Jibesh's 55th birthday celebration

Jibesh ready to cut cake

Italian Sfoglia birthday cake

Jibesh's 55th birthday celebration

          Today Jibesh and Lata were going to pick up Lall and Shobha at airport coming from California but I got  bored  staying at home so I also joined them. The flight was in time but it took time to come out as Shobha was picked up for covid testing randomly. When she came out she was surprised to see me. We drove back to Jibesh's place and we were going to celebrate Jibesh's birthday today. Later on Bianca and Pouca came with Laika (Puppy) Laika being very friendly to new people and specially dogs as she was fond of playing with other dogs. .She tried a lot to play with Lola but Lola didn't like any dog. she feeling  herself as human being she hated any dog. Every time Laika came Lola was upset.   

  

                My son turning 55 today was also a reminding me of my age. He being the youngest of the three kids i have I couldn't imagine he turning 55. My eldest daughter is now 59 and my second daughter now turning 57. But age is just the number people tried to console. Still  I don't want to think about it. I am grateful that I still can walk around the creek and also I can also continue doing  my routine work like cooking and gardening etc.

             Shobha and Lall are going to join Jibesh's birth day on 20th November but his actual birth day being on 19th, he decided to celebrate when they arrived here in Woodbridge. So we celebrate on 20th November Lall and Shobha. Also my eldest daughter Lata  came along with Bianca and Paoca.  At last all the family members joined together for the special birthday party. It is the first time we could get together for my son's birthday. The Italian cake they ordered was an unforgettable one. It was the best cake among so far I have eaten in my life. That was Italian Sfoglia cake. After the birthday celebration Lall, Shobha and Saaya along with Lata all went for a walk while some of us stayed back home. 

Seniors fare well party/ lunch at my house for Subhasini on October 14, 2021.

 10/14/21

    We had our farewell lunch (potluck) at my place as Lall had gone to LA and coming back today in the afternoon. As we had been together last few months and meeting regularly either walking or at homes we had been having good time together. As I am the only one who drives we had been going for shopping and eating lunch at the restaurants. Shubhasini is leaving on 21st October for India/Mumbai while Prabha is leaving for New Jersey on October 24th and then to India in March. Jayshree is leaving on December 7.
 So Parminder, Pramila and myself, three of us are left behind as we are citizens and living here for a long time. Anyway the COVID 19 had given us a chance to unite us as friends. This is the gift this lock down has given to us. Otherwise I have been living here for the last 21 years and I had not come across anyone to become friends around this neighborhood. I have friends but not in this neighborhood.   

lunch at my house 

lunch at Parminder's house (senior group)

Senior outing and lunch on 10/4/21

My day, today became quite hectic. But I did my morning walk snd my daily routine of prayer. At 10.30 am I drove to Walmart with Jayshree, Prabha, and Subhasini. I gave my car for oil change and many other things needed as I have not done servicing for the last nearly two years due to COViD lock down. Car was handed over around 11.10 am and got back around 1.20 pm. By then all three friends were busy doing shopping at Walmart and later at Kohl. But they hardly purchased anything. I didn’t buy anything except tooth paste and small plant. I need to replant it by tomorrow. I finished doing some gardening today. We(Prabha, Parminder, Jayshree, Subhasini and myself) had lunch at Star Chaat near Regal Cinema. Bill $60, $15 each of us. Later on on the way back home I went to pay my due payment for the month to Dr.Zhao. We had a good time together

Restaurant server man, Jamuna, Subhasini, Jayshree, Prabha 

Jayshree, Prabha, Jamuna, Subhasini at Star Chaat.

My Visit to Toronto after two years (pandemic period)

On 7th November i left San Francisco International Airport for Toronto by Amerian airlines through United Airlines. It was 7 O'clock flight so I had to leave home at 3.45 am. Lall and Shobha took me upto the inside entrance and I was able to go easily. But after check in as i always had problem with my knee surgery I had always to go for farther check up. After the recheck by a woman I went toward the boarding area at G8 and found it was quite a long walk. After I reached the gate I found my boarding pass missing and went back to see if it fell on the way. But I couldn't find and enquired one of the air hostesses passing by and she said i could be issued a new boarding pass. So I came back to G8 and enquired the gentleman who was checking all the computers and set up for the staff/workers. When I asked him for it he went to find out from office and was told to get permission from his boss. So I waited till his boss came but I didn't see him taking any action. So I waited in line and enquired again. He asked his boss and was given permission. I got it at last and I was free of my worries. when the announcement was coming i was given the first choice to board as i was supposed to have a wheelchair. And i walked up to the plane and took my seat 24C.( aisle seat). Middle seats were empty and hence I found it quite comfortable. I took my parotha but didn't eat as I was not hungry. So I had food as i reached Jibesh's home. Bianca and Poka also came and we had dinner together. Lata took all the things brought for them and Rachna was happy with the bread (clam chouder). I had been going out for walk with Jyoti for walk and also at Mall where I got my purse and also sweater from Walmart. I met Brayden and we had lunch together, he is grown so tall and handsome. He wants to become a mechanic (Car).I gave him $100 dollar each for him and Gavin fro Christmas and birthdays. I spent the days walking with Jyoti and also working on my emails. Lata and family came to pick me up on Saturday the 13th November and Pouca drove us to Evergreen Brick work where farmers' market was going on and sale of christmas tree also could be seen. We walked with Laika along the trail and then headed for Lata's apartment but the traffic took us so long by the time we reached Marley Avenue. After leaving Laika we came to have lunch at Vitnamese Restaurant called Lae Vien. As usual we all had to show our vaccine and ID for having lunch there. I ordered Pineapple fried rice with shrimp. I found it quite bland and had to put lots of Chilli sauce. After lunch around 3 pm we drove to Indian store on the way back to Jibesh's place. Got some vegitables for Manipuri Kangsoi and Ironba.

Bianca, Pouca

Pouca, Jamuna, Lata

Jibesh, Breyden

(gazibo) at backyard 

lighting gazibo

Jamuna and Jyoti

Jamuna at Trail, Woodbridge, Canada

Gavin Advani graduation day

Brayden, Jamuna

Bianca, Jamuna, Lata

on 14th Sunday Lata and Bianca with Pouca came for dinner. it was a good gathering. Jibesh made Thai chicken and they all enjoyed. My kangsoi and ironba also came out well, remaining kangsoi and ironba I gave lata to take home. She gladly took it. It started raining and then snow flakes falling was a surprise welcome for me. It was something we miss in California and hence it was some sort of excitement for me. Any way it is time for winter approaching and we are going to experience a bit by the end of this month. Shobha and Lall are coming on 20th and hence they also will experience the cold winter weather.

Weekend in the city, 10th October

I was a bit reluctant to go to city as Lall and Shobha usuallly do a long walk. But to walk with them is not easy for me so i started thinking of staying back. But Shobha mentioned that Shivani also was coming, then I decided to go and see her. And as i cooked rajma curry I wanted to give her some as she likes Indian food. Around 9.45 am on 10/10/21 we left home. But the traffic was not bad and hence we got to Lucas/Leon's apartment arount 10.30 am. Since they were not at home during that time Lall and Shobha went for a walk while I waited at the reception area at the first floor. After about 10 minutes Lucas and Sean came back and they saw me sitting. I was not aware of their presence but when they called me nanima I stood up to hug them in surprise. They called and informed Shobha and Lall that they are back, after few minutes they returned and we all went up to their apartmen. Leon came up as Billy went to have hair cut for Cooper,their dog. Afterwards after Billy came with Cooper which was left in the apartment, we all went out for lunch where Shivani also came to join us. It was nice to talk to her as i found her very mature and understanding. I am glad that I met Leo/Billy, Lucas/Sean and Shivani and I felt i did the right thing going there along with Shobha and Lall.

Planning for my trip to UK in October 12th 2018.

Thinking of the future trip coming up shortly keeps me engaged in thoughts of how things will turn out and also planning for the luggage to carry with me and what all the documents I need to take with me. Something to look forward to and this triggers my thinking in a positive way. Talking to Myrna gave me a lots of ideas and I am excited about this group tour and later our own tour. I am doing it when I am still capable of going around physically.
life is so uncertain
enjoy it at your best
the power, wealth does not mean
anything when one leaves this world
so why not take action now and enjoy
at this present moment.
I am going to stop here my writing till I return from UK after the tour. 

Roman Bath

Today, October 17, 2018  is our sixth day of the tour of England. Memories flashed back of the days of our college days when Shakespeare’s work had been one of our favorite literary discussions.

 Our tour bus proceeding  toward the charming city of Bath  passed by green fields of  country side where cows were busy grazing. The solitary countryside hardly any human being out in the field gave me a feeling of nostalgic moments. Those who sat at the window side could click pictures to preserve those views forever take those with us. When we reached the city of Bath, founded by the Romans as a thermal spa we were  given tickets to get inside the Bath Abbey. 

The Bath Abbey was the center of attraction, once inside the moving images caught my attention by surprise. On the screen the Roman men and women dressed in olden Roman robes were seen engaged in their usual daily activities . I felt as if we were standing right with those figures taking part of their activities.

  At the other side of the Abbey  I stood looking down the pond water below from  second floor level. The view had some similarity with  those of Mughol Empire structure lay out in India.

History of Bath is related with the natural hot springs. The city was founded on it by an age tribe called Dobunni  who first erected a shrine at this site in honor of goddess Sulis. People believed Goddess to possess healing power. After invasion of Britain during 43 AD the Romans built a religious spa on the site. It later turned into socialistic center later known as Aquae Sullis. After the withdrawal of the Romans in early 5^th century the baths were neglected. It was rebuilt in 18^th century and it is now a center of tourists spots and delights. The Georgian architecture of the 18th century is indeed a city, worthy of admiration. 

About three fourth of a mile away from it was Jane Austen museum, which was one of my anxiously awaited one in our bucket lists. My friends Myrna and Angie were also   equally excited. We had a quick bite at one of the popular tea houses and rushed toward the museum. Lots of stalls/shops displaying interesting products we passed by. We were tempted to stop by but not wasting time was our resolution, and  walked toward the museum with quick steps .By the time got there we were exhausted because of the higher slops leading to the museum. When we got to the museum immediate  attention were  the two figures standing at the entrance of the museum. . 

We wish we could go inside and dressed we walked back to our tour bus waiting for us.  Nostalgic memories of younger days reading Jane Ausen’s books “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma”came along flashing by. She was one of my favorite authors along with Pearl  S Buck, Emily Bronte, Oscar Wilde, William Shakespeare.  I came to know more of her life story which I was not aware of. She was born on 16 December 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire. She was one of eight children of a clergyman . She started writing when she was a teenager and her brother helped her in publishing her books anonymously in the beginning. She never got married and died at the age of 41 on July 18, 1817.

           

 Departing from SFO on 12th October Friday with Virgin Atlantic flight # VS20 I was happy that the flight was in time and I arrived at London -Heathrow LHR, GBR Termainal 3. As my friends from LA were arriving about 1 hour earlier they could come  to terminal 3 from terminal 5 by train and waited form me.  As I was looking around for any sign of their presence I heard my name called and looked at the other side Angie was there. We had not before but we saw each othre's picture and hence she recognized me. I looked at her witha surprise look and asked "Are you Angie?"

" Yes I am" We greet each other by hugging as if we knew each other for a long time. 

Myrna is waiting the other side and I came to buy food also.
So we walked toward Myrna who was sitting on a chair surrounded by their luggage. So happy to see her and after buying food we inquired how to travel to our  Doub e tree Hotel by Hilton London Islington. 60 Pentonville Road.N1 9LA
Once we go the information we took train paying L6 each ticket we could at last reached our hotel walking about half an hour. We    had to get out through escalators  and my freind Myran had quite a lot of trouble taking care of her multiple pieces of her luggage. Once we were in hotel we got ourselves settled and after shower we felt good and refreshed. Evening time we had to meet our tour manger for a welcome drink and introduction with a breifting of the tour of the Southern England. Later she gave a walking tour of the nearby streets where one can find good eating places.
Fourth day October 15, we checked out of the hotel and we were on way to Windsor Castle. It was drizzling and we had to use our umbrellas throughout the tour. Windsor Castle is a favorite place of the queen and she was during our visit at Windsor Castle. We went inside the complex and the St George's church the royal tombs and its magnificent ceiling. The view from the Castle was astounding. No doubt why the queen wants to spend more time here. It is the oldest inhabited castle in the world. It is the home of 39 monarchs in the 1000 years.  We toured the splendidly furnished state apartments where the royal art collections were displayed. 
Driving toward Stradford-Upon-Avon we passed throug the market town which was near the rive Avon.This town is best known as the birth place William Shakespeare, England's greatest poet and playwright. We passed through Anne Hathways' cottage on way to Shakespear's birth place on Henley street. At the hotel Mercure Stradford Shakespeare, Chapel Street, Stratford Upon Avon, UK,we checked in  and had dinner together and including morning breakfast at the hotel.
On Day 5th day Tuesday we left Stratford-Upon-Avon . Driving through the outstanding natural beauty of Cotswold region we captured the view of  small town of Cotswold  yellow stones and its prosperous thriving wool trade. Then visiting the birthplace of Winston Churchill, the Bienhein Palace I learned more about him I never knew before. This is a home to the 12th duke and duchess of Malborough It is a masterpiece of the 18th century Baroque architecture. It was built in celebration of the victory of English over French at the battle of Bienhein. It is now World Heritage of  UNESCO site situated at 2000 acres of land with astounding gardens around the   palace. 
After enjoying the tour inside the palace adorned with its art collections display we took a tour of the site on a trolley.  We did have  in-depth idea and glimpse of the place while the driver explained along the way.
Next our travel toward the  university of Oxford was another milestone. The Oxford University is the second oldest university in the world. The university's ivy clad colleges are famous for architectural beauty and Christ Church where class room scenes in the Harry Potter movies were shot. We returned to Stratford-upon-Avon and had the evening at leisure. At night we had dinner along with cruise at the river Avon. Next day leaving the birth place of Shakespeare I felt a tinge of sadness and with we could spend more time here. The memories flashed back of our college days when we had our literary discussions about Shakespeare's work. 
                

 During our visit to Bath Abbey and on the way back we stopped in the small Somorset town Gletonsbury medieval Abbey where legendary king Arthur was buried. Now this bohemian town is famous for its annual music festival. We trave led toward Exeter for our overnight stay at Buckerell Lodge, Topsham Road, Exeter, Uk.

             Our Day 7 began with a journey along the picturesque Cornish coastline. We could view the famous St Michaels Mount. The spectacular castle is perched upon a granite crag. It was built during 14th century. We took local boats to  the island some of us strolled around below the castle and took pictures  with background of the castle. later came back to the main land taking boat, then our bus stopped at the trendy artists' town St Ives before heading back to Exeter.


          
       On the 8th day, Friday travelling toward Stonehenge we stopped by the Salisbury Cathedral where we could see the copy of  magna carta signed by king John and layeand barons in 1215. Some of our tourists in our group took a tour of the Cathedral. Angie and I opted not to join the tour and spent our time in the cathedral. We had lunch at  the Cathedral cafe and did some shopping inside the gift shop. 
After Salisbury Cathedral we proceeded toward Stonehenge, named as UNESCO world heritage site. It is the most mysterious monument in the world and located in the middle of Salisbury plains. It is believed that the first stone was placed 5000 years ago the rest completed 1400 years later. Its construction still defies belief. Then we returned to London at Double Tree Hotel where we started our tour of Southern England.

  
s  


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Jane Austen museum at Bath.

At Buckingham  Palace with our tour manager.

My First Travel Abroad -Munich Olympic 1972.

During the seventies, in India traveling abroad was something we couldn’t dream of. The government of India was too strict and hence traveling outside India was beyond our imaginations. Luckily for us one brave man fought in the court that travel was birth right and government had no right to restrict it. After he won the case travel became easier for all. When the opportunity came my husband and i joined a group which was planning a tour of Europe during the Munich Olympic Games 1972. Traveling abroad was considered a big achievement and hence friends and families were there at New Delhi airport to greet us bon voyage with flowers and garlands. It was a memorable day for us. Photo above is the one wishing bon voyage to my husband Rup and myself. The flight took us to Moscow and we had three days for Moscow and Leningrad. Being our first travel abroad we were overwhelmed with prospect of seeing new places. As our flight from New Delhi landed at Moscow I was happy with a sigh of relief after a long flight of six and half hour. The uneasy encounter at our first stop at Moscow remains an unforgettable one till today. The seriousness and and stern look of the immigration officers made us feel as if we were some aliens from another planet.===== When my turn came the officer looked at me so intently and then to passport confirming ifi was the same person. He repeated this way three/four times making me feel so uneasy. Later I came to know that everyone in the group felt the same. After immigration procedure was over, we all were out and boarded the waiting two buses for taking us to the hotel. Once in the hotel we were a bit relaxed and after shower and change of cloths we were ready for the evening show, the Ballet of Bolshoi Theater. Not only I enjoyed the ballet but also I found it was very interesting -presenting a bouquet of flowers after every performance on the stage. That was something new to me. Nest day we (seventy of us) were taken by two bus for the city tour. It was a thrilling adventure to be in a new big city like Moscow. The beautiful palaces and grandeur of the city were noteworthy. All those majestic palaces at Kremlin a fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, the residence of the Russian Tzars built in 1849 by architect KonstaninTon. Moscow, Red Square, the official resident of the President of Russia, state historical museum, the impressive Kremlin were worth visiting. Imagining how the kings and queens in those luxurious palaces with architectural splendor was something fascinating and worth visiting. Third day we were taken to Leningrad by bus.Reaching Leningrad gave us a different atmosphere from that of Moscow. Surprisingly we felt free from watchful eyes of the communist regime in Moscow. As a token for our visit we purchased a little girl carved in granite in Leningrad. From Leningrad we were flown over to London. For me to be in London somehow i felt at home since I had been reading short stories and also books written by Jane Austin, the familiarity I felt was profound. Seeing names of the streets like Trafalgar Square and counties like Buckinghamshire, Essex which I came across while reading books during high school days gave me some sort of commection. London tour was the most enjoyable one as communication was easier as English language was a familiar everyone. At the end of the London tour we were driven to Dover in UK and proceed to Calais in Paris via English Channel. The beauty of the country on way to Dover remained a permanent imprint in y memory even after many years. We had to take steamer to cross the English channel those days as English Channel was not yet ready. The most surprising we came across in France was no one spoke English. Even the one who knew didn’t want to speak in English. Luckily the receptionist of the hotel spoke and it was easier for us to enquire anything we wanted to know. Then we had the full city tour of Paris and around the city. Half way during the tour when we arrived in Frankfurt the sad and shocking news flashed all over TV about the massacre in Munich Olympic campus. It was September 4, at 4.30 am local time. Eight Black September members entered the campus dressed in track suit with AK 47 assault rifles, pistols, grenades in duffel bags. It was unfortunate that because of wrong decision of the Israeli commandos the members of the Israeli athletes including the Black September members were all killed. The game continued as usual after the incident. We reached Munich next day. Hockey game was going on and India and Pakistan were main contenders. We were disapointed that India didn’t go to the final. Among the group we few members were close. Young couple who were from the same town always arguing and fighting all the time. Another two elderly gentlemen who were from business communities were depending on my husband for everything as they didn’t speak English. Both were strict vegetarian. Those days no one specially in Europe didn’t know about vegetarians. Since the time they came from New Delhi they have been eating only snacks which they brought with them. As they were reluctant to spend on items like fruit, they remained starving most of the time. My husband Rup was concerned about these two gentlemen and suggested that they should buy one electric stove and one pot with some rations so that we could cook in the hotel room for them. After thinking over for sometime, they agreed finally. Later we got a stove and a pot along with rice , lentils, some vegetables, a small bottle of cooking oil. Then night time came our plan to cook started with the onions fried and rice and lentils cooked together along with vegetables. After adding salt and pepper when the khichri was ready, the smell of the cooked food scarped outside out room and the young couple came in with anticipation of getting some share. After eating all those restaurant food for some time this food was incredible as we all enjoyed it. Thus cooking most of the time I became a cook on tour till the end of our journey. Our tour of Russia, UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy, Rome was over by the end of 29 days. From Heathrow airport we took our flight back to New Delhi. The electric stove and the utensils were divided among the two gentlemen and took home with them as souvenir. For me the memories of those remain as my souvenir.

The Road Trip

     I am late by about 15 minutes. As soon as I reach the parking lot of Lucky’s at San Ramon and after I park my car, I hurriedly step out toward the store. A honk from back makes me turn my head toward that direction.  Then I  see MaryLou, my friend waving her hand.              “Sorry I am late, the cleaners just left. “              She smiles and says, “hop in.”             “Where do you want to go, Walnut Creek is okay?”             “Oh that will be fun.”I say             MaryLou in her sixty’s looks very healthy and active. As she exits the parking lot she turns toward the San Ramon Blvd which runs parallel to the north bound Freeway 680. I am surprised. She usually takes the Freeway on previous occasions. Half way through the drive the Freeway vanishes from our view.             I have never taken this road trip before. I am mesmerized by its scenic beauty as both  sides of  road are covered with varieties of trees and shrubs. I see rows of  Oleander flower in vigorous blooms – red, pink. white. Slender pine trees in rows adorn some parts of the road.  At some  areas  maple trees substitute the pine trees. While I couldn’t turn my eyes away from this meticulously planted trees and shrubs and trying to figure out which kind of shrubs and trees, my friend chatters with one hand moving in the air while her left hand maneuvers the steering. I am ready to listen and she loves to talk that is the reason I guess why we are good friends. Now I see rows of Italian and Leyland cypress adorn some of the huge bungalows which one can only peep through in between the trees.  Red, pink, yellow, and white roses bloom on the spacious front yards of the huge custom made house- this one particular place is embedded in my memory always.             I am already ecstatic passing through this scenic road.  But when I reach Down town area  it is another story. I am amazed to see the streets and the shops just like that of the city of San Francisco ’s Civic center.  I have passed through the South Main street in Walnut Creek many times before but never have had a chance to walk on the streets of this down town area. I fancy it now as mini San Francisco .            After walking for sometime we enter Barns and Noble which is double the size of the one in Pleasanton . We look in the poetry section, find a book about on sound and sense. It looks quite a good book to read for ideas of writing poetry..  MaryLou takes it to find out the price, but she  comes back with a sullen face. “ Can you imagine the price? It costs about $ 110 plus tax.” “It must be recommended for text book for poetry student.” I respond.  So we put back the book on the shelf and come out after she buys one poetry book which she likes..             It is now time for lunch but her daughter just informs her that she wants to join us. We walk again and Container Store comes in view. Since Maya has to drive from Dublin to this place it is going to take  her some time. So we get inside the store.  I get some knick knacks I see which I can take to India in September as gifts. MaryLou saw some things for her house but  she changes her mind.  We both are done with shopping and head toward Nordstrom for lunch.  I find myself losing my camera case. I am not sure where I left and fumble inside my bag but nowhere I find it. I feel lucky at least my camera is in my hand. We are at Nordstrom’s  cafeteria  and sit at the corner where four people can sit comfortably.
“Shall we share a dish” I ask her. “I am sharing with my daughter” she says.             So I order a big Clam chowder soup while she orders a Turkey sandwich and salad. Maya  comes in and asks her mom what she has ordered. She is not happy and takes her mom’s credit card and goes to order another Tomato soup and chicken sandwich. She just jeopardizes her mom’s trial to save some money.             After lunch we come out to walk around a bit while Maya hands over her left over food to her mom to carry home.             “I am going to a shop where I already saw a piece of earring I like.” Maya tells her mom. MaryLou reluctantly holding the packet we both walk for sometime again toward another direction and finally come back to the shop where her daughter is supposed to be shopping.. We also go inside and I didn’t find anything particular and we now feel it is time to go back home.  I keep my eyes open and capture the pristine view of this newly discovered and road  and at the same time enjoying the drive back home.             We reach the place where I left my car. As the sun sets  I see the sky  red and gold.  One flock of birds flies cutting through the colorful sky. I look up in awe. "it is so beautiful." MaryLow breaks into a smile when she sees my excitement emerging all over my face.  

Friendship Corner

 The Friendship Corner

friendship corner house

    

friendship corner

At the corner where the Bent Creek Drive is intersected by the Beaver Creek Court there is the place where we meet and come to know each other. Few of us are residents of the city of San Ramon whereas some are from India visiting their children who are settled in US. Beaver Creek Court leads to the trails towards the hill side  of San Ramon while Bent Creek goes along intersecting Story Creek Drive and joining it again at the end again. 

     This juncture, as recollections of lively and memorable friendships develop  we treasure it as precious one. The  corner house stands quietly as if wondering what the ladies are opting for. 

I happen to pass this corner during one of my walking days and see a lady sitting on the concrete railing of the corner house. I recognize her as she also walks sometimes crossing each other. I could easily make out that she an Indian. As I smile at her, she also responds with a smile. Without hesitation I start enquiring about her. As for me coming from North East of India with an Eastern look she wouldn’t guess that I am also from India. So I introduce myself and handing over my card I tell her to call me anytime so that we can walk together sometimes. Few weeks pass and I haven’t thought about it any more. One day this lady calls me to enquire if I am available to walk around the creek. “I am ready” I answer.  As she introduces me to her other friends I have come to know quite few of these ladies who are staying here in US due to Covid19.

We are now getting to know each other more. As she introduces me to more ladies friendship circle becomes bigger and we have the chance to go out sometimes for lunch or for shopping. I am grateful that as friendship has become a steady one as a gift from the  Friendship Corner.

Lata's visit to San Ramon, CA

  

Shilpa,Trisha,Lata,jamuna,Shobha

With Shilpa's family

At Lucas and Sean's apartment.

At Ventura beach waiting for oyster lunch 

near pier at Ventura beach

Ventura beach pier

with Dev at North Hollywood

No

Lata at North Hollywood park

Jamuna at North Hollywood park

at universal studio city

at universal studio

Lata ready to attend Sarina's party

Lall, Shobha, Lata for engagement party

L

Sarina and Nik's engagement party

During my daughter Lata’s visit:

    It was on 9th of July 2021 that my daughter Lata came from Toronto. Since it was after nearly three years that we met for the first time we were thrilled to see her. We have been waiting for her to come for a change as Louie my son in law/Lata’s husband passed away on January 14 this year (2021) due to cancer. Though  he had been suffering, he never wanted to go to hospital due to the Covid19.  But when he had fallen in the bath room as he became too weak and after 911 call he was taken to the hospital. The emergency staff was doubtful of something going on in his tongue.  He was referred to the specialist who diagnosed as  cancer of tongue. Doctor’s advice was to undergo surgery and removal of the tongue and reconstruction. He would have  tube  inserted in his throat for breathing. He also had to learn talking which  twould take about four months. Listening to doctor both Lata and Louie couldn't help but shed tears. 

After two weeks surgery was performed, he was on the way to recovery. During this time Bianca, their daughter along with her boyfriend were taking care of Louie’s business. As Louie felt better he started even taking care of his business, also driving around. We all were very hopeful that he would recover fully.  But things changed by December. He couldn’t be given chemo as there were in many places the cancer spread including lungs. Realization dawned on him and expressed that this was going to be his last Christmas. On January 14th of 2021 he passed away leaving his wife and daughter behind. 

    Lata with the help of Dev, my grandson organized a zoom meeting for all the family and friends in his memory.  All talked about his favorite things and his interactions with others, making us feel really good that he was remembered well. We all miss him so much. 

As Lata arrived in the evening on 9th July we all at last were happy that we could meet for the first time after nearly three years. At the same time Shilpa and her family came one day earlier. They wanted to see Lata also before they drove back to Seattle. It was a good chance as Lata arrived that day late at night before their departure. They met and Trisha'l new project of bags printed separately with specific messages was impressive. 

As Lata wanted to eat Manipuri food I got ready to cook for her.  But we had so many  plans to go out and hence she hardly had time to eat Manipuri food. at home. Next day on 7/10/21 it was Saturday my son in law Lall drove us to the city. After driving around and parking the car in a parking garage we had our lunch Clam chowder near the Pier 32/Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Next day on Sunday 7/11/21 and we were supposed to get ready by 4 am to leave for Ventura. Got up by 3 am to get ready. We were all ready to leave by car as it was the right time not to get stuck up with traffic jam. It was a smooth drive.We checked in around 11 am at hotel Marriott in Ventura which was quite near the water. After checking in we walked toward the ocean and joined the oyster truck line for lunch. We got a place to sit down and waited for the food as our number to be called out. The oyster dishes were quite good and it was a pleasant, new experience for me. In the evening we drove to the city and walked around the shops and restaurants. It was quite tiring for me but I continued to walk without complaint. We walked in the pier where many people were fishing. It was a nice place that we could take a picture together. 

    On 7/12/21 we spent the morning going to the Starbuck for coffee about 40 minutes walk but I went to the room while Lata and Shobha continued to walk near the water. Lall was working from the room as he was supposed to be working from home. Lata was anxious to do shopping at Ross and we found one which was quite a big one. I was also tempted to buy something I found interesting. By 3.30 pm we came to North  Hollywood where Lall's apartment was. The apartment was newly decorated and exclusive. But the guest room bed was too high and I couldn’t climb to the bed. Shobha managed to get a staircase for me to get up and down the bed. It was a bit strain for me. 

    Next day on 7/13/21 we went out to the park just in front of the building where Lall’s condo was. We (Shobha, Lata, and I) were watching people walking in one direction only. May be it was a way designed during the beginning of pandemic days. But we started walking the opposite side and continued till the end. Later we looked for foot massage nearby and found one not too far. Getting foot massage done in the parlor was relaxing. Next we headed for Ross for Less and it was equally big one like the one in Ventura. In the evening when Lall finished his work, he took us to Universal Studio and then to Griffith park from where we could see whole of LA. 

    I informed Myrna about our trip and talked about Lata for her hypnotherapy. They planned to meet in the park where Lata could give the therapy to her. After her therapy Myrna took me for lunch. After we drove around a bit and lunch together, she dropped me back at the condo. It was a nice meeting Myrna after a long time. We left for home around 3.30 pm and we passed through Carmel by the sea, a beautiful place no doubt. We had dinner there before we drove toward home reaching home around 11.30 pm. 

    Next day July 15 I went to get food from Anjali whom I requested to make Pakaora curry. She made it for me along with other dishes for Kanglen celebration, so nice of her. I’m having severe pain on my right thigh and couldn't walk with pain. Applying icy hot did not give any relief. I started doing my exercise as before and it seemed to help a bit. I couldn’t attend Sarina’s engagement party on July 17 due to my limping because of pain. Lata also attended the party. Next day on July 18, Lata left for Toronto. Next day Supriya’s daughter’s wedding lunch party also I couldn't attend as I was having pain still and limping. I have the  pain still but much better now. After spending sometime together, her going away to Toronto, I miss Lata a lot.

She reached Toronto safe and now continued her job next day. Her daughter Bianca and Pocca (Bianca's boyfriend) kept the online business of Louie going on while Lata with them and Laika their puppy continued their routine work as usual.  

Springbreak Adventures

On April 3rd Lall, Shobha, I left home around 11 am for city of San Francisco and checked in at Hotel Marriott, near Fisherman's Warf. After checking in and leaving our luggage in our room we headed for Japanese Garden. As there was a long line for the entry ticket Shobha suggested we get down and stand on line while lall drove to find a parking space. Nearly 40 minutes we waited and got our entry pass and still Lall could not come as he couldn't find the parking space.  Therefore we both decided to go inside the garden. At the entrance our first attraction was bed of flowers in distinct hades of color. We couldn't move farther until we stood and took pictures. Every nook and corner of the garden was always attractions hence we enjoyed watching with enthusiastic mood.