I have been blessed with many good things recently. When I followed my nephew and his wife as they drove to Kota Samarahan, I ended up buying four big pineapples quite cheaply from a roadside stall.
I love pineapples and nothing makes me happier than a plate of fresh pineapples or prawn and pineapple soup.
The lady pineapple seller was easy to talk to and was not that money-minded or calculative at all. We bargained over the prices of the pineapples and the end result was a win-win situation for both of us. My cup runneth over with the good bargain I struck.
The four big pineapples made my day. I gave two away to friends and enjoyed the rest. I always believe in sharing my blessings with friends.
For two days after the Kota Samarahan trip, my family had pineapple soup for lunch and pineapple soup for dinner.
Pineapples are not cheap to buy in Kuching City. A small one will cost you at least RM5 while a big one can cost up to RM20. The demand outruns the supply. When I yearn for pineapples, sometimes I just buy a slice of pineapple from a fruit stall. Usually, a slice will cost me RM2.
Long ago, when I first arrived in Kuching, my late brother and I used to drive to Kota Samarahan during the weekends. Kota Samarahan then was a sleepy hollow. Many pineapple gardens lined the roads and the villagers would sell the fruits cheaply to anyone who stopped by the roads. Those were the days of cheap pineapples!
My cup runneth over recently when I had the opportunity to catch up with former classmates of St Elizabeth’s School in Sibu. Through the years, we have strengthened our friendship ties. With these friends, there is no pretense and no need for pretense.
When we are together, we are like young schoolgirls again, teasing each other, laughing and giggling together. It is as if time has stood still.
One important topic we shared recently was Alzheimer’s Disease and how it was affecting many old people close to us.
I told my friends about Sudoku, a popular number-grid game, which had been named by doctors as one of the brain games that could prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.
I also talked about how researchers overseas had discovered that mahjong, could halt or slow down cognitive decline.
When we were young, my siblings and I were not encouraged to play mahjong for fear that we might become gamblers for life. Although my father took care of a mahjong club for the Kheng Chew Association in Sibu for years, I had no interest in playing mahjong at all.
Now, with all the modern scientific and medical research and findings, I am looking at mahjong differently.
I know of some sprightly 90-year-old grandmothers who are still healthy and attending afternoon mahjong sessions regularly. I compare them to my dear mother who is only 79 years old and is an Alzheimer’s patient.
Since mahjong offers hope for dementia patients, perhaps the government should start promoting mahjong as a healthy leisure activity for the people.
Another brain game recommended by doctors overseas to halt or slow down cognitive decline is scrabble.
My cup runneth over recently when I was invited by a lovely couple to a special expensive dinner at a local hotel. I was touched by their invitation and generosity.
I have known the couple for years and admire them for their deep interest in art. The husband is a good artist and a member of the Sarawak Artists Society.
At the dinner, I enjoyed not only their delightful company but also the good and unsual food.
Like me, the lovely couple believe in sharing their blessings with friends. They have been blessed with a good marriage, good health and good life.
I thank them straight from my heart for remembering me and sharing their blessings with me. My cup runneth over, my friends.
