When Love Grows by the Waters

When I first set my eyes on the apartment, I wouldn't say that I fell in love with the place instantly. The truth was I had some reservations. The saving grace then must have been the surrounding waters. It is one of the rare developments in this country that has such proximity to the waters. And for the matter of fact, not artificial waters like a reservoir but the sea. Stretching one's imagination, one can draw some parallels with Venice, a city famous for its canals and waterways.  

Gradually, I became rather fond of the extensiveness of the compounds and the deliberate and generous spread of flora and fauna, alongside numerous water features, fountains and pools. All these set in the larger environment of natural waterways. 


Last night, I made a further discovery to my delight. Just a short stroll from the apartment is the perimeter of the compounds that afford a tranquil and mesmerizing view of the adjoining Island. We could even access the walkway just beside the sea, that leads to the Bridge and the Club.

Strolling along, we came across a community garden and spent some time admiring a neat plot with a variety of herbs and white roses. An aspiring gardener has put her heart to tend the plot! This is so much more fun and experiential learning than those virtual gardens people grow in the online community.

We soaked in the cool sea breeze, dipped our toes in the cold fountain water, sat in the pavilions overlooking the waterways and strolled along the footpaths lined with sweet-smelling flowers. Occasionally, we peeped into stylishly decorated living rooms and looked up at balconies. It was a lovely night of relaxing and relishing our dreams.

My Calm Oasis of Water: Marina@Keppel Bay

A short drive from where we stay is Marina@Keppel Bay, a calm oasis of water, berths for yachts and club facilities built on a small island, Keppel Bay Island.

This is one of my favourite spots near home. When we want to be near water, here's where we head to.

It has a relaxing atmosphere and reminds me of the habour scene in Melbourne.

http://fredandchin.blogspot.com/2010/04/discovery-australia-f-c-habour-and.html

A model of the Keppel Bay area. Reflections at Keppel Bay is currently still under construction.

The signature restaurants at the club include The Wine Glass & Takumi. But you guessed it, I feel most at home in TCC by the Bay.

Love the chic, classy & modern interior deco. This is one of the prettiest TCC outfit in Singapore. Needless to say, they have some of the best service crew as well.

Even the menu carries a customised look.

Outside the club, the gardens beside the bay make for a pleasant evening stroll.

Fred lending a hand to two teenagers for their jumping shot.

Father's Day 2010

Daddy's gout symptoms' been acting up quite a bit lately. I noticed he was walking slower & seemingly with more effort than usual when he negotiated steps.

Still, Daddy remains unperturbed. He rattles off on the different meds he takes & his upcoming doctor's appointments each time we discuss about his condition. Without fail every week, he comes over to my place to maid-sit when my helper comes to do the chores. Without tiredness, he carries his backpack when he is out with mom & it would be stuffed with mom's ikan bilis, other dried goods from their buying trip & my barley water (for me when they stopover at my place).

My wish & prayer is that Daddy enjoys many more good years in health & quality of life.

Ashley's creation with love, for Gong Gong

High-rise Manhattan

The grey palette was used yet again in this high-rise city studio. Clamshell, monsoon river and natural linen. Simple and classy touches were applied in the furnishings and lighting to complete the modern look. Glass, mirrors and reflective surfaces gave the illusion of space, particularly important for a small area. Track lights provided both functionality as well as a contemporary feel. A crystal chandelier, the centrepiece in the living area, was used to match a striking red couch.

While the living area grabbed for attention, the bedroom was muted with neutral, earthy colours. Black string curtains divided the living area from the bedroom. A self-contained kitchenette with hidden storage provided the necessities for fuss-free, fast-paced modern living.

By the Bay

The living and dining area were given a grey palette with colours of clamshell, natural linen and monsoon river. The bedrooms were recoated in white to enhance the spaciousness. An oil painting of seascape titled 'Dream' greets one as the lift opens at the private lobby.

Birthday celebrations aren't just about parties?

They are not just about parties when they meaningfully celebrate a child's developmental milestones. I remember a wise colleague's words in paraphrase: we can all do the same thing but the difference is the spirit in which we do it. That's the part that people don't see from the outside. The spirit.

When the boy grows up one day, let it be made known to him he was the apple of our eyes. He was treasured, loved, protected and given the best opportunities his parents could afford to give him. So that he - in turn, can do that to others & for others he so chooses.