Happy Birthday to Nana by Sitara/Sachin and Happy Birthday tio Bapuji by Maya and Kieran – to be celebrated on 8th April by the the whole family gathering in Toronto .
Also happy “Bal Movara Day” for Kieran – to be celebrated on Saturday 09 April 2016.
Thursday 07 April 2016
It was snowing and roads were needing clearing. It took a better part of the day to have inner roads at Mackey to be cleared – once the snow shoveling crew became free from Highway 17 cleared.
This day the kids (Sitara and Sachin) along with nana/nani left in nana’s 2001 maroon Dodge caravan to go to Toronto – driven by their mom (and partly by nana) . Left Mackey at about 5.00 pm.
Note: Their dad will come to Toronto next day in their VW Passat car . The Mistry family is getting ready to go to Jamaica for a vacation .
The kids were asleep when the gang arrived at SunirMama’s place at about 10:30 pm . Maya and Kieran were already gone to bed . So immediately after arrival in Toronto all went to sleep – after a short pow-wow with their SunirMama.
Next day Friday 08 April 2016 – it was house full of kids running up and down (from 7.00 am ) – all also wishing their granddad a Happy Birthday . Nana/Bapuji became 76 years to-day .
Sitara had got up early and was looking after already woken-up Kieran – reading him a book sitting on the chair in Kieran’s room . What a scene! Sitara now grown up (8 years and loving cousin -enjoying coddling 2 year old Kieran).
After breakfast, Kieran was gone to his DayCare and Maya to her Junior KG class – Sitara and Sachin and their mom joined Shannon to take them to their respective school on foot.
After lunch , Sitara/Sachin went to Sky Zone Trampoline Park on Esandar Drive for the trampoline jumping — with their mom and nana/nani. They had a great time. All returned to Mama’s house at about 4.30 pm – when both Maya and Kieran were picked up from their respective school by their mom and they were in the playground across their house – both Sitara and Sachin joined them at the playground – had fun on swing(s) and slides.
After dinner time . a birthday celebration for Granddad (Nana/Bapuji) was enjoyed with cake and birthday singsong by all. Kieran along with all other kids had lots of fun .
And then after much play , both Maya and Kieran went to sleep at their regular time and Sitara (who had been bunking in Maya’s room and Sachin who had been sleeping in his bed with nana/nani ) also were coaxed to go to sleep. Sunjay arrived at about 10.30 pm from Mackey and after a short rest with the family ( and partaking tea and birthday cake) – both Nina and Sunjay went to Kathy/Doug’s house to sleep. Shannon’s parents are gone to New Orleans to enjoy the Jazz festival there and have suggested for use of their house for sleeping – to minimize congestion at Sunir/Shannon’s house – now that the whole 3 families are under the same roof.
Saturday 09 April 2015
This is an auspicious day as the family celebrated Kieran’s “Bal Movara” (Mundan) – starting at 11.40 a.m . He is 2 years now and the Hindu tradition says that the “Bal Movara” is better done when the child is under 3 year old.
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NOTE:
Significance of “Mundan” ( “Bal Movar”) ceremony – baby’s first hair removal
Mundan ceremony – baby’s first hair removal, Jain/Hindu hair removal tradition
The Mundan ceremony ritual that involves the tonsuring of the baby”™s head. This ritual of doing away of the hair retained from birth is performed by Jains, Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims too. This tonsuring is done after the baby completes his first year and anytime between three years of age. Usually the Mundan is done on the 7th, 9th and or the 11th month. However, with modernised cultures ”“ these days are not always observed.
It is believed that carrying out the mundan ceremony takes care of the following aspects of the child
1. Your child gets a better future
2. The child gets a long life
3. The child is protected from the evil eye of others
4. The ceremony also cleans the body and the soul of the child
5. It is good as the head of the child can be cool in summers
6. A child who is teething requires mundan ceremony to feel more comfortable and relaxed.
7. It is also good for the better hair growth of the child
8. The mundan ceremony also improves the strength of the nerves in the brain of the child.
9. The child must let go of the past life and start a new life so the mundan ceremony is vital.
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Both Maya and Kieran got a pair of new clothing . Sitara and Sachin also got new clothing earlier separately ordered by her parents (on line) . Also all kids got some small cash as good luck.
Nina being Kieran’s Foi did a symbolic cutting of Kieran’s hair – though actual hair cut was done earlier by a barber and lofts of hair were gathered (in Zip bag) for eventual submission to a river stream ( most possibly the Ottawa River) . The Ottawa River runs through Deep River and alsl along Mackey.
In the afternoon after lunch, all drove to TIFF (two cars) to enjoy an outing at Digital
TIFF is a charitable cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world, through film.
Kids(and adults) has lots of fun and participated in various activities such as:
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digiPlaySpace
Experience an interactive adventure featuring 24 new-media exhibits from around the world.
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All kids had their faces painted and Sitara, Sachin and Nina has their caricature painting done by artists there.
After TIFF adventure, all went home and got ready to go to Oshwal’s Spring Event at Banbury Community center . Kids participated in various games – played with each other and also with adults . Kieran was have lots of fun along with his sister and cousins – with other kids at the event.
Oshwal Community is Ba/Bapuji’s heritage – their ancestral and present social grouping .
Maya/Kieran left the party early (with their parents) as they needed their good sleep and the remainder two families stayed – the adults played “Chokdi ” – Whist card game) and kids entertained themselves playing with other kids.
After that all came home by 11.00 pm – Nina/Sunjay went to Kathy/Doug’s home to sleep .
Sunday 10 April 2016
The kids got up at their usual time – had fun together and played with adults too.
Kieran got a painting from Sitara for his 2 year birthday – a robot coming out of sky . Sachin also gave Kieran a sketch that he made for Kieran.
The Mistry family went away to a hotel near airport ( Best Western) to stay there the night – so the next day (Monday 11 April 2016) they can go to airport early (7.00 am) for catching a flight to Jamaica for their holiday.
The following Monday and Tuesday – the routine of Maya and Kieran going to their Daycare and school was maintained – Kieran driven by his mom in their Subaru Outback car and Maya went with her Ba walking .
Kieran has a very keen sense of observing what is happening around him. So, on Tuesday just before breakfast he saw his Ba with his dad’s blue shirt and immediately noted that his Ba was carrying some buttons – Kieran just piped up/ asking tone ” Ba doing buttons ! ” Ba said yes and then asked him whether he would want to help. Of course Kieran was just plain a happy to do that. So breakfast was kept pending -and both Kieran and Ba moved over to the living room sofa and did buttoning of the shirt together. Maya also joined them subsequently – at least observing the activity.
Ba/Bapuji spent afternoon going to play bridge card game on both days at a bridge club . Maya was then picked up from school by her Ba while Kieran was picked up by his mom after her work.
It was a great time spending with all the kids and Ba/ Bapuji returned back to Deep River on Wednesday 13 April 2016.
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Sitara and Sachin – flew from Toronto (West jet) on Monday 11 April 2016 to Jamaica with their parents – for vacation to Montego Bay at the amazing resort at Hilton Rosehall . Returning time to Toronto Pearson Airport – early Tuesday morning (00:26 am) 19 April 2016 .
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Amazing Resort – Hilton Rosehall – thats where the family went.
This is what Nina reported (posted ) on her Facebook (with the photo of the swimming pool at the Hilton>:
” This is high time, when the pool was the busiest! Seriously the most chill and lovely resort so far. Small, not crowded, always deck chairs and cabanas available, awesome entertainment AND a waterpark with a tubing, slides and a lazy river. Most fantastic wink emoticon ”
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The kids and parents returned to Mackey late in the evening of Tuesday 19 April 2016 – in their VW Passat car – which their parents had parked at the Best Western Hotel .
Friday 22 April 2016
Sachin’s words of wisdom:
This is what his mom posted on her Facebook repeated this day – what she had posted last year (memories) on 22 April 2015 (when Sachin was 5 years old) wall on this day:
” Me: Washing the shower glass in my bathroom
Sachin: “Oh! So this is how I will clean the shower when this is my room. My kids will be downstairs in my room.”
Me: “WHERE WILL WE BE!?!?”
Sachin: “You’ll be dead….but I will have Pictures of you” (he only added the photo thing after he saw the look on my face) ”
Saturday 23 April 2016
Finally coaxed the Mackey family (Nina, Sunjay , Sitara and Sachin) to a dinner party at Bears Den in Deep River – with an old refrain of celebrating Sunjay’s promotion (which happened eons ago and celebrated with dinner at Santa Fe in Deep River. had a lovely time at Bears Den – kids enjoyed it and nana/nani were just joyful. Of course both Nina and Sunjay were relaxed and enjoyed the evening.
Just before and then after Bears Den dinner, the family played a new card game – “Skip.Bo” together. Sachin was in the element and Sitara as usual played well.
Note: Skip.Bo is a commercial version of the card game Spite and Malice. In 1967, Minnie Hazel “Skip” Bowman of Texas began producing a boxed edition of the game under the name Skip-bo. In 1980 the game was purchased by International Games, which was subsequently bought by Mattel in 1992.
Friday 22 April 2016
Announcement – Maya and Kieren got a new cousin sister, Julia. Their mom sent the following e-mail (to-day) with the baby’s photos – see below:
+" Erika and Mathieu's baby was born yesterday! A Beautiful baby girl
named Julia, weighing 6lb 14oz. Parents and baby are doing well. Maya
and Kieran are excited to have a new cousin. I can't wait to go to
Switzerland next month to visit my new niece "
Julia is born on Thursday 21 April 2016 in Switzerland . Proud parents are Erica and her husband Mathieu. Erica is Shannon’s sister and thus she is Maya/Kieran’s aunt.
Friday 29 April 2016
Both Sitara and Sachin had a sleep-over at nana/nani home as both parents went to Ottawa. Their dad on business and their mom went to have her car (VW) for a maintenance job at a VW dealer in Ottawa. After that the parents got together and stayed in Ottawa for a night – near Byward market. This is what their mom posted on her Facebook Wall about having a dinner at the Byward market Courtyard Restaurant :
“ Yummy brunch at the beautiful, peaceful Courtyard in The Market. We will have to try out the other suggestions the next time when we are not staying in the market. ”
However, in the afternoon both nana/nani went to Mackenzie Community School auditorium (in Deep River) to attend a school assembly where the subject for discussion was ” Responsibility ” and also award was announced to some students for recognition of their “Responsible ” attitude in their class . This time Sachin or Sitara did not make the mark but Sachin had specially asked for nana/nani to attend the event.
After school. both the kids were picked up by nana/nani and after going over to Valumart for grocery shopping all went home and had dinner . After dinner, kids were driven by nana/nani to Deep River Library for “Book Sale” event – where both of the kids bought several books . Nana also bought 5 books by J. A. Jance – a mystery writer.
After returning home and after having dissert , the kids and their nani watch a movie on the TV before the kids went to sleep.
Saturday 30 April 2016
On Saturday, after breakfast, kids were accompanied by nana/nani went to “Spring Carnival” at the Mackenzie School Gym organized by a student body for a fund raiser. Kids had a lovely time, face painting, temporary tattoos , can knocking, bouncing in the inflated play unit -and also hitching onto some of their friends to have fun.
After lunch, kids settled down with TV and computer games for short time but then Sachin was walked by his nani to one of his friends (Kyle) home for a birthday party . His friends lives very close to nana/nani home in Deep River. Sitara got involved with her nani in the kitchen to make apple dessert. See the following as to what was posted by her mom on her Facebook Wall re; the dessert.
Sitara designed and made dessert tonight followed by a rousing game of “Pass the Gas” where if you pass wind, you are Out!
Her nana commented on the post : The machine does it when pressed at a wrong time.
Saturday 30 April 2016
Kieran’s mom posted a photo of Kieran on her facebook Wall with title : ” Saturday morning fun “. Kieran with the rain boots and sunglasses with the Jammies. Bapuji commented Kieran as ” Macho man ”
Maya also had her mom posted a photo of her with the title: ” More Saturday fun “.
Maya with an excellent Pose with a subtle smile in her flower outfit, fingers/toes painted and colorful slippers.
Thursday 05 May 2016
This day the summer activities (new) started for Sitara and Sachin. The swimming immediately after the end of school – at the Mackenzie pool . This pool was closed down during winter for a major renovation/repair work and now it is complete and thus swimming has now begun. After swimming , Sachin had soccer practice at Grouse Park in Deep River – Tim Horton black Jersey No. 9 .
So after swimming all came over to nana/nani home for dinner – by the way nana had made a banana/bread dessert -which went very well with all but particularly kids – who kept saying “yummy” few times. Sachin also took a vote of all diners as to who liked the dessert – of course all raised hands .
Sunday 08 May 2016
Nana/nani went over to Mackey and joined the Kids (Sitara/Sachin) and family to go to Stonecliffe ( about 5 minutes drive west of Mackey for a “Relay for Life ” Mother’s Day breakfast Fundraiser at Stonecliffe Townhall.
The breakfast was fun and the program of raffles etc was exciting – for both Sitara and Sachin to enjoy.
Kids won 3 prizes ( small) on a raffle.
After the program – all came back home to Mackey . Sunjay (kids’s dad) then went to Toronto for a week on business need. Nana/nani stayed and played with the kids different games and after dinner all played Monopoly (for a short time ) and the kids were tucked into sleep (having adults reading story books to them) .
Monday 09 May 2016
Today there was an “Evening of Music” at the auditorium at Mackenzie Community School in Deep River starting at 7.00 pm – where Sitara also participated as a singer in her school group(s). Nana/nani joined her mom (Nina) and her brother (Sachin) as audience to enjoy the music and songs.
Wednesday 13 May 2016
Good News — It is official . Maya and Kieran will have another sibling by the end of the year or just after the New year of 2017.
Here is what Shannon sent by e-mail (of this date) to her family members :
Hi everyone, Here is your first glimpse of your future
niece/nephew/grandchild! I went for my dating ultrasound this morning
and based on the baby's measurements, they pushed the due date back from
December 30 to January 7. Less likely to be a Christmas baby, but it
still could be born in either 2016 or 2017... we will have to wait and
see! All looks good so far... and I am feeling less nauseous today :) Love Shannon and Cocoa Puff #3 xox
Tuesday 17 May 2016
Ba made special food (" prasad ") as an offering to Gods and our ancestors - this was in preparation for submitting Kieran's hair ( brought from Toronto last month - when his "Bal Movara" - cutting of some of his " birth hair " was done) to the flowing river. Sachin participated (as he had just arrived at nana/nani home for usual Tuesday evening meal from the school with his dad) with his nana and nani in the prayers when symbolically offering of food - along with lighting a candle.
Wednesday 18 May 2016
This day Ba and Bapuji went over to the Ottawa River (at the marina in Deep River) to first spread the " prasad " to environment along the river - for bugs (like ants etc ) for their feed. After that Kieran's hair (symbolic cluster of hair) were submitted into the river at the Lighthouse location - where there is deeper river water.
Friday 20 May 2016
This day was a new experience for Maya and Kieran – they were to spend a week or so with their dad alone as their mom (Shannon) was to air travel to Switzerland today along with her sister Heather – to be with their other sister Erica – who recently became a new mother with a lovely daughter, Julia. Their mom and Aunt Heather have gone to Switzerland to celebrate with their younger sister the arrival of Julia . It also means their cousin , Cole , is also being looked after by his dad, Ryan . So two dads in Toronto are being modern dads who can look after their kids well by themselves – when their (kids’) moms are either professionally or socially required to travel away from the family.
Shannon and Heather are expected to return to Toronto from Switzerland on Saturday 28 May 2016
Saturday 21 May 2016
This was an exciting day for the kids (Sitara and Sachin) and their parents. A snake was spotted in the swimming pool – which was recently activated after the winter shutdown. Sunjay managed to get it out of the pool and it was transported away and let go in the grass away from the property.
The swimming pool was once again emptied, new water and chemicals were added and the family went back to swim in it on Monday (Victoria Day) 23 May 2016.
By the way, Nina/Sunjay named the snake — ” Our new friend Fred Bob George ”
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Note:
The snake is called ” Northern Ringneck ”
Mostly harmless but if they get ticked off enough they will bite and they are Venomous. For the most part the Venom is mild, but some people can react to it, They say Venomous, but it’s really more like a bee sting/welt reaction. However some people will react violently if they are bitten.
It is believed that the only venomous snake in Canada was the Mississauga rattlesnake.
This slender snake is aptly named for the distinct yellow, cream or orange ring around the neck. The body is a uniform dark grey, brown or black. This species has smooth scales. Juveniles tend to be even blacker than the adults and have velvety skin. The belly of the northern ring-necked snake is generally bright yellow or orange with dark edges, although sometimes it is a dull yellow or whitish yellow. Ring-necked snakes can grow to just over 70 centimetres in length but are usually 30 to 40 centimeters long.
Ring-necked snakes are nocturnal and remain under rocks, logs and leaf piles during the day. These snakes are social and can often be found in groups. If threatened, the northern ring-necked snake may emit a musky odour or display its bright underside to scare off predators.
Wednesday 25 May 2016
Completed reading ” Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ” by J. K. Rowling – a popular kids book. Sachin (my grandson – 6 yrs old) ) is reading these books and he would want his nana (me) to read these too. So the book was borrowed from him (nay – from his mom) .
Thursday 26 May 2016
This day Nina drove nana (and nani) to Ottawa for an appointment at the Heart Institute – for pre- surgery meeting for the upcoming nana’s Heart Bypass surgery – BUT also it was the day when Sitara began participating in the Province-wide tests for various subjects taught in Grade 3 class (amongst other Grades) at McKenzie Community School in Deep River. This tests will last for the better part of the week
Friday 27 May 2016
It was nana/nani’s 49th Wedding Anniversary . Sitara and Sachin phoned with Happy Anniversary song – prior to them going to their school (by bus) and later after that nana was driven by her mom (accompanied by their nani ) to Ottawa Heart Institute for a pre-ops appointment – to get ready for Bypass surgery on Wednesday June 01 , 2016.
Also in the evening , Maya and Kieran were with their dad -on the phone – wishing Ba/Bapuji a Happy Anniversary.
Saturday 28 May 2016
Shannon will be returning back to Toronto from visiting her sister Erica and the baby niece (Julia) in Switzerland. She went there along with her sister Heather from Toronto. Both Maya and Kieran would be joyous to see their mom after absence of a week or there about.
Saturday 28 May 2016
This week Sitara, Sachin, their mom and dad were to go to Ottawa to participate in a marathon – where the family will join in a walk for 5 km -within the marathon.
This is what their mom posted on her Facebook on Sunday 29 may 2016 – with photos
Ottawa 5km – May 28, 2016 – SO HOT – Felt like 36C – So proud of the kids!
Sunday 29 May 2016
Both Sitara and Sachin came over to Deep River (after completing their home work) -with their parents -driven by parents – to spend afternoon/ time with nana/nani .
Tuesday 31 May 2016
This day nana was driven in the afternoon to Ottawa by Nina. Both Sitara and Sachin to be with their dad . nani accompanied nana – all stayed at the Intern Residence – very close to the Ottawa Heart Institute
Nana had a Bypass Surgery at the Ottawa Heart Institute – he needed to be there early morning at 6.00 a.m on Wednesday 01 June 2016 – so Nina (and nani ) drove nana to the Heart Institute in the morning ( even though it was close to the Intern Residence – it was felt being early in the morning it is wise to drive to the Heart Institute)
Nana went into the Operating Theater – all on a wheeled stretcher with nani and Nina walking besides the stretcher . While on stretcher Nana spoke out poems for his loving grandkids – one at a time – sort of a ” couplet of poem ” for each grandchild and Nina was good enough to record the poems in her cell-phone for posterity. These grandkids – all four of them are so precious keeping nana lively.
After the surgery was over , nana was wheeled into the ICU for recovery from anesthesia (administered before the surgery) – where nani and Nina were also waiting to be sure all went well with the surgery. The surgery was an unique non -invasive procedure developed by Dr. Mark Ruel (and his colleagues) . For nana’s surgery Dr. Ruel was the surgeon , He is also the Chief Surgeon at the Ottawa Heart Institute.
Nina returned back to Mackey on Thursday to be with the family -as nana was well looked after by the Hospital staff but also by nani who stayed behind at the Intern Residence. Nina returned back to Ottawa to bring nana (and nani) back to Deep River on Monday 06 June 2016 – but nana could not be released because of complications in his Heart beats (heart rhythm) and thus the return to Deep River was postponed till next day Tuesday 07 June 2016.
Tuesday 07 June 2016
This day nana was driven from the Heart Institute in Ottawa by Nina in the afternoon arriving at Deep River home at 6.00 pm.
Wednesday 08 June 2016 to Tuesday 14 June 2016
This period was a bit of a turmoil for the family as nana was getting settled at home – keeping his health stabilized as much as possible. There was a bit of panic the day after arriving home as Heart rate and Blood pressure were found higher than normal . Dr Ruel’s office (in Ottawa at Heart Institute) was notified – who subsequently changed the Beta blocking medicine . Nana’s health has remained quite stable after that. Nana also kept carrying out normal expected exercises and walking (as instructed by the Heart Institute ) on a daily basis .
Both Sitara and Sachin have been visiting their nana practically every day and Maya and Kieran had been in communications with their Bapuji at least in the early days after arrival at home.
Both Sitara and Sachin had been very understanding kids – always wanted to be near nana , hug him, play with him or converse with him.
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Sachin also saw nana’s surgery Video on the CTV Ottawa News on Wednesday 08 June 2016 along with his dad, nana and nani. Both Sitara and her mom were at the swimming at that time and thus missed seeing the video. So nana’s surgery was videoed by the CTV Ottawa News for informing public of the latest non-invasive method for artery bypass – as perfected by Dr. Ruel (of the Ottawa Heart Institute)
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Sachin wants to play with nana – cards (Go Fish or Making 10s ) and he has left Pokomen story books for nana to read. Sitara wants to be nana or nana to be with her and thus both of them spend time on the computer (she watch her videos) or getting nana participating in her Barbie -” make believe ” games with palace and car for transport. All these toys are present at nana/nani home since they were born – added over the years.
What a lovely and polite way of connecting with nana and keeping his spirits high during this recovery time for nana. They are just the sunshine -what one needs in life.
Saturday 12 June 2016
Sachin was talking to his nani – that can he stay at DR for the night – he does not want to go to Mackey and he would rather stay in DR to keep company with his nana when nani is busy preparing comforts for nana. So perceptive and caring grandson – shows responsibility.
Thursday 16 June 2016
It was a beautiful day . Sunir called on his cell-phone to enquire about his dad (Maya/Kieran’s Bapuji) while they were at a year-end barbeque party at Maya’s school. Kieran was there with them too. However Shannon was busy elsewhere. So Maya/Kieran enjoyed the barbeque at the school and made most of the nice warm day. Tomorrow (Friday 17 June 2916) – all of them are going to the Cottage for the weekend (their maternal grandparents’ cottage ). Their auntie Heather , uncle Ryan and cousin Cole will also join them .
Thursday 16 June 2016
Both Sitara and Sachin came over to nana/nani home after school (and Sitara’s swimming at the Mackenzie pool) – with their dad. Their mom was conspicuous by absence as she was working ( her locum jobs) . All had dinner together – in between the kids’ soccer , art class etc – being transported by their dad.
Sitara did asked her nani – about missing her mom at the table . Sitara particularly asked her nani – whether she (nani) feels bad that her mom could not be at the dinner table. At the end of the dinner Sitara asked for piece of “Quiche” to take home (Mackey) for her mom (Nina) This made nani very very happy.
Friday 17 June 2016
This is the day when Sitara has a “piano recital” program at the Childs Auditorium (Mackenzie Community School) at 6.15 pm. She played well – though nana did not go as he is recovering from his Bypass surgery. Nani went with the Mistry family and took a video of the event. Nana enjoyed watching the video in the evening . Well done Sitara.
Note: Sitara was one of the performers (out of some 18 performers) -from The Junior Music Club. Sitara Mistry’s theme was – A Knights Comes Riding, Fletcher.
Leila Fletcher – A Knight Comes Riding / Through the Enchanted Forest.
Thursday 23 June 2016
This day was a busy day – as Sitara and Sachin were to be attended to at the Mackenzie pool by their nani as Nina (kid’s mom) was busy in Pembroke and then going over to Mackey to let the pool heater technician access to the heater -for repair. Nani went over to the pool at 4.00 p.m – in the meantime nana did his 20 minute walking within the house – knowing that there will be no time in the evening to go outside for a walk. Nani brought Sitara and Sachin back from the pool at about 5.00 p.m – then joined in by their dad and mom for a few minutes at nana/nani home . The parents were going to Petawawa to a dad’s office party and thus they will be away until about 10 pm.
Nani took Sitara to the art class and Sachin to soccer after dinner and all were home just after 7.00 pm.
After that kids played with nana – Sitara playing cards – some new games she had learnt at school (like ” crazy 8 ” and also making a series of 7 cards ) . It was fun. Sachin had a shower ( according to him the best – a kind of compliment to nani) and after that spent most time at nana’s computer – playing “pokomen games”. They got picked up by their parents at about 10 pm – nana has already gone to sleep for his rest.
Friday 24 June 2016
Both Sitara and Sachin came DR home at about 6.30 pm with their parents after having dinner at a restaurant. After some rest and chit-chat (and playing cards with Sitara) – all went outdoors for a walk – as nana needs to walk two (2) times a day for about 20minutes each time – as part of recovery program – from his Heart Bypass Surgery. The whole family Kids and parents along with nani joined nana for a walk along Wolfe Road and returning on Rutherford Av back to the house.
After the walk , all rested in the living room -and then Sitara played cards with nana and and her mom. Then she played with her nani with her Barbie and palace . Sachin managed to sneak into nana’s computer room – to play his “pokomen games”.
All had good time until the family went to Mackey at about 10.00 pm.
Friday 24 June 2016
This is what Shannon e-mailed to family members (dated Friday 24 June 2016
" I had my 12-week ultrasound this morning. All looks well and the baby looks a lot more human than at the last ultrasound. Here is a profile of his or her face... pretty cute! "
The baby is looking good !
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This is what nani e-mailed to Sitara/Sachin’s mom on Friday 17 June 2016
Beautiful Kids”
On June 11 Saturday Nina and kids are at our place in the evening. When it was time to go home mom said “let’s go home,
Sachin whispers in my(nani’s) ears “I don’t want to go home, I want to stay here to help you Nani . When you are busy cooking I can help you when Nana needs anything. I thought it was so awesome for a little kid to think about the help needed at that time.
On June 16 when Nina was working at Rexall, Sunjay, Sitara and Sachin came to have dinner at our place after swimming and before
Sachin’s soccer and Sitara’s art class. At the dinner table Sitara asks me(nani) if I feel bad that her mom was not at the table for dinner. I explained that she is working. Before she left for her art class she asks if I would send a piece of Quiche for her mom home. Now that was cute.
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Sunday 26 June 2016
This is what Nina posted on her Facebook wall:
Sitara: “Mommy, me and Sachin are Perrcusion! ”
Sachin: “Yeah! We are percussion instruments… ”
Sitara: “…because we hit each other!”
Me: “Yeah…”
Thursday 30 June 2016
This day Maya and Kieran along with their parents drove over from Toronto to Deep River – to spend time with their Ba/Bapuji (after Bapuji’s recent Bypass Surgery ) – to cheer Bapuji . En Route they had stopped over at Huntsville to pay a visit to Shannon’s grandma (maternal) .
Both Sitara and Sachin were also in Deep River – for their swimming and then Sachin’s soccer at the Grouse Park (in Deep River) . This was the last day for Sahin’s soccer when they will have play with multiple teams and then each one getting a medal for playing soccer.
So all (Maya/Kieran & parents as well as Sitara/Sachin & parents) had dinner at grandparents home in Deep River. After dinner all went over to Grouse park to cheer Sachin in his soccer games.
After soccer, Sachin along with his sister Sitara went over to their home in Mackey with their parents and Maya along with Kieran (& parents) spent the night at Ba/Bapuji home.
Friday 01 July 2016
This being the Canada Day, all were meeting at Mackey (at the park at the end of the Jennings Road) to celebrate the Canada day. Maya and Kieran were driven by their parents ( after visiting their Nadia’s family in Deep River) and the grandparents drove separately . Many people were gathered to celebrate the Canada day and there were games and fun things for kids and adults . Unfortunately, the rain spoilt the fun just after lunch.
After that all gathered at Nina/Sunjay home in Mackey , played games (card and others)- Kieran was coddled by all but more so by Sitara like a big sister . All had dinner at Mackey, Maya/Kieran and parents stayed the night at Mackey and grandparents returned to Deep River at about 9.30 pm.
Here is poem nana (Bapuji) wrote to celebrate the 2016 Canada day – the poem was published in the North Renfrew Times ( newspaper in Deep river) – Wednesday 29 June 2016 edition.
O! Canada
Canada our majestic land
With heart of Gold
Welcoming
Suffering masses from far lands
So much love respect for humanity
Canada a land of smiles and cheers
from sea to sea
Canada Our majestic land
Confident relaxed nation
A God given “heaven” on earth
Many Many thanks
For being our home
Our future
We celebrate Canada Day
With great pride and joy
O! Canada
we stand on guard for thee
Pravin Shah
26 July 2016
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Saturday 02 July 2016
All kids (Sitara,Sachin, Maya and Kieran) were just so with each other the whole day- they went into the Hot Tub, swam in the pool and played in the house with various toys and cards . Nana/nani (Ba/Bapuji) had come over from Deep River to be with the family. And during the day Bapuji went for his walk ( needed for recovery after the surgery) joined by Sunir ,Maya, Sachin, Nina and nani/Ba in the morning walk . During the walk, wild strawberries were picked along the path.
Sunjay/Nina had put a hammock on one side of the property – where Sitara joined her dad to enjoy the swing for the time when others were out walking with her nana .
Also after lunch, Sunjay/Nina installed a ” Tight Rope ” between two trees (on the other side of the house) – both Sitara and Sachin were excited to walk over it and had lots of fun. SunirMama also walked over -though the rope did sag due to heavy weight.
After dinner (and after Maya/ Kieran had gone to sleep) – all played card game (UNO) and once it was over Nana/nani returned to Deep River at about 10.00 pm , while kids’ Mama/Mami stayed at Mackey along with Maya/Kieran.
Sunday 03 July 2016
This day Maya/Kieran were returning to Toronto – to be driven by their parents in their silvery Subaru Outlook car .
The grandparents came over from Deep River early – as Nina/Shannon wanted photos of the grandparents with all the kids together. The photos were taken. The kids went to swim in the pool and after that all had lunch together before Maya/Kieran left for Toronto with their parents.
In the afternoon, Sitara was driven to Deep River by her mom – to visit one of her friends and spend some time there . Nana/nani returned to Deep River – leaving Sachin his dad home in Mackey – where they were busy reinstalling their Trampoline unit.