February 11, 2008

A New Year in Feb

Yes, we're back! Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone!

We celebrated a wonderful new year in February. Obviously my in-laws were very glad to see all of us and their grandchildren congreg
ating at their home in Sibu.

Chinese New Year is also very much a special time which families and extended families get together.



Preparation for the reunion dinner was hectic but fun. I relaxed and pretended to be busy in the kitchen majoring in minor things (like taking pics). This year our celebrity chef was Roseline's younger Bro 2, Jimmy from Kota Kinabalu. Whenever Jimmy's in the kitchen, you can take a nap and still be assured of getting quality food! Two thumbs up to Bro 2!


Mary from Brunei, and wife of Roseline's younger Bro 1 also displayed a fraction of her culinary prowess when she cooked Cream of Fresh Mushrooms soup. The taste was heavenly! Ichiban!


And the 4 kg Roast Lamb leg Mary cooked! I've never tasted better roast! Of course, I begged her for the recipes. Now with the secret in my hands, watch out for my tryout on these 2 favorite dishes my sons love! By the way, would you like to be my food tester?


To symbolize abundance, prosperity and vigor we had yusheng as the first dish during the New Year Eve's dinner. For side dishes, we had steamboat with a combination of seafood. My father-in-law, worried as usual that there would insufficient food to go around, secretly ordered a 8-course dinner takeaway without our knowledge! He was quick to remind us - it is customary to nian nian you yu! Yes sir, point noted!


Roseline has 3 younger sisters; Lucy, Elisabeth and Karen. It's great to meet up with Lucy (Sis 2) whom I haven't seen for a few years. Karen (holding the orange) is the youngest. Absent in the pic was Elizabeth (Sis 3, residing in Sydney) who promised to be back next year with her beautiful family!


My nephews and niece Lee Ching had a fantastic time of fellowship with Aaron and Abel. As they grow up and move forward, it is inevitable that they will see less of each other while pursuing their own dreams and aspirations. My niece Abby was fondly missed for the first time in such a reunion because she had to go to Perth earlier. But we were compensated with a bonus when Lucy's sons (whom we have missed for ages) Sean (studying in Florida) and Simon (studying in Perth) joined us.


We had an awesome time when we visited the cosy home of our family friends Thomas and Josephine. The temptation not to jam when you are with the Lings is difficult to resist; we had a good time doing Praise and Worship. May the Lord continually bless this gifted family of musicians who serve Sibu Wesley Methodist Church faithfully! Watch the jamming clip at my YouTube.

You are most welcome to view more Chinese New Year pics here.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

the roast lamb looks good