Author: Low Ming Choo

Good-bye Dust

Good-bye Dust 

I have a robot to vacuum my house.  I’m not joking  .. it is the irobot Roomba model 550.  It vacuums my floors by itself and goes back to the dock to recharge when battery is exhausted. 

When the irobot went on sale last year in Singapore it was costly.  The features were quite basic and I did not think that it would work properly and expected frequent breakdowns. 

When I saw a more advanced model for US$225 at Costco in the States, I could not resist getting one to try out.  Tested it in my daughter place and found that it really works.  It meticulously gathers up specks of dust from everywhere it can access.  I have been using it for the last three months here, and there are no hiccups.  Touch wood.

For those of you who interested – a more expensive model is available in Singapore – Roomba model 560 with similar features – costs about S$930. Or you can get it on the internet for a much lower price. Those interested may want to explore further.  For your information:  Reviews: http://www.shopping.com/xPR-iRobot-iRobot-550-Roomba-Vacuuming-Robot-Black 

I add this here for the product details it provides.  You may want to explore ebay and amazon.com or other sites that ship overseas. 
Good wishes,

Ming Choo

Low Ming Choo – Profile

Dear friends,
 
I was delighted to read about this club in the ST 20 July 2008.  A check on the website tells of a vibrant group of happy people with diverse interests and lots of energy.  This is just what I have been looking for since I retired from work a few years ago – an opportunity for like-minded people to gather and make good use of the leisure that we have worked so long and hard for.
   
I am 62 with two grown-up children.  I have spent more than 20 years as an educator and10 years in publicity publishing.  When my younger child graduated a few years ago, I decided it was time to quit my formal job and for other things in life. My interests are quite sedentary – reading, experimental cooking, meditation.  My husband, 64, and I have done some leisurely traveling and did some ‘serious’ courses the last few years.  Terence’s idea of short stays in Thailand and the neighboring countries is appealing.
 
I have been exploring the concept of “ Aging in place”.  It is a term used in the States for the system that caters to elderly people who prefer to grow old in the comfort of their homes, versus living in institutions. This involves preparing their homes for convenient use as they age; having the relevant essential services, like, house care and medical care within easy call.  With the system in place, the elderly can continue to live independently in familiar surroundings and friends for as long as life permits them.  Any one here among us, is interested in exploring this concept with me?  I will draw up a framework for discussion.
 
Congratulations to the pioneers for bringing forth the SilverHairs Club and the energetic members who sustain it. I look forward to your next gathering.  I am due for a knee operation this afternoon and hope it will recover enough for me to join all of you on the 17th.  Otherwise I can read all about the meeting on the Forum.
 
Warm regards,
Ming Choo