Category Archives: Family/Self

Grandparents – 2013 – 4th Quarter

This Quarter   has begun living behind the last (3rd) Quarter with a few incidents. Three to be sure.
1) The Sign Structure at nana/nani owned commercial building ( a mini-mall) at Petawawa fell down (knocked over) when a sudden intense storm hit Petawawa at noon (or   thereafter but before 1.00 pm) on Friday 19 July 2013. Nana was there (went to Lions Club to play cards). Nana & his car (Dodge minivan) escaped any hurt/injury   at that time.

Note: Insurance Company covered the cost for rebuilding the Sign Structure
2) The house Gas furnace ( some 12 years old) konked out around 19 September 2013 or just a few days before that .

It was replaced by a new Payne High Efficiency Gas Furnace   – by a local Gas contractor immediately after that. This is not covered by insurance and thus the cost (quite considerable) was borne by nana.

3) The third incident happened when nana/nani car ( 2010 Toyota Corolla) was hit in Quebec -while returning on Monday 30 September 2013 from attending Ray/Alix wedding at MonteBello. Thanks to our Guardian Angle (Shree Jalaram) – no one got hurt badly. Nani got a small head bang on the dashborad – fortunately the car was slow.

This accident fortunately is covered by the Insurance   – who have assessed that the car cannot be repaired and is a write-off. An new car may be needed to replace the old 2010 Toyota Corola.
Okay – so much for such incidents – Lucky that we are okay and life continues.

———————-

Saturday   2013 October 05

This day our Sitara has passed another milestone.     She lost her front (lower) middle tooth – a normal process of growing up . She actually had the tooth wiggling for some time and she was always showing that to her nana when she comes over to visit ( mostly on Tuesdays) . Nana has one tooth ( same area – lower middle) had already pulled out many years ago in Kenya – nana loved to show thst to Sitara .

Her tooth came out when they were in Petawawa at   Home Hardware store this afternoon.   Sitara have taken this in her stride and now the Tooth Fairy turn to bring her some gift ( possibly dollars) .

Wednesday 2013 October 09

This day the kids (Sitara & Sachin) were left with only one parent – their mom   as their dad   has gone overseas for a few days on business.

Thursday 2013 October 10

This was the first day for Sachin for his ice skating lesson. His first that now he has become 4 years old. He wanted his nana also to go to the arena   – and he asked his mom whether nana would come. So his nana went and had   a great time watching him to start learning to ice skate. He took all in his stride -as usual with a smile on his face . At the end of the session (and after few falls   etc. ) he managed to shuffle on the ice and made progress in gliding without falling – though with a slow pace.   At the end,he seemed to be satisfied and enjoyed his “tryst” at/on the ice.
They spent Tuesday , the previous day at nana/nani home along with their mom and their dad joining in for dinner.

Friday October 11 and Saturday October 12 they did a sleep over at nana/nani home in Deep River- along with their mom .   All had a good time together both days – spending fun time outdoors and in backyard. The weather was   beautiful -all sunny and warm but not too hot.
On Sunday October 13 – it was a wet day – raining . It was a day when all went to a children’s movie at Perawawa Theater.   Troyes Cinema, the best theatre in the Ottawa Valley where going out to see first rate movies doesn’t have to cost a lot.

The Title of the Movie : Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2   .

Its an Animation’s hit comedy—

Description:

Chester’s right-hand-gal – and one of his greatest inventions – is Barb (a highly evolved orangutan with a human brain, who is also devious, manipulative and likes to wear lipstick). It’s always been Flint’s dream to be recognized as a great inventor, but everything changes when he discovers that his most infamous machine (which turns water into food) is still operating and is now creating food-animal hybrids – “foodimals!” With the fate of humanity in his hands, Chester sends Flint and his friends on a dangerously delicious mission, battling hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees, apple pie-thons, double bacon cheespiders and other food creatures to save the world again!

ThanksGiving Day Monday 14 October 2013

Sitara/Sachin

After many activities during the ThanksGiving weekend (see above ) both Sitara & Sachin spent the ThanksGiving Monday at Mackey. Their nana/nani joined them for the day . It was a beautiful sunny day . All spent the day outdoors in the front yard – raked the leaves , trim all the flower plants, kids played on the swing & slide and also on the tarpauline . In the evening kids mom started the bonfire as Sachin wanted taoated marshmallows.   However, the bonefire did not quite took off and as it was gettinglate -all retired indoor for dinner . After dinner, nana read many story books – they are not satisfied with one or two books -so nana was happy to read all the books that the kids wanted him to read.

Everyone   wished each other a Happy ThanksGiving . Nana/nani then returned back to Deep River at about 8.00 p.m.

Maya

Maya spent the ThanksGiving weekend at her grandparents’ (maternal) cottage – where she had gone with her parents and joining in with her grandparents , aunt and other relations .

They had   a great time together and returned back to Toronto late at night on Monday     .

This is what her Grandma (Kathy ) said in an e-mail she sent to Maya’s mom on Friday 18 October 2013 -copied to family members.

I thought I’d pass on some written memories from last weekend at the cottage.
Conversation 1 Stuff Happens
Our black Hyundai died en route to cottage and was towed away. Doug rescued Sunir, Shannon and Maya.
Anybody: What happened to the black car, Maya?
Maya: Broken.
A: Where is it?
M: Garbage.
Conversation 2 Generation Gap
after watching movies of the beloved “boat train” on Doug’s phone.
Maya: See pictures on your phone, Grandma.
G: I don’t have a phone.
M: Phone in your pocket, Grandma?

G: I don’t have a phone.
M: Where Grandma’s phone?

G: I don’t have a phone.
M: [stunned silence]
Conversation 3 Just Following Orders
M: Poopy diaper, change diaper, Grandma.
G: OK.
M: Poopy diaper in garbage, Grandma.
G: OK.
M: Wipes! Wipes!
G: OK, OK!
M: Clean diaper, put on clean diaper, Grandma.
G: OK, boss.
Conversation 4 Everybody else does it
Maya watches Ryan filling a water bottle.
M: Take your pills, Ryan.
Ryan: I don’t take any pills.

M: Take your pills, Ryan.
Ryan: I don’t take any pills.
M: [stunned silence]
Finally, I want to report that Maya came to my house last night and shortly after coming in the door, announced, “You don’t have a phone, Grandma.” What a genius! And such beautiful grammar, too. I was proud, proud when she said unto me…. (Doug’s song, for those who don’t know). Ryan, next time she’s at your house, see what she says about pills. Heather, I regret to report she was referrring to you as Uncle Heather last night. It may stick. I’m trying to teach her Uncle Erika instead.
I haven’t been having a good week physically but still got a chuckle out of remembering those snippets. Love to all, Kathy/Grandma.
Wednesday 2013 October 16
Sitara Mistry in the North Renfrew Times
Sitara’s (along with another kid – Reese) photo was on the front of North Renfrew Times (NRT)   published on Wednesday 16 October, 2013 . The photo taken by Terry Myres – the Editor of the NRT.
This was   while at a Deep River Fire Department ” Fire Prevention Week ” Open House on Saturday 12 October, 2013.
Sitara & Reese were together partcipating in an obstacle race organised by the Deep River Fire Department for kids – to   give them an indication of ‘How   and what to do in a Fire Emergency.   Sachin also participated in the obstacle race   by himself and also with other kids including Sitara.Sunday 23 November 2013This post has not been updated   for quite sometime as the proverbial routine has pervaded the daily life . Both Sitara and Sachin has settled in their regular school attendance in Deep River and Maya goes to her DayCare in Toronto – with usual retinue and activities.However, nana/nani saw both Sitara and Sachin at least once a week at nana/nani home ( onTuesdays – for dinner) but at times   at their swimming , dancing or skating sessions. Sitara goes for dancing lessions on Mondays and Sachin goes for skating on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sitara also goes for swimming on Tuesdays. Both go for gymnastics on Saturdays (in Petawawa) .Maya goes for swimming   on Saturdays (in Toronto near home) .After celebrating Diwali   at a function in Deep River by Deep River and Area East Indians ( actually at Lions Hall in Chalk River) on Saturday 9 November, 2013   and Guy Fawkes Day Party at Mackey ( by Nina/Sunjay) on Friday 8 November, 2013   — on Sunday 10 November 2013 both Ba and Bapuji travelled to Toronto (by their 2001 Dodge Van – as their 2010 Toyota Corolla car was written off after an accident ) to be with Maya and her dad . Her mom had gone to Baltimore (for her studies ) and thus Maya was with her dad for two weeks – though the second week she had her Ba and Bapuji – visiting and to help a bit to her dad .Both Sitara and Sachin enjoyed the Guy Fawkes Party and Diwali function immensely   as they could play with other kids apart from participating in other activities. Sitara took part in a small play at Diwali function holding a Diya -and going over to the stage for offering prayers before the start of other plays and items.Both Ba and Bapuji were excited to re-connect with Maya after an interval and Maya took well with her Ba sooner than with her Bapuji .Her mom arrived back from Baltimore on Friday 15 November 2013. Maya was really excited to see her mom – though during her absence – they daily connected via Skype on the phone . This new technology keeps the family connected –   however far one is.
On Saturday 16 November 2013 – Maya celebrated the Birthday Party for her Ba – thrown by her mom and dad   . Her Toronto grandma and grandpa along with her HeatherAunite and Ryan Uncle also attended the a party. Maya gave a nice Birthday Card (all scribbled by her) to her Ba.Now on Sunday her dad went to USA ( Califonia) for a week on business and again Maya was with one parent. Though this time her Ba and Bapuji were with her -so the house was still full with people.
On Sunday 17 November 2013 – Maya had a visit to her great Grandma ( Rae) in Toronto – she was accompanied by her mom, her Ba and Bapuji. They all went by their newly acquired Subaru Ourback car – driven by her mom. After the visit and then a great nap at home – all proceeded by Metro Subway to Toronto downtown to watch the Santa Parade – however by the time Maya and her entourage arrived downtown – the parade had already passed and thus missed.On an e-mail of 18 November 2013 – this is what her mom expressed”   Even though we missed the Santa Claus parade on Sunday, we still got into the Christmas spirit looking at the Bay windows downtown. Maya was quite enchanted by the moving parts! Her favorites (not surprisingly) were the windows showing the toy shop and the candy shop 🙂 “Her Ba and Bapuji left Toronto and drove back to Deep River on Wednesday 20 November 2013 . They had the opportunity to take Maya to her DayCare in the morning ( by a stroller)   – she was to be picked up by her mom in the evening. This taking Maya to DayCare in the morning and bringing her back in the evening – provides a good way for exercise (walking) by Ba and Bapuji were there . Her parents also have routine walk .Wednesday 20 November, 2013The first winter snow came – a bit wet some 3 to 4 inches deep. The upshot of this was that the school bus service in Deep River and area was suspended   ( It is amazing that with not so much snow a school bus service just cancels ! ha) .   It also was the day kids’ ( Sitara & Sachin) mom had a job (work at her old place ) for the day that she had accepted – and kids dad was to be busy at his office for the day and plus – attending a Manager’s meeting at Lions Club in Chalk River. So nana/nani got the opportunity to take the kids to school in the morning and and pick them up in the afternoon.   This is the day nana/nani play bridge in the afternoon at the Deep River Library – but nana decided   not to play bridge as it would be necessary to come out early (from the Library) as the kids have to be picked from the school at 3.30 pm.So the kids were driven over to nana/nani home in the morning at about 8.50 am   by their mom – they had a breakfast at the nana/nani home and were ready for school by 9.10 am – at that time nana/nani drove them to school   ( in their mom’s car – her mom had left it at nana/nani home and had taken nana/nani Dodge van to take her to her workplace) .     At 3.30 pm , both kids were picked up by nana/nani and driven to nana/nani home. Well what happened? The kids wanted to play in the snow – in the backyard . There they had a great time shovelling snow, making blocks (using a play container) and just “monkeying around” for about an hour. What a sight!   When inside – just before dinner both were brought to the kitchen table by their nani and given sheets for “colouring” Santa Clause figures . Both got into that activity but then nana noted that both were singing songs – those songs they knew and Sitara leading by calling out new “score” .
Note for record: on Tuesday 19 Nov 2013   – the hot water tank at nana/nani home was replaced by a new GSW Series 6 Hot water tank – the contractor had obtained that the from the local Home Hardware Store. The old Cascade 40 Hot Water Tank was taken away for the dump by the contractor.Wednesday 27 November 2013 – Maya   had gone over to her Grandma/Grandpa home for an extended (over the coming week-end) sleep-over as her parents were going away (driving out next day on Thursday) to Huntsville area – at the place where they had spent their first honeymoon. This is to spend time together with each other – prior to arrival of their second child – sometime in March 2014.Friday 29 November 2013 – Sitara and Sachin went to Toronto area – driven their by their parents . The parents planned the trip to attend a birthday bash for their friend Dhanuka’s husband in London, Ontario . The party being on Saturday.They returned back to Mackey/Deep River on Monday 2 December 2013   and went for Sachin’s swimming – which though got cancelled due to power outage.   Sitara/Sachin and their parents then spent the evening at nana/nani home in Deep River   and after fun and dinner went to macket at about 8.30 pm.

Thursday 5 December, 2013 – today was Sitara’s final swimming session (at MacKenzie pool in Deep River) and she got her report card for successfully completing her   Stage 2 – Skill Development course. Good progress.

Satyrday 7 December 2013 –   Maya helped her dad   to decorate the Christmas tree at their home in Toronto- her mom taking the photos .
Thursday – 12 December   – Nana went to Sachin’s skating at the DR Arena – it was family day at the Arena. Sitara, Sachin , Nina & Sunjay -all were on the ice.     Sachin has inproveda lot – from the the first day he started. He vcan go around and around on ic ebut still noy skating but sort of walking. He can get up by himself now -when he falls on ice. Sitara is still a bit scared of skating.Most time sshe remaibed near the periphery board – holding it often. Though she can slide on the ice and can skate a bit without being near the board. She needs lessons to gain confidence,

Friday -13 December – kids came over to nana/nana home after school – brought over by their mom   . All had good dinner ( Sunjay had come over from work) – we celebrated Nina’s birthday also at that time – no cake at this time as on Saturday we would have cake and more celebration.

kids slept over at DR -as Sunjay had a party at Kelsey’s in Petawawa (office group) and Nina had to go to a party in DR.   They spent Saturday helping their nani to decorate the Christmas Tree at the Deep River home.
Saturday 14 December – parents came over at noon     – Sunjay brought cake for Nina’s birthday- all celebrated the birthday with cake etc after lunch.

Kids slept over at nana/nani – parents went to AECL Christmas party and then came over at mid-night to sleep over at DR.

They also has a planned power outage at Mackey on Sunday so it was wise to stay in DR.   All went to Mackey after lunch on Sunday -kids having completed their home work

Monday 16 December – nana/nani went to Mackenzie at 10.00 am   – Sitara particpitating on the stage for singing.

Then on Wednesday 18 December – nana/nani went back to Mackenzie at 10.30 am – this time Sachin particpitating on the stage for singing.

Both kids continued on their skating and skiing sessions – getting the most out of the winter season.
Well towards the end of the year the most exciting happening is when Maya ( their lovely 2 year old cousin) comes over along with their SunirMama and ShannonMami .

On Christmas day Wednesday 25 December 2013 – kids (Sitara and Sachin) celebrated the Christmas morning at home in Mackey – joined in by their nana/nani – rejoicing in many gifts left by Santa during the night.

Sitara/Sachin had left cookies and milk for Santa at the fireplace and a bowl of feed for elfs outside.   Kids had a variety of toys, books and clothing.

Maya celebrated her Christmas with her parents at their Toronto home and received her gifts from Santa and the spend the day at her great grandparents (Rae – Shannon dad’s mom)   home where many of Rae’s relatives have gathered   and organised a party .

Maya arrived on Saturday 28 December having driven by her parents in their newly acquired silver-colored Subaru SUV . Maya and her parents had spent a night (Friday night) at Huntsville at her great grandpa/grandma’s (Shannon’s mom’s parents) place before coming over to Deep River from Toronto. They arrived just after noon – Maya all excited to see her Ba/Bapuji and she was at once at home at the Deep River residence. Her cousins Sitara and Sachin joined her from Mackey a bit after that afternoon   – brought over by their parents ( Maya’s foi and fuva ).

All had dinner together except Maya’s foi and fuva had a light   refreshment as they were to go to a party at Soly’s house in Deep River for a few hours.

All three cousins played together – with such love and comraderie – which   remained intact till the last day while Maya and her parents   were in Deep River area.

The grandparents   were ecstatic to see this love and bond between all three cousins – 6+ yr, 4+ yr and 2+ yr olds   – thoughout when Maya was here visiting.

Sunday 29 December 2013   -Maya was driven by her parents to Mackey – her cousins’ parents home . They went before lunch . The kids had a great   time playing with each other – Maya’s Ba/Bapuji   ( who are Sitara/Sachin’s nana/nani) joined the party just about a mid-afternoon.   There was outdoor activity throwing snowballs at each other specially by Sitara , Sachin, Nina , SunirMama and dad (Sunjay) . ShannonMami was indoors as Maya was having her afternoon nap.

All had great dinner – all three kids enjoying the dinner and in great mood   – singing Christmas songs together at the table. Maya ( at her age 2+ yr old) was knowing the songs along with Sitara and Sachin   –   by heart . That gave all adults an entertainment -for which there is no price.

After dinner Sitara played with her SunirMama and Sachin played with all but more so with Maya.   Of course there was usuak ” Hide and seek” -all three kid hiding and grandparents trying to find them .
Maya along with her parents returned to Deep River   in their Subaru car and Ba/bapuji in their Didge minivan   – just after 8.30 pm.

Monday 30 December 2013   – this day there were to be visitors from Ottawa – Both Isabel and Harry arrived promptly at 11.00 am – as previously arranged.   Isabel is daughter of our Canadian grandma (Aunt Ruth) – who became a great member of our family when we were in residing in Niagara Falls.

Maya and her parents were present when the visitors arrived.
Nina and kids (Sitara and Sachin)   arrived a bit later – their coming was delayed as the Contractor who is doing some work at their home decided to turn up that day to finish some remaining work in their Gym room .   Their dad remained at Mackey further and he came over at lunch time – leaving the contractor alone to complete the work.

During lunch time – all three kids showed grace and etiquette at the dining table – ate their lunch very nicely and with that also much laughter and fun   – and all three bursting into ocassional Christmas songs .

The afternoon went quietly with chit chat with the visitors – and also going through some memories   of Aunt Ruth .

Maya had her usual afternoon nap and Sitara and Sachin played with adults or watching TV or playing on the Computer.

The vistors left for Ottawa   at about 5.50 pm – all having a good visit.

The dinner was great – all three kids nicely at their seating and again entertaining with laughter and ocassional songs. Such comraderie!
Sitara/Sachin went back to Mackey at about 9.00 pm with their parents – Maya having gone to sleep at 7.30 pm’

Tuesday 31 December 2013

Last day of 2013 – New Year eve . It was spent so joyously -wth the whole family together . This si teh day we spent our 2nd gift giving day – Santa was generous   . First Christmas present Maya got was in Toronto and Sitara/Sachin at Mackey on Christmas day 25 December.

Both Sitara/Sachin came over from Mackey with their parents just before lunch. All had lunch and after that all cousins playing together till Maya wentfor afternoon nap. Both Sitara and Sachin were taken by their parents to Skating   and when Maya woke up, she went with her parents to Hill park (in Deep River)   – all walking in cold weather.   After the kids came back from their outdoor activity – all gathered around the Christmas Tree in the living room (DR home) – gifts were exchanged – there were many different types of toys, books, clothing.   gift of $251.00 to Deep River Hospital by Sunir/Shannon (for expressing love/respect of Ba/Bapuji ), other usual legacy gifts to all the adults and young kids by the grandparents.

After sumptuous dinner along with kids laughter and songs   and toasting for the coming NewYear (all three kids loved the toasting and joined in so enthusiastically) – all   sat together, played and   then at about 8.00 pm all gathered in the Computer Room (downstairs close to Receration Room) to welcome the New Year 204   – watching the fireworks from the famous tower in Dubai. Here is what Nina posted on her Facebook entry on 31 December 2013 :

Nina Shah updated her status: “Is exhausted after a full day of playing with the three cousins, skating/tobagganing, helping with dinner, building a gingerbread house (really just eating it), doing another round of Christmas/New Years presents and celebrating New Years in Dubai (because we could do it at 8pm instead of midnight) with the kids. Now to celebrate New Years here in Canada. We will all sleep well tonight!”

After that Maya went to sleep ( albeit with a bit of resistence -as she wanted to spend time with her cousins and all the excitement of the evening kept her going).

Shortly after that Sitara/Sachin went to Mackey with their parents having spent a great time in Deep River with their cousin and SunirMama and ShannonMami along with theri nana/nani and their parents.

Wednesday 1st January 2014

This day Maya went back to Toronto driven by her parents.   The morning started with an excitement – her Bapuji saw from the living room   a car lodged into the snow bank across the road – must have slipped/skitted earlier . Outside temperature was minus (-) 20 degrees C .   Her Bapuji went outside (of course well protected by winter clothing) and examined the car. There as man at the steering wheel – who did not respond to tappings on the window ( passenger side) . So Bapuji came back to the house and asked Maya’s dad to call 911 report the incident. The man could have serious health issue as there was no response from him.

In the meantime her Bapuji try to start his Dodge Minivan (on the driveway – blocking the garage door – her parents car was parked in the garage) and move it on the side of the driveway so that her parents’   car can be brought out of the garage on to the driveway – and then can drive   away to Toronto.   But Murphys’ law –   “anything that can go wrong will go wrong”   happened . The dodge minivan would not start. All chilled out . The engine would not turn.   It so happened that the block heater plug-in had not worked.     There was a bit of a panic as   Maya’s parents wanted to leave early so they can arrive in Toronto before sunset.   Bapuji calleds the CAA for help – however CAA stated this will be the last call allowed till the new subscription kicks in around mid-Jan.   Bapuji decidedd not too take CAA assistance at taht time as there may be a necessity for assistance between now and mid-Jan.   So he asked Ba to bring a Table lamp -to allow to verify that the electrical socket outdoors is operative.     Bapuji found that the electrical socket was operative but also noted that the cable (connecting the car block-heater and the socket) was loose at the socket. So Bapuji pushed the electrical cable in tight and planned to wait for about 10 min to get the minivan engines warm up.     Well there was obvious panic with Maya’s parents that it may not be possible to depart in time – which kind of pushed Bapuji to try starting minivan earlier than 10 minutes. Luckily the car started – which brought relief to all.

And as the saying goes – they left nicely and relaxed but not as early as they earlier indicated – they drove away for Huntsville starting at 11.00 am.

COMBINED BIRTHDAY SONG FOR ALL THREE GARNDCHILDREN – 2013

Here is a poem written to celebrate all three (3) grandchildren’s birthday in 2013. This was recited by all those present at a combined Birth Day party on Thursday ( 2013 July 25) at grandparents home in Deep River.
1) Sitara Mistry – 5 August – 6 years old

2) Sachin Mistry – 20 July – 4 years old

3)   Maya Shah – 7 August – 2 years old

COMBINED BIRTHDAY SONG FOR ALL THREE GARNDCHILDREN – 2013

One , two, Tickle my Heart  

One , two, Tickle my Heart

Three , Four,   knock at the door

Five, Six , hug   Sitara, Sachin,  Maya

Seven, Eight, Sitara skiing

Nine.   Ten ,   Sachin Swimming

Eleven, Twelve , Maya playing hide & seek

Thirteen,   Fourteen,   all three   a-bonding

Fifteen,   Sitara   6 years   August 5th

Sixteen , Sachin   4 years  July 20th

Seventeen ,     dear Maya   2 years  August 7th

Eighteen,   love them the most

Nineteen, Twenty,   my plate’s   brimming with joy & pride

One, two,   Tickle my Heart

One, two,   Tickle my Heart

Its 2013, Happy   Birthday to all my dear grandchildren  

Grandpa  in Deep River, ON

Sitara’s nana

Sachin’s nana

Maya’s Bapuji

Grandparents – 2013 – 3rd Quarter

Monday 2013 July 01

It is Canada Day. Salute Canada

Maya would be celebrating it in Peterborough unless she & her parents (and friends – neighbours from their Toronto home )   would have returned back to celebrate Canada Day in Toronto.

Sitara & Sachin (along with their dad) are to celebrate their Canada Day in the afternoon at Mackey beach   – organised by local municipality. Their nana/nani will join them too in this celebration. The celebration is between noon & 3.00 p.m and after that all will come to Deep River. The kids & their dad would go to a Canada Party at their friend’s home in Deep River and nana/nani will return to their home.   Their mom will join them at the party at friends home after work (their pharmacy remain open on Canada Day till 4.00 pm ). Then subsequently at about 9.00 p.m -all will rendevous at the campus site (on Riverfront in Deep River) to watch the fireworks   display. This was all done and enjoyed by the kids.

Tuesday 2013 July 02

This day kids came home with their mom ( Tuesdays – their mom is off work)   .   The kids had a sleep-over at their nana/nani home as their baby-sitter (Jeannette ) and family were away on vacation for week. On Wednesday , during the day their nana/nani took them outdoors – first to the backyard to water the plants and then after lunch to the park (on campus in Deep River) -where there is childrens’ gym/play sets. In the evening they went back to Mackey with their dad.   Both Sitara & Sachin have become very excellent friends -each one looking after one another. Sachin at age 4 has matured beyond his age – similar to Sitara . Thus it is always a pleasure to see them playing together and very comfortably. Both like to creat tents at their nana/nani home (in the living room)   and they know what to get and how to build a tent. They confidently go about and create their own games around   a newly built tent or previously erected semi-permanent “tent house” in the recreation room.

Thursday 2013 July 04

A good news was posted by Sachin’s mom on her Facebook – that is that Sachin can now swim on his own without any floatation device .   Here is what she posted   on her Facebook :

” Spent the entire afternoon in the pool with the kiddos. Sachin can swim on his own!!!!! I know Sunjay said he could back in May but I finally saw it. He swam the width of the pool alone over and over. This is exactly how Sitara started  And…Sitara can dive properly as of today too … a good day so far “

And on Friday July 05- both nana/nani spent afternoon at Mackey and infact saw   Sachin swimming – by himself –               without aid of any floatation device.   It was Nina’s off day from work. Sitara was also was diving off very easily.

Tuesday 2013 July 09

This day was deluge (rain) day in Toronto . There was cloudburst of 100mm rain in an hour – this was preceded by a rainfall of about 29 mm on the day before (on Monday). There   was extensive flooding in various parts of Toronto (including Mississuaga) and made difficule for people to travel either by cae of subway. Many cars were submerged upto the window and drivers abd passengers had to get out fast . Also hundreds were stranded in the subway – many to be rescued by use of rubber dinghies.
Maya had an excitement of hers too. Their basement got flooded – where her dad’s working office is.   The whole house was in turmoil. Her mom came from outside completely drenched . Here is what she posted on her Facebook space.

”   I arrived home from work, completely drenched, to discover our basement has flooded. It’s been a very soggy evening.”

Well nothing can be done except to clean up and figure out what requires to be repaired (eavestoughs? or a leak area in the basement.

Note: It shall be noted that many people had their basements flooded from the rain.

This flooding in Toronto followed earlier flooding in Calgary and other areas in Alberta   a week ago.   This week was a bad   one for Canada. There was a huge train accident at Lac Magantic in Quebec on Saturday 2013 July 06.

Link   for Chronolgy of key events
An unattended train rolled down an incline into Lac-Megantic, Que., on July 6, exploding into fireballs and killing at least 15 and leaving 35 missing. Here is a timeline of some key events leading up to the accident:

11 p.m. ET (July 5) — Eastbound train with five locomotive units and 72 tank cars carrying crude oil stops at Nantes, Que. The train is operated by the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway.

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/chronology-of-key-events-leading-up-to-the-lac-megantic-disaster-1.1360176#ixzz2YePnsIAf

Monday 2013 July 08

Both Sitara & Sachin were brought to nana/nani home by their dad after their day at the babysitter place (Sitara is on summer vacation after completing her Senior KG class) . All had dinner together   (except theri mom – who was at work) and then the kids stayed back at nana/nani for a sleep over – as the next day their mom was going to Northbay for maintenence servicing of her station wagon car (VW). Both Sitara and sachin are ideal pair of kids to play together and also   a delight for their nana/nani . On Tuesday morning, nana/nani took them to the Deep River library at 10.00 a.m for a session of reading -organised by the library . After the reading session, nana drove to Deep River post office to collect his mail – both kids were exceited to come inside the post office building and try out to open nana’s post box.

Their mom returned from NorthBay about 4.00 p.m and their dad joined in later after his work – all had dinner together.

Sachin’s Imaginary Friend – “James”
During dinner , Sachin talked about what ” James” did etc. Nana   enquired who James is ? – and found out that James is Sachin’s imaginary friend . So it happened.   Nana was glad to note that Sachin has an imaginary friend. This is a natural growth for youngster of about 3 to 4 year old.

Saturday 2013 July 13

This day kids’ (Sitara & Sachin) travelled to Seattle from North bay – the flight being at about 4.30 p.m.

So Friday night (July 12) The kids had a sleep over at nana/nani place in Deep River as their mom was working that day and Sitara was invited to a birthday party of her classmate – a boy (living on Beach St in Deep River) . So nani/nani to take her to the party.   So after lunch, nana/nani took Sitara to the birthday party (1.00 to 5.00 p.m) . She was a bit reluctant (shy) to go as she was alone (no mom or dad with her) but after some cajolng -she finally went and had great time.

In the meantime, Sachin joined nana/nani to have   walk about on the river front of Deep River – which was well done by volunteers for a promenade and great walk and view of the Ottawa River.   It is really heartwarming – it was to entertain Sachin that nana/nanai went for such a walk about – otherwise they would have been a reluctant to go for such an outing. Before the   walk about on the river front – Sachin had a great time at kiddie park at the campus (in Deep River) – swings, slides etc.
After the walkabout at the river front- Sachin wanted to go to the “cookie Store” . Bothnana/nani did not know which store he is talking about.   So nani surmised taht it would be Tim Horton Donut place. So we all trundled (drove by car) up to Tim Horton and there Sachin selected a cookie to buy and nana/nani had donuts & coffee (with Sachin having chocolate milk) . We all had a great time. However in the evening talking to his mom – to nana/nani’s surprise it was found that Sachin wanted to got to Valumart – that is what he meant as “the cookie Store”. At Valumart , they offer kids a free cookie at the bakery   ( to keep the kids of the customers happy )   . In fact at that time Sachin mentioned that he did not like the cookie that he got at Tim Horton- he wanted the one at Valumart. But being Saturday – in the vening when his mom had come home from work – the Valumart was also closed. Sachin really really wanted that cookie (kid’s fancy) and thus his mom had to take him   to Valumart to show him that the store is really closed.

Note:Nana/nani took him to Valumart on Monday evening – after the kids were picked up from their baby-sitter’s home) – and Sachin had his favourite cookie .

Sunday – 2013 July 14

1) to beach (Lamure) in the afternoon for picnic   and play on the beach

2) in the evening (after their mom came   from her work and quick dinner)     – to Petawawa to visit (& tour) an animal sanctuary (sort of a zoo) -all developed by a lady – from an African porcupine to peacocks and many different animals (ducks to lama)

Thursday 18 July 2013

Went to Mackey in the morning – kids were there with their mom – dad being in Seattle

Went for blueberry (wild ) picking   late in the morning – there is so much wild blueberries available (just for picking) at Mackey . Lot of berries were picked – Fun time however just to be caition when going for any berry picking with small kids and garndparents ( especially the one who is a bit wobbly after loss of hearing in right ear) . Kids could have biological needs and the senior may drop all the berries to the ground if the container is given to the senior for safe-keeping or to fill that up with more berries.

After lunch – kids, their mom & nani had a good swim in pool. While nana dropped off on the sofa   after working in the garden outdoors.

Friday 19 July 2013

This day saw a dark clouds and cloudburst with tornado style wind etc.   The whole region from Ottawa to Mattawa was afffected but most in Petawawa – where nana had gone to play cards (at Lions Hall   opposite to the mall) Nana was in teh   midst of the cludburst (at the begiining) and luckily he was at the destination and he prkwed the car near to the Lons Hall rather than his usual place (in the shade given by a tree) . A big branch of this tree split and fell down exactly where nana normally park his car. He was lucky. However it was not completely a goopd ady. The huge sign structure at the mall (owned by nana) had also fallen down from this cloudburst. Nana did drive to Pembroke & informed the Insurance company – who sent a contractor on Saturday to clean up the debris and secure the mall structure for avoiding more damage.

Monday 2013 July 22

Maya arrived at about 2.00 p.m by   a rental car in Deep River to her Ba/Bapuji home with her parents. They left Toronto a couple of days ago and spent a night at Huntsville .

Sitara & Sachin joined Maya   after 5.00 p.m   – their dad brought them from the baby-sitter’s place.   All three kids played with each other and adults.   All had a nice dinner together. Nina could not join as she was working.

Tuesday 2013 July 23

There was a gathering organised at Mackey   – as Nina was of workand both Sitara & Sachin were home. Maya & her parents went in their rental car ( a Nissan   blue car) and her ba/bapuji went in their 2010 Totoyo Corolla car. All teh kids palyed with each other well – very considerate for each other – especailly Maya was coddled by her two cousins well.   A swimmimg pool fun was followed by a   barbecue dinner (barbeque by Sunjay – after he came home from work) and then a bit of play on the tarpauline jumping.

The best news were forthcoming from a toast by Sunir that the family will be increasing in the foreseeable future .

Wednesday 2013 July 24

Maya was up early as usual – both Ba/Bapuji played with her and Ba got her the morning feed (milk bottle). Her dad fed her the milk while reading a book to her . This is the usual routine for Maya while she visited Deep River this week.

After lunch her parents took her to the dairy bar   (Laurentian Dairy ) on Hwy 17 where her Ba/Bapuji joined her & her parents – just about when they had finished their ice cream treat. From there all went to Grouse Park -where there is   a new children gym playground. Maya had swings and walk/play   about on the gym. After Grouse park- all came home (Ba/Bapuji home in Deep River) and after resting a bit – Maya went with her parents to Lemure Beach in Deep River – to join her cousins who already had been on beach with their dad. Unfortunately , while the kids had fun – there was slight accident – Sitara had a fall at the Kids’ Gym on the beach & had a couple of broken chip off the bone in right hand arm . She was brought home by her dad & ShannonMami – after a bit cooling off -she was taken to ER at the Deep River Hospital. There her mom joined them ( having found a replacement at her pharmacy job -for the remainder hours of the evening) . Here below is the Facebook entry her mom made on the subject:

“ After 4.5 hours in emerg, 7 x-rays and a couple of phone calls to CHEO, mommy and Sitara are heading to CHEO for 9am (that is on Thursday 25 July) because little Sitara has broken her Ulna and the orthopedic surgeons want a better look at her elbow …here’s hoping she gets the pink cast that she wants! “

Another post on her facebook after her taking Sitara on Thurday to CHEO in Ottawa :

“So after some excitement, Sitara has two breaks in her right arm. She got a nice plaster cast today with the Doctor promising her a pink one next week at the fracture clinic. She was welcomed home to a birthday party for all three cousins tonight. ”

 

In answer to many best wishes on the above post next day after visting CHEO on Thurday, she posted the following on her Facebook

” Thanks everyone! Sitara is doing so well and has a great attitude about it all…ie…more movies, tv and video games since she can’t swim…hehe. The staff at the DRDH and CHEO were outstanding and so thorough! “

So on Thursday 2013 July 25, there was a party organised at Deep River home for celebrating birthdays of all three grandchildren

1) Sitara Mistry – born 5 August – now 6 years old

2) Sachin Mistry – born 20 July – now 4 years old

3) Maya Shah – born 7 August – now 2 years old.

Sunir’s friend Nadia, her husband and their 5 kids (who live in Deep River) were also invited to join in the party. They came over about 6.00 p.m . Lot of games (all prepared by Shannon/Sunir ) were played by kids – though Sitara was missing as she was in Ottawa ( and on the way returning from there). Outdoor dinner was at about 7.00 p.m – when Sitara has returned back with a cast on her right arm . The dinner was sumptuous – Nani (ba) was ecstatic for the part and prepared a varied menu (suitable for kids and adults) . Three separate Birthday cakes decorated by Shannon & Sunir were then brought out – for each kid to blow the candles out and cut the cake. All 3 kids were excited . Maya was just spweing her happiness -participating in blowing the candles out and cutting the cake. All this was done under a newly (last year) erected permanent steel gazebo .

After the cake and fun – all   came inside the house – to the recreation room below . All kids including the 5 guest kids had lots of toys to play and theyhad agreat time playing these toys alone or with each other . The purpose of gathering in the recreation room was to have nana (Maya’s Bapuji) to read his Birthday poem for the kids. This year nana/Bapuji had prepared one combined poem – which was read (with all joining in reading/singing the poem)   .

Note : For each kid – a separate poem was created with each one’s photo & years & decoration on one side and on another side- the poem highlighting each kid birthday. The poem was then laminated for their keep sake.
Below is the Poem:

COMBINED BIRTHDAY SONG FOR ALL THREE GARNDCHILDREN – 2013

One , two, Tickle my Heart  

One , two, Tickle my Heart

Three , Four,   knock at the door

Five, Six , hug   Sitara, Sachin,  Maya

Seven, Eight, Sitara skiing

Nine.   Ten ,   Sachin Swimming

Eleven, Twelve , Maya playing hide & seek

Thirteen,   Fourteen,   all three   a-bonding

Fifteen,   Sitara   6 years   August 5th

Sixteen , Sachin   4 years  July 20th

Seventeen ,     dear Maya   2 years  August 7th

Eighteen,   love them the most

Nineteen, Twenty,   my plate’s   brimming with joy & pride

One, two,   Tickle my Heart

One, two,   Tickle my Heart

Its 2013, Happy   Birthday to all my dear grandchildren  

Grandpa  in Deep River, ON

Sitara’s nana

Sachin’s nana

Maya’s Bapuji

Note: Lots of Birthday gifts were given to then kids by all.

Friday   2013 July 26

Well one week was over. Maya left a very joyous imprint on her Ba/Bapuji – also on her cousins Sitara & Sachin & their parents (Maya’s ” foi ” & ” fuva “) before leaving for Toronto back with her parents. They left after lunch – the weather had been great for driving. However before going to home base in Toronto, Maya’s parenst were to spend a couple of days at friend’s cottage – her dad at his friend’s cottage and Maya & her mom at her mom’s friend’s cottage.

Thursday 2013 August 01

This day Sitara went to CHEO in Ottawa driven there by her mom (& joined/accompanied   by her brother Sachin & her nani). It was miserable day with thunder and heavy rain. Here is what her mom posted on her Facebook

”   Holy moly…what rain! You can’t see one car length in front of you! Perfect day for CHEO and the museum with the kids and Nani...”

So after finally arriving at CHEO about 9.00 a.m   – they had to wait very long – till 3.00 pm in the afternoon before   Sitara was taken care of. Her earlier cast was removed – further X-rays were taken and new fibreglass plaster ( purple colour as Sitara chose that colour) was put on. After the doctors visit – afternoon was clear and without rain – they managed to do the museum and returned to Deep River about mid-night. After dropping nani at home in Deep River- they (Sitara, Sachin & their mom) all went to Mackey.

Monday 2013 August 06

To-day was a Civic Holiday   Monday in Canada – also the birthday of our beautiful Granddaughter, Sitara, who was born 6 years ago on 5th August 2007 at the Ottawa Hospital. Her mom/dad have organised a birthday party with her friends for her on Sunday 18th August   . However on this day, she had another of her small birthday party with family   – that is with nana/nani, parents and Sachin (her tiny brother – who just turned 4 on 20 July). Sitara had an accident at playground ( on Lemure Beach) and a broken right arm – which had an early   cast from DR Hospital and then another (next day) rom CHEO in Ottawa. This CHEO one was also removed after a week and another new one is now palced on her arm. This is a purple in colour. Because of the cast on her right arm – she cannot really go for swimming at this time .     Sitara is awesome – inspite and despite of an arm in cast -she has continued with her life as if nothing is wrong. She goes up for slides, swings and gets near the swimming pool with just feet dipping into the pool. Her charm, smile and   just being a child is not at all compromised. She changes all her clothes , shoes and everything by herself using her left arm – as   easily as with two hands. Her spirit is just fabulous and she asks for no pity or concern.

What a girl !   Her birthday was celebrated on this day – her dad built a new fire pit during the day   – for evening together around a fire – with marshmallows and just family time together. During the day, she wanted to play with her nana and asked him to come to Mackey early – which he did (along with her nani) . After playing Pirate ship in the Sun Room   (she had a pirate ship – which was put together by her assisted by her nana) -nana having the Captain Hook piece and thus playing that part – than all going to rescue the princess from the castle using a ladder and a boat   .   After this game , she had her nana read her a few books in the living room. Then all   (Sitara , Sachin & their mom) went to the swimming pool where Sachin had a few dives and Saitara played with him from the steps . Both nana/nani were enconsced each on a chair at the pool and enjoyed the fun the kids were having.   At dinner time birthday cake was cut – one for Sitara and another for Sachin.   The day ended at the fire pit – all trying to have the fire log alighting with flame – it took a while but it was fun. Marshmallows were toasted and enjoyed – after that nana/nani left for Deep River at about 9.30 pm.

On the other front – Maya also had her birthday (second time in as many weeks) celebration at her Grandparents (maternal) cottage during the Civic Holiday weekend.   Maya’s birthday is on 7th August -she will be   2 years old at that time.   This weekend Maya was fortunate to share her birthday celebration with her Great Grandma’s birthday and also Ryan’s (her auntie Heather’s husband) birthday too.

On Maya’s actual birthday Wednesday 7th August 2013, Maya was serenaded on Skype by her Ba/Bapuji .   Skype is a proprietary voice-over-IP service which lets users to see/act with   each other when communicating.   Maya was thrilled to hear “Happy Birthday”   song serenaded by her Ba/Bapuji over the Skype. This Skype camera and technolgy package was bought by Maya’s dad (for a gift to her Ba/Bapuji) from a Bell/Source Store in Petawawa when they visited Deep River last a few weeks ago. This would now allow visual connection and enjoyment between Maya and her Grandparents in Deep River while she is in Toronto.

As mentioned before Maya’s vocabulary is beyond her 2 year age   and her comprehension of issues ( talked to her as a 2 year old) is astounding. Here is a sample of her style — from her dad’s   posting on his Facebook to-day ( Friday 2013 August 8).

“”Maya, how old are you?”

“Two!”

“So you’re too old?”

“… … … Yes!””

Sunday 18 August 2013

To-day was a Birthday Party for Sitara at Mackey- with her friends (and parents). This is the third celebration of her 6th Birthday this year and final one. The earlier idea of pool party was cancelled as no method to keep her cast dry (when swimming) could be perceived.   However,many games were planned by her parents   –   water guns & battles , treasure hunt   (using the GPS – hand held) , tarpauline jumping , face coloring etc.   The cake baked/made by her mom – in the Princess theme with light green dress/gown – was the centerpiece of the celebration.

Her mom has the photos of the cake   and then the whole party posted on her Facebook.

This is what her mom posted on her Facebook:

” Whew!!!!! And….our summer of birthdays is OVER! What a lovely day Sitara had with her friends. Even a special family from London, ON joined us. Thanks everyone! “

Monday 19 August 2013

This day Sachin came over withn his dad and Sitara from their baby-sitter’s place and had dinner at nana/nani home .

Note: Their mom works on Mondays till 9.00 pm.

Both kids played with their nana/nani – together & separately and after dinner Sitara went to Mackey with her dad   and Sachin stayed over for a sleep over. On Tuesday, their mom is off from work but taking Sitara to CHEO in Ottawa for her cast removal and a change of cast. So Sachin came and stayed with nana/nani and to spend Tuesday at their place.

He is an excellent company – always playful and a conversationalist. His nana read a few children books to him before he went to sleep.

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Sitara went to CHEO, Ottawa with her mom   – to have her cast on her right arm changed or removed.

This is what her mom wrote/posted on her Facebook.

” Having a Mommy/Sitara day tomorrow ….going to CHEO for her 4 week check up at the fracture clinic. Then we are shopping till we drop, topped off with Sitara’s favorite Thai meal. Hope we find some clothes that Ms. Princess approves of! ”  

Sitara got her cast removed but she has a huge bandage in   place – which can be removed if she wants to go for swimming.

Sachin spent the day with his nana/nani – going to library in the morning for Kiddie program   and after that to the play ground opposite to Giant Tiger. He also had a shopping spree at Valumart – which he calls cookie store as he get a cookie at the bakery. After dinner when his dad joined his nana/nani – both went to Mackey for sleep.

Friday 2013 August 30

The kids (Sitara & Sachin) went to Ottawa with parents – parents are celebrating their 9th Wedding anniversary and thus spending the long weekend (Monday -1st September – being a Labour day holiday) in the capital area. They will also go to the Baloon Festival in Gatinau on Saturday. This is a special weekend prior to school opening – when Sachin will join the Junior KG class at McKenzie Community School in Deep River and Sitara has graduated from Senior KG and will be attending Grade 1 Class.

Saturday 2013 August 31

This is a special day for Maya in Toronto . Her dad is taking her for a Hair Cut – her first since she is born. Under Jain/Hindu tradition – the first born boy’s hair is cut with great celebration with religious rites but not quite done for a girl. However, a lock of Maya’s hair will be secured for her Ba’s personal ceremony.

Tuesday 2013 September 03

Well the school season started . It was Sachin’s first day to go to his Junior KG class at Deep River Mackenzie Community School – and with that his first trip by school bus from their baby-sitter’s (Jeannette) home in Deep River.

He went on the School Bus ( along with Sitara also on that bus) to his KG Class. At the clousre of school day – he returned again by school bus to the baby-sitter’s home – all   done very well with great confidence and in his stride.

Both kids were picked up from the baby-sitter’s home by their mom and all came to nana/nani home . When they arrived at nana/nani home – there was a bit of rain falling. So Sitara took her pink umbrella and strolled out to the backyard (with her nani) and the park behind her nana/nani home. Presently , Sachin got hold of his nana and got his blue umbrella out (from his mom’s car) and also went to the backyard and park -along with   his nana. They managed to join Sitara and her nani – after that nani went back in the house and the kids went with their nana exploring the paths and byways within the jungle adjoining the park .   They had a great time . After that all went into the nana/nani home for dinner.

Their dad joined them for dinner after his office work   – Sachin and Sitara seem to be good spirit. Sachin exuding his confidence and being playful with his nana/nani.

Thursday   2013 September 05

This day kids came to their nana/nani home   – after school . Their mom had spent the whole day at nana/nani home – relaxed and exploring/learning new patterns for crocheting and knitting with her mom – sitting outdoors (in the front yard after her dad had mowed the lawn).   This is what she (Nina) posted on her Facebook :

“Sprawled out on the freshly cut grass in the sun with Mommy going through her crochet, knitting and cross stitch patterns … mmmmm…..” .

In the evening after dinner at nana/nani home, the parents went to Deep River Arena – to register the kids for many sports and related activities ( after school ). This is what their mom posted on her Facebook :

” OMG! That was insane. We are officially booked Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. ” – that is for kids’ various activities.

Thursday   2013 September 05

This same day we learnt from Maya’s mom’s e-mail that

She is expecting another child -and a 12 week- ultrasound scan was done .   Photos of the scan were very thrilling.

This is what she said :   I went for my 12-week scan today and here are the results. Pretty cute, if I do say so myself 🙂

 Congratulations are in order from the whole family .

Thursday 2013 September 12

This week Nina (Sotara & Sachin’s mom) left   her full time job (as a Phramacist Manager) -so that she can have more time to spend with her kids. This will now free her from working late till 9.00p.m on weekdays ( Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday ) and also from working on alternate weekends. She will do locum work whenever feasible.

Wednesady 2013 September 18   – to-day Nina ( kids’ mom – Sitara & Sachin) had last day for full time job. She left the job on her own accord to be able to spend more time with kids when they are growing up.   After this she will do “locum” type of work – suitable for schedule.

Friday 2013 September 20

To-day we had the pleasure of having both Sitara & Sachin for a sleep over – they will be with nana/nani for the weekend and will be picked up by their parents on Sunday. The parents have gone to Montreal to celebrate their 9th Wedding Anniversary and thus be able spend some time together san (without)   the kids.

Nana/nani picked them up from their baby-sitter (Jeanette)   at 4.45 p.m – goy them home , had dinner together and then all went out to Mackenzie Community Center in Deep River   to watch a Disney movie ( Monster University) at 6.30 pm. After the movie was over , at about 9.00 pm – all came   home and got ready for bed. Nana read a couple of books to Sachin and nani looked after Sitara.

Note: This day there was a fatal accident on Hwy   17 near Rolphton and Hwy 17 (west/north of Deep River) was closed for traffic.

Here is   the news item from Pembroke Observer -as noted on line:

DEEP RIVER – Highway 17 remains closed after a fatal accident west of Rolphton this morning.

Ontario Provincial Police confirm that there has been a fatality after a transport truck and a car collided near Driftwood Provincial Park. No further details are available at this time.

Police are advising any traffic heading along Highway 17 west of Deep River to take Highway 60. Police say the highway will be closed for at least a few more hours at traffic reconstruction experts continue the investigation.

Stay with the Daily Observer for more on this developing story.

Monday 2013 September 30

This day nana/nani – (for Sitara & Sachin & Ba/Bapuji for Maya) were returning from MonteBello in Quebec where they had gone (on Saturday Friday 28 September) to attend a Ray/Alix wedding at Chateau MonteBello – to be on Sunday 29 Sept.

Nana/nani — while there went for a tour of Omega Park – which has most of the Canadian animals in the wild. Worth seeing.

Any way returning back, naba/nani had a car accident   at Gatineau (Boul. Maisonnavoue & Boul. Sacre Coeur)- was hit by KIA black car driven by a lady -who was turning right. Without going into any further details – the Insurance Adjuster from nana/nani insurance company came over from Ottawa on Wedneday   (2 Oct ) to Petawawa and looked at the car very professionally and found the car   cannot be repaired and thus it was a write-off.

Thisn is how the 3rd Quarter of 2013 ended.

Shree Jalaram’s story- Jay Jalaram Bapa Temple at Virpur

Reference:   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.458831947463908.121266.410764152270688&type=3

Jay Jalaram Bapa Temple at Virpur

India is a land of saints since ages.

Many saints have served the poor and miserable people of India through out their life. Such saints are really rare on this earth.

One of such saint was Jalarambapa of Gujarat. Saint Jalaram was born in the year 1799 at Virpur, a small village near Rajkot, one of the important cities of Gujarat.

There is a famous temple of Jalarambapa at Virpur in Gujarat. Many Indians have a deep faith in Jalarambapa. They always visit this temple whenever they get an opportunity. Saint Jalaram was not a god but was a human being, just like you and me.

In spite of it, he is worshipped today amongst all Indians more than god. The worshippers of Saint Jalaram are available in all the parts of the world. devotee of Lord Ram.

His father was doing a business at Virpur near Rajkot in Gujarat. In spite of his many efforts, young Jalaram never took any interest in the worldly activities and was drawing towards Lord Ram day by day.

His guru gave him one advice to feed hungry people all the time. Jalaram took this advice and started giving food to the poor, sick and needy people. His parents made him to marry Virbai, a local village girl. However, his religious activities continued along with his wife.

Jalaram was moving from village to village to collect the donation to feed hungry people. People started to know and recognize about the work of Jalaram and they started giving donations to him for his noble cause of feeding hungry people.

The span of activities increased and Jalaram was soon worshipped as “Rotibaba”. He started giving food to all the people coming to his house since the year 1827. Both Jalaram and his wife continued serving like this for many years.

Then came the greatest famine of the century in the year 1856. Jalaram and Virbai worked very hard and fed hungry people all through this famine.

This service was really invaluable as it was performed without any physical expectations of any kind of returns.

Finally, Jalarambapa died on 23 rd February 1881 while doing prayers of Lord Ram at Virpur only where he was born. This is called samadhi in Hindu religion.

The temple of Saint Jalaram was established at Virpur, Rajkot after the samadhi of bapa to pay the tribute to the noble acts of Saint Jalaram in the year 1885. There is no statue of Jalarambapa in this temple but his only real photograph available is worshipped here.

Most of the Indians   visit this place and Virpur has become a place of pilgrimage since then. The old practice of serving food, tea, and snacks whoever come to this temple is continued even today after around 121 years.

This service was possible due to unlimited donations from Indians all over the world and has never stopped even for a single day during the long span of 121 years. Even today, all the persons visiting this temple take prasad in form of lunch, dinner or snacks.

The whole job of cooking, serving, cleaning etc. is done by the youngsters of Virpur village without taking any type of compensation.

Have you seen such a holy and noble place where food is served to all the people with love and affection without any charges for last 121 years?

I am sure your answer would be NO. The most important aspect is that the temple trust have stopped taking donations since the year 2001 as there are sufficient funds already available to continue this service in the future.

Special lunch and dinner are served on the birthday of Saint and some special occasions.

You can reach Virpur by road from any major city of Gujarat. Virpur is around 130 miles from Ahmedabad by national highway 8B. The roads are excellent and it hardly takes around 3 hours to drive.

There is a Dharmashala available, managed by the temple trust, to stay during the night at very nominal rates of Rs. 20 (50cents) per day for two people.

There is a small market where you can buy all types of souvenirs of Saint Jalaram.

The temple is still having the bag and the stick that was carried by Saint Jalaram while he was going for collecting donations.

There is also a beautiful statue of lord Ram and Devi Sita in the temple.

The temple remains open all through the day and closes at 9pm.

The morning and evening Artis are really worth attending.

Try to remain present during these Artis and you will have a divine pleasure.

Though food is provided free, there are some small hotels that can provide varieties of food on nominal payment.

Around 10000 pilgrims visit this holy temple everyday and pay their homage to the great Saint Jalaram.

If you also want to share this unique experience, make sure to visit this temple at least for a day in Gujarat.

This will increase your faith in powers of human beings and what can be achieved by the sincere efforts of an ordinary human being.

Grandparents – 2013 – 2nd Quarter

The second quarter started with a bang.   The spring has “sprung” though in this part of the country

(Deep River/Mackey ) the snow is   still on the ground – the edges thinning out and quite a bit of melting.

The whole week both Sitara and Sachin were excited about their nana’s uocoming birthday .   Everytime they come over to Deep River house or when they met nana they would recite “happy birthday” nana.   I guess the excitement was built up by their mom – who was also wanted to celebrate her dad’s upcoming birthday. However, at the particular day, nana wousd not be here in Deep River but gone to Toronto   – where Maya is also waiting to celebrate her Bapuji’s birthday.

So the kids celebrated their nana’s birthday on Tuesday 2 April 2013 – a good 6 days before the actual day. What a day. Sachin was at deeep River home since early afternoon (about 11.00 a.m) having come over with his mom.

He was just dancing with his smile and eyes and uttering nana, happy birthday – every so often and wanted to play with his nana – a kind of a gift to nana. Sitara came over after her KG and swimming – picked up her mom .

She just was coddling up to her nana and hugged him and also saying ” happy birthday”.

The   kitchen was full of activity – preparation of dinner   and decorating the birthday cake.   Sitara has helped nani to bake the cake the previous day (note: both the kids had spent the whole day Monday at nana/nani home – being an Easter Monday – their baby sitter was away).   Both Sitara and Sachin rolled up their sleeves along with their nani and theree of them decorated the birthday cake.   What enthusiasm and joy displayed and constuctive participation in the   ” merry making “by both the kids.

After dinner, when the dining table was being set for the birthday celebration , nana’s angel Sitara came over to her nana, held his hand and tugged him very politely asking him to go with her downstairs to the Recreation Room – saying she wants to play with nana. So both went downstairs – there she   played with different toys together with her nana. First she got hold of the ” cash register ‘ – the old one her nana/nani had bought for her mom & mama when theyw ere growing up. Sitara acted as   a sales girl and having nana to be a customer . She sold her nana few pillows, a ball – the green sqooshy type , a see-saw etc. For each item bought , she would demand & get the money (the toy money of course), till the cash register and occasionally give the change. After that she piacked out from the shelf and brought the toy gramophone ( again the old vintage one – bought earlier again for her mom or mama ) and played a record (London Bridge is falling down) , This then followed with the   ” Carpenter’s bench ” – atoy one – a bit shaky one that did not deter her – she got nana to help her hammering down all the “pins” – and repeated the action few times .

Oh! she was just an angel – spent quality time with nana to amuse him to celebrate his birthday . What a child- nan is just beyond him with a happiness and glow in the heart . This happiness ended when a call came from upstairs that the table is   ready.

Well, table was getting ready and Sachin came over to help his nana to set up the decoratiohn on the table   – nana brpught out the ” happy birthday ”   penannt out from the hutch in the dining room and also an electric birthday flasher light . Sachin had a great time with the electric birthday flasher – he switching it on and off a gew times . He was just so happy and husgged his nnan a few times and also uttering ” nana, Happy Birthday”.

Earlier the each of the kids had prepared – with the assistance of their nani –   a birthday card for their nana – which was presented to their nana after the candlelights on the cake were extinguished (both kids helping to do that with big air blow) and cake was devoured happily.

What a night and what a day!   nana is just ecstatic with spening quality time with Sitara and Sachin – each one separately and together too.

Sunday 7 April to Monday 15 April 2013

This week both nana/nani travelled to Toronto to be with Maya – for whom we are Bapuji (paternal   Grandpa ) and Ba ( paternal Grandma) .   Sunday her dad (Sunir) had gone to USA for business and thus both ba/Bapuji were thete in Toronto to give Maya and her mom (Shannon) company and support where needed.

So from Monday 8 April to Friday 12 April) Ba and Bapuji took Maya to her DayCare in the morning at about 8.30 a.m ( by Car- our 2010 Toyota Corolla) and brought her home in the evening at about 5.15 p.m – except on Thursday when we brought her home at 2.30 p.m as she was to be taken out for an outing to the Rain Forest Restaurant (in the Yorkdale Mall) . Her dad has returned from USA earlyB Thursday morning and wanted to spend time with Maya – at a special outing.

The whole week Maya played and was very loving to her Ba and Bapuji. She has a fondness for her Ba who looks after her at night when she wakes up ( sometimes) and at mornings. She also snuggled up to her Bapuji a few times   – showing affection – which touched her Bapuji’s heart. Her bapuji read books to her – one specially became a favourite between two of them.   This children book – Hippopotamus and its Belly Button – gave a a fun word to play with – “bee Bo” .

Maya also participated in her Bapuji’s birthday on Monday 8 April 2013   – helping to blow of a single candle on a Loblaw muffin – her Bapuji’s favourite miffin . Even Maya and her mom likes this Loblaw muffin. One of the best – very delicious with bluberries or other berries , apple and cinnamon etc.   Maya also celebrated her Bapujis Birthday communicating and singing Happy Birthday song on SKYPE with her cousins (Sitara and Sachin) in Mackey. Maya can clearly take Sachin ‘s name but has difficulty pronouncing Sitara’s name. She is trying.

On Tuesday 9 April – Maya , her mom and Ba and Bapuji were invited for dinner at her Grandma/Grandpa home. Maya   had a great time – all coddled her and played with her. She was very entertaining at dinner table.
Maya also went on Saturday (13 April) to a birthday party of a twins ( her parents’ freind’s babies) – about 1 year old.

After that she accompanied her parents to an IKEA store   – where she was fortunate to get two baby chairs – for her desk at home.

On Sunday 14 April – Maya was coddled by her grandpa and grandma (Maternal)   as well as by her Aunt Heather and uncle Ryan   – as all had gathered at her parents home to celebrate her Grandma’s birthday.

Her Ba and Bapuji said bye to Maya on Monday (15 April)   – she gone to her DayCare (in a stroller – her usual mode of transport -to and from DayCare) taken by her mom . Her Ba and Bapuji therafter drove back to Toronto.

What a week     – great time with Maya and the family there.

The week ending Sunday 21 April 2013

This week the kids at Mackey were thrilled to spend some tijme with their nana/nani – after missing them when they   were in Toronto. On Saturday . the kids, their parents and nana/nani went to “pasta dinner” at the Legion Hall in Deep River – organised by the Swim Club of Deep River & area.   All had great time . Both Sitara and Sachin enjoyed the outing.

In the meantime , Maya had accompanied her parents to Montreal   – a couple of days visit.

In an e-mail (along with   photos) dated 2013 April 20   . Maya’s mom (Shannon) wrote :

Salut!

We are having a lovely time in Montreal, enjoying the parks, cuisine, etc. Today it has been hailing but we are still enjoying ourselves… it also happens to be the “journee du croissant” so we are spending the time inside various cafes sampling the croissants! Yesterday Maya and I went to the Biodome (the first two photos) while Sunir did his work event. The last photo shows maya’s face (and hands – and sweatshirt) after her first taste of nutella this morning 🙂

We hope you are all well. Lots of love and bisous,

Shannon, Sunir and Maya

Again on an e-mail   (along with one photo) dated 2013 April 23 . Shannon wrote:

We are back from Montreal after a great trip. This photo was taken at the big market in Montreal. The very talented balloon maker made this balloon monkey, complete with banana!

Saturday 11 May 2013

After Montreal sojournh, Maya has settled back to routine in Toronto – going to the DayCare and genearlly enjoying the warm days with parents – going outdoors and going to park – located across the road from the house.  

The kids, Sitara and Sachin are   doing the same enjoying outdoors and going out to bush and beach.

On Monday Sachin came over to nana/nani home (after his swimming session at Mackenzie Community Pool in Deep River – where he went with his dad – while Sitara was dropped at nana/nani home after her KG class ).

After dinner (the kids and their dad   – Nina was at work till 9.00 pm) , Sitara went to Mackey with her dad and Sachin stayed behind for a sleep over – he was to spend the day with nana/nani as Nina (his mom) was to go to North Bay for the day for repair/maintenance of her car.   Tuesday morning usually Sachin has his KinderMusic get together in Petawawa   but this tuesady – it was it was not on – for some reason. So his nana/nani took him to playground across from Giant Tiger in Deep River . There he had slides and general workout. Also he had good swing session -his nana pushing the swing . During the swinging – they made uo a song to go with the general sway and movement of the swing. The song goes like below – with words interchanged as song proceed during the swinging

Sachin ….. Munchin

Manchin …..   Crackers

Crackers ….. Crunching

Crunching …… Crackers

Sachin …….. Crunching

Munchin ……   Sachin
and it goes on and on – with different tune & word play.

Nina came back from North Bay early enough to pick Sitara from school and to take her for her swimming session.

Her nani also went to the pool as it was Sitara’s last session for the season – nana stayed at home to look after sachin – who was having his afternoon nap.

In the evening Kannan and Laxmi joined in for dinner (though they were a bit late -came at about 7.30 pm) as they were driving back from Toronto – so they missed kids’ nana -who had a prior Bridge Card Playing engagement.

This day – both Sitara & Sachin along with nani and Nina celebrated a Mothers day   – a bit   early as Nina & family were to go to Jamaica for a holiday and would not be here at the Mothers Day time.

Thursday 9 May 2013

Both Sitara and Sachin went with their parents to Ottawa   – and from there they flew for their parents’ annual holiday to a resort in Jamaica on Friday 10 May at 8.00 in the morning . On Thursday the parents took the kids to the National Museum and other places in Ottawa.

The kids arrived back at Pearson Airport, Toronto   (Canada) in the evening of Monday (Victoria Day ) – May 20 and will travel/fly   to Ottawa and spend the night there. Then on Tuesday 21 May – will travel/drive to Montreal for few days.

While at the resort in Jamaica , Sitara made the following observation and quipped to her mom ( according to May 19   entry on her Mom’s Facebook)

Sitara: Mommy what are those 3 girls doing flipping over like that?
Me: cooking themselves in the sun
Sitara: Will the animals come to eat them when they are cooked?
hehe

Saturday 18 May 2013

Maya spent the long weekend   (Victoria Day -May 20) at a farm with her parents .

Sitara and Sachin arrived back to Mackey late on Friday night (24 May 2013) with their parents.

What a relief to   nana/nani who were missing them -as the kids had gone with their parents to Jamaica and the for a few days to Montreal.

On Saturday 25 May , the usual routine started   and the family took Sachin to Petawawa for his music session and after that they come over to Deep River to participate in the Summer carnival at The Church on   Deep River and also going over to Canadian Tire parking lot where there was an inflated (air) jumping castle -where kids had fun jumping.

After that they came over to nana/nani home – when nana took them out for cycle rides. They are still young and   thus Sitara rides her bicycle with training wheels on and Sachin rides “kiddie” 3-wheel bike. When their parents went away for grocery shopping – the kids spent time in the backyard – playimg with water hose and also helping nani collecting acorns etc from the lawn – to clean up the yard. Inside after having muffins etc – Sitara went downstairs (in the Recreation room) and got busy making a painting – a beautiful painting of a girl ( a sort of a portrait with matching different colours) with two pets on leash – with sun shining and few clouds in the sky. That she put in an envelop made by herself – collecting by herself confidently the materials for making a large envelop ( papers , cello-tape & scissior etc) . She really is an artist – for near 6 year old girl.

Wednesday 29 May 2013

An amazing story has developed on this day . When I booted my computer I suddenly noted on the dashboard photo of Sitara ( with swimming goggles etc – resting on the side of the swimming pool during her last session of swimming before going to Jamaica) that there were three (3) hands gripping the side of the pool instead of usual two (2) that we humans have. She seems   to have sprouted a third hand mysteriously . These is no one around her in the water.

Any hoo – I immediately – on this day-   sent the photo (by e-mail) to family members   with the following text

Hi all

I am attaching a photo of Sitara taken on my camera (by Nina) at her last swimming session before they went to Jamaica.

Please look and let me know what you spot unusual.
 

regards
I also called Sitara’s nani to come down and look at the photo on the computer.   She immediately observed the third hand – that is after prompting to look for an unusual   feature.
Interestingly , a return response – in no time – from Shannon drew everyone’s attention to the amazing appearance of third hand – so far not yet figured out how that happened. As whose hand that is?   – someone probably was near Sitara   but underwater and stopping at the wall for rest with one hand on the side.
Here is Shannons’ response – same day and prompt .
”   Ha ha, she seems to have acquired a third hand 😉   “
Thursday 30 May 2012
This day Nina has a day off from work and she spends time with Sachin at home in Mackey ( as he does not yet go to junior KG – will start during coming September)   . So they do various activities together – including calling nana/nani on phone.
Nina posted a photo of Sachin on her Facebook – showing Sachin having his lunch – picnicking outdoor on the table on the deck outside the kitchen. Nina labelled it   ”   Lunch with my baby   “ .
His nana responded on the Facebook   ”     His smile is always very infectious. “
To that Nina responded   ”   We are having a wonderful day. Did you get the phone message he left you? It ended with a kiss  
Which was immediately responded by his nana saying   ”   It was so profound – the telephone message.Cherished. “
Saturday   1 June 2013
This is Maya’s dad’s birthday. We got a photo of her from her mom labelled
”   The birthday boy (plus Maya and Elmo!) “
Further , we got a prompt from Maya’s Grandma’s (maternal) Facebook entry. Below is the whole text.
“Phone conversation with 21-month-old.
Me: Hi Maya! This is Grandma.
Maya: Ma-Ma.
Me: I’m giving you a big kiss. [smooching sound]
Maya: More.
Me: [smooching sound]
Maya: All done.”
Maya is amazing and displays a good vocablury for 21 month old girl but also understands the context and maintains a good flow of conversation.   Wow.
Wednesday 12 June 2013
This is the day when Maya’s mom had completed one of her post-graduate exams in Ottawa and this round of exams are now completed   and thus there will be more time to relax in summer and play with Maya.   Due to this exam – Maya’s mom had to travel to Ottawa for a couple of days – when Maya was in Toronto being looked after by her dad.
The previous week was a week   for exam preparation by her mom. Maya (at age of 2 years) seem to acknowledge -in her own way – that exam preparation is   a   stressful time compounded by having ababy at home. But Maya was very accommodating and kept herself busy at DayCare and looked after by her dad without a whimper . She seems to convey (in her own baby way) to her mom all is okay and she should not worry   except to prepare for her exam. What a perception!
Thursday 13 June 2013
Its really quite exciting – that both Sitara & sachin had gone with their parents to a resort in Jamaica on holidays   on Friday 10 May 2013 – from where they had sent a postcard ( of course written by their mom – it seems on May 20) just after they arrived there but received by us only on last Thursday 13 June 2013 – much after they had returned back home.
This is what the postcard said:
I/we hope our plants are safe and sound ( from Sachin) . We had lots of fun here. The food is great, the people are sooo friendly and the beaches are beautiful. We went on a sailboat, swam in the pools, went in the hot tub and water slides and made lots pf sandcastles. Made some friends too. Yeh mom! Love it here. Saw a circus act and magic show and lots of   fire breathers. We will definitely come back to Jamaica & the carribean again & again. All Healthy :):):)

We saw some crabs and lots of fish too.   Fed the fishes :):):)
Thursday 20 June 2013
This is the day kids (Sitara & Sachin) came over to Deep River to nana/nani place (with their mom) to celebrate the Fathers Day. A belated event . Initially they wanted to celebrate the Fathers Day on Tuesday 18 June ( real Fathers day was on Sunday 16 June)   – their normal day for visiting nana/nani is on Tuesdays but this Tuesday both kids fell sick – throwing up and thus they stayed at Mackey to recuperate.
They had brought a beautiful painting for nana & a   well decorated card for their dad   – to express their love.
Maya also had sent a fancy card from Toronto to her Bapuji (Grandfather) – expressing her love.
Friday 2013 June 21 to Sunday June 23
This weekend was special for Maya – she was to spend (sleep over) these days at her grandparents (maternal) in Toronto – which in a way is gift to her parents -who spent the weekend in Boston (USA) . A date holiday for them. A bit of relax time away from Toronto as a couple.
Note: Wednesday 2013 June   26
Today was a celebratory day at Maya’s home in Toronto. Her mom just recieved a message from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada that she   has passed her examination and now she is FRCPC (a Fellow of the Royal College ). Here is the text an e-mail recieved from her Mom on Wednesday 2013 June 26 –
Good news!!!! I passed the exams! See proof below! I am very happy and extremely relieved. Thank you for all your love and support during this challenging year.       Congratulations!
Maya (along with her dad) had remained steadfast in her behaviour in support of her mom during the time when her mom was preparing for this examination.
Next weekend ( 2013 June 28 to June 30) Maya is being entertained in the company of neighborhood kids – three   families & their kids will go along with Maya & her parents to Peterborough , Ontario – to have fun and frolic together. What a nice neighborhood camaraderie and building social bridges.
Tuesday 2013 June 25
Today is the last KinderMusic session for Sachin before he joins next step in his short life – joining the Junior KG in Septermber 2013.
This is what   his mom posted subsequently on her Facebook entry :
” Sachin’s last Kundermusik class. He’s going miss you Niconette! “
Sachin went to St. Mary’s School (in Deep River) on Tuesday (2013 Jun 25) with his mom to reconnoitter the junior KG class there. Sitara at present is enrolled in her Senior KG at Mackenzie Community School complex and in a few days that will be over. She is now graduated to go to next level – joining the regular school – Grade 1.
It was being considered that both kids would go to St. Mary’s School (instead of Mackenzie Community Complex – a public school system) . St Mary’s School is under Catholic denomination but the education and school curriculum seems to be better than the Public School System. Howeever , it was finally decided to keep them in the Public School system. Sitara seems to like and feel at ease where she is going now.
Thursday 2013 June 27
Today, parents of Sitara’s & some of her classmates (a total of 9 graduates ) organised a party to celebrate the graduation of these little tykes from their   Senior KG and going to formal schooling – starting with Grade 1 . The aprty was organised at a friend’s (tracy’s)   home on Faraday Avenue, Deep River. The whole cabboodle was made up professionally – issue of graduation certificates (signed by the school administration) to each kid – festooned with really well made   cap (hat) -white made with using ” disposable bowl ” and rim made from card box piece (well cut square) and lined wih bristol paper (or some other white paper) .   At the end after each one recieving his/her authorised /signed   KG graduation certificate- they all (all 9 of them) stood in line -facing the audience (their parents & grandparents) and threw (all together) the hats in the air – like the University graduates do.   What a fun and satisfying event.

Grandparents – 2013 – 1st Quarter

This year a new post is established to cover some happenings as these happen in our grandchildren’s lives – all three of them – Sitara, Sachin & Maya.

After spending a great family time together during Christmas 2012 – the kids -each one is busy in each individual activities – of course both Sitara & Sachin would have some activities or free time together .

This winter has been a bit tough especially for maya as she suffers from flu along with her parents. It seems flu is much prevalent in larger cities – though over here in Deep River area there is some effect. Sitara is also down for a few days with flu.

Grandparents do help out during such time and Maya’s Grandma (Kathy) in Toronto was there during Maya’s parents’ illness and looked after Maya well.

Here are few words from her (quoted from her e-mail of 1 February 2013)

”  The last three nights I picked up Maya from daycare as Shannon has been very sick (actually all three of them have been sick a lot this winter so far). I was very happy to be of use. However, I will say that getting a toddler in and out of snowsuit and mitts, and pushing a stroller through the snow, is quite an exhausting experience. I don’t know how I used to do it all the time with my own kids! ”

This week Sachin got admitted to his junior  KG class – starting in September 2013.

The boy is now  growing up and taking first step in school system.

Sunday 3 February 2013

This winter  both Sitara & Sachin continued their downhill sking at Mt. Martin ski Hill in Deep River. They take coaching lessons but also are steered by their dad – who is a superb skiier.

Saturday 9 February 2013

Since last couple of days there was a big snowfall – result of a storm hitting Eastern USA and  Canada  – this snowfall was greatly welcome by those who enjoy skiing.

Some news items on storm:

1) A massive winter storm hit Eastern Canada on Saturday, knocking out power to thousands of residents and prompting dozens of flight cancellations.

2) What was supposed to be a “snow day” for one Toronto-area mom-to-be became a harried journey to the hospital after she went into early labour during one of the worst storms to hit the area in years.        

Sitara and Sachin went for their downhill skiing today – with their dad ( their mom as at work) .   It was a beautiful day – sunny but due to storm – there was good snow covered Mt Martin ski hill. However , Sachin got tired half way around ( he had been sick for last few days – having got temperature   – though today  he   was back to normal but a bit understrenghth . His nana picked him up from the ski hill and he was nourished at nana/nani home till his dad & Sitara finished thir skiing and came over to pick him up – to go to a birthday party in Deep River.

While Sitara & Sachin were out on the ski hill today – Maya in Toronto went to her grandma (Kathy) home for a  sleepover . Maya has been spending time with her dad since last Thursday (as her mom have gone to  Hamilton – for her studies for a few days – pursuing her post graduate study for pediatrics). She is expected back by Monday  (11 February 2013).

On Friday  (8 February 2013) – Toronto was blitzed with heavy snow . This made it very difficult for a stroller to be used – as Maya goes to daycare. Her dad had to carry her by his hands – manoeuvring  in the big thick pile of snow.   Here is what his dad commented jovially on his Facebook entry

“Wisely I left the stroller at home and carried Maya in my arms to daycare this morning. two feet of snow later, I now pack a flask of brandy, a pair of snowshoes, a tauntaun, and a light saber and head off to get her back.”

The above created a bit of chit chat on his Facebook site.

Thursday 14 February,2013

This being the Valentine Day, it was planned to celebrate it at Deep River with earlier  Sachin coming over with his mom -during the day. Sitara joined in fater het KG was over and then her swimming session was over at Mackenzie Pool.   Sunjay joined in after his work .

Maya being in Toronto could not come as it is far away but she was present (along with her parents) in our hearts.  

Note: Talking with her mom on phone   – Maya had her first (not counting the one that happened when she was a baby  infant) Valentine Day in the company of her own age friends at the Day care. She enjoyed that immensely.

Nani had baked two cakes – heart shape – chocolate flavoured . One decorated with two hearts on the top – the second cake was for a back-up or for quantity if more is consumed.

The kids had great time with nana/nani – though Sitara was only after her schooling activities.

The following is the e-mail nana/bapuji sent to Shannon, Sunir, Nina & Sunjay on 16 Feb 2013.

The family around Deep River  celebrated Valentine day on Feb 14th – when Sitara & Sachin came over (with their parents) to spend the day with us.
Maya was in our thoughts.   Of course both you & Sunir were there too.      

I am attaching a photo of the cake that Jackie had prepared . She asked me to send that you.    

The cake is a symbol of our three (3) grandkids – who are enlivening our lives.      

The cake itself is of heart shape – with two hearts decorated on top.        

The  two decorated hearts are for the eldest and the youngest (Sitara & Maya) and the cake (the middle) is for the middle one (Sachin) .
or
The two decorated ones are for our two pretty delicate granddaughters (Sitara and Maya) and the cake (the base) is for our handsome grandson (Sachin) .  

Your pick but all three are in our bosoms always.

regards & love

Friday 15 February 2013

Both nana/nani  spent the day at the Jacques Cartier Park, Gatineau in the company of Sitara, Sachin and their parents -accompanied by their friends Troy, his wife and young kid (Laken). It was a wonderful outing – though warmer and a bit raining – spoiling the ice sculptures at the Park.

This is what Nina posted on her Facebook

” Despite the warm weather yesterday shutting down the ice slides at Snowflake Kingdom the tubing slides were open. The kids kept running up to us exclaiming “This is the best day Ever!” It’s all about the kids and making sure they have awesome, fun experiences….I think we accomplished that! Mommy and Daddy had a pretty awesome time with the kids, our friends and Nani and Nana too! ”

The whole day was   therapeutic for the winter blues.

Saturday   16 February 2013

This day the kids ( Sitara & Sachin )   went for skiing at Mt. Martin Hill in Deep River . Both nana/nani were invited to go and observer them skiing and also to have fun with them. The shiing start at 2.00 p.m -so bith nana/nani went there. The intention was to   spend an hour or less there ( as there was guy -Sean-   who was clearing snow from nana’s home roof )  but they ended up remaining at the ski hill till 4.00 p.m – when the skiing at the Hill  was over for the afternoon.

Sitara’s painting – she did at home this morning – was placed on the notice board (of Ski Lodge) for display and for others to enjoy. This painting is titled ” Shark Girl at Mt. Martin ” by Sitara.

This is what came on Nina’s facebook entry. Nina scrawled on her Facebook page the following

“It’s days like these when we realize what a blessing it is to live here. The grandparents can just “pop” by for a couple of hours to watch the kids (and us!) at the hill or join us at gymnastics or the pool at the drop of the hat. Sitara and Sachin don’t know it yet…but they are so lucky to be growing up with their Nana and Nani by their side. 😀 Love you Mom and Dad!!!”

We   just had  a   great time.

This is how nana responded tp Nina’s Facebook entry.

“We just had a great time – your mom  enjoyed it. Kids were good. Painting done by Sitara was on the Notice Board. The sky was bright and all people skiing were in the element. That is Deep River.”

Saturday   2 March 2013

It was a Pat Harvey Fun day at Mt. Martin Ski Club in Deep River. Both Sitara & Sachin along with their parents particiipated. Nana/nani went there also –   a bit later – so as not to distract Sachin from going on  the ski hill.

There was Maple Syrup toffee and other fun  things for the kids.

Sunday  3 March 2013

This day Sitara was invited to a birthday party in Deep River – so her mom drove her from Mackey (along with Sachin) .   Then Sachin & his mom decided to go to Tim  Horton for lunch   .   Their dad remained at Mackey to supervise the repair to the Septic tank pipe.   Sachin thought it was  nice  to invite his nana/nani for coffee at Tim Horton and thus he influenced his mom to do so. Both nana/nani were glad to go and join them at Tim Horton in Deep River.   Sachin welcomed his nani & nana with a handshake and a hug  – he positioned himself at the door for such formality. All had a good time and after that all came to nana/nani home . Nina picked up Sitara from her  party and their dad joined them afterwards.   All four then got ready and went to the Mt. Martin ski hill for skiing.

Tuesday 5 March 2013

This day Maya’s Ba and Bapuji travel to Toronto to be with her (Maya) and her parents for a few days.   Maya’s dad is going to USA for few days so her Ba/Bapuji will keep her company when he is away.

The drive to Toronto was pleasant and arrived at Sunir’s place about 530 p.m – he was out to day care to pick Maya and thus when she arrives at home – her Ba & Bapuji were waiting to welcome her.

She was a bit surprised – she did recognise Ba but took a while to be comfortable with her Bapuji.

Shannon arrived a bit later from her work and all had dinner together .   After dinner Maya played with her Ba and Bapuji with her toys and became familiar as before . Then she went to sleep ..

Wednesday  6 March 2013 to Thursday 14 March 2013

Maya’s dad went to USA on business on Thursday 7 March 2013 and returned on Tuesday (12 March 2013)  night ( infact Wednesday early morning -about 2.00 am -13 March 2013).

Maya was coddled and pampered by her Ba & bapuji – taking her to her day care center in the morning   during the weekdays and picking her in the evening – at about 5.15   p.m .   Due to heavy snow on the Toronto roads -which are not cleared similar to how the roads are cleared in Deep River – walking (or taking a stroller) on the side walk and part of road edges was difficult – so her dad had installed her car seat into the Toyota Corolla car – which became a mode for ferrying  Maya  to and from the day care.

This gave her mom a respite from her going and coming from work – also a relaxed time to study for her post-doctoral studies.

On Saturday 9 March 2013 – when her mom was at home – Maya was entertained by taking her to the Toronto Zoo – courtesy of her Heather Auntie who had three (3) tickets for Zoo  and offered these -which were given for Maya’s enjoyment. So all three Ba, Bapuji and Maya’s mom accompanied Maya to the zoo in the morning and had a great time and returned back home for lunch  and Maya’s nap.

It was planned earlier before Maya’s dad gone to USA on business – to take  Maya to Ontario Science Museum   – after he returns. So Maya went to the Science Museum in the afternoon (after her dad had rest and a bit of sleep as he retruned back late at night) .   So all ( Maya, her Ba & Bapuji and her dad) trudled along in the 2010 Toyota Corolla to museum at about 4.00 p.m . All had great time – confining  the visit to kids area only. In all -about 2 hours were spent at the Museum – a quality family time similar to earlier visit to Totonto zoo.

After the zoo-all came home . Her mom was waiting at home after returning from work.   All had dinner together and then Maya went to sleep.   On Sunday all were invited for dinner at Maya’s maternal grandparents home.   So all went in the car – Unfortunately Maya somehow got nuseautic in the car and threw up -all over her car seat and dress.   The car seat was cleaned (thanks to her Ba) and Maya got a change of clothes at her Garndparents home.

For a one &   a half (1 1/2 yr) girl, Maya has developed a good vocabulary and can form sentences which did astound her Ba and Bapuji . Besides she was jovial and always inquisitive. Her communication skills brought many moments of pleasure.

Here is what her Bapuji wrote on an e-mail to her parents after he (and her Ba) returned to Deep River on Thursday 14 March 2013.

e-mail sent – March-15-13 9:10 AM

Title:   Visit to Toronto

Here is the text:

Hi
Our visit to Toronto was fruitful in many ways and for all of us in different context.
Most of all – Maya was replenished with the warmth and love of her Ba and of course Bapuji.
The quality time spent with her – first a visit to Zoo (accompanied by her mom) and then at the end to Ontario Science Museum (accompanied by her dad) – was the highlight for all the in-between shennigans.
Here are a couple of photos for raising the delight and memory. You guys have all the photos – Sunir downloaded these before we left Toronto.
The drive to Deep River was smooth – we arrived home at about 3.40 pm – got my desk top computer from Phil (the Computer technician) – had our dinnner and then we headed to Mackey to play with Sachin & Sitara . Came home again at about 9.30 p.m .
I finished my mail and activities regarding the PEO Annual General Meeting – going to sleep at about 1.00 am early Friday.
Love & Hugs to our lovely girl Maya
:):):) dad pravin
Thursday 14 March 2013

After returning to Deep River   at about 3.35 p.m and getting his computer back from the Technician – both nana/nani went to Mackey to play with Sachin and Sitara. Sachin had phoned to invite his nana/nani – having missed them when they were in Toronto.
All had great time playing and just being together.   On Friday (the day after) both nana/nani went to Petawawa Civic Center to watch both kids skating. They are just learning skating . They spent about 1 1/2 hours (starting at 1.30 p.m   till 3.00 p.m) at the   skating rink.
All went to Pembroke after that – nana/nani separately for shopping and the kids and their parents separetely for their own shopping. After that all met at nana/nani home for dinner. All had a sumtuous dinner and after play (Sitara had a toy movie projector – which she and Sachin played and had all watch the movie – kids characters -with lights turned off. All had great fun with that. After that they all went home to Mackey   .

Saturday 16 March 2013

Sitara’s mom Facebook showed the following.

Sitara Mistry – Raise-A-Thon – Deep…: “Support Sitara for her first Swim-a-Thon. Go to the link and donate! Thanks in advance for your support!!!http://www.ontarioswimathon.ca/drc/profile.php?id=xqwpfay”
Sitara Mistry – Raise-A-Thon – Deep River Candu Swim-A-Thon 2013
www.ontarioswimathon.caNana/nani contributed a fourty dollars sum on line . Her Nani was so pleased with Sitara’s first debut in charity /community service work that she wanted to contribute big. So we did . Hurray for Sitara.

Tuesday 19 March 2013

A financial history was made to-day – Sachin opened up all his  piggy banks at Mackey – counted all the coins & notes in his  piggy banks and had her nani open all his piggy banks in Deep River (at nana/nani) home and then went to Bank of Nova Scotia, Deep River branch

and help deposit all that in his bank account.   He established a good rapport with bank officers (they are now-a-days are not called bank tellers) especially with Sandy . For a 3 1/2 year old boy he was a thorough gentleman and very charming. And the smile on his face was winner.

Saturday 23 March 2013

Both nana/nani got up early to-day. There was a Swin-A-Thon at Mackenzie Pool . As mentioned earlier. Sitara was participating in the Swim-A-Thon.   The event started at 8.00 a.m .   Sitara was there with her parents and brother, Sachin. Both nana/nani arrived just befor 8.00 a.m.   Her swimming started at 8.20 a.m and ended one (1) hour after that. She did some 48 laps in one hour.   She showed a persevering power, not tired after one hour of swiming – doing some 48 laps ( full length of the swimmimg pool) and then still having good strength.   Her mom had to leave   early (at about 8.52 a.m) as she   was at work this Saturday.   After the Swin-a-thon   participation , all went upstairs for a pancake breakfast.   It was well organised – lots of food and a great variety apart from the pancakes.   Bravo Sitara!
After the pancake breakfast – Sitara and Sachin went to FEN birthday Party with their dad & nani   – again at the Mackenzie Community Center. Nana did not join then and went home .

All came to nana/nani home after the FEN party and had a great time playing with both nana /nani though subsequently Sachin went for his afternoon nap.     Their dad had gone to office for work on some urgent issues . After dinner ( when their mom had come and joined in) – again after some playing both   went to sleep at nana/nani home – and their parents   went for a party .

This is what their mom posted on her Facebook page:

” What a wonderful day…Sitara participated in the Swim-a-Thon this morning at 8 am and did great. So proud of her! Then the FEN birthday party…I Love Deep River 🙂 Now for a lovely evening out with friends … Perfect Day “

Sunday 24 March 2013

So the kids had sleep over at nana/nani home.   Wonderful kids!   In the morning first Sachin woke up and later Sitara. As they were completing their breakfast , their   parents came from Mackey. Nina   to work at her Phramacy store and Sunjay had some work at his office on some issues.   Both joined in the breakfast . After breakfast, both parents spent time with the kids. Sachin had an eye on a box (lying at nana/nani living room for some time)   – containing McDonalds’ inflatable “Drive-In” tent. The kids had won that during the 2012 Canada Day celebration at Mackey . This was never opened but somehow had ended up at nana/nani home.   So Sachin   became a bit insistent that he wantedf to have it opened. So his dad was pressed to open it . He did and used an electric air pump to inflate the “Drive-in ” tent.

The kids enjoyed that the whole day – both playing together   well.   Each one wopuld drive to the window ( they have   had an electric vehicle which they can each ride ) andd after awhile they covered the tent with bedsheets and living room blankets -enclosed it completely and they played games together. In the evening, this took an interesting turn. They wanted their nana to tell a story and act out. Such as a bad wolf or a   monster) who would huff and puff anf try to blow the tent away and take away the kids . So nana play acted as a bad wolf, a bad monster and as a pirate and tried to scare the kids with dramatic story and acting. The kids revelled the whole one hour having fun with laughter   nad joining in the noise making .

Subsequent to that   Sitara led her nana downstairs to the recreation room (where they have another tent) . And she draws up 4 sketches   (she is only 5 1/2 yr old) to tell her nana a ‘ ghost ‘ story. She got all the 4 sketches (sequential) hung from the inner wall (over where there is a window panel) and took a flashlight (torch) – going inside the tent – she told the ghost story (with all the dramatic gestures etc)   as she made the story as it unfolded out . Sachin folowed her and tried to make his own   ghost story. He being ionly 3 1/2 half – he was just following his big sister but boy! was he active – trying to make sketches and getting hold of another flashlight .   Though after awhile he gave up that enterprise and diverted himself to play with toys in the Recreation Room.

The best part is that she then pulled her nana to his study as she wanted her “Ghost story ” to be written down   .She askedher nana for help to write it down as she dictated.   Her nana could not understand the her words properly   (because of hearing loss or for other reasons) -so he took Sitara to her nani -who has a better understanding of kids words than nana . So Sitara dictated her story to her nani who wrote it down on a piece of paper. The wriiten form does not highlight all the dramatics that she did when telling the story and the use of the flashlights. So the reader of the story will have to imagine the dramatics on his/her own imaginations.

Here is the story by Sitara:

Once   upon a time

There was a little ghost named Mike

Mike one day went to school   (from his house/home)

Clack! Clack! Clack!  

At School he learnt about flowers and fish

The he went home

Clack! Clack! Clack!

And had dinner

and the he went upstairs to brush the teeth

Clack! Clack! Clack!  

Then he went into his room

Clack! Clack! Clack!

and put his pyjamas on.

Then he climbed   on to his bed.

Tuesday 26 March 2013

A day to celebrate the arrival of Spring. In India they celebrate the spring arrival by merry making with colours – it is called Holi celebration.   Nina was at nana/nani Deep River home with Sachin   (usual Tuesday tradition – as she does not work on Tuesdays and Thursdays) . She got this excitement to celebrate Holi here in Deep River and both nana/nani were game for such exuberance. So with this approval she send invitation to all her friends (using facebook posting) . Here is what she sent out :

” It’s Holi – Indian First Day of Spring and the Festival of Color. Deep River folks…anyone who wants to show up at 65 Rutherford at 6pm today armed with baby powder can feel free to play and throw the powder at everyone in our drive way! Let’s take a few minutes to be free! (no color though…) “

So quite a few of her friends with their kids came over at 6.00 p.m at nana/nani driveway . Sitara was back from her school and Sunjay came from his work (these days he works late due to some urgent task at office) . All families were equiped with tulcam powder -and Nina & nani had also put out quite   a few bowls of powder ready for all.   There was so much excitement and all threw poweder on each other and welcome the spring.

All had a great time and   the little children had fun together -whereby building their lifelong bonding with each other.

So what’s the idea behind holi? what’s the symbolism of the colours and the powder throwing?

This festival which marks the advent of spring, is a harbinger of joy, hope and fulfilment for all. People from India and Nepal celebrate Hindu festival that commemorates spring”™s arrival.

Holi marks the end of the winter gloom and rejoices in the bloom of the spring time.

Whatever be the choice of colour, nobody remains in their original texture at the end of the play. And everybody takes delight looking at the other. Really, the other name of the festival is FUN.

It can be said, “Life turns Colourful” when it is time for Holi.

——————–

Colorful Legend
The legend from which the tradition of playing colours started is full of colours in itself. The story goes that the very colourful Indian god, Lord Krishna was jealous of his soul mate Radha’s fair complexion, since he himself was very dark.

Naughty young Krishna complained to his mother Yashoda about this injustice of nature. To placate the child, doting mother asked Krishna to apply colour on Radha’s face and change her complexion according to his choice.

Playful and mischievous Krishna appreciated the idea and implemented it. The game of applying colours thus gained so much popularity that it became a tradition and later it turned out to be a full fledged festival.

Till date, lovers desired to colour and be coloured by their mates. The application of colours has in a way become an expression of love.

It is a real fun to watch the otherwise always sober people making a clown of themselves.

——————–

In all Sitara was completely spattered (splashed) all over with white powder   and Sachin too with all other kids.

The event lasted for about 1/2 hour .The day was bright and warmer for a winter (early spring) day .   The   day ended with good dinner by the family and the kids went home to Mackey with their   mom all tired out – their dad had to go back to office for a short while .

Thursday 28 March 2013

Both Sitara and Sachin   had a northern journey with their parents and went to Sudbury until Saturday 30 March 2013 -when they all retuned back to Mackey. As I understand this sojourn was planned with two other families ( the parents’ friends) including their chidren.

Here is what was posted on Nina’s Facebook dated Saturday 30 March 2013:

“Wonderful 3 days in Sudbury. The kids had a great 1.5 days playing at Science North and an action packed day at Dynamic Earth (The Big Nickel) which included an Easter Egg hunt around the Big Nickel. Unpacked and laundry on, we’re glad to be home and in our own bed though!”

Easter 2013

1 –   Here we have an e-mail (dated   Friday 29 March 2013) from Maya’s mom (Shannon) as to how she celebrated and enjoyed the Easter

1- Here is Maya modeling the bunny ears she made at daycare. She looks perfectly happy but in fact has a fever of 39.6 degrees and had to be picked up early from daycare yesterday. Let’s hope she gets better soon and that nobody else gets sick – with my big exams in five days, I can’t afford to get sick! Hope you are all enjoying the long weekend. xoxo”

She is a brave little girl – despite her fever she did modelled the bunny ears.

2 – on Sunday 31 March 2013 , Sitara an Sachin went to the Easter party at the Legion Hall in Chalk River (at   1.30 p.m) – their parents took/drove them in Vauxwagon Passt stationwagon and both nana/nani joined them driving in their Toyoto Corolla car. This was after their strenuous and pleasurable trip to Sudbury -returning back to Mackey only yesterday.

At the Easter party , both kids participated in all activities. Sitara did herr painting ( a fill paint type ) along with her nani . Sachin was busy with his dad making a decorated “Nest” – using a styrofoam cup and both did decorate easter eggs with full attention and fun. Then   each one played the “spin-the wheel” – costing 25cts for each spin . Sitara did not win any prize but Sachin did.   However, their nana had bought some raffle tickets for 4.00 dollars – and Sitara won a prize – she chose a nice cuddly blue bunny – a small one.   They also played other games – like shooting a “basket” ball into a net or knocking   5 pins witth   a ball .

At the end of the program at 3.00 p.m –   the organisers had organised a ” Candy rumble ” outside – on a clean patch they had sprayed candy all over – for kid to pick up as many as they can (until all are picked up). Sitara and Sachin had a ball with that like all other kids. The beautiful weather helped to make the “candy rumble” a   very successful. After that nana/nani went to theor home and the kids and parents returned to Mackey – they really need some rest time.

Here is the final comment – from kids mom (Nina)   – posted on the Facebook after some rest home:

“The equivalent of two kids eating candy all day today is me drinking a whole bottle of wine tonight...”

It is between you and God – words of wisdom

The following was found in my daughter’s (Nina’s) school things – much after she had left home, graduated, married and became a mom.

 

If you are kind, people may accuse you of being selfish, having ulterior motives;

                                                                                      Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

                                                                                    Succeed anyway.

                            If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

                                                                                    Be honest and frank anyway.

                          If you find serenity and happiness, people may be jealous;

                                                                                    Be happy anyway.

                          The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

                                                                                    Do good anyway.

                          Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

                                                                     Give your best to the world anyway.

                          You see, in the final analysis, it is betwen you and GOD;

                                                                 It never is between you and them anyway.              

Pondering !

The following ‘pondering’ was collected by Nina ( daughter ) when she was younger .     It is very thought provoking .

 I was sitting on the steps

 The other day, thinking of You

 and just gazing into this

Mud puddle when all of a

Sudden  I saw this face

Looking back at me and  I said

To myself, “I’m not going to

smile until they do!” so I

Waited, but they didn’t

smile and I got so nervous

And embarrassed that

I smiled first, and right

Away they smiled back

Real friendly like, so I

Was just wondering….

….Do you think it’s

Silly to make friends

With someone who

Lives in a mud puddle?

 

 

 

 

 

 

A touch of “Heaven On Earth” – Christmas 2012 – Family Togetherness

A touch of “Heaven On Earth” – Christmas 2012 – Family Togetherness
  

Background
  

Christmas is a time when family and friends gather together   to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and/or the onset of holidays and welcoming the new year.   Every year our family do get together in Deep River, Ontario – mostly at or just after the Christmas Day but before the New Year day.  

As Canadians – even though we are   not of Christian faith – we do celebrate the arrival of Santa and his   elves   during this time bearing lots of gifts for kids and adults. This celebration and putting up a Christmas tree was instituted the first year when we migrated to Canada -in the year 1974 – when our daughter   (Nina) was born during December 1974 in Niagara Falls . Subsequently our son (Sunir) was also born in Niagara Falls during June 1979.

The family moved to Deep River, Ontario in 1986.  

This tradition of getting together in Deep River was established in 1990s after both our kids ( Nina -our daughter   and then our son Sunir) went away for further studies . Nina went away to Hamilton first   and then to Toronto to complete her Pharmacy course.   Sunir completed his Computer Software graduation in Ottawa and then completed a Masters degree course in Toronto.


After graduation, both Nina & Sunir established themselves in Toronto for their career – though subsequently Nina & her partner/husband (Sunjay) moved to Deep River area in 2006 and moved along to have a family – first our Granddaughter (Sitara) is born during August 2007 and then our Grandson (Sachin) is born during July 2009.   Both Sitara and Sachin are born in Ottawa – Nina (along with family) travelling to Ottawa for delivery from her home in Mackey (near & west of Deep River).
  Sunir however kept himself in Toronto,  got married to Shannon.  Subsequently both became proud parents.  Maya – our Granddaughter – was born during August 2011. Maya is born in Toronto.
So there are now three(3) beautiful grandkids and they have livened up our Senior lives in retirement.


Getting together
  

It is a common belief that family time together will result in peace and progress. It also brings relief and sense of belonging – especially in the modern world when   nuclear families are proliferating and when jobs and earnings separate siblings and take them away to distant places.   So Maya came from Toronto to Deep River, Ontario on Friday 28 December 2012 to visit and celebrate Christmas and New Year Holidays with her paternal grandparents ( “Ba & Bapuji ” – her dad’s parents ),   her aunt, Nina  ( “foi ” in Gujarati language – her dad’s sister ),  and uncle, Sunjay  ( ” fuva”   in Gujarati language – her ” foi‘s ” husband ) as well as with her cousin sister, Sitara and cousin brother, Sachin.     Maya  is just a baby of only a year and five months old and her cousin Sitara is four (4) Years older than her and her cousin brother Sachin is only   two (2)   years older than her.   There is a two (2) years difference between the three (3) grandchildren.  

Maya had been having a tough time recently having an ear ache due to cold and a touch of flu . This was compounded by her mom’s health from a touch of flu (mostly sniffling) and her dad having a  cough.  

The visit was a bit shaky as the flu could have kept them in Toronto but the parents figured that it was manageable with intake of medicine and taking as much rest as possible – before the drive to Deep River, en route to Deep River and while at Deep River.  

The drive to Deep River was commenced on Thursday 27 December 2012 – with a planned break for a night en route in Huntsville and then come over to Deep River on Friday 28 December – about lunch time.

At Huntsville, Maya   & parents stayed with her great grandparents ( her mom’s maternal   grandparents) . Maya got coddled and loved by both her great grandparents and had a good night’s rest before driving (of course with her parents) to Deep River.  

The three grandchildren here in Deep River – one (Maya) a visitor from Toronto and two from the local area (both Sitara and Sachin live at Mackey with their parents -some 25 minutes drive west from Deep River)   but go to school (& day care) at Deep River . Their parents also work in Deep River.  

Sitara & Sachin arrived with their dad at their grandparents home on Friday 28 December 2012 just before lunch to meet their cousin Maya as well as   their uncle, Sunir ( ” Mama ” in Gujarati language ) and Auntie, Shannon ( ” Mami ” in Gujarati language) .

Thus the great getting together of the whole Shah family started on Friday 28 December 2012 and was to span over a few days – of holidays and fun – even while Nina was working during the holidays as Pharmacists are needed to be on duty. She however joined in after work – however late that can be.

Fun   & Frolicking


It was kind of exhilarating that the weather behaved during the time the family was together during the holidays. The weather turn out to be normal winter temperature with no snow falling during this time   – snow had already been on the ground (having fallen a couple of days before)   providing a serene white blanket outdoors all over.

During these few days when the family spent together there were few moments which are etched in memory forever. These moments can be dubbed ” heaven on earth” moments as measureable happiness and joy is felt by all – each in his/her own unique way.

Friday – 28 December 2012

On Friday (28 December 2012) arriving from Huntsville,   both Sunir & Shannon were a bit under the weather but Maya was in good spirit.   Maya was almost at home with her Ba and Bapuji whom she had seen about a month before in Toronto.

She remembered them and their identifying title and called her grandma   correctly “Ba” ” Ba” .   She was hugged and coddled and just made comfortable. Both Sunir & Shannon managed to get some rest in the afternoon.

Soon Maya was joined by her cousins Sitara & Sachin who came about 4.00 p.m. with their dad, Sunjay – after their skiing on Mt Martin Ski hill . Both Sitara and Sachin took well with Maya almost instantly and Sachin immediately hugged her . So did Sitara.

They started to play with Maya and try to pass a couple of  stuffed animal to her .  Maya also explored the decorated Christmas tree standing tall in the living room. All three kids just melted in  each other arms.

Both Sitara and Sachin also got coddled by their SunirMama and ShannonMami. This bond between the kids and their uncle and aunt is since the time they were born.  Maya remained a bit aloof from her ” fuva” as she was enveloped by her cousins in playing with her.  

The Deep River house was full with the three kids playing and making all kinds of frolicking roundabouts and sounds. They played with various available toys in the Living Room.

Both grandparents were thrilled to see the kids having fun together and mostly left them alone – just providing supervision where needed.  

As grandparents we want to make the most of the precious family time we get to spend with our grandchildren.

Of course then all had dinner. The dinner was ” Ragda Patish” – A delicious Gujarati dish prepared by Grandma for the adults and special rice & yogurt curry for the kids.

Maya went to sleep about 7.30 pm – her usual time and after that Sitara & Sachin had an about an hour to play and getting coddled by their SunirMama & ShannonMami.

Sunir played with Sitara and went about normal horsing around and also coddled Sachin – lifting him, bouncing him up and down and just playing with him. ShannonMami read a couple of children books to the kids but mostly Sitara who always likes her Mami to read to her ( books of her choice normally around in her collections at the Deep river home).

Both Sitara & Sachin went back home to Mackey with their dad at about 9.30 p.m.

Nina came over to visit after her work just after 10 p.m. – her workplace (PhramaPlus) stays open late till 10.00 p.m during Christmas Holidays .   Nina had a good ” shooting the breeze ” time with her brother (Sunir) & Shannon and went home to Mackey about 11.00 p.m.
 

Saturday   29 December 2012

On Saturday   29 Dec –   all spent the day at Deep River and mostly remained indoors within home.  

During the day Sitara played Board game with her Mama. All kids , Sunir , Shannon & Sunjay had gone outdoors (in the afternoon) in front of the house to make a snowman & play around in the snow. Maya was coddled by her “fuva” while playing and making snowman outdoors.

All had lunch & dinner together except Nina who was at work at lunch time but managed to join for dinner as her work finished at 6.00 p.m. this day -its being a  Saturday.

After dinner, Christmas and Holiday gifts were exchanged and opened by the excited kids and adults alike.   Many photos and video clips were taken – freezing the happy moments and 2012 family faces/features on multiple digital cameras.

Grandparents were just around –Grandma preparing meals and grandpa just helping around wherever possible either with kids or setting the table for meals.

Spending time with grandchildren is always fun – especially when the whole family is around.  Regardless of what you do together, time with grandchildren is always fun. Whether you are teaching them something new or learning something from them, there’s a special bond between the grandchildren and the grandparents.

Sitara & Sachin had to be coaxed and pleaded before they agreed to get ready to go home to Mackey with their parents at around 9.30 p.m.

Sunday 30 December 2012

Sunday was special day as both Nina and Sunjay had planned to celebrate the family togetherness by having a family party at their home in Mackey.  

It was special day as the celebratory meal was to be prepared by Sunjay  – as Nina was at work till 5.00 p.m. Sunjay is a master chef – he has good culinary sense and can whip up very enjoyable testy meals for any occasion.

Maya along with her parents and her Ba/Bapuji arrived at Mackey in the morning around 10.00 a.m.   Maya came in her parents rented car and her Ba/Bapuji came separately in their 2010 Toyoto Corolla car.

Sunjay prepared a sumptuous dinner meal which was supported by grandma’s addition – especially for a great lunch. A glass of wine led to “toasting” each other for best wishes . Both Sitara & Sachin also clicked their glasses with the adults – of course their glasses were filled with a mix of apple juice and water.

During the day Sitara spent time with her Mama – working to build the   3D Ginger Bread puzzle. She also played a board game with him.
Sachin & Maya spent playing with miscellaneous toys scattered around the living room and the kitchen area.

Maya was a free bird – running here & there . Getting into the blue big truck – being pushed around by her dad & also Bapuji.  Sachin also played with his Thomas train toys.

Playing with young kids   – is always exhilarating and joyful and to experience games, music, nature, reading, and other interests in conjunction with a curious young mind.

It was ” heaven on earth ” moment multiple times when enjoying a synergy between young and adults – all the worries and concern of adult life put away – however momentarily.

Again, many photos and video clips were taken on multiple digital cameras.

Maya was put to bed early around 8.00 p.m. while the other two kids stayed up for a little while longer.  Their SunirMama & ShannonMami   stayed the night at Mackey and the grandparents return back to Deep River around 9.30 p.m.

Grandchildren see the world ”” whether near or far ”” in special ways, and through them, grandparents rediscover the joy of visiting and spending valuable quality time with kids & grandkids.
 

Monday  31 December 2012 – New Year eve

Maya came over to Deep River with her parents after having breakfast with her cousins at Mackey.

She was cuddled, coddled and just loved by her Ba and Bapuji while she was getting ready for a visit to her dad’s friend’s family   ( Nadia – who has 5 kids of her own) in Deep River. Maya has a great time with the kids during her visit.

In the meantime, Sitara and Sachin came over with their dad to spend more time with Maya and their uncle and aunt.

After Maya returned back -she and kids played with each other.  Maya got a bath and Sachin just joined in the bath along with Maya given by his ShannonMami.

After that some creative craft time – all 3 kids were industrious making/decorating 2 Ginger Bread houses – led by ShannonMami & helped by Sunjay.

Nina joined in after work at about 5.00 p.m and all had dinner together.

After that Mistrys along with Kids went to Ron/Diane home to celebrate the arrival of 2013 – while seniors spent time with Sunir/Shannon at home as Maya went to sleep by 8.00 p.m.

By this time both Sunir & Shannon were well   rested and feeling much healthier than when they arrived for holidays at Deep River.  

A   contentment in the grandparents hearts was visible and very sweet.

Tuesday 1 January 2013

Happy New Year. All wished an enjoyable and successful new Year to the family members.

Maya returned to Toronto with her parents – stopping en route at Huntsville (at her great grandparents home) for lunch break.

The family time together is momentarily over – all there grandkids had a ball of a time with lots cuddles , hugs and kissed along with gifts to play with   and enjoy.

Prayers were offered by each grandparents   ( nana/nani for Sitara & Sachin and on the other side Ba and Bapuji for Maya)   for thanks to our Guardian Angel for a great and satisfying few days – sort of    ” heaven on earth ” moment for now.
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Some Pre & Post – Holidays events
  

1) Thursday 27 December 2012

Both the Grandparents (Deep River version) were invited for pre-Christmas lunch at their Burmese friends’ (Kay & Zin) home .   Hershi (one of the friends ) also joined in. Kay & Zin have two sons – one (Ken) is now grown up and is in the Canadian Navy.  He was home visiting for the Christmas holidays.  

Their other son   – Thit – a teen turning about 18 and doing his   high school at the Mackenzie Community School in Deep River.

Thit has obtained his airplane pilot license   – having got training over the last year or so in Arnprior. His dad also has started the pilot lessons . He also bought a 4 seater-single engine plane – being parked currently at Arnprior Airport.

This shows how much a father loves his son – and support him in his endeavour to better himself   – and which will remain for life time  . There is an embedded fatherly instinct to see his son be successful   and confident in himself.

Kay & Zin have also their parents – Kay’s mother and Zin’s dad living with them in Deep River. Zin’s dad (Joe) is a scholar and a linguist – especially for Sanskrit (   an ancient language of India). All had good time together – building bonds of friendship.

Ken- the elder son had brought gifts (he is residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia) – for each of our three(3) grandkids . That was a very nice gesture on his part and was appreciated immensely.
 

2)   Thursday 3 January 2013

The Burmese friends came over for dinner on this fine day . Harshi – the other friend also joined in.    

Ken came with his special dinner dish – bedeviled eggs – with special spices added. This dish is loved by all.

Every year Ken does make this dish . Hershi made a special Gujarati dish with Yogurt ( Danhi Vada ). Grandma (nani) made Gujarati dinner with dal , rice and Chappaati.

Both Ken & Thit love this Gujarati cuisine. Kay also brought a couple of enchanting salads and other dishes.

Unfortunately, Zin’s dad and Kay’s mom did not come – it was cold outside and they did not feel risking health.

However all had a great meal and camaraderie and enjoyed the company to   warm the hearts.
 

3)    Wednesday 2 January 2013

This day Sitara & Sachin travelled by car (starting in the evening) to Toronto with their parents   and to spend the night in Huntsville – a break in travel before proceeding to Toronto.   They will return after a week away from home. It is planned to be back on Wednesday 9 January 2013.

They had gone   to London ( Anjali & Avak family) ,   to Niagara Falls & to spend some time in Toronto)

Their going away after a great family get together (just a couple of days before) left a kind of void (a sort of mini Empty Nest feeling) in the grandparents’ (kids nana/nani) hearts-   as the absence of kids’ laughter and play for a week was kind of difficult to bear. It was for a week but felt like they were going away much too long.

 4)   Saturday 12 January 2013

Sitara wanted to spend the day with her nana/nani – so she requested her mom.   Sitara then came over with her mom ( who was working this day in Deep River) – spent the   day with her nana/nani. Sachin did not come as he was still sleeping when his mom left home for work.     Sachin remained home with his dad.

Sitara then in the afternoon joined her nana/nani to a prayer satsang at Ushaben’s home – where chanting to Gods was being done (aided by the Art of Living disciples from Pembroke) . Sitara enjoyed playing (as accompaniment to the satsang songs ) along with other kids – the Indian musical instruments.

She then went home -her mom came over after work at Ushaben’s home to pick her up – after having dinner.

5)   Wednesday 16 January 2013

Sitara’s KG   teacher (Mrs. Cox ) came over to nana/nani home on the evening of Wednesday to borrow the “Snoopy” ice & ice cream maker ( this is a toy ice machine – which makes real ice and ice-cream)   . This toy machine was bought many years ago when Sitara’s mom was a young girl – for her amusement and learning . Also used for Sunir’s fun too when he was growing up.

Mrs. Cox wants to use this machine at Sitara’s KG class on Friday – to demonstrate making of ice and ice-cream.     OH ! how items saved and kept well – can be useful after many years for the children of the original kids.

6)   Thursday   17 January 2013

Sitara went to Ottawa with her parents ( & Sachin) for her annual allergy check-up . It was a very cold day ( – 20 to – 25 degrees C)

They also used the day to enjoy the “Winterlude” happenings in the Capitol.

 

 

   

   

Jain Song (5) – Arhat Oh Arhat

Jain Song composed in 1984 -5

( Tune : Merrily We Roll Along )

Arhat   Oh Arhat   ARHAT   Oh ARHAT
Absolute Liberation
What a Beacon!
What a Beacon!
Oh ARHAT


This Greed This Jealousy
Freedom Is the Choice
What a Beacon!
What a Beacon!
Oh ARHAT  


This Want This Mirage
Liberty Is the Choice
What a Beacon!
What a Beacon!
Oh ARHAT

ARHAT   Oh ARHAT
Absolute Liberation
What a Beacon!
What a Beacon!
Oh ARHAT

 

Pravin Shah