Author Archives: pravinshah

About pravinshah

I am a citizen of Canada, emigrating to Canada from Kenya in 1974. I am currently working but have offered my retirement letter effective Monday, 2007 April 16. This is just after my 67th birthday (which falls on April 08). I have been working as Professional Cvil Engineer (and subsequently as a Manager since 1962 June).

Book Reading -Miscellaneous Books Read (2015)

This year started with being sick – fell sick on last day of 2014 – Flu bug with a touch of pneumonia.

Tuesday 6 January 2015

1)   Finally got strength to complete reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert – that makes 18 books of hers so far

Titled: Bleeding Hearts

Wednesday 14   January 2015

2) Just complete reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert – new series of books

Title: The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star.

Tuesday 20 January 2015

3) Completed reading a book by Mary Higgins Clark

Title : The Second Time Around

4) Nearly completed a   book by Jaroslav Hasek – translated by Cecil Parrott with original illustrations by Josef Lada.     A story   ( a bit funny ) about a czech soldier in a Austrian Army.

This book belonged to recently departed Shannon’s grandfather (Ray) and given to me by her Grandmother (Opal) for keeps as a memory to Ray   . The grandparents live in Huntsville, Ontario.

Title: The Good Soldier SVEJK and his fortunes in the World war.

Tuesday 27 January 2015

5) Completed reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert – new series of books

The Darling Dahlias and The Silver Dollar Bush

Sunday 01 Februay 2015

6) Completed reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert – new series of books

The Darling Dahlias and The Naked ladies

Tuesday 10 February 2015

7)   Completed reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert – new series of books

The darling Dahlias and The Cucumber tree

Monday   16 February 2015

8)   Completed reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert – new series of books

The darling Dahlias and The Confederate Rose.

I guess it is re-read.

Monday 23 February 2015

9)   Completed reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert – another series of books ( The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter)

Title :   The Tale of Holly How

Friday 27 February 2015

10) Completed reading a book by Nora Roberts –   with a theme   ” Sometimes the biggest gamble is to not rosk at all …”     –  

Title:   The MacGregors     ( Robert     —-   Cybil )

Thursday 05 March 2015

11) Completed reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert – another series of books ( The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter)

Title : The Tale of Briar Bank

While visiting Toronto ( and be with the grandkids Maya and Kieran) between   Saturday 7 March 2015 and Tuesday 17 March 2015   –     completed   reading   four (4) books

Monday 09 March 2015

12)   Completed reading the book titled ” I Heard That Song Before” by Mary Higgins Clark . Took that book from Deep River .

Wednesday 11 March 2015

13)   Completed reading the book   titled ” Stories From The Vinyl Cafe” by Stuart McLean. This book is part of Sunir/Shannon collection of books.

Sunday 15 March 2015

14) Completed reading the book   titled ” Case Histories” by Kate Atkinson . This book is part of Sunir/Shannon collection of books.

Note: Next book (by Kate Atkinson) to read ( to be obtained from the Deep River Library) is titled ” One Good Turn”

Monday 16 March 2015

15) Completed reading the book titled ” The Divine Lord Mahaveer ”       by Muni Shri Chandrashekhar Vijayji . Took that book from Deep River. It is the Jain religious book (A part of 4 books that we got from our last visit to Kenya)

Returned back to Deep River on Tuesday 17 March 2015

Saturday 21 March 2015

16)   Completed reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert (China Bayles Series)

Sunday   29 March 2015

Title : A Dilly of A Death

Wednesday 25 March   2015

17) Completed reading a book by Nora Roberts ( First in the new Irish trilogy)

Title:   Jewels of the Sun

Sunday 29 March 2015

18) Completed reading a book by Nora Roberts ( Second in the new Irish trilogy)

Title:   Tears of The Moon

Monday   06 April 2015

19) Completed reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert – another series of books ( The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter)

Title : The Tale of Oak Crag

Sunday 12 April 2015

20) Completed reading a book by Susan Wittig Albert – final book in this series of books( The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter)

Title:   The Tale of Appleback Orchard

Saturday 18 April 2015

21) Completed reading a ” Tom Clancy’s ”   titled Endwar -The Hunted   written by David Michaels.

The book starts with a scenerio that the country of Dubai was ruined as nuclear explosions detonated in Iran and saudi Arabia in 2016.

Saturday 16 May 2015

22) Completed   reading another book   authored / written by Tom Clancy.

Theme: Fictitious –   Japan’s   inroads into wrecking USA economy and then engaging   into war with USA to get equal treatment/partnership.

Title:   Debt of Honor

Saturday   06 June 2015

23) Completed   reading another book   authored / written by Tom Clancy.

Theme: drug Cartel in Columbia

Title:   Clear and Present Danger

Tuesday 16 June 2015

24) Completed   reading another book   authored / written by Tom Clancy.

Theme : Russian take over of Crimea (in Ukraine)

Title:   Command Authority

Saturday 27 June   2015

25) Completed   reading another book   authored / written by Tom Clancy.

Theme : Russian Submarine   in a move to seek asylum in USA

Title:   The Hunt for Red October

Sunday 12 July 2015

26) Completed   reading another book   authored / written by Tom Clancy.

Theme : China going over to Russia to take part of Siberia for newly found minerals – gold and oil

Title:   The Bears and Dragons

Friday 24 July 2015

27) & 28)   Completed reading two books ( from a trilogy of books of three complete novels) by Dean Koontz

– A book titled   ” The House of Thunder ”

– A book titled   ” Shadowfires ”

Friday 21 August 2015

29) Completed reading the third book ( from a trilogy of books of three complete novels) by Dean Koontz

– a book titled ” Midnight ”

Tuesday 08 September 2015

30) Completed   reading another book   authored / written by Tom Clancy.

Title : Red Rabbit   – to get a Russian   out of Russia – who was concerned about potential killing of Pope by the Russian State. So he wanted to move out of Rusia and warn the West about this nefarious activity by his Government.

Wednesday 16 September 2015

31) Completed   reading another book   authored / written by Tom Clancy.

Title: Locked On – the trouble made by Pakistani ISI and terrorists – also getting hole of two nuclear devices.

Thursday 17 September 2015

31) Completed reading a book by Agatha Christie   ( Toomy/Tuppence Beresford series)

Title:   N or M

Between Friday 18 September 2015 and Friday 16 October, 2015

Completed reading the follwoing three (3) books

32) First the book by Muriel Jensen – titled :     ” The Men of Maple Hill ”

– in fact there are two novels provided in this book

i) Man With A Mission

ii) Man With A Message

and a bonus book ( in brief )   – ” Lucky in Love ”

33) The other book is by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” Total Recall ” .

In this book the woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski is the main ” pin ball ” type detective in action.

34) Then the book which was completed on this day   ( Friday 16 October, 2015 ) is by Scottish writer – Alexander McCall Smith- set in Botswana in Southern Africa with his   main detective   Mma Precious Ramotswe .

Title: The Kalahari Typing School For Men

This is the book brought/bought   by Nina – and refreshes my previous (earlier) reading of this   book as well as other books (with the same detective) by the author ( Alexander McCall Smith ).

35)   Sunday 25 October 2015

I completed reading the second book by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” Hard Time ” .

In this book the woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski becomes a victim of   vengence by   a vicious person who runs Private run prison .

 

36)   Thursday 05 November 2015

I completed reading the second book by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” Hardball ” .

In this book the woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski becomes involved in tryin to find a nephew of an African American woman in final stages of her life (Claudia) and stumbled into her   own (V.I. Warshawski’s) dad’s duty   few decades ago and killling of a Civil Rights Movement vounteer at Martin Luther King’s procession in 1967 .

37) Monday 09 November 2015

I completed reading the second book by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” BodyWork ” .

In this book the woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski becomes involved in tryin to find the killer of a sister (and the murder pinned on a Veteran   as a fall guy).

38) Tuesday 17 November 2015

I completed reading the second book by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” Dead Lock ” .

In this book the woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski becomes involved in tryin to find the killer of her Cousin (Boom Boom) with the background relating to shipping of grain – between USA and Canada

39) Tuesday   24 November 2015

I completed reading the third book by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” Critical Mass   ” .

— The woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski

This is a very touching book on two counts

1) It touches on Nazi Holocaust in Germany/Austria and

2) On the development of   computer / nuclear bombs and a race between scientists and Goverments – mostly in Germany/Austria and USA.

— The woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski

40) Friday   27 November 2015

I completed reading the fourth book by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” Indemnity Only   ” .

— The woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski

This book borrowed by Inter-library loan.

41) Monday   30 November 2015

I completed reading the fifth book by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” Bitter Medicine ” .

— The woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski

A close friend of   ( a young girl of 16) dies in hospital – afterdeliveringa baby ( which also dies) .

42) Sunday   06 December 2015

I completed reading the sixth book by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” Break Down ”

— The woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski

Her   ” detective work ”   keeps one reading and reading   – so captivating

43 ) Sunday   20 December 2015

completed reading the seventh book by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” Blacklist ”

— The woman detective ( private eye) V. I. Warshawski

Repeat : Her   ” detective work ”   keeps one reading and reading   – so captivating

44)   Wednesday 30 December 2015

This is the last book for the year that I have completed – (note I do not record other small odd books Iread along withn these recorded books here on the blog.

Completed reading the 8th book by Sara Paretsky titled :   ” Guardian Angel “.

Thsi book is also very captivating .

 

_——————————————————————————————————————————————————

NRT – Letter to Editor- Why we should celebrate 2014 Christmas ?

The following article was published in the North Renfrew Times (Deep River) on its weekly Wednesday edition dated 10 December, 2014

——————————–

07 December, 2014

 

Why we should celebrate 2014 Christmas ?

 

The time has come for the 2014 Christmas and festivities and we are getting in the mood to celebrate the good times.

This is the time of year when we unburden ourselves from all the worldly worries/pain and think about and thank for the   gifts God has showered on us over the whole year – notwithstanding some difficulties and obstacles experienced.

Within family , many of us are fortunate to enjoy the family members and their achievements and accomplishments but more important are the grandchildren who give us unlimited love and joy.

We were overjoyed when our grandchildren participated in this year’s   Deep River Santa parade . They were angels – unencumbered with worldly worries and strife.

Personally , I have passed the year peacefully/happily   and with a normally good health for a senior though with advancing age I had my moments. I am sure my wife survived my occasional shenanigans and deficiencies .

As a community,   we welcomed the newly elected   Municipal Council members and a new   Mayor for the town. We are hopeful that they will execute their responsibilities with aplomb and seriousness   and work to streamline expenses so that the actual Property Taxes are reduced .   Deep River Property Taxes are becoming a burden for all but   mostly for the seniors – whether on pension or not.

In Canada we had the attack on our Parliament.    A series of shootings occurred on October 22, 2014, in Ottawa.   At the   Canadian national War Memorial   Corporal Nathan Cirillo, a Canadian soldier on ceremonial   sentry duty was shot dead .

On October 20, 2014, Martin Couture-Rouleau   deliberately rammed a car into a group of two Canadian Armed Forces   soldiers in a shopping centre parking lot in   Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec .  Patrice Vincent   lost his life from this attack.

But we Canadians have weathered these events   with great solemnity and without any   generalisation of blame on any community/race/nationality /religion .

 

 

 

 

 

That is the spirit of Christmas – when we do not go into the blame game but take rational steps to diffuse the situation.

Yes,   at times we need to sacrifice and hold our anger and frustration and   look to our Creator for solace and guidance in life.

The baby born in Bethlehem fulfilled His destiny to offer himself as a sacrifice for our sins.

His life needs to be celebrated with all the commitment for service and good of the society.

The message is clear – whether one is a Christian by faith or not   – the life of Lord Jesus and His actions were for correcting the injustices but with peace and love – that is the only way – otherwise   ” taking an eye for an eye ” will make us all blind.

That is the reason for celebrating Christmas   – not for worldly gifts/toys/electronics/etc but for   a reminder /renewal of love and sacrifice for good of all.

The basic and most telling messages behind both the biblical (religious) and fictional (Santa Claus) stories of Christmas are the virtuous elements of humanity: goodwill, kindness, caring, compassion, and giving.

Pravin Shah

65 Rutherford Av.

Deep River, ON

TEL : 613-584-4469

 

 

 

 

 

Recipe – 7 Kheer Recipes

LINK:   http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/quickstir/lifestyle/7-Kheer-Recipes-To-Cure-Rampal-Kheer-Phobia/quickstirshow/45217006.cms

7 Kheer Recipes

Kheer is the classic Indian dessert that is often cooked during festivals or special occasions. It is in true sense the dessert cooked in almost all the parts of Indian subcontinent. There are many different varieties of kheer. The classic kheer recipe consists of milk, sugar and boiled rice. However there are many different varieties cooked with broken wheat or vermicelli or sago. This rich rice pudding is flavored with cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashew nuts, pistachios or almonds.

1) Kashmiri Kheer
It is a milk Kheer, prepared using traditional Kashmiri method and ingredients.

ingredients

White Rice :-  150 gms

Milk :- 1 Ltr.

Whole Milk Powder :- 8 tbsp.

tools required

Knife
Pressure Cooker

preparation method

Soak the rice in clean water for almost 2 hours before cooking it.
Soak dry almonds, dates and cashew nuts in warm water for at least an hour.
Pare the coconut using a knife and shave it into small pieces.
Steam the raisins and wash all the ingredients before using them.
Take a bowl and fill 1/4th of the bowl with raisins, cashew nuts and almond kernels. Keep it aside.
Mix the milk powder with 1 cup of milk in another bowl.
Boil the milk in the body of the pressure cooker. Soak the water from the rice and add it to the milk in the pressure cooker.
Stir the mixture well and close it.
Develop maximum pressure and then reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes.
Remove cooker from heat and add sugar. Now, put the open cooker back on the heat and keep stirring it.
Add almond kernels, date, raisins, coconut and cashew nuts while you are stirring the mixture. Cook the mixture for at least 10 mins.
Now, add the milk and milk powder mixture to the kheer and keep stirring it.
Cook for 5 minutes until the nuts turn soft and a homogenous mixture of kheer is ready.
Remove the cooker from the stove, cool and serve it cold.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish the kheer with grinded pistachio nuts and saffron. Add the Kewra essence while serving it. Sprinkle green cardamom/black cardamom powder after serving it in the bowl.

————————————–

2) Paal Payasam
Yummy kheer in Kerala style.

PAAL PAYASAM KERALA RECIPE


INGREDIENTS

  • Raw rice (good quality) ”“ 4 tbsp (1/4 cup)
  • Milk ”“ 5 + 1.25 cups ( 1.25 litres)
  • Water ”“ 2.25 cups ( 500 ml)
  • Sugar ”“ 1/2  – 3/4 cup (Adjust as per ur sweetness )
  • Cardamom ”“ 2 nos (optional)
  • Ghee ”“ 1 tsp
  • Cashews & dry grapes ”“ few to roast & garnish


METHOD

  • In a cooker base or big vessel , take 5 cups of milk and   2.25 cups of water ( totally 7 cups). Allow it to boil in high flame till it is reduced to 6 cups. Now wash and add the rice & pressure cook in low flame for 3-4 whistle.

 

  • After the rice is cooked well, open the cooker lid and mash the rice with a whisk or ladle.
  • Add sugar , half cup of milk (if necessary) & let it boil for another 4-5 minutes & switch off the flame.
  • As time proceeds , this payasam will thicken.So add   the remaining 3/4 cup of milk according to ur desired consistency..Garnish with roasted cashews & dry grapes , enjoy !

NOTE

  • Adjust the quantity of milk and sugar given here as per ur taste..
  • I used low fat milk. U can use whole milk or full fat milk to make the dish more rich.
  • Saffron can be used instead of cardamom powder. Color of this payasam will be in yellow side. If u add more milk at the end , u”™ll get the white color..
  • U can add sugar anytime if u feel the sweet is less..

—————————–

3) Chocolate Kheer
This one’s for the generation who loves fusion. It’s a very easy recipe.

I have added cocoa powder and drinking chocolate powder to add chocolaty flavor to kheer. But there is one ingredient that goes really well with kheer as well: Nutella! You have to try the nutella flavored kheer. It just taste yummy. The recipe to make nutella kheer is exactly similar to this chocolate kheer recipe. Instead of cocoa powder, drinking chocolate just add Nutella. The hazelnut chocolate flavor tastes superb in this dessert.

Let us check the step by step recipe for Chocolate Kheer.

Step by step Chocolate Kheer Recipe

1. We need very few ingredients for this chocolate kheer recipe. Basmati rice, milk, cocoa powder and drinking chocolate powder. Alternatively instead of chocolate you can also add Nutella. I love the hazelnut chocolate flavor of Nutella in kheer. Rinse the rice thoroughly till the water runs without starch. Boil the water in a pressure cooker for 15 minutes

2. In a deep pan pour the milk and add sugar to it. Let the milk gets boil once and simmer it for another 5 minutes. In between stir the milk while its boiling to avoid spilling.

3. Once the milk is boiling for 5 minutes or so, add cocoa powder and drinking chocolate powder and stir well.

4. Add the boiled basmati rice in the boiling milk and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

—-

The tasty chocolate kheer is ready to serve. Pour the chocolate kheer in serving bowls/glasses and garnish it with some chocolate chips and serve it hot, warm or chilled.

——

Chocolate Kheer Recipe

Total time

Chocolate Kheer Recipe – A mouth-watering Indian dessert made with basmati rice, milk and chocolate.

Author: Gopi

Recipe type: Dessert, Sweets

Cuisine: Indian

Serves: person

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice till water runs clear of the starch.
  2. Boil the rice in presser cooker for about 15 min and keep aside.
  3. In a pan add milk and sugar, let the milk get boils for 5 minutes and add cocoa powder and drinking chocolate. Stir it well.
  4. Add the boiled rice in milk and simmer it for about 10 more minutes.
  5. The yummy Chocolate Kheer is ready to serve.
  6. You can serve the chocolate kheer hot or cold. I like my chocolate kheer cold.

Notes

You can also add nutella to the kheer which gives a nice hazelnut chocolate flavor to the kheer.

 

4) Chaler Payesh – Bengali Rice Kheer

 

INGREDIENTS

 

  • Milk – 1 litre
  • Basmati or Jeera rice – 1/3 cup (Use Gobindo bhog for best taste)
  • Sugar – 1/3 – 1/2 cup
  • Cardamom – 4 pods
  • Nuts n dry fruits ”“ to garnish
  • Ghee ”“ 2 tsp (optional)
  • Bayleaf – 2 nos
  • Salt – A pinch

METHOD

  • Boil milk in a wide bowl and when it starts to roll boil,add bay leaf and slightly crushed cardamom pods
  • Wash the rice and add to the milk.Allow it to boil in low to medium flame till rice gets cooked well but it should be firm & soft without losing its shape.Generally rice takes longer time to cook.So keep mixing every now and then and make sure it is not burnt in the bottom.When the milk gets evaporated add little water whenever necessary.
  • When the rice is almost cooked,remove bay leaf(optional) & add sugar,a pinch of salt & mix well.Let it boil till the mixture thickens slightly.
  • Switch off the flame.Add nuts and ghee.Allow it to cool,refrigerate and serve chilled.Enjoy ! This payesh would thicken as it cools down.So adjust the consistency by adding little boiled milk before serving !

——————–

  • The consistency of this payesh should be thick.So make it accordingly.
  • I removed the bay leaf before adding sugar by following sanjeev kapoor”™s video.If u wish,u can keep it till the end.
  • I felt jeera rice gives more flavour than Basmati rice for this payesh.But its purely ur choice.

Enjoy this thick,chilled,creamy bengali payesh.It tastes yumm !!

 

5) Paneer Kheer
This one could be the best find of the day.

 

Paneer Payasam (Chenna Payash) Recipe

Preparation time: 2 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves 2-4 people

Ingredients:
3/4 cup of crumbled paneer (here’s how you can make paneer at home)
2 cups of milk (I used low fat)
1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
2 of green cardamom pods
1/2 tsp of sugar
A few strands of saffron for garnish (optional)
A few pistachios (or almond slivers)

How to Make Paneer Payasam

1. Powder the cardamom seeds with the 1/2 tsp sugar until fine. I don’t like biting into chunky cardamom seeds so I pound it fine. If you have powdered cardamom in hand, just omit the sugar and use a bit of that.

2. In a pan, bring the milk to boil on low heat.

3. Add the condensed milk and mix well.

4. Bring to boil again and then add the powdered cardamom.

5. Crumble paneer as fine as you can with your fingertips…

… and add it to the boiling milk. Stir well to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes more. Test for sweetness and adjust the amount of milk/condensed milk as desired. You need to have enough liquid base for the paneer to swim in so keep an eye on the consistency. These proportions worked great for me.

——-

That’s it! You can serve it hot but personally we prefer it chilled for a couple of hours. So bring the payesh to room temperature and then chill in the refrigerator.

Oh, and if you want to add saffron, add it at the end when the payesh is hot.

Garnish with pistachios before serving. The payesh looks very dull on it’s own and doesn’t convey how delicious it is without the help of the pistachios 😉

6) Shavige Payasam
This one is a special vermicelli kheer from the land of Karnataka.

Shavige payasa/Vermicelli kheer recipe

INGREDIENTS

 

  • Roasted Vermicelli/Shavige/Semiya – 1/2 cup (100 gms)
  • Boiled milk ”“ 2.5 cups
  • Water ”“ 1 cup
  • Sugar – 1/2 cup
  • Crushed cardamom – 2 nos
  • Cashewnuts and dry grapes – a fistful
  • Saffron threads – few (optional)
  • MTR Badam powder – 1 tsp (optional)

METHOD

  • Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a pan.Roast cashews & Dry grapes.When grapes turn bulgy,remove & keep in a plate.
  • In the same ghee,roast the vermicelli even if its roasted.It will enhance the taste.
  • Mix well and boil for few minutes till all the sugar dissolves.Add the remaining milk & MTR powder if using.Boil for few minutes.
  • Lastly add cardamom powder,roasted cashews & dry grapes.Switch off the flame.This payasa will thicken once its cooled down.So adjust the quantity of milk. Refrigerate,cool n serve OR serve warm as u like.

————–

Enjoy !


Note

  • Adjust the quantity of milk as per the desired consistency.
  • U can also add 2 tbsp of condensed milk or khova to get a rich taste. In that case reduce the quantity of sugar.
  • Adding MTR badam powder is optional.But i have tasted in some of my friend”™s houses.It tastes great with a nice flavor.

 

 

7) Chak – Hao Kheer
Or simply known as Manipuri Black Rice Kheer. It looks as exotic as it tastes.

Black rice is an excellent source of fibre, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Its colour changes to dramatic purple when cooked, so it is also known as “Purple Rice”. The purple color is due to the anthocyanins present in the rice which act as antioxidants. In China and some South-East Asian countries, it is commonly known as “Forbidden Rice”, as it was reserved exclusively for royalty in ancient China.

Coming to the recipe….

1/4 cup Black rice

125 ml milk ( full fat)

1/4 tsp Cardamon powder

Sugar to taste

Rinse the rice and soak for about 5-6 hours.

Drain the rice and transfer to a pot .

Add milk.

Cook on very slow fire making sure to stir it once in a while.

Cook till the rice is done, you could add more milk, if the rice absorbs this milk.

Adjust the milk according to the consistency of the kheer that you require.

Add sugar , raisins and cardamon powder.

Serve hot or cold.

 

The rice has a sweet nutty flavor and you actually do not need any nuts, though I added some raisins.

Chak-Hao kheer is served during all festivals and celebrations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandparents – 2014- 4th Quarter

Well the October started with few new development in the kids’ lives.

First , both Sitara and Sachin had a sleep over on Monday and Tuesday ( 29 & 30 September, 2014)   at nana/nani place – since their dad was going   to Pembroke for office meetings (of managers) held there – for which he had to go early and be there by 8.00 am. This way it is easier on the kids to get ready in the mornings for the school.

Then the family had dinner everyday at nana/nani place till Friday evening   ( 3 October, 2014)   – Friday evening was rather a surprise -as dark clouds were in the sky and thunderstorm kind of   disrupted power supply at Mackey – thus though the kids went to Mackey after school with   their mom BUT had to turn back to Deep River as there was no electricity at Mackey home .

Well boths kids had great time at nana/nani place and nana/nani had good times with them.

In fact Sitara had blown two baloons ( on Thursday   (2 October, 2014)   evening -when nana/nani had gone out to play Bridge card game at Deep River Lawn Bowling Club )

– one for nana and one for nani and left each separately in nana/nani bedroom as a gift with a written note attached to each baloon –     e.g. for nana – Guess ?       and for nani   Guess ?   ( i.e. she wanted us to guess who left the gift) . So thoughtful and it was very kind of Sitara to remember hernana/nani.

 

e-mail from Shannon on Sunday 5 October, 2014

It has been an emotional roller coaster weekend here, with my grandfather’s funeral yesterday and Heather and Ryan’s son born at 4am today. She made it back from Huntsville 30 minutes before her water broke! Cole Michael Murphy weighed in at 8lb 1oz and both he and Heather are doing well. Here are some photos of Cole (on the “inside” on Friday and on the “outside” this morning) with his cousins.

Wednesday 1 October, 2014

This day – the start of the new month – was a bit unfortunate one as both Maya and Kieran lost their great- grandfather (Ray in Huntsville, Ontario ) – their mom’s maternal grandfather .

The   following posting on 2 October, 2014 at 2.07 pm by Shannon on her Facebook page   – give out the news :

Saying goodbye to my grandfather, who died yesterday at age 90. I’m so lucky to have had him in my life and I’m glad both my kids got to meet him too. xo  

Both Maya and Kieran were fortunate that were able to spend some time with their great-grandfather.

That it was indeed a gift for the great-grandpa to meet his   precious grandchildren. That connection between the oldest and youngest generation is an invisible thread that can’t be broken, even as our beloved elders leave us.

Then   Sunday 5 October, 2014

Both Kids – Maya and Kieran were excited to welcome their newest cousin – Cole Michael – in this world.

In an e-mail (along with couple of photos – with both Maya and Kieran with Cole and his mom Heather )   dated   5 October 2014   (2:42 PM) their mom had stated:

It has been an emotional roller coaster weekend here, with my grandfather’s funeral yesterday and Heather and Ryan’s son born at 4am today. She made it back from Huntsville 30 minutes before her water broke! Cole Michael weighed in at 8lb 1oz and both he and Heather are doing well. Here are some photos of Cole (on the “inside” on Friday and on the “outside” this morning) with his cousins.

Wednesday 8 October, 2014

Kieran got his first tooth – bottom middle – just popping out .

His mom sent an e-mail (dated 8 October ,2014) with a photo :

If you zoom in on this photo, you can see the tip of Kieran’s first tooth that just popped through on Monday. He will have a toothy grin in no time 🙂

Ba was very excited to learn about this progress.

Saturday 11 October, 2014 to Monday 20 October, 2014

On Saturday 11 October, 2014 –   Ba and Bapuji drove/travelled to Toronto (by their maroon 2001 Dodge Minivan car ) to be with   Maya, Kieran, Shannon and Sunir .   This was Sunir/Shannon wedding Anniversary day and all had celebratory dinner together at their home.     After dinner and after Maya and Kieran were put to bed – both Sunir and Shannon went out to celebrate amongst themselves their anniversary – while Ba and Bapuji   stayed home to watch over the kids.

On Monday morning – Sunir went away to California , USA ( for his business interests) and Ba/Bapuji were remaining with family ( Maya, Kieran and their mom) – to give support,

Ba/Bapuji returned back to Deep River on Monday 20 October, 2014 – this is what Bapuji wrote in an e-mail of the same date (which explains most what happened while they were in Toronto)   – after having returned safely to Deep River.       However it missed out on one important news while we were there – which was that Kieran got his second tooth on Wednesday while we were there.

Also kids had very exciting time with their newest cousin ( Cole )   – mother Heather ( Shannon’s sister).

Hi Shannon/Sunir
Dear Maya
My best friend Kieran
 
We had a great time in Toronto – achieved all that we wanted to.
 
We filled the temporary void Sunir left when he went to USA – and we fabulously enjoyed the company of both Maya and Kieran along with their mom.
 
Both kids are just loving – communicating – loving their Ba and Bapuji – playing with them . Maya even had Bapuji read books to her.
 
Our bridge afternoon was enjoyable though did not produce any Master Points.
 
Our Jain Diwali attendance was productive in renewing some past relations -a long with recognition of my past Presidentship -along with others.     Jain Diwali celebartion was on Sunday 19 October, 2014 at Lawrence Convention Center in Mississauga.
 
I managed to read three books while there.
 
Nothing beats – personally – my interfaces with kids. I enjoyed many instances with each one of them.
 
Their Ba has her own stories and fun times . She was more in line looking after them for comfort (when also playing with them) while my time was more/only playing.
 
Maya was devastated to know about my hearing. She also counted my medicine both in the morning and evening . She will be a good physician.
 
Our trip back to Deep River was smooth – raining all the way.
 
We had a great visit with Shannon’s grandmother Opal in Huntsville. She is a very charming lady and has taken recent loss of her husband Ray – in stride and taking the life at it rolls. She is busy helping various causes in Huntsville..
 
We arrived back in Deep River at 4.15 pm .
 
love
 
:):):) dad pravin

 

Thursday 23 October, 2014

Its   our Diwali day.   There was a family   Diwali celebration dinner at Deep River home – when both Sitara and Sachin along with their parents   were participating.

NOTE:   Diwali also known as Deepavali and the “festival of lights“, is an ancient Hindu festival   celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month ” Kartika”   In the Gregorian calender, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.     Diwali 2014 was on Thursday 23 October, 2014.

Both nana/nani had earlier gone over to Deep River Arena to watch the kids – who had an ice skating session.   Both Sitara and Sachin are skating well though yet at   the earlier part of their skating experience.

After dinner, all had gathered around , had a hugh candle lit ( near the fire place) and with all lights dimmed to darkness (except the candle light) nana played with the kids making scarry sounds and chasing the kids   in the dark.   That then reconstituted in to the usual nana playing a ‘ bad wolf ‘ around a camp/tent made from a blanket   (in the bedroom) and kids hiding in the tent ) – and the bad wolf ( nana) going huffing and puffing to blow the tent away to get to the kids as his meal.   Of course the kids escape using their ingenuity and the bad wolf left with defeat .

After the games – all settled down again in the living room   – whence Sitara was influenced to practice her song ( which she has planned to sing on the stage during Indian Community Diwali Celebration on the coming Saturday at Lions Hall in Chalk River ).

The song she was practicing is ” Let it go ” – from the movie ” Frozen “.

What a fabulous voice she has. Nana was just lappimg it up – her practice singing.

Hopefully she will do great at the Diwali program on Saturday ( 25 October, 2014) .

 

Note:   the movie   ” Frozen “.

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey””teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven””to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

Let It Go Lyrics

“Let It Go” was written by Robert Lopez, Kristen Anderson-lopez.

The snow glows white on the mountain tonight
Not a footprint to be seen.
A kingdom of isolation,
and it looks like I’m the Queen
The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside
Couldn’t keep it in;
Heaven knows I’ve tried

Don’t let them in,
don’t let them see
Be the good girl you always have to be
Conceal, don’t feel,
don’t let them know
Well now they know

Let it go, let it go
Can’t hold it back anymore

Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door
I don’t care
what they’re going to say
Let the storm rage on.
The cold never bothered me anyway

It’s funny how some distance
Makes everything seem small
And the fears that once controlled me
Can’t get to me at all

It’s time to see what I can do
To test the limits and break through
No right, no wrong, no rules for me,
I’m free!

Let it go, let it go
I am one with the wind and sky
Let it go, let it go
You’ll never see me cry
Here I stand
And here I’ll stay
Let the storm rage on

My power flurries through the air into the ground
My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around
And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast
I’m never going back, the past is in the past

Let it go, let it go
And I’ll rise like the break of dawn
Let it go, let it go
That perfect girl is gone
Here I stand
In the light of day
Let the storm rage on

The cold never bothered me anyway!

Saturday 25 October, 2014

Siatara was resplendent in her light blue princess dress – with a matching crown on her head. This was   her ‘ performance dress ‘     when going on the stage to sing her   Walt Disney movie   (Frozen) song . It   was the Diwali (2014) function   organised at the Chalk Riverand Area Lions Club by the   ” Deep River- Pembroke ”   East Indian Community.   Her mom was a volunteer to design and have tickets and program published for the event.

Sitara sang beautifully and without any rancour or nervousness – all enjoyed her song. In fact she sang twice   as   it was felt that at the first time the mike was not operating well.   Both times she was superb.

Friday 31 October, 2014

This being the Halloween Day, both Sitara and Sachin came over to Nana/naani home (with their parents ) from the School in Deep River – had a quick dinner (nani made special puri   from sooji flour ) and pancakes for the kids .   While both kids got ready for their ” Trick or Treat” going about in the town with their parents   (Sanjay really dressed himself good – as a green monster )   – their nani had to go over to the Deep River Hospital (driven by their nana) for an emergency – she started to get cramps in hands and feet – both sides and it was looking serious.     In tehe meantime, trick-or treat experience was kept on.     Note: nani was looked over by the emergency doctor and after blood and heart tests – it was founf all was okay and then nani joined in the fun after coming back home.

This is the first Halloween Day for Kieran inToronto. Both Kieran and Maya dressed appropriately and had a “trick or treat ” moment in the neighborhood.   Kiearn had spent the day with his Grandma (Kathy) in Toronto . Here is   an e-mail note (with photos) from his Grandma (dated 31 October, 2014) :

Here is Kieran yesterday at my house. I was babysitting for the day while Shannon went to a seminar – quite a tiring experience but fun. He is a pretty happy boy!
Also two pics taken today at 4:00 when the kids stopped by after Maya’s daycare party. It’s been a wet Halloween here.
Best wishes to you both. Nice to hear you had a little visit with my mom. I am going up to see her next weekend.
xoxo Kathy

Note:   Talking with his parents on phone on Sunday 2 Nov 2014 – it was noted that Kieran has started crawling   now – though backward style .

Saturday 1 November 2014

Nana/nani joined with Sitara and Sachin (along with their parents) in   a dinner at Santa Fe restaurant in Pembroke – it was suddenly decided for such an event .   It was a very pleasnt dinner – watching and being with the kids. Both Sitara and Sachin drew pictures on Santa Fe paper mats – for kids to draw and enter into a contest.       They submited their entry for the contest.   The heart-warming story of the day was Sitara was found reading a book all the time even while walking at the restaurant and before having dinner.   She is so engrossed in reading books that it is really very unusual to see a girl of 7 years old who loves reading.       Good habit Sitara !

Wednesday 5 November 2014

This day was miserable for Sachin – he had temperature and threw up.     Hewas nursed at home by his dad – Nina working .     This health situation did not get better and on Friday morning       (before 7 a.m) his dad had to bring him to DR Hospital ER   – however the doctors found that he is okay but suffering from a virus.     Sitara spent Thurday night (sleep over) at nana/nani home in Deep River – from there she was taken to her baby-sitter home (from there she catches a school bus to go to her school) on Friday morning by her nana/nani.

Tuesday 4 November 2014

Ba/Bapuji mailed (by Canada Post) a surprise package —   Christmas stickers and coloring book/Chocolate calender — for Maya ( and Kieran) addressed to Maya Shah , Toronto   .               Canada Post tracking (on its website) indicated that the delivery is expected by Tuesday 11 November 2014.

Saturday   8 November 2014

Sachin’s mom posted the following on her FaceBook entry:

 ” Hopfully a good Pantomime with good friends and dinner out will perk up my Sachin. He’s been cooped up since Tuesday. Looking forward to seeing Sleeping Beauty! “

————–

Note:

Also first snow —   of the season — falling in Deep River – started at noon.

Sunday   9 November 2014

Sitara lost her “molar” tooth to-day.   Here is postng by her mom on her FaceBook entry :

 ” Sitara’s molar just fell out. I kinda remember mine falling out too but I keep getting funny looks when we say her molar is loose. I am right to think that baby molars fall out and it is normal? “

Sunday 9 November 2014

When Ba was talking to Kieran’s dad on phone this evening – it was stated that Kieran has started crawling going   forward (to the front ) now. He started crawling backwards a few days ago.

Kieran on the move – title of the e-mail ( dated Monday 10 November 2014 )   received from Kieran’s mom   —–   it says:

” Kieran started creeping forwards on his stomach yesterday! Yesterday he could only go forward a few inches but today he is already going further and faster as he gets the hang of it. He is usually motivated to go after toys or Cheerios 😉 “

Saturday 15 November 2014

A surprise   – a baby bear (black)   was moving around outside the home in Mackey.   The cub loitered first on the deck at the back and then   over the swimming pool cover.     The kids (Sitara and Sachin)   just had a marvellous time looking at the baby bear.

Nina had posted a few photos on the Facebook on the same day ( 15 November)   – with a note :   ”   a baby Bear on our deck and pool! ‘.

Sunday 16 November, 2014

Santa came early inToronto   – with a grand parade in the downtown of the City.   Both Maya and Kieran went downtown with their parents to watcch the parade. This is Kieran’s first .

Their mom e-mailed 3 photos on the same date with a note:

We had a fun (but cold!) time watching the Santa Claus parade this afternoon. Ho Ho Ho!

Her mom sent a copy of that letter by e-mail of the same date ( 16 November 2014) :

And in preparation for the Santa Claus parade later today, Maya has written (or rather, dictated) her letter to Santa. She kindly included a request for her brother (although it’s not actually something he needs!) Maya also coloured a picture of one of Santa’s elves. Merry (early) Christmas, everyone!      

Maya wrote ( dictated) :

Dear Santa,

For Christmas , I would like a silly baloon .

My brother Kieran would like some shoes.

Please and thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Maya Shah

Saturday 15 November 2014

Today was Maya’s and Kieran’s Ba’s 75 the Birthday – which means it was Sitara’s and Sachin’s nani’s 75th birthday

Both Maya and Kieran along with their parents phoned from Toronto in the morning singing a   Happy Birthday song   and wishing Ba a very Happy Birthday .

In the afternoon , Sitara and Sachin with their parents phoned from Mackey i- singing a   Happy Birthday song   and wishing nani a very Happy Birthday .

In the evening at the Unity In Diversity dinner at the Lions Club Hall in Chalk River (adjoining Deep River)   – Sitara and Sachin sang (in the mike) in front of the public   (some 200 people) the Happy Birthday song to celebrate their nani’s 75th Birthday – and they ( parents ) had brought a cake -which was lit and then cut .

Wednesday 3 December 2014

This was a momentous day for Sachin at the school .   He participated with Grade 1 students on the Childs Auditorium stage   – to sing a couple of songs (in the afternoon at 2.30 pm) to the school audience and some parents (who were invited to attend).     Sachin’s parents could not attend as both of them were working and could not come out   – but his grandparents (nana/nani) attended the function. Nana took few photos and videos.

And there were few PowerPoint plates were also flashed to draw the attention of the students for being responsible in their daily lives.   There were some quotes from some students as to what they said about taking responsibilty . One of the quotes was from Sitara.   Here is what she had said:   (Note: nana took a photo – after nani had approached the front and talked to the kid who was in charge of the computer – with the PowerPoint plates.)

“ Don’t let other people do your chores   , do them yourselves.”

                                                                                                                                                        Sitara

Wednesday 3 December 2014

This was also a momentous day for Kieran .   Kieran was joyous mastering the art of clapping.

This is what his mom said on her e-mail of the same date ( along with a couple of photos – showing   ” clapping Kieran”.

Kieran has mastered the art of clapping today. He has been working on it for a while, but today he’s been doing it non-stop and is very proud of himself!

This is what/how his Bapuji (grandfather in Deep River) responded to the said e-mail and then further response from Kathy (Kieran’s grandmother in Toronto)   .

Bapuji:

”   He is just fantastic – happy ,smiling and clapping for excellent parents and
a wonderful sister to hang out with.”

Kathy

”   Isn’t he a darling! I feel happy when I look at him! I’m sure you
understand. K ”

Saturday 6 December 2014

This day is a momentous day for Sitara . She is participating in the Santa parade in Deep River – to unfold at 5.30 pm this afternoon. She did -walked (along the float) all the round circuit from the Deep River area   to downtown and back . She was part of a tableau float on the theme of   Walt Disney Animation Studios   “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Sitara was so poised and exhibited proud persona while marching along the float.

But surprise – Sachin did also participate – he sat on the float . The parents also joined in   -both Sunjay and Nina walking the circuit. Nana/nani   went to observe and watch and enjoy all the floats, noise, lights and general merry making – and took some photos and clips of videos.

Saturday 6 December 2014

Talking to Kieran’s (and Maya’s) dad and mom on the phone – it   fluttered Ba/Bapuji’s hearts that Kieran has started   some “babbling” and moves (crawls) happily around the house.   He also cut a total of 6 teeth ( 2   lower and 4 upper) . Maya is going out with parents and Kieran – and play with her dad and build toy robots – for a 3 year girl – she is already getting ready for future.
—————-

Friday 12 December 2014

This day nana/nani visited Sachin’s KG class at Mckenzee Community School in Deep River – to look at the   model town build by the Sachin’s KG class on the floor of the school room . The town was based on Deep River structures /buildings – lay out well done, Scahin explained what he built ( put together) for contribution to the model .   A beautiful practical educational teaching excercise .

———-

While visiting nana/nani came across a poster done by Sitara which was hung by the school on the corridor wall . The Theme of the poster was ” My Hero” . Sitara drew a poster – showing/painting   her and Sachin playing together in the field. This is what she wrote on the poster

I think Hero is someone

who is brave, has courage,

is caring in heart.

My Hero is my little brother,

Sachin because when I am

sad he makes me

feel better . When I   get

hurt he help me and

read books with me

Sitara

On Monday 15 December 2014 – Kieran’s mom sent by e-mail the following:

Kieran is catching up to his big sister (well, not quite, but he’s trying!) At his 9-month visit today, he weighed 21.5 pounds (80%ile) and was 75 cm tall (90%ile).

On Friday 19 December 2014 – Ba/Bapuji received a 2014 Christmas Card and a write-up from Shannon – on behalf of herself, Sunir, Maya and Kieran. The write-up basically   provides a narrative for the progress of the family during 2014.

Here is the   narrative   (  part only )   that we got :

Best Wishes for a happy holiday season! 2014 has been an exciting year for our family, which grew 33% in March with addition of Kieran. having two children seems to be more tahn twice as busy as having one, but we have embraced the joy and chaos!.

Kieran is an easy going , happy baby with an infectious smile. He adores his big sisterand she can make him giggle louder than anyone ( even while doing things that border on sibling torture, such as squeezing his stomach while he lasaughs hysterically). I have learnt to step back and let them   ” play “. So far they have not suceeded in killing each other.

Maya is a spunky , chatterbox of a three year old.Fiercely independent, she often refrains                         ” I want to do it !” After a moment of doubt, when Kieran as first born ( “When is it time for him to go back inside your tummy, Mommy?” ), she has adjusted very well to her role as big sister. She loves singing building things , and doing somersualts.

Her daddy has been enjoying reliving his childhood by helping Maya build robots.

Friday 19 December 2014

Exciting News :

Sitara’s painting ” I am pretty”   . This is the poster she made at the school   for a     “Who am I? ” theme.

She also won (yesterday)   a prize for her poster

She also won yesterday – the Child Poverty in Action Poster Contest by the Pheonix Centre .   Got $50.00 as prize.

———–

Friday 19 December 2014

Maya’s first concert !     ——-

The following   e-mail from Maya’s mom dated 19 December 2014

Maya’s preschool class had their holiday concert today. They sang “jingle bells” and “twinkle, twinkle Hanukkah lights”. It was adorable and Maya took the singing very seriously.

Her next theatrical performance will be on Christmas Eve when she, Kieran and I will all be shepherds in the Christmas pageant!

Monday 22 December 2014

Sitara’s award for her winning the ” The Child Poverty in Action Poster Contest by the Pheonix Centre”   –   the following   e-mail from Sitara’s   mom dated 22 December 2014

Sitara won the Child in Poverty poster contest and $50. Here she is being presented with her prize by Mr. Ivan Saari, her School Principal.

Her theme was “All children have the right to Eat and Play“

Christmas 2014

Here is a poem crafted by Maya’s anD Kieren’s Grandma – Kathy   (in Toronto) about Christmas 2014.

Here whats he says about her grandkids – embedded in the poem

Maya, Kieran and Cole, angels all three.

                                                                                  Our grandkids are perfect ”“ what better judge than me?

————————-               Poem :

TWAS 2014

T”™was twenty-fourteen, a pretty good year,

Each morning I got up and said, “I”™m still here!”

Doug”™s goal for the year was to have a sleep test.

Now he has a machine and we both get some rest!

My goal was a wish as much as a plan.

I hoped to expand the Magladry-Knights clan.

How lucky are we that my wishes came true!

In March and October came Baby Boys Blue.

Maya, Kieran and Cole, angels all three.

Our grandkids are perfect ”“ what better judge than me?

Good times at the cottage ”“ if you find a bed.

With families expanding, who will be in the shed?

As each year I tell you, there”™s good news and bad,

Our family”™s been joyful, in mourning and sad.

No better example than my late dad Ray,

His death, his funeral”¦. then Cole born the next day!

Doug is still working (but Kathleen ain”™t)

But with each Friday off, he has no real complaint.

And now I exclaim as I close out this verse:

Life couldn”™t be better! May it never be worse!

Happy Christmas to all!

Kathleen (Writer) & Douglas (Editor)

 Saturday 27 December 2014

Maya and Kieran arrived on Saturday   ( 27 December 2014) for Christmas celebration with the family/grandparents in Deep River and thus  be able to get together with their cousins in Mackey as well as all spending time at DR .     They were driven (in their Subaru car) by their parents who came via Huntsville – where they spent some time with their great grandmother ( Opal) .

Both Maya and Kieran were excited to have some quality time with Ba/Bapuji. This is Kieran’s first Christmas in DR . He in fact celebrated the first Christmas of his life with his new cousin Cole in Toronto before coimg over to DR. So that gave the grandparents in DR to spend Christmas holidays with 4 grandchildren together .

Sunday 28 December 2014

All had a great party at Mackey – many friends from the Indian community also were invited -who had the opportunity to meet Kieran first time     . Maya became very popular along with all other kids with the guests.

In addition to many partygames   – A Carrem game was also played   – where Sitara also played with great concentration .

Monday 29 December 2014

A gift opening was done at DR home -with all children enjoying the gifts from uncles/aunties and granbparents.

Thursday 1 January 2015

This is the day when Maya and Kieran left by car back to Totonto. Their parents were driving   – tis was a miserable day for driving due to heavy snowfall but the parents arrived in Toronto safely.

 

 

 

 

Recipe- Vegetables in Ginger-Garlic with Sesame seeds

Nina sent the following recipe by e-mail on 23 September, 2014 :

Vegetables in Ginger-Garlic with Sesame seeds Recipe
Prep & Cooking Time: 35-40 mts
Serves 4 persons
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese .
Ingredients:
1 tbsp crushed garlic
1 tbsp ginger paste
1/4 cup spring onions,
finely chopped 1 onion,
quartered 2 1/2 cups vegetables (baby corn, capsicum, beans, carrot, cabbage), chopped into bite sized pieces
1 tsp light soya sauce
2 tsps vinegar
1/2 tsp brown sugar
2 tbsps tomato ketchup 1/2 tsp white pepper pwd
1 1/2 tbsp cornflour (mixed in 1 cup water) salt to taste
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds/til 1 1/2 tbsps sesame oil or peanut oil

1 Par boil carrots, beans, baby corn in 3 cups of boiling water and pinch of salt for 3 mts. Turn off heat, strain and cool.

2 Heat a tbsp of sesame oil in a large wok, once the oil is piping hot, add half of the crushed garlic and ginger paste and stir fry for a few secs.
3 Add the chopped spring onion whites and stir for half a mt. Add the par boiled as well as the rest of the other vegetables and stir fry on high for 4-5 mts, constantly tossing them. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove and keep aside.
4 In the same wok, add 2 tsps of oil, add remaining crushed garlic and stir for a few secs. Add brown sugar, soy sauce, tomato ketchup and vinegar. Combine well.
5 Add the cornflour mixture and cook stirring continuously till the sauce turns thick and turn off heat.
6 At the time of serving, mix in the stir fried vegetables and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and spring onion greens. Serve hot with noodles or fried rice.

Recipe- Sesame Honey Chilli Potatoes Recipe

Nina sent the following recipe by e-mail on 23 September, 2014 :

Sesame Honey Chilli Potatoes Recipe
Prep & Cooking: 30 mts
Serves: 4-5 persons
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese .
Ingredients:
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into fingers like for french fries
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 tsp red chilli pwd
2 tsps tomato sauce salt to taste
1 1/2 tbsps oil For sauce:
1 tbsp tomato sauce
1 tsp red chilli sauce
2 tsps vinegar 2 crushed garlic cloves
1 1/2 tbsps honey
1 tsp chopped coriander leaves (optional) or spring onion greens
1/2 tbsp oil

1 Combine potato fingers, oil, red chilli pwd, tomato sauce, crushed garlic and salt and place in a ziplock bag and shake well. Grease a baking tray and spread the potato fingers on the tray and bake at 200 degrees C for 35-40 mts. You need to turn the potato fingers once during the baking process. OR you can deep fry the potato fingers to a golden brown shade. If deep frying add a tbsp of cornflour instead of oil to the potatoes and then deep fry. Remove onto absorbent paper and keep aside.

2 Heat a heavy bottomed vessel, add oil, add the crushed garlic and saute on high flame for few secs. Add the red chilli paste, tomato sauce and vinegar and combine. Add the baked potatoes and toss for a mt on medium-high flame. Add the honey and toss the contents till well combined. Turn off heat. Adjust salt if required. 3 Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and garnish with spring onion greens or coriander leaves and combine.
Serve warm as a starter/appetizer.

Recipe- Indo Chinese Food ~ Schezwan Vegetable Noodles

Nina sent the following recipe by e-mail 23 September, 2014:

Schezwan Vegetable Noodles Recipe
Prep & Cooking Time: 30 mts Serves 4 persons
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese . Ingredients: 1 packet egg noodles (boiled, drained in cold water and tossed in 2 tsps oil)
1/4 cup spring onions,
finely chopped 2 cups julienne vegetables (beans (par boil), carrots, cabbage and capsicum)
1/2 tsp soya sauce
1 1/2 tbsps schezwan sauce (adjust)
1/2 tsp brown sugar (optional)
1/2 tsp pepper pwd salt as required
1 1/2 tbsps sesame oil or peanut oil 1 tbsp chopped spring onion greens, finely chopped
Schezwan Sauce
12 dry red chilies, soak in warm water for 1/2 hr
1 tsp grated ginger
12 garlic cloves
1 1/2 tbsp red chilli sauce
1 tsp soy sauce
1 1/2 tsps brown sugar
3 tsps vinegar
1 tbsp oil

1 Prepare schezwan sauce. Strain the water from the red chilies and grind to a fine past with ginger and garlic. Heat oil in a pan, add the paste and saute for 4 mts. Add red chili paste and saute for another 2 mts. Add soy sauce, sugar, salt and 3-4 tbsps water. Cook for a mt. Add vinegar and cook for a few secs and turn off heat. Cool and refrigerate. Its can be stored for few weeks.

2 Heat a wok with sesame oil till piping hot, add the spring onions and stir fry for 1 mt on high.
3 Add the rest of the vegetables and toss them on high heat for 4 mts.
4 Add salt, pepper pwd and brown sugar and combine. Add the schewan sauce and mix. Add the drained noodles and combine well.
5 Toss the noodles and vegetables on high heat for a few secs. Turn off heat. Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and serve hot.

Recipe – Eggplants in Sweet and Sour Sauce – Indo Chinese Recipe

Nina sent the following Recipe by e-mail dated 23 September, 2014:

Eggplants in Sweet and Sour Sauce ”“ Indo Chinese RecipePrep time: 20 min Cook time: 40 min Yield: 4 Main Ingredients: eggplants tomato

Ingredients

Eggplant – 1, large purple variety (used to make baingan bharta) Onion – 2, medium, quartered Dry red chilies – 3, tear into bits Black pepper powder – 1/2 tsp Tomato Ketchup – 2 tbsps White vinegar – 1 tsp Sugar – 1 tsp Soy Sauce – 1/2 tsp Corn flour – 4 tbsps mixed in 1/4 cup water Spring onion greens for garnish Oil – 2 tbsps For Tomato Stock: Onions – 2, medium, quartered Tomatoes – 4, large, chopped Garlic flakes – 7, lightly crushed Ginger – 3/4″. finely minced

Method

1. Peel the eggplant and cut into 1/2″ thick slices. Cut each slice into 3/5″ broad fingers. Sprinkle a large pinch of salt on them and keep aside for 15-20 minutes.

2. To prepare the stock, cut each onion into quarters. In a pressure cooker, place all the ingredients called for tomato stock and pressure cook upto 3 whistles. Turn off heat and allow the pressure to subside.

3. Strain the contents that have been pressure cooked and keep the tomato stock aside.

4. Heat oil in a pan, stir fry the onions till transparent. Add red chilies, pepper powder and salt. Add the tomato stock and bring to a boil. Reduce flame, add tomato ketchup, sugar, vinegar and soy sauce. Simmer for 5 mts. Add the cornflour-water mixture slowly, stirring continuously. Simmer for 2 mts and the sauce will thicken. Turn off heat and keep aside.

5. Heat oil for deep frying in a heavy bottomed vessel. Once hot, reduce flame to medium and deep fry the eggplant pieces till soft. Remove onto an absorbent paper.

6. At the time of serving, add the fried eggplant pieces in the tomato sauce and cook for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and garnish with spring onion greens. Serve with noodles or steamed white rice.

Tips

I added 1/4 tsp garam masala powder (not in the original recipe).

Recipe – Chilli Parotta Recipe

Nina sent the following Recipe by e-mail dated 23 Sept 2014

Chilli Parotta Recipe

Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 15 min Yield: 4 Main Ingredients: parotta

Ingredients

Left over parottas – 4 (you can use left over rotis and chapati) Onion – 1, large, sliced or quartered Green Capsicum – 1, medium, sliced Garlic – 3, finely minced Ginger – 1/2″, finely minced Green chilies – 2, slit length wise Red chili powder – 1/2 tsp Soy sauce – 1 1/2 tsps Tomato sauce – 2 tbsps Garam masala powder – 1/4 tsp Lemon juice – 1-2 tsps Spring onion greens – for garnish, finely chopped Fresh coriander – for garnish Salt to taste Oil – 2-3 tbsps

Method

1. Tear the parottas or chapatis into bite sized pieces or alternately cut them into strips using a knife. Set aside.

2. Heat a heavy bottomed vessel, add oil and once its hot, add the minced garlic and saute on high flame for a few seconds. Add the minced ginger, green chilies and onions and saute on high flame for 3 mts before adding the sliced capsicum.

3. Saute on high flame for another 3 mts. Add red chili powder, garam masala powder, soy sauce, tomato sauce and salt to taste. Mix well. Saute on high for a mt, tossing the contents well so that they do not burn.

4. Add the shredded parotta and continue to roast on high flame, tossing the contents such that the spices and sauce coat well. Toss on high flame for a mt.

5. Finally add the lemon juice and mix. Turn off flame. Remove to a serving bowl and garnish with spring onion greens and coriander leaves and lemon juice.

Tips

You can add a dash of black pepper powder to a spicy kick. The same recipe can be made into chilli egg parotta. Lightly beat 2 eggs with a dash of salt and add this mixture after Step 2. Make a well in the center of the vessel and add the egg mixture and scramble it lightly. Cook for a mt and mix the contents well. Follow rest of the recipe. Roasted cashew nuts can also be added.

 

Grandparents – 2014- 3rd Quarter

 

Friday 4 July 2014

Maya and Kieran went to Ottawa -driven there by their parents – for a weekend in the Canadian Capital City. This would be the first visit by Kieran to the Capital City.

Thursday 10 July 2014

Today was the last day for summer soccer games (at Grouse Park, Deep River) for Sitara . Yesterday   was the last day for Sachin . These games are sponsored by Tim Horton of Deep Rover – with the Tee-shirts having their logo.   Both Sachin and Sitara – each one got a medal inscribed with Tim Horton name on it   and the the words of wisdom – ” The first goal is having fun ” . In fact Sachin had managed to kick the ball registering a goal for his team yesterday. It just happened – he was standing near the opponents’ goal post and the soccer ball by fluke was fielded near him – and he was encouraged to kick it by others (the team co-ordinator) and he just did that and voila – the ball landed in the goalpost.   This would be his first in his career ( he is just 4 years and 11 months old) .

Monday 15 July 2014

This is the day Sitara began her summer music class   at St. Mary’s School in Deep River – learning to play a recorder .   It was a hectic day as her parents were hosting a guest family visiting from Philadelphia   in USA.

This is what her mom posted on her Facebook on  Tuesday 15 July 2014

Sunjay’s Dad’s best friend’s family from England and America came all the way up to ours to stay with us. Means so much to us!!! Had a fabulous  night of feasting and chatting.

The visitors were Ashok , his wife Kasmira and her mom – 3 people .

Both kids had a ball of a time with the visitors – they were polite and very accommodating to the visitor’s needs.     Their nana/nani also joined in the afteroon and revelling in the feast mentioned above .

Sitara demonstrated her skill in playing a recorder – a one day skill   but she was full ofconfidence. She also played on the piano – earlier learnt from her mom. Sachin was not left behind- he played a harmonica with all the fun moves.

The visitors stayed one night and then left on Tuesday late morning back to Toronto before rerturning to Philadelphia   in USA.

Sunday 20 July 2014

Its a big day for Sachin – just turned 5 year old.     A birthday party was held at Mackey with some 15 or 16 of his friends – mostly from school and his parents’ friends’ children. It was a pool party – though it was cloudy with some rain in the early part of the day . This led to few games inside (in the house)   but luckly it cleared up somewhat allowing kids ( and some parents) to dip into the pool . All had a wonderful time     – birthday cake was cut   – decorated as a construction site – along with a toy shovel on the cake) and gifts were opened .   Parents bought for Sachin a kayak   – nana/nani were glad to contribute in this purchase.

 

Here is poem that nana wrote for Sachin’s 5th birthday :

 

Sachin   Mistry   – 5th Birthday   – 20 July 2014

Our smiling and playful boy

Our smiling and playful boy

turning to be 5 years old

taking   all in his fold

Our smiling and playful boy

scoring a soccer goal

a   role bestowed by destiny

Our smiling and playful boy

building his toys from Lego pieces

hiding in a fort built from quilts

Our smiling and playful boy

rushing to hug his nana

blushing   with love from his nani

Our smiling and playful boy

Year 2014 makes you adventurous

Exploring and inventing games

Our smiling and playful boy

Oh!   The loving brother Sachin

Sitara takes you   further

Sachin , Happy Birthday to you.

by     nana

 

For future write-up

1) Sitara is getting to be 7 year old on 5th August 2014 . However, her birthday party is organised on Saturday   ( 26 July) at Mackey –   as her Mama/Mami are visiting from Toronto arriving in Deep River on Friday   25 July.

During the birthday party on Saturday 26 July 2014 – nana/nani participated (along with Sitara’s friends and their parents) .

Here is poem that nana wrote for Sitara’s 7th birthday :

Sitara   – 7 year old   – 5th August 2014

Our Sitara is 7 year old

She is growing

So   bubbly and Cheerful

Always gracious and caring

Her helpful nature

Just wins hearts

A mind so scientific

Grasping details easily

An eye for   painting

Draws   figures   so telling

Sitara has to be around

Our hearts   beep joy

Wants   books read to her

She makes nana thrilled

Her smiles so captivating

Silent love enthuses all

Sachin so feels loved by her

We are very proud Sitara

A very Happy Birthday to you

We rejoice immensely.

nana

2) Also Maya is getting to be 3 years old – 7th August 2014   There is plan to organise a birthday party for her also at Deep River – date is being sorted out – depending on when Sunir’s friends (Nadia and family ) are available.

Maya will have another birthday party when they are back in Toronto – to be held   nearer to the birthday.

3) This will be Kieran’s first visit to his Ba/Bapuji’s place in Deep River   and also to hios Foi/Fuva place in Mackey.

Kirens has just turned 4 months old on 12 July 2014 .

On Wednesday, 23 July 2014 – his mom sent an e-mail with photo -which she titled “Our big boy ” This day   his 4 month check-up was done . Here is what his mom wrote in the e-mail:

Here is Kieran at his 4 month check-up today. He weighed in at 17 lb 2 oz (no wonder my arms are tired!) and 69 cm (27 inches) long (no wonder all his 6 month sleepers are too short!) He is at the 85th percentile for weight and over the 97th percentile for length!

4) Sitara participitated in   a recital of her musical learning at a summer school on Friday July 25.

There will be a presentation for parents on July 25 th at 11:45 in the library of St Mary”™s; this replaces the regular class time

5) Sunir/Shannon (with Maya and Kieran)   to arrive in Deep River from Toronto at about 9.00 pm after a brief visit to Shannon’s grandparents ( Maternal) in Huntsville .   Huntsville is en route (on Hwy 11) from Toronto to Deep River.   This will be   the first visit by Kieran to Deep River – he is only 4 months plus few days.

————

Sunir Family spent night at Mackey on Saturday nite – after Sitara’s birthday party .

All spent a day on Sunday together at Mackey – nana/nani were also participating . Again Sunir family spent the nite at Mackey as kids ( Maya and Kieran had gone sleeping there) .

On Sunday   afyernoon- all the kids & parents (except Kieran – who was left home in care of Ba/Bapuji) went to field ( across the Hwy 17 opposite to Jennings exit) to pick wild blueberries.   Rain interfered and that outing was cur short – however the group managed to pick a good amount of blueberries – which was hearaily consumed as part of ice-cream dessert.

Sitara has ball of a time with her Mama/mami – with Mama she got a robot toy assembled – a robot which can move around and make sound – use of two batteries ( AA).     With mami – she used the rock painting kit – for painting quite few rocks . She also had nana read that Rock kit book read to her .

Sachin was just in awe with Kieran – keep playing with him – along with his mama or anyone else who had Kieran with them.

Monday 28 July 2014

This day Maya’s 3rd birthday was celebrated in Deep River – it was to be at the beach but weather was cool -so it was decided to hold the party at Maya’s dad’s friend’s (Nadia’s) home . She had suggested that as they have a large backyard -well fenced and protected . Nadia has 5 kids and another two kids were their guests.   So that made a total of eleven (11) kids at the party -which made it very lively and enjoyable. Nadia;s kids were very excited and very hospitable . Sitara, Sachin and Maya had a great time while Kieran was being very cheerful and remained very attentive baby.

Here is a poem that Maya’s Bapuji wrote for Maya’s 3rd birthday :

Maya – 3 year old   – 7th August 2014

A sprite in her feet

Such a bright smile

Maya makes a splash

Our cottage going girl

She skips and jumps

Kieran on a swing

Brother feels the touch

Maya  is in heaven

Three year old Maya

Our sunshine ! Ever

She joins Grandma fishing

Kieran roots for best wishes

Our hearts flutter in joy

A song vibrates in the sky

Happy Birthday Maya

Many more to come

Bapuji

Tuesday 29 July 2014

This day Maya and Kieran spent time with Ba and Bapuji at their home in Deep River.   They went to Deep River marina in their Subaru Outback ( Silver) car in the late morning – also joined by Ba – as Maya insisted that Ba join them for the outing. Their cousins Sitara and Sachin came over in the evening – picked up by their Bapuji   ( Sitara/Sachin’s nana) from the baby-sitter’s home.   After that all went out in the backyard and the park behind that . The kids had a great time walking through different paths in the woods. Maya’s dad remembered the woods (and various paths) as he was going through them when he grew up in Deep River home .

Later before dinner, all were joined by first SItara/Sachin’s dad and then their mom . All decided to go again to the backyard and the park immediately behind it – and then they demonstrated how a geyser can be made/formed   by inserting few mentos candies into a 1 L bottle of a clear diet   pop ( sprite bottle was used) . All kids   – Sitara, Sachin and Maya –   were excited and participated with gusto.   Well Kieran had a good view as he was carried by his mom.

After the “mentos geyser” Maya’s dad ( Sitara/Sachin’s Mama) wanted to fly a hot-air balloon   (which he had bought from the Trading Post on Hwy 11 while driving to Deep River) . So an orangey balloon was brought from the home with a box of matches.   The igniter was lighted and the balloon lifted up by the air which got hotter with the flame now burning well.   It went over and rose to the sky and eventually disappeared in the horizon.

All had great   time .   After dinner – all there kids piled into the bathtub and had a good bath.

Sitara and Sachin went back to Mackey with their parents   and Maya and Kieran went to bed –   which allowed their parents go out by themselves and have an evening by themselves   – both Maya and Kieran being under loving watch (while they were sleeping) by their   Ba and Bapuji

After spending another splendid day   in Deep River – the vistors returned to   Toronto leaving Deep River at 9.00 am on Thursday 31 July 2014.

A pleasant few days for all the four kids   – Maya and Kieran and their cousins Sitara and Sachin   along with the parents   as well as   Deep River grandparents   .

Friday 01 August 2014

Sitara and Sachin spent the day at nana/nani home in Deep River.     Both parents were working and the babysitter was away.

The highlight of the day   . Sitara was playing in the living room and she organised some play chips ( red-triangle, orange -five sided , green – square and yellow- circle) in a pattern and the result was very pleasing. She asked me to take a photo (of the arrangement) on my camera for posterity.   So I said to her to get the camera from my Computer room   and once she brought the camera (it is digital – Sony Cyber-shot camera)   – I said that she can take the photo herself.

Well. she did and then she became an interpid photographer and took other photos of items in the living room – including of her nana too.   She them made /assembled objects ( including a world globe and her fairies etc) to take photos and she posed for one photo too.   Technology seems to be coming easy to her. After nana downloaded her photos on the computer – she could manipulate the computer file for her to view.

Tuesday 5 August   2014

Kieran tried out an exersaucer. His mom sent a photo (by e-mail) of his adventure.     Here is what she stated on the e-mail (dated 5 August 2014) :

Kieran enjoyed his first time in the exersaucer. He has also started rolling from back to front and did it 4 times today, most of them not witnessed by me (ie. I leave him on his back with a toy, go to another room to get something, and come back a couple minutes later to find him on his tummy!)

NOTE: Kieran started rolling from back to front – progressing in his journey to become a fine youngman.

Saturday 9 August 2014

This day Ba/Bapuji drove in their maroon Chrysler minivan – to go visit Kieran and Maya at their Toronto grandparents’ cottage on Severn River – near Severn, Ontario.   Of course their grandparents were there   -who had invited Ba/Bapuji to spend a night at the cottage . Kieran and Maya were with their parents at the Cottage.

Kids, Sunir and Shannon had driven there on Friday 8 August 2014 in their silver Subaru Outback car .

Ba/Bapuji were en route to Toronto to attend a wedding ( Renna/Alpesh wedding) and thus this afforded a possibilty to spend a night at the Cottage en route.

It was fun time -both kids were enjoying their cottage time – Maya is an outdoor girl .       The guests were also invited to play a board game ( crokinole) with Sunir and Doug -as well as with Maya –   a   3 year old girl can shoot play pieces into the hole – this manouver is called achieving a ” ringer ”

NOTE:           Crokinole Board game

This game is like shuffleboard in the round. Players take turns flicking disks on a board, trying to score points by attaining central regions

On Sunday 10 August 2014,   “Captain” Douglas ( Kids’ Grandpa) took the visitors on a boat ride on the Severn River . A beauitiful start of the day   – the sun was rising from the east . The boat ride was very soothing.   Happen to see   an actual “Boat Train ” bringing 3 boats across.

Big Chute Marine Railway is a boat lift   at lock 44 of the   Trent -Severn Waterway in Ontario   It works on an inclined plane to carry boats in individual cradles over a change of height of about 60 feet (18 m). It is the only   marine railway (or canal inclined plane)   of its kind in North America still in use, and is overseen by federally operated Parks Canada.

Maya was a good “tourist” guide explaining features along the Severn RIver to her Ba.

On Sunday afternoon – Maya’s ( kids’s) two aunties (Heather and Erica) drove over from Toronto – to spend time at the Cottage with their mom, Shannon   (sister), Sunir and the kids. Grandpa then left for Toronto as he had tp prepare for his job next day. Erica is a visitor from Switzerland -on a vacation – to be going back in a couple of days . She works there . Heather is expecting and thus kids ( mainly Maya ) will have a new baby to play with in October.   Heather lives close by to Shannon/Sunir in Toronto .

Highlight :- Kieran did rolling from back to front – three times – in full view of Bapuji, his mom and others.

Ba/Bapuji left after a nice scrumptious ” Cottage” style dinner   – with all trappings including a nice fruit pie -baked by Kathy.   Sunir also came with Ba/Bapuji- in fact he drove the Chrysler minivan to Toronto. Ba/Bapuji spent a couple of nights in Toronto – though missing the kids and Shannon who stayed behind at the cottage to be with mom and siisters . The Toronto house was empty and silent without the kids being there.

——————–

Note:   Thursday 14 August 2014   –   a dangerous lightening   situation

The following Facebook posting was noted on Kathy’s   page:

“A big lightning bolt hit the cottage on Tuesday evening and fried the microwave and the TV. I was standing between those objects at the time but I seem to be still functioning, sort of.”

——————-

On the same Saturday , both Sitara and Sachin went to Toronto with their parents – being driven in their VW Passat – to attend the Reena/Alpesh wedding in Oakville . They stayed at Admiral Inn in Mississauga for three nights . Reena is Sunjay’s cousin –   I think she is a cousin twice removed but they have a good family relation.     Maya/Kieran’s Ba/Bapuji were also invited . Thus both Sitara/Sachin had nana/nani at the wedding on Monday 11 August 2014 – at the Oakville Conference Centre.   Both Sitara and Sachin participated in other wedding activities on Sunday at Reena’s parents’ home and also enjoyed the wedding and the Reception after that on Monday .

They drove back to Mackey (with their parents ) on Tuesday 12 August and nana/nani returned to Deep River on Wednesday .

Saturday 16 August 2014

This is the big day for Kieran .   His sister   Maya helped to feed him his first solid food . His mom sent a photo (dated 16 August 2014) which   commemorates   this event. The e -mail stated the following:

Maya helped feed Kieran his first meal (rice cereal) this afternoon. He seemed to like it, although most of it ended up ON him instead of IN him!

Saturday 16 August 2014

This is also a big day for Sitara.   It was her first sleep-over   (away from home and nana/nani home) at   her friend’s   (Sierra) home in Deep   River.

She is growing fast and soon will be spending more time with her friends.

Monday 18 August 2014
Kieran’s   mom sent a photo by e-mail on   Monday 18 August 2014 with the following narrative.
Kieran enjoyed his first time in the Jolly Jumper today. He was quite jolly, although it took him a while to get the hang of the jumping part!        
Tuesday     19 August 2014
Sitara lost another of her teeth ( at nana/nani home – just about the dinner time) – she took it in her stride. This was her 8th tooth lost so far.   She deserved a big reward from her ” tooth fairy ”   –   (in this case nana played the part).
Both kids (Sitara and Sachin) enjoy playing and be with their nana/nani .
Sachin always comes with   “a gusto” to hug his nana and showing joy by uttering/chanting   in lilting tone – words “nana …… nana” in a playful mode.
This Tuesday he had nana to help build a tent ( with a blanket)   and have his nana play with him – by being a   “bad wolf” and shouting and “huffing and puffing ” to blow his tent away . What a great way to spend playful time with the grandson.
Thursday 28 August 2014
This was a celebratory day   – Sitara and Sachin were enjoying the celebration of their parents’ 10th wedding anniversary   – a private party organised by their nani/nana at their home in Deep River . This is the home where Nina got married to Sunjay 10 years ago – many memories   . Ofcourse the actual wedding ceremony was held at Hoogli’s Farm in Pembroke .
Friday 29 August 2014
This   day is also   a celebratory one for Sitara/Sachin’s parents – as they achieved a very critical   milestone – to have their abode free of any encumbrances.
Saturday 30 August 2014
Sitara and Sachin were driven (left Mackey early in the morning) to Morrisburg for spending a day at the Upper Canada Village.   They returned back home late in the evening of the same day.
At the Upper Canada Village   ,   their   costumed interpreters tells the visitors what life was like in the 19th century.
Friday 29 August 2014
Maya and Kieran have gone to their Grandpa/Grandma cottage on Severn River – to spend the long weekend there.   Maya and Kieran have gone out on the Severn River with their parents in   a boat   and Maya spends time having fishing fun by herself from the deck – of course watched by adults   for her safety.
Monday 01 September, 2014
The weekend   after the visit to the cottage   on the Severn River –   an e-mail message from Shannon   on 1 Sept 2014:-

 Here is Maya in Kingston, en route back from the wedding in Westport. We had a lovely weekend in Westport and enjoyed catching up with university friends (mine at the wedding and Sunir’s at a nearby cottage). We completed the trip down memory lane by stopping in Kingston to check out the campus and town (amazing what has changed… and what hasn’t!) The only bad part of the trip has been all the car travel (Maya carsick x 2 and peed pants x 1, Kieran spit-up x infinity, etc) Poor Kieran also just got a wasp sting on the back of his head… somehow a wasp got between the back of his head and the stroller 🙁

We hope everyone else has enjoyed the Labour Day long weekend and is ready for September!
xoxo

Tuesday 2 Sept 2014

Sitara started her Grade 2 class and Sachin his Senior KG at Mackenzie   Community Center in Deep River.

This coming Friday ( 5 September 2014) , they are going to Florida to the Walt Disney Land park with their parents   . They will skip the school for that time.   Initailly , their parents will drive them (by blue VW car – not Passat but the other saloon one ) across the border in USA and tomorrow (on Saturday, 6 September 2014 )   they will fly to   Walt Disney land in Orlando, Florida.

Already both nana/nani are missing the kids .

11 September 2014 message on Facebook by kids’ mom (Nina) :

The last one ( re: photos that Nina had downloaded on Facebook earlier)   is a movie of the Incredibles Dance Party Sitara got to meet Princess Jasmine and Alladin yesterday….so happy. Sachin was insanely crazy excited to meet Pooh piglet titter and Shore….he couldn’t stop talking and bouncing around!
Eyore

Saturday 20 September , 2014

Sitara and Sachin   arrived back from their trip to Disneyland (Florida) – just after mid-night driven by their parents from across the border   (USA) .   Nina/Sunjay   stopped by DR house on their way to Mackey – just to say hullo and pick-up a few things.

On Sunday 22 September, 2014 – this is what Nina posted on her Facebook :

” 6 FULL days at DisneyWorld, 1 day at Discovery Cove, 1 day at Seaworld, 2 days at Aquatica, numerous trips to Downtown Disney, 1 missed flight, 14 Days of fun with the family….PRICELESS! “

Well Sunday grocery shopping by nana/nani   had a   bit springyness in their steps – as they were picking up items which the kids may like when they come to nana/nani home   for supper either on Monday or Tuesday.

Monday 29 September 2014   & Tuesday 30 September 2014

Both Sitara and Sachin had a sleep over at nana/nani place – since their dad was going   to Pembroke for office meetings (of managers) held there – for which he had to go early and be there by 8.00 am. This way it is easier on the kids to get ready in the mornings for the school.