Last day with Zarina and family

Hari raya is just around the corner. Surprisingly this year, I'm not in the mood of celebrating. It's not only me but the kids and hubby too. I guess it has got to do with the dwindling number of Malaysians in Loughborough. Since last year and up till August this year, a big number of Malaysian families have gone back to Malaysia for good after completing their studies. This include our family friend - Zarina Firdaus and her two boys. Raya this year would not definitely be the same without them. But life goes on and we have to move on until our time to return to Malaysia next year, Insya Allah.
Zarina and her family spent the last 2 days of their time in Loughborough at our place. It was great having them around but once they left, the house seems so quiet and empty. Both my girls missed them very much. Below are some of the photographs taken during their stay at our house.

Bunga oh Bunga

Eversince my better half bought himself a new camera, he has been polishing his photography skills by taking a lot of photographs. His first attempt was on flower. Being recognised as best sports photographer for two consecutives year (is it three? I already forgetten), it seems hubby dearest hasn't lost his magic touch. Here are some of the evidence of his photography skills :)

Strawberry Picking at Wymesworld

One of the 'must do' activities during summer time is strawberry picking. For two consecutive years, we went to Wymeswold Strawberry Farm in Loughborough to pick fresh strawberries. This time around we went with Zarina Firdaus's family as this will be their last. Zarina and her family will be leaving for Malaysia in August this year. It was a fun outing picking strawberries at the same time getting the chance to taste fresh strawberries along the way.

Fresh strawberries waiting to be picked.

Me, Zarina and Farah.

A great outing with Zarina and Firdaus at the strawberry farm.

Farah and her half-empty basket of strawberries. At the end of the day,

we managed to pick over 2kg of strawberries.

BBQ at Beacon Hill

I always love early spring and summer time. One of the most enjoyable activites that we normally indulge in during summer is BBQ-ing at Beacon Hills with other Malaysian and Bruneian friends. We did just that in middle of May with Zarina & family, Lynn & family including Khaty Yaman who drove all the way from Stoke and Aziah & family from Brunei. We had a good time eating and gossiping away while the kids enjoyed running around in the open field. Too bad that Sarah didn't follow us this time around as she attending a special belated birthday party for her at Lucy's house.

Me and BFF Zarina.

My photographer posing for the camera.

Cooking away.

Taking group photo before making our way home.


Hafiz trying his hands on flying kite.

Getting ready for fun.

Farah posing for her dad.


Illyas and his bubble.


Farah and her gang.

Term break gateway

My kids are extremely happy with our recent trip to Bath, Wales and Swansea. It was a great treat for them as last year we didn't go anywhere during the long school holiday. Despite it was raining that day, we truly enjoyed ourselves as we stroll down the street of Bath. Edwin took the opportunity to take a lot of photographs during our trips and here are some of the places that we visited.

Beautiful old architecture in Bath.

Farah making faces.

It was raining when we arrived in Bath.

Sarah posing infront one of the oldest house in Bath.

Stopping over at Clark Village on the way to Cardiff.

A date with Roman warrior.

Sarah clicking away taking photographs along the streets of Bath.

Food, glorious food

Ever since arriving in Loughborough, UK in November, 2008, my cooking skills have been put to the test. Unlike in Kuching where it is easy to 'tapau' for food when I feel lazy to cook, it is not the same here. Halal food is not that easy to find. Eating out means that we get to eat Maxim fried chicken, burger or kebab but the choice ends there. Rather than putting my hubby and two girls on the same menu every day, I decided to try out some recipes from the Internet. Here are some of the results from my culinary experience.

Apam pisang

Kuih bakar for tea

Garnishing for Laksa Sarawak

Lasagna for Sarah

Pecal for abah

Sweet pudding for Farah

Nasi lemak for breakfast

Pasta goreng pedas

Nasi goreng special