Yesterday was a perfect day out. I met Francis, a member of the Friends International Nottingham, at this Globe Cafe one night a few weeks ago. He invited my friends and I on a day trip around Nottingham, but unfortunately in the end only 2 of us could manage. So anyway, he brought us out yesterday, and was one of the most wonderful tourguides I've ever had, except he walked at such a brisk pace that i had to run to keep up! and he's pretty old already... maybe 60+? with 5 children and 13 grandchildren, im just amazed by the energy and enthusiasm coming out of his ears! hee hee.

One of the highlights was to Green's Windmill, where highquality flour is still made by the miller on days when there's wind! Francis's wife even baked with the flour before.. apparently it's very good. He bought j and i each a postcard from there, for us to send home. Mine's on the way :)

I didnt know till yesterday that the founder of Salvation Army, William Booth, was born in Nottingham. We went to his house which is converted into a museum now, and into the very room where he was born. To quote Francis, "Here is a great, great, great man of God". Amazing, to think that Salvation Army has branched out internationally, and touched the lives of thousands, millions, uncountable numbers of poor people worldwide.

Nottingham is actually so rich in history! I wish now that i could turn back time to last year, when pq and jj and zy came.. could and would have brought them to all these places too.. and more! Nevermind. This coming june, i've got a good mind to bring --heehee evil twin-- around. Hope all the plans will fall in place nicely!

One of the most memorable highlights of yesterday was when Francis brought us to his home to meet his wife. A petite lady, who is in my opinion, the epitome of a fine, Bristish lady. Jenny, she's called. Why do i say that? The cake that she baked was absolutely, extremely, Scrumptious! it looked just perfect, like fresh out of the bakery. I can never do that..... and in the living room were evidence of her sewing and knitting.. she knits for every single one of her grandchild.. that's 13 already, and one more coming in a few months' time. phew. Mm.. come to think about it.. my ah ma is just as great too.. making all the pillow cases for us grandchildren, the most recent are my laundry bags with flaps to prevent sticking and what-nots. super high-tech:)

We spoke so much over tea..I just love those conversations with elderly people... they've such rich experiences and rich lives.. i felt in their home very satisfied and fulfilling lives, and most importantly a lot of love. Jenny's a very strong woman i think, with firm opinions. They're both very knowledgeable and open-minded, and have a strong desire to learn. Francis is taking Mandarin lessons (his very interested in chinese culture) and is even taking an exam soon! And jenny is taking piano lessons after stopping for years.. she complained that her fingers are long stiff. What I learnt from them is that it's NEVER, EVER to late to learn. Every day of our lives should be put to learning, no matter what it is. Learning how to cook, to play the piano, to play tennis, to learn how to enjoy the sun and play frisbee.. whatever! Haha random thoughts are streaming into my mind as im typing, so pardon me for my randomness. Mmm...Perhaps the oft-heard criticism of me having (3degrees high temp) (dunno why i cant type in chinese, so go figure) can be my strength too. Euphemism, people say :) Euphemism is just great.

Okay.. that's all for now... people have stopped commenting and tagging. My blog seems pretty quiet.