After work, FT and I went to Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant @ Carlton Hotel and were feeling cold. Luckily the restaurant provided blue woolen shawls which kept us warm. We had a pot of winter melon & duck meat soup (about 3 small bowls each for both of us), 2 sets of pan fried scallop and prawn, stir fried broccoli with garlic, homemade toufu with spinach in starchy oyster sauce and deep fried chicken with fresh mango slices and mango sauce.
For people who like Cantonese double boiled soups, Wah Lok’s soups are nice. The last time we had apple and fish soup and yesterday’s soup of the day didn’t disappoint us. The panfried scallop and prawn still tasted as good as before. The fried chicken was delicious – tender meat and crispy skin that tasted similar to the crispy outside of good goreng pisang. The chicken wasn’t salty and relied on the fragrant crispy skin and the sweet and sour taste of fresh mango and sauce. We were so stuffed after finishing the food and I was glad I didn’t order any rice but FT did and couldn’t finish it. The dinner cost us about $80 altogether. I think it was well worth our money because it was an enjoyable dining experience and we 2 had a good chat. We slowly walked from the hotel to Somerset MRT station to take the train.
When I reached home around 10,30pm, Frisky and a black and white cat with its left ear clipped were resting near the closed shop @ the void deck. I sayang Frisky for a while and the other cat approached me, lying on its side, exposing its belly. I used one hand to stroke Frisky and wanted to use the other hand to touch the other cat on its side but stopped when it seemed to want to paw at me. I shall try again the next time :)
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Mum's banana butter cake
Animal welfare in Singapore
I have earlier visited Dawn (of Cat Welfare Society)'s blog and she has posted a link to Mediacorp Radio which features an interview of her and Louis Ng's (of Animal Concerns Research and Education Society or ACRES) perspective about Singapore's attitude towards animal welfare.
It's an interesting read, so do take some time to read it and perhaps rate yourself whether you are apathetic, aware of the animal welfare situation, kind to animals (like Dawn's examples of not hurting the animal that’s downstairs, not calling the Town Council up every time you’re unhappy there’s a stray around) or proactive.
I like to think I'm somewhere between aware/kind to proactive :)
It's an interesting read, so do take some time to read it and perhaps rate yourself whether you are apathetic, aware of the animal welfare situation, kind to animals (like Dawn's examples of not hurting the animal that’s downstairs, not calling the Town Council up every time you’re unhappy there’s a stray around) or proactive.
I like to think I'm somewhere between aware/kind to proactive :)
The “Cook next door” meme
I have been tagged by the baker/Cheryl for the meme. This is my 1st time doing one and it’s quite fun :)
What is your first memory of baking/cooking on your own?
It was in Secondary 1 when I was 13 and girls have to learn cooking, sewing, etc during Home Economics lessons. I forgot what my first dish was but I remember cooking fish, vegetable, rock buns, butter cake and bringing them home for my family to try.
Who had the most influence on your cooking?
My mum. She is a homemaker and used to make pieapple tarts, peach pie and apple pie and sausage pastry. Nowadays she would just bake butter cake with coffee, banana or durian and make desserts like bean curd skin barley and gingko nut. I love eating the dishes (not too oily and salty) she cooks for dinner – panfried salmon, omelette with salmon or fish or pork, clear soup with green leafy vegetables and minced pork and fish, curry chicken or fish, meats marinated with Lea and Perrins sauce, chicken stew and soups like carrot and potato in the slow cooker, etc. Whenever I bake or cook, I will get mum to try them as she is my food critic.
Do you have an old photo as evidence of an early exposure to the culinary world and would you like to share it?
Sadly no.
Mageiricophobia - do you suffer from any cooking phobia, a dish that makes your palms sweat?
I haven’t suffered from any phobia yet because I’m still taking baby steps in baking and cooking. I always look out for recipes that are easy to do, so it’s a bit hard for cooking phobia to take place :)
What would be your most valued or used kitchen gadgets and/or what was the biggest letdown?
The new oven that Dad bought a few months ago can make my heart sink sometimes because my cookie bottoms were burnt even after I shortened the baking time and lower oven temperature and the cookie top and centre weren’t really cooked yet. The oven gets heated up easily, so I have to monitor closely. But I shall get to know the oven better and make it my most valued gadgets.
Name some funny or weird food combinations/dishes you really like - and probably no one else!
My bread spread with margarine and toasted wheatgerm is considered weird by my friends. I have it for breakfast almost everyday.
What are the three eatables or dishes you simply don't want to live without?
Mum’s dishes, soya bean milk and bread
Any question you missed in this meme, that you would have loved to answer? Well then, feel free to add one!
Three quickies:Your favorite ice-cream?
I don’t really have cravings for ice cream. It could be as long as a month before I eat ice cream and I normally eat it with friends when they want to order desserts after a meal. I used to love Swensen’s Yam ice cream when I was in primary/secondary school and ate that after my piano lessons @ Yamaha @ Thomson Plaza. A few years ago, I would enjoy occasional treats of MacDonald’s ice cream cone or Hot Fudge Sundae. No favorite ice cream but I don’t like to waste my stomach space for ice cream like Kings and I find Bravissimo gelato too sweet for me.
You will probably never eat?
Definitely not cats, dogs, hamsters because they are pets. Meat from endangered animals. And insects too.
Your own signature dish?
My chocolate centred walnut cookies
Question added by Zarah: On average, how many times a week would you cook something to satisfy your sweet tooth?
I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, so I would bake fortnightly or when the mood strikes me.
Question added by Cathy: What do you usually eat for breakfast?
I usually eat bread spread with margarine and toasted wheatgerm or cereals and nuts and dried apricot. If there are fruits and soya bean milk, I will go for them too. And when Mum or I bake, I will have cookies or cakes too. If there’s plain yogurt, I will sprinkle some wheatgerm and honey to go with it. I believe in having a hearty breakfast before I start the day.
Question added by Alice: What are your stand-by dinner options when you don't have the time or the inclination to follow or create a new recipe?
Omelette with diced carrots or capsicum or mushroom or celery. Porridge with diced chicken sausage or minced pork and carrots or celery. Cereals with milk and nuts. Quaker oatmeal with honey and milk. Cheese sandwich. If there is cooked rice in the fridge, I will cook fried rice with egg and some meat and diced vegetables. I will try to have some fruits after the meal.
And, last but not least: Tag three people!
I’m going to tag Slushy and Fairy Godmother. I would love to tag Hui Jen if she ever starts to blog as we 4 used to do baking experiments togetherand she makes yummy baked rice too. And Joan, if you have a blog, I would tag you too. I still remember your delicious turkey, lemon tart and all the yummy food made by you and Anne.
What is your first memory of baking/cooking on your own?
It was in Secondary 1 when I was 13 and girls have to learn cooking, sewing, etc during Home Economics lessons. I forgot what my first dish was but I remember cooking fish, vegetable, rock buns, butter cake and bringing them home for my family to try.
Who had the most influence on your cooking?
My mum. She is a homemaker and used to make pieapple tarts, peach pie and apple pie and sausage pastry. Nowadays she would just bake butter cake with coffee, banana or durian and make desserts like bean curd skin barley and gingko nut. I love eating the dishes (not too oily and salty) she cooks for dinner – panfried salmon, omelette with salmon or fish or pork, clear soup with green leafy vegetables and minced pork and fish, curry chicken or fish, meats marinated with Lea and Perrins sauce, chicken stew and soups like carrot and potato in the slow cooker, etc. Whenever I bake or cook, I will get mum to try them as she is my food critic.
Do you have an old photo as evidence of an early exposure to the culinary world and would you like to share it?
Sadly no.
Mageiricophobia - do you suffer from any cooking phobia, a dish that makes your palms sweat?
I haven’t suffered from any phobia yet because I’m still taking baby steps in baking and cooking. I always look out for recipes that are easy to do, so it’s a bit hard for cooking phobia to take place :)
What would be your most valued or used kitchen gadgets and/or what was the biggest letdown?
The new oven that Dad bought a few months ago can make my heart sink sometimes because my cookie bottoms were burnt even after I shortened the baking time and lower oven temperature and the cookie top and centre weren’t really cooked yet. The oven gets heated up easily, so I have to monitor closely. But I shall get to know the oven better and make it my most valued gadgets.
Name some funny or weird food combinations/dishes you really like - and probably no one else!
My bread spread with margarine and toasted wheatgerm is considered weird by my friends. I have it for breakfast almost everyday.
What are the three eatables or dishes you simply don't want to live without?
Mum’s dishes, soya bean milk and bread
Any question you missed in this meme, that you would have loved to answer? Well then, feel free to add one!
Three quickies:Your favorite ice-cream?
I don’t really have cravings for ice cream. It could be as long as a month before I eat ice cream and I normally eat it with friends when they want to order desserts after a meal. I used to love Swensen’s Yam ice cream when I was in primary/secondary school and ate that after my piano lessons @ Yamaha @ Thomson Plaza. A few years ago, I would enjoy occasional treats of MacDonald’s ice cream cone or Hot Fudge Sundae. No favorite ice cream but I don’t like to waste my stomach space for ice cream like Kings and I find Bravissimo gelato too sweet for me.
You will probably never eat?
Definitely not cats, dogs, hamsters because they are pets. Meat from endangered animals. And insects too.
Your own signature dish?
My chocolate centred walnut cookies
Question added by Zarah: On average, how many times a week would you cook something to satisfy your sweet tooth?
I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, so I would bake fortnightly or when the mood strikes me.
Question added by Cathy: What do you usually eat for breakfast?
I usually eat bread spread with margarine and toasted wheatgerm or cereals and nuts and dried apricot. If there are fruits and soya bean milk, I will go for them too. And when Mum or I bake, I will have cookies or cakes too. If there’s plain yogurt, I will sprinkle some wheatgerm and honey to go with it. I believe in having a hearty breakfast before I start the day.
Question added by Alice: What are your stand-by dinner options when you don't have the time or the inclination to follow or create a new recipe?
Omelette with diced carrots or capsicum or mushroom or celery. Porridge with diced chicken sausage or minced pork and carrots or celery. Cereals with milk and nuts. Quaker oatmeal with honey and milk. Cheese sandwich. If there is cooked rice in the fridge, I will cook fried rice with egg and some meat and diced vegetables. I will try to have some fruits after the meal.
And, last but not least: Tag three people!
I’m going to tag Slushy and Fairy Godmother. I would love to tag Hui Jen if she ever starts to blog as we 4 used to do baking experiments togetherand she makes yummy baked rice too. And Joan, if you have a blog, I would tag you too. I still remember your delicious turkey, lemon tart and all the yummy food made by you and Anne.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Do good, avoid evil & purify the mind
I have been thinking about my takeaways from the basic Buddhism course (which I attended for about 20 Sunday mornings @ the temple @ Bright Hill Road). Yesterday was the first Sunday morning where I could wake up later than 6.45am.
In my birth certificate and every form I have been filling so far, my religion has been reflected as Buddhism. I have always thought it's weird that my family and I call ourselves Buddhists when we have been praying to Da Bo Gong (a Taoist deity, I think) at home and we eat beef (unlike most Buddhist friends I know). I decided to attend this course with my 2 girlfriends, so that I will have a clear idea of what Buddhism is all about.
Our teacher Richard shared with us what he has learnt in a way that is easy for us to understand. We did some basic Pali chanting and meditation techniques. Richard emphasized throughout the course that the main crux of Buddhism is "Do good, avoid evil and purify the mind". I agree that this is a good philosophy and attitude to adopt to lead a meaningful and happy life.
While my 2 friends and many other students are going to continue with the intermediate course, I'm contented with whatever I have learnt from the basic course and do not intend to explore further at the moment. I'm more interested in the philosophy behind Buddhism, rather than the practices, chanting and meditation and use what I can relate to my life.
After my brief encounters with some religions (Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism and Christianity), I think I'm more of an agnostic (i.e. one who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism) or freethinker. I always analyse my thoughts and share them with my family and close friends. Now writing in my blog is also an avenue for me to express my thoughts. Reading philosophy books reinforce some of the values that I try to improve. Interacting with my pets and being in touch with nature humble me (but I can't stand cockroaches and love to eat meat too much to be a vegetarian).
I am quite happy with my method of purifying my mind and achieving inner peace by doing the activities I enjoy and I don't feel a need to have a religion. However, I don't mind holding joss sticks to pay respect to the Buddha, deities and ancestors in temples and occasionally pray for happiness for myself, my family, friends, pets and everyone. :)
I told my mum and sis that from now on, I will not reflect Buddhism as my religion as calling myself a Buddhist is inaccurate. I'm a freethinker but I will strive to do good, avoid evil and purify the mind. :)
In my birth certificate and every form I have been filling so far, my religion has been reflected as Buddhism. I have always thought it's weird that my family and I call ourselves Buddhists when we have been praying to Da Bo Gong (a Taoist deity, I think) at home and we eat beef (unlike most Buddhist friends I know). I decided to attend this course with my 2 girlfriends, so that I will have a clear idea of what Buddhism is all about.
Our teacher Richard shared with us what he has learnt in a way that is easy for us to understand. We did some basic Pali chanting and meditation techniques. Richard emphasized throughout the course that the main crux of Buddhism is "Do good, avoid evil and purify the mind". I agree that this is a good philosophy and attitude to adopt to lead a meaningful and happy life.
While my 2 friends and many other students are going to continue with the intermediate course, I'm contented with whatever I have learnt from the basic course and do not intend to explore further at the moment. I'm more interested in the philosophy behind Buddhism, rather than the practices, chanting and meditation and use what I can relate to my life.
After my brief encounters with some religions (Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism and Christianity), I think I'm more of an agnostic (i.e. one who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism) or freethinker. I always analyse my thoughts and share them with my family and close friends. Now writing in my blog is also an avenue for me to express my thoughts. Reading philosophy books reinforce some of the values that I try to improve. Interacting with my pets and being in touch with nature humble me (but I can't stand cockroaches and love to eat meat too much to be a vegetarian).
I am quite happy with my method of purifying my mind and achieving inner peace by doing the activities I enjoy and I don't feel a need to have a religion. However, I don't mind holding joss sticks to pay respect to the Buddha, deities and ancestors in temples and occasionally pray for happiness for myself, my family, friends, pets and everyone. :)
I told my mum and sis that from now on, I will not reflect Buddhism as my religion as calling myself a Buddhist is inaccurate. I'm a freethinker but I will strive to do good, avoid evil and purify the mind. :)
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Dharma's freedom
My friend sent me a free software called ArtRage that allows me to paint/draw using crayon and water colour effects. This is my first attempt. I will need to get a graphics tablet and pen if I want to explore drawing on my PC. If you are interested, you could also download the program from this website: http://www.ambientdesign.com/artrage.html
Slushy's dinner party
I reached Slushy's home around 3pm yesterday to help her and her mum with some baking and food preparation. Slushy had already made the dough for the apple pie crust. My job was to roll it out and place it into the pan and arrange the apple slices before baking it. Slushy's carrot cake, mushroom quiche and sheperd pie were yummy and it was her first time baking it. Our friend, Hui Jen came with her famous baked rice and her nice boyfriend. There were also roast herb spring chicken, seafood salad, Slushy's mum's bee hoon, garlic bread and chips and dips - more than enough to feed us, Slushy's and her hubby's friends. Some of us packed back the leftovers for breakfast, lunch and tea today.
Cookies with raisins, choc chips & dark choc M&M
I baked them yesterday morning and brought some to Slushy's dinner party.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Exercise, comfort food and Frisky
This weekend, I'm going to take a break from exercise. I swam on Mon evening, jogged on treadmill for 15 mins during Tues' lunchtime, played badminton and tennis yesterday. I'm happy that I managed to hit some of the tennis balls back to my 2 friends who are good tennis players. They have been very encouraging and motivate me to play better. Some of my joints and muscles are aching a little but it would have been worse if I didn't apply some heat lotion last night.
I must share what I had for dinner after our tennis practice last night. We went to the Cheesecake Cafe (@ 685 East Coast Road, near Siglap Centre) and ate Peach Jelly Cheese Cake, Chicken Pizza and Mushroom & Chicken Pie. The pizza and pie were the portion for a small eater. We 3 girls shared the food and loved the cheesecake. It was light, creamy with a tinge of sourish taste and there were bits of peaches. I enjoyed the mini pizza too - it looked so cute and tasted slightly sweet due to some unrecognisable vegetable. The waiters were very friendly and one of them recommended their cherry chocolate cheesecake. We didn't regret taking his advice. It was a good blend of chocolate and cheese. The bill came up to around $41 after 10% discount from UOB credit cards.
I will definitely visit this place again - nice ambience and there are couches with coffee table for you and your friends/family to chill out. Too bad I didn't have my camera with me, so that you could drool over the pictures.
I was happy to see Frisky near my block when I reached home. The shopkeeper uncle told me that Frisky's fur is regrowing. I felt more hair on Frisky than rough dry skin or scabs. She seemed happy to see me too and kept rubbing herself on my legs. Frisky meowed and looked at me when I was leaving to step into the lift. Sometimes I wish I could bring Frisky home as a pet but it's hard since I'm always out late and can't give her the attention she deserves as a house pet and not not forgetting my parents and 4 hamsters @ home too.
I must share what I had for dinner after our tennis practice last night. We went to the Cheesecake Cafe (@ 685 East Coast Road, near Siglap Centre) and ate Peach Jelly Cheese Cake, Chicken Pizza and Mushroom & Chicken Pie. The pizza and pie were the portion for a small eater. We 3 girls shared the food and loved the cheesecake. It was light, creamy with a tinge of sourish taste and there were bits of peaches. I enjoyed the mini pizza too - it looked so cute and tasted slightly sweet due to some unrecognisable vegetable. The waiters were very friendly and one of them recommended their cherry chocolate cheesecake. We didn't regret taking his advice. It was a good blend of chocolate and cheese. The bill came up to around $41 after 10% discount from UOB credit cards.
I will definitely visit this place again - nice ambience and there are couches with coffee table for you and your friends/family to chill out. Too bad I didn't have my camera with me, so that you could drool over the pictures.
I was happy to see Frisky near my block when I reached home. The shopkeeper uncle told me that Frisky's fur is regrowing. I felt more hair on Frisky than rough dry skin or scabs. She seemed happy to see me too and kept rubbing herself on my legs. Frisky meowed and looked at me when I was leaving to step into the lift. Sometimes I wish I could bring Frisky home as a pet but it's hard since I'm always out late and can't give her the attention she deserves as a house pet and not not forgetting my parents and 4 hamsters @ home too.
Cooking, sewing and doing housework
Yesterday I posted another comment in SDU online forum. A guy asked whether women only will learn how to cook, sew, do housework because of guys and not for anything else.
My comments were:
No, at least for me and a few of my girl friends. After knowing friends who love to bake and cook, I have been experimenting and now I could cook simple dishes and bake cookies that sometimes friends, family and I enjoy. When I produce weird tasting but edible food, I just have to eat them myself and learn from my mistakes :) Of course, it helps that my mum is a housewife and good cook herself. So with no guys in our life, my friends and I are learning some of these things because we are interested, want to do them ourselves and we feel good about ourselves. It's important to have self motivation and not just learn/do something because you want to please others.
I help out with housework when mum nags or I feel bad that poor mum still has to slave for me, an adult and no longer a helpless child. Of course most of the time I'm lazy to tidy up my room and ironing my clothes but when I'm in the mood, I will do it. I read that the state of your house/room is a reflection of the state of your mind. It's quite true for me, so once in a while I will try to do some decluttering. If I look @ housework as tidying up my life and some kind of self-discipline, it becomes more of a meaningful task than a chore :) And at the same time, tune in to my favourite music/songs and sing along to make it more enjoyable.
My comments were:
No, at least for me and a few of my girl friends. After knowing friends who love to bake and cook, I have been experimenting and now I could cook simple dishes and bake cookies that sometimes friends, family and I enjoy. When I produce weird tasting but edible food, I just have to eat them myself and learn from my mistakes :) Of course, it helps that my mum is a housewife and good cook herself. So with no guys in our life, my friends and I are learning some of these things because we are interested, want to do them ourselves and we feel good about ourselves. It's important to have self motivation and not just learn/do something because you want to please others.
I help out with housework when mum nags or I feel bad that poor mum still has to slave for me, an adult and no longer a helpless child. Of course most of the time I'm lazy to tidy up my room and ironing my clothes but when I'm in the mood, I will do it. I read that the state of your house/room is a reflection of the state of your mind. It's quite true for me, so once in a while I will try to do some decluttering. If I look @ housework as tidying up my life and some kind of self-discipline, it becomes more of a meaningful task than a chore :) And at the same time, tune in to my favourite music/songs and sing along to make it more enjoyable.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Old drawing
Inspiration
I was so inspired by all the drawings and paintings I have seen that I tried to draw something for fun. I wanted to colour the cat according to the colours of Frisky but it's hard to tell from the photos of Frisky. Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Therapeutic activities
I enjoyed art lessons in Secondary 1 and 2. However, when one is not a talented artist and with so many academic subjects to attend too, paints, colour pencils and calligraphy pen were stashed in the dark corners of the storeroom.
It was only in recent years that I have started to use my colour pencils or using Paint or Adobe Photoshop to create some cartoons for fun. 2 years ago, my friend, Sherry and I decided to made ourselves as the editorettes of our own magazine, penned down our ideas and invited our friends to contribute articles and their views. In Dec last year, we were happy to pass our 1st issue of our magazine, Lemonade (in CD) to our friends and received good reviews for our efforts. Of all the few drawings I did for the magazine, I like the one below best.
Of course, nothing beats talking to my family about what make me happy and sad, playing with my hamsters. Sometimes, quietly alone, I could also find joy and peace in baking or whipping up some dish for myself in the kitchen or just relaxing and reading a good book.
It was only in recent years that I have started to use my colour pencils or using Paint or Adobe Photoshop to create some cartoons for fun. 2 years ago, my friend, Sherry and I decided to made ourselves as the editorettes of our own magazine, penned down our ideas and invited our friends to contribute articles and their views. In Dec last year, we were happy to pass our 1st issue of our magazine, Lemonade (in CD) to our friends and received good reviews for our efforts. Of all the few drawings I did for the magazine, I like the one below best.
Of course, nothing beats talking to my family about what make me happy and sad, playing with my hamsters. Sometimes, quietly alone, I could also find joy and peace in baking or whipping up some dish for myself in the kitchen or just relaxing and reading a good book.
Discovery of nice paintings & drawings
I'm happy to find 2 local websites featuring beautiful paintings and drawings. Paulmysch blog (see under "Blogs I love to visit") shows the artist couple's love for cats, painting and each other. It's nice to see cats being featured in blogs and paintings and even wonderful to read about how someone loves and cares for our feline friend. Paul and Michelle will be holding their Catmasutra II exhibition at Utterly Art in Dec 2005 and I will definitely visit to admire their paintings and say hi to them.
The website/blog of Ee Shaun (also under "Blogs I love to visit") features cartoons, comics and characters of Gardensilly. I had fun looking through Ee Shaun's webpages of comics, doodlings, his creations - silly, cheerful and cute all meshed together.
These charming paintings and cartoons evoke feelings of joy in me. I feel inspired by their creativity and how they express what they see or feel. This is art therapy for me :)
The website/blog of Ee Shaun (also under "Blogs I love to visit") features cartoons, comics and characters of Gardensilly. I had fun looking through Ee Shaun's webpages of comics, doodlings, his creations - silly, cheerful and cute all meshed together.
These charming paintings and cartoons evoke feelings of joy in me. I feel inspired by their creativity and how they express what they see or feel. This is art therapy for me :)
Monday, June 20, 2005
Bye, Ebon
Early yesterday morning, Mum told me that Ebon refused to eat the oatmeal concoction. We suspected that Ebon's time may be near, so after my last buddhism class ended around 11am, I went home straight to be near Ebon.
Ebon ate very little - he did take some cooked pumpkin, soft bread and japanese hamster biscuits. Even with his skinny, weak legs (due of loss of appetite and old age), he would still slowly move from his sleeping quarters under the wooden bridge to his toilet of cat litter to the corners of his house. I tried to cuddle him in my hands but he would weakly struggle, so I put him back home. Each time, he would rest at each station for a short while, as if he was trying hard not to fall asleep.
For the whole afternoon, he would make his rounds until in the later evening, he rested under the bridge, hardly moving and mum and I knew that Ebon could leave us anytime. @ 9+pm, I cuddled him in my hands and he didn't resist. He was breathing weakly and his limbs felt cold and didn't flinch when I rubbed them gently. Mum took over an hour later for a short while before placing him back into his house. After my shower before 11pm, I carried Ebon again and he had already stopped breathing.
We are a little sad but glad that he didn't seem to have suffered much. We didn't cry at all last night but now I'm tearing as I am writing this and thinking about Ebon.
Goodbye, Ebon. Thanks for being part of my life and I hope you have been happy living with us as you have been a joy to my family.
Ebon ate very little - he did take some cooked pumpkin, soft bread and japanese hamster biscuits. Even with his skinny, weak legs (due of loss of appetite and old age), he would still slowly move from his sleeping quarters under the wooden bridge to his toilet of cat litter to the corners of his house. I tried to cuddle him in my hands but he would weakly struggle, so I put him back home. Each time, he would rest at each station for a short while, as if he was trying hard not to fall asleep.
For the whole afternoon, he would make his rounds until in the later evening, he rested under the bridge, hardly moving and mum and I knew that Ebon could leave us anytime. @ 9+pm, I cuddled him in my hands and he didn't resist. He was breathing weakly and his limbs felt cold and didn't flinch when I rubbed them gently. Mum took over an hour later for a short while before placing him back into his house. After my shower before 11pm, I carried Ebon again and he had already stopped breathing.
We are a little sad but glad that he didn't seem to have suffered much. We didn't cry at all last night but now I'm tearing as I am writing this and thinking about Ebon.
Goodbye, Ebon. Thanks for being part of my life and I hope you have been happy living with us as you have been a joy to my family.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Marble cake
This is what I baked yesterday afternoon. It only tastes subtly sweet, so sis with a sweet tooth doesn't like it. The reasons are because unsweetened cocoa powder was used and I didn't put the icing topping called for in the recipe. My parents and I like it though because it tastes similar to the chinese traditional sponge cake.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Mum's fried carrot cake
My furry friends
After eating breakfast and reading the papers this morning, I carried smelly Ebon and clean his bottom and body with a damp cloth. He didn't open his eyes and I asked mum to help me to wet his eye lids to remove whatever discharge. Poor Ebon. He looks so frail. But he is still eating some food and has the energy to bit the hay using his teeth and carry back to his sleeping quarters.
I went to the nearby hairdresser to trim my unruly hair for $10 and spotted Frisky sunning herself between the shopkeeper Uncle's shop and the letterbox. I am no longer concerned about Frisky biting me as she has never once attempted to do so. Her eyes looked so sad. I stroked behind her ears and she started to rub her body against my legs and then her face against my feet. I think not many people beside the shopkeeper Uncle dare to sayang her and this explains why she seemed eager for my attention. She exposed her belly and I only stroked her sides as I wasn't sure how she will take to a belly rub. I stroked her rough but dear face before I went home.
I went to the nearby hairdresser to trim my unruly hair for $10 and spotted Frisky sunning herself between the shopkeeper Uncle's shop and the letterbox. I am no longer concerned about Frisky biting me as she has never once attempted to do so. Her eyes looked so sad. I stroked behind her ears and she started to rub her body against my legs and then her face against my feet. I think not many people beside the shopkeeper Uncle dare to sayang her and this explains why she seemed eager for my attention. She exposed her belly and I only stroked her sides as I wasn't sure how she will take to a belly rub. I stroked her rough but dear face before I went home.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Video on cruelty
A friend sent me this link: http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/video.asp?video=fur_farm&Player=wm&speed=_med
and she said someone decided not eating meat anymore after watching the video.
I watched the video in the comfort of my home and my sis was with me too. She went "eeee" all the way and I weeped a little @ the cruelty inflicted on the poor animals. I am not sure where this incident took place. The guy would slam the animals (look like racoon and wolf) onto the ground, hoping to knock them unconscious. They would use a knife to slit the fur @ one of the legs and peel the skin starting from the leg to the body and to the head while the poor animal was still alive, weakly writhing and groaning/crying @ times. It's terrible to see such suffering. The poor animal furless and with a bloodied face blinked and I could see its nice long lashes as the horrible man throw the animal into some container with other furless creatures. The animal lifted up its head as it laid by its side before dropping its head on top of other animals, dying or dead.
Mum said that sis and I were so weird to watch such cruel actions but once the video started rolling, we had to see how extreme men can be just to get a beautiful fur off the animal and we never expect to see such gross actions. I won't become a vegetarian because I love eating chicken, fish, pork and beef. To date, I only own a kangeroo fur bag (which my parents bought for me when we were travelling in Australia and still hiding in my cupboard) and I definitely don't want to own any more fur stuff.
Since I'm a meat eater, I can't question why people kill animals because I have a small part in causing the death of the animals I have been eating. But I guess I could wonder why people need to kill animals in such a cruel manner. Why do people want to wear fur of such animals in the first place? Because it's exotic? Because it adds on their status in the society? A fashion statement? Do they know the killing process and how much the animals have suffered? Or do they not care at all?
I shall find out more about the background to the video and update you all.
and she said someone decided not eating meat anymore after watching the video.
I watched the video in the comfort of my home and my sis was with me too. She went "eeee" all the way and I weeped a little @ the cruelty inflicted on the poor animals. I am not sure where this incident took place. The guy would slam the animals (look like racoon and wolf) onto the ground, hoping to knock them unconscious. They would use a knife to slit the fur @ one of the legs and peel the skin starting from the leg to the body and to the head while the poor animal was still alive, weakly writhing and groaning/crying @ times. It's terrible to see such suffering. The poor animal furless and with a bloodied face blinked and I could see its nice long lashes as the horrible man throw the animal into some container with other furless creatures. The animal lifted up its head as it laid by its side before dropping its head on top of other animals, dying or dead.
Mum said that sis and I were so weird to watch such cruel actions but once the video started rolling, we had to see how extreme men can be just to get a beautiful fur off the animal and we never expect to see such gross actions. I won't become a vegetarian because I love eating chicken, fish, pork and beef. To date, I only own a kangeroo fur bag (which my parents bought for me when we were travelling in Australia and still hiding in my cupboard) and I definitely don't want to own any more fur stuff.
Since I'm a meat eater, I can't question why people kill animals because I have a small part in causing the death of the animals I have been eating. But I guess I could wonder why people need to kill animals in such a cruel manner. Why do people want to wear fur of such animals in the first place? Because it's exotic? Because it adds on their status in the society? A fashion statement? Do they know the killing process and how much the animals have suffered? Or do they not care at all?
I shall find out more about the background to the video and update you all.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Aging Ebon
Ebon has been losing some weight. Tonight, Ebon looks so skinny and gaunt. He feels lighter than my fattest dwarf hamster. Mum has observed that Ebon has been eating less and his stool is very soft/wet. It's not a good sign. I have seen my previous syrian hamsters dying at the age of 3 and Ebon is around 3. I just hope he won't suffer and mum and I will continue to give him lots of love.
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