I spent the last few weeks driving around South Island, New Zealand. Confirmed what I’ve always suspected – that I enjoy long drives amidst scenic settings. The South Island of New Zealand is breath-taking, to say the least.
Back in Singapore, a few days before Adamson returned home on vacation. It’s great to have him back.
Am slowly reverting to the routine I enjoy – writing in the mornings, brisk walking and/or road biking in the early evenings, and reading before bed (of course, this last activity – reading – suitably lubricated with a glass of wine or cognac). Will get back to regular blogging soon.
Lisa decided to celebrate my birthday which fell on 11 August, a Saturday. I’m not into birthday celebrations but with age, one gets more pliable I reckon. She booked a table at the Fullerton and…
It’s great to have Adamson home but I also missed my eldest, Alicia. Sunday family dinners were the norm until 3 years ago when Alicia and then Adamson moved to work/study/live in Brisbane and New York City, respectively. Our youngest, Amelia, is in university and lives at home, for now.
Oh well, all three ‘children’ will be home for Christmas which is ‘only’ a few months away.
Saturday morning, I received the best birthday present ever – thanks to Adamson. As soon as I opened my eyes, guess who walks into the room with a great big smile – Alicia!
She had flown into Singapore for the weekend to surprise me – having departed Brisbane on Friday night and touching down in Singapore early Saturday morning. Adamson had organised her tickets and had picked her up at the airport. Even Lisa and Amelia were not privy to this pleasant surprise.
We had a great weekend and dinner, with much laughter, catching up and family bonding. My best birthday, ever. Praise and thank God.
Sent Alicia to the airport on Sunday night and she is back in Brisbane. Adamson returns to NYC this weekend. Though the reunion was/will be all too short, I rather count my blessings than dwell on the parting.
After all, Christmas is only a few months away 🙂
Special Request
I met Nicole Luongo in Blogsville. Though afflicted with cerebral palsy, Nicole cares for her mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Nicole needs a few minutes of our time to vote for her in a contest. She did not ask but I offered to highlight with a small note in my blog.
Please read her story here. It is not a sob story but a straight request for our vote > http://cruise.caregiverstress.com/entries/nicole-l/
Courage and determination needs tangible recognition, I reckon.
I’m happy to be back in Blogsville and shall restart regular visits to your blogs. Plenty of catching up to do…
All good wishes to all, Eric
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Happy belated birthday! I really enjoyed reading this post…family dynamics change so much as children grow up. We’re just entering the teen years with my own kids…lots of fun… 🙂
Thank you Candace – please do forgive me for taking so long to respond. I’m playing catch up.
Yes, family can be such fun, I agree. Enjoy the changes as we enjoy the seasons. Each holding unique joys and challenges.
Peace and luv to you and family, Eric 🙂
Welcome back, it sounds like you had a great holiday. I wish you a happy personal new year.
Thank you @ D – it’s great to be back. All good wishes with the start of school, Eric 🙂
Happy Belated Birthday! I’m sorry I missed your blog. I hope you had a great day!
No worries Susan and thank you for your wishes. Cheers, Eric
P/s Did you get that creep?
Sadly no, the creep hasn’t been back. But I keep watching.
Happy Birthday Eric and welcome back. I too have been away from my blog, I hope I have much to write about.
Thank you Anita. Left comments about your Changing Anticipation & Kodomo. Please rescue from your spam. Thanks, Eric 🙂
Oh, my goodness – JEALOUS! Oh, that ugly human emotion: jealousy!
Jealous you have so many travels,
but glad for you,
Jealous you had such a great birthday,
but glad for you,
Jealous you’ve so many wonderful people in your life,
but too glad for you,
to be REALLY jealous.
🙂
Thank you Noeleen – I know what you mean 🙂
Seems like someone had a great birthday!!! Happy Belated Birthday!
I thought my reader was mad at you and din’t show your posts but now I know you were away. Silly me! Lol 😀
See ya soon with your writings.
-Naima.
Yes, sure did. Thank you for your wishes. Have a good one, Eric 🙂
You’re always welcome.
-Naima.
Belated happy birthday and good that I didnt miss much of your posts!
Thank you Soumya dear. It is good to be back. Cheers, Eric
You have been missed! Glad to have you back and sharing some precious moments. xoxo
Hello Jeannie dear – thank you for your lovely words. Slowly cranking up to speed. Luv and hugz, Eric 🙂
Eric, happy birthday! Great to hear your children made it so special for you!
I’ve voted for Nicole. What an amazing woman!
Thank you Emily 🙂
Yes, my children did a special and what great fun.
Thank you about Nicole – lets wish her all the best.
God bless, Eric 🙂
Good to hear from you. Glad to hear you and your family are well.
Thank you. It is nice to be back 🙂
Welcome Back – HAPPY BIRTHDAY
You were missed a ton ………..
Gonna go visit Nicole now
and yes i agree about the courage thing 🙂 Kudos mister 🙂
huggggggs xo
Cat
Hello Cat – missed you guys too 🙂
Thank you so much for your well wishes 🙂
Yes, Nicole needs all the help she can get.
Much luv and hugz to my Canadian friend 🙂
I tweeted it – Voted xo
and Hey You !!!!! so glad you are back 🙂 🙂
Hugggggggggggggs always xo
C
Great to have you back my lovely buddy and ‘Happy Birthday’. Here’s to more scenic travelling, family gatherings and happy times for you…much love and hugs xxx
Hello there buddy. Thank you and great to be back. Hope all is well at your end. I’ve plenty of catching up and have started to read/comment. Much luv and hugz coming your way from Singapore 🙂 🙂 🙂
Best wishes on your new 365+1!
Thank you for this unique birthday wish 🙂
Welcome back. Was concerned that you might “retire” in lovely NZ and not return to blogsville. Look forward to your postings soon.
Oh, what a splendid surprise on your birthday. Couldn’t have asked for more. Christmas’ blessings do come in advance too. Happy belated birthday…
Hello, hello, hello Jasey dear 🙂
“Retire” – what’s that? NZ is great and it is the first of more such journeys…God willing.
Yes, the best birthday ever, I reckon. Thank you and much luv and hugz coming your way, Eric 🙂
Welcome back! New Zealand would be a fun place to visit.
Thank you Janna. It is a great place – so much beauty, so much nature and the people, so lovely. Hope you get to do it. Hugz, Eric
Well it’s nice to have you back from your sojourn in New Zealand. It was also great to know you are sharing one of your family with us here in Australia. I was born in Brisbane and now live on the Sunshine Coast forty-five minutes to the north. We are hoping to move to an over 50’s village here on the coast when we sell our present home. A belated Happy Birthday.
Yes, Alicia has been in BNE now for more than 2 years. She is studying in UQ.
It is great to be back Ian and I plan to read through your posts – still have them all in my in-mail.
Have a great weekend, Eric
Welcome back, Eric, and belated Happy Birthday, as well! It sounds like you had a very special birthday, indeed!
Thank you Lauren – its great to be back and back to blogging too. Luv and hugz, Eric
Happy birthday.
It is unsurprising, but it still amazes me at times how important family can be – even just spending time together.
Thank you Kilroy.
I don’t know what I’ll do without my loved ones.
Cheers, Eric
And to think, I was starting to fret about your welfare, Eric! So very pleased about your fabulous birthday, with all present! Wonderful! And how terriffic that you enjoyed tooling around on the South Island of New Zealand! Looking forward to great blog posts again here!
Awww…you’re so sweet Granbee 🙂
I’m back and hopefully can get cranking away again. Will be dropping by your blog soon.
Luv and hugz for my Granbee 🙂
Ditto the welcomes. I am glad you had such an excellent birthday with your children. God bless you and your household.
Thank you Carroll – we all need all the blessings we can receive. God bless you and your loved ones too.