quaint melody | A Malaysian's life in the bungy land » special occasion

Season of whole

cc — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:59:21 +0000

Happy Mid-autumn Festival! 千古明月慶中秋

It is still the same, the bright round sphere,
shining behind veils of thin clouds.
I gazed upon the illuminating moon, looking for that wonderland
In that faraway land where mystical tales live long,
Where dreams are realised and smiles beam bright.

千古明月依舊
中外人事已非

It’s been cloudy with occasion showers throughout the day, I thought I wouldn’t be able to see the moon tonight. Just a little after midnight I gazed upon the sky, and there it is, rays shining through my window sills. The photo is taken just after midnight. The positioning of the moon seemed to be somewhat different from this time last year. It’s funny how the moon almost always brings out feelings of melancholy and notalsgia for me. Must be the occasion. It’s the season of longing and love, it’s the season of whole.
Now tell me, did you see the moon tonight and how did it make you feel?

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A complete moment

cc — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:45:35 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

It was a beautiful moment, all 11 and a half minutes of it.
I wished the moment would never end,
not because of the grandeur and excitement of it all,
but simply, us being together;
A family, a circle,
hearts are completed.

Happy Chinese New Year my friends, I wish you a very fabulous holiday.

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Holiday greetings

cc — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:34:18 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

Wishing all my muslim friends a prosperous Raya and happy holidays to the rest!

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The night that was

cc — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:20:09 +0000

A scrumptious dinner at Grand Harbour and some snow-skin mooncakes I bought from local Chinese grocery,
by Maxims Hong Kong. click photos to enlarge.

Nice food, pleasant company and a few laughs over drinks.
Isn’t that how we spend most festive seasons?

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Moonlight rendezvous

cc — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:58:46 +0000

The moon appeared a little over 6pm. As it became brighter and the sky darken, I immersed myself in the mesmerising and mystical air. My loved ones in that faraway land, I miss you all and wish you well.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival . 中秋節快樂! click photo to enlarge.

The moon was beaming, stars twinkling across the universe
When I looked upon the sky, I thought of my loved ones
Though we’re miles apart, our hearts never felt so close

The rounded moon seemed to speak wonders
Illuminating scrolls of tales and dreams
Tales of love and togetherness
Songs of mellifluous melodies

I caught a spark in the dazzling light
and immersed myself in the majestic mist that is the night
I heard a quaint melody, coming from afar
From the land of mystical tales
Where dreams and emotions intertwine into a beautiful weave of symphony

明月高挂
悠悠地訴說著憂怨往事
幽思千古情恨
故人是否仍舊孤寂

當我望向青空
憶起遠方親朋
人月是否依舊

* Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese Festival. It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth moon in lunar calendar. Read more about it here.

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A song for you

cc — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:17:42 +0000

His proposal pal, froggie.

Everyday I wake up with happy thoughts
There’s someone behind the fountain of joy
How I remember the days we’ve been together
All the secrets we shared, silly things we’ve done
It only seems like yesterday where I meet this big boy with the kindest smile
Who shook my hand and brought me to the wonderland
They are all fond memories I hold on dear to my heart

Oh my love, you’re the one
The one who holds my hand when I despair
Be by my side and assures me hope
Reminds me of dreams and love
I dedicate this to you

I love you, for being the friend you are, for being the lover you are, for simply being you.
When it all comes to an end, I’ll still hold on to you tight, for the memories will live on forever.

You make me live with no regrets.

Happy Birthday to my Mr K, the very source of my dreams and happiness.

I present you my husband, Mr K. The heart and soul of my life, the sweetest and kindest man I’ve ever met, and the very person who introduced me to photography (heh, now you know my secret! ).

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Of love and broken hearts

cc — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:27:52 +0000

Just before dark, Mission Bay. click photo to enlarge.

Why does the sky seems so grey
Is it because of me
There’s no one left in sight
I feel the world closing in

Of all the places I’ve been to
All the people I’ve seen
People come and go
But memories, the memories of them cast footprints in my heart

As time goes by, I learn it’s all the grand plan of life
Of all the love and broken hearts
Of all the victories and battles
We’ll rise and shine again

*I notice Akismet is recognising some regular comments as spam. Don’t be alarmed, I’m keeping an close eye on it.

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My guardian angel

cc — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:46:57 +0000

I love you mama! click photo to enlarge.

56 winters ago, an angel came to this world.
She carries such grace and love;
Fairies dodge away in shame.
She touches lives with her kindness and smiles;
Her warmth flows deep into souls like a refreshing creek.
She has touched many lives;
She bestows me the ability to love.
She’s the star, the very person I look up to;
She’s my mama, the reason I live everyday with love.
Happy Birthday mama! I love you very very much!

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080808 Once in a hundred years

cc — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:08:31 +0000

graphic credit

For generations to come, today’s going to be remembered as the day. A great day for all Chinese around the world. The Olympic has finally arrived in China. I’ve been looking forward for this day to come. The show is starting as this post is published. My heart pounds with excitement. China, the mother land of Chinese around the world. May you shine your dazzling rays and show the world the greatest game ever!

Candlelight flickering. click photo to enlarge.

08.08.08 8:08pm

I took a minute to savour the moment. For I probably won’t be around the next time it comes around. I wonder what would the world be then. In a hundred years time, would my descendant find the day special?

Update: Just finished watching the opening ceremony. What a stunning display of pageantry! There’s simply no words to describe the amazing scene, I’m blown away.

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Happy ‘birth’ day

cc — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:58:27 +0000

mmm… can you tell my dad’s desperation?

When you’re at the last leg of your 20s and married for more than 2 years, this is what to expect among many birthday wishes. *cue nervous laughter*

Thank you very much for the many birthday wishes. It was a great day.

Have a wonderful weekend!
(probably not so wonderful for me as the forecast predicts a storm coming.
I’m shivering in my boots already.)

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24/7

cc — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:21:52 +0000

click photo to enlarge

Sitting in the dark, breathing in the cold air, feeling somewhat serene and enlighten.
Inner peace seem to finally find its way to my heart.
Just in time.
24/7, comes the day that I always look forward to as a child.
Happy Birthday to me.
Here’s to good things!

點點燭光，帶我回到那夢樣的年紀。
那年的夢想，在記憶裡釀成了酒。像消逝的年歲，醇香瀰漫，永留心中。

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When thank you seems to fall short

cc — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:21:32 +0000

What if you have someone in your life who will always be there for your?
What if they stick with you even at times you shut them out?
What if they will do anything for you at a drop of a hat?
What if you feel so appreciative that words fail to express the emotions?
What if thank you just seems to be such an empty word?

Ecstaticism came in a form of a cool black casing mechanism that is Nikon D80 this winter. An early birthday gift from my loved ones. Happy is not enough to describe the waves of emotions I’m feeling right now. Thank you so much! I am truly overwhelmed.

I’ve been using the good old Sony Cybershot T30 for quite a while. While it is a good little point-and-shoot camera, it is just not able to take those money shots. I’ll make sure to deliver some great photos and try to make full use of my new gadget from now on! The party is on!

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Happy parents day!

cc — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:21:02 +0000

There are so many ways of showing love, but non come even close to represent how much I love you.
There are so many people around, but non could love me as much as you.
There are so many words in my mind, but non can translate into the gratitude I feel in my heart.
There are so many moments of appreciation yet I’ve failed to utter them in words for you.
There are just way too much love I feel to even start to relay them to you.

In the absent of my mother’s day post, I present this to you, my lovely parents! I’m forever grateful for having you in my life! I love you!

Here are two songs that stay close to my heart. For you, mum and dad, and all parents out there.

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Happy Birthday Kok!

cc — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:54:05 +0000

I hope you’re having a wonderful day! Here’s for you.
(clicked on button on the bottom right corner to play.)

Birthday pandas.

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Happy Birthday, happy birthday, happy happy birthday to you! :)

cc — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:46:49 +0000

Today is a big day. The story started 31 years ago, a giant (literally) was born in a town in Malaysia. He was a sweet little boy who went on and grew into a gentle, considerate and kind man whom I met and fell in love with 24 years later. He is the kindest, most nonjudgmental person I’ve ever met, a man who has the purest heart ever. As early as a month after we had met, a little bird told me that he’s the man I’m meant to be with, that he is the person that I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. It was a surreal feeling, yet incredibly real.

Over 7 years have passed, and my feelings just proved to be true. Everyday with him is like heaven on earth. I am eternally thankful to have met and married a guy who love me for who I really am, helped me through thick and thin and sailed through the rocky weather together. This is someone I laugh with, live for, dream with, love; the one who makes my life complete.

Well, you all must know this is Mr K I’m talking about. It’s his birthday today, so send some love his way y’all!

I’m so gonna get killed for this photo. Haha.

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Birth of a remarkable woman

cc — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:30:26 +0000

To many, 30th August marks the eve of an important day to a nation; to me, it marks the birth of a remarkable lady, without whom I would not have existed. That’s right, today marks the 55 years celebration of life for my mother. Like many in the 50s, my mother was born into a big family of 7 siblings. Growing up, she’d tell me the many tales of a kampung(village) girl roaming around the village. As a traditional woman, she grew up holding strongly to her beliefs and values. That’s just one of the many treasures she has instilled in me.

Growing up, I have a strong and close relationship with my mother. She’s always there for me when I need her. Those difficult days of adolescence weren’t easy, but her understanding and support helped me through. She’s always there 100% behind my every decision, even though sometimes she might not agree.

Once again, we are celebrating your birth today my dear mum. There’s no presents, cards or words that can fully expressed my feeling of appreciation for you. I just want you to know that though we’re apart, our hearts have never been closer. You are one of the most important forces to pull me through many difficult times. Thank you mama! I am so proud to have a mother who is my closest confidant, my biggest fan and my best friend.

Kick back, relax and have a wonderful day!

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A father’s love

cc — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 23:59:00 +0000

I wanted to buy you a gift, but there is no amount of gifts that can really show my gratitude towards you; I wanted to write you a poem, but my tears overflow whenever I started to do so; I tried to call and say I love you, but my mind is so overwhelmed that I shiver every time I pick up the phone; I attempted to write a letter to you, but it is so difficult because there’s no way to begin and no end.

You have always strived hard to be a role model. You doubted and blamed yourself when I did something wrong. There were times when we went through a tough patch and didn’t talk for days, we were both too strong headed and stubborn then. A father’s love is truly an amazing thing. You shower your love via your unique ways, the unspoken ways, the unconditional ways. Daddy, there is no words to describe how I feel. I just want you to know that what an amazing dad you are, and how lucky I am to have you in my life. When I thought of your own journey, I cried, for you lost your own dad when you were merely a new born baby and have gone through a difficult path to become who you are today, the successful and well-respected man. How do you come to be a great dad that you are, I do not know. I guess I’m just trying to tell you how incredibly appreciative I am to have a father like you.

People say they see you in me as I grow older, I can’t even start to tell them how proud I am. Thank you, dad. I would not have fought through the difficult and thorny path had it not be your constant unconditional love and support. I know I can always count on you. I could not have asked for a better dad.

I struggled to translate my feelings through the limited words in my mind. I love you dad, from the bottom of my heart. You are my hero and strength beneath my wings. You are forever in my heart and deepest thoughts.

Happy Father’s Day!

father’s day daddy

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Happy Birthday JY!

cc — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 06:45:00 +0000

Today is your birthday my friend. I wish you all the very best and hope you have a great great day! Here’s for you.

Happy Birthday my dear friend! Hope you have a good one!

happy birthday

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First of June

cc — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 08:26:00 +0000

Today is 1st June. To many, is it just the start of winter in the southern hemisphere, but to me and MR K, it signaled a start of a beautiful journey together. Exactly seven years ago today, we officially became a couple (pak toh/go steady lah). Many have asked us how we met and started going out. I have never really told the story in full, until now.

Well, it all started from a summer bbq…

We both came to Auckland to study at the same university. As usual, Malaysian students normally hang with the same crowd, so we were introduced by a mutual friend during an evening bbq. My first impression of MR K? Quiet, soft-spoken and a total kayu (wooden). After the courteous greetings, we hardly talked to each other (well, he hardly talked). As we are both good friends to our friend V, we often hang together with the same gang. So eventually I started to notice him more and felt sparks loosely flying around. Heh! He on the other end, being the mr nice, timid, reserved type, didn’t feel a thing. Though that being said, our friendship grew stronger, and he started to open up to me and tell me things deep in his heart that had never told to anyone else before. Of course, being the kayu(wooden) that he was, he didn’t realise the sparks, and needed to be reminded by our mutual friend V, who has been in-the-know all these while. So on the faithful early hours of 1st June 2000, he asked me to be his girlfriend when we were chatting via icq (hey, that was the in thing back then ok!). And the rest, like they said, is history.

Some of my friends were quite surprised for my choice of boyfriend back then as we are the total opposite. He is quiet, reserved, nerdy and kayu(wooden). On the other end, I am noisy, passionate, talkative and warm. You can see we are at the total opposite ends. Right down to our educational backgrounds and families. He is a banana from a pure English speaking family who hardly speak Cantonese, let alone Mandarin; I am from a pure Chinese speaking family who speak mostly Mandarin. God certainly likes to play match-making in the strangest ways.

I remembered my dad’s words just before I left for New Zealand, ‘don’t get a boyfriend who is of different descent, I won’t approve.’ So instead, I found a banana who is somewhere in between. I am sure my father’s heart died a little when he knew this (just joking lah, my father likes him very much). So imagine the scene, me speaking to him with my broken English and Cantonese, and him trying to figure out Mandarin. Luckily. years passed and my English and Cantonese improved a great deal since then(thank you MR TV!); him on the other end, is still trying to figure out Mandarin. Though the once kayu and geeky guys actually turned out to be a warm and fun-loving man. So, underneath the icy exterior, there is a warm mussy heart. Heh!

So there, my love story, hopefully it is not too lovey-dovey to read.

*banana = yellow on the outside, white in the inside. Loosely describing Chinese who doesn’t speak Chinese.

love story 1st june

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A special birthday greeting.

cc — Wed, 23 May 2007 12:33:00 +0000

Today is my best friend, SF’s birthday. She is someone I don’t see often, but have always remained close to; she is someone who have always been there for me; she is someone I can share my ups and downs with; she is my best friend, 15 years on and counting. I know that friendship like this don’t come by easily, and I am forever gladful to have a friend like you in my life.

Hapi Birthday my dearest friend!! May all your wishes becoming true!

Technorati tags: Happy Birthday

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Singapore trip – CNY lion dance part 1

cc — Mon, 14 May 2007 12:38:00 +0000

On the first day of Chinese New Year, all the guests in Pan Pacific Singapore were greeted with lion & dragon dance performances and a live calligraphy show. I have lost count on how many years since I have not seen this traditional way of Chinese New Year celebration. Probably since I came to NZ 7 plus years ago. Of course, there were the rare occasions where we saw one or two lion dances in the yearly Santa parade or CNY fair, but sad to say, they were never good.

I really miss the good old days where the lions went house-to-house on first day of Chinese New Year. Us kids would always be dressed in our best new year clothes, waking up early in the morning, waiting for the lion dance team to come from the back of a lorry. Those are the greatest part of my Chinese New Year childhood memories. So imagine my excitement when I knew that there was going be a lion dace performance at the hotel foyer in new year day!

So, off I went, first thing in the morning, anticipating a great show. And, I was not disappointed, what a great show it was. At around 11:30am (half an hour late, duh!), the lions came. There were four of them, all southern style (you can read more about lion dances here), but somehow three went MIA and only one stayed for the performance. The other three must have gone to other parts of the hotel. Anyhow, the one was good enough for me. What a great performance it was. My heart was all pumping with great joy. It was then, in a long long time, I felt the Chinese New Year spirit return in me.

(There was also a dragon dance performance but it was nothing to write home about.)

Hehe, feeling a little overwhelmed with nostalgia. Anyway, as you’d imagine, I took A LOT of photos, have to post them up in 2 parts. Here is part 1 for your viewing pleasure.

Stay tune for part 2 of the lion dance, and live calligraphy show.

Technorati tags: Chinese New Year celebration my CNY in Singapore lion dance dragon dance

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Singapore trip – Pan Pacific Hotel.

cc — Sat, 12 May 2007 03:15:00 +0000

We stayed at the Pan Pacific Singapore hotel for about a week during Chinese New Year. The hotel is located at Marina Bay and adjacent to Marina Square and Suntec City. This was not the first time that I stayed at this hotel. I kept coming back for their fantastic customer service; from their efficient and friendly staff to the great ambiance. I have stayed in a fair share of hotels along the years, and I must say, for a 20 year-old hotel, they’ve done a great job in maintaining their facilities and an even greater job in training their staff members. Everyone I encountered had big smiles on their faces, and were always ready to offer their help.

During the stay, I found some questionable discoloration on one of the bath towels. I rang the reception area to notify them about it. An assistant manager was sent up right away to have a look at it and apologised profusely for the little overlooked detail. Half an hour later, a complimentary fruit platter was sent up! What more could one have asked for?! We are mighty impressed by the amazingly pleasant experience we had there. Highly recommended!

This photo was taken during my stay in May, before I left for New Zealand. We stayed on the executive business floor which offers free use of broadband at their business centre.

The complimentary fruit platter that was sent to us right after the minor mishap.

View of the half-constructed Singapore Flyer from the balcony. It is said to be the biggest flyer in the world and expected to be completed by early 2008.

There were hundreds, or maybe even thousands of lanterns being hung down from the floors above.

Next to come – CNY fireworks!

Technorati tags: Pan Pacific Singapore my CNY in Singapore

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Singapore trip – Chinese New Year fireworks.

cc — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:53:00 +0000

Ta-dah! Here are some long awaited fireworks photos from my Singapore trip during Chinese New Year. In conjunction with CNY celebrations, fireworks were displayed by the Marina Bay for a few consecutive days. We were lucky to have booked our room on the executive floor at the Pan Pacific Hotel, which has a balcony overlooking the scenic bay. Perfect setting for the amazing fireworks display at night.
Okay, less talk, more photos.

*photos taken with my dummy point-and-shoot camera without tripod.

Next to come – Lion dance and live calligraphy.

Technorati tags: Singapore fireworks my CNY in Singapore

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Happy Chinese New Year?

cc — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 04:31:00 +0000

Hello, just a short update. I’m now having a great time and enjoying the best Chinese New Year in Singapore. Have been eating up a storm, took lots of photos and saw the most amazing fireworks and lion dance. Will Upload the photos and possibly a video clip after I get back home. Hope everyone is having a great time!

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Early reunion dinner.

cc — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 11:58:00 +0000

Have a prosperous Chinese New Year everyone!

Had early reunion dinner with K today . Went to our favourite Grand Harbour Restaurant.

The blue cod was so tender and juicy it practically melted on your tongue.

Look who’s dressing up for Chinese New Year celebration. Auckland Sky Tower!

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Overdose of sweetness.

cc — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 14:18:00 +0000

As if the floods of Valentines-related things all around is not enough, I feel an uncontrollable urge to bombard you all with some disgustingly sweet things.

Some things from K along the years.

It’s a hot water bottle in little sweater!

Overdosed from the sweetness yet?!

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Wedded bliss – Part 2

cc — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 13:15:00 +0000

To continue from part 1 which was posted a few weeks ago, here are photos from our wedding banquet hosted by our parents back in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The dinner was at Ee Chinese Cuisine, Eastin Hotel on boxing day 2005, about a month after our wedding in New Zealand. It was a great night gathering with lots of friends and relatives, many of whom we had not seen for a long time.

Looking at these photos bring back so many happy memories. Hope you enjoy viewing the photos as much as we do.

note: The wedding photographer we used is Greg Yang from lifewerkZ photographers. He took over 700 photographs just for the evening and captured the happy day in perfect details. We are totally thrilled with the photos and highly recommend their services.

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The good old valentines.

cc — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 12:55:00 +0000

Weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, everywhere we go seem to remind us of this seemingly important day. I am amazed at the various ideas on Valentine’s Day merchandise nowadays. Every business try to take a run during this money-making occasion. We are being bombarded left, right and center. At the end of the day, most of us inevitably give in to the attractive marketing and advertising campaigns, and help our wallet to go on diet.

I’m not here to judge or write on about the pros and cons though. Just do what suits you best and celebrate with your loved one! After all, it’s the thought that counts!

Here are some interesting gifts I came across online.

Special heart shaped frying pan. Perfect for a romantic fry up.

Unique personalised headlines or book covers.

It is interesting to note that in Japan, Valentine’s day is a day
for women to give chocolates or to people they like.

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Wedded bliss – Part 1

cc — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:50:00 +0000

Just sharing some photos from our wedding day.

We had a combinations of Chinese traditional and western wedding. Chinese traditional wedding with tea ceremony in the morning, civil ceremony in the afternoon, followed by reception at the same venue. It started out as a cloudy spring day, but the sun came out just in time for the ceremony. A blissful day.

Today I will marry my friend. The one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love…

We had a banquet in Malaysia a month later.
To be continued…

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Happily ever after.

cc — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:09:00 +0000

Attended our cousin’s wedding on Saturday. It was a beautiful day. Reminded me of our wedding. OK, less talk, more photos.

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Happy New Year 2007!

cc — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 14:39:00 +0000

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