The Meow Factor

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: Tail of Disapproval

2012-02-15T01:50:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: Tom is demonstrating how disappointed we all are with our female servant. Come on! More blogging time, purrrlease....!!!! purrr....meow!

Tuxie on Thursday: Colourful Prison

2012-02-09T17:00:00.000+08:00

Wordless Wednesday: Fiery Nicole

2012-02-08T12:25:00.000+08:00

Richest Ex-Stray on the Block

2012-02-03T15:03:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: Mama thought that pesky Seb should start living the high class life...and so put on a bracelet on him. Hmm.....won't a normal pet collar do? Never mind...but Seb is a boy. Boys don't dig this bling bling thingy. End result: Seb's chomping has damaged the bracelet's clasp. Now Mama would have to dig into her purse to get it repaired. Should I pity her? Nah.... purrr...meow!

Wordless Wednesday: Up High with Nikki

2012-02-01T16:45:00.000+08:00

Tom the ID Mag Stylist

2012-01-30T17:56:00.000+08:00

Mama: Move over, Tom. I need to change the linen today. Too much floof around here.

Tom: I've just started my nap, Mama. Can't it wait?

Mama: Come on. Move over. Hurry up!

Tom: Huh???

Mama: OK, I'm done. Now you can continue your nap.

Tom: Thanks, Mama. First I'll do my bathing...a man must look good...even while napping.

Mama: Yes, Tom? What's wrong?

Tom: Dunno...I can't quite put my finger on it. Something is not right.

Mama: What are you doing, Tom? You're messing things up.

Tom: Can't you see I'm trying to ~~make a comfortable nest~~ style your bed here, Mama?

Mama: Huh? Styling? But the quilt is all bunched up....

Tom: Yes....now... this is more comfortable....

Tom: I call this the lived-in look. ~~All furrified and bunched up~~. Just like a page in Better Homes & Gardens...zzzzzz.....

Mama: Tom!!!! I'm going to ban you from my bed!!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Mentor-Mentee

2012-01-25T22:17:00.000+08:00

Odd Choices

2012-01-23T02:22:00.000+08:00

Hmmm....what shall it be? This red shantung kimono....(pix: Uncle Google)

....or this pink cheongsam? (pix: Uncle Google)

Angelina's note: Oooh...sorry kitties. I was distracted by those items of clothing. Mama says I'll have to wear them if I want to follow her visit her friends' Open House today. On second thoughts.....nooooo way Jose! I'd rather be naked and stay at home. To everyone, HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR. GONG XI FA CAI. purrr...meow!

A Betrayal

2012-01-20T13:59:00.000+08:00

Kitties, I'm so upset that I feel like running away from home again. How could you, Mama???? Well, I've just found out that Mama has a PTFL (part time feline lover) at that island she's been frequenting. Work, she said, not pleasure. But what did I find? A folder of revealing pictures...with bedroom antics and all. I'm so disappointed, Mama....

Here's the PTFL, named Ming Ming, a full mancat (he's not neutered, mind you!) He was allowed to sniff Mama's electronic gadgets.

He was allowed to even attend the meetings Mama had with the locals.

Look at what he's doing on Mama's bed....he had the audacity to do his bathing there.

Ming Ming posing for the camera....

Huh???? This is too much. He slept with Mama????? aaarrrggghhh.....

Angelina's note: My heart bleeds, kitties. purrr....meow!

Brad the Disciplinarian

2012-01-16T14:00:00.000+08:00

Brad: Behave, Seb. Or else.....the others are all complaining about you...

Seb: What are you going to do brofur? Whack me?

Brad: No whacking. I don't believe in hitting little kits. But see if you like being jailed in this basket.

Seb: Ooops...gulp!

Seb: Help!!! Mama.....get me out of here...!!!!

Brad: har har har *evil laughs*

Angelina's note: Good on you, Brad. Everyone is tired of Seb's pesky ways. He's beyond naughty...I know...I've said that before. purrrr....meow!

Tom's Pawesome Pawty

2012-01-16T00:00:00.001+08:00

Split into two, add a splash of worchestershire sauce, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, a dash of olive oil on the grill pan....simple....really.

Cooked! Ready to eat. Optional dip: tamarind pulp, belacan (shrimp paste), cut bird chili, chopped onion, hot water....

Demolished!

Post lunch pose....the gotcha boy has a huge tummy.

Later.....what else to do after a big lunch? NAP!!!

Angelina's note: Burp!!! purrr....meow!

Eight Years with Tom

2012-01-14T00:09:00.003+08:00

Gotcha boy spends the whole day waiting for Mama's return......

Angelina's note: It's Tom's Gotcha Day today....Mama picked up Tom from a five-foot path of a bank in a posh suburb on 14 Jan 2004. So, he's Mama's first feline...and he's KING of the house. Nobody messes with Tom...look at his humongous paws. Mama's coming back later in the evening...hmmm....maybe we'll have a party tomorrow. purrr...meow!

Commercial Break

2012-01-10T18:23:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: Mama needs help. Any takers? Anyone who asks questions like: "how much is the salary" will not even be called for interview. purrr.....meow!

Hmmm...Another Outstation Trip You Said???

2012-01-10T02:27:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: Mama's leaving on a jet plane (again!!!) very early in the morning...sans Dad. So, we'll be spoilt rotten with Dad's ever accommodating ways....teeheehee.... ooohhh...the sunset pix? That's what Mama will be looking at for the next three days. purrr....meow!

Tuxie on Thursday: Update & Anatomy Recording

2012-01-05T12:34:00.003+08:00

Just look at those big eyes and ears....

The snipped off whiskers have regrown!!!

Humongous tummy! Didn't I say he's a glutton?

Humongous front paws...

Humongous back paws...

He's adorable....when he's asleep.

Angelina's note: It's been almost two months since Sebastian came into our lives. He's thriving under Mama's watchful eyes. Most of the adult cats have been avoiding him though. Why??? He's beyond naughty... purrr...meow!

Wordless Wednesday: Nikki Plays Babysitter

2012-01-04T14:27:00.000+08:00

Hardcore Blogger At Work

2012-01-03T14:14:00.000+08:00

My Mama says the biggest satisfaction for any writer, is to be able to reach out to as many readers possible. And, aren't we lucky that there are so many tools at our disposable nowadays....It just adds to the fun and thrill of putting ~~pen to paper~~ your thoughts across, isn't it? As a bonus, sort of, a lappy is a purrrfect snooze place too...it's warm and cozy.....purrr....meow!

All alert with all my ~~writing tools~~ blogging gadgets....the iPad for commercial breaks, the lappy for blog updating and the galaxy for email checking....

And....when the going gets tough aka writer's bloc...just snooze it off....

Did I hear some cans being opened in the kitchen? I'm off to investigate. Till later....

New Year Resolution...sort of...

2011-12-31T22:55:00.000+08:00

The good thing about being a cat is that I don't have to conform with normal hooman behaviour. Case in point is this thing about having a new (or renewed) resolution whenever a new year comes. I mean, what should my new year resolution be, to eat less tuna? to scratch less? to sleep less? duh???

However, there's no rule that says a cat can't help her Mama make and keep her new year resolution. So, what's Mama's new year resolution? TO BE A BETTER FARMER. Serious.

We have helped Mama sow, transplant, water and fertilise her garden. We call it our Garden in the Sky. May it stay lush just like the garden we had in our Sydney home. My job is to make sure my sisfurs and brofurs don't sabotage Mama's hard work. Remember the case of Michael versus pandan leaves?

This time around, we have culinary herbs like ginger, rosemary, polygornum (Vietnamese mint or kesom), kaffir lime (limau purut) and bird chili. As well as some ornamental plants like palm, kalanchoe, mondo grass and even a mosquito repellent. Another great news, Mama had sown some vegetable seeds and so far we've seen some crimson okra seedlings peeking out.

Hey...garden snoopervising is not an easy task, OK? I have to make sure nobody chomp off the new plants.

Can you see some okra seedlings peeking out from the planter boxes? Hanging them outside the balcony is to prevent some furry climbers to use the boxes as toilets....as they had done in the past.

Our Garden in the Sky (Brad has nicknamed it the Scenic Toilet!!!)....

So, there you have it. My new year resolution is to help my Mama keep her new year resolution. May the garden prosper.....and here's to more green yaks on the floor....teeheehee...purrr...meow!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!!!

Thanks for the Memories....

2011-12-27T22:58:00.001+08:00

Hello Kitties (and peeps)!!!

Thanks for coming by on my birthday. Thanks for the birthday wishes and all. Mama's very very busy with her end of year projects (wrapping up old and starting new....never ending story) so we've been rather slack in updating, replying to comments and especially bad is very very little blogwalking. Forgive me...but it's all Mama's fault.

However, I almost forgive her as she managed to squeeze in some of her so-called precious time to celebrate my birthday on Sunday. She even managed to bake me a cake. So, the Jolie-Pitt-Cruise-Kidman-Schumacher-Vettel household ate moist orange cake on Christmas Day. Brad was disappointed that Mama didn't make chocolate cake instead. Yeah...when are you going to experiment with the Majulah cocoa powder you brought back from Sabah, Mama?

Anyway, I'm not complaining. The orange cake was devoured in no time by kitties and hoomans alike. I managed to photograph it before demolition. Cute, eh? Well, Mama says it's not as pretty as a store-bought one...but hey...it's the thought that counts, eh? purrr...meow!

Psst......

2011-12-24T10:06:00.000+08:00

Hello Kitties!
It's me Brad. Angelina's on the bunk bed, sleeping, so I decided to steal some blogging time. I'll be brief though. Guess who's big day is it tomorrow? No....not mine. It's HRH Princess Angelina's birthday...or so we were told by her original owners. Let's give her a surprise birthday party. Jips, treats, toys, mice are all accepted. Har har har *evil laughs*

Stray to Heir

2011-12-16T11:57:00.000+08:00

Dear Tommaso,
You may not know me, or even of me, but let me tell you that I'm proud of you man-friend. Imagine, from a stray to heir of USD13 million fortune. That much money can buy lotsa treats and food and toys....You must have given lotsa love to your late mom....

But hey...don't forget the rest of our kin who are still eking out a living as an alley cat or even island cats (check my previous posting). I wish you'd put aside some of that dough into a fund to help your fellow felines. Think about it my friend.....it will do you good.

Yours in felinedom,
Angelina Jolie

check out Tommaso's story here.

Island Cats: Paradise or Hell on Earth????

2011-12-15T00:01:00.002+08:00

Angelina's note: Kitties, for once I'm glad my Mama and Dad are such busybodies and hardcore pawpawrazzi. They visited an island famous for snorkeling and diving activities, worldwide. The natives there are poor and eke out a meagre living by fishing and not really benefiting from the thriving tourism industry. Mama showed me the photographs she and Dad took of the feline population there. Some made bawl my eyes out. The kitties are now considered a nuisance by the hooomans there. There used to be many woofies but they have now disappeared. Rumour has it that they were poisoned to cull the population. Mama wants to organise a capture and spay programme there. Any volunteers? For the record, there is no vet clinic on the island. purrrr....meow!

Wordless Wednesday: The Pawrents' Loot

2011-12-14T00:04:00.003+08:00

Where Are the Pawrents?

2011-12-12T10:36:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: Mama and Dad went "overseas" for almost a week leaving us in the care of Uncle Amir. Sebastian was shipped off to Uncle Abid's as he needs extra care. Will post heaps of stories about their trip. purrr....meow!

Tuxie on Thursday

2011-12-08T00:57:00.002+08:00

Angelina's note: As y'all know, Madam Pawpawrazzi likes to record the anatomy of all her kits....Sebastian is no exception. purrr....meow!

Wordless Wednesday: For Hardcore Hello Kitty Fans

2011-12-07T00:03:00.003+08:00

Angelina's note: Only for Malaysians (sorry Aunty Caren....teeheehee....) purrr....meow!

Babysitting Blues: Off Duty

2011-12-05T11:36:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: Poor Brad....he hardly gets any time off since Sebastian enters our life. So, when Mama takes Seb to the vet, Brad gets a well deserved rest. The rest of us just tip-toe around him. purrr....meow!

Life in Malaysia: Middle Eastern Food

2011-12-04T00:41:00.003+08:00

Since moving back here, I notice that Middle Eastern restaurants are now as ubiquitous (ooohh...kill me Aunty Ninot) as Tom Yam joints. This is especially so in downtown Kuala Lumpur that is seeing an increasing number of Middle Eastern tourists. In fact, some suburbs have become Middle Eastern enclaves as certain nationalities tend to congregate in the same locality as their fellow countrymen. I have tasted Yemeni, Palestinian, Iraqi, Persian, Lebanese and even Saudi cuisine, either in restaurants or at public feasts. Even the supermarkets and grocery shops are selling what they call Arab bread, a somewhat white, round, leavened bread.

I think this phenomenon is not just caused by the influx of Middle Eastern visitors to Malaysia, it is also the result of the Malaysians having the economic means to travel more often to the Middle East. Also, there's quite a sizable Malaysian expatriate communities in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Even among Mama's circle - an architect in Dubai, housewife in Qatar etc. Ahhh...the borderless world...

We were living in Sydney but somehow was also exposed to heaps of Middle Eastern culture. Apparently, the influx from the Mediterranean area back in the 1960s and 1970s brought along the myriad of culture from nearby regions. Thus, besides Greek and Italian food, we also get Turkish, Lebanese, Syrian, Egyptian and Jordanian food. Oh yeah...so we get so many versions of hummus. But I love them all. Travel to any remote area in Australia and almost always, there'll be a kebab shop at a corner somewhere. Serious.

Anyway, we found ourselves in a new township about 45-min drive away from Kuala Lumpur early last week. Mama and Dad had a meeting there and of course, as always, I tagged along. After the meeting, we decided to check what's on offer in that town. Lo and behold, we found not one but two Middle Eastern restaurants. One was closed on that day, so we checked out the opened one called Baghdad Cafe. I have never been to Iraq but it's interesting how they blend Iraqi culture with Malaysian in this restaurant. Let's check it out.

This is what we had. A humongous portion of roast lamb leg, mandey rice and some condiments. A normal person couldn't really finish this so we shared. It was yummy.......

This is what the restaurant called "authentic Middle Eastern tea" - the bottom layer is sugar syrup. In Sydney, we call this Turkish tea and usually served with cubed sugar...so, which one is authentic?

The restaurant has furniture arranged in clusters unlike other restaurants where the furniture is usually of one type or style. An interesting concept. This corner is for those who want to have a bit of massage - notice the massage pads on the turquoise chairs?

Next to the "massage" corner is a settee set covered in striped cloth with a wooden coffee table. Very relaxed.

Somehow a water feature also fits in the decor.

A tea dispenser set - used as decor.

I looooove the different shapes of lamps they have. So ornate.

Angelina's note: Mama makes a mean Middle Eastern-like rice dish too at home. But our condiments would have lots of chillies in it. After all, we are Malaysians. purrr...meow!

Nip Sharing = Caring???

2011-12-03T00:02:00.004+08:00

Sebastian: Yo Brad! What's this thing Mama bought you?

Brad: It's called a kickeroo, Seb. It has nip inside and makes your head goes all woozzzyy...

Sebastian: Mind if I get a get a sniff? hmmm.....

Brad: Be careful there....I think you're too young for this stuff.

Sebastian: Wooo....I think I'm getting a headache...

Brad: Told you to be careful...

Sebastian: Whoa! What a kick..this is powerful stuff, Bro!

Brad: Oh boy! I'm outta here...before Mama finds out.

Sebastian: Teeheehee....now...where was I with this feather?

Angelina's note: He's evil, that little one. purrr...meow!

Sebastian the Glutton

2011-12-02T00:14:00.005+08:00

I was daydreaming on top of the kitchen cabinet when I heard strange noises down below. Curiosity overcame me and I had a peek. What I saw confirms my belief that the new kit on the block is up to no good. He stole our food!

I was on top of the world up there on the kitchen cabinet. Mama calls me her feather duster.... as I help her clean up the far reaches by rolling my body there...oohh..but I digress...

Huh! The little tyke is stealing food! He's supposed to be on kitty kibbles soaked in warm milk, so what is he doing attacking our stinky goodness' dish?

OMC!!! Not just one but two dishfuls of stinky goodness.

But of course, he learns from the master of gluttony himself, Brad. You can see him keeping watch here, in case the others come and chase the little tyke away. Hmmm...wrong role model, Seb.

Angelina's note: Sebastian eats a lot! He doesn't want to eat his kitten biscuits anymore and is now into just wet food, or rather everyone else's breakfast leftovers. So, off to the shops again and Mama had to get wet food for kittens. He'll be as tubby as Brad soon. purrr....meow!

Tabby on Thursday: Nikki Failed Fluff Control

2011-12-01T00:07:00.003+08:00

Nikki failed her "bathing" exam. Look at that extra fluff. tsk tsk tsk...

This is what she did earlier. Intense bathing and grooming there but still...she failed.

"Angelina, fail or pass, I still look good," Nikki said.

Wordless Wednesday: Babysitter Reaps Reward

2011-11-30T00:20:00.002+08:00

Male Bonding: Magnum Moment with Dad

2011-11-29T00:33:00.003+08:00

Brad loooooves Magnum (the ice cream, not the four-digit game of chance) and his generosity knows no boundary. He's even tutoring Sebastian on the finer points of enjoying it - served on Dad's palm....

Angelina's note: We applaud Brad's generosity. However, Sebastian is not into it (yet!). He's more content eating Brad's leftover breakfast. purrr....meow!

Kitty 's First Mani-Pedi

2011-11-27T23:51:00.000+08:00

Sebastian is making very good progress. His legs seem to be stronger now. Today, he had his first taste of kitty manicure-pedicure.....!!!

Is he really a cat? He didn't struggle at all.

One happy customer...Sebastian fell asleep during mani-pedi.

In full tuxie glory...(he snores!)

Angelina's note: It's been ten days since the day we found Sebastian. purrr...meow!

Wordless Wednesday: Ikea's Poster Girl

2011-11-23T16:03:00.000+08:00

BEFORE....how boring...

AFTER....looks better now...

Hallo Ikea!!!! Hallo! Hallo!

Tuxie (and Tabby) on Tuesday

2011-11-22T12:44:00.000+08:00

Hie Kitties! Been a while since I've updated. Well, three days seem like forever and ever, eh? Anyway, the pawpawrazzi seem to have focused all lens on the little thingamajik called Sebastian Vettel. Yeay! No flashy box on me (for the time being, at least).

Must say that I'm really proud of my Aussie sibling Brad (hey...that's a rare thing for me to do, OK?). He's been helping Mama with the baby chores and even babysit the kitty. Mama's been trying hard to teach Sebastian to walk and do feline stuff like scratching and stretching. And Brad has been a good assistant. In fact, we may even enroll him in Abang Epi's physio class. These photos will be added in his resume when he applies for enrollment.

Brad: Come on Sebastian, scratch and climb. You can do it.
Sebastian: Can I, really, brofur? I'll try.

Brad: See, you can if you try. Try to reach for that dangling mousie, not my tail.
Sebastian: Urgh...urgh...this is hard work. My legs are not strong enough...help....

Brad: Hang on there, brofur.
Sebastian: I think that's enough for today. I'm bushed!!!!

Angelina's note: Sebastian is making good progress. His front legs seem to be stronger but his left back leg doesn't seem to function and he's always dragging it when he walks. Still has the tendency to just roll and all four paws in the air as he tries to explore the world around him. More purrrrayers for him purrrrlease.... purrr....meow!

Chronology: Sebastian Vettel Jolie-Pitt

2011-11-18T12:38:00.001+08:00

Gotcha Day: Nov 16, 2011

Unnamed tuxie kitty being fed mashed up softened kibble...on Mama's bosom...

Unnamed tuxie kitty sleeping on a bedding of towels....on Mama's bed.

Clinic Day: Nov 17, 2011

The morning after...notice that kitty has been sleeping (or awake) in the same position. May have internal injuries that render it unable to move about or change position.

All comfy in the PTU. That's the PTU I travelled in that fateful journey between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur...it's OK for kitty to borrow it. Just for a while....

PTU shut, food and water supply included, off to the vet's for kitty.

Vet's Report:
1. Kitty is male.
2. Kitty's age: about three months old.
3. Kitty's weight: 400 gram - about 14oz.
4. Kitty's limbs are unable to move due to, most probably, abuse or injury that didn't heal properly. Only one hind leg seems to move as kitty was scratching his ears with it. Nerve system may have been damaged as a result of injury too. (oh boy! toilet training is a no-no at present, then)
5. Kitty is mite and worm farmer (eeeuuwwww!!!) and so was given a dose of anti-worm and wipes of Frontline for mites.
6. Kitty is undernourished.
7. Kitty to be brought to vet's again in a fortnight.

Mama took kitty shopping at PLC, got him some milk and kitten food, and then to the office as it was nearer, so that he can be fed. Uncle Abid was there to assist Mama with kitten feeding. He (and wife) has 13 cats of their own, mostly strays that they rescue from all over. His wife had even appeared on TV talking about strays and rescue work.

Kitty gets really special attention from Mama. None of us, I repeat, none of us ever got to drink milk from a bottle!

Close up photo of kitty. Look at his whiskers - they've been snipped off by some irresponsible #@$&%!!!! OK....I shouldn't swear but seven million curses on the cretins responsible. Y'all know how important whiskers are to any feline.

Angelina's note: Kitty is now officially adopted by the family and has been named Sebastian Vettel Jolie-Pitt. We chose that name as the name sake is the current Formula 1 champion....and so we want kitty to grow up and be a champion too. He has fighting spirit, we reckon. Other than having a very healthy appetite and loud demanding voice too. Still, purrrlease purrray that his nerves will buck up and he'll be able to move his legs...we shudder the thought of kitty not being able to do the bathing or cleaning up after poo poo and pee pee. Let's not even talk about toilet training for now. purrr....meow!

Addendum: Read all about cats' whiskers here. A great website, I must say.

Project Kitty Galore

2011-11-17T00:09:00.000+08:00

And then there were six....and in just a matter of...err....seconds...there are seven now. Has Angelina lost her mind? Why is she talking in riddles now?

Announcing the arrival of our foster brofur/sisfur (we are unsure of the gender as of now....). He/she doesn't have a name yet. We'll do a naming ceremoby once we've established the gender and all health issues addressed.

You see, earlier in the evening, Mama heard a loud meowing sound at the car park. The sound got louder as she approached our block. As soon as she stepped onto the entrance at ground floor, she saw a kitten lying on the floor, in her/his own pee. It was wet and shivering, with a big bite mark on the neck. Without a second thought, Mama put kitty on her shoulder and took her/him home.

Mama cleaned her up, fed her softened and mashed up kibbles and she's now snoring on Mama's bed. I heard her talking to Aunty E on the phone, must be consulting her on how to take care of stray kittens...especially when all the vet clinics and pet supply shops were already closed. Mama has been ooohhinh and aaahhing over other meowmy's kittens and she has an instant one now. Me and my big mouth, she must have said.

Anyway, Mama plans to take unnamed kitty to the vet tomorrow morning for a thorough check up. She seems to have a hard time moving...plus the wounds etc. And oh, upon closer inspection, we noticed that only one whisker is long, the rest look like they have been snipped off. No wonder kitty had a hard time moving.

As of writing time, we have no definite plans for kitty. Let's purrray that it will survive the night first....In case you all are wondering, kitty is a tuxie...purrr...meow!

Wordless Wednesday: Quality Time with Daddy

2011-11-16T03:01:00.000+08:00

Life's A Peach

2011-11-15T08:21:00.013+08:00

Last weekend, the pawrents aka pawpawrazzi left us to attend to some business Down Under aka the land where I was born. Anyway, I gave them a looooong list of stuff to get, to make it easier for them, stuffs they can easily get at Coles or Woolies. Wasn't I considerate? Among others, they bought me some fruits like Aussie mangoes and peaches....you see, getting things out of Australia is easy. To cut the story short, I think, due to the very hot and humid Malaysian weather, the peaches wither faster than they should. So, something has to be done. Thus, we came up with this solution - Peach Cobbler. An easy recipe we copied from www.mealsmatter.org...it's yummy to bits.

Peach Cobbler

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk
2 cups fresh peaches, pitted and sliced (option: same amount of canned peaches)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups water

Preheat oven to 190 degree Celcius. Lightly butter a 9" x 9" glass baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, baking powder. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk. Spread mixture evenly into baking dish.
If using canned peaches, drain thoroughly, reserving the juices. Spoon fruit over batter.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and 1/4 cup sugar. Pour fruit juice or water over the top.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. During baking, the fruits and juice go to the bottom of the pan while the batter rises.

Gather all ingredients - we used fresh Australian white-fleshed and yellow-fleshed peaches and substituted white sugar with brown. The cinnamon duster sugar is also from Down Under.

How the cobbler looked like before baking.

Fresh out of the oven. Serve it warm (just scoop the messy concoction) with ice cream, preferably Bulla. Aussie peaches paired with Aussie ice cream, OK?

Angelina's note: Someone at the office said the texture is somewhat like bread and butter pudding but overloaded with peaches. Oh well....we also eat bread and butter pudding with ice cream. Wouldn't you? purrrr.....meow!

Mama's Garden...sort of....

2011-11-14T08:56:00.002+08:00

Well, there's been too many hiccups in Mama's gardening project that it's been shelved indefinitely. No thanks to Michael and Nikki who have been sabotaging the effort...they chew everything that's been sown and grown. So, in the meantime, she gardens here.

Angelina's note: Mama says this is better than balcony gardening as she can have sheep and cows and chickens too. Oh dear....no more sweet grass for me? purrr....meow!

Ditch the Galaxy, Play with Me

2011-11-12T23:59:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: Hmmm....everyone's been spending too much time on their tablets lately. Come on, Mama and Dad. Pay attention to me instead. purrr....meow!

It's Tough Being a Blogger Feline......sometimes....

2011-11-11T12:35:00.000+08:00

Angelina: Mama, why is the page blank?

Mama: Because you didn't switch it on.

Angelina: So...it's my fault now that the blog wasn't updated for ages?

Mama: Did I say that? I don't think so...

Angelina: Come on, Mama....let's update. My readers miss me....

Mama: Your readers, eh? OK....sorry my darling....you know that I've been here, there and everywhere...

Angelina: Phew! At least the pictures have been uploaded to iPhoto. It's hard keeping the "servant" in control sometimes....Hope it's smooth sailing from now on.

Mama: I heard that Angelina...

Angelina: I wasn't talking bad about you Mama....but that lappy screen needs thorough cleaning, non? purrr...meow!

EID MUBARAK

2011-11-07T00:44:00.000+08:00

First things first. Wishing everyone Eid-ul-Adha, regardless of faith, race or gender.

Anyway, by the time you read this, my hoomans would have flown halfway to Queensland as the slaughter of animals at the abattoir will only take place on Monday. They are going to Gympie, somewhere in the hinterland of Queensland to perform the ritual. Unfortunately, my siblings and I had to stay at home due to border issues....

Sunday morning saw us at a shelter for orphans, poor kids and single mothers in Olak Lempit, almost an hour drive from home. Mama's office had arranged for a TV station to cover a qurban (sacrifice) ritual at the shelter. There were some cows and goats to be slaughtered. It's for a reality show called Ustazah Pilihan (chosen female teacher??? - not sure if I have translated correctly) and this particular episode will appear this Thursday. If you're a subscriber of Astro, tune in to Astro Oasis Channel 106, Thursday 9pm. I'm not really sure if they have web streaming as this is a paid channel, not free to air.

I won't show the gory pictures of the slaughter. Just some general shots, OK?

All the information you need about the event.

Our staff and volunteers on duty. Notice the sharp knives??

One of the contestants being filmed.

The current line-up. They are down to the last six now.

"You know who" and the Principal of the reality show.

Most of the meat were packed and distributed to the needy in the area. (Ignore the exposed meat on the left.)

Angelina's note: As it is quite difficult to get free wifi/broadband service in Australia, blogging activity may slow down considerably. Should be back in action after Thursday. purrrr...meow!

New Perch for Nikki

2011-11-04T18:39:00.000+08:00

Among my family members, Nikki seems to be the one with the most crazypants moments....you'll see her dashing off here and there, climbing and scratching anything...even chased her own tail. So, when Mama brought home a new cat tree, as expected, she was the first to sniff, climbed and staked the thingy as hers. Other kitties would have to take a number, I'm afraid. This particular blue-eyed bombshell is not gentle at all.

Look at that face. Doesn't it say: "This is mine. All mine."

Oh yeah...how long will that mousie last, I wonder.

Angelina's note: Believe it or not, even I haven't had play time with this new tree. And I so resent that. No respect for the princess, eh? purrr....meow!

JOY AND PEACE TO THE WORLD!!!!

That Time of The Year

2011-11-04T00:31:00.004+08:00

You all must have been wondering about the advertisement we placed under the header that says "Qurban for Life." If you had clicked on it, you would be taken to a website dedicated to the cause. From there, you can get more information and proceed to donate for the cause. Or you can click here. The website is written entirely in Malay but there's google translator.

You see, every year, Mama's office organise the slaughter of either sheep or cow and then distribute them to the poor. Usually, slaughter will take place in an abattoir in Australia, the meat is then shipped to Malaysia for canning, and then the canned meat is sent to the recipient countries. The beneficiaries vary from year to year, depending on where food aid is needed most. This year, the plan is to send them to Somalia. In the past years, containers had gone to countries like Iraq, Palestine, Bosnia, Jordan, Yemen, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Qurban means sacrifice in Arabic, following the Abrahamic tradition of slaughtering an animal in the saeson of pilgrimage. The meat from the slaughtered animal is then distributed among the poor. In modern days, sometimes there are no poor people in areas where people make these sacrifices, thus advisable to distribute them away. By canning the meat, like what Mama's organisation is doing, distribution can even be done in countries or even continents that are thousands of miles away. Mama's organisation is one of the pioneers in performing Qurban this way, having done so for the past 20 years. In Malaysia, this method was introduced in 2003 and so that makes it the eighth year that Malaysians have been able to participate. Of course, donations from overseas are also accepted, online donations are possible via the website.

For the past eight years, Mama has been doing the annual abattoir duty that has also taken her to exotic locales in Australia such as Crainbourne (Victoria), Dubbo (New South Wales), Albany (Western Australia) and Gympie (Queensland). Not exactly on the beaten tourist paths but these places are interesting and in fact we've written about some of them, Dubbo and Gympie to be exact. Please use the search button on the right if you want to read the concerned write ups.

Okay, here's the plug. For just RM380 (USD120.50/AUD117.35/CAD122.55/GBP75.55), you get a sheep or 1/7th of a cow that can feed a family of four for about a month. The beauty of giving canned meat is its long shelf life of three years compared to fresh meat that would have to be refrigerated or frozen.

The finished product - corned beef. Sometimes we produced corned mutton, depending on available livestock.

"You know who" at the cattle holding pen - before the slaughter. I'm not going to show the slaughter process here, it's gory and might offend some kitties and hoomans.

The meat is then put in boxes and kept in the freezer before shipping to cannery.

"You know who" inspecting the refrigerated container where the meat is kept.

Distribution in recipient country - this was done in Lebanon, for Palestinian refugees.

Angelina's note: Donations are accepted until Monday Nov 7th. So, hurry up. purrr....meow!

Mr T

2011-11-03T11:48:00.000+08:00

We were travelling along a side road in Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu (Dad's hometown) when we saw a tortoise trying to cross the road. Well, it wasn't actually "trying" as it was already half way across. Mama was already panicky as there were many cars on the road. Dad obligingly stopped our car so Mama could help the poor thing.

First thing she did was to stop all moving vehicles, cars and motorbikes alike. Then she took pictures of the tortoise....teeheehee...should have told the other drivers that they were dealing with a hard core pawpawrazzi there. After that, she lifted the tortoise and put him on the grassy edge of the road. We hope that he'll be safe there. (we assume Mr T is a he because only a male would attempt what he did! har har har)

Mr T paddling his way on the tarmac....

There he was in the middle of the road. How long would it take him to finish the journey?

A closer look at Mr T.

The grassy edge which we guessed was his destination.

Does he look happy or thankful?

Angelina's note: I could swear I heard him say "thank you" to Mama. Later in the car Mama and Dad were discussing whether Mr T's hard shell can protect it from injury if it was ran over by a car. What do you think kitties? purrr....meow!

An Afternoon with Pakcik

2011-11-02T12:42:00.005+08:00

Eat your heart out, Aunty Ninot and Cheqna....teeheehee!

OK, now that I got that out of my furry chest, let me tell a story of an unlikely friendship between a feline and "an old man by the sea" (can't help it, Pakcik, you remind me of Hemingway's classic). It started a couple of years ago when we saw Pakcik's call sign at Uncle Awang Goneng's blog. I don't remember the subject that Pakcik blogged about that first time but we left a comment and since then the friendship flourished. We also share a mutual friend - the late Hj Abdul Malek of Sydney - who was Pakcik's school mate in the 1950s but our neighbour of five years in Sydney. We've been wanting to visit for the longest time but only last weekend we made it. What was planned to be just a short visit became almost three hours of delightful laksa/black glutinous rice bubur/mango/coconut juice session.

Pakcik Hassan of Al-Manar. Check out his blog here.

I must say that we were fascinated by the design of Pakcik's house. This is the angle from the "wakaf" at the back towards the main building.

Pakcik Hassan and Makcik Salmah flanking "you know who". We just had laksa (rice noodles in fish and coconut gravy) and dessert of black glutinous rice in sweet coconut gravy at this point of time.

Then Pakcik took out this dish of mango from his garden.....yumm.....

The same mangoes....still unripe and on the tree....

Another mango tree, laden with fruits at Pakcik's garden.

This type is called mango-apple in Malaysia.

They remind me of the R2E2 type from Queensland....hey..Mama, isn't it the mango season Down Under now?

The main reason of our visit was to have a look at Pakcik's weekend tuition class.

They were no children at the time of our visit though.

The mini library at Al-Manar (= the lighthouse).

This is Pakcik's backyard. The treehouse built for his grandchildren to play in when they visit.

Just look ahead....that's the real backyard.

Pakcik's seaview...that's why he reminds me of the Hemingway novel.

Angelina's note: Pakcik (= uncle in Malay) started Al-Manar where he gave free tuition to underprivileged children since he retires about 17 years ago. Hmm....I'm considering volunteering there as drama teacher...as I am after all a Hollywood actress. If Pakcik would accept me. Fresh fish from the local fishermen's stall would do as my wages. purrr....meow!

How I Missed Halloween

2011-11-01T13:43:00.002+08:00

Har har har!!! I know I'm late for Halloween but better late than never, I'd say.
What happened was, we were outstation over the weekend and Mama didn't bring the lappy as she didn't want to carry too many bags. "We have the Galaxy Tab," she said, "We'll still be online." Anyway, to cut the story short, the Android failed to launch and so we were offline since Sunday morning. Now that we're able to access the lappy, we'll have to catch up on the updating, commenting and blogwalking. Bear with us, OK?


There I was zombie-fied for the Halloween that didn't happen....

Angelina's note: Thanks to Uncle Amir who helped Mama zombie-fied me. Instead of terrorising the kids in the neighbourhood, I preyed on Brad and Tom and Nicole and Mike and Nikki. har har har *evil laughs*

Tocktober a la Angelina

2011-10-29T10:53:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: The calendar says it's still October. So, I'm still not too late for Tocktober time, right? purr...meow!

Diwali With Lulu

2011-10-27T15:04:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: We celebrated Deepavali on Wednesday and was invited to HRH Monyet King's open house in the evening. Check out his blog here. Anyway, as is typical of my Mama, the first thing she did was not to "attack" the food but the resident feline, HRH Princess Lulu. She has the whitest tummy and Mama just snorgled her non-stop. Does she care that there was an audience?
According to HRH Monyet King and Aunty Sathya, Princess Lulu was a rescued cat from SPCA that they adopted three years ago. She's now approximateky five years old....still single and available. Mama said she 'd make a fine wife for Brad. Hmmm.....why Brad and not Michael? I wonder if Aunty Sathya fancies an Aussie SIL. He's lazy and a brat to boot, you know.... purrr....meow!

In the 'Hood

2011-10-27T00:45:00.002+08:00

Angelina's notes: We saw this queen lounging on a neighbour's car parked near Kimi. We've named her Jenny from the Block. Isn't she a beauty? Bet she's been making all the mancats in the area horny. Just look at those seductive blue eyes. But she won't win "Angelina's Lookalike Contest" at all. Mama said wish we could capture her, send to the vet and *snips*....wishful thinking.... purrr....meow!

Tabbies on Tuesday: Window Dressing

2011-10-25T16:20:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: OK....OK...Brad looks quite intelligent here....in contemplation, I'd say. At least Nikki hasn't torn this pair of curtains. purrr...meow!

Flying Colours

2011-10-24T18:48:00.000+08:00

We had an interesting day last Saturday. We went out to Shah Alam, to my handsome Abang Epi's alma mater, to attend his convocation day. For the uninitiated, the universities in Malaysia usually hold an annual affair where graduating students put on robes, mortar boards and go on stage to receive their scrolls. In Abang Epi's case, it was his day to receive his degree in Physiotherapy. Usually, close members of the family will be there to celebrate with the graduate. OK, let the pictures speak for themselves.

A very formal shot.

A not so formal shot. The bloke is Abang Epi's good friend who was the recipient of the Vice Chancellor's medal.

Another not so formal shot.

I am free....he said. A very very informal shot.

Family picture at the hospital, before the ceremony. As you all know, my Mak Long just had her surgery the day before.

A formal shot of Abang Epi and Kakak Nurul.

A not so formal shot of Abang Epi and Madam Pawpawrazzi.

Another informal shot with my Pak Long.

Abang Epi just loves the camera, eh?

Oh boy! Even the truck is not spared.

OMC! What's this? Hmmm....Abang Epi's graduation album is unique indeed.

We went back to the hospital after the ceremony so Mak Long gets another photo op.

Who's my teddy bear????

That's him on stage! We're proud of you, Abang Epi.

Angelina's note: My handsome Abang Epi is still single and available. The university offered him a teaching post as well as a place in the Master's programme. He accepted both. So, girls, I'm still accepting applications for the position of Mrs Epi. purrr....meow!

Monday Blues: Hello Kitty...errr....Nikki

2011-10-24T00:04:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: One of the reasons why Mama is usually late for work on Mondays. Nikki loves her cuddles. purrr....meow!

My Mak Long

2011-10-22T01:17:00.000+08:00

We spent Friday at the hospital. No, it wasn't Mama. It was my Mak Long (Mama's elder sister - Abang Epi's mom) that was hospitalised. She had a surgery Friday afternoon. She's going to be at the hospital for a while. Purrrlease purrray for her speedy recovery.

Mak Long and me (OK...OK...Tigger represented me as the hospital is not pet friendly!) before her surgery.

Mak Long with my Abang Epi, Kakak Nurul and Tigger.

Angelina's note: Sorry for the poor quality of the photos. They were taken using Mama's mobile phone. purrr....meow!

Old Married Couple

2011-10-20T00:05:00.003+08:00

What do old couples talk about?

Tom: Nicole.....hmmmm.....

Nicole: Yes, Tom?

Tom: ...errr.....errr.....

Nicole: Why don't you sms me?

Tom: Yeah...good idea....(text....text....text....)

Nicole: Yeah....

Angelina's note: Duh???? Hmmm....I wonder if Mama and Dad are like this too. purrr....meow!

Wordless Wednesday: Wardrobe Malfunction?

2011-10-19T00:02:00.000+08:00

Impawtant Announcement:Mama's Indisposed

2011-10-11T13:51:00.000+08:00

Angelina: Mama's been sick since Sunday night.
Brad: She's been to the hooman vet on Monday morning.
Tom: The vet took her temperature, it was high at 36oC.
Nicole: So she was heaps of medication for fever, flu and cough.
Michael: And for vomiting as she barfed up any food she consumes.
Nikki: Please purrray that she'll be well again soon.

Angelina's note: We're all taking turns warming up Mama's bed, massaging her and licking her worries away. Get well soon, Mama. We may not be able to do our usual blogwalking and commenting. Forgive us. purrr...meow!

Saturday Jaunt (and Rants!!!!)

2011-10-09T04:42:00.000+08:00

Mama's having mobile phone trouble so Dad suggested that we go visit a service centre that can remedy the situation. You see, the phone had been having a life of its own like switching on and off whenever it wants to, especially as Mama is about to send an important sms....so she's not happy with that. Buy a new one? This one's still relatively new and cost quite a bit so no new replacement.

Anyway, to cut the story short, we end up in an unfamiliar terrain (anything beyond a 30-minute drive is unfamiliar terrain, OK?) called Sunway Pyramid. The shopping mall is huge. We only found the centre after consulting three floor plans and two security personnel. Found it we did, and guess what? "Oh, this is just a sales centre now. The service centre has moved to a new location. Let me give you a list," said the cheerful staff there. A quick look at the list reveals that there is one which is located at 1-Utama, a mere 10-min drive from home. Duh???

Never mind, so we decided to window shop instead. See what this place can offer us. Then we saw this....

What??? A cow in a shopping mall? And "Daisy" has strawberry tattoos all over her.

har har har! "Daisy" here is just a dummy cow...but look there...she has celebrity eyelashes. Will she be the next Revlon girl?

The barn-like dining area.

What we had at the barn - fro-yo with strawberry topping and sunflower seeds. Notice the clouds on the table?

...and clouds on the ceiling.....

We needed to walk off that tub of yogurt and so went up and down and round and round the mall. Gosh! It's so easy to get lost in this "pyramid"...even a pharaoh will, if he can get up from his "sleep for eternity". Oh...but I digress. Then we saw this.....

What in tarnation is this? A cat show? Mama and Dad were grinning with glee and thought they've hit the jackpot.

The crowd....that gets bigger by the minute.

There was a colouring contest for human kids...

Ooooo....this started Mama's raves and rants - the sight of kitties in cages. Her first query went like this: "What? These kitties will be here until 10pm? What if YOU are kept in a small cage for 12 hours?"

She went livid when she saw this - cat litter in the water bowl and off she went again: "How often do you check each and every cage? You don't expect kitty to drink this contaminated water? Change it now. I said NOW!!!!" "And while you're at it, look at that kitty in the next cage. She has an eye infection. Treat her, NOW!!!!"

Obviously, Mr Seal Point here was distressed. He won't budge from the litter box and was hissing at people. And he wasn't the only one. Won't you be stressed out too if hundreds of strangers poke at you and use the flashy box at you and observe your every move? You don't have privacy at all. Some people even shook the litter boxes where some kitties were obviously upset and trying to get some rest by sleeping in the litter boxes.

Although the organisers keep making announcements for people not to poke at the kitties or open the cage doors and touch, people kept doing it. Mama pointed out to the organisers that they should give the visitors a list of dos and don'ts. The respond was: "Even if we give, these people won't abide by the rules." But hey....at least try to educate them!

One a lighter note....kitty there was encouraging the young artists...

Look at that face. It said: Get me out of here.

Angelina's note: We end up sitting next to a lady who was pacifying a very distressed kitty by the name of Lizzy. She's a gorgeous tortie Maine Coon who was obviously very upset with the whole thing. And the audacity of some people. They even poked at her! Mama told the nice lady to not bring Lizzy there the next day. She'll be better off at home.
Know what, if it had been me in one of those cages (Mama would have lost her mind if she ever let me be in that situation!), I'd just bite those hands that dare poke at me or shake the litter box when I'm in it!!! I would looooove to practise my clawing skills too. Seriously, I hate cat shows...especially this particular one. Thumbs down to the organisers. Where is the SPCA inspector when you need one? purrr...meow!

Reminiscence on Friday: Chippy @ Gympie

2011-10-07T00:42:00.003+08:00

Around this time last year, we had a sojourn in Queensland. I would call it a Touch'n'Go tour as we spent bits of time everywhere, not just in Gympie but also in Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast before returning to Sydney. Ooohhh...I still weep whenever the name of my birth town is mentioned although I'm a full fledged Malaysian now....

Anyway, we had lunch at this wonderful place called Octopus Seafood in Gympie and had a delicious selection of seafood. There was the ubiquitous fish and chips, grilled fish as well as prawns and squids....oh no....the keyboard is wet with drool. Hurry up, Mama, where's the hanky?

Grilled Barramundi for Dad (and Brad! the table scrap beggar).

.....while Mama and I had this scrumptuous calamari. I just found out that Malaysians call this sotong celup tepung (squid in batter)...

Don't you think the presentation is just pawesome??? Oh, we had one of each. Not enough to share just one "cone".

Angelina's note: Hmm....why are we talking about Australia now? Are we returning to the land where I was born? purrr...meow!

In Search of Hello Kitty

2011-10-06T05:11:00.000+08:00

Mama took me to the markets last weekend. While she attended to her business, I took a walk among the hundreds of stalls available. This time around, I decided to have a look at the non-food stalls. Hmm....see if I could add to our feline merchandise collection at home.

And we found plenty.

Battery-driven robocats...aren't they adorable?

Who's Marie? Doesn't matter but these balloons of hers look so pretty.

Aaahhh...finally...Hello Kitty here will protect you from the rain.

Don't miss the chance of sleeping with Hello Kitty. Nice jammies, eh? RM10 is about USD3.30 or GBP2 only.

Mama bought me these balloons...both of them as we couldn't choose one over the other.

Angelina's note: So kitties, what have your pawrents bought for you this week? More treats? purrr....meow!

Wordless Wednesday: Ditch the Pillow

2011-10-05T10:15:00.000+08:00

Tabbies on Tuesday: Tete-a-Tete

2011-10-04T12:37:00.001+08:00

Mike: Hey Brad!
Brad: Hie Mike!

Mike: This is going to be your tenth month with us, as family. How do you feel?
Brad: I can't believe this, man. I mean, moving countries and then became freed slave....wow!

Mike: Yeah...you were living a lie Down Under. How could you become her slave all those times?
Brad: I was a slave of love...she was all I had. But now I have a family....

Mike: You're better off here now, eh? No more slavery.
Brad: True. I love having you as my big brother. Someone to cuddle when I'm cold.

Mike: Yeah...but this is a tropical country. When would you feel cold?
Brad: When we sleep in Mama's room.

Mike: Oh, the air-conditioning? I bet that's nothing compared to the winters you had.
Brad: True. We used to have two heaters on sometimes.

Mike: Look at us. Talking about the weather now.
Brad: Like an old married couple....har har har *evil laughs*

Mike: I wonder what Mama and Dad would be talking about? Us?
Brad: I reckon, yes. Or work? how boring. Hey...do you know that their anniversary is coming up soon?

Mike: What should we get them?
Brad: Nothing.

Mike: Nothing?
Brad: Yeah...coz we are the greatest gifts that any pawrents can have...and they should count their blessings that we adopted them.

Mike: You're so wise, my man....
Brad: You too, bro.

Mike: Shhh....look who's just walked in. HRH Princess Angelina.
Brad: Let's pretend to sleep.

Mike: Okay, close your eyes now.
Brad: Yeap...we'll talk some more later.

Monday Blues: Angelina's Nightmare

2011-10-03T18:25:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: I dreamt that I was attacked by gigantic squids and prawns. They told me it's pay back time for eating their brethren all these years. aaaarrrrgggghhhhh.....!!!! psst..I got to sleep with Mama last night. purrr...meow!

Sunday Matinee - PG Rated

2011-10-02T00:01:00.000+08:00

What the strays are up to in Cat-o-Bar-Roo (at least when I was there last month!) OK, watch this video at your own peril.

Angelina's note: What can I say? In about 10 weeks' time there will be little kitties (progeny of Black and White) roaming the streets of Cat-o-Bar-Roo. Thank God I was spayed! purrr...meow!

Life in Malaysia: Bersanding

2011-10-01T00:17:00.004+08:00

Bersanding is the Malay term for when the bride and groom sit next to each other on a beautifully decorated dais on their wedding day. If you recall my previous entries on Aunty Anoy and Cekmi's weddings (you can search my archive, OK?), you could see the photographs of them bersanding with their respective spouses.

Aunty Anoy and her groom "bersanding".

Cekmi and his bride "bersanding".

Do you get the concept? Remember, bersanding means bride and groom sitting next to each other on the dais. Now, what do we call this act by father and son? Is this bersanding too?

Angelina's note: Boys, you two will sleep anywhere. purrr....meow!

I'm Still Waiting.....

2011-09-30T00:53:00.002+08:00

I'm so upset with Ikea. Remember Nikki's endorsement of their product? They still haven't called. Not a tinkle.

Come on, do they want me to sing the entire ABBA repertoire in Swedish? OK, I'm giving them one more chance. Look, I manage to secure the biggest name in F1 racing to endorse their product. Don't believe me? Look below.

Ikea's best product - endorsed by Michael Schumacher Kidman-Cruise.

Just look at how comfy the chair is....

Angelina's note: Oh, you actually don't have my number? ooops....! purrr....meow!

Life in Malaysia: Cherries

2011-09-29T00:40:00.001+08:00

Sakura...sakura....no? Not sakura? OK, this is the village cherry blossom.

Close up of the ripe and green fruits. yummm....

Heaps on the ground. Guess the neighbourhood doesn't have enough birdies or marauding kids.

The tree's location? At the site of Kuala Trengganu's Masjid Raja Bukit Besar construction.

More close up. The ripe fruit looks kinds translucent, eh? It's sweet...but not as nice as the cherries Down Under.

Extracted from Uncle Wiki:
"Muntingia calabura, the sole species in the genus Muntingia, is a flowering plant native to southern Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and western South America south to Peru and Bolivia. Common names include (English) Jamaican cherry, Panama berry, Singapore cherry, Strawberry tree; (Spanish) bolaina, yamanaza, cacaniqua, capulín blanco, nigua, niguito, memizo or memiso; (Indonesia) kersen; and (Filipino) aratilis, aratiles, manzanitas and sarisa.
It is a small tree 7-12 meters tall with tiered and slightly drooping branches. It has serrated leaves 2.5-15 cm long and 1-6.5 cm wide. The flowers are small ,white and slightly malodorous. It gives rise to 1-1.5 cm light red fruit. The fruit is edible, sweet and juicy, and contains a large number of tiny (0.5 mm) yellow seeds.
It is a pioneer species that thrives in poor soil, able to tolerate acidic and alkaline conditions and drought. Its seeds are dispersed by birds and fruit bats. It is cultivated for its edible fruit, and has become naturalised in some other parts of the tropics, including southeastern Asia. As a pioneer plant, it could help condition the soil and make it habitable to other plants. However, it might also be considered as an invasive species since it might out-compete indigenous plants."

Angelina's note: Mama said she used to have one of these trees in the backyard of her childhood home. The birdies will come in droves to feast on the ripe fruits. But there were no birdies when I visited this particular tree. That explains the large amount wasted on the ground. purrr....meow!

Wordless Wednesday: Flea Farmers for Sale

2011-09-28T00:24:00.000+08:00

Best Waiter in the World

2011-09-27T15:37:00.000+08:00

After the breakfast meeting at that mansion in the orchard (previous entry), Mama and Dad rushed back to KL as they had made an appointment to visit a school for refugee kids. As it was around lunch time when we reached the area, we decided to have lunch at a stall nearby. Since we didn't know which stall is good, we decided to choose based on their HR policy. The stall with the most handsome waiter wins our business. And we'll be back again, especially when it's the waiter's shift. Won't you patronise the stall looking at this handsome face?

Angelina's note: OK, so the pawpawrazzi went overboard with the flashy box. But, who wouldn't? His tip? Grilled catfish and manta ray cutlet. purrr...meow!

VVIP Orchard

2011-09-26T00:28:00.000+08:00

Mama and Dad had a breakfast meeting with a VVIP in a state down south last Friday. Very early breakfast meeting as we left home before 5am. So, while they had their tete-a-tete session inside, I took the opportunity to explore the grounds...mindful of the watchful eyes of the security.

Lovely palm fruits that look like a bunch of grapes....

The entire plant...I think this is called the palmyra palm. Mama said it reminds her of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka logo.

Another gorgeous bunch of palm fruits.

I think this is what the locals call Pinang Raja (Cyrtostachys renda Blume) or Maharaja Palm.

Aaah...lovely bloom with aromatic smell....this is called yellow cempaka (Michelia champaca), known for its medicinal properties.

Can someone help me identify these weird looking fruits?

Now...now...what's this? Organic microphones?

I'm assuming the three different colours denote three stages in these "microphones" life...can you guess what they are?

....tara! Somehow those "microphones" will become this - a bunch of stinky beans (Parkia speciosa).

Bunches of petai....known for its culinary and medicinal properties.

The whole petai tree. Apparently the tree can grow up to 50ft high. Oh, petai is also quite expensive nowadays.

The mansion ~~palace~~ in the orchard. Grand, eh?

Angelina's note: I won't mind living in an orchard. But in a much much smaller house. Imagine the number of servants we have to employ just to clean the toilets. purrr...meow!

Weekend Project: Spoilers

2011-09-25T16:29:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: I heard Mama telling Dad, "maybe I should go back to school and study veterinary science." Oh boy! All six of us were subjected to some torturous moments at home today. No flea farming in my house, Mama said. purrr....meow!

Still in Eid Mode

2011-09-24T22:17:00.000+08:00

It's almost the end of the Shawal and yet we still get Eid Open House invitations. In fact, we could only attend a few in a day as sometimes we get so many invitations, too much for our stomachs to handle too. Anyway, to cut the story short, we attended two Open Houses today...technically, one Open School and one Open House.

In the morning, we went to Cyberjaya, a new city about an hour's drive from home. It was to Mama's old school. The school was having a 3-in-1 event - Eid party, birthday party for some current students, and a prayer session for those taking their exams in a couple of weeks' time. These are Year 3 students who will sit for their Lower Secondary Assessment (Penilaian Menengah Rendah in Malay) in early October. Good luck, girls!

We were happy to meet old friends as well as making new ones. The school had reserved a table for alumni members and even assigned some girls to be at our beck and call. OK...maybe we use the wrong term there....but we can't call them waitresses for day, right? Anyway, we enjoyed the food and the company. My only complain, we didn't get to taste the BBQ lamb. But at least we had chicken satay (again????) Aunty Ona came with us as Mama needed someone to bully in the car as Dad had to work.

Handmade cards greet us at the hall's doors.

At the alumni table....you know who with some of her seniors.

Aunty Ona (middle) with our "waitresses" of the day. You did a good job, girls. Sorry I didn't quite catch your names.

Oh yeah...it was free for all balloons at the end of the day.

Aunty Ona and you know who posing with some cupcakes. The cakes were iced pink and blue as those are the theme for the party. The dresses worn, I think, suited the theme though it was actually unintentionally done.

Aunty Ona and you know with another senior who they bumped into as well. Those cupcakes were surely tired of you know who's mishandling....

Oh yeah...the BBQ lamb. That's all left of it by the time we recce-ed the stalls outside the hall.

You know who managed to entice this young lady who's one of the birthday girls. She won the best dressed prize too.

The Eid cake.

The birthday cake....too many cakes, I tell you.

We left Cyberjaya in the afternoon and head off to Taman Bukit Teratai (Lotus Hill Garden???), Cheras, to fulfill Ayoh Wang's (he blogs here) Open House invitation. Took us about an hour as we had to negotiate some winding roads in an unfamiliar area. It was almost "closing" time by the time we reached his house. The aroma of ghee rice, chicken and lamb dishes greeted us. Phew! Thank God we didn't eat too much at the earlier party. And while we were eating, Aunty Puteri (she blogs too, here) and Uncle Mizi arrived. So we had a fun time chit chatting (as most bloggers tend to do), oblivious to the surrounding. Ayoh Wang said he was expecting Aunty Ninot (she blogs here) and family too but they must have lost their way as by the time we left, they still haven't arrived. We'll catch her some other time then.

The host with a grandniece....

Some of the food on offer, prepared by the lady of the house.

Tapai pulut - fermented glutinous rice - wrapped in daun jambu laut.

Ayoh Wang's very shy daughter refilling the layered cake's container.

....while his son was the pawpawrazzi of the day. We shot him shooting us.

Aunty Puteri and Uncle Mizi....hmmm...hogging the pappadoms?

I love that pink plush kitty....

One for album before we left...

Angelina's note: Burp! Excuse me....am too full. Mama said we should all go on diet tomorrow. purrr...meow!

Ikea's Best Product

2011-09-23T11:48:00.002+08:00

Endorsed by Nikki Lauda Kidman-Cruise.

Angelina's note: Ikea's management purrrlease take note. Y'all should make my niece Nikki your mascot. I'm her manager, talk to me. purrr....meow!

Meet Aunty Deeb

2011-09-22T15:26:00.000+08:00

I was helping Mama spring cleaning (it is spring in Australia!) our lappy hard disk, transferring files and folders onto the external disk, etc etc...when I came across a set of photos we took at an event last month. What's so special about the photos or the event, you might ask?

It is special because it involved my future mother-in-law, Aunty Deeb. You see, her meowson, Rajoo is my fiance #1. In fact, Aunty Deeb organised the event to raise funds for a shelter for single mothers, orphans and poor children. Am I lucky to have two mommies who just love charity work? Aunty Deeb had some of her celebrity friends to sing (for free) at the event as entertainment for the evening, besides herself. The children from the shelter also entertained us with songs and dances. The food was fabulous too. Oooh, Aunty Deeb blogs too (When the Fat Lady Sings - on my blogroll). Or, used to, as she hasn't updated for quite sometime. Must be very busy with work.

Aunty Deeb (middle) handing over the check to Mak Pah (right) from the shelter. The handsome bloke on the left is Aunty Deeb's personal assistant.

Aunty Deeb singing on stage, surrounded by kids from the shelter.

Is that boy sleeping or having a nap between bites?

Kids from shelter entertained us with their rendition of dikir barat.

Aunty Deeb is indeed popular among her little fans.

Hmm...some of the little fans went berserk...too much sweet drinks? I didn't see any nip grog.

Sensible me had just plain water.

My favourite - chicken satay....yummm....

Kiss kiss hug hug session of you know who... with Aunty Deeb before going home.

Angelina's note: Don't forget us next year, Aunty Deeb. purrr...meow!

Water, Water All Around Me....

2011-09-22T05:14:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: In days of yore, most rural areas in Malaysia do not have proper water supplies. Some would have deep wells like this where the villagers congregate to do their washing, bathing etc... We saw this at Cekmi's village in Pasir Mas, Kelantan. I wonder if water is still drawn from this well, in case there's a disruption of water supply. purrr....meow!

Wordless Wednesday: It's Official

2011-09-21T00:26:00.000+08:00

Transportation of Yore

2011-09-20T11:09:00.000+08:00

Angelina's note: Whoa! Look at the decorations on the trishaw. The locals call this mode of transportation as beca. Maybe we should try taking public transportation like this in future instead of renting a car. purrr....meow!

Move Aside Jack Sparrow!

2011-09-19T15:28:00.000+08:00

The original wicked pirate is here!!!!

Angelina's note: Thanks Uncle Amir for his magic hands. Now, I feel like roaming the seven seas, philandering the seven continents, plundering 172 nations.... Dream on, Angelina (Mama's voice!)... purrr...meow!

Monday Blues: Ball-less and Shame-less

2011-09-19T00:26:00.002+08:00

Angelina's note: That's my nephew Michael for you. Our Mancat on Monday. purrr...meow!

Cat-o-bar-roo

2011-09-18T00:23:00.001+08:00

Oooh...how time flies. It was last weekend when we were in Kota Bharu (new spelling = title) and I haven't finished telling stories from there. Better late than never, eh?

Anyway, I think all strays at the market came out in full force to welcome us. And they willingly pose for my resident pawpawrazzi.

I believe this chap had just had his meal of the day that some hoomans kindly gave.

Look carefully. I believe it's a tuxie kitten that this boy was concentrating on, rather than his trade.

Mr "Black-is-Beautiful" has an enviable job....let's zoom out a bit.......

Aaahhh....can we trust him to guard those treasures from the sea?

Black-and-White beauty snoopervising....

She must be salivating at her "chargers" - those delectable dried fish and steamed crackers...

This tuxie won't budge....

...from the front tyre of our rental for the day...

...cheeky! So, we had some drinks at a stall nearby while waiting for HRH to move away...

Angelina's note: We saw a courting couple that deserves an entry of their own...teeheehee...also thanks to HRH Monyet King for coming up with the new spelling of Kota Bharu. His version: cat-o-baru. Our version: cat-o-bar-roo (the last bit shows my Aussie origin). purrr...meow!

Eid in Semenyih

2011-09-16T11:22:00.001+08:00

The day finally came. We held our Merdeka Raya party at the shelter for old folks and abandoned kids on Wednesday. It was all in the spirit of 1Malaysia as residents and visitors were Malaysians of different cultures and religions. Unity is not a myth after all, especially when we had good company and good food. We hope the relationship forged will be a lasting one.

One for the album....

Some of the lady residents...and a boy.

Getting to know each other better...

Hurry up! Serve the food fast. Everyone's hungry.

I loooove playing with these two.

A volunteer feeding this uncle who's bedridden.

Uncle Amir spreading more cheers as he gives out Eid money to everyone.

Cheers! Girl power!

Mama's having a heart to heart talk with Uncle Kumar, one of the founders of the shelter.

Angelina's note: Here's my wish list - 1. more pillows for the uncles, 2. wardrobe and cabinets, 3. monthly groceries, 4. monthly toiletries, 5. mind stimulation (board games???). Click here to donate for this shelter. According to the caretaker, Uncle Riyas, the shelter has been registered with the Welfare Department but have yet to receive any funding. purrr....meow!

An Unexpected Find

2011-09-14T04:57:00.000+08:00

In the course of her work, Mama gets to travel to uncharted territories too, sometimes. Well, in this case, it was uncharted as we don't usually stay at a hotel or resort when we visited her maternal village. Somehow, this time, we did. Thanks to Uncle Google, we found this hitherto unknown (to us) beach resort that was pleasantly nice and clean. It's called Dorani Bayu Beach Resort in an area called Sungai Besar (literal translation: Big River), in the district of Sabak Bernam, about half an hour's drive from Mama's village. We don't know the GPS coordinates but in Google Map, look for Sungai Dorani near Sungai Besar. (sungai means river in Malay)

Anyway, no website but they are listed under the Sabak Bernam District Council list of places to stay. The resort does belong to the council but managed by a private company.

We get to choose between sea view or village view chalets, there are also bungalows and apartments on offer. The resort offers a restaurant as well as a paintball arena. There's a fishing jetty nearby so you can guess what are the main dishes on offer at the restaurant. There was a makeshift market along the small village street leading to the resort, with some hawkers proudly displaying "free wifi zone". Oh yes, compared to Australia, Malaysia is generous when it comes to broadbands and wifi services. Many eateries, big or small, offer free wifi to their customers. In comparison, you get free wifi at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport but have to pay AUD$4 for an hour at the Sydney or Brisbane Airports.

Oh, but I digress. So, there we were, with a village view chalet as everything else was fully booked. The chalet was clean though Mama was not so happy with the torn pillowcases. And there was no in-house telephone, which we thought was funny! Yeah, there were three mobile phones, one iPad and one Galaxy Tab among us, and yet we still wanted a house phone as it was a long way to reception to complain about the pillowcases. Cheapskate, Mama!

I enjoyed going around on a shooting spree (of the camera kind, not with guns) and managed to capture the essence of this place, I hope. So, here they are.

Ours was the one in the middle. It was very airy as it has many windows. But you can turn on the air-conditioner instead if you don't fancy salty sea breeze.

The porch leading to the reception area. I don't fancy them cacti.

Sea view on the left, village view on the right.

Fisherman at work, apparently looking for clams and cockles... I love zooming on far away objects like this.

Resident cat inspecting the landscape. At first glance looks like me except for the short tail.

Another resident cat, a tortie, snoopervising the rock works.

Third resident cat was in charge of parking, I guess.

I wonder what he'll do if we don't pay up....scratch our car?

Activity at the fishing jetty. I heard you can hire boats and guides for fishing as well.

By the power of the zoom lens....come to Angie you juicy birdie!

This must be Dad's favourite photo as he looooves young coconut juice. This variety is called kelapa gading (kelapa = coconut, gading = ivory tusk).

Next time we'll try paint-balling here, eh?

View from the sea view chalets...it was low tide so....hohummmm...

Whereas from the village view chalet, we could see this mangrove patch. There were some regeneration efforts going on as well....yeay!!!

Angelina's note: Dad said we must come again to capture the sunset scenery here. We couldn't do so this time around as we had to be at an iftar event that took place at dusk. It's a promise, right Dad? purrr....meow!

When in Kota Bharu....

2011-09-13T16:25:00.001+08:00

We were in Kota Bharu to attend a wedding last weekend (see previous posting). We were short on time but still wanted to fit in a retail therapy session. The locals told us the best place to go is what they call Pasar (market) Siti Khadijah. It was about 20-minute drive from the airport, no traffic jam but the streets around the market were mostly one-way, while finding parking was quite a challenge. We found the entire experience therapeutic. We're girls, my Mama and I, what do you expect? Enjoy the pictorial ride.

Ground floor: Wet Market (aka kitty haven)

This is the ubiquitous scene of the market. I've seen this on postcards and calendars. One of its kind.

Most of the traders are ladies. The buyers too. Men are usually in the background.

Yummm....fresh chicken...it's cheaper by 50sen per kilo than KL.

This lady sells keropok lekor, a sort of wet fish crackers made from fish and sago flour.

This lady has more veges at her stall....

....and also these offensive items - turtle eggs!!!

We caught another pawpawrazzi in action!

First floor: Dry Goods

Aaarrgh....my favourite....beef, chicken and fish floss. The Malay name is serunding. The meat is boiled, shredded, mixed with chili and spices, cooked until dry. Heavenly with rice or bread.

What have we here? Apparently, sweet banana chips!

Another local delicacy - sema - made of spun sugar and flour. Don't talk while you're eating it, lest you shower someone else with white bits of fluff.

Huh? Gold coins? No....these are chocolates wrapped in gold foil to resemble the currencies dinar and dirham.

More goodies for kids. Must say I like the packaging ideas. So creative.

Aha! Been looking for them for ages. These very colourful stuff is what we call Beleda - a sort of agar, coloured and dried in the sun. Very sweet yet comforting snack.

Second floor: Non-food Items

The roof of the atrium as can be seen from the top floor.

Any girls' heart will go pitter patter here....

There are colourful batik shirts for men too. Formal wear.

Oooh...so much bling bling....at the bottom row are scarves while at the top row are hand painted batik materials with intricate stones and bead work. Stunning.

Angelina's note:We couldn't show you everything because we didn't have enough time to visit every corner of the market. Pray for another visit. Kota Bharu is about nine hours away by car, an hour by aeroplane, a day by train from Kuala Lumpur. It's a loooooong way for a cat to travel. purrr....meow!