All about snow and me

This is an unforgettable sight. Today is the heaviest snowfall in 2008

Angeline, Thanks for the wool scraf... keep me really warm as you can see.

Don't you like this photo? Life is as normal after snowfall.

Don't I resemble my mother?

Today, I took many of my own shots. People who walk by me thought I am nuts. I am not aiming well. I Was trying to catch the snow behind but not really very good at it!

Can you see a spot of snow on my specs?

Photo dedicated to F and I

I love this shot. It looks like Christmas Tree

Faith, this picture is taken at the spot where you sat to watch the school children marching in the morning. This morning, the field is covered with snow (the white rectangle patch)

Looking down from the apartment.

The logo of the department store where we shopped.

Approx 5 cm of snow covered the ground

Dec 21st 9.17 pm

These are photos taken just before my treatment massages.

Snow covered the ground but life is as normal.

Pehaps the shopping centre is the best place to hang out because the temp (from the heater) is comfortable (free heater).

I am adapting. It is not very cold because wind chill is low.

Snow on video

after the snow at 8.22 am

Look at the snow covering the ground! It is a spectacular view from my apartment!

At 8.15 am, the snow subsided. It is now time for my breakfast!

I failed to post the video on snowing. I will try later.

I wish you a Great Sunday!

Wish you are here

Faith, Issac : Qingdao has 3 clouds of snow! It means heavy snow! The snow subsided as I post this blogi at 8.15 am

Snow falling taken from window pane

More snow

snow collected on the top of air conditioner casing

My next block and the sky

A white sky

Sunday Dec 21st 2008 7.30 am

(Today is a festive day - Tung Day - did you have Tang Yan?) .

It marks the New Year is coming!

There's snow last night.

I got up of bed for a cup of water.

Looking out of the window, I saw snow! It is heavy snow. I can see the snow out of the window.

I look down from my apartment. The ground is white. It is covered with snow! I think it is at least 0.5 cm thick because it could have snow the entire night.

I will go downstair later to play with the snow (before going for my weekly massage)!

Faith, Isaac : I wish you could see this! I captued some photos for you.

And the Qingdao weather forecast has 3 clouds with snow!! It means heavy snow

Love, from Grandma

Glad you are here

I am so excited and happy to see Burt's and his family in Qingdao - Dec 3rd to Dec 12th 2008l

The days past so quickly and all of you left me in China (hu hu hu).

I must say we have lots of fun and bonding. I wish we could do more of this!

Due to work commitment, I cannot post all the fond pictures. I will post this wonderful fire crackers event that none of us had the chance to experience while in Singapore.

Burt lighted the crackers and ran away. I do not think he realises that poor Isaac was left behind. My poor Isaac! He is so scared. But I am sure this will be something that he will treasure.

(the cost of this packet of fire crackers = S$1.60 I should have bought more as it seems quite enjoyable)

Please enjoy the video.

Love, Mummy

First snow falls in Qingdao

I miss the snow! It stop by the time I ran out of the office! So disappointing!

My sexy feet in the steaming tub with Chinese herbs for 30 minutes to promote blood circulations.

My fair lady!

On Nov 25th 2008, Snow flakes were falling in front of me at 7.45 am! I did not have my camera with me to capture this exciting moment!

At about 11.00 am, snow falls again. I quickly put on my boots and ran out of the office (from 10th floor) trying to capture it in photo! But too late lah, the moment I was downstairs, the snow stop!! Disappointed! Out of vanity, to see myself in boots, I still take a photo (see above).

On Nov 3oth, I spent 4 hours in manicure, pedicure and foot treatment. See photo (steam tub) - my feet in a steaming tub for 30 minutes...... it has herbs that supposedly promote blood circulation. It was refreshing. Then had a kind of ginger-essence plaster over my feet to treat rheumatism.

I do not like this treatment because I did not enjoy. The ginger essence has the burning sensation and I felt my feet were on fire!

Next week, am planning to steam my hair!

Temp is dropping

Weather is getting colder. Weds Nov 19th 2008 was the coldest. 10 degreeC
And this is not real winter yet!! (today, Sat is warmer - 12 degreeC)

Anyway, I am still excited because I get to buy my favourites boots and hats.
Will post photos.

This week had been a busy week for me. I had US Visitors and had meetins and trainings since the Company will implement new applications.

The visitors left today. I will be go for my regular massages tommorow!

Faith: Grandma will take you to the artist and you can watch him paint.
He is able to paint pictures and write into a small bottle!

See you in less than 2 weeks! Keep Warm in Shanghai!

Sunday Tour

Walk on the beach.

Exhibition Hall still under construction. Shape of wave and a sail structure

A big smile after shopping.

The artist who paint my name and well wishes into a small good luck glass bottle! He is very skillful. Everyone is given this gift from him because we made such "big purchases" (average S$50.00 per person)

My Guests - Walter and Deborah. Very satisfied buyers!

A tour to the city

Nov. 16th 2008 - Sunday
This is another busy sunday! I played Tourist Guide for 2 US Visitors!
(Me, Tourist Guide? Only 3 months in Qingdao?)

I did well as Tourist Guide! My visitors are very happy at the end of the day!

The day started at 10 am. I rented a private car (it cost S$52 per day include driver).

We took only 20 minutes to get to the City of Qingdao (because today is Sunday, the traffic was not heavy). The weather was fantastic - sunny and temp at 15 degreeC!

We drove along the coastline, walk on the beach, visit the parks, shop by the ocean front!
Shopping included pearl and seashell necklaces, precious stone bracelets, cow-horn combs, binoculars and keychains.

We had seafood lunch by the seafront (costs S$70 for 3).

We left the City approx 4 pm (We are happy with our reasonably priced purchases!).

We end the day with foot massage and manicure and more shopping at the mall in hometown.
We bought handbags, wallets and shirts.

The tour ended at 8 pm!

Will post photos.

Tommorow is expected to be cold - 3 to 10 degreeC.
The office temp will be OK because the heater in the building has turn on.
The bad news is : Where I live, the building is only 20% occuppied, they decided not to turn on the heater! I bought extra mobile heaters for the apartment.
When the children are here next month, I hope this will be warm enough - I will monitor.

Love & Miss All of You!

Photos

This is Isaac UltraMan Jacket!

This is Faith's favorite Pink

Look at the heavy Mist. This is at 8 am outside my apartment. Temp around 15 degreeC

Urh, I love this best. Faith's fur coat with matching handbag (not in picture).

I am anxious for your visits to Qingdao to try out these wonderful buys!

And, firecrackers and fireworks will be waiting for the children to enjoy themselves!

I cannot promise snow..... but hope children will see snowfalls!

Love,

All my First Time.

Hello Folks! Sorry for not posting for a long time as I have been busy! This is good as I don't feel bored. These are all my Firsts.
Date : Nov 1st - First time, I tasted a deep fried silk work cacoon. I was told it was not well fried thus it tasted a bit soft. Otherwise, there is no funny taste. I survived!

Date: Nov 5th: First time I see so much mist! (see photo). The weather is getting colder.

Date: Nov 11th: First time I can blow out 'steam' as I walk on the street. The temp has dropped daily. Today it is 13 degreeC. I start to put on layers plus Lambswool cardigan!

Shopping Spree: Nov. 10th - I shop for 4 hours and spent 1000 rmb. I bought 10 pieces garments. I guess I am one of the big buyer as I had unbelievable service. I was escorted to membership lounge for tea and noodles (for lunch). They carried my 5 shopping bags to the door and hail a cab for me. World class service. I will go back to the mall again next week.
Please see photos on the coats and jackets I bought for Faith and Isaac. They will be protected from the cold weather when they are here next month!

Love all of You!

more luoshan photos

Hi! It me! I told you, there are hugh rocks!

more picturs on myself. it is getting warmer, I removed my sweater


Rocky Top! Taken from the top

luoshan photos

t
this is the path - it is easy to climb. Many scenes with big bolders - this is just one of them

Hah, some difficult steps - but I managed!

Here is the best! Reminds me of Midford Sound in New Zealand.

The hill top

trip to Luoshan

Sunday Oct 12th - woke up at 5.30 am to get ready for moutain climbing (Luoshan).
Jenny and her family pick me up at approx 6.45 am. The ride is approx 1 hour 15 minutes
to get to the bottom of the mountain.

Tips : Need to pack own water to wash hands as toilet has no water. (Must remember to do this)

Entrance fees at peak period at S$10.00 per person. I paid S$5.00 because I am elderly (above 50 years)
If above 70, free entry. Off peak (Oct 31 to April 1st), ticket at S$6.00. Children are free.

Weather was very good. A bit cold when we arrived. But it got warmer as we climb the mountain.
I will enclose photos later. Beautiful place. If weather not too cold when you arrived, it is a recommended
stop. We stop for chinese tea at 'Tea station" - a pot of tea costs S$6.00.
They also serve tea-leaves eggs.

I climbed for approx 1 hour. it was good workout plus scenic tracks.

We left the place at 10.45 to head back to Chengyang for buffet at Holidays Hotel. (this is a new hotel. it has singapore standards. room charge S$100 per nite).
They served sashimi, sushi, tom yum kong, lamb chop, bake clams, shrimps, broccoli.
There are 13 of us at the buffet. It costs S$18.00 per person. All of us enjoyed the lunch!

Finish buffet at 2.00 pm. Went home to rest. Had massage from 4.00 to 7.00 pm!

learning to add more photos

This is Betty from my office. The vineyard belongs to her grandma. We did not get to meet her. However, we met Betty's mum (not in picture).

adding photos from vineyard trip

This is view of vineyard from highland.

scary information on baby carrots

Do not eat these baby cocktail carrots!
Faith loves them. I bought these for her previously. This has to stop!

The following is information from a farmer who grows and packages carrots.
The small cocktail (baby) carrots you buy in small plastic bags are made using the larger crooked or deformed carrots which are put through a machine which cuts and shapes them into cocktail carrots, most people probably know this already.
What you may not know and should know is the following:

once the carrots are cut and shaped into cocktail carrots they are dipped in a solution of water and chlorine in order to preserve them (this is the same chlorine used in your pool) since they do not have their skin or natural protective covering, they absorb a higher dose of chlorine. You will notice that once you keep these carrots in your refrigerator for a few days, a white covering will form on the carrots, this is the chlorine which resurfaces

Full Package Pampering Myself

October 1st visited a 'Beauty House' and signed up a VIP package.
The package is for unlimited visits for the services offered.
It costs 6000 RMB (approx S$1200). The services include facial, foot massage and all the massages and treatments on upper torso.
The services can be extended to MY family .. so when all of you are here, you can also enjoy for free!

Oct 1 to 5th being National holidays in China, I had my massages everyday for free!

At one time, I can have upto 3 massage therpaist attending to me at the same time (reason also because I was rushing for time to complete session). A relaxing session can take a good 3 to 4 hour course!

I had my facial and foot massage. And I had massage treatment for my muscle strain on my waist(hurt 10 years ago). Then they treat my tired muscle on my shoulder and back - Wow! It hurts... but feels really good after that. I had to do this for 7 times to totally relax my shoulder muscle.

I had massages to remove toxic .. they massage my tummy (which now becomes more trim after all the airs are out!), massage my breasts too!

This place shall be my weekend visit from now onwards!

When you come visit me, I will take you there to enjoy!

Watching TV - 5.47 PM raining evening

A variety show. I learnt this. Sharing with all sportsman!

Question : After heavy excercise, example running, weight lifting etc..
which fruit is good to be taken?

The ans. is PINEAPPLE!

Question : When feeling depressed, consume fish is good.


Another fact shared on the show:
Carrot juice should not be consumed with liquor as the combination cause toxic.
So, next dining time pls avoid this.

Oct 4th 2008 Saturday 11.19 pm

At 8.30 am Jenny and her family (dad, mum and niece) came to pick me up heading for a day trip to Betty's home. We need to head north-east to visit Betty's grandmother's vineyard. The entire journey is 2 hours.

We arrived at 10.30 am and spent approx 1 hour at vineyard taking photo, grapes harvesting and tasting and sight-seeing. (pictures will be posted later as have encountered problems exporting them to the blog).

Not only did we see green and red grapes (by the way, they taste so sweet and fresh), we also saw cabbage, raddish, cherry tomato, ginger, chillies, long beans, and sang char trees.

Betty's dad cook a sumptuous lunch for all of us. A total of 14 courses comprising of crabs, fish, some kind of clams, mini shrimps, vegetables, fresh corns from the farm, sweet potatoes and sweet potatoes leaves etc. etc.

The 'most exciting' part is visit to the loo. The house was built in 1987 but the loo is beyond description! The droppings are channel somehow to the farms as fertilizers!

We arrived back at apartment at 4.30 pm and I head for my regular massge to freshen up.

Shop for dinner... and I made steam fish and porridge.... taste good and healthy!

Ended the evening on video-web cam with Faith, Isaac and Angeline at about 10 pm.

Put this on diary at approx 11.30 pm. Good Nite!
Welcome to my first blog.