Lunar New Year

The Lunar Activities

Before the day arrived, family members get excited at the thought of coming together and having fun and loads of talk. But when they do get together, what do they actually do? Some read, some decipher the future with their opinions while others whine over cataracts, age spots and future in-laws. The list is unending as some also took to silent observations of others and wonder at the meaning of life. 

Another new year in Spring. The old are getting older but not in spirit; the young are no more so young and so the cycle goes on and on.

One thing for sure is this: the girls are growing more matured by the years and have etched a livelihood for themselves. It is time they fend for themselves; even little Celine is no more a kid; she is growing into a pretty young lass. The grandparents are glad to have them hovering around them.

When in Muar; you will make a ride to the river mouth and gaze at the wonder of the borderless water.This spot never fails to catch the attention of everyone; young or old. There is always space for outdoor activities including the 10,000 steps walk. A walk around the perimeter of this part of the town will give you the daily 10,000 steps health walk.

Then the evergreen papa is never tired of repairing and hoisting the kites. This is an annual attraction.

The girls will grab the opportunity to fly them as the breeze is strong enough to allow the flight. Fly, fly, fly and later they will be dismantled and kept for the next meeting. Someday new ones will have to be bought.

In the evenings when all is quiet and calm, the game causes you to think and out beat one other. Who was the most outstanding player? None other than the one with the beginner's luck - Celine. She said it was her brain not the luck.

Then the men get together to consider matters; at times they remain quiet staring into that box; too exhausted to think after a year of hard work. When will they rest their minds?

The women folk attempted a new recipe. Yam with ginger and ikan tenggiri skin and roll them into balls for deep frying.

I am sure you are salivating already. It was super yummy; a concoction which money cannot buy.

Believe me; out of the world.

Then Por Por with her teow chew style of preparing food; all laid down for lunch. The cooking is different.

You get to taste them during the season.

See what my brother in Melbourne has missed?

Then the family gets together and be merry; eat and eat and eat.

They say the family that eats together stays together.

Let is be so.

Then we are fortunate we have the youngest generation to add noise and fuss to the occasion. That's the new addition to the home and the girls have been waiting patiently for his arrival.They think that having babies is the ultimate. So, they took turns to carry and fuss around them. But honestly speaking, it was good to have the noise; the small baby talk helps the older ones relax and enjoy.

See, Esther will do anything to entertain them. Jay and Liz are a bundle of joy and energy. You have to be in top form to move around them.

Then, soon it was meal time again. Por Por and Kong Kong are great; they can still take the challenge of organizing dinners in the restaurant of course. So, after a few courses in these places; you only want to eat home-cooked food. Yes, meal after meal but it was a good experience for the annual eat-together.

4 generations got together for days of food, fun and family.

 But none can deny the delight of receiving the red packets; big or small sums. The girls received from their cousins of the same generation; soon they may not qualify. You have to remain single to qualify; what a price to pay ! This year was different; the grandparents had the privilege of the boyfriends visiting them too. 

What a joyous occasion to remember by. May we continue to have good years ahead.

I am looking forward to John, Jason and Jeremy to return to Malaysia before Chap Goh Mei.

Yes, boys?