Last Day Of 2008

And so today is the last day of the year. I was at the beach yesterday, and it was a cool breezy afternoon. As I nostalgically thought about the past year, I felt a little bit sad. It always makes me sad this time of the year. I feel that time is rushing by, and I have accomplished so little. Another year, another 365 days gone.

But I'm not going to beat myself about lost opportunities. I have much to be thankful for. My loved ones are around, my friends are great and life's good. I have no needs, mainly wants, and even that list is shortening with age. Just yesterday I caught the end of a TV program on longevity and it summarized the secrets to a long life:

1. Eat a plant-based diet.

2. Have low-impact exercise.

3. Surround yourself with friends and family.

The first two nourishes our physical body, the third our emotions/soul. I definitely need to improve on 1 & 2, and I think I'm very blessed with 3.

Talking of point no. 3, I get constant emails from many readers, the latest from somebody in France and another from Singapore. It truly makes me happy to know that my posts have been a blessing to your culinary skills, especially when your family enjoys your cooking and I'm known to the whole family. Hang in there with me this coming year, and enjoy our cooking experiences together. I welcome all your feed back, and thank all of you for visiting this blog (and risking your jobs).

Here's a photo a reader, Kamala, sent me from Kashmir many months ago. Kashmir is breathtaking. I'd love to go there one day.



My wish for the new year is "less fighting, more loving". My heart goes out to the civilians of Palestine.

And yes, more cooking. Especially plant-based meals. How come I don't hear any "ayes"? Anyways, I wish everyone a very happy, healthy and wealthy (a Chinese thing, money) 2009!