Two turtle doves and tsunami anniversary

The BBQ turned out great in spite of the rain and drizzle. Family and friends can mix. Too bad Cheeks left so early- antisocial.

We played cards till 1am. It was actually mostly us trying to teach Lok and Chia Hui how to play chor-tai-dee. We should have played Up and Down the River, except I forgot how.

It was a lot of work cleaning up. Mom and dad are so wonderful in helping to prepare and clean up. It was all worth it. Have I started a tradition? I always seem to build something good at the very end of a journey.

I got the most ingenious and sweet and creative presents. I am so loved :)

1 A pair of unisex boxers in black and pink that says PornStar right across the bum. Except it is in size M and hangs on my hips. Size S would have PornStar stretched across just nicely.
2 A pot of germinating brinjal seeds.
3 A pair of fluffy thick and soft house slippers in yellow, pink and orange, comes with a colour coordinated bath towel.
5 Lancome juicy lipstick in a rich mauve
6 Bright orange striped anything-goes-in-there bag
7 Three very touching messages in a card
8 Two more very touching cards
9 Work of fiction by Terry Pratchett, whose books I've never read
10 Loveliest moistest fruitcake by Auntie Eng Lee (I devoured 1/3 this morning and I DON'T EVEN LIKE FRUITCAKES)
11. A call from Pastor Michael!
12. A call from the Chans in Melbourne and hearing Ethan's voice again (melting)

I am most tempted to do the impulsive and buy a ticket to Kota Kinabalu for the New Year. But I have made financial pledges elsewhere. In exchange, maybe I will organize a hiking trip- Lok has agreed to lead if I do every other bit of the organizing.

The stories and videos from the tsunami anniversary make me sad. I will report from Galle in February. Watch this space.