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiTaeMlU1QY/T5PuWU-zTGI/AAAAAAAACY4/MTIlQ3b4bng/s1600/DSC_0923a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiTaeMlU1QY/T5PuWU-zTGI/AAAAAAAACY4/MTIlQ3b4bng/s320/DSC_0923a.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> A shot of our 'inner' garden... see the goldfish pond (dug by yours truly) in the foreground?&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgg5uMsbfYg/T5PuLQjLY3I/AAAAAAAACYI/YEQ6dNEp4Gw/s1600/DSC_0084a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgg5uMsbfYg/T5PuLQjLY3I/AAAAAAAACYI/YEQ6dNEp4Gw/s320/DSC_0084a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> My <i>sweeto haato</i> was very excited upon seeing this rainbow-like lining...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSsLpSVdDw/T5PuJm81tGI/AAAAAAAACYA/UFGeaH8MLGE/s1600/DSC_0070a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSsLpSVdDw/T5PuJm81tGI/AAAAAAAACYA/UFGeaH8MLGE/s320/DSC_0070a.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Throughout the six years we have been here, this was the first time for us to see such a phenomenon... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VU5CFZ0PEk0/T5PuO622byI/AAAAAAAACYY/3Nl1yDiwdKc/s1600/DSC_0907a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VU5CFZ0PEk0/T5PuO622byI/AAAAAAAACYY/3Nl1yDiwdKc/s320/DSC_0907a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This is another lovely scene that we enjoy...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The terraced fields provide me with lots of photo opportunities throughout the seasons...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YadAKXKik0g/T5PuSKZ4lHI/AAAAAAAACYo/d508kgM59oE/s1600/DSC_0917a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YadAKXKik0g/T5PuSKZ4lHI/AAAAAAAACYo/d508kgM59oE/s320/DSC_0917a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Moved the camera slightly and we get another scene... </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RyrF7VatUx4/T5PuIdjD8AI/AAAAAAAACX4/gIbJ7R1Bf9I/s1600/DSC_0033a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RyrF7VatUx4/T5PuIdjD8AI/AAAAAAAACX4/gIbJ7R1Bf9I/s320/DSC_0033a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This is a rather unusual wild sakura...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The flowers being whitish compared to the somewhat pinkish others...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZy1SMoQLkM/T5PuG2ahoCI/AAAAAAAACXw/WBoa65g6J88/s1600/DSC_0015a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZy1SMoQLkM/T5PuG2ahoCI/AAAAAAAACXw/WBoa65g6J88/s320/DSC_0015a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And when the petals begin to fall... it is time to catch them floating at the pond water surface...<br /> <br /> See <a href="http://potagery.blogspot.jp/search/label/Sakura" target="_blank">here</a> for close-up shots of the blooms... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cN4ecY2tR2w/T5PuUNVBuEI/AAAAAAAACYw/mOJc082snIM/s1600/DSC_0922a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K38sDZqAUbk/T5PuM63CG7I/AAAAAAAACYQ/MdaPtCmInoU/s1600/DSC_0901a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Lrong Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071380270069499888noreply@blogger.com7