Strike a lottery (in my dream)

I did it.

I went into a TOTO shop and bought a number. Actually, a set of number. 7 numbers to be exact, each ranging from 1 to 52. Am sure many would know what this is but I don't have a name for it. Is it 6D? If 6D why are there 7 numbers?

I went out on Saturday morning for a brunch with a girlfriend. She parked her car right in front of the TOTO shop. What a coincidence?, I thought.

You see, for the past few weeks, I've been struggling with ideas changing my career. I use the word struggle literally. It's like my mind is being pulled two ways - one to leave my current career and the other to remain in this career. But at my age, will there be any more opportunities in a new career? So it all comes down to age and financial stability. I need work to earn a salary to secure home, food and clothes. I figure if I strike a lottery I could resign and live on that win for awhile whilst I figure, or rather try to figure, out what it is I need in this life.

My kids

Taken to leaving early from work when work hours end and weather is fine. That's the only time I have to bring my 'kids' for walk. Surprisingly Scamp has, bless his big heart, successfully lured Shadow more than five feet from the backyard exit. In fact, Shadow will walk with us a whole block. Shadow's willingness to stray far from home is attributed to Scamp and the fact that I keep some tit bits to share with them.
The evenings are turning out fine these days. Evening showers are in the past. We'd walk to the park and play catch. No surprise it's usually either Tiger or Thunder that ends up with the ball. Scamp is so easily distracted. Shadow...well, he never made it to the park but I remain hopeful. He's getting closer. Just give him another month or two. Thus far, he'd been adamant of not stepping further than Mr. P's house. Mr.P isn't helping. Each evening, he'll be seating in his front lawn with his book, lemonade and Mrs.P's biscuits. And Mr. P is generous enough to share his biscuits with Shadow. And his grumblings. I suspect Mr. P likes Shadow because Shadow doesn't talk back. Mrs. P, bless her soul, does have a sharp tongue.
I proudly admit Tiger is a real beauty. Truly. Grandpa said Tiger has 'pedigree'. During his recent monthly visit, Grandpa hinted that Tiger should enter the upcoming local dog competition. Only thing is I've got to work on his obedience. He still has a tough time staying by my side when a ball is thrown across the yard. As for Thunder, well...Thunder is Thunder. Thunder does what Thunder wants when Thunder wants. Grandma wonders who is the human in the house. Sometimes I wonder, too. Human being the boss.
Oh, there's a new neighbour on the block. Mrs. B rushed over, yes...she really "rushed" to tell me about him on Monday evening. Said the young man is still single. And then, Mrs. B wriggled her eyebrows. Twice! Frankly I am curious but have yet to see him. I'd be sure to update ya'all when I catch sight of him.

Chow for now.

Scamp

Scamp sure is growing fast. Before, he'd trailed behind Shadow. These days he'd shadow Shadow. Scamp still loves speeding through the house at breakneck speed. Somehow Scamp grew up never having learned the dignity of quietly padding through the living hall without bumping into furnitures. It absolutely irritates Shadow.

When I take them for a stroll on the beach, Scamp could run along with Tiger and Thunder. Forget Shadow. More often than not, he's often waiting for us near our starting point which is barely five feet from our backyard exit.

Scamp has matured from tennis balls to a brown teddy bear. Mangled and scarcely recognizable as a teddy, Scamp would often carry teddy in his mouth around the house.

Scamp sure is looking regal these days. When he is not scampering around.

Galadrine

That's the name of my little shop.


The exterior is white and outside the window is a box of colourful daisy carefully tended by me. The interior is a breezy green. Had to scrap my idea of wood paneling. It was too costly.


We sell hand crafted beauty accessories and some home decors.

My Dogs

I've 4 dogs; they are

Tiger - a handsome black doberman pinscher so named because he is a brave guard dog; silently watchful and fiercely protectful

Thunder - another handsome black pinscher so named because his barks is worst than his bite! Tiger and Thunder like to race around the house. Their territory is the backyard.

Scamper - an adorable brown labrador pup. Scamp likes to scamper around the house getting under everyone's feet. His absolute favourite toy is to a tennis ball. Come to think of it, Scamp likes all sorts of things. He went absolutely berserk with a gift box last Christmas.

Shadow - quiet and unassuming, to me this slow-motion bulldog has a warm heart. Amongst all 4, he's the most likely to look 'dignified' when food is around; he'll amble rather than run to his bowl. His favourite spot is in the kitchen, right next to the prep table where he could easily gobble any stray food. Scamp adores Shadow and likes to tease him. Shadow is very tolerant of Scamp.

Mr and Mrs B

Mr and Mrs B have been my neighbours for 5 years.



Mr B wanted a plain white house but Mrs B would not have it. That's how the house next to mine ends up with yellow gates and red doors. It's actually kinda nice. Very Mrs B. In return Mr B got his hammock in the backyard and an hour of uninterrupted time in the hammock every afternoon except Mondays. On Mondays, Mr B and Mrs B volunteers at the 'homeless pot'.



Mrs B said I looked so lost and in dire need of TLC when I first came to town. On the first day I moved in, Mrs B gave me a chicken casserole. The following weekend, she gave me turkey casserole. The following week, I got ham casserole. That's when Mrs B revealed that casserole is the easiest dish to cook. Seems whenever she saw me, which was few and rare in the first few months, she felt compelled to feed me. I had to admit I did look like a 'scarecrow' in the early days. Good news though - through the years I've had the opportunity to sample much of Mrs B wondrous culinary skills. She makes the best roast turkey, ever!

I've got the nesting urges again.

I've been daydreaming about spending morning in kitchen cooking up plenty of wonderfully aromatic and delicious dishes for family, friends and of course .... my mystery man. 'Mystery' because he has yet to turn up in my life.

And to grace the picturesque dream is a dog or two. Possibly a golden labroder. Their names kept changing...I could not finalize on just a name for each. I've changed from Pete to Gigi.

Today, I was reading People Mag and I came across a picture of this beautiful mansion belonging to Sean Comb Diddy in Star Island. I was so in awe of it that I googled for pictures of mansion in Star Island. And I came across this dream mansion. Goodness gracious me .... that is absolutely huge and beautiful. I can just imagine me and my dogs living there with dozens of staffs. This mansion belongs to Billy Joel. These superstars make millions and could afford these lifestyles which are the envy of others. But money doesn't buy happiness. If not mistaken, Joel has married and divorced a few times. Sour grape.

Dreaming of a Cafe

I was on the bed last night waiting for sleep to claim my tired body. For some unknown reasons, it took me longer to drift off than usual. So, I lay on bed and day dreamed.

I have a shop. A cafe. The exterior is designed to look like a kampung house complete with a window that opens out. A box of blooming daisies underneath the window. There are wooden steps leading to the door. To be environmental friendly, there are fans hanging low from the ceiling which will be used in the morning. As it gets very warm in the afternoon here in the tropics, air conditioner is a must but I will use it sparingly.

Interior. Just a few tables. Not many as I want it to be cosy like a home. Maybe ten, seating up to 20 pax. Serves great coffee and if the customer have time, serve them coffee Vietnamese style using the 'drip-drip'. Money plant in a variety of pot/vase/cups on each table. Just a small bunch. Walls will have painting. Mostly sketches of local scenery or potraits. A wind chime at the door. 'Pelita' will be used to lit up the room.

Friends will drop by in the morning for a cup of pick-me-up. Between meal times, when it's not busy, I will do knitting or some other crafts which will also be on sale at the inner room. Small scale and exclusive.

No idea yet of the menu. Didn't reach that far. Next thing I know, it was morning.