Category Archives: Miscellaneous Musings!

One Way to beat Winter blues ? Bridge Card Playing – sent to NRT for publication on 31 March 2017

The following article was sent to North Renfrew Times for publication on 31 March 2017 – under the column of ” Letter To Editor “. Unfortunately it did not get published by the NRT – though I had separately circulated it all my bridge colleagues in Deep River, Pembroke, Petawawa and in Toronto too. Got good response from many.

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22 March 2017

One Way to beat Winter blues ?   Bridge Card Playing

Do you experience the “blues” or low mood during the winter months?

In our land of many seasons , during our harsh winter months  many outdoor team/group activities are suddenly terminated at the onset of winter.   Though some people do take up winter sports and enjoy these activities.

However, there are many people who either  ” hibernate ” indoors with minimal social activities                              ( resulting in social isolation ) or move out to sunny places south – specially to Florida.   The winter sports are usually not quite suitable for elderly/senior people.

Again as the winter is slowly moving out, many people are gearing up for outdoor activities and winter sports do come to a halt.

However  there is one activity which remains constant during all of our seasons – including during winter.

This activity is Bridge Card playing . It’s a   sport which requires a lot of social interaction and this relation with community members remain steady all year round. There is no automatic disruption in playing due to seasonal changes. The local bridge club (s) in the area remain active all year round .

This allows those playing bridge to come out of social isolation during winter and interact with many community members in a relaxed but otherwise challenging activity. It does help to beat Winter blues.

By the way, playing Bridge is termed as participating in a sport activity . In June 1995, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) admitted the World Bridge Federation (WBF) as ‘part of the Olympic Movement’, awarding it the status of a ‘Recognized Sport Organization’.

This recognition was accorded under  Rule 4  of the Olympic Charter.

However so far, Bridge has reached the same level as Golf, Rugby, Squash, Karate etc. which, though recognized as sports, are not yet admitted into the Olympic Games.

Bridge is one of the most popular card games in the world, so there must be some FUN to it!

Those who play bridge will tell you that :

  • ·                 Bridge requires strategic game play – which keeps memory active, the brain alert, and the body healthier.
  • Bridge enhances social life and nurtures partnerships ”“ keys to healthy aging.
  • Bridge   beats   Boredom.
  • One can with a few friends at home, or via a club or tournament or play it online.
  • Bridge requires logic – mathematics and counting – which exercise the brain.
  • Bridge requires concentration and while you are playing your brain is kept active and stimulated.
  • Bridge has such a positive effect on the longevity and quality of life of Seniors.

 

The bridge makes it possible for the players to relate as well as to communicate with local community members on a regular basis. Friendships are born and developed for life time.

 

When playing on-line on computer the players are associated with diverse groups of people from all continents – from rich and poor countries and that makes one realize how all human beings have common instincts, intellect and gracefulness.

Bridge is more complicated than other card games, and beginners are sometimes discouraged by this.    Relax!

Bridge is by far the greatest card game of all, and it can provide immense challenge and enjoyment for the rest of your life.

Bridge is a partnership game requiring four players. Each player sits opposite his partner at a card table (in this age of computers the concept could be a simulated).

Bridge is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. One of the players deals all of the cards, 13 to each player, in clockwise rotation, beginning with the player to the left of the dealer.

Here is the gem :

 

Has anyone ever heard of or read about how playing cards match up with our calendar?

 

The numbers and values in a deck of cards are very similar to the weeks and months of a modern calendar. Is this just a coincidence, or was this relationship intended? A complete deck of playing cards contains four suits, two primary colors, and thirteen values ranging from the Ace to the King. Usually, it contains two Jokers.

 

There are 52 weeks in the year and 52 playing cards…

There are 13 weeks in each season and there are also 13 cards in each suit.

There are 4 seasons and 4 suits.

There are 12 months of the year and 12 Court cards (those which have faces).

The Red cards represent the Day, the Black cards the Night.

If you let the Jacks = 11, the Queens = 12, and the Kings = 13, then add up all the sums of 1 + 2 + 3 + ”¦to 13 = 91 Multiply this by 4, for the 4 suits; 91 x 4 = 364 then add 1 that is the Joker and you will arrive at the number of days in the year?

 

Is that mere coincidence? or a greater intelligence…

 

Note: Of interest is the sum of the letters in all the names of the cards; eg : add up the letters in “one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, Jack, Queen, King” = 52 !

The Spades indicate ploughing/ working, Hearts indicate Love thy crops, Clubs indicate flourishing/ growth, and Diamonds indicate reaping/ wealth….

Also, in some card games 2 Jokers are used… Indicating Leap year….

 

It seems that there is a deeper philosophy than just a game…

 

If you have been discouraged or frightened or nervous to play Bridge so far   and now you know rudiments about the Bridge Card playing and its social/ mental/ health benefits as well as coincidental connection to our calendar,  I hope that you will take initiative to come out and play bridge . There are people in the community who will help you to learn and master the conventions and techniques and there are groups who play bridge on a regular basis – no matter what the weather or season.

 

Please note that the local bridge activities are advertised in the local newspaper, at the local library and sometimes by flyers around town.

So join the fun and bring twinkle in your eyes during dark days of winter or hot sunny days of summer.

Pravin Shah

65 Rutherford Av.

Deep River, ON

K0J 1P0                   Phone: 613-584-4469

Deep River waiting for growth – sent to NRT for publication on 16 April 2017

The following article was sent to North Renfrew Time (NRT) on 16 April 2017 – and it was published on Wednesday 19 April 2017 edition   – under the column – Point of View.

16 April 2017

Deep River waiting for growth.

As   a long time resident of Deep River, I am aware that many residents are concerned about the survival, growth and sustainability of the community. The decline in the town is very visible and the largest employer in the area is going through similar fate over the years. The growth of nuclear industry in Canada is stalled since decades and many scientists and technicians have moved to other places – many to the USA.

Survival and growth of Deep River and surrounding communities depend on the growth of the nuclear laboratories in the area – at least in the immediate and mid-term future. The long term growth of the town (and communities) cannot be predicted at this time.   The search for and possibility of any new industry has met with complete blank – even after investing thousands and many years in the area Economic Development studies.

Now that the new administrative structure  (the GoCo model) is established by the Canadian Government to operate the nuclear site in the area – the revitalization of the site is the part of their Vision 2026 statement and the Canadian   Government seems to support the vision by investing/providing substantial sums of money per year dedicated to successfully achieve this vision .                            Refer to on-line

LINK:   http://www.cnl.ca/en/home/news-and-publications/stories/2016/160414.aspx

There seems to be so much legacy wastes lying around and scattered at various locations at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) site – which do present a danger (both radiological and non-radiological) to habitat.   Further, many existing buildings /structures / site services at CNL site are old and somewhat non-code compliant and tending towards being decrepit and building structures seem to be mostly of wooden construction and could be ” tinder ” and thus posing a definite fire hazard.

As I understand, to fulfill and achieve the CNL Vision 2026 for the revitalization of CNL site, it is necessary to   dismantle and remove these old buildings, infrastructures and site services (such as steam line, water lines, electrical systems etc.) and these to be replaced with code compliant and safe services and structures.

This would then allow ” managed ” and progressive revival of the CNL site – hopefully with modern nuclear and related research facilities at the site.

Without the removal of the old decrepit structures and services, the site cannot be transformed into a modern and thriving nuclear research laboratory. Now to facilitate removal all tens of buildings and services, it is necessary to have in place a disposal facility where the removed junk can be disposed off.

I believe it would not be possible or permitted to dispose of such dismantled buildings and site services materials          (containing varying degree of radioactivity) at the municipal garbage disposal (Landfill Site) facility on                        Baggs Road. Even if it is permitted, Baggs Road Landfill site has no capacity to accept such volume of waste.

Further, the dismantled wastes also cannot be carted away to any other site in Canada as such a site is non-existent. Even if such a site is available, the carting of millions of cubic meters of radioactive wastes over the highways would be logistically difficult and very expensive.

So logically, if there is no credible/engineered disposal facility which can accept such wastes – the existing decrepit and site services really cannot be dismantled and thus these old structures will remain in place and deteriorate over the years and then the fallen structures will contaminate the grounds and soil resulting in the contamination migrating towards Ottawa River and contaminating the river without any meaningful monitoring or control.

That would be a shame! The Chalk River site will be abandoned at some time in its life as there will not be much renewal which can be brought in on the site.   The local community loses.

The CNL site is a licensed nuclear site in Canada and in operation for more than half a century.

The site has adequate space which can accommodate a new engineered waste disposal facility (of proper type and size) for low level radioactive contaminated   wastes.

I am confident that the proposed disposal facility will be a professionally engineered and monitored site and would also have gone through stringent regulatory evaluation and have been verified by internationally renowned qualified experts in their fields of expertise.

There comes a time when bold visionary decisions are necessary or critical in one’s life or in the community’s life.   Of course the decisions should be made with proper understanding and required study and scrutiny.

The concept of the development of the proposed disposal facility by CNL is one of these.

While the development of a disposal facility can be accepted as necessary, however it cannot be accepted blindly and thus require scrutiny. It must be remembered that the ” devil is in the details ” and necessary timely constructive criticism or comments can enhance the safety and acceptance of such a facility.

It is my plea that we look at the proposed disposal facility not with emotional eyes and not with the psyche of   ” not in my backyard ” syndrome but with a bold vision to support the revival of the nuclear research, science and technology in our area and in Canada. It is important that such nuclear knowledge is not lost but retained and expanded for our next generation – who will be in high competition with many countries for such knowledge – critical to our safety, security and independence.

This is a momentous time in the history of Deep River and surrounding communities – with challenges and opportunities. It’s time for the area residents to be part of a bold visionary decision for the development of a well engineered and regulated waste disposal facility – which would allow/facilitate the revitalization/revival and growth of CNL site – which will, over the years, enhance Canada’s nuclear science and technology knowledge – with a possibility, in future, of development of a nuclear research reactor at CNL site.

All this, in turn, will influence the growth, survival and sustainability of Deep River and surrounding communities.

This is my opinion.

Pravin Shah

65 Rutherford Av.

P. O. Box 2033

Deep River , ON

K0J 1P0

Phone: 613-584-4469

 

 

Housing Bubble in Ontario -2017 May 02

The following was sent to Hon. Premier Kathleen Wynne on 2nd may 2017 by e-mail using his office Portal (on line) .

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2017 May 02

Hon. Kathleen Wynne

The   Premier of Ontario

 

Housing Bubble in Ontario

 

Dear Madam

 

Please find below my thoughts as to the way the existing housing bubble in Ontario can be cooled   to a rational level.

 

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Introduction  

There is a huge Housing bubble in Ontario

Prices are increasing in high percentage figures year over year.

Issue

The normal buyers – Ontario citizens   especially in GTA   and surrounding area – are left with so much obstacles to even make the first move to buy a residential property.   The young citizens who want to buy their first home are left with whopping debt – that even after intense haggling to make an acceptable offer to purchase a home.

Problem

There are multiple types of Speculators (middleman / interlocutors) – who push up the frenzy.

  • There is evidence of   “ paper flipping ” and other  speculations
  • There is “ property scalping ” in Ontario, which is described as “ those who go into new developments, buy up a slew of properties, and then flip them, while avoiding paying their fair share of taxes.”
  • There is “shadow flipping,” which involved purchase contracts being used for real-estate speculation existing homes
  • Non-resident Foreigners (with lot of cash in hand ) – buying residential properties for their own perceived security – in case they were to leave their home country for whatever reason
  • High demand driven by a strong economy and an influx of new residents from other parts of Canada.

All that results in unscrupulous Real Estate Agents   who encourage /allow bidding wars which leave buyers frustrated.

Government Solution

Premier Kathleen Wynne Government has come up with 16 point plan .

  • Refer to Globe and Mail Article in 22 April 2017 issue   – LINK:   http://www.theglobeandmail.com/real-estate/toronto/ontario-housing-16-big-changes-explained-in-charts/article34757648/
  • Apart from introducing the 15  per cent  “non-resident speculation tax”   which the Ontario government announced recently – there is nothing to curtail other speculators.

The 16 point plan is a feeble attempt to help the prospective renters – which will not cool the market.

My recommendations

In order to deal with this overheated market in the most rational way, and also to protect the value in people”™s homes,   it is necessary that all middlemen/ interlocutors are eliminated   – while also working to increase the supply of new residential units.

  • I think the Government should take measures to   stop the practice of   “ property scalping ”.   And also to stop the practice of ” paper flipping ”

All Real Estate developers must be made responsible to have each property registered individually (and thus pay necessary transfer and land tax) when it is proposed to be bought   by a so-called ” property scalper ” – rather than have the property transferred to a secondary buyer.   If a so called   ” property scalper ”   do not want to register the property in his own name – then the property shall not be sold/transferred to him/her or others (recommended by him/her) at that point.

Whoever (the prospective buyer) has signed the formal   ” offer forms ”   and which is accepted by the seller – shall be the one to whom the property be transferred.   The Real Estate Agent be made responsible to see that no secondary person is considered the buyer.

  • Same   procedure for   the   “shadow flipping” of a property .   No   ” shadow flipping ” of a property be allowed.

 

 

 

  • A drastic measure is also needed – when a property sees a “bidding war”   – the seller may   get the new enhanced price compared to what was listed as the price by the Real Estate Brokerage.

However, the Real Estate Brokerage needs to be penalized by the value of the sum by which the bidding went up compared to the listed price.   This then will stabilized the process of buying a residential property.

I believe that the unnecessary high demand of the residential properties can be curtailed by instituting the above measures.

There is another method by which the whole real estate market can be brought to some   rational functioning – that is to increase the borrowing cost by the buyer. Currently the business/ economic interest rates are really low and thus the value of a real estate property is influenced to be high – as the   yearly payment seems affordable by an ordinary buyer.

It may be necessary   for the Ontario Government to   impose a ” purchase tax ” of say 1% (can be more or less) of the purchase price (at the conclusion of the purchase process) – which would then also give revenue to the Government and stop possibly people to go crazy bidding prices up in trying to buy a residential property.   It will help to   cool the market down –   people would need to rationalize the need to buy a residential property on a   frenzy.

Note: No ” purchase tax ‘ be applicable to the first time buyer of a residential property.

I am sure the Ontario Government will review the above recommendations and have these rationalized   by its economic experts   and bureaucrats.   Hopefully these recommendations make sense.

PS –   Of course   –   the 15  per cent  “non-resident speculation tax”   shall be instituted .

regards

Pravin Shah

65 Rutherford Av.

Deep River

K0J 1P0 ,     Ontario

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The following quick response was received   (Premier’s website) :

Thanks for your email. I value your input and appreciate your taking the time to get in touch with me.

Every email and letter I receive is carefully read and reviewed. Given the volume of emails and letters I receive, and because I may need to share your message with one of my Cabinet ministers or the appropriate government officials for more information, a response may take several business days.

Thanks again for contacting me.

Kathleen Wynne
Premier

Please note that we are not able to receive replies at this email address, so please do not respond directly to this email.

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Book Reading in 2017

1) Saturday   14 January 2017

My first book in the new year completed in 2017.

Title : Collected Srories, Vol. 2   – More Twisted   by Jeffery Deaver.

2) Thursday 02 February 2017

Completed book by Jeffery Deaver

Title: The Steel Kiss   – Linc Rhyme detective book.

3) Friday 10 February 2017

Completed book by J. A. Jance

Title: Cold Betrayal.

Also embedded in it was a novella .

Title: No Honor among Thieves.

4) Sunday 19 February 2017

Completed book by Nora Roberts

Title: River’s End

5)   Wednesday 01 march 2017

Completed book by Laura Griffin

Title: TWISTED –   Allison Doyle is the detective.

6)   Sunday 26 March 2017

Completed reading   the book by Jeffery Deaver

Title : Trouble in Mind       – the Collected Stories , Volume 3

7) & 8)   Sunday 16 April 2017

Completed reading the following books by Sue Grafton

Title:

a) H is for Homicide

b)   G is for Gumshoe

9) Wednesday 25 May 2017

Completed reading the following book by Jonathan Killerman

Title: Motive     ( an Alex Delaware novel)     Milo Sturgis is the homicide detective – Dr. Delaware is psycologist   helping Milo in the murder inverstigations.

10 )   Friday 28 April 2017

Completed   reading the following book by   Kathryn Stockett

Title :   The Help

The Help is a 2009 novel by American author Kathryn Stockett. The story is about black maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi, during the early 1960s. A USA Today article called it one of the “summer sleeper hits.

Note:   This book is a gift from Nina.

11)     Monday   08 May 2017

Completed   reading the following book by   Ian Rankin

Title:   Saints of the Shadow Bible             — Is the police cop REBUS : Saint or Sinner

12 ) Wednesday   17 May 2017

Completed   reading the following book by   Suzanne Collins .

Title:   The Hunger Games .

Note:

1) The Hunger Games is a   trilogy   of   young adult dystopian novels written by American novelist  Suzanne Collins .   It follows young characters   Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark

2) This book was a gift by Nina at the Pembroke Hospital on Sunday 13 May 2017 – when Nina along with Mistry family ( Sitara, Sachin and Sunjay) – all came to Pemb Hospital to visit nana (that is me) – who was at the hospital since Friday for an ailment affecting the blocakage in the small intestines .     Nana was lucky – as no surgery became necessary   and nana returned home on Monday.

13) & 14)   25 May 2017

Completed reading the following two books by Ian Rankin

a) Title: Even Dogs In the Wild.   – the new John Rebus

b) Title: Standing In Another Man’s Grave – Rebus is back

15) Tuesday   30 May 2017

Completed reading the following book by Mary Higgins Clark

Title : I’ve Got You Under My Shin

16)   Wednesday   07 June 2017

Completed reading the following book by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire – this is the second book of trilogy. The first book – The Hunger Games – was read by me   on Wednesday 17 May 2017.

17) Friday 16 June 2017

Completed   reading the following book by   Suzanne Collins . This is the third book of the TRILOGY.

Title: Mockingjay

18)   Friday 23 June 2017

Completed   reading the following Harlequin book by Jacqueline Diamond   & Charlotte Maclay – 2 stories in a book.

Title: The Bachelor Dads of Nowhere Junction   (Diapering for Daddies) –   2 Romantic Comedies.

19 )   Friday 23 June 2017

Also fast read a book by Jonathan Cahn

Title: The Mystery of the Shemitah   – a Jewish/Christian -300year old mystery   -to foretell abour modern day (specially about USA ).

20) Saturday 08 July 2017

Completed   reading the following book by Ben Mezrich

Title:   21: Bringing down the House.

Note:   It is   —   The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions.   The book was adapted into the movie 21.

21)   Friday 14 July 2017

Completed   reading the following book by Mary Higgins Clark

Title:   While My Pretty One Sleeps

22) Friday   04 August 2017

Completed   reading the following book by Mary Higgins Clark

Title:   On The Street Where You Live

23) Sunday 13 August 2017

Completed   reading the following book by Mary Higgins Clark

Title: Daddy’s Gone A Hunting

24 ) The following book was completed while for a visit ( & to participate in Anisha’s wedding) to the U.K. (between 23 August to 19 September 2017)

Completed   reading the following book by Mary Higgins Clark

Title: The Shadow of Your Smile

25) Friday   06 October 2017

Completed   reading the following book by Eoin Colfer – this book is mostly for teenagers – Note:   my granddaughter, Sitara currently read books by Eoin Colfer –   mostly about Artemis Fowl and his various criminal feats – getting the fairy world also involved.

Title of the book that I first read & completed -as encouraged by Sitara :

Artemis Fowl – The Eternity Code.

26)   Monday 15 October 2017

Completed   reading the following book by Mary Higgins Clark

Title: Nightmare Is My Time

27)   Monday 23 October 2017

Completed   reading the following book by Eoin Colfer – this book is mostly for teenagers – Note:   my granddaughter, Sitara currently read books by Eoin Colfer –   mostly about Artemis Fowl and his various criminal feats – getting the fairy world also involved.

Title of the book that I completed -as encouraged by Sitara :

Artemis Fowl – The Opal Deception.

28)   Sunday   19 November 2017

Completed reading a book by John Grisham .

Title: The Last Juror     –     with Mississippi (USA) as   locale in mid 1960s

29) Thursday   23 November 2017

Completed reading a book by Catharina Ingelman Sundberg

Title: The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules

( Translated from the Swedish by Rod Bradbury )

 

Grandparents – 2017 – 1st Quarter

We (Ba/Bapuji   —- to Maya/Kieran/Priya) and (nana/nani   —-   to Sitara/Sachin) spent their first New Year day in Toronto after Sitara was born in August 2007. Each Christmas Day since 2007 – Sunir and Shannon and the kids (after they were born) would come to Deep River for celebrating Christmas with   family and would go back to Toronto to celebrate New Year.

This year as Priya was born on 22 December 2016 in Toronto – Sunir/Shanoon and family could not come to Deep River during Christmas   – and grandparents from Deep River went to Toronto to coddle Priya and celebrate New Year day with her, Kieran and Maya and family there.     Sitara and Sachin missed their cousins and Mama/Mami   and so did Maya, Kieran and Priya missed their cousins Sitara and Sachin and Foi and Fuva.

Sunday   01 January 2017

This day all were invited for dinner at Maya/Kieran/Priya’s grandparents (Kathy/Doug) home. Again the kids had a great time with their HeatherAuntie/Ryan Uncle and cousin Cole  as well as with EricaAuntie/MathieuUncle and cousin Julia). Their Toronto grandma and granddad  coddled and  played with   them as and when possible.

Monday 02 January 2017

As usual , both Maya and Kieran were dropped at their respective school in the morning and picked up in the evening by the parents . Priya was home resting and doing her new born baby things   – sleeping, nourishment by her mom and coddled by her parents, Ba and Bapuji.

Tuesday 03 January 2017

As usual , both Maya and Kieran were dropped at their respective school by their mom in   the morning . Priya was home resting at home with her dad .

Ba/Bapuji (though weather was predicted to become icy rain and slippery road condition) – decided to take the trip to return back to Deep River . They   left Toronto at about 10.30 am.

Ba/Bapuji returned back to Deep River after spending time ( a week) with Priya/Kieran and Maya and their parents. Priya was coddled and pampered and held close and kissed. Ba/Bapuji also played with both Maya and Kieran .

It so happened , the road conditions were good (all along the road) and icy conditions were generated after Ba/Bapuji arrived at Deep River at 4.00 pm

Wednesday 04 January 2017

Sachin came visiting at nana/nani home with in Deep River – his mom for a short while only . They had come to deep River from Mackey to drop Sitara for a sleep-over at   her friend’s home in Deep River. Both kids are having a school vacation till the end of the week – Christmas/New Year shutdown of the school.

Sachin was lucky – as he get to take Christmas gifts from his Mama/Mami and cousins in Toronto – these brought to deep river by his nana/nani after their visit to Toronto.

Thursday 05 January 2017

Sachin again came over to nana/nani home with his mom at lunch time – to spend time and have  lunch  ( specially prepared by his mom for this time as they had come to nana/nani home at a last minute) – Nina was to pick up Sitara from her friend’s home and Sachin had to accompany his mom .   Well, Sachin played Monopoly ( Starwar) and some card games with his nani and spent his time socially with nana/nani – while Nina took Sitara for her ice skating session in   the evening at the Deep River Arena.   Sachin then was picked up by his dad in the   evening to go home to Mackey.

Friday 06 January 2017

The kids Sitara and Sachin came to nana/nani home (in Deep River) in the afternoon – to spend the day . However, Sachin had to go to a birthday party for the afternoon at the DR Arena (driven thereby his mom)   – while Sitara spent time with nana/nani   – spent time making a few electronic items from the Electronic Snap Circuit ( a Christmas gift from nana/nani) – which she had brought with her for the day. After a while, it became frustrating as one unit was not responding ( some defect -as ascertained by her dad later when he checked the circuits out) . A new part will be ordered.

After dinner, all gathered at the dining table to play the game of   “sequence” – card game to make a sequence row of five pieces   placed on a board. Kids enjoyed the game – though Sitara quit after she had enough – but Sachin remained focused and played a very good game .

After the game, the family went home.

It was a very cold day –   temperatures falling below between -20 to -30 degrees C.

Saturday  06 January 2017

It was another cold day but Sitara came to Deep River Arena in the evening – for her ice skating session – driven by her mom . Sachin had stayed home in Mackey with his dad .

Nana/nani braved the icy/cold weather and drove to the DR Arena to watch/cheer Sitara   in her ice skating. After the session was over, nana/nani returned back to her home and Sitara and her mom went back to Mackey.

This day Maya went for ice skating – with her dad .

Sunday 07 January 2017

It was cold day but somewhat better than the day before. So Sitara and Sachin went for downhill skiing with their parents at the Mt. Martin hill in Deep River.

Sunday   15 January 2017

Here is what Sitara’s mom   posted on her Facebook Wall on this day:

” S is loving snowboarding so much she is trying it on the hills on our driveway  ”

Saturday 21 January 2017

Nana/nani went to the Deep River Arena in the morning ( 11.00 am) – to watch Sachin playing ice hockey tournament match with   a team from Cobden – the Deep River team won ( 6 to 1)

After the ice hockey, the kids and their parents went to the Mt. Martin Ski Hill – for Sitara to take her learning session for snowboarding   (at 1.00 pm) and Sachin to have an advance lesson for downhill skiing.

Both   kids are good at downhill skiing and they enjoy the sport. Nana/nani went to watch and take some photos and videos.

From there, Sitara had an ice skating session at Deep River Arena in the evening – and the family went home.

Sunday 22 January 2017

To-day is a special day . Priya turned   1 month old – her mom sent (by e-mail) her 1 week photo and also 1 month photo. Looking good .

This is what Sachin’s mom posted to-day on her Facebook Wall :

” Deep River Novice House team plays in Renfrew today at 10am! Deep River Knights win 2:1! ”

Sachin is part of Deep River Knights team.

Tuesday 24 January 2017

It was a busy day .   Both Sitara and Sachin were dropped in the morning (at about 8.00am) at nana/nani home in Deep River by their dad – while on the way to his work. This is part of a safe procedure when their mom is working ( today she was working in Pembroke and thus had to leave home early – which would leave kids without supervision/care prior to boarding a school bus) . This way they are at nana/nani home – have their breakfast and then spend quality time with their nana/nani prior to going to school. Today, nana/nani dropped them at school – in their new 2016 Nissan Rogue car – which again is the normal way to transport kids ( driven to school by car) to school whenever they arrive at nana/nani home in the morning.

They were picked up after the school by nana/nani (at 3 .40 pm) and came home – stopping at the Deep River library en route – where Sitara wanted to return a book – which she had currently completed reading. Both Sitara and Sachin – each – borrowed further books for reading . A very satisfying to their grandparents that kids are on a fine character and habit.

After coming home , they had dinner along with nana and nani. Their dad arrived a bit later but dinner by kids had to be early as Sitara had to remain ready to go to Petawawa Civic Center – where she was participating in the ice Synchro event ( a part of Cabin Fever January 24th 2017 event organized by the Town of Petawawa) . The event was planned between 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm.

So after rushed dinner, kids went with their dad   to Petawawa Civic Center ( driven in their new 2016 VW Passat black car) – where their mom joined them (after finishing her work in Pembroke) . It takes about 1/2 hour to drive to Petawawa Civic Center from Deep River – but to-day was a difficult day . It started snowing at about 4.00 pm ( after a break and high temperatures for last few days) . Though the temperature was about – 2 degrees C , the snow was falling rather dense thus visibility was slightly curtailed and that led to a   slower driving . However , kids and their dad got there in sufficient time and nana/nani also made it in their new Nissan Rogue car . Nina was helping the Deep River Group in make-up.

Here is a forwarded note posted by Nina on her Facebook Wall – on the same date.:

Fwd: Synchro Team at Cabin Fever

Hi all,

Steph has asked our Beginner Synchro Team (Frozen) to perform on Tuesday, January 24th. The Petawawa Club typically does a 1 hour ‘Cabin Fever’ mini ice show (6-7pm) and this will give our skaters a chance to present their program.

Please arrive at the Civic Centre at 6pm. Tanya, Emma Whan’s mom, has graciously accepted the role of Team Manager. Our team will be assigned a dressing room and she will be there with the dresses. Please prepare your skater with dress and skates. They are to wear their beige tights and their hair is to be tied back in a low ponytail (comfortable under the helmet). Nina, Sitara’s mom, our Team Makeup Artist may give the girls a little sparkle. Then they are welcome to watch some of the show from the stands. Please sit together so we know where you are.

Have your skater visualize our program in the arena since this can be confusing for some. Use the windows and stands as reference points.

Our group will be the second last to perform. I am going to be driving from CanSkate in Deep River and hope to arrive by 6:30. If we have time, I hope to run through the program in the change room with the music.

Finally, if the weather is bad on Tuesday, we will send an email to let everyone know if we are going.

Happy Skating!
Angela

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Sitara and her team were one of four groups  performing   for Synchro. The four teams were :

Pre Beginner synchro     – 2 minutes performance

Beginner 1 synchro     – 2 minutes performance

Deep River Beginner synchro     – 2 minutes performance

Pre Novice synchro – 2 minutes performance

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Sitara team had beautiful light blue outfit – each girl was well dressed and good make-up.

After the event (once they reached home – slowly in snow) – Nina posted a photo of the team on her Facebook wall with a note:

” The Deep River Synchronized Figure Skating Team performed at the Cabin Fever Ice Show tonight in Petawawa, Ontario. Fantastic performance girls!! “

Friday 27 January 2017

Both Sitara and Sachin came over to nana/nani home after school (about 4.00 pm) – brought by their mom. The day was mild and bright . So the kids wanted to play outside – in the snow. Deep River home provides a   high bank of snow along the concrete pathway to the front door. Sitara dug a cave and Sachin was clearing the path using large shovel – also making a monument in the snow bank. After all the attention, Sitara got from nana and nani – Sachin also dug out a cave on the other end (near the front door) of the pathway. Both kids really enjoyed outdoors and such diligence and concentration in their pursuit of joy. Of Course necessary photos were taken by both their nana and mom. Their dad did not come for dinner – as he had gone to Mt. Martin Ski Hill .

After dinner, Sachin went home with his mom but Sitara stayed at nana/nani home for a sleepover. This is because the next day (on Saturday Sachin was playing Ice Hockey in the morning ( 9.00 am) at Eganville and thus his parents will have to leave home early to take him there. This would affect Sitara’s day – so it was found easier if she sleeps over in Deep River. Nana/nani were delighted and Sitara was happy too. She had a special request – she wanted to sleep downstairs ( on the sofa bed – the one normally used by her parents when they sleep over in Deep River) . Sitar has   special room upstairs – all made out in the “Princess Theme’ -since she was born. Bit this day she wanted to decode the mystery of sleeping downstairs. Her nani was happy to make out   the bed and let her sleep downstairs. Her nani also joined her – on the bed next to the sofa bed.

Friday 27 January 2017

Ba/Bapuji mailed to-day (from Deep River) by Canada Post a parcel with Valentine knick-knacks for Maya, Kieran and Priya ( In fact for Priya , it was a sleep dress – being only 1 month old). Also each one got a specific Valentine Card (including Priya) – Ba/Bapuji expressing love for the grandkids.

Saturday 28 January 2017

Next day , all had breakfast and at around 11.00 am , Sachin and his parents returned back from Eganville – both Sitara and Sachin were to go to the Mt. Martin Ski Hill – for their lesson – Sitara for Snow Boarding and Sachin for Downhill skiing ( a sort of advance course – Sachin knows how to ski.)

However before going to the Ski Hill – both kids again went outside in front of nana/nani home and resumed their cave making (more deeper )   and playing in the snow. They had a great time . So had adults watching them and being part of all the fun.   So at about 12.30 pm they left for the Ski Hill with the parents.

Kids expressed their happiness to be   with their nana/nani and playing in the snow specially with their nani both days. Sachin expressed this feeling by telling his nani – ” thank you for playing with us ”   and other good words. They are reluctant to end the fun and go to their next assignment – like going over to the Ski Hill   (though they enjoy that too ).

Sunday 29 January 2016

Being home today – Sitara got engrossed to a productive activity – baking an Ancient Roman Bread. Her mom posted her photo ( rolling the dough for the bread) on the Facebook wall.

Thursday 02 February 2017

The kids came to nana/nani home after school – brought by their mom. After their dad came over ( at the end of the day) all had dinner together.   After dinner, Sitara and her mom along with nana/nani went to the Mackenzie Community School in Deep River for a walkathon   ( this is done by nana/nani twice a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays)   – a sort of winter physical activity – indoors walking in the corridors of the school building .   Sachin also went (with his dad) to the Mackenzie Community School Gym for his Karate class. After the activities at the Mackenzie Community School – both kids came back to nana/nani home parents – and the kids then spent the night at nana/nani home. This is because their mom was working next day (whole day from 9:00 am in the morning till 9:00 pm in the evening)  and the school had a PD day (Friday off for kids) – thus kids were sort of free . So nana/nani got the privilege to baby-sit the kids – for the Thursday night and then the   whole Friday next day.

Friday 03 February 2017

Wow, Sachin got up early in the morning   ( when all others were sleeping) – around 5:30 am and by himself put on necessary lights and then skittered down to the computer room and got busy with his program – math additions etc,

This is how his nana found him when his nana got up at around 6:00 am.

During the day the kids and nana/nani went out in the new Nissan Rogue car – driven by their nana and went to post office – where kids helped to pick up packages – which had come in for the orders their mom had done on-line.

After shopping at Giant Tiger – all went to the Deep River library – to return a book earlier borrowed by Sitara  (and another which was borrowed by their nana). Then each kid ( Sitara and Sachin) borrowed a fresh book to read at home.

After coming home – the kids and their nani sat down to watch a movie (selected by the kids) on the TV – till dinner time.   After dinner , Sitara did the nail polish   ( the nail polish kit  was bought at Giant Tiger during day) – for her toes and her nani’s toes and then coxed her nana to have his toes nail polished.   However, her nana   resisted but eventually caved in and had his right foot big toe nail polished ( yellow color) , They continued watching a movie   on TV until their mom came to pick them up ( just after 9.00 pm) – and driven home to Mackey.

Saturday 04 February2016

This day Sachin’s   Deep River Team play Ice Hockey Tournament in Arnprior at 6:30 pm. There was no practice on Saturday morning because of the game.

This is   what Sachin’s mom posted on her Facebool Wall (same date). :

” Deep River House Novice play their second last game of the regular season TONIGHT in Arnprior at 6:30pm! GoKnightsGo!! “

So Sachin left Deep River (driven by his mom in their new black car- 2016 VW Passat) at 4.00 pm from his nana/nani home ( having arrived there at 3:30 pm and picking up his nani -who was going with his mom to cheer him ) . His dad was to be remaining in Deep River – with Sitara who has skating session at Deep River Arena in the evening.

Note: Sachin’s mom posted   on her Facebook Wall ( from Arnprior at 9:23 pm) the following:

” Deep River Novice House wins 5:1 in Arnprior! Last regular season game is at 9am Sunday morning bright and early ” . Congratulations!   Sachin’s team won.

Before Sitara’s skating – during afternoon , both her and her dad went for downhill skiing at Mt. Martin Ski Hill.   Her dad posted a photo of himself ( in his Ski patrol uniform) on his Facebook Wall.

Sunday 05 February 2016

Deep River House Novice (Sachin’s Ice HockeyTeam) —  last game of the regular season is on Sunday (February 5th)  gainst Pembroke. The game starts at 9:10 am at the Pembroke Memorial Centre. This is the arena downtown (393 Pembroke St. W).

This is what Sachin’s mom posted on her Facebook wall on Sunday 06 February 2017   — :

” Deep River House Novice played their last game of the regular season this morning in Pembroke at 9am! GoKnightsGo!! They tied 2:2   “.

Well done

Sunday 12 February 2017

Today it was a “Peace March” day in Deep River – organized by Allison & supported by the Unity In Diversity   Group. This was in the context of recent attack on a Muslim Mosque in the Quebec City – in which six people lost their lives and many injured – shot by one Canadian while people were praying               ( Right wing). The march was organized to show support for the Muslims as equal citizens of this beautiful country and oneness of all the citizens ( Canadians).     Nina was one of the helpers to organize the event.

Sachin joined in the march along with his mom   .

Also his nana/nani joined in the march – with a placard – stating   ” Canadian Core Value   – Humanity ” .

The march was starting at the Deep River Town hall – people walking to the Mosque building and there gathered to listen to various speeches  and prayers .   After that all were invited to a refreshment get-together at the Deep River Arena hall ( situated next door to the Mosque)

Sitara could not join as she was pre-occupied at the Mt. Martin Hill for her Snow Boarding session. She had gone to the Hill with her dad ( who is there one of the patrols) .

At 4.30 pm , Sachin had an ice Hockey game at the Arena . Sitara had come over to the Arena at that time along with her dad . Her dad helped Sachin to get ready for his Ice Hockey game – and nana/nani returned to their home.

Monday   13 February 2017

Today was Sachin’s Ice Hockey match with   the team from Eganville .

Novice House Knights Playoff action at the Deep River Arena .   To come out and root for the home team. vs Eganville   .   Game started at   6.00 pm.

Nana/nani could not go as they were in Pembroke – though nani went after coming back to home but by that time the game was over.   However Novice House Knights won the game.

Tuesday   14 February 2017

It is the Valentine’s Day .

Nana/nani did not do much to-day but there will be a get together tomorrow at nana/nani home to celebrate our Valentines – our loving family which is here in this part of Ontario – though we will miss our Toronto family -as in harsh winter -it is a bit too far to travel.

Wednesday 15 February 2017

We celebrated our Valentine Day to-day with Sitara   and Sachin and their parents.

Both Sitara and Sachin were looked after by nana/nani for the day – after they were dropped at nana/nani home early morning at 7.50 am by their dad. This was because their mom was working this day at Pembroke and thus would not be available to supervise them – at the school bus   stop near their home.   Their dad goes to work and thus has to leave home   early too.

After breakfast at nana/nani home, the kids spent time with their nani – talking and watching TV . Then, they were driven to their school (Mackenzie Community School in Deep River) in nana’s new 2016 Nissan Rogue – both nana/nani went with them.   However, before going to school – as there was lots of time in hand – the kids and their nani wanted to go shopping for decoration candies for the Valentine Cake   and thus all went over to Valumart Grocery Store . Unfortunately, they did not find the specific candies – the type they wanted. Well, they took it all in stride and then   dropped off at school at 9.30 am.

After school they were picked up by nana/nani (again by the new Nissan Rogue car) at 3.45 pm – the kids were             already outside – the time the car came on the driveway of the school. After the school pick-up, Sitara wanted to go to the library – to borrow a reading book and after that she was to go to her art class (at 4.00 pm) – where she was dropped off after the library.     Now with Sachin in the car – nana/nani and Sachin went to the local Bulk Store – to look for the cake decorating candies   – but the store did not have these either and thus all came home.

Sachin spent time on the tablet while nani got busy cooking remainder of the dishes.   Sitara was picked up from her art class by her dad and both came home after 5.00 pm.

This was ” kind of ” unusual day

1)   Sachin lost one of his lower tooth while at the school – which he had preserved well and brought it home

2) North Renfrew Times (the local Deep River newspaper – published once   a week on Wednesdays) – had published a photo of the Sunday Peace March/Walk – with nana holding the placard he had made and was holding ( Placard read – Canadian Core Value: Humanity ) and Nina and Sachin in the photo too.

3)   Stuart Mclean – the Canadian Broadcasting Corp’s   (CBC’s) science commentator – passed away at the age of 68.

When Nina arrived home after work (in Pembroke) – she had heard on the car radio about Stiart passing away – she was sad .

Nina and both the kids were sad about that as they liked listening to Stuart’s program.

This is what Nina posted on her Facebook Wall :

There are no words to explain this truly Canadian loss. He was in our homes EVERY week. He touched everyone he met. His words connected everyone around him. He just had a way , his way…. No one else will be able to fill his void. is what Nina posted on her Facebook Wall that evening:

It is with deep sadness that the Vinyl Cafe family announces that Stuart McLean passed away today, February 15th, 2017, at age 68.

We are heartbroken.

But we are also finding comfort in memories of our dear friend.

Stuart always emphasized that the world is a good place, full of good people, trying to do their best. He believed in people”™s extraordinary capacity for love and generosity. And he had faith in our ability to work together for the common good.

He was, in other words, firmly committed to celebrating the positive, joyful and funny side of life. Stuart assured us that even in difficult times, we can find things to be grateful for and ways to laugh. Now that he is gone, we will try hard to do just that.

Stuart connected us ”“ to our country and to each other. He entertained us, he made us think, he made us smile. Occasionally he made us cry. And, through all of that, he reminded us that life is made up of small moments. We never know which ones will be forgotten and which ones will stay with us forever.

So today, and hopefully every day, we”™re going to celebrate Stuart”™s life by trying to make each moment count and by being grateful for all of them.

We are certainly grateful for each and every moment we shared with Stuart.

We will miss him.

This is what Nina posted next day on her Facebook Wall :

” Tributes to Stuart McLean today…. I am so sad. I would play his podcasts with the kids in the car and at breakfast. They loved Dave and Morley. Like someone said today – we didn’t lose only Stuart. We lost Dave, Morley, Stephanie, Sam, the neighbours. …an entire village. He had so many more stories to tell “

After dinner, the family got together and Sitara became a tattoo artist – her mom had brought               ” body tattoo pens ” home (from Pembroke) – bought at Dollerama store in Pembroke.   She got her arm tattoo painted over by her mom first – and then she/Sitara tattoo painted her mom, nana and nani, dad and Sachin arm. She was so good – looped for designs   from internet (using nana’s tablet) and sat on the chair like a professional artist and did her work very coolly and perfect. She tattoo painted an OM (Indian symbol) on nana’s left arm.   All had fun.

After the tattaoo session was over, all gathered around the dining table – nani had made heart shape Valentine cake – and there were gifts for the kids – kiddie knick knacks . They     were   excited and each one opened the gift wrap for his/her gift packege . All had cake and had fun.

They left for home just after 8.30 pm.         All in all – unusual day but there was lot of family fun.

All ended with both nana/nani getting hugs and hugs .   Superb ending.

Friday 17 February 2017

Junior Music Club held its first concert of 2017 at the Childs Auditorium (Mackenzie Community School in Deep River) . There were some 23 performances.

Both Sitara and Sachin also performed at the concert – which began at 6.15 pm and ended at 7.05 pm .

All performances were piano playing by young music players.

Sachin was 12th performer of the evening – he played piano ”   Halloween ” arr. Fletcher

and Sitara followed immediately after that – the 13th performer . She played ” The Birch Canoe ” arr. Fletcher.

Prior to the performance, all had come to nana/nani home and had dinner . This day Sunjay came home earlier as the there was a power cut/loss at his office – he was followed by Nina who had picked up the kids from the School. The kids played outdoors for   a while – in the snow – already very high this year. Both Sitara and Sachin worked on their tunnel/igloo   ( which they had dug earlier and kept at these whenever they come to nana/nani home ). Sachin also played on the snow pile – now built-up like a small hill   – so he can go up and down – making a slide here and there.

Sunday 17 February 2017

This day both Sitara and Sachin went to Ottawa with their parents.

This is the e-mail their mom sent to their nana yesterday.

we are going to Ottawa tomorrow (sunday) to go to winterlude and the ice slides and watch a movie with the kids for family day weekend.

we are going to the ski hill in deep river on Monday afternoon to ski (me and the kids – sunjay at work) then the kids have piano and their hockey practice as usual.

you can join us in any of it.   sorry that this is last minute for the winterlude.   we will leave by 9am

Anyway nana/nani did not go – they decided to stay put in Deep River.

This day both Maya and Kieran were taken to the park by their dad   – next to their home in Toronto – while Priya was looked after by her mom at home.     Theirdad phoned Ba/Bapuji from the park and both Maya and Kieran talkeda nf and said Hi!.

Monday 20 February 2017

Sitara’s mom – Nina – posted the following on her Facebook Wall on Monday 20 February 2017 :

Save the Date!! Saturday February 25, 2017 at 5:10pm – The Deep River Synchroskate team will be hosting a Synchroskate show at the Deep River arena. The Petawawa teams will be joining. This is an AWESOME event. We participated in the Petawawa Ice Show recently and I was blown away with the performances. It will be an hour long show. Hope to see everyone there to support our local team!

Wednesday 22 February 2017

To-day is Priya’s 2nd-month birthday ( born on Thursday 22 Dec 2016) . He Bapuji sent an e-mail message   ( this morning) to her   c/o her mom& dad as below:

Hi our dearest Priya

We wish you the best 2nd month birthday.

We love you – our superstar.

We see you occasionally in photos but we look forward to see/coddle   you, Kieran and Maya soon .

:):):)

Bapuji

And during the day her mom sent to all the relatives her photo (she sitting on the sofa – in the living room)   with a white teddy bear ) – with a title : 2 months old   and the following text :

” Priya is 2 months old today and weighed in at 12 lbs. She got her first set of vaccinations this afternoon. Now she is prepared for the crowds and germs of Great Wolf Lodge next week “

 

Priya looks so cute and focused at the camera.

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Sitara/Sachin were talking with nani in the car – when we picked them up from the school on Tuesday 21 February 2017 – re: planning for Kieran’s birthday party when he comes visiting the cousins – along with Maya and Priya – during school march break.

Here   how the conversation went     ( according to their nani) :

Friday 24 February 2017

It was freezing rain day and this is why school buses were cancelled in the afternoon – for kids to go home. Sitara and Sachin were picked up by their mom and then they came over to nana/nani   home – joined by their dad a bit later (after his work). Due to freezing rain – Sachin’s ice hockey game was also cancelled.       All had dinner at nana/nani home – and kids played with each other and adults – whatever was feasible at the moment. Sitara was also at the nana’s computer and while there watching her videos of kiddie program – she multi-tasked and prepared a nice Welcome Card for Priya ( her newest cousin sister )- who will soon be visiting Deep River (during March school break)   – along with her brother Kieran and big sister Maya and their parents.

One of the play things that Sitara was busy was making a tent for fun in the living room .

Her mom added a photo of that on her Facebook collection of photo album 2016/2017 – with a comment :-

” Creepy when two pairs of eyes are poking out of the tent Nani and S are in together…”

 

Sachin and his parents went home (Mackey) – at about 8.00 pm – while Sitara   stayed behind at nana/nani home for a sleep over . This is because next day Sachin has an ice hockey tournament at Pembroke early in the morning on Saturday( 9.00am) – so if Sitara goes home – she   would have to wake up early together with the family and get ready and go with them to Pembroke . Staying at nana/nani home – she can get up in the morning a bit leisurely and relaxed. Besides- she is participating in the SynchroSkating show (Exhibition) at 5.10 pm on Saturday and thus she needs to have a relaxed time prior to the event.

 

Sitara went to sleep just after 9.00 pm – her nani taking care of her comfort and nana reading to her some four stories from a book ( Disney 365   Bedtime stories – a story a day) – which is her favorite story book whenever she has a sleep-over at nana/nani place . This is her book since she was 3 year old.

 

Saturday 25 February 2017

 

While Sachin was driven (from their home in Mackey) to Pembroke early morning by his parents – to play in the Ice Hockey tournament – Sitara was at her nana/nani home in Deep River – just having a relaxed morning.

 

Sachin & his parents returned to Deep River in the afternoon ( after the tournament – by the way their team lost 2-1) and joined Sitara at nana/nani home .

 

After some rest and Sitara got ready for her performance at the Arena – as part of the SynchroSkating show (Exhibition) at 5.10 pm .

 

All went to the Arena – first Nina and Sitara (driven by Sitara’s dad) – they went early in the afternoon about 4.00 pm   – so Sitara can join her group of ice skaters (known as Deep River Ice Queens) – and get dressed and ready for the performance.   After that Sachin got picked up by his dad and went to arena to watch the show – followed by nana/nani in their 2001 Dodge maroon minivan. The Synchro show had 13 items – 2 performed by Deep River Ice Queens   and the rest performed by teams from Petawawa (along with three solo performances) .   All had wonderful time . Good work, Sitara and the team ( Deep River Ice Queens). All of you were looking superb in your light   blue uniforms and white hats.     Good synchronized ice skating .   The last item (of the 13 items) was ” FleshMob dance ” – when all skaters joined in for fun skate dancing .

Note: By the way, Sitara’s mom (Nina) is the volunteer treasurer   with the Board of Directors for Synchro Skating in Deep River .

 

After the Synchro Skate program – nana/nani returned home for dinner while the kids and parents had dinner elsewhere. After dinner, all met together again at Kapil’s (his wife Nisha) home for Shivratri chanting .

 

The most wonderful miracle happen at the chanting session. After Sachin’s nani led the chant   ( On Shiva, Om Shiva)   – Sachin volunteered   ( with a bit of prodding) to offer a song of his own (in English) – though not pertaining to Shiva but a smooth one – which enchanted the people in the room .     Good work Sachin   – you made nana/nani very proud)

 

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NOTE:

Lord Shiva  

Shiva is the last deity of the Hindu Trinity. Lord Shiva represents the vital goodness in the form of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram i.e.; Truth, Goodness and Beauty .Lord Shiva performs a celestial role of dissolution and recreation of the universe, that’s why; he is mostly associated with the words, like destroyer and destruction  Literally, Shiva is one in whom the universe “sleeps” after destruction and before the next cycle of creation. All that is born, must die. All that is produced, must disintegrate and be destroyed. This law cannot be violated. The principle that brings about this disintegration, the power behind this destruction, is Shiva.


Another explanation of his role as destroyer is that we invoke Shiva to give us the capacity to destroy all our attachments and unwanted thoughts.He destroys our imperfections in order to ensure our spiritual progress. He destroys our illusions, desires and ignorance. He destroys our evil and negative nature. He destroys our old memories, so that we can move on with the movement of time. He destroys our relationships, attachment, impurities, physical and mental wrong doings, the effects of bad karma, our passions and emotions and many things that stand between us and God as impediments to our progress and inner transformation. And in the end when we have made sufficient progress, when we are ready and prepared, and when we are willing without any inner conflict, he destroys death.  

Lord Shiva is known as the ”giver god”, lord of mercy and kindness. He always protects his devotees from evil forces like lust, greed and anger. He is the most kind -hearted God who grants boons and bestows grace to his devotees.  Let us try to understand Shiva from different

standpoints.  From the highest standpoint, Shiva is the formless, Absolute reality . Shiva’s name itself means auspiciousness. This is our own true nature.

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Note:   By the way , coming Monday there is an opening of an Art Exhibition at Deep River Library ( art by young artists) – where Sitara’s painting (amongst others) will also be there displayed to the public.

 

This is what her mom posted on her Facebook Wall (dated 24 February 2017):

 

” Sitara will be participating in her second Art Exhibition – the Opening night is on Monday (27 February 2017) at the Deep River Library at 7pm – come support our children! ”   – Teaching Artist professional is –   Olga Nazarkina

 

This is on Olga Nazarkina ‘s Facebook Wall :

From Olga Nazarkina

 ” Hello everyone. I would like to invite everyone to our exhibition. There will be 30 young artists from 5 till 15 year old. There will be more than 200 artworks like paintings with watercolor, acrylics, oil, silk scarves, sculptures, and much more.

At the reception we will announce 5 winners of international contests. The reception is 27th of February at 7 pm. The exhibition will last till March 25. Please come and share this post “

Sunday 26 February 2017

 

Today in Toronto, Kieran & his two sisters (Maya and Priya) and parents were at their grandparents                 ( maternal – Kathy and Doug)   home in Toronto   to celebrate Doug’s birthday . So they also took this opportunity to celebrate Kieran’s 3rd Birthday . This is kind of necessity as Kieran’s grandparents were planning to go to Chile for holidays in the coming days and then would miss Kieran’s birthday.   So this as the time to celebrate Kieran’s birthday there in Toronto.

 

Note:   Chile, officially the Republic of Chile  a South American country occupying a long, narrow strip of land between the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

 

Kieran will get another birthday party on 12 March 2017 – when he and the family will be visiting              Deep River to their paternal  grandparents ( Kieran/Maya and Priya’s Ba and Bapuji) home  and also their cousins Sitara and Sachin in Mackey ( which is a short distance from Deep River)

 

Priya’s first visit outside Toronto is imminent   – as she will going with her brother Kieran and the big sister Maya to Niagara Falls (NF) , Ontario with their parents . I guess it will also be Kieran’s first visit to NF – though Maya did visit NF in 2011 along with her parents and also with Ba and Bapuji at that time.

Priya will be arriving to Deep River on Saturday 11 March 2017   with   her parents and siblings – to visit her Ba and Bapuji and also her cousins Sitara and Sachin and their parents ( her Faiba (aunt) and Fuva (uncle) ).

 

On Sunday 12 March , there will be a party organized at her Ba/Bapuji home   – to welcome Priya and also to celebrate Kieran’s 3rd Birthday   ( Kieran born on 12 March 2014 ).

 

All three kids (Priya, Kieran and Maya) to spend next two days ( Monday and Tuesday) at Mackey with their cousins Sitara and Sachin.   Will be returning to Toronto on Wednesday 15 March 2017.

 

Monday 27 February 2017

 

Wow! what a colorful Art Exhibition .   Sitara amongst other young artists had their paintings exhibited at the Deep River Library basement room.   There were so many people who turned up for the opening of the Exhibition – by the students of Olga Nazarkina.  Sitara had 6 of her paintings exhibited on the wall – in her group of paintings . Also had another painting ( the Ghost) on the windowsill ( opposite to the wall where her 6 paintings were exhibited ) . This painting was amongst other paintings on that windowsill .

There were talks and a dance demonstrated by a young artist   (girl artist) – well done . Also certificates were distributed to each of Olga’s students, Sitara also got hers.

Sachin was also attending and had a swell of a time.

Wednesday 1 March 2017

This day Nina was working in Pembroke and thus kids (Sitara and Sachin) came Deep River nana/nani home in the morning – had their breakfast and had some time with nana/nani – after that they were driven to the school by nana & nani . However as it was nana/nani’s social bridge day at the DR Library in the afternoon , it   was a bit difficult to pick up kids at the school at 3.40 pm – as the card game finishes at around 4.00 pm .

But Sachin had mentioned to his nana a week before that we need not have to worry as he can walk to the library after the school and meet his nana/nani there – and Sitara acan walk to her art class (from where she would be picked by her dad at 5.00 pm). The Mackenzie Community School is just behind the Deep River Library – and this it is simpler to walk to the library from the school – except Sachin likes to play a bit – especially in the snow – so has a tendency to wonder off or takes his own time.

So all have had agreed with this arrangement as the kids are now mature enough for this freedom of movement.

So on Wednesday 1 March 2017 – Sachin walked by himself to the library from the school ( though his nani was outside to look for him to arrive ) and Sitara went to her art class (at Olga’s home) .

All worked well. Sachin was then picked by his dad at around 4.45 pm before they go to pick up Sitara and then go home to Mackey.   Their mom to join them there after her end of workday.

Wednesday 1 March 2017

Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls Ontario – This is where   Maya, Kieran and Priya spent time – as a family time with their parents ( Shannon and Sunir) – a pleasant way to shed off winter blues .

This is   what their mom said in the e-mail ( with some photos) sent on Thursday 2 March 2017 :

” We are having a “great wolf” time, as they say here! Priya went for her first swim today (up to her tummy!), Kieran went on two kids water slides by himself (a big accomplishment for him!), and Maya the adventurer has been enjoying lots of water slides, wave pool, etc. Magi-quest (an adventure game with wands) has also been a big hit. Later today we will try bowling “

Friday 03 March 2017

Sitara/Sachin mom posted on her Facebook Wall – the following reference to North Renfrew Times (of Wednesday 01 March 2017) – along with the photo of the Deep River Ice Queen members :

” SYNCHRO SHOW: Members of the “Deep River Ice Queens” get ready to perform at a special synchronized skating show at the Deep River Arena last Saturday. The Deep River Skating Club will hold its end of year show – “Ice Reflections 2017” – next Tuesday, March 7 at 5:30 pm. Everyone is welcome. ”

Also a message from her:

” The Ice Queens compete at the Eastern Ontario Synchro Skate competition in Ottawa tomorrow! Wish them luck! I will have a better photo of ALL of the members! ”

Saturday – 04 March 2017

So Sitara was part of the Deep River Ice Team – participating in the Eastern Ontraio Synchro competition held at Kanata ( Ottawa ) this morning . In their group there were 5 teams competing .

Here is what her mom posted on her Facebook Wall ( in the evening of Saturday 04 March 2017 ) :

” The Ice Queens – Synchronized Skating Team from Deep River win Bronze at the Eastern Ontario SynchroSkate Competition!!!!!!!! Pics to follow. ”

Sunday 05 March 2017

Today , Sachin had an ice hockey tournament at Eganville – so he was driven there early in the morning by his parents ( in their new 2016 VW Passat car ) . Sitara also went with him to cheer him at the tournament .

Sachin’s team Deep River Knights won the first two games – so they got to play in the finals at the tournament. Unfortunately they lost that game. However, Deep River team came second – which is great.

Tuesday 07 March 2017

Today, both Sitara and Sachin had busy schedule last couple of days – for Sitara first – it was choir at The Festival Hall in Pembroke in the morning of Monday 06 March 2017 and then in the evening of Tuesday 07 March 2017 Sitara is participating in the ” Ice Reflections 2017 ” program at the Deep River arena starting at 5.15 pm.

It so happened that the Choir was cancelled due to adverse weather (freezing rain) – which is now reorganized for Thursday (09 March 2017) morning.

Sitara participated in the “Ice Reflections 2017 ” organized by the Deep River Skating Club.

Both nana/nani went to watch then program at the Deep River Arena.

There were some 21 Items on the program. Sitara’s first item was 12th – its called Junior Improve – 3 budding skaters performing — Sitara Mistry, Molly Smith and Manar Shaban.

Then her second item was 19th – SynchroSkate – by Deep River Ice Queens . Sitara is part of the Deep River Ice Queens team and the team does participate in presenting SynchroSkate at a couple of venues in Renfrew County . They did splendid this night. The final was just ‘ Finale” – All Skaters are on the ice – just doing their jigs for fun .

Sachin had an Ice Hockey Tournament at Pembroke (at PMC – Pembroke Memorial Center) in the evening of Tuesday 07 March 2017 starting at 7.00 pm . Sachin’s Team ( Deep River Novice Knights ) won the tournament and now will be going for finals . However, prior to going to Pembroke ( driven by his dad) Sachin was at the Deep River Arena to watch some of the events in the “Ice Reflections 2017 “.

Sachin’s mom could not go to Pembroke as she remained behind to watch Sitara and then look after her and take her home after the program.

Here is what Sitara/Sachin’s   mom posted on her Facebook Wall (of 07 march 2017)

“ Fantastic night all around. Sitara’s trio skated the most beautiful Junior Improve Ice routine and Sachin’s hockey team won the 2nd round of the Playoffs against Pembroke.

Deep River Novice Knights go on to the Finals! ”

Sitara’s mom also posted a fantastic video of the Junior Improve.

Here is what she wrote in the message:

” Sitara, Manar and Molly’s Junior Improv Routine at the End-of-life Ice Reflections Show March 7, 2017 – Sitara is in purple ”

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Sachin

On Wednesday 08 March 2017 – Deep River and Area Minor Hockey Association published on their Website the following :

Novice House Reaches ‘ A ‘ Final at Eganville Tournament

Novice House does well in Eganville

Novice House Reaches ‘ A ‘ Final at Eganville Tournament

The Novice House team played their third final of the season at the tournament in Eganville on Sunday, March 5th. The Knights started the day with a thrilling 3 ”“ 2 overtime victory against the Nepean Crushers. They then defeated the Petawawa Black Wolves 4 ”“ 2 to reach the ”˜A”™ final. In the final, the Knights lost a tight 3 ”“ 2 game against the hosts, Eganville Eagles. Congratulations to the Eagles on winning their home tournament.

The Knights are pictured on the ice after the final game. Back row (left to right): Jesse Weaver (Head Coach), Dan Graham (Coach), Martin Smith (Manager), Todd Lesperance (Coach). Players standing (left to right): Austin Barker, Sebastien Gale, Jackson Carrette, Ben Lesperance, Callum Smith, Haylie Graham, Lyndon Broome, Hunter Lushman, Griffin Nolette. Players kneeling (left to right): Ryland Poirier, Lucas Wilson, Max Alookie, Sachin Mistry, Macy Meilleur, Teryn Weaver, Wyatt Fitton. (Absent: Jacob Hogue.)

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Also another note by Deep River and Area Minor Hockey Association :

Novice House team are going to the 2016/17 ”˜B”™ Division playoff finals

The Novice House team are going to the 2016/17 ”˜B”™ Division playoff finals against Renfrew Novice 3. After finishing fifth in the ”˜B”™ Division, the Knights have had a tough run to the finals. In the first round, they defeated second-placed Eganville after two games, winning 6 ”“ 3 in Eganville and 3 ”“ 2 in Deep River. In the second round, the Knights won a three-game series against fourth-placed Pembroke Novice 3. After a tough 1 ”“ 2 loss in Pembroke, the Knights triumphed 3 ”“ 2 in Deep River, before returning to Pembroke and taking the series with a 4 ”“ 2 victory.

The series against Renfrew will begin after the March break. Come cheer on the team as they attempt to take the ”˜B”™ Division trophy.

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Sitara

Also on Wednesday 08 March 2017 – North Renfrew Times published a photo of the Deep River Ice Queens (2017) team members . They were all girl members & identified :

Clara Issaluk, Molly Smith, Maha Saleem, Isabelle Nolette, Emma Whan, Taylor Fitton , Emily Qin, Maria Popistas, Felicity Cull, Manar Shaban, Sitara Mistry and Zainab Rizvi.

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Wednesday 08 March 2017

This day Sachin was picked up from school by his nani – leaving her bridge game for a few minutes . So Sachin got to come to the bridge game and watch nana/nani play . Sachin is very observant and conversationalist – so he got along/answering any questions with smile and pleasant demeanor – with nana’s other colleagues .

After the bridge game. Sachin wanted to go to Valumart Grocery Store in Deep River to choose the motif for Kieran’s birthday cake. Both the kids (Sitara and Sachin have been talking about Kieran’s birthday party since many days . They have prepared a welcome card for Priya and a Birthday card for Kieran and are planning for games for the Kieran’s Birthday Party on 12 March 2017.

So three amigos ( Sachin and his nana/nani) trundled off to Valumart -where Sachin went through all the designs for the Birthday Cake – and finally agreed to keep the cake shape (round) and color on the side (green) as per nana’s Birthday Poem card – but at the top to place a motif chosen/picked by Sachin – from the Valumart bakery catalogue. Mission accomplished – nana will pick up the cake on Sunday afternoon – before the party begins at 4.00pm.

Sachin was brought back to the Library – from where his dad picked him up and then they went and picked Sitara from her art class and after that they all went to Mackey (home) . Their mom will join them after her work is finished at about 6.00 pm .

Thursday 09 March 2017

School Choir Competition- 69th Pembroke Music Festival – supposed to be on Tuesday 07 March 2017 but due to adverse weather ( icy Freezing rain) – it was postponed to Thursday 09 March 2017.

Sitara was part of Junior Elementary Group ( Gr.1 to 5) -from Mackenzie Community School, Deep River.

A total of 3 schools participated for this event.

St Francis of Assisi School

Our Lady of Sorrow School &

Mackenzie Community School

All sang well with great concentration and gusto. But, the judges proclaimed Mackenzie Choir group to be the first ( 1st) . Bravo Sitara and the Mackenzie Community School Junior Elementary Choir Group.

Nana/nani also went to Pembroke to watch the performance – of course the whole Mistry family (including Sachin) were there to cheer the Choir Group.

Saturday 11 March 2017

This is an important day – as Priya’s first visit ( after her birth on 22 December 2016 in Toronto) to Renfrew County ( where Mackey and Deep River are located) .

Priya with her parents and siblings ( Maya – big sister and Kieran – big brother) will be driving in their silver Subaru Outback from Toronto and will first stop over at Mackey at her Foi (nina) and Fuva ( Sunjay) house and there she, Kieran and Maya will be welcomed by their cousins (Sitara and Sachin) . The family will stay overnight at Mackey and then will come to Deep River ( to their Ba/bapuji home) on Sunday 12 March 2017.

En route to Mackey, Priya’s parents drove the family via Huntsville -where they had a lunch hour break with Priya’s great great grandma Opal ( Shannon’s maternal grandma) . Opal stays at Huntsville.

Note: Priya/Kieran/Maya’s Toronto grandparents ( maternal grandparents) have gone to Chile ( a South American -warm/sunshine country on holidays – while the kisds travelled to Deep River to be with their other grandparents, cousins and Foi/Fuva.

This is the day for Kieran’s 3rd birthday and his Ba/Bapuji have organized a Birthday party for him this day – so Kieran will get a surprise. Also along with Kieran’s Birthday celebration, Ba/Bapuji will also celebrate Priya’s first visit to Deep River – hence Priya Welcome Party. a combined do. Many East Indians Community friends have been invited along with Sunir’s Canadian family friend.

Today Sitara along with her mom attended a Baby Shower party for Leena. She got married recently -a month ago . Leena is daughter of one of our East Indian friend in Deep River – though Leena lives in Kanata and work (teaches) in Arnprior.

Sitara’s nani was also at the Baby Shower and she noted that Sitara (when free from partying) was busy preparing for party games (for Kieran’s 3rd Birthday party on Sunday at her nana/nani home) . The three party games the kids are planning are :

Ӣ pin the button on the robot game planned

Ӣ a popping balloon game planned.

Ӣ the toilet paper game .

Sunday 12 March 2017

To-day is Kieran’s 3rd Birthday .

Though Kieran and his siblings ( big sister Maya and little sister Priya) – along with their parents- spent the night (sleep-over) at their Foi/Fuva home in Mackey – they all are to come to Deep River on Sunday after lunch. The Birthday party is organized to be starting at 4.00 pm – and that time an official welcome to Priya to Deep River will also be celebrated.

Wow ! the party was a smash – well enjoyed by all family members and friends . There were a total of 6 families who were at the party .

These are as listed below

Leela/Ken – also Leena (their daughter who got married recently and now expecting a baby)

Liz/Mani

Laxmi

Lydia/Martin with her 5 kids – Sunir’s friend from school days

Teresa/Peter

Nina/Sunjay with her two kids ( our grandkids -Sitara and Sachin )

Shannon/Shannon – Kieran’s parents – with her three kids ( our grandkids – Maya, Kieran and Priya – the newest addition to the family)

Jackie/Pravin – the hostess of the party for welcoming Priya to Deep River and for Kierans’ 3rd birthday.

Sitara and Sachin had come earlier (just after lunch) – and they were immediately playing with Maya , Kieran and Priya. Sitara is just ga ga with Kieran and kind of big sisterly looks after entertaining him. Sitara also loves Priya -so does Sachin. Both try to cuddle her but mostly Sachin loves playing with Maya.

Sitara helped by her mom and dad prepared balloons for “balloon popping game” and then had one of her paintings ( of a robot ) stuck on the living room wall – for ” pin the button on the robot ” game.

In fact the kids played 4 games – sort of organized by Sitara ( but helped by her parents) . The additional game was ” the fart/noise machine – a sort of noise maker ” – which as that the machine was passed by each kid to the next kid – and when it does croak a noise – the kid holding it lost.

There were two cakes – from the Valumart (local grocery store) bakery – baked to the designs picked by the hostess and helped by Sachin . Kieran’s cake was of a special design matching the green cake on the “poem” card prepared by his Bapuji . The poem (by his Bapuji) for 3rd birthday for Kieran went well – everyone liked it – though difficult for Kieran to comprehend at this age and again he was so engrossed enjoying the various gifts which were given to him by family and friends .

Priya’s cake was cut with great fanfare as well as an impromptu “Welcome To Deep River” song. Kieran’s cake was lighted up with candles and Kieran did all the blowing off the candle and making the first cut/slice of the cake.

After all games , cake cutting and general merriment – the party ended at about 9.00 pm – at that point each kid was given a parting gift -a large Easter chocolate egg .

————————

Here is the Poem Kieran’s Bapuji wrote for the occasion – part of the Birthday Card :

Kieran’s 3rd Yr Birthday Poem – 12 March 2017

Our Kieran is now 3 years old

So bubbly and active

Our macho guy playing with

train sets and truck toys

Our progeny with two sisters

Big sister Maya and Little sister Priya

Our prince with Canadian values

Kieran will explore the whole world

Our smooth guy always loving

So polite with a charming smile

Our cuddly teddy celebrating

His 3rd birthday in Deep River

Your cousins Sitara and Sachin

With love babble a lot about you

You are amazing grandson

With lots of kisses and hugs

Happy birthday to You.

We love you ! Kieran.

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Monday 13 March 2017

Maya, Kieran and Priya – all woke up early as per their normal schedule . After breakfast and some playing with Ba/Bapuji – all went over to Deep River Arena at about 11.00 am- where they will be joined by Sitara and Sachin for ice skating. Kieran also helped Ba to do some vacuuming of carpet in the Living Room – he has style – singing while vacuuming. He was using a light vacuum cleaner ( which was non working – sort of)

After lunch , Sitara , Sachin and Maya along with Nina and Shannon went for a swim at the Mackenzie Pool (Deep River) – though Kieran went to the pool but did not swim but stayed with his Ba on the bench. Priya stayed home having her snooze – being watched by her dad (who stayed home to work on his business work). Bapuji was also stayed at home having his rest .

After coming from swimming , the kids played together various games and Sachin/Maya played on the computer for a bit. Priya was coddled by her Foi.

After dinner ( sort of haphazardly by Sachin, Sitara, Kieran & his mom as well as Maya – though Sachin’ss dad did not have dinner – which he will have after Sachin’s Ice Hockey practice) – Sachin was driven by his parents to DR Arena for his Ice Hockey practice .

Maya went with them to cheer/watch Sachin practice for his ice hockey.

The others ( SunirMama, ShannonMami, Nana & nani ) in the family then had dinner – and after that SunirMama, ShannonMami, Sitara , Kieran and also Priya went to the DR Arena in SunirMama’s car to watch Sachin playing as well as to cheer his team.

After the Ice Hockey practice – all spent family time together at Deep River home before Sitara/Sachin went to their home – with their parents.

Tuesday 14 March 2017

This was a busy day for the kids and the family members . Sachin arrived early to Deep River ( at his nana/nani home) with his dad – about 8.00 am and Sitara came later at about 11.00 am with her mom.

The kids played in the snow bank outside in front of the nana/nani home – they had sticks of coloured chalk (of various hues) – provided by grandma. Sachin made a good design on the snow – so did Sitara , Kieran and Maya. That was very healthy outdoor activity for the kids. After lunch – all went to the Deep River Library – to look at the art work (by Olga’s students) displayed there. Sitara had some 7 art paintings displayed at the show/exhibit- her SunirMama and ShannonMamai were very proud of her work. Maya and Kieran had a great fun looking at the various paintings . Well, Priya did what she does best at this stage in her life – she remained quiet and slept .This was her visit to an art show.

After coming back from the Library – all decided to enjoy “Holi” day- this is an Indian celebration by throwing colors/powder at each other and have fun. So all were outdoors – and the kids ( its quite interesting – as to how kids are resourceful – they collected snow powder ( earlier colored by chalk sticks) in various containers and lined them up along the outdoor patio in the front . All used this snow powder to throw at each other and have family fun.

Nina posted photos on her Facebook Wall – of Holi Playing/celebration outdoors at grandparents’Deep River home ( on 18 March 2017) with a comment:

” Making buckets of coloured snow – When in Canada you make an Indian Festival fit winter!”

After the “Holi” fun- all got ready and went to Bears Den ( a restaurant on Hwy 17) -at about 6.30 pm- to join in a Birthday Party for 1 year old Aaryan – whose parents have organized this party . The kids had great fun. Sitara, Sachin, and Kieran took part in various games for the kids – so did adults also in games for adults .

Priya was coddled by few of the people at the party but as usual she was a good girl for her age -and remained sleeping most of the time -so allowing her parents free time to enjoy the party.

After dinner – Maya, Kieran and Priya returned home early with their parents as it was getting to be their sleep time .

Sitara/Sachin were at the party longer and participated in more games till their parents called it a day and drove back to Mackey at around 10:00 pm. Grandparents returned to their home last around 11:00 pm.

Wednesday 15 March 2017

This day became an interesting one – Maya’s Foi had arranged to take all the kids to Pottery Class in Deep River – so Sitara, Sachin went with their mom – along with their nani and Maya, Keran and Priya were driven to the Pottery Class by their mom . Again Sunir stayed home – so did grandpa.

Kids had time to work on a couple of items along with adults. Maya/Kieran seem to enjoy this outing – of course Sitara and Sachin are regular . Priya did her usual nice gesture – of remaining calm and happy.

This is what Nina posted on her Facebook Wall (on 18 March 2017) – photos of the kids creation:

– Maya’s Cat – Kids pottery lesson during March Break

– Sachin’s Penguin on an Island – Kids pottery lesson during March Break

– Sachin’s Hathi (Elephant) – Kids pottery lesson during March Break

– Sitara’s Cat Fish – Kids pottery lesson during March Break

– Kieran’s Bear – Kids pottery lesson during March Break

After, the pottery class -all came home – had lunch and then Maya/Kieran and Priya along with their parents said adios to family members here in Deep River area and drove away in their silver Subaru Outback car to their home in Toronto – they have planned to stop over at Huntsville (en route) to meet with Shannon’s maternal grandma ( Opal ) – who lives in Huntsville.

During the visit we got to know that Maya has completed her “Ballet” class and Kieran can recite the arwhole ” a..b..c..d..e ” alphabet – a year old kid -so charming and lovable.

Thursday 16 March 2017

When we got up this morning, the house was quiet and empty.

Priya came , conquered and left – so did Kieran and Maya. Their cousins Sitara and Sachin were the best host and company to the kids . All played so wonderfully together . Kieran’s 3rd birthday party was celebrated well with gusto . Both Sitara and Sachin made cards and chose the motif of the birthday cake – thought out wonderful games for the party and prepared all the details and then played well . All kids (family and friends) enjoyed the games – had good times .

Now after they left for Toronto – the grandparents house feels like an “empty nest”.

Then we had an e-mail (just in time ) from Shannon ( with Maya’s modelling photo – with the outfit her Ba/Bapuji gave her)

” Here is Maya modelling her new outfit this morning. Thanks for a great visit and for all the generous gifts! ”

To that Bapuji responded as below:

Thanks Shannon.

” To-day its like ” an empty nest ” here – so this Maya’s modellng help cheer us up tremendously.

We all had a great time – so we may have to do that sometime again

regards ”       :):):)

miss the magic smile from Kieran and our Priya is very pretty and cool.

Bapuji pravin ”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Saturday 18 March 2017

This day (in the morning) Sachin had a ice hockey tournament at Renfrew – so his parents drove him there – leaving – en route – at DR home all the gear for skiing in the afternoon . Sitara had a sleep-over (Friday night) at her friend Reese’s home in Deep River -and both these girls were dropped off at nana/nani home by Reese’s parents at about noon. Sachin and his parents arrived back from Renfrew by 1.00 pm.

The news was that Sachin’s team ( Deep River Novice Knights Team) won the tournament 3-1 against the Renfrew Novices. Good work but more important news – Sachin made a goal ( 2nd of the three goals by his team ) . This is first of the season. The guy is getting in the ice hockey form and Well done.

This is what his mom posted on her Facebook Wall (on 18 March2017):

” Deep River Novice Knights House team wins the first game of the Playoff Finals against Renfrew 3:1 AND Sachin gets his first GOAL! A fantastic way to start the day”

Nana is very proud of the moment . It seems the Canadian life is really seeping into the immigrant family. When our son Sunir played hockey – many years ago – though he enjoyed it but was not keen as at that time ice hockey was a bit rough game.

Then at 1.30 pm afternoon – the whole Mistry family along with Sitara’s friend Reese – all went to the St. Martin Hill ) in Deep River for their afternoon downhill skiing .

Sunday 19 March 2017

Maya/Kieran and Priya all went to their great Grandma Rae’s condo for dinner – this was to join their grandparents ( Kathy and Doug) and Heather/Ryan family with Ryan at the dinner . Their grandparents (Kathy and Doug) had just come back from Chile – on Saturday (yesterday ) having spent about a couple of weeks there.

It was beautiful day and weather was nice for skiing – so Sitara/Sachin and their parents went to Calabogie for skiing – they had an excellent time there.

Here is what Nina posted on her today’s Facebook Wall :

” What a great day skiing at Calabogie Peaks! The weather was perfect for exploring all of the hill ” .

Monday 20 March 2017

To-days ice hockey match between Deep River Novice Knights against Renfrew Novice team was thrilling and fun watching the tiny players on the ice, Both teams were good and really playing with gusto. However the score was 6-1 – Deep River Knights winning. Sachin was part of the Deep river team . Both nana/nani were at the audience – and enjoyed the evening play.

Here is what his mom had posted on her Facebook Wall :

” They WON! The Deep River Knights Novice hockey team are the B Division Champions!! What a fantastic team and bunch of coaches these kids have. They have grown so much this year. So happy for them. They win on home. “

Tuesday 21 March 2017

This morning both Sitara and Sachin came to nana/nani home early in the morning before foing o school. Their dad dropped them – their mom is going to work in Pembroke (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) – so both Sitara and Sachin will come to nana/nani home – have their breakfast and spend time with nana/nani before they are driven to school by nana/nani.

Today they played Candy Land game with nana/nani and also spend time to read book ( Sitara) and Sachin playing with a truck. pr two. In the car both were humming song and were in good spirit. This is such a bliss to have them at our home and we enjoy their company but mostly their manners and happy spirit.

Both days , nani will pick them up from the school.

So Wednesday, nani left her Bridge Card game (at the Library) just few minutes before the school ends (at 3.40 pm) and then went/drove to the Mackenzie School   (which is located just behind the Library) and picked up both Sitara and Sachin from the school. When returning back to the Library game room – she detoured and dropped Sitara at her art class ( at Olga’s residence) and Sachin came with his nani to the Library game room and sat next to his nana and watched the Bridge Play – till the game was over and after that all three went to nana/nani home.   Sitara was picked up by her dad at 5:00 pm .

Friday 24 March 2017

This day Mistry family went first to Trout Creek and then to North Bay late in the evening ( after school and workday)   – this is because Sachin was to participate in Ice Hockey tournament (as part of Deep River Knights novice team) – on Saturday – two games. They stayed night in North Bay.

Note:   There are 26 miles or 42 km from Trout Creek to North Bay .   It would take about 28 mins by car between Trout Creek and North Bay .

Here is what his mom posted on her Facebook Wall on 25 March 2017 :

” They won 7-0 against Cobden Friday night in Trout Creek

Today (Saturday) at 12:30pm they lost a tough game against West Nippising 3-2 in Trout Creek

They went in the outdoor pool just now for a winter swim and a dip   into a hot tub.

Now we go for a team dinner at 3:30pm then they play again at 7:30pm tonight in North Bay

More info tonight

Nina   ”

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Sitara’s paintings at the Art Exhibition

By the way, the art exhibition (by children who were coached by Olga) in the Deep River Library Program Room was ended on Friday 24 March 2017   – so nana/nani went on Saturday morning (25 March2017) to the Library and collected all of Sitara’s art work (paintings) and brought these to nana/nani home – when Sitara and family were in North Bay .

—————–

Saturday 25 March 2017

The Ice Hockey Tournament continued in North Bay and after that the next game is on Sunday in South River.

Here is what Sachin’s mom posted on her Facebook Wall (to-day):

” They won tonight’s game 2-1.   It was a very hard game!

They are 6th out of 14 teams at the moment.

They play at 8:30am in South River Sunday morning now.”

Nina

Well done Deep River novices.     Congratulations to the team and also Sachin.

Results of Game In South River (on Sunday 25 March 2017)

Here is what Sachin’s mom sent by an e-mail to-day :

” They got to the quarter finals and it was tough.   They fought hard and lost 2-1 against a team that won their league in the regular season so they were not sad but proud 🙂   That was their last game until September now ”

 

 

 

 

POEM : Our Priya – Welcome Poem

Our Priya  –   Welcome Poem

Heart beats musically

The family welcomes Priya

An addition to make an awesome trio

Priya rhymes with Maya

Kieran is the show stopper

The world has spun on   its axis

The year 2016 ending in a bang

Your arrival is trumpeted

All joyful   cheering the crowd.

Priya , we love you

Our whispers for your   noble future

With siblings in the wings

you are a superstar

Heart beats musically

The family welcomes Priya

 

Bapuji

Priya born on Thursday 22 December 2016   ( to parents Sunir Shah & Shannon Knights )

 

Christmas 2016

I wrote the following article on Sunday 20 November 2016   – titled ” Christmas 2016 – and have sent it to North Renfew Times , Deep River on Monday evening ( by   e-mail) for publication .   It mat take some time before they may publish it.

I write an article at Christmas time since many years and these get published in the local newspaper.   Many people like my writing.

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20 November 2016

Christmas   2016

Merry Christmas !

Merry Christmas !

Merry Christmas !

This auspicious chanting is in the air . Christmas is just  round the corner.   Houses are getting decorated   with sparkling   lights . Many groups are preparing for singing Christmas choral songs   and many are already   scouring shops for gifts/presents   for their loved ones   . There is an atmosphere of happiness and society is getting cheerful as Christmas holidays are getting nearer.

It is a joyous occasion as the world is getting ready to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. Why is it so   joyous?   It is a Christian occasion but this birth is celebrated by all – no matter what faith one follows.

It has to do with the personality – the son of God   who is born to bring God’s   message of   love and peace   – with smile and   then sacrifice Himself at the Roman Cross  without any hint of revenge or   violence on His part.

He said –   “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

His message of   Love Thy Neighbors , Turn your other cheek,  Be warm and compassionate to all, Forgive   yourself and also your enemies   are time- tested messages which , if followed genuinely, can bring all nearer to Godly experience.

In this season of heavenly joy , we need to understand the political changes that many of our Western societies are going through .   There is racial strife   bubbling within these   societies .   It seems that populism and demagoguery are on the march and liberalism is in retreat.

We are lucky in Canada that our country has kept up the values of tolerance and compassion . These are the values that   Lord Jesus stood for and died for on the Roman Cross.   We all know that the politics of identity is very much in conflict with tolerance and inclusiveness.

Lest we forget the lessons of the 2nd World War – the mass genocide of Jews , millions killed and use of nuclear weapons – all because of false pride in one’s culture and religion   and ignoring others as lesser human beings . If majority remain silent  and   If people will not speak up for other people’s rights, there will come a day when their own rights will be trampled on mercilessly .

Quote:

In Germany they first came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was nobody left to speak up. – Reverend Martin Niemoller, Germany, 1930’s

 ( http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/quotes.html )

Teachings of Lord Jesus reminds everyone to speak up against injustices against all. There would be   price to pay and at times utmost sacrifice may be necessary .   The true believers  would   lean on the spirit for Guidance in these areas.

The world  is at a   cross-road , multiple centers of powers are coming up and this creates intense competition for influence and hegemony.   Further the world is inhabited by people with different faiths which are at times at loggerheads . Unfortunately , this is keeping the world at heightened intolerance   and pain.

This Christmas we need to make effort to keep  our minds open  and   reiterate our faith in humanity and understanding of the Creator God’s   many facets of creation – of flora and fauna , animal kingdom and most important many strands of human community. We cannot despair of various conflicts in the world but work to diffuse such conflicts so our   world remain peaceful and progress for the good of all our grandchildren – no matter of what colour or faith or where they are living.

Any form of prejudice will   negate the teachings of Lord Jesus .

The time rolls on and we are here once more to celebrate the Christmas holidays .

Santa Claus is coming to town .  Let us make the Santa Claus Parade livelier and bigger than ever this year.

Some people are a bit annoyed that the holidays have lost its adjective ” Christmas” and have taken a new   adjective ” Seasonal “.   This is to accommodate many Canadians who are atheists , agnostics, non-Christians amongst us.  Personally, I would prefer it be called what it really is – it is a ” Christmas Holidays ” .

We all enjoy the festivities and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on this earth.   He was a   personification of divine attributes that lie within a human soul.

So let us all wish each other :   Merry Christmas !

Pravin Shah

65 Rutherford Av.

Deep River, ON

Phone:   613-584-4469

 

Grandparents -2016- 4th Quarter – Priya was born on Thursay 22 Dec.2016

This is a continuation from Grandparents-2016-3rd Quarter.

 

Friday 30 September to Friday 07 October 2016

Ba/Bapuji drove in their 2001 Dodge Caravan to Toronto to be with Maya and Kieran for a week. Their dad was to go to USA on Sunday 02 October (and returning back on Friday 09 October) on business trip – so Ba/Bapuji came over to Toronto to help Shannon to cope with the two kids while also working in Oshawa.

Ba/Bapuji retuned back to Deep River on Friday 09 October 2016 – on the way they stopped over at Mackey and had dinner there with Nina/Sunjay family and then played with Sitara and Sachin games etc (note: playing card game Skip Bo).

 

——–

Nancy Drew Books – teenage detective books

Nana borrowed the following books from Sitara’s collection and took a couple of these to Toronto and completed reading these there.

1) UnCivil Acts (Book 10)

2) Riverboat Ruse (Book 11)

3) Stop the Clock (Book 12)

4) Trade Wind Danger (Book 13)

——————–

Saturday 08 October 2016

Nana/nani went to Mackey to celebrate the Canadian Thanksgiving holidays and had dinner there with the family. Befire and after fter the dinner- all played different games . Outdoors – with Laser gun kit and indoors – card game   Skip Bo and others.

Sunday 09 October 2016

There was a ” Navaratri ” dance/celebration at Lions Club, Petawawa – organized by Gujarati Families in Petawawa. Nana/nani went there and Sitara/Sachin also participated in the celebration – driven there by their parents.

———————————————

The following stories are written by Kathy – Maya/Kieran’s Grandma in Toronto.

Story 1

Maya and the Big Dark                     July 2016

Maya and her mommy and her brother Kieran came to the cottage for a few days.

The first night, Grandma said, “Grandpa isn”™t here. Do you want to have a sleepover in my bed?”

“Yes,” said Maya.

Maya slept in Grandma and Grandpa”™s bed with Green Bunny and Blue Bunny. In the middle of the night, Maya said, I can”™t sleep because it is too DARK!”

“It”™s the middle of the night,” said Grandma. “Go to sleep.”

“I can”™t go to sleep,” said Maya. “It is TOO DARK!!”

Grandma sighed. She got out of bed.

“I will get the night light from the bathroom,” she said.

Grandma went to the bathroom and unplugged the night light. Then it was VERY DARK.

“I can”™t see,” said Grandma. “It”™s too dark!”

Grandma put her hands out straight and took a lot of baby steps. Finally she felt a door.

“Maya, are you there?” she asked.

“Yes, but I can”™t see you. It”™s TOO DARK!”

Grandma got on her hands and knees and crawled like a baby. She found a wall. Then she found an outlet. She plugged in the night light. It was very bright.

“I can”™t sleep now,” said Grandma. “It is TOO LIGHT.”

“It is just right,” said Maya. She went to sleep.

The next night, Maya had another sleepover in Grandma”™s bed. This time they plugged in a different night light.

“I can get to sleep because it is not too dark,” said Maya.

“I can get to sleep because it is not too light,” said Grandma.

In the middle of the night, there was a thump. Maya was on the floor.

“What are you doing?” asked Grandma.

“I”™m getting Blue Bunny. He fell out of bed.”

“Oh,” said Grandma, “Lucky you could see him ”˜cause it is not too dark.”

Later Grandma felt something close to her beside the bed. She opened one eye. It was Maya, standing very close to Grandma”™s face.

“Time to get up,” said Maya. “It”™s not dark anymore.”

Maya had three sleepovers in Grandma”™s bed. Then she decided to have a sleepover with her mommy and Kieran.

Grandma got into bed. No Grandpa, no Maya, no bunnies, and no night light. Grandma was all alone in the BIG DARK. She went right to sleep.

—————–

Story 2

Cole, Maya and Kieran go on a boat ride           August 2016

 

“Who wants to go on a boat ride?” said Grandma and Grandpa.

“I do,” said Maya. “I want to go on the boat train!”

“Boat train,” said Cole.

“I don”™t want to go on the boat train,” said Kieran.

Grandpa started the motor. He sat in the back. Grandma sat in the front. Maya jumped in the middle. Cole got in the middle, too.

“Cole did it,” he said.

“I don”™t want to go in the boat,” said Kieran.

Kieran”™s mommy helped him get in beside Grandma. “Have a nice boat ride,” she said.

Maya held Cole”™s life jacket with one hand. Grandma held Kieran with two hands and two arms.

The boat went fast. Suddenly the boat slowed down. Cole did a backwards somersault on to Grandpa”™s feet.

“Wow!” said Grandpa. “are you okay, Cole?”

“Okay,” said Cole.

When they got to the boat train, they had to wait for their turn. A man on a loudspeaker told the boats when to get on. Then a man reached down with a cup on the end of a long stick. Grandma put some money in the cup.

“Why the man have a long stick, Grandma?” said Kieran.

“So I can put money in the cup,” said Grandma.

“Why you put money in the cup, Grandma?”

“It costs money to take the boat train.”

“Why it costs money, Grandma?”

“Because it”™s not free. Oh look, we”™re going down the hill. Hold on tight,” said Grandma.

At the bottom, Grandpa started the motor and off they went. They passed many cottages.

“Look at this one,” said Grandpa.

“Look at that one,” said Grandpa.

“I have a sore neck,” said Grandma.

They stopped the boat at Aunt Karen”™s cottage. They all got out and took off their life jackets. They climbed up lots of big stairs. Inside the cottage they saw a room with bunk beds.

“How do they get into those bunk beds?” asked Maya. “There are no ladders.”

“I don”™t know,” said Grandma.

Grandma went up the hill to the outhouse. Maya, Kieran and Cole came too. Maya looked down the hole.

“It”™s yucky,” she said.

Then they went down the big steps to the dock for a snack. Cole shared his Bits and Bites.

“Time to go back in the boat,” said Grandpa.

“I don”™t want to go in the boat,” said Kieran.

“Kieran, do you want to see Mommy?” asked Maya.

“Yes,” said Kieran.

“Well, we”™re going in the boat back to our cottage to see Mommy.”

They all got in the boat and went back to the boat train. They waited for their turn.

“The little fishing boat on the right,” said the man with the loudspeaker.

“This is not a fishing boat,” said Maya. “This is a motor boat.”

“Motorboat,” said Cole.

“Why the man say fishing boat, Grandma?” said Kieran.

Grandma asked the man, “Do you have any stickers?”

“No,” said the man.

“Too bad,” said Grandma.

“I got stickers last time,” said Maya.

At the top they got off the boat train and went to the store. Grandpa and Maya stayed in the boat and Grandma, Kieran and Cole went in the store.

“Let”™s get a freezie,” said Grandma.

Kieran wanted a purple one. Cole got a red one. Grandma picked one for Maya. When they got back to the boat, Maya said, “Blue is my favourite!”

On the way back to the cottage, they ate their freezies. Kieran”™s tongue was purple. Cole”™s tongue was red.Maya”™s was blue.

Kieran”™s mommy was on the dock when they arrived.

“We got freezies!” said Maya.

“Freezie,” said Cole.

“How was the boat ride?” said Kieran”™s mommy.

“Good,” said Kieran.

Then they put the rest of their freezies in the freezer for later.

The End

————————————————————-

Monday 10 October 2016 to Sunday 06 November 2016

Over this period of about a month , a lot things happened.

Summary

Friday 21 October 2016   – Kids   spent a night’s   sleep over at nana/nani home on Friday  and stayed the whole Saturday at nana/nani home – while their parents went to Ottawa (on Saturday) to look for a new car . They bought a VW Passat (Highline )- black colour – to be delivered on 18 November. They also gave their old VW Jetta as a trade in.

Wednesday 27 October 2017

This is what Sachin’s mom posted on her Facebook wall:

Sachin as “Tap Water #2” in his class’ Readers Theatre production of the Water Cycle. It was Fantastic!

Thursday 28 October 2016

nana/nani got a new   car – Nissan Rogue SV 2016 Special Edition – red colour.

Sunday 30 October 2016 – See the note posted on Nina’s Facebook wall on the     date.

” Wishing Sitara luck at the Frank Kennedy Memorial Swim Meet at the Deep River pool today! She is quite nervous as this is her first swim meet in all these years!! ”

Nana/nani also went to the Deep River Mackenzie pool to cheer Sitara.   Sitara did well in her effort.

Monday 31 October 2016 – was a Halloween night . Kids and parents were at nana/nani home . Note: Last couple of days they spent (at nana/nani home) to carve pumpkins. Sachin got a Pokemon craved out on his pumpkin, Sitara craved out her own name and their dad had star war theme. So all these pumpkins were placed on the front patio (all with candle light) – looking good. After that kids went with their parents for ” trick or treating” in the neighborhood in Deep River – returned home about 7.30 pm . Sorted out all thir goodies (Candies, chips etc) on the floor of the Living Room (nana/nani home in Deep River)

 Tuesday 01 November 2016   –  Sachin is getting eye glasses. Thats what his mom informed -though no eyeglasses have been seen as yet. Well these may be on order.

Saturday 07 November 2016

We all participated in the Diwali Celebration (organised by the local East Indian Group ) event held at Lions Club in Chalk River. Sunjay and Nina helped in the organization of the event  -along with other volunteers.   Sitara and Sachin dressed up in the Indian style clothing – looking superb.

Tuesday 08 November 2016

This day Nina was working in Pembroke – so kids came over to nana/nani home (brought by   their dad) in the morning -before going to school . They had breakfast and then some relaxed time before nana/nani took them to Mackenzie Community school (at about 9.20 am) in Deep River. Nana drove them in their new Nissan Rogue 2016 car . This is the first time kids   got an opportunity to drive in the new car . Nana took them for   a ride around the town before bringing them to the school.

Sunday 13 November 2016

Nina posted a painting by Sitara on her FaceBook Wall

That painting is   –   Sitara’s copy of Marc Chagall “Self-portrait “

Also Nina posted the following on her Facebook Wall

RE:   Olga Nazarkina’s Album

Sitara has 2 of her Art Pieces published in this wonderful book. 100% of proceeds go to the Deep River Hospital. They are $20 each. Please consider buying one to support the children and this great hospital. Each piece of art is a copy of a great artist in history. Each child’s art piece is then critiqued by another child. The critiques are SO FUNNY and insightful. This is one of those great books for everyone’s coffee table! Let me know if you would like to purchase one for yourself or as a gift. Great as Christmas presents!!

Friday 18 November 2016

This day Nina & family went to Ottawa and finally got the new car – black sedan – VW Passat Highline 2016 . They traded in their   old VW Jetta car but kept the same License Plate as was on the VW Jetta.

Also Sachin   (age 7) got eye glasses – black frame.   When he came to deep river next day at nana/nani home in Deep River, he seemed quite comfortable wearing his new eye-glasses.

Sunday 20 November 2016

This day Pankaj,Priyanka and their two kids (Teerth – son   and Devki – daughter )   came to nana/nani home for lunch – they are leaving Deep River as Pankaj has started work with OPG in Oshawa area. They have bought a new house in Bowmansville , Ontario – close to Oshawa. Both Sitara and Sachin (and their parents ) could not join in the lunch as they had other engagements but they did come to nana/nani home late in the afternoon. Ooops – Teerth and Devki had already left as their dad had to travel to Oshawa and the weather was getting nasty – the first snow of the season had started falling and was going to be up to 25 to 30 mm by the time it is   finished.

Monday 21 November 2016

Snow Storm had dumped more than few inches of wet snow on the ground through the night – the first snow storm of the 2016 season – the kids were shut in Mackey – so were their parents as road (Hwy 17) was not quite safe to drive on. This is what Nina posted on her Facebook wall (dated 21 November 2016) :

” It’s been snowing for over 24 hours now. Not sure how much has fallen but you can see its almost to Sachins knee. Maybe just over 1 foot as of 2pm Monday. The kids are having a blast, Dad is working from home and Mom is so busy with all of them home that she is getting nothing done. Snowed in. Nov 21, 2016 Update: the kids were out for over 2 hours! The started their igloo, made various sliding hills and just played. I do love winter ”

—————————————————————————————————————————–

 

Some Tidbits about Family History

The following is transcribed from a note – nani (Ba)   found when going through papers .

1911 – the family established in the town of Sava Sava ( Kenya) after migrating from Navagam ( a small village in Suarastra (Gujarat, India) .

1921 – moved to Ruiru and bought a shop there.

1935 – My father (Juthalal) married in 1935 – with my mother Kasturben .

Note: Full name : Kastur Sunderji Haria – Sunderji being her father.

Note: My father studied at the Government Indian School in Nairobi ( later known as Gloucester School) – upto Form II .

 

1925-   Naya ( my paternal Grandfather’s father – that is my great grandfather) arrived in Kenya from India .   i.e. from Navagam in Saurastra , Gujarat, India .

1930 – Naya ( my paternal Grandfather’s father ) went back to Navagam in India – after his daughter (Himaben) who was minding the family farming property ( some 60 to 70 acres of land) – lost her husband and became a widow.

1937- My eldest brother Kanti was born on August 23   in Thika ( at my maternal grandparents’ home)

1938 –   Arwind (also called Batuk) was born

1940 – Pravin ( nana or Bapuji) was born on 8th April in Ruiru.

1941 – Sarla ( my sister) was born in 1941 in Ruiru

1939- Savita ( my foi – my father’s sister) was also born in Ruiru in 1939

1944 – My father ( Jurthalal) moved to Mombasa from Ruiru .

Note of interest : Nana (Bapuji) – that is me Pravin and my brother Arwind ( also known as Batuk)   – being at new place – ran away from the Jain Nursery School – at the Jain temple in Mombasa.   I was then 4 year old and Arwind was 5 .

1944- Dharamshi Naya ( my paternal grandfather ) moved to Nairobi from Ruiru . Had a shop in the Vegetable market in the Bazaar – selling vegetables .

note: ( in Ruiru they had a general produce store with petrol and Kerosene )

1944 – my father Juthalal bought a shop in Mombasa – market area . The shop was called Desai Bros. – selling fruit, vegetables , and various merchandise and supplying upcountry customers

1948 – my father bought a soda factory ( Britannia Soda factory) in partnership on Pigot Street, Mombasa.

1948 – my paternal grandfather -Dharamshi -moved from Nairobi to Mombasa .

Note: My father (Juthalal) had weak eyes – squinty eyes.

1957 – Pravin went to Royal College in Nairobi for a course in Civil Engineering   – completing his graduation as a Civil engineer in 1962.

1957/1958 – all family members moved to Nairobi ( from Mombasa ) except Kanti – who was working with Chandaria’s Aluminum factory – Kaluworks (making pots and pans) in Mombasa.

Note: Arwind ( Batuk) started work with Laxamshi & Co. on the Bazaar Street in Nairobi

1964- Kanti got married – on 6 August 1964 – to Kanchan ( who came over from Madras( Chennai – new name )   in India.

1965 – Kanti moved from Mombasa to Embu (in Kenya) to work in the shop owned by our mother’s brothers ( Ramnik and Shanti Haria) .

Point of Interest – Years 1956/1957 were the years when financially the family lost everything – financially down. That is why Kanti and Arwind had to start work as clerk or salesmen.

——–

Note: Pravin in 1957 – moved   to Nairobi   – for his education at Royal College (supported by Kenya Government Bursery) – and was welcome by his mother’s brother Amratlal and Gunvat to stay with their family ( on Duke Street)    . Pravin Stayed with them for 3 years before moving to the Royal College Hostel for his last two years of study.     Note: Without financial and residence support from my mother’s brothers in Nairobi – it would have been difficult to my study and this my career goal .

————————————————————————————————————————————-

Friday 25 November 2016

This day Sachin got a traumatic experience – someone at the Deep River Mackenzie Gym area ( when Sachin went for his karate Session in the evening) broke Sachin’s new eye glasses – (  new 7 days old eye-glasses ) . Who? No one knows .

Saturday 26 November 2016

This day the kids (Sitara and Sachin) came over to nana/nani home – with their parents . Sachin had a hockey game at the Deep River Arena where he   went with the parents but he joined nana/nani after the game just after 1.00 pm . Then Teerth   and Devki came over tp play with kids . They were dropped by their mom Priyenka – the four (4) kids played in the backyard and then at  the park behind nana/nani home. There they erected   a snowman – half done before being hauled to the Hill park for tobogganing – chaperoned by Sunjay.

In the evening all has dinner at nana/nani home. When Sitara went to her ice skating ( with her mom) , Sachin played new Monopoly ( with some   well known world cities)   game with his nana and nani. The parents brought Sitara home from her ice skating – and then the kids got ready for sleeping and the parents got ready to go to a birthday party in Deep River (one of their friends was celebrating his becoming 40 years old) and thus had a late party (starting at 9.00 p.m) . After the kids went to sleep at nana/nani place – the parents went to the party and then later came back after mid-night and had also a sleep over along with the kids in Deep River.

The next day   on Sunday 27 November 2016 – all ( the Mistry family) got up rather early and got ready to go to Arnprior – where Sachin was to participate in a Ice Hockey match.  They left Deep River around 8.00 am.

Note: Sachin played in other Junior Ice Hockey matches subsequently

– on Saturday 03 December 2016 – his team played at Deep River arena against other teams from elsewhere in Renfrew County – his team played early in the morning ( at 8.00 am)

– On Friday 09 December 2016 – Sachin’s DR (Deep River team) played at Petawawa Silver Dart Arena) – his team played in the evening at 7.00 pm.

Nana/nani were in the audience at both the events – to cheer the young athlete and his team.

Note: For a 7-year old, Sachin plays methodically  and has a good pose holding his   hockey stick  and moving about on the ice.   He will catch up in about a couple of years to pick up techniques for tackling the opponents and also to skate to puck at the right time.

Again Sachin had Ice Hockey tournament match on Saturday 10 December 2016   and two matches on Sunday 11 December 2016 at the Silver Dart Arena in Petawawa .

Knights ( Sachin’s team from Deep River) WON 5-1 and went for the finals at 1 pm Petawawa @ The Silver Dart Arena.   Note: This is dubbed playing     ” Ice Hockey Tournament “.

Nana/nani went to watch only for Sunday afternoon ( 1.00 pm ) match at the Silver Dart Arena (in Petawawa) and cheer his team.

Unfortunately, the Knights lost ( 1 -2 ) 1.00 pm match   at Petawawa.

On Monday evening Sachin had a League competition   – (this is separate from the Ice Hockey Tournament) ice hockey , match at the Deep River Arena – his team won the Match ( 2-1 ).

Wednesday 14 December 2016

This day kids celebrated their mom’s ( Nina’s) 42nd birthday   at nana/nani home in Deep River.

Thursday   15 December 2016

Thus day Sachin has a swimming competition at the Mackenzie Pool in Deep River   – between 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

After that , Sitara has a Figure Skating contest at the Deep River Arena – starting at 5.15 pm .

Saturday 17 December 2016

Both kids are performing at a Musical recital session ( held by Junior Music Club) at the Childs Auditorium ( at Mackenzie Community School premises) in Deep River – starting at 10.15 am.

Up on the house Top – By Sachin – 6th in line ( after other 5 other performers)

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer – By Sitara – 7th in line (after other 6 performers).

There are expected to be 12 performers in all.  Nana /Nani went to the recital and enjoyed the music.

Thursday 22 December 2016 – Priya Opal Knights Shah was born.

On the early morning of Thursday our 5th Grandchild and third granddaughter ( Priya Opal Knights Shah) was born at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Both Shannon and Sunir are proud parents . Sunir called at 5.35 am – announcing that Priya was born at 4.59 am and the delivery went smoothly and Shannon is doing fine. Shannon also talked to us from the hospital and was all happy and doing fine.

Both Maya and Kieran were looked after by their grandmom ( Kathy ) in Toronto.

Welcome Priya – our Laxmi . Her dad says she is a superstar.

2016 is ending in a bang !.

This is what Sunir/Shannon sent by e-mail :

” Priya Opal Knights Shah was born 4:59am December 22. She is 6lb 13oz (3090g). Shannon is doing fantastic. She is a superstar. –Sunir ”

This is what Priya’s grandma (Kathy ) responded in her e-mail:

" Welcome, little Priya! I can't wait to meet her.
Way to go, Shan! Much love to all, K
Wait till my mom hears the name! Wow! 😍 "




 


This is what her Ba/Bapuji sent from Deep River on a response e-mail


” Welcome Priya Opal Knights Shah – our superstar Christmas Gift .     We are so elated and joyful with your arrival on this earth. 


 Hoping to come to Toronto soon to cuddle you and welcome you in the family. 


 The year 2016 is ending in a bang. 


 Ba   and Bapuji ”


======================================================================


Our Priya   –   Welcome Poem 


Heart beats musically


The family welcomes Priya 


An addition to make an awesome trio


Priya rhymes with Maya 


Kieran is the show stopper


The world has spun on   its axis 


The year 2016 ending in a bang


Your arrival is trumpeted   


All joyful   cheering the crowd.


Priya , we love you 


Our whispers for your   noble future 


With siblings in the wings 


you are a superstar 


Heart beats musically


The family welcomes Priya 


 


Bapuji


Priya born on Thursday 22 December 2016   ( to parents Sunir Shah & Shannon Knights )


Born at 4.59 am Thursday –   6 lb 13 oz.


=====================================================================


Friday 23 December 2016


This day nani had made ” Jalabi “- an Indian popular sweet dish – Sitara wanted to enjoy Jalabi – when attending the Diwali function in Deep River ( in fact at Lions Hall in Chalk River, Ontario) in November but due to Sitara’s allergy   health issue- she refrains to eat any Indian dish prepared outside home – as it is not clear whether that dish is nut free.   “Jalabi” was also prepared to celebrate baby Priya’s arrival in the family . It is an Indian   custom to celebrate   birth of a new born by distributing sweets to family members and friends .


So when all came to nana/nani home – the kids had dinner before going for their badminton game – along with savouring ” jalabi ‘ with nana/nani and their parents .


The kids also managed to play a game of monopoly ( for about an hour) with nana/nani   . These days Sachin like to play monopoly game –   the kids have three to four different versions of monopoly games —- both kids know   different rules for playing each type of monopoly game.


Sachin was looking very handsome – as he had a haircut – last for the year 2016. Nowadays he also sports a pair of eye glasses .


Saturday 24 December 2016


Nana/nani went over to Mackey on Christmas Eve Day (travelling to Mackey in the afternoon at about 3.00 pm   (in their new 2016 red SUV/Nissan Rogue SV CrossOver)   to celebrate holidays. Both Sitara and Sachin welcomed nana/nani and were pleased that they were to stay overnight ( a sleep over) .


Both kids were excited and looking forward to Santa’s visit – as their Christmas tree was void of any presents so far – except the ones nana/nani brought with them . They constantly tracked Santa’s progress by tuning to NORAD’s broadcast – in fact they talked to NORAD’s spokesperson on phone   for latest status.


Well, it so happened Santa passed by Mackey after mid-night – by that time kids were asleep.


Kids had already prepared a dish of cookies and milk for Santa and a separate dish for Rudolf with carrot – and left these on the ledge outside the Fireplace chimney .


The kids played with nana/nani monopoly game just before dinner and after dinner all spent time watching a pre-recorded Santa Clause movie – where Santa   was trying to retire but   was not sure that his any of his three sons was   ready to take over the duties of Santa Clause .


Sunday 25 December 2016


All woke in the morning a bit late around 8.00 am. Sachin was first along with nana -and behold he   noted that Santa had been at the house – left so many presents around the Christmas Tree and also a note next to the cookies dish. Sachin was excited and read the note and lookedaroubd with satisfaction at the presents . Hr picked up one – with so much happiness as he already guessed that it was a Pokemon related gift and opened it to verify.


All other gifts to be opened after photos   (a Christmas ritual at Mackey House since kids were born) were taken. This year there   was   a gap – as kids’ Mama (Sunir) and Mami ( Shannon) and   cousins (Maya and Kieran) from Toronto were not present   – as they just had an addition to the family   – Priya Opal Knights Shah was born early morning ( 4.59 am) of Thursday 22 December 2016 at Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto .   There was joy for the arrival but their visit to Deep River/Mackey had to be postponed for another time till baby becomes a bit older.


After photos were taken – kids just went about opening their presents with great discipline and order. From Nana/nani   Sitara -being now 9 years old –   got a Electronic Snap Circuits box for experiments     and learn about electronics in the new year. She also got multiple gifts from parents and Sachin   – Star wars , LEGO , clothes and books .


Sachin got a Pokemon game   from nana/nani and a small disco light unit . He also got multiple gifts from parents and Sitara   – Pokemon bed sheets and pillow case , clothes , books and Star war figures.


This is what their mom posted on her Facebook wall :


” It’s a very Pokémon and Skylanders Chirstmas! Very Pokémon…. ”


After lunch, Sitara played with nana in the basement outside the Recreation room – in fact she built Amusement Park and the   Elves place from LEGO pieces. Each comes separately in its own box.


She is really good at reading instruction books and also picking up right pieces and connecting these and creating the assembled   structure – so nicely and fast.


Sachin was doing similar thing with his daddy upstairs in the living room.


Just before dinner, Sachin played with his nani and Sitara played with her nana.


In between there was a telephone call from their SunirMama and kids ( Maya and Kieran)   -wishing them Merry Christmas.


Nana/nani returned to Deep River after dinner arriving home at about 8.30 pm .


They are getting ready to go to Toronto on Tuesday (27 December 2016) – to welcome Priya and be with Maya and Kieran when all are enjoying the arrival of Priya.


Note: Sitara and Sachin would be going to Ottawa with their parents – on Tuesday   (27 December 2016) for three days – a sort of mini-vacation.


Sunday 25 December 2016 – Christmas Day


This was a special day for Priya.   With her parents – she and her big sister Maya and brother Kieran – visited their great grandma Rae Knights at her condo . Priya posed for a photo with her great grandma Rae – who is 97 years old and Priya only 3 days old. This photo has become a very special one- the memory will be cherished for the lifetime. Priya’s mom e-mailed this photo (of Priya’s visit) to her relatives (on the same date) – a very memorable moment.


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Toronto visit by Ba/Bapuji – to welcome and coddle Priya – our newest granddaughter – born on Thursday 22 December 2016 .


Tuesday 27 December 2016


Ba/Bapouji left Deep River in their new 2016 red Nissan Rogue SV car on Tuesday 27 December 2016 – departing their home at 10.00 am. They were in very good cheerful mood as they were going to Toronto to welcome their newest granddaughter, Priya – coddle her , hug her and just feel the warmth of a new baby. She is like the Goddess   Laxmi -a goddess for prosperity and success for herself and the family.


This was   a better day to travel as the previous day (Monday) was very cold, icy with icy rain and thus roads were slippery and dangerous – but on Tuesday   the roads were cleared and sanded – thus safer to drive.


Ba/Bapuji stopped over en route at Mackey to pick up gifts etc that Priya’s foi Nina (NinaAuntie- her dad’s sister) had packed and have these ready – they were not home as they had left earlier for Ottawa (for a mini-vacation) .


Ba/Bapuji arrived at Toronto at 4.45 pm – and stopped over at Millers Tavern on Yonge Street to participate in a party organized by Priya’s mom and her sisters (Heather and Erica) – to celebrate their parents’ ( Doug and Kathy) 40th Wedding Anniversary . The function was from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm – though it spilled over close to 6.00 pm.


Again, Priya being only 3 days old -was the youngest and only child at the party (her grandma and granddad 40th Wedding Anniversary party) . Her big sister Maya and brother Kieran were at home -being looked after by a baby-sitter. Ba/Bapuji – thus met Priya at a party at a Tavern – along with many of Priya’s maternal-side relatives.   It needs to be recalled that earlier in the day – Priya had visited her great Grandma Rae at her Condo – 3 day old baby and 97 year old great grandma.   She is a special girl – already hobnobbing and socializing with relatives when only 3 days old.


So finally all retired to home after the party was over – both Ba/Bapuji met both Maya and Kieran – hugged and coddled them.   After dinner, they opened all the gifts (brought by their Ba/Bapuji) that they had from their cousins & their Foi/Fuva in Mackey .


Wednesday   28 December 2016


In the morning, both Maya and Kieran woke early , had breakfast though Maya seem to not feeling well – may be   stomach flu –   threw up at night. So she rested a bit while Kieran played puzzles with his Bapuji and Ba. He enjoys the puzzles . He also was keen and curious to play with the Black & Decker hand vacuum cleaner that his dad had recently bought and put it together and plugged it to the electrical socket for charging.   But Kieran is very disciplined child with a scientific/technical mind – so just being curious but not pulling the vacuum cleaner out of the socket – just would like to know how it operates . His dad showed him – and he realized that it is not a toy but house implement.


Kieran goes to his preschool and Maya goes to her school daycare – as regular school classes are closed for the Christmas/NewYear holidays. They were picked up from school -Maya by her mom and Kieran by her HeatherAuntie – as she was picking Cole (her son) and then coming to Kiran”s home to participating in Priya’s naming ceremony.   The ceremony was at 5.00 pm .


Today was the special day – it was Priya’s “Chatthi ” day – naming ceremony . This is an East Indian tradition to name the baby on her 6th day of life on this earth.


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Note: This ceremony is performed when the baby is six days old. … According to folklore, there was a belief that on the 6th day after the birth of the child, Vidhaata (Goddess of destiny) would quietly enter the house around midnight to pen the destiny of the newborn.


CHHATI – This is a personal ceremony performed by the family elders on the sixth day after the child’s birth. the baby is dressed in new clothes. a swastik sign is made on a white cloth , a wooden platform called chowki is placed for puja – on this day, our   Guardian Angels Shree Jalaram, Mahavir Swami and Lord Ganesha along with Goddess Sarasawti and Goddess Laxmi are   worshipped and thanked for our Priya . Tika and rice are lept along with a   diya (candle light) , called akhand diya , is lighted forthe duration of the ceremony ,   a piece of paper and pen are kept nearby in the belief that the goddess of destiny (bhagya vidhata) will write the destiny of the newborn.


  After this the naming of the new born child is done. 


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Apart from parents, big sister Maya and brother Kieran , Priya’s Ba and Bapuji were there , Also her maternal grandparents ( Doug and Kathy). her HeatherAuntie and RyanUncle with their son Cole (Priya’s cousin brother) and Her EricaAuntie and MathiuUncle with their daughter Julia           ( Priya’s cousin sister) were also participating in the ceremony.   Priya’s Ba conducted the ceremony starting with prayers.   Priya was resting on the dining table specially prepared for the ceremony and she was coddled and embraced by her mom first and her given name was whispered in her ear b her mom followed by her Ba   and then   by all other relatives one by one . The most poignant moment was when Maya   (her sister)   also whispered Priya’s name in her ear.


After the naming ceremony , all had dinner together – a take-out East Indian dinner selection from a restaurant on Avenue St.   The evening was auspicious and all had enjoyed the evening.


Thursday 29 December 2016


This day Kieran did not   go to his preschool as he was not feeling well – he threw up a few time during the   night.   Maya went to her school.


To-day was an activity day for Maya- the whole class was going to ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) on   an adventure visit   She   had a   great time.


This day was milestone for Priya- she had her first bath after her birth – in the washbasin (of the bottom bathroom) .


Friday 30 December 2016


As usual , both Maya and Kieran were dropped at their respective school in the morning and picked up in the evening by the parents . Priya was home resting and doing her new born baby things   – sleeping, nourishment by her mom and coddled by her parents, Ba and Bapuji.


Today – Priya was 1 week old . Her mom took her photo sitting on a couch ( of course) all supported – ( a stuffed white bear sat beside her).


Saturday 31 December 2016


This day was an active day for the family as there was a family photo-shoot – a professional lady photographer was retained to come home . She came just before 10:00 AM and took a bunch of photos – the session lasting more than 2 hrs.


Priya was the star. She was coddled , modelled and photographed   along with different members of the family.


 

					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				Poem for our Granddaughter Sitara’s 9th Birthday
			

								


				

			
 


Hey SITARA !


My joyful angel


Being an artist is her trait


Sitara paints and plays music




My budding pre-teen


Being focused is her characteristic


Sitara makes waves in water




My   best loving sweetie girl


Reading books is her fun time


Sitara reads of fairies and detectives




My caring buddy


Her smiles melt her nana’s heart


Sitara, you are an apple of my eye




My angel in the heart


9 – year old in 2016


Sitara all gracious and caring




Nana loves you, my angel


So much!   So much!   So much !


Sitara! Have a great birthday




Happy Birthday to you, Sitara


My loving angel.




your nana /nani     – 05 August 2016

					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				Poem for our Grandson Sachin’s 7th Birthday
			

								


				

			
 


Poem for our Grandson Sachin”™s 7th Birthdayl


Hey     SACHIN !


My Pokemon buddy


Pokemon cards and games


Sachin knows all


My Ice Hockey Player


Being a Goalie is his fun time


Sachin slides and slithers


My best loving buddy


Enjoys playing soccer


Sachin kicks and tackle


My playful buddy


Goes around with a smile


Sachin embracing all


My buddy in the heart


7- year old in 2016


Sachin all mature and caring


Nana loves you, my buddy


So much!   So much!   So much !


Sachin! Have a great birthday


Happy Birthday to you, Sachin


My best buddy.


your nana /nani     – 20 July 2016