What's With This?

How would you interpret this sign in the local mall?

Walking in a new section of the local mall we came across this sign, obviously giving patrons directions to an area with some sort of special attraction. I'm not clearly understanding this, but my imagination really can take off. I'd better check it out...just to know of course.

Smiling service and a clean helmet!

Traffic in Jakarta is legendary. Stop, crawl forward. Stop, crawl forward. More cars enter the ecosystem each day accompanied by many, many additional motorcycles. What to do?

Go Jek is a motorcycle taxi company that responds to my desperate plea via hand phone, takes me to my destination in an exciting, efficient manner, and collects a reasonable fare at the end. Traffic congestion is the manic problem, Go Jek a creative, efficient solution.

Seasonal Longing

Second son Matt, Sage, and their two children left China because they wanted to experience a Durango, Colorado lifestyle. Recently that meant much snow, boots and runny noses, but look at the fun they had.

I completely understand why those who've spent their lives in the colder climates want some Arizona or Florida warmth in January or February. After living my so much of my life in the tropics, I'm looking forward to the change of seasons-the autumn color, the new green of spring, and yes, even the snow and cold of winter. If this can be shared with Matt, Sage, Asher and Adelynn, then so much the better.

Guest or Pet?

Living in our neighborhood always surprises. It seems each time you go out the door for a walk you see photo quality images of things or individuals. Our problem is we don't do that casual evening walk often enough.

This morning we had a visitor, one I've not really seen hanging around our building before. What made him choose the overhand right outside our bedroom window is beyond me, but it will be interesting to see if this bat makes beneath our roof a more or less permanent abode.

She's At It Again

My favorite Indian artist is becoming productive in all her free time. This image was a combination of previously printed work mixed with layers of color and texture.

I'm impressed.

Visual Feast Lives Up To Flavor

Each Christmas my favorite Indian chef comes up a feast. It is always a delight to both the palette and the eye. I thought this year's edition was especially beautiful and tasted as good as it looked.

Christmas day was a private affair this year, but that wasn't all bad. The quiet of the morning settled wonderfully, coffee and bagels in bed followed by walking out into brilliant skies and warmish temperatures.

How fortunate can one man be?

Kids, Broken Bones

Why is it when a grandson breaks a bone, he smiles and I hurt?

New Knives, Caution, Caution

So when Vihan began selling high quality cutlery, what's a mother to do? Of course an order of the biggest, best, and sharpest was placed.

When purchasing incredibly sharp kitchen instruments, care has to be taken when they are used. The kitchen slicer was not out of the box 5 minutes when the generous mother had the red flowing.

"Wow, they're sharp," was the comment.

Ouch! Now All Better.

The last of 2011 saw a broken tennis racquet. Of course this would not happen if the ball always contacted the strings and was never pounded by the frame or handle.

A quick mail in to Head and I've now got a new replacement. The racquet will be better, but the strokes...?

Snow, Moonlight, Pain

What a great time on the night of the 30th. Snowshoeing in Colorado under a brilliant moon. The temperature was cold, but we were sweating from the heavy walking. All was going well until we went a long ways downhill. My feet slid forward in my boots and I was against the front end for about an hour. Result: blood, and now am losing 4 toenails. Still, I thought it was fun, and I know we'd do it again.
mjh

Hey, This Was Fun

Before

After

Sunday Morning

Sunday mornings are so great. Rarely is anything scheduled, so there is no pressure to get out of bed and on to something important.

How about this for a relaxed way to begin the last day of the weekend? Bindu does a great job in the kitchen, and this is a signature breakfast.

Very much apprecited.

Change of Status

5 January, 2011 was status changing day. We are now officially together, through temple, church, then finally the real deal, a profile change on Facebook. :-)








It was a deeply, happy day. We look forward to many returns of this memorable moment.

4 January 1961-Birth Day

50 years ago today a premature little one was born in Jalandhar, Punjab, northeast India. No bigger than a spot, she was named Bindu by an auntie who was present. Though she refused to drink milk during the first weeks of life, she grew into the wonderful person we know today.

Happy birthday, Bindu, from many, many who know you.

A Christmas Morning

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Christmas Morning.
Elephants.
Rhinos.
Hawks.






Up at a cold 4.15 to leave at 5.00.
Standing in the freeze waiting for the ride...until 5.30.
Riding to the sanctuary in the near frost, arriving 30 minutes late-no surprise.








Cold breeze atop the somewhat cooperative elephant.
Aaah. The sun, above the trees thawing all it touches.

Rhinos, acting tame, but stamping forefoot, head lowered.

Victoria Memorial

What would visiting Calcutta be without a trip to the Victoria Memorial? It seems at the top of every guidebook and tourist resource. Yesterday I made the pilgrimage and was impressed by many things.

I spent much time in the grounds surrounding the memorial, and in the end I believe the well cared for park of 64 acres may be its finest feature. Few overflowing Asian cities can boast such a large amount of public green in the center of the city. There were as many enjoying the outdoor space as those inside the building. From all available evidence, it must have been Couples Day at the memorial.

In 1921 the memorial was opened and remains in very good condition, especially the buffed to glowing exterior. Inside there is an extensive catalogue of Indian history, particularly during the time of English influence and governance. I felt a little uncomfortable with looking at the displays from the point of view of a Caucasian occupation, but the Indians present were very engaged. I came away with much knowledge and a couple of points I need to research. The battle of Plassey? The more I learn, the less I seem to know.


Upon leaving the memorial I saw this work crew I thought was almost comical. Can you tell which one is the boss? The mid level laborers? And finally those at the bottom (ground level?). Classic work gang around the world. :-)

35 Years-Nothing's Changed

Today was the big 35th class reunion of the Loreto Catholic Girls School. The school building has a very significant history, dating back to the mid 1700's. My imagination doesn't quite reach back that far.

We have seen many old buildings, mostly social clubs still set in the rooms first organized by the British in the 18th and 19th century. For the most part these buildings are clearly showing their age. This is not true for the Loreto Catholic School. No scaling or peeling walls, fresh paint all around, and uncracked tiling cleaned and polished.

From 3rd to 10th grade Bindu and Anu entered the door behind them. Inside is a central courtyard with 3 story classroom buildings spread across a significant area. Today there was a service in the hall where services have been held for more than a hundred years. It didn't take much singing or talking to bring the assembled former students to tears.

35 Years Ago-Home Sweet Home

Today we did a nostalgic trip through a portion of Bindu's life. 8 Rainy Park looks just like this.

Bindu and her family lived on the second floor of this house 35 years ago, from the time she was 10 until she was 16. She clearly had tears in her eyes as she described the large extent of garden they played in, all now paved over. We found the location of the water well where brother Sidanshu took what could have been a fatal plunge. We climbed the stairs and were able to open the windows and peer out at the cityscape that has much changed. Of course now high rise buildings obscure what was a beautiful view out across the city.

Bindu found her bedroom where she must have drawn thousands of sketches, developing her arts career as she lay on the bed. Today the door was triple padlocked with no chance to see the inside. Triple padlocked?

Lastly, we went next door to Shanghai Dry Cleaners, still operating. Bindu talked with the young people running it today, yet still members of the same family who owned the business 35 years ago. They promised to pass on greetings to their grandfather.

Isabella Joins Our World

While my goal is to write about our travels through India, today must be about a very special event, the arrival of my only granddaughter. This is the one day of my life this has taken place and I'm humbled by the knowledge of her presence. For sure it will be Marc and Julia's full time responsibility, but I will know her well and cherish following her story, her journey.

Isabella was due the 11th of December, but held us in suspense. She stalled, waited and teased us. Finally the doctors had to take the cesarean route and she had no choice.

Caiden was very much involved with the arrival of his sister, and has quickly became quite the big brother. Bindu and I are wondering if he realizes Isabella is soon to leave the hospital, arrive at his home and share his space. We will meet Isabella in July and we are already starting the countdown till that day arrives.

Some Good Results

Bharat Sarronwala, Bindu's father, had surgery yesterday to remove a growth from the upper portion of his right lung. Observation and testing has proven the growth to benign, so nothing to worry about.

While the result was good in that regard, initial recovery from the surgery itself has been a little slow. This morning Bharat was very weak, even quite breathless on a limited walk in the hall. He came back and took to the bed and was breathless, sweaty and quite unsteady from the exertion. It was a little sobering watching him try to get back to his former self. By late this afternoon, though Bharat seemed to have turned the corner and indicators were moving in the right direction. Before we left the hospital at 9.00 this evening, he really was gaining strength almost by the minute. He slid into bed tired, but much more his own self. This is a completely good result now.

We are all so grateful to begin the holiday with such a positive result.