Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Today's Flowers - Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle)

I've always been fascinated and enthralled by Hibiscus blooms and the roselle flowers growing in my garden have finally sprouted.


Roselle or its scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa are common wild-grown flowers now widely distributed and cultivated in tropical regions round the globe. Sepals of roselle are used in making juices, squashes, jellies, wines and pies. The juice contains vitamin C and minerals and many parts of the plant are also claimed to have various medicinal properties. More specifically, they are commonly used as a treatment for cardiac, nerve diseases and cancer.


With its numerous health benefits, this is definitely a home comfort that brings me back into my early years. The beverage is similar to Ribena juice, but not as sour though. It makes a fabulous iced tea that never fails to leave me feeling refreshed and uplifted.




First Commenter - Happily Retired Gal

Friday, November 27, 2009

PhotoHunt - Technology


Our tropical climate has several advantages. We don't need seasonal outfits, tourists from cold countries would flock to our beaches plus the high moisture content keeps our skin looking younger for longer. On the other hand, with the intense levels of humidity, it can be also uncomfortable for anyone. That's when air-conditioning feels like a life saver.

We have 3 units of air-conditioner. The latest unit we purchased features inverter technology that adjusts its cooling capacity to maintain a consistent temperature, increasing energy efficiency compared to conventional split air conditioners. Not only it saves electricity, it cools the room faster and inverter's compressor are more silent compared to non-inverter.

These days, most companies have introduced the full range of inverter air-conditioners to the market to meet the increasing demand for energy-saving and eco-friendly items in view of the deepening environmental crisis, resources and global warming issues.



First Commenter - Rainfield

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - A great place for a relaxing drink in an inviting ambience.




First Commenter - Anna

Monday, November 23, 2009

Today's Flowers - Impatiens

Impatiens flowers take their name from the Latin, impatiens, "impatient." They are being called because their ripe seed pods will sometimes burst when slightly touch. Perhaps they are too impatient to reproduce. :) There are many species of impatiens flowers, often misspelled as "impatience" or "impatients".

I came across these appealing flowers spreading out before the eye at Cactus Valley. As the name implies, they could be suitable and a great remedy for a person who is impatient and frustrated. That said, I'm totally the impatient one! Perhaps, I should plant them too. :)



First Commenter - fishing guy

Friday, November 20, 2009

PhotoHunt - Bird(s)

This week's shots were from our trip to Lake Lucerne, a few years ago. Lake Lucerne is Switzerland’s most popular lake, well known all over Europe. Lucerne itself is surrounded by water, since not only does it sit on the lake but it also is split in two by the River Reuss. Bird lovers will be able to see large flocks of sea birds in the middle of the city.

There were plentiful of seagulls, swans, geese and other sea birds moving gracefully around the lake.

While taking pictures of the city, a flock of seagulls flew towards us and stood still as though to welcome us. When they realised no chips were coming their way they fluttered their wings and flapped wildly by the strong gusts of wind. It looked fun.


It was incredible to see their beautiful wings spread in such graceful flight around the lake. The lovely seagulls were truly putting on a show for us.



First Commenter - Monica

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

RIP dear Father In law


It has been a sad, heart wrenching week for my family. My beloved father-in-law (FIL) passed away peacefully, a few days ago after a long battle with heart disease. He was aged 83.

My FIL has been in the hospital a few times in the past few years for heart and related complications. He was readmitted to the hospital again last week after suffering breathing problems.

As he was getting weak and breathless, he was confined to the hospital intensive care unit, with intravenous tubes and drips. And for a few days, an oxygen mask helped him to breathe which he absolutely hated. He shook his head sorrowfully with eyes closed, at the thought of going home. He must have been frustrated with all the pain and suffering he went through. He looked as though he had given up on life. Perhaps he thought that he had achieved a ripe old age.

When my FIL regained consciousness, through written notepad, he insisted he be taken back home. In the back of my mind, I knew that he was soon going to leave us very soon and at the same time he didn't want to die in the hospital. Eventually we took him home with all the necessary apparatus he would need to help him breathe.

His health began to take a sudden turn for the worse last week. After two battles with heart complications in a few weeks of hospitalisation, he passed away peacefully that night. We cried for him to fight on as we witnessed his final breath. However, it is a blessing that he no longer having to suffer and that he has been freed from his pain.

Memories of him will remain in our hearts forever. I miss him heaps.


First Commenter - Denesa

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Love is in the air





First Commenter - Rainfield

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Today's Flowers - Splash of Yellow

My mom's delightful garden is full of bright yellow hues and they contrast well with the glossy green leaves. It's amazing to see how the yellow beauties sway gently in the breeze and the long lasting blooms blended well with other plants in the garden. It shows the value of life being nurtured with well care and blooming in perfection.



Friday, November 6, 2009

Scrumptious Egg tarts

It was a rainy, chilly afternoon and I had this sudden crave for portuguese egg tarts and if you've not tasted this irresistible dessert before, you're missing out on some sweet, mouth-watering, fragrant egg custard.

In my previous trip to Macau, I had the best, authentic Portuguese Egg Tarts and the entire tart was tasty enough to be gobbled up in seconds. The crust was flaky and richly creamy and the custard was smooth and sinfully delicious. Those were the best portuguese egg tarts I ever had in my lifetime.

So far, one of the better egg tarts I've tasted can be found in Carnarvon St, Penang. Never mind the price, the egg tarts here are very enticing to the taste buds, in terms of its delicate flaky pastry, freshness and wobbly filling. The eggs-cellent treats are selling like hot cakes the moment they arrived at the shop.

Personally, I prefer the Portuguese style egg tarts to the normal egg tarts. While the original version at times crumbly and less flaky, the Portuguese egg tart literally tasted much better and I could feel the fragrant custard oozing out on first bite. The sweetness is just perfect for me. Hmmm........incredibly yummy.

Hungry now? I am.

First Commenter - Monica

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - View from a cruise in Turkey





First commenter - Autumn Belle

Monday, November 2, 2009

Today's Flowers - Ananas Nanus

There are a few pots of miniature pineapples with long narrow yellow-green leaves armed with sharp little thorns growing here in my garden. Its scientic name is Ananas Nanus and it belongs to the bromeliad family.

The cone-shaped inflorescence produces purple flowers with yellow-pinkish bracts.


After a few months growth, it will sprout small pink fruit atop of the elongated stem.


The mini pineapple could remain on the plant for another couple of months from this stage.


The dragon fly was at the right place at the right time when I took this shot.


They are not edible but they attract butterflies, bees and mainly dragonflies. They are a cute little thing to add to my exotic plants collection.



First Commenter - Carver