Updated finance page.
There was nothing more important this month than the release of PSLE results. One week prior, the youngest son's school held a celebration and farewell ceremony for the graduating cohort. That was a first as the other two sons did not get the same send-off. It was a nice touch as each form teacher spoke about his/her class before a video montage, with some student performances in between. Later, as I told my son, this also marked the end of my decade of morning school ferry service for this alma mater. It gave me great satisfaction as I watched my boys transform from mini tots to young men, standing below my waist then, till past my shoulder. Nevertheless, we still had to go back to school for results day. Our whole family went out to give full support. It didn't go exactly the way I envisioned. As we arrived, the parking in school was full, so they alighted while I waited outside the school gate, hoping to squeeze my way in. Then, the guard shut the gate and waved me off despite being first in line. I got a little anxious as I couldn't attend the principal address with the subsequent result slip handout and capture the son's moment. The driver of the car behind came over. It was my primary two form teacher! "Hi, Mrs M", came my greeting. She needed to get into school and advised me not to wait. So I reversed and made my way to a nearby parking area before walking back in double steps. Barely five minutes in, I was waiting to cross the traffic light when my wife called. The event was over! So it was there that I received them and saw the long awaited figures. The youngest son had scored the same as his second brother. What a joy! It was what I had hoped for. Giving him a hug, I let out, "Yes, you did it!" The credit goes to my wife for encouraging and putting him through intensive practice. All the effort paid off and we were proud parents in completing the primary school journey.
Over two weekends, my wife and I attended a couple of wine warehouse sales. One was at Pivene and the other at Cornerstone Wines. Delightfully, there were samples to try at the former and we were treated to some really tasty and good value ones. Even for novices, one could tell the good and great ones apart. Such was the apparent difference and the price tags showed. In total, the spending came to about $1000 and would be savoured during the festive period.
I invited ten friends for dinner at my place, intending to cook instead of buying the usual takeaway. On that morning, a trip to the wet market was made to get the freshest arrivals i.e clams, prawns and fish. Then a detour to the butchery for beef where I eyed two pieces of angus ribeye. However, the counter staff suggested that due to the big group, it was better to get a bigger quantity. He took out a 2kg slab of wagyu picanha and confidently pitched it as tastier than my choice. The price per kg was also cheaper. I was hesitant about the cooking method but decided to try it. Everyone enjoyed the tenderness and surprisingly non-oily texture. Complemented with a beautiful cabernet, the meal was elevated to an upper level. I am a new convert to this beef cut.
Tip: Glenfiddich 26 Years Grande Couronne, lavender and raisin, smooth and delicate
