Category Archives: Miscellaneous Musings!

Letter to Editor -NRT (Chalk River National Laboratory – A New Concept)

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          01 October 2009

Dear Editor
North Renfrew Times
Deep River, ON

Letter to Editor

Please find attached my article titled ” Chalk River National Laboratory – A New Concept   ” for your publication under your “Letter to Editor” section .

Many Thanks

Pravin Shah

——————————————————————
 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             01 October 2009
Chalk River National Laboratory – A New Concept
 

Recently we have seen an energetic grass root movement in our area for the development of a nuclear Research Reactor.  
First I would like to congratulate the CREATE group (Chalk River Employees Ad hoc TaskforcE for a national laboratory) for furthering the aim of a new Research Reactor at CRL site.  This movement is timely and courageous; specially when there is a possibility of major restructuring of AECL (by the Federal Government).
 
I recently attended a meeting organised by the CREATE group ( on Wednesday, 30 September, 2009 at the Lions Hall in Chalk River).
 
I am hundred percent in favour of a new nuclear Research Reactor in Canada – but particularly in the already established locale such as CRL, Chalk River (Deep River) -with its existing infrastructure and scientific community in place.
 
What puzzles though is – Why am I asked (along with others) by the  CREATE group at this late date to support the development of such  a nuclear Research Reactor? and why I am supporting such a development?  
Why anyone here in Deep River or Chalk River needs to be mobilised for a  support to such a nuclear Research Reactor. We are already sold on this idea as many of us know (either directly or by anecdotes) many benefits (to the public and the country) from the  multiple past research and development from Chalk River Laboratories – from medical to power to health sciences to monitoring of radio-active fields. We have also known about some other inventions such as seals for rockets & others.
 
I think that the basic question that needs to be answered is Do Canada wants to remain in the knowhow of the Nuclear Science? This question can only be answered by the powers-to-be.  
We, as citizens, have a say but ultimately the decision has to be made by the authorities. Already many countries have  more advanced research in this field – for all kinds of reasons and needs.
 
I think we in Canada have already lost momentum in nuclear research and somewhat resting on our earlier laurels in the nuclear field and if we are not careful and cognizant of the present situation – we will lag behind and  increasingly become dependent on foreign support.
 
I am not an expert on this subject but commonsense tells me that we are already behind. Further, development of a new Research Reactor will take anything up to 15 years (if we start now).   The gap between our nuclear science knowledge and others in the world would have grown many folds.   Why such a thing has come to pass?I think the CREATE committee needs to ask the Government pronto – what is stopping them for making a decision (right now) to maintain (and in fact enhance) our Canadian knowledge (and thus our scientific pool) in Nuclear Science.
A Research Reactor would come handy and useful – for  new isotopes to be discovered for medical needs, new fuel for nuclear power to be discovered (or developed) , new methodologies developed for use in case of nuclear disasters (both from civilian and non-civilian activities), new breeder technologies, space  voyages and settlement on the moon and other celestial   bodies needing nuclear batteries ;  etc etc.  We also need trained experts in this field for any untoward eventualities.
 
Will we be left to depend on others (foreign sources )? What about openings for such exciting and useful high-tech possibilities for our coming new generations?
 
Our powers-to-be need to put their hands on their chest (heart) and think hard for the good of the country.
 
I do believe they are doing that and the logical  answer (without hesitation), I believe, would be to re-energise our nuclear knowledge base and our Canadian scientific community.
 
I think we are already too late but a step in the right direction would ultimately bring us to catch up.  What is needed is not  a quiet support from the Government but a big ” encouraging push”  – so as to raise the morale (which has dwindled a lot over the years) of our  nuclear and non-nuclear scientific and engineering community many folds.
 
The current pursuit of a new nuclear Research Reactor for Canada is critical – whose time has come.
 
A marching order is necessary at this stage –   as  we  are already lagging behind – a lot.
  
Pravin Shah
 

Being Grandparents -12

This post is a continuation of  the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2, Being Grandparents – 3, Being Grandparents – 4, Being Grandparents – 5, Being Grandparents -6,Being Grandparents -7, Being Grandparents -8 , Being Grandparents  -9  ,  Being Grandparents -10 & Being Grandparents -11)   as the previous  posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

Friday 25 Seprember, 2009   –   A Welcoming Party for Sachin

Today, Sachin’s grandparents held a welcoming party (in this good world0 for Sachin – now that he has become 2 months old.   Many of the Community’s  ladies were invited and two neighbour ladies (Kathy – next door neighbour & Penny -the neighbour from across the road). Four friends-colleagues (ladies) from his dad’s office also came to the party (They were Nancy -who got married recently, Mahsa -whom Sitara adresses as Mahsa Masi( her auntie), Thanuga & Juiliet).

There was so much food and grandma had prepared a mango-pie cake with two green booties. His nani (grandma) did a splendid job preparing the meals .   Sitara just enjoyed the party. She is a girl who loves her brother and not a single streak of jealousy or being left out. She played with Sachin and said to him ” I love you” and “I want to hug you”.   Sachin was all wonderrful and enjoying himself very stately. Many ladies played with him. Mahsa read books to Sitara – she just loved it.    

Here is a poem Sachin’s Grandpa – (that is me) wrote for the occasion.

Sachin
The Boy has arrived

our lives have changed for better

His sister is just fabulously excited

Sitara , announcing to the world

I have a brother, calling out

with a joyful smile – Sachin,   Sachin

The Boy has arrived

A dash to be with the family

arrived a bit early than expected

July 20 of 2009 was   propitious

what an excitement he made

For all to celebrate in welcoming him

The Boy has arrived

Welcome, welcome,   welcome

Chorused all together

the parents   most loudly

Grandparents just hoarse  

with excitement.

Welcome party organised by his grandparents in Deep River on Friday 25 September 2009

Welcome Sachin.  Saturday    03 October , 2009   –   A Welcoming Party for Sachin

Sachin’s parents held a welcomimg Party at their home for Sachin – amongst his dad’d & mom’s   work colleagues .

It was party with dessert only – in the afternoon   beteween 1.30 p.m to 5.00 p.m .  

His nana was occupied inhis Professional Engineers Congress in Pembroke but his nani went early to participate . There were some 30 peple who attended the party.

Also his nana managed to attend at about 4.00 p.m as his meeting (with Engineers) In Pembroke finished early. Sitara   jus enjoyed the party and was circulating with all the guests.

She was overjoyed when she saw her nana coming and came running to him for an extended hug

 Tuesday 06 October 2009

I am told by Sachin’s mom that he is now responding to Hi and says back   “iiiieee” on his own infant way – sinc eabout 2 days now.    

Also his mom went to Pembroke today to submit an application for  his passport – so he is getting ready to go overseas  – to England to meet his paternal Grandma and his masi (His dad’s sister and family) .  

He is now almost 3 months old and is a quiet boy.   Sitara just loves him and keep looking after him with so much soft approach -an understanding rarely seen in a 2 year child.

Pravin Shah

 

 

Recipe -Ginger Bread Cookies

 

 

These are the best ginger cookies I have ever tasted.

Ginger Bread Cookies

1 1/2 c. Crisco
2 c. Sugar
1/2 c. molasses
2 eggs
4 c. flour
1 tlb. + 1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
Mix up crisco, sugar, eggs & molasses together until smooth. Add flour, soda, pepper, ginger, cloves salt. Use an icecream scoop to scoop dough up that is about 1/4 c per cookie.
Roll the dough into cinamon and sugar. Bake 350 degrees for 13 min.

To make the diabetic use the same amount of Splenda as you do normal suger. Also to make them fat free add 1 1/2 cups sugar free applesauce.
———————————————————————————————————
Triple Ginger Cookies
Makes about 24 cookies
2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp table salt
1 tsp ground ginger
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 Tbsp apple butter
1/4 cup ginger preserves
1/4 cup molasses
1 Tbsp ginger root, freshly grated
3/4 cup SPLENDA* Granular
1 large egg(s)
1.         Preheat oven to 350 ºF. Cover 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray.
2.         Whisk flour, baking soda, salt and ground ginger together in a medium bowl; set aside.
3.         With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter, apple butter, preserves, molasses and fresh ginger until well combined. Add SPLENDA*; beat to combine. Add egg; beat to combine. Add dry ingredients; beat to combine.
4.         Drop rounded teaspoons of batter 1 inch apart onto cookie sheets. Bake until set and golden, about 15 to 17 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool. Yields 3 cookies per serving.
Serving size: 3 cookies. POINTS value per serving: 2
  

 

 

 

 

Notes:
SPLENDA* is the perfect way to make the POINTS values of your favourite seasonal goodies go from low to lower!
1.         Replace half the fat of any cookie recipe with an equivalent amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed-up, ripe banana. If you do so, always double the amount of vanilla or other spices in the recipe.
2.         Wherever the recipe calls for sugar, try baking with SPLENDA* No Calorie Sweetener. SPLENDA* measures cup for cup like sugar, so baking is just as easy. This adjustment will help create healthy variations of some of your favourite holiday treats.
3.         Always cream the butter or shortening for at least 2 minutes in the mixer at medium speed. More tender cookies have more air beaten into the batter. But once you add the flour, never beat the batter, only stir with a wooden spoon, just until moistened and incorporated. You don’t want the glutens to get stiff.
4.         If a recipe calls for two whole eggs, use 1 whole egg and 2 egg whites; if it calls for 3 whole eggs, use 1 whole egg and 3 egg whites.
5.         Replace walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts with almonds, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or unsalted sunflower seeds.
6.         If you replace buttermilk or sour cream with low-fat buttermilk or fat-free sour cream, use cake flour rather than all-purpose flour for more tender cookies.
Try these two recipes for the perfect treats anytime. The use of SPLENDA* No Calorie Sweetener instead of sugar makes these already healthy and scrumptious desserts even lower in POINTS values!
  

 

Recipe – Fluffy Pancakes

Fluffy Pancakes  

 

 

 Beaten egg whites make these pancakes fluffy. Serve these wonderful pancakes with your favorite syrup and butter.  

INGREDIENTS:  

  • 2 cups flour  

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar  

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt  

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder  

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda  

  • 1 cup buttermilk  

  • 3/4 cup milk  

  • 2 large eggs, separated  

  • 1/4 cup melted butter  

  • vegetable oil  

PREPARATION:  

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and soda.  

In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and milk, egg yolks, and melted butter. Blend into the dry ingredients just until all ingredients are moistened.  

Beat egg whites in another bowl until stiff peaks form.  

Fold into the batter until well incorporated.  

Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When skillet is hot enough for a drop of water to sizzle, scoop pancake batter onto the skillet in about 1/4-cup portions, spreading slightly. When edges are rather dry and bubbles are popping and bottoms are nicely browned, about 2 to 3 minutes, turn over and cook the other side until browned, about 2 minutes longer.  

Serve hot with butter and syrup.  

Recipe – Corn 0n the Cob “Machusi” (Gravy) – Mombasa style

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Recipe for   Corn 0n the Cob “Machusi” (Gravy) ”“ Mombasa   style

 

INGREDIENTS
3 large or 4 small fresh corn on the cob

3 good size potatoes (red preferred) but white potatoes are also okay

2 medium to small size onions ”“ chopped very small pieces

2 medium firm red tomatoes ”“ chopped small pieces or diced

1 spoonful of fresh ginger ”“ minced

1 clove garlic ”“ minced

1 green pepper (thin type) ”“ chopped/minced

1 to 2 teaspoon(s) of olive oil (or any vegetable cooking oil)

1 teaspoon filled with a mix of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, tumeric (haldi) powder, a bit of chili (red) powder

1 can coconut milk (white) for cooking

½ cup shredded (chopped) coconut   – you could buy that at the baking aisle in super market

salt to taste

tomato paste or spaghetti sauce ¾ cup

tumeric (haldi powder) for color

½ cup of tea water

1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder

1 lime for squeeze ”“lime juice

optional ”“ 2 ripe peaches ”“ cut into small pieces

fresh Coriander (or parsley) ”“ chopped

1 ”“ 2 spoons of sugar

2 tablespoon of peanuts ( no skin) ”“ fine grounded ”“ verify with guests if allergic

(substitute peanuts with almonds or walnuts)

optional -pesto (green )

optional- pesto (sun dried tomatoes)

 

COOKING PREPARATION

 

1)           Boil in a deep pot the corn on the cob (after the husk & all hairs are removed) ”“wash to be sure no hairs remain. Boil till tender.

          Add a spoonful of salt in the boiling water.

2)           Simultaneously boil in a separate deep pot the potatoes (this saves cooking time)

Boil till tender soft.

3)           While boiling corn on the cob & potatoes ”“ during that time prepare (chop, mince, cut as required) all other ingredients as mentioned above.

4)           Once the corn on the cob is ready (tender) ”“ cut each cob into smaller pieces (large cob should yield 5 pieces and small cob will yield 4 pieces) ”“ Warning: cobs may be hot — you may need to put these under running cold water (in the sink)

5)           Take at least 2   (3 preferred) cut pieces of cut corn cob, remove all kernels in a bowl (to add to the gravy later ”“see instruction below)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Page 2 of 2

6)           Once the potatoes are tender soft ”“ peel off skin (Warning: potatoes may be hot — you may need to put these under running cold water (in the sink).

Mesh potatoes (to nice paste like texture ”“some smaller pieces (tiny) of potatoes

can be left in)              

 

NOW YOU ARE READY FOR REAL COOKING

 

1)               In a good size wok (larger) on the stove at MAX, put 1 to 2 teaspoon(s) of olive oil (or vegetable oil). Heat it to just be ready for frying. Once it is hot ”“ put 1 teaspoonful filled with a mix of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, tumeric (haldi) powder, a bit of chili (red) powder.     It will fry, (with a pop and sizzle). Turn the temp down a notch (8 or 9), add immediately chopped onions  

KEEP stirring (with a wooden spoon) so that it does not burn or stick to the base of the wok.

2)               Let the onions simmer till shine ”“ do not cook too much. Add diced tomatoes and

              stir. You may want to heat up the wok a little   – keep stirring till tomatoes

              integrate in the mix.

3)               Add meshed potatoes ”“ keep stirring so that does not stick to the bottom of the

            wok.   Add one can of Coconut Milk ”“ keep stirring.   Let simmer in medium heat

4)               Add salt to taste ”“ about 11/2 teaspoons

5)               Add 1 tablespoon of green pesto. Also add 1 tablespoon of red pesto.

6)               Add tumeric (haldi) powder for color

7)               Add ½ to 1 cup of tea water

8)               Add tomato paste or ¾ cup of spaghetti sauce (or hot sauce to taste) ”“ this also add reddish color

9)               Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder

10)       Add ½ to ¾ cup of shredded coconut

11)       Add 2 ripe peaches ”“ cut into small pieces

12)        Add squeezed fresh lime juice (1   green lime)

 

Keep stirring as required

 

13)       Add corn on the cob pieces to the gravy.   Stir as required.

14)       Add grounded peanuts

15)       Add loose corn kernels       – Stir as required.

16)       Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or a bit more.

17)       Add chopped coriander (or parsley) and stir in.

 

Done   – Enjoy your “machusi” with Chapatti or nan or toast or by itself.

 

Recipe – Split Gram/potatoes “Machusi” (Gravy) dish

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2007 March 17

 

Recipe for Split Gram/potatoes “Machusi” (Gravy) dish”“ Pravin”™s Creation

 

The below is the recipe for Split Gram/potatoes (small)   “Machusi” (Gravy) which is a special Pravin”™s creation. This dish was developed during January 2007 for a dinner. on a Saturday evening in January 2007 when Pravin & his wife, Jashoda   had invited their daughter (Nina) & son-in-law (Sunjay Mistry) for dinner. The dinner was to celebrate “Pravin finally giving a retirement letter to his employer for retirement (effective 2007 April 16)”.   Sunir could not join, as he was further away in Ottawa.

 

The recipe was again prepared during a dinner for when we invited our friends (in Deep River) on Saturday 10 March 2007. There were a total of 16 persons (including ourselves) at the dinner.

 

The recipe is good for 16 persons if this dish is supplemented by other 2 other similar dishes (curry vegetables or eggs etc). If the only dish, then the recipe is good for 6 persons.

 

INGREDIENTS
2 ¼ cups ”“ Split Gram (small cheek peas ”“ lentils) dal   (without skin)

2 lbs small rounded whole potatoes (white and red mix- any proportion)

1 butternut squash (medium) or 5 small bottles of squash (baby food)

2 large size onions ”“ chopped very small pieces

2 large firm red tomatoes ”“ chopped small pieces or diced

11/2 table spoonful of fresh ginger ”“ minced (or 1 inch thick minced ginger)

4 clove garlic ”“ minced

2 1/2 teaspoon(s) of olive oil (or any vegetable cooking oil)

1 tablespoon filled with a mix of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric (haldi) powder and a bit of chili (red) powder.

4-teaspoon salt (or salt to taste)

11/2 tablespoon tomato paste or spaghetti sauce ½ cup

Additional 1 ½ teaspoon turmeric (haldi powder) for color

Additional 1 tablespoon of red chili powder (or add to taste)

1 ripe Kiwi Fruit or Peach   ”“ cut into small pieces

Fresh Coriander (or parsley) ”“ chopped

1 ”“ 2 spoons of sugar (Splenda)

1 fresh green lime

 

Pravin”™s Special Ingredients (adds subtle flavour)

3 tablespoon of Japanese Plum Wine

1 tablespoon of Ginger wine

 

(One can substitute to suit his/her own flavour)

 

COOKING PREPARATION

 

1)           Clean whole potatoes in running water (at least 3 times) ”“ scrub and remove any dirt or soil etc

2)           Wash Split Gram (small cheek peas ”“ lentils) dal in a pot to clean. Check for any stone etc & remove

3)           Boil whole potatoes (with skin) in a deep pot. After one boil on high heat, boil on medium heat till tender but not too soft.

4)           When potatoes are tender, remove & let these cool (under running cold water).   Cut each potato in half (keep skin intact). Set aside   (Note: Any potato which had become too soft ”“ remove skin, mesh & add to butternut gravy).

5)           Simultaneously or otherwise, boil dal in separate pot (small) .The dal & water not to be greater than 1/2 the pot in height. After one boil on high heat, boil on medium heat till tender but not too soft.   Keep stirring occasionally as required so dal does not stick to bottom. Add a spoonful of salt in the boiling water. When done the soft dal (with remaining water) to be set aside.

6)           Remove skin from Butternut squash. Cut into half, remove seeds and loose pulp.

Dice it (or cut into small pieces)

7)           Simultaneously or otherwise, boil (in only in limited/sufficient water) cut (& skinned) pieces of butternut squash in a separate pot till soft. Mesh the squash ( a thick gravy!). When done, set aside meshed butternut squash…          

 

NOW YOU ARE READY FOR REAL COOKING

 

1)           In a good size (large) wok on the stove at MAX, put 2 1/2 teaspoon(s) of olive oil (or

          vegetable oil). Heat it to just be ready for frying. Once it is hot ”“ put 1 teaspoonful    

          filled with a mix of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric (haldi) powder, a bit of chili

          (red) powder.   Cover the wok (to avoid any spray of hot oil outside). It will fry, (with

          a pop and sizzle). Turn the temp down a notch (7 or 8), add immediately chopped
           onions . KEEP stirring (with a wooden spoon) so that it does not burn or stick to the

          bottem of the wok.

2)           Let the onions simmer till shine ”“ do not cook too much. Add diced tomatoes and                 stir. You may want to heat up the wok a little   – keep stirring till tomatoes integrate in the mix. Add ½ cup of water to the mix to help the mix not to stick to the bottom of wok.

3)           Add minced ginger and garlic (mix well). Keep stirring the mix.

4)           Add soft dal to the sizzle mix.   On high heat, keep stirring for 5 minutes.

5)           Then lower heat (5 to 7), add

·                 1 ½ teaspoon turmeric (haldi powder)

·                 1 tablespoon of red chili powder.

·                 4-teaspoon salt

Stir and mix. Cover the wok and let dal &mix cook on slow heat for about 5 minutes.

6)           Add cut potatoes (with skin) to the dal mix (on the range). Put heat to high heat for

            2 minutes and stir the potatoes and the dal mix well. Keep stirring as required so

            that the mix do not stick to the bottom of the wok.

7)           Add meshed butternut squash (gravy) to the mix. Keep stirring on low heat.

 

 

 

 

8)           Add special ingredients ”“ 3 tablespoons of Japanese Plum Wine & 1 tablespoon of ginger wine (you may want to substitute to your taste). Keep stirring on low heat.

9)           Add   (keep stirring as required)

·                 1 ripe Kiwi Fruit or Peach   ”“ cut into small pieces

·                 Fresh Coriander (or parsley) ”“ chopped

·                 1 ”“ 2 spoons of sugar (Splenda)

10)    Add 1-1/2 tablespoon tomato paste or spaghetti sauce ½ cup (for color).   Stir as required.

11)    Optional ”“ Add squeezed fresh lime juice (1 green lime)

 

Remove from the range and transfer to serving dish. Spread chopped coriander or parsley leaves over the top of the “machusi” for decoration.
  

Done   – Enjoy your “special machusi” with Chapatti or nan or toast or by itself.

 

 

 

 

Recipe – BROCCOLI SALAD

A   recipe for BROCCOLI SALAD – compliment of Shannon’s mother.

BROCCOLI SALAD
1 bunch broccoli (finely chopped)
1 Cup (Toasted) sunflower seeds
1/2 Cup dried cranberries or raisins
1 small red onion, finely chopped
DRESSING
1 Cup mayonnaise
2 to 3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons   vinegar
  

Whisk (all ) together. Pour over salad
Make   1 day or several hours ahead. Put is glass bowl and store in the freeze.
Serve & enjoy

Recipe – MARSHMALLOW SALAD

 

MARSHMALLOW SALAD
1   Cup sour cream or yogurt
1   Cup pineapple tidbits, drained
1 Cup coconut (Shredded)
1 Cup miniature marshmallows
1 Cup mandarin oranges
Mix together and pour into a glass bowl.   Save some of the orange sections for decorating.
Let set for a couple of hours (in a freeze) . — Enjoy
  

Recipe – Khachapuri ( a dish from Georgia -Europe)

Khachapuri is Georgia’s closest thing to fast food.     (source: http://food.theatlantic.com/abroad/in-a-divided-country-common-bread.php)

There are   several variations on the cheese bread. Each regional ethnic group had its own style. It can be flaky, yeasty, or cake-like; round, rectangular, or boat-shaped. Some of the cheeses used are sour and light, others rich and salty.

In most cases Georgians grate the cheese, mix it with eggs to bind, and add butter for the right creaminess. The cheese filling is enclosed in the dough. Other times, the cheese is added on top, and it’s served as an open-faced pie. It can be baked in a clay oven called a tomé; fried in a skillet; or cooked in a clay pot, called a ketsi, over an open flame.

The most common form of khachapuri comes from the central province of Imereti. This region’s provincial capital is one of the most ethnically Georgian cities with a less diverse population than in other areas. Here they fill the bread with a mildly sour cheese called imeruli. The cheese is enveloped in the dough, it’s flattened, baked, and served in a round dish resembling a sauceless pizza pie.

Khachapuri

       ”¢ 200 mL sour milk, yogurt, or whey
       ”¢ 2 eggs
       ”¢ Flour, as needed
       ”¢ 0.5 kg cheese
       ”¢ 1 egg
       ”¢ 25-50 g butter

Beat two eggs, add sour milk and salt, and mix with enough flour to make a soft, not sticky, dough. Divide it into four parts. Roll each quarter about half a finger thick. Make the filling by crumbling the cheese and mixing it with egg and butter. Put cheese filling on each quarter, twist them, and press, rolling lightly. Fry khachapuri in a heavy-bottomed pan in butter, top-side down. When the underside is brown, turn the pie. Brush on top with butter and serve immediately.

 

Cheese can be mozzarella for Georgia’s native suluguni and imeruli cheeses.

 
 

Being Grandparents -11

This post is a continuation of  the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2, Being Grandparents – 3, Being Grandparents – 4, Being Grandparents – 5, Being Grandparents -6,Being Grandparents -7, Being Grandparents -8 , Being Grandparents  -9 &    Being Grandparents -10)   as the previous  posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

 

Sunday – 16 August 2009

This day we were invited to a Pooja   (Sunday August 16th, 2009) —  for  one year  memorial service for Subhash  (based on  Hindu Calender) . The puja was in Pembroke. Subhash suddenly left us last year – a tragic event.  

This became Sachin’s first outing to the Community and many of our friends enjoyed seeing him. However Sitara came in her charming dress (Indian style with Dupata) . She was attentive to the puja and asking “Whats he doin?   (that is The Pundit). She enjoyed the company of all the adults and kids . Avnish & Neha have two   kids – Diya is 2 yr and 4 months old – a bit  senior to Sitara and the younger one is Anika – about one year old.   Sitara & Diya played together.   Diya is a nice charming girl .

Saturday 22 August 2009

Both Sachin & Sitara had visited their grandparents house two times during   last week -once on Tuesday last and then on Thursday.   These days Sitara goes to the FEN classes – her mom takes her there -now both of the kids. Her nani also joins them at the FEN classes.   On Wednesday her nani went to her home – so she  can play with Sitara as she is not going to baby sitter on this day  . This helps to give a bit of rest to Nina when she is looking after Sachin.

On Saturday, both Sitara and Sachin went with their parents to Pembroke for shopping.   Her nana & nani were there separately as they were doing shopping for the kitchen & bathroom renovations.   Nina & Sunjay also helped to confirm (while in Pembroke) the choices made (by the grandparents) for kitchen appliances .     After that they went to Walmart for shopping.   Lo behold! The little tyke became a bit adventurous – wanting to explore the shopping fun on her owm. Sitara went away on her own at the Walmart store when her parents were distracted – with Sachin with them.   The Walmart management closed the store momentarily till Sitara was safely back with her parents. All was safe and happy ending.

Sunday 23 August 2009

Sitara and Sachin joined her mom and nani to a  ladies birthday party – (Soli turned 40 years) . Account from her nani — Well Sachin slept thru mostly except for occasional feed but Sitara just enjoyed the party. Sitara likes to party and  she is bit of a show-off too. She became darling of her “aunties”.   She played with Sarina & her sister Diya.   Sitara also danced & danced inher own style and kept saying ‘I like it ” and “this is fun” and “she is happy”.  She likes to express herself as she has a good command of vocabulary (she is  2 years ol).

Love   nana

Thursday 27 August 2009

As usual this Thursday also,  Sitara and her brother(Sachin) came to grandparents home in Deep River.   We all had a great time and in evening ( the day being bright and sunny) , Sitara went to the beach with Sachin and her parents . Yes ,we have two (2) beaches in Deep River -along Ottawa River.     This is Sachin’s first outing to the beach.   From the photos I have seenj , Sitara had agreat time and Sachin was moslyly coddled and fed as required.

Sunday 30 August 2009

 Visitors came to Sitara home (i.e. at her parents Home) Nina’s friend Ruth came with her sister & Mom. Ruth is a pharmacist and she is originally from Kenya (Nakuru) . Her mom (Pamela) and sister (Sylvia) are currently domiciled in Mancester, U.K. They have come to Canada to visit Ruth.   Oh! Sachin took to Pamela very well and he was coddled by her . Sitara was a bit shy but she was her usual self- all chrming and playing with her toys. Her Nana & nani also visited  that day to meet with Ruth’s parents. This was pleasant as  Sitara’s grandparents are also from Kenya and this allowed a bit of reminiscing about Kenya. She took to Aunt Ruth well as she had met her before.

Sitara also briefly showed that she wa shurt on her forehead the previious day but she said AAya is okay -means she (Sitara)  is okay. AS we know she calles herself “Aaya”.

Wednesday 2 Sepember 2009

Sitara’s nani went to her home for the day -as usual she goes there since last few weeks.   Today Sitara’s friend Alison – from her FEN classes   – was visiting her   with her mother Johanne and baby sister , Lorraine.   Sitara had a great time with them till they went home before lunch.

Her nani says that the day needs to be remembered for what Sitara did – a salutation to her -she is only 2   years old but has so much understanding of issues.   Sitara was ocassionally taking a soother (we call it a “noonoo”) – especially at nap or sleeping time. She was not ever habituated to need it badly – like her mom was when she was  a baby.    Sitara is always very understanding and polite child from her birth and she has a good cognitive power . Her mom wanted her to NOT get into habit of wanting   a soother  . So today- she brought out her new Garbage Can and showed that to Sitara – in fact had Sitara with her when she made it operational . Then she asked Sitara whether it is time for her to get rid of her “noonoo” – Sitara just understood and spit it out from her mouth – direct into the garbage Can . Lately, due to seeing her young brother Sachin being given a “noonoo” – when he needs for comfiort- Sitara had got into  having her “noonoo”  at imore times than usual and this was not healthy.

So today she got rid of it and when she went to have her nap in the afternoon -she spent time talking with herself and conjuring up dialogue   (she was feeling a bit   empty without her ‘noonoo”) but then her nani gave her a hug and  spent some time with her and then she went to sleep.  

Bravo Sitara .         With that Sachuin just did he is supposed to do. Eat , sleep and cry a little for a cuddle and back to his routine. He is a quiet boy looking around his surroundings when he is awake. He started to touch his hanging toys -which are accessible to him.

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Today Sitara & Sachin went with their mom & nani to Ottawa   – first for Sitara’s medical appointment – for dry skin and then their mom wanted to do shopping At IKEA for various baby furniture and bedroom furniture and after that to COSCO to buy diapers & other household things. Their nana (that is me) joined them  at 1.00 P.M   at IKEA – the timing was perfect as her nana arrived at about the same time as they made it to the store from the doctor’s office.   We just spent hours buying misc. furniture and knick-knacks – nana/nani bought lights for the kitchen (the kitchen -at Deep River house – is being radically modified -the work to start in October).       While Nina was doing shopping, nana looked after Sitara – we just had ball of a time in the IKEA store. She tested  the kid’s beds – even making nana to sleep on a couple of these. She also knows about children lights – one nana had brought before as requested by Nina. So Sitara wanted to buy more of these. Her mom bought some 4 of these and her nani bought one. At   the COSCO store, Siatra went for shopping with her nana – her nana took her in a shopping cart. She enjoyed the crystal and china dolls and animals. She checked the book section and bought a couple of these books (one nino (fish) and one Micky mouse) -after that she enjoyed the Halloween  display and bought herself a doctor’s dress for the coming Halloween  night. She also helped her nana to pick DVD-R blanks for recordi.   We completed shopping at about 9.00 p.m and arrived back to Deep River at 11.45.   Sitara slept   at her grandparents home as her mom was coming next day to Deep  River   to take Sachin for his vaccination (his first one)   and to bring Sitara to FEN activities at Chalk River.  

Thursday 17 September 2009

Sitara was asleep when her nana went to Petawawa to play bridge (card game) – but then after that she was with her nani who looked after her and made her ready for FEN. Sachin had his first vaccination (he is now almost two months old) from Dr. Noulty in Deep River.   Lunch time they were back at home -and Sitara went for her afternoon nap.

Allergy is quite prevalent these days amongst kids and  Sitara was NOT exposed any nuts (since she was born) -and thus now that she is 2 years + few months – her parents decided that she is big enough for nuts. She also is aware of the nuts and knows that peopel eat these and definitely she wpould want to eat these too. This is the first day (after her birth) Sitara was given peanut butter on her way to Hospital for test if she is allergic to any nuts. She threw up in the car after taking the peanut butter but then eating peanuts she was able to retain that in her stomach. She was tested in the Deep River Hospital for any allergic reaction.   None was found but her parents have rightfully decided to wait out till another test is taken.

Saturday 19 September 2009

This day Sitara went for her first Gymnastic  practice in Deep River  – all under the Deep River Recreation Department. The grandparents did not go to watch her.   The comment that we got from her mom was that Sitara was all very excited and thus was finding difficult to fall into sleep for her afternoon nap. She is now growing up fast.

 

Pravin Shah