A much needed break!

Thank you thank you thank you Carina for joining me at the free Opera concert in Central Park last night. It was just the break I needed from the packing and moving business!

This is by far my favorite menu at an out door concert/show ever. Smart, tasty and fairly quick although cooked to order!

We tried the Ginny, the Sydney and the Wang Ding.

So so good. If I were to franchise a stand at an out door venue. It would be this company.

Well done!!

Back to the packing I go!!

I cannot thank those who've come to help me pack up enough. Your time and company has been so wonderful!! Hugs to you all!

Zooom!

What a long day. A 5:30am flight from Newark to Houston... layover...flight from Houston to Sacramento and VOILA! I'm in Sacramento by Noon. Somehow my favorite charm fell off between the disembarking of the last flight and the rental car terminal. I dashed back to file with the two lost and founds, but I doubt it'll ever show up. It's really pretty and artistic and someone has gotten a new treasure! Hoping they love it as much as I did!

I dashed back to the rental car counter and collected my car. (Thank you Avis rental car lady for allowing me to drop my luggage behind your counter while I raced back to the terminal on one of your shuttle buses!) Before I knew it I was zooming down town to my lodging and to meet Anna Marie for lunch before my afternoon at The Village Hat Shop.

A few words about The Sterling Hotel. Love it. Warm staff, huge rooms and giant tubs & beds. Irons in your room. Desk to work at and easy to connect to (although a little slow) Wi-Fi. They serve a nice continental breakfast and hopefully will have their restaurant back up-n-running soon (new owners or management for the restaurant I believe.) Upon arrival Anna Marie was waiting for me and we dashed to lunch. She'd gotten there a little early and scouted out a fun looking place called Ma Jong's. It's part of The Park Downtown group of restaurants and bars. A group of eateries and drinkeries in one building sharing a central bathroom. Modern decor (see the website.) Between all of the business in that building I think all of the decor trends we've had in NYC over the last few years are present albeit watered down slightly. They are all comfortable at a glance with an edgy "see me here" vibe.
Ma Jong's calls themselves an Asian Diner. It's far less dinery and more order at a counter and we'll bring you your food kind of joint. The decor was inviting, but the benches are rather uncomfortable as they slope forward and we spent a good portion of our energy trying to sit in a manor that was comfortable. The food... so disappointing. By FAR the WORST pot stickers either of us had ever eaten. Ever. Bar none. Flavorless. So sad. I ordered the Mandarin Beef Salad listed as crispy beef, romaine lettuce, vegetables, onions and a lime ginger dressing. Apparently crispy beef means batter-dipped and deep fried beef... which I wouldn't have ordered had I known. The beef was in there, but the batter coating over-powered the flavor. The dressing was tasty on the salad, but left me wanting something far better. My friend ordered the stir-fried rice bowl with brown rice. The rice was a bit over cooked and pasty and the chicken... again, some dry white meat chicken, likely frozen strips with no flavor. The vegetables were tasty though, I'll give them that.
It's wonderful that the company was grand as the food WASN'T!
This will be on the DON'T return list!

After saying farewell to Anna and thanking her for driving up to meet me, I headed over to the Village Hat Shop to select hats for the TV interview that would happen tomorrow morning across town. Viki and her team greeted me with smiles as always and we set about the selecting. Hats packed into the car and I had time for a short nap in an attempt to add to the 5 hours of sleep I'd gotten between 3 flights. Naps. Are. Good.


I was so happy that Toni and I were on the same "passing through Sacramento for the weekend" schedule and after my nap I popped over to meet her. She suggested we eat at the Thai Palace. Good call! Quite good and not too pricey! We enjoyed the Tom-Kha soup which the waiter spooned out from a big bowl with plenty for at least one more person (maybe two!) I enjoyed the Green Curry and my friend had her usual Praram with peanut sauce. The staff took great care of us. Our water was never empty and we were never left waiting too long between courses or for the bill. It's a local spot that will go on my list of places to visit again when I next visit Sacramento!

Bed time it is! Need to be at the TV studio by 7:30am tomorrow!

Birthday Festivities

This year I wasn't racing out to celebrate my birthday. Not for fear of turning another year older, but because I'd been so busy that keeping it quiet would be nice.

That didn't happen -- and it was still nice!

A week before said birthday my BF swooped in to take me on an adventure to New Jersey. (Insert joke here.)

We drove through some back roads, into and out of some small cities and just when I was feeling almost like he was lost, we parked on the street in a suburb of Jersey City. We got out of the car, all dressed up, carrying 3 bottles of wine. He looked confused.

The clues:

*Bring an appetite

*BYOB -- I'd brought a selection of wines since I had no idea the cuisine ahead of me.

We wandered up into the houses in this suburban neighborhood. I followed as he walked into a strangers home. Total confusion cleared up as I realized this house was an intimate reservation only restaurant.

The destination? 15 Fox Place, Jersey City, NJ

The house is set up with tables in all of the rooms, including the bedrooms, creating quite an intimate setting. The homes kitchen is, well, the kitchen! The owners have another "regular" restaurant nearby, but not as intimate and special as this one.

They offer one seating per night (open only a few nights a week) and everyone in the house eats the same meal. To some of you that might sound scary to not have a choice of what to eat, but have no fear, you won't go hungry no matter your likes and dislikes! The meal began at 7:15pm and we grazed through 17 courses until we had enjoyed the final course at nearly 11pm.

If you want to treat yourself or a loved one to a lovely, albeit glutenous, night - GO! Enjoy!!

The following weekend I really had decided to keep it quiet during the birthday...but my amazing group of friends began to call asking for a drink out or dinner (thank you all!) Rather than running all over I decided to take them to my favorite noodle soup dive in Chinatown followed by catching Julie and Julia at the cinema. (I'd already seen it on opening day 2 days prior - so good!) After the cinema we popped into a pub for a drink to bring in the actual birthday at midnight -- and yes, there was cake!!

But wait - there's MORE!

I was told drinks were a MUST ON ones birthday... so after Monday's work day, many of us journeyed to AYZA Wine & Chocolate Bar. Tasty treats, chocolates and libations were enjoyed by all!!! (Did anyone get photos??) Thanks to all for a very memorable and fun Birthday celebration.

Happy Birthday Jane!

Jane joins us this month in the 30s club!!!
It's nice that we were able to meet the lovely Jane while on the singles weekend away last Memorial Day weekend. My friend and I had booked the 4 day weekend away, single, a few months in advance. By the time we went, we were no longer single but thought we'd go for the heck of it.

Let's just say the sports and activites by day were lovely. It's the lusty 15-year-old boys attitudes that were carried by the 30/40/50 something men that was so lousy.
Thankfully, as said, we were no longer looking to meet men for any sort of relationship (especially notches on belts), but we did met Jane!

Jane threw a lovely party last night at the White Rabbit Lounge down on East Houston. Her friend Orion was tending bar and the staff who were taking care of us - did in deed take care of us. The apps they sent around were tasty too. No complaints. Seems a lovely time was had by all!!

Happy 30th Jane! Many happy returns!!!

Snowy Saturday!!!

While SJ spent the day relaxing and recuperating (it's almost been a ful 6 weeks since his surgery), I bopped down to Chelsea to meet with a few friends to view the Postcards From the Edge... Benefit for Visual AIDS Benefit Sale

Over 1,500 original postcard-sized works of art. $75 EACH. Buy 4 cards and get 1 free!
First-come, first served. Unfortunately what they mean by first come, first served is that once the postcard is bought it's removed... so I know next year I need to arrive when it opens!

"Postcards From the Edge is a Visual AIDS benefit show and sale of original, postcard-sized works on paper by established and emerging artists. All works are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The works are signed on the back and exhibited so the artists' signatures cannot be seen. While buyers receive a list of all participating artists, they don't know who created which piece until purchased.

All proceeds support the work of Visual AIDS, utilizing contemporary art for AIDS advocacy and historicizing the work of HIV-positive artists while offering career support."

From here we popped across the street to a restaurant on the south east corner of 23rd and 10th avenue. No, I don't remember the name. I do recall the waiter being funny, the food being sparse and the cost being more than it should have though. Jo, as always, rode her bike. She's a total road warrior - snow and all!

A subway hop home, toss together some cheeses, sausages, crackers, dips and snacks, pop the wine and voila...time to hang out with SJ and his friend before we head to the show. What are we seeing?

Al Di Meola World Sinfonia '09: Fusion Jazz Guitar Legend at The Concert Hall (2 west 64th street). Happily my friend Lisa is back from her holidays at home with family in Italy and was able to join us. The space at the Concert Hall was wonder. Small, almost intimate with a feeling of a modern church (which I think it's used as more often than not.)

The international ensemble was wonderful.

Beautiful sound and well worth trudging out in the snow for!!

If Di Meola comes your way, run, don't walk, to get a ticket or two.

Happy and Sad

It's often the little things isn't it?
Today I had to throw away my mug. The mug that I drink my coffee in. Have that cup of soup in. The mug that makes me smile and maybe even giggle when I pull it out of the cabinet.

It's my foolish Uncle Donut mug that I picked up years ago in the mall at the Peak in Hong Kong at, duh, Uncle Gene's Donuts. They make mini donuts and serve them with a variety of dipping sauces. Perhaps I'll makeit back to the peak of these trips. It's just so out of the way from where my work brings me in HK.

Rather than dwelling, I met up with my friend Allegra for an early breakfast at my local diner, the Metro Diner.

She was in town for an interview and we were lucky to be able to meet up! I figured I'd best take this opportunity to give her her house warming/holiday gift!!

By the way --- if there's anyone who's reading this who needs a wonderfully talented designer of children's clothing/textiles etc., drop me a line as she's just WONDERFUL!!! (Damned layoffs!) Full time? Freelance? Let me know!

It was a wonderful way to start the day after the mug incident.

Thanks for meeting for breakfast!!!

Gypsy!

I was so happy that Sandi and Jason were able to join me for dinner at Hagi followed by this amazing show! As always, [Sake Bar] Hagi was delish!The Pork with garlic sprouts was simple and fantastic . I have a difficult time finding the garlic sprouts in the US. Sometimes I can find them in Chinatown. What are they some have asked? Think chives but thicker and with a garlic flavor. Um - YUM! We of course got the Daikon Radish Salad with its million little eyes from the crispy tiny sardines that top it, a bowl of Pork Ramen, Bonito Sashimi, and grilled Hamachi (Yellowtail collar grilled and served with lemon. Perfect.)

I'm thrilled to have been able to see Patti LuPone in such a wonderful role as Mamma Rose last night. I'd been dying to see Gypsy for months when Monday an email popped up saying this was its last week. LAST WEEK! I sent out an email and a few friends were game to join me (thankfully the email also had discount codes!) Tuesday I dashed to the box office (to save the $10-$15 worth of per ticket fees) and got 3 of the last 10 tickets available. WOW!

It has been said long before now that LuPone was made for this role. She certainly gave it 110%. She must be exhousted at the end of each performance. Boyd Gains portrays an amazing

Herbie. You feel his pain and his love for Mamma Rose. Her more mild manored and wall floweresque daughter, Louise, is played beautifully by Laura Benanti. When she breaks out of her shell she transforms into a beautiful and sexy woman. Really well done.

What a wonderful night.

On the way out, crowds across the street were going crazy as Daniel Radcliff came out after performing in Equus. I'm hoping to see him before he leaves.

So many shows closing. Let's hope that Broadway figures a way to lower ticket prices during this economy before it's gone to a place of no return.

Is it Out with the Old or Onward and Upward?

2008 was a busy and explosive year around my house full of life's ups, downs and surprises.

*Was thrilled to witness a gorgeous wedding - Indian and Puerto Rican - in PR dressed in a beautiful Sari with wonderful friends. (Little did I know there could be more Sari’s in my future.)

*I met a beautiful man in the early summer who I’m blessed to still be in the company of.

*Watched a dear friend, of my age, go through breast cancer, a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy, coming out the other side with her wicked sense of humor still in tact.

*Missed out on another trip to South Africa. (Not that I wasn't invited...I had to work. Grrrr.)

*Designed and finished a felted intarsia handbag for the next book in the Stitch and Bitch series.

*Had all of her travel in the last quarter of the year canceled due to budget cuts. The timing ended up being more perfect then I ever could have expected it to be.

*Learned more than I’d ever expected to about partial nephrectomies and spent a few days and nights in the hospital, bedside, with fingers crossed.

*Was witness to either a miracle or brilliant stroke of pure luck.

*Designed 2 more collections that WILL (with positive thinking) help to keep the company I have worked at for the last 10 years charging ahead in this uncertain economy.

*Rejoiced in the outcome of the election.

*Was blessed with the love, caring and affection of friends far and wide right when I needed it. I’ll never be able to thank you all enough for that.

*Got an approval I’ve waited my entire life to get.

I know I’ve taken some time off from this space...but I’m back...even if it’s a little less often than before. One of these days I’ll be able to just think it and it’ll appear on the screen...until then it’s a constant balancing act!

Looking forward to seeing you all around again... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

North Fork - Day 1

After far too long a hiatus, I decided to head out to the North Fork to visit Sandy and Don and see their new house (which they are doing a wonderful job renovating/decorating by the way!)

SJ and I hopped in his car and zoomed out from NJ arriving right on time enabling us all to hop in Don's truck to spin out east to Claudio's in Greenport to hear Sandy's boss, Frank, and his band rock the pier all afternoon.

Seafood and rock-n-roll on a sunny pier -- sounds great to me!!

Thanks ever-so-much for the hospitality and great day Sandy, Don and family!!

Happy Friday!!

Allegra and I try to take each other out for dinner, just we two, each year for our birthdays. I always look forward to it. This year we went to Wallsé. I absolutely loved it. Allegra got the Roasted cod with baby carrots, chanterelles and a ginger carrot reduction -- it was AMAZING!
I thoroughly enjoyed the lamb chops! YUM! We shared their special dessert... the Salzburger Nockerl with Huckleberries. We've decided that we need to go back on a cold evening and order coffee and that dessert again -- YUM! Check out the photos on their website. I shamefully took none as I was so engrossed in the conversation and feeding my hunger!! I know, bad me.

From here we went over to The Spotted Pig to meet up with friends for a birthday drink! Drinks were flowing... people were laughing and new friends were being made all around. Suddenly, Kirk and Will began to belt out an operatic version of Happy Birthday...

It. Was. AWESOME! The entire bar silenced and then burst into applause at the end. I can fairly well guarantee that it was only time Opera has been sung or played in that bar.
Thanks for the wonderful song gentlemen!!!

Thanks to everyone who came out and who sent word! What a great night!!!
Yippee for Birthday Week 2008!

Day 2 - PR Indian Wedding

Today was all about relaxing, getting some beach in and prepping for tomorrow!

I enjoyed some time under the big umbrellas oceanside.
No burning for me!! Jo and Manu arrived today with Theoden and we all moved into our own unit...which we got an upgrade on (you don't get it if you don't ask...I asked!)

A lovely spot directly overlooking the gazebo where the wedding will be tomorrow night!

Early evening we all rolled to the nearby watering hole for cocktails and to watch the sun set. I've given up on fighting curly hair in this climate! :-)

After the cocktails we headed back to Tiffany and Sandi's for some hot dogs and hamburgers and some more listening to the sounds of the ocean!

Perhaps even a cigar or two.

Wedding day coming up! Tomorrow!!! Yippee!

Home Cooking

Radhika was so kind to have Lisa, Allegra and I join she and her cousin for a homemade Indian meal. A wonderful lamb dish and a tasty califlower dish. pair that with her cousin's chocolate and the wine we all brought and it made for a lovely evening!

After dinner we sat down to watch a movie.
She'd Netflix'd Airplane -- It's been YEARS since I'd seen it!

Thanks for a lovely time and for inviting us out to Brooklyn to see your new furniture! So glad it finally arrived from Vietnam - and cleared customs!

Queen's with the Queen!

Michelle (Queen of Karaoke) and Bill invited me out to Queen's for a night of Chinese food and karaoke. Bill was kind enough to pick me up at my house on his way through Manhattan (Thanks Bill!!) We drove straight to Queens to Michelle's house to pick her up.

A local spot that Bill has frequented for years and Michelle has gone to lately as well offers karaoke on Wednesday & Friday nights. It had been far too long since Michelle and I had done Karaoke and it was the first time I'd ever gone with Bill. Michelle's nieces joined us too (although they didn't sing - eham - Next time Ladies!!!)


Upon entering this Tiki laden restaurant I was transported back to my childhood and a similar restaurant in New Hampshire. It was the first time I'd seen a Pu-Pu platter on a menu since I was in college. Fun!!


There was a birthday party going on which filled a large part of the room. They looked like frequent fliers as many nodded to Bill as he walked us to our table.


We ordered up the food and sat back to enjoy the show. People of all ages took turns singing their hearts out, including us!!


After a lovely night, Bill dropped us off at Michelle's where I had my first, of what I hope to be many, Queen's slumber parties! Michelle, I'm looking forward to my next visit!!

What a great night!

After relaxing for the day, enjoying the company of the boys (who sat on my lap whenever I sat down) and wrapping up laundry and unpacking, I got all dolled up for my date. Testing out a New dress, thank you China, that I intend to wear to an island wedding later next month (gotta see if it's comfortable enough for all night dancing!) Hair curled. Make up done. Voila!

Hop a cab and zoom down to Central Park South to the Jumeirah Essex Hotel for dinner with Josh and the new South Gate restaurant. It's always fun to see Josh. Although we both live in NYC, we certainly don't get to see each other nearly enough.

It hit me when Joe visited last month that I've known Joe for over 20 years and Josh for just about 20 years. We all went to school together.

After having such fun at dinner and the opera last month, we decided to take in the last opera of the season (and the only other one I would be in town for) tonight. Candide at the New York City Opera, with this wonderful dinner before hand. Sadly the City Opera will be closed for renovation next year, although I've read they will be doing some things through out the season. Time will tell.

I've been waiting for the email from Troy, South Gate's sommelier, detailing out the menu and wines, but it's yet to come. So I'll write a brief description and fill in more later when I get the email. Oh -- and yes -- the camera is still set on the crappy setting as in the photos from last night's surprise party -- SORRY!!!

From my confirmation call straight through to their help hailing a cab the staff at South Gate was wonderful. They greeted my usual bubbliness with a warm smile and friendliness.

Josh and I were seated towards the back of the airy and spacious dining room. Wonderful decor (I love the swively chairs!!) by famed designer, Tony Chi. Our waitress was fantastic. Nice, helpful and funny. We decided upon the 6 course Chef's Tasting. Chef Heffernan and his staff did not disappoint. From the yellow tail to the ravioli soup to the short ribs - wow!

And...wait for it...TWO dessert courses!

We decided to go all out and have wine paired with each course...a very wise choice indeed. Their sommelier, Troy, was wonderful. He chose interesting and unique wines for us to try. I liked them all! The only bad part of the evening was having to slightly rush the tasting and dash to the opera. (Not that we didn't enjoy the opera too...) Next visit to South Gate I'll plan the evening around it instead of having a performance to attend.

We hopped a cab up to the New York State Theatre at Lincoln Center and were there in plenty of time to settle in for Candide. Keeping ones self awake through even the most fun opera after a 6 course wine-paired tasting is, I must admit, difficult. But doable! It helped that they had a wonderful cast -- Lauren Worsham, Daniel Reichard, Jessica Wright and Richard Kind. A fun show. I wish it wasn't the last of the season! With my traveling this spring I missed all too many of the operas. I think both Josh and I had really gotten in to the groove with this dinner and the opera thing.

From the opera we walked down to the Mandarin Oriental in the Time Warner building to have a drink at their bar. Being that Josh has been missing China, he wanted to go here for not only the view, but for a Tsing Tao beer. He'll be heading back to China a mere 2 weeks after I'm home from my next trip. Some how we've always missed each other on our trips to China.

So we sat in the bar of one of the most expensive hotels in NYC drinking $9 Chinese beers (that cost $0.75 in China), eating dim sum and enjoying the view.

What a welcome wonderful night. Now for sleep if jet-lag will let me have some.

Thankfully I think the beer will help.

Surprise!!!

One of the reasons that I came home these for 10 days between trips was to be at this surprise party for Emmanuel's 40th Birthday!

Jo and Karthika planned a wonderful party!

Let me apologize now for the awful photos! I'm still not sure what the setting was that I had my camera on - but these are the BEST of the aweful shots! There are a few good ones - then ???

We rented a room at Japas38 for sushi/drinks/karaoke. Guests rolled in around 7:45pm to decorate and settle in.

I forgot that I had that hat on and wore it almost all night. It wasn't until I was in the restroom and a girl wished me Happy Birthday that I looked in the mirror and saw it still on. Occupational hazard I guess.

Emmanuel and Jo arrived at 8pm. He walked in being shown the room by waitstaff and we all pounced!!!

"Surprise!!"

But wait...There's MORE!!!

Jo had arranged the most lovely surprise!

Emmanuel has lived in NYC around 10 years (I think) and his brother, who still lives in Paris, had yet to be able to visit him. Jo arranged it as a surprise and JP arrived just after the initial surprise.

I don't think I've ever seen Emmanuel run so fast as to greet his brother at the door! Those are his hands out int he right side of the photo above (left.)

Wonderful!

Many of us had met JP in Paris last spring at Jo and Emmanuel's wedding. It was good to see him again.

From there the party rolled for two hours of eating and singing and eating and drinking and singing. No complaints were made by anyone...what would there be to complain about?

When our two hours were up we parted ways with the birthday boy who was going home to his son and to spend time with his unexpected weekend house guest!

Those who were left moved on around the corner to the Gingerman for a few rounds of pints and laughs. What a great group of people. Thanks for a wonderful night all and HAPPY 40th Emmanuel!!!

Lunch break...Dinner break

With another rush of days in Asia under my belt, and 10 days home before I return, I have planned to make the most of these days home.

Hmmm...where to start on my first day back?

Lunch at Henry's with Juliet! Today was the most beautifully perfect spring day. What a wonderful Welcome HOME! A leisurely lunch al fresco at Henry's was the perfect idea.

For under $30 dollars you get a plate divided in quarters - four courses. Today's menu was a lovely soup, Caesar Salad, AWESOME Duck Ruben and Lemon Tart. (Beverages not included.)

Really, chatting with my friend and relaxing.

After an afternoon of unpacking and getting my bearings, I hopped onto the subway and dashed downtown to the Lower East Side to meet Allegra at Tsampa. An old favorite of our that we've been going to for years. The atmosphere is always calming and the food it tasty.

What a great day.

I feel like there's a chance I'll clear my head out of this fog soon!

Tomb Sweeping Day

Today is Tomb Sweeping Day in Hong Kong and in China. It's a day for reflection and visiting your relatives at cemeteries. It's a day off. Except, I'm here to work, so I work with the company of a few folks who are also working in preparation of my bosses arrival tonight and meetings starting tomorrow.

But...Since it IS a holiday, I thought it would be nice to do something different.

I thought that the apartment they have been rebuilding (termites) was likely to be ready this trip, so I packed up a Ziploc bag with oatmeal, a box of brown sugar and a bag of sliced almonds. I know Mag had been concerned as to what I'd do for breakfast were I not staying at the hotel, so I brought provisions just in case. But, alas, the apartment isn't quite ready (working out some kinks) and thus the oatmeal etc. was just sitting in my suitcase.

What's a girl to do? Make breakfast for Mag and Tony! Fu was interested to try oatmeal as were Asau and Jessie, so we were 6. I started to prepare the toasted almonds in a pot on an electric burner in the showroom...but YIKES -- it heats up to a ZILLION degrees in a snap and burned some of them. It was then we realized this just would not work...this electric stove had two settings Stinkin' Hot or Burn-the-House-Down hot (they have only used it to heat up soups - no wonder!) On to plan B! Mag and Tony have an apartment right here on the factory premises...in fact, it's located over the apartment they are renovating...which is looking GORGEOUS by the way!! Yeeeah!

Put things in bags...walk - walk - walk (2 minutes at most) and VOILA!

Mag's Kitchen awaits (photo right)!!! Fu (below) was excited to be a guest and I had to keep kicking her OUT of the kitchen in order for her not to work right along. I kept telling her, "it's your day OFF. You can have this kitchen back TOMORROW!" She would giggle and sit down. When I got to the cooking part (after setting up the coffee etc.), she came in to watch what I was doing, having never seen oatmeal cooked in anything but the cookies we'd begun to make last year. She's been making some WONDERFUL cookies ever since too! Yumm...

Anyway, Mag had donated some dried cranberries to the meal which I also threw into the pot. Yumm!

Interestingly enough, after coming here for 9 years, this was my first time in Mag & Tony's apartment. Tony put on some Pasty Kline and Elvis (Mag's favorite) and we cooked away. The apartment is quite large and lovely with a big picture window over looking the yard and outer garden from the dining area and a lovely window over the sink filling the kitchen with light.

I miss having a window in my kitchen.

Breakfast was quick to whip up once we were settled in and before I knew it, we were seated eating and there was silence apart from the yummy noises being made. Mag kept say, "This is soooo good." Tony commented that it was, "So much better than instant!"

Fu didn't say anything but a big smile as she didn't stop to talk, but cleaned the bowl to the bottom. Asau (right) had been running late and arrived hungry to feed two. (She's almost 6 months pregnant!) She too ate it all up.

The texture of rolled oats is very different to anything that is cooked for breakfast (traditionally speaking) here. And adding nuts and dried fruit is a totally new idea. Tossing in a little bit of brown sugar to the mix sweetening it a tiny bit is a nice surprise too. Very different from the mushy tasteless Chinese congee that both Mag and I agree is quite icky.

Cleaned up and ready to go we began the quick walk back to the office when we passed Jessie who was going up to Mag's for the final bowl. She too liked it very much and packages a little up to take to her daughter to see if she might like it too.

Oatmeal. Who knew?