Category Archives: Miscellaneous Musings!

Recipe – Mom’s Pineapple Fluff

 
Pineapple Fluff

 
Mom”™s recipe

 
Ingredients:

  • 1 can of crushed pineapple (19 oz or 540 ml)
  • 1 large can of evaporated milk ”“chilled well (leave the can of evaporated milk in the fridge for a number of hours)
  • 1 cup sugar dissolved in ¼ or ½ cup water
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 2 packets gelatine ”“soaked in ½ cup of juice (from the crushed pineapple)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • colouring if desired

 
Method:

 

  1. Heat sugar in ¼ or ½ cup water as required dissolving sugar.
  2. Add the soaked gelatine to the sugar syrup
  3. Beat the chilled evaporated milk until it is light and fluffy
  4. Add sugar gelatine syrup and beat well
  5. Add the fruit (crushed pineapple), nuts and vanilla. Mix well.
  6. Pour into a dish and chill until set, Enough for 10” * 13” dish or a deep 10” bowl.
  7. Decorate as you wish.    

 
Note: Leela Philipose always adds 2 or 3 table spoons of peach snap, almond sherry or something similar, in addition to vanilla.

Recipe – Mom’s Kenya Cookies

Kenya Cookies

   

Mom”™s Recipe

   

Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs (pounds) of all purpose flour (2.5 kg flour)
  • 3 lbs sugar
  • 2 lbs butter or margarine at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3 cups of milk at room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla essence
  • 1 teaspoon salt

   

Method:

   

  1. In a large bowl, mix together butter (or margarine), sugar until fluffy.

Add vanilla and mix well

  1. In a separate bowl measure flour, add baking powder, salt and mix well
  2. In the butter (margarine) mixture, add flour and milk (initially 1/3 amount) and go on mixing until all ingredients added. Make soft dough.
  3. On the rolling board or clean table surface roll out dough to about ¼” thickness and cut with shaped cookie cutters.
  4. Place cookies in the preheated oven at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

 Jashoda Shah  

   

   

Count Your Blessings

             

The article below was circulated to  family & friends as part of the 2006 Christmas Greetings.  
 

Also it was delivered during Puja at Usha & Subhash Sutradar’s   residence on Monday  01 January, 2007

                                                                                                                                                                                                                2006 December 18


  

Count your blessings


It”™s easy to forget about the true meaning of the holidays when you are caught in the chaos of baking and decorating, hosting parties and shopping for presents.
  
Here are six reasons for saying thanks:
  
1)         Be Grateful ”“being grateful for something ”“ whether it is a beautiful sunrise, a surprise phone call or a cup of hot coffee on a cold morning ”“ encourages you to savour it, making it “good to the last drop”
2)         Be Grateful ”“ It can conquer perfectionism. Gratitude helps you recognize that even though everything isn”™t perfect, there are things in your life that are both good and wonderful.
3)         Be Grateful ”“ It can help your health. Studies have shown that when you practice positive emotions like gratitude, there is an increase in life expectancy. People who are more grateful take better care of themselves.
4)         Be Grateful ”“It can improve your relationship. It”™s easy to take the people we love for granted ”“after all they”™re always around. But appreciating what you have can change how you see friends and family, and in turn, how they see you.
5)         Be Grateful ”“ Grateful people tend to have healthier coping patterns, enabling them to deal more effectively with negative events.
6)         Be Grateful ”“ It can make you a better person. People who count their blessings are more likely to help others or offer emotional support to those who need it.
  
Count your blessings and let your gratefulness motivate you to do something good for the world.   Prayers are one way to express our gratitude for this life and all that we experience and enjoy.
  
To be able to count your blessings is a special skill. And it is a skill, like drawing or singing or parallel parking ”¦ you may be born with a natural ability toward it but you can improve it.   It just takes practice.   And, like any other skill, the more you do it, the easier it is.
  
  
Pravin Shah                                                                                             Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
 

Municipal Election, 2006

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2006 October 29

 
Municipal Election, 2006

 
There were eight (8) candidates who assembled (at the McKenzie High School Auditorium on Wednesday 2006 October 25 under the umbrella of Deep River Community Association) to introduce themselves to the community and debate on civic issues for the upcoming municipal elections. The election contest is for five (5) Councillor positions.

 
This was the most civil gathering. There was humour and wittism too. There were neither angry outbursts nor any outspoken issues. We are very fortunate for noble contestants.

 
The meeting was well attended. Unfortunately not many younger citizens or “so called” new Canadians were present. The participation by all segments of the community is healthy. I hope this will be addressed in future municipal deliberations by creative (or targeted) advertising.  

 
Most agreed that the past Council did a good job. Most agreed the uncontested Mayoral candidate is the right candidate for the position. I do not recall anyone remembered or mentioned the uncontested Deputy Mayoral candidate.

 
Most agreed with each other on issues except for a couple of small differences. Out of eight (8) candidates, one (1) candidate served the Town as a Mayor in the past; two (2) candidates had held key positions within the Council bureaucracy for long years and were somewhat influential in the workings of the Council. Three (3) candidates are standing for reelection. Only two (2) candidates bring fresh faces to the contest.

 
Two (2) immediate issues were raised (for the need to upgrade Balmer Bay Road and the need for an accessible public washroom around Deep River Yacht & Tennis club).
  
So if you are not perturbed the way the Town is run or the Town bureaucracy is organized, then your choices are very clear. If you believe that a status quo is not healthy then the choices become complicated and you need to seriously choose the candidates who can bring fresh ideas and articulate these without being afraid to shake the established routine.

 
One choice you would not want! That is to remain on the sideline. Everyone (who is eligible to vote) must get out to vote.
  
Pravin Shah

 

Diwali -Write-up for Deep River /Pembroke East Indian Community Diwali Celebration

The following talk was delivered by me at the Deep River/Pembroke East Indian Community Diwali Celebration on 28 October, 2006.

DIWALI CELEBRATION

India is a land of Festivals. Many festivals are celebrated here with great pomp and show.Each festival has a religious or mythological significance behind it. Diwali is one of them.

The Diwali is normally celebrated every year during the Indain month of   kartika (which falls during October or November of   the Gregorian calender). This year Diwali day  falls on Saturday 21 October 2006.

However, the  Deep River/Pembroke East Indian Community has decided to celebrate  it on Saturday 28 October 2006 here at St. Mary School Auditorium in Deep River.

Diwali is the most widely observed festival in India. It is one of the most important and most celebrated festivals of India. Although primarily a Hindu festival, it’s observed by people of all religions and cultures in India. In sense of importance, it is to Hindus what Christmas is to Christians.  
Diwali or Deepavali festival is celebrated as the “Festival of Light’ in India. The entire family gets together, friends are invited and sweets, crackers and lights are shared and welcomed everywhere.    
Diwali is a major Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist festival/celebration. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” it symbolises the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional “diyas”. Indians regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. This tradition symbolizes end of darkness of ignorance and beginning of knowledge that enlightens all.


 Diwali in Hinduism
The festival marks the victory of good over evil. The Sanskrit word Deepavali means array of lights that stands for victory of brightness over darkness. Diwali also celebrates the return of Lord Rama, King of Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya from a war in which he killed the demon king Ravana. It is believed that the people lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness.
  

Diwali in Jainism
Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana on this day at Pavapuri. According to Jain tradition the chief disciple of Mahavira, Gautam Swami also attained complete knowledge on this very day, thus making Diwali a really special occasion for the Jains to celebrate.


  

Diwali in Sikhism  

Sikhs also celebrate Diwali to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone for the Golden Templein 1577. It is also known as Bandi Chhorh Divas. The Mughal emperor Jahangir arrested the Sikh Guru Hargobind and imprisoned him in Gwalior. Later Jehangir relented and released the Guru. The Guru asked that 52 rulers imprisoned with him should also be released. To the joy of the Sikhs the Guru returned to Amritsar on Diwali and it prompted the followers to celebrate the day with joy and happiness.
Because there are many regions in India, there are many manifestations of the Diwali festival. In at least one area a day set aside to worship Goddess Laksmi (Goddess of Prosperity). On the second day Kali, the goddess of Strength, is worshipped. This day also focuses on abolishing laziness and evil.  On the third day (the last day of the year in the lunar calendar), lamps are lighted and shine brightly in every home. The lamp symbolizes knowledge. The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year. At this time, old business accounts are settled and new books are opened. On the final (fifth) day, the focus of this day is to see the good in others, including enemies.

 

Pravin Shah
 

POEM

Deepavali Delights
Deepavali is here, Deepavali is here
That grand festival of Lights
That ends evil after a protracted fight
When good with all its might
Leads us from darkness to Light.Deepavali is here, Deepavali is here
That great festival of sound
When crackers and laughter abound
When crackers and sparklers light up the sky
When delighted children jump with joy.Deepavali is here, Deepavali is here
That gorgeous festival of snacks and sweets
Where everyone enjoys a royal feast
When old and young with delight meet
With love and affection all hearts beat.Diwali is here, Diwali is here
That gracious festival which celebrates victory
The ancient festival of myth and mystery
That is mentioned in both mythology and history
The festival that signals Triumph over Tragedy.

 

by: Shyam Phatak
Source: Internet
  
  
    

     

FATHER’S day

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2006 June 17
Father”™s Day
  
This year the father”™s day for me is an extraordinary reminder of the joy of being a father especially when I am at the cusp of retirement at a robust age of 67   (working since 1962 in my chosen profession, without much of a break).

 
Every year since my daughter was born and after four years the arrival my son, I have received priceless recognition as a father (hugs, kisses & that contented gleam in their eyes), which made living always meaningful and yes, affordable.

 
Apart from receiving a Special Illustrated Edition book (Angels & Demons) by Dan Brown as a Father”™s Day gift this year, I am quite tickled to recognize a couple of intangible gifts from the kids, which imparts deep satisfaction and innate happiness.
  
This year my daughter and son-in-law are moving to this area from Toronto. They decided on the move when my wife and I were traveling in India during February. Their move to the area is a transformation from the city lifestyle to countryside environment but also intrinsically signals care for our (parent”™s) comfort and needs.
  
In my book, this is a star-spangled move as they come closer to us and thus results in us (seniors) not having to make a move to Toronto. Our move to Toronto would have been a very expensive one and also uprooting from many years of imbibed Deep River flavour (and lifestyle) would have been traumatic.
  
My son completed his Masters degree from University of Toronto this year. We attended his Graduation investiture past week, which filled our heart with pride and immense joy. He also moved from a single room shared residence to a comfortable two-bedroom apartment. He is moving on in his life, which is reassuring to us.
  
As a father, one wants to see one”™s offspring progress well in life and take their place in society as useful and productive members. This year, I see positive changes in my kids”™ lives. This is the best gift any father can have.
  
If my father had been alive he would be very proud. His life was an example of hard work, taking any challenge that comes his way, helping others at all times, trust all, of compassion but more so to be reliable. One needs to persevere in attaining goals and slog on even when success is elusive. He was always caring and would support us in our legitimate needs and wants.
  
I am relating the above feelings, which I am sure, many in our community would similarly have   experienced with their kids. Happy Father”™s Day to all.
  
Pravin Shah

Overlooked Message of Easter

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2006 April 20

Overlooked Message of Easter


 
The Easter Holidays are the most important holidays for the Christian faith. This is when Lord Jesus rose from the crucifixion and thus made his divinity visible to all. At one time, Bethlehem (along with Jerusalem) was the center for experiencing spiritual enlightenment for the faithful.


Now I am not sure.


This area is now  full of so much carnage that one”™s heart cries knowing that the Son of God walked here. His message of love, compassion and forgiveness has become foreign to this land. It is a great pity as this land has so much history and is of great spiritual value not only to Christians but also to Jews and Muslims.


Now, the ancient route that Jesus followed will soon be severed by huge concrete slabs nine meters high. During the recent Easter Holiday, the Christian population of Bethlehem found it difficult to attend traditional ceremonies.


Lo! Behold! There is no outcry to this development. There are no protest marches and no editorials to condemn this barrier wall. If a wall is required for safety, couldn”™t it be built such that paths traversed by Jesus remain open?   If that means that Israel has to sacrifice a small piece of land to Arab side, that sacrifice would demonstrate compassion, generosity and understanding of the spiritual need of the Christian faith. As I am a Hindu/Jain by faith, maybe I lack the deeper nuances for this silence from the Christian faith and world powers.


The world is in turmoil. The spectrum of terrorism, which has engulfed the world over last few years, has now been overlain by possibility of a nuclear standoff. This is the time to keep cool and think thru issues calmly and resolve the conflicts.


The message from Lord Jesus of compassion, non-violence and forgiveness needs to be put in practice. How can we do that? One can forgive someone who shows repentance and/or realizes the mistakes made. One can dialogue with someone who is amenable for a dialogue but it becomes very difficult to communicate if one party spews venom all the time.


The basic tenet of compassion, non-violence and forgiveness must remain supreme. This is the way of the Christian faith. This is the way of all major religions. This is the civilized way.   This is the loud and clear message of Easter.


Suicide bombs, target killing by use of missiles and constant revenge killing and complete disregard of the pain and suffering inflicted on others is the way now in the Middle East.


How will that stop? I believe it will only stop if a personality like Mahatma Gandhi    (a great believer in non-violence and respect for all) would arise in the Middle East.   I pray from the bottom of my heart that such becomes a reality and soon. Otherwise tighten your seat belts for a rude awakening to destruction and pain all around.


Even we in Canada will not escape it.


Pravin Shah  


The only lesson people learn from history is that they learn no lessons from it.

Nativity Scene – My viewpoint

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2005 December 10
  

Nativity Scene ”“ My viewpoint

 
The Nativity refers to the birth of Jesus in the city of   Bethlehem. The baby Jesus was born into a manger. The story and circumstance of   the birth is well known in the Christian faith .
  
During the Christmas season, many places around the world have a long-standing tradition of displaying manger scenes, or crèches, that depict the birth of Jesus. Every Christmas season many people pull out the nativity scenes for annual display.
  
Here in Deep River. I have noted some fabulous outdoor displays. The display of Nativity scene is a reflection of faith as well as reaffirmation of one”™s resolve to follow the teachings of Lord Jesus.  
As I had mentioned in my earlier writing that the birth of Lord Jesus signifies the manifestation of the very best of human traits of love, tolerance, inclusiveness, forbearance, mercy and forgiveness. These traits are universally cherished human values.
  
During his most famous Sermon of the Mount, Lord Jesus preached to his listeners to:
Ӣ Love your enemies.
Ӣ Do not judge others.
Ӣ Trust God.
”¢ Don’t be anxious about tomorrow.
”¢ Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (The “golden rule”).
  
This message does reflect and fortify the teachings of my own Hindu faith. I strongly submit that this teaching is a cornerstone of our civilizations.
  
It is important that in the modern world we do recognize that every birth is a gift of God and to be cherished. One does not know what genius or divine life has come amongst us who would bring scientific discovery, social uplift or divine messages for the happiness and peace.
  
In Hindu faith, Lord Krishna has clearly stated (in the Bhagwat Gita) that He will come back, from time to time, to rescue the world when society becomes unreligious, corrupt and downright evil. We see from time to time such manifestation occurring all over the world. Because of our ignorance or blind faith, some of us may not recognize these upstanding individuals amongst us.  
  
The Nativity scene celebrates a divine birth and emanates a subtle message of hope and a witness of divine growth, which changed the course of history.  
  
As long as the Nativity scene is not used for proselytizing, it is really a graphic and beautiful way of celebrating the famous birth.
  
Pravin Shah

Memorial to Mrs. Ulka Sutradhar

Memorial words by Mrs. Jackie Shah on the anniversary of passing away of for Mrs. Ulka Sutradhar

     

 

Sunday 2005 November 05

                                                                                      Our lives go on without you!      

     

 

Our lives go on without you

But nothing is the same

     

 

When someone speaks your name

Sad are the hearts

as we love and miss you

     

 

Your heart was kind and true

The special years will not return

Our memories are forever

     

When we were all together  

We had laughter and fun together

Today we, but weep alone

     

 

Ulka, caring, loving and joyful

One who lived for happiness

One who shared happiness

     

 

You spread your happiness to us

We send our happy sentiments

of fond memories to your departed soul

Ulka, We care, we weep and we remember

     

 

Jackie Shah

Prayer for the bliss of the departed soul -Mr. Harry Beck

 

 September 10, 2005

Prayer for the bliss of the departed soul – Mr. Harry Beck, dear husband of our friend Rima & loving father to his daughters (Maya &   Maria).
 
A loss of a loved one and especially a loving youthful husband and delightful father is always painful. A companion is lost for no reason. The sorrow is gripping and ever present. Good memories and a passage of time will help to accept the pain but difficult to ignore.
 
During his short journey on this earth, Harry was a very loving father and a husband. He was always there as a helping friend to many. Many will cherish his charm and soft manners.
 
According to Hindu and Jain philosophies, soul never dies. And the departed loved one was not just a physical body that has died but   his real self, his soul and his spirit, lives on.
 
I have selected the following from the writings in   Bhagavad-Gita; Lord Krishna says :
 
For the soul, there is neither birth nor death at any time.
He has not come into being,
does not come into being,
and will not come into being.
He is unborn, eternal, ever existing and primeval.
He is not slain when the body is slain.

As a person puts on new garments, giving up the old ones,
the soul similarly accepts new material bodies,

giving up the old and useless ones.

The soul can never be cut into pieces by any weapon,
nor burnt by fire,
nor moistened by water,
nor withered by the wind.

The individual soul is unbreakable and insoluble,
and can be neither burnt nor dried.
He is ever-lasting,
present everywhere,
unchangeable,
immovable
and eternally the same.

It is said that the soul is invisible,
inconceivable, and immutable.
Knowing this, you should not grieve for the body.
 

Let us pray to the God Almighty,
ӢReceive our prayers for Harry.
ӢReceive him into your everlasting heavenly world
ӢBless him with inner peace
ӢEnable him to realize our love
ӢEnable him to realize RimaӪs, his daughtersӪ (Maya & Maria), his familyӪs & friendӪs immense love & respect
ӢProvide Rima & the family the strength to weather this loss and keep their memories intact.
 
Amen!
 
Please accept our heartfelt Condolences!
 
Jackie & Pravin Shah family.