Monday, November 22, 2010

Being and Doing - doo bee doo bee dooo...



Much time has passed since my last post. But did much happen? Depends how you define 'much'. Sometimes being is doing, and doing is not necessarily being.

Philosophy and world views aside, here's something a little more concrete: The dog has grown up and passed her exam in October. Her trainer said Umbria did very well, scoring in the top category. Dogpa and I glowed with pride and happiness, the closest we'd ever come to parenthood. Or ever will, I'm guessing.

The Lab is staying with us for her final holidays before she begins work in January. Her trainer is on the lookout for a sight-impaired person who will suit her: affectionate, does not have too routine a life, likes the outdoors and long walks.

Today I received an email letter from someone at the British Council who told me one of my stories, "Grandma's Horny", has been included in the council's booklet 'City of Shared Stories - Kuala Lumpur'. It is not the most popular story I published on their website (that one was 'A Friend She Did Not Have to See') but guess it was chosen because it sounds real and is slightly humorous and heart-warming without being sentimental.


As for cooking and baking, I'm slowly increasing my repertoire, including (red) velvet cake, sticky toffee pudding (pictured at right), Spitzbuben (window jam cookies) and pork-n-apple pie. On a cold evening, seafood spaghetti is a favourite we keep coming back to every fortnight or so.

The next thing I'm going to try is onion pie. Mmm, looking forward to it this week.

One last thing: my reading diet. Since April last year, I have read at least ten books. The memorable ones are Master of St Petersburg by J.M. Coetzee, City of Falling Angels by John Berendt and The Turning by Tim Winton.

10 comments:

Cynthia said...

It has been ages since I've stopped by...

That header photograph, transports.

Argus Lou said...

Thanks, Cynthia. I haven't visited your blog either for a while. Hope you are doing well.

That picture was taken during a walk with the dog five minutes from where I live.

wonda4 said...

Just happened to drop by. Finally, the century Easter eggs are gone! My sister's dog (also my favourite) had to be put to sleep last month.He was one of the dogs that I am not scared of. He had a relapse of cancer/ I cried 'cos I won't be meeting him anymore He remembered us whenever we we back and even knew my son's name when I asked him to call my son. He would bark for my son to come down to open the back door for his morning walk.

wonda4 said...
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Argus Lou said...

Thanks for dropping by, Aw. Did you use to have another handle? Can't access your profile.

Unknown said...

Nice new look :) Am looking forward to a pic of the onion pie. Sounds delicious. I love onion quiche so I am assuming I will absolutel love the pie too :)

Argus Lou said...

V Chick, don't know when I'll make another post. Will show you the pie in another way. ;-)

John Ling said...

Aw, you haven't posted in a while now. Do write something about what's been in your life. And, please, more about your dogs too! =)

Argus Lou said...

Hey, thanks, John Ling. Guess FB has been keeping me connected. Will try to look for you there.

DogOwners said...

Hi Argus Very very interesting post..I like this one. keep up the good work.


Dog Trainer

My old living-room

My old living-room
In Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

A cherished dream

A cherished dream
To live on a pale beach by a crystal clear sea. (This was taken on the east coast of Johor state, Malaysia.)

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