Christmas in London

Robin walked along the streets of London, December 24, 2009 and took this video.

Three months of Soapmaking

This represents my first three months of cold process soapmaking. I am still learning how to make soap.

Take care

Blue Goose Christmas Food Bank Drive

December 13, 2009 Christmas Blue Goose Food Bank Drive.

To our family in England, Dundas and Glengarry, this is our "local".

April dancing

Guest Artist

More to come.

Addison's Christening

This is my great neice Addison's Christening. From left to right back: Firma MacDonell Sehn, Erin MacDonell (MacPhail), Morgan MacDonell, and Jennifer MacPhail. Front, the sweet Miss Addison MacDonell.

More descendants here.

A Canadian Christmas

These are videos of my brother and sister-in-law's house in South Glengarry, Ontario. Karen and George decorate their house beautifully at Christmas and during other holidays as well. It feels like Santa's Workshop, North Pole. Walk in the door and you're in a Christmas mood immediately. Ian and Pauline, I thought you would really like this too.

Here are a series of videos.

Candy Cane Lane at my brother and sister-in-laws.

Christmas, the musical, in the family/recreation room downstairs.

The bathrooms.

Red bathroom.

Blue Bathroom.

The foyer and living room.

Merry Christmas from South Glengarry.

Farmhouse

Here is a quick tour of the farmhouse. It is 137 years old.

Fairly recent wiring left a few plaster spots. We haven't painted anything other than the laundry room.

Out and About

Robin and I went for a short Sunday drive along Highway # 2. Here is my report.

Highway # 2

The Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne (alternate spelling Ahkwesáhsne) is a Mohawk Nation territory located across the intersection of the New York-Ontario-Quebec borders on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Although divided by these borders, the residents consider themselves to be one community.

The name Akwesasne in Kanien'kehá means "Land Where The Partridge Drums".

More Lake St. Francis.

Lac Saint-François (Lake Saint Francis) is a lake which borders southeastern Ontario, southwestern Quebec and northern New York State. It is located on the Saint Lawrence River between Lake Ontario and Montreal. The lake forms part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

The city of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield is located at the east end of the lake.

Lac Saint-François National Wildlife Area, located on the south shore of the lake, protects wetlands located on the shores of the lake. This area provides important habitat for Redhead ducks and other waterfowl. Thousands of migrating waterfowl stop over in this region. In 1987, it was recognized as a wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention.

The Charlottenburgh Marsh, including Cooper Marsh, is an important wetland area located on the north shore of the lake.

South Lancaster

Oh, yes and I was right the first time, this is a lake not a river...so confusing.

South Lancaster is Glengarry's most southernly location situated on the St. Lawrence River. Originally named Kirktown, this area features historic homes and gift shops, with nearby Cooper Marsh Conservation area providing marshland, treed swamps, upland meadows, ponds and streams.

South Lancaster became the transportation point for the back concessions, first with the building of a wharf for boats to carry potash and timber and then by steamboats, which arrived on Lake St. Francis in 1826.

4th Concession, South Glengarry

This house was on our list, but when we immediately purchased the Lancaster house we did not visit this house. We saw it only after we purchased. We loved it as soon as we saw it. We are still happy with Lancaster for many reasons, but we still visit this house just in case we see a "For Sale" sign. Too bad there was someone hanging Christmas lights outside. This house is almost identical to the house I grew up in.

Cheese and Guitar Hero

Visiting my niece, Firma, and her husband, Jason's home in Quebec. Today I meet my great niece, Isabel, for the first time. My niece, Firma is holding Isabel. In the video are my sister-in-law, Karen and my great nephew, Jordan, Mr. Cheese.

The expert Guitar Hero is my great nephew, Tyler who has achieved a level that many only dream to reach. Wait to see his fingers close up.

VIA Rail Cornwall

My train ride to Cornwall.

More of the Man Cave

Robin purchased a sofa suitable for his large space. The sofa and coffee table are not positioned yet. I believe it is a Tuxedo style with loose pillows larger than the back. Nice for snoozing after a long day at work. In the foreground is the new Opium table; the top of the table is carved stone. The opium table is from Dempsey Hill.

Stanley in his Halloween Costume

I don't want to be a bee. I don't want to be a bee. Let me be.

How I know I am home

Here are four indicators that show I am home.

Front: Nelson. Middle: Piper. Back: Mac. Cameo: Stanley

Excuse the feline animal identification system.

Home Again, Home Again

Hello Everyone:

I am home. Unfortunately I am unable to connect to the Internet at home, so I am sitting in an Internet Cafe on Lakeshore Blvd. tapping out this message. Arrg.

I have a few final videos to post, but I will not be posting them until I am up and running at home again.

I arrived at 10:05 pm Monday night after travelling for twenty-seven hours with a four hour lay over in London. I did not sleep. I will trying to catch up over the next few days.

Robin sends his regards. He is travelling to Chile very soon; it will be a twenty-three (approx.) hour trip. He might also be going to South Africa. It's usually airport, hotel, boardroom, hotel and airport during these trips, so he rarely sees anything of the country.

If I do not get the home internet operating again, I will let you know via another post from the Internet Cafe (no "cafe" in this cafe unfortunately).

Take care,

April

Last Night in Singapore

Last night in Singapore at the Tapas Tree again. Robin enjoyed the dishes there (Yipee).

Thank you for watching. I will summarize when I get back to Canada.

Funny Stuff

After reviewing all the video, I realize that I have "pet" words (so, actually, YES, and um when I am struggling to find words). Yikes.

50 Reasons why Singapore is No. 1

50 interesting reasons why Singapore is No. 1.

http://www.cnngo.com/singapore/none/worlds-greatest-city-50-reasons-why-singapore-no-1-399897

Laundry Day

Drying clothing on flagpole-like attachment.

Yamaha Digital Piano

Robin on a new Yamaha digital piano. He will be taking lessons soon, although he already reads music and plays a little.

The salesman demonstrated the features of the piano. I love the "choir of angels" feature the most. Excuse the attempt at singing, but I could not resist (ouch). This is the chap who has an orchestra needing a couple of trombonists. Go bone boy, go!

MRT

Singapore, MRT, the best public transit system in the world.

Toast Box

Late this morning we went to a restaurant called the Toast Box. I am not sure if it is Japanese, but the food on the menu appeared to be Japanese.

We had french toast, sans Maple Syrup, coffee and lemon ice tea.

It was different, but tasty. Perhaps a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg and, of course, maple syrup would have enhanced it. I would have tried something different, but I was too lazy today to ask what was in each item.

I am impressed with the fast food outlets. They do not generally use disposable plates or cutlery. Most restaurant I visited used real plates and cutlery or bio-degradable cutlery. Why can't we do that? Drinks, however, were always in plastic containers. I did use a plastic spoon at the Indian restaurant a few days ago. I noticed a paucity of napkins though, so I take Kleenex, Splash 'n Go, Wet Wipes with me wherever I go.

David's Birthday

My friend Jay invited Robin and I to his friends birthday party (David). Jay lives with two other chaps in a shophouse (chophouse) on McNair Street close to the Singapore business district. Enjoy the birthday party. Meet our host Jay, the guest of honour David, and Michelle, Chika and Robin.

Blowing out the candles.

Opening presents.

Happy Diwali--Festival in Singapore, India, Nepal

Diwali is a festival which is celebrated in India and Nepal. While it is particularly sacred to Hindus, practitioners of other Indian religions also celebrate Diwali, and Jainist, Hindu, and Sikh communities all over the world commemorate Diwaliwith smaller festivals of their own. The timing of this holiday varies, since it is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, but it is generally celebrated in the fall. Diwali festivities in India involve everyone, not just the religious faithful, and the holiday is a major event in the Indian year.

The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil; in Hindi, Diwali means “festival of lights,” and people light rows of lights to commemorate heroic figures in Indian mythology who triumphed over the forces of evil. Diwali is also a propitious time for new endeavors, and many people clean their homes and open all their windows and doors to welcome luck and good fortune during Diwali. The exchange of gifts is also traditional during this holiday, and many people host dinners andDiwali parties.

Regional traditions vary immensely when it comes to celebrating Diwali, because each community has developed its own unique way of celebrating this holiday. Technically, Diwali is actually five days long, with each day representing a different facet of the festival of lights. In many communities, people pick one day of Diwali in particular to celebrate, often with fireworks and other large public festivities.

Numerous myths and stories are associated with Diwali. Many of these myths center around the defeat of evil demons, or the exoneration and freedom of wrongfully oppressed people. Diwali celebrates religious elevation and enlightenment as well. Many Diwali festivals also honor specific Hindu gods like Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesha, the god of auspicious or new beginnings. In many regions of India, people also exchange traditional Diwali greetings when they encounter each other on the street; these greetings express a mutual desire for good luck and fortune in the coming year.

If you happen to be visiting India during Diwali, be prepared to be swept up in the festivities. Many communities essentially shut down for Diwali celebrations, and it's a great opportunity to learn about Indian history and culture first hand. Many people are happy to share their religious and cultural traditions with curious and respectful visitors. Diwali is also quite fun with fireworks, performances, dinners, and other events for celebrants. In other regions of the world, you can visit Indian communities to see Diwali on a smaller scale.

Food

Indian Vegatarian Fast Food from Komala's

I was a little flustered so I just pointed and ordered. I had never tried the dish before. I also ordered Mango juice. The meal was served on a palm leaf.

I think I ordered the Onion Uthappam. It is a soft fluffy dosai which is thicker but softer like a pancake. It's sprinkled liberally with sliced onion and green chilly. It looks like a pizza. I should be eaten with coconut chuttney, onion chuttney and sambar, the main gravy made of lentil and vegetables.

Chinese Vegetarian. I ordered by pointing again. The food did not disappoint. The only negative comment I have is that it was not hot enough.

The starfruit or Carambola juice was very good. It was not too sweet and it was very freshing. It is hard to describe because it does not resemble the taste of any other fruit.

Eating at TCC, The Coffee Connoisseur. We had our first cup of Blue Mountain coffee.

Soup

Wild mushroom and asparagus. Oddly they served Robin later; he had to wait a bit.

Salmon with Jalapeno sauce.

Sinful chocolate lava cake.

Evening Tea

Cooling down

Multi-cultural

Cars are extremely expensive. The concept that it is cheaper to take a cab than own a car is true. The transportation system is the best in the world. There are also many bicycles on the roads. Here is one resting. This, and the above shot, are supposed to be jpeg, but my application is playing games.

Maid's Quarters

I do not judge. I have read that some maids do not have any quarters and sleep beneath a table. I have read that this is a far, far better place for some women who have nothing in their homeland.

Botanical Gardens

The Singapore Botanical garden is 150 acres of unadulterated beauty. It was exciting to see many families picnicking on the grounds. Do families still enjoy picnics?

The gardens open at 5:00 am. Robin and I agree that 5:00 am is the best time to visit the gardens because it is unbearably hot later in the day. We visited during the afternoon. I appreciated the "Cool Rooms" that are strategically situated throughout the property.

We did not finish exploring the gardens. We moved quickly because it was intensely hot. I rebirthed three times. I was embarassed by the rivers of water pouring from my pores until I noticed that I was not the only person glowing. Robin "looked" pretty cool. I followed the Singaporean tradition of using a parasol.

Not ready for a rain forest trek yet.

I cannot remember what these are called.

Carnivorous Plant. I think it is from the pitcher-plant family. Another (of many) mistake, insects, not "plants", are attracted to the carnivorous plant, enter, die and are digested by the carnivorous plant. Each species of carnivorous plant captures its pry differently.

Inside a "Cool Room".

Roots. Sorry, this is not a coconut tree. I mentioned the name in this clip, but I cannot hear what I said.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving
We are fortunate to have you in our lives.
Robin and April

Lunch and Architecture

Lunch after a walk through the Museum of Asian Civilization.

I believe I made a mistake regarding my lunch. I believe they were rice noodles rather than glass noodles.

The Fullerton Hotel, formerly a Post Office.

Museum of Asian Civilization

Museum of Asian Civilization

Opium Pipe, Stand and Bowls

Goofing around with a costume. Please no offence, if I could speak the language I would.

Javanese Leather Shadow Puppets

Mosque inside Museum (not a real mosque). Turn up speakers.

Kammavaca are among the most sacred of Burmese religious texts. Kammavaca (kammavaca in Pali) consist of nine Khandakas from the Pali Vinaya Pitaka, each of which relates to a specific ceremony associated with monks of the Theravada school of Buddhism. Kammavaca were usually commissioned as works of merit to be presented to the Monk hood when a son entered the Buddhist Order as a novice or became ordained as a monk.

Rubber Duck was winner of a competition to cross the Singapore River. This cool little guy was the first to cross the finish line.

Lori's Legacy: For Lorna

We wore the Lori's Legacy hats you gave us at the Street Sale.

Hard Rock Cafe, Singapore

Hard Rock Cafe, Singapore

This one's for you Carol.

Pineapple Fried Rice and Robin using Chop sticks

Pineapple Fried Rice

Robin using chop sticks.

Tawandang German Microbrewery and Thai food

Tawandang German Microbrewery and Thai Food

Blade Runner

The Ion shopping centre on Orchard

This reminded me so much of Blade Runner (a movie I loved a lot). If you have speakers you can hear the sounds and imagine Vangelis.

I believe I might has mistaken Louis Vuitton for Yves St. Laurent, not sure. I do not think it matters.

Singapore Idol

I think Robin said he saw the hopefulls lining up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjUU8wQlga8

Samantha Morton

On the flight over to London, I was in the same section as Samantha Morton. I just happened to look up, I smiled (at her) and she smiled back. She is very talented.

Here she is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2105cmZieo

Hot Pot

Hot pot (Chinese: 火鍋; pinyin: huǒ guō), or less commonly Chinese fondue, refers to several East Asian varieties of steamboat stew. It consists of a simmering metal pot of stock at the center of the dining table. While the hot pot is kept simmering, ingredients are placed into the pot and are cooked at the table. Typical hot pot dishes include thinly sliced meat, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, wontons, egg dumplings, and seafood. The cooked food is usually eaten with a dipping sauce. In many areas, hot pot meals are often eaten in the winter.

Some repetition here, but I still find walking through Chinatown very interesting.

Reverse Bungee Jump (GMAX) at Clarke's Quay

Reverse bungee jump (GMAX) at Clarke's Quay. Observer only.

I had attached a video of a couple on the reverse bungee found on YouTube. It takes a while to see the couple launch, but you get a really good idea of the intensity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXn-_u1fENw

Here you go.

Mesmerizing

Men and women were mesmerized. Was she good! She deserved this audience.

Mid-Autumn Festival Parade

The parade was short and a little disheveled. There was difficulty with one of the flags. The parade involves the public. They walk behind with lanterns. Here you will see the citizens of Singapore and some tourists walking the Mid Autumn festival.

The celebration of the harvest is observed every 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is believed to be at its fullest. Chinatown greets this festival with a light-up and a bazaar selling mooncakes, pomelos, tea and other festive treats.

Eat, Eat, Eat, Eat, Eat

This country certainly enjoys food, food, and more food. I have learned that the secret to staying slender is to eat more. It was thrilling to listen to the excitement on this roadway in Chinatown.

I believe these are hotpots.

Eating at a Hawkers' Stand in Chinatown

A definite item on my list was a visit to a hawkers' stand in Singapore. I was lucky enough to find a vegetarian chinese stand in Chinatown. I was a little surprised because the menu indicated duck, chicken and various fish and seafood, but they were all imitation; everything was vegetarian. It was excellent. Robin watched me eat. He had his dinner later at Hooters (at Clarke Quay). Um, there wasn't much hoot in the Hooters, more like hootlettes.

The National Museum of Singapre

Inside the National Museum of Singapore before I started viewing the exhibition. The red, swinging chandeliers were spooky.

This museum does not contain rooms and rooms of detached artefacts. This museums' rooms reveal the history of Singapore layer by layer, object by object, like a pentimento. You are pulled through Singapore's history one event and one story at a time. You traverse several centuries before you are gently lifted back to your own.

I asked someone at the Admission desk if photography or videography was permitted and she said yes. But OOPS this was not universally true; this salon did not permit video. I only noticed after I left. So please enjoy this forbidden video.

A hearse

19th Century Poverty in Singapore

A Puppet Theatre

Hand Puppets

Costumes

Another Mooncake

Mooncakes, they are beautiful and yummy. Check out how pretty they are on this site:

http://sparklette.net/food/mooncakes-2009/

Furnishing the Man Cave

Furniture in the man cave. I didn't take a picture of the big screen Sony or the elephants. Robin likes elephants.

Mum McCubbin has not seen any of the videos on this blog yet because the Mac is packed to be shipped here (S'pore).

Furniture Delivery Day

I didn't go out Wednesday (it is Thursday here now). Furniture delivery started around 11:00 am and ended at 5:00 pm. Unfortunately, the sofa (couch, chesterfield) will not be delivered until October 31 and I will be gone. Pictures to follow, but later.

Chijmes: Night Life

Here is a sampling of Sinapore night life at Chijmes.

Situated in the compound of a one-time girls’ convent school, Chijmes today is one of Singapore’s premier wine and dine destinations. You can’t help but find something you’ll like to eat here with restaurants boasting Turkish, Western, Continental, Italian, Chinese, South American, Tapas, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisines, as well as wine bars, discos and pubs to party the night away in.

'

Sorry this video is a bit long. I haven't been editting any of these videos.

Walking along the Singapore River

Late afternoon, yesterday, I went for a walk along the Singapore River.

Yikes, should pronounce it brasserie, not brassier. LOL