Back to Bicheno

My sister and I made a trip to Bicheno after my parents went back. We were accompanied by Eric and Serena.

For those of you who have not a clue what Bicheno means to me. It's my dream retiree place. Hahhaa... "Man perish without vision" mah...

The blue sky and sea of Bicheno is simply alluring.

The wind was abit strong that day, though the weather was perfect. Eric decided to take up the extreme measures of protecting himself from the harmful ultra violet rays and bone-cutting wind.

The fishermen were having a southern rock lobster harvest that day. We tried to pursade the man to sell us some lobsters, but no to avail. There were even policeman guarding the harvesting process.

Steph decided to give herself a go at camwhoring...

Once again, the blue sky and sea at the Gultch.

The Gultch makes it an ideal place for ships to dock itself and also serves as a roosting place for the seagulls.

The magic of Bicheno lies at the red bill beach, which provides the access to Diamond island.

Although this is my second time walking to Diamond island, the experience was different from the previous attempt. This time round, we had what the locals recognized as the "Old Jack Russell" to guide us. This adorable dog was our tour guide to Diamond island. Not only did she tested the tide level for us by running across the passageway to Diamond island; which was submerged by water. She also chased away a flock of seagulls and guided us across.

I took the opportunity to take a video of it barking and jumping at our kite.. !!!

Enjoy!!

Apples in the backyard

My mum and aunt were very fascinated with the apple tree I had at the backyard of my Launceston house. They insisted that I take photos of them.

The apples are yet to be ready; as you can see they are grown in clusters, removing (thinning) them leaving behind 2 to 3 apples per branch will allow the remaining apples to grow bigger and stronger.

My aunt can't wait to sink her teeths into them. Hehehe..

My mum prefers to remain demure. :P

More photos on my family's adventure in Tasmania will come soon.

Graduated with Grace

Time flies, situation changes, as fast as the eye blink, the fragile life passes.

Months of planning were cut to a compacted 3 days.

It took me an intriguing 3 hours drive to reach Hobart. Not long after our cark was parked, we received news of my grandma's death. All the excitement died, effort were made to comfort my mum and aunt and to arrange for an earlier flight. Though time was short, we managed to visit Salamanca market, Island Market, Zoodoo safari park, Cherry and Berries farm, fishing and had stingray, smoked trout and abalone for dinner. It was comforting to see my mum stop crying after the 2nd day, as she looks like she is enjoying her surroundings. My aunt gave a comment that if she were given a choice to migrate to either UK or Tassie; she would choose Tassie. She added that even though it was only a short 3 days, she enjoyed herself very much. My dad was the most hilarious; he commented that he wanted to sell his house in Singapore and move to Tassie. So Much of a dream for everyone !!!!

Though I was pretty disappointed that my parents wouldn't be able to attend my graduation, I was glad that my sister was still with me.

We had our first dry-run the night before the graduation. You know you have the gown, the top hat and the sash. Well.... beneath that is your normal attire and you will need to match that to whatever u wear. It was like a graduation fashion walk way; hearing comments from a panel of friends.

(Steph and myself)

(Foe Hae, Sarah and myself)

(Sarah, Bernice and myself)

(Sherry, Sarah and myself)

(Sarah and myself)




A sponge-bob square pants bag from Karen! COOL! Thanks!!

(Steph and I at Albert Hall)

(Eric, Catherine, Sarah, myself and Serena)

(Dr John Purser.. My favourite lecturer)

(Myself, Sarah, Dr Chris Burke, Dr John Purser, Assoc. prof Natalie, Kwan)

Graduation day didn't go as smoothly as I would like it to be. It was raining cats and dogs on that morning. To make matters worst, I was almost late for my graduation. Rushing into the hall partially drenched, I was ushered to my seat immediately.

After the entire ceremony was over, I was hoping to take photographs with Eric and Serena whom were representing my parents. To my disappointment, Eric had to picked up another student that was not even having her graduation ceremony in the next 2 hours.

That was not all, my car's head lights were not turned off and the car battery was dead. I had to rush to return the gown in order to avoid the fine and then rush back to get RACT to restart the car battery. I waited for almost 1 hour before my car's battery was fixed.

I was hungry and cold, so was Steph and she began to throw tantrum.

If I were to continue typing all that had happened that day, my graduation day would have sounded really pessismistic. Nevertheless, I believe God is preparing me for more to come.

The Living Stones

Many attempts on growing them in Singapore has left me disappointed.

This time round was different,

a different place, a different climate and a different fate for the plants.

They are known as lithops or as the "living stones".

I call them the "Pi Ku Cao" (Backside plant)

Serena described them as boring plants as they don't grow much.

The plant spilts in the middle (just like your butt_LOL) and out comes another fresh new plant.

Depending on the level of moisture and nutrients the plant receives, the new "butt" gets smaller or bigger.

Desire

It was all worth it.

I have fulfilled my responsibility and He has fulfilled His.

My desire to see the lupins flower before I leave Tasmania came to past.

I shall name this plant "Desire".

* I am hoping to collect some seeds from it and have requested for Serena to do me this favour.

Brassica

After 8 months of toil and watering,

I finally get to eat my broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Do you know?

That the broccoli is from the same family as the

cabbage, kai lan, cabbage, brussels sprouts

You reap what you sow! Broccoli seed gives you broccoli.

As simple as this principle might sound, many of us fail to understand it at times.

Don't agree with what I say??? Do your self-reflection and think about it!

Sherry suggested that the housemates (minus Er Li) make a trip together.

The scenery and environment weren't exactly enjoyable that day, however, with the right company, what more can we complain right?