Osaka trip

When my first daughter and her family visited us this January 2018 (12-19), I went along with them to visit my second daughter's family in Osaka. After a short stay with us in Oct and Nov.2017, my second daughter moved to Osaka. So, this would be our first visit to her in Osaka.
One thing about Osaka now is that it is crowded with tourist from Korea, China and other Asians countries, that sometimes I wonder if Osaka is still in Japan.
Those famous eating places and frequented places in Osaka do not look like the typical street of Japan anymore. I see trash littering everywhere and the bad odour from public toilets are getting intolerable. 
But, good thing these unwanted conditions are not found in public housing areas where tourists do not tramp around.
Anyway, I managed to grab some delicious dishes like their famous sea crab, beef sukiyaki and beef shabu-shabu. I'm quite surprised at the numerous eating place that caters to the Muslim customers that sprang up the last 5 years in Osaka. Even at Kansai Airport, there are several eating places that offer Halal menu.
It was sheer happiness to have my kids and grandkids gathered together at the same time and place. 
I have a special tune that just flows from my mouth whenever I'm with my grandkids.
I will sing it like "sayang, sayang. Yang sayang. Yang sayang, sayang."
My last grandchild imitate me when he was alone at home after I left his house.

Before I went to Osaka the cherry tree on my front porch was about 20% in bloom.

After coming home, it is about 90% blooming. (image below). 22 Jan 2018.

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Umurnya 104 tahun

Hari ini 14.1.2015, umur bapa mentua saya menjadi 104 tahun.
Seminggu tiga kali, dia berulang-alik ke rumah orang-orang tua yang berdekatan. Kendaraan disediakan untuk dia pergi dan balik. Di rumah orang-orang tua ini bersebelahan dengan klinik. Doktor klinik sebelah yang merawat mereka di rumah orang tua ini. Di rumah orang-orang tua ini juga bapa mentua saya mandi dan membuat aktiviti seperti bersenam, menyanyi, membuat kraf tangan dan lain-lain riadah ringan.
Jadualnya pada hari dia ke sana bermula dari pagi jam 9.30 hingga ke 3 petang. Setelah makan tengah hari baru dihantar pulang semula.
Di rumah pula, balik saja dari rumah orang-orang tua itu, kami memberinya sebotol air yakult.
Kek yang dia tidak mahu makan, diberikan kepada saya, kecil sahaja. Kek keju tetapi tidak manis langsung, hanya terasa lemak keju sedikit.
104 tahun umurnya.

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Happiness is but a moment

Writing and reading, without doubt are pure happiness for me. But on the very top are family over everything else. My grandchildren are spending some time at home, while the mother recovers more energy from childbirth. My daily routine which starts the day with writing and ending it with writing before has turned out to be very colourful now.
Weather permits, we would drive near a beach where a huge children playground would occupy the twins, who have turned two years old now. While the mother handles the twins, I would sit on the soft grass with the latest grandson of 2 months on my lap. The huge blue sky, the gentle sea breeze, the soft sunshine and the cushiony grass, I would ask for no more. That is my blissful world.
In the meantime, I would catch the night to do some writing, that is if my body permits (the hateful part of getting on age is not the increased years but the lessening strength).

 

Would anybody try to guess why this boy digs his sister's nose? Maybe there is some dried-up phlem but I like to think he is trying to figure out something from his action.

Happiness is but a moment, enjoy it while it lasts.

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101 tahun

Hari ini 14.1.14 dan bersamaan hari ini umat Islam meraikan Maulidur Rasul. Hari Junjungan Nabi kita dilahirkan ini mengikut takwim hijri. Kalau mengikut takwim Jepun pula hari ini hari ulang tahun bapa mentua saya lahir.
Beliau dilahirkan pada tahun Taisho 2 dan apabila ditukarkan ke tahun masihi ialah 14.1.1913.
Ini bermakna hari ini beliau berumur 101 tahun.

Selera makannya masih kuat. Tiga kali separuh badan beliau tidak berfungsi dilanda angin akmar tapi selepas terapi, anggota badannya berfungsi semula. Namun serangan yang terakhir masih meninggalkan kesan pada tangan kiri. Walau bagaimanapun tangan kanan masih sihat untuk melakukan tugas-tugas seperti makan dan pembersihan di tandas.

Kami, suami isteri yang menjaga beliau. Makanannya tidaklah banyak mana dan dia tidak banyak pantang dalam permakanan. Pemakanan beliau sederhana sahaja.

Tiga kali dalam seminggu, beliau dibawa ke Pusat Penjagaan Siang atau DayCare. Di situ, beliau mandi dengan bantuan ahli terapi, juga diberi pemeriksaan kesihatan.

Banyak buku di pasaran menulis tentang kesihatan dan panjang umur penduduk Okinawa. Macam-macam ramuan dan teori ditulis tentang topik ini.
Tetapi pada saya yang tinggal bersama-sama penduduk pulau ini, saya kata apapun kita lakukan perlu kesederhanaan. Itu saja rahsianya.

Bukankah ini juga ditegaskan oleh Junjungan Nabi kita?

Salam Sejahtera kepada Junjungan Nabi kita.

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