Friends Forever

Codford and the Abbots

In this English parish, lies a story closely related to daddy's past.

The picturesque countryside brings tremendous pleasure to one and memories of the place linger in our minds long after we left it for home. Look at the thatched roof. It is ancient but still relevant to one's eyes.

Codford in Wiltshire is a picture of peace and serenity. This was caught on a beautiful morning in June and calms one's mind and spirit. So good a place to retire.



You see this? It is as though it's extracted from the pages of a story book; pretty isn't it? Fancy living beside it everyday of your life. This is it. When you have it, you learn to treat it well ; just like when you have loved ones beside you ; we appreciate them. You feel most when you lose them. Oh so lovely is the patch of green to the eyes ; unforgettable.



Wooden wattle just as often mentioned in poems; so lovely.




Lovelier than anything known is this thick friendship that exists between dad and long time comrade; Vincie Abbot. The kind and generous lady used to house dad when he first landed on the shores of Portsmouth and Vincie was one of the earlier friends who helped set a home away from home for him. Dad tells me that Vincie though known to him as his landlady was always there to provide meals and shed at guess what ? 7 GBP a week ! He recalls the time when she taught them skills and discipline for survival.
So dad can never forget her. Vincie makes it a point to keep in contact. She laments that dad is bad at mails and cards and took it upon herself to keep the line alive by hook or crook.

BJ is spouse to Vincie. It was so kind of him too to put up with so many of us and the subtle moments he created to speak to the girls especially Esther in building matters. Very informative uncle to the girls.

Gran Vincie Sr stayed behind for another day just to meet us. Warm, gentle and kind she listened to stories of my past since she last saw the family in 1995 ! Her quiet disposition has won the heart of Sara as she kept telling me that gran Vincie is so 'proper' and sensible...she likes her tremendously.

So in Codford residents stroll deep into the woods in the evenings and enjoy the cool, clean air away from pollution. You can walk miles, be healthy and happy. To be mentioned again; a good place to savour in the natural beauty of the Creator.

Streams and lakes of this nature are aplenty ; see... are you envious?

While in Codford a couple of weeks ago, I could not help but be enthralled by the common effort put in by the local folks to create harmony, participation and togetherness. A competition to scare away beasts and birds was on !

You like this better?

Or this? There were many others but I could not snap them in time; they disappeared very fast... they set a festive mood to the place.

So in this lovely township, Vincie like her usual self, provided us meals after meals from breakfast to dinners... you don't know the feelings until you are there.

Dinners at night are a pleasure indeed. The girls had a wonderful time being fed well !

BJ remembers the good Lord at every meal. We thank the Lord for friends, love, mercies and food... prayers bring us together. It has always been the faith right from the beginning of dad's journey to the UK in the 70s that brought Vincie and him together.

Sara could not help but bake her favourite cheesecake ! Being away from home was tough as it denied her the chance to vent out her passion for baking often enough. So she must bake; she insisted. She did and she passed the test !

Gran Vincie had to leave the next day. At 87, she is indeed a blessing to us. It was kind of her to stay behind for us.

At the first instant of meeting us, she brought out this photo that she had kept with her since 1995. She remembers the children in this manner and now...

They have all grown up and it brought her real joy and pleasure! How time flies. They are now beautiful young ladies.

Saying goodbye to the Abbots was not easy but all good things will have to end...

Grace could not go without posing with them for memories...

When will we meet again? At Little Orchard ? ... the place where ducks swim freely and happily?

Here dad speaks to Vincie about Little Orchard and the great plans of a new look...

Where pears and apples grow naturally....

Where the mysterious swan swims on its own without care..

Yes, Little Orchard is our next appointment in God's grace... till we meet again.

To the Abbots, our grateful thanks and appreciation for having us for 3 lovely days; a wish coming true for dad and his crave to visit the land he left 40 years ago.

Codford with the Abbots will remain in our hearts and minds for many, many, many days, months and years to come.

God bless the Abbots.

Do you know ?

Robert Browning Hamilton

I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way;
but left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne'er a word said she;

But, oh ! The things I learned from her,
when sorrows walked with me.

After dinner last evening I asked both my nephews if they understood the stanzas ; one of them replied " does it mean we cannot enjoy pleasure? "

I told them you learn more from the school of hard knocks.

On a visit to a dear friend yesterday who is still grieving over her loss she told me this:

When you have lost a parent, you lose the past

When you have lost a spouse, you lose the present,
When you have lost a child, you lose a dream.

Food for thought when you are on holidays with no one climbing on your back ; except yourself.

Got It !

Tired of the old way?

They never seem to leave you alone?

Wanna get rid of them?

Try this way...

Got you ... you can't escape !

People in the Northern States of Malaysia are original in their ways !

The Household Name

The American Title

When the girls at home first got hooked to the show many seasons ago, I watched with some interest initially. Then I began to like; really like because it created the urge for me to guess at each contestant's sustainability in the show. Also, of course I enjoy the renditions, the performances and the clean fun. Soon, I began to garner some interest in dad too. In the beginning he was alarmed at my 'discipline' in watching each season and the craze in being tied to the seat ; come rain or shine and at times laughing to myself. But soon; very soon he too got hooked. He began to watch quite religiously with me for the last 3 seasons and we became partners in guessing the winners.

Last evening while sending my nephew to the airport , he casually asked me:
Ayi Poh, who will exit tonight?
Me : Hmm... I am thinking. I cannot grasp the American spirit now. Strange things are happening.
Nephew: But, I think that plump lass should leave.
Me : Lauren? No. I think she will stay.
Nephew: Then how? Haley should stay.
Me : Many seem to think that Scotty should go now... but not sure la.

I paused and thought for a long while. Really, the most unpredicted matter can happen. I would not jump quickly to say Scotty should go; not after last week's wrong guess. Also, I have not understood the American spirit after James was ousted. I am beginning to see things in a different light now. Maybe; just maybe Scotty will stay...
What is America looking for in the idol now ? Is it just the vocals? Is America going to choose an idol that portrays what they want to see in an idol; good disposition, values, family... That is really want it means in an idolised figure ; isn't it? Is America making good sense to the world now?
So, I kept my gab closed.

I missed the first show last evening being away for a meeting but I had a message from dad, who now seemed more eager than me. It read : Haley out.
Wow, ima wakarimasen (now I don't understand).

But America has made her choice. They want the two country singers to represent the American spirit ! I like the choices.

At 17? 18? Scotty was received with overwhelming warmth and support in his home ground. A simple and unassuming guy, I hope he will stay kind, sincere and helpful in the days to come even when he becomes very famous one day. His inability to digest his sudden popularity and attention from America and the world must have caused him buckets of tears. Somehow, the countenance on one's facial features reflect one's family and religious background and America this time has really searched for the best. He has been honoured by the Almighty One.

This young lass of 16 has a big voice and I enjoyed most of her renditions. She too is a picture of sweet countenance and her simple gestures and responses in the show have caught the hearts of America. I remember vividly her denial; "I am not evil" after rendering that 'evil' song ; reflected her vehemence to be disassociated with what she doesn't believe in. Good. Another good choice and again I hope she stays sweet throughout her life even after she wins.

By the way, have you noticed that Scotty and Lauren always sing together and somehow there is a strong tie between both of them. Oh, never mind, it's just a busybody's guess work !

Goodbye Haley. But in all honesty, she is gutsy and is one of her own. She's sporty, fun and generous...my observation. She will cut her own records too and be popular; maybe she should join forces with funny Casey and rock the world! So, Grace you were wrong too.

The 10th season is indeed totally enjoyable and we had great family fun right from the beginning to the end... 95 million votes came in; the highest recorded in its history. Who needs judges now...hahahahaha. The biggest judges perhaps are the teenagers of America !

Next week, I dowan guess anymore. It's Que Sera, Sera...

My Good Guesses

Tonight is a tough night. I wish none should go; but that is wishful thinking.

There has to be a choice ... so I am making my guesses again.

Of all the contestants, I will say she is the dark horse. She bloomed along the journey and is a fighter. Strangely , I did not notice the great potential in her although Grace had been telling me from the very beginning that she is the one to watch out for. I admire her guts and her 'I don't care what you say' but I will will labour on attitude. Tonight her rendition of "I who have nothing" received a standing ovation and saved her; I believe. She is bright and breezy and may just sail through smoothly.

James is a smart player. He chooses his songs well and gets the support by his seemingly humble attitude and let's hope he remains true to his disposition when he does win? I like both his renditions tonight and his showmanship is American Idol style ! Lots of hope for him.

This sweet sixteen is truly a sweetie pie. Loved her first rendition but trying to see why she chose the second song and kept on ranting she's not evil after singing...she's evil.





Mr. Clean and Cool ; will he be safe after his choice of songs? Is the American Idol crown still available for him ? Hate to see him go; but it's between the 2 country singers...someone has to go. I think he may leave the scene.

There is actually no loser, America only has to make a choice.

Oh, choices are indeed difficult.

I HopeTo See...

For tomorrow's results

I would like to see James safe and sound. He is unique in his own way and whether hot or cold, he can deliver when he chooses.



Lauren at sixteen is amazing and is best at country hits; hope she's safe too and will render more country tunes; her forte.



There is no denial that her rendition on The House of the Rising Sun caught everyone's attention and she is a fighter; many times found in the bottom three but always survives for the next round. Will she be safe tomorrow?



I also hope to see Scotty Mcreeny for at least another round; will America vote for him? I really hope so.



I used to think he will make it to the final two; but some other contestants seem to become even more popular now... will he make it tomorrow?



The winners tomorrow will be as I hope ; hopefully.

Pretty Things

Despite and inspite of the complexities of life; there is still much joy in the Lord.

The Joy of the Lord is my strength

The Joy of the Lord is my strength

Hahahahahahaha

The Joy of the Lord is my strength

Strange that even when they are not much cared for, there is still a season they bloom.

Blooms that brighten the garden of the school.




Dancing girl, dancing girl... your yellow spread colours the mood of your admirers.

Aged a good 12 / 13 years old...I remember picking you in a nursery in Kota Tinggi, you still give us hope in your lovely blooms.

The evergreen orchid ; so lovely and fascinating.

...Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes...
Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you... Luke 12: 22-27

Love to be in the embrace of God.