Our Spring flower garden by Adrian

The fruits of hard work have finally paid off. Like I have mentioned in my past blog, it is very rewarding to beautify the house especially when you have invested so much into it. See and tell me what you think..!

Side back yard with tulips and daffodils

Pink Hyacinth

Orange Tulip

Red Tulip

White Daffodil

Table center piece

Our next project is summer flowers...! Stay tuned..!

Kaya & Toast by Adrian

This is our typical Sunday morning breakfast. It is called Kaya and Toast. This is a very common breakfast in Malaysia. Almost every coffee shop (cafe) would serve this during breakfast. It is simple and easy to prepare. Basically, all you need white bread, kaya (coconut jam) and butter. Half boiled eggs and a cup of Old Town Coffee are perfect to go with it.

Complete set of breakfast with Old Town Coffee

Half boiled eggs with soya sauce and a sprinkle of Sarawak White Pepper

Kaya & Butter Toast

Bon Appetit everyone...! Enjoy the rest of the weekend....!

Is Spring here yet? by Adrian

It is that time of the year again. It is almost spring...! See for yourself the signs around my house. I say these signs are better indicator than the groundhog (Punxsutawney Phil).You are a liar since Spring is not here yet.

Daffodils and Tulips

Remnant of snow turning into small piece of ice 

Time really flies as I felt like it was just Easter and now we are approaching the Holy celebration again. Stay tune for more updates...!

Damai Beach Resort past its prime by Adrian

Damai Beach Resort has been a popular place for Kuchingnites to spend the weekend or other days away from Kuching city. The resort has been perceived to be a luxurious resort for many local and international tourists. It was the place to be when you need to have fun and relax. I have not stayed at the resort since the day Serene and I spent our honeymoon there. It was then managed by Holiday Inn part of the InterContinental Hotels Group until 2007 and was turned over to Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

Moving forward to 2013. I was appalled by the conditions of the resort as we happened to stay a night at the resort on Feb  17.  It is very sad that the place is no longer in pristine condition. It is way past its prime...!  The pool areas have cracked or broken tiles which are very hazardous to small children. The room we stayed has musky mold smell and the TV channels selection are limited to about 10. It is so ironic that we can continue to list more negative than positive things. Anyway, here  is the kicker. Anything that you break or would like to have extra will be either be fined or charged. It is no longer "THE" place to be. We felt like a "communist resort" with all the fees and fines in placed.

Fine warning near the shaving station

Extra charge reminder at the coffee and tea making station

Partial list of imposed fees/fines

Moldy corner (Bath tub)

Moldy spots at the soap holder

Unfinished spackling on the bathroom ceiling

Fortunately, the natural beauty of the beach is still there and we manage to enjoy by walking on the sand. We just hope the management would do something to return the resort to its former tip top condition that everyone used to remember. Holiday Inn Damai Beach Resort the place to be regardless of the re-branding changed.

Verdict: Not recommended unless they make drastic changes. 

P/s Just a note the breakfast buffet stations are messy, unhygienic and not constantly refilled.

Happy New Year 2013

Serene, Brandon and Adrian would like to wish everyone Happy New Year 2013

Image courtesy of tutoriallounge.com

Angelina Sofia's Baptism by Adrian

I attended a very meaningful baptism ceremony on December 29, 2012 at Sacred Heart Church, Monroe, NY. It was followed by a reception at the Mansion Ridge Golf Course. Here is a little background on why it is meaningful. Shirley called me about a month ago and asked me to be her second daughter's god father. Without any hesitation I said yes. Shirley and I have been very close friends even since we met at our former work place in NJ. Angelina Sofia was born on 26 weeks (about 11 weeks early) weighting only 1 1/2 pounds. I first thought to myself who would have been a more challenging baby than Brandon. I was wrong....! Since Angelina was born premature, she has to be hospitalized before she can go home. She spent a total of 109 days in hospital (NICU) before being released to go home.

She is truly a MIRACLE BABY.....! I am very honored to be your god father. Thank you for letting me into part of your family.

Serene, Brandon and I wish you the best of health, bright future and exciting life.