The Rain rains mainly in the plain, not causing pain

It's been very hot the last few days and the rain is a kind reprieve.  I love the rain.  It cools and greens the earth. The flame tree outside our house has finally bloomed a second time in the last 13 years since it was planted.  It is lovely to see the red flowers among the green leaves.  And now I can touch the tree from our new balcony.  It is like touching an old friend from afar.

The garden has gotten a bit wild since the work on the house started.  And it is very green, so I do not mind it.  Even the weeds look lovely with white flowers.  However, the banana and papaya trees are taking a long time to grow...

My fish are happy in their tank on the patio and those in the backyard pond look to me for food each morning when I open the kitchen doors.  The tilapia play with the parrot fish while the tortoises laze in the sun.

Ahh... this is the life!  January ended very well for me with a bit on the high note after a very blue December.  I am enjoying every part of it now in early February with the house work.  It is a very busy time for us as it is fast coming to the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Tiger.

Helen and Marg have been here to help with making ngaku chips and mince meat rolls.  Now we are planning for the reunion dinner (BBQ) and CNY Day 1 satay & popiah dinner.  Frankie arrives in Singapore on the 10th with Marg and Staffan picking him up.  Cath might just drop in if she can get tickets.  Oh, it is going to be a nice new year celebration.