22.11.2025 Saturday - a good outing

We cook dinner at No. 40 for SKM and 'Carol' - this time they meet our other group of friends; from Sam's gym, Sara's work friends, and Sim who is at a loose end as Wawa is away in KL. It turns out to a really good outing for everyone with Pete telling silly stories and Dyan in her best gossipy mode. Her cousin June is a new face, recently returned from Perth grew up in Sabah and now in Kuching to retire. This is a nice new experience for Carol, who appears to have a rather narrow world view, she wonders why we would have non Chinese people into our house to work, clean, cut the grass. Race and religion seems to come into their lives all the time, I am glad that we have an opportunity to show them how the good life is lived. And I am also glad that this is only a small dose of them in Kuching. 

Earlier today - I met with Suen Ling and her client (soon to be our client as well) - we talk about my scheme for the Bali hotel. I think we strike it off - I ll make some notes of our chat and revert. She will then have to decide the direction and budget - I tell her I won't talk about money for now and am happy to work out some sort of hotel stay exchange over the next ten years. 

6th September 2023 Wednesday - doors and windows

View of No. 40 from the road

Energised despite the two days away and the late flight-squash date yesterday - it is because I can see things moving and falling into place for several projects. There is work to be done still but I know what to do, and how to do it. Putting in the time is the easy part. 

I sent out the formal invites to the PDF 2023 speakers, and immediately felt better. I have been putting it off, and now that we have 5 speakers confirmed - we have an event. More good news as SY informed that the contingent from Kalimantan are coming, and a coach-full of Brendan's university students are attending as well. 

So, after lunch and my physio - I took the afternoon 'off' and worked from the club, waiting for a swim and the PAMSC meeting/dinner tonight.

Front windows and main door - Sam is worried about rain getting in through the gap in the roof; I thought plants there would benefit from a splash of rain now and again.

Upstairs bedroom doors and windows - I always pair these two together; ventilation even on raining days

I drew several options for the main door; Sam and Sean picked the same design

Met Angela from the gym again after 10 years, she seems happier and we are happy for her. 

28 Feb 2023 Tuesday

 No. 40 is coming along; the front room is now enclosed and the steel works are really fast, so fast that there are some areas which are not quite right. I will have to re-imagine the details and tell Liew. People have dropped by to have a look; the Sias went with Johnson which I thought was a bit strange and intrusive but Sam reminds me that Gerard L went to have a look at our house before its completion. I guess architects are just curious what other architects are doing at their own time and money. 

This little monkey is coming along as well, it looks like we will have another cat in the house, as Sia does not seem ready for it nor does Sam appear ready to let 'Burrito' go. 

My running has stopped as my ankle/hell still hurts quite a bit, but squash and tennis are manageable and I do quite well on court. I need to reduce court time, increase walking time and decrease body weight. Starting March