what i do on New Year’s eve?

I am now resting on a hammock between 2 mango trees at my wife’s parents home in Korat, some 3 hours North-east of Bangkok. Just had lunch with Tom Yam country chicken.

Feeling lazy and sleepy, I write to tell you the weather is a comfortable 22C. The only sound I hear is the movement of leaves and a family of chickens playing among themselves.

Am going to have a kid’s party at 3pm, with balloons, coconut ice-cream, bbq pork balls, beer and spy wine. It’s going to be fun. Wish you were here too.

Monthly Walk – 2007

Just being a wee bit nostalgic, looking back, we, the walkist did well.  In Feb06, Charles initiated the 1st walk and if I recalled right, there were only 4 of us and now, there are more than 20 walkists.

Want to say "Thank you" to all who came from all corners of Singapore to participate.  Glad you have enjoyed the walks as much as we have whilst planning them.  Also most importantly, hope each of you have made some new friends – This is what it is all about   smile, smile

I am going to sneak you in for a preview of the first 3 months of 2007:

13Jan     intend to coincide with the forthcoming Potluck event.  Venue: awaits                             Terence’s advice. 

10Feb    Let’s have a Break ie., no walk for the group

10Mar    Bukit Timah Hill

 …new trails, old trails, scenic trails, let your eyes "capture" the sights besides your camera and, more challenging trails like the Treetop, Pulau Ubin   (haha)

There is 1 request and we need your help:

Normal Start time of walk: 4.15pm (strongly encourage all to be on time as we do not wish to keep those who are punctual waiting).  There will be some walks due to circumstances beyond our control; need to start off earlier as well.  so, please note each Start Time, Be Punctual.

NB:

Scheduled walks (2nd Saturday monthly) will not be cancelled unless it is a no through way, definite "no go" situation eg., flooding, landslide… (just joking).

Detailed information for each walk will be posted in this website about 2 weeks before scheduled date, please check website regularly

To each of you and your loved ones :

a JOYOUS Christmas, a HAPPY & PROSPEROUS 2007  from Charles, Veronica & Christina.

so long farewell I’ve got to go…….. see you next year.  Till then, stay Cool!

Travel with “Frills”

Hi to all Members

Some members like to backpack, travel with little or no frills. I, on the other hand, like to travel with reasonably priced frills such as 3* hotels, organized transportation, pickup services to airports. I am wondering if there are like-minded members who luv museums, palaces, castles etc and would like to make specialized single-country trips to Germany, Italy and Spain. If U do please post here. Kind Regards

Signing in as Guest

Some SilverHairs have suggested the use of nicknames (not related to the real names).  As this is a members’ website, we encourage the use of real names.

However, for the benefit of new members, and to encourage confidence, I have been convinced that we could have "Guest" participation.  Let’s give this a try.  Guests are allowed to write new Posts and Comments.  Guests cannot register to participate in events.

  • Username: Guest
  • Password: guest

Have fun!.

Terence Seah

Winnie Lim and her cakes

Winnie Lim is definitely very resourceful.   I learnt from her about her entrepreneurship skills.  And, I feel she is one member who will continue to be active through her SilverHairs years.  I wish that some of us will learn from her.

She is really into cakes.  I was surprised at the different types of cakes she can make. Get to know her. Find out more about the cakes she can make.

For SilverHairs who are into cake, cookies, chocolates and bread making, and selling them, let us know.  We would like to promote your skills and hobbies.

Terence Seah

Last chance to win $50,000 Starhub Challenge Update

Here is an update by Ronald Wi.  We must all congratulate Ronald Wi for taking effort to participate in this Starhub challenge.  And, also to all the participants who would make the winning possible.  Please review and give your newest and latest comments to Ronald.

Hi everybody,
Yes we have been getting some excellent commitments and good responses, and the idea of having the starhub $50k to help start our SHC Clubhouse ( although only on rental lease of 2 years – to cover rent, utilities and basic maintenance ) seems a possible reality.

Let us look again at SHC objectives, so that we can all have a clearer picture of what our SHC clubhouse should be like and be promoting.

The SilverHairsClub is a platform for us to meet new and more friends.  The objectives of SilverHairsClub are:   

*      Find new and meet more friends.
*      Share common interests.
*      Exchange knowledge and information on retirement, and
*      Enjoying a fruitful and meaningful retirement.

And also Starhub Challenge http://app02.vocanic.net/draw/dreammachine?cat=1

OVERALL THEME – Our Passion is to make retirement as refreshing and rewarding as possible to all Silver haired members, by sharing whatever they are good at with others, learning new interests, knowledge and hobbies.  We also have monthly nature walks, group cycling, karake sessions, Investment and  Retirement Village group meetings and am also promoting art, handicraft ,costume jewellery making, cooking and cake making classes. We feel that with the $50,000 we can rent a place for 2 years ,for the display of some of our members’ passion of forgottten art, paintings,  crafts of handiwork. This venue will be designed to serve as our classroom, workshop, kitchen, cafe ,library, exercise room and also as a guest house for SHC friends from overseas. Visitors and memebres can discover the rich heritage of Singapore forgotten pasts of simple arts like porcelain painting, jade oranamental collection and designing, paper origami,and old crafts , and not forgetting reliving culinary skills of forgetten recipes of food dishes, cake, and desserts long forgotten. We hope after the 2 years of Starhub   sponsorship ,this SHC Clubhouse can be self sustaining  by charging a minimal fee that is as close to the good old days as possible, providing an escape down memory lane.

Details of our Anchor Tenants, in the SHC Clubhouse are as follows:-

1. Adult learning and Training Centre – by Thomas Kuan

For info Thomas Kuan is the president of SACE, Singapore Association of Continuing Education, and currently they are exploring Adult Education and Lifelong learning.

2. Passion for Forgotten Arts & Crafts –
a. Jocelyne Soh’s Art Collections and Classes
b. Daffydil’s  Collection and Design of Jade Ornaments
c. Patricia Ng – Paper Crafts , Jewellery design
d. Anne Low’s – Collection and Design of Crystal ornamental Jewellery

3. Patricia Ng – Passion for Reliving past recipes of food , cakes, deserts and also rediscovering healthier
ingredients for a healthier recipe. Patricia Ng has been experimenting quite alot in this area and she is also willing to teach anyone who is interested. I have tested many of her new healthier recipes of cakes and
Thai salad which is a must for everyone who is a cook to learn how to make it. For info, the Ministry of Health is promoting healthier lifestyle and giving grants to those who want to open up such cafes. Hey, who knows with Patricia help and other cooking enthusiasts in SHC , and with the large number of food critic wannabes in SHC ( CC , is one definitely the first one who will turn up for any kind of food ), we can have a good food recipec experimentation and research group. 

4. Suggestion of having a Karaoke Area in SHC Center, by Swee Loke
Swee Loke – Glad to hear from you , yes, it will be good if it can help to generate income so that in the long run we can keep the SHC Clubhouse not only self-sustaining but if possible profitable, so that more ventures can be explored. So far a start if we do get that $50K, can i have you to look into this area, as i do think having a Karaoke facility is a defintely suitable, but i would think we can try to build it up as cheaply as possible. Maybe we can get contributions from anyone of any equipment they have either to give or to loan etc, or we can also buy cheap 2nd hand equipment from the Converter Shop. ( I do see some good equipment there )

5. IT training, and Phototaking section – i hope Yew Kong and Benson can continue running courses (free lah) from time to time.

6. Guest House with basic kitchen – maybe just 1 room and some Sofa folding beds – ( really meant for Guest of SHC from other countries ) – to help generate income , and be for short term stay booking.  Teofirst, has had experienced and can surely help us out in this area, also Gary to recommend all his SHC friends from Hanoi.

7. Health Execise – Meridian point 312 – we have Ronald Lee , who is a certified instructor , to be our resident instructor and teacher .

8. Other acitivies – Monthly walks, cyling activities.

9. Library and Cafe section – Oi Cheng , Christina Chan

10. Retirement Village – I must say our retirement village seems to be quite the opposite , as we seems to want more out of life when we retire. Our expectations after our recent trip to Gunong Ledang & Malacca , seems to be confirmed that though we may want to travel and stay for a short term elsewhere, home is always where our hearts can find peace.

Observations from Trip to Malacca, Gunong Ledang private and public resorts and Eco – Village in Senai (Green Valley Eco Village )

a. On the positive side, as Spore progresses and cost of living has increase, the quality, facilities and expectations of our living style has also increased. So unknowling ,we do expect much more even though we may want to retire in a cheaper place. Sad to say, that even though  we can lower our expectations, the quality and development of the our neighbours seemed to be quite a gap apart, and this gap seems to be
increasing even more. 

b. Green Valley Eco-village, seems a little small with only 20 acres, and though it has been started 10 years  ago, the progress seems quite slow. There are some farming or Roselle , Vinegar ,etc in collaboration with the UTM (University of Technology of Malaysia) but the variety is quite limited.  There is also no paved road to the farm , and though the Main Building is quite big and nice , it is not yet furnished with basic needs of an air-con or ceiling fans.  ( On the positive side, it needs a lot of help, financially , ideas, and marketing , so a good investment opportunity for those who wants to build form scratch )

c. Condos in Malaysia – we went to look at two Condos belonging to a friend, and these are our findings-

d. Selat Horizon – along Klebang Besar, just acceptable with basic security and a swimming pool, not something you will be impressed. ( Like i have stated , our expectations are always moving upwards while theirs do not seemed to be moving in the right direction ).

e. Golden Showers – also along Klebang Besar just beside Selat Horizon, – from the outside we did not even feel like going in, looks worse than any 1 room HDB block,especially the external paintwork and surroundings.

Please feel free to send me your comments, suggestions, ideas and dreams even.

At the same, Happy Holidays, Merry X’Mas and a Happy and Prosperous 2007 Year ahead.

Cheers

Ronald Wi

5-Week Drama Workshop for Seniors

Dear All

Is acting one of your passions ?  But you do not have time to go for training in the past !  Wait no longer !!

Dramaplus Arts, 33 Kerbau Road, Singapore will be conducting a 5-week Drama Workshop for Seniors on Mondays for both English and Mandarin Groups in 2007 as follows:

Date:

Feb 2007 5, 12 and 26

Mar 2007 5 and 12

Time:  2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Venue:  Dramaplus Arts, 33 Kerbau Road, Singapore

Registration Fee:  $20.00 per person

Contact Person: Maria Tel No. 6 299 0013 

As a retiree, if you wish to pursue your passion for acting or to take up acting as a hobby, do join the Workshop and have lots of fun ! Please state your preference whether you wish to join the English or the Mandarin Group.

Kia Chew

Feel free to write your Christmas and New Year greetings here on this forum

Hi All SilverHairs,

We have not tried this before, and that is to ask every SilverHairs to write a post here to wish fellow SilverHairs a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

And, on the same greeting, we like to hear your New Year wishes.  Please say how you would like to see the SilverHairsClub in the year 2007.  We will compile your wishes for follow-up action next year.

Don’t worry about your greetings jamming this forum.  Don’t be shy, go ahead.   Pick up the courage if you have never written on this forum before.  We like to know you to know other SilverHairs too.

Terence Seah

When you are spring cleaning your home or office

Look around for that something you dont want in your house or office.  It could be a nice dress which has grown too big for you now.  Or a carpet you have been keeping in your store for a long time.  Or a car which you have been advertising to sell for some time.  Maybe a fish tank, books, toys or hifi sets which have taken too much space.

Before the Chinese New Year spring cleaning, look around.  And if you dont want an item, someone else might want it.  Put it up for sale at our online fleamart.  Add a picture. It helps.

Getting to know what it is like to live in India short-term

We are organising a briefing session cum dinner at Kaushal’s house at Lichfield Road (Serangoon Garden, near Chomp Chomp) on 4 Jan from 1730 to 2030 hrs. Find out what it is like to live in India, short-term during retirement. A trip to Hyderabad is likely to be organised by Kaushal in early 2007. Limited to 15 people, $10, if you are having food.  Free, if not having food.

Registered to participate:

  1. LH Jie
  2. Christina Chan
  3. Irene Chan
  4. Terence Seah
  5. KT Wong
  6. Ronald Wi
  7. Rosalind Tan
  8. Tan S.T.
  9. Linda Chang
  10. Pauline Chew – unable to come
  11. Ronald Li

X’mas and New Year Greetings

To all SHC members,

A Merry Christmas and lots of joy, hope, success and love for the coming new year.

For SHC in 2007, I wish to continue enjoying the travels with our silverhairs friends; nothing beats going to interesting places with good travelling companions!

Am also looking forward to participate in more interesting and innovative activities in 2007!  

Things 2 keep 4 our silverhair years

Keep our thoughts positive, because our thoughts become our words.

Keep our words positive, because our words become our actions.

Keep our actions positive, because our actions become our habits.

Keep our habits positive, because our habits become our lifestyle.

Keep our lifestyle positive, because our lifestyle becomes our destiny.

Ubin X’Mas Treasure Hunt

Christmas is round the corner. Hoping for a Christmas present from Santa? What happens if he drops you a map of a small little island with nice treasures to be sniffed out? Form a group of 4, and you may be cycling throughout Pulau Ubin for a treasure hunt. And what’s more fun than to enjoy Christmas with a new found friend? Drinks, transport and bicycle included.

Date : 23 December 2006, Saturday
Time : 10 am – 5pm
Venue : Pulau Ubin
BTFC member : $30 per pax
Non-member : $35 per pax
Group size : 30 pax
Registration deadline : 15 December 2006

For enquiries and booking assistance, please drop us an e-mail at btfriends@income.com.sg or call 6877 3752.
http://www.bigtrumpet.com.sg/friendship.

emoticon

Cooking Demo & Handicraft Group

I love to crotchet, make 3-dimensional origami swans, baskets, trays, jewellery-sets with beads & crystals & prepare to teach.

It will be good to have cooking demo in member’s home only for those non-working retired.

I am interested to teach handicraft or organise making of handicrafts to donate to old folks home for sale.

New member Mrs Patricia Ng ACE

Christmas reflections

~ FRIENDS ~

As we walk our path of life,
We meet people everyday.
Most are simply met by chance.
But, some are sent our way.
 

 

These become special friends
Whose bond we can’t explain;

The ones who understand us
And share our joy and pain.

Their love contains no boundaries.
So, even we are apart.
Their presence enhances us
With a warmth felt in the heart.

This love becomes a passageway,
When even the miles disappear.
And so, these friends, God sends our way,
Remain forever near. emoticon

Registration to participate in SHC Forum

The number of members is increasing.  We have many Susans, Mr Tan, Joe and Lilys.  To participate in this forum, we require your web user registration.  To register, go to the right column and look for META – Register.

Please choose an username, which is related to your name.  Names with words eg success, rich, health, wealth, sea monster, callme, smiling tiger, funny, sky, ice, etc will be rejected.  Those whose usernames are not related to their ID/passport names will be removed by 31 Jan 2007.

Accepted usernames eg Susan Lee, S Lee, Lee Gim Seng will be accepted.  We need the first and last names during registration.  This is a required field.

Terence Seah

We support Ronald Wi’s participation in the StarHub Challenge

Hi everybody,

Ronald Wi has been leading our retirement living discussions. He has a passion to showcase SilverHairs’ hobbies, skills and crafts.  To do so, he plans to participate in the StarHub Challenge.  It goes like this:

Escape http://app02.vocanic.net/draw/dreammachine?path=1

If you had $50,000, what ambition, passion, or adventure would you make happen?
Tell us below in 100 words or less.

Ronald visualises that with the money, we can have a place to showcase SilverHairs’ knowledge and skills.

If you have a  hobby or skill, traditional or modern, let us know here.  Please write 2-3 paragraphs of your hobby.  Examples include:  porcelain painting, wood carvings, making dolls, glass blowing, bonsai planting, cooking paranakan food, secial traditional foods, pre-war collections, traditional candies making, old paper making, etc, etc. 

You never know.  Go back to those years when your hair was black.  Share your hobbies here, Ronald Wi will do the rest.

Terence Seah

Sungei Buloh Walk

Dear all

Here is a chance for you to join the walk.  Meant for early risers.  I am sure you will enjoy with this bunch of ecologists.  Pl register on your own if interested  Regd vw

13th Sungei Buloh Anniversary Walk with Raffles Museum Toddycats
Sunday 3rd December 2006: 8am-1pm: 
http://sbaw.rafflesmuseum.net  

In celebration of the anniversary of the official opening of Singapore’s first wetlands reserve, volunteers with NUS’ Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, conduct a free walk for the public every year. 

Registration
If you would like to join us for this year’s walk, please register by sending an email to: toddycats@gmail.com .
You will receive a reply.
 
Who is this walk for?
Anyone and even children. The walk will be conducted in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre – main bridge, main hide, mangrove boardwalk and along part of route 1. Be prepared for rain as always.

What will you hear about and see?
Hear stories about the animals, plants and the ecology of mangroves – get introduced to the economic plants, crabs climbing trees at high tide, mudskippers, snails, Archer fish, Mullets, Halfbeaks and Garfish. You will also learn about the invasions of WWII and see the view of Johor. Other gems we always hope to see: Water monitors, the resident family of Smooth-coated otters and the prize – the crocodile! It’s also time for the migratory birds! For more information, see: http://sbaw.rafflesmuseum.net

Meeting place and time
Meet at the Visitor Centre of at Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve (SBWR) at 8.00am. You can take TIBS No. 925 from Kranji MRT right to the park. Catch the 7.30am bus else you will be late.