Pilgrimage to Church of St. Paul the Apostle

Last Saturday, 20 June 2009, my beloved spouse John and I went on a day pilgrimage to the Church of St. Paul the Apostle at Kuala Kubu Baru, Ulu Selangor with almost 90 other pilgrims, mostly from our parish, Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The pilgrimage was organized to celebrate the year dedicated to St. Paul (Pauline Year) as proclaimed by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI and in order to gain the plenary indulgence. Our Spiritual Director was none other than our beloved Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Valentine Gompok.

Hehe, John and I were like happy kids, a little too excited that we didn't sleep too well and got up before 6 am to prepare ourselves for the pilgrimage. Left home at 7.10 and arrived at SFA Church very much ahead of the departure time. :-D

Just before departing to KKB at 8.10 am, we had the rite at the beginning of the pilgrimage at our church's ground. Then, each pilgrim was given a bottle of mineral water and a pack of egg sandwiches and banana cake as breakfast before boarding the air-conditioned bus.

We reached St. Paul's Church about 9.40 as envisaged and was welcomed by the PPC Chairperson, Mr. Colin Teh and his spouse, Dolly as there was no residing Parish Priest currently. A very meaningful Mass was celebrated from 10 am. with Fr. Valentine as the celebrant (thank you, Father!), ending almost one and a half hours later. After some photo sessions and signing of the pilgrimage book, we walked to Kuala Kubu Baru town nearby for lunch, led by Colin and Dolly.

Lunch for us and our retiree friends was simple: just Teochew porridge/rice with the traditional accompaniment (egg, salted vege, tow foo, pork and fish). Cost only RM42 for 7 persons that included an unknown Indian pilgrim, who preferred Chinese food. We decided to treat the latter and shared the cost among 6 of us.

Returned to St. Paul after lunch. More photo-shoot and cake-cutting by all the fathers present, celebrating Father's Day, a day earlier. Cake was graciously donated by Julie, one of the pilgrims.

Before leaving the Church of St. Paul the Apostle at 2 pm, we concluded with the rite at the end of the pilgrimage.

Arrived home safely about 3.40 pm. Praise and thank the Lord!

We thoroughly enjoyed this wonderfully joyful and enriching pilgrimage. A big thank-you to George Yeow, who did a great job in organizing this pilgrimage - prayerful and meditative yet not too heavy! And, it costs only RM15/pax with packed breakfast and transport included. Throw in a few more ringgit for lunch and you have a wonderful half a day pilgrimage, a real spiritual treat! Impossible to believe, huh?

Sharing below some pictures taken in and around the church that was established in 1965, located along Jalan Rasathurai in the town centre of Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor (Tel: 03-60641467). A simple Catholic Church with a life-size sculpture of St. Paul inside and outside, a well-maintained church grounds with a lovely Blessed Mary Grotto and beautiful garden trees or shrubs like Solanum macranthum (Giant Potato Tree) and vines such as Passiflora coccinea (Red granadilla), Bignonia magnifica, and Quisqualis indica (Rangoon Creeper).

Dinner at Look Out Point, Ampang

There's much talk about the happening at Look Out Point or Pusat Pelancongan dan Menara Tinjau (in the Malay language) that our retiree group decided to try out one evening about 2 weeks ago. Ten of us car-pooled in two cars and arrived there effortlessly as our chief navigator and initiator, Michael had been there a few times.

In fact, we've been there previously with him too, about one and a half years ago during the day time after a hearty lunch at a Chinese Restaurant with a fishing pond nearby, located somewhere in the forest region of 14th mile, Hulu Langat if I recalled correctly.

Unfortunately, it was too hazy for us to enjoy the magnificent Kuala Lumpur night skyline that would have included the Petronas Twin Towers, Menara KL Tower and Menara Telekom in Petaling Jaya, which were totally invisible that night. What a disappointment! I tried taking a couple of shots with my point-and-shoot camera Canon PowerShot A60, but was a fiasco! Anyway, nothing spectacular would have been achieved without the inclusion of the majestic buildings mentioned.

So, we focused on the menu available instead, at Look Out Point Western Food Restaurant where Michael had made reservations earlier. Service was good and food ordered were surprisingly served quite soon. I can't honestly say that the food was excellent, but was quite tasty no doubt, though the beef steak was a little tough. Most main courses were simply presented, nothing fancy, just accompanied with some fries and a couple of cauliflower or brocoli florets, or alternatively with mashed potatoes, slices of cucumber and tomatoes. Thus, I had no interest in photographing them.

Nonetheless, pricing was reasonable. Our total bill for 10 persons amounted to only RM272/=.

Included below is the business card of the restaurant's manager, just in case you are interested.



View some fantastic nightscape photos, shared by a blogger and be enthralled!

And, day pictures at another site and some additional info here.

Another Easter 2009 Celebration

Easter is another wonderful season to express thanksgiving and appreciation of God's boundless gifts and blessings. An opportunity too to enjoy meals and fellowship with family, relatives and friends.

A month ago, on Saturday 18th of April, John and I graciously treated his mother and some friends from our retiree group to a sumptuous Chinese lunch at Mandarin Palace Chinese Restaurant, Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

It was a Weekend 'Yam Ley Sek' (all you can eat) Brunch from 10.30am to 2.30pm where you select what you'd like to savour from a fixed menu of about 60 dishes. Included were 15 dim-sum varieties, shark's fin soup, meat (chicken, pork, venison, lamb), fish, prawns, tou foo, egg, veggies, noodles, etc. all prepared in various styles, could be Chinese, local and other Asian cuisine.

Reasonably priced too - just RM45++ per adult, but RM25++ for senior citizen/child, excluding chinese tea which cost RM3.50/pax. Real value for money, especially all of us except one are senior citizens! ;)

We enjoyed the lovely dishes except that some were a little too salty. Also, we made the mistake of starting off, indulging with too much dim-sum and shark's fin soup...hence, too little stomach space left for other interesting dishes. Hmm...must eat smart the next time around, huh!

Sharing some pictures taken then:

Easter Celebration at Shogun, Bandar Utama

We chose to celebrate Easter Sunday, April 12 at Shogun Japanese Buffet Restaurant again. A favourite joint for our family gatherings where you eat all you can and stay as long as you want from 12 noon till 5.30 pm. Even venture out to shop in the 1 Utama Shopping Mall where Shogun is located, in-between the hours as long as some of us are still inside eating or yakking. Isn't that marvelous, especially for families with restless children who just wouldn't stay put for long?

Food quality, quantity and variety is simply awesome! Seems to be getting better and better at each next visit...just fantastic!! Real value for money. Good service and wonderful ambience.

Get to know more details about location, pricing and kinds of food, at my earlier post here.

Sharing here some photos taken on that lovely enjoyable day with members of my family.

Happy Easter 2009

Though Easter Season for 2009 had already started from April 12,
it is never to late to send wishes, yes? :-)

Jesus Christ The Lord Is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!

"Wishing one and all
A Very Happy And Blessed Easter Season!
May The Unceasing Sacrificial Love Of
The Resurrected Lord Jesus
Remain In Our Hearts And Minds Forever,
Filling Us With His Fullness Of Joy, Peace, Mercy And Grace"

Just wanted to share the reasons why I chose the image of these lovely flowers of Hosta seen above for our Easter card. It seems so befitting the purpose, I think :

• the blooms decided to burst forth happily on Easter Sunday, presenting John and I much joy and excitement. What a wonderful surprise and an awesome Easter gift - this is the first time we've ever seen Hosta's flowers in person and it is also the first time our Hosta ever bloomed since joining our garden family seven years ago. Perfect timing too, as if risen from slumber and being completely alive now.
  Jesus, I want to die to sin and be alive to God in You, as Saint Paul prayed!
  


• flowers appear so white and pure - reminding me of Jesus' cross and blood, purifying and cleansing me of my sins so that I can be as white as wool again.
  Jesus, I need your strength and grace!


• the left flower indicating the act of rising.
  O Jesus, such immeasurable love for humanity! Thank you so much!


• both flowers and bud depict the outstretched hands of the crucified Christ, as it beckoning me to love and serve one another as He did.
  Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit!

Read more about Easter at catholicism.about.com and crivoice.org.

God's steadfast love

Rejoice, sing and be glad!
for you are God's precious child,
today, everyday and always!!

He loves everyone (good and bad alike) with a steadfast love,
that is constant and unconditional,
all-abiding and all-encompassing!

These marvelous thoughts of God's awesome love for us all was triggered on the morning of Valentine's Day as I was reading a Valentine's greeting via email from a wonderful friend. It contained a letter from our Heavenly Father, reassuring us of His all-embracing love, with related quotes from the Bible, His Living Word.

Thank you lots, my dear friend for this invaluable valentine message, the best I've ever received. What a lovely way to start Valentine's Day, convinced that I am His love, His valentine! And, in response, I proclaim God too as my love, my valentine! An appealing new perspective for me as I've never linked it in this way before. My spirits were rejoicing and in seventh-heaven so to speak, that whole Valentine's day as I pondered on His loving words and even as I write this post.

I'd like to reproduce and share God's endearing letter here, His passionate outpouring of His everlasting love to His children. Let us not harden our hearts, minds and ears. Instead, let us listen to the voice of our Lord and enter into His peace:

My Child

Not only can I hear you, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31)
For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27)
In me, you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:27-28)
For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you, when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth, and where you would live. (Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 13:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (John 8:41, 42, 44)
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1 John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child, and I am your Father. (1 John 3:1)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all my heart, and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3)
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29)
Delight in me, and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
For it is I, who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
And nothing will ever separate you from My love again. (Romans 8:39-39)
I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)

Love,
your Heavenly Father

Father God, all-powerful and all-loving, thank you so much for loving me so constantly, even though I am unworthy. Help me to love You more and more each day in response, and to count my blessings daily with deep gratitude and thanksgiving in my heart. Empower me to live in union with you, remembering to praise You in happy moments, seek You in difficult moments, worship You in quiet moments, trust You in painful moments and thank You every moment. Amen

God is love
He who dwells in love dwells in God
and God in him. (1 John 4:16)

Let us embrace HIS LOVE gladly and rejoice! Freely we receive, freely too should we give ours!
Not easy, huh? But, with God in us, nothing is impossible!

Alleluia! Praise The Lord!

Valentine's Day 2009

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO EVERYONE!



An image of pretty 'love hearts' of Oxalis 'Triangularis' (Purple Shamrock) growing in our garden, posted here just for the occasion, to greet all our online friends and visitors.
(Plant info here, if interested)

Today, February 14 is Valentine's Day, a special day to celebrate love and friendship. Read more about this day at wikipedia.

It sure is great to have a day set aside for expressions of love in meaningful and variable ways, but Valentine's Days have become too commercialize as with Christmas. There is an overindulgence in spending on food and gifts and enjoyment, resulting in a huge debt in many credit cardholders' account.

Our celebration was simple. Our retirees group made up of John and I, Steven and Sook Wan, and Michael (his wife, Irene went to church instead) went to Restoran Ikan Kepala Chan Sow Lin, located at Jalan 5, Jalan Chan Sow Lin for lunch. We had rice with two dishes of fish head cooked in different style ('hoong siew' which comprised of fried fish head, served with roasted pork, 'tau foo pork' and others in soya+black sauce; the other fish head was steamed with ginger and chinese vine), fried kangkong, steamed beancurd and curry pork ribs.

What a wonderful Valentine's Day get-together with great friends and delicious food that was not pricey at all. Just RM78 including chinese tea - cheap and good!

Almost forgot to mention - Michael was the initiator of this gathering and also the treater. His reason for treating us was because he had given up smoking totally after having smoked for donkey years, and had saved/would be saving $$$. How sweet and generous of him! Such a loving friend, expressing his love for us on Valentine's Day. By the way, he has already celebrated earlier in the week with his valentine, Irene. Thank you lots, my sweet friend! God bless you!

For dinner, John and I had a simple meal together in one of our neighborhood's noodle joint, after attending Sunset Mass at Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Best part was eating out - lunch with wonderful friends and dinner with my beloved lover. No cooking at home for the whole day! :D

Overeating during Lunar New Year 2009 #3

Continuing from post #2, more delightful gastronomic adventures were enjoyed for another 2 weeks of the Lunar New Year celebration for 2009 at various locations, mainly around Kuala Lumpur, with relatives and friends.

Some of the eateries patronized were Hoo Yee Restaurant and Tai Tong Restaurant in Cheras, Checkers at Dorsett Regency in Jalan Imbi, KL and BBQ Seafood Restaurant in Subang (opposite Terminal 3 of the old Subang Airport).

Hmm...I'm afraid to weigh myself after all this over consumption of food, lest I faint on knowing!

Here is an idea of what we overindulge at Checkers, Dorsett Regency Hotel, located at Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur. John and I treated his sister and mom to an elaborate buffet lunch on January 28, the 3rd day of the Chinese New Year which was from 12 noon to 2.30pm. We rushed down from Petaling Jaya after visiting an elderly wheelchair-bound relative to savour the exciting food fare in store for us.

This is one of our favorite joint where food is aplenty and yummy, and ambience and service is good too. Price is very affordable after a 50% discount for senior citizens. Price for that day was RM59.90++ per adult and since we are all seniors, the bill came to just RM137.75 for 2 adults. Cheap and good!

Haha, what we overate was more than enough to cause us all to abstain from dinner at night and breakfast the following day! :-D

Overeating during Lunar New Year 2009 #2

As indicated in my previous post #1, eating is the order of the day throughout the Chinese New Year festive season.

Eating out is always more exciting and enjoyable than labouring at home with cooking, cleaning and washing, as well as trying hard to be the perfect hostess. Free too from planning the menu of the day, marketing and endless preparation for just a handful of our signature dishes. Anyway, John and I aren't in the best of health to cope with such long hours of toiling in the kitchen.

Hence, we feel so blessed and thankful to have the option of eating out, where one is spoilt for choices, especially at buffets. That was what we did for the first day of the New Year of The Ox...eating out. We had ceased altogether the endless hours of preparation and entertaining relatives and friends as was done previously for 30+ years since 1970, gave up the open-house concept for quite many years now.

Our family of nine members plus my sister and niece gathered at Benteng Coffee House, Quality Hote1 City Centre, located along Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur (facing opposite Bangunan Medan MARA) for a sumptuous CNY buffet hi-tea. Wonderful spread that included yee sang, fried rice and noodles, roasted lamb and duck, fried chicken, mee laksa, dim sum, sashimi, popiah, veggie and salad, soups, cold dishes, fruit rojak, waffle, cakes and deserts, ice-kacang and ice-cream, and lots more.

On the whole, food tasted good, very satisfying and ample as there were less than 30 diners in all. No need to queue and can select food with ease and at one's leisure. No rush too as one can dine from 12 noon to 4pm. We even overshot the time to almost 4.20pm as Darren, Yanti and Dylea could not resist repeating some of their favorite desserts. Waiters were quite accommodating, though John and I felt a little embarrassed by our late exit.

What a lovely bonding time spent with our family, chattering and eating with a free flow of food/drinks for the taking. Haha...all prepared, cooked and laid out by others, isn't that great! Moreover, it was affordable and pretty cheap, I'd say. Bill totaled just RM282/= (RM38++ per adult, RM20++ per senior citizen and child).

Not many photos to share here. I was enjoying myself in eating, yaking and observing... that by the time I wanted to photograph the food-fare, most of the dishes were almost empty and uninteresting to capture for display here! ;-)





Continuing at post #3.

Overeating during Lunar New Year 2009 #1

This year, John and I decided not to celebrate the Chinese Lunar Year 2009, the Year of the Ox at Genting Highlands, which we'd normally do. Reason being I had my cataract surgery early January and preferred to take it easy, not at all enticed by that vibrant City of Entertainment that will definitely draw huge crowds of people which I'd rather avoid in such a circumstance.

Instead we painted our town, Kuala Lumpur red, so to speak! Not partying, drinking or dancing but on an eating spree since the eve of Chinese New Year, January 25th.

For the Chinese, this Spring Festival which began on January 26th will be celebrated for 15 days, with much emphasis on reunions/gatherings amongst family members, relatives and friends, with an overindulgence in eating mainly, though some will include bouts of drinking too. Can you imagine how expanded our waistline will be at the end of it all? Such eating extravagance frequently seen sometimes makes one wonder where are the poor, especially among Kuala Lumpur's urbanites?

We decided to have our Chinese New Year's Eve reunion dinner at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a gigantic world-class shopping mall located at Jalan Bukit Bintang. Travelling there from our home was a breeze, no traffic jam as most city dwellers have 'balik kampung' (returned to their hometown outstation) to celebrate and cash in on the long weekend followed by 2 public holidays.

Even at this usually bustling metropolitan region, the crowd was very small, comprised mostly of tourists. We weren't at all surprised as most of the shops were closed for the festive season.



Seen at the main entrance to Pavilion was a huge fascinating sculpture of the Golden Bull, a symbol of prosperity and much blessings to depict The Lunar Year of The Ox. And, box planters with fabulous Cherry Blossom trees towering 20-25 ft in height, were randomly placed around to decorate the vicinity of the main entrance.

We chose to have our dinner at Crystal Jade Meal 3, a cozy place with lovely lighting that changes colors intermittently. It is located along the same row with Carlos and Coffee Bean, I think. As expected, it was quite empty when we went in before 7pm though the crowd did increase gradually. No prior dining reservations were made, our younger son and his spouse chanced upon it as they scouted for an ideal eatery that is pork-free as required by their Islamic laws.

Food served is a mix of western and eastern cuisine including local fare. Prices are not too pricey except for the drinks. Food portions are smaller, so I'd say they aren't really value for money. Food presentation is not impressive at all...have a look at the photos below and you'd know what I mean! Same buttered veggie for all the main dishes, predictable and unexciting! Delicious? Just so-so! Service was also passable, probably by untrained part-timers relieving the full-timers on vacation leave.

These were some of the orders we made, besides yee-sang, wantan noodle soup and others. Bill totaled about RM320/=, reasonably cheap when compared to chinese-styled meal offered elsewhere as Chinese Set Menu for 10 pax.





Nevertheless, I am not complaining, just sharing my observations and thoughts. To be able to enjoy such luxuries, I am most thankful, contented and feel blessed indeed! I praise and thank God for His abundant blessings daily.

Continuing at next post #2.

Cataract Surgery

'SURGERY', this word itself always frightens the daylights out of me!

But I was more afraid when I learnt that unattended cataract can lead to blindness. My vision was blurring progressively for about a year and it was being more of a nuisance and discomfort when watching movies or working on the computer. Thus, I went for a thorough eye check and was diagnosed as having posterior cataract on my right eye and a very slight cloudiness on my left eye. The options were to have a cataract surgery for the right eye and let the left eye be as is for the time being.

Anyway, after hearing the detailed explanation as to the simple surgical procedure involved, its benefits and easy after-care, etc. from the surgeon and his nurses and equipped with more knowledge sourced from the internet, I was reassured, calmed and prepared to go ahead with the cataract surgery for my right eye. It was set for Monday morning, the 5th of January, 2009.

The surgery was skillfully performed by Dr. Wong Yiing Cheong at his Specialist Eye Centre (WYCEC), located just opposite the Pantai Cheras Medical Centre, using the phaco (short for phacoemulsification) technology and implanted the Zeiss Optic aspheric intraocular lens (XLStabi-ZO) in my eye as desired.
(Patients have the option to choose one of the 3 kinds of intraocular lenses offered here, either an ordinary one from India, or Alcon lens from USA or Zeiss lens from Germany, costing RM2,150/=, RM2,500/= and RM2,700/= respectively, which include the lens, cataract surgery and 2 kinds of eyedrops but exclude charges for the pre-op and post-op checks.)

No stitches or large incision, no pain or long hours! Surgical procedure under topical eye-drop anaesthesia (needing no eye injections) was super-fast, lasting just about 20 minutes though the whole process which included the pre-preparation and post-waiting-adjustment took about 1 hour in all, still considered very short anyway! The best deal was, it was painless, fast and you get an almost clear vision right away after the operation at an affordable price.

Praise and thank The Lord that it was a success! He sure was with me throughout, during which I was conscious as I uplifted the whole surgical procedure into His healing hands. And, a big thank you to Dr. Wong and his team too!

The post-operative (or aftercare) instructions given by his nurse is as important to ensure a speedy recovery and a full success. So, sharing here some pointers for interested persons and a reminder too for myself for the eventual left eye surgery :

1. Follow frequency for instillation of eyedrops (was prescribed 2 kinds of eyedrops) as follows :
   i) Spersadex comp. (a steroid and antibiotic combination) - 1 drop hourly for 1st day, and 1 drop 3 hourly for subsequent days for 2 weeks; followed by 1 drop 3 times a day for another 2 weeks.
   ii) Zymar (gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution) 0.3% (an antibiotic) - 1 drop 3 hourly for 2 weeks.
   
   Here's how to apply eye drops:
   Wash your hands first. Do not let the dropper tip touch any surface to avoid contamination. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the dropper directly over your eye and instill the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1-2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure to prevent medication from draining away from the eye and into mouth, leaving a bitter taste. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. If you are using another eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying the next.


2. Need for night application of 'Clear Eye Shield', for 2 weeks to prevent involuntary subsconscious rubbing of operated eye.


3. Cleanliness and hygiene is paramount, to prevent eye infection :
   i) Always wash hands before touching the operated eye to avoid germs. There is 1:1000 risk of getting eye infection with highest risk between day 3 to day 5 and symptoms are drop in visual acuity, swollen red eye and eye pain (excluding the first night), so seek immediate medical attention if infection occurs;
   ii) Wash face with either boiled water which has been cooled down or saline water, for 2 weeks;
   iii) Wash hair with head tilted backwards, saloon-style and be mindful that no soap or water get into operated eye.


4. Wear sunglasses for the first few days after surgery, especially in bright environment or outdoors;


5. Daily activities such as cooking, light exercises, bending forward, carrying light load, watching TV, working on computer are allowed, though a little caution and restraint will help. Know your limits and do not strain.


6. No restriction on food and oral medications. But, do abstain if you're allergic to certain food and medications.


7. To return to eye-clinic on the 3rd day after surgery for post-op check.
   

Some of my experiences after cataract surgery:

• attained about 80-90% clear vision immediately after surgery, and progressively improving each day. I can even read and work on the computer without needing glasses now. In fact the new right eye lens gives better vision than the natural one in my left eye which is already slightly cloudy;


• teary and watery eyes on first day of surgery, which disappeared on second day onwards. However, some wetness in the eye persist until now, probably because application of eye-drops is continuing;


• slight scratchy sensation when I blinked on 1st day, but gone the next day;


• the Zymar gatifloxacin eyedrops stings slightly upon instillation on 1st day, but not on subsequent days;


• there's a fine circle or halo around the eye, more on the outer area. I was informed by eye surgeon that this is due to some water 'injected' into the eye during surgery and told not to worry as circle would be gone within 3 weeks or earlier. (P/S: It did not. Refer to March 15 update below);


• colors are a little different, with a bluish tint. I understand that it's normal;


• rashes appeared on both of my legs on the 6th evening after surgery. Surgeon confirmed that it is not an allergic reaction to the eye drops as my operated eye is fine, neither swollen nor red; hence to continue with the prescribed eye medications. Anyway, I consulted a GP and was prescribed Calamine Lotion and Piriton tablets (antihistamine) and rashes disappeared by 4th day.

More related external links:
1) Cataract surgery factsheet by Bupa health care organisation
2) FAQs on Cataract surgery by St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute

In addition, I'd like to record here too what was printed on the Zeiss brochure regarding cataract and the Zeiss Optic aspheric intraocular lenses.

What is cataract?
It is the most common form of eye disorder. In a healthy eye, the crystalline lens is transparent, letting light rays pass through onto the retina to produce a sharp and clear image. A cataract is an opacification or clouding of the crystalline lens that impairs normal vision. Fewer light rays are able to pass through the eye, resulting in reduced vision. The sharpness and brightness of images is significantly diminished, very similar to looking through a very dirty window. Opacification of the crystalline lens is progressive, if not treated, cataracts can lead to blindness.

What are the causes?
Cataracts are not a form of eye disease. The most frequent cause of cataracts is aging of the eye. It is a natural occurrence in approximately 18 to 29% of individuals between the ages of 65 to 74, increasing to roughly 65% beyond 85 years of age. Cataracts are also caused by other factors such as drugs, eye impairments and perforations, diabetes, long-term exposure to ultraviolet light without adequate protection.

How are cataracts treated?
Today, the only efficient form of treatment is intraocular surgery, which consists of removing the opacified crystalline lens and replacing it with an artifical crystalline lens, a so-called intraocular lens.

What is an intraocular lens (IOL)?
An intraocular lens is a permanent prosthesis implanted in the eye. It is generally folded when inserted into the eye through a small incision to replace the crystalline lens. An intraocular lens is only a few millimeters in size.
There are different types of intraocular lenses, including spherical and aspheric IOLs. Both are designed to restore patient sight. Aspheric lenses, however, are the latest innovation on the market.

How is a cataract surgery performed?
Cataract surgery is a safe, pain-free and fast surgical procedure. In most cases, patients are able to go home within a few hours of the surgery. With the patient under local anaesthesia, the old crystalline lens is fragmented into small pieces with an ultrasound probe and aspirated through a small incision measuring only a few millimeters. The surgeon then inserts the transparent artificial crystalline lens in its place through the same incision. The small size of the incision generally does not even require suturing. Visual recovery is almost immediate and patients are able to return to their normal daily activities within 2 to 3 days.
There are many intraocular lenses on the market today. After a careful examination of your eye, your surgeon will decide which implant is best suited for you. You may also want to consult the physician whether an aspheric lens would be appropriate to help you enjoy better vision.

What are the advantages of aspheric intraocular lenses? .......
Why choose a Zeiss aspheric IOL (XL Stabi ZO or Invent ZO)? .....

......go to www.meditec.zeiss.com/zo for more information.

Update: March 15
6 weeks after cataract surgery, I still experience some discomfort - 1) wetness in the eye, though very nominal, it's as if something unusual is in the eye; 2) seeing a fine quarter-halo or circle lining the outer and lower area of my eye, as if seeing a little of its side and my cheek. Otherwise, vision is almost perfect. So, on February 26th I returned to Dr. Wong and after thorough checking, I was told that I may need yag laser surgery to correct that. What, so soon, I asked in shock and disbelief? He explained about potential space between lens and capsule, likened to secondary cataract or posterior capsule opacity and even went further to suggest that I was being too sensitive and detailed so as to imagine that presence of a quarter-circle (this is totally crap!)
Googling for answers today, I came across this article on Cataract Surgery Complications and it was an eye opener. Now, I'm just wondering whether my IOL was malpositioned or dislocated?

I'll probably go for a second opinion in two weeks time, when John and I will accompany his mother for her final post-op check after cataract surgery at Eye Specialist Clinic Kok & Kok. Praying that my eye problem will disappear before then as it will be almost 3 months after my cataract surgery and I understand that is the estimated time for a full recovery.

Update: April 26
A month ago, I did seek a second opinion from Dr. Kok Howe Sen of Eye Specialist Clinic Kok & Kok. After checking, he assured me that there was no need at all to do a YAG laser and the halo that I'm viewing is a very common occurence after cataract surgey that will probably disappear over time. That's fantastic news, no laser required! I'm still hoping the halo will be gone soon though...??
And, Dr. Kok remarked that the slight unusual wetness that I'm experiencing is due to eye dryness. Unfortunately, I was so joyful to know that no laser need to be done that I was unaware that he gave no solution to this other problem. Aargh...I will need to consult him again later as this condition still persists till today. I'm hoping that this too will itself disappear eventually.
Some information on dry eye syndrome at All About Vision.

Fig & Olive, Sunway Pyramid

Just look at these sumptuous food and you'll be hooked to try them at Fig & Olive, located at Sunway Pyramid, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya.






It is an appealing cafe and bistro serving a blend of Mediterranean cuisine, with an extensive menu, and using a lot of olive oil, herbs and spices in its food preparation.

Lovely ambiance and pleasant decor. Serving portions were quite large, interesting and splendidly displayed. Delicious, yummy and reasonably priced too. You even get a bonus of 20% discount if you are a UOB credit cardholder! Ain't that lovely, more value for money!! Service was great.

And, just step out of the rear door and you'll get to see the spectacular view of the whole of Sunway Lagoon and Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, This is just great for photographers and those tending to the restless little ones or even just to stretch and relax after a hefty meal!

It was our first visit there and bet you, it definitely won't be our last - a belated birthday celebration for me on January 3, 2009 by our loving sons and their family! What a delightful dinner treat and family get-together! Thank you so much, my darlings!!




Just in case you are interested -

Address:
1G2-122A Lower Ground 2,
Marrakesh Sunway Pyramid (New Wing),
46150 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-74920955
Website: Fig&Olive

31st December 2008

The final movie seen in the year 2008, on its last day December 31st, was 'Ip Man'.

John and I, together with his mother, lunched at Kenny Rogers before proceeding to watch the Chinese movie at 1pm. A martial arts film based on the life story of Yip Man, the Grandmaster of the Wing Chun style of kung fu and master of legendary kung fu superstar Bruce Lee. It focused on events in Foshan during the Japaneses Occupation of China. Read all about the making of the movie, 'Ip Man' at Wikipedia.

We enjoyed the movie tremendously. Donnie Yen who starred as Yip Man, stood out well in poise, style and calmness in tensed situations. A wonderful plot that will hold you with awe and suspense yet filled with some moral teaching to make you ponder!

Later in the night, John and I, together with 3 other couples were invited to Steven and Sook Wan's home to fellowship and usher in the new year 2009. After new year greetings were exchanged and birthday wishes sung for me, we then adjourned to a Chinese eatery for supper. Here again, treated to noodles by Steven and spouse.

Finally retired to bed almost 2 am on the first day of 2009! A day and night well spent and enjoyed!

Christmas Day 2008

This wonderful day started with John and I attending church in the morning to celebrate Christ's birthday, welcome Him into our heart, mind and home and to thank our Heavenly Father for the precious gift of baby Jesus and His countless blessings.

Then, onward to The Coronade Hotel at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur at noontime to enjoy luncheon with family members and relatives at Makan Makan Coffee House. The Christmas Day high-tea luncheon was from 12.30-5pm at RM48++ for adults and 50% discount for children below 12yrs and senior citizens above 55yrs. The hi-tea spread was supposedly to include halal stuffed turkey, seafood pilaf rice, oyster, prawns and mussels on ice, satay, roasted whole lamb and a variety of cakes and other goodies.

But what a disappointment! Food was definitely not up to standard nor value for money! Crowd was too large and food was insufficient! It's a case of demand exceeding supply! To top it all, the long queue and waiting, especially for grilled fish, satay and turkey really spoilt our appetite! Also, less than 2 hours later, there was no more servings of roasted turkey! Some late-comers did not even get to eat the turkey! Can you beat that...and we came here specially for it? Service was slow and unsatisfactory. Aargh!! For sure, we won't ever patronize this place again!
Nonetheless, I do feel blessed and am thankful to be able to afford such luxuries and pleasures...so, stop complaining...??

Entertainment included Santa Claus and the Magical Clown. So, fortunately our grandchildren were kept fully thrilled by them and playing with whatever were inside their party packs, which each diner received! Incidentally, Renice and Renee, our twin-grandchildren were 3 years old on Christmas day. Yippee and happy birthday, darlings!!

By 3pm, we decided to leave Makan Makan and return to the coziness of our home. Here, Christmas presents were delightfully exchanged, with laughter, fellowship and family bonding continuing until about 9 in the night. Of course, the twins received their birthday presents too and the night ended with a simple home-cooked dinner! Just noodles, nothing elaborate! ;)

Without doubt, it was a joyous and enjoyable day, well-spent with family members and relatives!

Posting some photos taken by our elder son, David! Humph...my Canon camera had some hiccups...what a day to show its tantrums!! :-D

Christmas Greetings 2008

Wishing one and all,

"A Very Merry Christmas
A Happy New Year
The All-encompassing Light of Jesus Christ
And God's Infinite Love, Grace & Mercy Always"

P/S: This is a snapshot of the explosive Calliandra emarginata 'Red' from our garden.

Trip to Chamang Waterfall, Bentong

November 25 - John and I, together with two other couples went on a day's trip to the Chamang Waterfall in Bentong, Pahang. Carpooled in two cars, reaching there in less than 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur, in fine weather which prevailed thoughout except halfway through on our return trip when it rained heavily.

Lover's Waterfall as it is sometimes known, with its cascading waterfall over the steep and rocky hillside is enticingly beautiful, especially when nestled amidst lush tropical rainforest. I was a little disappointed though, as I have expected to see the cascade of gushing water covering a broader area of the rock surfaces which does occur during rainy seasons. Nevertheless, its splendour is undeniable and I do cherish the opportunity to be able to enjoy such natural wonders of God's awesome creation.

Beauty has its pitfalls too! Rock or boulder surfaces are slippery and powerful currents have created dangerous spots, with turbulence and whirlpools that have claimed lives tragically. Hence, beware and do read the clear signs of danger set around for visitors!

On the whole, it is a great place for picnics, family outings and recreation, splashing, bathing or wading in shallow waterfall pools, or just to get away from the hustle and bustle of city stress.

The surrounding place is clean and well maintained by the staff of the Pahang Forestry Department, Hutan Lipur Sungai Chamang (Chamang River Recreation Park). There are sufficient parking bays, rest areas, toilet and bathing facilities for the general public.

Read more, especially how to get there at Nature Escapes.









Two and a half hours later, we headed towards Bentong town at around 2.15 pm for lunch at the Golden Court Restaurant (I think that's its name?). Food and service there was excellent. We had rice with steam 'Pak Su Kung' fish, pork ribs with yam, steam kampung chicken with a great dipping sauce, fried kangkong with belachan and fried miniature french beans. The food was so good that we just had to try their noodles too, so we ordered a plate of Cantonese fried noodles with a mix of kway-teow and meehoon for 4 pax!
Hehe...the best part was eating for free! Steven, the birthday boy sprung a surprise and treated us all. How generous! :D

And, not to be missed at Bentong is another of its specialty, the best home-made ice-cream and ice kachang at Kow Po Coffee Shop. So, we headed there (the shop is located opposite the Bentong bus-station and next to Hong Leong Bank) and had our fill to our heart's content. What glorious indulgence! Funny that our stomach is so expendable!! :-D