This year a new post is established to cover some happenings as these happen in our grandchildren’s lives – all three of them – Sitara, Sachin & Maya.
After spending a great family time together during Christmas 2012 – the kids -each one is busy in each individual activities – of course both Sitara & Sachin would have some activities or free time together .
This winter has been a bit tough especially for maya as she suffers from flu along with her parents. It seems flu is much prevalent in larger cities – though over here in Deep River area there is some effect. Sitara is also down for a few days with flu.
Grandparents do help out during such time and Maya’s Grandma (Kathy) in Toronto was there during Maya’s parents’ illness and looked after Maya well.
Here are few words from her (quoted from her e-mail of 1 February 2013)
” The last three nights I picked up Maya from daycare as Shannon has been very sick (actually all three of them have been sick a lot this winter so far). I was very happy to be of use. However, I will say that getting a toddler in and out of snowsuit and mitts, and pushing a stroller through the snow, is quite an exhausting experience. I don’t know how I used to do it all the time with my own kids! ”
This week Sachin got admitted to his junior KG class – starting in September 2013.
The boy is now growing up and taking first step in school system.
Sunday 3 February 2013
This winter both Sitara & Sachin continued their downhill sking at Mt. Martin ski Hill in Deep River. They take coaching lessons but also are steered by their dad – who is a superb skiier.
Saturday 9 February 2013
Since last couple of days there was a big snowfall – result of a storm hitting Eastern USA and Canada – this snowfall was greatly welcome by those who enjoy skiing.
Some news items on storm:
1) A massive winter storm hit Eastern Canada on Saturday, knocking out power to thousands of residents and prompting dozens of flight cancellations.
Sitara and Sachin went for their downhill skiing today – with their dad ( their mom as at work) . It was a beautiful day – sunny but due to storm – there was good snow covered Mt Martin ski hill. However , Sachin got tired half way around ( he had been sick for last few days – having got temperature – though today he was back to normal but a bit understrenghth . His nana picked him up from the ski hill and he was nourished at nana/nani home till his dad & Sitara finished thir skiing and came over to pick him up – to go to a birthday party in Deep River.
While Sitara & Sachin were out on the ski hill today – Maya in Toronto went to her grandma (Kathy) home for a sleepover . Maya has been spending time with her dad since last Thursday (as her mom have gone to Hamilton – for her studies for a few days – pursuing her post graduate study for pediatrics). She is expected back by Monday (11 February 2013).
On Friday (8 February 2013) – Toronto was blitzed with heavy snow . This made it very difficult for a stroller to be used – as Maya goes to daycare. Her dad had to carry her by his hands – manoeuvring in the big thick pile of snow. Here is what his dad commented jovially on his Facebook entry
“Wisely I left the stroller at home and carried Maya in my arms to daycare this morning. two feet of snow later, I now pack a flask of brandy, a pair of snowshoes, a tauntaun, and a light saber and head off to get her back.”
The above created a bit of chit chat on his Facebook site.
Thursday 14 February,2013
This being the Valentine Day, it was planned to celebrate it at Deep River with earlier Sachin coming over with his mom -during the day. Sitara joined in fater het KG was over and then her swimming session was over at Mackenzie Pool. Sunjay joined in after his work .
Maya being in Toronto could not come as it is far away but she was present (along with her parents) in our hearts.
Note: Talking with her mom on phone – Maya had her first (not counting the one that happened when she was a baby infant) Valentine Day in the company of her own age friends at the Day care. She enjoyed that immensely.
Nani had baked two cakes – heart shape – chocolate flavoured . One decorated with two hearts on the top – the second cake was for a back-up or for quantity if more is consumed.
The kids had great time with nana/nani – though Sitara was only after her schooling activities.
The following is the e-mail nana/bapuji sent to Shannon, Sunir, Nina & Sunjay on 16 Feb 2013.
I am attaching a photo of the cake that Jackie had prepared . She asked me to send that you.
The cake is a symbol of our three (3) grandkids – who are enlivening our lives.
Friday 15 February 2013
Both nana/nani spent the day at the Jacques Cartier Park, Gatineau in the company of Sitara, Sachin and their parents -accompanied by their friends Troy, his wife and young kid (Laken). It was a wonderful outing – though warmer and a bit raining – spoiling the ice sculptures at the Park.
This is what Nina posted on her Facebook
” Despite the warm weather yesterday shutting down the ice slides at Snowflake Kingdom the tubing slides were open. The kids kept running up to us exclaiming “This is the best day Ever!” It’s all about the kids and making sure they have awesome, fun experiences….I think we accomplished that! Mommy and Daddy had a pretty awesome time with the kids, our friends and Nani and Nana too! ”
The whole day was therapeutic for the winter blues.
Saturday 16 February 2013
This day the kids ( Sitara & Sachin ) went for skiing at Mt. Martin Hill in Deep River . Both nana/nani were invited to go and observer them skiing and also to have fun with them. The shiing start at 2.00 p.m -so bith nana/nani went there. The intention was to spend an hour or less there ( as there was guy -Sean- who was clearing snow from nana’s home roof ) but they ended up remaining at the ski hill till 4.00 p.m – when the skiing at the Hill was over for the afternoon.
Sitara’s painting – she did at home this morning – was placed on the notice board (of Ski Lodge) for display and for others to enjoy. This painting is titled ” Shark Girl at Mt. Martin ” by Sitara.
This is what came on Nina’s facebook entry. Nina scrawled on her Facebook page the following
“It’s days like these when we realize what a blessing it is to live here. The grandparents can just “pop” by for a couple of hours to watch the kids (and us!) at the hill or join us at gymnastics or the pool at the drop of the hat. Sitara and Sachin don’t know it yet…but they are so lucky to be growing up with their Nana and Nani by their side. 😀 Love you Mom and Dad!!!”
We just had a great time.
This is how nana responded tp Nina’s Facebook entry.
“We just had a great time – your mom enjoyed it. Kids were good. Painting done by Sitara was on the Notice Board. The sky was bright and all people skiing were in the element. That is Deep River.”
Saturday 2 March 2013
It was a Pat Harvey Fun day at Mt. Martin Ski Club in Deep River. Both Sitara & Sachin along with their parents particiipated. Nana/nani went there also – a bit later – so as not to distract Sachin from going on the ski hill.
There was Maple Syrup toffee and other fun things for the kids.
Sunday 3 March 2013
This day Sitara was invited to a birthday party in Deep River – so her mom drove her from Mackey (along with Sachin) . Then Sachin & his mom decided to go to Tim Horton for lunch . Their dad remained at Mackey to supervise the repair to the Septic tank pipe. Sachin thought it was nice to invite his nana/nani for coffee at Tim Horton and thus he influenced his mom to do so. Both nana/nani were glad to go and join them at Tim Horton in Deep River. Sachin welcomed his nani & nana with a handshake and a hug – he positioned himself at the door for such formality. All had a good time and after that all came to nana/nani home . Nina picked up Sitara from her party and their dad joined them afterwards. All four then got ready and went to the Mt. Martin ski hill for skiing.
Tuesday 5 March 2013
This day Maya’s Ba and Bapuji travel to Toronto to be with her (Maya) and her parents for a few days. Maya’s dad is going to USA for few days so her Ba/Bapuji will keep her company when he is away.
The drive to Toronto was pleasant and arrived at Sunir’s place about 530 p.m – he was out to day care to pick Maya and thus when she arrives at home – her Ba & Bapuji were waiting to welcome her.
She was a bit surprised – she did recognise Ba but took a while to be comfortable with her Bapuji.
Shannon arrived a bit later from her work and all had dinner together . After dinner Maya played with her Ba and Bapuji with her toys and became familiar as before . Then she went to sleep ..
Wednesday 6 March 2013 to Thursday 14 March 2013
Maya’s dad went to USA on business on Thursday 7 March 2013 and returned on Tuesday (12 March 2013) night ( infact Wednesday early morning -about 2.00 am -13 March 2013).
Maya was coddled and pampered by her Ba & bapuji – taking her to her day care center in the morning during the weekdays and picking her in the evening – at about 5.15 p.m . Due to heavy snow on the Toronto roads -which are not cleared similar to how the roads are cleared in Deep River – walking (or taking a stroller) on the side walk and part of road edges was difficult – so her dad had installed her car seat into the Toyota Corolla car – which became a mode for ferrying Maya to and from the day care.
This gave her mom a respite from her going and coming from work – also a relaxed time to study for her post-doctoral studies.
On Saturday 9 March 2013 – when her mom was at home – Maya was entertained by taking her to the Toronto Zoo – courtesy of her Heather Auntie who had three (3) tickets for Zoo and offered these -which were given for Maya’s enjoyment. So all three Ba, Bapuji and Maya’s mom accompanied Maya to the zoo in the morning and had a great time and returned back home for lunch and Maya’s nap.
It was planned earlier before Maya’s dad gone to USA on business – to take Maya to Ontario Science Museum – after he returns. So Maya went to the Science Museum in the afternoon (after her dad had rest and a bit of sleep as he retruned back late at night) . So all ( Maya, her Ba & Bapuji and her dad) trudled along in the 2010 Toyota Corolla to museum at about 4.00 p.m . All had great time – confining the visit to kids area only. In all -about 2 hours were spent at the Museum – a quality family time similar to earlier visit to Totonto zoo.
After the zoo-all came home . Her mom was waiting at home after returning from work. All had dinner together and then Maya went to sleep. On Sunday all were invited for dinner at Maya’s maternal grandparents home. So all went in the car – Unfortunately Maya somehow got nuseautic in the car and threw up -all over her car seat and dress. The car seat was cleaned (thanks to her Ba) and Maya got a change of clothes at her Garndparents home.
For a one & a half (1 1/2 yr) girl, Maya has developed a good vocabulary and can form sentences which did astound her Ba and Bapuji . Besides she was jovial and always inquisitive. Her communication skills brought many moments of pleasure.
Here is what her Bapuji wrote on an e-mail to her parents after he (and her Ba) returned to Deep River on Thursday 14 March 2013.
e-mail sent – March-15-13 9:10 AM
Title: Visit to Toronto
Here is the text:
Saturday 16 March 2013
Sitara’s mom Facebook showed the following.
| Sitara Mistry – Raise-A-Thon – Deep…: “Support Sitara for her first Swim-a-Thon. Go to the link and donate! Thanks in advance for your support!!!http://www.ontarioswimathon.ca/drc/profile.php?id=xqwpfay” | ||||
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Tuesday 19 March 2013
A financial history was made to-day – Sachin opened up all his piggy banks at Mackey – counted all the coins & notes in his piggy banks and had her nani open all his piggy banks in Deep River (at nana/nani) home and then went to Bank of Nova Scotia, Deep River branch
and help deposit all that in his bank account. He established a good rapport with bank officers (they are now-a-days are not called bank tellers) especially with Sandy . For a 3 1/2 year old boy he was a thorough gentleman and very charming. And the smile on his face was winner.Saturday 23 March 2013
Both nana/nani got up early to-day. There was a Swin-A-Thon at Mackenzie Pool . As mentioned earlier. Sitara was participating in the Swim-A-Thon. The event started at 8.00 a.m . Sitara was there with her parents and brother, Sachin. Both nana/nani arrived just befor 8.00 a.m. Her swimming started at 8.20 a.m and ended one (1) hour after that. She did some 48 laps in one hour. She showed a persevering power, not tired after one hour of swiming – doing some 48 laps ( full length of the swimmimg pool) and then still having good strength. Her mom had to leave early (at about 8.52 a.m) as she was at work this Saturday. After the Swin-a-thon participation , all went upstairs for a pancake breakfast. It was well organised – lots of food and a great variety apart from the pancakes. Bravo Sitara!
After the pancake breakfast – Sitara and Sachin went to FEN birthday Party with their dad & nani – again at the Mackenzie Community Center. Nana did not join then and went home .
All came to nana/nani home after the FEN party and had a great time playing with both nana /nani though subsequently Sachin went for his afternoon nap. Their dad had gone to office for work on some urgent issues . After dinner ( when their mom had come and joined in) – again after some playing both went to sleep at nana/nani home – and their parents went for a party .
This is what their mom posted on her Facebook page:
” What a wonderful day…Sitara participated in the Swim-a-Thon this morning at 8 am and did great. So proud of her! Then the FEN birthday party…I Love Deep River 🙂 Now for a lovely evening out with friends … Perfect Day “
Sunday 24 March 2013
So the kids had sleep over at nana/nani home. Wonderful kids! In the morning first Sachin woke up and later Sitara. As they were completing their breakfast , their parents came from Mackey. Nina to work at her Phramacy store and Sunjay had some work at his office on some issues. Both joined in the breakfast . After breakfast, both parents spent time with the kids. Sachin had an eye on a box (lying at nana/nani living room for some time) – containing McDonalds’ inflatable “Drive-In” tent. The kids had won that during the 2012 Canada Day celebration at Mackey . This was never opened but somehow had ended up at nana/nani home. So Sachin became a bit insistent that he wantedf to have it opened. So his dad was pressed to open it . He did and used an electric air pump to inflate the “Drive-in ” tent.
The kids enjoyed that the whole day – both playing together well. Each one wopuld drive to the window ( they have had an electric vehicle which they can each ride ) andd after awhile they covered the tent with bedsheets and living room blankets -enclosed it completely and they played games together. In the evening, this took an interesting turn. They wanted their nana to tell a story and act out. Such as a bad wolf or a monster) who would huff and puff anf try to blow the tent away and take away the kids . So nana play acted as a bad wolf, a bad monster and as a pirate and tried to scare the kids with dramatic story and acting. The kids revelled the whole one hour having fun with laughter nad joining in the noise making .
Subsequent to that Sitara led her nana downstairs to the recreation room (where they have another tent) . And she draws up 4 sketches (she is only 5 1/2 yr old) to tell her nana a ‘ ghost ‘ story. She got all the 4 sketches (sequential) hung from the inner wall (over where there is a window panel) and took a flashlight (torch) – going inside the tent – she told the ghost story (with all the dramatic gestures etc) as she made the story as it unfolded out . Sachin folowed her and tried to make his own ghost story. He being ionly 3 1/2 half – he was just following his big sister but boy! was he active – trying to make sketches and getting hold of another flashlight . Though after awhile he gave up that enterprise and diverted himself to play with toys in the Recreation Room.
The best part is that she then pulled her nana to his study as she wanted her “Ghost story ” to be written down .She askedher nana for help to write it down as she dictated. Her nana could not understand the her words properly (because of hearing loss or for other reasons) -so he took Sitara to her nani -who has a better understanding of kids words than nana . So Sitara dictated her story to her nani who wrote it down on a piece of paper. The wriiten form does not highlight all the dramatics that she did when telling the story and the use of the flashlights. So the reader of the story will have to imagine the dramatics on his/her own imaginations.
Here is the story by Sitara:
Once upon a time
There was a little ghost named Mike
Mike one day went to school (from his house/home)
Clack! Clack! Clack!
At School he learnt about flowers and fish
The he went home
Clack! Clack! Clack!
And had dinner
and the he went upstairs to brush the teeth
Clack! Clack! Clack!
Then he went into his room
Clack! Clack! Clack!
and put his pyjamas on.
Then he climbed on to his bed.
Tuesday 26 March 2013
A day to celebrate the arrival of Spring. In India they celebrate the spring arrival by merry making with colours – it is called Holi celebration. Nina was at nana/nani Deep River home with Sachin (usual Tuesday tradition – as she does not work on Tuesdays and Thursdays) . She got this excitement to celebrate Holi here in Deep River and both nana/nani were game for such exuberance. So with this approval she send invitation to all her friends (using facebook posting) . Here is what she sent out :
” It’s Holi – Indian First Day of Spring and the Festival of Color. Deep River folks…anyone who wants to show up at 65 Rutherford at 6pm today armed with baby powder can feel free to play and throw the powder at everyone in our drive way! Let’s take a few minutes to be free! (no color though…) “
So quite a few of her friends with their kids came over at 6.00 p.m at nana/nani driveway . Sitara was back from her school and Sunjay came from his work (these days he works late due to some urgent task at office) . All families were equiped with tulcam powder -and Nina & nani had also put out quite a few bowls of powder ready for all. There was so much excitement and all threw poweder on each other and welcome the spring.
All had a great time and the little children had fun together -whereby building their lifelong bonding with each other.
So what’s the idea behind holi? what’s the symbolism of the colours and the powder throwing?
This festival which marks the advent of spring, is a harbinger of joy, hope and fulfilment for all. People from India and Nepal celebrate Hindu festival that commemorates spring”™s arrival.
Holi marks the end of the winter gloom and rejoices in the bloom of the spring time.
Whatever be the choice of colour, nobody remains in their original texture at the end of the play. And everybody takes delight looking at the other. Really, the other name of the festival is FUN.
It can be said, “Life turns Colourful” when it is time for Holi.
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Colorful Legend
The legend from which the tradition of playing colours started is full of colours in itself. The story goes that the very colourful Indian god, Lord Krishna was jealous of his soul mate Radha’s fair complexion, since he himself was very dark.
Naughty young Krishna complained to his mother Yashoda about this injustice of nature. To placate the child, doting mother asked Krishna to apply colour on Radha’s face and change her complexion according to his choice.
Playful and mischievous Krishna appreciated the idea and implemented it. The game of applying colours thus gained so much popularity that it became a tradition and later it turned out to be a full fledged festival.
Till date, lovers desired to colour and be coloured by their mates. The application of colours has in a way become an expression of love.
It is a real fun to watch the otherwise always sober people making a clown of themselves.
——————–
In all Sitara was completely spattered (splashed) all over with white powder and Sachin too with all other kids.
The event lasted for about 1/2 hour .The day was bright and warmer for a winter (early spring) day . The day ended with good dinner by the family and the kids went home to Mackey with their mom all tired out – their dad had to go back to office for a short while .
Thursday 28 March 2013
Both Sitara and Sachin had a northern journey with their parents and went to Sudbury until Saturday 30 March 2013 -when they all retuned back to Mackey. As I understand this sojourn was planned with two other families ( the parents’ friends) including their chidren.
Here is what was posted on Nina’s Facebook dated Saturday 30 March 2013:
| “Wonderful 3 days in Sudbury. The kids had a great 1.5 days playing at Science North and an action packed day at Dynamic Earth (The Big Nickel) which included an Easter Egg hunt around the Big Nickel. Unpacked and laundry on, we’re glad to be home and in our own bed though!” |
Easter 2013
1 – Here we have an e-mail (dated Friday 29 March 2013) from Maya’s mom (Shannon) as to how she celebrated and enjoyed the Easter
1- Here is Maya modeling the bunny ears she made at daycare. She looks perfectly happy but in fact has a fever of 39.6 degrees and had to be picked up early from daycare yesterday. Let’s hope she gets better soon and that nobody else gets sick – with my big exams in five days, I can’t afford to get sick! Hope you are all enjoying the long weekend. xoxo”
She is a brave little girl – despite her fever she did modelled the bunny ears.
2 – on Sunday 31 March 2013 , Sitara an Sachin went to the Easter party at the Legion Hall in Chalk River (at 1.30 p.m) – their parents took/drove them in Vauxwagon Passt stationwagon and both nana/nani joined them driving in their Toyoto Corolla car. This was after their strenuous and pleasurable trip to Sudbury -returning back to Mackey only yesterday.
At the Easter party , both kids participated in all activities. Sitara did herr painting ( a fill paint type ) along with her nani . Sachin was busy with his dad making a decorated “Nest” – using a styrofoam cup and both did decorate easter eggs with full attention and fun. Then each one played the “spin-the wheel” – costing 25cts for each spin . Sitara did not win any prize but Sachin did. However, their nana had bought some raffle tickets for 4.00 dollars – and Sitara won a prize – she chose a nice cuddly blue bunny – a small one. They also played other games – like shooting a “basket” ball into a net or knocking 5 pins witth a ball .
At the end of the program at 3.00 p.m – the organisers had organised a ” Candy rumble ” outside – on a clean patch they had sprayed candy all over – for kid to pick up as many as they can (until all are picked up). Sitara and Sachin had a ball with that like all other kids. The beautiful weather helped to make the “candy rumble” a very successful. After that nana/nani went to theor home and the kids and parents returned to Mackey – they really need some rest time.
Here is the final comment – from kids mom (Nina) – posted on the Facebook after some rest home:
“The equivalent of two kids eating candy all day today is me drinking a whole bottle of wine tonight...”