Blog Flashbacks

It's the weekend and it's raining lightly this morning after a week of beautiful hot weather. We've all woken up with runny noses!

To start off the flashbacks today I'm referring you to a post in January 2011 and my talented friend's artwork in accordance with Chinese New Year (CNY):

CNY art

The Australian Open has now reached the finals and I was so sad to see my mate Roger Federer lose to Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals the other night. So in the second part of our flashbacks, we go back two years to January 2010 where Federer destroyed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semi-finals, en route to winning the tournament by beating Andy Murray in the final.

Federer wins Aussie Open semi 2010

Fidelia's Friday - My Precious Ones

Here are the three most important people in my life. I love them so much. They lighten up my life and I will love them always.

Leah fell asleep on Duncan when he was on the computer

Lauren watching her cartoons

Leah and her lollipop

These are my precious ones. I am so lucky to have them in my life.

Have a great Friday and enjoy your weekend everyone!

Chinese Garden, Singapore

I came back from my latest trip to Singapore with a visit to the Chinese Gardens, located a short walk from the Chinese Garden MRT.

I was glad to get in as the last time I went, it was closed for renovations. The weather was fine and I spent around an hour walking around the gardens, taking a few pictures on the way.

Me at the entrance

Sadly, access inside the tower was denied. Later my friend told me that there was a suicide case there recently.

This year is the year of the dragon

A cheeky monkey

Some of the scenery at Chinese Garden

Commemoration stone for the opening of Chinese Garden in 1975

Statue of Confucius at Chinese Garden, Singapore

The Bonsai Garden

A seat with Mickey

A Chinese sundial sits in the gardens

Two birds hop across the grass at their home, the Chinese Garden, Singapore

Fidelia's Friday - It's my birthday!

Hey everyone, it so happens that my birthday  falls on Friday this year! I'm going to share my special day with all of you. 

Birthdays do get less exciting when you're older. I am not practically EXCITED to be in my late 20's now but I am thankful to be able to celebrate this special day with my beloved husband and two lovely children.

Lauren made me a lovely card. She's good at making cards. She told her daddy what to write on the card and I will treasure every card she makes for me on my birthdays.

Here are some pictures of my cake that my dear husband ordered from my talented neighbour.

Hmm...yummy!

Thanks my dear husband for the cake and also the lovely presents you bought for me. I still need to collect the present my parents-in-law sent to me all the way from England. Mum, I promise I will get it tomorrow! 

I also would like to thank those that wished me a Happy Birthday! I am having a great time despite having a runny nose. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! HAVE A FABULOUS FRIDAY EVERYONE!

Abstract Samples

The last several days I've been experimenting with abstract photography once more. It seems to be a very rewarding field.

Yesterday the Australian Open began in Melbourne too, and I enjoyed watching Roger Federer progress from the first round. He's so smooth and professional. Australians will be sad to see home favourite Sam Stosur eliminated just an hour ago in the first round. That was a real surprise.

Today I'm sharing some of my recent abstract photography work. Tell me if you like it . . .

Have a great day. I'm pleased to announce that the sun has returned and the rains disappeared in Kuantan. That makes me happy!

Fidelia's Friday - Lauren and her brolly

Duncan recently took the opportunity to add to our photographic collection of Lauren by taking some lovely pictures of her with her new pink umbrella.

The pictures were taken on our balcony and outside the apartment. She has many faces and poses and I hope you hop along to our family blog to check them out. (The link is below this post).

Lauren is aware of all her online blogger friends who come to visit daddy's blog and leave comments about her, particularly the recent birthday wishes she enjoyed. Thank you once again for your support and interest in her! Lauren, as well as us, truly appreciates it!

Lauren's photos with the brolly

Roger Federer sent me mail!

Can you imagine my delight when I discovered mail in my post box from Roger Federer?!

The letter was found yesterday, complete with Swiss stamps, picture of Roger Federer and postal marks from his hometown Bottmingen.

Roger Federer is a tennis superstar, the best player to have ever played the game, with 70 tournament wins and with 16 major titles (more than any other male player ever), the greatest of all time. He is currently ranked as number three player in the world and is preparing for the Australian Open, which begins on 16th January.

I've been following his tennis career since mid-2004.

I wrote Roger a letter in mid-December 2011, which I'd been meaning to do for quite some time, and boy am I glad I did! I didn't expect any sort of reply. He's a very busy man with a wife and two daughters in addition to his professional tennis commitments.

The letter contained two postcard pictures of Roger Federer, autographed by the man himself. I must admit, I screamed when I took the letter out of the post box! That was a great moment :)

As you can see, I was considerably ecstatic for the rest of the day. I'm framing the two postcards and envelope and I'll be writing him again after the Australian Open.

Roger Federer sent me mail! He's my friend. He's a top man.

Blog Flashbacks - Lauren's Birthday

First of all, it's Lauren's 4th birthday today. She was awake and ready to open her presents before any of us!

Her party bag

My parents sent her this card, which arrived from England yesterday, just in time!

My parents also sent these colouring books

Hairband and bag from mummy and daddy

"Bunny"

Her new umbrella

Later tonight we'll be doing a birthday dinner at our home for Lauren, featuring roast chicken and potatoes, pizza and birthday cake. We have invited our neighbours to join us, as usual.

Today's flashbacks will focus on Lauren's previous birthdays. This is what we did in January 2011 for Lauren's 3rd birthday:

Lauren's 3rd birthday - Jan 2011

And here is Lauren on her 2nd birthday in January 2010:

Lauren's 2nd birthday - Jan 2010

Happy birthday Lauren! Have a lovely day!