memory lane series #10

Top left pic shows me and Blackie, the only pet dog I’ve ever owned. The concrete cast on my right arm was the consequence of crossing a road at the rear of a stationary bus and got hit by a oncoming taxi. Pic on the right shows a recovered me with a mischievous smile. Er… or was it before or after the accident?

then and now

Meeting an old buddy (Memory Lane Series #6) yesterday really made me so happy! Why? Because the last time we talked was in the mid-70s! Colin now resides in Auckland with his family and was the way to Brunei when he dropped by Miri.

Hearing Colin reminiscing about our dads and moms (they were close friends) warmed my heart. Yes, we did promise to keep in touch.

Pic circa 1964 Colin in white shirt and I, the youngest one. And here we are now taking a photo together again 46 years later.

memory lane series #9

Mom hails from Sitiawan. She married Dad at sixteen when the Japanese invaded Malaya. This was the norm at that point in time for parents to quickly marry off their daughters during the Japanese Occupation.

This photograph is the only one I have of Mom in a individual pose. Her 60s suit looked so chic!

memory lane series #8

Dad loved music. Though he did not attend any formal lessons, Dad could play a number of musical instruments. None in the family has Dad’s natural musical genes. Well, maybe except for my eldest son.

Pic circa 1964 shows Dad and I at the piano.

memory lane series #7

Like most kids I was fascinated by airports. I would gaze at the horizon and spot for incoming planes. I even aspired to be a pilot! Pic shows me at the airport, but I can’t remember I was in Kuching or Sibu.

memory lane series #6

This pic is a continuation from yesterday’s Memory Lane #5 (noticed my shirt?). I can identify the handsome boy in white shirt was Colin Tiong. 3rd Sister was standing behind me, and 2nd Sister behind the former. From the dirt on my kneecaps, one can easily tell that I was a real brat, haha!

snap of the day – welcome rain

At last torrential rain comes to Miri! Even as I write now, it’s still raining outside and for the past hour! Hopefully we’ll get more rain than haze in days to come.

memory lane series #5

This photo shows a family outing with the Tiongs. My dad’s close friend was standing at the rear; the gentleman with sunglasses, Mr. Tiong Tai King (dad of Sibu prominent lawyer David Tiong). I also know David’s siblings Ivy and Colin. At the front row Mrs. Tiong was seated (sunglasses, 1st right) with my 2nd Sister (centre) and 3rd Sister (1st left).

On the far left was Mom. I was seated. It’s a shame I can’t identify the rest of the people – would you let me know if you do?

Pic circa 1963

memory lane series #4

People who reside in Kuching can easily recognize the famous landmark behind us. Built in 1891 the Sarawak Museum houses rich and diverse local exhibits that prominently put Kuching on the map.

Pic L-R Mom, me, 2nd Sister, 3rd Sister and Big Sister.

The photographer had to be Dad, and clearly he was a family guy. But where were my brothers? Not cool to hang out with us, haha?!

memory lane series #3

Here I was, posing at Dad’s shop called Far East Supermarket in Sibu. I have no memory of that business that catered mainly to the needs of the British soldiers; grocery, provisions and frozen foods.

Noticed the prominent black shoes I was wearing? Being the typical, thrifty Foochow mother and wife, I think Mom ‘recycled’ my sister’s shoes to me, haha!

Have you ever received hand downs from your elder siblings? Or you are just plain lucky to be the eldest in the family?