This month started with a trip to Johor Bahru for a short family holiday. We drove and stayed at Talula Hill resort on the first night. It's a small and lovely farm with some animals, a fishing pond and vegetable growing area. We were right on time for the evening farm tour and fed the goats, chickens and ducks. Being a rather isolated location, there was only one restaurant on site for dinner which served decent asian and western meals. We ordered a bottle of wine to enjoy the view of the setting sun overlooking the valley below. It felt like the day's stress was over and the mind got recharged. The cabin accommodation was cosy and sufficient, highlighted by a full bay window. However, the breakfast is not worth a mention and we checked out under cool temperatures after it rained overnight. Then, we headed to Kluang Rail cafe for a quick bite before making our way to Mid Valley. For the next two days, we just hung out at the shopping malls, did a foot massage and ate lots of good food. Overall, I think we wouldn't mind such a stay drive vacation the next time.
My wife has always been fond of animals, big or small. Four years ago, our pet rabbit passed away and since then, we kept an aquarium. It was small maintenance and aesthetic, something to look at the dining table. I wished it was bigger though, like one that stretched across an entire wall. So every now and then, we would visit pet shops or glance through grooming areas to admire the furry ones. Once around Covid period, my wife mentioned a particular dog breed coming from an Australian farm that costs $10000. That's insane, I wouldn't even consider for a second. Pets used to be more affordable but now has gone way above inflation. One fine day, another cute picture appeared in my wife's social media feed. Price looked reasonable and we went to have a look. The dog was big boned and very active. While adorable, it would probably cause anxiety on my second son. The shop owner said a new batch was coming in a week. Our next visit introduced a litter of four Cavapoos, two boys and two girls. They arrived from the UK and one of the boys had already been taken. My wife had her eyes set on the other boy. We brought the kids twice to see the puppy and check its interactive mannerisms. That was it, I sensed the timing was right, every considered factors were addressed and on that third visit, the deposit was placed. My wife couldn't contain her excitement as she went about preparing for its arrival. One of her lifelong wishes had been fulfilled. The little furball is now the most pampered one.
I have been nursing a sore left knee for three months. It hurts especially when I squat. This condition appeared after I did an unusually longer running distance and sprinted for short intervals, with the intention to improve stamina. Two aching days later, that knee did not fully recover and I aggravated it with another more gentle run. This prompted me to give it a complete rest but meanwhile, I switched to gym work, focusing on upper body and stretching exercises. It seemed to work so the runs gradually resumed. Then the familiar ache returned. I consulted a friend who does marathons. He confidently pointed out that it wasn't the knees but a weak glute issue. I need this to be sorted out soon.
Tip: Chateau Montlandrie 2022, mixed berries perfume, medium finish, enjoyable
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