House sparrow nest episode by Adrian

Last year, we had bird nesting in the side gutter and we had to clear it so that the water would flow down. Lately, I have seen birds flying in and pooped on my car %$##!&&@! and out of my house's gutter so I asked Juan (my contractor) to check it out. Guess what we saw..! Unfortunately, we have to remove this nest. Sorry bird....!

Nest with two eggs from one side of the gutter

While cleaning one side of the gutter, we saw a bird flying out from the other end of the gutter. Hmm! I told  Juan to check that one out. It turned out that the eggs have hatched for the other sparrow family. This one we had to leave it alone as there are sparrow chicks in it. Juan will have to come back in a few weeks time until the chicks have left the nest before he can clear the gutter.

Sparrow chicks

I like birds but not in my gutter. One year it has caused my water build up and it ended sipping into my basement. On the bright side, birds like our house so I take it as our place is homely to everyone including animals. 

Robin Nesting by Adrian

We have seen lots of animals passing through our house namely pest squirrels, skunk, turkey, bald eagle, possum, mole, bunny rabbits, and all kind of birds. But for the first time, we witnessed an American Robin nesting under the gutter on the down spout of our house. It all started a few days ago when I noticed strings of grass and debris hanging on the down spout. Moving forward few days later, I saw something looking  like a nest. Look for yourself what I have discovered.

Mama Robin in the nest

Closed-up on the nest when mama robin was away

Guess what is inside? Robin egg blue..!

We feel very lucky to have so many animals near our house. Perhaps lottery winning is on our way!!!  It makes us feel like nature...! Anyway, I will post pictures when the Robin chick(s) is/are visible.  Stay tuned...!

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.