Friday, October 25, 2024

Gallimaufry#150

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸
Fishing
If you visit a Malaysian blog, chances are you’ll see food photos—it's our way of life. A regular Malaysian grabs takeout for lunch, cooks only once a day for dinner, and eats out on weekends because eating out is affordable, widely available, and reflects our multicultural society, offering a rich variety of flavors from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other cuisines. 

Dinner—Thai
 
Thai deep-fried omelette
Thai deep-fried omelette, or Khai Jiao (ไข่เจียว), is easy to make, super oily, and unapologetically unhealthy—but totally worth it! With its crispy edges and fluffy center, it’s a quick comfort food often served over rice with chili sauce. Add minced pork or herbs for extra flavor and enjoy every crunchy, golden bite!

Yes, making Khai Jiao involves deep-frying. The beaten eggs are poured into very hot oil, causing them to puff up and develop crispy, golden edges. This technique gives the omelette its signature light, airy texture with a crunchy exterior. While it's more oil-intensive than traditional omelettes, the delicious results make it a popular comfort food in Thailand.

            

THOUGHT NIBBLES


FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Souvenir shops in Pyrgos Kallistis


One of the fun things to do when traveling is souvenir hunting. I love wandering through small, tucked-away shops, discovering unique trinkets that capture the spirit of the place. There’s something exciting about finding handcrafted items, like local pottery, magnets, or postcards with scenic views. I especially enjoy chatting with shop owners, learning the stories behind their merchandise, and picking out little gifts for friends and family. It’s not just about buying things—it’s about bringing home memories, each item a reminder of the adventure, the people I met, and the places I explored.
I know, AI mice overload—I can’t help it! The details are so spot-on, exactly how I saw them when I was in Greece.

It’s just like the blue-domed churches, the winding cobblestone stairs, and those quaint souvenir shops brimming with treasures.
From the tiny baskets filled with handmade soups to the vibrant postcards, Mati (evil eye symbol) and sun hats, it all feels so real. It’s like those little AI mice are bringing the same charm and energy I experienced, right down to the lazy cats and the tinkling bells from the donkeys.





UPDATE—MY NEIGHBOURS FROM HELL 😈

The nightmare continues, and my neighbors have officially taken their disturbances to bizarre new heights. What started as obsessive vacuuming has now escalated into all sorts of strange nighttime activities: tools clanging, objects dropping, furniture being dragged, stomping, scraping and rolling noises, loud door creaks announcing their entries and exits, and water gushing at odd hours—often heard after midnight, with their unit shrouded in total darkness.

Here’s where things get really weird: Lately, I’ve noticed the husband leaving the condo at 3 AM with a suitcase and backpack, only to return 20 minutes later. This has been confirmed by our night security guard. 

I shared an elevator with the wife on several occasions and noticed that she was always carrying clothes on hangers, which I assumed were from the cleaners. Once, my husband spotted them both walking to the car—she was hugging a pile of clothes, and he was toting several bags

Honestly, I don't care what they're up to—whether it’s laundry runs, secret missions, or stashing evidence—but their nocturnal activities are wrecking my sleep. The husband isn’t deliberately stomping around (he’s just that heavy-footed), but the relentless clattering, water sounds, and those 3 AM suitcase sprints are driving me to the brink. Every night feels like a game of roulette: Will I get any sleep tonight, or will their antics keep me wide awake?

I’ve tried earplugs, but they give me headaches, and since I have ear eczema and am allergic to certain materials, finding something comfortable is a struggle. The daytime vacuuming is incessant, and I'm starting to wonder—maybe it’s not just OCD… maybe it’s about removing evidence.

So, folks—what do you think? Midnight mules, undercover agents, or just laundry-loving night owls? Maybe it’s just a fetish for doing laundry in the dark. 

Do drop your 2 cents—because at this point, I might need it for some industrial-strength sleeping meds!

Jokes aside, thanks to my neighbors, I now have chronic insomnia. I’m desperately needing your prayers to help me find peace and restore my sleep because I’m starting to feel like a zombie.

My Corner of the World

57 comments:

  1. I am so sorry to hear about your nightmare with your neighbors. I hope they move!!!!I love all your photos and thought the saying about being planted was really good. As usual the mice take the show.. so cute.

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  2. So sorry about your neighbours. Enjoyed the food and travel photos.

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  3. I always love your photos of the food, everything looks so good.
    The shop with the ceramics on display is very beautiful.

    Wish you a very nice weekend

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  4. Poor Veronica! So sorry for your insomnia and your disturbing neighbours. Really I wish you this will finish soon! Good luck.

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  5. I feel very sorry for you, Veronica. I know all about insomnia. It's terrible. I love your AI mouses! They looks so sweet and friendly. The big photo with the cat and the mouse is so lovely!
    I wish you a peaceful weekend with a lot of sleep!

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  6. I'm sorry you're going through a real nightmare with your neighbors. I wish you all the best and I hope you will get rid of insomnia soon.
    I will also try the Khai Jiao omelette, it looks delicious and I'm hungry!
    Have a peaceful weekend, Veronica!

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  7. If I couldn't get my usual sleep at night, I'd be a total wreck! These people's habits are some of the most weird ones I've ever heard of, too. I'll keep praying for you and praying that they move out soon. Blessings, Veronica!

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  8. Those deep fried omelets do sound yummy! I am so so sorry to hear about your neighbors; that has got to be so frustrating. Other than earplugs which clearly don't work for you I can't think of any other way to try and cancel out the noise.

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  9. Your neighbours sound bizarre, they aren't doing drugs are they? I'm going to show my youngest son your omelette recipe, him and I love spicy food.

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  10. Oh Veronica, I'm very sorry to hear about your neighbours. Could you document everything and report them to the authorities?

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  11. Rica comida me gusto la foto del gato y el ratón. Te mando un beso.

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  12. Dearest Veronica,
    That egg is a very special way of preparing—who ever invented this?!
    Yes, bringing back home memories is special when we travel.
    As for your demonic neighbors, that is awful.
    Comparing the privacy enjoyed here in Georgia/USA compared to our home in central Java/Indonesia, I fully understand you. Here it is impossible to hear your neighbors, except for abusing a car and making lots of noise around 5:00 AM... That has stopped though.
    It must be hell when your night rest is affected in such a negative way.
    Praying for you to find a solution.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  13. The Europe decorations are so good

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  14. What a delightful mix of food, travel, and reflections! The way you describe Malaysian dining culture paints such a vivid picture—food truly is a central part of life there. The Khai Jiao sounds delicious and indulgent; I love that you shared the cooking technique too! Your love for souvenir hunting resonates with many travelers; those unique finds often hold the best memories. Thank you for sharing your experiences! Happy weekend. I hope it's a happy one for you. I’ve just posted something new, and I'd love to hear what you think. Please give it a read! https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/10/the-social-media-trap-of-judging-relationships-by-one-sided-narratives.html

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  15. I'm sorry to hear that your neighbours continue to be loud and disruptive day and night. Hope they move soon! Is there anything you can do to soundproof your apartment more?

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  16. Just do so love your reflection there, gorgeous.
    The food is looking good and watched the video, so easy to make, must try that.
    The AI mice, always love them.
    The Neighbours, oh dear me it's not good that you can't get any sleep at night - have you said a word to them as they may not realize they are making such a din. I wonder like you what they are up to.

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  17. How can they transport their clothes from their home to the laundry at 3 a.m.❓ Sorry to hear of such disrespectful behavior of your neighbors! I don't think they are doing something illegal, as they know that the night security guard could see them while carrying those suitcases.

    I like that Thailand typical food! Nice photo of that Greek handcrafted items shop.

    Have a nice Sunday

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  18. The food all looks so wonderful! Boy, what an ordeal you are having with the neighbors. Outside of noise canceling headphones I don't have any suggestions. Their behavior sure sounds weird and you just can't help but wonder what they are up to.

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  19. I completely agree about souvenir hunting—it’s one of the best parts of traveling! Those little treasures hold so many memories and stories, making each trip even more special. It’s always nice to bring a piece of a place back home. Thanks for sharing these lovely thoughts!

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  20. Thank you for sharing your pictures and thoughts. The mice were cute as always.

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  21. Hello Veronica! Oh, wow, you’ve got quite the midnight mystery on your hands! From obsessive vacuuming to 3 AM suitcase runs, it sounds like your neighbors are either deeply dedicated to keeping things spotless (even in the wee hours) or have stumbled into a whole other realm of strange behavior. Whatever the case, it's easy to see why you’re at your wit’s end—sleep is sacred, and it sounds like they’ve turned your nights into an unending detective story.
    Maybe it’s time for a friendly chat or a little nudge to management about soundproofing. In the meantime, if they keep you awake long enough, at least you’ve got plenty of inspiration to write your own mystery novel—or maybe even a guide on "How to Survive Noisy Neighbors"! Hang in there, and may the odds of a quiet night finally be in your favor. Gallimaufry #150 is a fascination for sure! 😊 Best wishes and take good care! John

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  22. How many beautiful, souvenir dishes! I think I would take everything from there!

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  23. How awful if you have such neighbours, I would go and talk to them, maybe they don't realise that they are acting so strangely and at strange times.
    I think the photos of Greece are very beautiful and the AI ​​mice are always cute.
    Greetings Irma

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  24. Your food photos always make me hungry! :)
    I would enjoy visiting Greece, it's beautiful!
    And, I always enjoy your AI mice.
    Your neighbors! I'm sorry this is still going on, and with such strange activities. I think you could work on a mystery novel!

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  25. Your food pictures are always mouthwatering. I didn't realize how much people eat out in your culture. Very interesting.
    Perhaps your noisy and inconsiderate neighbours are running a smuggling operation of designer clothes, handing them off to illicit buyers in the dark of night. Joking aside, I do feel for you and pray that you will find a solution to your insomnia.

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  26. Deep fried eggs... That sounds like something I should try at least once.

    I'm so sorry about your neighbors. In my childhood, my bedroom overlooked the backyard of our neighbor who had a beagle. That barked all the time. I got pretty good at sleeping through the worst of it. But that took practice.

    Have you considered a white noise machine? I don't know if that would make things better or worse, though. If this was fiction, I'd be sure those neighbors were hiding evidence. In real life? Who knows?

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  27. As always I love your food pictures. So yummy!

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  28. Hello,
    The food looks delicious! I like the quote, just be there. The Greece photos are beautiful, but I rarely buy souvenirs. I am sorry you have trouble sleeping, the neighbors sounds very noisy. The AI mice are cute! Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week ahead.

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  29. Thank you for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2024/10/beautiful-to-behold.html, and I wish you the best with your neighbors!

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  30. The food looks amazing. OMG. That omlette. Maybe your neighbors are possessed by the devil. Happy Halloween! Or unhappy. Ugh. I sleep with a box fan on medium to high. We take it to hotels and never hear a peep. But it might not drown out heavy stomping right overhead. You have my sympathy. I drink chamomile before bed. Melatonin might help. Or maybe headphones with a wave or some kind of sound track? Or the police?

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  31. Hello,
    I'm sorry you're having such difficulties with your neighbours! Maybe they're secret agents ahahah, sorry! I hope you sort out that sleeping problem quickly!
    I also love visiting those local souvenir shops, I like to buy magnets to put on the fridge! The real photos and the AI ones are beautiful!
    You love food as much as we Portuguese do, everything will end with food, big lunches with friends, big dinners with the family, we love to eat too!
    Have a nice week!

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  32. Your Thai deep-fried omelette looked amazing! And I loved your cute AI mice. They are such a fun way to help relive your fabulous trip to Greece.

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  33. So sorry to hear about your neighbors. I don't care if they are saving the world.. save it from somewhere else.. or at least be do it more quietly.

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  34. I enjoyed your photos and as always all that food heheh :-)
    Have a gallimaufrytastic week 👍

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  35. Delightful photos and narration!

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  36. Food and shopping are always top in our travels. Have not tried Khai Jiao, but love the oyster omelet in Thailand.

    So sorry to hear about your woes with the neighbor. Could you not complain to the condo management?

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  37. I am a bit late in commenting, Veronica Lee, and this post was loaded with items to comment on, my blog friend. First, I always enjoy the photos of food and interesting to read that it is inexpensive to dine out on weekends which I would thoroughly enjoy with such variety. I am quite familiar with the deliciously decadent deep fried omelette but not from preparing it myself. It's a favorite of mine on some local Chinese restaurants but I am careful not to order it on a regular basis.

    Souvenirs are usually looked at, but not purchased aside from a t-shirt or hat (my husband) or perhaps some postcards (myself). I also have a habit of buying soaps from visited places, but refrained on our Tuscany trip as I have quite a few to use from previous trips. The homemade ones last much longer than store-bought ones. I was told by a friend years ago that if soap is purchased in a box, the box should be opened to let the soap harden as soft soap is used up faster necessitating the need to rebuy.

    The neighbors sound like terrors and I agree with a previous comment that a formal complaint be filed with your management, if possible. The types of activities you've described are not normal and something is going on. Please do keep us posted.

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  38. I always enjoy your photos but I must admit that I dearly love the mice!

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  39. Hello,
    The mice are adorable, cute images! I hope you are able to work out something with the neighbor! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day!

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  40. We are surprised your condo association can't do anything about those people above you. Anyway, we love your mice but the best is the one with the cat, such an unthinkable thing but so adorable.

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  41. ...here, eating a home is less expensive, we eat out perhaps 2 or 3 times a month. Take care and be well, Lydia.

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  42. Oh the food. Oh the food. I ate to my hearts content.

    Love the mice. So cute.

    Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. Hugs. ♥

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  43. great photos..... love to observe the souvenir shop

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  44. Wonderful tasty looking food. I would like to try the omelet.
    Love your AI mice. They are so sweet!
    Oh, so sorry to read about your unruly neighbours.
    Other than making a formal complaint, the only thing I can think of that might help a little, although in this case maybe not, is to play white noise.


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  45. Fiquei com água na boca com esses pratos!

    Beijos e Abraços,

    BLOG | Instagram

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  46. You do have the neighbors from hell. That's why I like living in our own detached residence. I understand that not everybody can do that. I hope you get some relief soon.

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  47. Hello,
    What a great post. So funny to see all these pictures. The souvenir shop in the street looks so cozy. Funny with the mouses with their camera.
    And what a delicious food. That looks so tasty.

    Many greetings,
    Marco

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  48. Those shops in Greece are so charming. I would love to browse through them and bring a few goodies home with me. I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time with your neighbors. I hope things get better for you in this situation, and you will be able to get some much needed sleep. I like the "planted" quote. I will remember that. The deep fried omelette looks interesting.....and delicious.

    ~Sheri

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  49. The reflections in the fishing photo are so cool. Great capture.
    I also love all your Greece photos, especially the ones with the little mice added.
    As for your neighbors, I can't even imagine how very traumatic this experience must be for you. I'm guessing that whatever they're up to is probably something illlegal. My first thought was drug dealers, but then when I read about the banging and scraping and excessive vacuuming I had much more sinister thoughts.
    I know the management already know about the situation, but maybe you could record the types of noises and the times they occur, as well as the other things you have observed that you wrote about in this post, you could give it to both your management, and also to the local police department to investigate? For sure something is going on that shouldn't be.
    Praying for the Lord to intercede and bring the hidden things to light, as well as bring resolution to the noise situation so you can get a good night's sleep.

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  50. I like seeing these pictures of food;
    I loved the stores, with their blue plates and mugs.
    Happy November.
    Thanks for visiting.
    Janice.

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  51. Just passing by to wish you a crazy/great Halloween!<333

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  52. Oh Veronica that's just awful about your neighbors. Is it too much to hope for that they might actually be moving? That they work (from home) during the day and are gradually moving to another apartment or back home to mother or something? I assume you've tried filing a complaint with the landlord or superintendent and that it didn't help. I'm not an easy sleeper and I'm sure all that noise would just about do me in , so I feel for you! ...... On a happier note, I really enjoyed the food pictures (as always) and especially the explanation of the Malaysian culture around food and meals. ... and your well-traveled mice are adorable.

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  53. So sorry to hear that the neighbors are still making noise that disturbs your. Can you talk to them or maybe leave a note. They probably don't know their actions are bothering you. A kind note might do the trick. If not then you can file a complaint with whoever manages your building.
    Nice post, I love Thai food and those mice are so cute.

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  54. So sorry to hear about your neighbors from hell. I was thinking formal complaint too, but keep it anonymous. Some day I would like to try a deep-fried omelette!

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